Liham sa Ulap

The words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. "Ang ganda ganda mo kaya, ang talino at may leadership skills ka pa. You're probably someone's ideal type too. I'd be courting you rin, 'no, if I was a man." Aiah's playful tone couldn't mask the tremor of uncertainty in her voice, the underlying vulnerability that threatened to shatter her carefully constructed façade. The confession, impulsive and unexpected, had ripped open a chasm in her carefully constructed world.

It wasn't a sudden epiphany, not a dramatic reveal. It was a gradual dawning, a slow accumulation of subtle cues she’d initially dismissed as mere friendship. The way Jhoanna's eyes would linger on her a little too long, the way her laughter would sometimes feel a little too bright, a little too eager when directed at her, the lingering touches, the almost imperceptible shift in her posture when Aiah was near—these weren't just friendly gestures. They were signs, subtle yet undeniable, of a deeper connection.

She remembered the countless times Maloi had teased Jhoanna, her playful jabs hinting at something more than friendship. Aiah dismissed them as harmless jokes, but now, in the wake of her own confession through Sheena, their meaning resonated with a painful clarity. She remembered the way her eyes sparkling with a mixture of shyness and intensity, the countless times she’d caught her staring at her, with Jhoanna’s gaze intense and unwavering, a silent language of affection that only she seemed to have missed.

Now, the silence stretched, thick and heavy with unspoken tension. Aiah watched Jhoanna, her face a mask of stunned confusion, her eyes wide and unreadable. The playful banter, the easy camaraderie that had always defined their relationship, had vanished, replaced by a pit of uncertainty. Aiah's heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic rhythm echoing the chaos in her mind. She had said it – blurted it out, really, in a moment of impulsive honesty. The words, once spoken, couldn't be taken back. They hung in the air, a delicate bubble waiting to burst.

The internal conflict raged within Aiah, a battle between logic and emotion, reason and desire. One part of her, the pragmatic, logical part, insisted that her confession had been a mistake, a clumsy attempt to deflect the intensity of the moment, to mask the surprise and confusion that had swept over her. It had been a playful jab, a way to diffuse the tension.

But another part of her, the more vulnerable, emotional part, whispered a different truth. The confusion was overwhelming, a disorienting swirl of emotions that left Aiah utterly bewildered. Aiah’s now ached with this crazy mix of emotions. It was like trying to solve a ridiculously complex equation with half the numbers missing. The uncertainty was terrifying, a constant undercurrent pulling her under.

Jhoanna, however, was a master of deflection, a seasoned performer in the theater of everyday life. 

“Si Sheena kasi, kung anu ano ang pinagsasabi!” she awkwardly laughs, “H-Huwag kang maniwala sa sinsabi niyan, ate Aiah. Madalas talagang mga walang kabuluhang bagay ang lumalabas sa bibig niyan.”

“Bakit? Eh ‘di ba gusto—” Sheena was interrupted again by Gwen by putting food in her mouth.

“Kumain ka na, bebe, gutom lang ‘yan.” Saad ni Gwen at napatingin na lamang si Sheena nang masama sa kanya. Pangalawang beses na kasi nitong ginawa sa kanya kaya hindi na siya natutuwa.

Aiah, on the other hand, pouts. For a long time, she didn’t heard Jhoanna calling her that until now, and it made her clicked her tongue. But she lets it passed, because she remembered Jhoanna telling her that she will still call her with respect when they are around other people. At kapag silang dalawa lang, tatawagin niya siyang “Aiah”. But still, ayaw parin sana it ni Aiah but since Jhoanna insisted, she settles being called for “Pres” or “President” in public, but never “ate”.

“Ah, so wala ka sanang balak ligawan ako kung sakali?” nakataas ang kilay niyang sambit nang mag sink in sa kanya ang sinabi ni Jhoanna. There was a hint of disappointment in her voice.

“Hindi naman sa ganun.”, Jhoanna replies, although a little composed, but the nervousness crept into her body.

