UNDERCOVER LOVER

When I woke up, it was already super late—10 PM to be exact.

I hadn't eaten anything since I got back, and my stomach was practically yelling at me. I decided to order food online, but there was just one tiny problem… I had no idea how. And after getting scammed earlier, there was no way I was taking another risk.

I texted my friends for help, but they were probably all knocked out since no one replied. I didn't want to wake my parents either.

No other choice—I had to knock on my roommate's door.

As I stepped out of my room, I noticed how dark the hallway was, so I switched on the hallway light. It was dim, barely lighting up the space. Our rooms were right across from each other, so I took a deep breath and knocked.

Knock... Knock... Knock.

I barely had time to knock again before— THUD. The door swung open.

There he was—half-asleep, half-annoyed, and 100% smirking.

"Tsk. I told you, no sneaking into my room." His voice was low, teasing. "And now, at this hour, really?"

I frowned. "Ugh, you have such a dirty mind."

His smirk widened. "What? I didn't even say anything."

I rolled my eyes, but my face was already heating up.

He leaned against the doorway, arms crossed. "So? What do you want?"

I hesitated. This was so embarrassing. What if he thought I was dumb? What if he made fun of me for the rest of my life?

"Uh… I—"

His eyes lit up with amusement. "Oh? Can't even say it? Do you really want it that bad?"

My jaw dropped.

"WHAT THE HELL?! That's NOT what I meant!" I spluttered.

He chuckled. "Then what?"

I huffed and crossed my arms. "I need help ordering food online. I don't know how, and I'm starving." I quickly said before this hard-faced guy could come up with another dirty scenario in his head.

He clicked his tongue, shaking his head like I was some kind of tragedy. "Tsk. And your parents let you live alone?"

"Excuse me? It was my choice, duh." I flipped my hair for extra sass.

"Yet you don't even know how to be independent," he sighed. "Pathetic."

I glared at him. "Just help me order, or—"

"Forget ordering." He stretched and yawned. "I cooked earlier. Just heat it up."

"Huh?"

He tsked again. "So many people out there starving, and you just now remembered to eat? What were you even doing?"

I scowled. "Mind your own business."

Muttering under my breath, I stomped toward the kitchen. I'll just heat the food and be done with it. Easy. Or at least, that's what I thought.

Because the moment I stepped into the kitchen and stared at the stove, microwave, and all the buttons, reality hit me like a truck.

I had no clue how to use anything.

Shit.

So, once again, I had to knock on his door.

This time, the door flung open so fast I nearly jumped.

He stood there, arms crossed, looking at me like I was the biggest pain in his existence.

"WHAT?! You don't know how to heat it?!" he exclaimed, throwing his hands in the air.

I pursed my lips, avoiding eye contact. This was humiliating.

"You wanna live in an apartment but don't know basic chores?!" He groaned and rubbed his temples like he was one step away from quitting life.

"Ugh! I can buy food! It's not like I plan to cook!" I huffed, crossing my arms. "Spoiled."

"I won't deny it. I'm an only child." I rolled my eyes, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

He let out an even deeper sigh, probably wondering what kind of suffering he had brought upon himself. Then, without another word, he dragged himself to the kitchen.

I followed, watching as he pulled food from the fridge and turned on the stove. Oh. It was an electric stove. Well. That explained a lot. No wonder I was confused—everything here was fancy.

I prepped my plate while he worked, the kitchen filling with the mouthwatering smell of warm, crispy chicken fillet. My stomach growled. Embarrassingly loud.

His smirk grew.

Finally, he set the plate in front of me with a teasing glint in his eyes.

"There you go, madam."

I stared at the food like it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.

"You cooked this?" I asked, impressed.

"Obviously. Do you see anyone else here?"

"Well, how would I know? Maybe you just ordered it and pretended to heat it up." I shrugged.

His hand shot out and snatched the plate away.

"HEY! HEY! I was joking!" I yelped, grabbing at the plate desperately.

"You can't take back blessings!"

He sighed dramatically, shaking his head. "You're such a headache. If I had known you were a girl, I wouldn't have offered."

