New Beginnings
On one random night, Maiven leaned back in the salon chair, fingers drumming on her lap as the hairstylist sectioned her hair.
"You sure about this?" the stylist asked, running a comb through the strands of deep red.
She hesitated, glancing at herself in the mirror.
Red. She had been red haired for years. Ever since high school. Ever since she lost that stupid dare.
"If I win, you dye your hair red." Avara had grinned at her back then, bouncing on her heels, eyes full of mischief.
"And if I win?" Maiven had crossed her arms.
"You won’t."
Cocky. Confident. And unfortunately, right.
She lost, and ever since then, the red hair stuck. It became her.
But now…
She inhaled deeply.
"Yeah," she finally said. "Let’s do it."
As soon as she stepped out of the salon, Maiven pulled out her phone, opened their group chat, and hit the video call button.
Maiven (video call): "Pick up, you clowns."
The call connected within seconds, and suddenly, she was bombarded with chaotic reactions.
"WAIT—" Gali gasped, leaning so close to the screen her face practically filled Maiven’s phone. "WHAT DID YOU DO?!"
Jorge screeched. "HOLY SH—NO WAY!"
"NO WAY. NOOO WAY." Lei flailed. "WHO ARE YOU?! WHO IS THIS GIRL?! WHERE IS MAIVEN?!"
Cali, ever the skeptical one, squinted at the screen. "That’s a filter. This is a joke."
"It’s NOT a filter, gago," Maiven groaned, flipping her hair dramatically to prove it.
"IMPOSSIBLE!" Spencer clutched her chest. "I thought hell would freeze over before Maiven changed her hair!"
Sab’s jaw was on the floor. "Guys. GUYS. I never thought I’d live to see this day."
Adrielle, who had been listening quietly, finally smirked. "About time."
"TELL US WHY," Jorge demanded. "Did a professor insult you? Did you wake up with a crisis? WERE YOU POSSESSED?!"
"Yeah, yeah, what gives?!" Gali chimed in.
Maiven rolled her eyes. "Nothing dramatic. I just figured it’s time to be more serious. More… polished, you know? We’re graduating. I can’t look like a rebellious college student forever."
"Nah." Cali deadpanned. "This is suspicious."
Lei squinted. "You’ve had red hair since high school. SINCE YOU LOST THAT DARE TO—" She paused. The group chat fell silent for half a second.
No one said her name. But they all knew.
Avara.
A beat passed, then Maiven shrugged, forcing a casual grin. "What? That was years ago. It’s just hair."
"JUST HAIR?" Jorge repeated, sounding personally offended. "NO. THAT WAS YOUR BRAND."
"It’s the end of an era." Sab fake wiped a tear. "Gone. Just like that."
"I honestly thought your soul was bound to the red," Spencer added. "Like, if you tried to dye it, your hair would reject it."
"It still kinda looks red, though," Cali observed, narrowing her eyes.
Maiven groaned. "It’s dark reddish brown. You guys wouldn’t stop yelling unless I changed it drastically, so I met you halfway. Happy now?"
Adrielle smirked. "It suits you."
"Really?" Maiven raised a brow.
"It makes you look like someone who has their life together," Adrielle said, like it was a fact.
Maiven chuckled. "I don’t, though."
"Fake it till you make it," Adrielle quipped.
"You know, you could’ve just dyed it fully brown," Gali pointed out, arms crossed.
"Yeah, what’s with the compromise?" Jorge teased.
Maiven sighed dramatically. "Okay, fine. Maybe I wasn’t ready to go full brown. Happy?"
"Ahhh," Sab smirked. "She still can’t let go completely."
"It’s progress," Spencer declared.
"We’ll take it," Cali added, grinning.
The group burst into laughter, teasing and playful jabs filling the call. For the first time in a long time, change didn’t feel so terrifying.
Jorge’s condo had become their unofficial headquarters, the perfect spot for post exam rants, casual hangouts, and their endless banter. Tonight was no different, except there was something in the air. Something unspoken.
