Liham sa Ulap

Stacey leaned back in her chair, the worn fabric creaking softly under her weight. Sunlight streamed through the window of the Student Council office, illuminating a warm glow on the meticulously organized space. The room, unusually quiet in the past few weeks, became a hub of activity, and a bit noisy with the clacking sounds of keyboards and printers.

One thing about Stacey, aside from having a cheerful personality, is she loves to observe sometimes.

A half-finished poster lay abandoned on the table, its vibrant colors a stark opposite to the seriousness of the surrounding paperwork. Stacey traced the outline of a hastily drawn character – a testament to the rushed preparations for the upcoming school intramurals. She smiled; the creative chaos of planning was a familiar scene. A pile of unopened letters sat neatly stacked in a corner, their envelopes hinting at a variety of concerns – from student grievances to fundraising proposals. Stacey’s keen eyes scanned the handwriting on a few, picking up on subtle clues about the writers' personalities and concerns. 

Biglang dumako ang atensyon niya sa dalawang lider na nasa kabilang side ng room.

A while ago, Jhoanna was humming to herself as she worked on the intramural banner design. On the other hand, Aiah was moving with precision and purpose as she arranged the supply closet. Even though they were in the same room, there was a noticeable gap between them. It wasn’t an open conflict, not exactly. There was a silent strain that weighed more than any shouted argument, a skillfully planned avoidance. Stacey found herself curious as she recalled the weeks that Aiah had deliberately avoided Jhoanna in the office, the corridors, and everywhere else. This simmering tension was far more subtle and, in its own way, far more compelling than the spectacular drama of a fight.

Pero kung kanina’y hindi pa sila masyadong nag uusap, ngayon ay nagtatabi na sila. Jhoanna and Aiah, sitting together at another desk, completely absorbed in their work. They were giggling, their heads bent close together, their shoulders touching. The easy camaraderie between them was striking. It was as if the conflict of the past few weeks had never happened, as if it were a bad dream erased from their shared memory. Stacey felt a wave of confusion wash over her, quickly followed by a grin.

“Nasabi na ba ni Jhoanna sa’yo na okay na sila ni ate Aiah?” Stacey asked quietly, her gaze still on the two girls.

“Ha?” Maloi could only reply, her attention is within her laptop, busy kasi magtype. “Wala pa naman siyang nababanggit sa’kin. Bakit mo natanong?”

“Tignan mo kasi.”

“Sino?”

“Sila.”

“Sinong sila?”

Stacey clicked her tongue and gently smacked Maloi’s back making the other one groan in pain. “Paano mo kasi alam kung ano sinasabi ko eh nakatingin ka lang diyan sa laptop mo!”

“Love language mo ba talagang manakit? Saan ba?” Maloi replied while gently scratching the area that Stacey smacked.

Tinuro ni Stacey ang dalawa gamit ang bibig niya. Maloi followed the direction at nakita niya ngang nagtatabi na ngayon ang president at vice president nila. She grinned instantly at the sight and quietly clapped her hands.

“Mukhang bati na nga. Hindi nga sila ganyan kalapit dati eh.”

“’Di ba? Feeling ko may iba pang nangyari kaya ganyan na sila ka-close ngayon physically.” Saad ni Stacey habang nakalay ang kamay niya sa kanyang mukha. Her thumb and index finger gently tracing her chin as if she were thinking.

Tumaas ang kilay ni Maloi, “Ano na namang binabalak mo diyan? Tsaka anong iniisip mong pwedeng nangyari sa kanila eh alam mong torpe ‘yang kaibigan mo.”

“Tsk. Kahit anong torpe ng isang tao kung naunahan siya ng bugso ng damdamin, mababalewala lang ‘yun, Yves. Kilala ko ‘yang si Jhoanna, tumatapang ‘yan kapag naumpisahan na niyang sabihin ang gusto iyang sabihin.”

“Eh anong naiisip mong nangyari sa kanila?”

Stacey furrowed her brows while intently looking at them. “Like…nagkiss kaya sila?” Seryoso niyang tanong habang nakatingin parin sa kanila.

“Kung titignan mo kasing mabuti, iba talaga yung closeness nila ngayon eh. Kung nanonood ka ng mga k-drama, ‘di ba usually ganyan na ang actions ng mga bida once na nagkiss sila—aray!” Stacey suddenly exclaimed while rubbing her arm. Maloi’s hand shot out, playfully hitting a little hard Stacey on the arm before she could elaborate more.

