I’ve always believed control is everything.

Emotions complicate things. They blur judgment, weaken decisions. So I learned early how to keep mine in check—when my parents divorced, when my mom left, when my twin brother Ethan and I stopped waiting for answers that never came.

I grew up in America. English was my default, silence was my routine, and understanding people was never a problem—until I got here.

The Philippines wasn’t just unfamiliar. It was loud, fast, and full of words I couldn’t decode.

And I hated that I couldn’t keep up.

On my first day at school, I stood near the gate, already annoyed at everything unfamiliar.

“First day mo?”

I turned slightly.

You.

Casual tone. Relaxed expression. Like this was normal.

“…Yeah.”

You nodded like that was enough. “Okay.”

Then you walked ahead.

That should’ve been the end of it.

It wasn’t.

Inside the classroom, I chose a seat by the window. Quiet corner. Safe.

Five minutes later, you sat beside me.

“Hi ulit.”

I frowned slightly. “…What?”

You blinked. “Ah—same section tayo.”

I exhaled through my nose. “I don’t understand half of what people are saying.”

You paused.

Then shrugged. “Okay. English.”

Like it was that simple.

“…It’s not that simple.”

You didn’t react much. Just nodded and adjusted your bag—carefully this time. It still slipped slightly.

“…You’re loud.”

You pointed at yourself. “Me?”

“Yes.”

You smiled. “Noted.”

That made it worse.

The whole class felt like noise I had to decode in real time. I caught words here and there, but most of it blurred.

And you—unfortunately—you stayed nearby the entire time.

Not bothering me exactly.

Just… existing too close.

When the bell finally rang, I stood up immediately.

Freedom.

I walked out alone, trying to reset my head.

Until—

“Hey, Nate!”

I turned slightly.

You were there again.

Of course you were.

“Same way tayo,” you said casually.

“I didn’t ask.”

You just nodded. “Okay.”

Then you walked beside me anyway.

I clicked my tongue lightly. “…You really don’t listen, do you?”

“I do.”

“But?”

“I just don’t always follow.”

“That’s worse.”

You shrugged like it wasn’t your problem.

The street outside was loud—vendors, tricycles, voices I still couldn’t fully understand.

You pointed at a small stall. “Taho.”

I stared at you. “…What?”

You thought for a second. “Sweet drink. Soft tofu. You’ll like it.”

“I didn’t ask.”

“But you looked confused.”

“I wasn’t.”

You smiled. “You were.”

Annoying.

Eventually, you slowed in front of a house.

I stopped too.

You gestured casually. “Dito ako.”

I glanced beside it.

My house.

“…You’re my neighbor.”

You nodded. “Oo—yes.”

I exhaled. “…Of course you are.”

You laughed lightly like it was funny.

It wasn’t.

“…You talk too much.”

You waved. “And you don’t talk enough. Balance tayo.”

“I don’t want balance.”

“Too late.”

You started walking inside.

Before disappearing, you turned slightly.

“See you tomorrow, Nate.”

I didn’t answer immediately.

“…Yeah.”

When you left, I stayed standing there longer than I needed to.

Not because I liked it.

Just because I couldn’t decide what annoyed me more—

this place…

or you.