Denis' POV

     Fern and I went to the local cafe of the museum, and the place brimmed with elegance and an air of antiquity. The walls were painted white with a hint of gold linings, giving it a look of something from the past. At this point, my stomach was rumbling, demanding to be filled already.

"And you'll have pesto pasta, croissant, and matcha latte?" Fern asked, turning to me.

"Yes," I nodded.

"How much is our order?" Fern inquired the cashier.

"Nine hundred po, sir," the cashier replied.

Fern took five hundred pesos and 4 more one hundred pesos. "Here," he offered, paying the cashier.

"Hey, you can only do this libre stuff one time. Cuz next time, I'll be paying for my food, okay?" I said humbly.

"Hehe, your choice. But I always have the money if you need it," Fern winked.

"Heh," I giggled, rolling my eyes playfully.

Philip's POV

     After days of construction, the portal frame is finally made. Time seems to stand frozen as Denis, Harris, Chloe, Philip, Meredith, Presley, Felix, Michaela, and Robert stand side by side, staring at the portal. For the moment we've been waiting for, Meredith and I hold each other's hands, our fingers weaving, and approach the portal. With the key Denis has acquired in his dream in my hand, I insert it into the keyhole. However, nothing happens whatsoever.

"Nothing?" I mumbled.

"Maybe Mrs Ella and Mr Robert could open it?" Felix pondered.

     I pass the key to Michaela, and she and her husband grasp their hands and approach the portal, standing close to the framing. With a deep stare, Michaela shifts her gaze to Robert, giving him a nod of assurance. She then glances at the key, silently praying for it to work.

"...Alright, for the moment of truth..." Michaela whispered loudly.

     Slipping the key into the keyhole, nothing happens once again. The portal remains unyielding, and not a flicker of light ignites within. This experiment seems to fail. Or maybe we're just struggling to find the chosen pair to open this portal. Maybe it doesn't even need a pair but just one person who is destined to connect our two universes together.

"Nothing's happening..." Robert sighed.

"...Alright, here's my theory. It's either our speculation regarding the phrase 'Mirrored Grace' is once again incorrect... or maybe... we're just struggling to find the chosen pair to open this portal. Perhaps... it doesn't even need two reciprocating duos but just one person who is destined in the beginning to connect our two universes together..." I contemplated deeply.

Denis' POV

Interrupting the tense moment, I said, "Tss, anyways, don't mind me, but... Harris and I have to go somewhere else. Will it be fine?"

"Yeah, sure," Philip replied.

"Where are you two going?" my mother asked.

"Oh, just a fun hang out," I smiled. "Right, Harris?"

"I bet it would be more fun than that," he nodded.

"Alright, well, you two stay safe," my mother beamed.

     Harris and I leave the house, proceeding to downtown where we find a restaurant. And there, we have our light dinner. It may be simple, but this restaurant holds lots of value for me. This moment is sufficient enough to make me smile throughout the times we are eating.

"So, where did you and Fern went to? Forgot to ask," Harris inquired.

"Oh! Fern and I went to a museum! It's my first time going to a museum, honestly. And he even took me out for a treat," I smiled.

Harris sighed heavily, his eyes shut. "Wow, I guess I won't be surprised if you fall for him, huh?"

"What do you mean?" I asked, confusion clouding my face.

"Well, you're a boy who quickly falls in love. So, please, value yourself. Look at the other person's values in your life first and see if they match you before you commit to them. Get to know them better first, alright?" Harris advised.

"Oh... well, you're right... but where is this coming from?" I questioned worryingly.

"Denis, it's nothing. I'm just concerned, okay? Besides, wow... he is able to take you out to a museum and a free treat! Wouldn't you just fall for that?" Harris deadpanned.

"Hey, no matter how much fun I earned that day, I am more happy when I am with you. This restaurant means a lot to me. This is why I suggest we eat here. Because my mom and I used to eat here after school when I was in elementary. This place holds a lot of memories. And I can't wait to carve some memories here with you, too!" I confessed earnestly.

Harris' eyes widened with a flicker of hope. "R-really?"

"Yeah!" I nodded in affirmation.

Harris blushed faintly. "Hehe, well, thanks. I mean, I'm happy to be with you, too, Denis. Cuz whenever we're together, I... I... God..."

"Yes?" I prompted.

Harris' POV

     Maybe this is the day I reveal my feelings to Denis like a profound revelation from the heavens. But this time doesn't seem to be just right for now, as I don't have the balls to tell him that yet. I must think twice.

"I have something to tell you later, okay?" I said.

