The next morning, the house was eerily quiet. Erica stirred awake, the sunlight streaming through the windows casting golden rays on her bed. She stretched lazily, then sat up, glancing around. It was too quiet, even for Aunt Nena's modest home. Normally, the clatter of dishes or the faint hum of a radio would signal the start of a new day.

She rubbed her eyes, her brow furrowing. Where is everyone? Aunt Nena was likely at the market, but Sam? He was always up early, chopping wood or fixing something. Did he leave without saying anything? That's not like him... is it?

Erica got dressed quickly, pulling her hair into a loose ponytail. She wasn't sure why, but something gnawed at her - an unease she couldn't shake. She told herself she wasn't worried. Why would I be worried about that insufferable man? she reasoned, but the thought didn't sit right.

As she stepped into the empty living room, she glanced at the table. The usual breakfast - freshly brewed coffee and bread - was untouched. Aunt Nena had left a note:

"At the market. Back soon. Make sure Sam finishes the firewood."

Erica frowned at the words. Firewood? Where even is Sam? Her unease deepened.

Without giving herself time to overthink, she grabbed her shoes and headed out. Her feet carried her to Sam's workplace, her mind racing with possibilities. What if he left? What if something happened?

"Excuse me," she called out as she reached the workshop, her voice steady despite her pounding heart. "Is Sam here? I need to talk to him."

The older man working the tools looked up, scratching his head. "Sam? Oh, he finished his contract yesterday. He's not coming back."

The words hit her like a slap. Erica blinked, trying to process what she'd just heard. "He... he's not coming back?"

The man shrugged indifferently. "Yeah. Said he was done. Didn't say much else."

Her mouth opened to say something, but no words came out. She turned and walked away, her chest tight. He just left? Without telling me?

Her thoughts were a whirlwind as she wandered aimlessly. Her feet carried her to the riverbank before she even realized where she was going. The gentle flow of water greeted her, but the spot was empty. No Sam.

The sight filled her with an inexplicable sadness. Erica sank down onto a rock, staring at the rippling water. Why am I so upset?

The memory of Sam teasing her, calling her "princess," and that crooked smile flashed through her mind. She shook her head, frustrated. Why do I care if he's gone? He's annoying and rude and... But her thoughts trailed off, replaced by the ache in her chest.

I'm such an idiot, she thought bitterly. Why would he tell me anything? I'm just some spoiled brat who doesn't belong here.

The sound of a bird chirping nearby pulled her from her thoughts. With a heavy sigh, she stood and made her way back to Aunt Nena's house, her heart heavy with questions she didn't want to ask.

When she reached the porch, her legs gave out, and she sank down onto the steps. Tears welled up in her eyes, and before she could stop them, they spilled over. Erica buried her face in her hands, letting out a muffled sob. What is wrong with me?

The sound of the door creaking open startled her. She wiped her face quickly, looking up to see Sam stepping out, carrying a bundle of firewood. His clothes were slightly damp, and his hair was tousled, giving him an annoyingly casual appearance.

"What are you, a kid?" he teased, his voice laced with amusement as he noticed her tear-streaked face. "Why are you crying? I was just in the forest gathering wood."

Erica stared at him, her emotions swinging wildly between relief and irritation. "You - what? You were in the forest? I went looking for you everywhere!"

Sam raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying her outburst. "And? You missed me? That's cute."

Her cheeks flushed, and she scrambled to respond. "No! I didn't miss you. I thought you'd run off or something! I - " She stopped herself, realizing she was only making it worse.

Sam smirked, setting the firewood down. "Sure, princess. Whatever helps you sleep at night."

Erica stood abruptly, her fists clenched. "You're impossible," she snapped, glaring at him. But her anger was tinged with something else - something she wasn't ready to admit.

"Impossible? Nah," he said, leaning against the doorframe. "I think you just like having me around."

Erica groaned, turning away before he could see the blush spreading across her cheeks. "Shut up, Sam," she muttered, retreating into the house.

As she busied herself in the kitchen, her thoughts wouldn't stop racing. Why does he get under my skin like this?

Later, Aunt Nena returned from the market, her arms laden with produce. She set the bags down and immediately noticed Erica's red eyes.

"Erica, dear, what's wrong? Did Sam upset you?"

"No!" Erica's response was almost too quick. "I'm fine. Just... something in my eye," she said, avoiding both their gazes.

Sam snorted from the corner. "Yeah, just something in her eye," he echoed, clearly enjoying himself.

Aunt Nena looked between the two of them, her lips twitching with amusement. "Hmm. Well, whatever it was, I hope it clears up soon."

As the day went on, Erica couldn't stop stealing glances at Sam. He was his usual self - teasing, infuriating, and completely unbothered by the chaos he seemed to cause in her head.

Why do I feel like this? she thought, watching him from across the room. What is this stupid pull I feel every time he's around?

Her thoughts were interrupted when Sam caught her staring. He raised an eyebrow, a slow grin spreading across his face.

"Something on your mind, princess?" he asked, his tone playful.

"Nothing!" she shot back, turning away quickly. But her heart betrayed her, pounding loudly in her chest.

What is wrong with me? she wondered again, sneaking one last glance at Sam.

Whatever was happening, she wasn't ready for it. But deep down, she knew there was no escaping it.

