Chapter 52: The Promise for Family
Two days had passed since the chaotic night of Flora's birthday, and she was slowly returning to her routine as a student at a prestigious university in Manila. The memories of the battle at the City of Dreams lingered vividly in her mind, but she was not included in General Romeo's new mission. Despite her training as a soldier and her role as a diwata emissary, Romeo had quietly instructed her to focus on her studies. For Flora, it was an odd sensation—to live as an ordinary student while carrying the extraordinary power of an emissary, yet she had no choice but to obey her general.
On a warm Wednesday afternoon, after her classes, Flora stood outside the university gates, waiting for a ride. The sun's heat kissed her skin, and the clamor of vehicles on the road mingled with the laughter of fellow students walking home. Despite the exhaustion of a long day at school, a faint smile played on her lips, as if she were anticipating something special.
A few minutes later, a motorcycle pulled up in front of her. The rider, a young man named Andoy, greeted her with warmth and joy sparkling in his eyes. "Glad you waited for me," he said, his voice light yet tinged with care. He handed her a pink helmet, its color a gentle reminder of her soft nature beneath her courageous heart.
"Thank you, Andoy," Flora replied as she put on the helmet, her smile radiating genuine gratitude. "I know you're busy with work, but you still came to pick me up." Her voice was tender, and the simple act of tucking her hair behind her ear before climbing onto the motorcycle brought a quiet warmth to Andoy's heart.
"It's too early to head home," Andoy said as he started the engine, his hands tucked into the pockets of his jeans. "Want to grab something at Starbucks first? We could have a snack, help you unwind."
Flora smiled but shook her head, as if something else was on her mind. "Hmm… traffic's exhausting, isn't it? How about we just hang out at a street stall? There are fishball vendors nearby," she suggested, her eyes sparkling with the thought of simple pleasures. Her face lit up with excitement at the idea of savoring street food.
Andoy grinned, caught off guard by her response. "Alright, you're the boss," he said, adjusting his motorcycle. Flora climbed on behind him, her hands firmly gripping his shoulders as he revved the engine. The city's breeze brushed against their faces, carrying the scent of smoke and urban noise, yet amidst it all, a quiet understanding passed between them—a fleeting moment of connection.
Minutes later, they stopped at a roadside street food stall. The area buzzed with life: children running around, elderly vendors selling kwek-kwek and fishballs, and the savory aroma of fried food wafting from small carts. They sat on a bench, holding plates of fishballs and glasses of cold gulaman. As Flora ate, Andoy noticed her smile, her eyes gleaming as she licked sauce off her fingers.
"Why are you staring?" Flora asked, suddenly shy as she caught Andoy's gaze. "Is there something on my face?" she added, her hand instinctively touching her cheek, as if worried she looked disheveled.
"Haha, no," Andoy replied, his laugh warm and affectionate. "I'm just happy seeing you enjoy something as simple as fishballs. I thought, being a student at a fancy university, you'd be used to expensive restaurants."
Flora laughed, her voice like music amidst the street's clamor. "Come on, Andoy, I'm not like that. You know, I didn't grow up in a rich family like you might think," she said, her tone playful yet carrying a hint of seriousness. "Truth is, I'm an orphan. But someone's taking care of me, paying for my studies at the university. They even gave me a place to live here. But… I'm older than them, so they're like a younger sibling to me."
Andoy's eyes widened as he processed her words. "Wait, how did they adopt you if they're younger than you? And studying at your university isn't cheap. They must be wealthy," he said, his voice filled with curiosity and surprise.
Flora smiled, a touch of mystery in her expression. "Yeah, they're well-off. But I don't really know how rich they are. I don't ask, and we don't talk about money. All I know is I owe them a lot. That's why I need to pass and graduate from nursing, to repay them somehow."
"I know you can do it," Andoy said, his smile brimming with support. "You know, Flora, I admire you. Most students at your university, especially those considered honorary Spaniards, don't bother with people like me. But you're different. Even coming from that world, you don't feel distant from folks like us."
Flora's cheeks flushed, and she looked away, embarrassed. "Hey, do you think I'm a snob?" she asked, her voice a mix of protest and laughter.
