Liam's POV
We were engaged in a conversation with Mom and Mira, while Quinn was sitting there quietly. She seemed restless. From the way she looked, it was clear that she wanted to say something, but she was hesitant.
Then finally, she spoke up. "Mom, I need to tell you something."
The three of us stopped and looked at her. "What is it?" Mom asked her.
She took a deep breath. At first, she was hesitant, but she managed to calm herself. "I've been doing a lot of thinking lately, I want to continue my studies here, Mom. What if I just study here in the Philippines?"
Mom and I exchanged glances at Quinn's words. What's her deal? If I recall correctly, she was the one who insisted to Mom and Dad that she should study in Korea. Her reason was to be closer to our grandparents and relatives, but the truth is, she just wanted to be closer to her K-pop idols.
"Isn't this a bit sudden? Tell me, is someone bullying you there?!" Mom asked her with concern.
I don't think she's being bullied there. If anything, she might be the bully.
She shook her head vigorously. "No! It's not like that."
"Then what? This is so not like you, Quinn." I asked her.
She avoided our gaze. "I just feel like it. Maybe I want to pursue my own dreams and make a difference here." What's she talking about? Make a difference here? She's clearly making excuses.
Mom let out a sigh. "Whatever your reason is, Quinn, I won't allow it, even if I wanted to. I've already paid for your expenses for the next semester. Maybe when you reach junior high, you can transfer here."
"But Mom, it's useless if it's not until next school year." She whined.
"Or perhaps there's someone you don't want to leave here in the Philippines. Like your crush?" I teased her.
It was meant to be a joke, but based on Quinn's reaction, it seems like I might not be wrong after all.
I glanced at Mira and noticed that she suddenly became attentive. Unlike earlier when she was just focused on her food. Gossip really does catch her attention.
"Who's her crush?" she whispered to me.
I shrugged. "I don't know. I just know she has a crush," I whispered back.
Quinn just sighed at my comment and stood up. "Never mind then."
"Where are you going?" I asked.
"Upstairs. I'm done eating," she said without even looking back or stopping her walk.
I was about to stop her again, but Mom held me back. "Let her be." She said, hitting me on the arm. "You shouldn't have teased her!" Wait, why is it my fault?
"I was just telling the truth!" I protested to Mom.
"Even so! You know how your sister is, and yet you still tease her," she scolded me.
"But seriously, Mom, she's being unreasonable."
Mom furrowed her brow. "How come? She's a teenager just like you guys, and it's normal for her to have a crush and experience those things."
"She's still a kid." I protested.
Mira looked at me as if I said something wrong. "Didn't you have your first girlfriend at that age? So you're telling us, you were still a kid during those times?" I could see from the way Mom looked at me that she was silently agreeing with Mira. They were ganging up on me.
I was taken aback by what she said because it was true. Maybe I treat Quinn that way because she's my little sister, and I still see her as an innocent kid.
To be honest, I did even worse things when I was her age. And maybe I don't want her to go through those things because I don't want her to meet someone like me in the past.
"Fine! I'll let her be. But I can't promise 100 percent! After all, I'm her brother."
Mom smirked. "Don't worry, the guy your sister likes is a good guy."
Mira and I both turned to Mom in surprise at her statement. "You know the guy, Auntie?" Mira asked in shock.
"Does she know that you know?" was my follow-up question.
"No. I just found out about it from Yaya Yolly. Bea told her about it when she accompanied Quinn to the mall. She said the boy is handsome, tall, and kind. They met at the mall and since then they have become friends." Mom explained in one breath.
"Mom, just because someone seems kind doesn't necessarily mean they truly are."
Mom stood up and started clearing the table. "Quinn knows how to choose who she likes. After all, her older brother was a jerk in the past." She laughed.
I couldn't help but sigh at her words. As much as I wanted to deny it, it was true.
"But honestly, Liam. I hope you treat Mira right. Because if not, I'll personally make sure you join your father in the afterlife," she gave me a piercing look. I knew her last statement was a joke, but why did it feel like there was a hint of a threat behind it?
"Don't worry, Mom. I will treat her right," I reassured Mom, giving Mira a significant glance. She responded with a smile.
"I really hope you do. Because I see something special between you and Mira. She's one of the reasons why you've transformed into a better person."
———
After breakfast, Mira and I hung out on the balcony of the house. "Remember when you told me that you already liked me back then?" she asked, gazing into the distance.
"What about it?" I responded.
She looked at me, locking eyes. "Well, the truth is, I already had a crush on you before."
I was taken aback. "Really? I thought it was just a rumor."
"You knew?!" Her expression turned even more surprised.
I nodded. "Yes, but I didn't know it was true. All of our classmates knew about it, and I thought it was just silly gossip. I mean, it wasn't obvious that you had feelings for me like the others who would do anything just to get my attention."
"You just didn't know." She chuckled. "I still can't believe that you like me back. With so many beautiful girls who like you, you still chose me over them." She continued.
I smiled at her and held both of her hands. "Mira, it's not just about choosing you. I chose you because you're the one who makes my heart beat faster. You're different from all of them, and that's what makes you stand out. Your presence brings a unique spark into my life, and I can't help but be drawn to you. And how many times do I have to tell you, you've always been beautiful."
