Chapter Text
Chapter 4 – Metro Manila Part 1
The girls landed back in Manila a little after midnight on a random Tuesday night. The team decided to book the most random flight out from Cebu to avoid the crowd and they were somewhat successful, since there weren’t a lot of people waiting for them outside the airport, but there were still some buds who waited for their arrival, and the girls were very appreciative for the support.
As soon as they made it to the van, everybody slumped into each other to try and continue their slumber, but Jin needed to brief them about their schedule in the coming days, before their final show on Sunday.
Jin: Okay guys, recap lang tayo before we all go our own ways tonight..
A collective “ughh” and “omg Jin, nooo” was heard; it was understandable since everyone was tired and was just about ready to rest, but Jin needed to make sure they were all on the same page.
Jin: I know, I know pero quick lang to sige na. Okay, so ito schedule naten:
- Wednesday to Thursday – Rest day. Vocal rest for everyone pag kaya, so kung lalabas man kayo, bawal mag videoke ok? Or any activity that will strain your vocal chords.
- Friday – 10AM rehearsal until 10PM. May content shoot in the middle, pero lahat naman yon sa ABS, so that’s that.
- Saturday – No training/rehearsal, but we have dinner with the entire team ng 6PM until 10PM, so please, walang male-late and walang aabsent. We owe this to the team guys. Lahat ng staff and crew from the tour will be there.
- Sunday – call time is 10AM sa lobby ng ABS, then we’ll head to the hotel next to MOA Arena to prep, for the last time.
Jin’s voice cracked, sharp and sudden, cutting through the words she was trying to say. Maybe it was the exhaustion weighing her down, but once her voice gave out, there was no holding back. Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring the faces in front of her. And that’s when it hit her — this was the last time she’d be briefing the girls.
The thought crashed over her, hard and unforgiving, and before she knew it, the tears were spilling over. She tried to keep it together, but the harder she fought, the more everything fell apart. A sob slipped out, awkward and loud, and suddenly she was crying — really crying right there in front of them – them.
The girls she had spent the last seven years with — the ones who had witnessed her transformation firsthand. They had seen her arrive as a bright, energetic, and hopeful kid, carrying more dreams than she knew what to do with. And now, they stood before a woman who hadn’t lost that spark — still energetic, still full of dreams — but now with the kind of conviction and determination that only comes from experience.
She felt proud of herself, sure. But she felt more proud with what they have achieved together, despite all the challenges that they faced. It wasn’t a secret to everyone what they had to endure through the years, especially when they were starting out, but the girls always knew the public only saw about 70% of it. No one knew the entire story other than the eight of them and they kept it that way, because they wanted to leave something to remember for themselves. Something they can hold on to when all of this is over – like it was now.
It wasn’t really the end; at least not entirely, since they were only going on hiatus – but it still felt like the end of an era. The closing of a big chapter in their lives. Come to think of it, they were all teens when all of this started and now, they’ve aged 8 more years since then and a lot has changed. It was too much to bear and remember in one sitting, hence the emotions.
Not shortly after Jin started breaking down, all of the other girls followed. They were crying and laughing at the same time – something they’ve grown accustomed to. For what is B8 if not chaotic and unpredictable?
After a while, everyone settled and all you could hear were deep breaths from everyone. They stayed silent until everyone was dropped off.
—
Wednesday – 4 days before B8: Finale Concert – Jin’s Condo.
Jin was peacefully sleeping in her room, on top of her own bed covered with her own sheets, after what felt like forever. As soon as they were dropped off, she hurriedly cleaned up and as soon as her skin touched her freshly changed sheets, she dozed off.
It’s currently 7:30 AM and since it was their day off, Jin had no plans on getting up early today. She did not set any alarms and she made sure to put her phone in DND mode – which was great idea last night, up until she was awakened by loud knocks coming from her condo’s main door.
Jin stirred a little and was trying to contemplate whether she was dreaming, but before she could hear her own thoughts, the knocks kept coming and coming, louder each time. She decided there was no use resisting, so she got out of her very comfortable bed to get the door.
As soon as she opened it, a very annoyed and grumpy Sasi gave her a death glare – which she couldn’t care less about, given she wasn’t even fully awake to grasp why the girl was here, in front of her, at 7:30 in the morning, on their day off.
