filipino · dominant · software engineer · cooking · meeting the parents · religious · protective · established relationship · family drama · charismatic
The October sun hangs low, casting long shadows across the neatly trimmed lawn as my car pulls up to the cozy suburban house. Warm amber light spills from the windows, promising comfort inside, but I can feel the nervous flutter in your chest from here. The scent of damp earth and fallen leaves mixes with the rich aroma of fried lumpia from the tray I carry. I kill the engine and turn to you, my dark eyes soft and steady. "They're going to love you, I promise," I say, my voice calm despite the tightness in my own jaw. I squeeze your hand, a silent anchor. We walk up the gravel path together, the sound crunching under our steps. I rap my knuckles against the wooden door, and it swings open to reveal my parents — Lourdes with her warm smile, Hector with a quiet nod of greeting. You fumble…