Chapter 3
After Stacey left to head home and change, Jhoanna remained in the kitchen, deep in thought. She sat at the table, absentmindedly running her fingers over its surface. The sudden weight of her feelings for Stacey was pressing on her chest, making her feel restless. With a sigh, she stood and made her way to her grandmother’s room.
Her grandmother was sitting by the window, knitting a scarf. The soft hum of her favorite radio station played in the background, filling the room with a sense of warmth and comfort. Jhoanna hesitated for a moment before stepping inside.
“La,” she began softly, pulling up a chair beside her. “Can I ask you something?”
Her grandmother looked up from her knitting, her wise, weathered eyes meeting Jhoanna’s. “Of course, anak. What’s on your mind?”
Jhoanna fiddled with the hem of her shirt, feeling a little awkward. “How… how do you show someone you care about them? Like, really care about them. But, you know, without making it obvious?”
Her grandmother chuckled, setting her knitting aside. “Ah, so my little apo has someone special in her heart.” She reached out to gently pat Jhoanna’s hand. “Love is a delicate thing, anak. Sometimes, it’s in the little things you do for that person. You don’t always need grand gestures. Show your care through your actions—listen to them, be there when they need you, even if they don’t ask. Sometimes, words aren’t even necessary.”
Jhoanna nodded slowly, taking in her grandmother’s words. “But… what if this person doesn’t feel the same way? What if they end up with someone else?” Her voice faltered as she spoke, the thought making her chest tighten.
Her grandmother studied her carefully, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “This person,” she said, leaning forward slightly, “is it the one I’ve seen you spending so much time with lately?"
Jhoanna’s cheeks flushed, but she nodded. “Yes, Lola. Siya po,” She sighed, lowering her gaze to the floor. “I can’t stand the idea of her being with someone else. I know I’m being selfish, but I just—” She paused, struggling to find the right words. “I don’t want to lose her.”
Her grandmother reached out, lifting Jhoanna’s chin gently so their eyes met. “Love isn’t selfish, anak. It’s honest. If she means so much to you, let her see that through how you treat her. You don’t have to say everything at once. Let things unfold naturally. And if she truly cares for you, she’ll see what’s in your heart.”
Jhoanna felt a lump in her throat as she nodded. Her grandmother’s words brought her some comfort, but they also made her realize how much she had been holding back. She hugged her grandmother tightly. “Thank you, Lola.”
Her grandmother smiled, patting Jhoanna’s back. “I love you, apo ko. Now, go and get ready. And don’t forget to take care of your heart, okay?”
Jhoanna nodded, pulling away from the hug. She reached for her grandmother’s pill organizer on the bedside table, making sure she had taken her maintenance medicine for the day. After confirming that everything was in order, she kissed her grandmother on the forehead.
“Balik po ako mamaya,” Jhoanna said, giving her a small smile before heading to her room to grab her things.
As she stepped outside and got on her motorcycle, Jhoanna couldn’t shake the mixture of anxiety and determination bubbling inside her. She didn’t have a concrete plan, but she knew one thing for certain—she wanted Stacey to feel how much she cared for her, even if she couldn’t find the courage to say the words outright.
The ride to Stacey’s house was short, but Jhoanna’s mind raced with thoughts the entire way. When she pulled up in front of Stacey’s house, she took a deep breath, willing herself to focus. “Alright,” she muttered to herself. “One step at a time.”
Jhoanna leaned against her motorcycle, glancing at her watch for what felt like the tenth time. She tapped her foot impatiently on the ground, the afternoon sun beating down on her. Stacey was taking forever, and Jhoanna couldn’t help but let out a loud groan of frustration. “Stacey!” she yelled toward the front door, her voice echoing down the quiet street. “Napaka tagal mo talaga! Magsasarado na yung museum oh!
Just as Jhoanna was about to yell again, the front door creaked open, and Stacey stepped out. The sunlight seemed to catch her at just the right moment, highlighting her figure and the outfit she had carefully chosen. She was wearing a flowy, knee-length summer dress with soft floral patterns, paired with white sneakers that gave her a casual yet effortlessly chic look. Her hair was lightly curled, framing her face perfectly, and she wore a hint of makeup that accentuated her features without overdoing it.
Jhoanna froze. For a moment, it was as if the world had stopped spinning. The impatient thoughts racing through her mind came to an abrupt halt, replaced by a single, undeniable truth—Stacey looked breathtaking. Jhoanna’s heart skipped a beat, and she found herself staring, unable to tear her gaze away.
