Unspoken Love

Sky slumped onto her bed, scrolling through her phone for the hundredth time this week. Five days had passed since Quill's mom's birthday party, and she'd managed to dodge every call, text, and potential run-in with her best friend.

"Parang tanga," she muttered, tossing her phone aside. "Hindi ako nagseselos. I'm just... protective. Best friend ko 'yun."

Tuesday morning, she caught herself doodling "Mrs. Skyler Bree Arceta" in her notebook during class. Her face burned as she frantically erased the evidence, remembering how she used to practice that signature when they were kids.

Wednesday afternoon, she found an old photo album. There she was at age seven, staging mock proposals to Quill in their backyard with Ring Pops and dandelion bouquets.

"Ang landi ko pala noong bata pa ako. I can't even." Sky shoved the album under her bed. "But all kids do that."

Thursday, she spent two hours analyzing a three-second interaction between Quill and Maze at the party. The way Maze had touched Quill's arm. The way Quill had laughed.

"Mababaliw na ako." Sky buried her face in her pillow. "This isn't- I don't-"

Friday night, she dreamed of Quill. Not the friendly, sisterly dreams she was used to. No, this dream involved candlelight and slow dancing and Quill's lips inches from hers-

Sky woke up in a cold sweat.

Saturday morning, she opened Instagram, and there it was. A photo of Quill and Maze at sunrise, standing on some mountain peak. Quill's hair caught the golden light, her smile radiant. Maze had tagged it: "Early morning adventures with @QuillArct 🌄"

Sky's thumb hovered over the like button. Instead, she found herself typing and deleting comments:

"Sana 'di ka nadapa" (delete)

"Wow, close niyo naman" (delete)

"That's MY best friend" (delete delete delete)

"This is pathetic." Sky flopped back on her bed, then sat up again to check if Quill had posted more photos. She had. A whole series of them hiking together, looking sweaty and happy and absolutely perfect.

Sky grabbed her phone, opened her group chat:

Sky: "Guys tulong. I just spent twenty minutes zooming in on Quill's hiking photos to see if she and Maze were holding hands."

Jolenne: "Girl..."

Sofia: "gagi ka?!"

Gabby: "And?"

Sky: "...they weren't. BUT THEIR SHOULDERS WERE TOUCHING IN ONE PHOTO."

Three dots appeared as her friends typed. Sky could practically hear their collective sigh through the screen.

Sky's vision blurred as she stared at her phone screen. Her chest felt tight, like someone had wrapped a rubber band around her ribs and kept pulling. The group chat notifications kept pinging.

A knock at her door made her jump.

"Delivery para sa babae na nabaliw na!" Jolenne's voice rang through the wood.

Sky wiped her eyes. "It's open."

Her friends burst in, arms loaded with takeout bags and coffee trays. The familiar scent of her favorite caramel macchiato filled the room.

"Andito na ang resbak mo." Sofia plopped beside her on the bed, pulling her into a tight hug. "And yes, we got those spicy wings you stress-eat."

"I don't stress-eat." Sky's stomach growled, betraying her.

Gabby settled cross-legged on the floor, arranging the food containers. "So, want to talk about why you're cyber-stalking your best friend's hiking trip?"

"I'm not-" Sky's voice cracked. "I just... Hindi ko na alam anong nangyayari sa akin. 'Di naman ako ganito dati."

"Oh Sky, walang problema sayo." Sofia stroked her hair. "You're just finally realizing what we've all known for years."

"Known what?" Sky grabbed a tissue, dabbing at her eyes.

Jolenne snorted. "Hindi mo pa rin ba napagtanto? You're in love with Quill, bruha ka!"

"I'm not- That's not-" Sky's face burned. "She's like my sister!"

"Sisters don't write each other's married names in their notebooks," Gabby deadpanned, sliding her coffee closer.

"Nakita niyo yun?"

"We all did." Jolenne grinned. "Iniwan mo kasi nakabukas notebook mo during lunch. Bading!"

Sky buried her face in her hands. "This can't be happening. Hindi pwedi-best friend ko siya!"