I paused mid-reach. Huh?

"What's your problem with girls?" I narrowed my eyes.

"Let's not get into that." He pushed the plate back toward me. "Just respect the food and eat."

Fine. Whatever. I focused on my meal, my stomach already celebrating.

He started walking away, but before I could stop myself, I blurted out,

"Wait, have you eaten?"

He didn't answer. Just waved me off and disappeared into his room. I stared after him for a second, then shrugged.

"Whatever." I muttered, taking another bite.

Damn. His cooking was good. I wondered how he got so used to living alone. Maybe he had no choice? Maybe he had been on his own for so long that things like cooking and chores were just… second nature.

I should've learned these things at home, too, but my dad always said I might hurt myself. He barely let me near the stove, let alone cook something by myself. Well, look where that got me.

After finishing my food (which, by the way, was too good—seriously, what was this guy, a secret chef?), I made my way back to my room.

Time to organize my stuff. That's when it hit me—I needed to go shopping tomorrow. Not just for groceries but for school supplies too. I still had nothing prepared, and classes were starting soon. Maybe I'd even buy a book for advanced study.

I really hope I don't regret choosing Architecture. After fixing my things, I went through my skincare routine, staring at my reflection like it held all the answers to my chaotic life.

God, my face looked rough. Stress was already kicking in, and I hadn't even started school yet.

While patting on my moisturizer, I decided to text my dad. Just a quick message to let him know I was settled in. But one thing I definitely did NOT mention?

That my roommate was a guy. I didn't have a death wish.

Of course, I had to share the full story with my friends. I barely finished typing when the group chat exploded.

📌 Trio Bombayugh (Group Chat)

📩Zam: UYY, LIVE-IN?!

📩Me: If I had anywhere else to stay, I would've left already!

📩Xia: Let's buy condoms tomorrow. Just in case.

📩Me: WHAT THE HELL, GUYS?! Do you think I'm like that?!

I rolled my eyes so hard I saw my past decisions flash before me.

I was so done with them. Without another word, I muted the chat before they could come up with more nonsense and flopped onto my bed.

I needed an escape. A distraction. So I grabbed my laptop and decided to start a movie marathon. I still hadn't finished True Beauty, and honestly? After everything that happened today, I needed a break from this chaotic life.

Morning came. My second day here. I squinted at the clock. 10 AM.

Great. I did it again—fell asleep binge-watching my series instead of being a responsible, early-rising adult. I had planned to go jogging, you know, for a healthy lifestyle and all that. But then again, what if I got kidnapped around the corner? Not worth the risk.

With a heavy sigh, I dragged myself out of bed and took a quick shower.

Feeling refreshed, I stepped out of my room and glanced at the door across from mine. Still shut. No sounds. Probably still snoring like a lazy bum.

I wandered into the kitchen, fully expecting nothing. And wow—I was right. No food. No signs of life. Just a sad, empty counter staring back at me.

"Useless roommate." I sighed dramatically, rubbing my stomach.

Guess I'd just starve until I met my friends at the mall. Also, it was the perfect chance to finally ask them how to order food online. Because apparently, I lacked even basic survival skills. I grabbed my phone and messaged the only people who might care if I starved.

📌 Trio Bombayugh (Group Chat)

📩Me: Guys, how do I get to the mall without getting kidnapped?

📩Xia: Book a Grab.

📩Me: I don't know how. I didn't download it.

📩Xia: Girl, you should start learning.

Wow. Such helpful friends. So noted. Will ignore.

With no better plan, I headed outside and stood at the edge of the road, preparing to wave down a taxi like a confident, city-smart adult. I raised my hand. A taxi approached. And... zoomed past.

I blinked. Rude. I tried again. Another one sped right by.

I stomped my foot. What the hell?! What's wrong with these taxis? Was I invisible?! Do I look scary? WHY WON'T THEY STOP?!

Determined, I waved more aggressively. Yet, every single taxi just ignored me like I was some kind of ghost. My stomach growled. My sanity wavered.

I swear, if one more taxi—

"Miss, you need to stand there."

I blinked as a vendor pointed to the curb with a knowing look.