"Haha, not at all!" Andoy replied, his laugh full of joy. "When I first met you, I knew right away you were a good person. That's why… I'm so grateful you let me court you, even though I'm just a simple guy and not an honorary Spaniard like you."
Andoy's words were like a warm cup of coffee on a chilly morning—comforting and heartfelt. But Flora froze, her cheeks turning even redder. "W-Well, about your courtship…" she began, her voice shy and hesitant. "You know I'm still a student, and I don't want my guardian to think poorly of me."
Andoy's expression dimmed, a flicker of worry in his eyes. "Does that mean you don't want me to continue courting you?" he asked, his voice soft, as if bracing for her answer.
Flora quickly shook her head, her hands waving in front of her. "No, no, it's not that I don't want it!" she said, her voice tinged with concern that he might misunderstand. "Truth is, I'm really happy with everything you do for me. I enjoy being with you. But… I need to finish my studies first before thinking about those things. My guardian really wants me to graduate, and I want to prove I can do it."
Andoy listened, his eyes full of understanding. "That's fine. Would it be okay if I wait two years?" he asked, his voice hopeful.
Flora's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? You'd wait that long?" she asked, her voice filled with disbelief.
"Of course," Andoy replied, his smile confident. "You think I'm not patient? Two years, three, even five—I can handle it."
Flora laughed, though a hint of worry lingered in her tone. "People get impatient, Andoy. What if you get tired of waiting and find someone else?" she said, her voice playful but tinged with fear.
Andoy scratched his head, his smile unwavering. "Flora, I don't have time to court anyone else. I'm swamped with work. Besides, I'm lucky to have met you—kind, caring, and absolutely beautiful. I'd be a fool to look for someone else."
Flora quickly covered Andoy's mouth, her cheeks burning red. "Hey, don't say that in front of everyone! It's embarrassing!" she said, her voice laced with shyness as she tried to hush him. The people around them glanced their way, making Flora blush even more.
"What's embarrassing? It's true!" Andoy protested, his laugh full of delight. "Look, even they can see how beautiful my companion is."
"Andoy, if you don't stop, I'm really going to get mad!" Flora said, lightly swatting his arm. But despite her protests, a smile lingered on her lips, and her heart warmed with an unfamiliar joy.
As their conversation continued, Flora suddenly remembered the children at the orphanage. "Andoy, let's visit the orphanage. I want to bring them some food," she said, her eyes shining with the idea.
Andoy looked concerned. "Wait, Flora, you just came from school. Aren't you tired? Maybe you should rest first," he said, his voice filled with care.
Flora smiled, her expression brimming with determination. "No, I'd rather spend time with the kids than stay in my dorm watching TV. Come on, let's buy some bread before we go."
Unable to resist her smile, Andoy agreed, and they bought bread before heading to the orphanage. Minutes later, they arrived. Andoy dropped Flora off at the gate, saying he'd park his motorcycle at the back. As Flora waited, holding the bag of bread, her heart swelled with joy at the thought of seeing the children.
But as she entered the orphanage, she froze. Amidst the children running and playing, she spotted a familiar figure—a man with black hair and a small stature, playing with the kids. "General Romeo?" Flora whispered, her voice thick with shock. She quickly covered her mouth, remembering she wasn't supposed to call him "General" outside their group.
Romeo's brow furrowed when he saw her, but a faint smile curved his lips. "You took your time getting here, Flora," he said, his voice calm yet tinged with concern. "I've been waiting here for three hours."
Flora hurried over, her heart pounding. "W-Why are you here, Romeo?" she asked, her voice laced with worry and nerves. She couldn't explain it, but she felt a sinking dread, as if bad news was coming.
"Kuya Romeo," he corrected, his tone playful. "Remember, I'm still your big brother."
"But I'm older than you!" Flora protested, her voice a mix of defiance and laughter.
Romeo noticed the unease in her eyes. "Why are you so tense? Are you hiding something other than your visits to this orphanage?" he asked, his voice serious but caring.
"W-What do you mean?" Flora stammered, flustered.
She quickly grabbed Romeo's hand and pulled him outside the building. "Wait, why do we need to go out?" Romeo asked, but he followed her anyway.