"And?" Sofia rubbed her back. "Alam mo ba, best friends make the best lovers daw. That's like, romance novel 101."

"But what about my perfect love story? The grand gestures, the dramatic confessions-"

Jolenne threw a fortune cookie at her head. "Girl, bulag ka no? Quill's been making grand gestures for years. You've just been too busy looking for some fairy tale prince to notice your knight in shining armor was right there."

"Wearing corporate attires instead of armor," Gabby added.

Fresh tears spilled down Sky's cheeks, but a laugh bubbled up through them. "I'm so confused. What if I'm just jealous because she's spending time with Maze? What if-"

"What if mag stop kana sa kaka-overthink bago kita mahampas? and eat your wings before they get cold?" Sofia pushed the container into her hands.

Sky picked at her wings, her appetite vanishing as a new, terrifying thought crashed through her mind. Her chest constricted, and fresh tears welled up.

"But what if-" Her voice cracked. "What if she only sees me as her sister?"

The memory of Quill's gentle smile hit different now. All those times she'd wrapped Sky in warm hugs, kissed her forehead, held her through breakups-

"Oh god." Sky's shoulders shook as sobs wracked her body. "She probably thinks of me like a baby sister she has to protect."

Sofia exchanged glances with Gabby and Jolenne. "Sky, babe... sisters don't leave love notes in your textbooks."

"Ha?" Sky's head snapped up.

"Remember last semester?" Gabby set down her coffee. "When you were stressed about finals? Those little encouraging messages that kept showing up between your pages?"

"That was just-" Sky's voice faltered. She'd assumed they were friendly notes.

"Sisters don't drive across town at 3 AM para hanapin lang yung ice cream flavor na gusto mo," Jolenne added.

"Or skip important meetings to hold your hand and hug you to sleep whenever your exes screwed up or forgot your anniversary," Sofia said.

"Or spend three months learning to sew just to help with your fashion projects," Gabby pointed out.

Sky's hands trembled. "But ganyan naman talaga si Quill noon pa."

"Yeah, and Romeo just wanted to be Juliet's study buddy." Jolenne rolled her eyes.

The tissue in Sky's hands shredded as memories flooded back. Quill showing up at every fashion show, camera ready. Quill remembering not just her coffee order, but how it changed depending on her mood. Quill's fingers lingering when they touched, her eyes soft in ways Sky had never noticed before.

"Ang tanga ko." Sky collapsed back onto her bed. "And now she's off hiking with Maze, and I'm here being a complete mess, and-"

"And you're still not ready to deal with this, are you?" Sofia stroked her hair.

Sky shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "I don't know what I'm feeling anymore."

»

Quill's boots crunched against loose gravel as she followed Maze up the winding trail. The morning sun painted the mountainside in soft gold, but her thoughts remained fixed on her phone - specifically, on the distinct lack of notifications from Sky.

"You're checking it again?" Maze glanced back, one eyebrow raised.

"She hasn't responded to anything in days." Quill tucked her phone away, heat rising to her cheeks. "Not since the party."

"That's why we're here, remember?" Maze stopped at a scenic overlook, pulling out her camera. "Operation Make Sky Notice."

"This feels manipulative." Quill fidgeted with her backpack strap.

"Please. You're just posting hiking photos, not staging a coup." Maze positioned herself to capture the sunrise. "Now come here and try to look less like you're planning a funeral."

Quill managed a genuine smile as Maze snapped several shots. The view was breathtaking, even if her heart wasn't fully in it.

"You really think this will work?" Quill peered at the photos on Maze's camera screen.

"Trust me. Nothing gets Sky's attention like thinking someone else might be interested in what's hers." Maze's lips curved into a knowing smirk. "Even if she hasn't figured out that last part yet."

Quill pulled out her phone again, staring at her last message to Sky: 'Miss you. Coffee soon?' Sent three days ago. No response.

"A week is a long time," Quill whispered, more to herself than Maze.

"For you two? It's practically an eternity." Maze shouldered her pack. "Come on, let's get some more shots at the peak. The more content we give her to overthink, the better."

