Denis' POV

     As the midnight hour progresses, vibrant fireworks of kaleidoscope hues burst forth in the jet-black sky, painting the inky atmosphere with life and energy. Horns reverberate in every neighbourhood, their echoes reaching as far as the stars in the space. Fireworks crackle and explode, igniting mid-air and signifying the start of yet another new year.

"Happy New Year!!"

"Woohoo!!"

     Harris, Chloe, Philip, Meredith, Presley, Felix, my mother, my father, and I jump in joy as we welcome this new year. Amidst the exuberant cheers, Philip and Meredith share a peck on their lips while my parents hug. Chloe, Presley, and Felix clap and leap on their soles, blowing their festive horns. Meanwhile, Harris and I chuckle out loud in the background, savouring the sight that thrills our senses.

"Happy! Happy New Year, everybody!!"

     The fireworks' blaring explosions resonate outside and echo throughout the atmosphere, and people in the neighborhood exclaim in joy. Harris, Chloe, Philip, Meredith, Presley, Felix, my mother, my father, and I celebrate this grand evening, and my mother begins shaking her coins in her wallet, producing loud ringing noises. As the hype cools down, everyone and I settle around the dining table for our New Year's Eve feast, indulging in every bite that satisfies our rumbling stomachs. This is, indeed, the beginning of another year—2024.

     Soon, the celebration becomes part of the fading echo of time as school resumes its usual thing. Just a few days after New Year, Harris and I return to Eternals University, with me in my school uniform while Harris wears a hoodie to conceal his casual clothes within. As we greet this new semester, so do new students who are transferees, and this time, Harris finally can blend seamlessly into the college without anyone raising a suspicious brow. As Harris and I enter the classroom together, we immediately head to our seats in the corner of the classroom, where there are fewer students.

     In this new semester, I still have the same classmates as usual. My eyes dart around the classroom, scanning the heads and backs of my classmates, and I can confirm no one new is here. The school bell rings, capturing everyone's attention and signalling the commencement of classes. The professor situated at the front of the classroom begins calling my classmates' names one by one, and I await my turn as I listen to the same names from before.

Then, suddenly, the professor called out a name that seemed so painfully unfamiliar to me. "Fernando Ramirez?" the professor called.

"That's me, sir," the student raised his hand. "Just call me Fern."

"Alright, Fern," the professor agreed. He then called yet another name that sounded unheard of to me. "...Renato Ramirez?"

"Present po! Call me Ren nalang po," the student stated, raising his hand.

"Ah, alright. Wait, magkapatid ba kayo?" the professor asked if they were siblings.

"Opo," they affirmed.

As the professor continued calling out the names of the students, I leaned toward Harris's ear and whispered, "I think we have new classmates."

"I noticed," he replied.

Soon, the professor finished calling all the students' names and asked, "Alright. Is that all? Did I miss someone?"

"Hm," everyone and I responded, shaking our heads in response.

The professor then looked at Harris and raised a brow. "How about you? I didn't call you yet?" the professor questioned Harris.

Harris' eyes bulged out in surprise. "Oh! Uhm!"

"What's your name, hijo?" the professor inquired, checking the attendance sheet on his desk.

"H-Harris!" he stammered. Quickly, he lowered his voice and asked me, "W-what was the last name I should use??"

"Try de la Cruz...! De la Cruz...!" I whispered back.

"Harris... what?" the professor prompted.

"Harris de la Cruz," Harris stated.

     My heart raced with anticipation as I hoped for the best. I glanced at Harris and could see his sweat glistening on his forehead, apprehension flowing over us. As the professor checked the attendance sheet, he let out a deep sigh.

"Alright, Harris de la Cruz... I don't see your name here. Maybe you got the wrong class," the professor stated.

     As the professor raised his head to look at us, he found Harris already out of the classroom. I was left alone in my seat, my eyes wide. I glanced at the door and saw Harris peeking through the glass. It seemed like he already hurried out in a rush, and I suppose he would be staying in the corridors this entire semester.

Harris' POV

     I believe that was a close one; I almost got caught. Well, indeed, I did get caught entering a class I didn't enroll in. So, I had no choice but to stay out and linger in the hallway like a lost student amidst the deserted corners.