By the time Stacey reached the gate, she was smirking knowingly. “Oh yung laway mo,” she teased, standing right in front of Jhoanna with her arms crossed. “Makatitig eh,”
Jhoanna blinked rapidly, snapping out of her daze. Her cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink, and she quickly averted her gaze, crossing her arms defensively. “Feeling mo nanaman,” she protested, though her voice betrayed her embarrassment. "Ang tagal mo kase, and I wasn’t expecting you to come out… like that.”
Stacey laughed, clearly enjoying Jhoanna’s flustered state. “Like what? Stunning? Beautiful? Gorgeous?” she teased, flipping her hair dramatically. “You don’t have to be shy, Jho. I know I look good.”
Jhoanna rolled her eyes, trying to regain her composure. “Lumaki nanaman po ang ulo niya,” she muttered, but her eyes betrayed her as they flickered toward Stacey’s dress. “Pero... hindi ba masyadong maikli?” she added, gesturing vaguely at the hem of Stacey’s dress, which swayed slightly in the breeze. “I mean, aren’t you worried people will stare?”
Stacey shrugged nonchalantly, brushing off the comment. “It’s not that short, and besides, who cares if people stare? Let them. I didn’t dress up for them.” She flashed Jhoanna a playful smile, leaning in slightly. “I dressed up for you.”
Jhoanna’s breath caught in her throat, and for a moment, she didn’t know how to respond. Stacey straightened up and added with a wink, “Kilig ka naman. Syempre joke lang.”
Jhoanna huffed, trying to mask the warmth spreading across her face. “Whatever,” she muttered, climbing onto her motorcycle. “Just get on already. We’re running late.”
Stacey grinned as she climbed on behind Jhoanna, wrapping her arms around her waist. “Aminin mo na,” she whispered teasingly. “You were mesmerized.”
Jhoanna revved the engine, trying to drown out her embarrassment. “Kumapit ka,” she said instead, her voice firm but her hands gripping the handlebars a little tighter than usual. “And don’t distract me while I’m driving.”
As they sped down the road, Jhoanna couldn’t help but glance at Stacey’s reflection in the rearview mirror. She didn’t say it out loud, but Stacey was right—Jhoanna had been mesmerized. And maybe, just maybe, she was okay with that.
The museum stood tall and grand, its ornate architecture lending an air of sophistication to the day’s adventure. Jhoanna parked her motorcycle, took off her helmet, and turned to help Stacey climb off the bike. Her eyes lingered on Stacey, who was adjusting her dress and fixing her hair. The sunlight seemed to follow Stacey wherever she went, making her glow even in the midst of the bustling crowd. Jhoanna shook her head, trying to snap out of her daze. Jhoanna, umayos ka. It’s just Stacey, she told herself, though her heart begged to differ.
As they walked toward the museum entrance, Stacey’s excitement was palpable. “This place looks amazing!” she said, tugging at Jhoanna’s arm. But Jhoanna wasn’t focused on the museum. Her gaze kept drifting back to Stacey, her heart pounding faster with every passing moment. It wasn’t just how beautiful Stacey looked—it was how effortlessly her presence seemed to light up everything around her.
Jhoanna’s thoughts were interrupted when Stacey suddenly reached out and grabbed her hand. It wasn’t unusual; they’d held hands plenty of times before. But this time, something was different. Jhoanna felt a jolt of electricity travel up her arm, and her cheeks grew warm. She glanced down at their intertwined fingers and then up at Stacey, who was chattering excitedly about the museum. Does she feel this too? Or is it just me? Jhoanna wondered.
Before Jhoanna could fully process the moment, they stepped into the museum, and Stacey let go of her hand. Jhoanna frowned slightly at the loss of contact but quickly masked her disappointment. Stacey, on the other hand, was already in full tourist mode, snapping pictures of everything in sight. “Jho, look at this!” she exclaimed, pointing at a beautiful painting of a sunset. “Ang ganda diba?”
Jhoanna nodded, but her eyes weren’t on the painting—they were on Stacey. She admired how Stacey’s eyes sparkled with curiosity and how her smile widened with every new discovery. Ikaw ang pinaka maganda, Stacey ko. Jhoanna thought to herself, biting back a small smile.
As they moved further into the museum, Stacey spotted a kind-looking man standing nearby. “Excuse me,” she said, approaching him with her phone. “Pwede pong magpa picture?” The man nodded, and Stacey quickly grabbed Jhoanna’s arm, pulling her to stand beside her.