Quill adjusted her backpack straps, watching Maze fiddle with her camera settings. The morning light painted the mountainside in soft golds and pinks, reminding her of a certain birthday party from years ago.

Quill kicked a loose stone, watching it tumble down the trail. "I don't know about this, Maze. Sky's only ever dated guys."

"And how's that worked out for her?" Maze adjusted her camera strap.

"That's not the point." Quill's chest tightened. "What if we're reading this all wrong? Maybe she's just... being Sky. Protective of her friends."

"Friends don't look at each other the way she looked at you during your mom's party." Maze's lips curved into a knowing smile.

"What do you mean?"

"When you were helping your mom cut the cake? Sky couldn't take her eyes off you. And when I touched your arm later?" Maze chuckled. "If looks could kill, I'd be six feet under."

Heat crept up Quill's neck. "You're exaggerating."

"Please. That girl was ready to throw hands." Maze pulled out her water bottle. "Trust me, this plan will work."

Quill pressed her palms against her eyes. "But what if it backfires? What if she just... gets mad and pulls away completely?"

"Then at least you'll know." Maze's voice softened. "Better than pining away for another decade, right?"

The morning breeze carried the scent of pine needles and possibility. Quill thought about Sky's radio silence over the past week, about all the times she'd watched Sky fall for someone else. About years of swallowing her feelings, convincing herself friendship was enough.

"Do you really think I have a chance?" The question came out barely above a whisper.

"After that death glare at the party?" Maze snorted. "I'd bet my entire camera collection on it."

"So, tell me, again." Maze lowered her camera. "How long have you been in love with her?"

The question hit Quill like a physical blow. She kicked a loose stone, watching it tumble down the path, again. "I don't even remember anymore. It feels like forever."

But that wasn't entirely true. A memory surfaced - crystal clear despite the years between then and now. Sky's seventh birthday party, all pink decorations and princess themes. The cake had been enormous, covered in roses made of frosting.

"Right in the middle of cutting the cake," Quill's voice softened, "she suddenly announced she had something important to say."

Little Sky, in her poufy pink dress, had looked so serious. So determined. The ruffles had swished across the floor as she'd dropped to one knee, face glowing with absolute certainty.

"'Ate Quill,'" she mimicked Sky's childish voice, "'I want to marry you when I grow up because you're the prettiest princess I've ever seen!'"

Maze's eyebrows shot up. "She proposed to you at seven?"

"Yeah." Quill's chest ached at the memory. "Everyone thought it was adorable. My little wife, they called her after that. I took it so seriously - started saving my allowance for a ring, learned to bake her favorite cookies, walked her to school every day."

"And that's when you knew?"

"Maybe not consciously." Quill traced the outline of her phone through her pocket, still hoping for a message from Sky. "But something shifted that day. I started feeling this need to protect her, to make sure she was always happy. It just... never went away."

Quill's lips curved into a small smile as the memory washed over her. She'd spent weeks saving up her allowance, hoarding every coin until she had enough for that plastic ring from the corner store. The one with the big pink gem that sparkled in the sunlight - Sky's favorite color.

"I planned it all out," Quill told Maze, her eyes distant. "Had to be perfect, you know? Even at that age."

She remembered the weight of the tiny ring box in her pocket, how her hands had trembled as she pushed Sky on the swing. The sunset had painted everything in warm oranges and pinks, casting long shadows under their favorite Acacia tree.

"Higher, Ate Quill! Higher!" Little Sky had squealed, her pigtails flying.

"Wait, wait lang Sky." Young Quill had stopped the swing, her heart pounding. "May gusto akong ibigay sa'yo."

Sky's feet had dragged in the dirt as she turned around, curiosity lighting up her face. "What is it?"

Quill had fumbled with the box, nearly dropping it twice before managing to open it. She'd practiced the words all week in front of her mirror, but they still came out wobbly.

"You said you wanted to marry me, right?" Her voice had been barely above a whisper. "So I got you a ring. Like sa movies."