“Sus! Akala ko pa naman—ommf.” Aiah suddenly stops from blabbering when Jhoanna puts a reasonable portion of food to her mouth, mimicking the action that Gwen did to her girlfriend.

“Sinabi ko na nga lang na huwag kang maniwala eh. Baka lumaki pa ulo mo, kumain ka na nga lang ulit!” Jhoanna responded, her voice now back in a joyous tone.

The act made Aiah rolls her eyes playfully and chews her food in her mouth.

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the patio table as the group continued their meal, the awkward tension from Sheena’s ill-timed revelation subsided. The nearby booth buzzed a familiar song, a comforting background hum to the lively gathering. The air, thick with the scent of grilling barbeque and blooming jasmine, felt pleasantly warm. At least, that's the impression Jhoanna carefully cultivated. She laughed easily, her voice ringing with genuine amusement, her smile bright and natural.

She teased Maloi mercilessly about her perpetually messy bun, her words sharp but playful, the familiar banter flowing effortlessly. To the casual observer, nothing seemed amiss. But beneath the surface, a storm raged. Each carefully crafted word, each perfectly timed laugh, was a delicate constructed shield, protecting a heart that throbbed with a mixture of hope and trepidation. Aiah, however, remained a study in gentle confusion. Her eyes, usually sparkling with intelligence and mischief, held a soft, questioning gaze, her brow slightly furrowed as she watched Jhoanna navigate the social currents with practiced ease.

Colet, ever perceptive, noticed the subtle nuances. A slight tremor in Jhoanna's hand as she reached for a drink, the almost imperceptible tightening of her jaw during a lull in the conversation, the way her eyes flickered towards Aiah with a mixture of intensity and vulnerability – these were the telltale signs that something lay beneath the surface. She exchanged a knowing glance with Maloi, who simply nodded, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken tension. Mikha, with her usual pragmatism, simply observed, a slight smile playing on her lips. Sheena, blissfully unaware, continued her lively chatter, oblivious to the delicate dance of emotions unfolding before her.

After they eat, Maloi approached Jhoanna, her voice soft, a gentle concern in her tone that cut through Jhoanna’s carefully constructed facade. "Jhoanna," she began, her words hesitant, "kamusta ka? Okay ka naman?"

“Ha? Okay lang naman ako, ate, nabusog naman ako.”

“You know I’m not referring to that, Jho.” Maloi cuts instantly, her voice sharp, mixed with concern. “Kamusta ka nga? Okay ka lang ba?” she repeated, eyeing Jhoanna carefully.

Jhoanna forced a bright smile, a practiced performance that felt hollow even to her. "Okay lang ako ate, ano ka ba. Alam ko naman na dati na ganun siya eh. Ikaw nga unang nagsabi."

Maloi sighed, “Alam ko, Jho. Pero gusto lang kita kamustahin, kasi I know for sure na bothered ka sa sinabi niya.”

“Sus! Bakit naman ako mabo-bothered doon? Eh hindi nga ako nasaktan sa sinabi niya eh. Tsaka happy crush ko lang naman siya, ate. Malayo sa bituka ‘yung confirmation niya kanina.”

“Neknek mo happy crush!”, Maloi jabs Jhoanna jokningly, “Hindi ka aabot sa point na kailangan mo rin tumakbo sa student council para maging close sa kanya, Jho. Hindi ka gagawa ng isang major move kung happy crush lang ‘yan.”

“Eh ‘admiring from afar’, matatawag pa bang ganun yung sa akin?”

That statement gained her another jab from Maloi, “Tangeks ka talaga! Paano pa ‘yan matatawag na ganyan eh ang lapit lapit mo na nga sa kanya. Tigil tigilan mo nga ako sa pa ganyan mo, Jho. Masasakal na kita diyan eh.”

Jhoanna just laughs, amused by Maloi’s playful demeanor. “Oh, kalma ka na kasi riyan. Sabing okay nga lang kasi ako eh.” Then she patted Maloi’s arm.

