Dilaw
The soft, melodic music swirled around them, the lights dimming to a gentle glow that made everything feel warm, intimate. Maloi felt the beat in her chest, her heart syncing with the rhythm. She was dancing with Colet, close enough that she could feel the subtle warmth of Colet's hand resting on her back. The space between them was filled with a kind of electricity.
As they swayed together in the slow dance, Colet's hand never faltered, guiding Maloi with a quiet certainty. The dance was effortless, their steps perfectly in sync. Maloi gazed up at Colet, smiling softly, her heart racing despite how calm the moment felt. There was a pull, a strange warmth in her chest that had nothing to do with the heat of the room. Everything felt right.
“What are you thinking?” Colet asked, her voice quiet, and Maloi could hear the curiosity in it. It felt like there was something more, something beneath the surface.
Maloi smiled, her gaze fixed on Colet’s. “Hmm... wala naman,” she replied, the words light but her eyes soft. “I like it.”
Colet’s lips curled into a small smile. “Yung music?”
Maloi chuckled, the sound soft and full of affection. “Yeah. It’s nice. Yung music and this slow dance...” She couldn’t help but laugh a little, feeling the weight of the moment. “It feels special.”
Colet smiled back, and for a second, it felt like the world outside them had disappeared. Maloi’s heart swelled with a warmth she didn’t know how to explain. The closeness, the quiet intimacy of the moment—it was more than just dancing. It felt personal. It felt like something that belonged only to them.
“Thank you,” Colet said, her voice low but sincere. She met Maloi’s eyes, the depth of her gaze making Maloi feel like she was seeing something hidden behind Colet’s usually guarded expression. “You asked me to be your date.”
Maloi’s lips curved into a teasing smile. “Lakasan lang ng loob,” she said, her tone light, playful. “Pero honestly, nung binigyan tayo ng thumbs-up ng management na ayain ang isa’t-isa, parang automatic na alam ko na gagawin ko.”
Colet's smile softened, yet there was something unspoken in her gaze that Maloi couldn’t quite decipher. It was a brief, almost imperceptible moment of vulnerability, as though Colet had drifted into her own world, caught in a thought too deep to express. In that fleeting silence, Maloi’s heart sank as her thoughts involuntarily shifted, recalling the memory of Colet's quiet apology to Jhoanna during their last performance.
Ahh... oo nga pala, Maloi thought, her heart sinking. I may not be the one she's hoping to take to the prom.
She tried to shake it off, the weight of the realization too heavy. But it lingered, unwanted, as she looked up at Colet again. She didn’t want to ruin the moment. The night was supposed to be about fun, about enjoying the time they had together. So, she brushed the thought aside, but it still stung.
“Sorry,” Maloi said quietly, her words slipping out before she could stop them.
Colet’s brow furrowed slightly in confusion. “Ha?” she asked, her tone gentle, not understanding the source of Maloi’s sudden shift.
Maloi’s smile was a little sad, and she tried to mask the disappointment in her voice. “May sarili ka sanang plano, ‘no?” she murmured, the words light, but heavy with an unspoken weight. It was a subtle reference to Jhoanna, and despite her attempt to keep it casual, the underlying hurt lingered in her tone.
Colet’s response was immediate, a laugh escaping her. “Baliw, wala no,” she said, brushing off the suggestion with a teasing tone.
Maloi didn't want to delve deeper into it. She could feel the tension in her chest, but she let it go, choosing to enjoy the moment as much as she could. They continued to dance, the music swirling around them, but now it was hard to ignore the weight of her own thoughts.
As they danced, they were interrupted by the sounds of their other members approaching.
“Huy, tama na yan! May afterparty pa, ngayon na nga lang makakainom!” Sheena called out, her voice full of energy and teasing. The other BINI members burst into laughter, pulling Maloi and Colet out of their quiet world and back into the hustle of the party.
