Chapter 7
The days that followed were a whirlwind. Jhoanna buried herself in rehearsals, guest appearances, and preparations for the upcoming concert tour.
Manila, Cebu, and Gensan—three major cities, three major performances. On top of that, she had events, brand commitments, and theater rehearsals to squeeze in between.
The exhaustion was catching up with all of them, but they pushed through. They always did.
Colet, on the other hand, honored Jhoanna’s request for space. She wanted to reach out—desperately—but she knew Jho needed time. So instead, she threw herself into work, filling her days with songwriting, training, and anything to keep her mind occupied.
One evening, after another grueling practice, the girls sprawled across the floor of the dance studio, limbs tangled in exhaustion.
"Aaaaaah, mabuang nako, bai!" Aiah groaned, dramatically throwing herself onto the mat.
"Oh, napano ka, Te Aiah?" Sheena asked, amused.
“Pagod na yan,” Maloi muttered, crawling over to lie next to Aiah.
“Ako din. Tayong lahat. Aaaaaah, can I get just one day to bed rot?”
"Please, I need that too," Mikha whined.
"Eh kung pagod na tayo, paano pa yung isa jan na may May Tabing Ilog pa," Sheena pointed out.
"Grabe naman ‘tong si Ms. Extra," Stacey teased.
"Jho, anong vitamins mo? Pahingi naman."
Jhoanna laughed, though her exhaustion was evident.
"Pagoda din ako, guys. Wala na ngang tulog, eh. Pero kaya pa naman. Ginusto natin ‘to, ‘di ba? Tsaka, sige lang. We’ll get our rest later on. We prayed for this, remember? And look—binigay na sa atin. Let’s just show up."
"True naman," Gwen nodded.
"Naalala niyo dati? Rehearse tayo nang rehearse, wala namang events, tapos iniisip natin kung kailan kaya tayo magkaka-show na may audience na tayo talaga ‘yung pinunta. And now, ‘di na tayo makarinig sa sigawan nila." Maloi recalled.
"Thank You, Lord. It's all on You talaga," Stacey whispered, making a small sign of the cross.
They all fell into silence, letting the weight of their blessings settle in.
It was overwhelming, surreal, and at times, exhausting—but it was everything they had worked for.
Jhoanna, as the leader, took charge.
"Okay, so tomorrow, we’ll be performing three songs at Coke’s anniversary event in Rizal. We’re the final act, guys, so we’ll arrive around 9 PM. Hair and makeup start at 4, and we leave by 8. Call time is at 1 for run-throughs. Okay, I’ll send the final announcement later sa GC?"
Everyone nodded, taking in the schedule. They wrapped up for the night, sluggishly gathering their things.
As Jhoanna finished packing up, Aiah waited for her by the door.
"Hey, Jho. You have Tabing Ilog practice tonight?"
"Yeah."
"Until what time?"
"10 PM. Why?"
"I’ll fetch you."
Jhoanna raised a brow. "Huh?"
"I know hiniram ng pinsan mo ‘yung kotse mo, at di pa nababalik sayo right? Nakita kitang nag-Grab kanina. Sakto, nasa akin ‘yung sasakyan ni Fons kasi out of the country siya."
"Wow, si driver pala ‘to," Jho teased.
"No need, Ate Aiah. Magpahinga ka na."
Aiah pouted. "Sige na, please. Wala akong magawa eh."
Jhoanna chuckled. "Sige na nga. Pero nakakahiya talaga."
"Asus, ‘wag na, hindi bagay sa’yo."
—
"So, ano gagawin niyo sa rehearsal?" Aiah asked as she started the engine.
"More on blocking kami today. ‘Yung last act kasi, hindi pa namin naayos."
"Di ba ‘yan nakakapagod?"
Jhoanna chuckled. "Nakakapagod. Pero okay naman. It keeps me busy, so I kinda like it."
Aiah gave her a side glance. "Hindi ka pa ba busy sa BINI? Grabe ka naman, parang gusto mo ata buong 24 hours may ganap ka."