"Why are you here? How did you find this place?" Flora asked, her voice trembling, as if afraid Romeo had uncovered a secret she'd kept from him.
Romeo smiled, his expression calm. "I had my people look into it," he said. He explained that when his secretary audited his cards, she noticed a regular 25,000-peso transfer to an account each month from Flora's funds. So, he had it investigated.
"You had me investigated?" Flora asked, her voice a mix of disbelief and slight anger.
"It wasn't my intention, but you never mentioned you were spending the money on something like this," Romeo replied, his tone calm but tinged with concern. "I told you it's fine to spend my money, but why give it to others?"
Flora panicked, her hands waving as she explained. "I'm not using the money for anything bad, Romeo! You said it was a bonus, so I used it for the orphanage. I know it's going to a good cause."
Romeo sighed, his expression showing mild disappointment. "I'm not mad about you giving money, Flora. But I gave it to you for *you*—to enjoy as a student, buy what you want, or hang out with friends. Why give it away?"
Flora looked down, her heart heavy. "I'm sorry, Romeo. I didn't mean to hide it from you. But… I don't need the money for myself. I thought it would be more meaningful to give it to the orphanage. I know it's for the kids."
Romeo didn't respond immediately, but a flicker of frustration crossed his eyes. "I told you, I don't care about the money. I can earn it anytime. But what I want, Flora, is for you to use it for your own good, not others'."
Flora's voice softened, almost a whisper. "I understand, Romeo. But I'm happy helping the kids. I don't need fancy things to be happy."
Romeo sighed again and walked a few steps away, as if pondering his next words. But he suddenly stopped and playfully tapped Flora's head with a toy hammer from the orphanage. "I'll take care of their funding from now on," he said, his voice light with a hint of jest. "So, spend your money properly."
Flora's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? You'll support the orphanage?" she asked, her voice brimming with hope.
Romeo smiled. "If it's something you're passionate about, I can't do anything but support you. I'm willing to help, as long as it makes you happy."
Flora suddenly hugged Romeo, her eyes shining with gratitude. "General Romeo, thank you!" she said, her voice filled with joy. "The kids will be so happy!"
Romeo smiled, but his expression carried a playful edge. "You're lucky I'm in a good mood today. But don't expect me to indulge you every time."
As they embraced, Andoy arrived. "Flora?" he called, his voice tinged with surprise as he saw her holding onto Romeo's shoulders.
Flora quickly let go, her cheeks flushing again. "W-Wait, Andoy, it's not what you think!" she said, her voice thick with panic. "This is Romeo, my guardian. He's the one taking care of me and funding my studies here in Manila."
Romeo approached Andoy, his eyes scanning the young man from head to toe, like a lion assessing a newcomer in his territory. Flora broke into a cold sweat, knowing full well that Romeo must not find out about Andoy's courtship. "Uh… Romeo, this is Andoy, my friend," she said, her voice trembling with nerves.
"Friend?" Romeo asked, his tone laced with doubt.
"Yes, he's kind and trustworthy," Flora added, forcing a smile. "He's with me in charity work at the orphanage, and he often gives me a ride home from school."
Romeo stared at Flora, noticing her unease. "Why are you so nervous? Are you really just friends?" he asked, his voice serious.
Flora nodded quickly, glancing at Andoy as if pleading for help. Andoy caught her cue and nodded. "Yes, we're friends. We've been working together in a charity community helping poor Filipinos for a while," he said, his voice calm but tinged with nerves.
For a few minutes, Romeo studied Andoy, as if analyzing his every move. Flora's heart raced, unable to stay calm. To diffuse the tension, she grabbed Romeo's arm. "General, Andoy's not a bad person. You don't need to stare at him like he did something wrong," she said, her voice defensive.
Romeo smiled, but his eyes remained sharp. "As your guardian, I need to ensure you're safe and in good company. Andoy, do you have time to join us now?"
Flora's eyes widened. "Wait, what?" she asked, her voice filled with worry.
Romeo explained that he despised being lied to. "I can't force Flora to tell the truth, but I just want to know the nature of your relationship," he said, his tone calm but carrying a warning.
"Wait, Romeo, I'm not lying!" Flora protested, her voice laced with anxiety.