"Sure!" Denis replied, taking a drink. "Hey, wanna go around the town's plaza?" he suggested.

     Later, as the sun sets from the orange sky and the atmosphere turns into a deep black, Denis and I saunter down the plaza, taking a relaxing stroll. As we wander around the pavement, feeling the gentle breeze, emotions begin to swirl and churn violently in my guts, compelling me to confess right away. Acknowledging my feelings, I know this is the time I have the courage now.

"This place is just so beautiful at night, isn't it?" Denis grinned.

"Yeah," I nodded. Halting my steps, and so did Denis, I turned to face him. "Hey, Denis," I began.

"Yes?" Denis responded.

"...It has been a long time since we've met. And this feeling... it... it has... it just grew inside me, okay? I cannot just keep it hidden for too long..." I sighed. "I know there are men like Fern and Ren that have your attention, but... the choice is yours... and I will accept whatever response you'll have."

"What do you mean, Harris?" Denis asked, his face shrouded with confusion.

"Look, Denis. I've always wanted to tell you this... didn't my actions already serve enough clues?" I said with a deep voice.

"Actions...?" Denis murmured.

"Like, dancing with you? Hanging around with you? Just doing things with you! And most of all, the attempt to kiss you..." I recounted.

Denis smirked nonchalantly. "And I thought that kiss was because you're drunk?"

"Well... I wasn't... I tried kissing you... because back then and until now..." I whispered.

     I reach out my hand to grab Denis's, and our fingers meet and lock, sending electricity across our body. It feels as though we are both grounded, and time freezes to witness this moment between us. Butterflies fly around my stomach, compelling me to confess right on before they burst out. My face turns red, and the stars in my eyes twinkle. A gentle breeze passes, brushing through our air and whispering to me to disclose my truest feelings.

"...I like you... no... more than like... I love you, Denis. And it's crazy of me, but—" I confessed, but my voice faltered when Denis spoke.

"Harris, after all of this time... you were hiding this from me...?" he asked, his voice choked with emotions.

"I'm sorry... I didn't want to tell you because I'm afraid I'm not enough for you. I'm afraid I lack things for you... I just don't want to break your heart like how other men did... but I can't just lie throughout my life, seeing other guys go so close to you... I know you might just avoid me after this..." I admitted solemnly.

"Harris!" Denis whispered, placing his hand on my cheek. "...It's a matter of time before you also confess. I've been thinking throughout the days as well. I found no genuine chemistry with others... Lyvie? I was just forcing myself for her... Fern and Ren? I barely know them... plus, I think they're better with someone else... but you? Harris, don't forget what I've said before!"

"Hm...?"

"...In life, you don't have to act like you don't care... because, in truth, you always care, and that's why you're the best of best friends!" Denis said, his voice choked with mixed emotions. "You're the... the most extraordinary guy I've ever known throughout my life! And only if we could... I want the both of us to live together... until the end of time," Denis admitted.

I sniffed. "...I'd love to live with you, too, and I'm willing to endure life with you... because I love you... but I understand if you don't have to reciprocate these feelings..." I sighed.

"No, Harris. I love you!" Denis revealed.

     My eyes widen with awe and surprise, and a genuine sense of shock hastens all over my core. It feels like we have detached from reality and entered our own safe haven, where there are only the two of us who can see each other. This moment feels like a dream, but I know this is reality, a place where two worlds coexist.

"After this long time, I also kept it hidden... but the truth will come to light one day... this is the truth that will set me free... free from the shackles of expectations... this is the truth: I love you..." Denis confessed sincerely.

Denis' POV

     And just like that, the world freezes, and everything comes to a halt as Harris and I lean in, and our lips touch for the first time. As we share a deep, passionate kiss, everything seems to stand still. In that suspended moment, joy and contentment intertwine, enveloping us in a blissful serenity, etching this unforgettable night into the fabric of our memories, a night to remember.

     Slowly, Harris and I pull back from the long-awaited kiss that seemed unreachable before. We then open our eyelids, and the first thing I see is Harris' golden eyes that shimmer with an ethereal glow. Flashing him with a bright, toothy grin, Harris returns the smile, and we hug each other, embracing one another like never before. Suddenly, amidst our cuddle, my phone rings, interrupting the moment.

"Oh, sorry!" I stammered as I grabbed my phone to check the caller. "Oh, Mom's looking for us now."

"I guess we should go home now, hm? Shall we?" Harris smiled, offering me his arm.

Interlocking my arm with Harris', I nodded. "Heh, sure!" I said. "Hey, how about we take a picture to capture this momentous day? I mean, night! Hehe."