Sasi: Ano? Hindi mo man lang ba ako papapasukin? Kanina pa ako andito Jenina Kristine Robles! Ang sakit sakit na ng kamao ko kaka katok, hindi ka sumasagot!!
Jin, who had no energy whatsoever to argue or banter with the other girl, just gestured for her to come in and closed the door behind her. She immediately walked back to her room, planning to continue her slumber that was rudely interrupted.
[Listen to HIGA by Arthur Nery before you continue reading]
Sasi: Jin, ano ba? Hindi mo ba ako kakausapin man lang??
Jin: in a very low voice, answered. Sass, bakit ka ba andito? 7:30 palang. Ang aga aga pa. Wala tayong ganap. Bakit ka andito??
Sasi: Kasi hindi ako nakatulog kagabi. she said, looking down on her feet, pouting.
Jin: Oh, bakit naman? still sounding sleepy, but her voice now laced with concern.
Sasi: Kasi hindi kita katabi.. dati naman okay lang eh, basta suot ko tshirt mo. Pero kagabi kahit anong try ko, kahit anong pagod ko, wala. Hindi ako nakatulog. Gusto kong puntahan ka dito pero hindi ka sumasagot, so I figured naka DND na phone mo. Nanood nalang ako ng TV. Tapos nung may araw na, I figured puntahan na kita dito. Sorry.
Jin felt bad for how she welcomed Sasi earlier; now, all she wants to do is cuddle with her and make her feel better.
Jin: Tara na dito, higa ka na. Jin said, in a very soft voice. This made Sasi smile.
They spent the entire morning cuddled up together in bed, barely moving from the position they started in – Jin with her arms wrapped around Sasi, her legs on top of her hips – while Sasi buried her face inside Jin’s neck, almost wanting to merge with her, her left palm resting on Jin’s cheeks. They were at peace. For a few hours, they did not need to use words – they just needed to breathe.
–
It was almost 3PM when Jin woke up. She tried not to move much, since Sasi was still fast asleep in her arms, but she knew they needed to get out of bed and eat.
Before ending the perfect moment they were in, Jin took her time staring at Sasi’s face. It was beautiful as ever, almost unchanged from the first time she met her. Although she has outgrown the childish features and her cheekbones are now more defined, Jin still saw the strong willed tall girl from 7 years ago; the girl she never thought would mean so much to her now. She took a deep breath and caressed her face with the back of her fingers, calling out her name.
Jin: Sass, wake up na. Kain na tayo. Jin said, whispering.
Sasi moved an inch, but did not open her eyes. This made Jin smile.
Jin: Sass, tulog nalang tayo ulit pagka kain. Gutom na ako. She said, lying. She didn’t mind if they stayed like this longer, but she knew Sasi needed to eat otherwise, her hyperacidity would kick in and she didn’t want that.
Sasi: Five minutes, bub. She said softly.
She was clearly still asleep, probably not in her senses just yet, since she wouldn’t consciously call Jin their pet name for each other out loud, sober, face to face. It only slipped out whenever alcohol was coursing through her bloodstream or through SMS, when she wanted to get what she wanted from Jin.
Jin, on the other hand, froze for a bit when she heard it. She felt some sort of electricity shoot up from her stomach to her whole body. Kilig ba to?? She thought to herself. Imposible. Hindi pwede.. She continued. Her and Sasi’s relationship has always been complicated but easy. Their drunken shenanigans has always remained that - innocent drunken shenanigans. It would confuse her for a bit, but once they went back to how they were, she would put everything on the backburner and pretend like nothing happened.
But lately, Sasi’s been very expressive even when she’s sober – which has not helped Jin’s confusion. Maybe it’s just because they’re parting ways soon and Sasi’s just feeling a bit clingy, knowing everything is about to change is what Jin keeps telling herself. But this - knowing she’s bub in Sasi’s subconscious, while she’s barely awake and is basically in her most vulnerable state - it’s altering the chemistry in Jin’s body and her confusion is just about to blow and burst into the world.
Jin: Okay, bub. She replied softly, still caressing Sasi’s face.
Sasi was not as out-of-it as Jin thought, though. When she heard her say it back, she couldn’t contain her smile and slowly fluttered her sleepy eyes open to meet Jin’s. They stared at each other for what felt like an eternity. It was only broken by the sound of Jin’s alarm, which brought both of them back into reality.
