No Erase

Scarlett had never been a jealous person.

She swore she wasn’t.

She was always the type to shrug things off, to laugh instead of sulk, to brush away unnecessary emotions like they were nothing.

But God.

This was different.

This wasn’t just anyone. This was Amber.

It started in class when their professor announced project pairings. Amber was assigned to some random guy named Lance—one of the rich kids in school, someone too smug for Scarlett’s liking.

At first, Scarlett told herself it was fine.

“It’s just a class project,” she had muttered to herself. “Wala ‘yun, Scarlett. Hindi mo naman girlfriend si Amber.”

So she didn’t think much of it until lunchtime.

"Uy, kain na tayo," Scarlett told Amber as they exited the classroom together.

But before Amber could respond, Lance slung an arm over Amber’s shoulder.

"Sorry, Lett," Amber said apologetically. "May kailangan lang kaming pag-usapan sa project—"

Lance smirked. "Yeah, it’s super important. You don’t mind, do you?"

Of course she minded.

But before Scarlett could argue, Amber was already being pulled away to a table across the cafeteria.

Scarlett stared, fuming.

Her usual bright light dimmed into irritation.

Scarlett was stuck at her own table, glaring so hard she could probably burn a hole through the guy’s head.

Lance was leaning too close.

Laughing too much.

And Amber, oblivious as ever, just nodded along to whatever he was saying.

Scarlett lost her appetite.

Amber kept glancing at Scarlett while she listened to Lance talk about their project.

Her hands itched to reach for her phone because Scarlett wasn’t looking at her.

That was weird.

Because usually, Scarlett would find a way to annoy her.

Or even just smile at her from across the table.

But today?

Today, Scarlett looked pissed.

Amber discreetly took out her phone under the table and quickly texted:

[12:46 PM] Amber 🌸

Sorry, bida-bida. He’s being annoying, tapusin ko lang ‘to. Mamaya sabay tayo!

She didn’t respond.

Then—

[12:50 PM] Amber 🌸

Hala. Bakit ang cold mo today? 🥺🥺🥺

[12:51 PM] Amber 🌸

Bida-bida???

[12:52 PM] Amber 🌸

Scarlett ANG TAHIMIK MO HUHUUHUHUHUHUHUHUHUHUHUHU

Amber had never been ghosted before.

Like, never.

And yet, here she was, spamming Scarlett’s phone with messages and getting nothing back.

[12:53 PM] Amber 🌸

BIDA-BIDA PLS ANO NANGYARI

[12:54 PM] Amber 🌸

May nagawa ba akong masama???

[12:55 PM] Amber 🌸

Hoy, ano na?

[12:56 PM] Amber 🌸

Scarlett.

[12:57 PM] Amber 🌸

Scarlett.

[12:58 PM] Amber 🌸

Scarlett PLEASE.

[12:59 PM] Amber 🌸

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

Amber pouted, staring at her phone. The last time Scarlett left her on seen for this long was… never.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Lance returned to their table. "Amber, about the research—"

"WAIT LANG," Amber said, holding up a hand before typing furiously on her phone.

[1:00 PM] Amber 🌸

Scarlett HINDI AKO PAPAYAG NA GANYAN KA SKSKSKS

[1:01 PM] Amber 🌸

IIYAK NA TALAGA AKO DITO! SAGUTIN MO AKO!

[1:02 PM] Amber 🌸

PLEASE

Still no response.

Amber grumbled, shoving her phone away as she stabbed her fork into her food.

She wasn’t used to this. She was supposed to be the one giving Scarlett a hard time, not the other way around!

Then she peeked at Scarlett from across the cafeteria, only to see her looking at her phone, reading the texts—then locking the screen without replying.

Shit.

She was in trouble.

Scarlett stabbed her food with her fork, huffing.

Maverick, who was sitting beside her, raised an eyebrow. “Okay ka lang?”

Scarlett rolled her eyes. “Bwisit.”

Maverick snickered. “Jealous?”

"No."

Maverick smirked. "Then why are you massacring your rice?"

Scarlett groaned, pushing her plate away. "Gusto kong ihagis 'yung tray na 'to sa kanila."

Maverick whistled. "Grabe. Affected."

Scarlett clenched her jaw. "Kasi naman! Ano bang meron sa project na ‘yun na hindi pwedeng pag-usapan mamaya? Bakit kailangan during lunch? Bakit kailangan silang dalawa lang?"

Maverick shrugged, amused. "Ba't 'di mo tanungin si Amber?"

Scarlett glanced back at Amber’s table.

The guy was smiling at Amber way too much.

And Amber wasn’t pushing him away.

Scarlett hated that.

Scarlett hated this feeling.

She knew she was being ridiculous, but the way that guy sat with Amber, hogging her attention—and now even lunch break? It made her fume.

So instead of dealing with it, she did the next best thing.

Ignore Amber.

