“Ayaw ko nga.” A woman with ashy-brown hair states, annoyance obvious from her tone as she continues to scroll down her instagram feed, constantly liking posts and reels left and right that came from her friends.
Stacey, who was beside the woman, has not once stopped in shaking the other girl’s arm, a constant tug here and there, hoping Gwen would hear her out and accept her offer.
“Gwenny naman! Isang time lang oh!” Stacey begs, head landing on the girl’s shoulder as her hand wraps the woman’s arm much tighter. Much more desperate.
“Andami mong pasimuno, Staku. Gusto kong mag-chill sa last school year ko.” Gwen argues as she remembers her third year self promising present Gwen that she’ll be on the low once she’s on graduating status.
Frankly, she does deserve the rest from everything that she encountered throughout her college journey. The common ups and downs were a given, but everyone in Gwen’s circle knows the woman had to rest. However, that notion can’t be fully applied to her best friend, Stacey.
“Kaya nga eh! Isipin mo nalang Gwenny, last year mo na, tas never pa tayo nag-inuman o nag-party na magkasama, first and last natin ‘to! Please Jebal!” Relentless to have the older woman agree, as if her hands weren't enough, Stacey now placed both her legs to hug the woman’s waist.
“Kaninong party ba? Baka mamaya may droga dyan ah.” She asks in defeat, putting her phone beside her while untangling the longer-haired girl’s limbs which were practically glued to her own.
“Ano ba naman tingin mo sa’kin Gwenny? Mik-mik nga ‘di ko kayang singhutin, droga pa kaya?” Stacey acts offended as she finishes off with a notorious Stacey Joke. “Pero ano… Hehehe…”
Hearing the giggles, Gwen readies herself for Stacey to remove the cap of the grenade and have the unsettling bomb drop on her. Ever since they became best friends around high school, Gwen has noticed that there was a specific giggle of Stacey’s which was equivalent to maliciously fun activities.
“Tangina sino?”
“Kay Mikha…” The woman slowly responds, avoiding Gwen’s stare as she stands up from their shared couch. Ignoring the brown-haired girl’s burning look, she grabs a hold of her own phone and starts tapping.
“Aba nga naman…” Gwen sighs, not believing what Stacey had just told her.
For a bit of context, Mikha or Mikha Lim was her ex. Her second ex to be more precise. Reasons for breaking up? Well… the girl ghosted her and disappeared without notice.
A few years later, they both discovered that they went to the same university. As if things couldn't get any worse, Gwen found out that Stacey, her best friend, was also deeply acquainted with Mikha. Both of their fathers are business partners.
“Please Gwenny! I promised her kasi na pupunta ako…” Stacey puts herself on her knees, aiming and hoping that the girl would see the amount of desperation that comes with her actions.
“Ikaw lang naman pala, bakit kailangan na nandun pa ako.”
“Bonding time nga! Kaya gora na! Let's go! I’ll get everything ready! Contact ko na din sina Aiah and Maloi.”
Gwen looks at Stacey. The latter chuckles as she opens up her phone yet again.
She hates it. Gwen absolutely hates how Stacey sees through her. While others may see the woman as someone who’s hard to read, Stacey looks and knows at her like an open book.
Stacey is the only one who truly knows Gwen. At least that's what Gwen assumes it to be. Those years of friendship were not only for companionship, but both shared an understanding no other relationship of theirs had.
“Hindi pa ako nagsasabi kung pupunta ako ah.” Gwen attempts to redirect where the situation was leading her.
“Wala na, late ka na. Minessage ko na si Lim na pupunta tayo.” The longer-haired woman dismissively replies.
“Ughh…” Gwen plops herself down her couch, frustration apparent in her face as she glares Stacey down.
“Thank me tomorrow.” As if she had just not ruined the woman’s day, Stacey runs up to the shorter-haired girl and hugs her a quick goodbye before proceeding to exit Gwen’s apartment.
ii.
After what seemed to be forever, Gwen and her friend group arrived at the big mansion of the Lim Family.
Despite being exes, this was her very first time actually stepping foot inside her ex’s house. It wasn't like she wasn't allowed to, but Mikha never really mentioned anything in relation to her family, so Gwen figured it would be best to not strike a conversation about it.