     I lean my back on the wall and raise my head, staring at the ceiling. Taking a deep breath, I release a heavy breath through my mouth, letting the pressure building up in my lungs fade away. With my eyes shut, I saunter around around the corridors until lunchtime arrives.

     Exactly at noon, the school bell rings, and students emerge from their classrooms, commencing an exodus towards the multiple cafeterias and canteens within the university. I quickly make my way back to the classroom where I've left behind my friend, Denis. As I battle the current of students heading my way, I see a familiar crown of black with blonde highlights at the end of the hall. I know it is Denis as soon as my eyes land on it.

"D-Denis?" I stuttered.

"Oh, thank God! Harris! I was worried sick for you," he expressed.

"I am as well. And I couldn't be unbothered by the fact janitors kept looking at me when I was wandering around the halls," I sighed in relief.

"Well, maybe try exploring other school buildings in this university. That'd keep you busy and more low-key," Denis recommended as we walked along.

     Denis and I arrive at the cafeteria where we dine. For lunch, we buy a plate of rice with sizzling tofu and a bottle of water. As we eat at the table, we are joined by a highly anticipated guest, Lyvie.

"Hey, guys!" Lyvie grinned.

"Oh, Lyvie! We were waiting for you," Denis smiled.

"Come join us," I said with a grin.

Lyvie took her seat and began eating. As she swallowed her meal, she looked at us and whispered, "...Hey, I heard that there are two new transferees in your class, Denis."

"Hm, yeah, I kinda noticed," Denis nodded as he chewed. "What's up with them?"

Lyvie's eyes sparked with a flicker of amusement as she shared the gossip. "These two transferees are the sons of a very famous celebrity, I heard. They came here in Laguna just to have a normal life, away from the bustling capital city while their mother works in the industry," she whispered aloud.

"Wait, the two brothers from Denis' first class?" I sought clarification.

"The Ramirez brothers," Lyvie confirmed. "Yes... Fernando and Renato Ramirez... also known as Fern and Ren..."

     Lyvie straightened her back as she stared ahead, looking behind Denis and me with intense clarity. Raising our eyebrows, Denis and I turn our heads in curiosity, only to see the cafeteria door agape to let the two brothers pass—Fern and Ren. Fern and Ren stride onwards and strut towards our table. As if conjured by magic, a gust of gentle wind seems to blow toward their faces, tousling their hair, despite being in the closed confines of the school building. As they reach us, they acknowledge us with friendly smiles.

     Fern stands at a head-tilting height, accentuated by his voluminous hair of black. His eyes gleam like a peanut, complementing his tanned skin. He also possesses a sharp, chiselled jawline, much like his brother, Ren, who shares the same hair and eye color. Ren, on the other hand, has pale skin that appears almost as white as milk, giving a playful contrast to his dark locks.

     As I look at these two brothers, I cannot help but sense an impending rivalry, considering the fact Denis is looking at them with sparkly eyes and wide mouth. Honestly, I think I can already say that a slight feeling of jealousy is already raging in my core. And it is something I cannot easily shake off, no matter how hard I try to play cool.

"Hey, mind if we sit here po?" Fern asked politely with a charismatic aura emanating from his smile.

"Heh, sige lang," Denis replied.

     Fern and Ren took their seats and grabbed their lunchboxes in their bags, and apparently, they sat between me and Denis. Now, Denis is no longer sitting beside me. Yep, I can say this is a bad start for me.

"Forgive us if we speak in English. We were raised in a household where English is more spoken," Fern stated.

"Pero we can still understand Tagalog. Of course," Ren added. He then glanced at me and noticed my foreign looks, his eyes sparkling. "And, ah... I can see you guys have a buddy here. Where are you from, pal?"

"Uh... I'm from..." I mumbled.

"He's from America," Denis answered, narrowly saving my identity with a lie.

"Yeah, he's from the States," Lyvie added.

"I see! Which state are you from?" Ren wondered aloud.

"...A good state...? I am in a state of calmness...? I guess...?" I muttered.

"Huh?" Fern and Ren tilted their heads in confusion.

"He's from California," Denis lied.

"Which city?" Fern asked.

"Uh! Los Angeles, right, Harris?" Lyvie chuckled awkwardly.

