Unspoken Love

Sky's phone buzzed for the tenth time that morning. A smile crept across her face as she opened another message from Quill - this time a photo of her drowning in paperwork at the airline office.

"Ohhlala! Ang saya natin lately ah. Share mo naman kung sino 'yan." Jolie slid into the seat across from her in the campus café, followed by Sofia and Gabby.

Sky locked her phone. "No one."

"Oh please, nakatutok ka lang sa phone mo all week sis." Jolie reached for Sky's phone, but Sky snatched it away.

"At bakit ayaw mo ipakita sa amin phone mo?" Sofia's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Akala mo nakalimutan namin Instagram story mo. May pa-flowers pa si accla."

"Just a friend." Sky busied herself with her coffee, avoiding their probing stares.

"A friend who sends you flowers?" Gabby raised an eyebrow. "The same friend you had lunch with on Sunday?"

Heat crept up Sky's neck. "Can we talk about something else?"

"Naurrr." Jolie leaned forward. "Come on, sino ba kasi 'yan? Kanina ka pa kilig na kilig diyan. 'Yung barista ba 'yan sa cafe?"

"Or 'yung bagong guy sa design class mo?" Sofia bounced in her seat.

"It's not like that," Sky mumbled, but her phone chose that moment to buzz again. Three heads snapped toward the sound.

"Not like what?" Jolie's grin turned wicked. "Sis, 'yung kaba mo ramdam ko 'gang dito. Lapag mo na kung sino man 'yan."

Sky's fingers tightened around her phone. How could she explain Quill? The lunches, the flowers, the constant texts - it all felt too precious to share, even with her closest friends. "We're just hanging out."

"Since when do you 'just hang out' with someone?" Gabby's tone was gentle but knowing. "You're usually the first one planning the wedding."

"I'm not planning anything!" The words came out sharper than intended. Sky took a breath, softening her voice. "It's different this time."

"Different how?" Sofia pressed.

Another buzz from her phone saved Sky from answering. She glanced down to see Quill had sent a photo of herself making a dramatic face at a stack of reports.

"Ayan na naman ang ngiti niya, parang hulog na hulog na." Jolie sing-songed.

Sky tucked her phone away, gathering her books. "I have class."

"Hindi pa tayo tapos, Skyler! Magtutuos pa tayo!" Jolie called after her as she hurried from the café.

Sky's heart raced as she hurried across campus, her boots clicking against the concrete. The morning sun caught in her chestnut waves, but she barely noticed the warmth. Her phone weighed heavy in her pocket, each buzz sending tingles through her fingers.

She ducked into a quiet spot between buildings and pulled out her phone. Three new messages from Quill lit up her screen.

"Papatayin na ako ng mga reports na 'to," followed by a photo of Quill buried under a mountain of papers, her dark hair falling across her face as she pretended to be crushed beneath them.

Quill: Save me?🥺 Lunch tayo later?

Quill: I'll buy you those strawberry macarons you love...

Sky's thumb hovered over the screen. The flutter in her stomach felt different from her usual romantic excitement. With other crushes, she'd already be planning their first date, imagining their future together. But with Quill...

She typed back.

Sky: Only if you promise not to make me help with paperwork.

Quill's response came instantly.

Quill: No paperwork. Just us and sugar overload.

Us. The word echoed in Sky's mind. When had her best friend's messages become the highlight of her day?

Her phone buzzed again - this time a message from Jolie in their group chat: "Don't think you're getting away that easy.😼 We WILL find out who's making you blush 👀"

Sky switched off her notifications. The girls meant well, but how could she explain something she didn't understand herself? This wasn't like her other crushes. This was Quill - her rock, her constant, her...

The warning bell for class jolted her from her thoughts. Sky pushed off the wall, tucking her phone away. She'd figure out these feelings later. Right now, she had a design presentation to focus on.

And maybe, just maybe, some strawberry macarons to look forward to.

The café bustled with lunch crowds, but Sky barely noticed anyone except Quill across the table. Her best friend's hair fell in her face as she stabbed at her salad, launching into another tirade about work.

"And then Mr. Peterson dumps three more reports on my desk. Three! As if the mountain I already had wasn't enough." Quill's hands flew as she spoke, nearly knocking over her water. "I swear they're testing me."

Sky hid her smile behind her sandwich. Watching Quill get worked up was adorable - the way her nose scrunched, how her eyes sparked with determination. A bit of sauce clung to the corner of Quill's mouth as she ranted.

Without thinking, Sky reached across the table with her napkin. "Don't move, you've got a little..."

Quill froze mid-sentence as Sky dabbed at her lip. A blush crept across her cheeks, and Sky's heart did a funny little flip.

"Thanks," Quill mumbled, ducking her head.