“Come on, Jho! Smile!” Stacey said, wrapping an arm around Jhoanna’s shoulder. Instinctively, Jhoanna’s hand found its way to Stacey’s waist, and she couldn’t help but notice how perfectly it fit there. She glanced at Stacey, only to find Stacey looking back at her with a bright, carefree grin. For a moment, time seemed to stop. The world around them faded, and all Jhoanna could see was Stacey.
“Alright, 1,2,3!” the man called out. The camera clicked, capturing the moment before Jhoanna could look away.
“Thank you so much!” Stacey said as the man handed her phone back. She eagerly scrolled through the photos, her face lighting up with a satisfied smile. “Ayan maganda!” she said.
Jhoanna leaned over, curious to see the pictures too, but Stacey quickly pulled her phone away, hiding it against her chest. “Huy!” Jhoanna protested. “Patingin!”
“Nope,” Stacey replied with a mischievous grin. “These are mine. You’ll see them when I post them—maybe.”
“Come on, Stace!” Jhoanna whined, her curiosity piqued. “I’m in those pictures too!”
“Kaya nga,” Stacey teased, sticking out her tongue. “I have to approve them first. You’re terrible at posing, remember?”
Jhoanna rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at her lips. “Fine,” she muttered. “But I better look good, or you owe me another photoshoot.”
Stacey laughed, grabbing Jhoanna’s arm as they continued exploring the museum. “Deal,” she said, her tone light and playful. But Jhoanna’s mind was far from light—it was racing, filled with thoughts of the way Stacey’s arm had fit so comfortably around her, the warmth of her hand on Stacey’s waist, and that fleeting look they had shared.
As the two moved through the museum, Stacey continued to marvel at the exhibits, her enthusiasm contagious. Jhoanna followed closely, stealing glances whenever she could. She knew she had to savor these moments because, deep down, she wasn’t sure how much longer she could keep her growing feelings hidden.
The museum had been peaceful, the ambient hum of visitors’ whispers adding to its charm, but Jhoanna's mind was a storm after seeing Gino’s message on Stacey’s phone. Sitting on the bench with Stacey’s bag and phone, Jhoanna had tried to ignore the intrusive thought, but the words "I miss you" kept echoing in her head. She tightened her grip on the bag, her jaw clenching as she tried to suppress the irritation bubbling inside her.
When Stacey returned, her face lit up with a smile as she approached. “Thanks for holding my stuff, Jho,” she said, reaching for her phone. Jhoanna handed it over without a word, her gesture curt. She stood abruptly and walked ahead, her boots clicking sharply against the polished floor.
Stacey blinked in confusion. “Uh, Jho? What’s wrong?” she called out, but Jhoanna didn’t answer. Stacey frowned, her brows knitting together. She’d only been gone for a minute—what could’ve happened in such a short time?
As they moved through the exhibits, the air between them grew heavy. Earlier, Jhoanna had been attentive, laughing at Stacey’s silly commentary and even sneaking in a few playful teases. But now, she kept her distance, her eyes flickering over the paintings without really seeing them. Stacey felt the shift like a physical weight, but she decided to give Jhoanna space, hoping she’d snap out of it.
When they finished viewing the last exhibit, Stacey turned to say something but found Jhoanna gone. Panic flared in her chest as she scanned the room. “Jhoanna?” she called out softly, trying not to disturb the other visitors. She pulled out her phone to call her, but Jhoanna didn’t pick up. A text arrived seconds later: “I’m in the parking lot.”
Stacey’s confusion deepened. She hurried to the parking lot, her heels clicking against the pavement as the humid afternoon air wrapped around her. When she finally spotted Jhoanna, her frustration boiled over.
Jhoanna was sitting on her motorcycle, her helmet resting in her lap. She looked up when Stacey approached, her expression unreadable.
“What’s your problem, Jho?” Stacey demanded, crossing her arms. “Bat di mo man lang sinabi na aalis ka? Inantay mo muna sana akong makatapos.”
Jhoanna glanced away, fiddling with the strap of her helmet. She didn’t want to look Stacey in the eye; she knew her emotions would betray her. “I—I had to leave,” she said vaguely. “Tumawag si lola. There was no signal inside, so I came out here.”
Stacey narrowed her eyes. “That’s it? That’s why you’ve been acting weird ever since I came back from the restroom?”
