Chapter Text
The sun hung high, warming the stretch of pristine beach where Jaanvi and her friends had set up their spot. The group was enjoying the relaxing sound of waves when Jaanvi suddenly stood and clapped her hands.
"Okay, who’s up for a sandcastle-building contest? May prime real estate tayo dito sa beach, and it’s going to waste," she announced with a mischievous grin.
Gabbi sprang to her feet, her competitive nature instantly awakened. "You’re on. Pero huwag ka nang umiyak kapag panalo ‘yung castle ko by a landslide."
Meera rolled her eyes but followed suit, brushing off sand from her shorts. "Lagi na lang, Gabbi. You’re all talk. This time, I’m taking the crown."
Autumn chuckled as she set her book aside, adjusting her sunhat. "Pass muna ako. Someone needs to referee kasi alam kong magkakagulo kayo sa huli about who’s better."
Jaanvi turned to Star, who had been observing the exchange with a curious expression. "Star, gusto mong sumali? Sandcastles are an essential part of the beach experience. Walang beach trip na complete without it."
Star’s glow brightened slightly as she nodded. "I would like to participate. Although I am unfamiliar with the process, I am eager to learn."
Jaanvi winked at her. "Don’t worry, Star. Gagawin kitang master architect by the end of this."
The group moved closer to the shoreline where the sand was damp and easy to shape. Gabbi and Meera wasted no time claiming their patches of land, dramatically sketching imaginary blueprints in the air as they dove into their creations.
"Excuse me, Meera," Gabbi called out with mock indignation. "Kopya ‘yang design mo sa concept ko!"
Meera shot her a glare while patting her sand into walls. "Uy, original to. Mukha lang mas maganda kaysa sa’yo."
Jaanvi, meanwhile, knelt beside Star, showing her how to pack wet sand into a bucket. "Ganito lang, Star. Press down para compact siya, tapos flip it over carefully." She demonstrated, lifting the bucket to reveal a perfectly shaped tower.
Star watched intently before mimicking her movements with deliberate precision. She packed the sand tightly, flipped the bucket, and lifted it carefully. When the sand held its shape, she turned to Jaanvi, her glow shimmering faintly. "I have succeeded."
Jaanvi beamed at her. "See? Sabi ko sa’yo, natural ka. Next, let’s work on the walls."
As the competition heated up, laughter and teasing filled the air. Gabbi and Meera’s castles grew increasingly elaborate, albeit with questionable architecture.
"Look at this moat!" Gabbi announced proudly, pointing to a shallow trench filled with water. "And my tower? Parang leaning tower of Pisa, pero intentional."
Meera rolled her eyes, gesturing to her sprawling fortress. "Mine has character. May bridge pa nga oh. What does yours have? Cracks?"
Star, on the other hand, was focused on symmetry and detail under Jaanvi’s guidance. Their sandcastle was steadily taking shape—clean lines, balanced towers, and intricate patterns etched into the walls. Jaanvi couldn’t hide her pride as she watched them work.
"Star, you’ve got an eye for design," she said, patting them on the shoulder.
Star tilted her head in thought. "Perhaps it is because everything here feels harmonious. I want the castle to reflect that."
Jaanvi smiled warmly. "Well, you’re doing an amazing job."
"Okay, I’m just going to say it," Gabbi declared, dramatically gesturing to her sandcastle, complete with a crooked tower topped with a shell. "Mine is clearly the winner. Artistic pa."
Meera snorted, crossing her arms. "In your dreams, Gabbi. Mine has structural integrity. Mukha ngang historical fortress, di ba?"
Autumn stepped forward, her hands on her hips, pretending to scrutinize the castles. "Hmm. Gabbi’s has... unique charm. Si Meera naman, she has... questionable creativity. But Star and Jaanvi’s castle? Hands down, the winner for craftsmanship."
