Like Going Home (A KaiRain Story)

Elyu Part Two

Author's Notes: And I'm back! Apologies for the late update. Pinupuksa ako ng college. Buti na lang may KaiRain—kaso ay, lubog pala tayo ngayon.

Here's a long chapter for you to stay afloat this week. Featured song for today: Hypotheticals by Lake Street Dive. KaiRain never F.O!

Quick plug: I've uploaded a new story titled Reimagined (KaiRain One-Shots). If you have time, check it out on my profile! It's a collection of short stories featuring canon KaiRain, from their PBB era to their adventures in the outside world.

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"Kaisha, stop freaking out!" Yana chuckled, leaning closer to her phone screen, casually munching on a slice of mango. She was clearly enjoying the show from the other side.

Kai groaned, holding up two outfits in front of the camera—one hand with a flowy white summer dress, the other with a beige sleeveless top and a breezy beach skirt. "Yana, seriously, stop laughing! You're supposed to be helping me."

But Yana only laughed harder, pointing her mango slice like a remote control. "Sorry, bro, but I can't get over this. Nandiyan pala si racer crush mo. This is like, peak rom-com material—choosing an outfit for your 'casual' meetup. Sobrang classic."

Kai's cheeks flushed as she tossed the outfits onto the bed and flopped beside them with a huff. Grabbing a pillow, she pulled it over her face. "This is so stupid. Why am I this nervous? Ang OA ko, nakakainis."

Yana smirked, clearly amused. "OA ka nga. Friends na kayo ni racer girl, 'di ba? What's the big deal?"

Friends. Kai felt her stomach flip. Somehow, hearing Yana say it out loud hit differently. Rain—the girl who had offered her a car ride a few weeks ago—was here. They'd met again last night, hung out, and somehow became friends. So why did she feel like she was about to sit an exam?

"Yana, hindi ko nga siya crush, okay?" Kai said, trying to sound convincing even as she felt her heart race faster. "I'm just—"

"Oh, sige nga, elaborate pa." Yana's grin was pure mischief, daring her to spill more.

Kai rolled her eyes, but there was no escaping. "Fine," she admitted, voice dropping. "It's just... I haven't really made any new friends in a while. That's all."

Yana's smirk softened into something gentler. She nodded, understanding flickering in her eyes as Kai's words sank in. In her industry, real connections were rare and fragile, tangled up in envy or hidden agendas. Kai had her fair share of scars from friendships that had ended badly. But with Rain, it felt different—refreshingly simple, almost like a breath of fresh air. She could just... be herself.

"Kai," Yana said softly, her tone unexpectedly warm. "I get it. And it's okay to feel a bit nervous. Pero alam mo, kung sa tingin mo genuine siya, I trust that. Kasi ikaw 'yan eh. So just go to work, have fun, and enjoy it. Di ba mas madali kasi nga friends lang kayo?"

Kai let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. The nerves started to fade a little. "Alam mo, Yana, minsan may sense ka rin."

Yana raised her mango slice like a toast. "And don't you forget it. Pero teka—bakit ba kailangan ng over-the-top outfit? Kala ko ba 'friends' lang?"

Kai felt her cheeks warm as she glanced away, trying to play it cool. "Can't a friend just want to make a good impression? It's part of, you know... making friends."

Yana snickered, eyes twinkling with that all-too-familiar knowing look. "Sure, sure. 'Friendship,' I get it. Now, c'mon, pakita mo ulit yung outfits."

Kai picked them up again, holding them up with a little more confidence this time. Yana tapped her chin, pretending to be deep in thought before dramatically pointing with her mango slice. "That one. Solid choice. It screams 'cool but not trying too hard.'"