“Ayan ka na naman sa sakit mo!” natatawang sagot ni Maloi. “Baliw ka ba? Bakit naman sila magkikiss eh hindi nga sila. Tsaka hindi nga rin sure kung na acknowledge ‘yung feelings ni Jhoanna eh.”

Sumama ang tigin ni Stacey kay Maloi dahil sa sinabi niya at pati sa lakas ng pagtapik nito sa kanya kanina. “Nasa 21^st century na tayo, Yves. Pwede lang mauna ang kiss kaysa sa label. Tsaka tingnan mo nga sila.” Saad niya sabay turo kina Aiah at Jhoanna na hanggang ngayon ay tila may sariling mundo.

“Sa tingin mo sa ganyang ka-close nila ngayon ay hindi pa naa-acknowledge ni ate Aiah ‘yung feelings ni Jhoanna after nilang hindi magpansinan ng ilang linggo? Alam na alam mong kung gaano nanlumo si Jhoanna sa mga oras na 'yun, Yves. Imposibleng hindi nila ‘yun napag usapan sa sobrang lapit nila ngayon.”

Maloi paused thoughtfully, quietly tapping her fingers on the table while looking at Aiah and Jhoanna. She wasn’t sure what had happened, but seeing them now…so close, so comfortable. The possibility of Aiah acknowledging Jhoanna’s feelings may be high.

A tender expression settled on Maloi’s face. “I mean… siguro nga. Pero…” Maloi pointer her finger at Stacey before she could even speak. “Hindi porket na-acknowledge na niya eh nagkiss na sila. Jusko, Stacey uminom ka na nga ng gamot mo! Kakabasa mo na ‘yan ng mga stories at kakanood ng mga kdrama kaya grabe na ang pagkadelulu mo!”, Maloi sharply whispered, continuing her sentence.

Stacey clicked her tongue; disappointment was evident on her face. “Malay mo! Tanungin ko na nga lang si Jhoanna mamaya para malaman ko.”

“Tsaka kilala ko rin ‘yang si Aiah. Kay Gelo nga hindi ‘yan masyadong affectionate kahit matagal na niyang manliligaw. Pati sa ex niya noon hindi ‘yun masyadong nagpapakita ng physical fondness, kay Jhoanna pa kaya na nagkakacrush lang sa kanya? Make it make sense.”

Stacey doesn’t know how to respond, so she makes a face to Maloi instead. Inirapan niya rin ito, indikasyon na naiirita siya. But deep down, Stacey considered this. Maloi was right; sometimes, the most significant changes happened quietly, subtly, without the need for dramatic pronouncements or public displays of affection. The shift in their dynamic was fascinating, a testament to the complexities of human relationships. The mystery remained, but it was a mystery tinged with amusement rather than frustration. The quiet reconciliation between Jhoanna and Aiah was a puzzle, yes, but one that Stacey found herself strangely charmed by.

Lalabas na sana si Stacey nang makita niyang paputa si Jhoanna sa bakanteng printer dala ang laptop niya. Ngumiti siya’t kinuha niya ang opportunity na ‘to para lapitan siya at tanungin kung ano ang nangyari.

She placed a hand lightly on Jhoanna's shoulder, a gesture both friendly and subtly assertive. Jhoanna startled slightly, her movement abruptly ceasing, before turning to face Stacey with a questioning look.

“Parang ang saya mo today ah.” Stacey began, her voice low and casual. “May maganda atang nangayari?”

Jhoanna's smile faltered slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing her features. “Ano naman sa’yo? Bawal bang maging masaya?” she shot back.

“Hindi naman pero pwede mo namang i-share kung bakit, hindi ba? Alam mo yun? Para maging maganda rin yung mood ko kung sakali.”

“No, thanks. Ayaw kong may kaparehas ng kaligayahan.”

“Ang damot mo!” Stacey shot at her and pinched Jhoanna’s left cheek, making the other wince. “Okay na kayo ni ate Aiah ‘no?” She asked, getting impatient with Jhoanna.

Jhoanna glanced at Aiah, who was still engrossed with some work, before turning back to Stacey. She sighed and smiled gently, I guess there’s no use in making it a secret, she thought. After all, Stacey is her friend, and the one who witnessed how devastated she is noong hindi siya pinapansin ni Aiah.

