When the Sun loves the Moon

CHAPTER 2

"Wait... You... live here?" Karl asked.

He's been my crush ever since the 1st year of college.

"Uhm... it's a complicated story but-"

I stopped my sentence when I saw Apollo enter the house. His cold looks darted at Karl before he went up to his room.

"Wait... are you..."

"Wait! Don't get the wrong idea." I'm so freaking nervous what the hell. "His father and my mother are dating..." I explained.

"Oh... so are you... step-siblings?"

"I think?" I'm not sure, either. "Well, his father and my mother are not married so..."

"Oh, okay. I get it." Karl nodded.

"Please don't tell this to anyone." I pleaded.

I don't want rumors going around.

"Sure. But... why though? If you don't mind me asking?"

"Uhm... I don't want to be involved in some kind of issue. You know that he's famous." I said the truth.

"But your name's quite famous already," Karl chuckled.

What? What does he mean by that?

"He... kissed you, right?"

Oh, f**k.

Yes, that was... yesterday.

"Well, yesterday morning, yes, that happened. But I... we both didn't know that we were step-siblings. We just met again last night as step-siblings."

"Okay, I thought you were dating or something." Karl chuckled.

No.

"Let's start?" I asked.

"Sure! I'll do the introduction." Karl insisted.

In the middle of doing our presentation, Apollo went down and sat right in front of us! Karl looked at him and I was instantly agitated. Why the hell am I feeling this?!

Apollo is just using his phone and sitting here with us in his living room, so nothing's wrong, right?

"Fifteen slides..." Karl whispered.

"Yeah, hoping that it'll be a ten-minute report." I chuckled and Apollo's eyes immediately went to me, so, I stopped.

"If we get a perfect score... I'll treat you."

Really? I smiled and nodded. "Really?"

"Really. What do you want? Starbs?"

"Cool." I gave Karl a thumbs up.

"Tomorrow's our presentation and even if... we don't get a perfect score, I'll still treat you."

"Why?" I bit my lower lip to stop myself from smiling. AM I FINALLY GETTING MYSELF A BOYFRIEND?

"I just... want to."

"Bring her home before five o'clock."

Karl and I were both startled when Apollo spoke and joined our conversation.

"Five is still early." I stated, but Apollo, with his dagger-looking eyes, looked at me.

"Sure, I'll take her home before five." Karl answered Apollo, and Apollo coldly nodded.

"Wanna have dinner here? It's almost six o'clock." I pointed out the wall clock.

"Oh, no thank you. I need to be home before seven."

"Oh, you have curfew." I smirked and chuckled.

"I'm a good boy, princess." He winked.

"Oh, I like that." I bit my lower lip and Karl smirked.

I think he knows that I like him.

Apollo coughed a bit. That's why our attention immediately diverted to him. What's wrong with him now?

"I'll go now..."

"Text me when you get home." I smiled.

"Sure." Karl smiled and he looked at Apollo. "Apollo, thank you."

Apollo looked at him and he just nodded.

I accompanied Karl to the gate and went back to the house. Apollo's eyes were looking mad. What do I do now?

"You like him?" He asked.

"Just a crush." I shrugged.

"He's a playboy." He stated.

"Wow, coming from you?" I asked sarcastically. Psh, seriously?

"What do you know about me?"

"Apollo, the greatest playboy of all playboys and a campus crush."

"You really think I'm a playboy?"

"Why? Are you not? You have a girlfriend and you had the audacity to kiss me." I rolled my eyes.

"I have a reason."

"Why don't you tell me about it?!" I immediately got irritated when I remembered it.

"You won't understand..."

"And you have the courage to ask if I really think you're a playboy, but look how you act now. You treat girls like some kind of toy! Once you get bored, you'll get a new one!"

"What did you say?" He got mad.

What did I say? What?

"What do you know about me, hm?" He stood up and got closer to me.

Because he's taller, he looked down and faced me, but I maintained my eye level and that was on his chest.

"You don't know anything. Don't speak as if you know everything. Believe in rumors, sure, but don't you dare act like you really know me." He stated and went up to go to his room.

Did I... hurt him?

Oh, Lyanne, you're a bad sister...

