Archive of Our Own

It was a slightly cloudy and breezy afternoon, which was favorable because it blocked out the sun’s rays.

She had placed her blazer on the floor and laid down on it.

Not a lot of students come to the rooftop of the old school building anymore. They much preferred the rooftops of the newly annexed school building. She would come here every lunch period to take advantage of the peace and quiet this place provided.

Not long after lying down, she eventually succumbed to sleep.

A few moments later, the door to the rooftop opened to reveal a petite girl. Her arms were full of various packaged foods and bottled drinks.

With searching eyes, she tried to spot the familiar lone figure of her friend. She rounded the corner and noticed the sleeping girl. 

The girl sighed.

"How many times do I have to tell her that she can’t just sleep here?" she muttered under her breath.

She kneeled down beside the girl and poked at her cheek.

"Regina, huy. Huy!" she called loudly.

No movement.

"Regina, gising na. I brought food."

She was sleeping so peacefully under the shade that she felt almost guilty for what she was about to do.

Almost.

Using her thumb and index finger, she pinched the girl’s nostrils close.

It was effective.

The girl abruptly woke up and gasped for air.

“NARDA!” she angrily snapped as she hit the smaller girl on her arm.

“You wouldn’t wake up,” she said in defense.

Regina glared at her.

Narda shrugged it off like it was nothing and continued to throw some packaged bread at her.

“Here. I got you some,” she said. “I also got that tea you like.”

“I’m not that hungry,” Regina said. “I just want to sleep right now.”

“Mamaya na yan. Need mo na muna kumain,” Narda urged. “You barely eat lunch. Kaya ka madaling mahilo during PE eh.”

“I’m anemic,” Regina argued.

“All the more reason for you to eat. Sige na oh. Sayang naman yung mga binili ko.”

“I didn’t ask you to,” Regina responded while begrudgingly opening the packaging.

After a while of silence, Regina turned to Narda.

“Shouldn’t you be eating lunch with your boyfriend?” Regina asked.

“And leave you all alone?”

Regina frowned at her.

“I don’t mind. I’m used to it.”

“That’s not something that you should get used to,” Narda muttered. “I’m sure you’d feel lonely ‘pag wala ako,” she teased.

She smiled knowingly at Regina, much to the other girl’s annoyance.

“I won’t,” Regina denied with a scoff while turning her gaze away from her. 

“‘I won’t’ daw,” Narda repeated disbelievingly.

Regina didn’t bother to reply and opted to finish her food instead.

Regina walked through the school hallways, not bothering to even spare a glance at the people openly staring at her. 

She walked with her head held high and only looked forward.

Her footsteps were calm and steady. 

She had built quite a reputation since she started school here.

Medusa.

The name had stuck since her first week at this school.

Based solely on appearance, you could easily describe Regina as pretty. Calm. Polite. Intellectual.

But what really made her infamous throughout the school was her strong venomous stare that could stun people in place. Even the teachers weren’t immune to it.

She looked at everyone with a cold and alienated gaze.

It made talking to her hard as people couldn’t keep eye contact with her for too long without becoming a stuttering mess from nervousness. If you ever did see someone talking to her, more or less, they'll be looking down or in another direction just to avoid her eyes.

Regina wasn’t always like this, truth be told.

Her nannies in her childhood could attest to how she was such a sweet and cute child growing up.

Unfortunately, bad experiences will always leave a psychological shadow on a person.

Her sufferings in her childhood and experiences in her previous school had made her wary of the people she associated with. Her first instinct is to always doubt people’s intentions towards her to the point that she now prefers to avoid any form of social interaction unless necessary.

And so she voluntarily isolated herself.

People approached her at first, but she was so distant and reserved in the way she spoke and behaved towards them that students found it hard to approach her a second time. Some boys had tried to confess to her, but their efforts were all futile as she rejected them every single time.

This didn’t stop the love letters she received though.

Much to her shock the first few times, she found some female admirers as well.

“I like you, Regina. Will you go on a date with me?” the boy nervously said.

Regina frowned and dodged the boy’s pleading gaze.

That’s another thing.

Regina herself is actually a bit awkward around people, which also makes it hard for her to interact with them without leaving some sort of misunderstanding. She has a hard time expressing herself to other people. This has led to her accidentally offending people. Because of her short responses and usual stoic expression, they assumed that Regina was looking down at them.

It was no secret that the new building was a donation made by her father. It was built just in time before she transferred schools here. 

That fact made her famous even before she set foot in this place.

She is the only child of Rex Vanguardia. That makes her the sole heiress to the entirety of the Vanguardia corporation.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t accept your confession,” she answered honestly.

She had hoped the guy would just walk away after she heard her response.

He didn’t.

“You know what? Tangina mo! Porket medyo maganda ka lang, you think you can just keep turning all of us down? Ganun ba kataas tingin mo sa sarili mo?”

Regina flinched at the harsh tone.

She remained silent but there was a certain gloom in her eyes.

“You really are as cold-hearted as they say. Do you get off on trampling on our feelings?”

“I’m sorry,” Regina apologized again.

“Yan lang masasabi mo?” he sneered.

He then proceeded to spit on the ground.

She sighed in relief when he finally walked away.

She didn’t realize she was crying until she felt tears running down her cheeks. Surprised, she tried to wipe them away, but they just wouldn’t stop.

Looks truly can be deceiving because despite how Regina acts and behaves, she’s still a person with feelings. She’s just much better at hiding them than others.

“Why is he blaming me? I never asked for them to like me,” she complains in her mind.

She gave a tired sigh.

It’s always been like that, people forcing their own feelings and agendas onto her. And when she rejected them, they found it easier to villainize the “mean rich girl”. And she let them, because they left faster that way and stopped bothering her.

She stealthily made her way up the old school building to the rooftop. She knew people rarely came here anymore.

They have been slowly moving into the new building as there are plans to demolish this old one in the future to make way for a new one. For now, the rooms are still being used by a few classes and school clubs.

She huddled in a corner, her head resting on her arms. She strongly willed the tears to go away.

After some time, she finally calmed down.

“Oh? I didn’t think anyone would be here,” came an unfamiliar voice.

Regina remained in her position, hoping the stranger would just ignore her.

That didn’t happen, of course.

The stranger stood some distance away from her. She looked at the crouching girl curiously.

“Hiding spot ko ‘to. Ikaw pa lang unang tao na nakita kong dumalaw dito.”

Regina abruptly stood up.

“I’m gonna go then. Sorry for invading your space,” she said as she took a step towards the door. She can take a hint if they don’t want her there.

The unknown girl was startled. She reached out her hand and held on to her wrist, keeping her where she was.

“I didn’t say I wanted you to go,” the girl quickly said. “I don’t mind sharing.”

Regina was shocked at suddenly being touched. And was even more surprised by what the other girl said. She finally turned around, wanting to take a good look at this other person.

The girl was smaller than her. Her long hair was pulled up into a ponytail, leaving her bangs hanging over her forehead. She traces her gaze down the side of her rosy cheek to the sharp jaw and plump pink lips.

Flicking her gaze upwards, she trails up her straight nose to meet a pair of soft big brown eyes.

Pretty.

(A/N: yung sad ka na nga and all pero walang oras na pinipili ang kabadingan)

She noticed the girl’s expression becoming full of concern.

The girl had spotted some lingering tears left in her eyes.

“Are you okay?” she asked worriedly. “Dumb question. Of course not. Umiiyak nga yung tao diba?” She said more to herself than to Regina.

Regina hurriedly released her hand from her grip and wiped her tears dry.

“I’m fine. Just…some dust got into my eyes.”

The girl gives her an incredulous look at the obvious lie.

“Tanga na lang siguro maniniwala sa sinabi mo.”

“It’s nothing,” Regina sternly insisted.

The girl holds up both her hands in defense.

“Okay. Fine. Willing po magpakatanga,” she shrugs. 

Surprisingly, Regina couldn’t keep herself from snorting a small genuine laugh at the other girl’s words. She hears how the other girl tried to sound frustrated with her, but she can discern that the other girl didn’t mean to be hostile.

She was joking with her.

Which is a rare occurrence to happen with her.

The girl sat on the floor, her back against the railings and then patted the space beside her, gesturing for Regina to sit too.