"Alright, mga pre," Gali announced, stretching on the couch. "Since midterms are finally over, I say we celebrate properly. Let's order—"
"Before you suggest anything, no, we are not getting fast food again," Sab cut in, smirking.
Jorge groaned. "What’s wrong with fast food? It’s quick, easy, and it’s literally comfort food."
"You just don’t want to cook," Spencer teased, nudging her playfully.
"Well, duh," Jorge scoffed.
The room erupted in chuckles, but the energy shifted when Lei, always the observant one, leaned forward. "Okay, you two have been weirdly quiet." She pointed at Maiven and Cali.
"Yeah," Gali added, narrowing her eyes. "What’s up?"
Maiven and Cali exchanged glances. A silent understanding passed between them, this was it.
"Alright, fine," Maiven exhaled. "We were gonna tell you guys tonight anyway."
Cali grinned, rubbing the back of her neck. "We got an offer."
"An offer?" Spencer tilted her head.
"Not just any offer," Maiven clarified. "A training program from one of the most prestigious business firms abroad."
The room fell into a stunned silence.
"Wait, what?!" Sab finally blurted out.
"No way!"
"That’s insane!"
"Holy sh—" Jorge started, but Gali clapped a hand over her mouth before she could finish.
Cali chuckled, but her grip tightened on Lei’s hand. "It’s a two-year program. If we do well, we’ll be absorbed into the company."
"Two years?" Lei’s voice was softer now, and everyone turned toward her.
Cali hesitated before nodding. "Yeah."
Lei pressed her lips together, looking away for a moment. The teasing and excitement had died down. Now, all that was left was the weight of reality.
Maiven, sensing the shift, leaned back against the couch. "It’s a crazy opportunity. Cali’s family built their business from scratch, and this could set her up for something bigger. And me?" She exhaled. "I’m a Lee. No matter what I do here, people will always see my last name first. But this? This is my chance to make a name for myself. Not because of my family, but because I earned it."
Adrielle, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke. Her voice was even, but there was approval in her eyes. "I get it. You’re not just taking an internship, you’re claiming your own space in the industry."
"Exactly," Maiven said, her voice steady.
Jorge let out a low whistle. "Damn. That’s... big."
"More like life changing," Spencer muttered.
Gali, still processing, turned to Cali. "And you’re really going?"
Cali’s gaze softened as she looked at Lei. "I have to."
Lei swallowed hard, forcing a small smile. "I know. And I get why you have to go. I just... hate that we’ll be apart for so long."
"Me too," Cali admitted, reaching for her hand. "But we’ll figure it out, okay? I love you, Lei. That’s not changing."
Lei took a shaky breath before squeezing Cali’s hand. "I love you too. Just... don’t forget about me while you're out there being all business boss, okay?"
Cali chuckled, pulling Lei into a quick kiss. "Never."
Maiven watched them with a small, knowing smile. It was bittersweet. She knew that kind of love, that deep, unwavering kind. But she also knew that sometimes, love alone wasn’t enough.
Jorge, sensing the heavy mood, clapped her hands together. "Okay! Enough with the dramatic moments. We should be celebrating, right?"
Sab grinned, catching on. "Yeah! Shots?"
"NO," Adrielle deadpanned immediately.
"Pizza then?" Gali suggested.
Maiven chuckled. "Fine, but no pineapple on mine."
"Pineapple is elite, fight me," Jorge shot back.
As laughter filled the room again, Maiven felt something settle inside her, peace. She was leaving soon. Starting a new chapter. And this time, she wasn’t looking back.
Maiven never thought she’d feel okay again.
The past few months had been a whirlwind of healing, laughter, and rediscovery. She had thrown herself into school, into her friendships, into herself. And somewhere along the way, she became her again, the Maiven who could throw sarcastic remarks at Cali, who could enjoy late night volleyball games with Jorge and Gali, who could laugh at Sab and Lei’s inside jokes, who could challenge Adrielle in debates without it feeling like she was running away from something.
