"So?" Jonathan asked his younger sister, arms crossed. "You really had to drag our cousin along just to admit you have a boyfriend—and that it's Joel?"
Beside him, Kelly sat quietly, listening. She hadn't had the heart to refuse Nicole earlier, and now Jonathan was shaking his head in disbelief.
Their mother chuckled softly at the exchange. Nearby, Kenjie could only laugh along.
Jonathan sighed. "Nicky, I never forbade you from having a boyfriend. You're a young woman now. It's normal to like someone." His tone softened. "Besides, I know Joel."
Nicole pouted, clearly embarrassed.
"So was it really that hard to admit?" Jonathan pressed. "You even dragged Kelly with you just to confess to Mom."
"B—Because I was scared you'd get mad," Nicole admitted nervously. "That's why I pulled Kelly with me."
Jonathan shook his head. "You're really too dependent on your cousin. She can't even confess her own feelings to the guy she likes."
Kelly shot him a glare. "Don't drag me into this."
"There's nothing we can do now," Jonathan sighed. "All I ask is that you don't cross boundaries. I know temptations will come—and Joel might feel restless too—but you need to help each other remember your limits. A kiss is fine. I know you've kissed several times already, right?"
Nicole's face turned bright red.
"You're too blunt with your sister," their mother scolded. "What—did you kiss your girlfriend a hundred times too? You idiot." She shook her head.
"Mom, she's my sister," Jonathan defended himself. "I have to say these things so she understands. What if, months from now, Joel suddenly pushes her into something because of passion?"
"B—Brother!" Nicole cried, cheeks burning.
"It's okay, Nicky," Kenjie stepped in with a gentle smile. "That's just how your brother is—he cares about you. I'm the same with my sisters. Though, Jonathan… you are very straightforward."
Jonathan sighed again. "Anyway, invite Joel over soon. Let Mom meet your boyfriend properly." He ruffled Nicole's hair. "I already know Joel will come to me to ask permission—and who am I to refuse?"
"You're calm when it comes to others," their mother teased, "but when it's your sister, you turn into a strict parent."
Jonathan didn't reply. Instead, he turned to Kelly. "So… does Raymond also know that you two are cousins?"
Kelly exhaled deeply and nodded, her cheeks heating. "Y—Yes… and they also know the reason."
Her embarrassment was unmistakable.
"So?" Jonathan asked Nicole. "What did your boyfriend say?"
"They promised not to tell anyone, brother," Nicole answered softly.
Jonathan nodded. "Good. Kevin's memories are slowly returning, thanks to that childhood picture of yours."
"I know," Kelly admitted, her voice trembling. "That's why I'm scared—scared of how to face him once he remembers everything."
Kenjie looked at her gently. "Kelly, Kevin's parents already told you—it wasn't your fault. You need to let go of that guilt. Kevin isn't the type to hold it against you."
"I—I'm just really scared," she whispered.
"You have to be strong," Jonathan said firmly. "Tell him first before he finds out on his own. It'll only make things harder."
Kelly stayed silent. Jonathan reached out and ruffled her hair.
"Be ready to tell him everything, Kelly," he said softly. "You have to."
She nodded.
******
"I was right, wasn't I?" Dennis said to Joel. "There really is something going on between you and Nicole."
Joel smiled faintly. "Yeah. We're not hiding it. I just gave her time to process everything. My family knows, her family knows—it's official."
"Wow," Kenneth teased. "You really moved on, huh?"
Joel didn't answer right away. "It took time," he admitted. "I was the one who couldn't accept things at first. But once Nicole came along… I couldn't let her go."
"Then take care of her," Dennis said seriously. "Nicole's a genuine girl."
"So," Cielo asked curiously, "does she know about your ex?"
Joel nodded. "She knows everything. I didn't want to hide anything—just like how I asked her about that… incident." He sighed. "When she was almost assaulted."
Dennis frowned. "You know she has trauma. Why would you bring that up?"
"I know," Joel said quietly. "It wasn't easy for her. She cried the whole time. I almost couldn't bear listening—but I wanted to understand her completely."
"And is she comfortable with you now?" Kenneth asked.
Joel smiled. "Yeah. She talks a lot—she's bubbly. That's what I love about her."
Cielo chuckled. "Just make sure you protect Nicole. You know Airah won't stop bothering you."
"Yeah. Thanks, Ciel."
"And if you ever hurt Nicky," Dennis warned, "you'll answer to Navares."
"That girl?" Cielo muttered. "Always so war-hungry. Honestly, I doubt she was ever just a victim."
"That's what Dave told me," Kenneth added. "That's why she hates dancing."
Cielo nodded. "Anyway, let's get ready."
They all agreed—today was rehearsal, and none of them wanted to get scolded by his older brother.
As they prepared, Cielo noticed Julie sitting nearby, wearing heels and looking thoroughly annoyed.
"What are you doing just sitting there?" he asked.
"Obviously, resting."
"Why aren't you moving?"
"My feet hurt."
"They're only two inches high."
"I'm not used to them."
Without warning, Cielo pulled her up. Julie yelped, wobbling dangerously without anything to hold onto. Her knees shook—those heels were closer to three and a half inches.
"Hey! Idiot! Don't leave me like this!" she cried, almost pleading.
Cielo laughed.
"Cielo! You're so mean," she pouted, looking close to tears—like a toddler learning how to walk.
"Why'd you even wear those?" he asked.
"Because Dave told me to!"
She tried to walk, wobbled again, and froze.
"Cielo… can you help me?" she whispered, eyes brimming with tears.
"Stop teasing her," Kenneth called out.
Cielo ignored him, clearly entertained.
"You're awful!" Julie snapped, trying—and failing—to take the heels off. The stilettos clung tightly to her feet.
"Whose are those?" Cielo asked.
"Nicole lent them to me."
"They're not mine," Nicole corrected, walking past gracefully. "They're Kelly's."
Cielo sighed and took Julie's hands. "You need to learn how to walk in them. How else are you going to dance?"
"I know!" Julie snapped.
"Are you even wearing those for the performance?"
"No. Kelly just wants me to practice." She huffed. "Now stop asking questions and just help me!"
Cielo smirked. "I could just leave you here."
"No! Don't you dare!" Julie clung to his hands, palms sweaty as she shuffled forward.
Kenneth laughed as he watched her cling stubbornly to Cielo, too scared to let go.
She hadn't officially joined the lineup yet, but she practiced anyway—slowly adjusting to the heels.
Cielo sighed. Just three more days until Dad's birthday.
Julie was always annoyed at him because he teased her constantly. Sometimes, his brother had to step in just to scold him.
I should stop before she actually cries, he thought—though a faint grin still tugged at his lips.