Colet gave Maloi a small, amused smile. “Tara na?,” she said, a quiet laugh escaping her as they made their way toward the rest of the group.
Maloi nodded absentmindedly as she followed the others, her mind still spinning with thoughts she couldn’t quite shake off. She tried to push it aside, hoping to enjoy the night, but the laughter and chatter around her felt distant. Despite the drinks, the fun, and the warmth of her friends, something inside her wouldn't let go.
The days slipped by, each one melding into the next like a blur. Brand shoots, rehearsals, more shoots—it was all the same, the constant motion that kept her moving. Maloi couldn’t quite remember the last time she felt truly present. Maybe it was during those fleeting moments with Colet—the rare glances that made her heart flutter for reasons she couldn’t explain. But now, even those moments seemed distant.
Colet was always with Jhoanna now—always by her side, always laughing and sharing whispers that seemed like secrets meant only for them. The way they moved together, the way Jhoanna’s eyes would linger on Colet, and how Colet would mirror that look—like the world around them faded, leaving only the two of them in their own little universe.
It twisted something inside of Maloi, a sharp pang in her chest that she couldn’t explain. But despite the ache, she kept it hidden, never letting on how much it hurt to see them like that, so effortlessly close.
Maybe I was just missing her. But deep down, she knew it wasn’t just that.
The camera clicked as the photographer captured another shot. Maloi stood in front of the lens, smiling, her posture perfect. But it wasn’t real. Not the smile. Not the pose. She could hear the quiet laughter behind her, the soft murmur of voices that sounded too close for comfort. Colet and Jhoanna again, lost in their own world, just a few feet away.
She forced herself to focus on the shoot, but the weight of her thoughts kept pulling her back to them. Colet’s laughter echoed in her ears, a sound so sweet and carefree.
"Maloi, you good?" Aiah's voice cut through her thoughts, and she snapped her attention to her friend.
"Huh?" Maloi blinked, trying to shake off the haze in her mind.
Aiah was watching her closely, her gaze sharp. "You're... somewhere else. You've been quiet all day."
Maloi forced a smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. "I'm fine," she said, a little too quickly.
Aiah didn’t seem convinced, but she didn’t push. Instead, she leaned in closer, her voice lower, almost a whisper. "You know, if something's going on, I'm here. You can talk to me, you know?"
The sincerity in Aiah’s words only made the pit in Maloi’s stomach grow. She couldn’t talk to anyone about this. How could she? She didn’t even understand it herself. The feelings that had slowly crept up on her when Colet had smiled at her, when she’d held her hand in support—was it just her imagination? Maybe she had made it all up in her head.
"You really think I'm the kind of person who needs to talk about things?" Maloi replied, forcing a chuckle that sounded hollow even to her own ears. "I’m good. Really."
But even as she said it, she knew it was a lie. She wasn’t good. She was never good.
After the shoot, everyone began making their way home, the weight of the day still lingering in the air. Maloi was just about to leave with the girls when, as they were walking toward the exit, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, surprised to see a message from Maki.
"Maloi, are you free?"
A smile tugged at Maloi’s lips, the sudden warmth in her chest catching her off guard. She hadn’t seen Maki in a while, and the thought of spending time with a friend outside the chaos of work sounded like a breath of fresh air. Maloi quickly typed her reply, her fingers moving a little faster than usual.
"Kakatapos lang ng shoot namin, bakit?"
“Tara labas,” Maki’s response was immediate, upbeat, and lighthearted. Maloi could almost hear the smile in his voice. She read it again, feeling the invitation settle in her chest. A night out. A break from it all.
The tension that had been building in Maloi’s body seemed to ease a little. She could already picture Maki’s energy, his easy smile, the way everything felt simpler when they were together. Maybe this was what she needed. Something uncomplicated.
"San ka ba, now? G ako," Maloi typed, the excitement creeping into her words.
