Bleeding Summer

Severa's POV

The call ended with a soft beep, but Sebastian's words still lingered in my head.

"Just think about what you really want."

I let out a slow breath, dropping my phone onto the bed as I leaned back against the headboard. The conversation had started with Christmas greetings, teasing, and casual chatter, but as always, my brothers knew exactly where to hit.

They always knew when something was wrong.

Even when I didn't say anything.

Before I could sink deeper into my thoughts, a knock on the door pulled me back.

I hesitated for a moment before standing up. Only one person would be knocking at this time.

I pulled the door open, and there he was—Eugene, hands tucked into his pockets, looking at me like he had been waiting all day.

"Hey," he said softly.

"Hey," I replied, my voice quieter than I intended.

We stood there for a moment, just staring at each other.

Then, finally, he sighed. "Can I come in?"

I swallowed and nodded, stepping aside.

Eugene walked in like he belonged here, moving past me and settling into the armchair across from my bed. He looked relaxed, but there was something unreadable in his expression.

"Long call?" he asked, glancing at my phone.

"Yeah. My family." I exhaled as I sat back down on the bed. "Kuya Seven and Kuya Sebastian."

He nodded, as if he already expected that. "And?"

"And what?"

Eugene shrugged. "Did they grill you about me?"

I rolled my eyes. "Sebastian did. As usual."

"Figures," Eugene smirked. "So what did you tell him?"

"That I don't know what's happening."

His smirk faded slightly. "And is that true?"

I hesitated, looking away. "I don't know, Eugene."

A silence stretched between us before he spoke again. "Then let's not think about it for now."

I glanced at him. "What?"

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "There's a town an hour from here where we can snorkel. Thought you might want to check it out."

I frowned. "Since when do you snorkel?"

"I don't," he admitted, a small grin tugging at his lips. "But I figured you might like it."

I studied him, half-suspecting this was some kind of setup. "Why are you suddenly suggesting this?"

"You've been overthinking a lot," he said simply. "Maybe you need a break."

I scoffed. "A break from what? My vacation?"

He chuckled. "A break from your head."

I was about to respond when my phone buzzed on the bed. I picked it up, expecting another follow-up message from my family. Instead, it was Diane.

Diane: Hey, bitch. Where are you celebrating New Year?

Diane: Don't tell me you're spending it alone. I will literally fly over there and drag you out myself.

A small smile formed on my lips.

Me: I'm still in Consolacion. Haven't decided yet.

Diane: Well, decide. And decide on spending it with me.

I hesitated, fingers hovering over the keyboard.

Eugene, noticing my expression, leaned forward. "Who's that?"

"Diane."

His brow lifted. "And?"

"She wants to celebrate New Year together."

Eugene didn't react right away. Instead, he tapped his fingers against the armrest, his gaze thoughtful. "So what's stopping you?"

I hesitated. "I don't know. I didn't plan for anything."

He studied me for a moment, then said, "You could invite her here."

I blinked. "Here? In Consolacion?"

He smirked. "Why not? The dusty roads and construction noise really add to the festive spirit."

I rolled my eyes. "Tempting."

"Or," he continued, "you could just say yes to snorkeling and figure out the New Year thing later."

I sighed, rubbing my temples. "You're really not letting this go, huh?"

"Nope." He grinned.

I stared at him, then at my phone, Diane's message still unread.

Maybe I did need a break.

Maybe this trip wasn't just about escaping my family's expectations—it was about deciding what I wanted for myself.

And for the first time in a long while, I wasn't sure where that decision would take me.

--

I woke up the next morning to Eugene knocking on my door again.

I groaned, rolling over and grabbing my phone. 7:32 AM.

"Sev, if you don't open this door, I'm breaking in," he called.

"You don't have a key," I grumbled, sitting up and running a hand through my hair.

"I'll figure it out."

I sighed, dragging myself out of bed and opening the door. Eugene stood there in board shorts and a white linen shirt, sunglasses perched on his head. He looked too awake.

"Why do you look so put together?" I mumbled.

"Because we have a road trip," he said, pushing past me and grabbing my backpack from the chair. "Come on, Sev. Snorkeling, remember?"

I blinked at him. "Wait—you were serious?"

He smirked. "Did you think I was joking?"

"Yes?"

Eugene shook his head, tossing my backpack at me. "Go get ready. I already checked the car. It's fueled up, tires are good, and we have snacks."

I narrowed my eyes. "You were that sure I'd say yes?"

"Not really," he admitted, "but I figured if I annoyed you enough, you'd come just to shut me up."

I exhaled through my nose. "You're insufferable."

"And yet, here you are, getting ready," he pointed out smugly.

I scowled, but grabbed my bag anyway.

Eugene's black SUV was parked in front of the hotel, looking polished despite the dusty roads of Consolacion.

He opened the passenger door for me like it was second nature. I slid in without comment, adjusting my sunglasses as he rounded the car and got into the driver's seat.

"You really planned this, huh?" I muttered, glancing at the neatly packed cooler in the backseat.

"Of course," he said, turning on the engine. The low hum of the vehicle vibrated beneath us. "A road trip isn't a road trip without supplies."

I watched as he adjusted the rearview mirror, a rare glint of excitement in his eyes.

"Let's get out of here," he said, shifting into gear.

The SUV rolled forward, leaving the construction sites and noise of Consolacion behind.

The roads stretched ahead, winding past small towns, palm trees, and glimpses of the ocean.

For the first time in a long while, I felt like I was heading somewhere unknown.

And I didn't mind.