Of Mountains and Melodies

Jasmine flipped the garlic rice in the pan, the familiar sizzle and aroma filling her kitchen as morning light streamed through the windows. Her phone propped against the backsplash showed Coleen and Mia's faces on video call, their bedhead and sleepy expressions a stark contrast to her already-showered state.

"Kung nakita mo lang sila, Ate." Jasmine cracked eggs into another pan. "Para silang 'di nakakain ng isang linggo, nag-aagawan na sila sa ribs."

"Yung matangkad na may dimples, si Avery, muntik na makalimutang huminga," she added, thinking of Avery's failed attempt at maintaining composure.

Coleen's brow furrowed through the screen. "Sigurado ka na safe 'yan sila? Showing up at your door like that..."

"Babe, patapusin mo si Jas sa kwento niya." Mia nudged her girlfriend. "I want to hear more about this dimpled girl Avery, who made our Jasmine cook for strangers."

"I didn't-" Jasmine felt heat creep up her neck. "She was just being neighborly."

"Mhmm." Mia's grin widened. "Maganda ba si dimples?"

Jasmine nearly dropped the spatula, memories of Avery's elegant figure and warm smile flashing through her mind. "That's not- I mean-"

"Uy! Nag-blush siya!" Mia squealed. "Oh my god, you should totally make a move if she's gay. Bading ba siya? Please tell me na bading siya."

"Mia!" Coleen tried to cover her girlfriend's mouth, resulting in a brief scuffle that made their video shake.

"What? Gusto ko lang magka-jowa baby natin!" Mia emerged victorious. "You're always composing alone in that villa. Kelan ka last nakigpag-date??"

"I'm not looking for-" Jasmine started.

"Bakit ka parang kinilig kanina!?" Mia pointed accusingly at the screen. "You get all quiet and smiley when we mention her."

"I'm focusing on the tocino," Jasmine muttered, grateful for the excuse to turn away from the camera.

"Sige, magtago ka lang diyan sa niluluto mo." Mia's voice dripped with amusement. "Pero kita ko yung smile mo when you mentioned her dimples."

"Ignore her," Coleen sighed. "But seriously, mag-ingat ka sa strangers and weirdos, okay?"

"They're not-" Jasmine paused, remembering Shay's dramatic reenactment of the octopus hotdog incident. "Well, medyo weird sila, but not in a bad way."

Jasmine shook her head, smiling as she pulled more meat from the marinade. Five people meant double her usual portions.

"Bye Ates! Love you both!" She waved at her phone before ending the call.

The sizzle of meat hitting the pan filled her kitchen. Sweet and savory aromas wafted through the open windows as she flipped the tocino, watching the edges caramelize to a perfect golden brown.

"Oh my god, I can smell it from here!" Shay's voice carried up the path. "Takbo, bilis!"

"It's uphill!" Starr wheezed.

"Hina! The first serving is mine!"

Jasmine bit back a laugh as footsteps thundered closer, accompanied by what sounded like a small stampede.

Three sharp knocks at her door. "Hey, it's Avery! We brought reinforcements!"

Jasmine opened the door to find Avery clutching several grocery bags, slightly out of breath but still managing to look effortlessly put-together. Behind her, Shay bounced on her toes while the others trudged up the last few steps.

"We weren't sure what you needed," Avery held up the bags. "But considering our collective track record with cooking..."

"Marunong ako magluto!" Shay protested.

"Setting off the smoke alarm isn't cooking," Gillian called from behind.

"That was one time!"

"Three times yesterday," MJ corrected, finally reaching the top.

The smell of burning caught Jasmine's attention. "Oh no-" She rushed back to the stove, rescuing the garlic rice just in time.

"See?" Shay grinned. "Kahit pros na di-distract eh!"

"Because you're all distracting me," Jasmine shot back, but couldn't help smiling as she stirred the rice.

"Need mo ng tulong?" Avery asked, setting the bags on the counter.

"Just keep your sister away from my kitchen."

"Grabe siya!"

"I heard about all the kitchen incident," Jasmine reminded her. "These are expensive pans."

"Not my fault if ayaw mag cooperate ng food," Shay mumbled, but allowed Gillian to guide her to the dining area.

Jasmine turned back to the stove, hyperaware of Avery's presence beside her as she arranged ingredients. The morning sunlight caught the gold flecks in Avery's eyes when she leaned in to examine the sizzling tocino.

"That smells incredible," Avery said. "Need me to set the table?"

"Plates are in that cabinet." Jasmine pointed with her spatula, trying not to notice how Avery's blazer pulled across her shoulders as she reached up. "And there should be utensils in the drawer below."

"On it." Avery gathered plates with practiced grace. "Though fair warning - baka sa pan na kumain directly si Shay if 'di pa tayo mag serve ng food."

"Narinig ko 'yun!" Shay called from the dining room. "And I would never! ...Again."

