Unspoken Love

Quill stared at the quarterly reports spread across her desk, the numbers blurring together after hours of analysis. A soft knock pulled her attention from the spreadsheets.

"Hey, Quill. Surprise!" Claire leaned against the doorframe, a warm smile lighting up her face.

"Claire!" Quill jumped from her chair and wrapped her cousin in a tight embrace. "I thought nasa Singapore ka pa."

"Wrapped up early. The new branch is running smoother than expected." Claire's perfectly tailored blazer crinkled as she returned the hug.

"God, na-miss kita. Three weeks feels like forever." Quill stepped back, drinking in her cousin's presence. "Kumusta ang expansion?"

"Same old corporate dance. But tell me about you." Claire perched on the edge of Quill's desk, her eyes twinkling.

Claire's expression shifted, that familiar look of concern crossing her features. "And kumusta kayo ni baby Sky?"

Quill's heart clenched at the mention of her name. She turned to organize the papers on her desk, buying time to steady her voice. "She broke up with Ethan. Found out he was seeing someone else behind her back."

"Oh, Quill." Claire's tone softened. "Maybe now's the time to-"

"No." Quill shook her head, fighting the ache in her chest. "She's hurting. The last thing she needs is me complicating things with... feelings."

"But Aquilla, kontento ka ba na ganyan lang?"

Quill sank back into her chair, fingers tracing the edge of a report. "I'm there for her when she needs me. That's enough, as long as she's safe and happy."

"Is it? Sigurado ka?" Claire leaned forward, her eyes searching Quill's face.

The memory of Sky's tears weeks ago flashed through Quill's mind—how she'd held her friend close, stroked her hair, whispered words of comfort while swallowing her own selfish desires. "She deserves someone who can give her the fairy tale she wants. Not..." Quill gestured vaguely at herself. "Not just her best friend who's been pining after her since forever. At alam mo naman straight yun."

"You're selling yourself short, Aquilla. And anyone would go gay for you!"

"I'm being realistic." Quill forced a smile, though her chest felt tight. "Sky needs stability right now, not a confession or identity crisis that could ruin everything we have. I'd rather keep what we have than risk losing her completely."

Claire reached across the desk and squeezed her hand. "And what about what you need?"

"What I need?" Quill let out a quiet laugh. "I need her to be happy. Even if that means watching her fall for someone else again." The words tasted bitter, but they were true. They had to be.

Claire's phone buzzed, breaking the heavy moment. She glanced at the screen. "Oh, that reminds me. Mai's back from her art retreat. We're doing brunch tomorrow at that new place on Fifth—Rosemary's?"

The weight in Quill's chest lifted slightly at the mention of their friend. "Mai's back? How'd the retreat go?"

"No idea. She's been mysterious about it, just sent a bunch of cryptic emojis." Claire scrolled through her messages. "You should come. I was thinking of asking Sky too—haven't seen that kid in ages."

Quill's fingers fidgeted with her pen. "Sky's drowning in coursework right now. Final year's hitting her hard—she's got three major projects due next week for her fashion design course."

"Sayang. Was hoping to catch up with her." Claire's eyes lingered on Quill. "You've been checking in on her?"

"Left some food at her condo yesterday. She forgets to eat when she's stressed." Quill didn't mention how her heart had squeezed watching Sky hunched over her sewing machine, dark circles under her eyes, or how she'd wanted to stay and take care of her.

"Dakilang bff ka talaga." Claire's voice was a blend of humor and worry. "So, brunch? Baka patayin tayo ni Mai if di tayo nagpakita."

"Sure, miss ko na rin yun. And someone has to stop you two from ordering everything on the menu again."

»

Sunlight streamed through Rosemary's floor-to-ceiling windows as Quill pushed through the glass doors. The aroma of fresh pastries and coffee enveloped her, and she spotted Claire and Mai at a corner table, their heads bent close in conversation.