Oh. Shoot.

I was standing in the wrong spot. So there was a system?!

No wonder the taxis ignored me earlier, I was out here looking like a lost tourist! I shuffled awkwardly to the right place and tried again.

This time, a taxi actually stopped. Finally!

I snapped a picture of the plate number and sent it to my dad. His golden rule for safety. You know—just in case I went missing and ended up in the back of a shady van. With a relieved sigh, I hopped in.

"Where to, ma'am?" the driver asked, adjusting his mirror.

"SM Seaside, please."

He nodded and drove off. For the first few minutes, I felt like a champion.

YES! I did it! I got a taxi all by myself. I was an independent woman now!

I should get an award for this. Then, my gaze drifted to the meter. 98 pesos.

…Wait. I JUST GOT IN?!

I blinked. Maybe I saw it wrong? Nope. The taxi weaved through the road, and I tried to ignore my growing dread.

Then the meter climbed.

125 145.

I clutched my phone like it was my last hope in life. At this rate, I'd be broke before even reaching the mall.

📌 Trio Bombayugh (Group Chat)

📩Me: GUYS, I THINK I'M BEING SCAMMED AGAIN. The taxi meter is running faster than my GPA dropping!!!

📩Zam: LMAO.

📩Xia: HAHAHAHA! Told you to book a Grab.

📩Me: YOU TOLD ME BUT NEVER TAUGHT ME HOW?!

📩Xia: Girl, it's easy. You're just too lazy to download it.

📩Me:Okay, valid.

📩Zam: Your fault. Welcome to city life, sis! Where scammers are everywhere.

📩Xia: Better prepare 300 pesos just to be safe.

📩Me: I'M GONNA CRY.

I still side-eyed the ever-growing meter like it was my sworn enemy.

As if sensing my financial crisis, the driver glanced at me through the mirror.

By the time we reached my stop, the meter flashed ₱265 in big, bold numbers. My soul left my body.

I stared at my wallet, then at the meter, then back at my wallet again. Lord, this is daylight robbery. But with a heavy sigh, I mentally cried as I handed over my hard-earned cash. (i mean my parents hard earned cash)

The driver pocketed the money. And didn't give me change. I waited. Maybe he just forgot. Maybe he was about to give it to me. I gave him a few seconds.

Nothing.

I cleared my throat. "Uh, kuya? My change?"

The driver barely spared me a glance. "You're really fussing over 35 pesos?" He scoffed.

I blinked. EXCUSE ME?

"Kuya, that's a whole meal! That's my fare home! That's my money." My voice was rising. I wasn't even trying to be dramatic; this was survival.

He let out a long, annoyed sigh, like I was the problem here. "It's just 35 pesos, miss. You really gonna fight me over that?"

Oh, so now I was the villain?

I took a deep breath, clenching my fists so hard my nails dug into my palm.

"Kuya, that 'just 35 pesos' is two jeepney rides. A cheap rice meal. A load for my mobile data. You think money falls from the sky? My parents worked hard for this!" My voice cracked slightly at the end, but I stood my ground.

For a moment, he just stared at me. Then, with a dramatic eye roll, he reached into his pocket and shoved the coins into my hand.

"There. Happy now?"

I snatched my change, biting my tongue before I said something that would make me regret my whole existence.

Stepping out of the taxi, I took one final deep breath I slammed the taxi door as hard as I could turning my back on that highway robbery on wheels before he could say anything. He deserved it.

Lesson learned: Trust issues activated.

The mall was massive. If I took a wrong turn, I might end up in another country. My probinsyana instincts were screaming.

I texted my friends, telling them I had arrived, and waited in one spot. I was not about to get lost again.

That's when I noticed so many foreigners.

Most of them were Koreans. And wow—their skin? Glass. Flawless. Poreless. Like they just walked straight out of a K-drama.

I glanced at my reflection in the glass doors and smirked. But duh, I'm still prettier. Mama and Papa's genes are top-tier! With a confident hair flip, I noticed people staring. Pfft, must be mesmerized by my beauty.