Maloi shifts into a serious but concern look, “Pero hindi ka pa graduate sa kanya? Magdadalawang taon na ‘yang crush mo ah, imposibleng hindi pa lumalalim ‘yan considering the fact na halos palagi kayong magkasama?”

Jhoanna just clicks her tongue, “Hayaan mo ta starting today magmo-move on na ako.” She spoke then excused herself, heading to the restroom, leaving Maloi standing alone, her concern deepening. 

Alone in the restroom, Jhoanna stared at her reflection, the harsh fluorescent light illuminating the strained smile she’d been wearing all along. Her cheeks were flushed, not from exertion or heat, but from a mixture of embarrassment, a lingering, hopeful feeling, and the overwhelming weight of her carefully constructed lie. Aiah's words – "You're worth the shot," "I'd be courting you rin 'no if I was a man" – echoed in her mind, each syllable a tiny hammer blow against the fragile walls of her composure. Were they a rejection, a subtle dismissal? Or were they something else entirely, a veiled acceptance disguised as casual banter? Jhoanna likes to think about the latter but the uncertainty gnawed at her, a persistent ache in her chest. She shrugs it all out, forcing a smile again and left the bathroom, heading to a booth where her friends have gone to.

They all joined a game wherein they need to arranged the sticks in accordance to the card that they’ve pulled out. They need to pick 3 card and each player had a minute to finish a card. Jhoanna lets her other friends did it first before her, silently observing how they’ve done it if ever she got the same card too. Her competitive self, awakens.

Her turn began. It’s just a simple game of arranging sticks, but the strain was palpable. Jhoanna's movements, usually fluid and precise, were slightly jerky, her hands occasionally fumbling as she carefully placed the sticks. Her brow furrowed in concentration, but her focus seemed scattered, her eyes darting towards Aiah, then back to the sticks. Sweat beaded on her forehead, a stark contrast to the casual atmosphere. Aiah watched her, a gentle smile playing on her lips, her confusion evident but not unkind. She seemed genuinely pleased by Jhoanna's concentration, her eyes sparkling with a warmth.

Then, unexpectedly, Aiah leaned in, her voice soft. "Careful with that one," she murmured, gently nudging a slightly askew stick with her finger. "It needs to be just a little more to the left."

Jhoanna looked at Aiah, surprised, then back at the sticks. A small smile played on her lips. "Thanks," she whispered, her voice barely audibles above the background chatter. She adjusted the stick, her movements suddenly smoother, more confident. Aiah's subtle guidance seemed to unlock something in her, her usual skill returning, her movements fluid and precise.

She won, of course, her victory feeling less hollow this time, the self-deprecating laugh genuine, the playful boast ringing with its usual confidence. Aiah clapped, her smile bright and sincere. "Good job, Jho!" she said, her eyes sparkling with admiration. When Jhoanna got her prize, the organizer asked Jhoanna to pose for a picture, saying that it is mandatory to post it in the booth’s hall of fame. Jhoanna obliged willingly, her eyes full of energy and heartfelt happiness.

Later, as the group began to disperse, Aiah approached Jhoanna. "Jho," she said, her voice soft, "Thanks for the fun afternoon. Nag enjoy ako."

Jhoanna's smile widened, a genuine expression this time, free from the meticulously built facade. "Ako rin, it was good to see everyone enjoyed din." she replied, her voice warm and sincere. "Siya nga pala, hindi ka pa ba uuwi?"

"I am as soon as makapagpalit ako ng pants." Aiah then paused while Jhoanna hummed.

“Ihatid na kita—”

“Can you drive me home?—"

They both asked in unison, a slight blush creeping onto their cheeks. Jhoanna smiles shyly and scratched her brows. This exquisite gesture has been plastered on Aiah’s mind. Whenever Jhoanna is embarrassed or shy; she looks down, smiles and scratch her brows.

