Chapter 1
Every morning, Jhoanna’s motorcycle would roar to life as she parked in front of Stacey’s house. She would honk twice and shout, “Stacey! Pag tayo na-late ah!” Her voice carried just the right mix of annoyance and familiarity, a routine they both had grown used to over the years.
Inside, Stacey would scramble to add finishing touches to her makeup or fix her hair one last time. “Saglit lang,” she’d yell back, though Jhoanna knew it was never just a second. When Stacey finally appeared, she looked flawless as usual—her hair perfectly styled, her uniform crisp, and her lips curved into a smug smile.
Hayp na yan, ang ganda.
“Grabe, na-haggard na ko kakahintay sayo,” Jhoanna grumbled as Stacey climbed onto the back of her motorcycle. “Ano pa bang ginagawa mo doon, feeling nasa MV ka nanaman sa salamin no?”
Stacey chuckled, wrapping her arms loosely around Jhoanna’s waist. “Excuse me, I need to stay pretty so boys will chase me. Hindi mo maiintindihan yun, aso kasi humahabol sayo.”
Jhoanna rolled her eyes, though she couldn’t hide the faint smile tugging at her lips. “Sus, daming alam,” she shot back, revving the engine with a playful huff.
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As Jhoanna revved the engine, feeling the cool breeze rush past them, Stacey leaned in closer, her voice breaking the usual morning silence. “So, there’s this guy in class...” she began, her tone a little different than usual, a hint of curiosity in her voice.
Jhoanna glanced at her, her eyes narrowing slightly. “A guy? What’s this about? Another one of your admirers?”
Stacey smirked, but there was something genuine in her words. “Not exactly. This guy, his name’s Gino. He’s been inviting me to eat lunch with him almost every day.” She paused, looking thoughtful. “Syempre, akala ko nung una casual lang ganun, pero sabi ko, wala naman sigurong masama kung itry ko diba?"
Jhoanna could feel her grip tighten slightly on the handlebars, but she said nothing, waiting for Stacey to continue.
“It was actually... nice.” Stacey smiled a little, lost in the memory. “We just talked, nothing serious, but I really enjoyed it. He’s different from the usual guys who just want to flirt or show off. Gino actually listens when I talk, and he makes me laugh, too.”
Pag to binangga ko, Staku ha. chos
Jhoanna’s mind raced, but she kept her focus on the road, trying to keep her tone casual. “Mukhang okay naman siguro? I didn’t think you’d be so into that kind of thing.”
Stacey leaned forward, resting her chin against Jhoanna’s shoulder again, the wind tousling her hair. “I didn’t think so either. Gusto ko rin siyang kilalanin. I think... if I get the chance, I’d like to see where it goes.”
There was a pause, and Jhoanna felt a strange pang in her chest—one she couldn’t quite explain. “So, interested ka sa kanya?” Jhoanna asked, her voice barely more than a whisper, though it felt like a weight hanging between them.
Stacey laughed softly, clearly not noticing the shift in Jhoanna’s tone. “Siguro. I mean, he seems different from the others. I like spending time with him, and I want to see if there’s more to him. Who knows? It could be something.”
Jhoanna’s heart felt like it skipped a beat. Her grip tightened on the handlebars again, her mind racing with thoughts she didn’t want to entertain. "Well, basta kung saan ka masaya, doon ako." Jhoanna said, trying to sound indifferent, even though the words felt forced.
Stacey didn’t seem to notice the change in Jhoanna’s voice. "Walang halong kaplastikan?" she smiled, happy to share her excitement. "Thanks, Jho. You always listen to me, even when I talk about guys."
Jhoanna nodded, though her thoughts were far from the conversation they were having. She didn’t know why, but hearing Stacey talk about another guy made her feel uneasy. Maybe it was just jealousy, maybe something else, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe—just maybe—she wanted to be the one Stacey was looking at like that.
As the conversation about Gino settled, Stacey leaned in a little closer to Jhoanna, her tone suddenly turning playful again. “You know what, Jho?” she said, nudging her gently. “I think you deserve something for being my personal chauffeur every day. How about we grab some breakfast together?”
Jhoanna glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. “Breakfast? Really?” she teased, her voice dripping with mock indignation. “You should be treating me to breakfast every day, not just today.”