Sky picked up a macaron and held it out. "Here, kailangan mo ng sugar to deal with all that stress."

Quill's blush deepened as she let Sky feed her the cookie. Something warm bloomed in Sky's chest at the sight.

Her phone rang, breaking the moment. Her mother's name flashed on the screen.

"Hi Mom."

"Skyler! Uuwi ka ba sa Sunday for lunch? Your father's making his special adobo and your favorite tinola."

"Oh, right. I'll be there, mom." Sky glanced at Quill, who was trying to act nonchalant. "Kasama ko si Quill now, we're having lunch."

"Quill? Oh, isama mo siya sa Sunday! Sabihan mo rin siya isama mommy niya. I haven't seen Marie since her birthday."

"Mom..."

"No excuses! Tell them both to come. I miss my other daughter."

Sky's chest tightened at those words. She looked at Quill - her best friend, her constant, her... what exactly? "Okay, I'll ask them."

She hung up and met Quill's curious gaze. "Mom wants you and Tita Marie to come for Sunday lunch."

"Really?" Quill's whole face lit up. "I'll text Mom now. You know she never turns down your dad's cooking."

Sky watched as Quill pulled out her phone, that familiar warmth spreading through her chest again. She picked up another macaron and held it out. Quill took it without hesitation this time, their fingers brushing.

Quill's phone pinged. "Punta daw si mom." Her eyes sparkled as she read the message. "And she's bringing strawberry and ube cheesecake. Your favorite and your mom's."

Sky's stomach clenched. The thought of their mothers together, watching them, made her palms sweat. Every shared glance, every casual touch between her and Quill would be under scrutiny. Their mothers had always joked about them being inseparable, but now...

"You okay?" Quill's hand covered hers on the table. "Bakit ka natahimik?"

Sky pulled her hand back, wrapping it around her water glass. "Yeah, just..." The words stuck in her throat. How could she explain that the thought of their families together felt different now? That every time Quill smiled at her, her heart did backflips she couldn't explain?

"Just what?"

"Our moms together." Sky picked at her napkin. "Alam mo naman kapag magkasama 'yun sila."

"What do you mean?"

"They'll be watching us." The words tumbled out before she could stop them. "Making comments about how close we are, asking about our lives..."

Quill's face fell slightly. "They've always done that. We're practically sisters to them, remember?"

The word "sisters" hit Sky like a punch to the gut. Her throat tightened as she stared at her half-eaten macaron. The term that had once brought her comfort now felt wrong, misplaced.

"Right. Sisters." Sky's voice came out strained. Their mothers had thrown that word around for years, cooing over their closeness, planning joint family vacations. But now, with Quill's hand inches from hers on the table, with the memory of shared kisses and tender moments between them, that label felt like a lie.

"What's really bothering you?" Quill leaned forward, her dark eyes searching Sky's face.

Sky traced the rim of her water glass. "Sasabihin ba natin sa kanila?"

"Ang alin, princess?"

"Tungkol sa atin. Tayo." Sky gestured between them. "We haven't even figured out what to call it ourselves."

Quill's expression softened. "We don't have to tell them anything until you're ready."

"But that feels wrong too." Sky's chest ached. "Like para tayong nagtatago. Like I'm ashamed, which I'm not. I just..." She took a shaky breath. "Everything's so new. And our moms will make such a big deal about it."

"They'll probably start planning our wedding." Quill's attempt at humor fell flat as Sky's face paled.

"Exactly. And what if-" Sky cut herself off, but the unspoken words hung between them. What if this didn't work out? What if they ruined everything - their friendship, their families' closeness, years of shared history?

"Hey." Quill reached across the table again, but this time Sky didn't pull away from her touch. "We can take this at whatever pace you need. No pressure, no labels, no big announcements until we're both ready."

Sky stared at their joined hands on the table, her heart racing at Quill's words. No pressure. No labels. The offer should have brought relief, but instead, her stomach twisted into knots.

"But what about Sunday?" Her voice came out smaller than intended. "How do we act around them?"

"Just like we always do." Quill's thumb traced circles on Sky's palm, sending tingles up her arm.

The gentle touch drew Sky's gaze to Quill's face. Her best friend watched her with that familiar patient expression, the one that had been there through every breakup, every crisis, every moment Sky needed someone to lean on. But now that look held something more - something that made Sky's breath catch.

A waiter passed by their table, and Sky jerked her hand back. Quill's face fell for a split second before she covered it with a smile.

"Kailangan ko ng bumalik sa trabaho." Quill gathered her things, but paused halfway through standing. "Want me to pick you up on Sunday?"

The thought of arriving together, of their mothers' knowing looks, made Sky's pulse jump. "Maybe we should drive separately."