Aiah chuckles, “Great, magpalit lang ako para komportable akong sumakay sa motor mo.”

"Sure," Jhoanna said, her heart doing a little skip, leading Aiah the way to the comfort room. Thankfully, Jhoanna always had a spare helmet in her compartment. So whenever she had an unexpected passenger, they always have a helmet to wore for their safety.

The drive was quiet, comfortable, not awkward at all. Jhoanna focused on the road, her hands steady on the throttle, but her mind raced. The different noise from the streets played softly in the background, a gentle melody that seemed to mirror the turmoil in her heart. She stole glances at Aiah through the side mirror, who was gazing out, her expression thoughtful.

"So," Aiah said finally, breaking the comfortable silence, her voice a bit loud because of the wind. "Sheena's a bit… enthusiastic, isn't she?"

Jhoanna chuckled, the sound a little shaky. "Yeah, she has a way of making things… interesting." She paused, gathering her courage. "I'm glad you weren't too bothered by it." Saad niya nang maalala niya ang sinabi kanina ni Sheena.

Aiah smiled genuinely, "No naman, nakakatawa nga eh.” She breaths, then she gulped, slightly nervous before adding, “Although… I am a bit curious about what she meant."

Jhoanna's breath hitched. This was it, the moment of truth. But the words wouldn't come. She steered the vehicle towards Aiah's apartment, the silence between them comfortable, yet charged with unspoken feelings. The internal struggle was fierce, but outwardly, Jhoanna appeared calm, even serene. As she pulled up to Aiah's house, she simply said, "You’re home safe na."

Aiah smiled, a hint of something unreadable in her eyes. "Thanks for the ride, Jhoanna." She leaned in and gave Jhoanna a quick hug, a motion that sent a jolt of electricity through Jhoanna.

“Walang anuman. Sige, pasok ka na. Alis ako agad after mo makapasok.” She replied in which Aiah just hums for a reply.

“Ingat ka on the way home. Chat me later kapag nakauwi ka na.” Aiah stepped out of the motor then she smiles and wave her hand, leaving Jhoanna alone with her racing heart and the weight of her unspoken feelings.

The rest of the evening was spent in a state of quiet contemplation, a gentle hum of contentment settling over her. Aiah replayed the events of the day in her mind, focusing on the small details – the way Jhoanna's eyes had lingered on hers, the subtle tremor in her hands, the almost imperceptible shift in her demeanor after Aiah's seemingly casual suggestion during the stick game. A smile played on her lips, a soft, knowing smile. Each detail was a piece of a puzzle she couldn't solve, each memory a fragment of a feeling she couldn't name. Was this attraction? Was it something more profound? Or was she simply overthinking things, projecting her own anxieties onto a perfectly innocent friendship? Self-doubt gnawed at her, a persistent voice whispering insidious questions in the back of her mind.

She thought about Sheena's clumsy revelation, the awkwardness that had briefly clouded the afternoon. But now, looking back, it seemed almost inconsequential, a minor blip in the larger narrative of their… what? Friendship? Something more? She couldn't define it. Sheena's words, though ill-timed, had inadvertently served as a catalyst, bringing to the surface the unspoken feelings that had been simmering beneath the surface for so long, but whose feelings were they, exactly?

Gelo's text message arrived like a jarring intrusion into her internal turmoil. The thought of a casual dinner date felt like a chore, a suffocating weight of expectation. She typed a reply, her fingers hesitant, her mind wrestling with the conflicting emotions that threatened to overwhelm her. "Thanks for the invite, Gelo," she typed, "but I'm not feeling up to it tonight. Maybe another time?" She added a polite smiley face, hoping it would soften the blow. She hit send, a sense of relief washing over her, followed by a wave of… what was this? Guilt? Disappointment? She wasn't sure. 

She started a new chapter in her book, losing herself in the fictional world, the intricate plot a welcome distraction from the tangled mess of her own feelings. She even tackled a particularly challenging section of her online course, the mental exertion a welcome form of escapism.

