CHAPTER FIVE

“MISS KAT!” ONE of Katleya’s classmates called out, excitement evident in her voice.

Katleya paused from typing on her laptop and looked at her classmate who had called her. She frowned when she noticed her classmate giggling while pointing with her lips at someone nearby. Following the direction, her eyes widened in surprise as she realized her new friend was standing beside her.

“Your shocked face!” he exclaimed, laughing at her reaction.

“You startled me, Blue. In all fairness, you look kind today, even if you like scaring people,” Katleya said, smiling.

“Wow, thanks.” Blue scratched the back of his head. “Lunch with me?”

“Sure. Now?”

Blue glanced at her laptop. “Is that your report?”

“Yes.”

He moved closer and took her laptop. “Let me do it.”

“Do you even know how?” Katleya asked, puzzled.

“Watch me,” he replied with a confident grin.

He resumed what she was working on earlier. Katleya couldn’t help but be amazed. Despite not looking at any books, Blue seemed to know the subject well. Ten minutes later, he stood up, finished, and grabbed Katleya's bag, slinging it over his shoulder.

“Let’s go. I’ll carry this for you.”

Katleya smiled at him, realizing he had a hidden intellect. She turned off her laptop, packed it, and left it behind. Standing, she found herself being pulled close by Blue, who slung an arm around her shoulder.

“My best friend’s so sweet. I wish your twin were as sweet. Just a big wish,” Katleya teased.

“He’s sweet, just shy around you.”

“Why would he be shy with me? I’m the one who likes him.”

Blue smiled. “Do you really like him, Kat? What do you even see in that grouchy guy?”

“All about him.”

Blue chuckled and pinched Katleya’s cheek. “Aww, you’re making me blush.”

“Just make sure you support us, Blue.”

“Always.”

The two walked out of the classroom and took the elevator down. They had it all to themselves. Blue pressed the button for the ground floor, waiting as they descended.

“Is it true what I overheard last night on the phone?” Katleya asked.

“What?” Blue replied.

“Your twin’s mischief.”

Blue didn’t know how to respond, his face breaking into a sweat.

“Blue,” Katleya said, noticing his awkward silence.

“W-What was it again?”

The elevator doors opened, and they stepped out.

“I said, is it true what you told your twin? About him . . .”

Blue quickly covered Katleya’s mouth with his hand.

“Don’t talk too much, okay?”

He removed his hand, and Katleya nodded in agreement. They walked toward the cafeteria, entered, and sat at a table.

“You’re really beautiful, Kat.”

“Are you flattering me? Tsk!” Katleya rolled her eyes.

“Why would I do that? You’re genuinely beautiful in my eyes.”

“I don’t know, Blue. Last night, I heard Red say he has a crush on me. Is that true?” Blue coughed. “What happened to you?”

“N-Nothing. Let me order for us. Stay here.”

Katleya handed him money. “My treat.”

“No need. It’s my treat. All I ask when you’re with me is to eat.”

“What if I gain weight?”

“Nothing will change. You’re still damn gorgeous,” Blue said with a playful wink.

Katleya smiled as Blue walked off. Something about his behavior seemed different. A few minutes later, he returned, carrying a tray of food. Sitting down, he handed Katleya her meal.

“Eat well, my princess,” he said.

“Princess, huh?” Katleya’s eyes widened at the large portion Blue had ordered for himself. “Can you finish all that?”

“Yes.”

“You told me Red was the big eater. Turns out you’re the same.” Blue almost choked. Katleya laughed. “What’s wrong, Blue? You’ve been acting weird. You seem uneasy. Is something bothering you?”

“N-Nothing. Did I say that?”

“Yes. You told me your twin eats a lot, treats you poorly, and lastly—” she laughed, “—has a mole on his . . .”

Sweat broke out all over Blue as Katleya wiped his face with her handkerchief. Blue stared at her as she did so, his heart racing.

He froze when he noticed Katleya’s hand trembling as she looked at him with wide eyes.

“What’s wrong with you?”

“R-Red?” she asked.

“Looking for my twin? Too bad.”

“Your mole is gone.”

“G-Gone?!” Blue shouted. Grabbing his phone, he checked his face using the camera.

Katleya’s eyes widened as she noticed the word “Red” written on the back of his phone case. Blue examined his reflection, scratching his head when he saw the fake mole was gone.

Blue turned to Katleya. “Let me explain.”