“Dito ka oh. Andami pang space,” the girl enthusiastically invited.

As much as Regina wanted to avoid any social interaction, she didn’t see any harm. The girl seemed nice enough. Besides, she didn’t feel like going back to the classroom yet.

She sat a bit farther away. She resumed her previous position and buried her head in her arms.

“I’m Narda by the way,” she introduced herself.

“...Regina.”

“Regina…,” Narda repeated. “Oh. You’re that girl everyone talks about.”

Narda then quickly covered her mouth at what she just said. She regretted how judgmental that sounded. 

“Yeah. That girl,” Regina responded sarcastically.

“Sorry!” Narda apologized immediately.

“It’s fine,” Regina said with a sigh.

“I’m really sorry,” Narda apologized again. “I didn’t mean to sound so…I just mean that I’ve heard about you from other people. Sorry di ko ma-control bukambibig ko minsan.”

Hearing nothing but silence from the other girl, Narda assumed she was angry. She couldn’t help beating herself up for it.

Personally, Regina didn’t care. She was used to it by now. But hearing the other person’s sincere apology and self-blame made her pause.

“Tanga ka talaga Narda,” Narda muttered to herself.

Regina heard it. She pressed her lips together to keep herself from laughing.

That’s the second time.

“Yeah. Tanga ka nga.” Regina couldn’t help herself.

Narda was startled at the unexpected response. Fortunately, she caught on to the teasing tone and grinned at her.

“Ouch,” Narda said, pretending to be hurt.

“Your words, not mine,” Regina pointed out.

Narda chuckled at that.

Once her laughter died down and silence overtook them once again, Narda hesitantly asked the other person.

“Okay ka na ba?”

"Not yet," Regina answered honestly.

“Then…okay lang ba if samahan kita hanggang maging okay ka?”

Regina frowned.

She shot the other girl a scrutinizing gaze, trying to see what intentions this girl had with her. She couldn’t quite get a read on her.

Narda couldn't help but feel awkward and slightly self-conscious as a result of her scrutiny.

“Okay.”

Narda sighed in relief.

But then Regina abruptly stood up.

“But I have to go,” Regina added. She had checked her watch and saw that she still had enough time to drop by the teacher’s lounge before her lunch break ended. She was asked to help get copies of review materials to be distributed next period.

“Oh. Okay.”

Narda couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed.

Regina was about to walk away when she suddenly turned back and told her, “Don’t ever tell anyone you saw me cry.”

Although confused at the request, Narda still nodded. She never thought of doing so anyway.

Regina gave her one last look before quickly turning away and leaving.

And that was how they first met.

It wasn’t anything amazing or noteworthy, so to speak.

Just two people meeting by chance one afternoon.

After her meeting with Narda, she got curious and looked her up in the school's student directory. As to why she had access, it’s one of the perks of being a Vanguardia.

Kidding.

As the secretary of the student council, she has been given access to the school’s database of students. Obviously, she shouldn’t be using it for such things, but she just couldn’t wipe the girl’s face out of her mind. It wasn’t hard to look for her name. Based on the tie color, she could tell that the girl was a junior like her. And there were probably only a handful of people named Narda in the school.

Name: Narda Custodio

Sex: Female

Age: 17

Year: Junior

Status: Scholarship Student

Clubs : Track, Swimming, Basketball

She couldn’t help raising a brow at the three sports clubs. This is the first time she’s ever heard of one student being in three clubs at the same time. Usually, people join either one or two. She didn’t look into her file anymore after that.

The day after, she found herself standing on the old rooftop again.

It was the first place that came to mind when she thought of taking a break.

She’s got to hand it to Narda. The old rooftop is a smart choice. It’s fairly quiet and doesn’t get as much sun as the newer building. It’s perfect for enjoying the afternoon while staying relatively cool. 

She should probably feel guilty for invading her hiding spot, but after all, this is school property. She has just as much right as Narda to come and go in this place.

When Narda came, she didn’t speak to her. Not even a sparing glance.

In contrast, Narda seemed surprised to see her and greeted her warmly. She didn’t feel offended when Regina didn’t greet her back. Going by the rumors and their previous interactions, Regina seemed to prefer to speak less. And besides, they barely knew each other, so she can understand if Regina didn’t actively acknowledge her.

As for intruding on her hiding spot, she couldn’t be mad at her when Narda herself comes to this place to take a break from everyone as well.

Regina felt relieved when Narda didn’t come to chat with her. She noticed, with a glance, that she even gave her space, sitting a few meters away from her.

Turning her gaze back up at the clouds, she sighed.

After leaving the rooftop that day, Regina found that it was the first time in a long time that she hadn’t minded another person’s presence.

She had to admit that it made her feel less lonely.

And because of that, in the days that followed, Narda found herself a new companion.

A silent one.

But a companion nonetheless. 

Narda found the girl’s presence oddly calming. Although she liked her hiding spot, it did feel too quiet at times. But ever since Regina started coming here, the afternoon breaks suddenly became less lonesome.

Every time she opened the door, she was greeted by the sight of her.

Back turned and hair flowing freely with the wind.

After noticing that Regina never brought food with her, she became concerned and thought to bring extra the next time around. She was rewarded by a shocked expression from the other girl. Before she could refuse, Narda left them in her hands and immediately ran to the opposite side of the rooftop.

Regina was left baffled. Looking at the food items in her hands, she saw a note.

Masarap ‘to. Promise!

As much as Regina wanted to return them to Narda, she had a hunch that the smaller girl would just run away again. She quietly ate them, secretly finding them delicious and in line with her tastes.

Narda snuck glances here and there, smiling secretly when she saw Regina finish her food.

Some time later that day, she found an envelope in her desk drawer.

For the food. Thanks. - RV

She tried to return it, but Regina only stared at her blankly and then outright ignored her. Narda didn’t have a choice but to pocket it.

The next time she gave her food, Regina accepted it. This time, Narda emphasized that she didn’t need to pay her back.

The next day, Narda came bursting onto the rooftop and demanded to know how she got the money inside her locker.

She was met with a sly smirk.

Narda was taken aback. It was the first time Regina had made such an expression.

“I have my ways,” Regina winked at her.

Narda found herself becoming flustered, immediately dodging her gaze.

“Sus. Pa-mysterious pa siya,” Narda retorted while trying to calm her rising heartbeat.

She was in awe at how she was charmed by such a small gesture. She then realized that Regina’s allure couldn’t be underestimated. Suddenly, she can’t help but be amused, thinking how much of a riot it would cause among the student body if they saw Regina like this, smirking playfully and shooting winks.

Regina didn’t bother to comment. But the smile on her face deepened.

In the months following their first meeting, they gradually became friends. It was a slow process, but Narda didn’t mind. She quite liked her new friend.

There was comfort in her silence.

And appreciation in her actions.

Regina was a woman of few words, but her actions spoke volumes.

People were probably too distracted by Regina's appearance that they never noticed the small details in her movements.

But Narda saw.

She saw it all.

Some students were having a hard time in a recent lesson. The next day, there were pointers attached to the teachers' review materials. None of the other classes had them.

Students complained about how unsanitary the water fountains were. Shortly after, water dispensers were installed in every hallway on every floor free of charge.

Slowly, the school facilities improved around the school, much to the delight of the student population and staff.

And the person behind it all?

She was leisurely napping on the rooftop, a faint relaxed smile on her lips.

Narda smiled adoringly at the sleeping figure. She had personally taken it on as her job to guard and protect Regina during these times. It's the least she could do for everything she's done.

The unsung hero.

If only people paid more attention, they would have realized the person…the reason for the changes. It’s pretty doubtful that the school did all this. If the school authorities in charge really did care, why did the changes only occur now?

Everything only changed when Regina entered the picture.

Narda had no doubts that it was her.

She visited the student council once and happened to chance upon Regina napping, her head resting on one of the desks with her head down. She didn't mean to be nosy, but her gaze was drawn to a sheet of paper that summarized in bullet points the current issues that students and teachers wanted addressed. It didn’t seem like something Regina was doing for the student council.

She eventually forgot about it.

Not until she noticed the obvious changes around school.

