Meredith's POV

     Around 4 in the morning, Chloe, Michaela, and I wake up to prepare the feast for Felix and Robert's birthday. This would be so much fun. In the kitchen, we gather and prepare all the materials needed on the marble counter. As we begin to cook the delectable dishes for the upcoming day, the sun has yet to rise, while the moon burns brightly amidst the expanse of the atmosphere, the nightly stars adorning the dark sky.

     The first thing we make is Tometflombrad or Tomato Flame Bread, a flatbread coated with with tomato sauce, cheese, rosemary, spices, and mushrooms. Next up is Venstjig or Winesteak, which is basically a piece of steak cooked with a dash of alcoholic beverage, topped with oregano. Afterwards, we cook Polhjpanen or Chicken Cheese Sandwich, which is just a simple grilled sandwich filled with roasted chicken, basil, melted cheese, and mozzarella cheese.

     We continue cooking, and at last, the kitchen is filled with the tasty aroma of Muiskenstuj or Muisken Stew, a mildly spicy red stew with beef, mushroom, tofu, carrots, and potatoes. After making such, we allow Michaela to cook her signature spaghetti that blends in the taste of corned beef and tomato. For desserts, we prepare simple Mielbun or Honey Fritters, which are fried ball doughs drizzled with honey and cinnamon.

"Alright, here we have Tometflombrad or Tomato Flame Bread! A flatbread coated with tomato sauce, cheese, rosemary, spices, and mushrooms! Yes, it's slightly spicy," I explained to Michaela, pointing at the plate of Tometflombrads. "Here is Venstjig or Winesteak, which is basically steak cooked with an alcoholic beverage, topped with oregano. And this is Polhjpanen or Chicken Cheese Sandwich, which is just... uhh... a simple grilled sandwich filled with roasted chicken, basil, mozzarella cheese, and of course, melted cheese!" I continued, pointing at the steaming bowls gracing the counter. "This is Muiskenstuj! Or Muisken Stew in English! Oh, they sound the same in Asbrannian and English. Anyway, it's a mildly spicy red stew with beef, mushroom, tofu, potatoes, and carrots!" Turning to the plate of Mielbun, I grinned, stating, "Ah! And this is Mielbun or Honey Fritters! This used to be Denis' favourite, as this is the first food he tasted in our realm!"

Michaela drizzled a spoonful of spaghetti sauce onto a plate of cooked pasta. "And here's my spaghetti!" she exclaimed. "Try it!"

I took an eager bite with Chloe, and upon tasting it, our eyes glimmered with delight.

"Mmm! This is so delicious, Mrs Ella!" Chloe squealed in joy. "I really really love it!"

I swallowed the chunk of pasta and gave her my kind remark. "Mhm! It is truly delicious, indeed! We should also cook that spaghetti in our world and let everyone try such fine dining!"

"I know, right??" Chloe laughed.

"You should teach us how to cook your signature spaghetti, Ma'am," I said, directing my words to Denis' mother, Michaela.

"Oh, I will! But for now, why don't you teach me how to bake a cake?" Michaela replied with an amused wink.

"With pleasure!" Chloe giggled playfully.

Chloe's POV

     Excitement brims within me as I anticipate embarking on yet another cake-baking venture this year. In fact, this marks my forty-ninth baking escapade. Without further ado, let's dive in.

     Starting off by greasing two 9-inch round cake pans, I set the oven to preheat, priming it for the upcoming baking extravaganza. Joined by the dynamic duo of Meredith and Michaela, we gather around a large mixing bowl, combining flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt with precision and camaraderie. The addition of eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients sets the stage for a delectable masterpiece, the batter coming together harmoniously under our collective efforts. Gradually incorporating boiling water into the mix, we adjust the mixing speed to achieve the perfect consistency.

     Folding in the milk and dark chocolate chips, we divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans. This part took a little bit of our time. The sun had already appeared far on the horizon as we did this. Nevertheless, I, personally, find it fun to do so, and I observe that Meredith and Michaela share my enthusiastic grin. Then, finally, we bake the batter in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.

     Just before 7 in the morning, we remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, we transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cakes have cooled, we frost them with frosting, such as sweet chocolate ganache and creamy buttercream. To decorate and embellish our hard work, we add finishing touches, placing strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries on top of the cake with edible flowers like pansies and marigolds.