"Yeah," she replied, a little hesitantly. "Nag… Nag-usap na kami the day before yesterday. We already cleared things out kaya… okay na kami ngayon.” Then she shrugged and turned her attention sa kailangan niyang i-print.

“Ano namang pinag-usapan niyo?” Stacey pressed gently; her curiosity evident.

“A lot. Mostly about unspoken stuffs, and kung bakit niya ako iniwasan. Mga ganun.”

“Hindi ka ba magiging specific diyan, bakla? Anong unspoken stuff ang sinasabi mo diyan? Pwede naman maging direct, nagpapaligoy ligoy pa.”

“Nagtatanong ka lang ikaw pa ‘tong galit kapag hindi kompleto ang sinagot ko. Tas wow ha! Those words coming from you na nagtatago rin ng secrets sa’kin.” Jhoanna exclaimed and rolled her eyes.

For context, Jhoanna had learned that Maloi and Stacey, her two sisters at heart, had been in a relationship for almost 3 months now. Sa loob ng mga oras na magkasama silang tatlo, walang kalam alam si Jhoanna na may relasyon na pala sila. Kaya pala nagtataka rin siya kung bakit biglaan nalang din sinasabi ni Stacey minsan na isama si Maloi sa mga lakad nila. Kaya pala biglaan nalang din na sumasama si Stacey sa SC office at hinihintay si Jhoanna para umuwi. All she thought was that her friend just wanted to have a free ride home and Stacey is crushing on Mikha. Plus, the night at the pageant, kaya pala pumunta noon si Maloi kila Staku kasi binigyan niya raw ito ng pampa-goodluck. Never did she think that Stacey was fancying Maloi all this time.

It turns out that they are actually together and Jhoanna has been a third wheel for a while now.

“Nakakahiya kasing sabihin sa’yo kasi wala ka pang love life at hindi ka pa na-crush back. Ayaw naman naming iparamdam sa’yo ang pagka single mo kaya naghintay muna kami ng tamang panahon para sabihin.” Pagrarason ni Malo isa kanya noong umamin na silang dalawa.

“Wow! Salamat sa pagpaalala ng pagka single ko at pagka hopeless ko ngayon kay Aiah, ate Maloi. Sobrang nakakagaan ng pakiramdam, promise.” She replied, sarcastically, which made the two laughed.

She could only look at them with disbelief that time. Tamang panahon? Did they consider na tamang panahon ngayong hindi ako pinapansin ni Aiah? She thought within herself. Sinabi ba naman kasi nila sa kanya ang tungkol sa kanila noong mga panahong umiiwas si Aiah sa kanya.

But deep down, amidst the disbelief and surprised emotions, masaya si Jhoanna para sa dalawang kaibigan niya. She is happy that her two confidants, her soul sisters, whom she considers her second wind, are deeply in love with each other. Wala siyang problema sa relasyon nilang dalawa kahit tinago nila ito sa kanya. In fact, they are being considerate dahil ayaw nilang mabigla siya agad kapag nalaman niya.

Pero hindi nila naisip na marunong ding mainggit si Jhoanna.

Stacey's lower lip jutted out in a dramatic pout. Her eyes, usually sparkling with mischief, dimmed slightly. “Ang oa ha, Robles! Nag explain na nga lang ‘yung tao noon kung ba’t tinago. Tsaka wag mo ngang ibahin!” hinampas niya ng pabiro si Jhoanna at saka nito hinawakan sa baywang para hikayatin na sabihin ang iba pang details.

“Sige na kasi, magkwento ka naman. Wala naman na rin akong secret sa’yo eh.”

Jhoanna sighed, her gaze still on the printing machine. “Okay, pero mamaya na. Tignan mo kasi may work pa ako.”

Stacey’s eyes sparkled with Joy and she hugs Jhoanna from the side. Hindi lang ito masaya dahil sa chismis na maririnig niya mamaya. Sure, she is excited about that, but the thought that Jhoanna is opening up to her like before is what she’s glad about.

Hindi madalas sinasabi ni Jhoanna ang mga nangyayari sa utak niya. Stacey observes this sometimes. Minsan din ay gusto nalang nitong makapasok sa utak niya para malaman niya kung ano ang laman nito. Jhoanna is a ball of sunshine whom is known for being a dependable and approachable student and leader. Madalas na makikita mo siyang nakangiti at nakikipag socialize pero hindi ibig sabihin nun na okay siya from the inside.

