In between Sunsets and Rain.

Chapter 4: Escape.

"You are the youngest," Issaiah pointed out.

"By two years!" I snapped, propping my elbow on the bar.

Lysandre didn't even blink. "Sparkling water for her," he told the bartender.

I gasped. "You traitor!"

Sebastian practically skated into the scene. "Whoa, whoa, what's happening here?"

"Security detail is blocking Rheagan from drinking," Yianne said, looking way too entertained.

"Damn, may bodyguards ka pala," Seb said to me, pretending to be impressed.

I gave him a side-eye worthy of an Oscar.

Seb brushed a hand through his messy hair and grinned. "Sungit."

I just raised an eyebrow at him.
He straightened up, like my glare was a challenge.

"You're still not drinking, Rheagan," Lysandre repeated like it was law.

Seb clutched his chest. "Kawawa naman si Rheagan."

He turned to me, offering a dramatic bow. "Y'know what? I'll take the hit for you. Ako na lang iinom sa ngalan mo."

I couldn't help but laugh. "How noble of you."

"I do my best," Seb winked.

(God, this night was just getting started.)

Sebastian said he'd drink for me?
Well then, challenge accepted.

I leaned against the bar, crossing one ankle over the other, looking perfectly innocent while scanning the menu.

"What's the drink with the highest alcohol content?" I asked sweetly, flashing the bartender my most charming smile.

The guy blinked. "Uh... probably the Flaming Volcano or the Death by Tequila shots, ma'am."

Perfect.

I turned to Sebastian, my eyes sparkling with mischief. "I'll order that," I told the bartender, smiling like a literal angel. "And make it double."

Seb leaned in, suspicious. "Wait lang, wait lang—anong—"

Too late.
The bartender was already mixing like his life depended on it.

"Di ba you said you'll drink for me?" I said innocently, batting my lashes at him.

Seb narrowed his eyes, realizing too late he walked straight into the trap. "Ang daya mo!" he whined.

I smirked, resting my chin on my hand. "Fair is fair, diba? You said it yourself."

Yianne was already laughing, clutching Lei's arm. "Girl, you're evil," she said between giggles.

"Evil but make it fashion," I replied, flipping my hair.

The bartender finally placed the two monstrous-looking drinks on the counter. One was literally on fire.

Seb stared at them like he was facing a death sentence. "Wait. Wait lang... parang gusto ko na umatras..." he muttered, half-laughing, half-panicking.

"No take backsies," I said sweetly, sliding the drink closer to him.

Issaiah and Lysandre just watched the entire thing unfold like disappointed parents.
Lysandre even sighed. "You set him up, Rheagan."

"I simply provided him an opportunity to prove his loyalty," I said primly.

"Loyalty daw oh," Seb whined, but picked up the glass anyway.

"Cheers to bad decisions!" Yianne cheered.