Star’s glow brightened at the compliment. "Thank you, Autumn. This was a collaborative effort. Jaanvi’s guidance made all the difference."
Jaanvi nudged Star playfully. "Huwag kang magpaka-humble. You did most of the work, and it shows."
The rhythmic sound of the waves set a serene backdrop as the group waded into the cool shallows, laughter mingling with the gentle crash of the surf. Gabbi, predictably, was the first to disrupt the peace, splashing Meera with a mischievous grin.
"Hoy, ano ba?!" Meera yelped, raising her arms in defense before retaliating with a spray of water that hit Gabbi squarely in the chest.
"Truce, truce!" Gabbi cried, laughing as she stumbled backward to avoid the next splash.
Autumn stood a few steps away, attempting to stay dry, but Jaanvi had other plans. With a perfectly timed splash, she caught Autumn off guard.
"Jaanvi!" Autumn shrieked, jumping back into the water and laughing.
"Oh, patay ka sa akin ngayon!" She cupped her hands and sent a wave of water toward Jaanvi, who barely dodged it.
Jaanvi laughed as she countered, spraying water in all directions. "Bring it on, Autumn! Kaya ko ‘to!"
Amidst the playful chaos, Star stood a little apart, her glowing eyes fixed on the group. She crouched and extended her hand towards the water, dipping her fingers into the rippling surface. Her glow pulsed faintly as she tilted her head, seemingly captivated.
Jaanvi noticed and called out, "Careful ka lang diyan, Star. Baka malamig masyado para sa’yo."
Star glanced at her and gave a small nod. "It is not unpleasant. The sensation is... unique. Intriguing, even."
As she moved her hand through the water, the ripples around them began to shift, forming patterns that sparkled under the setting sun.
Autumn, mid-preparation to splash Jaanvi again, froze and stared at the water near Star. "Wait, teka lang—did you just do that?"
The others turned, their laughter giving way to awe as they watched the intricate ripples around Star spread outward, forming mesmerizing spirals and loops.
"Do what?" Star asked, genuinely curious.
Gabbi pointed at the water, her mouth slightly agape. "‘Yan! Parang nagwa-waterbend ka, Star! Ang cool!"
Star looked at her glowing hand, tilting her head in thought. "I was merely experimenting. The water reacts differently to my energy compared to solid surfaces. Fascinating."
Meera stepped closer, her curiosity piqued. "Ang galing! Can you make other shapes?"
"Perhaps," Star replied thoughtfully. She raised both hands, her glow intensifying slightly. The water around them shimmered, and a small column rose up, twisting into a delicate helix before collapsing back into the waves.
Jaanvi couldn’t help but laugh, admiration lighting up her face. "Grabe, Star. Ang dami mong tinatago na talento. Talagang full of surprises ka."
Star turned to her, her glow softening. "This environment inspires me. The ocean feels... alive. As if it encourages creativity."
Gabbi smirked, cupping her hands to splash some water toward Star’s feet. "O baka nagpapasikat lang ‘yang dagat para sa’yo, Star."
Star considered this, tilting her head. "If it is showing off, perhaps I should reciprocate." With a small flick of her wrist, she sent a precise wave of water splashing over Gabbi, soaking her from head to toe.
"Uy, foul!" Gabbi yelped, bursting into laughter. "Okay, okay, truce na! Ikaw na ang MVP ng beach day, Star."
Jaanvi grinned and waded closer to Star. "Ang galing mo talaga, pero huwag masyadong ma-overwhelm sa papuri. Baka magmadali kang maging water wizard or something."
Star’s lips curved into a faint smile, their glow brightening just a little. "I believe such an outcome is unlikely. But this interaction... it has been enjoyable."
Meera clapped her hands together, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "O, Star, enough ng pagpapasikat. Time to see if you can actually swim!"
Star tilted their head, her eyes flickering faintly. "Swim? I have observed the concept, but I have not attempted it myself."
