Liham sa Ulap: Pwede bang mapakinggan ang tinig ko, bini (philippines band) fanfic

Nahriiii

Characters

Gwen Apuli/Sheena Catacutan, Aiah Arceta, Mikha Lim, Colet Vergara, Maloi Ricalde, Jhoanna Robles, Stacey Sevilleja, Gwen Apuli, Sheena Catacutan, Aiah Arceta/Jhoanna Robles, Mikha Lim/Colet Vergara, Maloi Ricalde/Stacey Sevilleja

Pwede bang mapakinggan ang tinig ko

April 20, 2025 at 03:27 AM

"Yes ma. Don't worry, okay lang ako rito. I've eaten dinner, yes." Aiah rummaged through her cabinet to find the pair of her socks.

"Gusto mo bang ipunta nalang namin si Honey diyan para may kasama ka?"

Aiah smiled then pouts, she missed her dog. "As much as I want to, mas okay nang nandiyan siya para maalagaan talaga. You know my schedule, ma, hectic at may work pa ako sa SC. Usually gabi na rin ako nakakauwi. Ayaw ko namang maiwan lang din mag isa si Honey dito."

Her mother sighed from the other line, feeling defeated as her daughter insisted on what she wanted. Aiah was used for being independent, alright. But the thought of her own daughter, coming home after a long day, without someone welcoming her, breaks her heart.

Meanwhile, Aiah sighed in relief when she finally found what she was looking for, and sensing her mother worrying, she began to assure her. "Ma, I'm okay, really. Wala kayong dapat ikabahala sa akin dito. I've got everything under control." Was it, for real?

"Okay, fine. But do sure na bumisita ka rin sa tita mo na nandiyan if you're feeling under the weather or lonely, okay? Para hindi ka nag iisa kung sakali."

"I will, ma."

"By the way, kamusta naman kayo ni Gelo? Is he making progress in winning your heart?" her mom suddenly asked.

That made Aiah caught off guard. Right. Gelo is known by her family. He is part of her childhood.

Gelo. The name itself conjured a rush of memories – scraped knees patched with his mother's needle and thread, shared secrets whispered under the shade of the old mango tree, countless hours spent building elaborate sandcastles only to watch them crumble under the relentless waves. They were inseparable, Gelo and Aiah, two halves of a whole, their childhoods intertwined like the roots of that old mango tree. Aiah was Gelo's constant, the anchor in a world that often felt chaotic and unpredictable. Them being close at that time, made Gelo develop feelings for Aiah.

During a family dinner filled with the comforting aroma of Aiah's mom's cooking, a tense atmosphere replaced the usual joviality. Gelo, sitting across from Aiah, fidgeted nervously, aware of the unspoken tension in the room. After the meal, he stood up, clearing his throat to draw everyone's attention. With a steady voice, he recounted their years of friendship and the deeper feelings that had developed between them. He then asked Aiah's family for their blessing to formally court her. Aiah felt a wave of shock and disbelief at the realization that her childhood friend was in love with her. This unexpected revelation left her momentarily paralyzed, as her mind struggled to comprehend the shift in their relationship. Yet, beneath the surprise and fear, a flicker of curiosity and warmth emerged.

But that was before.

Now she's guilty, because in the past few days, or even a week, she's been constantly declining Gelo's invitation.

"Judging by your silence, I'm guessing na hindi pa?"

Aiah sighed again, well, I suppose that there's no harm in telling? "Hindi po, ma. But we're good. He's been driving me back and forth sometimes."

"Sometimes? Not even often, usually, or always? That's like close to rare."

"Sometimes lang po."

"Is someone else driving you ba?"

"At what context po ang driving me na 'yan?" Aiah suddenly jokes and laughs.

"Aiah!" Her mom exclaimed, but her voice filled with amusement. She knew that her daughter was joking, she could tell. "May iba bang sumusundo sa'yo sa school at naghahatid sa iyo pauwi?"