She curved a smile. "Thank you, Liam. For already loving me this much even though we're not official yet."
"Then answer me already, so I can show you even more how much I love you," I teased her.
She burst into laughter at my comment. "That was so corny," she laughed harder. I couldn't help but join in and laugh along with her.
She stopped and looked at me seriously. "But seriously, before I could answer you, there's something I need to tell you."
"What is it?" I couldn't help but feel nervous at her words.
Her serious expression suddenly turned into a smile. "It's a secret for now. I'll tell you when the time is right."
"But what if the right time is now?"
"But I'm not ready yet, so no." She replied.
I chuckled. "Fine, I understand. I won't force you. Just let me know when you're ready."
After a few seconds of silence, she spoke again. "I hope you don't mind, but I'd like to show you my appreciation for your understanding and patience while waiting for my decision."
As I was about to turn to her and ask her about it, suddenly I felt her lips pressed against mine. We were both taken aback, our eyes widening in surprise.
"Why did you turn?! I was about to kiss you on your cheek!" She covered her lips with both hands.
I couldn't help but smile at what happened. "Don't worry about it, it was just a happy accident, and I am not complaining." I smirked at her.
She smirked back. "It seems like you enjoyed it."
"I did. And I have to admit, I wouldn't mind another accidental kiss." I teased her more. If I could just lean in and kiss her right now, I would.
She rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of a smile on her lips. "Go ahead and dream."
I couldn't help but chuckle at her response. Oh, Mira, in a million times. Yes, I will definitely dream.
I sat there beside her, feeling a mix of excitement and uncertainty. We weren't officially a couple yet, but that accidental kiss made me want her even more.
I couldn't help but daydream about what it would be like to finally call her my girlfriend. I was head over heels in love with her, and I couldn't wait for the day when we could officially be together.
With each passing day, our connection grew stronger. We cherished every moment together, laughing and enjoying each other's company. I couldn't help but think about how lucky I was to have her in my life. She was everything I had ever dreamed of. I loved her more and more with each passing day, and I couldn't wait to make her mine.
I looked into her eyes. "I love you, Mira. And I can't wait to be your boyfriend." I whispered.
She met my gaze with a meaningful smile. "I know." She replied.
Mira's POV
I'm still in total shock from that accidental kiss, and I can't seem to stop replaying that moment over and over in my mind. I can't believe it actually happened. All I wanted was to give him a friendly peck on the cheek, but because of his sudden turn, our lips met by mistake. I don't know if I should feel embarrassed or what.
"Are you always this much of a coward?" Briana immediately greeted me as soon as I entered the house. What's her problem now?
I looked around. It seems like her annoying friends are nowhere to be found, It seems like they already went home. Thank goodness.
"Can you please, Briana, I'm not in the mood to argue with you." I was about to just walk past her, but she had to say something again.
"You're getting so arrogant, huh? Just because Liam is there and you can just hide behind him." She smirked.
I furrowed my brow at her words. What is she even talking about? Is she just bored and looking for a fight again?
If I hadn't triggered her yesterday, maybe she would still be acting all nice towards me today. Then, my patience wouldn't be tested like this. It's like she can't leave me alone all of a sudden.
"What?! Can you just leave me alone?" I'm really getting confused now. My day was going so well and then she had to come and disturb it. She's so annoying.
"You left the house earlier because you didn't want to eat with us, right?" She snapped.
Huh? So those two idiots actually had their meal here. They have some nerve.
I grinned at her. "Sorry to disappoint you, but no. It just happened that Liam's mom invited me to have breakfast with them."
I could see the annoyance in her eyes. "Enjoy what you have with him right now, Mira. Because there will come a day when you'll cry and I'll just laugh at you." The way she said it, it's like she's the one interested in Liam and not Rhian.
I rolled my eyes. There she goes again with her threats. Isn't she tired of our constant fighting? Because I am. "Why are you so angry at me, Briana?" I asked her directly. I was so fed up with her. If I could kick her out of this house, I would have done it already.
Her eyes turned dark as she stared at me, a mix of anger and determination in her gaze. "Because you always get what you want, Mira. And I am willing to do everything just to take all your happiness from you."
I tried to understand why she held such strong resentment towards me, wondering what I had done to provoke such intense hatred, but I just couldn't grasp it.
I refused to let her words intimidate me. I looked straight into her eyes and calmed myself. "No matter what you do, I won't let you destroy my happiness, Briana. I don't know why you're so angry at me, but I just want you to know that it's not the answer to your own happiness."
Her expression hardened as I said those words. "We will see about that, Mira."
I closed my eyes in frustration. "Do whatever you want, you're exhausting to talk to."
I left her there and headed to my room. My day was going so well and she had to ruin it. Thankfully, I didn't slap her. Otherwise, I would be in trouble with Mom again.
As I entered my room, I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself. I needed to focus on the positive things in my life and not let her negativity bring me down. Dealing with Briana and her constant drama was enough. I needed to prioritize myself and my own happiness.
It was hard to believe that the person who is now so angry at me was the same girl I had shared secrets with, cried with, and dreamed with. I never imagined that we would end up like this in my entire life.
She's been my friend since we were kids, and now she's suddenly my enemy.