Stacey rolled her eyes, unfazed by Jhoanna’s usual sarcastic remarks. “Oh, please. I’m not even going to apologize for making you wait. It’s your job as my best friend.” She winked, clearly enjoying the banter. “Pero, hoy, libre ko ha! Pero doon tayo sa breakfast na hindi masyadong mamantika hehe,”
Jhoanna couldn’t suppress a grin. “Tama. Si fried foods ka pa naman,” she shot back, giving a playful flick to the side mirror as they made their way toward their favorite breakfast spot.
“Excuse me, I have to maintain my figure for the boys!” Stacey responded with a dramatic sigh, striking a pose on the back of the bike. “But seriously, Jho, it’s just a little thank you. Ayoko naman magmukhang masamang best friend, magagalit mga babae mo sakin nyan,”
Jhoanna slowed the motorcycle as they approached the small breakfast café near the school. “Feeling mo, but I guess I can’t complain too much,” she said, half-smiling as she pulled up to the curb. “You’re lucky I like you so much.”
Stacey hopped off the bike first, turning back to her with a teasing grin. “I’m lucky? Look who’s always fetching me and making sure I don’t miss breakfast. Anyway, I’ll get the food. You wait here, oh mighty chauffeur.”
“I’m not your servant, you know,” Jhoanna muttered as Stacey hurried inside the café, but she couldn’t hide the affection in her tone. As Stacey disappeared into the café, Jhoanna leaned against her motorcycle, shaking her head with a smile. The mix of bickering, teasing, and unexpected moments of tenderness with Stacey had always been their thing, and Jhoanna wouldn’t trade it for the world.
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As Jhoanna parked the motorcycle in their school’s lot, she watched Stacey wave goodbye with a bright smile. “See you later, Jho! Thanks for the ride!” Stacey called out, her voice light and teasing as always. Jhoanna waved back with a faint smile before watching her best friend disappear into the crowd. They may have bickered every day, but she couldn’t help but feel a little warmth in her chest whenever Stacey smiled at her.
Jhoanna lingered for a moment, then turned to head toward her classroom. As she walked through the hallway, her mind kept drifting back to the conversation they had just shared. Stacey had mentioned Gino so casually, but Jhoanna couldn’t stop thinking about how Stacey had spoken about him. The way her eyes lit up when she talked about him, how she wanted to get to know him better—it was different from the way she’d ever talked about the other guys who flirted with her. Jhoanna tried to shake the thought away, but it kept coming back, each time more stubborn than the last. What if she really likes him? she thought, the tight feeling in her chest making it harder to breathe.
She barely noticed Mikha calling her name until Mikha bumped into her, almost knocking her off balance. "Hey, Jhoanna! Are you okay? You're walking in the wrong direction," Mikha said with a chuckle, pointing down the hall.
Jhoanna blinked, startled from her thoughts. "Oh... right," she muttered, looking around. She’d somehow wandered off course, lost in her own swirling thoughts. Mikha raised an eyebrow, her expression curious.
“You good? You look like you’re a million miles away,” Mikha said, adjusting her backpack.
Jhoanna hesitated for a moment, then decided to ask. "Mikha, random question... how do you make your best friend fall in love with you?"
Mikha blinked, clearly taken aback by the sudden question. “Uh, wow, that’s... a heavy one,” she said, crossing her arms. “Why do you ask?”
Jhoanna scratched her head, trying to act nonchalant. “Just curious. You know, hypothetically. Like, what if your best friend... well, you know... had feelings for you, and you maybe wanted them to notice?”
Mikha studied her for a moment, eyes narrowing slightly as if reading her. "Hmm, well, you’ve got to be honest with them, right? Tell them how you feel. But also... don’t rush it. Maybe try spending more time together, let them see how much you care. It’s about letting them feel safe and comfortable around you, not forcing anything."
Jhoanna’s heart skipped a beat at the advice, even though Mikha seemed to be speaking from a place of genuine concern. “So... just tell them? That’s it?” she asked, though her voice was barely above a whisper.
Mikha shrugged, her tone light. “Well, it's never easy. But if they’re your best friend, maybe they already know more than you think. Just don't overthink it.”
Jhoanna nodded slowly, her mind spinning. As Mikha walked away toward her own classroom, Jhoanna couldn’t help but think about the one thing she hadn’t asked Mikha. What if Stacey never felt the same way?