"Oh." Quill's smile dimmed. "Right, of course."

Sky watched as Quill pulled out her wallet, leaving money for their lunch. The familiar gesture - Quill always insisted on paying - now felt weighted with meaning she wasn't ready to face.

"Text me when you get back to the office?" The words slipped out before Sky could stop them.

Quill's real smile returned, bright and warm. "Always do."

»

Sky paced her bedroom, phone clutched to her chest. The moon cast long shadows through her window, but she barely noticed the darkness settling in. After three false starts, she finally pressed the video call button on Quill's contact.

Quill's face filled the screen, hair loose around her shoulders, already in her favorite oversized sweater. "Hi."

"Hi." Sky's throat tightened. "How was the rest of work?"

"Survived the paperwork avalanche." Quill held up a stack of completed reports. "Though Mr. Peterson tried to bury me again before I left."

The familiar banter felt forced, stretched thin over the tension from lunch. Sky sank onto her bed, pulling her knees to her chest.

"About kanina..." She traced the pattern on her bedspread. "I'm sorry for being weird at lunch. And about Sunday."

"Sky-"

"No, patapusin mo ako." She met Quill's eyes through the screen. "I'm not ashamed of us. Not at all. I'm just scared because everything feels so big and important and I don't want to mess it up."

Quill's expression softened. "You're not messing anything up."

"But I am. I keep pulling away when you touch me, at nag-suggest pa ako na mag-separate cars tayo like we're hiding something wrong." Sky's voice cracked. "And you keep being so patient while I figure things out."

"Because that's what you need right now." Quill leaned closer to the camera. "Sky, princess. Tumingin ka sa akin."

Sky lifted her gaze.

"I've been here through every crush, every heartbreak, every moment you needed someone. That's not changing just because things are different between us now. We can take this as slow as you need."

"Pero what if-"

"Walang what-ifs." Quill's voice was gentle but firm. "Just us, figuring things out together. Like we always have."

Sky's fingers trembled against her phone screen. Quill's words wrapped around her like a warm blanket, but her heart still raced with uncertainty.

"Sunduin kita eleven on Sunday?" Quill's voice came soft through the speaker.

"Sigurado ka?" Sky chewed her bottom lip. "The comments our moms will make-"

"'Wag mo na pansinin. We've shared rides to Sunday family meals countless times already."

Sky's chest loosened. Quill was right - this was normal for them. "Okay. But no matching outfits this time. Last month mom wouldn't stop gushing about how we matched."

"Ninakaw mo kasi cardigan ko." Quill's eyes crinkled with amusement.

"'Di ko ninakaw no! You left it at my place."

"Three months ago. And you're wearing it right now."

Sky glanced down at the soft blue cardigan draped over her shoulders. The familiar scent of Quill's perfume still clung to the fabric. "It looks better on me anyway."

"Lahat naman bagay sa'yo." Quill's voice held something deeper, making Sky's stomach flutter.

The flutter in Sky's stomach lingered long after she ended the call with Quill. She buried her face in the blue cardigan, breathing in that familiar scent that always made her feel safe.

The days blurred together in a haze of classes and texts. Every notification from Quill sent her heart racing - photos of coffee cups with silly faces drawn on them, complaints about work, random thoughts that popped into her head.

Each night, they video called. Sometimes they talked for hours about nothing important. Other times they sat in comfortable silence, Quill working on reports while Sky sketched designs. It felt normal, yet completely different - like looking at a familiar photograph from a new angle.

»

Sunday morning arrived with a flutter of nerves. Sky changed her outfit three times before settling on a casual pink sundress.

Sky's phone buzzed just as she finished applying her lip gloss. Her heart sank as she read Quill's message:

"Emergency at work. Dad needs me for damage control with investors. Can't pick you up. I'm so sorry 😭"

Sky's fingers flew across the screen: "Don't apologize! Everything okay?"

"Just corporate drama. Will follow as soon as I can. Save me some adobo? 🥺"

"Of course. Good luck with the emergency, lovey! ❤️"

Sky grabbed her car keys, trying to ignore the empty passenger seat as she drove to her parents' house. The familiar scent of garlic and ginger greeted her before she even reached the door.

"Anak!" Her mom pulled her into a tight hug. "You're early!"

"Traffic was light." Sky kissed her mom's cheek, following her into the house.

Her dad poked his head out from the kitchen, wooden spoon in hand. "Where's Quill?"

"Emergency at work. She'll follow later."

Sky followed her mom into the kitchen, the aroma of garlic and soy sauce growing stronger. "Why'd you change Sunday dinner to lunch anyway?"

"Your father's idea." Her mom stirred a pot of chicken tinola. "He says dinner's too short - you always rush home to prepare for Monday classes. At least with lunch, we get to keep you longer."

