Love is Beautiful (She's so Ugly)

Chapter Twenty Six

After their failed group study, Leo decided to walk Merida home. Jacob couldn't intrude anymore at that point, and neither could Brandon.

"Did you find the book?" Merida asked, her voice light as she walked beside him.

"Yep. I read all forty-six chapters," he replied with a lazy grin.

Merida nodded thoughtfully. "We talked about the street children earlier... He said he was going to take them in."

Leo could hear the happiness in her tone.

"Do you still hate him?" he asked.

Merida sighed, the weight of that question pressing on her. If she thought about Jacob's betrayal, then yes—she hated him deeply. But if she looked at the other side, at the boy who was now trying to help and change, she wasn't sure she could.

"Yes, I still hate him," she said at last.

Leo tilted his head back toward the night sky, hands tucked behind his head. "It's such a beautiful night. Do you believe in God, Merida?"

"Yeah, I do."

He smiled faintly. "Do you mean that kiss?"

It took her a moment to understand. Her breath hitched. "...I do."

For just a second, something sharp flickered across Leo's face. Pain. But Merida, too naïve in the moment, didn't see it.

"Have you ever wondered what course you'll take after this year?" she asked, trying to change the subject.

"No, I haven't," he answered. "What about you? Got any plans for the future?"

"I think I'll follow my mom's footsteps. It'll take longer, but I know I'm going to make it." Her eyes lit up with excitement. "After finishing, I want to help the kids... and people..."

"Merida," Leo whispered.

She looked up just in time to see him leaning toward her. His eyes were warm, but heavy, and his lips hovered close. Merida's heart jumped—then panic made her lean back.

"I–uhm..." she stammered, unable to meet his gaze.

Leo chuckled softly and stepped away. "Let's keep going," he said, walking ahead.

Merida trailed behind, staring at the ground. Why did he do that? That wasn't the Leo she thought she knew.

When they reached her house, Leo told her goodnight. Before she went inside, Merida turned and hugged him. "I'm sorry. I hope you're not upset with me," she mumbled against his chest.

Leo gently pushed her back to look at her, smiling with practiced ease. "Pretend it never happened." He pulled her into a firmer hug, kissed the top of her head, and let go. "Good night."

She disappeared inside with a small smile. Leo waved until the door closed. Only then did his shoulders slump.

"Use me all you want, Love. I won't make it anyway," he muttered, sighing as he walked off into the night.

At the park, Leo sat on a swing, staring into the dark sky. He didn't need a reason to be angry at God—but still, it felt unfair. Pulling out his phone, he dialed Jacob's number.

Three rings. Then Jacob's voice: "What's up?"

"I've got the perfect orphanage for the street children," Leo said. "Asilo De La Milagrosa. It's not far from here."

"You think it'll work?"

"You don't think it caught her attention earlier?"

Silence on the other end.

"Ask her to visit the orphanage tomorrow after school," Leo advised.

"Why are you doing this, Leo?"

"Good night, Jacob."

He ended the call without waiting for a reply. The idea had been his all along. But if it helped Jacob earn Merida's forgiveness, so be it. That's what friends do... even rivals.

When Leo got home, he found Yuri waiting for him, arms crossed.

"What do you want?" he muttered, already irritated.

"Nothing important. I just wanted to check on my adorable cousin," she teased. Then, almost instantly, the playfulness faded from her face. Her eyes lowered. "Do you... miss your sister? Because I miss mine."

Leo's expression softened. He stepped forward and ruffled her hair, his smile faint but sincere. "I don't miss my sister. Don't worry, Yuri—you can open up to her. She's not the type to betray people."

Yuri sniffled, fighting back tears. "I don't want her to see I'm this weak too."

"Merida doesn't think like that," he said gently.

They talked a little more until Yuri dozed off mid-conversation. Leo sighed and called her butler to pick her up.

"Get her home safe," Leo instructed, glancing down at his sleeping cousin. A smirk tugged at his lips. At least Yuri was starting to open up.

•••

The next day, Leo arrived at school just on time. When he stepped into the classroom, he froze. Merida, Lisa, and Yuri were all crying—loudly.

He blinked. "...What's going on?"

"Leo!" Merida's eyes were glossy with tears. "Why didn't you tell me about your family?"

Leo shot a sharp glare at Yuri, who quickly looked away, pretending to study the ceiling. He sighed and dropped into his seat. "What about my family?" he asked coolly.

"You and your parents... and your sister," Merida sniffled, her gaze pleading.

Leo reached over, cupped her face, and gently wiped away her tears. "I'm doing fine with my family. You should take care of yourself." He leaned closer, whispering something about Yuri into her ear.

At once, Merida's eyes widened. She turned toward Yuri, who froze like a deer caught in headlights.

"Yuri!" Merida cried.

Yuri immediately started yelling back, and Lisa joined the noise, while Merida clung to her. Leo leaned back in his chair, shaking his head. What a mess.

Still, he caught Jacob staring at him from across the room—eyes dark with jealousy, lips pressed thin.

Leo smirked. Funny. If only Jacob knew.