Aiah’s apartment buzzed with warmth and joy as she completed the final touches on the decorations. Colorful balloons danced near the ceiling, streamers draped along the walls, and a "Happy Birthday" banner hung over. On the table, a feast awaited her guests: finger foods, chips, homemade cookies and cupcakes, and a small chocolate cake topped with candles.
It wasn’t an extravagant celebration, but it was just right for Aiah. What made this birthday even more special was that her friends, including Maloi—the girl she had been courting for months—were coming.
Maloi had this aura that drew people in effortlessly. She wasn't so loud or showy, but her confidence and subtle humor made her captivating. Aiah had slowly developed feelings for her, and when she chose to pursue Maloi, she understood it wouldn't be as easy as she expected. Maloi had been clear from the start about her cautiousness towards relationships. She had firm boundaries, one of which was that she wouldn't share a kiss unless she was in a committed relationship.
For Aiah, that made her respect Maloi even more. Maloi recognized her own value and wasn’t afraid to communicate her expectations. Aiah had been patient, expressing her affection through small, considerate gestures, never pushing for more. Tonight, Aiah hoped their bond might grow stronger, though she didn’t want to anticipate anything beyond simply enjoying Maloi’s presence.
By 6 PM, her friends started to arrive. Aiah welcomed each of them with a warm hug and a thankful smile, her apartment becoming alive with laughter and conversation. Every person who entered had something for their birthday celebrant, a pillow, shoes, phone case, etc.. The atmosphere was nice as her closest friends exchanged jokes, laughters and teasing Aiah about reaching another birthday.
“Darating din kayo sa ganitong edad, kala nyo ha?” Aiah defended herself, the others just laughed at the celebrant’s antics.
“Nauna ka pa rin.” It was Stacey.
“Huy, kala mo hindi tatanda.” Of course it was Jhoanna, Stacey’s one and only frenemy, but does it really end on just “friends” huh? Well, we don’t know.
And then the bickering started, they let the two of them argue, they’re used to living like this with two little rascals who can’t live without screaming and teasing each other. Pretty chaotic, right?
At 6:45, the doorbell rang once more, causing Aiah’s heart to race. She already knew who it was before she even turned the doorknob, just her hunch feeling.
Maloi stood there, holding her small bag and wearing a smile that made Aiah’s heart feel both light and heavy at the same time. She was dressed in a casual yet effortlessly stylish outfit: a denim onesie dress.
“Hi Aiah, happy birthday.” Maloi greeted, her voice soft but warm.
"Thank you," Aiah managed to say as her cheeks flushed. She stepped aside to let Maloi in, her nerves briefly overwhelming her.
As Maloi entered, Aiah closed the door and took a deep breath, steadying herself. She couldn’t let her feelings get the best of her tonight. This was her birthday, and she wanted to enjoy every moment of it.
…
The party turned out to be great. They played games, had a feast, and the cake was enjoyed with cheers and some off-key singing of "Happy Birthday." Aiah couldn't help but steal glances at Maloi, observing how it laughed and enjoyed being with her friends.
“Hey.” It’s Maloi, approaching her with a sweet smile. “Join us, ikaw ang may birthday pero kami lang ang nagsasaya dito.”
Aiah chuckled, she’s happy enough to see her friends having fun, watching them across to where she was standing. “I’m fine here, I’m glad you guys are having fun. And I love to watch them being so fond of you, alam ko namang magugustuhan ka nila. Ako nga nagustuhan kita eh.”
Maloi hit Aiah’s shoulder playfully, “Hay nako Arceta.”
“What? Totoo naman. Bumalik ka na doon, mukhang hinahanap ka, promise, i’ll join later.”
As Maloi goes back to where Aiah’s friends were, the latter kept herself busy assisting her relatives who happened to surprise her with a visit.
“HOY, SUMAYAW NAMAN KAYO.” The youngest among them exclaimed, earning a laugh from everyone. Sheena was in charge of the playlist, filling the room with lively tunes that kept everyone energized.
Amidst the lively atmosphere, Aiah’s attention kept drifting to Maloi.
Aiah couldn't help but steal glances at her, amazed by how naturally Maloi fit into her friend group. Her elegance was striking, even in such a relaxed atmosphere; the way she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear or leaned in a bit when genuinely listening to someone seemed intentional, almost like a subtle display of grace.
“Malulusaw si ate Maloi sayo teh.” Gwen teased, smirking and nudging her with an elbow.
"What?"
"Don’t ‘what’ me, ate Aiah. Kung nakakalusaw lang ang tingin, kanina pa lusaw si ate Maloi kakatitig mo." Mia whispered with a sly grin. “Bakit hindi mo kausapin? Nahihiya ka ba?”
“Kinausap ko na.”
“I mean the ‘Hi Loi, you look beautiful tonight. Are you okay? Sana nag-eenjoy ka ngayon’ kind of conversation?”
“My god, Gwen. You’re hopeless.”
"I’m just saying," Gwen continued, her grin widening. “Or baka sinagot ka na niya?”
“What are you talking about? No, hindi pa. Ayaw ko siyang madaliin, kaya ko maghintay.”
“You’re courting her for 4 months na, right?” Aiah nodded. “Matagal na rin pala.”
She sighed, it is but it doesn’t make her impatient though there are times that she just wants to call Maloi her girlfriend. Do things that only couples could, like kissing on the cheeks, holding the latter’s hand while they walk, or calling Maloi any endearments that she wanted to.
As the night continued, Aiah’s friends and relatives started to leave, each giving her a hug and expressing their gratitude for a lovely evening, thanking her for inviting them. By 10:30pm, she finished cleaning the living room area. And she was kind of confused that Maloi stayed, helping her.
“Loi? Bakit nandito ka pa? Ako na maglilinis diyan.”
“Hindi na, tutulungan na lang kita. I’ll ride a grab na lang later.”
“I won’t let you ride to a stranger ng ganitong oras, I’ll give you a ride home na lang.”
“Aiah, hindi na. Gabi na, delikado mag-drive.”
“Mas delikado sumakay sa hindi mo kakilala.”
Maloi smiled, “Fine. Hindi na ako makikipagtalo sayo.”
“Hindi ka mananalo sakin.”
The younger one laughed softly, “Panalo na ko, sayo pa lang.”
Aiah felt her pulse quicken, her cheeks flushing with Maloi’s sudden blow. She bit her lip, trying not to smile.
“Aiahkins? Natahimik ka.”
“You’re telling me that after mong sabihin yon? Grabeng torture yon, Loi.”
Maloi reached into her bag and pulled out a small box, handing it to Aiah.
“Open it.” Maloi said softly.
It’s a necklace. With a not so small heart pendant.
While Aiah was busy admiring Maloi’s gift, her smile was so wide that her eyes disappeared, the latter leaned in and pressed a soft kiss on her cheeks. It was gentle but electric.
The world seemed to stop turning around for Aiah, she was taken aback, her hand instinctively touched her bright pink cheeks.
“B-but..” The taller girl stuttered, but Maloi could only let out a soft chuckle.
“Yeah, I know.”
“Sabi mo, you’ll only kiss me when we’re girlfriends…”
“Oo nga.” Maloi answered, trying herself to stop laughing at her girlfriend’s cuteness. “Happy birthday, Aiah.”