Her dad appeared beside her, wrapping her in a bear hug that lifted her feet off the ground. "Can't a father want more time with his baby girl?"

"DAD!" Sky squealed, but melted into his embrace. The familiar scent of his cologne mixed with cooking spices brought back memories of childhood Sunday meals.

Her mom watched them with soft eyes. "Are you okay, anak? You look tired."

"I'm fine, mommy." Sky smoothed her dress. "Just busy with finals coming up."

"Magpahinga ka rin anak." Her dad released her, returning to his beloved adobo. "Buti nalang andiyan si Quill para alagaan at bantayan ka."

"Speaking of Quill," her mom's eyes sparkled, "kumusta na siya? Marie says she's been working such long hours at the airline."

Sky's chest tightened at the mention of Quill. "She's doing great. Learning everything about the business, just like Lolo wanted."

Her parents exchanged that look - the one they always had when discussing Sky and Quill. Her mom smiled, touching Sky's cheek. "You look happier these days, anak. More... glowing."

Heat crept up Sky's neck. "Must be all the vitamin C you keep making me take."

Her dad's warm laugh filled the kitchen. "Come here, help me with the sauce. Your mother never gets it right."

"Excuse me?" Her mom swatted him with a dish towel. "Who taught you how to cook in the first place?"

Sky watched her parents' playful banter, their easy affection, the way they moved around each other in perfect sync. Her heart ached with something she couldn't name.

Twenty minutes later, the doorbell rang. Sky opened it to find Tita Marie, her arms full of dessert containers.

"Sky!" Tita Marie's familiar perfume enveloped her as they hugged. "Help me with these before I drop them."

Sky took the containers, catching the sweet scent of strawberry and ube. "Si Tito po 'di pupunta?"

"Nasa office with Quill. Some investors causing trouble. Baka 'di na 'yun makakapunta dito." Tita Marie shook her head. "You know how it is with family businesses."

Sky led her to the kitchen, setting down the cheesecakes. "Is it serious?"

"Nothing those two can't handle." Tita Marie squeezed her shoulder. "Though I'm sure Quill would rather be here with you."

Something in her tone made Sky's cheeks warm. She busied herself arranging the desserts, avoiding Tita Marie's knowing look.

Sky busied herself with the table settings as her mom and Tita Marie settled into their usual spots in the living room. Their voices drifted over, familiar as Sunday itself.

"Kumusta si Quill mo?" Her mom asked, adjusting the throw pillows.

"Oh, you know her - working twice as hard as anyone else." Tita Marie's pride rang clear. "Though her lolo keeps pushing her about settling down."

Sky's hand trembled as she arranged the silverware, her ears straining to catch every word.

"What do you mean?" Her mom leaned forward.

"He's old-fashioned, alam mo naman 'yun si Papa. Says if she doesn't find someone soon, he'll start arranging meetings with business partners' children." Tita Marie sighed. "He's worried about the airline's future, wants her married before she takes over."

The fork Sky held clattered against the plate. Her chest tightened at the thought of Quill being pushed into arranged meetings, of losing her to some stranger her grandfather chose.

"Bata pa naman si Quill. She's like, what, twenty-five?" Her mom's voice held concern.

"'Yan din sinabi ko sa kanya. But you know how traditional our families can be about these things. He's already talking about potential matches from other airlines."

Sky's vision blurred. The idea of Quill dating someone else, marrying someone else - it felt like her lungs were being squeezed in a vice. She'd always had Quill to herself. Always assumed they had time to figure things out.

"What about dating?" Her mom asked. "Walang bang nililigawan o nanliligaw sa kanya?"

"I'm not sure." Tita Marie's voice softened. "She's always been focused on work. And..." She paused, and Sky could feel both mothers' eyes on her back. ""Well, you know I believe Quill already has someone she's interested in."

Sky's hands shook so badly she had to set down the plates. Their mothers' words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken meaning. She wanted to run, to hide from the weight of their gazes and the reality of potentially losing Quill to her grandfather's plans.

"Sky, anak?" Her mom called. "Come sit with us while we wait for the food."

But Sky couldn't move. Couldn't face their knowing looks while her heart threatened to burst from fear of losing the one person who'd always been hers.

Sky mumbled an excuse and fled to the bathroom, her heart hammering against her ribs. The cool tile pressed against her back as she slid down the wall, wrapping her arms around her knees.

The thought of Quill being matched with someone else twisted her stomach into knots. They'd barely begun exploring what lay between them, stolen kisses and tender moments still fresh in her memory. How could she lose Quill now, when everything felt so new and fragile?

"Sky?" Her mom's voice carried through the door. "Are you okay?"