Jasmine hid her smile as she plated the food, arranging each component with careful precision. Her usual breakfast routine had evolved from quick, efficient movements to something more deliberate, more conscious of presentation. Not that she was trying to impress anyone.

"Tulungan na kita diyan?" Avery asked as Jasmine balanced three plates.

"Kaya ko na." But their fingers brushed as Avery steadied a wobbling plate, sending an unexpected jolt through Jasmine's arm. She nearly dropped everything.

"Ingat," Avery steadied her with a hand on her elbow. "Can't let this masterpiece hit the floor."

Jasmine felt heat creep up her neck that had nothing to do with the stove. "Right. Thanks."

"Food!" Shay bounced in her seat as they approached. "Oh my god, it looks even better than it smells."

"Indoor voice," Gillian reminded her girlfriend, but she was eyeing the plates with equal enthusiasm.

MJ and Starr had already grabbed utensils. "This beats instant noodles by about a thousand percent."

Jasmine set down the plates, trying to ignore how Avery's hand lingered on her elbow for a moment longer than necessary. She retreated to the kitchen for the remaining plates, grateful for the chance to compose herself.

This was ridiculous. She'd known these people for less than a day. She shouldn't be getting flustered over casual touches and warm smiles and dimples that appeared with every-

No. Focus. Food. Cooking. Safe topics that didn't involve analyzing why her heart skipped when Avery said her name.

"Need help with those last plates?" Avery appeared in the doorway.

Jasmine nearly dropped the spatula. "I'm fine! Patapos na 'ko."

Jasmine settled into her seat, watching in amazement as the group descended upon breakfast with theatrical enthusiasm. Shay took one bite of tocino and collapsed against Gillian's shoulder.

"This is it. This is how I die. Happy and full."

"Dalawang subo ka palang, bebe," Gillian pointed out, but she was already reaching for seconds.

Starr wielded her fork like a conductor's baton. "No, she's right. This is peak breakfast experience. Sobrang sarap."

Jasmine caught Avery's eye across the table and had to stifle a laugh at her mortified expression. "I'm so sorry," Avery mouthed.

"The garlic rice!" Shay sprung back up. "It's perfectly crispy but not burnt! How? What sorcery is this?"

"It's called patience," Jasmine said, "and not turning the heat up to maximum."

"That was one time-"

"Three times," everyone corrected in unison.

Avery cleared her throat. "Speaking of food, we could probably grab lunch in town later. There's this amazing Thai place-" She stopped as Shay and Starr made exaggerated swooning motions. "Can you two behave for five minutes?"

"Nope!" Shay popped the 'p'. "But Thai sounds amazing. We can do the grocery shopping while we're there too." She turned to Jasmine. "What are you planning to cook next? We'll get whatever you need."

"Oh, I couldn't ask you to-"

"Please?" Shay clasped her hands together. "Let us help! Consider it payment for this life-changing breakfast."

"It's just breakfast," Jasmine mumbled, but she could feel her resolve weakening under their collective puppy-dog eyes.

"I was thinking of making beef rendang..." The words had barely left her mouth before Shay let out a squeal that made everyone jump.

"Yes! Perfect! We'll get everything you need!" She pulled out her phone. "Dictate the ingredients to me."

"Maybe let her finish eating first?" Avery suggested, shooting Jasmine an apologetic look that made her stomach flip in ways that had nothing to do with food.

"Fine," Shay slumped back. "But only because I need both hands for more tocino."

Jasmine watched in fascination as her normally quiet kitchen buzzed with energy. Shay alternated between typing ingredients into her phone and sneaking extra pieces of tocino when she thought no one was looking. MJ and Starr debated the merits of different curry pastes while Gillian quietly kept the peace, intercepting Shay's hand before she could steal food from other plates.

And then there was Avery.

Jasmine caught herself stealing glances at the older woman between bites. The morning light caught the angles of her face just right, highlighting the natural grace in her movements. Even the simple act of reaching for her water glass seemed elegant.

"So what time should we meet for lunch?" Avery's question snapped Jasmine from her thoughts.

"Oh, um..." Jasmine fiddled with her fork, suddenly very interested in the remaining grains of rice on her plate. "I actually have some work to finish..."

"Bring your laptop!" Shay piped up. "The Thai place has great WiFi. Plus, you can people-watch while you compose. Instant inspiration!"

"I don't know..." The thought of trying to work in public with them made Jasmine's stomach clench. She preferred her quiet villa, where she could lose herself in code and music without worrying about social expectations.

"You don't have to if you're not comfortable," Avery said softly, shooting her sister a look. "We can always do lunch another time."

Something in Avery's tone made Jasmine look up. There was no pressure in her expression, just genuine understanding that made Jasmine's chest feel warm.

"Maybe..." Jasmine took a deep breath. "Maybe lunch would be nice. As long as you don't mind me working a bit?"