Jaanvi stepped closer, her warm smile reassuring. "Madali lang, promise. Just let the water carry you. Kami nang bahala sa'yo."
Meera gestured toward the deeper part of the water with a confident grin. "Tama! It’s all about moving your arms and legs para hindi ka lumubog. Dito lang kami."
Star glanced down at the waves lapping against their legs, her glow flickering with a cautious curiosity. "If I am unable to remain afloat... will I sink?"
Autumn chuckled as she waded over. "Kaya nga nandito kami. Hindi ka namin hahayaang lumubog."
Gabbi smirked, playfully nudging Star’s shoulder. "At kung mangyari man, at least may kwento ka ng dramatic rescue, ‘di ba?"
Jaanvi shot Gabbi a playful glare. "Ignore mo siya, Star. You’ll be fine. Trust us, okay?"
Star hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Very well. I will trust you."
With encouraging words overlapping, the group guided Star toward the deeper water.
"Kick your legs like this," Meera said, demonstrating.
"Tapos wide ang arms, push against the water," Jaanvi added.
Gabbi, ever the joker, added with a laugh, "Huwag mo rin kalimutan magmukhang cool habang ginagawa ‘yan."
Star mimicked their movements, her hands slicing through the water gracefully. She kicked her legs experimentally, sending a light spray behind them.
"You’re getting it!" Jaanvi cheered, staying close.
Star’s glow brightened as her movements became more confident. She floated for a moment, marveling at the sensation. "This is... remarkable. The buoyancy is unexpected."
Autumn, treading water nearby, smiled. "Parang lumilipad, pero in slow motion."
Gabbi swam closer, doing a backstroke around Star. "Kita mo? Sabi ko sa’yo masaya ‘to. Sige nga, subukan mong bumilis ng konti!"
Star began paddling forward, her strokes cautious but steady. As she gained momentum, her glow shimmered brighter, reflecting beautifully off the water’s surface.
"Ang galing mo, Star!" Meera called out, splashing water playfully in their direction.
Star turned back to the group, her usually serene expression replaced with a rare, joyful smile. "This is most enjoyable. I did not anticipate this level of exhilaration."
Jaanvi swam closer, her voice soft but filled with pride. "Sabi namin sa’yo, masaya talaga. Ang galing mo."
Star’s gaze lingered on her, her glow steady and warm. "Your guidance made this possible. Salamat."
Before Jaanvi could respond, Gabbi splashed a wave of water at both of them. "O, lovebirds, tama na ang titigan! More swimming, less drama! Race you to the buoy!"
Meera rolled her eyes, laughing. "Gabbi, ikaw talaga, walang kupas."
The group burst into motion, racing toward the buoy with varying levels of skill and enthusiasm. Star, still learning, didn’t win the race, but her delighted laughter—light and crystalline—filled the air as she swam alongside her friends.
By the time they returned to the shore, dripping and exhilarated, the sky was painted in breathtaking shades of orange and pink. Star sat on the sand, their glow mingling with the twilight. She looked at the group, gratitude shining in their eyes.
"This experience," Star said softly, "is one I will cherish."
Jaanvi sat beside them, her smile as radiant as the setting sun. "At marami pang kasunod. Nagsisimula pa lang tayo."
The waves rolled gently against the shore, their rhythmic sound blending with the rustling of the cool evening breeze. The sun dipped lower, casting a golden path across the water that seemed to stretch endlessly into the horizon. Jaanvi and Star sat side by side on the sand, their footprints behind them slowly being erased by the encroaching tide.
Star gazed at the horizon, her glow subdued but steady, the faint light reflecting the colors of the sky. Her voice broke the comfortable silence, quiet and introspective. “The confrontation with my people... it still lingers in my thoughts. Their rejection—it stings more than I anticipated.”