Still laughing, Aiah gets her towel and set of clothes, getting ready to take a shower. "Meron naman po." Then she paused.

"Sino?"

Aiah gulped, feeling nervous all of a sudden. "I-Its just a friend," she paused then breathed sharply, "s-shes Jhoanna. 'Yung kasama ko rin po sa SC, siya 'yung vice president."

She's frequently driving me home... and crazy at the same time. Aiah badly wanted to tell her mom how this particular someone made her confused about what she felt but she constrained herself. No, definitely not now. She needs to wait until she finally knows what she's feeling.

"Oh, she is? Thank God because it's not some random dude." That made Aiah shake her head in disbelief. "Anyway, I got to go, anak. I might be taking a lot of your time na. Ingat ka palagi diyan, okay? Always eat on time rin."

"Yes ma, I love you po."

"I love you too, anak. We missed you here na."

Aiah smiled but felt a weight on her chest after the call. She missed her family too. But it sucks that she also needs to be away from them to achieve her dreams.

The chipped paint of the bathroom wall felt cold against Aiah's cheek as she stared at her reflection. The mirror, fogged with the remnants of a hot shower, showed a face etched with a familiar weariness, but today, a new layer of confusion clouded her features. The usual anxiety about the relentless march of time and the inevitable decay of things felt… different. It was overshadowed by a swirling, unsettling feeling centered in her chest, a feeling she couldn't quite decipher.

This morning, it was the chipped paint. Yesterday, it had been the crooked picture frame in the hallway. The day before, the slightly off-kilter placement of the cups in the cupboard. Each tiny imperfection, each deviation from the rigid order she’d painstakingly constructed in her life, was a tiny battle fought and lost. A constant, nagging reminder of the relentless march of time, of entropy's cruel hand. Aiah's internal struggle wasn't a sudden eruption but a slow, agonizing erosion of her life. Her life, until now, had been a meticulously crafted tapestry woven from routine and order. Every object had its place, and every action has its time. This predictability provided a sense of control, a comforting shield against the unpredictable nature of the world. The emergence of these-- confusing feelings for a certain someone was a gaping hole ripped in that tapestry, a chaotic storm in her usually calm and predictable sea.

It started subtly, a warmth spreading through her whenever Jhoanna's name was mentioned, a flutter in her stomach when Jhoanna's hand brushed hers during their usual work at the SC office. Initially, she dismissed it as mere fondness, the comfortable familiarity of a long-standing friendship. But lately, the warmth had intensified, and the fluttering had become a frantic dance of... butterflies? Last night, the memory of Jhoanna and her during pageant night, the way they locked in each other's eyes, had kept her awake for hours. It wasn't just friendship; that much was clear. But what was it?

She reached for her toothbrush, its bristles a meager comfort in this storm of unfamiliar emotions. Even this, she realized with a pang of something akin to despair, would soon need replacing. The thought sent a shiver down her spine. The familiar routine felt inadequate, a flimsy shield against the onslaught of feelings she couldn't comprehend. Even the act of brushing her teeth, usually a source of calm, felt clumsy and rushed.

A new wave of anxiety, far greater than her usual fear of change, washed over her. While minor imperfections in her ordered world were tolerable, this was a fundamental upheaval, threatening the very structure of her life. The small flaws were manageable; this was terrifying.

"Get a grip, Aiah. May exam ka pa bukas." She mutters to herself and tries to focus. She resolutely pushed the swirling emotions aside, burying them under a thick blanket of determination.

Tonight, Jhoanna would wait. Tonight, only the last day of prelims mattered.

But timing, sometimes, is such a bitch. Because as Aiah focused herself on the textbook, a text message pinged on her phone. It was Jhoanna.

Gusto na lamang sabunutan ni Aiah and sarili niya sa sandaling 'yan. She wanted to focus, may exam pa siya bukas, nakalimutan na niya kanina ang buong existence ni Jhoanna, at determinado siyang makakuha ng mataas na marka. Kaya bakit sumisilip na naman ang pangalan ni Jhoanna sa phone niya at this time? She wanted to grip her hair, but instead, she settles to smack her forehead. "What is it this time?" she murmured and open the message.

