Boundless Echoes

Tinanghali ako ng gising ngayong araw.

Inabot kami ng dapit-hapon sa paglangoy kahapon, at sa tabing-dagat na rin kami naghapunan. Wala ring nanalo sa race because Jhoanna got cramps in her legs while we were swimming.

Pareho kaming nangunguna ni Jhoanna, kaya ramdam at kita ko na siya ang katabi ko habang lumalangoy. The water was cool against my skin, and the sound of the waves crashing in the distance made everything feel almost peaceful—until I heard her sharp gasp.

Bigla siyang umahon at napasigaw.

"Help! Namamanhid ang paa ko!"

Napahinto ako agad. She was ahead of me, and I saw her struggling to stay afloat. Panic flickered in her eyes. Without thinking, I pushed forward, the water dragging against me as I swam toward her.

Malapit lang naman ang agwat namin, but every second felt stretched out, like time slowed just enough for me to hear my own heartbeat.

"I think you overworked yourself, Robles. Come here, kumapit ka sa akin," I murmured when I finally reached her.

She clutched my shoulder, fingers trembling slightly, her breathing uneven. I turned toward the shore and called out to her cousins, who stood at the water’s edge, faces tight with worry.

"Don't worry, guys! I got her!" I reassured them before securing my hold on Jhoanna.

Nasa medyo malalim pa rin kaming parte ng dagat, and the waves were getting stronger, pushing against us.

“Hey, Arceta… I don’t think I can swim anymore,” Jhoanna muttered, voice softer this time.

Bumaling ako sa kaniya. She was right beside me, her grip tightening on my shoulder like she was afraid to let go. A flicker of something unfamiliar settled in my chest, but I ignored it.

“Kaunti na lang,” I said, though I wasn’t sure if it was to comfort her or myself.

Malapit na kami sa mababaw na parte, pero I didn't want to take any risks. I hesitated only for a second before slipping an arm around her waist, pulling her closer.

The moment my hand met her skin, I felt it—an involuntary shiver creeping up my spine. Her body was warm against mine, the scent of saltwater clinging to her.

"Relax," I told her, more to fill the silence than anything else.

Jhoanna didn't say anything, but I felt the way her breathing hitched for a moment before she leaned into me, her weight pressing against my chest.

Focus, Aiah.

With steady steps, I carried her toward the shore. The water lapped at our legs, the rush of waves making it harder to move, but I kept going. Every muscle in my body was tense—not from exhaustion, but from the awareness that she was this close.

Then, just as we reached the shallows, I heard it.

A barely audible whisper against my neck.

"Arceta, than—."

Soft. Barely there.

But she never got to finish because her cousins were already rushing toward us.

My grip on her tightened for a second before I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.

I didn’t know if she noticed, but I hoped to hell she didn’t.

Because one thing was certain—this moment? It was going to haunt me.

And yup, it did haunt me.

Even while we were eating on the shore that night, grilling marshmallows over the bonfire their maids had prepared. Even when I got back to my room, lying in bed, staring at the ceiling like an idiot.

That's why tinanghali ako ng gising ngayon. Dammit.

Frustration creeps back in, curling around my thoughts like an unwanted guest. I shake my head and groan. Why the hell am I still thinking about that?

Gano’n ba talaga ako kacurious sa pagkatao niya? Prolly not!

I scoff and force myself to sit up. It’s just annoyance. Yes. That’s it. I’m just annoyed because she couldn’t even properly thank me yesterday!

Yes, it's just annoyance! If I’m just annoyed, then why is my pulse acting up like this? Why do I feel like I’m walking on eggshells every time she’s around?

I grab a pillow and shove it over my face with a groan.

Screw this. Babangon na lang ako at mag-aalmusal!

I quickly brush my teeth and wash my face, not even bothering to change out of my pajamas and sando. Gutom na ako, and I honestly don’t care about looking presentable. Besides, I doubt may ibang tao pang nandito. The adults are probably busy with their work.

Pagbaba ko sa kitchen, nagulat ako nang makita kung sino ang nakaupo sa kabisera.

Jhoanna.

She looks… composed as usual. A cup in her hand, eyes trained on something in the distance. I think she just finished breakfast. Ang alam ko, strict ang pamilya nila sa sabay-sabay na pagkain tuwing almusal, pero mukhang hindi siya sumabay kanina. Did she wake up late, too?

I take a step back, considering turning around. Maybe I’ll just wait for her to leave before heading in. Yes, that’s right. Walang makakakita sa akin—

"Ma’am Aiah, gising ka na pala. Halika rito at pagsisilbihan kita ng agahan mo," one of the maids calls out.

Shit.

Jhoanna looks up at me. Nagkatitigan kami. Her stare is unreadable, steady, as if she’s just observing me. But there’s something about it—something too much. My pulse kicks up. I quickly look away and slide into the chair on her right.

Why the hell am I still bothered by her? Damn her stares. They’re suffocating.

“Nasaan po si Colet, Manang?” I ask the maid as she sets a plate in front of me. I need a distraction.

“Nasa mga Ricalde, iha.”

Okay, no luck. “Si Gwen po?”

“Kasama ang mga magulang niyo.”

“How about Mikha?”

“Parehong kasama.”

Napasinghap ako. They left me alone. With her.

Did I just hear Jhoanna scoff?

I glance at her, but she’s calmly sipping from her cup, unfazed.

I try to ignore the way my appetite has suddenly disappeared. Minutes ago, I was starving. Now, the idea of eating while she’s sitting right there makes my stomach turn.

“Why don’t you eat?” Jhoanna’s voice cuts through the silence. “Ayaw mo ba ng pagkain? Anong gusto mong pagkain, ipapahanda ko kay Manang.”

I turn to her, caught off guard. There’s something about her tone—gentle, almost. Hindi ko alam kung nag-aalok siya out of politeness or if she actually cares.

“I…” My lips part, but no words come out. I look away, pretending to focus on the food instead.

“Tatawagin ko si Manang. Anong gus—”

“No, it’s just that… wala akong kasabay. Mamaya na lang ako kakain pagbalik nila Colet.” Nahihiya kong sagot at akmang tatayo na.

“Hindi ka ba nagugutom?” she asks, and I freeze. “I just finished my breakfast, but I can eat again. Kakain ka ba kung sasabayan kita?”

What?

Before I can protest, she’s already placing food on my plate. Then, without hesitation, she serves herself as well.

I watch her, completely thrown off. Ano ‘to? Bakit biglang ganito?

I try not to stare too much, but my eyes flick to her every now and then. She eats quietly, her movements controlled. There’s something oddly peaceful about this, even though my heart refuses to settle.

The silence isn’t as suffocating as I expected.

In fact, I kind of like it.

That realization hits me so hard I nearly drop my fork.

I focus on my food, chewing slower than necessary just to have something to do. But no matter how hard I try, I can’t ignore her presence beside me. It’s like she fills the room without even trying. I force myself to finish my food quickly. The moment I’m done, I mumble a quick, “Thanks,” then practically bolt from the dining room.

As I climb the stairs, I let out a long breath.

What the hell was that?

The worst part?

Just as I turned to leave, I swear I saw a ghost of a smirk on Jhoanna’s lips.

And now, my head is an even bigger mess. I don’t just leave—I escape. My heart is pounding, my mind racing, and for the love of everything, I need to stop thinking about her.