Four years had passed, and Raiquèn was now five. Her once tiny body had grown, her hair flowing past her elbows in soft crimson strands. Just like her mother and brother, she carried the fiery red hair of their bloodline. Ryo, now nine, had inherited not only their mother's eyes but also a face that leaned more toward their Asian heritage. Raiquèn, on the other hand, bore her father's striking yellow-gold eyes, a color that glimmered unnaturally in the sunlight.
Their home was in the Philippines—Manila, to be exact—though constant travel was part of their lives thanks to their father's work. For now, however, their family remained here, in this tropical city, adapting to its warmth and rhythm.
"Hm," Raiquèn hummed softly as she leaned on the balcony railing, her small hand propping up her chin.
Living with my… so-called family for five years isn't that bad, she thought.
She exhaled a sigh. I even managed to pick up Spanish and Japanese. Guess my past life's struggles weren't entirely useless.
The sound of hurried footsteps pulled her from her thoughts.
The sound of hurried footsteps pulled her from her thoughts.
"OHHH MYYY DEEAAAR RAAIII!"
Before she could react, she was scooped up into a tight embrace. Raiquèn's face lit up instantly. The woman holding her was Seraphina Elodie Ignazio—her aunt, and a name known worldwide. A dazzling actress and model, Seraphina was a beauty who shone even off the stage, with her long blonde hair tied neatly behind her and red eyes glowing with affection.
"Auntie!" Rai squealed, wrapping her arms around her.
"Ah! GEEZ! AUNTIE, STOP THAT!" Ryo's voice cut through the moment. He marched toward them with his arms crossed. "What if Rai fell off the balcony!?"
Seraphina only laughed, placing Rai gently back on her feet. "Your brother is so overprotective."
"Yes, he's always like that." Rai puffed her cheeks in mock annoyance.
"STOP TEASING ME!" Ryo shot back, his face flushing red.
"You're so loud, even this early in the morning!" Rai countered, her small voice sharp.
Ryo pressed his lips together, pretending to look wounded.
Geez, this kid, Raiquèn thought, half amused, half fond.
Her gaze flicked toward him, noticing his clothes. "Hm? Are you going somewhere, brother?"
Ryo's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Yes! Aunt said they needed a kid model!"
Seraphina's laugh was like soft bells. "Do you want to come too, Rai?"
Raiquèn's chest tightened. Never, not even in her past life, had she imagined living this kind of life. Traveling, luxury, opportunities handed to her freely—things she once could only dream of while scraping by with her brother as orphans. Even now, she couldn't help but wonder:
Is it really okay… to enjoy this second chance? To feel happy when the memories of my past life still haunt me?
"Rai?" Ryo's worried voice tugged her back.
"Are you unwell?" he asked in Spanish.
"Sí, don't worry, brother." She smiled, brushing it off with a small laugh.
Inside, her resolve settled. If I was given this second life… then I'll pursue my dreams and live it to the fullest.
Her lips curved into an innocent smile. "Would it really be okay for me to come?"
Seraphina blinked, momentarily caught off guard, then giggled. "Sometimes, Rai, you speak like an adult. It always surprises me."
Rai froze. Right… I have to act like a child. She quickly pouted to cover herself, but Ryo immediately stepped in to defend her.
"Well, my little sister is a genius! What else can we say?" he declared proudly.
"She learned two languages, and she's only five years old! See? My little sister's future is bright!"
His laughter was warm and unguarded, his admiration shining brightly.
"That's amazing, mi dulce princesa," Seraphina added, patting Rai's head with affection.
Now I'm being treated like some genius child… Raiquèn thought with a mix of embarrassment and resignation.
"Let's go now!" Seraphina chimed cheerfully, taking Rai's hand.
"Yipeeey!" Ryo jumped with childlike glee, his excitement untempered even at nine years old. Around his family, he was still just a boy.
And Raiquèn, for all her heavy memories, couldn't help but smile.