From: Jhoanna

Aiah stares at the message for a moment. She looks puzzled. Iyon lang? After all these frustrations, Jhoanna just wanted to wish Aiah a great evening? Aiah clicks her tongue and just heart reacts to Jhoanna's message. Hindi niya rin naman alam ang context ng pag greet niya kaya itutuloy nalang sana niya ang pag aaral.

But strike two for timing, Aiah's phone pinged again just as she turned off her phone, displaying Jhoanna's name on the lock screen.

From: Jhoanna

Napataas ang kilay niya sa last message. What's with the smiley emoticon at the end? Nahawa na ata siya sa paraan ng pagchat sa kanya ni Aiah. She can't stop her smile from the thought though, it doesn't help pa that the way Jhoanna messaged her was just so formal as usual. Daig pa ang colleague na nakikipag usap sa corporate world. Gusto niyang tumawa. But she can't deny that the simple message made her heart skipped a bit. The simple invitation felt charged with unspoken meaning. She wanted to say yes, to abandon her books and run to Jhoanna, to unravel this tangled mess of emotions in the warmth of Jhoanna's presence. But the exams, the pressure, held her back.

She bit her lips and typed a hesitant reply.

To: Jhoanna

After sending her reply, Jhoanna sees it immediately and reacts to it. Her response too, was quick.

From: Jhoanna

<Don't be sorry about it. Okay lang, Aiah. But I admit na I was looking forward na sasama ka though.>

<Don't burn yourself too much.>

To: Jhoanna

Aiah smiled, a genuine smile that reached her eyes for the first time that day. Jhoanna's words, simple as they were, were a balm to her troubled soul. They were a reminder that amidst the chaos, there was support, understanding, and a connection that transcended the rigid order she clung to. The exams still loomed, the pressure remained, but the weight on her chest felt slightly lighter. The chipped paint, and the crooked frame, they were still there, but they no longer felt as menacing. The tempest within hadn't subsided, but a small, persistent light had begun to pierce through the storm clouds.

Hours melted away, marked only by the changing pressure of her pen on the page, the cool smoothness of the highlighter, the weight of the book in her lap, and the faint scent of ink and paper. The physical act of studying became a form of meditation, a way to channel her nervous energy into something tangible, something productive. The study material was not just information; it was a tactile experience, a physical manifestation of her determination to conquer not only her exam but also, for a few precious hours, the storm raging within her heart.

The rhythmic scratching of her pen finally stilled. A wave of exhaustion washed over Aiah, but a strange sense of peace settled in its wake. The lessons, once a daunting foe, was now a conquered territory. The intricate dance of electrons, the precise transfer of energy – these had provided a much-needed refuge from the tempest in her heart. For now, at least, Jhoanna was relegated to the background, a soft hum beneath the triumphant crescendo of her academic victory.

Reaching for her phone, she intended to message Jhoanna, a simple "Good night," a silent acknowledgment of their unspoken connection. But her thumb paused, hovering over the messaging app. Instead, she absentmindedly scrolled through Instagram, her mind still lingering on the satisfying completion of her study session.

Then she saw it. A picture of Gelo, smiling brightly, amidst a group of friends at what looked like a lively gathering. The caption was simple: "Great night with great people! Missing someone special though..."

A wave of warmth, not entirely unpleasant, accompanied the guilt that bloomed in Aiah's chest after seeing Gelo's post. It wasn't a crushing weight, more like a gentle nudge of conscience. The picture, bright and cheerful, was a stark contrast to the quiet intensity of her recent focus on studies and, well, Jhoanna. Gelo's "missing someone special" comment felt less like an accusation and more like a wistful sigh.