She always knew when Jhoanna had some battles with herself. She always knew whether her smiles were real or not.

“Promise yan, ha? Ikwento mo talaga ‘yan mamaya kung hindi lagot ka sa’kin.” Stacey said softly, her head gently resting on Jhoanna’s shoulder while hugging her.

“Oo nga, kailan ba kasi ako hindi tumupad sa usapan?” Jhoanna clicked her tongue and softly pats Stacey’s head.

Stacey released the hug, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Wala pa namang time na ganun pero mas maganda nang maging sigurado.”

“Ang oa mo rin! Ik-kwento ko rin naman kasi talaga ‘yun, hindi ka lang makapaghintay.” Jhoanna replied, chuckling while arranging the papers that she printed.

Unbeknownst to them, Aiah had been watching from the other side of the room, a faint smile on her lips, although a brief flicker of something resembling a shadow crossed her expression before she concealed it. The effortless bond between Jhoanna and Stacey was a refreshing sight, a sharp contrast to the weeks of strained silence that had come before, but the comfortable closeness between the two provoked a slight, almost undetectable tightness in Aiah's chest.

Aiah, her movements fluid and graceful, began to walk towards them, her presence somehow both quiet and commanding. As she moved, a slight, almost imperceptible, adjustment in her posture could be seen – a subtle straightening of her back, a tightening of her shoulders, as if she were bracing herself for something. Her usual relaxed demeanor seemed slightly more guarded.

As Aiah approached, the playful banter between Jhoanna and Stacey continued, oblivious to her presence. The sudden appearance of Aiah, therefore, created a moment of startled silence. Before either Jhoanna or Stacey could react, Aiah placed her hand on Jhoanna's waist with a swift, almost instinctive movement. The touch was brief, but firm, a silent assertion of presence that cut through the easy laughter. Her fingers lingered just a beat too long, a subtle pressure that spoke volumes.

Jhoanna gasped at the sudden touch. Although she hoped that it was Stacey’s hands that were being wrapped around her waist, she was also aware that the hand was on her left side, whereas Stacey was on the right side. Which only means that the other presence beside her, is the owner of the hand--- Aiah.

“Are you done with printing? I think kailangan ko pa kasi ng tulong doon.” Aiah started, her eyes reached for Jhoanna’s face, but her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Jhoanna, still slightly breathless from the surprise of Aiah's sudden touch, managed to reply. “Uh, patapos na, Pres. May ibang pages nalang akong hindi naprint kasi kulang ‘yung bond paper.”

“Sorry, ate Aiah, naistorbo ko ata si Jho. Hindi kasi niya ako mapigilang pansinin kaya medyo nadistract sa ginagawa niya.” Stacey said, her voice light and teasing.

Jhoanna eyed Stacey with a warning look and mouthed “Tumigil ka diyan”.  But Stacey just shots Jhoanna with a teasing smile which made Jhoanna internally scream at her. Pumirme ka na, please, Staks.

“Ito naman kasing si Tintin, imbes na trabaho ang inuuna, nakikipagchismisan pa sa akin.” Stacey continued teasing and placed her hand on Jhoanna’s shoulder, gently tapping it, with her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Unfazed, Stacey simply grinned, her keen eyes continuing to observe Aiah's subtle shifts in demeanor. The unexpected arrival of Aiah, and her assertive touch, had added a layer of complexity to the already intriguing narrative.

“Tumigil ka nga, Staku. Imbento ka na naman.” Kinakabahang saad ni Jhoanna tsaka tumingin kay Aiah na ngayo’y nakatingin sa kamay ni Stacey na nakapatong sa balikat ni Jhoanna.

Aiah chuckled, a low, melodious sound, but her smile was not genuine. Kitang kita ang pagkapeke nito. The slight coolness in her voice was more pronounced now, a subtle chill that hinted at something deeper than mere politeness. Stacey, feeling a sudden tremor, instantly withdrew her hand on Jhoanna’s shoulder and smiled lopsidedly.

“Perhaps…” Aiah started, her gaze now turning to Stacey. “Perhaps you should behave muna, Staks. As you can see, we are busy. Baka hindi pa matapos ni Jhoanna ang ginagawa niya on time if you keep on distracting her.” She continued, her voice a little colder than normal, the warmth that had been in her voice clearly gone.