She saw them firsthand when the sports clubs she was a part of were able to obtain new equipment and even jerseys.

And then it was announced that scholarship students were to be given monthly allowances as long as they maintained their grades up to a certain point.

Everything clicked.

It was one of the few things she remembered on that list.

Narda planned to confront Regina about it but ultimately decided against it. 

What was she supposed to say when the person in question acted so nonchalantly? As if everything she did had nothing to do with her.

Following Regina's lead, Narda chose to be silent. Chose not to expose her. Regina must have her reasons and she’ll respect that.

At least, she knows.

They were in their final year of high school and the school has now adjusted to the fact that this unlikely combo has become the best of friends. They were fortunate enough to be in the same class section this year, which they were both happy with. It made it easier for them to meet up and talk before and after school hours. 

This also gave the students more chances to watch and observe how the two interact up close and personal. Although it wasn’t new, they still found novelty in the friendship forged by two contrasting personalities.

However, like all friends, there were moments when they wouldn't always see eye to eye.

“They’re at it again.”

Xandra watched from across the room as the two girls butted heads. Their voices were too loud to be ignored, no matter how hard you tried not to eavesdrop.

“Aren’t you used to it by now?” said the other girl without looking up from her phone.

“Luna, don’t you think they’re interesting to watch?”

“Xandra, what’s so fun about watching two idiots?” Luna asked.

“Hmmm...hindi ka ba curious how things will develop between them?”

Luna finally paused her game and turned her attention to the two bickering girls. She shook her head and sighed.

“I doubt magkaka-developan when they’re both so…stupid,” she said with some helplessness.

Xandra smirked at her.

“Wanna bet?” she challenged.

Luna thought about it for a moment. She then mirrored the other girl’s smirk.

“Sure. Why not?”

“Loser owes the winner a favor. Within reason, of course.”

“Game.”

They both shook on it.

Suddenly, both of them were startled when they heard Regina’s sudden outburst.

“You’re such an idiot! That’s exactly why they always break up with you! You’re not being honest with your feelings. You’re so afraid of hurting their feelings and making them hate you that you sacrifice your feelings instead! You’re so in denial of the truth that you purposely turn a blind eye towards the fact that he’s cheating on you!”

And the earth stood still.

Everyone in the classroom at that moment held their breath and gaped at Regina once those words left her mouth.

“Damn,” Xandra whispered to Luna.

Luna could only nod as she continued to watch the two with wide eyes.

Even Narda was stunned. She felt her insecurities slowly consume her mind as she let Regina’s words sink in. She reacted before she could even think carefully about her words.

"Well, at least di ko nire-reject lahat ng nagco-confess sa akin! One of these days, people are going to realize how self-centered you really are and stop chasing after you. And when that happens, you really will be all alone!”

She knew deep inside that she was directing her anger at the wrong person. When really, she should be angry with herself.

Narda quickly covered her mouth with one hand in shock and horror at what she just said.

Regina seemed equally shocked. However, she’s trained herself to always keep her expressions in check. 

“It seems you’re honest with me at least,” Regina said bitterly.

With that said, she stormed out of the classroom.

Her classmates could only watch, some with pity and some with indifference. The others sympathized since they didn’t harbor any ill feelings against the girl. They had realized over time that she was a bit socially awkward based on her interactions with Narda. The others had grudges due to the fact that most of the boys seemed to always be directing their attention towards her. They felt neglected somehow.

Narda had stood frozen in place.

She was too shocked at what had just transpired between them.

She then suddenly felt a heavy hand hit the back of her head.

“Tanga!”

The force from the hit made her take a step forward. She groaned in pain as she looked back to glare at her attacker.

She came face to face with her friend Mara. Anger clearly written on her face.

“Ano pa ginagawa mo?! Habulin mo siya!”

Finally coming to her senses, Narda mumbled a quick ‘thanks’ and rushed out of the room.

She ran straight to the one place that first came to mind.

She ran up the flight of stairs in record time. She flung the door open and stepped into the vicinity of the rooftop.

She was gasping for breath at this point.

She turned her head about, searching for her. She looked around the corner where she would usually sleep.

She wasn’t there.

She tried the other side.

Not there either.

She wasn’t anywhere on the rooftop.

She was about to leave when she noticed the shadow on the floor beneath her feet. She quickly looked up, and lo and behold.

There she was.

Narda quickly climbed the ladder to where she was. She cautiously approached the crouching girl. Dropping down to her knees behind her, she leaned toward her so that her head was resting on her back.

“I’m sorry, Regina.”

There was no response.

She repeatedly apologized as she clutched onto the fabric of Regina’s shirt. Tears welled up in her eyes but she tried to stop them from falling. She had no right to cry. Not after what she said to Regina earlier.

“Stop,” Regina finally spoke up.

Narda immediately followed and bit my tongue.

"I'm the one who should be sorry. After all, I started it."

“But-”

“I was just so mad. You may fool everyone with that easygoing smile on your face, but it doesn’t work on me,” Regina interjected. Looking at the floor with a glare, she angrily spit out the next words. “ I hate it . I hate that you’re the one who’s always hurting.”

“Regina,” Narda said gently. “Huwag ka na magalit. Okay lang talaga ako.”

“Anong ‘okay’? He cheated on you, so why aren’t you angry?!”

“Regina,” Narda said again.

She heard Regina start to sob.

Narda immediately hugged her from behind. Regina instinctively leaned back into her embrace. They stayed like that for some time. The bell had rung, signaling the end of their lunch period, but neither moved.

“I’m sorry, Regina. Sorry sa mga nasabi ko kanina. Alam ko naman na nagaalala ka lang,” Narda apologized.

“I’m sorry too,” Regina said back. “I just hate seeing you get hurt.”

“I appreciate the concern,” Narda replied with a smile.

“I just don’t get why you aren’t getting mad at him,” Regina said with some frustration.

Narda made a deep sigh.

“Of course, galit din ako deep inside. I probably want to hit him as badly as you do.”

“Why aren’t you then?”

“Because what’s the point? I can be mad at him as much as I want, but in the end, I’ll still be the one hurting. At tsaka nakakapagod kaya magalit. I’d rather not invest anymore of my energy on him. It’s better to just move on.”

Regina hummed in agreement. She then pondered for a moment.

“It would still be cathartic to hit him at least one time,” Regina said with a rare mischievousness in her voice.

“It would, wouldn’t it?” Narda replied with a chuckle.

Regina abruptly turned around and faced Narda.

Narda stopped breathing.

The movement caused their faces to be merely inches apart.

Regina was looking at her with so much care and concern on her face.

“Narda, promise me. Promise me you’ll be more honest with your feelings. If you don’t speak up, they’re just going to take advantage of you,” Regina said.

Narda gulped.

Their proximity was doing weird things to her stomach. 

“I promise,” Narda answered.

Regina smiled. She smiled one of those genuine smiles that only Narda had the benefit of seeing. It never failed to make her heart flutter in her chest.

She always found Regina particularly beautiful when she smiled.

“After all, it hurts me deeply too when I see the person I like suffering.”

Ah. Yes. That was another thing that has been sort of an almost forgotten subject in their relationship.

“I like you.”

Those words abruptly broke the usually peaceful silence. Like throwing a pebble into a calm lake.

Narda choked on her drink, causing her to spit some of it out in her coughing fit. She snapped her head at the girl beside her.

She had the usual grace of indifference, as if she hadn’t just spoken those words.

Narda would have shrugged it off and told herself that she must be hearing things. However, she noticed that Regina was blushing all the way up to the tips of her ears. Her smooth neck had all but turned red as well.  

Narda didn’t know what to say.

What was she supposed to say?

She certainly wasn’t expecting to hear that.

Especially from someone like Regina.

The rich heiress.

The stellar honor student.

The cold school goddess.

Her best friend .

In the end, she chose to ignore it. As if she hadn’t heard it.

The next day after that incident, Narda worried about the awkwardness that would settle between them. However, Regina had not acted any different. 

Narda was surprised and it was also a relief on her part because she still wasn’t sure what to say. 

Ever since then, that confession had become an unspoken lingering subject between them. 

Narda expected Regina to bring it up again at some point, but she never did. 

Weeks…

Months…

….and now almost a year had passed.