It made her smile a little ruefully. She'd been so absorbed in her own world – the intricate dance of electrons in the mitochondria, the thrilling uncertainty of her feelings for Jhoanna – that she hadn't given Gelo the attention he deserved. Their easy camaraderie, the comfortable familiarity of their long friendship, had been subtly sidelined.

The guilt wasn't crippling, but it did prompt a shift in her perspective. It wasn't a dark cloud, more like a playful sunbeam highlighting a previously overlooked aspect of her life. She realized she needed to balance her focus on her studies and burgeoning feelings with a renewed attention to her long-standing friendship with Gelo.

Aiah found herself dialing Gelo's number in the late evening. Her thumb hovered over the "end call" button for a moment, a flicker of hesitation, but the gentle nudge of guilt propelled her forward.

"Hey, Gelo," she said, her voice a little softer than usual. "How are you? Busy ka ba?"

His response was immediate, warm, and filled with the familiar ease of their long-standing friendship.

"Ai? What a surprise, and no, I'm not busy. Was just preparing to sleep sana. Katatapos ko lang din magreview para bukas." He paused, Aiah hears him take a deep breath before he continues, "I've missed talking to you. Ang hirap mo nang mahagilap these days. Nasa iisang school lang tayo but I rarely see you."

"I know, I'm sorry. Busy lang masyado sa mga requirements and sa council."

Gelo chuckles from the other line, "I know, Ai, don't be sorry nga. I know you have a lot on your plate and I'm not gonna argue about that. I'm just happy na tumawag ka."

Gelo's voice, warm and familiar, filled the space between them. He was recounting a funny anecdote about a mishap at training, his laughter infectious and genuine. Aiah found herself laughing freely, the sound bubbling up from deep within, a release of tension she hadn't realized she was holding. The simple act of sharing a laugh with him, of connecting on a level that transcended the complexities of her romantic uncertainties, brought a sense of peace she hadn't felt in days.

As they talked, the usual anxieties that had plagued her seemed to melt away. The pressure of the prelims, the uncertainty of her feelings for Jhoanna, the guilt over her neglect of Gelo – all these things faded into the background, replaced by a quiet contentment. It wasn't a dramatic shift, but a subtle settling, a feeling of being grounded and at ease. She realized that the simple act of connecting with Gelo, of sharing a moment of genuine laughter and connection, brought a profound sense of happiness and peace. It was a reminder that amidst the complexities of life, the simple joys of friendship could offer a refuge, a space where she could simply be herself, without the weight of expectations or the pressure of uncharted emotional territories.

"You know, I've really missed you, Aiah." The words hung in the air, simple yet profound, carrying the weight of shared history.

Aiah's heart quickened. It wasn't merely the statement itself, but the gentle sincerity in his tone, the quiet vulnerability that resonated through the phone line. The confession stirred within her a complex mixture of emotions. Guilt, certainly, for her recent neglect of their friendship, overshadowed by her preoccupation with academic pursuits and the burgeoning, yet undefined, feelings for Jhoanna.

Her response, however, lacked the eloquence of his confession. "Namiss din kita, G-Gelo. It's just been… I'm too busy lately," she replied her words a pale reflection of the emotional turmoil within. The inadequacy of her response mirrored the disarray of her feelings, a testament to the complexities of her emotional landscape.

"I'm just glad to hear that you miss me too."

As the conversation wound down, Aiah took a deep breath. "Hey," she said, "prelims are over tomorrow. How about we celebrate afterward? We could grab some coffee, or maybe check out that new ramen place we talked about?" Her voice filled with hope.

There was a pause, a moment of expectant silence. Then Gelo's voice, filled with a genuine warmth that reached beyond simple friendship, responded, "Sounds perfect, Aiah. I'd really like that."

A small smile played on Aiah's lips. The guilt hadn't vanished completely, but it had been transformed. It had served as a catalyst, prompting a small but significant act of kindness, a reconnection with a valued friendship. The invitation to Gelo was not just a gesture of apology, but a conscious choice to balance her ambitions with her relationships.