"I never knew this would be so entertaining," Michaela beamed, admiring the cake we had made.

"I told you it would be so much fun!" I grinned.

"And we just did it in a nick of time," Meredith added.

     Meredith, Michaela, and I glance at the wall clock and see that it's finally 7 in the morning, the sunlight shining through the crystal-clear windows of the kitchen. And just as we have expected, we hear our friends and families' voices echoing within the halls of the house as they make their way downstairs. Swiftly, we prepare for the upcoming event of this wonderful day.

Denis' POV

     Harris, Chloe, Philip, Meredith, Presley, Felix, Lyvie, my mother, my father, and I drive to the resort, and enjoyment claims our day there. Entering the resort, we place the meals and dishes Chloe, Meredith, and my mom prepared early this morning on a gazebo with a table. While my mother and father, Michaela and Robert, set things up, the others and I headed to the changing room and switched into our swimsuits.

     Stepping out of the changing room, the sun reveals Harris' golden orange shorts and Chloe's dark brown swimsuit. Following behind, Philip dons black shorts, exposing his sculpted figure, while Presley, his half-brother, has a white tank top and beige shorts. Trailing behind the others is Meredith, with a vibrant white and pastel yellow bikini, and Lyvie, who is clad in a two-piece black swimsuit. As I walk out of the changing room, the daylight brings a brilliant glint upon my salmon-colored shorts, and I squint against the bright light, gazing around the swimming pools. My mom and dad follow in the changing room, switching their shirts and wearing their modest swimwear.

     At last, everyone and I finally jumped into the pool, enjoying our day. The water slides down our bodies as we swim to the surface, and bubbles emerge forth beneath the 5-foot depths. We chuckle aloud and splash around the resort, allowing the bright sun amidst the lightly cloudy sky to share its glory and heat with us. Like typical men who let their inner child show, Philip and Presley play volleyball in the pool, and Felix and Lyvie swim towards them, joining their intense game. Meanwhile, Chloe and Meredith do their juicy gossip on the side of the pool as they indulge in the sweet taste of coffee.

     In the meantime, my mother, who is damped with water on the side of the swimming pool, takes multiple pictures with us on her phone and brings my dad in. As my mother giggles and pulls my father to the camera, I can obviously see my father's lips tightening with unease. Yeah, he hates pictures and will just prefer to savor the day without taking a picture. Somehow, seeing my parents look like that makes me chuckle softly a bit on the water.

     Philip and Harris suddenly leap from the dry land into the swimming pool, causing towering waves to swash around us. I grin as I watch their amusement, and they eagerly swim forward. Venting off, I begin to swim forward, paddling my feet and causing water to spew into the sky and rain upon us. Couldn't this day get any better?

     As I swam around the pool, splashing water and playing with the others, their joyful laughter filled the air. Thoughts danced in my mind about how any day could become more vibrant, and how I could simply ignore the boys who often brought heartache. I reminded myself that things would improve if I embraced who I truly was. Boys could be distant, and heartbreakers could wound you deeply, but I resolved to forget them and move forward. I continued swimming, and as I resurfaced, I floated in the water, looking at Lyvie with a surprised expression.

"Uy, Denis!" Lyvie grinned, her eyes sparkling.

"'Musta ka na?" I smiled, asking her how she was.

"Literally drowning in schoolwork, sis. This week is pure chaos! Good thing we could unwind here. Hahaha!" Lyvie chuckled, sharing the rigors of her academic load and how it had turned this week into a true trial by fire. Fortunately, she found solace in our impromptu poolside venting session.

"Huh? Did you just call me sis?" I echoed, arching an eyebrow as a smirk tugged at the corners of my lips.

"Ay, I mean, ano, uh! Haha! You don't like it when I call you that?" she chuckled awkwardly, asking me if I didn't like it.

I glanced down, recalling the times my previous female friends used to call me the same thing because of my past, a past I refuse to return to. "Well..." I began.

Unexpectedly, Harris emerged from the waters and drifted towards us. "Oh, uh, hey," he greeted us.

"Ay, hi, Harris," Lyvie smiled, though I could feel something off about her expression.

Weirdly enough, Harris returned the same expression, his smile appearing forced. "...Oh, hey, Lyvie..."

"H-how're you, Harris?" I asked him, trying to break the tension. I mean, it was my fault for friend-zoning him, so I wouldn't blame his recent behavior. His pain, I could feel it, as I was also in that position before.

