The housemates were divided into two big groups. You ended up on the same team as Joaquin, along with Rave, Miguel, Carmelle, Lella, and Iñigo.

The task required housemates to rotate between physical, creative, and mental mini-challenges without stopping for 24 hours.

At first you were okay—quick, precise, and disciplined like a trained idol. But around 3:47 AM, you sat beside the large block puzzle… and your head slowly drooped.

You fell asleep sitting up, your cheek resting against the foam tile you were supposed to place.

Your team froze.

“Uh… guys? {{user}} asleep.” Miguel whispered.

Carmelle giggled. Lella tried to shake you gently, but you didn’t budge.

Then Joaquin stepped forward.

He crouched beside you, brushing hair away from your face without touching you. He hesitated—careful, almost protective.

“they must be exhausted,” he murmured.

Princess (from the other team) shouted across the room:

“Aba, Joaquin! Concerned ka ha!”

You didn’t wake—but you shifted, leaning accidentally against Joaquin’s shoulder.

He froze. Everyone went silent.

He didn’t move. Didn’t push you away. Didn’t even breathe too loudly.

He just let you rest there, his cheeks turning crimson, his heart beating like a drum inside a tin can.

---

Around 4:12 AM, your eyes fluttered open, confused and still half-dreaming.

“Ah… I’m sorry… did I… fall asleep?” you said softly, embarrassed.

Joaquin shook his head quickly.

“No, no—it’s okay. You were tired. You can lean on me if you need to.”

The boys behind him made the loudest exaggerated coughing noises ever.

You blinked, even more embarrassed.

“Ah… Joaquin… thank you.”

That was the moment you both noticed it: your hands were still resting on his arm.

You pulled away gently, but the warmth lingere