[Majority of the first half of the chapter is a flashback from Karina's POV. Wala naman bago, the continuation of the previous chapter is included, may nakalagay naman na indication (// present) kaya it's okay to jump nalang there if want mo.]

[Karina’s]

I remember the first time we met. 

I was in my office, reading some article about my good-for-nothing brother tarnishing our family name yet once again.

My mood was off because of that, tapos my dear friend, Giselle, brought a new face sa office ko pa. 

Akala ko it was one of her blind dates shenanigans, which put me in a more awful mood. 

Dating is in my mind naman.  

However, I prefer it to happen naturally. 

I was ready na to refute whatever Giselle had in mind but she said, she wasn’t setting me up instead the woman requested to talk to a ‘Yu’ daw. 

A weird and specific request. 

Out of curiosity, pumayag nalang ako. 

I observed the unknown visitor for a few seconds, she had this timidity around her. The slumped shoulders and head down also gave that away. 

From that, I knew she wasn’t there for me in particular, but I was so focused on wondering what could she want from me that my face was turning into a deep frown. 

That seemed to intimidate her and made her cower in her seat, kaya I tried my best to look approachable kasi I just wanted to finish working din. 

Then, our gaze finally met. 

Her eyes were enveloped with despair and it looked straight to me. Unknowingly, I smiled -- I think it was an awkward smile -- but it felt like the right thing to do. 

I took the abandoned coffee on the table as my way to escape her gaze. They were oddly pulling me in.

While enjoying my terrible cold coffee, she uttered, “I’m pregnant.”

Of course, I choke on my coffee because I don’t even have a girlfriend, much less male ia to impregnate a woman! 

So, I wondered why in the world am I hearing those words?!

I met her gaze once again, baffled. 

I remember thinking. Do I look like a man to her?! Because that’s very offensive! If it is a stunt she's doing it horribly wrong.

We got into more confusing exchanges, I was getting uncomfortable in my seat because why did I even assume that I could impregnate someone? 

I was the weird one, yes.

Minjeong was definitely not at fault that I was such an assuming person.

 She then mentioned a ‘Yu’ is responsible for the child she’s bearing. 

Syempre, it perked my ears. I ran my thoughts.

It’s definitely not my older sister.

My two older brothers are out of the options as well, they’ve been out of the country for almost a year. 

That leaves me with one option. 

The infamous, “Gabin Yu, po.” 

The name urged me to scoff and curse, that twin of mine can never leave me alone, can he? 

I asked her if she was certain that the douchebag is the father, I don’t doubt my brother’s stupidity but it doesn’t hurt to be safe considering we experienced this before with my older brother. 

Long story short, his girlfriend got pregnant until he found out that she was cheating on him. When they applied for a DNA test, the result said he wasn’t the father and the woman was only using him for his money. 

With that in mind, Minjeong provided me with documents of her pregnancy and informed me when they had the one-night stand and other details. 

I actually do believe her, she didn’t look like she was after our money, especially when she said she wanted to keep the growing child inside of her. 

I admire her bravery, she looked young, and being a mother is no joke. 

Yet she was sitting across me, voice pleading to provide for her pregnancy.

How could Gabriel put someone in a situation like that?

I understand that it was a mistake they both committed but how could he run away from the responsibility and let Minjeong suffer alone?

Unbelievable. 

I decided to help her because our interests align, but also, I couldn't help but feel for her. She will going through this pregnancy all on her own.

I don't know anything about pregnancy but going through that alone sounds scary.

Our interest alighing is about my parents bugging us for a grandchild but they gave birth to four workaholic children and a douchebag. 

Pero that douchebag is going to be the first one who’ll give them a grandchild. 

The irony. 

When I told her that I could help her with her situation, she looked ecstatic. 

Her face glowed with relief and I must say it suits her more than despair. 

Though, I didn’t miss the skeptical tint on her face. My brother has a way of ruining our image, pero she shouldn’t worry.

I’m far better than him kaya. 