"Just checking you guys out," Harris replied. "Happy birthday to your father and my brother."

As Harris was about to swim away, I called out to him. "Wait!"

He turned around momentarily and looked into my eyes. "Hm?"

I knew this was an opportunity to break the palpable anticipation between Harris and Lyvie. Knowing I must give these two some small time, I said, "Hey... uh! How about you two talk for a while? I! I... I'll be getting some spaghetti and honey fritters!" Quickly, I swam back to dry land. "Be right back!"

Lyvie's POV

     And here I am, stuck with Harris in the pool. As Denis leaves us both with each other, I glance at Harris in the eyes awkwardly. The past and the memories all suddenly come flashing before me, and I cannot help but feel haunted by them. Don't I just wish I could erase those experiences?

"Hm," Harris gazed into my eyes.

I moved back slightly, looking away. "...Eh, hey."

Harris took a deep breath. "...Lyvie, look. The past is past. There's nothing we can do... I... I'm happy you found the guy for you. And all I could say for you is... congratulations..."

"...Can we not talk about that here...?" I pleaded as I scanned the area.

"...Oh, sorry," Harris sighed heavily.

     I grasped Harris's wrist, which surprised him, and pulled him and myself out of the water. Then, we proceeded to stride towards behind the line of gazebos. Little did I know, Denis was watching from afar. And right away, he trailed behind our backs and began to eavesdrop from the corner.

"...Harris... I know we both have our ups and downs, okay? Even though I have moved on already... I... I just don't want to hurt you... and him..." I confessed.

"Hurt who?" Harris asked.

Meanwhile, Denis, hiding from the corner, leaned his ear forward, attuned to our conversation.

"Denis..." I admitted. "I do not wanna hurt you, guys. I cannot answer his call for a relationship... because... just look at yourself. You are best friends. And I know, just before I left your universe two years ago, I heard that you were able to change his perspective, which he changed mine as well," I breathed out deeply, letting out my thoughts that kept hastening within my head.

"W-what...?"

Gasping, I looked at the side and saw Denis standing, facing me and Harris.

"Oh, D-Denis," Harris stammered.

Embarrassed and feeling humiliated by the freaking situation, I hurried away and strode towards our gazebo to seek refuge from the tiring world.

"L-Lyvie, hey!" Denis called out to me, following me.

"Denis, we can explain!" Harris urged, trailing behind Denis' footsteps, who was following my back.

Deciding to address the situation rather than being a coward just as I was, I finally halted and faced Denis with tearful eyes. "Denis... pasensya na talaga... I'm... so sorry..." I apologized.

"What? 'Sorry?' Why??" Denis queried worryingly.

I lowered my head, unable to make eye contact. "...Sorry... but... I- I'm just sorry, okay??" I cried silently.

"What's wrong? Please tell me," Denis urged patiently.

"...It is a long time ago, but since you are courting me, I believe you have the right to know the truth," I stated. "Harris... and I..." I began, my voice shaking uncontrollably.

"...Yes?" Denis asked, his eyes flitting between me and Harris.

"...We dated each other two years ago," Lyvie revealed. "Harris is my ex."

"What?" Denis gasped, his eyes widening in shock.

"That's right..." Harris stepped forward, proving my words. "...She was the girl I told you that I dated once... and when we broke up, it damaged her emotionally, which made it easy for the warlock to convince her to join the coven," he said.

"Yes..." I sighed, gritting my teeth in apprehension and uncertainty. "...And that's why I cannot answer your call for a relationship, Denis. I don't want to hurt your feelings or him," I stated, pointing at Denis and Harris. "But if I do hide this truth and answer your pangliligaw, then I'll be living in lies and falsehood... and I'll be just a deceitful girlfriend... a toxic... plastic snake..." My voice trembled with my body as I spoke.

Denis placed his hand on my shoulder. "Lyvie..." he whispered.

I peered into Denis' glistening eyes. Though I wasn't able to resist his emotions, I eventually rejected him. "...Sorry..." I shook my head, averting my gaze.

     With a heavy sigh, Denis pivots on his heels and begins to walk away, leaving me rooted to the spot like a statue. My eyes well up with unshed tears, emotions swirling within me, while my breath quivers with uncertainty. Will this momentary lapse ruin the bond I share with Denis? Or worse, will it fracture his friendship with Harris? Regret grips me tightly as I chastise myself for foolishly accepting his advances when I knew it was a misstep from the start.