“So, you’re Red? W-Where’s Blue?” Katleya asked.

“You’re not mad?” Red moved closer to her. “Please, Kat, don’t be mad.” Katleya nodded in agreement. “Yes! I love you!”

Everyone in the cafeteria turned to look at them after Red’s outburst.

“You love me?” Katleya smiled, suppressing her excitement.

“I mean, thank you,” Red corrected.

“Oh,” Katleya said, a tinge of disappointment in her voice. She had been thrilled to hear him say those words. “Where’s Blue?”

“He’s in the library, helping Grey and Green with their research.”

“Okay, but why are you pretending to be him? No wonder something felt off.”

Red looked down. “I just wanted to be with you.”

“You could be with me even as yourself.”

“I felt shy around you. And I knew you felt more comfortable with Blue.”

“But you know, I feel more comfortable with you because I like you,” Katleya said.

Red turned his back, biting his lip in excitement. He took a deep breath to calm himself down. He adjusted his collar and tie, unable to stop grinning.

“Red, are you okay?” Katleya asked.

The young man didn’t know how to stay calm. It was a new feeling for him since Katleya was the first girl he ever liked. Once he managed to compose himself, he turned around, his cheeks still flushed.

“Sorry if my reaction was like this. It’s just that I really feel so giddy around you. Honestly, from the day we met, I could say…”

Katleya was about to take a bite of her food when Red stopped her, gently taking the spoon from her hand.

“Let me feed you. You’re my princess, right? And I’m your prince. How cheesy of me.

Katleya laughed at Red’s behavior. “You’re so cute.”

“Really? Do you want me to be like this? I’ll do it for you. Open your mouth. Let me feed you.”

Katleya opened her mouth and ate the food Red offered. “Thank you, but you should eat, too. You might get hungry.”

“Is that okay?”

Katleya nodded. Red resumed eating. When Katleya saw some food stuck on the side of Red’s lips, she reached over and wiped it away. Both of them ended up staring at each other, their mouths slightly agape.

Katleya paused when her phone rang. She checked who it was—Blue. The two of them had exchanged numbers the day before.

MaliBLUEg: I can’t join you today, best friend. I’m helping those two fools with their work.

Katleya chuckled as she read Blue’s contact name on her phone. He was the one who had set it.

Katleya: You’re so crazy. HAHAHA. But it’s fine. I’m with your twin.

MaliBLUEg: Really!? Looks like my twin’s learning to flirt, huh? Good for him. Anyway, enjoy your lunch with him. I love you.

Katleya: So sweet, huh? I love you too. Ew!

MaliBLUEg: Don’t reply anymore. If you do, I’ll end up replying again. Tss!

Katleya: HAHAHAHAHA REALLY?

MaliBLUEg: You won’t stop, huh? Want me to send my d*ck pic to you?

“Yuck!” Katleya exclaimed, drawing Red’s attention as he continued eating.

“Who are you texting?” Red asked.

“Your abnormal twin.” Katleya laughed. Red handed his phone to her. “What’s this for?”

“Save your number, too. We’re friends now, right?”

Katleya smiled as she typed her number into Red’s phone. She never expected this day to come—spending time together like this.

Once she was done, she handed the phone back. “Done.”

Red took it and immediately typed a message for the girl he liked. “Read it, Kat.”

Katleya’s phone buzzed. She looked at the message.

[phone]: I like you, my princess. <3

“Is this you?” Katleya asked Red, who was happily staring at her.

The young man nodded. “Yes. Save it, okay?”

“Sure. Of course! You’re special to me, Red.”

“You really know how to make someone’s heart flutter.”

“There’s only one reason for that—I like you.”

“Hey! Stop that. You’re really making me blush,” he said, continuing to eat.

“You’re so cute. You’re like Blue. You have a playful side too,” Katleya said with a laugh.

“I idolize his mischief. You know, even though I often scold him, I love him dearly. I admire his bravery. That kid is so courageous.”

“Blue is lucky to have you as his twin brother.”

“I’m luckier to have him. What’s this? I feel like I’m about to cry. But really, I love that kid.”

“It shows. It’s obvious from the way you look at him. I notice that.”

The two continued eating. Afterward, Red walked Katleya to the Engineering Department.

“Goodbye. See you later. I’ll pick you up later, Kat,” Red said as he bid farewell.