As the morning sun streamed through her window, Aiah felt a flutter of nerves in her stomach. Today was the day her prelims would finally come to a close, and while she should have felt relieved, a nagging anxiety hung in the air. She had prepared well, but what if makalimutan niya ang mga inaral niya kagabi? That thought added an unexpected layer of pressure.

She shrugged that thought down and calms herself. "Focus, kaya 'to." she repeats to herself.

The day passed in a blur of multiple-choice questions and essay prompts. Aiah focused intently, channeling all her energy into her studies.

The exam room was filled with the sound of scribbling pens and rustling papers, a comforting symphony that allowed her to concentrate. As she answered the last question, a wave of relief washed over her. She was done, at least for now.

As she stepped out of the examination room, the warm air enveloped her, and she was greeted by the familiar buzz of students chattering excitedly about the exams. Aiah took a deep breath, her heart racing as she scanned the crowd for Gelo. She spotted him leaning against a wall, casually scrolling through his phone, his presence a comforting sight in the sea of faces.

“Ai!” Gelo called, his face lighting up as their eyes met. He straightened up and walked toward her, a smile spreading across his face that made Aiah smile warmly.

"Hey!" she replied, trying to match his enthusiasm.

"Kamusta? How did your exam go?" Gelo asked, genuinely interested as they walked side by side.

"I think it went well naman," she replied, feeling a little more at ease. "I hope I passed, at least."

Gelo chuckled, “You’ll be fine. I mean, look at you! The future valedictorian right here!” He gestured dramatically, causing Aiah to roll her eyes playfully.

“Stop it, you’re making me blush.” Aiah said, laughing.

As Aiah and Gelo walked side-by-side, a low hum of whispers followed them. Aiah, initially oblivious, focused on Gelo's animated recounting of a funny incident from their room while taking the exam. His laughter, bright and infectious, was a comforting. But then, she noticed it – the sideways glances, the hushed tones, the subtle pointing fingers. People were murmuring.

The whispers weren't loud enough to decipher individual words, but the collective murmur was unmistakable. It wasn't the first time she'd been the subject of gossip, but this felt different. This felt… pointed. She glanced at Gelo, expecting to see a similar reaction, a flicker of discomfort or annoyance. Instead, he seemed utterly unconcerned, his attention entirely focused on their conversation.

Hinayaan nalang ito ni Aiah kasi nakita niyang wala lang din naman sa kasama niya ang nangyayari. They are well-known here anyway. People tend to gossip when they are together, because... well, Gelo isn't making his efforts for Aiah private. Alam na alam ng school na siya ang manliligaw ni Aiah. There are others too who made their shot at her, which obviously failed, because of Aiah's unavailability to entertain, and partly, because of Gelo.

They continued to chat until they arrived at the mall where the ramen house was located to.

The aroma of simmering broth and savory spices hung heavy in the air as Aiah and Gelo entered the ramen restaurant. Aiah, still slightly on edge from the exams, was already feeling the familiar flutter in her chest at the thought of eating one of her comfort food after a wave of messy day. Before she could even scan the room, Gelo's voice broke through her thoughts.

"Hey, look," he said, a hint of amusement in his tone, "it seems like hindi lang tayo ang nagc-crave ng ramen today."

Aiah followed his gaze to a table near the window, where Jhoanna and their friends were already seated, their laughter echoing through the restaurant. Jhoanna, radiant as ever, was animatedly telling a story, her friends leaning in, captivated by her words. A familiar warmth spread through Aiah's chest, a mix of excitement and nervousness.

This time, there was no mistaking the subtle shift in Jhoanna's expression when their eyes met. A slight frown, quickly masked by a polite smile, betrayed a hint of disappointment. Aiah's heart sank. She remembered her hesitant reply to Jhoanna's invitation, the polite refusal that had likely dashed Jhoanna's hopes for a post-exam get-together. The guilt gnawed at her, a familiar ache in her chest.