Mai's face lit up. "Aquilla my baby eagle!" She bounced from her seat, her paint-splattered overalls a stark contrast to the restaurant's polished interior. Her embrace smelled of acrylic and lavender.

"Nag-enjoy ka ba sa retreat mo?" Quill squeezed her friend tight before sliding into the seat beside Claire.

"Absolutely, it was amazing." Mai's eyes gleamed with excitement. "I completed six artworks for my next exhibit."

A server appeared with menus, and Claire ordered coffee for the table. "Mai was just telling me about this mysterious guy she met at the retreat."

Pink crept into Mai's cheeks. "Hindi siya misteryoso oi! Just... different." She tucked a strand of wavy hair behind her ear. "Actually, I invited him to join us."

Quill raised an eyebrow at Claire, who matched her surprised expression. Mai hadn't mentioned anyone special in months, not since that disastrous fling with the street musician.

"Speaking of joining us..." Mai's gaze shifted to the empty space beside her. "Where's baby Sky? I thought she'd be here."

The familiar ache returned to Quill's chest. "Final year projects. She's barely left her apartment this week."

"Kawawa naman si baby Sky. Kumakain ba yun ng maayos?" Mai's forehead creased with concern.

"Quill's been playing guardian angel again." Claire's knowing look made Quill focus intently on the menu. "Dropping off food, checking in..."

"After that mess with Ethan, she needs all the support she can get." The words came out sharper than Quill intended.

Mai's eyes widened. "What happened with Ethan?"

"He cheated." Quill's fingers clenched around the menu's edge. "Sky caught him with some girl from his office."

"Anak ng p-" Mai cut herself off as her phone buzzed. Her face brightened. "Oh! Marcus is here. Behave kayo, okay?"

Quill watched Mai wave to someone by the entrance, grateful for the distraction from thoughts of Sky's tear-stained face and the way she'd curled into Quill's arms that night, seeking comfort from the one person who couldn't give her the love she truly wanted.

Marcus strutted to their table, his designer watch catching the light with every exaggerated gesture. Quill fought the urge to roll her eyes as he launched into another one of his insufferable stories about his father's yacht, complete with details about the latest upgrades and the exclusive parties they hosted on it. She tried to focus on the menu in her hands, but his voice was as unavoidable as the gleam of his watch, each word dripping with a sense of self-importance.

"You should see it—forty-five feet of pure luxury. Dad just had it imported from Monaco." He draped his arm around Mai's shoulders. "We should all take it out sometime. I'll show you how the other half lives."

Mai shifted in her seat, her earlier excitement dimming. "Marcus, maybe we should—"

"No really, it'd be my treat." He winked at Quill and Claire. "Not everyone gets a chance to experience that kind of lifestyle."

Claire caught Quill's eye, a slight smirk playing at her lips. Before either could respond, the restaurant's owner approached their table, carrying a tray of artfully plated dishes.

"Miss Arceta, Miss Vergara." Chef Rodriguez's face lit up. "What an honor to have you both here. How is your grandfather? The expansion in Singapore must be keeping him busy."

Marcus's arm slipped from Mai's shoulders. "Arceta? As in—"

"Armada Airlines, yes." Chef Rodriguez set down their plates. "Your grandfather's vision transformed air travel in Southeast Asia. The new terminal at NAIA is spectacular."

Color drained from Marcus's face as he looked between Quill and Claire. "I didn't... I mean, I wasn't..."

"The yacht sounds lovely." Claire's voice carried just a hint of amusement. "Though I prefer our family's private jet. Much more convenient for international operations."

Mai pressed her lips together, clearly fighting back a laugh as Marcus stammered through an apology.

Quill took pity on him. "The food looks amazing, Chef. Please give our regards to your wife—grandfather still raves about her paella from the airline's anniversary gala."

As Chef Rodriguez beamed and walked away, Marcus became intensely interested in his napkin, his earlier bravado evaporated. Mai touched his arm, her expression a mix of sympathy and secondhand embarrassment.