But even amidst the distractions, the undercurrent of confusion persisted. The laughter felt hollow, the engagement forced, the sense of escape temporary. The knot in her stomach remained, a persistent reminder of the unresolved feelings churning beneath the surface. She was good at distracting herself, Aiah knew, adept at pushing uncomfortable emotions aside, but tonight, the feelings were too persistent, too insistent to be ignored completely. The attempt at distraction had been a temporary reprieve, a brief respite from the storm within, but the underlying unease remained, a persistent purr beneath the surface of her calm demeanor.

Her phone buzzed, a notification from Jhoanna. A wave of warmth, followed by a surge of anxiety, washed over her. She hesitated, her finger hovering over the notification, before finally opening the message.

From: Jhoanna

<Good evening, Aiah. Sorry at late na akong nakapag update.>

<But yeah, nakauwi na ako.>

<Katatapos ko lang din kumain. I hope you’re done to.>

Why does this feel so significant? she thought, her mind racing. It's just a friendly check-in. But the gentle concern underlying the words resonated deeply within her, stirring something within her that she couldn't quite name. A sigh escaped Aiah's lips. A simple message, yet it held a weight that belied its brevity. She typed a reply, her fingers hesitant, her mind wrestling with the conflicting emotions that threatened to overwhelm her. 

To: Jhoanna

<Yeah, I’m done na rin.>

She sends, then paused, considering her next words carefully.

To: Jhoanna

<Thank you ulit for today, Jho.>

<and for the ride :))>

She added a smiley face, a simple act that felt inadequate to express the complex emotions swirling within her. Jhoanna's reply came almost instantly

From: Jhoanna

<Anytime.>

She stares at the message for a while. She typed back, then paused again, her finger hovering over the keyboard. Hindi niya alam kung anong sasabihin niya kaya dinedelete lang din niya ang natipa niyang chat kaysa i-send ito. She thought she wanted to say more, but settled for a simple, “Great, I’ll see you at Stacey’s pageant? Sunduin mo ako ha”.

From: Jhoanna

<Oo naman. HAHA.>

<Goodnight, Maraiah.>

The following day were a blur of classes, assignments, and a surprising sense of calm. Aiah had successfully pushed the confusing swirl of emotions regarding Jhoanna to the back of her mind, focusing instead on the immediate demands of her daily life. The uncertainty remained, but it was manageable, a background noise rather than a raging storm. She even found herself enjoying Gelo's company for the day appreciating his consistent kindness and easygoing nature.

Then came the day of Stacey's school pageant. The pre-pageant jitters were mostly for Stacey, not herself. Aiah felt a sense of peace, a welcome absence of the internal turmoil that had plagued her the other day. As she got ready, her phone buzzed, and she saw Jhoanna in the notification. She reads it and typed a reply instantly.

From: Jhoanna

<Ready ka na? I’ll pick you up in 15.>

To: Jhoanna

<Almost done! Ingat u :*>

When Jhoanna arrived, Aiah's breath hitched. Jhoanna was wearing a simple white sleeveless vest over gray denim pants. The vest was crisp and clean, accentuating her slender frame. Her dark hair cascaded down her shoulders, framing her face. She wore her glasses, their dark frames highlighting the intensity of her gaze. But it wasn't just her attire; it was her expression. There was a quiet intensity in her eyes, a nervousness that mirrored Aiah's own. A faint blush colored her cheeks, adding a touch of vulnerability to her usually composed demeanor. What a beauty, she said in her mind.

As Aiah approached, Jhoanna's eyes met hers, a smile playing on her lips. It wasn't a playful smile, but a soft, almost shy smile that hinted at something more profound. There was a quiet intensity in her gaze, a nervousness that mirrored Aiah's own, yet also held a hint of something else – anticipation, perhaps? Or something more?

“Hi, Aiah.” Jhoanna speaks as she opens the door, her eyes lingering on Aiah's face for a moment longer than necessary, before quickly darting away.