Romeo stepped away, saying he wasn't forcing Andoy to come along. "But I need to take Flora for something important," he said, his voice serious.
"Something important?" Flora asked, her eyes full of curiosity.
Andoy responded quickly, his voice respectful. "If it's not a bother, I'll come along. I know Flora's important to you, and I want to ensure she's safe too."
Romeo smiled, seemingly pleased with Andoy's response. "Good answer," he said as he contacted his team on his phone. Moments later, his black car arrived, and his men opened the doors for them. Andoy was stunned by the car's luxury, glancing at Flora as if he couldn't believe what was happening.
"Get in, we don't have much time," Romeo ordered, his voice authoritative.
Flora sighed and complied, her heart pounding with nerves as they entered the car. Inside, Romeo was quiet, focused on his phone, while Flora fidgeted, worried Andoy might say something to worsen the situation.
"Andoy, right? How long have you known Flora?" Romeo asked, his voice calm but probing.
"Huh? Uh… about a year, I guess," Andoy replied, his voice tinged with nerves. "But since she moved to the dorm, I've seen her often because of my side job as a water delivery boy."
Flora quickly chimed in, her voice brimming with pride. "Andoy's taking vocational courses, and in his free time, he takes on all sorts of jobs. He's hardworking and trusted in our area."
She added that Andoy founded the charity community, and it was rare to find men like him who helped others despite a busy schedule. But she froze when Romeo spoke.
"Flora, are you his spokesperson? Why are you answering for him?" Romeo asked, his tone playful yet serious.
Flora couldn't respond, her eyes filled with fear. One of her greatest fears was Romeo finding out she and Andoy were often together. "Sorry…" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Let's be honest," Romeo said, his voice serious. "I don't care about your job, Andoy, or how helpful you are. I just want to know if you and Flora are really just friends."
He explained that he wanted Flora to make genuine friends but was worried her kindness might be exploited. "I was annoyed when I found out she was giving money to the orphanage instead of using it for herself. I suspect someone might be taking advantage of her generosity."
Andoy was stunned. "Wait, you're giving money to the orphanage?" he asked Flora, his voice full of surprise.
"Yes," Flora replied softly. "I found out no one was donating for the kids' education, so I gave half my allowance."
Flora insisted she did it willingly, and no one forced her. "I know my limits, Romeo. I'm not being taken advantage of," she said, her voice firm with determination.
Andoy sighed and apologized. "I didn't know about Flora's donations. She helps a lot of people, and I'm not even sure who she talks to," he said to Romeo.
Romeo smiled, but his eyes remained sharp. "Forgive me, Andoy. To me, Flora's like a younger sister. I don't want anyone deceiving her."
Flora interjected, her voice defensive. "I'm not someone who gets fooled easily, Romeo! I know who to help and who's abusing my kindness."
Romeo looked at Andoy, his voice serious. "I know some Filipinos don't fully understand the significance of being an honorary Spaniard. Sometimes, they're angry and act against us."
"To be blunt, are you one of those who resent people like us?" he asked.
Flora bristled, her voice filled with protest. "Why are you talking like that? I told you, Andoy's not a bad person!"
"I wasn't born yesterday to overlook the possibility that my family could be in danger around Filipinos who don't fully grasp the country's situation," Romeo replied, his voice authoritative.
"Please, don't talk to him like that!" Flora said, her voice thick with worry.
But Andoy spoke, his smile calm. "It's okay, Flora. I understand what Romeo's saying, and I don't take offense."
He explained that he, too, resented honorary Spaniards because of the discrimination he faced. "Most of the ones I've met look down on us. In our area, we're always spoken to harshly, especially when we can't pay rent on time. It's frustrating how they treat us just because we're poor."
He smiled at Flora, his eyes warm. "But when I met you, Flora, I was surprised. You talk to me and trust me as an equal. Whenever I deliver water to you, you come out to pay and greet me with a smile. Honestly, that's rare for me."
He looked at Romeo, his voice sincere. "I may resent honorary Spaniards, but I know not all of them are bad. Flora proved that. So, you don't need to worry, Romeo. I have no ill intentions toward Flora. Someone like her, willing to befriend someone like me, is rare."