“Mikha!” Surprised at her best friend’s sudden voice, Gwen quickly looks at her and begins pinching her side, all while giving her a look. “Lakas ng boses mo Staku, kalmahan mo naman kadadating lang natin.”
“Ay sorry… Malakas kasi ‘yung music baka ‘di tayo marinig.” Stacey apologetically says, pointing at the speakers and the loud audience inside the venue.
“Hey, you guys arrived.” Gwen hears a familiar and husky voice behind them. Long and behold. Mikha Lim in the flesh. Her ex-girlfriend.
This wasn't their first ever interaction since the split. In fact, they had seen each other several times, passing each other in the malls, building hallways, canteens, there was no escape for exes who were studying in the same university.
Sensing the rising tension between the two, Stacey shifted the woman’s attention to her and began introducing their other friends. “Oo, this is Aiah and Maloi pala, and well… You know Gwen already.”
“Hello guys!” The red-haired woman enthusiastically greets, offering the new individuals a dashing smile. “Hello also Gwen, kamusta ka na?” Diverting her attention back, Mikha carefully asks, her hand finding her nape as she looks down.
“Ako ‘yung naglakas sigaw, tas si Gwenny lang kakamustahin mo? Biased ka pa rin talaga, Lim.” The girl announces, a baffled expression on her face to express fake disgust.
“Staks, I see you every Friday and madaldal ka. Kahit ‘di kita kamustahin may sasabihin ka pa rin naman.” Mikha argues back, rolling her eyes playfully.
“Gago kayo. Sabihin niyo nalang na ayaw niyo ako maging kaibigan.” Stacey shouts while all of them start to laugh at the current circumstances.
After a few minutes of laughter, Stacey checks on the front door and decides. “Anyway, tara na girls, let's go inside, nag-iinit na sa labas eh. Bye Mikhs!” She offers up, taking one of Gwen’s hands in hers as she leads everyone to the entrance.
“See you!” The girl shouts back, eyes never leaving Gwen’s figure.
iii.
Not a huge fan of bustling crowds and rowdy partygoers, Gwen found herself venturing through the halls of the mansion, navigating a space where she could be alone.
As she walked from room to room, the girl had taken notice of the family pictures which were attached to its walls. God, Mikha was such an adorable child. Now, she was this stunning woman and Gwen knew whoever took care of her, took care of her well.
After a few more minutes, she arrived at the second floor balcony with no other people nearby. Relieved at the peaceful sight, she leans over the metal rails, smelling and breathing the cold air brushing against her skin.
The night was young. The party had just begun. This was supposed to be her alone time until…
“Not enjoying the scene?” Gwen turns around to see Mikha with a bottle of opened beer on her right hand and a balloon on her left. To be more specific, the balloon itself was tied to the girl’s wrist. Probably Sheena’s doing, Gwen thinks.
Not wanting to stare too hard, Gwen plays everything cool. “Huh? Ah hinde, ano lang too maingay for me. Maganda ‘yung ginawa mo sa place.” The taller woman confesses, not being able to hide her opinion.
“Anything that you particularly like?” The woman moves forward, placing the bottle on the glass table and settling herself beside Gwen as she inquires.
“The pink balloons. I liked how spread out it is, pero all are in different heights, parang pinagplanuhan talaga. Naalala ko ‘yung confession ni Shirogane Hahaha.” The woman mentions, remembering that the second they entered the house, she found it fascinating how numerous balloons were scattered, but cleverly leveled to make it seem like they were floating accordingly.
“In Kaguya-sama right? The anime? I watched it a year ago. Naalala ko suggestion mo.”
Kaguya-Sama: Love is War was not just a mere suggestion from Gwen. It was her favorite manga. Gwen had suggested it to her when they were still on their talking stage back in Senior High School. To call it a talking stage wouldn't suffice, but both knew there was something there.
In a similar manner, the plot of the characters and their own personal dynamics matched. Kaguya-sama revolved around the main characters wanting the other to confess, and whoever would, loses. A huge and long game of cat and mouse.
“Yeah.”
“100 balloons yung total number right now actually.” The shorter woman shares, smiling wide as if she had aced a test.