Or at least, try to.

Until after lunch, Amber finally caught up to Scarlett in the hallway.

“Scarlett!” Amber grabbed her wrist, panting slightly.

Scarlett tried to pull away, but Amber’s grip was firm.

"Ano?" Scarlett muttered.

"Bida-bida," Amber started, voice softer than usual. "Ayaw mo na ba sa ‘kin?"

Scarlett froze. "Ha?"

"Eh bakit ‘di ka nagrereply?" Amber asked, tilting her head. "Tapos iwas ka nang iwas. May nagawa ba ‘kong mali?"

Scarlett wanted to keep ignoring her—really. But then Amber’s eyes softened, like a kicked puppy, and dammit, her heart caved.

Pero hindi siya marupok.

Amber tilted her head, confused. "Ano’ng ginawa ko?"

Scarlett scoffed. "Seryoso ka? Kanina mo pa ako iniwan para diyan sa project-partner mo tapos nagtatanong ka kung anong problema?"

Amber blinked. "Pero... project lang naman ‘yun?"

"Yeah, pero lunch yun, Amber." Scarlett huffed. "Hindi ka man lang lumapit. Hindi ka man lang nagtanong kung gusto kong sumabay sa inyo."

Amber pursed her lips. “I wanted to, pero—”

“Pero ano?” Scarlett cut her off. "Pero ayaw niya? Ano ka, sunod-sunuran?"

Amber opened her mouth—then closed it.

Scarlett scoffed. "Akala ko ba clingy ka? Bakit kanina parang di mo ako kilala?"

Amber felt guilt creep up her chest.

She stepped closer, reaching out hesitantly. “Scarlett…”

Scarlett turned away. "Balik ka na lang sa kanya."

Then, she walked off—leaving Amber stunned.

That night, Scarlett ignored Amber’s texts.

She ignored her calls.

She ignored everything.

Until—

A knock on her door.

Scarlett sighed. “Maverick, kung ikaw ‘to, ayoko pang kaus—”

“Hindi si Maverick ‘to.”

Scarlett froze.

Amber’s voice.

Soft. Careful. A little nervous.

She hesitated, then sighed, finally opening the door.

And there Amber stood—panting slightly, holding something behind her back.

Scarlett narrowed her eyes. “Ano ‘yan?”

Amber slowly brought her hands forward.

A lunchbox.

And a single blue flower.

Scarlett stared.

Amber pouted. “I didn’t… d–di ako nakaeat ng lunch with youy. Can I kain dinner with you?”

Scarlett’s lips twitched. “Depende.”

Amber stepped closer. “Sa?”

Scarlett took the flower, twirling it between her fingers. “Sa kung babawi ka.”

Amber grinned. “Oh? Anong gusto mong gawin ko?”

Scarlett smirked. "Kumanta ka sa harap ng apartment ko tulad nung ginawa ko."

Amber groaned. "Scarlett."

Scarlett laughed, finally pulling her inside. "Halika na, dinner na tayo."

But then hours passed.

Even an evening, as they spent the entire night in each other’s arms. 

Scarlett thought she’d be fine the moment she wakes up.

She thought she’d let it go after Amber’s cute little peace offering—a lunchbox and a blue flower.

But she didn’t.

Because the thing was—this wasn’t about the guy anymore.

It was about her.

And where she stood in Amber’s world.

Amber noticed immediately.

She was used to Scarlett being loud, playful, teasing.

But today?

Nothing.

Scarlett wasn’t mad—not exactly.

She wasn’t glaring. She wasn’t rolling her eyes. She wasn’t snapping at Amber like before.

She was just… quiet.

And that was worse.

Amber nudged her in the hallway. “Hey. Ayaw mo ba talaga akong kausapin?”

Scarlett gave a small, empty smile. "Kausap naman kita ah."

Amber frowned. “No, you’re not.”

Scarlett just shrugged and walked ahead.

Amber had never been this annoyed before.

It wasn’t just jealousy anymore—it was the way Scarlett kept avoiding her, ignoring her texts, turning away the moment Amber entered the room.

Even after that night. Even after they cuddled and shared stories to each other until they fell asleep in each other’s arms.

At first, Amber played along, thinking Scarlett was just being dramatic.

But when Scarlett didn’t even look at her during their shared classes? When Scarlett walked away the moment their gazes met?

That’s when Amber realized—Scarlett was actually serious.

For the first time, Amber found herself on the other side of being ignored.

[3:45 PM] Amber 🌸

bida-bida

[3:46 PM] Amber 🌸

alam kong nakikita mo ‘tong messages ko

[3:47 PM] Amber 🌸

anong ginawa ko??

[3:48 PM] Amber 🌸

may ginawa ba ‘kong mali?

[3:49  PM] Amber 🌸

alam mo, ako dapat nagtatampo sayo eh

[3:50 PM] Amber 🌸

pero bakit parang ako pa yung naghabol??