Biglang nahiya at napalunok si Stacey sa sinabi ni Aiah. Jhoanna, on the other hand felt nervous. Alam niya ‘yung ganitong tinginan ni Aiah, and for sure she will not like it when it continues. With that, she reached for Aiah’s hand who’s still resting on her waist and gently pats it, indicating that she needs to look at her. And thank all the Gods, because Aiah’s attention is now on hers, but on the dark side, nalulula siya sa pagtitig ni Aiah.

Jhoanna bravely faced Aiah’s stare and smiles gently, ngunit si Aiah ay nakatitig parin siya kanya na walang kung ano mang expression sa mukha niya. When Jhoanna didn’t take it any longer, she tore her gaze away and cleared her throat.

Can’t believe I’m having a gay panic right now. Bakit naman kasi ganyan ka tumitig, Aiah?

“I-It’s my fault, sorry, tapusin ko nalang to, Pres.” Saad ni Jhoanna at inayos na ang mga papel na naprint.

Ano ang next na gagawin? Right! Kulang ang papel, kukuha ako ng papel. Sinabi ni Jhoanna sa utak niya. That hand on her waist is making her nervous and losing her focus at the same time. Aside from this, nararamdaman na rin niyang nag iinit ang mukha niya and she wasn’t sure if gutom lang siya but her stomach feels like rumbling inside. Sobrang gulo na ng nararamdaman niya’t hindi na niya alam kung ano ang uunahin.

“Why are you being sorry and tense na naman, Jho? I’m not mad, chill.” Aiah chuckled but the feeling inside Jhoanna didn’t stop.

“Staks, huwag mo sanang masamain ‘yung sinabi ko, ha. It’s just… malapit na kasi ‘yung intrams and we need to work fast. I didn’t mean to sound rude.” Pagpapatuloy ni Aiah as she apologetically smiles, this time it wasn’t fake. She really felt sorry because she realized that what she said a while ago was not pleasant. Baka ma-misunderstood.

But… she didn’t like the skinship na ginagawa nilang dalawa.

“A-Ah, wala ‘yun, a-ate Aiah. Hindi naman ako naoffend or what. Narealize ko na may mali rin talaga ako.” Stacey replied nervously and bites her lips from embarrassment.

Good.

“Are you sure? Eh bakit parang nahihiya kayong dalawa ngayon? Even Jhoanna isn’t looking at me now.” Aiah giggled and patted Jhoanna’s waist.

That’s because you’re holding me at sobrang lapit mo!

“Ewan ko diyan, ate. Basta hindi ako nahihiya. Ako nalang din pala ang kukuha ng extra bond paper na kailangan ni Jho. Saan ba ‘yun kukunin? Sa labas ba? Sige punta na ako. Bye, ate Aiah at Jhoanna!” Dere deretsong saad ni Stacey at dali dali ng umalis.

“Wait nandito lang ‘yun sa ---” Hindi na natuloy ni Aiah ang sasabihin niya kasi nakaalis na si Stacey. She pouts, “Where is she going? Nandoon lang sa may cabinet ‘yung supply ng bond papers eh.” She just mutters.

Binalik niya ang tingin niya kay Jhoanna na ngayo’y nakatingin parin sa mga printed papers. She seems out of it dahil it doesn’t look like she’s reading it. Like, she just stares at it, pero ‘yung utak niya ay nasa malayo.

She patted Jhoanna’s waist again making her flinched, tumingin siya saglit kay Aiah pero agad din itong umiwas ng tingin. It made Aiah smirk when saw how Jhoanna’s face starting to change color. From pinkish glow cheeks to slightly reddish. It was cute. The color change is cute, as well as the thought that the cause of this was her.

It was endearing to see that Jhoanna still had an effect on her. Well, at least, she knew that it wasn’t just her that felt that way.

“Bakit hindi ka makatingin sa akin?” Aiah asked teasingly, her eyes searching Jhoanna’s eyes but the other one is trying so hard to avoid it.

“W-Why are y-you doing this? Nasa office tayo.” Jhoanna could only reply, referring to Aiah’s hand on her waist. She’s stuttering, embarrassed, nervous, and still avoiding to meet Aiah’s eyes for safety.

Kasi hindi kinakaya ng puso niya ang nangyayari ngayon. It’s overwhelming, but in a good way.

