In between Sunsets and Rain.

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I don't usually make an entrance.
I am the entrance.

The second I stepped into the grand hall wearing my deep crimson, satin slip dress—low back, daring side slit, a neckline that flirted with scandal—I knew all eyes would be on me.
My diamond earrings and dainty Cartier layered necklaces caught the light with every subtle movement I made. Paired with strappy Jimmy Choo stilettos and my sleek, low bun, I looked like I had just stepped out of a Vogue editorial.
(Because, obviously, I did not wake up at noon, panic, and throw this together in 20 minutes. Definitely not.)

I weaved through the crowd, my heels clicking softly against the marble, when I spotted a familiar face.

"Hey, there you are!" I called out.

I flashed a lazy smile, crossing the room with my usual stride—shoulders back, chin slightly lifted.
It's called presence, darling. Look it up.

I caught the way Lei's group reacted.
Sebastian, in particular, looked like he was about to pass out.

"Hoy Seb, tikom mo yang bibig mo," Lei teased. "Baka pasukan ng langaw."

Sebastian snapped his mouth shut, looking completely dazed. "She looks—" he whispered, starstruck.

I pretended not to hear.
I mean, duh.

Before anyone could fully recover, another voice cut in.

"Well, well. Looks like I wasn't the only one dragged into this party."

I turned my head—and there he was.
Kuya Issaiah Valliere.
Looking irritatingly smug as usual.

He made his way over, hands in his pockets, exuding that casual power he never seemed to turn off.

"Damn," Issaiah said, glancing at Lei, Lysandre, and me. "You never mentioned you were this close with Lei, Lil bro."

"We are not—" Lei choked.

"We're classmates," Lysandre replied, deadpan as ever.

Issaiah smirked. "Sure. Whatever helps you sleep at night, bro."

I tilted my head slightly, watching the chaos unfold like it was dinner theater.

"May tension!" Sebastian whisper-yelled.

"Slow burn realness," Yianne nodded like she was analyzing Shakespeare.

I crossed my arms, letting the amusement flicker across my face as Issaiah turned to me.

"And I definitely didn't expect her to be here," he said.

I shrugged, giving him a bright, saccharine smile. "I go where I please, Kuya."

Sebastian practically swooned. "Grabe... ang lakas ng genes ng pamilya 'to," he muttered to Yianne.

"Cinematic universe levels," Yianne agreed.

"I need a drink," Lei groaned, grabbing Yianne's wrist—and mine—dragging us toward the bar.

I let myself be pulled, still amused, my heels clicking lightly behind them.
Sometimes it's more fun to just let the chaos unfold.

"Finally. Peace," Lei sighed when we reached the bar.

Yeah, no.
That peace lasted maybe three seconds.

"Nope," came Lysandre's unimpressed voice.

I turned to find him and Kuya Issaiah standing behind us like bodyguards.

Lysandre crossed his arms. "Rheagan, you're not drinking."

Issaiah nodded. "Agreed."

I rolled my eyes dramatically. "Oh my God. You're both acting like I'm twelve."