The Proposal
Flashback (A day before the accident)
The air was crisp that evening, the stars above twinkling like scattered diamonds against the dark sky.
Maki had chosen a secluded private garden, one that Coleen once mentioned was her dream place for a quiet date.
Candles flickered in the gentle wind, their warm glow casting a soft golden hue across the intimate setup. A table for two stood at the center, dressed in elegant white linen, a meal carefully curated with all of Coleen’s favorites.
Coleen arrived in her usual effortless grace, looking around with slight amusement. "Maks, ano na naman ‘to? Bakit parang... pang-romcom ang setting?" she teased, but her eyes softened at the sight.
Maki, dressed sharper than usual, let out a small chuckle, scratching the back of her neck. "Bakit, ayaw mo ba?"
Coleen smirked, stepping closer. "Depende. Pero para namang boang to, nag iindie film ka na ba? shooting ba to?"
Maki gestured for her to sit, pulling out the chair like a perfect gentlewoman. "Hahaha baliw. Tara na, mamaya mo na malalaman."
Dinner was filled with laughter, stolen glances, and playful banter—just like it had always been between them.
They had always been best friends, partners in crime, and now, something more.
Maki could feel it in the way Coleen’s gaze lingered longer, in the way their hands brushed, in the way Coleen reached for her absentmindedly like it was second nature.
As the meal ended, Maki stood and reached for Coleen’s hand. "Halika, may gusto akong ipakita."
They walked toward a small, glowing pathway leading to an open field.
Fireflies danced in the air, their flickering lights making the night even more magical.
"Naalala mo ‘to?" Maki asked softly.
Coleen looked around, her eyes widening. "Ito yung park na pinuntahan natin nung una tayong nag-usap tungkol sa feelings natin..."
Tapos bigla nalang lumitaw si Amiel Sol at kumanta ng Sa Bawat Sandali...
Maki nodded, her heart pounding. "At ito rin ang lugar kung saan ko gustong sabihin sa’yo na wala akong ibang gustong makasama habang buhay kundi ikaw."
Coleen's breath hitched.
Maki slowly got down on one knee, pulling out a small velvet box. Inside was a simple but elegant ring, one that she had picked with so much care, knowing it was perfect for Coleen.
"Coleen Vergara, ikaw ang matalik kong kaibigan, ang taong hindi ko kayang mawala sa buhay ko. Hindi ko alam kung paano nangyari, pero sa lahat ng gulo ng mundo natin, ikaw lang ang sigurado ako. Kaya... gusto mo bang pakasalan ang kaibigan mong saksakan ng tigas ng ulo pero mahal na mahal ka?"
Coleen stared at her, eyes glistening with unshed tears, before she let out a breathless laugh. "Gaga ka ba? Ikaw pa nagtatanong? Siyempre, yes! A million times yes!"
Maki barely had time to slip the ring on her finger before Coleen pulled her up and kissed her—soft, lingering, filled with years of friendship, longing, and finally, love.
They didn’t know that just a few days later, fate would test them in ways they never expected.