Aiah’s brows furrowed and released her hand from her waist. Jhoanna felt relieved so she moved away from her slightly. But she’d be lying when she said that she doesn’t miss the warmth of Aiah’s hand on her. It’s crazy because she didn’t even feel Aiah’s bare skin, like--- her palm only landed on her clothes but it felt like her touch was burning her whole body. Sobrang init na para bang pati kaluluwa niya’y napapaso na agad sa hawak palang ni Aiah.

The absence of her touch leaves an empty feeling within Jhoanna. So, if given the chance, she would let herself burn so that she could feel Aiah’s warmth again.

“Why? Ayaw mo bang hinahawakan kita?” Aiah asked curiously, her gaze never leaving Jhoanna even for a second.

“N-No! It’s not like that.!”

Aiah crossed her arms, pinipilit niyang huwag ngumiti kasi natutuwa siyang makita ang reaksyon ni Jhoanna.

“So, what is?

Jhoanna looked at her as she fixed her glasses, “M-Marami lang kasing tao.”

“And your points is…?”

“Nahihiya ako.”

Kumunot ang noo ni Aiah sa narinig niya. “Nahihiya ka kasi hinawakan kita?”

“Nahihiya ako kasi natatanggal ‘yung angas ko kapag malapit ka.” Jhoanna muttered which Aiah could hear enough. She cleared her throat and again fixed her eyeglasses before she scratched her eyebrows.

There’s her mannerisms again that caught Aiah’s attention. Ngumiti siya at humalakhak, making Jhoanna looked at her with embarrassment. Alam na alam ni Aiah kung ano ang ibig sabihin ng mannerism na ‘yun ni Jhoanna. Aiah could only nod and look at their surroundings while chuckling. It was a good thing that the other members seemed preoccupied with their work and the little moments that she and Jhoanna shared were not being watched.

“Ang tapang tapang mo lang sa’kin the other day. Now you’re telling me na nawawalan ka ng angas sa akin? Magulo ka rin ‘no, Jhoanna.”

Jhoanna could only be groaned from shame. But can you blame her? That time was a spur of a moment thing. Matapang lang siya noon dahil dalawa lang sila. Matapang lang siya noon dahil may sagot na ang lahat ng katanungan niya. Pero hindi ibig sabihin non na hindi na siya makakaramdam ng hiya kapag inaasar or tini-tease siya ni Aiah.

The rest of the day continued with them working on their own task at the office. The intramurals are just hanging around the corner which made their organization busy. They organize most parts from the budget, booths, medics, and others. Kinailangan din nilang makipag organize sa ibang organizations para sa iba pang kailangan.

Aiah, ostensibly focused on straightening a stack of pamphlets, stole a glance at Jhoanna. Her brow was furrowed, a tiny crease appearing between her perfectly sculpted eyebrows as she wrestled with a particularly stubborn spreadsheet. She found herself captivated by the way her lips pursed in concentration, the slight twitch of her cheek as she wrestled with a particularly difficult formula. A warmth spread through her chest, a feeling that had nothing to do with the stuffy office air.

Does she always this pretty while working? Bakit ngayon ko lang napansin?

She pouts and shifts in her chair. She leaned at her desk with her elbow resting on the table and her hand supported her head. Another glanced at Jhoanna, this time lingering a little longer. She wasn’t sure if what she was doing right now could still be called “glancing”. At this point, she is staring at her intentionally.

Jhoanna felt like someone was staring at her so she looked in Aiah’s direction and she saw Aiah already staring at her. Jhoanna caught up her eyes, and a blush crept up Aiah’s neck, staining her skin a delicate pink. She was stunned a bit that Jhoanna was now looking at her too, but rather than looking away, she acted unfazed and continued to stare at Jhoanna.

‘Yung laptop na tinitignan kanina ni Jhoanna ay naka close na rin dahil sa tagal nilang nagkatitigan. No one dares to withdraw from the stare at parang naglalaban ang mga mata nila. Aiah swears that she saw a reflection of herself Jhoanna’s glasses, one that was tinted with uncertainty but yet had a flare of something like reciprocation. In resemblance to the abrupt clattery of the room, her heart beat frantically against her ribs. She noticed how her pupils were slightly dilated, a faint indication of her own inner conflict, her own unsaid feelings reflecting her own.