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Jhoanna finally reached her classroom and stepped inside, greeted by the familiar hum of students settling in. Her eyes immediately landed on Gwen, who was at her usual spot—sound asleep with her head resting on the desk. A smile tugged at Jhoanna’s lips as she walked toward her.
Gwen always had a way of drifting off during the early hours, especially when it came to classes she found less interesting. Jhoanna leaned down beside her and, in a teasing tone, whispered, “Apuli raw pre, sabi ni Ma'am."
At the mention of the teacher, Gwen’s eyes shot open, her body jerking upright as if she had been caught doing something wrong. She blinked rapidly, still half-asleep, and groggily muttered, “Present!” in the loudest, most disoriented voice.
The class fell silent for a moment, all eyes turning toward Gwen in amusement. Some stifled giggles, while others looked on in confusion. Jhoanna couldn’t help but laugh, clutching her stomach as she tried to control herself. Gwen stared at her with a mixture of irritation and disbelief.
"Jhoanna!" Gwen hissed, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She stood up quickly, ready to strike. "Namoka, lagot ka sakin!"
Jhoanna dodged Gwen's playful swat, still laughing. “Potek, laptrip! You should’ve seen your face when you woke up. Para kang nakakita ng white lady na may tatlong paa.”
Gwen narrowed her eyes, the playfulness still in her gaze as she stood up from her desk, hands on her hips. "Ulol," she said, moving toward Jhoanna like she was about to chase her.
Jhoanna held up her hands in mock surrender, her grin widening. “Okay, okay, tama na, pre. Sige na, panalo ka na.” But she couldn't stop laughing, clearly enjoying the moment with her friend.
The rest of the class, now more awake and amused, returned to their own chatter, but the playful exchange between Jhoanna and Gwen had already lightened the mood. It was just another typical morning in their classroom—full of teasing, laughter, and the kind of friendship that felt effortless, no matter how silly the moments might be.
As the bell rang signaling the start of class, Jhoanna leaned over to Gwen, an impish grin on her face. "Gwen," she said, her voice low but full of mischief, "how about we cut class today? I’m really not in the mood for history."
Gwen looked at her, her eyes wide with mock disbelief. "Cutting nanaman?" she replied, shaking her head with a small laugh. “No thanks, brad.”
Jhoanna smiled, nudging her with her elbow. “Eto naman, parang others eh. Magva-valo lang kina Kuya Luis.”
Gwen hesitated, glancing nervously around the classroom. “Alam mo namang gusto ko rin mag valo kina Kuya Luis eh,” she said reluctantly. “Pero yung girlfriend ko, si Sheena, nalaman niya na nag cut class tayo last week. Kaya ayun, medyo tinakot niya ako ngayon."
Jhoanna raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Tinakot ka? Ano sinabi sayo, hihiwalayan ka raw niya?”
Gwen lowered her voice, looking both embarrassed and slightly terrified. “Sabi niya, hindi niya na ulit ako kakausapin pag inulit ko pa. Kilala mo naman yun, diba. Pag sinabi niya yon, talagang ginagawa niya.”
Jhoanna burst into laughter, barely able to contain herself. “Potek, takot ka pala sa girlfriend mo? Wala to.”
Gwen rolled her eyes, though there was a small smile on her lips. "Gago, seryoso kasi, Jho. Gusto ko pa mabuhay no. Tsaka mag-aral ka naman paminsan-minsan, wag puro kakupalan.”
Jhoanna leaned back in her chair, still laughing. “Wow ah, coming from you, boss. Atleast ako, hindi takot sa gf.”
Gwen's cheeks flushed slightly, but she gave Jhoanna a playful shove. “Sus. Hindi mo talaga magegets yung samin, torpe ka eh. You’re too shy to even confess to Stacey.”
Jhoanna’s heart skipped a beat at Gwen’s words. For a moment, her mind went blank, her gaze dropping to the desk in front of her. Gwen, of course, knew all about her secret crush on Stacey. It wasn’t exactly a secret—Gwen had teased her about it countless times before. But hearing it spoken so directly made her feel exposed.
Gwen glanced at her, noticing the shift in Jhoanna’s expression. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to make it weird,” she added quickly, her voice softening. “I’m just saying, you don’t get why I can’t skip when Sheena’s involved.”