I couldn't help but feel curious about what was inside, so I walked in, and damn, the place was even bigger than I expected. Escalators were everywhere, and people moved like they actually knew where they were going. Meanwhile, I just stood there, looking like I was about to have a nervous breakdown.

I stood in the middle of the mall, still overwhelmed by its airport-sized structure. My friends were taking forever, so I decided to explore on my own. Bad idea.

As I wandered around, I spotted a massive glass wall reflecting the entire mall. It was so clear I could see everything—people walking, a janitor mopping the floor, and even myself, looking like a lost child.

I sighed and fixed my hair, using the glass as my mirror.

"Wow, the lighting here is amazing. I look like a celebrity," I whispered, admiring my reflection.

I did a quick pose—flipped my hair, tilted my chin up like a star, and even pulled off that mysterious side-eye smirk.

Then, I saw someone in the reflection smirking back at me.

HUH????

My soul left my body.

I turned around slowly, praying it was just my imagination. It wasn't.

Behind the "glass wall" wasn't a reflection.

IT WAS A CAFE. WITH ACTUAL PEOPLE INSIDE. AND THEY WERE ALL STARING AT ME.

The baristas behind the counter were struggling to hold in their laughter. One guy wiping a table was grinning at me.

And the worst part? A group of guys sitting by the window, sipping iced coffee, started mimicking my exact pose. Hair flip and all.

I wanted to disappear.

Panicking, I pretended to check my phone—except it was upside down. Then, in a final act of self-destruction, I speed-walked away…

…straight into a "Caution: Wet Floor" sign. And crashed. The sign fell. I fell. My dignity? Officially in critical condition.

I just wanted the floor to swallow me whole.

After that soul-crushing moment, I decided to just go to another floor.

"Shet. Where do I even start?"

At this point, I was convinced: This mall wasn't just big. It was a survival test. My phone vibrated. It was Xia.

📩Xia: Where the hell are you, girl?!

📩Me: I don't know, but I'm somewhere near H&M.

📩Xia: Ugh, you're still at the back! Stay there, don't move!

📩Me: Okay, okay!

Since I had time to kill, I wandered into H&M, convincing myself I might actually buy something.

Big mistake.

The moment I flipped over a price tag— ₱3,000 for a plain white T-shirt?!

I closed my eyes in pain. Lord, why is fashion a luxury? Maybe if I sold my kidney, I could afford a full outfit. Maybe. With a heavy sigh, I turned around, accepting my fate as a budget queen, and made my way to the exit.

And then— BAM.

I crashed into someone. Hard.

"Oh my God—!" I stumbled back, barely keeping my balance. I looked up.

Sharp features. Tall frame. Pale skin. Jawline sharper than my life choices.

He looked like he just stepped out of a K-drama set. Half-Korean, if I had to guess.

"I—I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to!" I blurted out, my voice betraying my panic. He just stared at me. Expression unreadable.

And then—he simply looked away. Like I didn't exist. Uh. Okay. Rude.

I stood there, awkwardly shifting my weight, feeling like I had just committed a crime. He, on the other hand? Cool. Unbothered. Effortlessly handsome.

I tried to move aside to shake off the awkwardness, but my eyes betrayed me. I glanced at him again— Holy.

He was insanely good-looking. Like, K-drama leading man levels of attractive. Skin whiter than my future, jawline so sharp it could slice through my insecurities.

I shook my head, snapping myself out of it. Focus. FOCUS.

Standing outside H&M, reality hit me hard. The people passing by? Dressed like they owned five businesses and had black cards. Meanwhile, me? Just a simple probinsyana trying to survive the city.

As I was debating whether to just walk in circles to look busy, someone suddenly stepped out of H&M. BAM—AGAIN.

It was him. The same Korean guy.For the second time in five minutes, I had crashed into him. He let out a sharp sigh, rubbing his temple like he was debating whether to call security on me.

Then, with an expression so deadpan it could rival an Oscar-winning performance, he said—

"Can you watch your step next time?"

Wow. Attitude. I blinked, offended but also slightly impressed at his ability to make me feel like a walking disaster.

"How was I supposed to know you were coming out?" I shot back, crossing my arms.

