Golden Melody

Chapter 3.5

*Zatariel's POV*

The sun warmed my back as I sat across from Miexha at our usual park table.

The scent of freshly cut grass in the air and the distant echo of the city.
It was a peaceful scene, a welcome relief from the chaos that had been swirling in my head all week.

"This curry is amazing, Riel," her eyes sparkling with genuine appreciation.
"It's even better than the one Ate Dianna makes."

I grinned, trying to hide the blush creeping up my neck.
"Thanks. I've been trying to perfect it."

"You've definitely succeeded," she said, taking another bite.
"I'm so glad you started making lunch for me. It's been a lifesaver."

I watched her as she ate, mesmerized by the way her lips moved, the way her eyes crinkled at the corners when she smiled.
It was like a scene from one of those cheesy romance anime movies I secretly loved.

"You know," I said, trying to sound casual,
"I've been thinking about the IE results."

"Oh yeah?" she said, her voice was a little hesitant.
"I'm still a little nervous about it. I know I did okay, but..."

"You did amazing, Mimi," I said, cutting her off,
"You got the top score, you're the best in the batch."

My heart skipped a beat as I watched her smile, her eyes filled with gratitude.

I am falling for her, hard.

It wasn't just that she was cute, though she was undeniably stunning.
It was something more.

It was the way she laughed, a soft, melodic sound that sent shivers down my spine.
It was the way she looked at me, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of curiosity and warmth.

It was the way she touched my arm, her fingers brushing against mine, sending a jolt of electricity through my body.

I couldn't help but notice the tiny speck of sauce on her cheek, a smudge of curry that made her look even more adorable.

Without thinking, I reached out and gently wiped it away with my thumb.

Her eyes widened, and she looked at me, her breath catching in her throat.
For a moment, we just stared at each other with unspoken emotions.

Then, she smiled, a shy, hesitant smile that made my heart skip a beat.

Again.

"Thanks," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

I felt a warmth spread through my chest, a feeling of connection that I'd never experienced before.
It was a feeling that was both exhilarating and terrifying.
I was falling for her, and there was nothing I could do about it.

Later that evening,
I was deeply engrossed in Yandere Simulator-yeah, it's full of bugs, but it's still a guilty pleasure.
I was right in the middle of some ridiculous stealth kill when I heard Mom's voice from downstairs.

"Anak, may nagahanap sayo sa telephone, Miyesha daw ang pangalan niya!"

I almost tripped running to the door.

Mom holding the wireless telephone with a teasing grin on her face, practically dangled it in front of me.
She pinched my cheek playfully before handing it over.

"Mom!" I groaned, trying to shoo her away while my face heated up.
I couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed.
It was like she knew exactly what was happening.

She winked after handing me the phone, then gestured for me to take the call in private.

"Hello, Mimi?"

"Riel?
Busy?
Ahm... I know, it's kinda late, and I feel like I'm being too forward calling your home phone, haha!" She laughed nervously, her voice soft.

I smiled.
"It's okay. Actually, you're the first person to ever call me here."

"Really? Hahaha, wow! Oh wait-baka pwedeng kunin ko nalang yung phone number mo? Just kidding, Riel. Haha damn Exy, spouting nonsense again hihi" I could practically hear her giggling on the other end, and I couldn't help but laugh along.

"Here, it's 09*******12. You can call me anytime."

"Thank you! Haha. By the way, any plans this summer?
Hindi na kami tutuloy ng Nagoya... Ate just gave birth, so we're staying home."

"Oh, no big plans here either.
Just sticking around the house.
Hmmm, if you want, we could hang out every day. I'll keep cooking lunch for you too."

"Really? Haha-Kuya?! Get out of my sight...! Go somewhere...! Toot, toot-"

The call cut off suddenly, but not before I heard her sobbing.
What the hell just happened?

Was that her brother?

My chest tightened in anger.
It's not okay to treat a younger sibling like that, especially someone as sensitive as Mimi.
She's supposed to be treated like a princess.

Was this why Thyron was so worried about her all the time?

I clenched my fists, my protective instincts kicking in.
Looks like I'll need to make sure I see Mimi every day this summer-to keep her away from him, and to make sure she's okay.

As I walked back to the living room, I saw Ate and Dad lounging on the couch, watching Code Geass on TV55.

I set the phone down on the coffee table, clearing my throat to get their attention.
Both of them turned toward me with identical furrowed brows, magkamukha na sila.

"Dad, I'm not coming to Nagoya this summer," I blurted out.
"I think I'm... coming down with something.
Just...
Just buy me some manga or nendoroids instead."

Ate raised an eyebrow, and Dad shot me a "what-are-you-talking-about" look. Before either of them could respond, we all heard a burst of laughter from the stairs.

Mom was there, arms crossed, grinning like she'd just uncovered the juiciest secret in the world.

" Oo Lovesick yan!" she teased.
"Let him stay hahaha!"

My face burned with embarrassment as Dad and Ate burst into laughter, both looking at me like I was some hopeless romantic.

I groaned loudly, too flustered to respond, and stormed back to my room.

But even as I slumped into my chair, I couldn't help but smile.
My family, with all their teasing and love, made me feel safe and secure.