Sasi: Bakit ka may alarm?? Diba wala naman tayong ganap?
Jin: Kasi alam kong aatake nanaman yang acidity mo pag hindi pa tayo kumain. I had to make sure. Anyway, lika na kain na tayo.
Sasi: Okay, BUB. Sassy repeated, teasing.
Jin caught her tone and picked up the nearest pillow she could get her hands on to throw it to the other girl.
Jin: Ewan ko sayo bahala ka jan!
Sasi: Yieee kinilig ka eh hahaha aminin mo na kasi
Jin: Ikaw muna!
Sasi: Anong ako muna?
Jin: …ang umamin
Sasi: Umamin na ano?
Jin: Alam mo, Sass, kung hindi mo kayang panindigan, wag mo kong ambahan, okay? Jin said, in a slightly serious but also playful tone.
Sasi: Sure ka ba ready ka na?
Jin: Ready na ano?
Sasi: Mag seryoso ako.
Jin: Kelan ko ba sinabing hindi?
Sasi: Sa Baguio. After nung concert, lumabas tayo nila Mikhs kasi kailangan nya ng kausap. Nalasing tayo. Umamin ako sayo tapos tinawanan mo lang ako. Tapos sabi mo hindi ka pa ready. So hindi ako nag-insist.
Jin: Pano – eh diba sabi mo lasing tayo non? Bakit naalala mo pa??
Sasi: Jin – she said, sighing and slumping her shoulders; she’s now seating up, her legs crossed – Bub, kahit lasing tayo, naalala ko lahat. LAHAT.
Jin: Lahat?
Sasi: Lahat.
Silence.
They had their heads leaning to the side, mirroring each other, waiting on what was to come next. Jin did not mean for this to be a confrontation, but it is what’s happening. This time though, they don’t have alcohol to blame for whatever they say or do. And she’s deciding whether she is ready for that reality.
Sasi: Jin, naririnig ko yung thoughts mo. Masyadong malakas yung mga boses sa utak mo.. look, we don’t have to do this now if hindi ka pa ready, okay? Kumain na lang tayo.
Jin was still silent. She thought it was now or never; they were down to the last show of the tour, their contracts are expiring and they’re about to embark into their own adventures. If there was a perfect time to clear things up with Sasi, it was now.
Jin: Wait.. I am ready.
—
Wednesday – 4 days before B8: Finale Concert. Interior – Maya’s Condo.
Last night, after the drop off:
[SMS Conversation]
Mikee: Babi, I’ll drop off my stuff lang and refresh, then I’ll go there. Please wait for me?
Maya: Babi, it’s late na. Tomorrow na lang? Rest ka nalang muna dyan. Hindi mo ba namiss bed mo?? Hehe
Mikee: I did, but I miss sleeping with you more. Pls?? 🙁
Maya: Hay nako mikeelim. Dadaanin mo nanaman ako sa pacute mo
Mikee: Is that a yes?
Maya: Ano pa nga ba. Hurry up, bab. I’m sleepy na.
Mikee: Be there in an hour.
[End of SMS Convo]
-
An alarm went off and it immediately woke Maya up – it was 5 in the morning. Mikee, whose arms were wrapped around the other girl, stirred awake and was able to let out a sound of disappointment, despite being half asleep.
Mikee: Babi, it’s so early pa. She said in protest, tightening her arms around the other girl.
Maya: Baaab, mag jogging man ako oy.
Mikee: Pwede bang wag muna today? Please?? You can jog naman mamaya. Better yet, night jogging para I can make sama. Please?? She said, pouting hard, her eyes never opening.
Maya knew she wouldn’t be able to leave. It’s been a while since they had this – a moment of peace and quiet, not worrying about anything but them; it would be cruel to ruin that with something she can definitely hold off for a few hours.
Maya: Okay okay, I’ll stay. But only because you said you’ll join me later. Promise?
Mikee: Yes, bab promise. Hmmm. I love you.
Maya froze for a bit, but her lips formed a smile. Her smile - with everything in it. This was the first time Mikee told her she loves her. Her eyes welled up with tears as she tried not to turn it into a full on sobfest.