“I’ll wait. Thank you, Red.” She smiled.

Red was about to leave but turned back when Katleya called him. “Red,” she said. “I heart you.”

Red covered his face in excitement. He didn’t expect Katleya to say that to his face. It felt like his heart was about to explode.

“What’s wrong with you?” Katleya asked.

“I’m thrilled,” Red admitted.

“What does someone thrilled look like?” Katleya teased.

Red removed his hands from his face and showed her. “Like this.”

“You’re so handsome. Go on, you better leave now, or you’ll be late for your class.”

“Okay, bye. Wait for me, okay? I’ll pick you up.”

“Sure. Thank you.”

Katleya couldn’t help but jump with joy after Red left. She couldn’t believe everything that had just happened.

***

INSIDE RED’S CAR, Katleya sat while they parked in front of her mansion. Red insisted on escorting her home to ensure her safety.

Katleya opened the door and stepped out. She looked at Red, still inside the car. “Thank you. Be careful on your way home.”

Red also stepped out and approached her. “You’re welcome. Would you mind if I came inside your house?”

“Why not, Katleya?” said a male voice—Fernando’s.

Red immediately extended his hand and bowed slightly. “Hi, sir. Nice to meet you.”

“Blue, can you do a quick twerk for us?” Fernando joked with a laugh. Red’s face flushed.

“D-Dad,” Katleya said shyly, “He’s not Blue. He’s Red, Blue’s twin brother.”

Fernando looked astonished. He observed Red closely. “Sorry, hijo. You two really look identical. Come inside. Let’s have dinner here.”

“Really? Thank you, sir,” Red replied cheerfully.

“Of course. Come on in.”

The two followed Fernando inside the gate. Red marveled at the grandeur of the Quizo mansion, smiling as he took in its size and beauty. Katleya guided him to the living room.

“Welcome to our home, Red,” Fernando said.

“Thank you, Sir.”

Katleya smiled, watching Red, who appeared awestruck. “Actually, this mansion was a collaboration between my parents. It was built with love.”

“Wow! Really?” Red asked, looking around. He turned to Fernando. “Is that true, sir?”

“Yes. We were still in college when my wife and I got together. We were best friends turned lovers. When we became a couple, our goals aligned. We even promised each other that no matter what, we wouldn’t let anything separate us. Then, we made a lot of plans, and this house was one of them. It’s heartwarming to think that we sketched this place together back then.” Fernando smiled and looked at Katleya. “Now, we’ve been blessed with three wonderful children.”

Red was enjoying Fernando’s story when a woman appeared—Katleya’s mother.

Red approached her and bowed respectfully. “Nice to meet you, Ma’am.”

“Scandal boy, you’re here,” Ezmeralda said.

Katleya quickly walked up to her mother and linked arms. “Mom, he’s not Blue. He’s Red. Blue’s twin brother.”

“Oh, my god,” Ezmeralda exclaimed, looking at Red. “Sorry.”

“So, you know Blue?” Red asked.

“He rode with us yesterday. Kat saw him on the road. So, you’re the one he complained about to his grandmother, saying you kicked him out of the car? No offense, hijo, but does that kid ever filter his words?”

Red scratched his head. “Please forgive Blue, Ma’am, but I promise, he’s a really good kid.”

“I see. Let’s sit down on the couch for now.”

The four of them moved to the living room and sat down. Katleya sat beside Red, who seemed shy. The couple sat on the opposite couch facing them.

Ezmeralda looked at Red. “What brings you here, hijo? By the way, do you know someone named Redrigo McArthur at your school?”

“Mom!” Katleya tried to stop her.

Ezmeralda smiled. “Don’t be shy. I’m just asking. You know, my daughter is head over heels for someone named Redrigo McArthur.”

“That’s me. Redrigo McArthur Montenegro, Ma’am,” Red admitted.

“OMG!” Ezmeralda beamed at Katleya. “Hmm . . . so that’s why? You’re paranoid.”

“Mom,” Katleya said shyly.

“Now I know why she’s so crazy in love with you, hijo,” Ezmeralda teased.

“Mom!”

Red looked at Katleya’s parents before meeting her gaze again. “Actually, Ma’am and Sir, I also have a crush on your daughter.”

“Oh, my god! Let the love begin,” Ezmeralda said, squealing with excitement.

Katleya and Red exchanged smiles while Ezmeralda continued teasing them non-stop.