I have no energy to eat now... I told the maid that I would just eat cereal for dinner and she was confused, but she didn't protest.

As soon as I got to my room... I stared at Apollo's room. I went inside my room and took a piece of paper.

I'm sorry :(

Yeah, corny, but, I don't know how to speak to him after that.

I went out again and I slid the note under the door and it went into his room. I just hoped that he'd see that.

I went down again to make myself some cereal. I'll eat in my room. After making a bowl of cereal, I went up and my walk became slow because Apollo was leaning on his door while... holding the note.

He looked at me and his brows furrowed when he saw my cereal.

No one was talking, so I just quickly marched into my room but stopped midway 'cause he called me.

"What are you sorry for?"

"Uh, for... what I said... I'm... sorry. You're right. I don't actually know anything about you. It's just rumors and stuff."

"Do you want to know me then?" His voice became hoarse.

"Maybe I'll get to know you. We live under the same roof and we'll see each other for like three months." I chuckled nervously.

Apollo smirked but with the blink of an eye, his expression was gone.

"Why are you eating cereal for dinner?" He asked.

"I have no appetite. It's fine. This is a lot, it's enough to fill my stomach." I smiled and went in my room before he could say something. It was getting awkward or was it just me?

I was eating when suddenly someone knocked.

"Yes-What?"

Apollo's standing in front of me, holding a tray full of... food.

"Room service." He stated so sarcastically and I chuckled.

He went into my room so I had no choice but to close it. He sat down at the table and he... removed my cereals! He removed my cereals.

"What do you think you're doing, Mister Gray?"

"I'm preparing our dinner, Miss Sauria."

I rolled my eyes and I sat down while he prepared our food.

"It's my favorite. Roast beef." He smiled.

I got some and it actually smells delicious, so I bet that it'll be way more delicious when I taste it. And... I was right. It was delicious!

"Do you want me to fetch you tomorrow or Karl will bring you home as he promised?" He started the conversation.

"Oh, c'mon! I'm twenty years old already."

"Oh, so, I'm older than you?" He looked surprised.

"Well, my mom said that you're months older than me." I answered, then I drank a coke in a can.

"Surprising. I was expecting a bigger sister." I rolled his eyes.

I laughed a bit 'cause he looked disappointed.

"Why? Want a big sister? I can act like a big sister to you. Looks like you need some guidance young man." I winked and he looked at me, looking tired at me.

"No. You're the one who needs guidance. So, I'll be your big brother."

"But you're acting like a dad."

"Aren't big brothers supposed to be your second dad?"

"Nah, I prefer my boyfriend being my second dad." I said so naughty and he dropped his spoon and fork, very shocked at what I had just said.

"See? You need guidance, little lady. You're a naughty one." He shook his head and I laughed.

"You're the one who's naughty. You kissed me-"

"Hush! Forget about that, hm?"

I smirked and just agreed with him. I think I'll get along with him. We had a fun conversation and... surprisingly, he's not so bad after all...

He's fun to be with.

I wonder what he felt like being alone for how many years? I mean his dad was there for him, but it's still different. At least I had a few years with my dad and had a chance to meet him but... he... didn't get a chance to meet his mom.

I felt sad about that part but... I'll make it up. I'll take care of him. I'll let him know what it feels to have a big sister and a mother.

I woke up extra early just to wake him up. I'll start the sister-mom duties.

"Wake up!" I shouted and knocked again.

He opened the door and I was taken aback 'cause he was shirtless and his hair was so messy! With one eye open 'cause he just got out from bed.

"Jesus, what time is it?"

"Five o'clock." I lied. I just wanted to tease him.

"Five?!"

"Just wake up! Chop! Chop! Move or I'll force you to take a bath, young man!" I laughed. He shook his head before closing his door.

I went down and got our breakfast prepared. After a few minutes, he went down. His hair was still damp and, as usual, he was not wearing his necktie and coat yet.

He looked grumpy.

"Why so grumpy? It's early in the morning. You should start your day with a... SMILE!" I held his cheeks like a cute baby boy.

"You disturbed my sleep." He rolled his eyes. "I always wake up at six..."

"Why? Will you die if you wake up thirty minutes earlier than you're supposed to?" I chuckled and he just looked at me, furiously.