"Yes, and, uh, can we stop with these questions? Cuz if you want to hear about my background... well then! Here's my full background story: I'm from the States, but my parents are here because, uhh... my father who lives in the States has a business booming here. And he and his Filipina wife decided to live here instead, bringing me as well, of course," I stated, brewing a lie for my imaginary background.

Denis smiled, and I noticed his grin. Denis and I knew well where I got this story from—from Denis himself.

"Amazing," Fern smiled. "Anyways, name ko po is Fern," he introduced himself and his brother. "And this is my brother."

"I'm Renato. Just... ehh... call me Ren," Ren beamed.

"I heard you two are from Manila," Lyvie began.

Fern and Ren's eyes widened with surprise.

"Oh? How did you know??" Fern asked curiously.

"I just heard it from random people in my class," Lyvie smiled.

Fern and Ren exchanged glances, conveying their bewilderment and shock. "...Hehe," they giggled sheepishly.

"So, what're your names? If okay lang mag-ask," Fern inquired.

"Lyvie."

"Harris."

"Denis."

"Oh, Denis? As in d'Avillio DeVitt?" Ren sought clarification.

"Yeah!" Denis bobbed his head up and down.

"Ohh! You were the one in our class!" Fern mused, pointing at Denis.

Denis grinned. "Yep, you two are the new transferees, yeah?"

"Yeah! I think we should hang out often," Ren suggested.

"I think that's quite a good idea," Fern concurred with a grin.

"Yeah, we should!" Denis nodded eagerly.

     Listening to the exchange, a surge of jealousy washes over me as I listen to the conversation transpiring before my very eyes. My eyes lower, and my brows furrow, creating a wrinkle on the bridge of my nose. Seeing Denis' attention captured by these two beautiful boys is a great reason for me to become insecure about being his friend. I can say that Denis may have other friends, but if it's with these people who possess such appeal and charisma, I have a haunting feeling they might catch not just Denis' attention but also his heart. Perhaps I am just overthinking all of these.

"Harris...? Harris??"

     Snapping out of my mental haze, I realized that Fern and Ren were calling out to me, and I was just staring blankly at the wall like an idiot. I glance at Denis and Lyvie, who are awaiting my turn to speak. Embarrassed by my demeanor, I figured out it would be best for me to respond.

"Oh, sorry, I was, uh... yes?" I stammered.

"Would you wanna come with us later after school? You know? For a quick treat at Starbucks? With you, my brother, Lyvie, Denis, and me?" Fern asked kindly.

"Oh! Sure!" I smiled, though I could still feel a wave of envy hastening through me whenever I saw Denis talking with one of them.

Fern's POV

     Later, after school, as the golden sun begins to set on the horizon and bids farewell to the tangerine sky, Denis, Ren, and I walk out of the classroom together, engaging in a playful banter. As we walk down the corridor, Denis swipes on his phone, chatting with his other friends, Harris and Lyvie, to meet up in the heart of the school. And there, as we arrive at the heart of the school where the statue of the female founder stands, we unite with Harris and Lyvie.

     For some reason, Harris gives me an unsettling vibe. As I look into his amber pupils, he will avert his gaze and roll his eyes. I just shrug it off and find it as a silly coincidence.

     Soon, Denis, Harris, Lyvie, Ren, and I reach the nearest Starbucks branch and enter, ordering at the counter. We then claim our seats amidst the cafe brimming with numerous people. Gladly, just in a nick of time, we managed to take our seats and settled for an evening of relaxation. We then get our orders and place them on the table before us. Just before we indulge in the sweet treat, Denis takes a picture of the treats and beverages, perfectly immortalizing the moment with glee.

"So, Denis, how come you have... y'know? Not being offensive. A foreign-sounding surname? Do you have a..." I began.

"Oh, yeah, I don't have a Filipino surname," Denis explained. "You see, just like Harris, my father is from Europe and my mother is a Filipina."

"Oh, cool! So you have a... uhh! Lahi!" Ren thought.

"Yeah," Denis nodded.

"Where in Europe, though?" I wondered aloud.

"Wow, you guys are two curious duos, aren't you?" Harris told us with a snicker.