He didn't answer. Just raised an eyebrow, let out another exasperated sigh (seriously, was he in a melodrama?), and walked past me—this time, carrying multiple shopping bags.

I squinted. So. Many. Bags. Designer bags. Probably for his rich, gorgeous girlfriend who never tripped over strangers in public.

Ugh. Whatever.

I sucked in a breath, trying to regain my dignity.

Lord, just let Xia get here before I humiliate myself for the third time.

I was just standing there, scrolling through my phone, when—

SMACK.

RIGHT ON THE BACK OF MY HEAD.

"AY! WHAT THE—?!"

My soul nearly left my body. For a solid second, I thought I was being jumped in broad daylight. Hand clutching my chest, I spun around, ready to throw hands—

Only to see…

These two idiots.

"WHAT THE HELL?! IT'S JUST YOU GUYS?!" I shrieked, landing an equal-opportunity smack on both Xia and Zam's heads.

Damn it, I really thought I was about to be robbed.

But did they care? Definitely No.

They just laughed, completely unbothered.

"So, how's our live-in girlie?" Zam teased, flashing a grin that instantly set off my fight-or-flight.

I scowled. "Shut up, girl. We're NOT live in!"

"If a guy and a girl live under the same roof, that's called live-in," Xia added, smirking.

I pointed an accusing finger at her. "EXCUSE ME?! We're not even a couple, so it doesn't count!"

Zam gasped dramatically. "hmm, not now but soon? Btw, is he handsome?"

"NO!" I denied—way too fast.

Which was a lie. Because let's be real, that guy was hot.

And that's when it hit me. I didn't even know his real name. His Facebook name was probably just a nickname. Like "Ren." I mean, what kind of mother names their son something that sounds like a nickname?

Xia and Zam exchanged knowing looks.

"Oh, please," Xia snickered. "Why are you so defensive, huh?"

I groaned, palming my face. "UGH, CAN WE NOT TALK ABOUT THIS?!"

My stress levels were spiking. I needed to redirect this energy.

"Just help me shop for my stuff!" I huffed, desperate to change the topic.

"Okay, let's go to National Bookstore!" Xia agreed.

Zam hooked an arm around mine, grinning. "Fine, fine. But don't think we're letting this go."

Oh, I was so doomed.

We stepped inside, and I practically skipped toward the bookshelves, excitement bubbling in my chest. The scent of fresh pages and ink wrapped around me like a warm hug. God, I missed this.

Ever since moving here, my room felt empty without my book collection. I wanted to bring them, but honestly? Too heavy. My dad had just told me to buy everything I needed here. As I flipped through a novel, my fingers brushing against the crisp pages, a thought hit me.

"Should I buy groceries for the apartment too?" I mused aloud.

"Obviously," Xia deadpanned, giving me a look like I had just asked if the sky was blue.

I hesitated. "But… I don't know how to cook. I am just planning to buy food online"

Xia's eyes bulged. "AY, GIRL, THAT'S UNHEALTHY!" she shrieked, smacking my arm.

"Ow! What the hell?!" I yelped, rubbing the spot.

"And besides," Zam cut in with a smirk, "don't you have a husband who cook for you?"

Pause. What.

"I hope someone would cook for me too hays?" she added, wiggling her brows.

I stared at them, my brain short-circuiting.

"YOU GUYS ARE INSANE!" I screeched, face burning. "HE'S NOT MY HUSBAND!"

That only made them laugh harder, doubling over like I just told the best joke in the world.

"JUST BUY GROCERIES," Xia insisted, wiping away fake tears. "Online food deliveries aren't always available, you know."

I rolled my eyes so hard I saw another dimension. "Fine. I'll buy groceries for myself."

"Ayy, for yourself only?" Xia nudged Zam, eyes glinting with mischief. "What about your husband?"

That was it.

With a war cry, I lunged at her, but she shrieked and took off running between the bookshelves, nearly knocking over a display. Zam stumbled after her, still cackling like a maniac.

"COME BACK HERE, YOU LITTLE SHITS!" I yelled, chasing after them.

The bookstore staff definitely hated us.