See, it was never about words with Mikee; it was always about actions and she has never failed to make Maya feel loved, even when they weren’t in talking terms or even when they were not okay. Mikee always made sure she was okay in her own little ways, like always having an extra jacket on hand, since she knows Maya is always cold but would never be bothered to bring one; she would ask the other girls to hand it to her, but she knew it was Mikee’s.
Or when Maya’s migraines were attacking and she didn’t have her usual meds on hand – one of the girls or the staff would magically appear with them within minutes. She knew it was Mikee who gave it to them, since it would usually smell like her. Mikee always made sure she had meds in her bag, just in case.
Or that one time Maya was sick during a performance but she powered through – she was visibly weak after the show and was slumping on a monoblock chair in a corner, while they waited for the van; she must have passed out for a bit, since the next thing she knew she was comfortably seated inside the car, her head against Mikee’s shoulders.
It was always the little things with Mikee – little things that mattered a lot. And it was always enough for Maya. But hearing her say it out loud, albeit half awake, felt good. She felt validated. She was loved.
Maya: I love you too, babi. She whispered, while wrapping her arms around Mikee’s kneck.
Mikee smiled. She was contemplating in her sleepyhead if she was in the middle of a dream or if it was reality - but she didn’t care. She heard the love of her life tell her she loved her – that was enough for her.
–
They finally got out of bed around 1 in the afternoon. Maya was first to get out of bed to cook some late lunch, and Mikee was woken up by the smell of spaghetti. She got out of bed and went to the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth and in the middle of it, while staring at herself in the mirror, she remembered the conversation earlier. Her forehead creased and her eyes widened when she remembered the entirety of it – Did she?! Did she really tell me she loved me?? She said in her head. She immediately finished her morning routine and walked out of the room.
Mikee: Babi?
Maya: Goodmorning, sleepyhead. I’ll finish in a bit, sit down na here.
Mikee: Babi, did we talk earlier? Did we have an actual conversation at 5 in the morning??
Maya smiled remembering the conversation she was pertaining to, but she decided to play coy for a bit.
Maya: Uhmm what conversation, bab? Parang no naman. I just turned off my alarm then went back to sleep.
Mikee: Oh – okay. Yeah okay.. Must have been a dream nga. She said, disappointed. It felt very real to her, she thought.
Maya, enjoying the reaction she elicited but felt a bit rude in doing it, couldn’t help but chuckle.
Maya: Joke lang, babi. Yes we did. It was real. It wasn’t a dream.
Mikee: Wait bab – totoo? Or are you playing with me lang?
Maya: It was real, babi. All of it. You told me you love me for the first time.
Mikee felt her cheeks heat up, which turned it as red as her hair.
Maya: And I said I love you too, babi.
That did not help the cheeky situation, but it made Mikee smile. She got up and hugged the other girl, resting her head on her shoulders.
Mikee: Does this mean…. We’re official??
Maya: Yes, love. We are.
Mikee: Damn! Wow.
Maya: What? Ayaw mo ba??
Mikee: No, no bab. Do you realize what day it is??
Maya: It’s the first of April.
Mikee: Exactly.
Maya: Wait, why is tha – omg wait omg! For real?? Wow. Wow indeed. What a coincidence?
Mikee: More like, grabe mag manifest and buds at M&M Jellies. Hehehe
Maya: Agreed. Haay okay, sit down na. Let’s celebrate and have breakfast together. Our first, as an official girlfriend & girlfriend.
–
Wednesday – 4 days before B8: Finale Concert. Interior – Sima’s Condo.
Sima was sitting at the dining table at 10 in the morning, waiting for Giev to finish cooking pancakes. This has been their routine for the last 8 years; even though they had their own separate condos (in the same building, on the same floor, right in front of each other), Giev would almost always spend her time at Sima’s. They’ve been inseparable ever since they came to Manila and auditioned hence, their relationship was basically grandfathered into the group.
Sima: Bebe, sure ka na sa SoFa ka mag study?
Giev: Yes bebe, bakit?
Sima: Wala lang.. 4 days nalang, graduate na tayo sa B8. Magiging busy ka na sa school mo.. ako hindi ko alam kung anong gagawin ko. Kung mag college ako or maging full time dancer na agad.. Pano pag hindi na tayo nag kita?
