Romances de ImVictorique

Sean slipped backstage, weaving through the flurry of students carrying instruments, props, and stage outfits. The lingering energy of Lareina and Yvo’s performance still buzzed in the air, and he spotted them near the dressing area, sharing a quick laugh.“Hey,” Sean said, approaching cautiously. His phone, thankfully still functioning aside from the lost recording, was tucked into his pocket.Lareina looked up first, her smile bright despite the faint flush on her cheeks from performing. “Sean! You made it!”Sean forced a small smile. “Of course, I would not miss it.”Lareina’s brow furrowed slightly as she studied him. “I am so happy. You looked pale earlier, and kind of out of it, and I was worried about you.”Sean blinked, momentarily caught off guard. “I am fine,” he said quickly, forcing a laugh. “It was just something on my mind, I guess. By the way, well done. Your performance was really good.”Yvo stepped forward, crossing his arms with a faintly smug grin. “You mean our per

The night sky above the academy shimmered with color. Strings of lanterns swayed gently in the evening breeze, their warm glow rippling across rows of eager faces. The open-air stage gleamed beneath the spotlights, and the courtyard pulsed with laughter, movement, and sound.The host bounded onto the stage, his bright jacket catching the light as he raised the microphone. “Good evening, everyone!” he called out. “Welcome to the second night of the school festival concert! Let’s make some noise!”The crowd erupted in cheers that rolled across the campus like thunder.Backstage, Sean watched the host beam into the lights as the sound of the audience vibrated through the wooden floor beneath his feet. Performers hurried past him, whispering last-minute pep talks, fixing costumes, or clutching instruments. The air was alive with nervous energy and excitement.The first act set the tone with a high-energy dance number, earning wild applause and rhythmic clapping from the crowd. A pianist

The second day of the school festival began with a rush of color and sound. Bright banners fluttered from every post, students hurried across the courtyard carrying instruments and costumes, and the air was alive with laughter and music. Unlike the first day, which focused on sports and competitions, today was devoted entirely to performances. This was the festival’s heartbeat, the moment when the school truly lived up to its reputation as a premier performing arts academy.Tonight’s concert was the main event. Talent scouts, alumni, and well-known artists were expected to attend, filling the campus with an electric mix of excitement and nerves. For most students, it was a chance to shine under the lights. For Sean, it felt heavier—like a weight pressing on his chest that he could not shake off.He sat quietly near the stage, elbows resting on his knees, watching as crew members adjusted spotlights and microphones. His usual spark was gone, replaced by a distant stillness. The congrat

“There you two are,” Yvo said as he approached the bench. “I thought you got lost in each other’s eyes or something.”Sean looked up, startled. “We were just talking.”“Sure,” Yvo said with a smirk. “It looked more like a scene from a drama. Romantic lighting, emotional tension, classic Sean.”Lareina laughed softly, unaware of the meaning beneath his tone. “You’re so dramatic.”“Occupational hazard,” Yvo replied. “Someone has to keep this group from turning into a love story. Unless it’s a romance between us.”Lucy stayed quiet, glancing briefly at Sean, her thoughts tangled with uncertainty and Yvo’s earlier words.“Anyway,” Yvo said with an easy shrug. “It’s late. We should head back. We still have a performance tomorrow.”Sean stood, brushing off his jeans. “Yeah, let’s go.”As they started walking back, Lucy glanced one last time at Sean. His laughter reached her faintly, low and soft. She looked away before he noticed.The walk toward the park exit was quieter. The earlier excit

The night deepened over the city, softening the sharp glow of lights beyond the glass walls. Plates were cleared, laughter lingered, and the hum of conversation mellowed into a comfortable quiet. The air still carried the warmth of garlic, bread, and the faint trace of candle wax melting on the table.Sean leaned back in his seat, his laughter finally subsiding. “All right,” he said, glancing at the time on his phone. “Before this turns into another round of Yvo’s ego parade, we should head out soon.”“Ego parade?” Yvo gasped in mock offense. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”Darren grinned. “It is. We barely survived the last one.”Lareina giggled, covering her mouth, and even Sean couldn’t stop the small smile tugging at his lips. “Come on. Let’s all walk together. The park across the street is open until midnight. We can cool off before heading home.”“Sounds perfect,” Liqueen said cheerfully, already gathering her things.While the others chatted, Sean stood up and made his wa