She’s never heard her say it again.

Until now that is.

All this time, she had thought Regina had moved on from her.

“Are you okay?” Regina asked.

“Uh...yeah,” Narda replied awkwardly.

A smirk formed on Regina’s lips.

“You were staring,” Regina stated matter-of-factly. “Have you fallen for me perhaps?”

“H-Huh? Hindi ah…”

Regina leaned closer, her smirk never disappearing from her face.

Narda instinctively closed her eyes and braced herself.

It never came.

Whatever she was expecting, it never came.

She slowly opened her eyes and saw that Regina had already stood up and was dusting off her skirt. She looked down at Narda with a raised brow.

“Well? Aren’t you standing up? We’re going to be late for our next class.”

Narda blinked up at her a few times before finally standing up. She couldn’t quite understand it, but she felt a mixture of relief and disappointment. 

Things have shifted.

Narda could tell there was something wrong with her lately.

The sound of panicked shouting snapped her out of her daze. She looked in the direction of the voices and saw some people crowding over something. As she approached, she realized that they were crowding over someone .

“Huwag niyo siyang palibutan. Bigyan niyo siya ng space!” she yelled at them.

Narda pushed through the crowd and bent down to the unconscious girl. 

“What’s going on?” their PE teacher asked.

“She passed out, sir,” one of the students answered.

“Sir, ako na po magpunta sa kanya sa clinic,” Narda said, moving to carry the girl on her back.

“Are you sure? Kaya mo siya buhatin?” the PE teacher asked with uncertainty.

“Kayang-kaya ko po, sir," Narda answered confidently.

Seeing how she was managing to carry Regina without difficulty, the teacher finally nodded and let her go.

Fortunately, the nurse was in when she arrived. The nurse quickly instructed her to lay Regina on one of the beds.

She chose the one nearest the window and laid her down as carefully as possible.

Narda explained to the nurse the gist of what happened. The nurse nodded thoughtfully and glanced at Regina’s unconscious figure.

“It may be due to the hot weather. May baon ba siyang tubig?”

“Meron po pero nakalimutan niya po water bottle niya sa classroom. I offered mine naman po pero tumanggi siya.”

“Hmm. Sige. Ako na bahala sa kanya.”

“Ma'am, okay lang po ba balik ako mamaya?” Narda asked.

“Of course naman,” the nurse replied with a smile. “Now go before you get in trouble with your teacher for missing class.”

Narda reluctantly left, still feeling worried about her friend.

The whole time in class, all she could think of was Regina. The teacher noticed her absent-mindedness but just let it go, aware that she might be affected by what happened earlier. Instead, the teacher encouraged her to take a break. It’s not like Narda was falling behind in class.

The moment the bell rang, Narda ran straight to the school clinic.

“Ang bilis mo ah,” the nurse commented. "Tapos na class mo?"

"Yes, ma'am," Narda said, nodding. “I just want to be here when she wakes up,” Narda said as she calmed her breathing.

“Ang sweet mo naman,” the nurse teased. “Swerte ng magiging jowa mo.”

Narda couldn’t help but blush at that. Instead of responding, she took a chair and sat right beside the bed Regina was sleeping in.

“Will you mind if I leave you here for a while?” the nurse said.

“Di naman po, ma’am.”

“I’m just going out for lunch. Do you want me to bring back anything? Libre ko.”

Narda smiled at the offer.

“Okay lang po, ma'am. Huwag na po.”

The nurse gave her a look.

“Oh sige. Iwanan ko muna kayo hah. If want mo, pwede mo muna itulog sa ibang free beds.” 

The nurse then shot her one last smile before leaving the infirmary.

Narda shifted her gaze back to the sleeping girl. She couldn’t help but feel sleepy herself as she let out a yawn. It may be that she’s tired and the weather is affecting her. It was one of those days where it was particularly hot and humid outside. The cooler air conditioning in the quiet infirmary also made it hard not to feel comfortable.

She tried playing on her phone for a while, but her head kept falling to the side. She tried hard to fight it, but eventually she nodded off to sleep.

Regina stirred awake moments later. Her brows furrowed as she stared at the white ceiling, perplexed as to why she had awoken lying down on a bed. She sat up and took in her surroundings. 

She smiled amusedly at the sight of Narda sleeping while sitting down, her head bent at an awkward angle.

“That can’t be comfortable,” she mumbled.

She moved closer to her and shook the girl awake. It took a few tries, but eventually Narda opened her eyes.

“You’re awake,” Narda stated, relief obvious in her voice.

“How did I get here?” Regina asked.

“Nahimatay ka kanina nung PE so I carried you here,” Narda casually explained, letting out a yawn at the end.

“You carried me?” Regina asked in a rather surprised tone.

Narda nodded.

“Sorry for the trouble,” Regina replied with some embarrassment. She then noticed Narda’s drowsy state. “Do you wanna take a nap?” she asked her.

Narda thought about it for a moment before nodding. Regina then patted the space beside her.

“I can use the other beds,” Narda said.

Regina pouted at her, clearly displeased.

“Just sleep here,” she insisted.

Narda sighed, not really having the energy to argue with her at the moment. It may also have to do with the fact that she was defenseless when it came to her pouting face. 

“I mean really. That should be illegal,” Narda thought to herself.

Regina rarely did it but damn was it effective on Narda.

“Oo na. Sige sige. Usog ka onti.”

Regina beamed at her and moved to make space for Narda.

Narda laid down beside her, resting on her side and facing Regina. Regina laid on her side as well and faced her. Narda closed her eyes and tried to go back to sleep. However, she felt her undisguised staring.

“You’re staring,” she pointed out without opening her eyes.

She didn’t hear a reply but heard a humming sound instead.

“You’re not going to do anything to me in my sleep, are you?” Narda asked.

There was a pause.

“Who knows~” Regina replied, a hint of playfulness in her tone. “Scared?”

Narda froze, not expecting her to say that. At most, she expected Regina to deny it. She forced herself to calm down, telling herself that Regina was just kidding with her.

“Grabe ka pala no. Walang hiya hiya. Ganito ka pala ka-forward,” Narda tried to joke.

“To other people, no. But you,” she paused. She brushed some stray hair from Narda's face and tucked it behind her ear. “You just bring it out in me, it seems.”

“Is that so?”

She hummed in response.

“Regina?”

“Yes?”

“Why do you like me?” Narda can’t help but finally ask out of curiosity.

She still finds it incredible and unfathomable that Regina would like her in that way.

Out of everyone in school, why her?

“I like you because you’re you ,” Regina answered truthfully.

A pregnant pause.

“Way to go at explaining, Regina,” came Narda’s sarcastic reply.

Narda wasn’t really sure what to say. That’s probably the vaguest yet most sincere confession she’s ever received.

“I’m serious,” Regina argued. “You’re such a likable person, Narda. Andami kayang may crush sa’yo. Manhid ka lang so you don’t notice.”

“Well, I guess ganun pala ako kapogi,” came Narda’s cheeky reply.

“True. Ang ‘pogi’ mo nga,” Regina agreed.

Narda refused to open her eyes at this time, afraid that Regina would see the panic in her eyes. But her reddening cheeks betrayed her.

Regina, of course, noticed this and chuckled.

“Your words and yet you’re embarrassed? And here I thought you were such a confident person, Narda.”

Without opening her eyes, Narda could visualize Regina raising a brow at her.

“Shhh. Tulog ka na Regina. Antok ako.”

Fortunately, Regina didn’t say anything anymore. Narda no longer felt her gaze on her. She snuck a peek and saw Regina had closed her eyes.

Almost half an hour later, they were awakened by the sound of someone clearing their throat.

Narda opened her eyes and couldn’t help but immediately move away in reaction to the fact that Regina’s face was just a mere few centimeters away. Her move was a mistake because she didn’t think of the distance between her and the edge of the bed. She yelped and fell ungraciously to the floor.

“Are you okay?” the nurse asked.

She looked at Narda with mirth in her eyes. Narda could only grin sheepishly at her as she got up from the floor. Regina stirred awake from the noise.

“Miss Vanguardia, nice to see you finally awake,” the nurse said with a smile.

Regina politely returned the smile.

“Thank you, ma’am. I feel better now.”

