I grew up as a foreigner—half Filipino, half Japanese. My father was Japanese, and my mother was from the Philippines. Ever since I turned five, we moved to the Philippines, and that became my new home.

Both of my parents had jobs that constantly required relocating, so we frequently moved from one city to another, and I ended up transferring to different schools almost every year.

Strangely enough, it made me more energetic, adaptable, and friendly. I learned how to connect with people quickly—even if I knew we’d eventually part ways.

Over the years, I grew into someone warm, a little sassy, and unapologetically true to myself. And yes, I liked men. That wasn’t a secret among my friends.

I had specific standards though—not the typical tall-dark-handsome type.

I was drawn to men with emotional intelligence, quiet maturity, a calm and nonchalant aura... preferably an overachiever with nerdy habits. A rare breed, especially in the Philippines—but this time… something felt different.

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My friends and I had planned to meet in front of the mall that afternoon to hang out and explore the area.

After roaming around aimlessly, I started to get bored and suggested we head to the arcade.

Two hours passed in a blur of flashing lights, claw machines, and competitive dancing. Eventually, hunger struck.

We rode the escalator, still laughing and exchanging our usual chismis—you know, the kind of gossip that only best friends can make dramatic.

We ended up at a small supermarket nearby. As soon as we stepped in, we grabbed a cart and split up to look for snacks.

“Kainis bhe, wala bang Piattos?” Alex muttered, visibly annoyed.

“Tanga, hanap-hanap din kasi,” Elisia shot back playfully, her tone teasing but affectionate.

Then suddenly—her expression changed.

Her eyes widened. She froze. Then she spun me around quickly by the shoulders.

“Hoy!” she whispered sharply. “Tumingin ka!”

Confused, I turned… and that's when I saw you.

You were standing in the next aisle, facing sideways—completely unaware. Holding a shopping basket on your wrist, casually picking groceries like you weren’t the most interesting man I had ever laid eyes on.

Glasses. A nonchalant expression. Calm. Mysterious. NERDY??

Omg?!!

“Ackk, shett!!” I squeaked and immediately covered my face with both hands, feeling heat rush to my cheeks as my friends burst into laughter behind me.

“Ayy, mukha kang bata!” one of them teased.

But I couldn't help it. That moment felt like it was pulled straight out of a K-drama or a manhwa panel. The world slowed down. My heart raced.

Could you be… the one?