"Exactly! We just like getting to know people," Ren smiled at Harris.

Without replying, Harris sighed and took a sip of his cup of warm mocha. It's kinda strange why he is acting aloof.

"So...?" I glanced at Denis.

"Oh, uh, yes! My father has a Spanish and British background... probably English and Irish," Denis elaborated.

"We also have Spanish blood," Ren shared, taking a sip of his drink.

"Ooh! What if our ancestors met?" Denis pondered aloud.

"Then, we, as their descendants, are destined to meet as well," I smirked playfully.

     Despite knowing each other for barely a day, I already feel an overwhelming sensation to feel more of Denis. I want to touch his shoulder, and thus, I place a hand on it, giving him a friendly pat. I smile at him, and he returns the grin enthusiastically. Somehow, Denis's fair, innocent-looking face compels me to get to know him better.

Harris' POV

     As soon as my gaze lands on Fern's hand lying on Denis' shoulder, my eyes pop open, and my pupils shrink into minuscule balls. I feel as though I want to yank his hand off my friend. I know it's selfish of me, but I want no one touching my treasured friend. But I remain calm and dignified, taking a loud sip of my drink, my eyes screwed shut.

     Soon, Denis and I return home. It was getting late at this point. The night has swallowed the land with darkness, and the ethereal full moon blasts its radiant light upon the land alongside the twinkling stars. After showering and switching into more comfortable indoor clothes, Denis and I sit on our bed and lie beside each other.

"Today was fun! I can't believe I was talking to the sons of a celebrity!" Denis squealed.

I played along with a forced smile. "...Heh, yeah..."

"Can't wait for another day in school tomorrow. How about you?" Denis asked with a bright grin.

"Yeah, of course..." I smiled.

"Heh, anyways! Let's go to sleep now. Goodnight!" Denis yawned.

Just as Denis was about to close his eyes, I placed my hand on his shoulder. "Hey."

Denis lifted his heavy eyelids. "Hm...?"

"I just want to remind you... you're my best friend. If ever we can just live together forever, I'd love to. You're the most... nicest guy I've ever met. But in life... things come slow... okay?" I murmured.

"Okay," Denis grinned wistfully.

Ren's POV

     The next day, as the sun rises, class begins with its usual rhythm on the campus. Denis, my brother, and I sit side by side as we listen to the professor. As the professor does his lecture, I cannot help but be consumed by an intense sense of genuine longing. I cannot help but take a few glimpses of Denis, admiring his smooth, fair face that complements his messy hair.

     Afterward, once class concludes for lunchtime, Denis, Fern, and I head towards the cafeteria where we meet Harris and Lyvie. We order our lunch from the counter and immediately claim our seats. As we savor our simple lunch, we begin a friendly conversation to get to know each other better.

"Where do you guys live?" I asked.

"Apparently, in a house," Harris replied nonchalantly as he cut a tender morsel.

Denis giggled in response to Harris's reply. "Well, Harris, Lyvie, and I all live in Santa Rosa as of now," he answered.

"Oh, we live there, too!" I smiled, surprised by the fact.

"How come we didn't know?" Lyvie asked with a smirk.

"Well, you all suggested taking the jeepney, while my brother and I take our car," Fern chuckled softly.

"That's a good reason," Denis shrugged with a grin, his brows raised.

"Hey, Denis? Do you have Facebook? Mind if you add me there?" I whispered to Denis.

Fern, who overheard my murmurs, added, "Hey, add me on Facebook, too, Denis."

"Huh? How about us?" Lyvie giggled.

"Yeah... how about us...?" Harris asked, narrowing his eyes.

"Of course. We'll send you a friend request," I smiled politely.

Denis' POV

     At the weekend, I begin chatting with Fern and Ren on Messenger. Their lively chats give me a sense of delight as I smile at the screen. Our conversations, etched in the memory of the app, become a beacon of happiness for me, though it may be just a temporary one. I know, deep within my heart, that my biggest source of joy comes from Harris, although I'm sure he doesn't know it.

     As I enjoy the moment of chatting with Fern and Ren simultaneously on my phone, Harris passes by the door and overhears my soft giggles. He pauses from his walk and enters my bedroom with a sense of curiosity sparkling in his eyes. Immediately noticing his presence, I turn off my phone and lower it from my hand.

