Suddenly, Katherine heard a familiar voice calling from a distance.

“Hey, Miss Yuzon! Long time no see!”

She turned around, surprised by what she saw. “Haze?”

“Oh, come on. Can you just call me Denzel, please? We’ve already graduated from college,” he teased.

“How long have you two known each other?” Arianne asked, noticing how familiar they seemed with one another.

“A long time!” Denzel replied enthusiastically, glancing at Katherine.

“I thought so,” Arianne said. “You both seemed really close.”

Denzel laughed. “So, how are you two related, anyway?”

“We're first-degree cousins,” Katherine replied.

Denzel extended a hand toward Arianne. “Nice to meet you.”

“Same here,” she responded with a polite smile. She couldn't believe they had already known each other since college. A thought crossed her mind—had there been something more between them back then?

Denzel turned his attention back to Katherine.

“So! What are you doing here?” she asked, shifting the conversation.

“Wanna guess?” he said with a grin.

“I don’t know. We haven’t talked in a long time,” she replied.

After graduation, they went their separate ways and lost touch—even on social media. Life simply got busier.

Denzel smiled. “I’m here for the award.”

Katherine looked between him and Arianne. “Don’t tell me you—”

“I won an award for being one of this year’s top recording artists,” Denzel said, cutting her off.

Katherine was stunned. They used to talk about their dreams and goals. She couldn’t believe her friend had actually pursued music. So much had changed since their college days.

“I realized I really love music, so I kept chasing it—even though it wasn’t my major. Music is my life,” Denzel explained. “It’s how I express myself. What about you? Just here for some celebrity updates?”

“I got an award too. Best-selling author,” she said simply, causing Denzel to raise his eyebrows in surprise.

“Seriously? I didn’t know you were into writing. I thought you were just like me—into singing.”

“I’ve loved writing since I was a kid. I just didn’t take it seriously back then because I focused more on singing.”

They used to spend their breaks in college singing together, tucked in the corner of the classroom with a guitar, especially when a professor didn’t show up.

“Do you still sing?” he asked.

“No,” she said. “I’m focused on writing novels now. I haven’t used my voice for singing in a long time.”

“That’s a shame. You had a beautiful voice back then. But hey, I’ll support your writing career.”

Katherine smiled. “Thank you. I’ll support your music career too.”

“Anyway, are you heading home now?” he asked.

“Yes, why?”

“Don’t go yet. I want to invite you both out for a meal—my treat!” he said eagerly.

His face lit up with excitement. It was clear he wanted to reconnect. A new chapter in their friendship was beginning after all those years.

“Sure, but wait. I need to inform them first,” Katherine said.

“Who?” Denzel asked curiously.

“My personal bodyguards,” she said, a bit hesitant.

Denzel chuckled. “Seriously? I didn’t expect you to have bodyguards now.”

“What else would you expect? It was my grandfather’s idea,” she replied.

“Well, I guess it makes sense. Someone as beautiful as you probably needs extra protection,” he teased.

“Tsk, whatever, Haze,” she said, rolling her eyes. “Just wait here. I’ll go talk to them.”

“Sure,” Denzel replied, watching her walk away.

Their conversation didn’t last long after that. Denzel had another commitment, so they all returned to the mansion.

---

That evening, Katherine headed to their mini-library to do some research for her new novel. She picked a book on psychology and philosophy.

Moments later, Gabriel, her personal bodyguard, entered. Katherine didn’t acknowledge him at first and continued flipping through pages—until he spoke.

“How well do you know him?” he asked plainly.

At first, Katherine ignored the question, but curiosity got the better of her.

She turned a page before replying, “Who?”

“The guy you were with earlier. With Arianne.”

“Uhh, Haze. What about him?”

She tried to act unfazed, but the air felt tense—like Gabriel was subtly interrogating her.

“I just want to know if you two have known each other long or if you just met today.”

“Haze and I go way back. We were friends in college.”

Gabriel furrowed his brow, carefully processing her words.

“Really?”

Katherine put the book down and faced him. “We just haven’t talked much since graduation. Life got in the way.”

Annoyance crept into her tone. Gabriel was clearly pushing too far. She didn’t want another complaint reaching her grandfather.

“So, it’s been a while since you two last talked, huh?” Gabriel said sarcastically, making her frown.