When I reassured her, she gave me a smile. It wasn’t grand, only a small curve of her lips yet she looked beautiful.

How did my brother even get her attention? 

Sometimes it wonders me but I always forget na we look identical. 

Another thing I hate Gabriel for. 

A few days have passed after my meeting with Minjeong and I almost forgot about it. 

Accidentally and almost. I was occupied with work and when I had the time to daydream my mind tracked back to the image of Minjeong smiling at me. 

I don’t even know why I giggled at the memory but I panic agad kasi I forgot what I promised her. 

So much for being the better twin, ugh. 

I set up a meeting with my parents that day agad. They had busy schedules but I persuaded them to give me kahit their dinner time lang, thankfully they were available. 

The harder task was to inform her. 

I’m partly embarrassed that I almost forgot about helping her and definitely not because I’m shy to send a simple message to a woman. 

Pft, of course not. 

“Reply ASAP” 

That’s embarrassing. I sound too professional! Too demanding! Ugh, I badly wanted to turn back the time. 

I couldn’t act friendly out of nowhere anymore, so, I stuck to my way of messaging her and I despised it. Why can’t I just be cool?! 

And Friday came rather fast. 

I wasn’t the one doing the pregnancy announcement but my kaba was going crazy, I couldn't understand it either.

I heaved a sigh of relief when one of our maids announced Minjeong’s arrival. My gaze ran to her figure.

She looked amazing in that simple black mini dress, again, she managed to look gorgeous from a simple thing. 

I mean, she was just standing there not even confidently -- since I could sense her anxiety -- nonetheless, she was (and is) still cute.

I almost jumped out of my seat when our gaze met, but a smile formed on my lips, realizing she chose to look at me. 

Maybe, I was less intimdating than my parents but still, she looked at me. Let's please not ignore that fact. Thank you.

Nilapitan ko siya and offered a seat beside me. I also heard her small mumble of thanks. She was really nervous and I was wondering how could I help her ease up. 

However, that brainstorming was interrupted by Papa.

Si Papa talaga, tsk, tsk. 

When we were about to feast, I jolted from Minjeong’s sudden clutch on my arm. Her complexion instantly became horrible, she became pale. 

I also panicked but I assisted her agad sa washroom.

She vomited on the toilet, I was grimacing the whole time but I tried my best to help her, my help being tying her hair up. It's something, at least.

I remembered a random TikTok video I saw that pregnant women could vomit because of certain foods. My guess was that Minjeong experienced something similar.

Nung finish na siya, I grabbed a towel and dampened it a bit para ipunas sa face niya. She was a mess eh, her face was red and tears lingered in her eyes. 

“Should we go back?” I asked her softly, tucking in stray hair behind her ears. 

I tried to find her gaze but her eyes were closed lang and she was sniffing but she nodded naman. 

Nilagay ko ‘yung hand niya sa arm ko and my other hand behind her but I maintained distance.  

Believe me, when I say, I don't know where these kinds of actions came from, honestly speaking parang instincts siya for me.

We found out na the kaldereta was the one causing her nausea kaya I asked manang to remove it agad and I could also feel my parents questioning stares. 

After letting Minjeong settle on her seat, I gave my parents the answer. Papa even thought I impregnated someone! 

I’m a woman kaya! How can he even think that! Tsk, tsk.

We– or mostly ako, continued to explain Minjeong’s situation. It was the least I could do for her. 

I understand that she didn’t have the courage at that time, especially since she was physically exhausted after vomiting her guts out. 

While we waited for my parents to decide, my heart was thumping loudly.

If ako na hindi pregnant kinakabahan how much more Minjeong?

I glanced at Minjeong and I noticed na her complexion was getting bad ulit, the suspense from my parents was getting her. 

Again, I thought of any possible ways to comfort her and my initial thought was to offer my hand. 

I must say, I was brave to even think of that but I wanted to prioritize her comfort. 

I can put my gay panic aside– I mean, my discomfort – no, I wasn’t the slightest uncomfortable when I was holding– anyway! 