"Hah, go ahead!" Harris agreed.

     Raising my phone, I take the snapshot, perfectly capturing my moment with Harris. I then scroll on my phone before turning it off. But, along the way, emerging amidst the shadow, a hooded man approaches, walking towards my way. While I am oblivious to his presence as I smile at Harris, the hooded man snatches my phone from my hand. Swiftly, he turns around and hurries away, stealing my phone.

"Hey!!" I yelled.

     Harris quickly catches up, chasing the hooded man. With the speed of a jaguar, he reaches the man's back. But, just as he is about to cease the man from running, the man grasps a pocket knife and stabs Harris in the stomach.

     My world comes to a crashing halt as I witness this event. My eyes widen, and I shriek in fear and trepidation. Swiftly, fear gives way to anger and fury as I grab a rock on the ground. Then, I throw the stone toward the hooded man's head knocking him out.

     As the hooded man falls on his back, I quickly pin him to the ground and bite his wrist like a ravenous beast so he can let go of his weapon. Quickly seizing the pocket knife from his hand, I hurl it away, where he cannot get it back. I then begin punching the hooded man in the face with fury in revenge. My fists strike his face multiple times as my knees bear their weight on his chest, unleashing my wrath upon the one who has inflicted pain upon my beloved.

"Walang-hiya ka! Hayop ka!! Hayop!!" I swore, shouting as I punched him repeatedly.

Suddenly, I heard Harris' voice, choked with his life essence. "D-Denis..." he coughed.

"H-Harris!" I screamed.

     Swiftly, I hold onto Harris, cradling him gently and placing his head on my lap as he clutches onto his deep stab wound. Hurriedly, I remove my buttoned shirt and place it on Harris' wound, trying to stop the bleeding. Tears begin to flow from my eyes as I begin shouting for help.

"Tulong! Someone, please! Tulong!!" I shouted, straining my voice.

***

     Chloe, Philip, Meredith, Presley, Felix, my mother, my father, and I stay in the hospital, awaiting the doctor and nurses' words in the waiting room. Worry pumps in my heart as my body trembles like the ground during an earthquake. My jaw quivers with my breath, and tears glisten in my eyes. As I take a deep breath to steady myself, I hear a soft click from an opening door that creaks.

"Hello, uh..." the doctor began. "I have bad news... apparently, Mr Harris' wound is too deep. But don't worry... we're doing everything to help him," the doctor explained. "You may, uh..." he gestured towards the emergency room. "You may enter to visit him."

As we stood before Harris, my eyes leaked tears upon seeing him on the hospital bed, the same position I was in a few years ago.

"...If a scientific cure couldn't help him... in our world, we use magical cures like healing concoctions as a last resort... we need to open the portal quickly..." Philip murmured, his voice barely audible.

"But there is no one among us who is chosen to open the portal..." my father sighed deeply.

"Who else has a reciprocal bond among us, ha?" my mom asked.

     I knew it was time to reveal my love for Harris. This is the moment. With a deep breath, I revealed my deepest thoughts.

"I do..." I confessed. "With Harris..." With a gentle inclination, I kissed Harris on the forehead.

     Quickly, Philip, Meredith, and I return home. Grasping the key from my room, we head to the basement where the portal frame stands. As I stand before it, my heart aches with worry, wondering if I would be able to put a spark upon this.

"You can do this..." said Philip.

"...For Harris..." I whispered.

     Slowly, I insert the key into the portal's keyhole. As I turn it, everything turns into a blinding white. I cannot see anything but a flash of bright, white light that lingers in the air. Soon, I am able to return to the hospital with Philip and Meredith, reuniting with Harris, Chloe, Presley, Felix, my mother, and my father. In the emergency room, Harris appears fine again, his smile radiating like the moon.

"...I... I can't believe you guys did it..." Harris said, his voice still slightly weak.

"...No, 'we' did it..." I corrected him. "...Because of our love... I'm able to open the portal..." I revealed, showing the empty potion bottle in my hand.

     I give my mother and father a warm hug that speaks countless words. Meanwhile, Harris embraces Chloe, Meredith, and Felix, showing his appreciation to his family and friends, including Philip and Presley. As I let go of my hug from my parents, I turn around and glance at Harris in the eyes, and we share a long moment of gazing into one another's shimmering orbs.

     I gradually approach Harris with light and steady steps, smiling at him. As I stand before him, Harris and I lean in, sharing a warm and passionate embrace that I wish could last for an eternity. We press each other's arms, squeezing one another. With my eyes closed, I can already see a fantastic future with him. I believe this will be yet another start of a new chapter in my book-like life.