“Hello, Jho.” Aiah replies then smile bago siya pumasok. Jhoanna then closed the door and quickly moved to another side to settle.

“Sinong una nating susunduin? Is it Maloi or Colet?” Aiah asked while she watch Jhoanna put on her seatbelt.

“Si ate Maloi, Gwen at Sheena ang susunduin ko. Mikha volunteered to drive ate ate Colet eh.” Jhoanna responded and Aiah just nods for a reply.

Pinaandar na ni Jhoanna ang kotse and was ready to drive but she noticed that Aiah hasn’t put on her seatbelt yet. Pero imbes na sabihin ay sinensyas na lamang ni Jhoanna ang mag seatbelt si Aiah. But Aiah was confused when she saw what Jhoanna was doing.

“Ano ‘yan?” she asked, her brows furrowing in confusion. But instead of replying in words, Jhoanna just continued pouting her lips at her direction and twitching her eyebrows at the same time, indicating that she needed to put her seatbelt on.

This scene made Aiah confused the hell out of her. Kinakabahan siya sa hindi malamang rason. She gulped, looking intently at Jhoanna’s lips. What the hell is she doing? Does she want us to kiss? Her eyes widened, a mixture of surprise, excitement, and a touch of apprehension flashing across her face. A blush crept up her neck, staining her cheeks a deep crimson. She glanced at Jhoanna’s eyes, her heart pounding in her chest, a mixture of anticipation and nervousness swirling within her.

Jhoanna, noticing Aiah's reaction, her eyes widening in surprise and understanding, quickly looked away, her blush deepening. She subtly bit her lip, her expression a mixture of surprise and a hint of regret.

“Y-Yung s-seatbelt mo, Aiah.” her eyes briefly meeting Aiah's before quickly darting back to the road. A faint blush colored Jhoanna’s cheek, adding a layer of vulnerability to the silent communication.

Aiah, however, completely misconstrued the gesture. Aiah interpreted Jhoanna's mouthed gesture not as a request to fasten her seatbelt, but as a surprisingly bold, albeit silent, invitation for a kiss. Her eyes widened, a mixture of embarrassment and a touch of apprehension flashing across her face. A blush crept up her neck, staining her cheeks a deep crimson. She looks away, her heart pounding in her chest, a mixture of anticipation and nervousness swirling within her. A beat of silence followed. Aiah's heart pounded in her chest, her expression a mixture of surprise and dawning understanding. She quickly fastened her seatbelt, her fingers fumbling slightly with the buckle,

A playful smirk tugged at the corner of Jhoanna's lips, adding a layer of flirtatiousness to the miscommunication. “Ano bang iniisip mo? Kung makatingin ka naman parang ano…” Jhoanna asked, her voice seems playful.

Aiah tightens her grip on the seatbelt, still embarrassed by what she thought a while ago. Did you seriously think that Jhoanna wanted to kiss? Oh my God ka, Aiah, you’re so stupid! Aiah exhaled then she bravely faced Jhoanna, her face still blushing from the humiliation but she didn’t want to give in. Two can play this game.

“Ano? Parang ano, Jhoanna?” She smirks and looks at Jhoanna teasingly. She leaned in subtly, making Jhoanna fall back, her eyes widened in surprise.

“Ano?” Aiah added, her face looks challenging and commanding.

Jhoanna just clicks her tongue and shows a slight irritation in her face, a frontage she needed to create to make Aiah stop. Hindi niya kinakaya ang ginagawa ni Aiah, para siyang binabaliw sa pag aamba niya.

“Tsk, w-wala! Tara na nga lang!” sagot na lamang niya bago paandarin ang sasakyan. She quickly opens the aircon at tinutok ang isang vent sa kanya.

Instead of guilt, a wave of amusement washed over Aiah. The intensity of Jhoanna's embarrassment was both unexpected and undeniably charming. The earlier excitement and anticipation didn't entirely fade; they were now intertwined with a lighthearted amusement. She subtly suppressed a smile, her eyes twinkling with mirth, her smile now barely contained. She glanced at Jhoanna, her expression a mixture of playful amusement and soft understanding.