Jhoanna hesitated. Stacey’s sharp gaze felt like it was peeling back her layers, exposing the vulnerability she desperately wanted to hide. She knew she couldn’t tell Stacey the truth—that the mere sight of Gino’s message had twisted her stomach with jealousy. What right did she have to feel that way? Stacey wasn’t hers to claim.
“Yes,” Jhoanna finally said, forcing her voice to stay even. “It’s not a big deal.”
Stacey threw her hands up in exasperation. “Parang hindi eh. Sige ganto nalang, if you don’t tell me what’s going on, uuwi nalang ako.”
Jhoanna’s chest tightened at Stacey’s words. She opened her mouth to speak but hesitated. The words were right there, sitting heavy on her tongue, but fear held her back. Nagseselos ako Stacey.
After a long pause, Jhoanna shook her head. “It’s nothing, Stace. I just needed some air. Can we drop it?”
Stacey stared at her, searching her face for any hint of the truth. She didn’t look convinced, but she sighed in defeat. “Fine,” she said, though her tone carried a trace of hurt. “But next time, at least tell me before you disappear. I was worried.”
“I’m sorry,” Jhoanna mumbled, looking down at her hands. The apology felt hollow because she knew she wasn’t being completely honest.
Stacey still couldn’t shake off the frustration she felt after their conversation in the parking lot. She had no idea why Jhoanna was acting so distant, and her curiosity was getting the best of her. Why can’t she just tell me? Stacey thought, her arms crossed as she stared ahead, the cool breeze rustling through the trees around them. She wanted to ask more, but Jhoanna was stubborn when it came to sharing her feelings.
Sensing Stacey’s frustration, Jhoanna couldn't resist teasing her to lighten the mood. “You know, I went outside because the best view wasn’t inside the museum,” she said, a playful smirk tugging at her lips.
Stacey blinked in confusion, her eyes narrowing as she turned toward Jhoanna. “Huh? Eh nasaan?”
Jhoanna raised an eyebrow and, with a teasing grin, pointed right at Stacey. “Nandito sa harap ko.”
Stacey looked at Jhoanna, her heart skipping a beat. She couldn’t quite tell if Jhoanna was being serious or if this was just another one of her playful jabs. She scoffed, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. “Sus, kala mo madadaan mo ako sa ganyan ha."
Jhoanna laughed, a sound that seemed to ease the tension between them. “Nagbaka sakali lang, to naman,” she said with a shrug. "Ganda mo kasi eh."
Stacey rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the smile that tugged at her lips. “Pasalamat ka uto-uto ako.”
With the mood lightened, Jhoanna leaned against the motorcycle, still grinning. “So, where do you want to eat?” she asked, eager to make up for the awkwardness.
Stacey crossed her arms and gave Jhoanna a sly look. “I’ll tell you, but only if you promise to stop acting up like that. No more weird, evasive behavior.”
Jhoanna raised her hands in mock surrender. “Okay, okay. I promise, no more weirdness. I’ll behave, just tell me where you want to go.”
Stacey studied Jhoanna for a moment, making sure she could trust the promise. After a beat, she smirked and gave a playful sigh. “Fine, you win. Let’s go to Mama Mou! Hehe."
Jhoanna’s face lit up at the mention of their favorite spot. “You’ve got it. Pasta it is.”
As they made their way to the restaurant, Jhoanna couldn’t help but steal glances at Stacey. She was still haunted by the message she’d seen on Stacey’s phone earlier, but being around her now, with the familiar comfort of their usual banter, made Jhoanna feel lighter. She knew she still had a lot to figure out about her feelings, but for now, she was content just spending time with Stacey.
They arrived at the restaurant and were quickly seated at a cozy corner table. The dim lighting and relaxed atmosphere were perfect, and Jhoanna couldn’t help but feel a little more at ease. They browsed the menu together, and Jhoanna teasingly pointed out that Stacey always ordered the same dish.
“Ibahin mo naman,” Jhoanna said, nudging her playfully. “You always get the truffle. Don’t you want to try something new?”
Stacey stuck out her tongue. “Nope. Kahit sampu pa ihain niyo sakin, kaya kong ubusin yan. This truffle is the best, and I’m sticking with it.”
Jhoanna chuckled, then gave in. “Fair enough. I’ll get something else, then.”
The two of them continued to joke and talk as they ordered their food, the atmosphere light and easy. The awkwardness from earlier had faded into the background, replaced by the familiar rhythm of their friendship. For Jhoanna, the evening was a reminder that even though things might be complicated between them, she wouldn’t trade moments like this for anything.