"Just a minute!" She splashed cold water on her face, trying to calm her racing pulse.

The front door opened, followed by familiar voices. Sky's breath caught at the sound of Quill's laugh. She cracked the bathroom door open, peeking through.

Quill stood in the entryway, her work blazer slightly rumpled but her smile bright as ever. In her arms, she carried a bouquet of flowers - roses in different colors. Sky's chest tightened as she watched Quill present white roses to their mothers.

"For the most beautiful moms," Quill said, her charm making both women beam.

But it was the single pink rose she held separately that made Sky's heart skip. Their mothers exchanged knowing looks, practically vibrating with excitement.

"Ang swerte talaga ng mapapangasawa ng batang 'to," Evelyn gushed, nudging Quill's mom with her elbow.

Sky pressed her forehead against the cool doorframe. The thought of someone else receiving Quill's roses, someone else being the "lucky" one - it made her want to scream. But their mothers' delighted faces, their obvious hopes and expectations, only added to the pressure building in her chest.

Sky emerged from the bathroom just as Quill turned, holding out the pink rose. Their eyes met, and Sky's heart clenched at the tenderness in Quill's gaze.

"For you, princess." Quill's voice was soft, meant only for her ears.

Sky took the rose, her fingers trembling. The delicate petals brushed against her palm, but all she could think about were business dinners and arranged marriages and losing the one person who knew her completely.

"Sky?" Quill's brow furrowed. "May problema ba?"

"Wala." The word came out too quick, too sharp. "Pwedi ba-" She glanced at their mothers, who watched with barely concealed delight. "Akyat muna tayo sa room."

Without waiting for a response, Sky’s heart pounded as she grabbed Quill’s wrist and pulled her toward the stairs. “Sorry, mommy, tita, I just need to get something from my room!”

The moment they entered her childhood bedroom, Sky felt the weight of everything pressing down on her—pink walls, fairy lights twinkling softly, and pictures of her and Quill scattered around, frozen moments of their shared history. She paced back and forth between her bed and desk, clutching the rose Quill had given her like a lifeline, her fingers trembling.

"Sky, ano'ng nangyari?" Quill’s voice was soft but full of concern as she stepped closer, but Sky kept moving, unable to meet her gaze.

"Talk to me, please."

Sky’s chest tightened as she looked at Quill’s worried expression, and the rose in her hand trembled. The words tumbled out in a rush, her voice cracking. "Your grandfather wants to arrange meetings for you. With... with other people. Anak ng mga business partners niyo."

Quill’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. "What?"

"Tita Marie told mom earlier," Sky continued, the panic rising in her chest, suffocating her. "He wants you married before you take over the airline, and... and—" Her voice wavered. "'Di ko hahayaang mangyari 'yun, Quill."

Quill stepped closer, her hands reaching for Sky, but Sky pulled away, her heart racing. "No, you don’t get it. He’s trying to make you marry someone else. He’s trying to—" Her breath hitched as she clutched the rose tighter. "I won't let anyone else have you."

"Sky—"

"Makinig ka," Sky interrupted, desperate now, her voice raw. She stepped closer to Quill, her hands shaking with the intensity of what she was feeling. "Liligawan kita. Properly. With flowers. Dates. Everything you deserve." Her breath came faster as she stared Quill down, her chest heaving with emotion. "Ako lang pwedi manligaw sa'yo, okay?"

A soft smile tugged at the corner of Quill’s lips, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Liligawan mo ako?"

"Yes." Sky lifted her chin, though her heart was pounding in her throat. Her cheeks flushed, but she stood her ground. "Starting now. So tell your grandfather to cancel those meetings."

Quill’s eyes sparkled with amusement, but there was something else there too—something tender. "What if gusto ko na ako ang manligaw sa'yo?"

Sky’s breath caught in her throat. "What? No, I’m the one who’s courting you." She glared at Quill, her voice firm, though her pulse was racing. "Period."

"Says who?"

"Says me." Sky poked Quill’s chest, her heart thundering in her ears. "I already decided."

Quill chuckled, but the sound was warm, like the sun breaking through clouds. "Well, I brought you flowers first," she said, gesturing to the rose in Sky’s hand. "So technically, I started courting you weeks ago."

Sky froze, the words sinking in. "But the... the arranged meetings...?"

"Sky," Quill said gently, her voice soft, yet firm, as she reached out and took both of Sky’s hands, rose and all, pulling them close. "Wala akong pakialam sa meetings. I don’t care about business partners or anything like that." Quill’s gaze softened, sincerity flooding her words. "I love you. Only you."

Sky’s heart thundered in her chest, hearing Quill say those words—love—like it was the most natural thing in the world. It ignited something possessive and desperate inside her. A fierce, protective instinct she didn’t even know she had.