The restaurant Sean had chosen glowed warmly under amber lights. Its floor-to-ceiling windows reflected the soft shimmer of the city beyond, while the faint hum of evening traffic outside blended with the mellow jazz playing inside. The air carried the comforting scent of roasted garlic and freshly baked bread, familiar and inviting, perfectly fitting the quiet excitement of the night.Bricks and Bloom sat just a few blocks from their school, a cozy spot popular among students who wanted something more refined than the usual cafés. Sean had reserved a large corner table near the window, far enough from the crowd to enjoy a bit of privacy. As soon as they arrived, he stepped ahead and politely pulled out chairs for Lareina and Lucy, earning soft smiles from both.“Well, well,” Yvo drawled with a teasing grin. “Such a gentleman. I didn’t know you were auditioning for Mr. Chivalry 2025.”Sean gave him a flat look. “It’s called manners, Yvo. You should try it sometime.”“I have manners,”

After five months...THIRD PERSON's POV. PAGOD na nagkatinginan sina Kaley at 'yong iba pang kaibigan ni Lucas sa kanya. Maging sina Luciana, Lucia at Luca ay nayayamot na habang pinagmamasdan ang kapatid na palakad-lakad sa harapan nila."Kuya, Can you just sit?! I'm feeling dizzy because of you!" Reklamo ni Lucia kay Lucas na napakagat na lang sa sariling kuko dala ng nerbyos. "She's right Lucas. Walang mangyayaring masama kay Rhea okay?" Paninigurado naman ni Rave. "I can't." Iling ni Lucas. "I did some research online and it says, masakit daw ang manganak. Baka nasasaktan ang asawa ko." Nag-aalalang dagdag pa nito. Nanggigigil na napatayo naman si Ruffa sa upuan at hinawakan ang magkabilang balikat ni Lucas."Calm down, Mars. She will be okay." Anya pa ng beki. Pagkaraan ay siya na rin mismo ang nagpaupo kay Lucas sa inupuan niya kanina. Lumipas ang ilang sandali ay lumabas na rin ang Midwife na nagpaanak kay Rhea kaya agad na dinalungan ito ni Lucas. "Kamusta ang lagay ng a

THIRD PERSON's POV. PAGKARATING ni Lucas ay agad niyang napansin ang asawa na nakayakap kay Rave. Dali-dali niyang hinablot ito mula sa kaibigan at mahigpit na niyakap. Mukhang nakilala naman siya nito sapagkat mas lalong dumiin pa ito sa kanya habang humahagulgol. "Ssh...I'm here. Tahan na..." Pag-a-alo ni Lucas sa asawa. Saglit siyang tumingin sa paligid habang nakayakap pa rin sa kanya sa Rhea. Napansin niya ang kanyang mga kaibigan na nakatingin sa kanila. At nagdilim ang mukha niya nang mapansin si Cristoff na walang malay habang nakatali. How dare him! Dahan-dahan siyang bumitaw sa pagkakayakap at kuyom ang kamao na lumakad sa kinahihigaan ni Cristoff para amabahan ng suntok nang biglang harangan siya ni Ruffa. May inis na tiningnan niya ang kaibigan. "Bakit mo ako pinipigilan? That b*st*rd deserve a punch! D*mn it!" Nanggagalaiting pahayag ni Lucas na hindi na makapagtimpi ngunit nanatiling kalmado si Ruffa. "Stop it, okay? Kanina pa iyan nabugbog ni Rave kaya nawal

RHEA'sNANDITO kami ngayon sa Condo ni Lucas. Hinahakot niya kasi iyong mga ibang gamit niya. Mga alas-dyis na rin mahigit dahil late rin kami nagising. "Hoy, Bilisan mo ngang mag-ayos diyan daig mo pa ko sa pagiging mahinhin mo eh." Reklamo ko. Paano ba naman magtiklop lang ng damit inaabot pa tatlong minuto bago matapos. In the end, nalulukot pa rinkapag ilalagay niya na sa maleta.At ang walang hiya, imbis na bilisan ang kilos, nginisian lang ako ng pang-asar."Edi mas maganda! Wala rin naman akong gagawin kaya standby muna tayo." Boses batang sabi niya.Umarko naman ang isang kilay ko."Ikaw Lucas! Tigil-tigilan mo ako ah! Namumuro kana kahapon ka pa sa mga kapilyuhan mo. Pasakan ko ng bulak yung bibig mo makikita mo." Inis kong saway sa kanya habang pinapakita ang malaking bulak na hawak ko. Hindi man lang siya natakot at pinagpatuloy lang ang pagtitiklop.Nanatili kaming tahimik hanggang sa putulin ito ng tumutunog na cellphone ni Lucas. Saglit na tiningnan niya ako bago tumayo