Sky's eyes had grown wide as saucers. She'd leaped off the swing so fast she'd stumbled, catching herself on Quill's shoulders.

"Wow, it's pink!" She'd bounced on her toes, practically vibrating with excitement. "Put it on me, put it on me! It's so pretty."

Quill had slipped the plastic ring onto Sky's finger, and Sky had thrown her arms around Quill's neck, peppering her face with sticky, ice-cream flavored kisses.

"Do you like it?" Quill inquired timidly.

"Yes! You're my wife na Ate Quill! I'm gonna tell mommy that we're married!" Sky had declared, holding her hand up to catch the last rays of sunlight through the pink gem.

"Yeah," Maze's voice pulled Quill back to the present. "You definitely knew way back then."

Quill adjusted her backpack as they reached the summit, breathing in the crisp morning air. The view stretched endlessly before them - a canvas of mountains painted in morning light. Maze immediately went into photographer mode, directing Quill to various spots for the perfect shots.

"Work it," Maze teased, snapping away. "Give me 'hopelessly pining but trying to look mysterious.'"

"Masyado ka nang nag-eenjoy." Quill rolled her eyes but posed anyway, letting the wind catch her hair.

After the impromptu photoshoot, they settled on a flat rock, sharing trail mix and water. Quill noticed Maze checking her own phone more frequently than usual.

"So," Quill nudged her friend's shoulder. "What about you? Anyone special making you check your notifications every five seconds?"

A faint blush colored Maze's cheeks. "Not exactly. But..." She picked at a dried cranberry. "Your cousin's been handling some of my international bookings lately."

"Claire?" Quill's eyebrows shot up. "My cousin Claire?"

"Is she..." Maze tried to sound casual and failed miserably. "I mean, her and Mai seem close."

Quill burst out laughing, nearly choking on her trail mix. "Mai? Oh god, that's epic. But Mai had the biggest crush on me when we were kids, but that ended when Sky decided to announce to our entire sixth-grade class that I was her future wife."

"Wait, what?"

"Yeah, Mai backed off immediately. Sky was... very territorial about me back then." Quill's chest tightened at the memory. "Besides, Mai's straight .Well, mostly straight? You never really know with her. You're her cousin, you should know that."

Maze's eyes lit up. "We’re not particularly close since I was raised in the States. So, Claire’s single?"

"Very single. And very much not dating Mai." Quill grinned at her friend's poorly concealed interest. "Though I should warn you, Claire's completely oblivious when someone likes her. You'll have to be more obvious than subtle glances and casual conversation about bookings."

Quill's phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, expecting - hoping - it might be Sky, but Mai's name flashed across the screen instead.

"New bar opening tonight!" Mai's text read. "That fancy one near the business district. Bring my model cousin - Claire's coming too 😉"

Another message popped up: "Sky and the gang will be there. No excuses!"

Quill's heart jumped into her throat. She glanced at Maze, who was still fiddling with her camera settings.

"Mai's inviting us to some bar opening tonight." Quill's fingers tightened around her phone. "Sky's going to be there."

Maze's head snapped up, a dangerous gleam in her eyes. "Perfect timing. These hiking photos should be hitting her feed right about now."

"I don't know about this-"

"Oh, we're definitely going." Maze snatched Quill's phone, typing out a quick response to Mai. "And you're wearing that black dress I showed you earlier."

"The backless one? No way-"

"Yes way. Time to stop hiding in oversized sweaters and corporate attire." Maze handed the phone back. "Besides, Claire will be there too."

Heat crept up Quill's neck as she read Maze's reply to Mai: "We'll be there. Save us a good spot 💃"

"You're plotting something." Quill narrowed her eyes at her friend.

"Me?" Maze's innocent expression wouldn't have fooled a kindergartener. "I'm just making sure you look hot while Sky's having her gay awakening. And if Claire happens to be there..." She shrugged, but her slight blush gave her away.

"This is going to be a disaster." Quill buried her face in her hands.

"No, this is going to be exactly what you both need." Maze started packing up her camera gear. "Now come on, we need to get you ready."