"It's better to wake up early." I stated before sitting down, ready to eat breakfast.

"Why so?"

"You'll know the answer soon." I winked and again, he rolled his eyes.

What an arrogant man. I smiled in my mind.

We both ate our breakfast and I immediately got his necktie and tied it for him. I also helped him wear his coat.

"Take care." I smiled and he just stared at me.

"You're not... going with me?"

"Don't like rumors." I chuckled and pushed him 'cause he looked like a helpless baby boy.

"Come to school immediately though." He ordered, but I ignored him.

After a few minutes, I also got out and went to school. As soon as I entered the gate, I saw Apollo and his friends standing by his car. Apollo's eyes immediately went to me and as he saw me, it was like he relaxed.

What? Seeing your little sister at school, you felt at ease, Apollo Moon? I smiled.

"Oi! Give updates about Karl! What happened? Please, please, tell me you kissed!"

"We did not kiss! We just made our report!"

"Hey, Lyanne! Good luck with our report? Starbs after?" Karl went to me.

"Starbs after." I smiled and Karl smirked.

Karl now went to his friends and Candy was shocked.

"What was that?! You're having a date?! You know the thing that when you kiss... it's day one, hm?"

"Oh, c'mon. It's a friendly date!" I laughed.

"Friendly date my ass, Lyanne Sauria."

Candy and I both laughed and went to our room.

I was actually nervous about the report. I was reading what I was supposed to report until I got a text from... Apollo?

From: Apollo Moon Gray

Relax.

I was confused. My brows furrowed and I looked outside our room and I instantly saw Apollo. He smiled at me before walking away. I smirked.

I relaxed a bit and then our professor came. I was nervous again.

"Relax. We got this."

Karl calmed me down. I was still calming myself down even when he had already started the introduction.

Good thing our report was less then ten minutes! We did it! We don't like long reports, so, I'm glad we didn't have one. We got a perfect score, so I was extra happy.

"Looks like I've earned my free Starbucks after all." I winked and Karl just smirked at me.

After a few hours, it was lunch time already. I was waiting for Candy 'cause she bought her food in another stall. The line there was long. I wonder what kind of food is famous today.

"Hey,"

I looked up to see who it was and it was Karl.

"Waiting for Candy?" He asked as he looked around.

"Yeah, she's in stall nine."

"Oh, she lined up for the famous lunch of the day."

"What's the food anyway?" I asked. "Sit down, you don't have to stand all day." I stated when I saw that he was still standing while bringing his food tray.

He sat down right in front of me. "It's steak."

"Steak?!" I asked so surprisingly. "How much is that? 10 dollars?" I whispered while raising all of my fingers as a sign of ten in my hand.

"Cheaper. It's eight." He whispered as if we were gossiping. I find it funny.

"Well, good thing they all got a great lunch- Oh, here's Candy!"

"Dude! Their steak smells so freaking good!" Candy complimented and I saw there were... a lot of streaks.

"Why order this much?" I asked.

"We're all going to share. Join us now, Karl. Dig in!" Candy stated and I just laughed at her cuteness.

"Is this a porterhouse steak?" I asked, more surprised.

"Yes, hihi!"

We all ate together and Karl was really funny. The bell rang and it was a sign of the last subject! I was about to say to myself that I'm excited about going home, but I remember, I have a date with Karl.

Why would I even wanna go home so early today?

"Kiss him." Candy whispered.

"No."

"Oh, c'mon!"

I just laughed at Candy and she's giving advice.

"Just... hey! Listen to me, Lyanne Angel!"

I faced her and raised my brow. What now...

"Look at his right eye, then look at his lip, lastly, look at his left eye." Candy winked.

"What was that?" I asked.

"You'll know it soon. Actually, you'll know the answer if you do it."

"Is this some kind of seduction thing? 'Cause if it is, Candy, I will not do it."

"It is not! Just try! You might get yourself a boyfriend after all this NBSB thing." Candy rolled her eyes and I chuckled.

What's wrong with waiting for the right man? I'm not rushing and, besides, I'm still young!

From: Apollo Moon Gray

Be home before five.

To: Apollo Moon Gray

K dad

I laughed a little at my response.

From: Apollo Moon Gray

Shut up.

