My Online Boyfriend

Lily’s POV I was quietly walking to my brother’s condo, still holding onto the feelings from earlier. I argued with my parents again. They didn’t want me to go to Puerto Princesa with my friends. They said it was too far, that something might happen… that I should just stay home. I tried to explain, really—I did—but they wouldn’t listen. And I guess… I got a little stubborn too. I mean, I’m already nineteen. Exams just ended, and I just wanted to enjoy a little. I let out a small sigh as I continued walking along España. There were food stalls lined up, people chatting, students walking in groups. The air felt warm and familiar. I always liked passing by here, especially near UST. It felt… comforting. So I walked a little slower than usual, just looking around. When I finally reached Kuya Lance’s condo, I hesitated for a second before pressing the doorbell. The door opened. And it wasn’t him. It was Jared. “Oh… hi,” I said softly, giving a small smile. He barely looked at me. He just gave a slight shrug and walked away, leaving the door open. I stood there for a moment before stepping inside, quietly closing the door behind me. He’s always been like that… He's quiet to the point of rudeness, serious to the point of intimidation. I had never once managed to hold a proper conversation with him unlike Kuya Lance's other friends. “Hey, Jared. Who’s at the door?” Kuya Lance called from inside. Jared didn’t answer. He just pointed in my direction. He really doesn’t like talking, does he…? “Kuya!” I brightened immediately when I saw my brother and hurried toward him, hugging him tightly. He laughed a little and hugged me back. “Oh, my favorite sister. How are you, sweetie?” I pulled away slightly and pouted. “But I’m your only sister…” He just smiled and winked at me. “I’m okay,” I said softly. “Exams just ended, so I have a lot of free time now…” I paused, fiddling with my fingers a little. “Um… can I stay here for a while?” He looked at me for a moment, like he already understood everything I wasn’t saying. “Look, sis,” he said, glancing at his friends, “I’m fine with it. But I’m living with these guys… and they’re kind of… not normal.” “Hey!” someone protested, and a pillow flew toward him. “Not cool, dude!” Jason exclaimed. Kuya Lance just laughed it off. “You can stay,” he continued. “Just don’t stay too long and ignore Mom and Dad, okay?” I nodded gently. “Okay… I won’t be a bother.” “You should be.” I flinched a little. I didn’t even notice he was there again. Jared. He was standing just behind me, his voice low and calm—but it still startled me. “That’s enough,” Kuya Lance said quickly. “Don’t scare her.” Jared didn’t say anything after that. He just walked away like it didn’t matter. “Don’t worry about him, Lily,” Kuya Lance said, softer this time. “Just… keep your distance, okay?” I nodded again. It wasn’t hard to agree with that. After all, we're not friends. He guided me to his room so I could put my things down. “You can stay here for now,” he said. “Just make sure you lock the door.” “Okay…” When he left, I looked around the room. It was… surprisingly neat. Everything was in place, clean, and organized. It even smelled nice. Kuya Lance wasn’t exactly the most organized person before, so I was a little surprised. “At least I don’t have to clean…” I whispered to myself, smiling a little. I unpacked my things and sat on the bed, pulling out a book. I started reading quietly. After a while, there was a soft knock. I opened the door and saw Kuya Lance holding a slice of cake and a glass of mango juice. “Here,” he said. “Your favorite. Don’t bury yourself in books—for pity's sake, you’re done with exams.” My eyes lit up a little. “Thank you, Kuya…” I said, smiling shyly as I took them. “You really know how to cheer me up.” He just smiled before heading back to the living room, where his friends are playing video games I closed the door gently and sat back down. Taking a small bite of the cake, I felt a little lighter. Sweets always helped, somehow. As I ate, I reached for my phone. And froze. Notifications flooded my screen—messages stacked one after another. "Oh, my gosh...!" I quickly opened w******p and tapped the pinned chat. “Hey, baby. How are you? Did you have fun at school?” “Your exams are done, right? How was it? I know you did well.” “Have you eaten yet? I’m eating with my friends right now. You should eat too.” A soft smile slowly formed on my lips. Him… My boyfriend. Well… my online boyfriend. His name was Jared.