“Sunduin nalang kita, nasa ABS ka pa ba?” Maki’s response was quick, and Maloi could almost hear the hum of excitement in Maki’s words.
"Yep, dito kami nag-shoot," Maloi replied, feeling the rush of relief settle into her chest.
"Sige sige, punta na ko diyan. May bagong restaurant akong gustong i-try, sakto baka gutom ka na. See you, Maloi!"
Maloi didn’t even need to think about it. She tucked her phone back into her pocket, feeling the familiar pull of freedom—an escape, even if it was just for a few hours.
As they neared the door, the cool evening breeze brushed against her skin. It was a welcome relief after the warm, stuffy air of the building. Maloi felt it tug at her hair, but the wind didn’t faze her. Instead, she slowed her pace.
She stopped in her tracks, and the sound of footsteps slowed around her. Mikha’s voice cut through the cool evening air, sharp and questioning. “O bakit?” she asked, noticing that Maloi had paused, the group’s steps halting as well.
Maloi didn’t hesitate before speaking. “Di na pala ako sasabay today, una na kayo,” she said with a casual smile
“Nako, sino na naman yang kikitain mo, Ate ha?” Stacey teased, stepping forward with a grin, clearly enjoying the moment.
The other members gave her curious looks, always entertained by their usual playful banter. Maloi glanced over at Colet, who was off to the side, absorbed in her phone. Every now and then, Colet would look up, her eyes briefly flicking over to the group, but her silence felt different from the others. It wasn’t anything new—just Colet being Colet.
“San ka punta, Ate? Sama ako!” Jhoanna piped up, her voice bubbly, cutting through the chatter. She flashed a playful smile at Maloi, the kind of look that made it clear she wasn’t going to let this moment pass without her usual teasing.
Maloi chuckled, a genuine laugh bubbling up despite herself. “Baliw, kakain lang kami ni Maki, kita nalang tayo tomorrow, same time pa rin naman bukas, Jho diba?” she said, her tone light and playful as she turned to Jhoanna, but instead of a response, her words fell flat, unnoticed. Jhoanna didn’t even acknowledge her question.
Instead, Jhoanna, Stacey, and Sheena ramped up the teasing, ignoring Maloi’s attempt to steer the conversation in a different direction.
“Huyy, si Maki kasama mo?” Sheena grinned, nudging Stacey playfully.
“Si Ate Loi, masyado atang nanlalamang oh,” Stacey added, their laughter rising as they exaggerated the teasing, the energy shifting as it always did when the three girls were in full swing.
Maloi couldn’t help but smile, her laughter joining theirs. The group’s energy was light, infectious, and for a moment, it was easy to just get caught up in it.
As the noise grew louder, Maloi stole another glance at Colet. This time, Colet wasn’t absorbed in her phone. She was quietly watching them all, her gaze shifting between the girls.
Before the teasing could escalate any further, Gwen intervened, her voice a steady lifeline that cut through the chaos. “Tigilian niyo na si Ate Maloi, tara na kaya,” Gwen said, her tone firm but kind, signaling the end of the teasing session.
The group slowly quieted down, their energy shifting with the command. Stacey, Sheena, and Mikha gave one last playful nudge before their attention drifted elsewhere. The usual laughter faded into the background, and the group fell into a more peaceful rhythm.
And just like that, Colet spoke up, her voice calm, unaffected by the noise. “Una na rin ako.”
The words hung in the air for a moment before the group turned toward her. Maloi’s eyes lingered on Colet, taking in the way she spoke, her gaze soft but steady.
Jhoanna quickly rushed to Colet’s side, calling out, “Ate Colet, wait!” but Colet had already started walking toward the exit gate. Jhoanna turned back to bid her goodbyes to the rest of the group, her cheerful voice blending with the fading laughter of the others. Then, with a quick step, she hurried to catch up with Colet, falling into step beside her.
