The Ember and The Queen

Rain's POV 

Weeks had passed since my surgery, and my body was healing faster than anyone had expected. The wounds were closing up nicely, and my strength was returning steadily. But the truth was, I had to fly back to New York. There were still so many things left undone—my belongings to pack, loose ends to tie up, and most importantly, to finally close that chapter of my old life for good.

I stood in my bedroom, packing my suitcase with just the essentials. Traveling light was the plan. I glanced over at Kai, who was sitting at the foot of my bed, her eyes watching me with that familiar mix of concern and warmth.

"Hey," I said softly, "are you going to be okay here alone?"

She smiled, a little teasing but mostly sincere. "Yes, Babe. If it weren't for work, I would have gone with you. You know that."

I chuckled and zipped my bag closed. "Don't worry about me. I really need to get back there and wrap things up. And besides, next month I'll be transferring to ACH too. Soon, we'll be in the same place again."

Her smile deepened, but there was still that flicker of worry in her eyes. "Okay... but promise me one thing. Don't move around too much, alright? You're still healing, and I don't want anything to happen."

I crossed the room and knelt beside her, pulling her into a hug. I pressed a gentle kiss on her cheek. "Yes, Doctor. I'll be good."

Kai pulled back slightly and looked me in the eye. "And please, be careful around Chesca."

I nodded firmly. "Of course. Don't worry about her—I can handle Chesca."

She reached for my hand, squeezing it tightly. "I know you can. Just... be safe. I need you back in one piece."

Her words lingered as I stood up, feeling the bittersweet weight of leaving again. But this time, it was different. This time, I wasn't alone. This time, we were rebuilding something real—something worth fighting for.

Kai's POV 

I was behind the wheel, driving them—Ate Riley, Kuya Baste, and Rain—to the airport. The city was just waking up, and the early morning light cast a soft golden glow on everything. In the back seat, Rain was unusually quiet, her fingers laced with mine until we pulled into the departure area.

We parked, got out, and unloaded the luggage. Time was ticking. I could feel it in my chest—the heaviness of having to say goodbye, even if it was just for three weeks.

At the drop-off area, Rain turned to me again. "Are you sure you're gonna be okay here?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

I gave her a soft smile. "Don't worry, I got it. You go handle New York. I'll be right here when you get back."

Ate Riley leaned in and said, half-teasing, "Kai, tatawag ako pagdating namin. Don't worry too much about Rain, ako kasama niya—di yan magloloko."

I laughed, grateful for her lightness. "Thanks, Ate. Good luck surviving her mood swings."

"Osha, we'll be late na!" Rain said with a playful sigh, stepping closer to me. Her fingers found mine again.

She wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug. "Baby, please take care of yourself here, okay? I'll see you in three weeks," she whispered into my ear. I held her a little tighter, not wanting to let go just yet.

I pulled away slightly and kissed her, soft and slow. A promise.

"Hoy, lovers! Malalate na talaga kami sa landian n'yong dalawa," Kuya Baste called out with a groan, rolling his eyes.