Jhoanna just laughed.
Silence settled between them—comfortable, familiar.
Then, in a softer, more serious tone, Aiah spoke.
"Jho… have you been doing okay?"
Jhoanna hesitated for a second.
"Yes, Ate Aiah. Doing just fine as much as I can."
"Don’t lie to me."
Jhoanna sighed.
"I see the bags under your eyes, Jho. You're having trouble sleeping again, aren't you?"
"Typical problem of mine," Jhoanna admitted.
"Pero I'm managing it."
Aiah frowned. "Managing it how?"
Jho hesitated before answering. "I'm taking sleeping pills."
Aiah stiffened. "Jho…"
"Before ka mag-sermon, it's prescribed."
"Still, Jho," Aiah sighed, gripping the wheel tighter.
"Don’t depend too much on that. You know the side effects."
"I know, but I need sleep. Alam mo kung gaano nakakapagod ‘tong trabaho natin."
"But you were doing fine before."
"Siguro kasi magaling ka lang magpatulog," Jhoanna joked.
Aiah scoffed. "Grabe ka. Are you saying na nakakaantok akong kasama?!"
Jho laughed.
"Hindi ‘yun ang ibig kong sabihin, Ate Aiah! You just… have a very peaceful presence. Even my insomnia can’t fight it."
Aiah smirked. "Well, I’m glad to hear that, my dear."
Jhoanna turned to look at her, her gaze lingering. She really was grateful for Aiah’s presence. It was comforting, like being wrapped in a warm blanket on a rainy night, safe and sound while the storm raged outside.
"Ate Aiah…" Jhoanna started. "Thank you."
"For what?"
"For just being here."
Aiah smiled. "Always, Jho. Always."
--
Jhoanna sat on the empty bench inside the theater building, hands tucked into the sleeves of her hoodie as she waited for Aiah. She knew she should’ve texted earlier, just like Aiah instructed, but she didn’t want to inconvenience her more than she already had. Picking her up was already more than enough.
She leaned her head against the cool wall behind her, closing her eyes for a moment. Silence.
It was rare for her to be alone like this. No cameras, no rehearsals, no screaming fans—just the quiet hum of the night settling in. But she hated it. Silence meant thinking, and thinking meant remembering.
And like a reflex, her mind drifted to Colet.
There was a time when she never had to wait alone. A time when they could move freely, without the weight of constant eyes on them, without the suffocating attention that came with fame.
Back then, after rehearsals, just as Jhoanna was gathering her things, she would hear hurried footsteps echoing down the hallway. She didn’t even have to turn around—she already knew who it was.
“Jhoooo!”
A familiar, whiny voice rang through the empty corridor, and before she could react, a warm body crashed against her back, arms wrapping securely around her waist. Colet buried her face in Jhoanna’s shoulder, swaying them both side to side like an excited child.
Jhoanna laughed, feigning exasperation. “Ano ba, sino ba ‘tong batang ‘to?”
Colet hummed playfully, tightening her hold. “Eeeeh, baby mo.”
Then, in a softer voice, she whispered near Jhoanna’s ear, “Na-miss kita, eh.”
Jhoanna felt warmth spread across her chest, but she masked it with an eye roll—one Colet was already expecting.
“Ang tagal mo naman matapos,” Colet murmured, pressing a small kiss on Jhoanna’s shoulder before finally letting go, only to immediately hook her arm around Jhoanna’s and cling to her side.
Jhoanna shook her head but made no move to push her away.
“Wala ka bang ibang ginawa today?” she asked, adjusting her bag.
“Wala,” Colet answered simply. “Nasa bahay lang, naghihintay kung kailan kita pwedeng sunduin.” She grinned. “Miss kasi kita. Gusto na kitang makita.”
Jhoanna couldn’t help but chuckle. “
Asus, para namang hindi tayo magkasama kagabi, kahapon, at nung mga nakaraang araw.”
Colet smirked, leaning in. “I always miss you, langga.”
Jhoanna's heart flipped at that. Without thinking, she leaned in and pressed a quick, affectionate kiss to Colet’s cheek.