[3:51 PM] Amber 🌸

ayaw mo ba talaga akong kausapin???

Scarlett wasn’t even jealous anymore.

She was spiraling.

And it wasn’t just about that annoying guy Amber was partnered with.

It was about everything.

She wasn’t like Amber.

She was a scholar—a student with just enough support, with money only for tuition, bills, and food.

Sure, she had a 100k monthly allowance from the government. But that was nothing compared to someone who could just swipe a black card and fund an entire project.

She could never compete with people like Lance.

The rich boys who could throw money at anything. The ones who could actually be the perfect match for someone like Amber.

She wasn’t the right person for Amber.

Amber deserved someone at her level.

Scarlett stared at her phone screen.

She sighed.

She wanted to reply.

But what would she even say?

"Sorry, Amber, napaisip lang ako kung deserve ba kita?"

She shut her phone off.

And ignored Amber again.

Amber was at her limit.

Scarlett had been ignoring her for two days now.

Two days.

That was insane.

Amber was used to Scarlett chasing after her, teasing her, making her feel like she was the only person in the room.

Now?

Now, Scarlett wouldn’t even look at her.

Amber sighed, slamming her hands on Scarlett’s table.

The library went silent.

Scarlett slowly looked up, expression blank.

"Okay, ano problema mo talaga?" Amber demanded. "Di mo na nga ako selos, pero hindi mo pa rin ako pinapansin?"

Scarlett stared down at her desk.

"...Wala."

Amber groaned. "Bida-bida, you suck at lying."

She knelt beside Scarlett’s chair, hands on Scarlett’s knees.

"Kausapin mo naman ako," Amber pleaded softly. "Di ko alam kung may nagawa akong mali."

That’s the problem.

Amber didn’t even do anything wrong.

It was just Scarlett’s own insecurities eating her alive.

Scarlett shrugged. "Busy lang ako talaga."

Lie.

Amber narrowed her eyes. "You're lying."

Scarlett stared at her.

And for a second—just a second—her walls almost crumbled.

But she held it up.

Because if she said it out loud, it would be real.

She wouldn’t be able to take it back.

So she just smiled. "Hindi mo naman ako girlfriend, Amber."

Amber froze.

And fuck.

That hurt.

Scarlett felt her heart squeeze, guilt creeping in immediately.

But before she could say anything else—

Amber turned around and walked away.

Because if Scarlett wanted to act like this, then fine.

She could play this game too.

No teasing glances. No texts. No anything.

And it killed Scarlett inside.

Because suddenly, Amber wasn’t hovering around her anymore. She wasn’t following Scarlett after class, wasn’t waiting by her usual spot.

And worst of all?

She wasn’t smiling at her.

At lunch, their usual tables felt different.

Scarlett sat with her small friend group, silent, her food barely touched.

Amber sat across the room, laughing with her wide circle of friends—except it wasn’t the same.

She wasn’t looking at Scarlett anymore.

And fuck, why did that hurt so much?

It had been a week.

A week of silent hallways.

A week of stolen glances that never met.

A week of avoidance.

Amber wasn’t used to this. She wasn’t used to missing someone.

Because the thing was—she always had people around her.

Friends. Classmates. Acquaintances.

But they weren’t Scarlett.

They weren’t the girl who laughed too loud, who made her feel like she was someone worth chasing, worth teasing, worth adoring.

And yet, now?

Scarlett was gone.

At least, that’s how it felt.

And Amber hated it.

Because Scarlett started to keep her head low whenever Amber was around again .

That she laughed with her friends, pretending Scarlett wasn’t there.

And yet—every single time Amber was alone, her fingers twitched to send a message.

She had never held back this much before.

But Amber was proud—too proud—so she clenched her jaw, squared her shoulders, and forced herself to keep her distance.

Until she saw Scarlett crying.

Amber had only been walking up to the rooftop for air, for peace, away from the whispers and fake conversations that drained her every day.

She didn’t expect to see Scarlett there, curled up on the rooftop floor, face buried in her arms—crying.

Not her usual dramatic, exaggerated wails.

Not the kind of cries she did when joking around, pretending to be pikon.

No.

This was silent, raw—real.

It made Amber’s chest ache.

Scarlett wasn’t the type to cry in front of people.

And fuck.

Amber had seen Scarlett laugh a million times.

She had seen her grin, smirk, tease, roll her eyes.

But she had never seen her like this.

Vulnerable.

Crying like she truly thought no one could see her.

And God.

Amber’s heart broke.

So did she really think she was alone? Did she really think Amber wouldn’t find her?

Amber didn’t think. She just walked forward.

“Tsk.” She scoffed, arms crossing. “Diyos ko, ang pangit mo umiyak.”

Scarlett froze.

She turned her head too quickly, eyes red and cheeks wet.