The silence stretched until Claire raised her coffee cup. "So, Marcus, tell us more about how the other half lives."

Marcus's phone buzzed on cue. "Oh, would you look at that." He checked the screen with exaggerated concern. "Emergency at the office. I should..." He stood, nearly knocking over his water glass. "Mai, I'll call you?"

The moment he disappeared through the door, the three friends burst into uncontrollable laughter. Quill clutched her sides, tears forming at the corners of her eyes.

"The way his face just—" Claire mimicked Marcus's expression when he'd realized who they were, sending Mai into another fit of giggles.

"Stop it!" Mai buried her face in her hands, but her shoulders shook with suppressed laughter. "I swear he wasn't like this at the retreat."

"Oh honey." Claire wiped her eyes. "Saan mo nahahanap ang mga lalaking 'to? First the musician who wrote that terrible song about your 'paint-stained soul,' and now Monaco Yacht Boy?"

Mai grabbed her napkin and threw it across the table. "Ang sama mo!" She turned to Quill, bottom lip jutting out. "Quill, ipagtanggol mo naman ako. She's being mean."

"Sorry Mai, but that yacht speech?" Quill raised an eyebrow. "I thought Claire was going to combust trying not to laugh."

"Et tu, Quill?" Mai slumped dramatically in her seat. "Ganyan pala kayo ha."

"At least this one didn't try to steal your paintings to 'preserve your essence' forever." Claire dodged another napkin.

"Bastos ka talaga!" Mai's pout dissolved into laughter. "Okay, fine. My taste in men needs work."

"Just a tiny bit." Quill held her thumb and index finger a millimeter apart. "Switch teams, maybe?"

"Grabe, sumusobra na kayo ah." Mai stole a bite of Claire's eggs benedict. "Next time I'm keeping my love life to myself."

"No you won't." Claire and Quill chorused, setting off another round of giggles.

"Besides," Claire added, "who else would provide us with such quality entertainment?"

Mai stuck out her tongue, but her eyes sparkled with amusement. "Just for that, you're both paying for brunch."

"Small price for the show we got today." Quill raised her coffee cup in a mock toast. "To Mai's interesting taste in men."

"To Monaco Yacht Boy!" Claire clinked her cup against Quill's.

"I hate you both." Mai's grin betrayed her words as she joined the toast.

The conversation drifted through updates on Mai's art and Claire's travels, but Quill's thoughts kept circling back to Sky. Her phone sat silent on the table—no messages, no calls. She fought the urge to check on her friend again.

"Earth to Quill." Mai waved a hand in front of her face. "You zoned out there."

"Sorry, just..." Quill pushed her half-eaten French toast around the plate.

"Si Sky?" Claire's voice softened.

Mai reached across the table, squeezing Quill's hand. "How's she holding up?"

"She's..." Quill swallowed hard. "You know Sky. Throwing herself into work, pretending everything's fine."

"That girl needs a break with men." Mai sat back, crossing her arms. "And proper food. Not just those protein bars she lives on during finals."

"I left her some pasta today before coming here." The memory of Sky's exhausted smile when she'd opened the door made Quill's chest tighten. "And groceries on Tuesday."

Claire shot her a look. "And how many times have you checked on her this week?"

"Just..." Quill traced the rim of her coffee cup. "A few times."

"Quill." Mai's tone held a gentle rebuke.

"Okay, maybe every day." Heat crept up Quill's neck. "But someone has to make sure she's taking care of herself."

"And who's taking care of you?" Claire's question hung in the air.

Quill's phone lit up—a message from Sky. Her heart jumped before she could stop it.

'Thanks for the pasta. You're the best ♥'

Such a simple text shouldn't make her pulse race like this. Quill locked her screen, but not before both her friends caught her expression.

"Si Sky yan no?" Mai leaned forward, eyes soft with understanding.

"Just thanking me for the food." Quill slipped her phone into her pocket, avoiding their concerned looks.