“I miss you more, akong langga.”
Colet grinned, eyes twinkling. “Ang sweet mo naman.”
They walked side by side through the quiet hallway, Colet humming softly—a stark contrast to her usual angas image on stage.
To the world, she was the cool, untouchable one, exuding confidence and mischief. But with Jhoanna?
She was impossibly soft.
"Gutom ka ba?" Colet asked, nudging Jhoanna’s arm.
"Opo," Jho admitted, stretching dramatically.
"Ako rin,” Colet pouted. “Hindi pa ako nag-dinner, para sabay na tayo."
Jhoanna frowned playfully. “Ba’t mo pa ako inintay? Anong oras na kaya? Baliw ka talaga.”
Colet flashed her a teasing smile. “Baliw sa’yo.”
Jhoanna sighed, but her big, uncontrollable smile gave her away.
"Ewan ko sa’yo. So, ano kakainin natin?"
"Actually…" Colet grinned, pulling Jhoanna closer. “Nagluto na ako ng sinigang sa condo. Dun na lang tayo. Oh, ‘di ba? Tipid tips yan.”
Jhoanna's brows lifted in surprise. “Talaga? May pa-effort ka ngayon?”
“Syempre,” Colet said proudly. “Tsaka wala si Shee. Umuwi siya saglit sa kanila kasi pinauwi ng tita niyang kakagaling lang abroad.” She wiggled her brows. “
So, we have the place all to ourselves.”
Jhoanna felt a flutter in her stomach at that, her cheeks warming slightly.
She nudged Colet playfully. “Nako, may balak ‘to."
Colet gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her chest. “Grabe ka naman! Pure intentions lang ‘to!”
Jhoanna burst out laughing, knowing full well that Colet was far from innocent when it came to her playful schemes.
But what got to her the most was the effort—the small, thoughtful ways Colet showed she cared.
The way she always made sure to be with Jhoanna, even though she didn’t drive.
The way she waited, cooked, planned things just to spend time together.
People thought Colet was tough, but Jhoanna knew better. Colet was soft in all the ways that mattered.
And sometimes, Jhoanna wondered if it was possible to love her even more than she already did.
They stepped outside, their laughter filling the night air as Colet reenacted one of Jhoanna’s dramatic theater lines with exaggerated gestures, making Jho clutch her stomach in laughter.
And in that moment, as Colet pulled her close again, Jhoanna thought—if this was what it meant to be loved by Colet, then she never wanted to be without it.
A honk outside pulled Jhoanna back to reality.
She blinked. The memory faded, dissolving into the present, but the heaviness in her chest remained.
Through the glass doors, she saw Aiah’s car parked outside.
Colet wasn’t here to pick her up anymore.
And no matter how much she wished otherwise—she never would be again.
Jhoanna exhaled, pressing her lips together before stepping outside.
“Hi,” Aiah greeted, her voice light and energetic, as if she hadn't just been waiting outside for a while.
“Ang dami mong energy, Ate Aiah. Hahahaha,” Jhoanna laughed before leaning in to kiss the older girl on the cheek.
“Hello, Jho,” Aiah greeted again, matching her laughter. “Kamusta rehearsal?”
“Pagod, pero masaya. Malapit na kami matapos sa blockings for all acts, kaya I'm happy,” Jhoanna said, clicking her seatbelt into place.
Her eyes wandered around the car, taking in its pristine leather interior. “Ang ganda naman ng kotse ni Fons.”
“Oo nga, ‘di ba?” Aiah grinned as she began maneuvering out of the parking area. “Buti nga iniwan sakin, hahahaha.”
Jhoanna’s gaze landed on a takeout box sitting in the passenger seat. “Nag-takeout ka, Ate Aiah?”
“Yup. Dumaan ako sa Wingstop.” Aiah glanced at her before turning back to the road. “Di ba favorite mo yung chicken wings dun? I got three flavors you love. Alam kong pagod ka na para lumabas pa, tapos ayaw mo nang maharang ng fans kapag ganyan ka na-drain. So naisip ko, ‘eh di takeout na lang!’” She shot Jhoanna a knowing smile. “Binili ko na rin yung favorite mong drink.”