Jaanvi turned to her, her expression soft with empathy. “ Alam mo, Star, hindi ko talaga ma-imagine kung gaano kasakit 'yan. Pero alam ko 'to—hindi mo hinayaan na pigilan ka ng sakit na 'yan. You chose to stay, to follow your heart, and be true to yourself. Ang tapang mo para gawin 'yan, grabe.”
Star’s eyes, shimmering like molten silver, shifted to meet hers. “Even now, I wonder if I made the right decision. To leave behind all that I’ve known, to turn my back on their expectations... I feel untethered, as if I’m adrift in an unfamiliar current.”
Jaanvi reached out, placing her hand over Star’s. “Minsan, Star, kailangan talaga nating maligaw para mahanap ang totoong para sa atin. Ang mahalaga, nakahanap ka na ng lugar dito—ng tahanan, ng mga tao na nagmamahal sa 'yo, ng dahilan. Sa 'yo 'yan, Star. Walang makakakuha nun.”
Star looked down at their intertwined hands, the faint warmth of Jaanvi’s touch grounding her. Her voice was barely above a whisper. “It is because of you, Javi—and everyone here—that I can see a future beyond the stars. You’ve shown me that there is more to existence than duty and conformity.”
Jaanvi’s heart swelled at the sincerity in Star’s words. She offered them a small, encouraging smile. “At ikaw naman, pinakita mo sa amin kung gaano kaganda ang pagiging totoo sa sarili. You’re a part of this world now, Star, and it’s better because of you.”
For a moment, neither of them spoke, the unspoken understanding between them growing in the golden light. Star’s glow seemed to pulse gently, as if responding to the rhythm of the waves.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the sky in hues of deep indigo and orange, Star shifted closer to Jaanvi. Her voice, though quiet, held a warmth that rivaled the fading sunlight. “If I could choose again, I would still stay. Here, I have found something precious.”
Jaanvi’s breath hitched slightly, her cheeks flushing as the weight of Star’s words settled between them. “Salamat, Star. Sa lahat ng pinagdaanan mo, pinili mo pa rin kami. I’m so glad you did.”
They sat in companionable silence, the first stars beginning to twinkle above them. For Star, the horizon no longer symbolized the ache of what was left behind, but the promise of what lay ahead. And for Jaanvi, it was the quiet realization that she’d found something equally precious—a bond that transcended worlds.
The crackling flames of the bonfire cast flickering shadows across the beach, their light chasing away the darkness of the night. The group sat in a loose circle around the warmth, their faces illuminated by the golden glow. The smell of toasted marshmallows mingled with the salty ocean breeze as Meera expertly rotated her skewer, keeping a critical eye on the browning fluff.
Gabbi, ever the entertainer, was dramatically waving her marshmallow stick.
“Hoy, tingnan niyo ‘to,” she said, holding up her marshmallow, perfectly charred and wobbling dangerously on the skewer. “This is peak marshmallow cooking. I call it the ‘volcano eruption’ technique.”
Meera laughed, shaking her head. “Peak? Gabbi, ‘wag kang mag-fake news. Mukha siyang nasunog sa factory fire.”
“Excuse me!” Gabbi placed a hand on her chest, feigning offense. “This is gourmet-level. Mga ignorante lang ang ‘di nakaka-appreciate!”
Jaanvi chuckled, her stick holding a perfectly golden marshmallow. “Gabbi, gourmet? Siguro in your dreams. Eto ang tamang roast—golden brown and evenly cooked. Learn from the master.”
Gabbi leaned in, narrowing her eyes. “Master daw? Sabihin mo nalang lucky shot.”
“Tama na kayo,” Autumn piped up from her spot, holding a book in one hand while lazily roasting a marshmallow with the other. “Wala namang contest ‘to. Though for the record, Gabbi, iyong marshmallow mo... mukhang crime scene evidence.”
“Grabe ka naman, Autumn!” Gabbi exclaimed, throwing a handful of sand in her direction. “Asar ka rin e.”