"Quill..." Claire started.

"Don't." Quill forced a smile. "Please. Can we talk about something else? Like Mai's exhibit next month?"

Mai set down her coffee cup, her eyes lighting up with sudden inspiration. "Wait. What if we made Sky realize what she's missing?"

Quill's stomach dropped. She knew that look—it was the same one Mai got before her more outlandish art projects. "What are you talking about?"

"Make her jealous! You need to stop being so... available." Mai gestured at Quill with her fork. "Show her you have a life beyond being her emotional support system."

Claire straightened in her seat. "She's right. Lahat ng bagay iniwan mo kapag tinawag ka ni Sky. Kailan ka huling nagsabi ng 'no' sa kanya??"

"Because she needs me." Quill pushed her plate away, appetite vanishing. "And I'm not going to play games with her feelings."

"It's not games." Mai leaned forward, practically vibrating with excitement. "Oh! My cousin Maze is coming back from New York next week. She's gorgeous, successful—"

"Perfect for making Sky notice what's right in front of her." Claire's eyes sparkled with mischief.

"No." Quill shook her head. "Absolutely not."

"Just hear me out." Mai clasped her hands together. "Maze is exactly your type—matangkad, mysterious, totally independent. And she's been complaining about wanting to expand her social circle since coming back."

"My type?" Quill arched an eyebrow. "My type is currently drowning in fashion projects and probably hasn't slept in two days."

"Ayan nga yung problema." Claire touched Quill's arm. "You've built your whole life around Sky. Maybe it's time to show her you're more than just her safety net."

"This is ridiculous." But Quill couldn't help picturing it—Sky's reaction to seeing her with someone else, someone who could match her presence. She pushed the thought away. "Hindi ko gagamitin ang cousin mo bilang props sa isang scheme."

"Who said anything about using?" Mai's grin turned sly. "Just... hang out. Let Sky see you living your life. Stop being so available every time she snaps her fingers."

"I don't—" Quill's phone buzzed. Sky's name lit up the screen.

Claire and Mai exchanged knowing looks.

"Don't you dare." Quill pointed at both of them, fighting back a smile despite herself. "This conversation is over."

"We'll see." Mai sang, pulling out her phone. "Text ko si Maze about this amazing girl I know..."

"Mai!"

But her friend was already typing, a devilish grin on her face, while Claire watched with barely contained amusement.

Quill's phone buzzed again, Sky's name flashing insistently. Her heart rate picked up as she read the message.

"She can't find her backup fabric for the final project." Quill's thumb hovered over the reply button. "Bukas na ang presentation."

"And?" Claire raised an eyebrow. "Hindi ka niya personal assistant."

"The fabric store closes in an hour." Quill was already calculating the fastest route. "If wala yung fabric materials—"

"Stop." Mai reached across the table, covering Quill's phone with her hand. "This is exactly what we mean. I love Sky but she's an adult already. Let her figure it out."

Quill's chest tightened. The image of Sky panicking, alone in her apartment, made her fingers itch to grab her keys. "You don't understand. This project is worth forty percent of her grade."

"And you dropping everything to rescue her is worth what exactly?" Claire's voice softened. "To you?"

Another message lit up Quill's screen. Her resolve crumbled at Sky's words: 'I don't know what to do. Please.'

"I have to go." Quill stood, gathering her things. "She needs—"

"Ikaw." Mai finished, exchanging a look with Claire. "She always needs you. Pero naman ikaw Quill? kapag ikaw na ang may kailangan ng tulong?"

The question hit harder than Quill expected. She swallowed past the lump in her throat, remembering all the nights she'd laid awake, aching after comforting Sky through another breakup.

But the thought of Sky struggling alone, tears probably streaming down her face as she tore apart her apartment looking for that fabric—it was stronger than any argument her friends could make.

"Tawag ako later." Quill dropped some bills on the table, ignoring their concerned expressions. "Thanks for brunch."