My parents were taking a long time to decide talaga, they’ve been cautious since last time eh.

I was getting kaba na din, I unconsciously held Minjeong’s hand tighter. Jeez. 

And when my parents finally accepted her and her child, we looked at each other with mirrored joy. 

I forgot to control myself and offered a fist bump but she gladly bumped it with hers which made me smile even wider. 

Our hands were untangled when she stood up though. She bowed to my parents with genuine gratitude. 

How did my brother catch the attention of an angel like her? Really. 

But the relief seemed to take a toll on her. I noticed that her eyes were fluttering relentlessly and she was lightly tapping her cheek. 

I asked her but she decided to dismiss her growing fatigue lang, I couldn’t help but ask her with a firm tone out of habit.

Mag-aapologize sana ako but that seemed to make her confess her discomfort. 

I offered her to rest but she was still contemplating, I guessed that she didn’t want to make a fuss but I doubt my parents would even think of it that way. 

Nagsubong ako, childish, but well, that’s the only way for her to know na my parents wouldn’t mind her leaving the dinner table early. 

That day, I felt like her alalay. It’s funny to think it that way but I didn’t mind. As long as I could help her. 

When malapit na kami sa room ko, which I was very thankful that it was cleaned kasi I was sure I left it a bit of a mess, Minjeong halted in her tracks. 

I looked at her worried and I noticed that she was covering her nose and was pushing herself away from me. 

I found out it was because of my fragrance, I knew I should’ve changed it soon! A crackhead insisted on having me wear this fruity perfume kasi! 

It’s too strong for my liking din but that crackhead won’t leave me alone if hindi ko gagamitin so I followed nalang. 

Buti nalang manang was there and led her to the guest room.

I was rummaging through my closet, trying to find comfortable clothes that didn’t have that fruity perfume. I also changed my clothes and made sure to remove the awful fragrance I was wearing. 

I knocked on the room she was staying but there was no response, kaya I slowly peeked inside and saw that she was trying to relax. 

I mused that the day must been really tough for her. 

But she noticed my presence right away, I offered her the clothes and my cleansing pouch, I even mentioned letting her stay for the night but she was still reluctant even with her poor condition. 

Alam ko na agad na she’s a stubborn one. 

Fortunately, my convincing worked. 

While she was in the bathroom, I asked Mama what kind of food to let Minjeong have. She couldn’t possibly sleep with an empty stomach. 

Mama suggested giving her soup, buti nga manang already prepared one, so, all I did was deliver the meal. 

By the time I arrived in her room, she was finished and I settled her food on the coffee table. 

However, I wish someone had prepared me for the sudden bare face because she was absolutely adorable with a makeup-free face. 

Is it even possible to have such a baby face? She looked fluffy, warm, and cozy with her baby hair sticking to her forehead and the baggy sleeping wear that I gave her. 

She was (and is) cute. 

Minjeong began eating, her cheeks were puffing out every time she took the spoon to . It looked like watching a chipmunk eat. 

We had a small talk, especially about my parents' future plans for her. It didn’t last long and we fell silent again, I didn’t mind. 

Watching her eat was entertaining but my baby fever was growing and I didn’t want it awkward for her na, so I bid my goodbye, without forgetting to greet her good night too.

That night, I ended up watching chipmunk videos until I fell asleep. 

On the next day, I woke up a bit later than usual. I was still so sleepy pa nga, maybe because I could finally relax after a week of stressful work and gusto ko pa matulog. 

Minjeong took a while to get to the dining table, I was getting hungry na nga but Papa scolded me for sneaking a bacon in my mouth. 

It’s our tradition to wait for everyone before eating eh. Pero I was glad that they were willing to wait for Minjeong, even Papa who appeared stern. 

When Minjeong arrived, I sighed in relief and finally started eating. Apparently, hindi lang ako ‘yung gutom, Minjeong was eating lively beside me. 