One by one, the members began to disperse, each of them heading their own way. Aiah was heading out for a run, and the others were going straight home. The familiar energy of the group slowly began to dissolve, leaving Maloi standing at the threshold, watching as Colet and Jhoanna’s figures grew smaller in the distance.
As the last of the group disappeared from sight, Maloi stayed where she was for a moment longer, feeling the weight of the quiet settle around her. She turned toward the open night, watching the stars above, the stillness somehow comforting. With a soft breath, she stepped forward, letting the evening unfold before her.
Maloi and Maki were seated at a cozy corner of a small diner, their plates filled with the simple comfort food that always made her feel at ease. Maki, as usual, was in his own world, tapping his fingers on the table to some beat only he could hear. Maloi took a bite of her food, enjoying the moment of calm away from the chaos of their daily lives.
After a while, Maki leaned back in his seat, glancing at her with a playful grin.“So, kamusta ka na, parang ang dami niyong ganap ngayon ah.”
Maloi shrugged, wiping her mouth with a napkin. “True, sobrang busy namin lately. Syempre, super grateful kami, pero di rin maiwasang mapagod."
Maki grinned. “Parang always on the go nga kayong lahat. But seriously, any fun stuff going on lately? Any stories?”
Maloi laughed lightly, pushing her plate aside. “Nothing much. Just work, work, work. You know how it is. But you, Maki, kamusta ka na? I feel like you’re always caught up with music stuff.”
Maki nodded, chuckling. “Yeah, music’s been my life lately. But hey, I actually wanted to ask you something.” He leaned forward a little, his tone turning more serious but still casual.
Maloi raised an eyebrow, curious. “What’s up? You need help with something?”
“I’ve got this music video I’m working on, and I was wondering...” He paused, his smile widening. “Would you be down to be part of it? I think you'd be perfect for the concept I’m going for.”
Maloi looked at him for a moment, processing his words. The idea of being part of something Maki was creating, something so personal to him, sparked something inside her. She set her fork down, leaning forward slightly. “Ako? You want me to be in your music video?”
Maki nodded, the excitement in his eyes clear. “Yeah, I think it’d be fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it.”
Maloi paused for a moment, taking it in. She hadn’t expected this but felt a little excited by the idea. She gave him a playful smile. “So, ano gagawin ko dun? Tatayo lang ako tas puro paganda lang?”
Maki laughed, shaking his head. “Aba, why not? But seriously, I think you’d fit the role really well. You’re just natural at being, well, you. And that’s exactly what I want for the video.”
Maloi couldn’t help but smile. It wasn’t something she’d planned on, but the idea sounded fun. “Okay, okay. If you really want me, then I’m in.”
Maki’s face lit up. “Yes! I knew you’d say yes! You’re the best!” He gave her a thumbs-up, clearly relieved.
Maloi laughed. “Alright, alright. Don’t make it sound like I’m saving your project or anything.”
“Hey, for real though, you’re saving me. But thanks, Maloi. I really appreciate it.”
“Of course, Maki. Just tell me when and where, I'll show up.” She grinned, feeling good about the unexpected offer.
Maki leaned back in his chair, his grin widening. “Awesome. I’ll keep you posted. It’s gonna be fun, I promise.”
“Looking forward to it,” Maloi said, her smile never fading as they both continued to eat, the comfortable vibe between them making the night feel even more relaxed.
The news spread fast—Maloi was starring in Maki’s music video, and the girls couldn’t be more excited. Everyone was incredibly supportive, hyping her up every chance they got. Maloi was thrilled, but she hadn’t expected the shoot to be scheduled so soon—just two weeks away.
Since Maki had involved her in the planning process, she had been spending most of her time with him lately. Between the meetings, BINI’s jam-packed schedule, and rehearsals, she was barely keeping up. Some days, she was so caught up in everything that she even forgot to eat.
As she hurriedly packed her things after training, eager to make it in time for yet another planning session with Maki and the MV’s director, a voice behind her made her pause.