»

Sky dabbed at her puffy eyes with a tissue, her breathing finally evening out after the emotional storm. Her friends had settled into a comfortable silence, Gabby reading on her phone, Jolenne sprawled across the floor, and Sofia braiding small sections of Sky's hair.

Her phone buzzed. Mai's name lit up the screen.

"New bar opening tonight! The fancy one near the business district. You have to come!"

Sky typed back quickly: "Can't. Having a night in with the girls."

The response was immediate: "Perfect! Bring them too! 🎉 The more the merrier!"

Before Sky could decline, another message popped up: "Quill's coming btw. With Maze."

Sky's stomach dropped. Her fingers froze over the keyboard as her heart kicked into overdrive.

"You okay?" Sofia peered over her shoulder. "Oh! A bar opening? We should totally go!"

"No, no, I can't-" Sky's voice cracked. "Quill's going to be there. With Maze."

"I can't go." Sky locked her phone, tossing it aside. "Di pa ako ready na-"

"Ready na ano? Makita siyang masaya sa iba?" Jolenne crossed her arms. "Kasi yan talaga mangyayari kung magduwag-duwagan ka sis."

"But-"

"No buts." Sofia tugged playfully at Sky's braid. "Pupunta tayo. And you're going to look amazing."

"Samahan ka namin, Sky. Don't worry." Gabby added, her usual deadpan tone softened with concern.

Sky's phone buzzed again. Mai had sent another message: "Don't even think about bailing. I've already reserved spots for all of you 💕"

Sky stared at her reflection, barely recognizing herself. Sofia had worked magic with her makeup, creating a subtle shimmer across her cheekbones that caught the light. Her hair cascaded in soft waves, and the pink dress hugged her curves perfectly. But her hands wouldn't stop shaking.

"I can't breathe." She pressed her palms against her stomach. "Maybe we should-"

"Don't you dare." Jolenne appeared behind her, adjusting Sky's necklace. "You look incredible, and you're going to walk into that bar like you own it."

Sky's phone lit up with another notification. Her heart stopped when she saw it was from Maze's Instagram - a new post. The photo showed Quill on a mountain summit, hair caught in the wind, sunlight turning her into something ethereal. She was laughing at something off-camera, her eyes crinkled at the corners in that way that always made Sky's chest tight.

"She looks happy," Sky whispered, thumb hovering over the image. The caption read: "Adventure buddy ❤️ #SunriseMagic #PerfectMorning"

"That's because Maze knows exactly what she's doing with a camera." Gabby peered over Sky's shoulder. "And what she's doing to you right now."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means," Sofia grabbed Sky's phone and tucked it into her purse, "that you're not going to spend all night stalking their social media. You're going to put on these heels, and we're going to that bar."

Sky slipped into the silver heels, her stomach in knots. The thought of seeing Quill - especially after days of silence, especially with Maze - made her want to curl up and hide. But her friends were right. She couldn't avoid this forever.

"What if-" Sky caught herself, remembering all those little moments she'd taken for granted. The notes, the late-night drives, the way Quill always seemed to know exactly what she needed before she asked. "What if I've already ruined everything?"

"Then ayusin mo." Jolenne squeezed her shoulders. "But you can't fix anything hiding in your room."

»

The bass thrummed through Sky's chest as she stepped into the bar, her friends forming a protective circle around her. Crystal chandeliers cast warm light across polished surfaces, and the crowd buzzed with energy. Her eyes swept the room, heart racing - searching for that familiar silhouette.

There. By the bar.

Sky's breath caught. Quill wore a black dress that hugged every curve, the backless design revealing smooth skin that glowed under the ambient lighting. Her hair fell in loose waves past her shoulders, and when she turned to laugh at something Maze said, Sky's stomach clenched.

She'd never seen Quill like this. So... free. So radiant.

"Alam ko na nakakaputol hininga ang ganda ni Quill pero huminga ka gaga," Sofia whispered, squeezing Sky's arm.

Maze spotted them first. She nudged Quill, whose smile faltered for just a moment when their eyes met. Sky's knees went weak. She gripped Sofia's hand, anchoring herself.