Meera leaned closer to Star, holding out a graham cracker and chocolate square. “Star, gusto mo bang itry? Eto ang s’mores—classic beach food. Trust me, masarap ‘to.”
Star tilted her head, curious. “S’mores? It’s an intriguing combination of textures. Is this another one of your Earth traditions?”
“Yup!” Meera said, grinning. “Pero ‘wag kang matakot. Promise, hindi katulad ng mga nasunog ni Gabbi.”
“Hoy!” Gabbi protested, eliciting laughter from everyone.
Star hesitated for a moment before carefully assembling their s’mores with Jaanvi’s help. She bit into it, her features lighting up as the flavors hit them. “This is… delightful. The sweetness and crunch are perfectly balanced.”
Jaanvi smiled at Star’s reaction. “Diba? Ang galing ng mga tao pagdating sa food innovations. Ngayon lang kita nakitang ganito ka-excited.”
Gabbi interjected, pointing at Star with mock indignation. “Pero bakit kapag ako nag-alok, parang ayaw nila? Sakit sa puso, guys.”
Star chuckled softly, the sound unfamiliar yet heartwarming. “Your creations seem... unique. I may not yet be ready for such culinary adventures.”
The group burst into laughter, Gabbi dramatically clutching her chest. “Wow, Star, pinagkaisahan mo pa ako? Akala ko friends tayo!”
As the teasing continued, Star’s gaze drifted upward toward the stars. Her glow softened, and a quiet peace settled over them.
Jaanvi noticed her silence and leaned closer.
“Okay ka lang?” she asked gently, her tone full of concern.
Star nodded, her eyes still fixed on the heavens. “I’m happy, Javi,” she murmured. “I just thought of something, I have been oncovering answers in this lifetime, but now, I discovered it—within you all.”
Jaanvi smiled warmly, reaching for her hand. “Star, ang cheesy mo pala minsan. Pero totoo ‘yan—hindi mo kailangan tumingin sa malayo para mahanap kung saan ka belong. Andito ka na.”
“Hoy, ano ‘yan?” Gabbi butted in, leaning toward the pair. “Ang sweet niyo diyan, ha! Ano ‘to, beach romance?”
Meera grinned mischievously, catching on. “Baka may love confession pa tayo mamaya?”
“Gabbi! Meera!” Jaanvi protested, her cheeks turning pink under the firelight.
Star tilted her head, genuinely confused. “Love confession? Does this refer to—”
“Wala! Wala!” Jaanvi said quickly, shooting a glare at Gabbi and Meera while the rest of the group erupted into laughter.
Autumn, smirking over her book, shook her head. “Hay, ang ingay niyo. Pero sige, go lang. I’m here for the drama.”
Despite the teasing, the mood remained light and filled with laughter, the group’s bond growing stronger under the stars and the warmth of the fire.
Gabbi leaned forward, her eyes twinkling mischievously. “Star, kung gusto mong mag-love confession, go lang! Huwag ka nang mahiya. Dito naman tayo lahat to support you, diba guys?”
“Support!” Meera chimed in, raising her half-eaten s’more like a toast. “Kahit dramatic, go lang!”
Jaanvi groaned, covering her face with both hands. “Guys lalo na kayong dalawa, tama na. Ang hihilig niyo sa chismis, nakakainis.”
Star, tilting her head in that familiar curious way, looked at Gabbi with complete sincerity. “A love confession requires expressing one’s affection and admiration, correct?”
Gabbi blinked, caught off guard by Star’s straightforwardness. “Uh… oo? Ganun nga.”
“Then I must clarify,” Star said, turning to Jaanvi, her glow bright and unwavering. “Javi, I greatly admire you. Your kindness, your guidance, and your courage have inspired me in ways I cannot fully articulate. If this is what Earthlings refer to as a ‘love confession,’ then yes, I confess.”
The group froze.
Meera nearly choked on her marshmallow, smacking Gabbi’s arm. “Hoy, hindi ko ‘to kinakaya!”