"That's good to hear," the nurse said, relieved. “I know you said I didn’t have to, but I bought you guys some food either way,” the nurse said.

Narda’s ears perked up at that. She just realized how hungry she actually is at the mention of food. The nurse rolled her eyes at her, remembering how she had declined her offer earlier. She left the two alone to have their lunch and got back to her desk.

The two spent the rest of their lunch period in the infirmary before finally saying their thanks to the nurse and leaving.

The rest of the day, Narda couldn’t help but be clouded with thoughts.

Thoughts that had her distracted until she got home.

----------

“Free ka ba this weekend?” Narda asked.

To her surprise, Regina shook her head no.

“I have a date.”

Those words were the last things she thought she’d ever hear from her.

“A date?!”

Regina ignored her outburst and finished eating her lunch.

“Bakit wala kang sinsabi sa’kin?” Narda asked.

“Was I supposed to?” Regina asked.

“O-Of course! Best friend mo ‘ko. I should know these things,” Narda tried to reason. She felt odd for some reason. 

There was an uncomfortable feeling in her chest.

“Well, I just told you.”

Ignoring what she was feeling at the moment, Narda still tried to smile at the news.

“I’m happy for you then.”

Regina slightly tilted her head to the side as she stared at her for a moment.

“You are?”

“Of course. I mean…hindi ba dapat ako masaya?”

The question almost seemed to be directed at herself rather than Regina. Narda found it strange how hard it seemed to smile at the moment.

They left it at that and moved on to other topics.

“What am I doing?” Narda thought to herself as she hid behind a wall.

Last night, she couldn’t sleep a wink. All her thoughts were on Regina’s date . Finally, after deciding she couldn’t let the idea go, she washed and dressed herself and headed to the place Regina mentioned she was meeting her date today.

So here she was.

Hiding.

“When is her date coming?” Narda thought.

She’s watched Regina for a while now. She was sitting alone in a cafe, occupying herself by looking at her phone. Narda couldn’t help but admire her friend in her casual clothes. She even took some effort to put on some light makeup and curl her hair in waves.

Narda was dumbfounded when a girl suddenly walked up to her. They exchanged pleasant greetings while the girl sat opposite Regina.

“Is she a friend perhaps?”

They didn’t seem close, she thought. They did, however, appear rather friendly. Narda waited and waited, looking at the entrance for anyone else coming.

That was until realization dawned on her.

“She’s on a date with this girl!”

Then she thought about how Regina previously said she liked her. She quickly overcame her shock at the fact that Regina decided to go on a date with a girl. She had no problems with it personally. Everyone is free to like and love who they want regardless of gender. Now she’s only surprised that Regina was actually on a date with someone.

Not to brag, but Regina always seemed uninterested in other people except for her. So sue her for daring to doubt the reality before her eyes.

After realizing that this was the date , she immediately felt annoyed at the unknown girl. She just couldn’t explain why it irked her so much seeing them together.

(A/N: or maybe just in denial)

She followed the two throughout their date . She was careful not to follow too closely and hid behind the pair of sunglasses and cap she brought with her.

By the time their date ended, the sun was already setting.

Based on what she’s observed today, the other girl was quite friendly and respected Regina throughout the whole date. Neither being too close or too distant. Regina even laughed a few times.

Narda felt depressed. 

Regina looked like she was having a good time.

But she still continued to tail them.

The unknown girl seemed to say something to Regina after sparing a glance her way. Narda immediately hid.

“Di naman siguro ako tinitignan niya, diba?”

She snuck a peek and saw the girl hug Regina before waving goodbye at her. Just then, she saw Regina turn and walk straight in her direction. She panicked. It was too late to run now as Regina approached with quick steps.

She sighed as she resigned herself to what was about to come.

“I didn’t think you were one for stalking, Narda.”

Regina was smirking at her.

“And I’m apparently good at it too,” Narda replied. “Di mo siguro ako mapapansin if di ka niya sinabihan.”

“Oh, I noticed . I just chose to ignore you. It would have been rude to my date if I suddenly left her to drag you out from your hiding spot.”

Her jaw dropped at that.

“You aren’t as sneaky as you think,” Regina added with an amused grin.

“Oo na. Nahuli mo na ako. I’m sorry at sinundan ko kayo,” Narda said in surrender. “I guess I’ll be on my way then.”

She tried to make her escape, but Regina quickly held her by the collar of her shirt.

“Not so fast.”

Narda groaned.

“Explain yourself,” Regina demanded. The smirk on her face was gone and was replaced by a stern frown.

Narda avoided her gaze as she said, “N-Nagalala lang ako. Kasi first date mo and…well malay mo if masama pala intensyon nung tao sa’yo.”

“Oh?”

“Pero mukhang mabait naman yung tao. Napatawa ka nga niya ng ilang beses eh,” Narda said with a laugh.

She winced at how forced and empty her laugh sounded. So unlike her.

“And? That’s all?” Regina asked her expectantly.

Narda bit on her lip before replying, “That’s all.”

“I see.”

The atmosphere between them turned heavy with tension.

Regina sighed.

She grabbed Narda by the hand and pulled her along.

“Where are we going?” Narda asked curiously.

“Home,” Regina simply replied. “I’ll have my driver come pick us up.”

“Nako, Regina. Huwag na. I’ll just-”

“Don’t even bother arguing with me on this. It’s already late and it would be too much of a hassle for you to commute home,” Regina interjected.

Just then, they both heard the growling sound coming from Narda’s stomach. Regina looked back at her for a moment and burst out into a fit of giggles.

Narda blushed in embarrassment.

“I don’t mind a detour,” Regina said. “Come. Let’s go find something to eat. My treat.”

“Grabe kung makatingin. Matutunaw yung tao, Nards,” Mara teased.

Narda barely reacted to the comment and continued to keep her gaze at the classroom doorway.

“Mejo creepy behavior, sis,” Mara tried again.

Narda finally turned her head to the side to frown at the sudden presence.

“What do you want, Mara?”

“Tsk. May favoritism talaga. Si Regina lang pwede maka-receive ng maayos na greeting?”

“Of course. Kasi maganda siya,” Narda replied flatly.

“Hoy! Sinsabi mo bang pangit ako!?”

Mara hit her shoulder in her outrage. Narda tried to block the hits with her hand.

“Wala akong sinabi hah. Ikaw mismo nag-assume,” Narda said in her defense, smirking at the way Mara had gotten more annoyed at her.

“Lintik ka talaga sa akin next time, Custodio. Huwag muna ngayon kasi may masimportante tayong dapat pagusapan.”

Narda looked at her in confusion.

“Huwag mo akong tignan ng ganyan, sis,” Mara said. She then pulled out a spare chair and sat down beside Narda with an eager expression. “So~...kelan mo finally na-realize na may feeling ka pala para sa isang Regina Vanguardia? In fairness, hah. Bagay kayo para sa’kin.”

“F-Feelings? Anong feelings pinagsasabi mo dyan?”

Despite what she said, Narda’s cheeks turned red.

Mara pressed her lips together in a thin line as she looked at her with a frustrated expression. She then pulled on her hair with a groan.

“Oh my god. Parang tanga talaga. Ang tanga tanga talaga. I swear to Mami Mary, Papi Joseph, and Babi Jesus, apaka tanga mo talaga, Custodio. Ang slow grabe.”

“Wow hah. Ilang beses mo ako nasabihan ng tanga.” 

“Totoo naman talaga.”

In her irritation, Mara pointed in the direction of the doorway.

“Obvious na may feelings ka para sa kanya, sis,” she said bluntly.

Narda’s eyes grew wide.

“What? I don’t-”

“God. Sobrang in denial ka pa rin, gurl?” Mara asked incredulously. “Sige. Ako na mag-explain kasi mukhang sobrang traffic sa utak mo kaya di mo pa rin nare-reach yung kasagutan sa bugtong kung bakit bading ang isang Narda Custodio.”

“Mara-”

“Kaya ka super down kanina pa ever since dumating yung isang girl kasi nagseselos ka. Selos. In English, you are jealous. Jealous kasi may ibang ka-something si Regina.”

“Mara-”

“Huwag mo nang i-deny. May mata ako, Custodio. At alam kong alam mo rin deep inside kung bakit.”