"What do you say? Makitable nalang tayo sa kanila?"

Aiah's eyes widened in shock, "Huh? I t-thought it's just us for today?" Not that she doesn't want to be seated with them. Kinakabahan lang siya kasi nandoon si Jhoanna.

"What? I mean, it's not a bad idea, right? I get to know your friends too." What do you mean it's not a bad idea, Gelo? It is!

Aiah is already panicking inside because of Gelo's request. She doesn't want to reply, she was torn between turning down Gelo's request or to face Jhoanna to apologize. But before she could even speak her thoughts, Gelo gently grabbed her hand and guide Aiah into the room-- towards Jhoanna's table to be exact. Maloi, Stacey, and Sheena are already waving their hands at them, Mikha, Colet, and Gwen are just eyeing them, while Jhoanna? Her eyes darted at their hands, her lips settled into a thin line, and her expression became unreadable.

“Eyyy, the power couple in the house.” Sheena chirped, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Hindi naming inexpect na makikita naming kayo rito ah.”

Gelo, ever the smooth operator, chuckled. "Gusto raw magcelebrate ni Ai after exam eh. Gusto ata ako ang kasama kaya pinagbigyan ko nalang." he replied, his gaze briefly meeting Aiah's.

That made an erupted cheer from some of their friends. Aiah’s eyes widened in shock with a touch of fear. What the hell, Gelo? She settles into a lopsided smile and her gaze immediately landed on Jhoanna who seems unpleased with what she’s seeing. Kung ano ang mukha niya kanina, including her expression and all, it’s still the same. Hindi na rin alam ni Aiah kung ano ang mararamdaman niya roon. Strike three nalang for timing! Masyado na ata siyang sinusubok ni Lord ngayon.

“Naks! Kaya naman pala declined ang aming invitation. Ikaw pala ang gustong kasama!” Stacey chimed in; her words were laced with a knowing look directed at Jhoanna, who subtly avoided Aiah’s gaze. Aiah felt a pang of guilt. She knew exactly what Stacey was referring to – Jhoanna's earlier invitation politely declined.

“Oh? You guys invited her?” Gelo turn her head to Aiah. “Why didn’t you tell me? Okay na rin pala na nandito tayo ngayon para makapag hangout ka rin sa kanila.” He gently grabs Aiah’s waist which earned a silent scoff from Jhoanna.

“Mind if we join you guys?” he asked, his voice warm and friendly, effectively bridging the gap between the two groups.

The groups suddenly turn their heads to Jhoanna, subtly gesturing for her to respond to the sudden request. Feeling the weight of the stares, including Aiah’s, she sighed. “Sure! Sino ba naman kami para tumanggi?” Jhoanna's response was immediate, but her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. Her voice was friendly enough, but lacking the usual warmth.

Internally, a wave of complex emotions washed over her. Relief that Aiah was there, yes, but tinged with a persistent disappointment. It wasn't the private time with friends she'd hoped for after Aiah's earlier rejection of her invitation. This felt… different, less intimate, more complicated. The earlier disappointment hadn't entirely vanished; it had simply been overlaid with a more practical acceptance of the situation.

They settled in the shared table, with Gelo and Aiah seated next to each other, and Jhoanna facing them. Gusto nalang maglaho bigla ni Jhoanna sa oras na ‘to. It was a torture to watch how Gelo tended to Aiah’s needs and requests. As they ate, she observed Gelo's attentiveness towards Aiah. It wasn't overt, but it was there—a subtle gesture of pushing Aiah's stray hair behind her ear, a quiet offer to refill her water glass before she even asked, a quiet comment about how much Aiah seemed to enjoy the spicy ramen. Parang sinasaksak ang puso niya ng mga matutulis na bagay dahil sa nakikita niya.