As she hurried toward the door, Mai called after her. "Isipin mo yung sinabi namin! Tungkol kay Maze!"

Quill didn't turn back. She couldn't explain that for her, there would never be anyone else. Not when every beat of her heart spelled out Sky's name.

»

The scent of coffee and vanilla wafted through the boutique as Quill followed Sky between displays of artisanal chocolates. After a week of stress and deadlines, Sky's energy had returned - her eyes bright as she examined each beautifully packaged box.

"Ito?" Sky held up a golden box tied with burgundy ribbon. "Dark chocolate with sea salt caramel. Your mom loves caramel, right?"

"She does." Quill's chest warmed at Sky remembering such a small detail. "Pero lately, she's been trying to cut back on sugar."

"Hmm." Sky set the box down, her fingers trailing over the display. "Maybe perfume then? There's that new shop around the corner."

Quill nodded, trying not to focus on how Sky's hair caught the afternoon light streaming through the windows. The dark circles under her eyes had faded, replaced by the glow that always came after completing a major project.

"I still can't believe I got an A." Sky bumped her shoulder against Quill's as they left the chocolate shop. "I would've been lost without you finding that fabric."

"You did all the work." Quill held the door open. "Tumulong lang ako konti."

"Always so modest." Sky linked their arms together, the casual touch sending sparks through Quill's skin. "You're my hero, you know that?"

The words stung sweetly, a reminder of boundaries Quill couldn't cross. She focused on navigating them through the crowded sidewalk toward the perfume boutique.

"Oh, this is perfect!" Sky pulled them to a stop in front of an elegant storefront. Through the window, rows of crystal bottles sparkled on glass shelves. "Your mom loves floral scents, doesn't she? We'll find something amazing."

Quill let herself be tugged inside, watching Sky's excitement build as she tested different fragrances. This was the Sky she loved most - passionate and full of life, free from the stress that had weighed her down all week.

"Here." Sky pressed her wrist to Quill's nose. "What do you think? Jasmine and peony."

Quill inhaled, trying to focus on the perfume rather than the warmth of Sky's skin. "It's nice, but maybe something lighter?"

"You're right." Sky turned back to the display, missing the way Quill's breath caught at their proximity. "We'll find the perfect one. After all," she flashed that heart-stopping smile, "your mom deserves the best."

After settling on a delicate rose and lily perfume that perfectly captured her mother's taste, Quill suggested lunch at La Maison - an intimate French bistro tucked away in the city's financial district. Sky's eyes lit up at the mention.

"The one with those amazing truffle fries?" Sky clutched the perfume bag to her chest. "Yes, please. I've been dreaming about their croque madame for weeks."

The hostess recognized Quill immediately, leading them to her usual corner table - a quiet spot with a view of the garden terrace. Afternoon sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows across their white tablecloth.

"Miss Arceta, lovely to see you again." The sommelier approached with practiced grace. "The usual Chablis?"

"Yes, thank you." Quill caught Sky admiring the crystal chandelier overhead. "And bring us an order of the truffle fries to start."

"You spoil me." Sky's smile crinkled the corners of her eyes as she opened her menu. "Though I suppose I owe you after this week's rescue mission."

"You don't owe me anything." Quill busied herself with her own menu, trying to ignore how the soft lighting made Sky's skin glow. "That's what friends are for."

"Still." Sky reached across the table, squeezing Quill's hand. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

The touch lasted only seconds, but Quill's skin tingled long after Sky pulled away. She took a steadying breath, grateful when the sommelier returned with their wine.

"To surviving finals week." Sky raised her glass, eyes dancing. "And to having the world's best friend."

Quill clinked their glasses together, swallowing past the bittersweet ache in her chest. The word 'friend' shouldn't hurt this much, she thought, not after all these years.

Quill stepped away from their table, phone pressed to her ear as Claire detailed some urgent paperwork issues. The call lasted barely five minutes, but when she turned back toward their corner, her heart stopped.