Equally enthralled, Jhoanna looked her in the eye without flinching. She noticed the raw honesty and vulnerability in her eyes, which he typically kept well hidden under a composed exterior of professionalism. She felt something aroused by the intensity of her gaze, a warmth that permeated her chest. An eternity passed in the calm intensity of their shared gaze, measured not in seconds but in the unspoken tension that was conveyed.

Biglang dumako ang tingin ni Jhoanna sa bibig ni Aiah which made her heart beats faster than before. She felt like kahit anong oras ngayon ay hihimatayin na si Aiah sa sobrang bilis ng pagtakbo ng puso niya.  

They look so pink and inviting. I wonder how it feels like when…

That’s the turning point. Inalis na ni Jhoanna ang tingin niya kay Aiah at napailing pa ito. She harshly removed her glasses and massaged her temples.

Kung anu anong naiisip mo, Jho. get a grip! Hindi mo dapat pinag iisipan ng ganyan si Aiah.

Aiah was also thankful that Jhoanna raised her white flag. Napaayos siya ng upo at napahawak sa mukha niya. She could feel it burning because of the intense staring contest that she and Jhoanna participated in. She unconsciously touched her lips and glanced at Jhoanna again who was now turning back at her.

What the hell was that? She mutters to herself. She breathes, calming herself down before dramatically burying her face on her desk. She feels like crying, not because of shame but because of something she couldn’t quite explain.

What the hell, what the hell, she repeated in her mind. Does Jhoanna want to do the thing that Aiah has been thinking? She groaned and shifted in her seat. Or does she, herself, want to do the same thing too?

She screamed internally with the thoughts that flooded her mind. She can’t believe that she, of all people, is thinking about an absurd thought while working.

But before she could even torture herself more, she felt someone tapped her shoulder. When she looked up, she saw Mikha looking at her. Aiah gave her a lopsided smile before she realized that Mikha was holding a Boquete. Biglang napaayos ng upo si Aiah para tanungin si Mikha.

“What’s that? Is that for me?” she asked, curiously.

Mikha sighed and nodded before giving her the flowers. “Yeah, pinapabigay ni kuya Gelo nung nakita niya akong pabalik dito. He also wants to inform you that he will be driving you home daw mamaya.”

“Oh, t-thank you, Mikhs,” Aiah replied, expecting Mikha to walk away but she didn’t. Nakatingin lamang ito sa kanya. “Why? Is something wrong?”

“Nothing, just… why is your face so pink? It almost looks like the flowers you’re holding.”

Before Aiah could even respond, they heard a chair being pulled out. The sound made Mikha and Aiah look in that direction and saw Jhoanna preparing to leave.

“B-Bibili ako ng drinks. May ipapabili ba kayo?” she asked.

“Chat ko nalang sa’yo ‘yung akin, Jho. Picture’an mo ‘yung menu ha!”

“Iced caramel macchiato sa’kin, thank you, ate Jho, hindi ko na babayaran ‘yan.”

“Jho, sama ako. Bili rin ako ng snacks.” Stacey offered before Aiah could even try. Naibaba nga rin niya ang hawak niyang bulaklak para sana samahan niya si Jhoanna na bumili pero naunahan na siya ni Stacey.

“Ikaw, pres? May ipapabili ka ba?” tanong ni Jhoanna sa kanya.

She shrugged her head and smiled politely, “I’m good, thanks.” She replied with a soft tone.

She watched them leave, with Jhoanna guiding Stacey’s back as they walked behind the door. She poked the inside of her cheeks using her tongue as she turned her focus on the screen.

Isang bagay na alam ni Aiah ay marunong humawak ng babae si Jhoanna. She witnessed it with her own eyes. Nakita niya kung paano hawakan ni Jhoanna si Stacey sa baywang nito kapag nagtatabi sila. The way she holds Maloi when they are singing together and she swiftly placed the mic with her free hand. There’s also a time when she holds another student’s arm para alalayan ito papuntang clinic kasi na-strain ang paa niya. Ilan lamang ito sa mga intances na nakita niya leading her to conclude that Jhoanna really knows how to hold a woman.

She pouts and clicks her tongue at the thought. She is thinking that Jhoanna is being unfair dahil si Aiah ang nag i-initate ng skinship sa kanilang dalawa, while Jhoanna can easily do it with others. But don’t get it wrong, she wasn’t mad about it, she was just feeling envy.