RHEA's"Ano na?" Maang kong tanong kay Lucas. Kasalukuyan kaming nakaupo dito sa sofa habang nanonood ng TV. Akbay-akbay niya ako habang nakasandal naman ang ulo ko sa dibdib niya. Habang si Mama naman ay kasalukuyang nang nagpapahinga sa kwarto niya. Alas-otso na rin kasi ng gabi at masamang magpuyat lalo na at kaga-galing niya lang."Anong ano na?" Takang tanong niya pabalik. "Iyong about sa bahay, hindi naman ako pwedeng bumalik sa Condo mo at ayaw kong iwan ang Mama ko hanggang hindi pa siya fully recovered." Turan ko. "About that, I think itong bahay mo na lang ang maging official house natin but sumama muna kayo sa akin sa Condo. Gusto ko kasing ipa-renovate itong bahay mo at palakihan since magkakaroon na tayo ng anak." Atat na wika niya saka tumayo kaya napaayos ako ng upo. "Where are you going?" Tanong ko ng akmang aakyat siya ng hagdan patungo sa second floor. "To your room." Payak niyang saad at umakyat na. Naiwan naman akong nagtataka. Sa room ko? Ano namang gagawin

RHEA'sDAHIL nga sa sinabi ni Mama no'ng isang linggo napagdesisyunan ko na magpa-check up ngayon. Kung bakit ngayon lang? Ewan ko. Kinakabahan din kasi ako sa magiging resulta at medyo naging busy sa work. Si Lucas, ayon kay Mama ay palagi raw dumadalaw sa bahay. May dala-dalang mga flowers and gifts na si Mama lagi ang tumatanggap. At nang dahil sa kanya, nagmistulang garden na ang bahay namin. Hindi naman makatanggi si Mama kasi sayang naman daw. If I know, nasuhulan na 'yan. Obviously, hindi pa rin kami nagkakaayos. Sa tuwing pumupunta kasi siya, timing na wala talaga ako sa bahay kaya ang lagi niyang nakikita si Mama. It's a good thing though, wala pa rin kasi akong lakas ng loob para kausapin siya. Anyways, kasalukuyan akong nandito ngayon sa opisina ni Doctor Rachelle, ang aking OB-gynecologist. Tapos niya na akong chineck kaya ang hinihintay ko na lang ay iyong resulta ng PT na pinagamit niya sa akin kanina. Medyo kinakabahan pa nga ako pero ganito talaga siguro kapag fir

LUCAS'MARIING napalunok ako nang tuluyang makaupo si Papa at Lolo sa upuang nasa harapan ko. Feeling ko para akong kriminal na kailangan parusahan."What the hell is this?" Walang paligoy-ligoy na panimula ni Lolo sabay bato sa akin ng isang sobre. Kinakabahang inabot ko naman iyon at dahang-dahang binuksan. Pagkakita ko ay literal na namutla na lang ako sa takot at sabay na napasinghap dahil bumungad sa akin ang mga picture namin ni Cristoff na magka-holding hands at meron pang iba. Mukhang kinuha ito noong time na active pa kaming dalawa sa pag-d-date."Hindi ba't sinabi ko sayo na tigilan mo ang pagigiging bakla mo ha? Bakit hindi ka marunong makinig. Where's your wife I need to talk to her! Bakit pinabayaan ka niyang magloko? Alam niya ba ito?" Galit nitong bulyaw na nagpatahimik na lang talaga sa akin. Si Papa naman tahimik lang sa tabi, hindi ko naman siya masisisi dahil alam kong pati siya tiklop kapag si Lolo na ang nagsalita. Batas kasi si Lolo at lalo lang lalaki ang probl

Three Months Later…The soft afternoon light filtered through the sheer curtains of the Villareal home, painting the living room in shades of gold and rose. Dust motes drifted lazily in the glow, moving as if time itself had slowed to match the gentle rhythm of this new life. The once-quiet house, once too large and empty, now carried a different music—the tender cries of a newborn, the shuffle of tired but eager footsteps, and the mismatched lullabies of a man who had discovered a part of himself he never knew he had.Lucas sat on the couch, his shirt wrinkled, one sock missing, and a burp cloth hanging crookedly over his shoulder. His tie lay abandoned somewhere hours ago, and his hair was disheveled beyond repair, yet he looked more whole than ever before. In his arms, baby Louis wriggled, fighting sleep with tiny protests until his father’s low, steady hum began to soothe him. The melody was off-key, half-forgotten, but full of love."I think he likes it when you sing badly," Rhea

