The hum of the engine ceased as a sleek Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van pulled up to the curb outside the home. Altair and Cassy stepped out, each hauling their own luggage behind them. Cassy was radiant, dressed in a floral knee-length dress with a thin ribbon cinching her waist, complementing her attire with a pair of unadorned sandals. Altair, in contrast, donned a laid-back travel look: a black hoodie and joggers, perfect for a day of wandering.
 
"Ready?" Altair queried, locking eyes with Cassy.
 
"Absolutely," she replied, her smile glowing like morning sunlight.
 
Just as the van's doors smoothly glided open, a vivacious little face greeted them: a young girl around the age of 6 or 7, with long black hair and a fringe that framed her delicate features. She emanated an almost ethereal beauty, reminiscent of a blend between Korean and Japanese lineages. Her eyes shimmered with youthful excitement as she waved her hand enthusiastically.
 
With a polite bow and a chirpy voice, she announced, "Hello!"
 
Altair's eyes widened, a blend of surprise and puzzlement. "Sunny? What are you doing here?"
 
Cassy turned towards Altair, her eyes narrowing to fine slits. "Who is this? A daughter you've conveniently forgotten to mention?" Her questions came out in rapid succession.
 
"No, she's not my daughter," Altair hastily clarified. "She's Sunshine Nerina, or Sunny for short. She's Elise's half-sister." He paused for a beat, then turned his attention back to Sunny. "So, why are you here?"
 
"I was bored at home and saw the van being readied. It seemed fun, so I just jumped in!" Sunny explained, her gaze flitting between Altair and Cassy, seemingly scrutinizing their expressions.
 
Then, drawing out her'so,' Sunny inquired, "Sooooo, who's this beautiful lady? Is she your wife? You never told me you had one!" Her tone carried a tinge of playful sarcasm, clearly referencing Cassy's earlier suspicion.
 
Before Altair could navigate the maze of emotions and formulate a response, Cassy interrupted.
 
"About to be," she quipped, her eyes gleaming with playful mischief.
 
Altair's eyebrows knit together, a tableau of confusion.
 
Cassy leaned closer and whispered, "We need to keep up appearances, remember?" Her words sent a shiver down Altair's spine, as if invigorated by an unexpected gust of wind.
 
With a momentary accord, the trio sank into the plush, leather-clad seats of the van. Almost immediately, Sunny commandeered the seat between Altair and Cassy, declaring it her 'perpetual spot' with a blend of excitement and entitlement. Considering Sunny's familial ties and her infectious charm, Cassy decided not to contest the seating arrangement.
 
"So, Sunny, have you ever been to Baguio before?" Altair initiated, aiming to dissipate the minor awkwardness lingering in the air.
 
"First time!" Sunny's voice was brimming with enthusiasm. "I heard they have enormous parks and strawberries!"
 
Cassy chimed in, "Oh, the strawberries are simply transcendent! We'll be sure to bring some back for you."
 
"Yay, thank you!" Sunny clapped her hands together, embodying pure, youthful exuberance.
 
Catching Cassy's eye, Altair signaled an approving nod. "It looks like our day's plans are falling into place nicely."
 
Turning her ever-curious eyes toward Cassy, Sunny then posed another question: "So if you're going to be my sister-in-law soon, can I start calling you Ate Cassy?"
 
Caught off guard, a flush-colored Cassy's cheeks; she shot a glance at Altair, who seemed equally captivated by the unfolding scenario.
 
"Uh, sure! Why not?" Cassy finally articulated, choosing to fully lean into the roles they found themselves playing.
 
"Great to hear, Ate Cassy! Are you into gaming?" Sunny seemed completely assured now about her newfound relationship with Cassy.
 
"I'm not what you'd call a gaming enthusiast, but I do enjoy some lighter games now and then," Cassy responded, seeking that common ground.
 