"Seems like you're enjoying your phone session," Harris smirked, his arms crossed.

"Yeah, it was fun chatting with them," I laughed.

"Huh? With who?" Harris asked, tilting his head.

"Fern and Ren! Man, they seriously make the best jokes," I told Harris.

The glint in Harris' eyes suddenly faded away, and I quickly noticed that.

Harris lowered his head. "...Oh, well... have fun with that," he smiled, though I could say he was just forcing it.

"Hey, come on, don't feel so left out. We were actually planning to make a group chat between the five of us. Y'know? You, me, Ren, Fern, and Lyvie?" I assured Harris.

"That'd be great. Count me in," Harris beamed.

Fern's POV

     The following day, at school, I am able to reunite with Denis. Whenever I put my eyes on him, something within me ignites, causing butterflies to churn in my stomach. It is strange, but his alluring looks and fun personality are like a combination to make a magnet, and I am being pulled towards him more and more as we spend hours in classes together. Little did I notice, while we were amidst a conversation during our free time in the classroom, I was just staring at Denis intently, almost causing him to cackle.

"And do you know what happens next after that guy stole our ruby?" Denis asked. He then noticed me staring at him without listening. "...Pfft, hey! Are you even listening?" he giggled.

My eyes widened as I realized I had a mental fog that caused me to peer into Denis' deep brown orbs. "Oh, yeah, sorry! I just zoned out a bit. Hehe—" I muttered. "Yeah, a thief stole your ruby, and as you were saying?"

"Alright, so! What happens next is Harris throws a freaking wine bottle at the guy's head! A-ha! Can't you believe it?? A freaking wine bottle??" Denis giggled.

I placed a hand under my chin as I listened squarely to Denis. "Yeah, that was cool," I thought. "You know what's even cooler? I'd do the same thing and buy you anything with my own money," I bragged humbly.

"Oh, really?" Denis chuckled innocently.

"Yes, as a matter of fact, how about we hang out on Wednesday?" I suggested.

"Oh, sure! Lemme invite Harris," Denis grinned.

"Just the two of us for now? How about that? Ano?" I requested with a smirk.

"Heh, sure. Where are we going, though?" Denis asked.

Harris' POV

     As the sun rises on this particular Wednesday morning, I see Denis dressed up in a plaid black and orange shirt and beige sweatpants in his bedroom, his hair still damp from a shower. I figure out he is going somewhere else. And I have an eerie feeling he is leaving without me since he has never told me about his plans. Peeking through the doorway, I clear my throat, capturing Denis' attention.

"Oh, Harris!" Denis smiled.

"Where are you going?" I asked, entering the bedroom.

A spark of hesitation shimmered in Denis's eyes momentarily. "Well, I cannot lie to my dear friend... but... Fern just asked me out..." he revealed.

"W-what!?" I gasped in disbelief. As soon as I heard that, a powerful sense of defeat struck my core until Denis continued his statement.

"T-to hang out!" Denis clarified.

"Oh," I sighed, releasing the tension from within.

"Why are you so surprised about it anyway?" Denis inquired, his eyes narrowing.

"Nothing?" I scoffed.

"Hey, come on now! It's no big deal! In fact, I wanted you to come. But he said he just wants it to be only the both of us for some reason," Denis explained.

"And where are you going exactly?" I asked.

"He didn't tell me anything, to be honest. He said it would be just a surprise," Denis replied calmly.

Suddenly, I recalled something in the past regarding Denis' promise. "...Hey," I began, placing my hand on Denis' shoulder. "Do you remember saying we're going to hang out, too, one day? Just you and me?" I asked earnestly.

"...Oh, shoot. Gosh, I almost forgot," Denis sighed.

With a hopeful smile, I suggested, "How about you reserve that? Hmm... maybe at the weekends?"

"This Sunday? How about this Sunday?" Denis recommended.

"Sure, that'll be wonderful," I smiled.

"Great! I'll be sure to remember that!" Denis bounced.

"Anyways, go on now. You don't want to be late for this... hang out thing," I smirked, gesturing with my fingers.

"Hehe, yeah, sure! I'll see ya later!" Denis grinned.