“Sipag mo naman magbomba.” Gwen comments, joking to test if the air between them was fine and not of awkward sense.
“Hey! Last year na naman natin. Why not make it worth it, you know?” Mikha retorts, pretending to take offense at the taller girl’s reply while sharing her own thoughts on the matter.
“Magkaibigan talaga kayo ni Stacey.” She unknowingly chuckles throughout her statement, thinking how much of a coincidence that everything had been the way they are.
“She said the same thing?” The red-haired girl questions, head tilting to the side. Very puppy-like, as Gwen once described her to be.
“Oo…” Gwen feels herself smiling as she responds. God she had missed just talking with Mikha in general. As she reciprocates the woman’s look, a sudden loud boom was heard. “Shit!” She flinches, looking away in the process.
“Ang iingay kasi…” Seeing the woman’s reaction, Mikha couldn't help but feel sorry, at the same time wanting to murder whoever chose a song at such a high volume. “Okay lang ba na if we go somewhere else?”
“Yeah sure, lead the way Lim.” She closely follows behind the woman.
Every time Gwen had spared a glance at the younger woman, she couldn't help but remember the good moments they had together. Sure, they had broken up. Maybe Mikha had already moved on, but there was something about this night which just screamed theirs.
It was theirs alone.
Amidst the loud and chaotic nature of where they were, Gwen found quiet in the times where Mikha’s eyes met hers.
iv.
Gwen knew that Mikha was someone who does things spontaneously. Planning was never in her dictionary, so when she heard the girl tell her that she’s been planning the party for months, Gwen wasn't too sure to believe her statement or not.
Moreover, Mikha had placed down an order that was about to be delivered in the middle of the night. Before they went to their next location, she had picked up her order and had advised Gwen to wait on her from the front porch.
“Ano ‘yan?” Gwen questions, pointing her index finger at the small box Mikha was holding.
“Wait…” Mikha slowly unwraps the ribbon, taking off the lid, revealing her surprise. “Here.” The woman moves her hands away to let the taller girl properly look at the revealed item.
A white-chocolate cake with its very own personalized dedication.
Happy Birthday Gwenny!
“Happy birthday.” The younger cheers, smiling as she offers out the product to Gwen, who is now very much confused, unsure whether to focus her confusion on the cake or Mikha.
“Mikha. It's August.” She sees the older woman reciprocate her look, her brown pupils directly staring back. Mikha feels her breath hitch.
“So? Better late than never right?” The shorter woman vocalizes as she takes a knife to slice the cake, before placing it on a paper plate and giving it to the birthday celebrant.
“You know Gwen…” Right as she gives herself a slice, Mikha starts to confess her truth.
“Hmmm?”
“I only threw this party for you.” Her gaze never leaving Gwen’s eyes, the red-haired girl confesses, dropping her fork on the plate.
“Sayang naman.” Gwen jokes, unsure of taking the woman’s reply seriously.
It takes her multiple bites across the silent minutes to realize that the girl was in fact, not joking. Shocked and utterly stunned at the idea, she takes a break from consuming the half-finished cake.
“Seryoso ka? Hindi ba sayang pera.”
“Huy! Hindi ah, I just really wanted to speak to you, fix things while we still have time. Graduate na kasi tayo next year. Baka last time na kita ever makikita.”
“Mikha… You could've messaged me, and you know I don't hold grudges. What you did back then was stupid, so I appreciate you taking accountability, but then again, I already forgave you. You don't have to walk on eggshells around me.” Feeling the air and tension between them become emotional, Gwen muttered her honest thoughts.
With full confidence, Mikha grabs Gwen’s hand, intertwining their fingers together. “Still, you know I’m someone who values honesty and quality time. Isa pa is, gusto kong bumawi Gwen. Deserve mo ‘yun. Let me.” She stares at the older woman, eyes screamed with yearning and want.
Who was she to say no to the only person who brings her quiet?
“Galingan mo.”
“Ha?” Mikha, dumbfounded in her expression, lets out an arguably confused sound.
“Mikha, kahit naman mag-no ako sa’yo, kilalang-kilala na kita. You’ll remain to bother me until mapa-oo ako.” The older girl responds with sureness, already knowing Mikha inside and out from the time they were lovers.