Amber was smiling—but not in the smug, teasing way she usually did.

She was smiling like she was relieved.

As if she had finally found something she lost.

“…Ano bang problema mo?” Amber said, softer this time. “Ba’t ka umiiyak mag-isa dito?”

Scarlett’s lips trembled.

She looked away, shaking her head. “Wala ka nang pake, ‘di ba?” she mumbled, wiping her tears harshly. “Akala ko ba sinusukuan mo na ako?”

Amber tensed.

Her pride screamed at her to just agree. To just roll her eyes and walk away.

But fuck that.

She had enough of this.

She moved closer, standing in front of Scarlett, who still refused to meet her gaze.

Then, softly, quietly—

“Ikaw ang umiiwas, pero bakit parang ako yung nasasaktan?”

Scarlett’s breath hitched.

She finally looked up at Amber, wide-eyed—stunned.

For the first time in weeks, she finally looked at Amber.

And Amber saw everything.

The exhaustion. The doubt. The pain Scarlett had been hiding all this time.

Amber’s chest tightened.

She didn’t care about their fight anymore.

Didn’t care who was right or wrong.

Didn’t care about her own pride.

She just wanted Scarlett to stop crying.

The wind was gentle but cold, making Scarlett shiver slightly. Maybe it wasn’t just the breeze—maybe it was the weight of everything pressing on her chest.

Still, Amber didn’t rush her.

She stood there, patient, waiting—because she knew Scarlett needed this.

And then, finally—a shaky inhale.

Scarlett’s voice was barely above a whisper, but it carried more weight than all the teasing words she had ever thrown Amber’s way.

“I just… I don’t belong in your world, Amber.”

Amber stilled.

Scarlett sniffled, rubbing at her eyes, avoiding Amber’s gaze again.

“I mean, look at me,” she gestured to herself, eyes downcast. “I’m just a scholar. I get by with government money. I don’t have a family name that people whisper about in hallways. I don’t have people waiting on me, or drivers picking me up in expensive cars. I—”

Her voice hitched.

“I can’t even buy you something without thinking about my budget for the month. I– I’ll never be like them.”

Amber frowned. “Them?”

“Them,” Scarlett repeated, gesturing vaguely. “The people around you. The guys who get to sit next to you in class. The people who can actually afford to be part of your world.”

Amber’s jaw clenched.

Was that what Scarlett thought this was?

A hindrance?

She turned, finally looking at Scarlett—really looking at her.

She saw the way her fists clenched against her knees, how her lips trembled as if she was holding back so much more.

Amber knew Scarlett’s humor was loud.

But she never realized her insecurities were silent.

And God—it hurt.

Because Scarlett had no idea.

No idea how much Amber wanted her there.

No idea how much Amber missed her.

No idea that every time she looked at her phone and saw no messages, her day felt just a little emptier.

No idea that she would trade everything just to hear another one of Scarlett’s kanal jokes again.

Scarlett let out another unsteady breath. "I get it, Amber. Hindi ako bagay sa mundo mo. And maybe I was stupid to think that—"

"Sino may sabi nun?" Amber cut her off.

Scarlett blinked.

Amber scoffed, crouching down to Scarlett’s level so she could look at her properly.

Her gaze softened, but there was frustration underneath—not at Scarlett, but at the sheer absurdity of what she was saying.

"Ikaw lang nagsabi niyan." Amber’s voice was firm, unwavering. "Kasi never kong naisip ‘yon."

Scarlett froze.

Amber sighed. She reached out—hesitated for a second—then finally tucked a stray strand of hair behind Scarlett’s ear.

Slowly, carefully—she reached for Scarlett’s hands.

And when Scarlett tried to pull away, Amber held on.

"I'm sorry." Amber’s voice was steady. "Pero Scarlett, gusto kita."

Scarlett froze.

Amber tightened her hold. "Gusto kita. Alam mo 'yun, 'di ba?"

Scarlett swallowed.

Her lips trembled.

But she still shook her head. “Pero bakit—”

“Dahil ba may ibang tao sa paligid ko?” Amber cut in. "Dahil ba may ibang humihila sa’kin?"

Scarlett looked away.

Amber tilted her chin back.

"Then let me say it again."

She exhaled, pressing their foreheads together.

"Scarlett, gusto kita."

A pause.

A heartbeat.

She just stared, wide-eyed, lips slightly parted, as if she couldn't quite process what Amber was saying.

Then—finally, finally—

Scarlett closed her eyes.

And she whispered—

"Gusto rin kita."

A weak, trembling chuckle.

"Putangina, ang galing mo namang magsalita." Scarlett sniffled, shaking her head. "Para kang nasa teleserye."

Amber laughed—relieved.

And just like that, the air between them felt lighter.

Scarlett wiped at her cheeks again, but this time, her lips curled into something closer to a real smile.

