There were so many of them. I couldn't believe it.
Keanu Bautista, the youngest of the brothers, had light blond hair and sky-blue eyes. Only twelve years old—and already hopelessly smitten with Charlotte. The moment he fell for her, he began imitating his older brothers. Good grief. He's adorable now, but what a shame… he'll turn into a little pervert soon enough. He went insane, basically.
Kaius Bautista, on the other hand, had white hair and cool blue eyes. He carried himself like the mature one among them, even if he wasn't technically the eldest.
Then there was Leo Bautista—blue hair, blue eyes, and the one everyone called the White Prince. He was impossibly kind. Too kind, in fact.
Just… don't steal the female lead. That's literally the only requirement.
And last was Xavion Bautista—the male lead. The devastatingly handsome psychopath who would destroy the world before letting anyone take the female lead from him.
I shook my head. "What a waste. They're all stupidly handsome."
Before any of them noticed me staring, I left. In the original story, this was the scene where Charlotte ran in a panic and bumped straight into the male lead.
And that was how they fell in love.
Well… not love, exactly. Xavion hadn't realized he liked her yet.
Oh wait—hold on. I needed to buy mango float before it sold out. Good thing Mom gave me money earlier.
Money can buy happiness. I don't need people to be happy. I just need mango float.
By the time I grabbed three cups, the scene had already begun. Charlotte, with her chestnut-brown hair and matching brown eyes, looked painfully cute—but obviously, I was cuter.
"S-sorry! I didn't mean to!" she stammered as she stood up and bowed.
I ate one mango float while watching them from the side like I was in a live drama screening.
Xavion stared at her with no emotion at all. Was he copying Sparrow's blank stare too? I froze when I realized Sparrow himself was staring directly at me.
Okay, yes, I know I'm pretty, but you're not supposed to look at me. Look away, sir. Shoo.
I was about to leave when he called my name.
"You're Solar Elizalde, right? The Elizalde's Angel?" August asked, sounding unsure.
Huh? That wasn't in the script. I frowned at him. Oh great. Now everyone was staring at me. I had no choice but to play along.
Why can't my life ever be peaceful?
"Yes? Do you need something?" I asked sweetly. Xavion looked away immediately, clearly uninterested in whatever this was.
"Join us for lunch later," August said casually.
What? Wasn't he supposed to invite Charlotte?
"Ha? Why me— I mean, I'm busy," I said politely.
He smirked. "Busy? The only daughter of the Elizalde family who does nothing but study and follow Xavion around? Are you sure you're not just avoiding us?"
What the—
Xavion glanced at me, making me swallow hard.
No. Not my new life. Please. I just started enjoying peace. Don't drag me into your drama.
I laughed weakly. "Of course I'd love to. Who wouldn't want to spend time with the most handsome guys in the Philippines?"
He looked very pleased with that. Yes, you're handsome. But my life is more important than any of your romantic nonsense.
I'll flirt later—once I become the female lead.
"I'll expect you there, Solar," he said with a wink before leaving.
Charlotte and I met eyes. She smiled; I smiled back. The moment I turned around, my smile vanished.
I was supposed to go shopping today.
_______
I glanced around slowly. They shouldn't be here, right? If I just say I suddenly have something important to do, I'm sure they'll understand.
"Who are you looking for?" someone asked.
"Shhh! Don't be loud! They might see me." I hissed, swatting the hand on my shoulder—only to freeze when I turned and saw August.
He chuckled upon seeing my horrified expression. What was he doing here?!
"I waited for you, but I knew you wouldn't show up, so I came to your classroom instead," he said with a smile.
I smiled back politely. "Well, I'm actually busy. I have to buy something before it sells out."
"Is that more important than me?" he asked with a pout.
"Umm…"
Without thinking, I grabbed Charlotte's wrist, making her jump.
"Invite her instead! She's basically Xavion's girlfriend anyway," I said quickly.
Xavion only used Charlotte before, so Solar would stop clinging to him—but they never actually had a label. Solar then fainted because she believed it.
But whatever. I still needed to buy something.
"You don't like me?" August asked in a wounded tone.
Good grief. Stop acting. You're making me look like the villain here.
"Of course not. I just know you don't actually want me there. And I know you'd prefer this girl." I gestured to Charlotte politely.
The entire class burst into whispers.
Oh, so that's what you wanted, huh.
"L-Lady Solar! That's not true!" Charlotte said, flustered. She grabbed both my hands. "Don't think that way! No one hates you! How can anyone hate the Angel of the Elizalde family?"
Sure. Keep pretending, Charlotte. Keep stealing their attention. I don't care.
I laughed softly. "Oh, I'm just human. Not an angel." I tilted my head and smiled gently. "You're funny, Charlotte Hilaria. I know you want to be with Xavion."
"W-what are you talking about?" she asked, turning red. I patted her shoulder and leaned close to her ear, letting my smile drop.
"You're a little too obvious, Lady Charlotte."
I straightened and faced August, who was still smiling as if this was all amusing to him.
"I really have to go now, August. Maybe next—"
He suddenly pulled me toward him.
"Too bad," he murmured. "I don't listen to other people's decisions. If I want you, you're mine."
This jerk.
_______
"Hey everyone! I'm here!" August announced brightly.
I sighed. Why was I here again? I was tired of pretending to be nice.
"You're late," Luke grumbled. He looked at me next, and I immediately looked away.
"Solar."