Romeo smiled, seemingly satisfied with Andoy's response. "I understand your reasons for resentment. Truth is, honorary Spaniards don't have much choice either. The Spaniards in this country are too proud, and they don't like mingling with poor Filipinos."
He explained that if Spaniards found out an honorary Spaniard was associating with Filipinos, they disapproved. "Even though we're wealthy, the Spaniards control business, politics, and authority. We have no choice but to follow their rules."
Andoy grew concerned and asked Flora, "Does that mean you'll get in trouble for being friends with me?"
Romeo smiled. "Flora's situation is different. I adopted her, and she grew up outside the city's system. That's why she's unaware of these things. But I can protect her from anyone who tries to harm her, whether Spaniard or Filipino."
"I'm ready to stain my hands with blood to ensure my family's safety," he added.
Flora stared at Romeo, her heart filled with gratitude but tinged with unease. She knew the weight of his words and his determination to protect her.
Minutes later, they stopped in front of a mall in Tondo. Flora shook her head, her expression a mix of dismay and suspicion. "I think I know where we're going," she said, her voice tinged with protest.
Romeo led the way, and Andoy followed until they reached an arcade center. "We're here," Romeo said, his voice confident.
"You said this was an important errand!" Flora protested, her eyes wide with confusion.
Ignoring her complaint, Romeo asked Andoy, "Do you know how to play here?"
Andoy scratched his head. "I only play arcade games occasionally, so I wouldn't say I'm good," he replied, his voice tinged with humor.
Romeo ordered Flora to buy plenty of tokens. "We're playing all afternoon," he said, his smile challenging.
Flora couldn't believe it. "I really don't understand you," she muttered, but she followed his order.
Minutes later, the arcade was filled with laughter and competition. They tried every game—from basketball shooting to racing games. Romeo, though serious in battle, showed a surprising competitive spirit. He refused to give up, and whenever Andoy beat him, he immediately demanded a rematch.
"Did you lie when you said you only play occasionally?" Romeo asked Andoy, his voice doubtful but with a smile.
"Haha, when I was a kid, I played these a lot," Andoy replied, his laugh full of joy.
Flora couldn't help but feel nervous watching them. She knew how strict and proud Romeo was. She feared he wouldn't take losing well. "What would happen if Andoy found out the person he's beating is a respected, feared general worth millions?" she whispered to herself.
But as the games continued, Flora smiled. Despite her nerves, she saw a rare joy in Romeo and Andoy's eyes. They were like kids having fun, and that warmed her heart.
After a few hours, they decided to eat at a fast-food restaurant. As they ate, Andoy spoke to Romeo. "It's surprising that someone wealthy like you eats at fast food."
Flora smiled. "Romeo's not picky about food. But he doesn't do this often," she said, her voice playful.
"I don't like fast-food dining, but it's Flora's favorite," Romeo said. "She always complains about slow service at restaurants, so I eat here when we're together."
Andoy laughed. "I'm starting to believe Flora's spoiled," he said, his laugh teasing.
"Hey, I'm not!" Flora protested, but a smile lingered on her lips.
After eating, they dropped Andoy off at the orphanage to get his motorcycle. He politely bid Flora goodbye, urging her to stay safe. Flora smiled, her heart full of gratitude for his care.
After dropping off Andoy, the car went straight to a building. It entered the parking lot in the basement of the building, and they waited there for about fifteen minutes.
In the basement, Romeo was quiet, busy with his phone. After a few minutes, Flora couldn't hold back. "General, are we waiting for something?" she asked, her voice curious.
"Do you know that at night, rats come out to roam?" Romeo replied, his voice mysterious.
Flora didn't understand until a car arrived in the basement and parked ahead. Moments later, men stepped out, carrying suitcases. Romeo explained that they were rebels attempting to buy illegal weapons. His men had sold them the weapons, and fortunately, the rebels took the bait.
Flora was shocked. "Are we here to arrest them?" she asked, her voice filled with nerves.
"No, let them take the weapons," Romeo replied calmly.
"But why? If they get those, they'll use them for crimes!" Flora protested.
Romeo smiled. "Don't worry. Everything's going according to plan."