“Wait, wait, wait!” Gabbi exclaimed, her jaw dropping as she pointed at Jaanvi. “Jaanvi! Anong sagot mo?!”
Jaanvi’s face turned crimson, her hands flailing as she stammered. “Ano ba, Star! Hindi ‘yan ang ibig nilang sabihin! They’re just teasing!”
Star blinked, genuinely puzzled. “But… I am being truthful. Should I not express my appreciation?”
Meera and Gabbi were in hysterics, leaning on each other for support as they laughed uncontrollably. “Oh my gosh, Star, ikaw na talaga! The ultimate truth bomb!”
Autumn, usually composed, chuckled softly, shaking her head. “Star, the way you just threw Jaanvi under the bus… priceless.”
“Hoy! Wag niyo akong gawing punchline!” Jaanvi huffed, hiding her face behind her hands.
Gabbi smirked, still wiping tears of laughter. “Star, ikaw na MVP. Wala na, ‘di na makakabangon si Jaanvi.”
Star tilted her head toward Jaanvi, her expression apologetic yet earnest. “Did I say something wrong? I simply wished to express my gratitude.”
Jaanvi peeked through her fingers, sighing. “Hindi naman mali, Star… pero iba kasi ‘yung context nila. They were just joking.”
“Oh,” Star said, nodding in understanding. “Then, should I retract my statement?”
“NO!” Gabbi and Meera shouted in unison, causing another round of laughter.
Jaanvi groaned but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at her lips. “Star, tama na. Hayaan mo na lang sila.”
Star glanced around at the laughing group, then back at Jaanvi, her glow softening. “If it bothers you, I will refrain from further statements. But know that my admiration remains.”
Gabbi dramatically clutched her heart. “Oh my gosh, Star! Ganyan ba talaga mag-express ng feelings ang mga tulad mo? Bakit parang walang makakatalo diyan?”
Meera wiped a tear, grinning. “Jaanvi, girl, good luck. Mukhang special talaga ang spot mo kay Star.”
“Pwede ba, tumigil na kayo?!” Jaanvi said, her voice a mix of exasperation and embarrassment.
Despite the teasing, there was a warmth in the air—an unspoken understanding that this closeness, this shared joy, was something none of them would trade for anything else. Star, still a little confused by Earth’s social nuances, smiled softly, content to simply be among them.
As the laughter died down and the teasing subsided, the group returned to poking the bonfire and munching on the last of the marshmallows. Jaanvi sat quietly beside Star, the warmth of the fire reflected in her flushed cheeks. She stared at the flames, her thoughts drifting as the gentle crackling filled the silence.
After a moment, she leaned slightly toward Star, her voice low so only they could hear. “You know, Star… you really don’t have to say things like that in front of everyone. Sobra nilang iniintriga.”
Star tilted her head, her glow dimming slightly in what Jaanvi recognized as her version of concern. “Did my words cause you discomfort? That was not my intention.”
Jaanvi sighed, shaking her head with a soft smile. “Hindi naman… it’s just… nakakahiya. Sobrang direct kasi.”
“But it is true,” Star replied simply, her tone as sincere as ever. “Why should truth bring embarrassment?”
Jaanvi paused, caught off guard by her reasoning. She glanced at Star, who was now gazing at her with that unwavering, curious expression. For a moment, she forgot about Gabbi and Meera’s teasing or even the lingering warmth in her cheeks.
“I don’t know,” she admitted softly. “I guess… it’s just how people are sometimes. We get shy when things get too real.”
Star considered her words, nodding slightly. “Humans are fascinating. Your emotions are complex, yet beautiful.”
Jaanvi let out a breathless laugh, shaking her head again. “Ikaw talaga, Star. Wala kang filter. But… thanks, I guess. Kahit na nakakahiya minsan.”
“You are welcome,” Star said earnestly, her glow brightening just a touch.