“Then you’re mine now, ‘kay?” Sky’s voice came out hoarse, a little broken, but full of certainty. She stepped closer, gripping the lapels of Quill’s blazer. "You’re mine, Quill. No more meetings. No more business stuff. It’s just me now. Only me."

"Sky—"

"Seryoso ako." She pulled Quill down until their faces were inches apart, her fingers curling into Quill’s shirt, pulling her closer. "Akin ka na. You’re my girlfriend now. And I don’t share."

Before Quill could respond, Sky couldn’t help herself—she pressed her lips to the corner of Quill’s mouth, her heart racing as she felt Quill’s gasp against her skin. The sensation sent a wave of warmth through her, and she pulled back just enough to meet Quill’s stunned expression, a sense of pride blooming in her chest.

“Pero kakasabi mo lang na liligawan mo ako,” Quill whispered, her voice breathless, her eyes wide with surprise.

“I will.” Sky’s fingers traced Quill’s jaw, her own breath coming in shallow gasps. "But you’re still mine while I do it." She gave Quill a teasing smile, her heart thumping in her chest. "No one else gets to look at you the way I do. No one else gets to have you."

Quill’s breath hitched, her eyes darkening with something Sky couldn’t quite place. ""You're acting possessive right now," Quill murmured.."

“So?” Sky lifted her chin, a defiant, possessive gleam in her eyes. "You love me anyway."

Quill’s hands instinctively settled on Sky’s waist, pulling her closer. Sky could feel the heat of her body, the comforting weight of her touch, and it only made the possessiveness inside her flare higher, stronger. This—this was what she wanted. No one else. Only Quill.

The soft sound of her mom’s voice calling from downstairs broke through the moment, but Sky wasn’t ready to let go just yet.

"Girls!" Her mom’s voice echoed up the stairs. "Lunch is ready!"

Sky groaned, burying her face in Quill’s shoulder, her hands gripping the fabric of Quill’s blazer like she was afraid of losing her. "Five more minutes."

Quill’s chest rumbled with quiet laughter, but there was a teasing edge to it. "Your dad’s adobo and tinola are getting cold."

"Don’t care," Sky muttered, tightening her grip on Quill’s blazer. "You’re not allowed to leave this room until you promise no business meetings about marriage. Promise me."

"Sky—"

"Promise me." She pulled back, meeting Quill’s eyes, her lower lip jutting out slightly.

Quill’s expression softened as she gazed down at Sky, her eyes full of affection. "Alam mo naman na hindi ako papayag sa arrange meetings na 'yun." Her voice was gentle, but there was a quiet certainty in it. "My heart’s been yours since we were kids."

Sky’s cheeks flushed at Quill’s words, the warmth in her chest growing as she let them sink in. It wasn’t fair how effortlessly Quill could make her feel like the most important person in the world.

"Then say it properly," Sky whispered, her fingers trailing over Quill’s collar, pulling her even closer. "Sabihin mo na akin ka lang."

Quill’s forehead rested against Sky’s, her voice a soft promise. "Sa'yo lang ako. Noon. Ngayon. At palagi."

Just as Sky was about to kiss her again, her dad’s voice echoed through the house, louder this time. "The food’s getting cold!"

Sky huffed, reluctantly pulling away, though the desperation to keep Quill close was still burning in her chest. But before Quill could move toward the door, Sky grabbed her wrist.

"We’re not done talking about this." Sky picked up the rose from her desk, a serious look in her eyes. "And I’m still going to court you properly."

Sky led Quill back downstairs, her fingers still wrapped around Quill's wrist. The familiar warmth of Quill's skin against hers sent tingles up her arm. Their mothers' faces lit up as they entered the dining room, exchanging those knowing looks that made Sky's cheeks burn.

"Everything okay up there?" Her mom's eyes flickered between them.

"May pinakita lang ako kay Quill." Sky slid into her usual seat, tugging Quill down beside her.

The aroma of her dad's adobo and her favorite tinola filled the air, but Sky barely noticed. Her attention kept drifting to Quill - the way she thanked her dad for the food, how she automatically filled Sky's glass with water before her own, the slight crinkle around her eyes when she smiled.

She's mine, Sky thought, warmth spreading through her chest. The word felt right, like it had always belonged there.

Under the table, Sky's hand found Quill's knee. She squeezed gently, drawing circles with her thumb. Quill's spoon paused mid-bite, her breath catching.

"Sarap pa rin po ng luto mo, Tito," Quill said, her voice steady despite Sky's touch.

Sky hid her smile behind her glass. She loved that she could affect Quill like this, that beneath her composed exterior, Quill's heart beat just for her.