He explained that the weapon crates had GPS trackers, allowing them to locate the rebels' military bases. "Reign and Abby are already tracking them," he said.
"So that's why you didn't arrest them right away," Flora said, her voice filled with understanding.
Romeo noted that the rebels were too clever, using innocent Filipinos for their operations in exchange for money. "If we arrested them earlier, we wouldn't have gotten any information," he said.
"It's upsetting that they use innocent Filipinos for their schemes," Flora said, her voice heavy with sadness.
Romeo looked at her. "I brought you here to see the city's system. The rebels use money to recruit people, mostly poor Filipinos."
He worried that these innocents could face death for treason. "Because of poverty and discrimination, they have no choice but to cling to desperate measures for money," he said.
Flora's heart sank. "They shouldn't be punished. The rebels are just using them," she said, her voice filled with compassion.
Romeo sighed. "We don't have power here. In Manila, the viceroy decides their punishment. Valer Weyler is a heartless man. He'll do anything to reduce his rebel problem, regardless of who's innocent or guilty."
Suddenly, Romeo's phone rang, and he answered. Reign reported that they were tracking the rebels, who seemed to be leaving Manila. Romeo ordered his men to be cautious and avoid combat, as many rebels were diwata emissaries.
He reiterated that their mission was only to track them to locate their military base.
After the call, Romeo ordered his men to take Flora home. She noticed his serious expression. "General, what's your real mission?" she asked, her voice curious.
"That's classified information. Civilians like you can't know," Romeo replied, his voice stern.
"Civilian? I trained as a soldier for five years, and I'm still part of your team!" Flora protested.
Romeo sighed. "I can't bring you on this mission. Besides, I don't want a headache."
"Headache? I'm not a burden! I've helped a lot before!" Flora retorted, her voice defiant.
Romeo looked at her. "Ten million pesos in damages to the hotel because of an explosion. Who caused the destruction of its upper floors?" he asked, his tone serious.
Flora looked down, knowing her fault. "I didn't mean to, General," she said softly. "When I woke up, I saw you were injured. I didn't think to hold back to help you."
Romeo sighed. "I'm not angry, Flora. But you need to think before acting. If we don't consider our actions, civilians could get hurt."
"I know, General. I promise I won't be reckless again," Flora said, her voice determined. "I just want to be useful to the team."
"I can't let you join, Flora. You're safer staying out of it. Just follow my order to study for your future," Romeo said, his voice authoritative.
Flora's heart sank. "Why do you keep pushing me to study? I only agreed to nursing because you said it would help the team," she said, her voice tinged with sadness.
She admitted struggling with medical studies. "I'm not smart, General. But I'm trying because I want to be useful to you."
Romeo fell silent, his eyes filled with emotion. "I said that, but above all, I want you to experience a normal life as a student. I want you to choose your own path after you graduate."
Flora looked down, her eyes misty with tears. "When you said you wanted me to live the life you couldn't give your sister, I was touched. But… I'm a diwata emissary and a soldier of this country. I feel selfish choosing a normal life."
Before she could finish, Romeo stopped her. "Stop it. What's wrong with being selfish? Who'll judge you for choosing a happy life over others?" he asked, his voice emotional. "I want you, Flora, to choose the path you want—not for others, but for you."
Flora fell silent, her heart heavy. Romeo understood her confusion, knowing she felt responsible for others.
"You have two years until you finish nursing. After that, I want us to talk again about the life you truly want," he said, his voice soft but determined.
"I'll respect your decision, Flora. Whatever you choose, I'm ready to support you—whether it's living abroad, working far away, or leaving the soldier's life," Romeo said, his voice sincere.
Flora touched her eyes, holding back tears. "I can't repay my debt to you, General. That's why I want to serve you as a soldier. I may be the youngest in the group, but I'm still a soldier. Please let me help you."
Romeo didn't respond, but his mind weighed his decisions. He knew he'd been selfish in choosing a path for Flora, but he only wanted to protect her from a life of battle and danger. Deep in his heart, he feared dying without giving Flora the peaceful life he dreamed for her.