Gabbi’s voice broke through the quiet moment, causing Jaanvi to jump slightly. “Hoy, lovebirds! Ano ‘yan, private conversation? Baka naman kami rin pwede makisali!”
Meera snickered, already reaching for her phone. “Oo nga! Spill na, Jan! May love team na tayo dito!”
Jaanvi groaned, throwing her head back in exasperation. “Kung hindi niyo ako titigilan, babasain ko kayo ng tubig dagat, promise ko!”
Star, ever the innocent, raised her hand. “If it will help, I can accompany you to fetch the water.”
Jaanvi couldn’t help but laugh despite herself, gently nudging Star’s shoulder. “Hindi na, Star. I think they’re a lost cause.”
The group burst into another round of laughter, teasing relentlessly but good-natured. Jaanvi rolled her eyes but smiled nonetheless, sneaking another glance at Star.
For all her cluelessness, there was something refreshing about how honest and open she was. It made her heart feel lighter, even if it did leave her blushing more often than not.
The sun was just beginning to rise, painting the beach in soft pastels as the group packed up their belongings. The air was quiet, save for the gentle sound of the waves and the occasional chirping of birds.
Meera yawned loudly, stretching her arms as she rolled up the last of the blankets. “Grabe, ang bilis ng oras. Parang nung isang araw lang tayo dumating.”
Gabbi, slinging her bag over her shoulder, smirked. “Nung isang araw naman talaga tayo dumating, genius. Pero admit it, sulit naman, ‘di ba?”
“Sulit na sulit!” Meera agreed, grinning. “Kahit feeling ko may sunburn na ako.”
Jaanvi glanced at Star, who was carefully folding the blanket they had used. Her glow was soft, almost subdued, but her expression was peaceful. She walked over, nudging her gently. “Hey, Star. Okay ka lang? Parang tahimik ka ah.”
Star looked up at her, her eyes reflecting the morning light. “I am well. I am… processing everything. This experience has been unlike anything I have known.”
“Good kind of different, or bad kind?” Jaanvi asked, her tone light but curious.
“Good,” Star said, a small smile gracing her lips. “It is… comforting to feel like I belong, even if temporarily. Salamat, Jaanvi.”
Jaanvi felt her cheeks warm. “Naku, Star, ang drama mo naman. Hindi ka lang temporary. Nandito kami palagi, okay?”
Star’s smile widened, her glow brightening slightly. “Your words are appreciated.”
From the other side of the camp, Autumn called out. “Tara na! Kung gusto niyong mag-lunch sa city, kailangan natin umalis na.”
The group trudged back to the car, carrying their bags and supplies. Jaanvi took her place at the driver’s seat again, with Star, as usual, claiming the passenger spot. Gabbi, Meera, and Autumn squeezed into the back, their banter already starting.
“Gabbi, ano ba yan? Ang bigat ng bag mo!” Meera complained, squirming for space.
“Dala ko kasi yung net at bola, okay?” Gabbi shot back. “Sulit naman, ‘di ba?”
“Next time, ikaw magdala,” Autumn interjected, rolling her eyes.
Jaanvi chuckled, shaking her head as she started the car. “Relax, kayo. Parang di kayo nag-enjoy kahapon.”
As they drove away from the beach, the group fell into a comfortable rhythm, talking and laughing about their trip. Star, meanwhile, gazed out the window, watching the scenery shift from sandy shores to bustling roads.
“Javi,” Star said quietly, breaking the silence between them.
“Hm?”
“I will remember this place,” she said, her voice soft but filled with conviction. “And this feeling. It is rare and precious to me.”
Jaanvi glanced at her briefly, her lips curving into a small smile. “I’m glad, Star. Kasi ako rin.”
Star turned to her, her expression unreadable but her glow steady and warm. She didn’t say anything else, but Jaanvi felt the weight of her gratitude and the unspoken bond she had built over the past few days.