Their mothers chatted about work and neighborhood gossip, but Sky caught the way they watched her and Quill. Their eyes held hope and expectation, dreams of future Sunday lunches where maybe they'd all be more than just friends who grew up together.

The thought made Sky's chest tight. Not with anxiety this time, but with possibility. With the knowledge that Quill was hers now, properly hers, and no business arrangement would change that.

Sky couldn't focus on her food. Every movement Quill made beside her drew her attention - the way she cut her meat into perfect squares, how she dabbed her lips with a napkin, the slight tilt of her head when she laughed at her dad's jokes.

Quill noticed Sky's barely-touched plate and quietly added more rice to it. "Eat," she whispered, her hand brushing Sky's under the table.

The simple gesture made Sky's heart flutter. She picked up her fork, warmth spreading through her chest as Quill's thumb traced circles on her palm.

"So Quill," Evelyn set down her glass, "how are you doing? Marie mentioned something about your grandfather's... plans?"

Sky's grip tightened on her fork. Here it came.

"He's just being traditional po." Quill's voice remained calm. "Wants to ensure the airline's future."

"Kung ako sa'yo anak maghanap ka na ng girlfriend o boyfriend, para 'di ka na kulitin ng lolo mo magpakasal. " Evelyn leaned forward. "Actually, may kilala ako - anak ng kumare ko. He's a lawyer, very successful-"

"Mommy!" Sky's voice cracked through the air. Her chest burned with betrayal at the thought of her own mother trying to set up Quill.

"What? I'm just trying to help-"

"You can't! Nililigawan ko na si Quill!" The words burst from Sky's lips before she could stop them.

Silence fell over the table. Sky's face burned as all eyes turned to her, but she lifted her chin. "I mean it. I'm going to court her properly, and no one else gets to have her. You can't set her up with anyone else."

Quill's hand squeezed hers under the table, steadying her racing heart.

Heat crept up Sky's neck as silence stretched across the dining table. She wanted to hide her face, but something in her refused to back down. This was Quill - her Quill.

"Actually," Quill's voice broke through the tension, gentle yet unwavering. "I'd like to formally ask for your blessing, po."

Sky’s heart skipped a beat. She froze, her pulse racing, as she turned to find Quill sitting straighter, shoulders squared, her eyes steady with an unexpected calmness that made Sky’s breath catch.

"Tito, Tita," Quill said, addressing Sky’s parents with such respect, then turning toward her own mother, "Mom. I know this might seem sudden, but my feelings for Sky have been constant, and unwavering, since we were kids. I’ve loved her from the very start. And now, all I want is to give her everything she deserves."

Sky's hand trembled in Quill's, but Quill’s grip never wavered, her thumb brushing over Sky’s palm, grounding her with every touch.

“I promise na aalagaan ko po si Sky," Quill continued, her voice low but filled with sincerity. "To stand by her as she chases her dreams, her career, everything she wants in this life. I know my job keeps me busy, but Sky will always come first. She already does."

"Anak," Tita Marie’s voice cracked slightly, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "You’ve always been there for Sky. Even when she was just a little girl."

"Because she’s everything to me," Quill replied, her voice thick with emotion. She reached out, placing a hand gently on Sky’s cheek, her touch tender but sure. "I’m here, not out of obligation, not because of family pressures, but because Sky deserves someone who will love her without question, without hesitation."

Sky’s vision blurred, her heart swelling as she watched Quill speak with such conviction, such raw honesty.

Sky's father cleared his throat, his voice softer than Sky had ever heard it. "Sky has always been safe with you, Quill. Even as children, you protected her—always."

"And I always will." Quill’s grip on Sky’s hand tightened, her words steady, her gaze unbreakable. "Sky isn’t just my best friend or my childhood playmate. She is my future. My everything."

Tears welled in Sky’s eyes as she watched Quill, her heart swelling with so many emotions she could barely keep up. She wanted to say something—anything—but the words felt too big, too full of everything she couldn’t quite capture. Her chest tightened, her hand gave Quill’s a tight squeeze. In that moment, as she locked eyes with Quill, she felt something shift, like a gentle yet undeniable truth unfolding inside her.

The words she had kept locked in her chest for so long before she even realized it—words she never expected to say out loud—rose to the surface, and Sky mouthed them silently to Quill, the realization flooding her heart with such intensity that it left her breathless.

I love you.

It was like an epiphany, a truth that had always been there, waiting for her to catch up. Sky’s chest ached, her heart bursting with the weight of it, and though no sound left her lips, the meaning in her eyes was undeniable. She didn’t need to say anything aloud; she had already spoken it in the way she looked at Quill—like she was her world.