"Yes!" Shay pumped her fist, nearly knocking over her glass. "Operation Get Jasmine Outside is a go!"

"That's not what we're calling it," Gillian sighed, but she was smiling.

"Operation Sunshine?"

"No."

"Mission: Impossible - Composer Protocol?"

"Absolutely not."

Jasmine couldn't help laughing at their banter. These people had crashed into her life less than twenty-four hours ago, yet somehow they'd already carved out a space in her usually quiet routine. It should have been overwhelming, but instead it felt... right.

Her eyes met Avery's across the table, and the older woman's dimples appeared as she smiled. Jasmine quickly looked away, her heart doing that strange skip again.

Jasmine settled back into her quiet villa after the whirlwind breakfast crew departed. She pulled up her recipe notes on her tablet, cross-referencing ingredients for the beef rendang while the dishwasher hummed in the background. The familiar routine of listing spices and measurements helped ground her after the social energy of the morning.

Her fingers tapped against the counter as she worked. Galangal, lemongrass, turmeric leaves... The list grew as she remembered her own version of the dish. A smile crept across her face as she imagined Shay's reaction to the complex flavors.

The morning slipped away as Jasmine alternated between her composition work and refining the ingredient list. By the time she checked the clock, her latest track was exported and the rendang recipe was meticulously detailed.

She hesitated over her laptop bag, then left it on the desk. One afternoon off wouldn't hurt, and she'd already finished her deliverables for the week. The thought of actually relaxing at lunch instead of hiding behind her screen was... nice.

The crunch of tires on gravel drew her attention. Through her window, she spotted Avery's SUV pulling up, windows down and music spilling out. Shay hung halfway out the back window, waving frantically.

"Jasmine! Andito na kami sa labas!"

"Inside voice," Gillian's familiar refrain drifted up.

"Nasa labas tayo!"

Jasmine grabbed her purse, double-checking for her wallet and phone before heading down. Avery stepped out of the driver's side, sunglasses perched on her head and that ever-present dimpled smile making Jasmine's stomach do a small flip.

"Ready for the best Thai food in town?" Avery asked.

»

Avery watched in amusement as Jasmine's eyes widened at the extensive menu. The composer kept glancing at the prices, her fingers fidgeting with the corner of the laminated page.

"Order ka lang kung ano gusto mo," Avery leaned closer. "My treat. Consider it thanks for saving us from starvation this morning."

"Pero-"

"Masarap ang pad thai nila dito," Avery continued. "And don't get me started on their green curry."

Shay bounced in her seat. "Get both! And the tom yum! And those crispy spring rolls!"

"Bebe, huminga ka," Gillian patted her girlfriend's hand.

"I can't breathe, I'm too excited about food."

Avery caught Jasmine hiding a smile behind her menu. The way her eyes crinkled at the corners made Avery's chest feel warm.

When the waiter arrived, Avery ordered enough dishes to cover the table twice over. Jasmine finally relented and asked for the green curry, her voice soft but decisive.

"Extra spicy," Jasmine added, surprising everyone.

"Brave," Avery raised an eyebrow. "Their spice levels are no joke."

"I like a challenge."

The food arrived in waves of fragrant steam. Avery found herself watching Jasmine more than her own plate, fascinated by the way the composer approached each dish with careful consideration.

"Oh god," Shay fanned her mouth after stealing a bite of Jasmine's curry. "Water! Water!"

"Weak," Jasmine took another bite without flinching.

Later, at the coffee shop, Avery insisted on treating again despite Jasmine's protests.

"You made breakfast AND you're making rendang later. Let me spoil you a little."

The words slipped out before Avery could catch them. She watched a blush creep across Jasmine's cheeks.

"Fine," Jasmine mumbled. "But I'm getting the simple iced latte."

"Boring naman!" Shay declared from the counter where she was ordering something that seemed to contain every syrup flavor available. "Live a little!"

"Says the sugar demon," MJ rolled her eyes.

"It's called having taste!"

"It's called future diabetes," Starr corrected.

Avery stepped closer to Jasmine, lowering her voice. "Masarap ang hazelnut cold brew nila dito. If you trust me."

Jasmine looked up, meeting her eyes. "I do."

Something fluttered in Avery's stomach at those simple words. She ordered two hazelnut cold brews, trying to ignore how her fingers tingled when they brushed against Jasmine's while passing her drink.

"Oh," Jasmine's eyes lit up at the first sip. "This is perfect. Masarap nga!"

Avery couldn't help grinning. "Told you to trust me."

Behind them, Shay's concoction arrived in what looked like a small fishbowl topped with whipped cream and sprinkles.

"That's not coffee," Gillian stared. "That's a dessert with caffeine anxiety."

"'Wag mong e-judge ang life choices ko!"