Amber grinned, nudging Scarlett’s knee with her own.

"Kanina ka pa umiiyak, halika nga."

Before Scarlett could react, Amber pulled her into a tight hug.

Scarlett stiffened—then melted.

She buried her face into Amber’s shoulder, letting herself breathe.

Maybe she wasn’t sure about a lot of things.

Maybe she was still afraid.

But right now, in Amber’s arms—she felt safe.

Amber wasn’t stupid.

She knew why Scarlett had spiraled.

She saw it in the way Scarlett’s fingers curled into fists when that guy kept taking up her time. She saw it in the way Scarlett’s light dimmed when she was forced to sit alone for lunch.

And she saw it most in the way Scarlett’s voice cracked on that rooftop—sounding so small, like she wasn’t worth fighting for.

Amber hated that.

So she became more careful.

She changed.

Not in a loud way.

Not in a way where she made big announcements or asked for people’s validation.

But in the quiet way that mattered.

It started with the boys.

The ones who used to flock around her, slipping flirtatious comments and offering to take her out. Amber had always entertained them—not because she liked them, but because it was fun.

Now?

Now, she just smiled politely and changed the topic.

When a guy tried to slip his arm around her? She subtly stepped away.

When another tried to hand her coffee, insisting it was a treat? She simply shook her head.

"I appreciate it, pero may lunch na ako."

(That was another thing. Amber never forgot her lunch anymore. Because Scarlett made sure of it.)

It wasn’t that she cut people off—she still laughed, still talked, still enjoyed her life.

She didn’t stop talking to her friends, of course. That would be too suspicious—Scarlett would never want her to cut people off just because of her.

But Amber did stop doing certain things.

Like laughing when someone made a mean joke at someone else’s expense. Like dismissing Scarlett’s feelings just because she thought they weren’t that serious.

But she became more careful.

She paid attention.

She asked herself, Would this make Scarlett uncomfortable?

And if the answer was yes?

She simply didn’t do it.

At first, Scarlett didn’t comment on it.

She didn’t even act like she noticed.

But Amber saw the difference. Felt it.

Whenever they walked through the halls together, Scarlett smiled more. Her shoulders weren’t as stiff. She wasn’t waiting for something to go wrong.

And if she was still worried—Amber made sure to wash those worries away.

"Uy," Amber nudged Scarlett’s side one afternoon as they sat under a tree near campus. "Bakit parang tahimik ka?"

Scarlett glanced at her, chewing on the inside of her cheek. "Wala naman."

"Liar," Amber teased. "Dapat pala tinanong kita in Tagalog para masagot mo nang maayos."

Scarlett scoffed, elbowing Amber lightly. "Gago ka."

But she laughed.

And Amber swore that was her favorite sound.

For a while, neither of them spoke.

They just sat there, side by side, Scarlett absentmindedly pulling at the grass, and Amber watching her out of the corner of her eye.

Then, quietly—

“Alam kong hindi mo kailangang gawin ‘to.”

Amber blinked. “Ano?”

Scarlett exhaled, gaze still on the grass.

“All of it,” she murmured. “Hindi mo naman kailangang… magbago.”

Amber tilted her head.

Scarlett hesitated before looking at her. “Pero ginagawa mo pa rin.”

Amber stared back, lips parting slightly.

And then—a soft, small smile.

“Hindi mo kailangang sabihin,” Amber murmured.

Scarlett froze.

Amber reached out—not to hold Scarlett’s hand, but to trace her fingers over Scarlett’s wrist, slow and careful.

Her touch was light, deliberate—reassuring.

"Alam ko naman."

A pause.

Then—a whisper.

“Gusto kita.”

Scarlett’s breath hitched.

Amber smiled, tilting her head playfully. “Hindi mo kailangang mag-alala.”

Scarlett looked away, red-faced.

But she wasn’t spiraling anymore.

Not when Amber was here.

Amber had been in a good mood all day.

She’d woken up early, cooked Scarlett’s favorite meal, and even planned to give her a new cat plushie she saw at the mall. Things had been going well lately.

Amber didn’t even hesitate when she knocked on Scarlett’s apartment door.

She had been coming here more often—whether to deliver food, surprise Scarlett with a gift, or simply because she wanted to see her.

But today, it was different.

Today, Paning was waiting .

The moment the door swung open, Amber barely had time to react before a small blur of fur launched at her, tiny paws pressing against her legs as loud meows filled the air.

"Paning!" Amber gasped, immediately crouching down to scoop up the cat.

Paning purred like crazy, rubbing her face against Amber’s cheek, tail flicking in delight.

Amber laughed, nuzzling her nose against the kitten’s soft fur. “Na-miss mo ako, ha?”

Paning meowed again, as if confirming it.

Scarlett, who was leaning against the doorframe, watched them with an amused expression—but something softer in her eyes.

"Para ka talagang nanay niyan," she teased, arms crossed.