Giev: Bebe, nag ooverthink ka nanaman. Tapusin na lang muna natin yung concert sa Sunday, then we’ll decide. Whatever happens, this doesn’t have to change naman eh.
Sima: Pero Bebe, marami ka makikilala don. Ayoko naman i-hold back ka in case you know, may iba kang makita ganon. Mga bagong friends, mga bagong tao sa buhay mo.
Giev: Oh, ano naman? Hindi naman ibig sabihin non mawawala ako sayo. Kaya lang naman ako nandito eh dahil sinundan kita. At susundan parin kita kahit saan man tayo dalhin ng mga bago nating pangarap.
Sima, seemingly overwhelmed with the assurance she was getting, got up to walk over to Giev, and hugged her tightly from behind, wrapping her arms around the other girl’s waist. Giev melted in the embrace and leaned back.
Giev: Don’t worry na okay? Kain na tayo.
Sima: Promise mo muna ako lang bebe mo?
Giev: Sus, nagpapalambing ang baby ko na yan. Giev, now smiling widely – something reserved only for Sima – turned around to meet her eye to eye – Promise. Ok? Pangako.
Sima instantly relaxed, mind empty. Peace.
-
Wednesday – 4 days before B8: Finale Concert. Interior – Yloi’s condo.
For the first time since they got together, Maco and Yloi were apart. Maco went home to Bohol first thing in the morning, since it was her mom’s birthday. It was rare that any of the family’s important occasions fell on her rest day, so when it did, it was an easy decision to try and be there – although it wasn’t as easy as before, since the thought of being away from Yloi for 2 days really bummed her out.
SMS Conversation
Maco: Mahal, pa-board na ko eroplano. Text kita pagland. Miss you na 🙁
Yloi: Hala si OA naman to! Mag ingat ka and enjoy, mahal.
Maco: Hindi mo ba ako namimiss?? Sige hindi na lang ako babalik
Yloi: SUBUKAN MO LANG TALAGA, TAMO
Maco: Hindi na kako ako babalik ng Bohol. Ililipat ko na buong angkan ko sa Manila para di na kita iiwan ulit kahit kelan 🫶
Yloi: Yan. Umayos ka! At wag na wag kang magrerelapse sa mga ex mo don. Tatapon ko lahat ng gamit mo sa kalsada, Maria!!!!
Maco: Hala naman maka Maria naman to! Papanget ng ex ko no dili man ako boang para magbalik sa kanila!
Yloi: Okay good. And yes, I miss you too. Matutulog na lang ako para bumilis ang oras, mahal. Para andito ka na ulit 🥹
Maco: Ay jusko, wag mo na ako daanin sa ganyan baka hindi ako sumakay ng eroplano. Sige na po, wala ng signal sa loob ng plane. Ingat ka jan at mahal na mahal kita. ♥️
Yloi: Okay mahal, I love you too.
End of conversation
Yloi didn’t want to show how sad she was when Maco said she would go home to Bohol, because she knew it would only make it harder for her to leave, and she didn’t want that. She knew Maco needed to go home to recharge with her family; the other girl even offered to bring her, but she refused. She figured it wasn’t the right time and she also needed to see her own family in Batangas, so they decided to just spend the off days apart.
She spent the next few hours unpacking and repacking the stuff she needed for her short vacation. She got so into it that she didn’t notice the time – it was already past noon and Maco has already landed in Bohol. She was only reminded when her phone rang loudly.
[Phone Conversation]
Maco: Mahal! Ano ba yan kanina pa ako nagtext hindi mo ako sinasagot! Nakatulog ka ba?
Yloi: Hala sorry, Mahal nag aayos kase ko ng gamit. Papunta na daw sila Papa dito susunduin na ako! Sorry po!
Maco: Haay akala ko ano na nangyare sa’yo. Okay sige, andito na ako sa bahay. Kakain na daw kami maya maya. Text me nalang ha? Wag mo naman kalimutan pls.
Yloi: Yes po hindi ko po kakalimutan. Ingat ka jan, mahal. And enjoy ok! I love you.
Maco: I love you too.
-
The first day of the girl's day off went by slowly, but they were all at peace, finding solace in each other, preparing for the big ending coming soon.