Avery watched in amusement as Jasmine's eyes widened at the sprawling grocery store. The composer clutched her meticulously detailed shopping list while Shay zoomed past with a cart, nearly taking out a display of durian.

"Bebe! Dahan-dahan lang!" Gillian chased after her girlfriend.

"Okay, let's see what we need." Jasmine pulled out her list. Avery peered over her shoulder, catching a whiff of something floral - jasmine, appropriately enough.

"Add whatever else you want for the week," Avery said. "My treat."

"But-"

"You're feeding these monsters. Trust me, you'll need backup supplies."

"We resent that!" Shay called from three aisles over.

"Paano niya narinig 'yun?" Jasmine whispered.

"She has selective super-hearing when it comes to food or being insulted."

They worked their way through the aisles, Jasmine carefully selecting spices and ingredients while Avery tossed extra items into the cart. Every time Jasmine hesitated over something, Avery smoothly added it before she could protest.

"The lemongrass looks fresh today," MJ noted, examining a bundle.

"Unlike your jokes," Starr quipped, dodging MJ's playful swat.

"Can we get dried mango?" Shay appeared, arms full of random snacks.

"Where's your cart?" Gillian asked.

"Oh. Nakalimutan ko. Baka nasa tabi-tabi lang."

"How do you forget a whole cart?"

"I got distracted by the snack aisle!"

Avery caught Jasmine trying to hide her laughter behind her hand. The composer's eyes sparkled with amusement as she watched their friends' antics.

Back at the villa, chaos erupted as everyone tried to help put away groceries simultaneously. Shay insisted on organizing by color (It's more aesthetic!), while MJ attempted to create a complex cataloging system that no one understood.

"The garlic doesn't go with the onions!" Shay protested.

"They're alliums, they belong together!" MJ argued.

"Iba 'yung colors nila!"

Avery noticed Jasmine standing in the middle of her kitchen, looking slightly overwhelmed as everyone rearranged her cabinets.

"Maybe we should let Jasmine decide where things go," Avery suggested. "Since it's, you know, her kitchen."

"But my system-" MJ started.

"Is completely incomprehensible," Starr finished.

"I color-coded it!"

"With a code you made up!"

Jasmine finally broke into giggles, the sound making Avery's heart do a little flip. "How about we compromise? Cooking ingredients in the pantry, snacks in the cabinets?"

"But what about my color theory?" Shay pouted.

"You can organize the snacks by color," Jasmine offered.

"Deal!"

Avery watched as Shay made grabby hands toward the kitchen counter, only to be dragged away by Gillian.

"Bebe, I want to help!" Shay whined.

"Remember the plates yesterday?" Gillian steered her toward the living room.

Jasmine's eyes crinkled with amusement as she pulled out her prep bowls. "There's a gaming console hooked up to the TV. Maybe you could all pick something to play?"

"Dibs on first player!" Shay sprinted to the couch.

"I'll help with prep," Avery offered, rolling up her sleeves. "I promise I'm better in the kitchen than my sister."

"Low bar," MJ muttered, following the others.

Once the living room filled with the sounds of Mario Kart chaos, Avery settled into a comfortable rhythm beside Jasmine. She watched the composer's hands move with practiced grace as she measured out spices.

"So... video game music?" Avery asked, carefully slicing shallots. "How'd you get into that?"

Jasmine's lips curved up. "I used to play piano covers of game soundtracks in college. Posted them online. One day a small studio reached out, and... here we are."

"Ang galing naman." Avery meant it. There was something captivating about the way Jasmine's eyes lit up when she talked about music.

"Ikaw ba? Crypto seems... different."

Avery laughed. "Got lucky with some early investments. Now I mostly day trade and try to avoid my parents' attempts to get me into the family business."

"Which is?"

"Real estate development. Very boring, lots of meetings." Avery wrinkled her nose. "I'd rather have freedom to travel and... you know, actually enjoy life."

A crash from the living room made them both jump.

"Okay lang ako!" Shay called. "The controller is okay too! Mostly!"

Jasmine giggled, the sound making Avery's heart skip. "Ganyan ba talaga siya palagi?"

"Worse, usually. But she grows on you. Like a very energetic fungus."

"Narinig ko 'yun!"

"Selective super-hearing," Avery stage-whispered, earning another laugh from Jasmine.

They worked in comfortable silence for a while, Avery stealing glances at the way Jasmine's brow furrowed in concentration as she ground the spices. The kitchen filled with warm, complex aromas that made her mouth water.

"You really love cooking, don't you?" Avery asked softly.

Jasmine nodded. "It's... peaceful. Like composing, but with different senses. Finding the right balance of flavors is like arranging notes in a song."

"That's beautiful."

A blush crept across Jasmine's cheeks. "It's silly..."

"No, it's not." Avery touched her arm gently. "It's passionate. I like that."

Their eyes met, and for a moment, the kitchen felt very quiet despite the chaos in the next room.