Narda shifted her gaze away from her and toward Regina. She was talking animatedly with the girl, who’s name was apparently ‘Julia’. She was the girl Regina went on a date with before.

“See! Ganyan na ganyan!”

Mara pointed at her face.

“Ano?!” Narda exclaimed in frustration.

“Sobrang inggit na inggit expression mo ngayon.”

“Hindi-”

Mara abruptly stood up and stared down at her.

“Narda, as a friend, advice ko sa’yo is galaw-galaw ka na before it’s too late.”

And with that, Mara walked away and left the room, leaving Narda alone with her thoughts.

As Mara turned a corner, she was greeted by Xandra who was smiling at her.

“Thanks for that,” Xandra said as she handed her an envelope.

“Of course naman, my other bestie! Ako rin naman naaasar na sa kaganapan,” Mara replied as she received the offered envelope. “Bagal ng usad. Halos isang taon na, wala pa rin.”

Xandra laughed at that. She can’t help but agree. She has become impatient herself.

Mara shot her curious look and spoke up.

“Pwede naman na ikaw kumausuap. Madali lang naman i-approach si Narda. Napagastos ka pa.”

Xandra just smiled at her.

“I could have but…nag-promise kami that we couldn’t meddle,” Xandra explained. “Not directly anyways.”

Mara wanted to ask who “kami” was supposed to be but she already had a good guess that it must be that person.

“Sino ba naman ako para mag-complain as a bayarin,” Mara said instead with a shrug.

“As her friend, okay lang ba na ginawa mo to?”

“Sus. Ano ka ba. Matagal ko nang gustong sabihan si, Narda. Coincidentally, bigla kang nag-alok ng pera edi tanggapin ko na lang din. Ano? Nagsisisi ka na binayaran mo pa ‘ko?”

Xandra laughed, shaking her head.

“It’s fine. Di naman ako nagkukulang sa pera.”

“Grabe. Iba talaga pag rich kid.”

After a few more chats, Mara and Xandra parted ways.

Meanwhile…

Narda was buried deep in her thoughts, thinking about what Mara just told her.

She’s always thought that what she felt toward Regina was normal between friends. But when she thought about it, her closeness with Regina was different compared to her other friends.

Especially with the way they interacted with each other.

She always held Regina’s hands when they were walking, almost like instinct.

She hugged Regina tighter and lingered a little bit longer in her embrace.

She doesn’t mind when Regina clings to her body, something she couldn’t see herself letting others do with her. Not even her past boyfriends.

She accompanies her whenever Regina needed an extra hand. Sometimes, she still goes even when her help wasn’t needed.

She even goes out of her way to wait on Regina when she stays until the evening due to student council duties. Despite the fact that she was picked up by her driver, she wanted to personally see her off to ensure that she arrived home safely.

So many moments between the two kept running through her head.

Now that she thinks about it, she had always treated Regina more thoughtfully and willingly accommodated to her needs. Or what she thinks are her needs.

Furthermore, although she’s also seen some other girls be as close and intimate with each other, in her case, she actually yearned for them.

She yearned for Regina’s touches.

And she was always reluctant to let go.

The time spent with her was something she always enjoyed and looked forward to. So unlike what she felt towards her other friends.

She felt conflicted, especially now that Regina was talking to another girl. Wouldn’t it be just rude to suddenly talk about feelings now when Regina seems to have started to move on?

So even if she did realize her feelings for her now, wasn’t she already too late?

She felt her heart twinge.

It hurts.

“ Did Regina hurt like this too?” she thinks sadly. “Seeing the people you like with other people, it obviously hurts and yet she still stayed with me.”

Narda broke away from her thoughts when she felt someone nudge her.

“Hey,” Regina greeted. “Are you okay?”

Narda waved her off. 

“I’m fine. Just thinking,” Narda replied. She even smiled at her as if to assure her she was fine.

“Okay,” Regina said. “I just came to ask if it was okay if Julia joined us for lunch?”

Narda’s smile stiffened.

There was a moment of silence before Narda broke it.

“Sure. Okay lang naman,” she replied with some difficulty.

Regina scrutinized her face for a moment. She then turned her back and walked back up to Julia.

“Why did I say that?” Narda asked herself. Obviously, she wasn’t amenable to the idea.

When lunchtime came around, Narda expected to see the two upon her arrival at the roof. Surprisingly, she only found Regina sitting alone near the edge of the roof.

“Mag-isa ka lang? Akala ko sasama si Julia sa atin ngayon?” 

Regina raised a brow at the question.

“Seriously? I thought I told you that you couldn’t fool me with that fake smile of yours,” Regina said with a sigh.

“Okay lang kaya s’akin,” Narda argued.

“You’re obviously not fine with it,” Regina scoffed. 

Narda decided not to respond and just looked away. No matter what she says, Regina will see through her lie.

Of course, she was far from okay with the idea of inviting another person here .

“I told her that I want to spend lunch with you alone,” Regina said as she approached her.

Narda snapped her gaze back to her with a surprised expression.

“You did?”

Regina nodded.

“I’m sorry,” Regina apologized.

“Bakit naman?” Narda asked, confused.

“Well, I mean. Looking from your perspective, I know you wouldn’t want to seem rude by saying no to my request,” Regina explained. “And I honestly think that it was wrong of me to invite another person here.”

Regina smiled at her after a brief glance around the roof.

“It’s our place afterall.”

Our place.

She called it their place.

Regina could have disregarded Narda’s thoughts and feelings and just brought Julia here.

But she didn’t.

Not even a prospective love interest could make Regina disrupt the little bubble they created for themselves.

In a way, Regina had chosen her .

And she felt the obvious joy in her heart.

This was a turning point for Narda. It wasn’t a question anymore. She found herself feeling a lot lighter now as she looked at the other girl in wonderment.

But…

“I’m so slow, aren’t I?” Narda thought bitterly. “Late na ba ako masyado?”

There was a week left before their exams.

Narda had invited Regina over to her house to help her with her studies. 

Looking at Regina who was smart on top of being pretty, Narda felt it was unfair. She’s not dumb herself but still not close to Regina’s level.

Narda’s grades weren’t bad, but she had to score higher in the upcoming exams if she wanted to keep up with the cut off grade to maintain her scholarship.

Regina had agreed without a second thought.

They planned on going straight to Narda’s house after school today. They’ve had many sleepovers before, so Narda’s family was actually already quite familiar with Regina.

“Kung may anak lang sana akong kasing ganda at talino mo,” Narda’s mom, Leonor, said wistfully upon meeting the girl just a few times.

The Custodios happily welcomed her the first time and more so the following times Narda brought Regina home with her. They’ve even started treating her like their own daughter and didn’t bat an eye even if Regina visited unannounced.

“Grabe naman kayo. So ano na lang kami ni Ding?” Narda complained.

Ignoring her own daughter, Leonor would continue to dote on Regina, giving her a lot of snacks and small gifts. 

Regina was very shy and polite at first but eventually learned to open up and talk and laugh freely with the Custodios. She loved the times she would spend with Narda’s family. But somewhere deep inside, she felt a certain sadness from comparing her time with Narda’s family and her own dad at home.

As they approached Narda’s house, they saw a familiar figure standing right outside Narda’s house.

It didn’t take long to recognize who it was.

Narda’s ex.

Brian.

His face lit up at the sight of Narda.

“Narda! Buti andito ka na. Kanina pa kita hinihintay”

He looked rather excited.

Both the girls looked at him with obvious displeasure. More so Regina as she looked at the man with burning hatred.

“Ano ginagawa mo dito?” Narda asked, not bothering to mask the irritation in her voice.

“I came to apologize,” he said. “Narda, alam kong masama yung ginawa ko sa’yo. Pero promise, nakipagbreak na ako doon. Ikaw talaga gusto ko, Narda. Sana patawarin mo ako.”

That surprised the two.

“And also, I wanted to ask for you to give me another chance,” he said. “Gagawin ko lahat para mapatawad mo ako. Basta bigyan mo naman ako ng isa pang pagkakataon.”

The guy looked at her earnestly. He even dropped to his knees and gave Narda a pleading look while apologizing and asking for forgiveness.