Amber beamed, not even denying it. “Eh, ‘di ba nga? Ako unang nagligtas sa kanya.” She looked down at the kitten, her voice turning playful. "Pero may bago ka nang nanay ngayon, ‘no?"

Paning meowed, but instead of running to Scarlett, she curled up against Amber’s chest—refusing to let go.

Scarlett scoffed. “Nameet mo lang original mong nanay, iniignore mo na ako. Parang di pinakain, inalagaan, pinaliguan, at trinatong anak ah.”

Amber chuckled, too caught up in the moment to notice how Scarlett’s teasing tone had slowly faltered.

Because then—

Scarlett spoke.

“Pwede mo nang itigil ‘to.”

The warmth of Paning’s fur against Amber’s chest suddenly felt too far away.

Her heart dropped.

Amber’s arms tightened around the kitten as she slowly turned to look at Scarlett—wide-eyed, vulnerable, lost.

Her voice cracked.

“…What?”

She took a step forward, heart racing.

“Why?” Amber’s voice cracked, but she didn’t care. “What did I do wrong?”

“Amber—”

“Sabihin mo kung may nagawa akong mali,” Amber pleaded, eyes glistening. “I’ll fix it! Please—”

“Amber!”

Amber froze.

Scarlett sighed. Loudly.

And flicked Amber’s forehead.

Amber yelped, jerking back with wide, teary eyes.

Then Scarlett deadpanned, “Sinasabi ko na nga ba ang corny mo.”

Amber blinked. “Ha?”

Scarlett exhaled sharply before crossing her arms, looking at Amber pointedly.

“I said,” Scarlett repeated, slower this time. “Tigil mo na yung panliligaw mo. Kasi gusto ko nang tanungin ka kung gusto mo nang gawing official ‘to.”

"Wait lang," she mumbled, brows furrowed, shaking her head as if trying to process it. “Ibig sabihin—”

Amber’s brain short-circuited.

Her breath hitched, her tears stopped mid-way, and she just stared at Scarlett, processing her words.

Scarlett wasn’t rejecting her.

She was asking her out.

Amber wanted to yell. To throw something.

Instead, she let out an embarrassingly shaky sob, still emotional from the panic. “PUTA—”

Scarlett snorted.

And just like that—

Amber dropped Paning.

(The cat landed on her feet, thankfully, but still gave an offended meow.)

Then Amber launched herself at her.

She threw her arms around Scarlett, burying her face into her shoulder, still crying but now for an entirely different reason.

“You suck,” Amber mumbled into her neck.

Scarlett laughed, patting Amber’s back. “Ako pa talaga?”

Amber pulled away, wiping her eyes with a dramatic sniff. “You made me cry! Punyeta, Scarlett, naisip ko pa ngang baka bumawi ka ng allowance mo para lang maka-iwas sa’kin!”

Scarlett howled.

Then she cupped Amber’s face gently, thumbs brushing over her damp cheeks.

“So, ano? Gusto mo?”

Amber didn’t hesitate.

“Oo.”

And Scarlett grinned.

“Then, officially, Amber Arceta— akin ka na. ”

Amber beamed, still crying.

“…Pwedeng paki-ulit?”

Scarlett shoved her face away.

But her ears were bright red.

Amber’s hands gently cradled Scarlett’s face, making her turn back and look into her eyes.

And then—

Amber kissed her.

It wasn’t rushed.

It wasn’t desperate.

It was just… right.

Scarlett smiled against Amber’s lips, pulling her closer.

Paning meowed loudly—probably offended at being ignored.

But neither of them paid attention.

Because at that moment—

They only had each other.

Amber had planned everything.

She booked a fancy restaurant, chose the perfect dress, and even made a mental list of all the topics they could talk about. She wanted it to be perfect.

But the moment she saw Scarlett—wearing the cutest oversized hoodie and ripped jeans, bouncing on her feet as she handed Amber a plastic bag—

Amber knew her plans were doomed.

“Ano ‘to?” Amber blinked, taking the bag.

“Burger,” Scarlett grinned. “And fries. Nauna akong bumili, gutom na ako.”

Amber stared. “H-hindi tayo kakain sa—”

“Sa fancy place?” Scarlett teased, eyes twinkling. “Eh di carry mo na lang ‘yan pang second date.”

Amber’s mouth fell open. “Excuse me?”

But Scarlett was already dragging her to a nearby bench, opening her own burger with the biggest smile.

And as much as Amber wanted to be offended, she just laughed.

Because honestly?

It was perfect.

Amber had never been nervous meeting anyone’s parents before.

She was Amber Arceta. Rich, well-mannered, and naturally charming.

But the moment she stepped into Scarlett’s home and saw her mother staring her down—

She almost ran.

Scarlett’s mom crossed her arms. “Ikaw pala si Amber.”

Amber gulped. “Opo.”