The moment stretched between them, fragile and electric. Avery found herself caught in Jasmine's dark eyes, unable to look away. The composer's cheeks were still flushed, and Avery's fingers tingled where they rested against her arm.

"Blue shell!" Shay's screech from the living room shattered the moment. Jasmine jumped, nearly dropping her spoon.

"I should, um, check ko lang ang spices," Jasmine mumbled, turning back to her mortar and pestle.

Avery let her hand fall away, trying to ignore the lingering warmth in her chest. She focused on chopping the remaining shallots, sneaking glances at Jasmine's profile. The composer's hair had started falling from its messy bun, dark strands framing her face as she worked.

"Need any help with that?" Avery gestured to the spice mixture.

"I think I've got it," Jasmine's voice was soft but steady. "But could you start on the lemongrass?"

"Oo naman." Avery grabbed the fresh stalks, their citrusy scent filling the air as she began peeling away the tough outer layers. "How thin do you want these?"

"As fine as you can get them." Jasmine glanced over, a small smile playing at her lips. "Kaya mo ba?"

"Is that a challenge, Miss Robles?"

"Maybe." There was a playful glint in Jasmine's eyes that made Avery's stomach flip.

"Challenge accepted." Avery rolled her shoulders dramatically, making Jasmine laugh. The sound was becoming one of her favorite things.

They settled into a rhythm again, the kitchen filled with the sounds of chopping and grinding, punctuated by occasional victory shouts or groans of defeat from the living room. Avery found herself hyper-aware of every time Jasmine moved close to check her progress or reach for ingredients, their arms brushing in the confined space.

It felt domestic in a way that should have terrified her. Instead, Avery found herself wishing the prep would take longer, just to stretch out these quiet moments together.

Avery watched as Gillian methodically arranged plates and silverware, somehow maintaining perfect spacing despite Shay's attempts to "help" by suggesting increasingly elaborate napkin folding techniques.

"No, we're not making them into swans," Gillian sighed, gently moving Shay's hands away from mangling another napkin.

The front door burst open as MJ swept in, brandishing two bottles of wine. "Found these beauties in our collection. A nice Cabernet to complement that amazing smell coming from the kitchen."

The rich aroma of rendang filled the villa as Jasmine transferred the dish from pot to serving bowl, her movements precise and graceful. Avery's mouth watered at the sight of the deep, complex curry.

"This looks incredible," Avery breathed, earning a shy smile from Jasmine.

Everyone gathered around the table, plates piled high with fragrant rice and rendang. The first bites were met with appreciative moans and wide eyes.

"Holy shit," Starr grabbed her wine glass. "Jasmine, this is better than the restaurants back in the city."

"The spice balance is perfect," MJ nodded approvingly. "Not too heavy on any one note."

Shay swallowed a massive bite and pointed her fork at Avery. "Sis, you better wife her up quick before someone else discovers she cooks like this."

Avery choked on her wine. Heat crept up her neck as she caught Jasmine's equally flustered expression across the table.

"Seriously though," Starr chimed in, "When's the wedding? I call dibs on maid of honor."

"Hoy!" Shay protested. "Ako ang kapatid, I get automatic dibs!"

"Baka matapunan mo lang ng drinks ang bride, bebe," Gillian pointed out.

"Hindi no!"

"You spilled your own drink all over your dress last week."

"That’s… iba 'yun," Shay huffed, crossing her arms. "Besides, I’d be the best maid of honor."

Avery risked a glance at Jasmine, who had turned an adorable shade of pink and seemed very interested in her plate. The composer's hair had fallen forward, partially hiding her face, but Avery caught the small smile playing at her lips.

"Can we just enjoy dinner without planning my love life?" Avery tried to sound stern, but couldn't keep the amusement from her voice.

"Nope!" Shay grinned. "Someone has to, since you're clearly useless at it."

"I am not-"

"Kelan last date mo? Sige nga."

Avery opened her mouth, then closed it.

"Exactly." Shay looked triumphant. "Meanwhile, here's Jasmine, cooking like a goddess and being all cute and talented-"

"Please stop," Jasmine squeaked, hiding her face in her hands.

Avery kicked her sister under the table, but Shay just grinned wider. The rest of dinner devolved into a heated debate about whether Mario Kart skills translated to real driving ability, much to Avery's relief. She kept stealing glances at Jasmine, who had recovered enough to join the conversation, though a lovely pink still stained her cheeks.

"I'm just saying, if you can rainbow road, you can handle anything," Shay insisted, gesturing with her fork.

"That explains your three fender benders," Gillian muttered.

"Those were strategic love taps!"

Avery watched Jasmine laugh, the sound making her heart flutter. The composer had relaxed as the evening wore on, her initial shyness melting away in the warmth of good food and friendly chaos. The way her eyes crinkled when she smiled, how she tucked her hair behind her ear when she was about to make a point - Avery found herself cataloging these little details without meaning to.