“You’re heading to Maki again?”
Maloi turned, caught off guard. It was just Colet. She exhaled, shaking off the surprise.
“Ah, yeah,” Maloi answered absentmindedly, her mind still preoccupied with the ticking clock.
Colet didn’t say anything for a moment. Then, without warning, she handed something to Maloi.
“Here, take this.”
Maloi blinked, looking down at the homemade sandwich in Colet’s hand. Before she could even react, Colet spoke again, her tone matter-of-fact.
“You skipped your meal earlier. Bring this with you—eat it on the way.”
Before Maloi could even muster a response, Colet was already walking away.
She stared at the sandwich in her hands, then at Colet’s retreating figure. These were the moments she truly appreciated about Colet—the way she quietly observed, always knowing what the people around her needed, even before they did.
Even before she did.
With warmth blooming in her chest, Maloi held the sandwich a little tighter and made her way out.
Finally, the day had come. After weeks of planning and balancing an unforgiving schedule, it was time for the MV shoot. The set buzzed with activity—crew members moved with precision, adjusting the cameras, setting up the props, and finalizing the sequence for the next shot.
She took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment press against her chest. Performing in front of the camera was second nature to her, but stepping into a full acting role was unfamiliar territory. Still, despite the nerves creeping in, she was determined to give it her all
Maki walked over, nudging her lightly. “You ready?”
Maloi let out a breathy chuckle, shaking off the tension. “As ready as I can be.”
Maki grinned. “You’re gonna kill it, trust me.”
And with that, the director called for places, and the shoot officially began.
The earlier scenes flowed effortlessly—soft, fleeting glances, quiet laughter, subtle gestures of affection. Maloi found herself slipping into character with ease, her emotions aligning perfectly with the story they were telling. The crew nodded in approval, impressed by how natural she looked on camera.
But then came the most crucial scene—the breakdown.
The energy on set shifted. The chatter died down, the usual light atmosphere replaced by quiet anticipation. The director gave a small nod, signaling for the cameras to roll.
Maloi sat alone inside the jeepney, her character reaching the breaking point.
She had prepared for this scene. She knew what it required. But the moment the silence stretched and the camera lens focused solely on her, something unfamiliar gripped her chest.
The exhaustion weighed heavier.
And suddenly, it wasn’t just about the character anymore.
It was her.
The past few weeks had been nothing but a blur of tight schedules, late nights, and skipped meals. She had been pouring everything into work, pushing through the fatigue, trying to keep up. But somewhere in the middle of it all, there was Colet. Colet, laughing, talking, existing—with Jhoanna.
Maloi’s chest tightened with every passing day. Every time she saw them together, she felt a hollow ache, like something vital was slipping away from her grasp. She tried to push the feeling down, tried to convince herself that it was just her mind playing tricks, but the weight of it was undeniable. She felt like an outsider to the very connection that used to define her place in Colet’s world.
Maloi clenched her jaw, her vision blurring.
Her lips parted, a shaky inhale filling the space. Her eyes, glossy and unfocused, darted downward as if searching for something—anything—to hold onto. But there was nothing.
The heartbreak unraveled in waves.
Her shoulders tensed before finally caving in, her body curling inward as if shielding itself from an unseen pain. She bit her lower lip, suppressing a sob, but it only made the emotions overflow even more. Her breathing hitched, shallow and erratic, the quiet sound of it cutting through the silence.
She wasn’t just acting anymore.
It was everything—the overwhelming pressure, the exhaustion, and the ache she didn’t quite understand whenever she thought of Colet.
Then—
“Cut!”
The director’s voice rang through the set, but no one moved. The silence stretched, thick and heavy, as everyone remained frozen in place.
Maloi, still catching her breath, blinked away the remaining tears, her mind struggling to detach from the emotions that had just consumed her.
Then, a voice—soft but firm.
“That… was incredible.”
