† Veins of Starlight † [R🔞GxG Ongoing]

Chapter 04

Charlie's POV:
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"How’s your first week at school, Princess?" Dad asked as we settled down for dinner.

His curious smile made it clear he was ready to hear everything, from the smallest detail to the biggest drama.

My siblings watched me, obviously waiting for some juicy story.

"Well—" I started, hoping to give a decent answer, but of course, kuya Chieve couldn't even let me finish. Typical.

Damn this old hag! He really lives to get on my nerves.

"Nag-shopping 'yan kanina, Dad. Kasama pa yung mga friends niya, tapos late pa silang nakarating sa next class nila!" he said, grinning like he just got a huge win.

He looked so smug, as if making me look irresponsible was his main goal in life.

I glared at him, but he just stuck his tongue out at me. Inabot ko ang fork sa tabi ko, seriously considering throwing it at him.

But before I could even make a move, Mommy chimed in with her calm but commanding tone.

"Stop that, you two. You can finish this little war later, after we eat," she said firmly, giving us both a warning look.

So, I took a deep breath and went back to eating, kahit na inis na inis ako.

Hindi rin nakaligtas sa akin ang nakakalokong tingin ni kuya. Ugh, bwisit talaga! I rolled my eyes at him and mouthed, "Mamaya ka sa'kin," making sure he got the message.

Of course, hindi rin siya papatalo. He scrunched up his face in this exaggerated, frog-like expression, clearly having way too much fun.

Dad cleared his throat, bringing me back to the conversation. "So, how’s your first week in school?" he asked again, obviously hoping we’d keep the peace this time.

I took a sip of water, collecting my thoughts before answering. "It's… well, challenging, Dad," I said, carefully choosing my words. Ayokong magmukhang weak, so I wasn’t going to start whining.

"There are so many assignments and projects already. I swear, it feels like I'm losing weight with all the stress!" I said, pouting a little, hoping they’d get how serious I was.

Mom chuckled, tilting her head as she looked at me. "Matalino ka naman, kaya mo 'yan," she said with confidence, as if I was some kind of super-student. Then she added, "And... boyfriend?" Her eyes sparkled with curiosity, catching me completely off guard.

"Mom! I don’t want to have a boyfriend. Never!" I quickly replied, almost choking on my food.

"Sus, imposibleng wala kang manliligaw," kuya chimed in, smug as always. Tumaas ang kilay ko at sinamaan siya ng tingin, but he only grinned wider, looking even more pleased with himself.

Alam kong nang-aasar lang siya, pero grabe, nakakainis pa rin! Parang sinasadyang gawing mission sa buhay niya ang asarin ako. Still, I let it go. For now.

Then, as I took another bite, Dad suddenly asked, "So, how are your friends? Are they in your classes?"

I nodded. "Oo, and that’s actually a relief. At least may kasama akong kakilala sa bawat class. It’s kinda comforting, knowing I have them there." I paused, remembering how fun it was kanina, hanging out after school.

"Nakakatuwa rin, 'cause we already have this spot in the library where we study together." I said proudly.

Mom smiled, pleased. "That’s good. At least hindi ka nag-iisa."

Just as I thought we’d get back to eating peacefully, kuya whispered, "Akala ko ba hindi boyfriend, eh laging kasama?"

I shot him another glare, feeling my cheeks heat up. "Kuya, you are seriously annoying," I muttered under my breath.