"You made it!" Mai materialized beside them, pulling Sky into a hug that smelled of jasmine perfume. "Come on, I saved us the best spot."

Mai led them to a curved booth near the dance floor. Sky slid in, hyperaware of Quill's presence just meters away. The music pulsed, bodies moved on the dance floor, but all Sky could focus on was the way Quill's dress shimmered when she moved.

"Drinks?" Jolenne asked, already standing.

"Something strong," Sky managed, her throat dry.

Maze leaned close to Quill, whispering something that made her laugh again. That rich, genuine laugh that used to be reserved for their private moments. Sky's chest ached.

"'Wag mo pahirapan sarili mo diyan," Gabby murmured, sliding closer. "Kausapin mo siya."

"I can't." Sky's voice cracked. "Nakikita niyo ba siya? She's... she's glowing. And I'm just-"

"The reason she's always glowed," Sofia cut in. "Kahit bulag ka pa before."

Sky watched as Claire joined Quill and Maze at the bar, the three of them falling into easy conversation. Quill's hands moved animatedly as she spoke, a habit Sky had always found endearing. Now it felt like watching something precious slip through her fingers.

Sky couldn't tear her eyes away from Quill. The black dress hugged every curve, revealing shoulders that usually hid beneath corporate blazers and oversized sweaters. Her collarbones caught the light, creating shadows that made Sky's mouth go dry. Damn.

Had Quill always been this stunning? This magnetic? Para siyang dyosa.

Sky's gaze traced the elegant line of Quill's neck, lingering on the spot where it met her jaw. Her hair fell in waves, and Sky's fingers itched to run through it, to feel if it was as silk-soft as it looked.

When Quill laughed at something Maze said, Sky's attention snapped to her face. Those eyes - how had she never noticed how they crinkled at the corners, creating little starburst patterns that made her whole face light up? Her nose scrunched slightly when she smiled, and then there were her lips...

Full, pink, curved into that gentle smile Sky had seen a thousand times but never really seen before. They looked so soft, so kissable. What would they feel like pressed against-

"Earth to Sky!" Jolenne's voice cut through her daze as a glass appeared in front of her. "Your drink. Though parang may tama ka na ata kay Quill."

Sky grabbed the glass, grateful for the cold against her palms. She took a long sip, trying to cool the heat rising in her cheeks. But her eyes drifted back to Quill, who was now making her way toward their booth.

Sky's heart hammered against her ribs as Quill slid in next to her, close enough that their thighs touched. The scent of vanilla and something uniquely Quill enveloped her, making her head spin more than any alcohol could.

"Hi," Quill said softly, and Sky felt the word brush against her ear like a caress.

Sky's skin tingled where their legs touched. The vanilla scent of Quill's perfume mixed with something warmer, earthier - a scent that had always meant safety, comfort, home. Her fingers tightened around her glass, desperate for something to ground her.

"Hi," Sky managed, her voice barely audible over the music. She snuck another glance at Quill, at the way the lights caught the subtle highlights in her hair, at how the black dress revealed just enough collarbone to make Sky's mouth go dry.

"You look..." Quill paused, and Sky held her breath. "Different."

Different. Not beautiful or stunning or any of the words Sky had been thinking about Quill all night. Just... different. The word settled like ice in her stomach.

"So do you." Sky took another sip of her drink, welcoming the burn. "Maze's influence?"

"Yeah, she..." Quill shifted, their thighs brushing again. "She thought I needed a change."

The music shifted to something slower, more intimate. Bodies on the dance floor pressed closer together, and Sky felt trapped in their booth, hyperaware of every point where Quill's body touched hers.

"It suits you," Sky heard herself say. Her cheeks flushed - whether from the alcohol or Quill's proximity, she couldn't tell. "The dress, I mean. And the..." She gestured vaguely at all of Quill, immediately regretting it.

Quill's lips curved into that soft smile - the one that always made Sky's heart skip. But now there was something different in her eyes, something guarded that hadn't been there before.

"Thanks." Quill's fingers played with the condensation on her glass. "Sofia did your makeup?"