“Why are you asking so many questions about him anyway? You’re my bodyguard—not my best friend. Not even my boyfriend,” she snapped.

Her patience was gone. Gabriel was crossing the line.

“I may have just met you, but your grandfather has trusted me for years. That’s why he assigned me to this job—because he knows I won’t let him down. I’m doing my job.”

“What are you trying to prove?” she shot back. “I don’t care if you’re close to my grandfather. I’ll make friends with whoever I want.”

Katherine picked up her book and walked off.

“Sorry, Miss Yuzon, but it’s my duty to protect you from anything that could be a threat—whether you like it or not. Your grandfather hired me for a reason, and you have no choice but to deal with that.”

Still annoyed, Katherine walked away. She didn’t want the argument to escalate.

She locked herself in her room for the next few days, focused on finishing her manuscript and submitting it to a publishing house. She couldn’t wait to see the results.

---

The next Wednesday afternoon, she received a message from Denzel.

From: Denzel

Hey, how are you? Want to go out tomorrow? I’m dying of boredom going alone again.

Katherine:

Really? Where are we going?

From: Denzel

Wait—does that mean you’re in?

Katherine:

Yes, I’m bored too. I need a change of scenery outside this mansion.

From: Denzel

Awesome! I’ll update you later about the time. Or... should I just come over?

Katherine:

No problem, my friend.

From: Denzel

Cool. We leave at 6:00 AM then.

Katherine:

Alright. I’ll inform Rian and my bodyguards so they can prepare.

From: Denzel

Perfect. See you tomorrow!

Katherine immediately went to tell Arianne the news.

“Wait, really?” Arianne’s eyes widened. “Omg, this is exciting! But what if your strict bodyguard says no?”

“I won’t tell him we’ll be with someone else,” Katherine grinned. “Just trust my clever strategy.”

She gathered the courage to knock on Gabriel’s door. He opened it—wearing only a towel.

“Ahh!” she gasped, quickly turning away.

“Hold on, let me change,” he said awkwardly, then disappeared inside.

“I thought it was Patricio,” Gabriel said as he returned, fully dressed. “Didn’t expect it to be you.”

“I wanted to ask for permission. I’m planning to go on an outing tomorrow. I’m so bored—I feel like I’ll get sick if I stay here any longer.”

Katherine exaggerated playfully, hoping to soften his mood.

Gabriel paused for a moment before replying, “Why so sudden?”

“I just thought of it today,” she said, holding his gaze.

“Alright, fine. You can go,” he finally agreed.

He figured granting her request once wouldn’t hurt. Besides, even he was starting to feel confined.

“Thank you!” Katherine beamed.

Gabriel gave her a faint smile before returning to his room.

He reminded himself—this wasn’t sympathy. It was duty.

---

Flashback:

“I trust you, Mr. Bustoz. That’s why I assigned you to watch over my granddaughter,” Mr. Rodelio had said. “You’re a skilled agent.”

“Thank you, sir,” Gabriel replied.

“No one handles her stubbornness like you. Don’t disappoint me. You know the consequences.”

“Yes, Mr. Rodelio. I understand.”

Gabriel knew this job meant more than just protection. It was about loyalty—and family.

“I’ll do everything I can. I love this job—it helps put my siblings through school,” he had said.

Since their father’s death, Gabriel had been the breadwinner. His older sister married right after college.

“I’m counting on you,” Mr. Rodelio said.

End of flashback.

For Gabriel, this job was everything. And though he had agreed to the outing, his commitment hadn’t changed. Duty still came first. He couldn’t afford to fail—not when his family’s future depended on him.

Katherine began preparing her belongings for the trip. Her excitement was evident—she hadn’t gone out in months, aside from attending the award ceremony where her presence had been required.

“I can’t contain my excitement for tomorrow. Hays!” she exclaimed, facing her large mirror.

At 5:45 AM, Katherine and Arianne were already outside the mansion, bubbling with excitement. Meanwhile, Gabriel was still in his room, finishing his preparations.

By 6:10 AM, Denzel had yet to arrive. Gabriel began to wonder why the girls were still waiting by the car.

Finally, Denzel pulled up, making Gabriel furrow his brows.

“Kuya Denz!” Arianne greeted him energetically.

“Good morning,” he replied with a smile, eyes lighting up when he saw Katherine.