"Gusto mo pa ng wine?" Avery offered, noticing Jasmine's glass was empty.

"Please." Their fingers brushed as Avery poured, sending that now-familiar tingle up her arm.

The rendang was everything Avery had hoped for and more. Each bite revealed new layers of flavor - sweet, spicy, rich with coconut and aromatics. She couldn't remember the last time she'd enjoyed a meal this much, though she suspected it had less to do with the food and more to do with the company.

"Okay, but seriously," MJ leaned forward, "where did you learn to cook like this?"

"Oh, um," Jasmine fiddled with her napkin. "Youtube? Recipes online din. Cooking helps me think when I'm stuck on a composition. Something about the rhythms of chopping and stirring..."

"That's actually really cool," Avery said, meaning it. She loved how Jasmine's whole face lit up when she talked about her passions.

After dinner, everyone pitched in for cleanup despite Jasmine's protests.

"Ikaw nagluto, kami na bahala maglinis at maghugas," Avery insisted, steering Jasmine toward the living room couch. "House rules."

"Pero-"

"Nope!" Shay bounced past with an armful of napkins. "Ito lang 'yung chore na magaling ako."

"That's because folding napkins requires zero actual cleaning," Gillian called from the sink where she and MJ had already established an efficient washing system.

Starr methodically cleared the table, stacking plates with practiced grace. "Go relax, Jas. Kami na dito."

Avery settled onto the couch beside Jasmine, close enough to catch that subtle floral scent again. "So... video game soundtracks. Anong favorite project mo so far?"

"There's this indie horror game I'm working on now," Jasmine's eyes lit up. "The developer wants something atmospheric - you know, the kind of music that makes you afraid to turn corners?"

"Like in Silent Hill?"

"Exactly!" Jasmine tucked her legs under her, turning to face Avery fully. "But with more subtle layering. I'm experimenting with binaural beats and environmental sounds."

"That sounds incredible." Avery loved how animated Jasmine became when discussing her work, her hands moving expressively as she explained the technical details.

From the kitchen came the sounds of splashing and Shay's dramatic napkin-folding commentary.

"Look, I made a crane!"

"That's a crumpled mess," MJ observed.

"It's abstract art!"

Jasmine giggled, the sound making Avery's heart skip. "Your sister's energy is... infectious."

"That's one word for it," Avery smiled. "But she means well. Usually."

"Narinig ko 'yun!"

"Super-hearing," they said in unison, then laughed.

Avery shifted slightly closer, drawn to the warmth of Jasmine's presence. "What made you choose Sagada for your working vacation?"

"I needed somewhere quiet," Jasmine's voice softened. "Somewhere I could hear the music in my head without city noise drowning it out." She glanced at Avery. "Though it's not exactly quiet with everyone here."

"We can leave if you need space-"

"No!" Jasmine reached out, her fingers brushing Avery's arm. "No, I... I like having you all here. It's a different kind of noise. A good kind."

The touch sent sparks across Avery's skin. She found herself lost in Jasmine's dark eyes, wondering how someone could look both so vulnerable and so certain at the same time.

Avery watched as everyone migrated to the living room, sprawling across couches and floor cushions. The cleanup had left them energized rather than tired, especially Shay who bounced in place next to Gillian.

"So bukas," Starr stretched out her legs across MJ's lap, "we found this trail that leads to a waterfall. Should take about three hours round trip."

"Four, with photo stops," MJ added, already scrolling through trail maps on her phone.

Shay perked up. "Ooh, we're coming too! Right, bebe?"

Gillian nodded, threading her fingers through Shay's. "As long as you promise na hindi ka aakyat ng puno."

Avery felt Jasmine shift beside her on the couch, their shoulders barely touching. The composer had been quiet, but there was a contentment in her silence that felt comfortable rather than awkward.

"What about you, sis?" Shay's eyes gleamed with mischief. "Want to join our couples' hike?"

"I..." Avery glanced at Jasmine, who was suddenly very interested in a loose thread on her sweater.

"Actually," Shay continued before Avery could answer, "dito ka nalang pala. Keep Jasmine company while she works on her spooky game music."

"Subtle," MJ muttered.

"I'm just saying!" Shay grinned. "It would be shame if Jasmine got lonely while we're gone."

Avery caught the slight pink tinge on Jasmine's cheeks. "Kung okay lang sayo," she said softly. "I know you came here to work..."

"I'd like that," Jasmine's voice was equally quiet, but her smile made Avery's heart race.

"Great!" Shay clapped her hands. "It's settled then. We'll leave after breakfast, and you two can... hang out."

The way she waggled her eyebrows made Avery want to throw a pillow at her. Instead, she focused on the warmth of Jasmine's shoulder against hers, and the possibility of spending tomorrow together.