He knew his work was fraught with danger and heavy decisions that had led to his sins. Looking at Flora, he resolved to protect this gentle girl from the cruel world, and that could only happen if he succeeded in bringing peace to the Philippines. He was determined to make it possible, even if it meant taking the lives of rebel Filipinos who threatened the nation's peace.
Minutes later, Flora stepped out of the car and bid Romeo goodbye. "Thank you, General, for making time for me despite your busy schedule," she said, her smile full of gratitude.
But suddenly, Romeo's car drove off, leaving them outside. "Wait, why did your car leave?" Flora asked.
Ignoring her, Romeo walked toward her apartment. "Wait, General, are you going to my unit?" she asked, noticing his direction.
"I ordered pizza for dinner," Romeo replied calmly.
As they entered the apartment, Romeo sat on the sofa and removed his shoes. Flora was shocked. "Wait, General, why are you taking off your shirt? Don't you have plans tomorrow?" she asked, her voice nervous.
"Why do I feel like you want me to leave? Am I not welcome here?" Romeo asked, his tone playful.
"It's not that, but it's ten o'clock at night!" Flora protested, her voice filled with worry. "The dorm doesn't allow men and women in the same unit at this hour. And I'm a woman!"
Romeo sighed. "You could just say we're siblings if anyone asks," he replied calmly.
"That's not the only issue, General! Even if we say we're siblings, we're not blood-related!" Flora said, her cheeks red with embarrassment.
Romeo smiled. "Are you thinking that because I'm a man, I'd do something bad to you?" he asked, his voice teasing.
"It's not that!" Flora protested. "But things are different now, General. I'm a grown woman, and you're a man. What would others think, especially Ate Abby, if they found out we're together here tonight?"
"I'll explain to them," Romeo replied. "I'm sure they won't think anything's going on."
Romeo approached Flora, his eyes sincere. "You're at an age to worry about these things. But to me, Flora, you're still the youngest in our group. So stop worrying because I'm not interested in…"
He stopped as he saw Flora's reaction, as if he'd said something hurtful. She pouted, her expression a mix of indignation and hurt. "Even if you see us as siblings, you shouldn't say you're not interested in me. It hurts my pride as a woman!" she said, her voice protesting.
Romeo froze, noticing her flushed cheeks. "Of course, as a man, I find you beautiful. You know I admire…" he began, but stopped when Flora covered herself, halting his words.
"Women are so hard to understand," he muttered.
He knew no matter what he said, Flora would still be upset, and he couldn't blame her for being cautious as a woman. He was just surprised that even he, her brother figure, was suspected of ill intentions.
Suddenly, Romeo scooped Flora up, startling her. "W-Wait, General, what are you doing?!" she shrieked, her voice filled with panic.
Ignoring her struggles, Romeo carried her to her room and tossed her onto the bed. "Wait!" she exclaimed.
Flora quickly sat up, her hands raised to stop him. "General, what are you planning?!" she asked, her voice trembling.
"W-Wait, General, I'm not ready for these things! Please give me time to prepare my heart and mind," she pleaded, flustered.
Romeo threw a pillow at her face. "Don't be paranoid. I'm not going to do anything. We're sleeping in separate rooms," he said, his voice teasing. "Besides, you have powers. You could destroy this place if I tried anything."
Flora looked down, her voice barely audible. "It's not that I'm scared of you, General. But… you know, I'm a woman now."
Romeo turned away, his voice calm. "If you don't want pizza, go to sleep. Stop suspecting me." He left the room and closed the door.
The next morning, Flora woke early, yawning in a tank top as she walked to the kitchen, not expecting Romeo to be there. "Good morning," he greeted.
Flora jumped, quickly covering herself. "General Romeo? Why are you still here?!" she asked, her cheeks flushing again.
"What kind of question is that? Get ready, or you'll be late for class," Romeo replied, his smile tinged with concern.
Flora covered herself, her voice nervous and shy. "Wait, don't you have plans today?"
"I have a lot to handle, but I want to drop you off at school first," Romeo said. "So hurry up."
Flora smiled, her heart filled with gratitude. Despite the battles and dangers, Romeo was there, ready to protect her and give her a normal life. But behind her smile was her determination—one day, she'd prove she could be a soldier and be useful to her general, while awaiting the day she could choose her own path.
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