“…Ang sungit mo daw.”

Amber choked. “P-po?”

“Pero mabait ka naman yata,” Scarlett’s mom hummed, giving her a once-over.

Amber turned to Scarlett, eyes pleading.

Scarlett just grinned behind her mother, offering zero help.

But after dinner—after Scarlett’s mom ruffled her hair and packed extra food for her—Amber realized she had passed.

And maybe… maybe she liked having a mom fuss over her, even just for a bit.

Scarlett’s mom even shared some childhood stories about Scarlett growing up. Like how she almost fell into a kanal while she was trying to help a little guy who was lost (which honestly made Amber stop to look at Scarlett, admiring her for the way she is), how Scarlett gave out her dolls and stuffed toys to charity because she claimed that she’s not rich yet but she at least had something to offer to other kids like her—

Amber felt her heart softening.

She was so damn lucky.

“Ano ‘to?” Amber raised an eyebrow, staring at the two matching pink keychains in Scarlett’s hand.

“Matching keychains,” Scarlett grinned. “Para alam ng tao na akin ka .”

Amber blinked. “Ah.”

A pause.

Then—

“Gusto ko sampung ganito.”

Then Amber had rushed to her bedroom, getting something.

And when she got back—

“Scarlett, please,” Amber whined.

“No.”

“Pero cute tayo.”

“Cringe.”

Amber pouted, holding up two hoodies. One had a cat print. The other had a dog print.

“But look! You get the cat. I get the dog. Kasi you have cats, and I have Honey—”

Scarlett deadpanned.

Then took the cat hoodie.

Amber grinned.

That night, Scarlett grumbled about it being corny, but still sent Amber mirror selfies wearing it.

Amber saved every single one.

Scarlett never thought she would find herself sitting in a billionaire’s house dining room, without Amber beside her.

But here she was—alone, nervous, and completely out of place.

Across from her sat Amber’s parents, both poised yet warm, their gazes studying her with an intensity that made her want to shrink.

“Thank you,” Amber’s mom said, voice soft but firm. “For changing our daughter.”

Scarlett blinked. “Po?”

Amber’s dad chuckled. “She used to be… reckless. Irresponsible, even. Not that she wasn’t smart, but she didn’t care about much. Now, she—” He paused, smiling. “She has something—or rather, someone—to care about.”

Scarlett’s throat tightened.

She never thought about it that way.

To her, Amber had always been larger than life. Confident, teasing, untouchable.

But she also remembered the moments Amber was vulnerable.

The times she clung to her like a lifeline, whispered doubts when she thought no one could hear, softened in ways only Scarlett got to see.

Amber’s mom clasped her hands together. “We owe you more than we can express.”

Scarlett felt her face heat up. “Hindi naman po…”

Amber’s dad sighed. “We weren’t the best parents. We thought we were protecting her when we stopped her from having things we thought would distract her.”

Scarlett swallowed, feeling her throat tighten.

She hadn’t expected this.

Then Amber’s mother smiled again. “And you kept her kitten.”

Scarlett stiffened.

Amber’s parents knew about Paning.

“We gave that kitten to you, years ago,” her father admitted. “We didn’t trust Amber to take care of a pet back then, not when she was still…”

“Lost,” Amber’s mother finished.

Scarlett looked at them, wide-eyed. They had planned this?

“And now that she’s different, our view has changed,” Amber’s mom continued, looking at Scarlett warmly. “You’ve been taking care of Paning for years. And you’ve been taking care of Amber, too.”

Then—Amber’s dad leaned forward.

“So, Scarlett,” he said, his voice turning business-like. “What do you want?”

Scarlett blinked. “H-ha?”

“We want to give you something in return,” Amber’s mom smiled. “A black card? A new house? A car? A private jet? A rented island?”

Scarlett’s mouth fell open.

These were things people dreamed about. Things she could never even imagine being offered so casually.

But instead of excitement, Scarlett felt…

She exhaled and smiled, genuine and sure.

“The greatest gift you’ve given me…” she said, voice soft, “is Amber.”

Amber’s parents stilled.

“I don’t need cars or cards,” Scarlett whispered. “I already have what’s most precious to me. I love your daughter dearly. That’s all I could ever ask for.”

For a moment, there was silence.

Then—Amber’s mom chuckled.

“Ah,” she sighed, eyes glistening. “Amber really did find someone special.”

Amber’s father hummed, impressed. “She’s lucky to have you.”

Scarlett shook her head.

“No po.”

She beamed.

“I’m the lucky one.”

Amber woke up groggily, rubbing her eyes as she shuffled toward the dining room in search of breakfast. She hadn’t even brushed her hair yet, wearing a loose shirt and pajama shorts, completely unprepared for the sight that greeted her.

Her mom was tearing up at the dining table.

Her dad—the ever-stoic man—had actual tears in his eyes.