Felix's POV

     After a fun day with my friends and family, everyone and I finally retreat to the cool shade of the wooden gazebo where our meals and snacks are prepared. At this moment, the sun begins its descent towards the horizon, and the sky turns into a gradient canvas of orange and purple. As I sit on the bench next to Denis's father, Robert, I eagerly watch Meredith and Michaela bring our birthday cake to us. A deep sense of bliss sparks within my eyes, causing them to glisten like gold as I bounce on my seat.

     Michaela brings out the lighter and places a colorful candle on the cake. Then, she ignites the candle, causing a tiny spark of flame to flicker. The fire glows, reflecting on our shimmering eyes, as we peer at the delicious, deep brown cake.

"Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday! Happy birthday! Happy! Birthday! To You Two!" everyone sang as Robert and I grinned in our seats.

     At that fleeting moment, time seems to stand still as Robert and I make our wishes silently, our grins outshining the fire on the candle. Together, at the same time, we close our eyes and blow the candle, extinguishing the flame. And just like winning a tournament, Michaela snaps a picture on her phone, and everyone cheers, clapping and laughing. It doesn't take time until all of us begin to devour the cake, savoring the sweet treat that melts in our tongues.

Denis' POV

     Soon, the night has settled over the land, and darkness looms above the clouds. On a deck chair beside a swimming pool, I recline and eat my plate of chocolate cake, focusing on the feelings that churn my stomach. The revelation about Harris and Lyvie's past makes my heart feel as though it is being twisted, and I cannot bear the numbing pain. With my heavy eyes on the verge of tears, I breathe in steadily and release a mouthful of breath.

     As I focus on myself alone with a slice of cake, I hear muffled footsteps approaching and feel someone's presence. I look to the side, and there, I see Lyvie sitting on the deck chair beside me. Sighing, she glances at me with furrowed eyebrows and downturned lips.

"Denis... look..." Lyvie began.

"It's okay, I understand," I sighed.

"Pero you won't understand when I still haven't told you enough," Lyvie reasoned, concern laced in her tone.

"You disclosed as much information as I needed to hear. I understand you..." I told her kindly.

Lyvie lowered her gaze. "...Thank you."

"You know, at least, you managed to communicate well," I remarked. "Meanwhile, my ex wasn't able to tell the truth but would straightforwardly tell inappropriate, hurtful statements... and I would always make an effort while he just made a fool out of me."

Lyvie's eyes widened. "...He? I mean, as in, you dated a—"

"Yeah, I was gay," I revealed nonchalantly, staring at the sparkling stars above us.

Lyvie's eyebrows creased, her face wrinkling with confusion. "You cannot just turn straight. Maybe you're bi!" she stated.

"Maybe my experience with foolish men was enough to change my liking," I chuckled softly.

Lyvie smiled. "...Hey, be true to yourself," she advised, placing a hand atop mine. "I always hear your mom telling us that... regret will only show up in the end."

     I glanced at my back and saw my mother conversing with the others with a broad smile as she savored a piece of cake. Suddenly, she glanced at me, sending me a warm smile. Then, unexpectedly, she walked forward and approached me and Lyvie on our deck chairs.

"Oh, ano? How are you all doing there? Why don't you come inside? It might get misty out here! It's getting late," my mother suggested, checking on us and recommending that we move into the gazebo to avoid the possibility of mist since it was already nighttime.

"Oh, we're good here, 'ta!" Lyvie beamed, assuring my mother that we were comfortable on the deck chairs.

"What are you all up to over there?" my mother asked, curious about our activities.

"We're just speaking," I said.

"And Denis revealed to me that he used to like boys," Lyvie ventured calmly with a mischievous smirk.

"Hoy, Lyvie!" I gasped in shock, turning to look at her with wide eyes.

"Hm," my mother mused as she settled on the deck chair on my left. "You know, Denis, it's actually the right decision to tell Lyvie the truth. Otherwise, you will be living in lies. Do you want that?"

"N-no..." I murmured.

"Then, good thing you told her your true self," my mother beamed.

"My true self? What do you mean?? That's my past self, not my current one. I no longer like guys. In fact, I hate guys now!" I grunted, furrowing my brows.

