A few weeks had passed since they made it official with their friends. They were happier than ever, sneaking kisses in the hallways, holding hands under the table, and being the perfect power couple.
But there was still one big step left.
One afternoon, they were sitting in the park, leaning against each other.
"So..." Luna started softly, playing with Rina's fingers. "We can't keep this hidden forever, right? I really want you to meet my parents. They've been asking me who makes me smile so much lately."
Rina tensed up immediately. She pulled her hand back slightly and looked down.
"I want to meet them too..." Rina whispered. "But... Luna... you know my situation."
Luna nodded sadly. She knew. Rina had told her before that her mother was very strict and had old-fashioned views. Rina was terrified that if her mom found out she liked a girl, she would be disowned or yelled at.
"I know your mom is... complicated," Luna said gently, holding Rina's face to make her look up. "That's why we will start with mine first. My parents are... well, they are the coolest people ever. I promise you, they will love you."
Rina bit her lip, looking worried. "Really? What if they think it's weird? What if they hate me?"
"Never," Luna smiled confidently. "Trust me. Just come over this Sunday. Okay? We'll take it slow."
Rina looked into Luna's sincere eyes and took a deep breath.
"Okay... Sunday."
(๑•̀ㅂ•́)و✧
Sunday arrived.
Rina was standing in front of Luna's house, wearing her prettiest dress, holding a box of pastries she bought. Her hands were shaking.
'Calm down Rina. You are Top 1. You can do this.'
Luna opened the door and grinned when she saw her.
"Wow... you look beautiful," Luna whispered, pulling her inside. "Come in, come in."
The house was warm and cozy, filled with the smell of delicious food and laughter.
"Mom! Dad! I'm home!" Luna shouted.
Suddenly, a lovely woman with warm eyes came out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. She was Luna's mom. And behind her was Luna's dad, a big man with a gentle smile.
But the moment Luna's mom saw Rina, her face lit up like a Christmas tree.
"Oh my goodness!" Mrs. Reyes clasped her hands together. "So this is the famous Rina?! The girl you never stop talking about?!"
Rina froze. 'T-Talking about?!'
Luna blushed slightly but held Rina's hand tight. "Mom, Dad. This is Rina. My... my girlfriend."
She said it loud and clear, full of pride.
Rina expected them to be shocked or angry. But instead...
"Girlfriend?!" Mr. Reyes beamed and walked over, patting Rina gently on the shoulder. "Oh thank god! Finally! I was worried this kid would never bring anyone home! You are so pretty, dear!"
"Come sit here!" Mrs. Reyes pulled Rina to the sofa, completely ignoring Luna now. "Oh my, you are even prettier than in the photos Luna showed us! She told us you are the Top 1 student! So smart!"
Rina was so shocked she could barely speak. "T-Thank you... po..."
"See?" Luna sat next to her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders proudly. "I told you they would love you."
Luna's family was amazing. They asked Rina about her studies, her hobbies, and treated her like their own daughter. They didn't care that they were both girls. All they saw was how happy Luna was, and how Rina made their daughter shine.
During lunch, Mrs. Reyes kept putting more food on Rina's plate.
"Eat more, dear! You are so thin! Luna, you better take good care of her!"
"Of course Mom, I will," Luna smiled, looking at Rina with so much love.
Rina felt tears prick her eyes. It was so warm. It was everything she dreamed of.
After lunch, they were sitting in the garden. Rina leaned her head on Luna's shoulder.
"They are so nice..." Rina whispered softly. "I never thought... it would be this easy."
"I told you," Luna kissed the top of her head. "You are part of my family now, Rina. Always."
"But..." Rina's smile faded a little. "What about my family? Seeing how happy yours is... makes me scared of mine even more. My mom... she said before that same-sex relationships are wrong. What if she gets mad? What if she forbids me from seeing you?"
Luna held Rina's hand tightly and looked her in the eyes seriously.
"Then we will take it slow," Luna said firmly. "I will wait for you. No matter how long it takes. And when the time comes, I will face your parents myself. I will tell them how much I love you, and how I will never hurt you."
She wiped a tear from Rina's cheek.
"You don't have to be afraid, okay? You have me. You have my family. We are your safe place now."
Rina nodded, feeling safe again in Luna's arms.
"Thank you, Luna..."
"Anything for you, my love."
To be continued in chapter 14>>(*ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