Even Spencer had found a way into their chaotic circle, making life feel lighter. They all carried her through, in ways they probably didn’t even realize.
And Avara?
She was just… gone.
After that night at the cafe, neither of them reached out. No calls. No messages. No attempts to fix what had shattered.
At first, it hurt. But day by day, Maiven realized something that she wasn’t waiting anymore.
And it was freeing.
Maiven stepped into the condo lobby, stretching her arms as she walked. The week had been exhausting, but in a good way. Finals were finally over, and the anticipation of graduation made everything feel lighter.
She was about to head straight to the elevators when she saw her.
Avara.
Standing by the entrance, arms crossed, looking lost.
It had been months, but seeing her again still tugged something deep inside Maiven’s chest. She wasn’t expecting this.
Avara looked different—tired, stressed, but still her. But what hit Maiven the most was the way she looked at her. Like she didn’t know where else to go.
Maiven could have walked past her. Pretended she didn’t see her. It would have been the easiest thing to do.
But she wasn’t that kind of person. So she took a deep breath, walked over, and quietly asked, “You wanna go up?”
Avara hesitated. Then nodded.
The air was thick with unspoken words.
Maiven handed Avara a glass of water before sitting across from her. She didn’t push, didn’t ask. Just let Avara find her words.
Avara stared at the glass in her hands, running her fingers along the rim. "I didn't know where else to go."
Maiven leaned back. "You could’ve called."
Avara let out a bitter chuckle. "Would you have answered?"
Maiven didn’t reply. Because the truth was, she wasn’t sure.
Avara exhaled shakily. "I messed up, Maiv."
The nickname made Maiven's grip on her glass tighten. "I know."
Avara swallowed hard. "I never got back together with Gio."
Maiven arched a brow. "I figured."
"Lei and Sab told you?"
"Yeah. They said you’ve been focused on school."
Avara nodded, twisting her fingers together. "I have. I—there were guys who tried, but I didn’t…" She let out a quiet laugh. "I never entertained any of them."
"That’s good, Avara," Maiven said, voice kind but distant. "You did what was best for you."
Avara looked up, frustration flickering in her eyes. "I thought it was, but…" She trailed off, shaking her head.
Maiven waited.
Then Avara whispered, "I was wrong."
Maiven’s chest tightened. "About what?"
Avara met her gaze, eyes pleading. "About everything."
Her voice cracked as she spoke. "I thought you'd always be there. That I had all the time in the world to figure things out. But then, I saw you... at school. You were laughing, you looked so free. And for the first time, I wasn’t a part of it."
Her voice wavered. "I hated it."
Maiven felt her stomach twist.
Avara’s eyes shone with something desperate. "I miss you."
Maiven forced a small smile. "You miss me, or you miss the version of me that was always there for you?"
Avara flinched.
She bit her lip, hands trembling. "I—Maiv, I love you."
The words hit Maiven harder than she expected.
Once upon a time, those words would have undone her.
Once upon a time, she would have dropped everything.
But now?
Now, she just felt tired.
She exhaled slowly, staring at the girl she had loved for so long.
"You don’t get to say that now, Avara."
Avara’s breath hitched. "I—"
"No," Maiven said, her voice steady. "You don’t get to tell me you love me when I spent years loving you and you never saw it."
Avara’s eyes filled with tears. "I see it now."
Maiven gave her a sad smile. "But I’m not the same person who was waiting for you to see me."
Avara shook her head, tears slipping down her cheeks. "If I had told you earlier… would it have changed anything?"
Maiven hesitated.
"If you had told me before, I would have given you everything." She let out a soft, bittersweet laugh. "But now… I can’t."
Avara let out a small, broken sob.
"Please don’t do this."
Maiven closed her eyes for a moment, steadying herself. "I can’t be your ‘one call away’ anymore."
Avara inhaled sharply, her hands gripping the fabric of her sleeves like it was the only thing holding her together. "I don’t want to lose you," she whispered.