"How did you-"

"The shimmer." Quill's hand lifted, almost touching Sky's cheek before dropping back to the table. "She always adds that extra sparkle."

The almost-touch burned hotter than any drink. Sky's skin ached for the contact, for the familiar comfort of Quill's hands. When had that happened? When had she started craving Quill's touch like this?

Sky's heart clenched as Maze slid into the booth next to Quill, two drinks balanced in her hands. The model's presence commanded attention, her dark red hair catching the bar lights like fire.

"Here's your poison." Maze passed one glass to Quill, their fingers brushing. "Dahan-dahan lang ha? Pangatlo mo na yan."

Sky's throat tightened at their easy familiarity. The way Maze's shoulder pressed against Quill's, the inside jokes hidden in their expressions - it felt like watching something private.

"I don't think we've properly met since the party." Maze extended her hand across the table. "I'm Maze. Quill's adventure buddy."

Adventure buddy. The words echoed in Sky's mind, reminding her of that stunning photo from earlier. Of Quill laughing in the sunrise, looking happier than Sky had seen her in weeks.

"Sky." Her voice came out smaller than intended. "This is Gabby, Sofia, and Jolenne."

"The famous squad." Maze's smile held a knowing edge that made Sky squirm. "Quill's told me so much about you all."

Sofia launched into conversation with Maze about photography and lighting, while Jolenne asked about her modeling career. But Sky couldn't focus on their words. All she could see was how naturally Quill leaned into Maze's space, how their bodies aligned without thought.

Had Quill always been this physical with others? This comfortable? Or was it just with Maze?

The questions burned in Sky's chest as she watched Maze whisper something in Quill's ear, making her laugh that rich, genuine laugh again. Each sound felt like a small betrayal, though Sky knew she had no right to feel this way.

But she did. God, she did.

Claire appeared at their table, a tray of neon-colored shots balanced in her hands. Mai trailed behind her, grinning as she helped distribute the small glasses.

"Time to get this party started!" Mai slid a bright blue shot in front of Sky.

Sky's stomach turned at the sight. She'd never been good with shots - they always hit too hard, too fast. The smell of artificial blue raspberry made her nose wrinkle.

Before she could push it away, Quill's arm reached across her, fingers wrapping around the small glass. Sky caught a whiff of vanilla and warmth as Quill leaned close.

"I got this one." Quill tipped the shot back in one smooth motion.

Sky's chest tightened. "You shouldn't-"

But Quill just smiled, that soft, crooked smile that made Sky's words catch in her throat. Heat crept up her neck as Quill's eyes locked with hers, something different swimming in their depths. The alcohol had already started to work its magic - Quill's cheeks were flushed, her movements looser.

"You're worried." Quill's fingers found their way to Sky's hair, playing with the ends. Her touch sent shivers down Sky's spine. "'Wag kang mag-alala, okay pa ako."

"Hindi ka sanay uminom, Quill," Sky managed, though her voice came out breathier than intended.

"Mm." Quill leaned closer, twirling a strand of Sky's hair around her finger. "Has anyone told you how stunning you look tonight?"

Sky's heart hammered against her ribs. Quill's face was inches from hers, close enough that Sky could see the flecks of gold in her eyes, could count each individual eyelash.

"Your hair..." Quill continued, her words slightly slurred. "It reflects the light like... like starlight." Her fingers trailed from Sky's hair to her cheek, leaving fire in their wake.

Sky couldn't breathe. Couldn't think. Not with Quill this close, not with her touch so gentle, so intimate. All she could do was sit there, frozen, as Quill's eyes roamed her face with an intensity that made her dizzy.

"Sayaw tayo!" Sofia bounced up from her seat, already swaying to the music. "Come on, everyone!"

Sky's stomach dropped as Maze turned to Quill, extending her hand with a playful smirk. "Want to show me those moves you were bragging about?"

Quill's laugh sent daggers through Sky's chest. Their fingers intertwined as Maze pulled her up, and Sky forced herself to look away. The booth felt emptier with each person who left, until only she and Claire remained.