I was glad she gained the appetite to eat considering her terrible nausea last night but she was going so fast naman kaya I told her to slow down. 

That caught her attention, causing her to stare at me. I was too sleepy to register anything and that was probably one of the times na hindi ako naiilang from her gaze. 

Minjeong proceeded to mention how smooth (?) my face was. To be honest, I was so confused kasi her words weren’t registering talaga, I need coffee to function. Kaya, I agreed nalang to tell her. 

When I finally took a sip of coffee, my brain started to function.

My parents began discussing Minjeong’s situation naman, I was listening intently lang until my father spoke about DNA matters. 

I discreetly sighed, Papa is terrible with wordings. That’s probably one of the traits that I got from him, I’m working on it though. I just don't know if there's any progress...

That gaze din na could be mistaken as mean or intimidating. I can’t control it nga eh. 

Why did Gabriel have to get Mama’s gentle eyes and sweet talking?! Ugh, that’s probably how he fools girls. Tsk. 

Anyway, I attempted to step in. Pero I was sure that Papa completely lost Minjeong na, buti nga Mama helped clear the forming misunderstanding. 

After a few discussions, hinatid ko si Minjeong to her room. I heard that she got lost earlier which caused her to arrive a bit late on the dinner table. 

I also explained to her what else would happen and the adjustments to her room. My parents wanted it to be as comfortable as possible for her. 

I didn’t stay in her room for long because I wasn’t sure what else to say and I needed to change, so we could leave before it got too much traffic. 

I was running out of clothes that didn’t have that awful fruity perfume, I also lent another set of clothes to Minjeong eh. I told manang to deliver those clothes to her beforehand.

Ang cute niya with those baggy clothes. She looked fluffy talaga.

When I finally found new clothes, I immediately washed myself up and went to Minjeong’s room. 

It actually took me about ten minutes to do my thing but almost twenty minutes to gain the courage to knock on her door. 

What if she was doing something pala? And I disturbed her?! That would be rude, diba?! 

Until Manang Vi passed by and I told her to knock on the door, sabi ko nga siya nalang magsabi kay Minjeong na we’re going na, pero Manang Ali called her for a chore kaya I had to do it instead last minute. 

Good thing, I was able to gather myself. I applaud myself for that. 

We walked to the garage na and she was following me behind. I wanted her mauna sana but I didn’t know how to approach her and ako naman ang know kung saan kami pupunta. 

Kaya, I kept looking behind me every second to check if she was still following me. She didn’t notice it naman kasi she was busy looking around. 

I opened the door for her and I saw the confusion on her face when I sat beside her, akala ko nga she didn’t want me to sit beside her. Lilipat sana ako sa front. 

Pero I explained na I was still so sleepy to drive.

I didn’t want to risk getting us into any accident, that’s the last thing I want. 

When Kuya Ben started to drive, I couldn’t fight my drowsiness anymore and swam to slumber. 

Everything felt comfortable kasi, the aircon blast with my plush and blanket was so warm and my neck pillow was so soft naman. 

I felt bad din somehow kasi I couldn’t accompany Minjeong through the ride. 

I couldn’t even bid her goodbye kasi I was so drowned in my slumber, I woke up lang when I arrived sa work and a crackhead decided to stir my sleep. 

“Babe! Ang tagal mo naman pumasok! Miss na kita!” 

“Let me rest. Go away.” 

“So harsh ng babe ko. Kulang ka ng lambing ko, no? Dali, ajujuju.”

“Ugh.”

Then the following weeks were hell. Work decided to bury me alive but there were never a moment I forgot about Minjeong. 

My brain didn’t fail to remind me at random times that Minjeong left me on seen. 

I swear, I will continue to torture my past self for not checking up on her within those weeks. 

I was too cowardly to not send her a message, cause I thought she didn’t want me to disturb her. I couldn’t think of a reason for her to ignore me naman. 

Though I did try to skip work and hopefully visit her, but Gigi had me on a leash. 

She’s a terror secretary, I sometimes wonder who’s the