Narda was having trouble deciding on what to say. She tried to figure out what words to tell him to get him to leave faster.

"I forgot I had to do something at home," Regina said abruptly. “Let’s study some other time.”

She didn’t give Narda time to reply as she began to walk away.

“Finally. Now we can be alone,” he said.

Narda glared at him.

She didn’t need to think.

“Wala na tayong dapat pag-usapan pa. I accept your apology but I can’t forgive you, Brian. Kahit ilang beses ka pa mag-sorry, wala na ulit chance na maging tayo pa ulit,” Narda said angrily as she began running in the direction she saw Regina head to.

Regina didn’t care that people were staring.

She couldn’t see them clearly anyway, as the tears in her eyes blurred her vision. She went to a fairly uncrowded area. She then leaned her back against a wall for support.

She was about to use the back of her hand to wipe her tears away when a hand stopped her movements.

“Ayaw na ayaw talaga kitang nakikitang umiyak,” came a distressed voice.

Regina immediately looked up.

“What are you doing here?” she asked.

“Ako dapat nagtatanong niyan. Bakit ka biglaang umalis?” Narda asked back. “Buti nahabol pa kita.”

“Because!” Regina said like it explained her reason why.

Tears streamed down her cheeks.

Narda pulled out a handkerchief from her pocket and dabbed it on her face.

“Sorry na, Regina. Alam kong asar ka na siguro sa akin, pero baka pwede kausapin mo sana ako and explain sa akin bakit ka umiiyak?” Narda asked with a lighter tone. “Para naman alam ko anong ginawa kong mali para di ko na uulitin. I really don’t like seeing you cry.”

Regina took a deep breath.

“I just didn’t want to see it,” Regina explained. “If there was a chance of you guys getting back together, I didn’t want to see it.”

Narda looked surprised at this.

“Bakit mo naman nasabi na magkakabalikan kami?”

Regina laughs humorlessly.

“Because! Before, when you guys were in a relationship, he always had a way of making you agree with him. And even though he treated you badly, I know that you still genuinely liked him. And maybe you will get back with him again now since you liked him before,” Regina told her. “And I just thought, if there was a chance you might take him back again, I didn’t want to see it. So I ran. I ran because I won’t let myself witness all that firsthand.” 

“Regina-”

“Because how am I supposed to compete with that?!” Regina screamed with such sadness. “I know that I’ll always just be a friend to you. And I’ve accepted that. I tried to move on from you but you just…”

It finally clicked with her.

“Kaya ka ba nakipag-date kay Julia?”

Regina nodded honestly.

“It didn’t work, obviously. Because, god. Seeing you standing here right now and not with him is already making me so happy. But at the same time, it hurts. I don’t show it, but it really hurts, Narda.”

Narda felt like being stabbed in the chest as she heard the pain in Regina’s voice.

“I do like being friends with you. Truly. But damn it! Having you know my feelings while still being able to spend time with you, I tell myself it’s enough,” Regina spoke with so much emotion. Her voice cracked when she continued to say, “But it’s just not enough, Narda. It’s not. And it’s never going to be enough.”

Narda felt distressed over Regina’s dejected appearance.

“Because I like you. I really really like you, Narda.”

A new batch of tears started rolling down Regina’s cheeks.

Narda couldn’t help tearing up as well seeing how much she was crying. And what broke her heart was the fact that she was crying because of her.

“Regina, please don’t cry. Ayaw talaga kitang nakikitang umiyak.”

She then proceeded to hug the girl close to her. She rubbed comforting circles on her back as she soothed her sobbing.

“Gets ko naman, Regina,” Narda said.

“What?”

“I get what you meant about it not being enough,” Narda said. She then confessed, “Kasi ako rin, Regina. Ako rin.”

Regina grew stiff with shock after hearing the implication behind her words.

She refused to turn to look at Narda at this time and instead clutched tighter onto Narda’s shirt. 

She was afraid that she might have just heard her wrong.

“Regina, tingnan mo naman ako oh.”

“No.”

“Please.”

“No.”

Regina couldn’t believe this was happening. She would rather believe she was being delusional because of the heavy onslaught of emotions.

Narda stood on her toes and planted a soft kiss on one of her eyelids.

“Please?”

But Regina still stubbornly refused to meet her gaze.

“ Please look at me,” Narda begged. “Look at me like you always have.”

Regina sighed, her defenses too weak against Narda. She slowly met her gaze with her own.

“You don’t have to ask,” Regina said softly. “Because you’re all I see.”

Narda grinned despite her tears.

“Not sure if napapansin mo, pero ikaw rin tinititigan ko palagi.”

“You have?” Regina asked with surprise.

“Do you want to know why?”

Regina eagerly nodded.

“Because I like you too,” Narda said, smiling lovingly at her. 

“But?”

Narda looked confused.

“What do you mean ‘but?’?”

“There must be a ‘but’ in there,” Regina argued. “There’s no way that you would. Why would you like me?” Regina asked in disbelief.

Narda could see the skepticism in her eyes. Contrary to how Regina appeared in other people’s eyes, she was surprised to learn that the girl actually had a lot of insecurities.

And it was Narda’s fault that Regina was doubting herself right now. She’s given her too much pain.

So much.

But she’ll make up for it. And more.

“If there’s any ‘but’ about what I said, it’s ‘But I think I’ve fallen in love with you.’” 

Regina’s eyes grew wide with shock and disbelief. She then proceeded to hug Narda and bury her head against Narda’s neck.

“You liar. Why would you say that?!”

“But it’s true,” Narda insists.

“You’re lying!”

She bit Narda’s shoulder, as if punishing her for lying to her.

Narda endured the pain. She deserved it. This was nothing compared to what pain she caused her. 

“I’m not lying,” Narda persisted. “I’m in love with you, Regina Vanguardia.”

Regina bit even more fiercely.

Narda just let her. Even hugging her tighter in the process.

Regina eventually stopped and even mumbled an apology. Narda only smiled in response and gently stroked her hair.

Regina’s sobs eventually calmed down.

“I don’t get it. Why would you say that?”

“Bakit ba ayaw mo maniwala?” Narda asked back.

“Because,” Regina began to find reasons. “I complain a lot.”

“That just means you’re sure of what you like and dislike,” Narda casually responded. 

“I don’t think before I speak and can say hurtful things sometimes.”

“Kasi honest ka. You don’t like people lying to you as much as you don’t like lying yourself.”

“I push people away.”

“Because you want to protect yourself.”

“I can be self-centered.”

“It’s okay to focus on yourself sometimes. Wala naman mali doon.”

It seemed like Narda had a response to any of the shortcomings Regina mentioned about herself.

“Yun lang ba?” Narda asked after hearing nothing further from her. “How about me? Sabi mo nga, I’m not honest with my feelings when I’m in a relationship.”

“I told you before, it’s because you don’t want to hurt their feelings. I can understand that.”

“Medyo matigas din ulo ko minsan.”

“You’re just hard-working and ambitious when you’re motivated.”

“Manhid ako.”

“Because you don’t really go assuming things about people.”

“Tapos yung grades ko-”

“Could be higher if you didn’t sleep during classes and studied more efficiently.”

Narda chuckled at that.

“Na-realize ko rin recently that I’m pretty selfish too.”

“Selfish? Of what?” Regina asked curiously, finding it surprising coming from Narda.

Regina leaned away and gazed at Narda with inquisitive eyes.

“I’ve become really selfish when it comes to you , apparently.”

Narda took this chance to stand on her toes and kiss her on the forehead.

“I don’t like it when you’re not paying attention to me.”

A kiss between her brows.

“I don’t like it when you’re spending a lot of time with others.”

A kiss on the bridge of her nose.

“I don’t like it when you smile a lot at people other than me.”

A kiss on the tip of her nose.

“I don’t like the fact that you went on a date with someone else.”

A kiss on her cheek.

“I hate the fact that it wasn’t me.”

Narda smiled helplessly.

“See? Selfish ko no?”

Regina stared at her for a moment.

“I’m sorry,” she apologized.

“Don’t apologize. I mean, it must have been a lot harder for you, right?” Narda said, implying about her previous relationships while being friends with Regina.

“You have no idea.”