A tall, well-dressed man leaned over their table, his hand resting casually on Sky's chair. Sky's laugh - that musical sound Quill treasured - floated across the restaurant. Her head tilted back, exposing the elegant line of her throat as she giggled at whatever he'd said.

Quill's fingers tightened around her phone. She watched, frozen, as the man produced a business card with a flourish. Sky accepted it with both hands, her cheeks flushed pink. Then, in a move straight from the romantic movies Sky adored, he lifted her hand to his lips.

The kiss lasted barely a second, but Sky's blush deepened. The man straightened, offered one last devastating smile, and strode away just as Quill forced her feet to move.

"Quill!" Sky practically bounced in her seat as she approached. "You won't believe what just happened!"

"I saw." Quill slid back into her chair, grateful for years of practice at keeping her voice steady. "Quite the charmer."

"He's a fashion buyer for Retro's!" Sky clutched the business card to her chest. ""Can you imagine? He was impressed with the dress I was doodling on my napkin while you were away."

Of course he did. Who wouldn't fall for Sky's talent, her passion, her radiant smile? Quill took a long sip of wine, using the moment to compose herself.

"That's amazing, Sky." The words tasted like ash, but she forced them out anyway. This was her role - the supportive best friend, the cheerleader on the sidelines. Never the one making Sky blush with gentle kisses and grand gestures.

"Gusto niyang makita ang portfolio ko!" Sky's eyes sparkled with excitement. "And maybe get coffee next week."

Quill nodded, her chest tight with familiar resignation. She'd watched this scene play out countless times - Sky's eyes lighting up for someone new, someone who could sweep her off her feet in ways Quill never would.

"You should go for it." Quill managed a smile, ignoring the way her heart cracked. "He seems... perfect for you."

Because they all did, at first. And Quill would be there, as always, picking up the pieces if it fell apart. Loving Sky from a distance, in silence, in the spaces between her romantic adventures.

That was her place. It always would be.

After lunch, Sky dragged Quill through the mall's gleaming corridors, her energy seemingly boundless. Three shopping bags already hung from Quill's arms - a mix of impulse buys and "absolutely necessary" accessories Sky had spotted in the windows.

"You're going to run out of arms." Sky glanced back, her eyes twinkling as Quill juggled the bags.

"I manage." Quill shifted the weight, careful not to wrinkle Sky's new purchases. The ache in her biceps was worth it just to see Sky's delight with each new find.

"See?" Sky spun around, walking backward with dangerous grace. "Who needs a boyfriend when I have you? You're better at carrying bags anyway." She winked, the casual comment landing like a punch to Quill's gut.

Quill forced a laugh, grateful when Sky turned back around. These moments - these little jokes about their friendship - always left her raw, exposed. But she'd learned to weather them with practiced ease.

Sky's sudden gasp pulled Quill from her thoughts. They'd reached the mall's central atrium, where the indoor skating rink sparkled under crystal chandeliers. Couples glided across the ice, their laughter echoing off the high glass ceiling.

"Quill..." Sky turned, and there it was - that look that made resistance impossible. Wide eyes, slight pout, hands clasped under her chin. "I've always wanted to try ice skating."

"Sky, no-"

"Please?" Sky stepped closer, her lower lip trembling in an exaggerated plea. "I'll hold onto you the whole time. HIndi mo naman ako pababayaan, 'di ba?"

The prospect of holding Sky, of having an excuse to keep her close - it was too tempting to resist. Even knowing it would only feed the ache in her chest, Quill found herself nodding.

"Fine." She sighed, already moving toward the rental counter. "But when you complain about sore muscles tomorrow-"

"Aalagaan mo naman ako." Sky bounced on her toes, excitement radiating from every movement. "You always do."

The simple truth in those words hit harder than any teasing comment about boyfriends. Because Sky was right - Quill would always take care of her, would always say yes to those pleading eyes, would always carry her bags and catch her falls and piece her heart back together.

