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It's raining in Cubao yet that would not stop the support of the fans. Name it all: banners, sintra boards, lamp posts, and even food trucks.
Shuvee thought she's attending a K-POP Concert dahil may headband at lightstick pa siyang nakita. The posts were all over her feed. She even bookmarked some it.
The dedication of the fans never cease to amaze her. They always give and do so much. Kahit malayo, kahit umuulan. They will still be there.
As the vehicle traverse inside Araneta City, she can see groups of supporters wearing shirts of different colors. The purple stands out, though. Mika and Brent's colors.
Two selfless individuals who performed with their might and heart. Her big winners together with Charlie and Esnyr. Nakakatuwa nga. They have been called 'Pamilya de Guzman'. Mika's their ate; Esnyr her twin; siya as Kambal #2; Will as their bunso.
It all happened naturally. Mika helping in the kitchen. Will asking if they're eating monggo again. Esnyr bugging Klarisse to do her kilay. And there's her, jumping with her lapel on because their Mowm decided it was a good idea to swim while drunk.
Spoiler: it was not fun but she'd do it again.
Isn't that what families are for? Gagawin ang lahat para mailigtas ka.
But if there's family, there's also the extended one. Now, listen carefully. The extended family is composed by housemates connected to the four siblings.
Kakaiba talaga ang amats ng fans. They even thought of this.
There's Brent—Mika's boyfriend, their kuya. Bianca—Mika's best friend and Will's crush—she laughs at that idea. Naalala tuloy niya when she asked Will kung crush niya si Bianca. Alam niya kasi na naging love team sila some years ago.
Her thoughts were interrupted when her uncle announced that they had arrived at the venue. She immediately went to the makeup room where the other ex-housemates were.
Exchanging besos and hugs with the people she lived with in the house. Tonight is a culmination of the past three months of not knowing where their journey would take them.
Not knowing if people would love her—them. But it's amusing how people can be quick in recognizing their skills.
She had entered the yellow house with nothing but a genuine heart and dreams tucked close to her chest. Now, she left with something far greater—a heart expanded by hope and a growing fan base that believed in her.
And, unexpectedly, another family.
Though not the housemates—no, that bond was different.
But Ralph's family.
Apparently, they saw the videos of them being competitive with each other. His sister sent her a TikTok link with the message: “The QRTs are so entertaining. Bookmark mo to read, ate!”
——
As she approached the family circle, Tita Nini, Ralph’s mother, greeted her with open arms. “Iha! Looking beautiful!” she said warmly, pulling Shuvee into a gentle hug.
Shuvee smiled, returning the embrace.
“Color blue for Ralph!” Tito Raffy, Ralph’s father, added with a twinkle in his eye, referencing the signature Ateneo color which all De Leon present are wearing now.
“How are you feeling, Shuvee?” The matriarch asked her.
“Excited, tita.” she grinned, “Nobody's sure who's winning.”
“Nako! Nag all-out ang pamilya!” Tita Nini exclaimed. “Oh wait! I haven't introduced you to Ralph's grandmothers.”
Shuvee’s heart fluttered. A mixture of nerves and honor as Tita Nini guided her through the crowd toward two distinguished women.
“It’s truly an honor to meet you both po,” Shuvee said, bowing her head then she did the mano as a gesture of respect .
“Hello Shuvee.” The first lola smiled warmly. “The rivalry is so entertaining but we also see Rafael thriving.”
Shuvee laughed softly, “He helped me a lot po inside the house. He's like my guardian angel.”
The second lola smiled kindly. “It’s good to have someone who challenges you and someone who lifts you up.”
Tita Nini nodded in agreement. “I can see why viewers go crazy. There's this mutual respect between the two of you.”
“Ralph made staying there bearable po.”
“Now you're staying with our family too.”
——
She stares at the screen on stage. The big four duos are shown removing their blindfolds. Esnyr and Charlie dressed in pink, looking so pretty in their outfits. Her baby Charlie looks like a model.
Then the crowd roared. Mika and Brent in purple. Brent is sharp. Mika is a princess. Para bang kasal nila pero purple ang theme.
And there he is. The voice that calls her 'shuvedoo' that she grew to love. The eyes filled with longing when she got evicted. The one she misses having deep conversations with.
Ralph's dressed in a questionable green outfit with white linings. Para bang mag mamagic at may i-jujuggle na mga bola. And Shuvee knows he'll do it.