This time, she didn't hesitate. "Parang ano pala ha," she whispered, her voice laced with a teasing lilt.

The arrival of Maloi, Gwen, and Sheena was a welcome distraction, their chatter a temporary reprieve from the storm of unspoken emotions swirling within Aiah and Jhoanna. The tension didn't disappear completely, but it diffused, replaced by the familiar closeness of their group. The car ride to the school was filled with their usual banter.

The air in the gymnasium crackled with anticipation. A sea of faces, an assortment of colors and emotions, swirled around them.

“I-ready niyo na ang mga banner and tarpaulins natin para kay Staku!” Jhoanna blurted out, almost screaming because of the roaring music.

“Oo, nandito na! Kunin niyo na itong dalawa, hawakan niyo ‘yan ni Aiah. Punta lang ako sa dressing room ng mga candidates, may ibibigay lang ako kay Stacey.” Maloi leaned in to reply.

Jhoanna was puzzled, but choose not to dwell on it instead. Though she made a mental note to ask Stacey why Maloi had to go to her before the competition starts and since when did they became so close without her knowing.

She glanced at Aiah and made her self comfortable beside her. She gave her the banner and ask what Aiah needs. When Aiah replies “nothing”, Jhoanna just nods and wait for the pageant to ascend. They sat side-by-side, their hands and shoulders brushing occasionally.

A wave of murmurs rippled through the crowd as the MCs took their places, their smiles bright and welcoming. The hushed whispers turned into a low hum of excitement, a collective intake of breath as the audience settled in, their anticipation palpable. Cameras flashed, capturing the scene, the bright lights reflecting off the polished floor, creating a dazzling spectacle. The energy in the room was electric, a palpable buzz of anticipation hanging heavy in the air. The crowd shifted in their seats, their eyes glued to the stage, their bodies leaning forward in eager anticipation.

As the music swelled, signaling the beginning of the pageant, the crowd erupted in a thunderous applause, a wave of sound that shook the very foundations of the building. The cheers, a mixture of excitement and anticipation, echoed through the vast space, a testament to the collective energy of the audience. The air crackled with anticipation, a palpable buzz of excitement hanging heavy in the air. The crowd was captivated, their eyes glued to the stage, their bodies leaning forward in eager anticipation. Every rustle of fabric, every subtle movement, every radiant smile was met with gasps of awe and admiration.

“STACEY!” Jhoanna and Maloi occasionally screamed and wildly waved their tarpaulin and banner as she saw her friend walking gracefully on the runway. Sheena joins too, making their area almost the noisiest.

Natawa na lamang si Aiah sa ginagawa ni Jhoanna, Sheena at Maloi. Kung maka support daig pa nito ang magulang. Gwen, Mikha, and Colet rarely cheer, but they made sure to clap, with a mix of delightfulness and honor, whenever Stacey is on stage or when she won an award. Aiah, on the other hand, is a mix of the two groups, sometimes she screams, sometimes she keeps quiet and just claps.

“OH MY GOD, STACEY, ANG GANDA GANDA MO TALAGA!”

“IUWI MO NA ANG KORONA, STAKU!”

“NUMBER 8! NUMBER 8!”

“OH MY GOD! KASALI SIYA SA TOP 5!”

Ilan lamang ‘yan sa paulit ulit na sinisigaw ni Jhoanna habang nanonood.

The pageant unfolded, a dazzling display of talent and grace. Each contestant brought their unique charm and personality to the stage, captivating the audience with their performances. Aiah watched, her attention divided between the spectacle and Jhoanna, her reactions a silent commentary on the unfolding events. The shared glances, the occasional brush of hands, the unspoken connection – it was a silent language that only they could understand. A subtle shift in Jhoanna's posture, a barely perceptible tightening of her jaw, a fleeting flicker of anxiety in her eyes – these were the subtle cues that Aiah had learned to interpret, the silent signals that spoke volumes about the emotions swirling within her friend.