"Denis, don't let anyone change what you like just because they are so traumatizing. You are you. Your shared experience with them should not change what you enjoy if it poses no harm. And you? A guy? Liking other men? Well, it's nothing for the modern world!" Lyvie asserted calmly.

"'Nak," said my mother. "...Remember, if you want a true partner, you should be yourself. You cannot live on things where you don't feel... you."

     What powerful words from powerful women. Their remarks are all enough to make me consider my life choices, my eyes dropping to the ground. As I sit quietly, staring at the gentle waters of the swimming pool, I think and think, trying to come up with a resolution. However, it feels tough for now, as I am unable to choose which path is right for me. Should I stay on the path deemed righteous by tradition or be free on my own terms?

Harris' POV

     The long hours of happiness and drama within the resort have finally come to an end as we all return to our rightful homes. Upon bidding goodbye to Lyvie and dropping her off in her subdivision, Denis, Chloe, Philip, Meredith, Presley, Felix, Michaela, Robert, and I seek our way back into their house and get things done. While Philip and Robert fix things in the kitchen, Meredith and Michaela wash the dishes and plastic containers. In the meantime, I find myself upstairs heading towards the bathroom.

     Inside the bathroom, I take off my shirt in front of the mirror hanging on the wall, gazing at my chiselled body. I approach the mirror and lean forward, pressing my hands on the bathroom sink. As my handsome reflection and I stare at each other in the eyes, I begin to wonder if I am causing harm to Denis' well-being. He seemed happy at first when I got here, but now, he acts like how I used to act two years ago before I befriended him—aloof and kinda scary.

     A deep sigh passes through my lips as I take a moment to close my eyes to seek momentary respite from the exhausting day. Without wasting a moment, I jump into the shower and turn on the water. The water dampens my fiery, golden hair and soaks my figure as I begin to scrub the dirt and leftover chlorine off my fair skin. Listening to the shower dribble on the bathroom floor, I lower my head and concentrate on the future possibilities ahead of me. Now that Denis has revealed he used to like men and Lyvie has cancelled their courtship, what could happen next?

     After showering, I dry myself with a towel and head to my shared bedroom with Denis and put on my clothes while Denis is downstairs. Just as I put on a white sleeveless shirt, Denis enters the room, and we share prolonged gazes that speak words. It was an intense stare until we broke our eye contact, looking down at the floor. But it's weird, as I find my cheeks flushing into bright red—that its color shines amidst the dark bedroom.

"Hey, Denis," I whispered, stepping closer to him.

Denis turned his eyes elsewhere as he crossed his arms. "Erm..."

"Hey, come on now... don't give me that look," I told him.

"...Look, I... I don't know what to say," Denis sighed.

"Me either," I admitted. "...But the fact you like guys still surprises me 'till now. But you're just suppressing your harmless desires."

"...Learning you and Lyvie were once together surprises me," Denis replied.

"Hey, that's the past," I countered. "We moved on from our feelings now."

"Yeah, I know you no longer like Lyvie. But at this moment... you? You like me, don't you?" Denis stepped forward, making deliberate eye contact with me.

I scoffed in exasperation, furrowing my brows. "I... I don't...? What are you talking about?"

"Please... please answer me this time. I don't want to hurt your feelings, just as Lyvie doesn't want to harm us. So please, tell me the truth," Denis urged calmly.

"...I... I don't know what you're trying to convey," I grunted, shaking my head.

"You tried to kiss me. Remember that?" Denis reminded me.

"Oh... that... I, uh..." I quickly thought of a lie as I wanted to hide the truth. "...I was just drunk. Okay? I drank three cans of whiskey that night."

"Oh..."

"Yeah... anyways, uhm... you should... you should probably go shower now. And let's head to sleep. You still have a key to find in your dream," I told him.

"Oh, heh, yeah, you're right," Denis responded, scratching the back of his head.

As Denis left me alone in his bedroom, I stood still amidst the darkness, pondering about our life and the uncertain bond that could lead to a doubtful future. Approaching the crystal clear window, I slid it open and sat on the sill. As the cold, nightly breeze caressed my face and damp hair, whirling thoughts began to ravage my mind. Closing my eyes, I began to sing, "Oh, sweet little Denis. Thank you, I found me. Am I in reality? Such a strange feeling. Yeah, yeah... oh... maybe if you could open your heart, we're meant to be. You're the best guy ever be. And because of you, I'm free. I'm me, truly free... oh, oh, oh..."