Makalipas ang ilang minuto ay bumalik na ang dalawa. Jhoanna and Stacey are distributing their orders habang si Aiah ay nagtitipa lang sa kanyang laptop, nakasuot na rin ito ng earphones to concentrate. But she flinched when she felt something cold that touched her cheeks. When she looked up, it was Jhoanna, smiling and holding a cup of drink. Agad niyang tinanggal ang earphones nito nang makita niyang sinenyasan siya ni Jhoanna.

“Hindi ko alam kung anong gusto mo.” She handed her the cup, “So I gut you something strawberry flavored nalang.”

“Huy! I told you wag nalang hindi ba? Bakit kumuha ka pa?” Aiah replied as she accepted the cup.

“I know pero ayaw ko naman na ikaw lang ang walang iniinom eh kaming lahat meron.”

Tumingin si Aiah sa paligid niya at narealize niyang may hawak ngang drinks ang mga ito. Kung sakaling hindi kumuha si Jhoanna ng kanya, malamang siya lang ang wala. How thoughtful of her.

“Thanks, Jho. But really, you don’t have to na sana. Magkano ba ito? I’ll pay nalang.” Aiah was about to get her wallet but Jhoanna held her hand, making her stop.

“Huy, wag na! Consider this as my treat nalang.”

“Oh tignan mo. Kapag sa akin may bayad tapos kailangan pa ng delivery fee, pero kapag kay ate Aiah libre lang.” Sheena whined.

Tinignan lang siya ni Jhoanna and she sticks her tongue out. “Ganyan din naman ang ginagawa mo sa’kin eh. Taste of your ow medicine lang.”

“Unfair mo talaga!”

Meanwhile, Aiah can’t utter a single word. Her focus is solely on her hand that Jhoanna is holding. Hindi ito madiin, hindi rin masyadong magaan. It just feels enough for her system to stop functioning for a moment.

How could this be? She doesn’t feel like this when someone touches her gently, not even her mom. But with Jhoanna, it felt… peaceful and soothing.

“Pres?” Aiah woke up from reality when Jhoanna called her. The first thing she saw was a pair of doe eyes looking at her.

“Ayos ka lang ba? Jhoanna added, concern is evident in her voice.

“Yeah, thanks ulit sa drink, Jho.” Aiah replied and withdrew her hand from Jhoanna’s touch.

As the sunlight shifted and the shadows grew longer in the office, a sense of calm settled over the room. The day's remaining hours unfolded in a rhythm of focused productivity, each member of the group contributing to the collective effort.

Later that day, Gelo picked up Aiah as promised that he will drive her home. Hindi nakatakas sa kanya ang tingin ni Jhoanna nang inalalayan siya ni Gelo na pumasok sa loob. Aiah stared out the window, lost in thought, she couldn’t even comprehend what Gelo is talking. When he asked kung naiintindihan niya, she just settled with a smile and nod as a reply.

There’s a thing that was bugging her. The day had been a whirlwind of work and emotions. Now, here she was, driving home with Gelo beside her, but her mind is somewhere else.

Someone, rather.

Aiah sighed; the sound barely audible above the low thrum of the tires. She turned to him and her gaze lingered on his profile. The setting sun painted his usually sharp features in a softer light. He was quietly watching the road with his jaw tight.

"Gelo," she began, her voice hesitant, “How did you know that you were in love with me?”

He glanced at her, his eyes dark and intense, but there was a flicker of surprise within his expression. Pabalik balik ang tingin nito sa kanya at sa daan, bago ito nakasagot.

“Ang random ng tanong mo.” He chuckled, “But to answer that, well, it doesn’t happen in a single moment.”

Aiah shifted in her seat, completely engrossed with Gelo’s answer.

“I mean, it was a thousand tiny moments. The way you laugh when you think no one's listening, the way you furrow your brow in concentration, the way you always offer me the last piece of your chocolate… It's in the little things, the quiet moments.”

He reached out, his hand covering hers. “It's in the way you make me feel” he continued, his thumb gently stroking her knuckles. "Completely, utterly, and irrevocably seen. Like you understand me, even when I don't understand myself. Like you accept me, my flaws and all. Being friends with you for years made me realize a lot of things that made me mesmerized by you, Aiah. That’s how I know.”

Gelo smiled, a gentle, reassuring smile that reached his eyes. Aiah stared at their intertwined hands, her gaze lingering for a moment.

Nangyari na ‘to kanina, but with another person. But there was a huge difference compared to this moment.

She feels nothing when Gelo holds her hand like this.