Stacey took the stage. She was a vision, her confidence radiating through the room. She moved with a grace and poise that belied her usual playful demeanor, her performance captivating the audience. Aiah watched, her heart pounding in her chest, a mixture of excitement and hopefulness swirling within her. She knew how much this meant to Stacey, how much effort and dedication Stacey had poured into preparing for this moment. Aiah felt a surge of pride and admiration for her friend, a feeling that transcended the boundaries of their friendship.

As Stacey delivered her final answer, a wave of emotion washed over Aiah. She watched Jhoanna, her eyes shining with pride and admiration.

And then, the announcement. "And the new Miss College of Engineering and Architecture is…” The crowd began to shout the number they wanted to win.

“8 na ‘yan!”

“Please, si Staku.” Jhoanna murmured, her hands clasping each other, a silent plea that she wanted to be true.

“Stacey Aubrey Sevilleja!"

The gymnasium exploded in applause, a thunderous roar of celebration that shook the very foundations of the building. Confetti rained down, a vibrant shower of color that mirrored the explosion of emotions within Aiah. She watched Jhoanna, her face alight with joy, her eyes sparkling with pride and happiness. A wave of emotion washed over Aiah – relief, happiness, and a growing sense of something more profound.

Jhoanna turned to Aiah, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "Oh, my Gosh! She did it!" she screams, her voice choked with emotion. "Nanalo si Staku, guys!"

Aiah reached out, her arms gently pulling Jhoanna's body for a hug. “She does!” She replies, with her voice proud.

The warmth of Jhoanna's body was a comforting contrast to the turmoil raging within her. Jhoanna's arms wrapped around Aiah, her embrace gentle yet firm, a silent reassurance that she wasn't alone in this moment of shared emotion. Aiah inhaled deeply, the scent of Jhoanna's perfume, a subtle floral fragrance, filling her senses, intensifying the emotional charge of the moment. She could feel the warmth of Jhoanna's breath on her skin, the gentle pressure of her body against hers. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated intimacy.

Slowly, reluctantly, they withdrew from the hug. Their faces were inches apart, their breaths mingling, the air thick with unspoken tension. Jhoanna's eyes, still glistening with unshed tears, met Aiah's, her gaze intense and unwavering. Aiah's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm echoing the chaos in her mind. She could feel the warmth of Jhoanna's breath on her skin, the subtle pressure of her body against hers. The world around them faded, leaving only the raw, intense connection between them. A blush crept onto Aiah's cheeks, a delicate pink that mirrored the trouble within her.

“I’m glad that Stacey won.” Aiah could only whisper at the moment. Nalulula siya sa sobrang lapit ng mukha nila sa isa’t isa. Sobrang lapit na kitang kita niya parin ang mga maliliit na nunal ni Jhoanna sa mukha.

“Deserve niyang manalo.” Jhoanna whispers back, her gaze landing at Aiah’s lips and eyes, simultaneously.

Aiah gulped, remembering the moment at the car earlier, where she thought that Jhoanna wanted to kiss. Now in this particular moment, does Jhoanna want that now? Or is she reading the room wrong again? She doesn’t know. But one thing is for sure. When Jhoanna leans in, she will…

“Tara na, guys! Baba na tayo sa stage para makapagpa-picture sa princess natin!” Biglang saad ni Sheena.

Then, just as quickly as it had begun, the moment ended. Aiah pulled back, her heart pounding in her chest, a mixture of relief and disappointment swirling within her. The delicate bubble that she and Jhoanna created has popped out, leaving Aiah in a state of something unexplainable.

“T-Tara?” Jhoanna asked and handed her hand, expecting Aiah to do it.

Aiah gives her a lopsided smile, “Y-You can go ahead. Nasa likod mo lang din naman ako.”