Maiven’s throat tightened, but she forced herself to hold firm.
She reached out, gently brushing a tear from Avara’s cheek.
"You already did."
Avara’s breath hitched as she choked back another sob.
The silence stretched, heavy and suffocating.
Then, with shaking hands, Avara pushed herself up from the couch. She hesitated like she wanted to say something, like she was waiting for Maiven to stop her.
But Maiven didn’t.
So Avara turned, walking towards the door.
She stopped for just a second, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm so sorry, Maiven."
Maiven looked at her, really looked at her, and for the first time in years, she let go.
"I know."
Avara let out a shaky breath before she finally walked out the door.
And this time, Maiven didn’t chase after her.
This time— She let her go.
Graduation day was loud. Excitement hung in the air like electricity, buzzing through every graduate, family member, and friend gathered in the auditorium.
The moment the announcer’s voice rang out, the crowd erupted. "Adrielle Elise Hidalgo who graduates Summa Cum Laude!"
The applause was deafening.
Jorge let out a sharp whistle. “Damn, Hidalgo, slow down! Give the rest of us a chance!”
"She probably finished the finals before we even got the questionnaire," Gali added, smirking.
Adrielle, ever composed, walked across the stage with her usual grace, offering a polite nod as she received her diploma. But as she turned toward the audience, her smirk, one that screamed Of course, I’m number one, sent their entire group into a fit of laughter.
Then, the next names were called.
"Graduating with Magna Cum Laude—Maiven Lee and Calista Ventura!"
If the cheers for Adrielle were loud, this was chaos.
"CAAALLIIIIII!" Lei screamed, practically shaking Gali who is seated beside her.
Jorge yelled, "LEE AND VENTURA WORLD DOMINATION!"
Maiven shook her head, fighting a laugh as she stepped forward. Her heart pounded not from nerves, but from the sheer weight of the moment. She had worked for this, bled for this, and now, she was standing here, achieving what she once thought was impossible.
As she turned toward the audience, her eyes instinctively searched the crowd.
Then, she saw her.
Avara wasn’t yelling like the others. She wasn’t jumping or screaming. But her eyes—her eyes held so much pride.
For a brief second, something tugged in Maiven’s chest, but she forced herself to look away. Not today. Today is not about her.
Cali nudged her with a knowing smirk. “We did it, Lee.”
Maiven exhaled. “Damn right we did.”
The rest of the ceremony blurred into endless rounds of congratulations, photos, and the occasional tearful hugs. The emotions were high, but nothing prepared them for what Adrielle casually announced as they regrouped outside.
"So, I assume we’re celebrating properly?" Adrielle asked, arms crossed.
"Obviously," Sab grinned. "All-nighter party, baby!"
"And a road trip to Zambales," Adrielle added, sipping her drink.
Silence.
Then—
"WAIT, WHAT?"
"A ROAD TRIP?!"
"TO WHERE?"
Adrielle gave them a blank stare. “My family owns a five-star resort there. Private, beachfront, exclusive.”
More silence.
Then all hell broke loose.
"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!" Lei grabbed Adrielle’s arm. "YOU'VE BEEN HOARDING A WHOLE RESORT FROM US?!"
"WHY DID YOU NEVER TELL US?!" Gali screamed.
Adrielle shrugged. “You never asked.”
"Hidalgo, I don't say this often, but I could kiss you right now," Jorge declared.
"You better not," Spencer deadpanned.
"I vote we get in the car now," Sab said.
"Seconded!" Gali added.
And with that, their post-grad trip was officially on.
By the time they arrived at Adrielle’s family resort, the sun was already setting, casting hues of orange and pink over the ocean.
And when they stepped out of the van, everyone froze.
The place was breathtaking. White sand stretched endlessly, meeting crystal-clear waters. The private villas were modern yet cozy, and an infinity pool overlooked the ocean. Lounge chairs were arranged around bonfires being set up by the resort staff.