Even if it meant breaking her own a little more each time.

Quill's heart thundered against her ribs as Sky's fingers interlaced with hers. They stood at the rink's edge, Sky wobbling like a newborn fawn on her pristine white skates.

"Don't let go." Sky's grip tightened. Her breath came out in little white puffs, cheeks already pink from the cold.

"Never." The word slipped out before Quill could catch it. She guided them onto the ice, steadying Sky with a hand at her waist.

Sky squealed as they glided forward, pressing closer into Quill's side. The scent of her shampoo - vanilla and something floral - made Quill's head spin. Or maybe that was just the circles they were skating in.

"This is terrifying." Sky laughed, the sound pure joy despite her trembling legs. "How are you so good at this?"

"Years of practice." Quill adjusted her hold as Sky stumbled. "Claire and I used to come here every weekend."

They made slow loops around the rink, Sky gradually finding her balance. Other skaters whizzed past, but in their careful orbit, time seemed to slow. Sky's hand remained locked with hers, thumb occasionally brushing across Quill's knuckles.

"Look!" Sky straightened slightly, attempting to glide on her own. "I think I'm getting-"

Her skate caught an uneven patch. Sky pitched forward with a yelp. Quill's reflexes kicked in - she spun, catching Sky against her chest. They slid backward several feet, Quill's arms wrapped protectively around Sky's waist.

"I've got you." Quill's voice came out rougher than intended. Sky's face was inches from hers, eyes wide, lips parted in surprise.

"You always do." Sky's breath ghosted across Quill's cheek. Neither moved, suspended in that moment as other skaters curved around them.

Then Sky giggled, breaking the spell. She straightened but kept her hands on Quill's shoulders. "My hero strikes again."

Quill's chest ached at the familiar phrase. She guided them back into motion, trying to ignore how perfectly Sky fit against her side.

"Ready to try again?" Quill asked, already missing Sky's warmth as she created a slight distance between them.

"Basta ba sasaluhin mo ako." Sky squeezed her hand, that brilliant smile making Quill's knees weak.

"Always." Quill whispered, too soft for Sky to hear over the music floating across the ice.

Sky's confidence grew with each glide, her death grip on Quill's hand relaxing into something gentler. Her movements became fluid, matching Quill's rhythm as they curved around the rink.

"I can't believe I was so scared." Sky's laughter echoed off the glass ceiling. "This is amazing!"

A couple skated past them - the man spinning his girlfriend in a graceful twirl before catching her in his arms. Sky's eyes followed them, a familiar dreamy expression crossing her face.

"Hey." Sky turned back to Quill, head tilted. "When was the last time you dated someone?"

The question caught Quill off guard. She focused on their linked hands, steadying her voice. "It's been a while."

"Pero bakit?" Sky's brow furrowed. "You're gorgeous, successful, kind... Anyone would be lucky to have you."

Quill's heart clenched. If only Sky knew she was the reason - that every potential relationship felt hollow compared to what she felt for her best friend.

"I'm just..." Quill searched for words that wouldn't reveal too much. "Focused on work right now."

Sky saw right through her excuse. Sky bumped their shoulders together. "You're like, the perfect girlfriend material. Smart, stable, always there when people need you." She paused, studying Quill's face. "There must be someone you like?"

Quill's pulse roared in her ears. Sky was so close, her hand warm in Quill's grip, completely unaware that she was describing herself - the someone Quill had always liked.

"Maybe." Quill managed, the word barely audible over the scrape of their skates on ice. "But sometimes timing isn't right."

"Come on, spill!" Sky tugged at their joined hands, nearly sending them both spinning. "Who is it? Do I know them?"

Quill's stomach dropped. Sky's eyes sparkled with that determined gleam that meant she wouldn't let this go. Her mind raced, searching for an escape route that wouldn't involve lying to her best friend.