I glanced up to see Sparrow watching me, a faint smile on his lips.
"What a beautiful name," he said.
And just like that… my peaceful life was officially over.
The entire room fell silent as everyone stared at me. I forced a smile, though internally I wanted nothing more than to bolt out the door.
August giggled softly. "I know you must be hungry, Lady Solar. Let's get something to eat."
With no chance to escape, I sat beside him. Leo took the seat to my left.
"Woah…"
Finally—finally—I was going to taste good food again. But as the excitement hit me, I realized how I must have looked. I cleared my throat and tried to compose myself. "I—I'm sorry."
"It's fine," August said warmly. "Please enjoy."
You said it. So don't blame me if I devour everything on this table. I deserve a reward.
I immediately dug into the cakes laid before me—especially the strawberry one. My absolute favorite. Was I in heaven?
When I glanced up, they were all staring at me.
"Is there something wrong?" I asked shyly. Leo smiled.
"Nothing. We're just… entertained by the sight," he said gently.
I cleared my throat. "Why did you invite me here, anyway?"
Keon spoke first. "We just wanted to tell you that Xavion doesn't like you, and you have no chance with him."
Excuse me?! Are you provoking me, child?
"And?" I asked flatly.
"We don't want you to get hurt," Levi added kindly. "I'm sure you'll find someone better for you, Solar."
I chuckled. Did they really think I would cry over some boy? Oh, please. He never did anything good for me anyway.
"Thank you," I said quietly. I finished the last cake. "Don't worry, Xavion. I won't bother you again. I'm sure I'll find someone who will love me sincerely."
I stood up.
"Where are you going?" Sparrow asked.
"Thanks for the food," I said simply, then walked away.
I could feel Xavion's gaze burning into my back, but I ignored it. I was done with their drama.
_______
Finally! Class was over!
I giggled as I walked. I could finally go home—
"Solar Elizalde."
I froze mid-step, turning slowly toward the voice. My eyes widened.
"X-Xavion? Is something wrong?" What did he want this time?
He said nothing, simply stared intensely at me. I looked away, uncomfortable under his gaze. What was he thinking now?
"Come to my house tomorrow," he said, his eyes locked onto mine, serious and unreadable.
"Ha?"
Oh no—I almost forgot I was supposed to be nice. "Why me? Aren't you and Charlotte dating already? Won't she get jealous?"
"T-that's—"
"I'm sorry, but I don't want to ruin your relationship," I said firmly. "You should prioritize your girlfriend before other people."
Before he could argue, I turned to leave—but he grabbed my wrist.
"If you don't come tomorrow," he said coldly, "you'll regret it."
Then he walked away.
I glared at his retreating figure. What was wrong with him?! I even tried to distance myself for their sake!
What kind of life is this?!
______
When I finally entered their enormous mansion, a maid led me inside… then promptly left me behind.
"Do they really expect me to know where Xavion is?"
Just because everyone thought Solar was Xavion's stalker didn't mean I knew where to find him.
Gosh.
I started walking, taking in the surroundings. The place was beautiful. Too bad it would be ruined in the future.
"Who are you?"
I turned immediately.
Keanu Bautista. The innocent one.
God, he was adorable. But he would only stay innocent until he fell for Charlotte. Then he'd be doomed like the rest.
I wanted to hug him. He stared at me with such purity. Seriously? He didn't recognize me?
Well… maybe that was for the best.
"I'm a friend of your brother Xavion," I said with a smile. He looked suspicious.
"Don't lie. My brother has no friends."
I giggled and stepped closer, causing him to step back slightly.
I gently patted his head. He froze.
"Just call me Zemira," I said softly. His eyes widened and he went still. "You're so cute."
His cheeks turned red as he looked away shyly.
"Zemira?" he repeated quietly.
"I have to go. I'm still looking for something." I turned, ready to leave, but he tugged lightly at my sleeve.
"Will… will we see each other again?"
His question made me smile.
"I'm sure we'll meet again," I lied smoothly.
Actually, no. After this, I planned to enjoy my peaceful life as Solar and avoid chaos.
I walked away, feeling his gaze lingering on me. When I peeked into the dining room, I spotted a table full of food.
"Omg… this looks delicious—"
"You're finally here."
I froze. Slowly, I turned toward the voice.
White hair. Red eyes.
The psychopath himself was staring right at me.
Calm down, Zemira. You're the best actress in your neighborhood. You can do this. Stay calm. Please, self.
"Good afternoon, Xavion," I said politely.
Also: you ruined my life, you demon.
He smiled in that playful, dangerous way of his.
What was he planning this time? I could feel something very bad coming.
"Sit down, young lady."
He gestured to the seat directly across from him. I swallowed hard and obeyed.
Food was the greatest weakness of my existence. It destroyed my diet and my dignity in seconds.
"So," I said, trying to stay composed. "What do you want from me, Xavion?"
He chuckled.
"I just want to confirm something," he said with a smile.
My stomach flipped.
Did he figure out I wasn't Solar?
What was going on in his twisted mind?
"Confirm what? Did I do something wrong?" I asked innocently.
He reached toward my hair, but I quickly leaned away and stuffed cake into my mouth.
"I knew it," he murmured.
I frowned. "Excuse me?"
"What's the reason you pretended to have feelings for me?"
The spoon nearly slipped from my hand.
"W-what are you talking about?!"
"I deserve an explanation," Xavion said coldly, his eyes sharpening.
"Solar."