Philip's POV

     Meanwhile, in the household's basement, where only one lightbulb seems to flicker and extinguish the lingering darkness that crawls in every corner, construction begins. There, with the sketch of the portal in my hands, Robert and I inspect three male workers building the portal frame. In the center of the basement, they erect the framing of the portal, their sweat dampening their backs.

"So, how long would this take to be constructed again?" I asked Robert.

Robert whistled and inquired the men, "Hey, uh, you three. How long would this take to build? In your approximation?"

"Maybe in less than a week, sir," one of the construction workers replied.

"Alright, that means, in no time, there will be a portal that'll connect a bridge between two realms," I remarked, whispering into Robert's ear.

"But remember... this decision comes with profound responsibility... we have a lot of things to hide from our own nations," Robert whispered back, giving an ominous warning that resonated with the truth.

"...Maybe in this world, but not in ours," I said, giving Robert an assuring smile. "Don't fear our people, sir. We'll pose no harm in your place."

Robert smiled back.

Denis' POV

     Soon, as the sun rises higher and higher into the azure sky, I arrive at a museum with Fern. And there, we enter and behold the masterpiece of the past. We see gems and fossils all around.

     My eyes widen in awe as I release a deep breath of admiration. I look around, gazing and examining the crystals on the pedestals. I peruse the boards displayed, absorbing the information I've never once known. This is a great place to hang out, and I must say, Fern has picked something that aligns with my interests.

     As we progress deeper into the museum, Fern and I enter the art gallery. There, I see numerous canvases portraying masterpieces of different painters and artists. The room is like one huge tapestry itself, interweaving all the contents in one frame. Every corner is adorned with colorful paintings that speak their significance to history.

     With my eyes sparkling with admiration, I gaze at the paintings and peer at them one by one. I study the intricate use of brushes and colors. I know this trip will come in handy, as I, myself, am an artist. Joy and bliss surged forth within my veins as I got the chance to see an array of paintings and drawings.

"This place is majestic, Fern!" I smiled. "The paintings! The drawings! Ah! Seeing these can, one day, be in handy!"

"I know. This is why I brought you to the museum," said Fern. "Cuz I know you're an artist, and this place might just resonate with your interest."

"Oh?" I gasped, my breath hitching. "Really?"

"Mhm," Fern nodded in affirmation.

"Aw, Fern. You're such an amazing friend!" I admitted. "How did you know I'm an artist, though?" I asked.

"Well, I checked your, ano, uh, your profile on Facebook. Tapos, I saw a link to your YouTube. I checked it out and saw your amazing drawings," Fern stated.

A torrent of disbelief surged within me. "Oh, my. Fern, you saw my drawings??"

"Yeah, oo! Tas, I even subscribed to your channel," Fern added, whispering.

"Gosh, dude. I don't know what to say. Uh! Thanks! God, I'm so shy right now, hehe!" I chuckled nervously.

"Well, don't be. Besides, we have a long story to write," Fern grinned, wrapping his arm around me.

"Wait, please don't tell me you also checked out my Wattpad," I said.

"I did. And I even read your story," Fern smiled. "I notice that Harris and Lyvie are in your book."

     My eyes widen in realization as I learn this might potentially expose Harris' truth in this universe. If Fern discovers the truth surrounding us, this will harm Harris and his family. I quickly think of an explanation that will, hopefully, shroud their identities with pure intent. As I swiftly make up an explanation in my mind, my eyes flit around the corner, trying to gain inspiration.

"Oh! Uh! Cuz you see... they're my childhood friends. And we've come to an agreement I'd make a book about us one day. And at last! I made one. Heh," I lied.

"I see. Seems like you're such a loyal guy," Fern beamed. Leaning his face closer to mine—that I could feel his warm breath touching my ear, he whispered, "I like that~"

I looked away as my jaw trembled with anticipation. Why would Fern say that in a seductive way? "Heh," I giggled awkwardly.

"Anyways, I'm hungry. How about you?" Fern questioned kindly.

"I mean, kinda," I admitted, rubbing my burning belly.

"Ano, uh. How about we go to the museum's cafe? My treat!" Fern suggested with a grin.

"Oh? Sure!" I nodded in agreement.