Something in Jhoanna’s heart tugged at the gesture. She had never mentioned her favorite flavors to Aiah, yet the older girl had noticed. Had observed.
“Aww, thanks, Ate. I appreciate it,” Jhoanna murmured, warmth blooming in her chest. Then, she nodded toward a small velvet duffle bag in the backseat. “Sayo ba ‘yan?”
“Yup!” Aiah smirked. “Mag-sleepover ako ulit, hahahaha. And sorry pero, hindi ka pwedeng tumanggi—binili na kita ng food, sinundo pa kita.”
Jhoanna narrowed her eyes in mock suspicion. “Aba, kaya pala may pa-ganito ka… para di ako makatanggi! Pinlano mo ‘to no?”
Aiah just laughed, eyes twinkling, making it obvious that, yes, she had planned this.
But Jhoanna didn’t mind.
And maybe she’s right. Aiah did plan this. She planned to keep Jhoanna company. She planned to help her sleep without relying on pills. She wanted her to get real, restful sleep. Aiah might not know exactly how to make that happen, but she was determined to figure it out.
And Jhoanna, though she’d never admit it, was grateful.
When they arrived, they shared the food Aiah had brought, their conversation filled with teasing and laughter. Despite the exhaustion clinging to Jhoanna’s limbs, she barely felt it.
Later, as they prepared for bed, Jhoanna patted the empty space beside her and said, “Ate Aiah, dito ka na lang matulog sa bed ko. Wala pang extra sheets and duvet kasi nagpa-laundry ako kahapon.”
Aiah smirked. “Asus. Gusto mo lang akong i-cuddle, eh.”
Jhoanna rolled her eyes, but the playful glint in them betrayed her. “Hmm, why not?”
The moment the words left her mouth, heat rushed to her face.
Aiah let out a dramatic gasp before bursting into laughter. “Ay, delikado ‘yan. Baka hanap-hanapin mo cuddle ko, Jho.”
Jhoanna huffed, feigning irritation. “Ikaw naman, ‘di mabiro.”
But she still scooted closer when Aiah lay down beside her, still let herself relax as the warmth of another person filled the space beside her.
It was nice. Comfortable. Safe.
The teasing faded into hushed conversations, then into soft silence. And before Jhoanna knew it, her body felt heavier, her breathing slowing.
Maybe it was the warmth Aiah offered, or the soothing way she absentmindedly stroked her hair. Or maybe—just maybe—it was the simple fact that someone was beside her, making sure she wasn’t left alone with thoughts that only ever hurt.
For the first time in weeks, she slipped into sleep effortlessly—without struggle, without fear.
And just before she fully drifted off, in the quiet lull between wakefulness and dreams, she thought she heard Aiah murmur, so soft that maybe she wasn’t even meant to hear it—
“I’m not joking, tho. You can rest on me kahit araw-araw pa, Jho.”
Then, silence.
A quiet kind of comfort. A warmth that stayed, long after sleep had taken her.
--
“Hala, ang daming tao.” Sheena exclaimed, peeking through the tinted windows of their van.
Excitement and nervousness danced in her voice as she took in the massive crowd outside. They were waiting for their turn to perform.
“Shocks, ang dami nga,” Maloi agreed, eyes wide in astonishment.
The venue wasn’t massive, but since it was an open space, the crowd seemed even bigger—almost overwhelming.
Their road manager had informed them that the majority of the attendees were there because of BINI’s performance. The thought tugged at the girls’ hearts, filling them with a mix of nerves and determination.
They had to give their best.
As the final minutes ticked by, Jhoanna gathered the group one last time, giving final instructions and reminders for the spiels assigned to each member.
Soon enough, their cue came, and they stepped onto the stage—greeted by a deafening roar of cheers.