»

Jasmine padded into the kitchen before sunrise, enjoying the quiet stillness of early morning. She tied her hair back and pulled out ingredients for a hearty breakfast - eggs, bacon, fresh bread from the local bakery, and fruits for trail sandwiches.

The familiar motions of cooking centered her, helping shake off lingering drowsiness. She hummed softly while whisking eggs, a melody from her current project weaving through her mind.

Her phone buzzed on the counter. Mom. Jasmine's stomach tightened as she answered.

"Hello?"

"Jasmine, nasaan ka?" Juliette's clipped tone carried through the speaker. "I've been trying to reach you."

"I'm in Sagada, Ma. Working on a project." She cracked more eggs into the bowl, phone tucked between ear and shoulder.

"Alam mo ba who's back? Ysabelle just finished her MBA. She's taking over their investment firm now."

Jasmine's hand stilled on the whisk. "Oh."

"She called me, asking about you. Such a successful young woman. Columbia graduate, top of her class." Her mother's voice warmed with approval. "She misses you, anak."

The eggs suddenly needed very vigorous whisking. "Ma..."

"Just think about it. You two were good together. She's established now, settled. Ready for something serious-"

"I have to go," Jasmine cut in, heart racing. "May ginagawa ako."

"Jasmine-"

"Bye, Ma." She ended the call, hands shaking slightly.

Ysabelle was back. The thought echoed in her head as she mechanically assembled sandwiches. She remembered late nights composing while Ysa studied, shared dreams of success, the gradual drift apart as those dreams pulled them in different directions.

They had met in high school. Jasmine, the quiet sophomore who hid in the music room, and Ysabelle, the senior class president, who’d discovered her hidden talent. Back then, Ysabelle's ambition blinded Jasmine like a moth drawn to flame. She remembered watching Ysabelle give electrifying speeches, lead club meetings, always accompanied by perfect grades—so consumed by success that Jasmine often felt overshadowed.

Their first kiss happened during college applications season. Jasmine had helped Ysa polish her essays late into the night, and somewhere between coffee breaks and keyboard clicks, their lips met. Everything clicked into place after that.

Four years of bliss followed. While Jasmine studied software engineering and sound design, Ysa blazed through her business degree. They'd spend weekends in Jasmine's tiny apartment, Ysa reading case studies while Jasmine composed, breaking only to cook together or watch the sunset from the balcony.

Until the scholarship letter arrived.

Jasmine remembered that evening. Ysa burst into her apartment, waving an envelope.

“Babeeee! I got in! Full ride at Columbia!” Ysabelle's eyes had sparkled behind her glasses, brimming with hope. "They loved my business proposal. I get to expand it while I'm there."

The world had tilted, and in that moment, Jasmine had forced a smile even as her chest constricted. “That’s... amazing, babe.”

“Hey.” Ysabelle cupped Jasmine’s face tenderly. “I know what you’re thinking. Two years will fly by. We’ll text every day, call every night. I’ll come visit during breaks.”

“I don’t want to hold you back,” Jasmine whispered, vulnerability laid bare.

“You could never hold me back.” Ysabelle pulled her close, warmth igniting in that embrace. “You inspire me.”

For a while, they made it work. Good morning texts, late-night video calls filled with melodies, exchanged gifts that bridged the distance.

But as time passed, the connection began unraveling. Ysabelle’s messages morphed from sweet whispers to brief updates buried beneath a pile of ambition. Weekends turned into distant memories, her world sprawled across time zones that felt impossibly vast.

“Sorry 'di ko nasagot tawag mo last night.” Ysa’s voice wavered through the speaker. “Had drinks with some VCs. Lost track of time.”

“Okay lang.” Jasmine twisted her blanket anxiously. “Kumusta ang presentation?”

“Amazing! Jessica—remember her?—helped me refine my pitch. We’ve been working closely.”

“Who’s Jessica?”

A pause so long it echoed. “I mentioned her before. She’s in my study group.”

The knot in Jasmine’s stomach tightened painfully. “Oh.”

After an unbearable silence, Ysabelle had sighed. “Maybe we should talk about—”

“I have to go.” The tears she’d been holding back spilled as she hung up, not ready to face the truth.

Just days later, she stared at Ysabelle's text: "I think we need space to focus on our goals."

The words threatened to suffocate her as she replayed their distant conversations, feeling the gradual erosion of their love.

Jasmine's hands trembled as she gripped the kitchen counter. The memories of Ysabelle crashed over her like waves - the late-night study sessions, shared dreams whispered in darkness, tender touches that once felt like home. Her chest constricted, each breath a battle against the tide of emotion threatening to drown her.

The eggs sat forgotten in their bowl as she slid down to sit on the cold tile floor. She pressed her palms against her eyes, willing the tears back. Three years. It had been three years since Ysabelle's text, since their carefully constructed future crumbled into dust. Yet here she was, undone by a single phone call.

