you sure are oblivious

third person

"Anong 'no good characteristics' ka diyaan? When people agree nga na you've got too much appeal to actually BE human," Maloi defends.

"Sino-sino naman itong mga 'people' na sinasabi mo? At anong kinalaman ng 'appeal' sa lack of good characteristics ko?" Aiah asks, visibly confused.

"Mga batchmates and schoolmates natin nagsabi niyan. Baka sabihin mo biased lang ako kasi kaibigan kita,"

Maloi knew that Aiah wanted the objective truth, especially when it came to topics like these. She kinda had to learn that the hard way — which actually led to them not talking for 3 days straight.

"Alam mo ba kung ano 'yung 'appeal'?" sabi ni Maloi and Aiah shakes her head in response.

"For someone who's known on campus for her appeal, you sure are oblivious, Aiah," Maloi chuckles.

"Bukang bibig nga 'yan ng mga schoolmates natin everytime we walk around ta's sinasabi mo sa akin 'di mo alam? Grabe naman ang oat," she continues.

"What if sagutin mo na kasi 'yung pangalawang tanong ko? Ang dami namang pa-segue nito," Aiah says as she rolls her eyes at Maloi.

"Want the usual answer or my answer?"

"Both,"

"Usual answer: you attract people. It means they find you attractive because of something subjectively good you did," 

"Easy enough to understand. What about your answer?" Aiah asks, now, with more curiosity.

"Para sa akin, kapag may appeal, hindi 'yon dahil sa good characteristic or trait," Aiah's eyebrows are now brought together.

"I know but let me explain," Maloi waits until Aiah gives her the go signal to continue.

"Hindi naman porket kumakanta at naggigitara, gusto mo na agad, 'di ba?" Aiah stares at her.

"Ako, paminsan minsan kumakanta at marunong maggitara pero gusto mo ba ako in that way?" tanong ni Maloi while Aiah hesitates to answer.

"Hindi," Aiah answers softly, seemingly unwilling but Maloi didn't notice the hesitation lining her voice.

Her heart was beating too loud that she heard it instead of the quick silence that passed them. Kaya, tumango nalang si Maloi, alam niya naman na 'yon pero nasaktan pa rin siya na marinig 'yon ng harap harapan.

"Exactly. Kaya kapag may appeal, in my definition, it's because THAT specific person has that good characteristic or trait that you like," Aiah still seems confused with her answer.

"In short, dahil nasa iyo 'yung mga good characteristics or traits na iyon," Maloi starts playing with her food.

"Dahil para sa kanila, naging additional perks nalang na meron ka nung skills or traits na gusto nila kasi ikaw na 'yon eh," Maloi chuckles.

"Ikaw ang talagang nagugustuhan nila," 

"at nagugustuhan ko," sinabi niya ng pabulong pero narinig pa rin ni Aiah.

Aiah's dumbfounded and unable to process what Maloi just said. Yet, Maloi continues.

“What makes you appealing is not only because you're kind or beautiful or caring or smart or every single positive adjective this world could offer,”

“It’s not JUST because of the fact that you’re a talented singer, crazy dancer, and an incredible performer,” she smiles softly at that.

“Don’t get me wrong, you are all those things and more, but you're also appealing to us because you’re a clumsy, fearful, overthinking, and overworking perfectionist," Maloi chuckles at the memory.

"It's because you, as a person, have those characteristics which make you appealing to me," she slipped up. But, looking at Aiah, she first thought she was seeing things 'cause of how she was looking at her more fondly.

But that fueled her confidence, she says "I guess what I'm trying to say is, I like you,"

"No. It's more than like... I love you, Aiah," Maloi corrects herself.

"I love every bit of you—the good and the bad,"

"Oh, Malo–"

"Before you say anything else," Maloi says, seemingly knowing where it was going to go.

She knows she just ruined their friendship but she just wanted to get it all out before it comes crumbling down.

"I just wanted finish what I wanted to say first, is that alright?" she looks at Aiah for approval. Aiah nods.

"It's really easy to love you, Aiah. That's why all these people like you. That's why all these people find you appealing. I, myself, included; I won't deny that," 

"It's because it's hard NOT to love you," she smiles, genuinely.