“I changed Gwen. If hindi mo talaga gusto, rerespetuhin ko ‘yung desisyon mo. I won’t lie and say na hindi ako masasaktan, pero your choice is in my best interest.” The younger girl attested. “If ayaw mo… Kahit ayaw ko na ganun ‘yung mangyari, bibitawan kita.”
“OA mo pa rin talaga. Wala akong sinabi na gusto kita mawala sa buhay ko.” Gwen doesn't want the night to end on a sad note, nor to have Mikha feel like she deserves to rot on her past decisions. People change, and as far as Gwen could see it. Mikha changed.
The second Mikha chose to spend time with her instead of those of “her status” in the party, Gwen knew.
The second Stacey mentioned it was Mikha who personally invited Stacey knowing the girl wouldn't leave her alone until she had gotten what she had wanted, Gwen knew.
“So…” Mikha trailed off.
“Galingan mo. Suyuin mo ako ng tama, huwag kang mag-ghost my god. If you need help with something, communicate it with me. Hindi ‘yung bigla-bigla kang mawawala.” She enumerated, remembering the painful morning she woke up to an empty bed and three nights later, all contact with Mikha was gone.
“I will Gwen. Thank you so much. You won’t regret this. Humanda ka bukas, may banana cake ka sa’kin.” The red-haired girl jumped with joy, celebrating by doing a quick dance before hugging the woman in front of her.
“Hindi Bouquet?” Gwen asks jokingly as she was being tightly embraced by the younger woman.
“I saw you yesterday with Aiah eyeing the cake from across the street.”
“Stalker grabe. Hulihin niyo na nga ‘to.”
“Hey, I was just passing by. While I do admit I could be quite desperate when it comes to you, hindi ko ever ic-cross ‘yung boundaries mo, unless you allow me to of course.” Mikha acts all proud and Gwen thinks it's the most precious thing ever.
They had their own ups and downs, but having Mikha apologize months ago and explain everything to her cleared things up. It was never in Gwen’s best interest for the girl to leave her life, but she had assumed it was what the younger wanted, and so she never fought back.
This second chance was theirs to handle and make worthwhile. While they had forever to figure things out, what happened and will happen tonight is only the beginning.
“Speaking of desperation. You threw an entire party, pero di ka nang-aattend sa guests mo.” The older woman conveyed. “You're a bad host.”
“But I can be a good girlfriend.” The red-haired woman wiggles her eyebrows while responding, liking the look of a blushing Gwen under the beam of the moonlit sky.
“Ewan ko sa’yo Lim, tayo na nga tayo, baka hinahanap na ako nina Stacey.” She rolls her eyes while urging the girl to stand up.
“Tayo na ulit Babi?” Mikha screams, selective hearing at its finest.
“Baliw, stand up kasi. Bahala ka dyan, goodnight and goodbye nalang. See you tomorrow.” Gwen bids her a goodbye, heading inside to find her friends who are hopefully still properly intact and sober.
With every little mishap and happenings that unfolded, Mikha couldn't believe that everything went according to plan. Well, to call it a plan would be too professional. In Mikha’s case, she had purposely thrown a party just for the sake of striking up a conversation with Gwen.
However, it was all practically up to Stacey. While she had mentioned that the woman was welcome to come with her friends, Gwen actually joining was up to her own accord.
Having this party be a success is enough compensation for the many other times she tried throwing one, but to no avail, Gwen didn't come.
6-1.
“Tangina ka Mikha nandito ka pala. Kanina pa kami ni Colet naghahanap sa’yo.” Right as she was about to head inside, Mikha was greeted with Gwen’s friend, Maloi and her very own childhood friend, Colet.
“Why? What happened?” Confused at the urgent look on their faces, Mikha questioned both of them, wishing that whatever their reply was, it would not be worse than the amount of times she had to blow up the 100 balloons for the past week.
Before the two could reveal anything, they shared one final look, fighting on which person would be the best to break the news. With Colet being chosen, she gives her an apologetic look and says “Sinukahan ni Jhoanna si Stacey.”
“Fuck.”