Observing from his standpoint, Altair felt a sense of warmth seeing the conversation unfold. Sunny, their unexpected companion, had managed to ease the previous tension between him and Cassy, and he was grateful for it.
 
Turning her attention back to Altair, Sunny asked, "And you, older brother, still find time for games?"
 
"Absolutely, though life's been pretty demanding lately," Altair answered.
 
"Is it because of Ate Cassy?" Sunny inquired, her eyes narrowing just a touch.
 
"We've been balancing responsibilities and spending quality time together—grown-up stuff," Altair clarified.
 
"You seem different," Sunny observed, her tone suddenly becoming a bit more wistful.
 
"Don't worry, you're still my top pick for a gaming partner," Altair reassured her. "We'll make sure to get some gaming in when we're in Baguio."
 
Sunny's eyes sparkled. "You promise? And remember, you owe me ice cream!"
 
Altair chuckled. "Absolutely, ice cream is part of the deal. I wouldn't want it any other way."
 
The conversation naturally transitioned back to Cassy. "So," Sunny started, stretching out the 'o' for emphasis, "tell me about my future sister-in-law, Ate Cassy?"
 
With a soft laugh, Cassy took a moment to think. "My name is Cassandra Lexi Mendoza, but I generally go by Cassy. I'm 19 years old and on the cusp of completing my business administration degree at Merylle Scholastica International School."
 
Sunny's eyes widened noticeably. "Wait, Merylle Scholastica? The MSIS?" 
 
"Yes, that's correct. I'll be graduating soon," Cassy confirmed.
 
Sunny looked puzzled as she tilted her head. "Nineteen and almost a graduate? That doesn't quite line up. Could you elaborate?"
 
Cassy's smile had a trace of past emotions, as she explained. "During high school, I was active on the debate team. I found myself going against Merylle Scholastica's own team, and let's just say I left a strong impression. They offered me a spot shortly after."
 
Sunny's expression shifted to one of intrigue. "Recruited? That's remarkable. Merylle Scholastica rarely recruits students, much less fast-tracks them."
 
Cassy gave a humble smile. "I suppose I made a compelling case?"
 
"Please, continue. I'm eager to hear more," Sunny urged, her voice carrying a mix of enthusiasm and curiosity.
 
Feeling warmed by Sunny's genuine interest, Cassy felt a surge of pride. "Beyond academics, I also participate in the Student Government Council. And believe it or not, I have quite the affinity for noodles and ice cream."
 
Altair wore a grin, clearly delighted by Cassy's unexpected culinary expertise. "I guess I have some delicious noodle dishes to look forward to?"
 
Cassy returned his grin with a playful expression. "Behave yourself as a good husband, and your wish will be fulfilled."
 
Altair's face revealed lingering curiosity. "So what inspired you to dig deep into the world of instant noodles?"
 
Cassy's laughter carried a bittersweet tone. "Well, when you're stretching every dollar and instant noodles become a staple, you quickly learn that you need to mix things up. Otherwise, the same old flavors become tedious."
 
Not one to be left on the sidelines, Sunny eagerly interjected, "But what about ice cream? Spill the details!"
 
Smiling warmly at Sunny's unfiltered eagerness, Cassy couldn't help but think, "The simple joys of childhood never really change, do they?"
 
"As for ice cream, I've conducted my own little study. Haagen-Dazs holds the crown for me. I even ranked their flavors and made a detailed categorization. Avocado came out as the undisputed champion. The ranking is stored in the library, too. Perhaps I'll give you some insider tips if you enroll there," Cassy shared.
 
Sunny's eyes gleamed, twinkling like stars, as she leaned in to give Cassy a heartfelt hug. "I can't wait to find out!"
 
For a few sublime moments, the trio was enveloped in a cozy bubble of shared warmth and joy. Laughter reverberated through the plush confines of the van, harmonizing with the hum of the engine and the swish of tires on asphalt. Even though each was wrapped up in their own thoughts, they collectively looked forward to the exciting times that awaited them in the highlands of Baguio.