The clinking of tools echoed in the backyard as Orion knelt beside Elysia's father, his hands steady as he tightened the bolts on the newly repaired garden fence. Sweat trickled down his forehead, but he didn't complain. Instead, he listened attentively as her father recounted stories of their hometown, punctuating his words with occasional instructions.
"That part over there," her father said, pointing to the far corner, "needs reinforcing. Otherwise, it'll just fall apart with one strong wind."
Orion nodded, adjusting his grip. "Got it, Tito. I'll make sure it's sturdy enough to last a storm."
Elysia watched from the kitchen window, her heart swelling with a mix of pride and disbelief. Orion had seamlessly blended into her family's rhythm, something no one had done before. She turned back to her mother, who was busy chopping vegetables for dinner.
"You picked a good one this time, hija," her mother teased, glancing at her with a knowing smile.
Elysia blushed. "I didn't pick him. He... found me."
Her mother laughed softly and handed her a bowl of chopped onions. "Well, let's see if he can handle our paksiw na isda. That's the true test."
Later, as they sat around the dining table, Orion presented the dish he had helped prepare. "I hope this tastes half as good as Tita's version," he said modestly, setting the steaming bowl in front of them.
Her father took a bite and nodded appreciatively. "Not bad, not bad at all," he said, his tone gruff but approving. "You cook like you work—focused and determined."
Orion smiled, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly as he glanced at Elysia. She pretended not to notice, instead focusing on her own plate.
After dinner, as they sat in the living room, her parents peppered Orion with questions about his intentions. "So, what do you see for the future?" her father asked, his voice firm but not unkind.
Orion paused, his hands clasped together. "I see Elysia," he said, his voice steady. "I don't know what the future holds, but I know that I want to build it with her—with all the respect and values she holds dear."
Elysia felt a lump rise in her throat, her heart beating wildly. This wasn't the formal pamamanhikan her grandparents always talked about, but somehow, it felt just as sincere.
When Orion rose to leave that evening, her father clapped him on the shoulder. "You've got a long road ahead, son. But you're off to a good start."
Elysia walked him to the gate, the night air crisp and quiet. "You survived," she teased, her voice soft.
Orion chuckled. "Barely. Your dad has the grip of a vice."
They lingered for a moment, the silence filled with unspoken words. "Thank you," Elysia said finally, her voice wavering. "For... everything. My family really liked you."
Orion leaned against the gate, his eyes meeting hers. "It wasn't hard when it's for you."
Elysia rolled her eyes, though she couldn't hide her smile. "You're impossible."
"And you're worth it," Orion said simply, his voice carrying the weight of sincerity.