Throughout the meal, Aiah and Jhoanna engaged in a silent dance of stolen glances and subtle gestures. Aiah, still feeling the weight of her earlier rejection, found herself captivated by Jhoanna's radiant energy and infectious laughter. Their eyes would meet across the table, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken feelings that simmered beneath the surface. However, there was a subtle distance in Jhoanna's gaze, a quiet reserve that hinted at her lingering disappointment. The warmth wasn't entirely gone, but it was definitely muted, replaced by a polite but guarded demeanor.

“Staks, pahingi naman ako ng tubig mo. Ubos na kasi sa’kin oh.” Jhoanna asked, her eyes look pleasing and her lips pouting. Naaanghangan na kasi ito kaya kailangan na niya ng tubig.

“Oh, ayan! Nagpapacute pa eh. Kukuha lang ng tubig nagpapacute pa.” Pareklamong saad ni Stacey but placing her cup on Jhoanna’s place gently.

“Thank you, labyu.” Pabiro tugon ni Jhoanna bago nilagok ang tubig,

Aiah, hears their conversation and quietly observing the two. She saw how Jhoanna and Stacey compromises with their needs, including the intimate but innocent skin ship whenever they talk. Jhoanna’s attentiveness to Stacey was striking—the gentle nudge to offer sauce, the quiet concern about the exams, the shared drink. These weren’t merely acts of friendship; they were gestures of intimacy, small but significant displays of affection that Aiah found herself fixated on. The casual hand-squeeze at the table, lingering for a moment longer than necessary, felt like a punch to the gut. It wasn't overtly romantic, but the easy familiarity, the unspoken understanding, the comfortable closeness—it was a stark contrast to the carefully constructed distance Jhoanna maintained with Aiah.

A wave of something akin to a cold dread washed over Aiah, a feeling she couldn't quite name, couldn't quite allow herself to acknowledge. It wasn't jealousy, not exactly, she told herself. It was… concern. Yes, concern for Jhoanna, for the way she seemed to effortlessly pour affection onto others while keeping Aiah at arm's length. But beneath this carefully constructed facade of concern, a sharper, more unsettling emotion gnawed at her.

And what’s those last words she says? Labyu? Aiah wanted to scoff at that moment. May pa “labyu labyu” pang nalalaman. She internally rolled her eyes for that.

But it gets worst. Aiah saw how Jhoanna snake her arms around Stacey’s waist and look her with pleading eyes.

“Kulang pala ‘yung tubig, Staks. Kuhanan mo nga ako, please.”

“Kung makalagay kasi ng sili akala mo kaya eh, inom tuloy ng inom! Kaya mo na ‘yan matanda ka na eh. Tsaka may kamay ka naman at paa, gamitin mom mga ‘yan.” Stacey brutally answers Jhoanna.

Jhoanna pouts again, “Nandiyan ka kasi sa pinakagilid eh, malapit lang sa’yo yung pitsel. Sige na, kapag ako namatay dito.”

“Wala namang mawawala sa akin kung ngayon ka mamamatay ‘no.”

“Wala ka nang taga kiss 'no kung wala na ako.” Jhoanna suddenly exclaimed which made Aiah trigger something in her.

Naiinis? Well close enough.

Aiah's hand shot out. "I'll get it!" she said, her voice a little too quick, a little too eager. She practically leaped from her seat, her movements betraying the turmoil within. She grabbed the water pitcher and filled Jhoanna's glass, her hands trembling slightly as she placed it in front of Jhoanna. The act, intended to be helpful, felt clumsy and awkward. The silence that followed was thick with unspoken emotions. Jhoanna's expression was unreadable, her gaze fleetingly meeting Aiah's before shifting away. Stacey, seemingly oblivious to the underlying tension, smiled gratefully.

“Here, drink it, and don’t say nga na mamamatay ka ‘cause I don't want that to happen.” Aiah nonchalantly speaks as she puts Jhoanna’s glass on her table.

