SHARING MY INFINITE STARS WITH YOURS...

chapter 3-GORNEL BROTHERS

Finally! A very stressful day with Bry has ended. Thank God! Honestly, I don’t even understand why he's been acting so weird lately. Back when we first met, he was like a stone brought to life—completely expressionless, quiet, barely blinking. But now? I have no idea what happened.

I asked my parents if I could sleep over at Jean's house since we have a group project to work on. Well that’s the excuse, but instead of working, I’ve been lying on her bed face-down for hours. I told myself we’d be productive, but Bry’s nonsense just keeps replaying in my head. It’s like… he meant what he said, but at the same time, it felt like he was just playing around with my emotions. Maybe he’s just trying to mess with me because we’re both in the running for Valedictorian? But I already told him I’m not that interested in the title. I’m not even putting in extra effort for it—it’s just a title, not my dream.

Still… those words...

“I like you.”

“I just said what I felt. I mean it, I really like you. A lot.”

“I like you—”

“I LIKE YOU—ARGHHH! I hate you, Bry!” I screamed into Jean’s pillow, punching the mattress and vividly imagining kicking Bry straight in the ass. He’s so annoying!

I was still mid-tantrum when the bedroom door creaked open. In walked Kuya Henry—Jean’s older brother. I immediately sat up and tried to fix myself, smoothing down my hair with my hands

.

“H-Hey, Kuya...” I greeted him shyly, waving a little.

He gave me a quick smile and a nod. “Dinner’s ready.” His voice was soft, calm... and oh-so dreamy. I could feel myself grinning like an i***t.

“O-Okay, Kuya... I’ll be down in a sec. Thank you,” I said, still smiling as he left the room. The moment he disappeared through the door, I squealed into the pillow and began flailing with excitement. Like—OH MY GOSH! That’s my ultimate crush!

For now, my frustration with Bry completely vanished. Just seeing Henry’s face erased it all in a heartbeat. I didn’t want to keep them waiting, so I rushed downstairs. I’m already used to being here—our families are connected, and Jean and I have been best friends since forever.

“Jane, you’re finally here, ija,” Tita, Jean’s mom, greeted me warmly.

“We’re working on a science project,” I explained, “and since Kuya Hendrix is home, we’re hoping he can help us too.”

Tita chuckled softly and turned to her eldest. “Drix, you heard her. Help them, okay? And Henry—don’t bother them. You’re always the troublemaker.”

Kuya Hendrix is one of the most respected professors on our campus, so yes, we needed his help desperately. As for Kuya Henry... well, he’s the rebel of the family. The heartbreaker. The party-goer. That’s probably why I like him—there’s something thrilling about liking a guy you know you shouldn’t trust.

Dinner was delicious but quiet. Everyone focused on their food, so I kept my mouth shut too. Afterwards, we all headed back to Jean’s room, where Kuya Hendrix helped us fix our science project and revise our PowerPoint presentation. He basically corrected all our mistakes. Jean and I felt so relieved—we could finally face Monday’s presentation with confidence. But while we were still working, Kuya Hendrix suddenly stood up. We both looked at him in confusion as he began gathering all our materials.

“Kuya?” I asked, worried. “Is something wrong?”

He smiled and glanced at his watch, then pointed to it with a slight pout. “That’s enough. It’s alreadi midnight. You both need to rest. I’ll finish this in my room. Go get some sleep.” And just like that, he was gone.

Jean and I looked at each other and shrugged. “Is Kuya Drix okay? It’s Saturday tomorrow. We could’ve finished it ourselves,” I whispered.

She nodded slowly. “I don’t know either. But he’s always been kind. Unlike Henry, who’s constantly rebelling..." Jean held my hand "Jane, please promise me you won’t fall for him. I know you like him, but seriously—he’s a heartbreaker. I don’t want to see you crying over someone like him.”

I pouted and stretched my arms toward her for a hug. She embraced me, and when we pulled apart, I held out my pinky. “I promise... I won’t,” I said confidently. Yup—I’m not going to fall for him. He’s a jerk. I just want a little excitement, nothing more.

We were about to fall asleep when I suddenly remembered—I hadn’t updated my mom yet! I told her I’d text her once I was about to sleep, and now I couldn’t even find my phone. Panic started crawling into my chest. Where did I even put it? I didn’t want to wake Jean up—she just fell asleep. Crap. Where could it be?

Then it hit me—Kuya Hendrix! He took all our stuff when he left. My phone must’ve been among the things he carried!

But how do I get it back? I don’t even know where his room is...

Think, Denise, think. I can’t lie to my parents. I’ve never lied to them—not even once. They trust me. I took a deep breath and whispered to Jean, “Jean... I’m just stepping out for a bit, okay? Don’t worry, I’ll be quick.”

I tiptoed through the hallway, hoping to bump into a maid who could help me. But then again... asking about Hendrix’s room in the middle of the night? I’d look like a total creep.

“Henry!”

Thank God! I nearly sighed in relief seeing him there—shirtless and sipping coffee. Not that I care about the shirtless part.

“Hmm?” he hummed casually.

I gave him my best innocent smile, clasped my hands together, and fluttered my lashes just enough to get his attention.

“U-uhm, so... earlier, when Kuya Hendrix took our things, I think my phone got mixed in. I haven’t messaged my mom yet, and she’s probably worried. But I don’t know which room Kuya’s in. Can you help me?”

He stared at me for a moment—like he was trying to read my soul. I don’t know if he was checking if I was lying, but whatever! I need my phone!

He sighed and took another sip of his coffee. “Sure. Wait a second, let me put a shirt on. Hendrix might kill me if he sees me shirtless with you at this hour.”

I rolled my eyes. So what if he’s topless? I don’t care. I like him, sure, but only for the thrill—not because I’m head-over-heels or anything. “S-So you’ll go with me to his room?” I asked.

“Yeah... but only if you agree to one condition,” he said with a mischievous grin. Uh-oh. I don’t like where this is going.

“What is it?” I asked nervously. “Please Henry, I haven’t contacted my mom yet, and she’s probably losing sleep over me. I just need to send her a quick message. I don’t want her to worry...”

He chuckled and gently patted my head—like I was some kind of adorable kitten.