Quill's expression softened, her own eyes shimmering with something Sky couldn’t quite name. She didn’t need to say anything either; they both understood.

Her mother smiled through teary eyes, sensing the unspoken words that hung in the air between the two of them. With a loving, knowing gesture, she reached across the table and touched Quill’s hand gently. "We’ve always known, Quill," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "The way you take care of Sky... It’s like you’ve always known how precious she is."

Sky’s heart fluttered in her chest at her mother’s words, her gaze never leaving Quill. She wasn’t just her best friend. She was her everything. And now, Sky had finally said the words—without speaking them aloud, but with everything she was.

And it was more than enough.

Tita Marie chuckled softly, her eyes dancing with warmth. "Well, this was inevitable. Don't forget, Sky already declared to everyone that her Ate Quill would be her wife."

Sky’s face flushed bright red. "Tita!" she squeaked, trying to hide behind her hands, but the laughter around the table was pure joy, filled with love.

Her mom joined in, laughter bubbling in her chest. "And she didn’t just tell us... She went so far as to announce it to everybody she met.

Sky buried her face in her hands, mortified, but a deep, warm happiness spread through her. Quill’s laughter was the sweetest sound she’d ever heard, and when she peeked out between her fingers, she saw the love and affection in her family’s eyes. It was a love that, even now, surrounded them—supporting them.

"I think we can all see just how serious this is," Sky’s dad said, his voice steady and full of warmth now as he patted Quill on the shoulder, a proud smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Welcome to the family, Quill."

Sky’s heart swelled as she met Quill’s eyes. This was it—this was everything. And she had no doubt now: Quill was not just her best friend or her past; Quill was her forever.

Lunch continued with the gentle teasing and excited chatter about their future, but Sky could barely focus on the conversation. Her mind was full of Quill—of how she felt beside her, how their mothers kept exchanging knowing, gleeful glances, and how her heart was still racing from everything that had been said. Sky barely tasted her food, the rich flavors lost on her as she kept stealing glances at Quill, who sat beside her, calm and steady like she always was, but somehow more hers than ever.

The moment everyone finished eating, Sky felt the familiar surge of urgency. She couldn't wait another second. Without a word, she grabbed Quill's hand, her fingers tingling as they intertwined, and pulled her up from the table.

"Akyat lang po kami sa kwarto," she said quickly, barely waiting for a response.

"Sky—" Quill started, but Sky was already tugging her toward the stairs, her heart beating faster with every step.

In the sanctuary of her bedroom, Sky closed the door behind them, her pulse thundering in her ears. She turned to Quill and, without a moment's hesitation, wrapped her arms tightly around Quill’s waist, burying her face into the crook of her neck. The familiar, comforting scent of Quill’s perfume—the sweet, familiar floral notes—wrapped around her like a warm embrace. It made her heart flutter, and she couldn't help but feel as if she was home.

"Higpit ng yakap mo, Sky," Quill murmured softly, a hint of laughter in her voice, but her arms came around Sky anyway, pulling her closer.

Sky shook her head, not loosening her grip. "Don’t care." Her voice came out a little breathless, her heart full of so much emotion she could hardly keep up. "You're mine now. Officially mine."

"I’ve always been yours, kahit noon pa." Quill whispered, her voice soft and steady, but Sky could hear the warmth in it, the quiet affection that matched her own.

But Sky needed to say it—needed to hear the words, needed to make them real. She pulled back just enough to look Quill in the eyes, her hands still wrapped around her waist, her fingers pressing gently into the fabric of her blazer.

"I love you," Sky whispered, her voice barely a breath, but the words carried all the weight of what she felt—everything that had been unsaid, everything that had been building between them.

"I love you," she repeated, her lips brushing Quill’s forehead as she tightened her hold on her once more. "Mahal na mahal kita, Quill."

Quill’s eyes softened as she looked down at her, a faint smile playing on her lips. "I love you, too," she said, her voice quiet but certain, and Sky’s heart soared at the simplicity and purity of it.

Sky couldn’t help herself—she kissed Quill’s cheek, the corner of her mouth, anywhere her lips could reach, softly and repeatedly, as if trying to express the depth of everything she was feeling in each gentle kiss. "I love you, I love you, I love you…" she murmured between each kiss, her hands cupping Quill’s face, pulling her closer.

Quill let out a soft laugh, her hands tracing the line of Sky’s back, a slow, tender movement. "I love you, too, Sky."

And with that, the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in the quiet of the room, hearts beating in sync. Sky tilted her head, her breath shaky as she gazed up at Quill, a soft smile on her lips. Then, without any more hesitation, she pressed her lips to Quill’s, soft and sweet, her heart bursting as they kissed slowly, gently, like they had all the time in the world.

It was everything. And it was only just the beginning.