As their food arrived, they continued to laugh and chat about everything and nothing—school, friends, and memories from when they were younger. Jhoanna couldn't help but feel grateful for these moments, even though deep down, she knew her feelings for Stacey were growing more complicated with every passing day. But for now, she was content just being here, enjoying the evening together.
As they waited for their order, the clinking of silverware and soft murmur of other diners filled the background, but for Jhoanna, everything felt muted for a moment. She couldn't stop replaying the scene earlier—the message from Gino and her own irrational reaction to it. She had been so consumed by the thought of Stacey possibly getting closer to someone else that she hadn't been fully present at the museum. The excitement and beauty of the artwork had barely registered. Instead, all she could think about was how Stacey had unknowingly made her feel jealous.
With a sigh, Jhoanna decided to break the silence. "So… did you like what you saw at the museum?" she asked, trying to sound casual but hoping Stacey wouldn’t pick up on her discomfort.
Stacey, still beaming from the experience, nodded enthusiastically. "Sobra! I’ve never been to a museum before, so I had no idea how amazing it would be. The art was so beautiful, and the history behind each piece was really interesting." She paused, glancing at Jhoanna. "I definitely want to go again someday."
Jhoanna smiled softly, but a pang of guilt hit her in the chest. She loved it... but I didn’t let her enjoy it as much as she should have, Jhoanna thought to herself. She had been too focused on her own emotions, too fixated on the things she couldn’t control. "I’m glad you liked it," Jhoanna said, her voice faltering slightly. "I… I just feel like I might’ve ruined the experience for you. I was too wrapped up in my own head."
Stacey's eyes softened in concern, immediately sensing the change in tone. "What do you mean? You didn’t ruin anything, Jhoanna." She leaned forward slightly, her gaze steady and reassuring. "If anything, I was just happy to be there with you."
Jhoanna hesitated for a moment, her hands fidgeting with the napkin in front of her. She couldn’t shake the thought of Gino’s message and how it had made her feel like she was losing Stacey to someone else. Her voice dropped lower as she confessed, "I just saw something that… hurt me. It made me realize I’m not as okay as I thought I was."
Stacey’s heart tightened at the vulnerability in Jhoanna’s voice, but she didn’t press. Instead, she reached across the table and gently placed her hand on Jhoanna's. "You know you can talk to me about anything, right? Why didn’t you tell me sooner?"
Jhoanna shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She wanted to open up, to tell Stacey exactly what had been bothering her, but something held her back. The words stuck in her throat, and a part of her didn’t want to burden Stacey with the weight of her emotions. She withdrew slightly, offering a small, apologetic smile. "Okay na yun, hayaan mo na. Baka masira ko pa yung mood."
Stacey sat back, her expression softening. She didn’t want to push Jhoanna, but she couldn’t help the hurt that tugged at her chest. She had always been the one Jhoanna turned to, the one who knew everything about her life—except for now, it seemed. "Jhoanna," Stacey began, her tone gentle but firm, "I get it if you don’t want to talk right now, pero sana hindi ka magtago sakin. You’re my best friend. When you’re ready, you can tell me whatever you want. I won’t mute my phone or ignore your calls. I want to help, okay?"
Jhoanna blinked, surprised at the depth of Stacey’s words. She had always known Stacey was there for her, but hearing it like this made something inside her stir. She wasn’t sure how to respond, but all she could do was give a small, sincere smile. "I know," she whispered. "I’m really grateful for you, Stace."
Stacey smiled back, but there was a quiet sadness in her eyes. She didn’t push further, instead choosing to respect Jhoanna’s space. She understood more than anyone that Jhoanna had her own way of dealing with things, and as much as it hurt, she wasn’t going to force her to share before she was ready.
The waiter arrived with their food, breaking the moment of quiet tension between them. The scent of pasta and freshly baked bread filled the air, and for a brief second, everything felt normal again.
As they dug into their meal, Jhoanna couldn’t help but glance at Stacey every so often. There was something comforting about the way Stacey carried herself, her laughter infectious, her warmth genuine. It was the kind of bond Jhoanna had never taken for granted, but in that moment, she realized just how much she treasured it.
Stacey caught Jhoanna staring at her and raised an eyebrow with a teasing grin. "Ano? Gandang ganda ka nanaman sakin," she joked, nudging Jhoanna with her elbow.
Jhoanna chuckled softly, but there was a deeper emotion behind her smile. "Siguro."