The energy from the audience was electrifying. The sound of thousands of voices shouting their names, chanting their group’s name, and screaming for their biases filled the air. Jhoanna barely heard her own voice through the microphone as she greeted the crowd.
She quickly noticed the surging movement among the fans. Some were pushing forward, eager to get closer. Her leader instincts kicked in, concern flickering in her eyes as she raised a hand.
"Blooms, ingat tayo ah?" Jhoanna said, her voice warm but firm.
"Gusto naming lahat kayo mag-enjoy pero please, walang tulakan. Ayaw naming may masaktan. Okay?"
The audience responded with cheers, and the girls exchanged glances before preparing for their first performance.
The second the music started, the fans went wild. Lagi was one of their most beloved songs, and the audience didn’t hold back—singing along with every word, waving their lightsticks in sync.
Cheers grew even louder as fan-favorite duos and ‘ships’ interacted on stage.
The loudest screams erupted for MikhAiah and MaColet—especially whenever Maloi initiated playful interactions with Colet mid-performance.
The performance went on smoothly, the girls feeding off the crowd’s energy.
But as they transitioned to their next spiel, Jhoanna noticed something worrisome—fans were still pushing forward, and some in the front row looked visibly uncomfortable.
She exchanged a quick glance with the producer and tehir RM at the side of the stage. They approached her, concern written all over thier face.
“Jho, may problema tayo,” he said over the loud background noise.
“Nahihirapan na ‘yung security sa crowd control. Hindi natin in-expect na ganito karami ang pupunta.”
Jhoanna’s stomach twisted. She knew they couldn’t risk anyone getting hurt.
“Kailangan nating putulin ‘yung performance,” the producer added, regret evident in his tone.
Jhoanna exhaled deeply before nodding. She turned back to the girls and quickly relayed the situation. They all looked disappointed but understood the priority—safety first.
Stepping forward, Jhoanna raised her mic, addressing the crowd.
"Blooms," she began, her voice filled with gratitude yet firm with concern,
"grabe kayo! Sobrang saya namin na makita kayong lahat ngayong gabi. Ang taas ng energy niyo!"
She paused for a moment, scanning the crowd, making sure her words reached as many people as possible.
"Pero napansin namin na may mga natutulak na sa harap, at ayaw naming may masaktan. Ang gusto namin, masaya tayong lahat habang safe pa rin."
Some fans murmured in response, and Jhoanna softened her tone.
"Alam namin na sobrang excited kayo, at gusto namin ituloy pa sana ‘to. Pero para sa kaligtasan n’yo, kailangan nating i-cut ‘yung performance.”
Disappointed groans echoed through the crowd, but many nodded in understanding.
"Pero please tandaan niyo," Jhoanna added with a gentle smile, "mahal na mahal namin kayo!"
The crowd responded with a chorus of “Mahal din namin kayo!”
"Maraming, maraming salamat sa pagsuporta," she continued. "At pangako namin, babawi kami sa inyo sa susunod!"
With that, the security team began guiding the girls offstage.
The exit had to be done in a single line, ensuring safety. Staff members led the way, followed by Maloi, Colet, another staff member, then Mikha, Stacey, Gwen, and another security detail. Behind them were Jhoanna, Aiah, and Sheena, with two more security guards bringing up the rear.
Aiah, ever the protective older sister, firmly held Sheena’s hand, making sure the youngest member remained safe.
As they made their way down the small stairway beside the stage, the fans near the barricades reached out excitedly, desperate for a touch, a glance—anything.
Then, it happened.
A huge push from the back caused a ripple effect in the crowd. People in the front were shoved forward, pressing against the barricades.
The sudden movement threw the staff off balance—and in the chaos, Maloi missed a step.
“Loi!”
Colet’s voice cut through the noise as she lunged toward Maloi, catching her just before she could fully hit the ground. Maloi let out a small cry, covering her face, clearly shaken.
Security rushed in, steadying her as Colet held onto her tightly, eyes wide with worry. Fans screamed, some panicked voices shouting for the crowd to stop pushing.
Jhoanna, along with the rest of the girls, saw the incident unfold, fear flashing across their faces.
