CHAPTER 7

The following day arrived much quicker than any of them had expected. The morning sun had barely risen to its full height when, true to their nature, Sean and Yvo found themselves at odds once again. The spark of their latest argument was neither profound nor pressing — it was the age-old question of transportation. More specifically, the debate centered on whose ride Lareina should take that day: Sean’s sturdy but timeworn bicycle or Yvo’s gleaming, high-powered motorbike.

The three of them stood in the university’s sprawling parking lot, the very place where fate had first brought them together. Lareina stood off to the side, arms crossed, her shoulders sagging slightly in exasperation. She watched them like a weary spectator forced to endure a performance she had seen far too many times.

“I already told you, she’s riding with me,” Sean declared, his voice sharp and unwavering. His eyes were locked onto Yvo, who, in contrast, looked entirely unbothered. Yvo was polishing his motorbike’s handlebars with a cloth, as if caring for a beloved treasure rather than engaging in a brewing standoff.

Without lifting his gaze, Yvo replied with his usual nonchalance. “Your old bicycle is slow. Just catch up with us later, grandpa.”

Sean’s jaw tightened. “Sure, it’s slow, but at least it’s safe. Knowing you, you probably ride like the devil’s chasing you.”

That earned a scoff from Yvo, who finally glanced up, a sneer curling his lips. “Classic prejudice. You have never even ridden a motorbike, yet here you are judging. Typical.”

“I call it being logical,” Sean snapped back.

Their voices grew louder, attracting the attention of a few passing students who paused just long enough to watch the two boys argue like rival siblings. Before the quarrel could escalate further, Lareina groaned, rubbing her temples as if warding off a growing headache.

“Why don’t we just walk instead?” she muttered under her breath, though loud enough for both to hear.

“No!”

“No way!”

Both boys responded at once, their tones laced with irritation. Their synchronized protest only made Lareina roll her eyes so forcefully she thought they might get stuck.

She took a deep breath and stood straighter, her usual gentle demeanor vanishing. “Enough,” she said, her voice firm and commanding. “I’ll decide where I want to ride, since I’m the one being fought over like a prize.”

Her sudden assertiveness caught both boys off guard, forcing them into an uneasy silence. They exchanged sideways glances, neither willing to yield but also smart enough not to provoke her any further.

Lareina turned to Sean first, her gaze softening but remaining determined. “Sean, I want to ride the motorbike today. Please.”

Her request was gentle, but there was an unmistakable earnestness in her eyes — eyes that sparkled with curiosity and excitement at the thought of trying something new. It was an expression Sean had trouble resisting.

Yvo, having overheard her choice, allowed himself a smug, self-satisfied grin. He did not say anything, but the glint in his eyes spoke volumes: he had won this round.

Sean clenched his fists, the muscles in his arms tightening as he silently counted to ten. He swallowed his pride, though it tasted bitter on his tongue. Despite the jealousy churning inside him, he could not bring himself to say no. Her happiness had always come first, even when it bruised his ego.

With a heavy sigh, he nodded. “Fine. If that’s what you want.”

Lareina’s face lit up with a bright smile. Without hesitation, she threw her arms around Sean’s neck in a quick but heartfelt hug. “Thank you, Sean! Don’t worry, I’ll be careful.”

Sean chuckled weakly, masking his disappointment with a lopsided smile. Then, with a serious glare, he pointed a finger directly at Yvo. “You. If anything happens to her — even the smallest scratch — I swear I’ll break every bone in your body. Got it?”

Yvo raised an unimpressed eyebrow. “Yes, Father,” he retorted dryly, the sarcasm dripping from his words. He then gestured at his motorbike, tapping the back seat with his palm. “Come on, hop on. We’re wasting time.”

Lareina eagerly approached and climbed onto the backseat, her hands wrapping securely around Yvo’s waist. She laughed as she settled in, the thrill of the moment evident on her face.

Meanwhile, Sean stood beside his bicycle, a storm of frustration and helplessness swirling in his chest. He mounted his old bike and tightened his grip on the handlebars. He pedaled with more force than necessary, his legs moving with determination fueled by stubborn pride.

Yvo started his engine, the motorbike humming to life with a smooth, powerful growl. As he sped off with Lareina clinging to him, he occasionally checked the rear-view mirror, catching glimpses of Sean pedaling furiously to keep up.

Lareina, noticing these glances, chuckled lightly. “You keep checking the mirror. Worried Sean might catch up?”

Yvo scoffed but did not deny it. “Hardly. I’m just making sure the old man doesn’t drop dead trying to keep up.”

“You say that, but I think you’d miss arguing with him if he weren’t around,” Lareina teased.

“Doubtful,” Yvo replied, though his voice lacked conviction. He pushed the throttle just enough to maintain distance but not so much that Sean would disappear.

After several more minutes of weaving through the city streets, the trio finally arrived at Yvo’s home — a striking two-story modern residence painted a clean, elegant white. The structure stood proudly, a testament to contemporary architecture with its sharp angles, glass balconies, and minimalist design. It looked like a house featured in architectural magazines — all pristine surfaces and sophisticated charm.

As Yvo parked his motorbike, Sean arrived moments later, panting slightly but hiding his fatigue behind an unimpressed stare. He eyed the house critically, unwilling to admit that it looked impressive.

“You live here?” Lareina asked, her eyes wide with awe.

“Yeah,” Yvo answered casually, dismounting his bike. “This isn’t our family’s main house, though. That’s in Luoyang, where my parents live. I live here for school.”

“Rich kid problems,” Lareina muttered with a playful grin. “You’re so lucky.”

“You’re rich too. Don’t act like you aren’t,” Yvo shot back with a smirk.

“Sure, we’re comfortable, but not penthouse-level rich,” Lareina replied with a giggle. “Besides, I still live with my parents.”

She sighed dramatically and slumped onto a nearby step. “I’d trade lives with you in a heartbeat.”

Sean rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath, “I’m telling your parents.”

Lareina straightened up instantly, pouting at him. “You’re so mean!”

Sean chuckled, a soft, warm sound that even he did not expect. Despite his irritation with Yvo, some part of him was relieved he had come along. Something about this house, this space, felt like enemy territory, and he was not keen on leaving Lareina alone in it.

As he stared at the front door, he quietly resolved to stay vigilant. Yvo’s house was not just a home. It was a reminder that the battle between them was far from over, and Sean intended to fight for every inch of ground when it came to Lareina.