Si Rafael pa ba?
Eh, pinanganak maging competitve 'yon.
Viewers of the edition hate him for that.
But Shuvee?
She loves seeing Ralph fight for his dreams.
So witnessing his eyes light up when he removed the blindfold made her heart skip a little.
Consistent nominations. An eviction. Wildcard. Hide-and-seek. Immunity. Most desirable duo. Rank 1, and now part of Big Four.
People would applaud his determination. Supporters would post and make his name trend even with limited time. His family would do everything for him.
And Shuvee?
Shuvee would come back to that yellow house just to relieve their rivalry.
And be a priority because she spent her life putting others first.
Inside the house, she had Ralph.
Ralph who stood in the middle, hoping the other housemates would engage in a conversation to talk about concerns.
Ralph who offered a heartfelt prayer during her birthday.
Ralph who fought fairly during the time she returned as house challenger.
The same Ralph who pouted when she poked his arm. Ralph who acts like a baby whenever she brushes his hair. Ralph who smiles smugly when they succeed in the cup task to bring home the nominated housemates from the secret room.
Secret room. In a surprising turn of events, people became curious.
They became close after staying there. Bianca noticed Ralph hovering around Shuvee.
Brent asked her why she's suddenly wearing Ralph's jacket when she doesn't really wear one.
She dodges them, saying that Ralph's just bored and decided to lurk.
She tells Brent it has always been normal to borrow each others' clothes.
But beneath all those, she knows something had changed—and it's unfortunate they couldn't have reached the big night together in the big four.
——
"Always fight for your dreams!"
Shuvee watches with pride as Ralph hugged his mother. Second big placer. Proving that persistence does exist and takes you somewhere.
Ralph's journey in PBB has been eventful. Shuvee remembers nominating him because he's powerful. Shuvee remembers him coming back—more determined to cement his reputation inside the house.
But softer in letting others in.
The secret room conversation was never aired. It left fans to wonder where and how things shifted between them.
It was the kind of moment that fans could only speculate about, piecing together fragments from whispered rumors and stolen glances.
Shuvee can only imagine the fans’ reactions once they realize what really happened. But for now, she's grateful for the opportunity to share the same experience as Ralph.
Others say it's unexpected but Shuvee knows it's real.
——
When the livestream ended and everyone went up the stage, Shuvee held her phone tighter. Clutching it like her life depended on it.
Three blue tulips on her other hand. She spotted the other housemates before Vince called her.
“Ayon si Ralph!” he pointed near the stairs on the stage.
Shuvee’s heart skipped a beat as Ralph appeared. He's always handsome and smiling. But damn, this Ralph tonight? Grinning. Happy. Contented.
Ralph’s eyes found hers immediately, a warm smile spreading across his face as he took careful steps toward her. He's breathtaking.
The crowd’s noise faded into a distant hum, leaving only the quiet connection between them.
“Hey.” Ralph breathed, voice steady and soft. “You look so beautiful.”
“Thanks..” Shuvee met his gaze. “These are for you.” She handed him the tulips.
“Three? I love you?” Ralph jokingly asked
“Pwede rin: Welcome back Ralphskie.” They both laughed but their eyes are telling a story that only the two of them could understand
“It's very rare to find these.” Shuvee shared.
Ralph’s smile softened, his gaze lingering on the delicate petals he now held. “Just like us.”
“Oh you would not believe what people have been saying..” Shuvee rolled her eyes fondly.
“People have been shipping us.” She added. "Academic rivals. Top 1 and Top 2. President and Vice President.. Ah, basta!"
Ralph laughed. He reached out and pulled her into his arms. Like he doesn't want to let go.
“I believe that. Ako na rin president nila.” he joked softly into her hair, his breath warm against her skin.
"I did it, Shuvs." Ralph muttered, still wrapped in the embrace. "I thought I was going to give up but you told me to fight for it."
Shuvee smiled against his chest, "Sobrang comfy." she giggled, warmth spreading through her. "Knew you'd make it, Ralphskie."
He tightened his hold just a little as if he'd lose her if he lets go.
“Now we have the outside world to conquer.”
Shuvee nodded, breaking free from the hug. Ralph laced their fingers together.
“Do you have a list of why people are shipping us?” Ralph asked with a teasing tone.
“Someone made a thread..” Shuvee replied, leaning into Ralph's shoulder.
fin.