Hook: The Novel (English)

Chapter 26: Aly & Adi

THIRD PERSON' S P.O.V.

"It's so hot here!!!" Finn complained the moment they arrived in Pangasinan, dramatically shielding his face from the sun.

Another day had come—and a special one at that. The whole gang had taken the trip to Ford's province to celebrate his birthday. They'd only be staying for a day because of classes, but that didn't matter. What mattered was being there—with Ford's uncles, his grandmother, his closest friends... and most importantly, the love of his life, Gadiel.

"Then go to Antarctica," Prince deadpanned, rolling his eyes as he stepped out of the van with a bag slung over his shoulder.

Finn froze for a second, lips pursed in mock offense. He turned and dramatically threw his arms around his boyfriend, Mikel, who had just emerged from Ford's house after helping settle their things.

"Moshi," Finn whined, clinging to him like a koala. "Even if it's freezing cold in Antarctica, would you still go with me?"

"Huh? Why there? It's freezing—ow!" Mikel flinched as Finn smacked his arm.

"DON'T TALK TO ME! YOU'RE NO FUN TO BE WITH!" Finn huffed and stormed off like a diva on a mission.

Prince stared after him, unimpressed. "That guy's not normal."

"You gave the wrong answer," Pierre added, shaking his head. "You were supposed to say yes—because through thick and thin, you should be together. Trust me, I've been through things. One day, he might even ask you if you'd still love him if he turned into a worm."

Mikel looked genuinely horrified. "What kind of twisted mindset is that?"

"Modern love, bro."

"Ugh, he's so hard to deal with," Mikel muttered, walking off after Finn.

"Moshi, wait up!"Mikel yelled over, Finn still pretending to be mad—but clearly waiting to be followed.

Ford stood with Gadiel tucked comfortably under his arm, both of them watching the chaos unfold in front of the house. Finn was pacing like a scorned telenovela character while Mikel trailed behind him, clearly panicked.

"I swear," Gadiel chuckled, "they're like a rom-com waiting to happen."

Ford laughed, resting his head on Gadiel's shoulder. "They're the comedy part. We're the romance."

"Oh? Confident much?" Gadiel teased, nudging him gently.

"Just telling the truth," Ford replied, grinning up at him.

They stood like that for a moment, just holding each other, while the noise of their friends faded into the background. Mikel was still trying to win back Finn's attention, and Prince had now taken it upon himself to mediate with the patience of a saint—or a very annoyed teacher.

"You think they'll ever get it together?" Ford asked.

"Eventually. Maybe after a few more tropical meltdowns and dramatic ultimatums."

Ford laughed. "As long as we don't end up like that."

"We won't," Gadiel said confidently. "You're stuck with me. Antarctica, worm transformation, and all."

Ford raised an eyebrow, amused. "Even if I turned into a worm?"

Gadiel smirked. "I'd build you a deluxe worm mansion out of matchsticks and leaves."

They burst out laughing again, and Ford tightened his hold on him.

Just then, Ford's grandmother called from the kitchen window, "Everyone come inside or just gonna roast out there?"