The couple made their way straight to the mall, just as Lucas had promised. Inside the baby store, Lucas quickly found himself giving the sales associate specific instructions like a man on a mission.“I want that crib and that walker. Set them aside for me. I’ll pay for those now. Follow us after — we’ll choose more.”Then he darted toward a rack of clothes and held up an outfit far too large for a newborn.“What do you think, baby girl? I think this one suits him.”Rhea gave him a look, one eyebrow raised. He truly had no clue.“Um, sir?” the sales associate asked cautiously. “How old is your baby?”Lucas scratched his head, frowning. “He’s not born yet. He’s only four months along. Still inside the womb.”Rhea stepped in before things got any more awkward. “Where are the clothes for newborns?”The associate smiled with understanding and led them to a different section.Lucas followed, though he looked a bit grumpy.“What’s with the face?” Rhea asked quietly.“I just realized it’s st

The car screeched to a violent stop in front of the building. Lucas didn’t wait. He flung the door open even before the vehicle had fully halted and bolted toward the entrance, his shoes pounding against the pavement. A guard called out his name, startled by the sudden arrival, but Lucas didn’t slow. He barely registered the world around him. All he could think about was Rhea.He slammed the elevator button with trembling fingers. The light blinked back at him, maddeningly slow.Come on. Come on!Each second dragged like an eternity. His heart pounded in his chest, a rapid, painful rhythm that matched the chaos in his head. He was consumed by images of Rhea—her laughter, her cries, the way her body crumpled when she clutched her stomach. The panic rising in his throat nearly choked him.Please let her be okay. Please… both of them.The elevator finally arrived with a soft ding. Lucas rushed inside and stood rigidly as the doors closed. He paced, unable to stand still, his fists opening

The morning light filtered softly through the curtains of Lucas’s high-rise condo, casting a warm, golden hue across the polished floors. The air inside was calm but tinged with the quiet busyness of a couple preparing for a transition. Cardboard boxes sat half-filled on the floor, and an open suitcase lay on the bed, only partially packed with wrinkled clothes.Lucas sat cross-legged on the carpet, a shirt awkwardly crumpled in his lap. He stared at it as if trying to unlock the mystery of folding. Every attempt ended the same way: clumsily folded fabric that looked worse than before. With a shrug, he stuffed it into the suitcase anyway.Across the room, Rhea was watching him with an amused frown as she folded his jeans with far more grace. She had already filled two small boxes with his toiletries and books while Lucas was still struggling with his second shirt."Hurry up with the packing. You’re moving slower than I am, and I’m the one who’s supposed to be dainty here," she quipped,

Later that afternoon, Rhea returned home and found Lucas sitting in the living room, chatting with her mother. She didn’t know what they were laughing about, but Mama was chuckling like a teenager. Both of them froze the moment Rhea entered.She didn’t say a word. She just looked straight at Lucas."Let’s talk," She said firmly, then turned around and walked outside.She made her way to the small garden. The scent of flowers filled the air. Moments later, she felt him behind her. She turned to face him, her expression unreadable.“I’m so—”“Here.” She cut him off, handing him a brown envelope.Lucas took it hesitantly and opened it. Inside were the test results and the pregnancy kit.He stared at the contents for a long time, his hands beginning to tremble. Then he looked up at her, his eyes filling with tears.“I’m pregnant,” Rhea said quietly. “And yes, you’re the father.”Lucas covered his mouth with one hand, too stunned to speak. “Father? I’m going to be a dad? Oh God. Thank You.

Because of what her mother had told her a week ago, Rhea finally gathered the courage to schedule a check-up today.Why only now?She wasn’t entirely sure. Maybe it was fear. The unknown had always terrified her. A part of her was deeply afraid of what the results might reveal. Another part of her had been swamped with work, using it as a distraction. And then there was Lucas. According to her mother, he had been visiting their house often, never arriving empty-handed. Flowers, fruit baskets, home-cooked meals, and even simple handwritten notes. He never asked to see her. He only left gifts, like quiet offerings of apology. Mama was the one who always received him at the door. What used to be a plain family home had now turned into a sanctuary of fresh blooms. Her mother never declined the gifts, often saying it would be a shame to waste them. But Rhea knew better. Lucas had slowly and surely charmed his way back into her mother’s good graces.But not into hers. Not yet.Their relation