"Are we in a K-drama?" Spencer whispered.
"Adrielle, I take back everything bad I've ever said about you," Jorge declared.
Adrielle smirked. "Good to know."
Lei turned to Cali, eyes wide. "Baby, we should live here."
Cali laughed, wrapping an arm around her. "We haven’t even been here for an hour."
"That’s more than enough time to fall in love," Lei shot back.
Before anyone could respond, Sab took off running toward the beach.
"LAST ONE IN THE WATER HAS TO DO SHOTS!" she yelled.
"SAB, YOU—" But it was too late. The group sprinted after her, screaming at the top of their lungs.
Maiven, out of instinct, tackled Gali into the sand before getting up and running again.
"CHEATER!" Gali coughed, shaking off the sand.
Jorge, panting, collapsed onto a beach chair. “Y’all are crazy. I’ll join the water when my soul catches up.”
Spencer sat beside her. "You’re just scared to do shots."
Jorge gasped dramatically. “Spencer, how dare you.”
The night unfolded in the best way possible—bonfires, music, drinks, and a ridiculous number of dares.
At one point, Sab grinned at Jorge. "Alright, time for the real dare, confess your not-so-secret crush on Spencer."
Jorge groaned. "You guys are so annoying."
"Awww, are we making it hard for you?" Maiven teased.
"YES!"
Spencer raised an eyebrow. "You could just do the dare and get it over with."
Jorge groaned even louder.
Meanwhile, Lei and Cali sat close, fingers intertwined. Lei leaned her head on Cali’s shoulder. “Two years is a long time.”
Cali squeezed her hand. "Yeah… but we’ll make it work."
Lei smiled softly. "We always do."
By midnight, they were all lying in the sand, staring up at the stars. The air was filled with quiet laughter, occasional inside jokes, and the sound of waves crashing nearby.
"This… this is what happiness feels like," Gali murmured.
"Yeah," Maiven agreed, staring at the sky. "It really is."
Adrielle, holding a drink, raised it slightly. "To new beginnings."
Maiven met her gaze, a small smile forming. "To new beginnings."
And in that moment, with the ocean breeze in their hair and laughter echoing in the night, it felt like they were all standing at the edge of something great—ready to jump.
The airport was alive with the usual hustle—boarding calls echoing through the speakers, the hum of rolling suitcases, and the murmurs of travelers rushing to their gates. But in one small corner, near the international departures, a group of friends stood in a tight circle, trying to make the moment last just a little longer.
Maiven and Cali were leaving. Two years abroad, training in one of the most prestigious companies in the world. It was an opportunity of a lifetime, one they both fought for and earned. Everyone knew this day was coming, but knowing didn’t make it any easier.
Lei had her arms wrapped around Cali in a death grip, refusing to let go. “Two years is practically a lifetime,” she muttered, voice thick with emotion.
Cali sighed, resting her chin on top of Lei’s head. “It’s not forever, babe. And we’ve already talked about this, we’ll make it work.”
Lei sniffled. “What if you forget about me?”
Cali pulled back just enough to look her in the eyes. “Seriously? Lei, you’re the love of my life. You think two years is enough to erase you?”
Lei pouted, but it was clear she was trying to hold back tears. “You better text me every second of every day.”
Sab, who had been watching the entire exchange with her arms crossed, rolled her eyes. “If she doesn’t, I will personally book a flight, hunt her down, and drag her back.”
Cali chuckled. “I have no doubt.”
Meanwhile, Jorge had Maiven locked in a bear hug, dramatically wailing. “Damn you, Maiven! Who said you could leave me behind?”
Maiven laughed, though there was a bittersweet edge to it. “I’m not dying, Jorge.”
Jorge pulled back slightly, squinting at her. “No, but you’re gonna be gone for two whole years! I won’t even be able to see you suffer through early morning meetings in person.”
Maiven smirked. “Don’t worry, I’ll send you video updates of my suffering.”