Jhoanna gave a small, tight-lipped smile, trying to shake off the awkward feeling in her chest. "Yeah, yeah, it’s fine. Gets ko naman," she said, though her tone was a little quieter than usual. "I guess I’m just not into... all that relationship drama. I’m better off just avoiding it."
Gwen raised an eyebrow, clearly sensing something was off but choosing not to push it. "If you say so, Jho," she replied, giving her best friend a knowing glance.
Jhoanna smiled weakly, grateful that Gwen didn’t press any further. "Pero di pa rin nawawala yung offer ko mag cut class though," she teased, nudging Gwen lightly. "Pero siguro next time nalang, pag hindi ka na bantay sarado ng girlfriend mo."
Gwen shook her head, but there was a hint of a smile on her lips. "Sure. Pero for now, magpaka-estudyante muna tayo."
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As the last bell rang, signaling the end of class, Gwen packed up her things and turned to Jhoanna with a mischievous smile. "Jho," she said, tossing her bag over her shoulder. "Gusto mo sumama samin mag lunch ni Sheena?"
Jhoanna raised an eyebrow, clearly hesitant. “Uh, thanks, but no thanks,” she said, shaking her head. “Ayoko maging third-wheel pls lang.” She gave Gwen a teasing look. “Tsaka, baka makita ko kayo nagyayakapan, mawalan pa ko ng gana kumain boi."
Gwen laughed, her face lighting up with a playful grin. “Keme mo. Chill lang kami no. Canteen yon, hindi motel.”
Jhoanna rolled her eyes. “Yeah, sure, if by ‘chill’ you mean she’s going to make sure you don’t skip class again.” She leaned closer, her voice lowering into a teasing tone. "Baka gisahin ka lang non pag nandoon ako."
Gwen smirked. “Hindi naman ako natatakot eh,” she said, but there was a hint of sheepishness in her voice. “Joke. Ano lang yun pre, respect her boundaries, nalang diba?" She winked at Jhoanna, clearly amused by the teasing.
Jhoanna couldn’t help but laugh. “Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just be a good girl around Sheena and, I don’t know, tell her I said hi or something.”
Gwen raised her hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright, I’ll send your regards. Happy now?” she teased.
Jhoanna smiled, relieved to have avoided a potentially awkward lunch situation. “Totally. I’ll probably just grab something by myself. But you have fun, lovebirds.” She winked playfully at Gwen before turning to head in the opposite direction.
Gwen called after her, “You know, Jho, someday you’re going to have to stop being so afraid of being around couples.”
Jhoanna shot her a grin over her shoulder. “Yeah, yeah, maybe when I’m actually in a relationship, I’ll think about it. Until then, I’ll just be happily single and free to avoid the romance drama.”
Gwen rolled her eyes but laughed. “Whatever helps you sleep at night, Jho.”
As Jhoanna walked away, she couldn’t help but feel a slight pang in her chest. Gwen and Sheena had something she’d always wished for, but she wasn’t ready to confront that just yet. For now, though, she was content to keep teasing her best friend and pretending like she had no idea how she truly felt.
Jhoanna had been texting Stacey, trying to find a way to invite her for lunch before Gino had the chance, but as she walked down the school hallway, she suddenly stopped in her tracks. There, just ahead, was Stacey walking side by side with Aiah and another guy Jhoanna didn’t recognize. She hadn’t expected to see Stacey with anyone else, and the unfamiliar guy piqued her curiosity.
Without thinking, Jhoanna instinctively slowed her steps, trying to be discreet as she followed them from a distance. She knew she shouldn’t care, but the more she observed, the more a knot formed in her stomach. As she crept closer, Jhoanna overheard a snippet of their conversation. Stacey was laughing, her voice light and carefree, and then Jhoanna heard it—the moment that made her heart sink.
Stacey was telling the guy that he could join them for lunch.
Jhoanna’s mind raced, and she couldn’t help but assume it was Gino—the guy Stacey had been talking about earlier. Her stomach twisted uncomfortably as she watched them walk together. Her immediate reaction was to turn away before they could see her trailing them. She wasn’t ready for this. Not yet.
Trying to shake off the discomfort, Jhoanna took a few steps and then spotted Colet by the vending machine, buying a drink. Jhoanna’s mood darkened further, and she couldn’t suppress the pout that formed on her lips. Colet noticed her almost immediately, her eyes narrowing with concern as she saw Jhoanna’s expression.