The director stood up, visibly stunned. “Maloi, that was beyond what I expected. The way you carried that scene, the way you let it build up so naturally—it was powerful.”
A murmur of agreement spread among the crew. Some exchanged looks of awe, while others simply nodded, as if still processing what they had just witnessed.
One of the assistants quickly handed her a tissue. “Here. Wow, you really made us feel that.”
Maki, who had been watching from the sidelines, walked over with an impressed smirk. “You sure this is your first time acting?”
Maloi let out a breathy laugh, dabbing at the tears still clinging to her lashes. “Honestly? I don’t even know where that came from.”
But deep down, she did.
The girls were gathered in Aiah’s cozy living room, excitement filling the air. The music video was finally out, and the public was raving about it—especially Maloi’s acting debut. People were hooked, the views skyrocketing by the minute, and recognition for the effort of both Maki and Maloi was flooding in. Their hard work had paid off.
The BINI girls were having their own screening party, all huddled together in Aiah’s living room. The space was alive with laughter and chatter. Stacey, Jho, and Mikha were on the couch, while Aiah and Gwen were seated at dining chairs they’d moved into the sala. Maloi, Colet, and Shee were on the carpet, their eyes fixed on the screen, buzzing with energy.
“Omygosh! Maki and Ate Maloi—ang cute niyo!” Jho teased, her voice full of excitement as a romantic scene between Maki and Maloi appeared on the screen.
“Baka kayo na talaga ha!” Stacey added, laughing, while Mikha playfully slapped Stacey’s arm.
“Inggit ka lang e,” Shee joked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
The room erupted in teasing, but Maloi just laughed it off, her cheeks flushing slightly. “Okay, okay, enough,” she laughed, trying to deflect the teasing.
Colet, however, was quiet. She sat beside Maloi, her attention entirely on the screen, her gaze intense and unwavering. Every now and then, she’d glance at Maloi with a small smile, but otherwise, she was absorbed in the video.
As the MV progressed, the teasing continued until the scene where Maloi had to break down emotionally. The room fell silent as the camera focused on her, capturing every tear, every flicker of emotion on her face. It was the most intense part of the video, and Maloi felt the weight of it all again.
Colet, though, was still glued to the screen, her focus entirely on the video. Maloi could feel the energy shift in the room as everyone held their breath. The silence was palpable, and for a moment, it felt like everyone was holding onto the raw emotion of the scene.
When the scene ended, the room remained still for a beat longer, as if everyone was processing the emotion that had just unfolded before them.
Then, finally, the silence broke.
“Grabe, Ate, Maloi, ang galing mo!” Jho shouted, her voice full of excitement.
“Ang galing mong umiyak, naiyak din ako slight,” Aiah laughed, wiping her eyes playfully.
The rest of the girls joined in, their voices full of praise. “You nailed it, Ate Maloi!” Shee cheered. “That scene was so raw.”
Maloi smiled, her heart swelling with pride. But before she could respond, Colet’s voice cut through the chatter.
“I knew you’d do great,” Colet said softly, her eyes now fixed on Maloi. Maloi could feel the sincerity in her words, and it made her heart flutter. It wasn’t just the praise that hit her; it was the way Colet’s gaze held hers, filled with something deeper, something that went beyond admiration. It was like Colet had always been watching her—not just in the performance, but in the quiet moments, in the struggles, in the small victories. Her presence was comforting, grounding Maloi in the chaos of everything that had happened.
Maloi’s smile grew wider, her chest tightening with emotion. She didn’t realize how much she needed Colet’s approval until now. The weight of it all—the late nights, the rehearsals, the stress—suddenly seemed so worth it. This wasn’t just about the success of the music video; it was the recognition from someone who mattered so much to her. Someone who truly saw her.
“Thanks, Col,” Maloi whispered, her voice softer than usual, filled with a warmth she couldn’t quite contain. She didn’t need to say much. Colet already knew.