"It's not- I mean-" Quill's skate caught on the ice. She steadied herself, but the words tumbled out before she could stop them. "I'm meeting someone next week. A woman. For coffee."

Sky's hand went slack in hers for a fraction of a second. Something flickered across her face - surprise? disappointment? - but it vanished so quickly Quill wondered if she'd imagined it.

"What?" Sky's voice pitched higher. She recovered instantly, her grip tightening as she pulled them toward the rink's edge. "Quill! Why didn't you tell me sooner? I need details!"

"There's not much to tell." Quill's cheeks burned. The lie felt heavy on her tongue, but she was in too deep now. "It's just coffee."

"Just coffee?" Sky guided them to a bench, eyes bright with excitement. "There's no such thing as 'just coffee.' Saan mo siya nakilala? What's she like?"

Quill busied herself with untying her skates, buying precious seconds to construct a story that wouldn't fall apart under Sky's eager questioning. "Through Mai. She's... nice."

"Nice?" Sky rolled her eyes, bumping their shoulders together. "That's the best you can do? Come on, what does she look like? What's her name?"

The genuine enthusiasm in Sky's voice twisted something in Quill's chest. Of course Sky would be happy for her - that's what best friends did. They celebrated each other's romantic prospects, even when it felt like swallowing glass.

Quill's mind raced as Sky waited expectantly. Mai had mentioned her cousin was visiting town - what was her name again? Something tall, mysterious...

"Maze," Quill blurted out, relief flooding through her as the name surfaced. "Mai's cousin. She's a model."

Sky's eyes widened, her mouth forming a perfect 'o'. "A model? Quill, that's incredible!" Her voice carried that breathless excitement she usually reserved for her own romantic adventures.

Quill's stomach twisted. The lie expanded, taking on a life of its own. She focused on unlacing her skates, avoiding Sky's intense stare.

"When did this happen? How long have you been talking?" Sky leaned closer, her knee brushing against Quill's. "I can't believe Mai never mentioned her cousin before."

"It's... recent." Quill's fingers fumbled with the laces. The proximity of Sky's body, the familiar scent of her perfume, made it hard to think straight. "We haven't actually met in person yet."

"Oh my god." Sky grabbed Quill's arm, forcing her to look up. "This is huge. Your first date in what, two years?" Her smile faltered for a split second, something unreadable flickering across her face.

"Okay ka lang?" Quill reached out instinctively, but Sky waved her off.

"I'm fine, just..." Sky swallowed hard, her usual radiance dimming slightly. "Maybe the skating made me dizzy. But never mind that - we need to plan your outfit!"

Quill's stomach churned with guilt. The lie about Maze twisted inside her while Sky's complexion grew paler by the minute.

"Let's get you home." Quill gathered their shopping bags, steadying Sky as she swayed slightly. "You don't look well at all."

"I'm fine, really." Sky pressed her palm against her forehead. "Just need to sit for a minute."

"No arguments." Quill wrapped an arm around Sky's waist, leading her toward the mall exit. The familiar weight of Sky against her side only amplified her concern.

In the parking lot, Sky slumped into the passenger seat of Quill's car, eyes closed. The sight squeezed Quill's heart.

"Oh, before I forget - I'll pick you up Sunday for mom's birthday lunch?" Quill started the engine, adjusting the air conditioning to cool Sky's flushed face.

Sky's eyes fluttered open. "Actually... I'm going with my parents." She turned toward the window, voice oddly quiet. "Dad insisted on driving."

"Oh." Quill's hands tightened on the steering wheel. She'd driven Sky to every family event for years. The change felt significant somehow, though she couldn't pinpoint why. "That's... that's fine. Of course."

"Sorry." Sky's reflection in the window looked troubled. "I know we usually go together."

"Don't apologize." Quill forced lightness into her tone. "Your dad probably misses having you around."

Sky nodded but remained silent as they pulled out of the parking lot. The quiet stretched between them, heavy with something Quill couldn't name.