"Okay ka lang?" Colet murmured, her grip on Maloi unwavering.
Maloi nodded but remained close to Colet, still shaken.
However, the chaos wasn’t over.
The fans at the far back, unaware of what had happened, continued pushing forward. Another wave of pressure surged through the crowd. This time, Jhoanna was the one who lost her footing.
"Jho!"
In an instant, Aiah and Sheena, instinctively huddled around her, their protective instincts kicking in. Meanwhile, the staff was already pushing Mikha and Stacey forward, urging them to head to the van to prevent further chaos.
Jhoanna barely processed what was happening—only that the world around her was a blur of noise, movement, and panic.
The situation was spiraling fast.
And they needed to get out—now.
As the vans pulled away from the venue, the usual post-performance excitement was nowhere to be found.
Instead, a heavy silence settled among the girls, still shaken from what had happened.
Inside the first van, Colet sat beside Maloi, her concern evident as she carefully examined the younger girl’s hands and arms. There were small scrapes, and her fingers trembled slightly—still shaken by the sudden fall.
“Masakit ba?” Colet asked gently, lightly running her fingers over Maloi’s wrist.
Maloi exhaled shakily but shook her head.
“Hindi naman. Mas nagulat lang talaga ako.”
Mikha, who had been sitting beside them, sighed in frustration. “Grabe ‘yun. Didn't imagine the crowd went crazy.”
“Sobra,” Colet agreed, glancing out the window where the sea of people was still visible in the distance.
Maloi bit her lip. “Akala ko talaga di na tayo makalabas dun,” she admitted softly. “Kaya ako naiyak… kasi natakot ako.”
Stacey, who had been unusually quiet, was focused on her phone.
Colet noticed and leaned slightly toward her. “Okay ka lang?”
Stacey blinked, as if pulled out of her thoughts. “Ha? Oo, okay lang ako, Ate Col. Nag-check lang ako sa kabilang van.”
“How are they?” Mikha asked, brows furrowed.
“Ka chat ko si Sheena ngayon, okay naman daw sila pero sabi niya na si Jho din daw nadulas.” Stacey shared.
Colet’s stomach dropped. “Ano?!”
“Hindi ko na nga nakita eh, dirediretso na kasi tayo pinapasok” Stacey admitted, her voice grim.
“Pero sabi ni Sheena, after mo daw mahulog ni Ate Loi, may isa pang malakas na tulak sa crowd. Natamaan si Jho, tapos parang natapilok siya.”
Mikha cursed under her breath. “Shit.”
Colet immediately grabbed her phone, fingers slightly unsteady as she typed a message to Sheena.
Sheens, si Jho? Ano nangyari? Ano ang lagay niya?
A few seconds later, Sheena replied.
Sheena: Nadulas siya kanina te Cols, pero sabi niya okay lang. Kaya pa naman niyang maglakad pero halata kong masakit.
Colet clenched her jaw, reading the message over and over.
Colet: Ano sabi ni Ate Maan jan, saan daw tayo pupunta ngayon?
Sheena: Diretso ABS. Si Ate Maloi at Jho ipapa-check daw dun bago umuwi.
As soon as they arrived at the ABS-CBN building, staff members were already waiting.
The uninjured members were moved into a single van that would take them home, while Maloi and Jhoanna were escorted inside for a quick check-up.
Colet, standing by the van, watched as Jhoanna limped slightly while walking. It wasn’t obvious, but Colet noticed the way she adjusted her pace, careful not to put too much weight on her left foot.
Sheena, standing beside her, nudged her lightly. “Gusto mong sumama, ‘di ba?”
Colet tensed. “Ha?”
Sheena smirked knowingly. “Ate Colet, alam kong gusto mong sumilip kay Ate Jho.”
Colet hesitated. Of all the members, only Sheena knew about her and Jhoanna’s past—though they never really talked about it openly.
Sheena glanced at the staff and, without missing a beat, spoke up. “Ate Colet, asan ‘yung iPad ko?”