Narda proceeded to wipe away what was left of her tears, rubbing her cheeks gently with her thumb. She was glad she had stopped crying. 

Regina closed her eyes and let herself bask in her gentleness, loving the feeling of her touch on her skin. 

As Narda was about to pull her hand away, Regina held it in place.

Opening her eyes, Regina looks straight at Narda.

“Would it be too soon if I said I wanted to kiss you?” Regina asked.

Narda blushed at the question. Her blush deepened when she saw how intently Regina was staring at her, specifically her lips.

Narda cleared her throat.

“H-Hindi naman,” Narda replied.

“Can I really?” Regina still continued to ask, seemingly hesitant.

Seeing this, Narda was the one to lean her face closer, her gaze falling to her lips and then back to her eyes.

“This time, let me,” Narda said. “I’ve made you wait for so long, haven’t I?”

She wasted no time after that and finally closed the gap between their lips. 

Narda wasn’t sure what kissing Regina would feel like. But right now, experiencing it for the first time, she found herself regretting how much time she'd wasted mulling over her feelings.

It was different from the previous kisses she'd experienced.

This was soft.

Sweet.

Warm.

And it just felt so right.

It wasn’t comparable to anything she’d experienced before.

She found herself getting more and more addicted to the feeling as they continued to kiss. 

They had to pull apart after some time to breathe.

“If sinabihan mo ‘ko that kissing you would feel this great, we could have been doing this since a long time ago,” Narda remarked, still entranced over the feeling of Regina’s lips on hers.

Regina rolled her eyes at her.

“I’m sorry. Who was it that was in a relationship not so long ago?”

She got her there.

“We should go,” Narda abruptly said. “Nagaalala na siguro si Nay saan na tayo.”

Narda saw her reluctance, she was reminded of what she said earlier.

“Wait. Do you really have something to do at home?” Narda asked.

“I lied,” Regina replied. “I just...Is it really okay if I sleepover?”

Narda looked slightly confused at the question.

“Oo naman,” Narda answered. “And also…I don’t want you to go yet.”

Narda turned shy after her admission and looked away from Regina’s eyes.

Regina would have gone for another kiss at this moment, but it wasn’t the time or place. Not with how she wanted to kiss Narda and hold her close to her body. She took her by the hand and started to walk, dragging Narda with her.

“Let me just say, I’m not going to be held accountable if anything happens tonight,” Regina said as she looked back over her shoulder. “ You invited me.”

She smirked at the way Narda seemed to slowly realize the implication of what she just said.

“H-Hoy! Magstu-study lang tayo!”

“Sure~ Let’s call it that. Study .”

“Regina!”

Regina was smiling the whole way back to Narda’s house.

Narda was the same.

The ambiguous atmosphere wasn’t lost on the members of the Custodio family. And, based on their shy and blushing appearances as they got along, the family made a guess in their hearts. It wasn’t such a hard thing to accept seeing both girls happy.

They silently gave their blessing to the two girls.

And hoping for the best.

“Looks like I won,” Xandra said as she sat on top of Luna’s desk.

Besides the two of them, everyone had gone home already. Luna decided to stay for a bit to continue and finish her game.

Luna simply hummed in reply as she continued to focus her attention on her phone.

Xandra frowned at her.

She took the device from her hands, causing the other girl to look up in panic.

“Hey!”

“Will you listen to me now?”

“Give it back!”

Luna tried to grab her phone back but Xandra was too quick and she couldn’t snatch her phone back.

“I’ll give it back,” Xandra said. “But after you listen to me first.”

Luna tried to give her a death glare, but it didn’t come out as intimidating. She looked more like she was pouting and sulking than anything else. She eventually gave up on trying to get the device when Xandra wouldn’t budge.

Xandra smiled at the small victory.

Xandra thoughtfully paused the game, much to Luna’s relief.

“So?”

“Kung nakikinig ka kanina, I came here to tell you that I won our bet.”

“And?”

“I want my prize.”

Xandra held the device and placed it behind her back as she slowly approached her. Luna took a step back after noticing the predatory and unfriendly look behind her eyes.

“A-Ano ba gusto mo?”

Luna winced at the way she just stuttered.

“Like I said, I want my prize.”

She had her trapped between her and the wall.

“Wha-”

“Go on a date with me.”

To be honest, Xandra never thought of asking this when they first decided on the bet. However, after months of getting along with the other girl, she found herself falling. After observing how fruitless things were between Narda and Regina, she found herself in a crisis. She didn’t want that for herself and Luna.

And so she thought of winning the bet.

There were probably other ways to get Luna to date her, such as chasing after her with cliche romantic gestures like giving chocolates and flowers.

But she ultimately decided on this bet.

Because Luna liked games. She found them fun and had an odd respect for rules. So she thought about winning this bet and hoped it would help to get what she wanted.

And perhaps she was also stalling for time, realizing what was at stake if Luna didn't have such feelings for her.

Luna was obviously surprised by what she just heard. Shortly after, she began laughing.

Xandra became annoyed at her reaction.

“I’m being serious here. Nakakatawa ba sinabi ko?”

Luna glanced at her. She decided that was enough laughter for now. It’s just that she never thought that was the prize she wanted.

She leaned close to her, their faces merely inches apart.

“Xandra, medyo slow ka rin pala.”

Xandra grew annoyed at that. However, she forgot all about it the moment Luna abruptly pulled her by the collar and kissed her.

She was too surprised.

It was unfair how she could easily be disarmed by a kiss.

She eagerly reciprocated, but their kiss was cut short by Luna who pulled away.

She opened her eyes and was about to whine, but then she saw Luna grin at her. She also noticed that the phone was no longer in her hand. 

“Honestly, if it was a date that you wanted, haven’t we been doing that for some time now?” Luna said.

“I don’t understand. I thought we’ve just been… you know .”

Luna pretended to be hurt as she placed a hand on her chest.

“I’m hurt, Xandra. Do I really look like the type who’d just casually kiss anyone?”

Xandra didn’t dare to say “yes”.

Luna sighed.

“If it’s reassurance that you want, then fine. Let’s go on a date.”

Xandra walked dazedly as she got overwhelmed by the development of events.

Luna had to drag her by the hand, while she’s lost in her thoughts. She grabbed their bags and made way for the door, still pulling the other girl along.

“How could I not know that we’ve been dating?” Xandra asked.

“Well, di nga naman natin na-define relationship natin,” Luna answered. “But isn’t everything we’ve done so far considered dating? I mean, I never really thought it was necessary. Akala ko may common understanding tayo.”

Xandra took a moment to look back.

She had a point.

At some juncture in their relationship, they would keep meeting after classes and over the weekends. They had slept over at each other’s house numerous times, even meeting each other’s families.

They never explicitly said anything, but a tacit understanding existed between them. 

Xandra stopped walking. Noticing this, Luna stopped as well. She looked back at the girl questioningly.

“Xandra?”

“I want you to say it.”

“Say what?”

Xandra huffed, her brow twitching as she looked at Luna in a way that said ‘You know what I mean.”

It took Luna a while before it finally hit her.

“I…,” Luna paused, as she felt shy and timid all of a sudden.

“Well?”

Luna turned to look at their surroundings warily. In the end, she decided to take the few steps between them and leaned close to whisper in her ear.

“I love you.”

Xandra expected to be told “I like you”. She wasn’t prepared for her to say the word “love”.

“Happy now?” Luna asked as she took a step back.

Xandra blinks.

She nodded.

“Can we go?”

Xandra nodded again.

Luna refused to look at her as they walked side by side. She was still trying to recover from the fact that she had just said what she said. And, also because she didn’t hear Xandra say it back. 

Was she too confident? Maybe she was too bold by saying the L word too soon.

She was broken out of her thoughts when she felt her cheek being poked. The moment she turned her head, she was surprised at the sudden feeling of soft lips on hers.

It was chaste, but it was enough to make her feel all warm inside.

“I love you too.”

Xandra was grinning at her. Luna bit her lip to stop her own grin from breaking out. She looked away to hide from Xandra’s gaze.

Xandra was nothing but amused as she continued to smile, seeing how uncharacteristically shy the normally "cool" and "laidback’ Luna had become. Her smile only grew bigger when she felt Luna intertwine their fingers.