My Last And My Only

Chapter 93: Unexpected Visitor

Friday afternoons on campus always felt lighter.

The week's deadlines had finally settled, classrooms slowly emptied, and students poured into the walkways with the unmistakable energy of a weekend waiting just around the corner.

Aiah had just stepped out of the Fine Arts building when her phone buzzed.

She glanced at the screen.

A familiar name appeared.

Chico

A smile tugged at her lips before she even opened the message.

Chico: Guess who's in Manila?

Aiah stopped walking.

"...What?"

She immediately pressed the call button.

The phone barely rang once.

"Missed me already?" Chico answered, laughing.

"You idiot!"

"Good afternoon to you too."

"What do you mean you're in Manila?"

"I mean exactly that."

Aiah blinked.

"You're serious?"

"I've been here since this morning."

"You didn't tell me!"

"I wanted to surprise you."

"You are unbelievable."

"I've been told."

Aiah couldn't stop smiling.

"What are you doing here?"

"My dad asked me to meet one of our relatives who's staying in Manila for a few days. I also have to drop off some documents and a few things for him."

"Oh."

"So it's mostly errands."

"And since I'm already here..."

His voice softened.

"...I thought I'd visit my favorite little sister."

Aiah smiled so widely that she had to stop walking.

"You really came."

"Of course."

"And my dad wouldn't let me come empty-handed."

Aiah frowned playfully.

"What does that mean?"

"He packed a whole bag of pasalubong for you."

"Tito did?"

"He insisted."

"He said, 'If you're visiting Aiah, make sure you bring these.'"

Aiah laughed.

"That sounds like him."

"Oh, he wasn't finished."

Chico chuckled.

"Your mom and dad also found out I was coming."

Aiah blinked.

"...What?"

"They called Dad two nights ago."

"And instead of telling you..."