But Aiah felt the weight of several pairs of eyes on her—her friends, Gelo—and a sudden wave of shyness washed over her. The nonchalance crumbled, replaced by a blush that crept up her neck. The casual act meant to be a subtle display of care, had backfired, highlighting her own awkwardness and the intensity of her unacknowledged feelings.

“A-Ang extra flirty niyo naman kasi this day, Staks at Jho. Tignan niyo si Aiah, nainis na tuloy.” Maloi breaking the silence when she senses the tension.

“Oo nga eh, siguro sila na.” pagpapatuloy ni Sheena, which made the others laugh.

The playful teasing from their friends, though lighthearted, felt almost cruel now, a jarring dissonance against the backdrop of Jhoanna's quiet misery and the unspoken tension between her and Aiah. Aiah's own attempts at conversation felt strained, her laughter less genuine, her usual easy charm replaced by a nervous energy that betrayed her inner turmoil.

Gelo's attentiveness—refilling Aiah's water, brushing a stray hair from her face—was a comforting presence, a silent reassurance of his affection. But even his kindness couldn't entirely soothe the sharp sting of her unrecognized feelings. The contrast between Gelo's quiet care and Jhoanna's easy intimacy with Stacey was stark.

The weight of unspoken emotions, the simmering unease, the confusing tangle of feelings she couldn't quite name—it all became too much for Aiah. The pleasantries, the laughter, the delicious ramen, all faded into the background as a wave of overwhelming sensations washed over her. Without a word, she excused herself, escaping the suffocating atmosphere of the shared table and heading for the relative solitude of the restroom.

The cool air of the restroom offered little comfort. Aiah splashed water on her face, trying to clear her head, to make sense of the turmoil within. She couldn't quite articulate what she was feeling—it wasn't simply concern for Jhoanna, nor was it straightforward jealousy. It was a confusing blend of both, perhaps, interwoven with a deeper, more unsettling emotion she couldn't quite grasp. The image of Jhoanna's closeness with Stacey, the contrast with Jhoanna's carefully constructed distance from Aiah, and the awkwardness of her own impulsive act of filling Jhoanna's water glass—it all swirled together into a vortex of confusion.

“Cr lang din ako saglit.” Pagpaalam din ni Jhoanna, a moment after Aiah excuse herself.

Dali dali siyang pumunta sa restroom para maabutan si Aiah. She wanted them to talk. About the night at the gym, yung nangyari kanina sa table, basta tungkol sa kanilang dalawa. She is eager to know what Aiah is thinking dahil gulong gulo na siya sa pinapakita ni Aiah sa kanya.

Aiah leaned against the cool porcelain sink, her reflection staring back at her, a stranger in her own eyes. The usual sparkle in her eyes was dimmed, replaced by a pensive uncertainty. She felt lost, adrift in a sea of unspoken feelings, unable to navigate the complex currents of her own emotions.

Suddenly, the door opened slowly, revealing Jhoanna. Her expression was unreadable, a mixture of concern and something else—perhaps curiosity, or maybe even… something more? Aiah felt a flutter in her chest, a mixture of anticipation and nervousness.

Jhoanna stepped inside, closing the door gently behind her. The silence between them was thick with unspoken emotions, a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere of the restaurant. Aiah felt a wave of vulnerability wash over her, a sudden awareness of her own emotional turmoil laid bare before Jhoanna.

Jhoanna didn't speak immediately. She simply stood there, her gaze soft, her expression a mixture of concern and something else—a quiet understanding, perhaps, or maybe even a hint of something more profound. The air crackled with unspoken words, with unspoken feelings, with the weight of a connection that was both fragile and intensely powerful. Aiah felt a tremor run through her, a mixture of fear and anticipation. This moment, this quiet encounter in the solitude of the restroom, felt like a turning point, a potential shift in the dynamics between them. The weight of unspoken words, of unacknowledged feelings, lingered uncomfortably, a promise of a conversation that was both necessary and terrifying.

“Kailangan natin mag usap.”

"For what?" Aiah asked with a steady tone before she washed her hands.

"About us."