"Hey, Jho, what’s up?" Colet asked, her voice calm and gentle, but with a hint of curiosity. “Nakakunot yang noo mo. May problema ba?”
Jhoanna hesitated, not wanting to explain everything just yet, but there was something about Colet’s presence that made her feel safe. She sighed, not meeting her friend’s eyes. “Pwede.... mo ba akong samahan? Gusto ko lang umalis dito."
Colet raised an eyebrow, clearly sensing Jhoanna’s dark mood. “What’s going on?” she asked softly, but Jhoanna just shrugged.
“Di ko alam... I just want to get out for a while,” Jhoanna said quietly, her voice betraying her frustration. “I don’t want to stay here right now.”
Colet studied her friend for a moment, before nodding in understanding. “Alright. I get it. Let’s go. We’ll find some peace outside this school.”
With a small smile, Colet led the way, and together they climbed over the low wall near the back of the school, avoiding the eyes of the school guard. Jhoanna followed closely behind, feeling a little lighter already now that she had a companion to share her burden with.
Once they were clear of the school’s property, Colet unlocked her motorcycle and gestured for Jhoanna to hop on. "So, where are we headed?" Colet asked, her voice casual, though her concern for Jhoanna’s mood was still evident.
Jhoanna climbed onto the bike, wrapping her arms around Colet’s waist. She let out a deep breath, trying to clear her mind. “I don’t know... far away, I guess. I just need some time to think.”
Colet started the engine, the familiar rumble of the motorcycle filling the air. “Got it. I’ll take you anywhere you want.”
As they sped off, Jhoanna leaned her head against Colet’s back, letting the wind whip around them, hoping that the ride would give her some clarity. There was so much she needed to figure out—about Stacey, about herself, and about her feelings that she hadn’t even dared to fully acknowledge yet. For now, though, she was grateful to have Colet by her side, even if just for this escape.
As Jhoanna and Colet cruised along the road, the wind brushing past them, Jhoanna felt a sense of relief wash over her. For the moment, her thoughts were scattered, drifting far away from school, from Stacey, and from everything else that had been weighing on her. But as they stopped at a red light, her phone buzzed in her pocket. It was a message from Stacey.
Jhoanna hesitated before pulling it out, her fingers slowly sliding across the screen.
Stacey:"Sorry, I was with Aiah and Gino, but I just saw your message. I’m free for lunch, and you can join us if you want. I’ll introduce you to Gino, too!"
Jhoanna felt a pang in her chest as she read it. Stacey’s reply was kind and thoughtful, and the idea of meeting Gino made Jhoanna's stomach twist with a mixture of jealousy and discomfort. She had tried to avoid thinking about Stacey and Gino, but now, it was all she could focus on. The idea of being around them together, seeing them bond—Jhoanna didn’t think she could handle it.
Without thinking, Jhoanna turned off her phone and shoved it into her bag. She didn't want to be distracted anymore, didn’t want to let her mind wander back to those thoughts. The ride with Colet was her escape, the only thing that felt real right now. The only thing that helped her feel a little lighter.
But then, the guilt hit her.
Colet, always there for her. Always offering her support. She had been Jhoanna’s rock for so long, especially during the times when Jhoanna felt lost or confused. Jhoanna knew Colet had feelings for her—had for a while, actually. It was something Jhoanna had never been able to fully acknowledge, but the signs were all there. Colet’s kindness, the way she would always go out of her way to help, to comfort her. It wasn’t hard to see that Colet wanted more, that she hoped one day Jhoanna would see her the way she saw her.
But Jhoanna couldn’t give that to her. She wasn’t in love with Colet, and as much as she appreciated her friendship, she didn’t feel the same way. Colet had always been there when Jhoanna needed her, but Jhoanna couldn't help but feel like she was taking advantage of it.
She sighed, looking down at the road beneath them, trying to push the thoughts away. She didn’t want to use Colet, but at this moment, she had no choice. Colet had offered her an escape, and Jhoanna needed it. She wasn’t ready to face what was waiting for her back at school or deal with her feelings for Stacey. She just needed to breathe for a while.
“Thanks, Colet,” Jhoanna muttered, her voice quiet, almost apologetic.