*****

Months had passed, and the town of Tuguegarao was alive with celebration. The Pavvurulun Afi Festival had transformed the streets into a vibrant tapestry of colors, music, and aromas. From every corner came the sounds of laughter, the rhythms of folk music, and the irresistible scent of grilled meats, sweet rice cakes, and other local delicacies.

Aunt Nena, in her usual enthusiastic fashion, had darted off with her friends to join in the festivities, leaving Erica and Sam alone to explore. The arrangement felt oddly intimate, though neither of them acknowledged it outright.

As they strolled through the crowded streets, Erica couldn't help but feel enchanted. The festival was unlike anything she'd experienced before. This feels... real, she thought, watching children chase each other with colorful balloons and vendors enthusiastically calling out to passersby. So different from the cold, curated events back in the city.

Sam, noticing her wide-eyed wonder, smirked. "You look like a kid in a candy store," he teased, holding up a small plate of skewered meat. "Try this. It's inihaw na baboy. Don't wrinkle your nose - it's better than it looks."

Erica eyed the food skeptically but took a bite, her eyes widening in surprise. "Wow," she said, savoring the smoky, savory flavors. "Okay, I'll admit it. That's good."

"Told you," he said smugly, popping a piece into his mouth.

They moved from stall to stall, sampling everything from sweet bibingka to tangy sinamak vinegar. Erica's favorite was a refreshing calamansi juice served ice-cold in a bamboo cup. Sam teased her when she asked for a second serving.

"You're starting to blend in, princess," he remarked, handing her the drink.

Erica raised an eyebrow at him. "You say that like it's a bad thing."

"Not at all," he replied, his tone softening. "It suits you."

The unexpected warmth in his voice caught her off guard, and for a moment, she couldn't think of a clever retort. What's happening to me? she wondered, sipping her juice to hide her growing blush.

In the town's main square, a small crowd had gathered around a karaoke stage. The sound of off-key singing echoed through the air as brave souls took the mic to perform for the delighted audience.

Sam nudged Erica, his grin mischievous. "Think you can handle some local karaoke, princess?"

Erica smirked, crossing her arms. "Think you can handle being humiliated? I'll blow you out of the water."

"Big talk," he said, raising an eyebrow. "Why don't you prove it?"

She rolled her eyes. "Oh, no. You first, tough guy."

Sam laughed, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you."

He stepped onto the makeshift stage, surprising Erica with his confidence. As the music started, Sam launched into a soft rendition of an love song, his deep voice surprisingly melodic. The crowd cheered and clapped along, clearly enjoying his performance. Erica found herself smiling despite herself.

When he finished, he hopped off the stage and bowed theatrically in front of her. "Your turn, princess."

Erica groaned but reluctantly climbed onto the stage. As the opening notes of a popular ballad played, she gripped the mic tightly, her nerves kicking in. But as she began to sing, her voice steadied, and she lost herself in the music. By the time she hit the final note, the crowd erupted in applause.

Sam was waiting for her at the edge of the stage, his expression a mix of surprise and admiration. "Okay," he said, clapping slowly. "I'll admit it - you've got some talent."

Erica smirked. "Told you so."

Nearby, a group of locals had started a traditional dance, clapping to the beat of a lively folk tune. The energy was contagious, and Erica found herself drawn to the makeshift dance floor.

Sam hesitated for a moment but followed her. As the music shifted to a softer rhythm, he held out his hand with a small, teasing bow. "May I have this dance?"

Erica blinked, caught off guard by the gesture. "Are you serious?" she asked, eyeing him skeptically.

"Dead serious," he replied, his smirk softening into something almost sincere.

Swallowing her nerves, she placed her hand in his. The touch sent a spark through her, and she looked away quickly, focusing on their steps as they moved to the rhythm. At first, they stumbled, their movements awkward and unsure. But soon, they found a rhythm, their steps synchronizing as they swayed under the soft glow of festival lights.

For a brief moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the world. Erica glanced up at Sam, her breath catching as she met his gaze. His usual teasing expression was gone, replaced by something deeper, more vulnerable.

What is this feeling? she wondered, her heart pounding in her chest.

"You're not bad at this," Sam said quietly, his voice unusually soft.

Erica laughed nervously, trying to lighten the mood. "Maybe you're just good at leading."

The music came to an end, and they paused, still close. Neither of them moved, the air between them charged with unspoken words. Erica's cheeks burned as she realized how close they were standing. She took a small step back, breaking the spell.

Before either of them could say anything, Aunt Nena appeared, her arms full of food and trinkets. "There you two are!" she said, her voice cheerful. "Enjoying the festival?"

Erica quickly nodded, her voice slightly shaky. "Yes! It's... amazing."

Sam chuckled, clearly more at ease than she was. "Let's get her some more pancit batil patong before she starts crying again," he teased, winking at Erica.

"Don't push your luck," Erica shot back, but the tension in her chest eased as they all laughed.

As they wandered through the remaining stalls, Erica couldn't shake the warmth that had settled in her heart. She glanced at Sam, who was bartering with a vendor over a small carved figurine. His rugged, familiar presence felt oddly comforting.

Is this what it feels like to belong? she wondered. And for the first time in a long time, she wasn't afraid of the answer.