Colet blinked. “Ha?”
“Hindi ko mahanap. ‘Di ba hiniram mo kanina?”
Colet quickly caught on. “Ah, oo nga pala… baka naiwan ko sa dressing room.”
Sheena turned to their road manager. “Pwede po bang kunin ni Ate Colet? Baka naiwan sa dressing room.”
The staff member barely paid attention and simply nodded.
Sheena just mouthed. “Go, kaya mo yan.”
Colet walked through the hallways with purpose, her heart pounding with every step. She wasn’t even sure what she would say, but she just needed to see Jhoanna. That was all that mattered.
But now that she was here—just a few steps away from the infirmary door—her confidence wavered.
Inside, she immediately spotted Jhoanna sitting on the bed, one shoe off, a cold pack resting against her ankle.
Her expression remained neutral, but Colet could see the slight tension in her posture, the way she subtly adjusted her position to avoid putting too much pressure on her foot. Masakit pa rin.
Colet should go to her. She wanted to. Back in the van, all she could think about was getting to Jhoanna, making sure she was okay. But now that she was actually here, she hesitated.
Would it be the right thing to do, given their situation? Would Jhoanna feel uncomfortable? Would she push her away?
Just a few days ago, Jhoanna had asked her for space.
But this was different. Jhoanna was hurt. And Colet was hurting, too, knowing she couldn’t go to her freely like before.
Still, she shoved all those thoughts aside and took a step forward.
Then she stopped.
Because before she could even move, Aiah had already walked up to Jhoanna’s bedside, handing her a glass of water.
Colet froze.
She couldn’t take another step. And yet, she couldn’t look away.
“Sure ka you're okay? Magsabi ka, ah, para mabigyan ka ng painkillers,” Aiah said softly, gently tucking a stray strand of Jhoanna’s hair behind her ear.
“Yes, Ate Aiah, goods lang. Kaya pa naman,” Jhoanna reassured her, flashing a small smile.
“Pero baka nga I'll take some painkillers mamaya, pampatulog na rin.” Jhoanna joked.
“Baliw ka,” Aiah said with a chuckle, though the worry in her eyes never left.
Jhoanna tilted her head. “Pero ikaw nga, bakit ka nandito? Diba naiabot na sa inyo ‘yung gamit niyo? Supposed to be uwi na kayo. Lagot ka mamaya kay Ate Maan.”
“Sinabi ko lang ‘yung totoo, no,” Aiah shrugged. “Dinala ko naman ‘yung sasakyan ko, remember? Kaya sabi ko ako na maghahatid sa’yo.”
“Tapos?” Jhoanna prompted, narrowing her eyes playfully.
Aiah smirked. “Sinabi ko kay Ate Maan na baka sa condo mo na lang ako matulog para may magbantay sa’yo.”
Jhoanna blinked. Something about that tugged at her heart.
“Awww, you're so bait and sweet naman.”
“Loko ka,” Aiah scoffed but smiled.
Then, Jhoanna's expression softened.
“Pero seryoso, Ate Aiah, indi mo kailangang mag-alala sa’kin. I'm okay, really. Tsaka, its been a long day for all of us, alam ko pagod ka.”
"Exactly, its been a long day for all of us tapos ganito pa nangyari sayo." Aiah pouted.
She glanced at Jhoanna’s injured foot, pouting slightly, as if just looking at it made her heart ache.
Then, her gaze softened. “So don’t worry about me, Jho. Gusto ko ‘to. Gusto kitang bantayan, okay?”
Colet’s nails dug into her palm.
The scene unfolded right in front of her—too close and yet too far.
She heard Jhoanna laugh. Saw her shoulders relax. Watched as Aiah stood there, offering quiet reassurance.
And it made something inside Colet’s chest ache.
She didn’t know what she was supposed to feel.
All she knew was that it should have been her.
It should have been her standing there. Her handing Jhoanna that glass of water. Her making her laugh despite the pain. Her being the one Jhoanna could lean on.
But it wasn’t.
It wasn’t her anymore.