Spencer, standing beside Jorge, shook her head with a small smile. “I still can’t believe you’re actually leaving.”
"Believe it," Gali sighed. "We’re losing two of our best business brains to the international stage."
Maiven nudged Cali. “Hey, at least when we come back, we’ll be even more annoying with our business talk.”
Cali grinned. “Exactly. You guys better step up your game while we’re gone.”
Then, Adrielle stepped forward, arms crossed, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. "So, this is it?"
Maiven and Cali exchanged glances before nodding.
"For now," Cali said.
Adrielle tilted her head. “Fine. Go ahead and get all that international expertise. But mark my words, by the time you come back, I will have built an empire.”
Maiven and Cali looked at each other, then back at Adrielle, matching her smirk.
"Then you better make it good, Hidalgo," Maiven teased. "Because if we’re not impressed, we’re not investing."
"Oh, trust me," Adrielle shot back. "You want in."
As they bantered, Maiven’s parents stepped forward. Her mother reached out, smoothing a hand over her daughter’s sleeve. “Take care of yourself, anak. Don’t overwork yourself too much.”
Maiven smiled softly. “I’ll try.”
Her father, ever composed, gave her a firm nod. “This is your chance to prove yourself, Maiven. Not just as a Lee, but as your own person.”
Maiven met his gaze, her heart clenching. “I will, Dad.”
On Cali’s side, her parents beamed with pride. Her father patted her back. "This is the kind of opportunity that changes everything. Go take the world by storm, Calista."
Cali grinned. "That’s the plan, Dad."
A final boarding call rang through the speakers. The moment they had all been dreading was finally here.
One by one, they hugged again, tighter this time. Holding on for just a few more seconds.
"This isn’t goodbye," Sab said firmly, gripping both Cali and Maiven’s hands. "Just… see you later."
"Exactly," Maiven agreed.
Lei wiped at her eyes. "You better come back in two years. No extensions."
Cali smirked. "No promises."
Lei smacked her arm. "Not funny."
Gali sighed dramatically. “Our business meetings will be so quiet without you two.”
"Enjoy the peace while it lasts," Maiven teased.
Then, finally, they picked up their bags. No one wanted to say it out loud, but the moment was slipping away. If they hesitated any longer, they might never leave. So, with a deep breath, Maiven and Cali turned and walked toward security.
They didn’t look back. Not because they didn’t want to, but because they knew if they did, leaving would be so much harder.
And just like that, their new chapter began.
As Maiven and Cali walked towards security, their friends lingered, waving and calling out last minute jokes and reminders. The airport buzzed with movement, but for their circle, time seemed to slow.
Yet, beyond their laughter and farewells, someone else was watching.
Avara stood hidden in the crowd, her fingers digging into the strap of her bag as her chest tightened with something she didn’t want to name.
She had known this day would come. She had heard it from Sab, from Lei, had seen the way Maiven talked about her plans with certainty. But knowing was different from watching it happen.
There was no hesitation in Maiven’s steps, no second glances, no last minute wavering.
And Avara felt it, deep in her bones that Maiven wasn’t just leaving the country. She was leaving her.
Her throat felt tight. No, this isn’t how it’s supposed to be. She had imagined this moment differently. She thought maybe, just maybe, Maiven would look back. That their eyes would meet, that something would crack open between them, that she’d have one last chance.
But Maiven didn’t turn around.
Not even once.
A painful realization settled in Avara’s chest, heavy and suffocating.
Maiven had always looked back for her. Always waited, always stayed, always been her constant, no matter how much time passed.
But not this time.
This time, Maiven was moving forward.
Without her.
The final boarding call echoed through the terminal, slicing through her thoughts like a cruel reminder. Avara opened her mouth whether to call out, to say something, anything, she didn’t know.
But no sound came out.
All she could do was watch as Maiven disappeared past security, taking with her everything Avara had only just begun to understand.
And for the first time in her life, Avara realized this is what it feels like to be the one left behind.