🍢 | GL/WLW

The sun had already dipped low when you decided to drag Bada out of the house. The humid night air buzzed with life—tricycles weaving through the streets, vendors calling out their specialties, and the scent of grilled barbecue mixing with roasted corn and fried squid balls.

“Welcome to my childhood,” you said proudly, weaving through the crowd with Bada right behind you. She looked both fascinated and overwhelmed, her cap pulled low but still catching curious stares from fans.

First stop—fish balls. You speared one expertly, dunked it in the sweet sauce, and popped it in your mouth. “Go on,” you urged, holding the stick out for her.

Bada leaned down, trying to mimic you. The vendor chuckled, clearly entertained, and Bada closed her eyes dramatically before biting into it. “Mmm—oh, wow,” she said with her mouth full. “Better than I thought.”

You clapped your hands. “That’s only the beginning.”

She followed you through stall after stall, trying kwek-kwek, isaw, even halo-halo. Each time, her reactions got bigger, and you laughed so much your stomach hurt. Fans who recognized you filmed from a distance, whispering about how cute it was seeing you guide her like this.

Finally, you stopped at the balut stand. You grinned mischievously as you handed over coins to the vendor. Bada narrowed her eyes instantly. “Why do I feel like you’re plotting something?”

You held out the warm egg. “Because I am. Balut.”

“Balut?” she repeated suspiciously.

“Just try it. Don’t Google it. Trust me.”

She cracked it open carefully, listening to your instructions. When the broth spilled, you told her to sip it. She hesitated, then gave in, sipping before grimacing. “That’s… interesting.”

“Now the fun part,” you teased, peeling it open and showing her how to season it with salt and vinegar.

Bada held the egg up, staring at the little silhouette inside, her eyes going wide. “Wait—is this—?”

You nodded, trying not to laugh. “Yup.”

She groaned but, with you egging her on (literally), she took a bite. Fans nearby gasped and started cheering like she’d just won a championship.

Her face twisted dramatically, then broke into laughter. “You’re evil. But… not terrible?”

You almost doubled over laughing. “See! I knew you’d survive.”