Now I couldn't contain my laugh.

To: Apollo Moon Gray

Prepare dinner then, I might be hungry when I get homeee

From: Apollo Moon Gray

K mom

I bit my lower lip to contain my smile. Damn him.

The last bell rang and it was dismissal! I was fixing my bag when, suddenly, Candy clung onto my arm.

"Who were you texting a while ago? Hm? Was it Karl?"

"What? No."

"Then who? You were smiling like crazy! You're like having butterflies. Speaking of it, I see butterflies in your aura."

"Oh, stop, Candy." I rolled my eyes and laughed.

"Lyanne! Let's go?" Karl got closer to me and he smiled at Candy.

"You both take care, okay?" Candy stated and she hugged me. "Do it." She whispered and I pushed her away and she just laughed. "Enjoy!"

Karl has a car and it's a mustang! What the hell?

"You have a car."

"Oh, I don't take it often. I just brought it today 'cause I have to take you home." He smiled.

So humble!

As I was walking towards his car, I saw Apollo. He looked at me and he raised his hand with all of his fingers raised. I know I'll be home before five.

I nodded and Apollo also nodded.

I went inside Karl's car and as soon as he got in the driver's seat, he drove away from the school.

"What's your favorite drink?" Karl asked.

"Iced Caramel Macchiato. Grande is fine." I smiled at him and he nodded.

I checked the time and saw that it was already 2:30 in the afternoon. After a few minutes, Karl had already come back to our table with our drinks. I was surprised it was in a venti size.

"How's your bond with Apollo as a step-brother?" He started the conversation.

I'm confused. "Why talk about him?" I chuckled, getting uncomfortable.

"Oh, nothing. Just curious, you know? Are you okay with it or..."

"I'm not comfortable talking about it, I'm sorry."

"Oh, it's okay... Let's talk about you instead. What's your favorite color?"

Wow, so fast. "Uhm, mint green. You?"

"Blue. What's your favorite flavor of ice cream?"

"Rocky road. You?"

"Double dutch."

And just like that. We spent hours talking about each other. I got to know him at least.

From: Apollo Moon Gray

It's 4:30

To: Apollo Moon Gray

Not five yet.

From: Apollo Moon Gray

I said before five, not by five.

I rolled my eyes and I was about to reply when Karl spoke.

"I guess Apollo's finding you now, huh? Let's go." Karl smiled.

"Did you enjoy it?"

"I had fun talking with you," he stated and smiled.

He drove me home. "You take care, hm? Thank you so much for today!"

"Uh-huh. Hope you had fun."

"I did, Karl." I chuckled. "Okay, I'll go now. Take care."

"I will."

I got out of his car and stood by the gate as I waited for him to go. I checked the time and saw that it was 4:50.

I went inside and saw Apollo sitting on the couch.

"Before five!" I winked and he rolled his eyes.

"Go shower and go down immediately, we'll have an early dinner." He ordered.

"Sure, I'll be quick. I'm hungry!"

"He did not feed you?"

"It's starbs!" I chuckled.

"There's food in Starbucks though?"

"Not enough!" I screamed for him to hear me 'cause I was already upstairs.

After a quick shower, I hurriedly went down and saw that he was already waiting for me at the dining table.

"How's the date?" He asked.

"Hm... fine."

"Had fun?"

"Of course!" I chuckled.

"Good for you."

I don't know if he was sincere or sarcastic but... whatever.

"You flirted?"

"Excuse me? I'm a good girl!" I defended myself and he smirked.

Speaking of flirting. I haven't done what Candy told me to do. Should I try it on him? Nothing will change, right? I should try.

"Why are you staring?" He asked.

I stared at both of his eyes. I looked at his right... then down to his lips... then, lastly, to his left eye...

"Don't do that." He ordered.

"Why?"

"I said don't." He gritted his teeth and I saw his adam's apple move because of his hard swallow. "Did you do that to Karl?"

"I did not..."

"Don't you ever do that to any other man..."

I'm so confused.

"You hear me, Lyanne?"

"But why?"

"Just don't, please. Don't." He sounded like he was pleading. "It's enough that you've done it to me and to no one else. You're not gonna stare at any other man like that, hm?" He whispered.

Why...