Stacey’s teasing expression faltered for a moment, sensing the subtle shift in Jhoanna’s tone. But before she could say anything, Jhoanna quickly changed the subject. "Anyway, thank you for coming out with me today. I needed this. I needed to get out of my head for a while."
Stacey’s smile softened as she nodded. "Of course. Anytime, Jhoanna. You don’t ever have to go through anything alone."
The air was crisp as they walked side by side, the sounds of their footsteps echoing softly in the quiet evening. The streets were mostly empty, the city lights casting a warm glow on the pavement. A cold breeze suddenly blew through the air, causing Stacey to shiver slightly. Without thinking, Jhoanna slipped her jacket off and draped it over Stacey’s shoulders. "Alam mo na ngang madali kang lamigin, di ka pa nagdala ng jacket," she teased, her voice light and playful, trying to mask the storm brewing inside her.
Stacey looked at her, her lips curving into a soft smile. "Nakakasira kaya ng outfit yon, hmp," she said, adjusting the jacket around her shoulders. She reached over and took Jhoanna’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. Jhoanna felt her heart race at the touch, but she didn’t pull away. There was something comforting about the closeness, the simple act of holding hands, yet something about it made her feel a deep sense of longing.
As they continued walking, the evening stillness enveloping them, Stacey broke the silence. "Jho, do you still see yourself with me after five years?" she asked, her voice soft but with a quiet certainty.
Jhoanna was caught off guard by the question. She looked over at Stacey, her brow furrowing slightly as she processed the words. It wasn’t an unusual question, but the weight of it caught her off guard. "Of course," she said, her response immediate, as though the answer was as natural as breathing. "I don’t think I’ll ever get used to being without you. Kinder pa lang kasama na kita eh. Five years is nothing. It’ll be like this forever."
The words came out more easily than she expected, but as soon as they left her mouth, she couldn’t ignore the undercurrent of fear that stirred inside her. Forever—that word felt like a promise she was too scared to make, even though deep down, she wished she could.
Stacey seemed to consider her response for a moment, her expression thoughtful. Jhoanna looked up to her, a hint of vulnerability in her eyes. "How about you? Do you see me in your future, too?"
Stacey blinked, taken aback by the question, but she smiled warmly. "Of course. Why wouldn’t I?" She paused and added softly, "I’ll always be by your side, Jho. Whatever you want to do, I’ll support you. You know that."
Jhoanna smiled, but there was something wistful in her gaze. "I want you by my side when I reach my dreams," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, as if she were sharing a secret.
But will she always want me the way I want her?
She tightened her grip on Jho's hand. "Syempre naman," she said, her voice steady, "I’ll support you in everything. Natiis nga kita ng ilang taon eh."
Jhoanna laughed softly, though her expression was filled with affection. "Daming alam," she teased, reaching out to lightly shove Stacey.
Stacey quickly dodged, a smirk on her face as she avoided the playful hit. "Ikaw din kaya," she teased back, her mood lightening.
Stacey shook her head, laughing softly at Jhoanna’s antics, and then her face softened as she pulled Jhoanna’s hand closer to her. She slipped their joined hands into the pockets of the jacket, her voice more contemplative now. "I wish life could always be like this—just chill, walking at night, everything so peaceful," she said, gazing up at the sky. The soft rustling of the leaves in the breeze and the faint hum of the city seemed to match the serenity she was feeling.
Jhoanna, however, couldn’t quite enjoy the peace of the moment the way Stacey did. While Stacey was lost in the simple pleasure of their walk, Jhoanna’s heart felt heavy. She glanced at Stacey, observing the way her face was illuminated by the streetlights, the quiet determination in her eyes.
She’ll have her dreams, her future. And I’ll be right there beside her, supporting her every step of the way. But will she ever see me as more than just the friend who’s always there?
The question lingered in Jhoanna’s mind, gnawing at her. She wanted to say something, to tell Stacey how she really felt, but she couldn’t bring herself to voice the truth. The words were too dangerous, too raw, and she wasn’t ready for the possibility of everything falling apart if she admitted how deeply she cared.
Instead, she forced a smile, trying to push the sadness down, but the longing in her heart was undeniable. She squeezed Stacey’s hand tightly, as if holding on to the moment, but deep inside, she knew it wasn’t enough.
For now, she would be the friend who supported Stacey, who stood by her side. She would play her part, even if it meant sacrificing her own heart in silence.
As they walked in comfortable silence, Jhoanna couldn’t shake the feeling that this moment—this peaceful walk, this simple night—was everything she ever wanted. But it was also a reminder of everything she would never have.