Her mother's words echoed: "She misses you."

A sob escaped before she could catch it. Did Ysabelle really miss her? Or did she miss the idea of her - the quiet girlfriend who supported her ambitions without question, who dimmed her own light to let Ysabelle shine?

The sound of footsteps approaching made her hastily wipe her eyes. She couldn't let anyone see her like this, especially not-

"Jasmine? I saw the lights and thought you're up. Okay ka lang?"

Avery's concerned voice cut through her spiral. Jasmine kept her face turned away, desperately trying to compose herself.

"Hey, I'm just..." She gestured vaguely at the counter above her. "Taking a break."

"On the kitchen floor?" Avery's footsteps drew closer. "At 06:40 AM?"

Jasmine attempted a laugh that came out more like a hiccup. "Best spot for... thinking."

She heard Avery slide down to sit beside her, close enough that their shoulders brushed. The gentle contact sent warmth through her even as fresh tears threatened.

"Gusto mo pag-usapan?" Avery's voice was soft, free of judgment.

Jasmine shook her head, then found herself speaking anyway. "My ex is back." The words tasted bitter. "Mom thinks... she thinks we should..."

Her voice cracked. Without hesitation, Avery's arm wrapped around her shoulders, pulling her close. Jasmine turned into the embrace, burying her face against Avery's neck as the tears finally broke free.

"I thought I was over her," Jasmine whispered into Avery's shirt. "I thought I was stronger than this. Akala ko okay na ako."

"Being hurt doesn't make you weak." Avery's hand traced soothing circles on her back. "And healing isn't linear."

Jasmine pulled back from Avery's embrace, wiping her eyes with her sleeve. "Sorry about your shirt."

"Please, I've survived worse. You should see what happens when Shay spills boba on me."

The comment drew a watery laugh from Jasmine. She stood, smoothing her hair back into its ponytail. "I should finish breakfast before everyone wakes up."

"Let me help." Avery rolled up her sleeves. "I make a mean scrambled egg."

They worked in comfortable silence, moving around each other in the kitchen like a well-rehearsed dance. Jasmine focused on assembling sandwiches while Avery handled the eggs and bacon. The familiar routine of cooking helped ground her, especially with Avery's steady presence nearby.

Every so often, their hands would brush as they reached for ingredients, sending little sparks through Jasmine's skin. She caught Avery watching her with soft concern, but there was something else in her gaze too - something warm that made Jasmine's heart flutter.

The hiking crew burst in just as they finished plating everything.

"Food!" Shay made a beeline for the table. "Ate, you're up early- ooh, trail sandwiches!"

"Thanks, Jas!" MJ grabbed plates while Starr poured coffee.

Gillian paused beside Jasmine, noting her slightly red eyes. But she just squeezed Jasmine's shoulder gently before joining the others.

As they ate, Avery slid closer to Jasmine. "Okay?" she whispered.

Jasmine nodded, managing a small but genuine smile. "Better now." She meant it. The morning's pain felt distant under Avery's watchful care.

"Good." Avery's hand found hers under the table, giving it a quick squeeze.

Jasmine felt warmth spread through her chest as everyone dug in enthusiastically. Her gaze drifted to Avery, who was spreading jam on toast with careful precision. Something about the way she concentrated on such a simple task made Jasmine's heart flutter.

After breakfast, she helped pack supplies for their hike. "Mag-ingat kayo," she said, handing MJ the bag of sandwiches. "I heard it gets slippery near the falls."

"Don't worry about us, kaya namin 'to" Shay grinned, already bouncing toward the door. "Worry about what you two are going to do all alone-"

Gillian pulled her away before she could finish that thought.

As their voices faded down the path, Jasmine settled at her laptop in the living room. She'd barely opened her composition software when Avery sat nearby with a book.

"Okay lang ba na dito muna ako while you work? 'Di ba ako makakaisturbo?"

"Not at all." Jasmine smiled, slipping her headphones on.

She lost herself in the music, humming softly as she layered sounds. The horror game needed something subtle - creeping dread rather than jump scares. Her fingers moved across the keys, adding ethereal whispers and distant echoes.

When she glanced up to stretch, she caught Avery watching her, book forgotten in her lap. The intensity in her eyes made Jasmine's breath catch.

"Sorry," Avery looked away quickly. "I just... I like watching you work. The way you get lost in it. And your humming..."

Jasmine felt heat rise to her cheeks. "Oh, I didn't realize I was-"

"No, don't stop. Ang ganda nga eh."

Their eyes met, and for a moment Jasmine forgot about the horror soundtrack completely. The morning sun painted Avery in gold, and Jasmine had never seen anyone look quite so lovely.

She turned back to her laptop, heart racing, but kept humming softly. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Avery smile and settle deeper into her seat, book open but forgotten again as she listened.