And in the middle of it all was Scarlett, panicking.

“Po? Huwag na po kayo umiyak, please?” Scarlett begged, grabbing tissues like her life depended on it. She was dabbing at Amber’s mom’s face while shooting frantic glances at her dad, who was chuckling despite his own wet eyes.

Amber froze.

What the hell was going on?

She blinked slowly, still processing the chaos in front of her.

Scarlett? In her house? Making her parents cry?!

Amber’s dad sniffed. “Such a good girl.”

Her mom let out a small sob. “She loves our daughter so much…”

Amber’s brain short-circuited.

Meanwhile, Scarlett looked seconds away from having a breakdown, dabbing Amber’s mom’s face with tissues, then hesitating before hovering over Amber’s dad too.

Amber couldn’t help it.

“What the hell is happening?”

The entire room turned to her.

Scarlett stiffened like she’d been caught in a crime scene.

Amber’s mom gasped and wiped at her tears quickly, trying to compose herself. Amber’s dad chuckled again, shaking his head as he gave Scarlett a knowing look.

“Your girlfriend,” he said, eyes twinkling, “just made us cry.”

Amber turned to Scarlett.

Scarlett turned even paler.

“What did you do?” Amber asked, baffled.

“I—I—” Scarlett stammered, looking wildly guilty.

Amber narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms. “You’re not breaking up with me, right?”

“NO!” Scarlett yelped, shaking her head violently.

Amber sighed in relief but still eyed her suspiciously. “Then why are my parents crying? Did you tell them I’m dumb? Did you snitch about the time I burned instant noodles?”

Scarlett gawked at her. “You what?”

Amber’s mom sniffled, reaching over to hold Scarlett’s hand. “She said you’re the greatest gift we’ve ever given her.”

Amber’s world stilled.

Her heart skipped a beat.

She turned to Scarlett, who was red-faced and panicking, clearly not expecting Amber to hear that.

Amber swallowed. She wasn’t used to hearing things like that.

Not from someone who mattered so much.

Her parents never even made a big deal of her relationships before. But now? They were crying? Over Scarlett?

Amber suddenly felt warm all over.

She didn’t know what to say.

So she just walked over, wrapped her arms around Scarlett’s waist, and buried her face in her shoulder.

Scarlett stiffened. “A-Amber?”

Amber tightened her hug. “You’re such a bida-bida,” she mumbled, voice muffled against Scarlett’s shirt.

Her parents chuckled.

Scarlett, finally recovering, sighed in defeat and hugged her back.

Scarlett had just started to relax in Amber’s arms when Amber’s dad suddenly cleared his throat.

“Well,” he said, looking entirely too amused, “since we’re already emotional this morning, why don’t we settle something?”

Scarlett slowly pulled back from Amber’s hug, nervous all over again. “S-Settle what po?”

Amber’s mom wiped at her tears and smiled warmly. “You still don’t want the private jet?”

“H-Ha?!” Scarlett almost choked.

Amber finally snapped out of her daze.

“Wait, what?!” she blurted out, stepping away from Scarlett to face her parents. “You offered her a private jet?!”

Amber’s dad shrugged. “We offered her many things. She declined at first, but then—”

Scarlett, purely out of panic, cut in, “I ACCEPTED IT!”

Amber’s head whipped toward Scarlett so fast, she almost gave herself whiplash.

“WHAT?!”

“I panicked!” Scarlett blurted, throwing her hands up. “Your parents kept offering and—I thought you wanted it! I don’t know how rich people work, okay?!”

Amber’s jaw dropped. “Scarlett! WHY WOULD I WANT A JET?!”

“I DON’T KNOW, AMVER!” Scarlett was literally sweating now. “WHAT IF YOU WANTED TO GO TO PARIS FOR BREAD OR SOMETHING?! I—I JUST THOUGHT I SHOULD SAY YES?!”

Amber looked so betrayed.

“YOU THINK I’M THAT SPOILED?!”

“I DON’T KNOW!!!” Scarlett yelped, flailing her hands. “SO DO I RETURN IT OR NOT?! HELP ME!”

Amber stared at her.

Then stared at her parents, who were watching the entire thing like it was their new favorite sitcom.

Then back at Scarlett.

“Decline it, you idiot!”

“OH MY GOD. OKAY!” Scarlett turned to Amber’s parents and bowed so deeply in sheer panic. “Po, I’m sorry, I CAN’T ACCEPT THE JET! I—I panicked! I didn’t mean to accept it! I don’t even know how to use one! What if I crash it?! I’ll die! Amber will cry! PLEASE JUST TAKE IT BACK!”

Silence.

Then Amber’s dad laughed so hard he had to wipe his eyes.

Her mom sighed fondly, looking at Scarlett like she was the cutest thing ever.

Amber, on the other hand, just dragged her hands down her face.

She was never going to let Scarlett live this down.