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The thrift shop’s dim lights cast soft shadows on rows of mismatched clothing racks as Maloi and Stacey combed through vintage jackets, baggy jeans, and oversized graphic tees. They’d been there for nearly an hour, losing track of time as they sifted through forgotten treasures and occasionally held up outrageous pieces to make the other laugh.
“Hey, may Halloween party si Mikhs, ah?” Maloi broke the comfortable silence, her fingers lingering on a leather jacket that looked both questionable and intriguing.
“Hm?” Stacey hummed, half-listening as she inspected a faded denim jacket. She knew Mikha always threw the best parties that no one dared miss, so she was half-prepared to go before Maloi even brought it up.
“What do you want to be for Halloween?” Maloi asked, nudging her playfully with a mischievous smile.
“Girlfriend ni Jho,” she answered without missing a beat, the words spilling out before she could think them through.
Maloi barked out a laugh, pulling a patterned jacket from the rack. “‘Yung madali lang sana!”
Stacey chuckled along, but her mind wandered to her best friend—oblivious, stubbornly dense Jhoanna, who somehow never caught onto the million little signs Stacey had been dropping about her non-platonic feelings for the girl.
Exhibit A:
Stacey had spent the whole afternoon buried in clothes, cycling through tops, dresses, and even scarves she wasn’t sure would work. Her bed was a battlefield of rejected outfits, every piece scrutinized with only one goal: to impress Jhoanna and make her notice. By the time she finally decided on a dress that felt right—not too fancy but definitely a little extra—she’d caught herself in the mirror, giving herself an unconvincing pep talk. “Sa ganda mong ‘yan? Kapag hindi ka pa napansin ni Jho, ay, ewan ko na lang.”
When the doorbell rang, her heart leaped in a way she’d started getting used to whenever Jhoanna was involved. Stacey composed herself, trying to seem casually put together, like she hadn’t just spent hours putting on the finishing touches. She opened the door, greeted by Jhoanna’s bright grin, and before Stacey could even say hi, Jhoanna leaned in, planting a quick kiss on her cheek.
“Ganda mo, ah,” Jhoanna said with that infuriatingly charming smirk, a low whistle following for good measure. “May pinopormahan ka?”
If only she knew. Stacey held back a sigh, forcing a smile instead, even though her mind screamed, Oo, ikaw. Tanga.
But of course, what came out was a nervous laugh and a playful punch on Jhoanna’s shoulder, because admitting her feelings outright just seemed impossible with Jhoanna’s completely clueless gaze on her.
Exhibit B:
Stacey had barely opened her eyes when the smell of frying eggs and garlic rice wafted into her room. She blinked, piecing together where the scent might be coming from, and then it hit her: Jhoanna. The girl insisted on going to her house once she found out that her mom would be on a business trip, effectively leaving Stacey alone to fend for herself. True to her word, her best friend had shown up early to make sure Stacey didn’t spend her morning alone.
When she finally made it to the kitchen, she found Jhoanna in an oversized shirt, her back turned as she flipped an egg with all the confidence in the world, like it was her kitchen. For a moment, Stacey just stood there, unable to hide the soft smile that crept onto her face.
Bwisit, ayan na naman siya. Pa-fall tapos walang kaalam-alam.
“Oh! Gising ka na pala,” the clueless girl smiled, eyes disappearing like a puppy that Stacey wanted nothing more but to kiss her right then and there.
So, she does. She made her way towards her best friend and hugged her from behind, kissing her cheek dangerously close to her mouth before nuzzling her face in Jhoanna's neck. She sighed contentedly, “Good morning.”
She received a kiss on the crown of her head in return.
They ate together, laughter filling the empty kitchen as Jhoanna shared every little bit of gossip she’d gathered over the week. The warmth was enough to make Stacey’s cheeks ache from smiling, and before she knew it, she was pulling out her phone, snapping a photo of their breakfast, complete with two cups of coffee and the little heart Jhoanna had drawn in ketchup on her toast. With a grin, she posted it to her Instagram story, adding a few red hearts and layering a soft love song in the background.
Minutes later, Jhoanna's phone buzzed, and Stacey watched as she checked it, eyebrows rising as a grin spread across her face. “Wow, soft launch?” Jhoanna waggled her brows, her eyes gleaming with mischief. “May pinagseselos ka ba?”
Stacey rolled her eyes, giving Jhoanna a dismissive wave as she tried to hide the heat creeping up her neck. “Wala, okay? Dami mong alam.”
But deep inside, she wished Jhoanna could read between the lines—that maybe she’d notice how every little thing Stacey did had her in mind. Because if anyone could make her want to spend the whole afternoon dressing up, post heart-filled stories, and blush at breakfast, it was none other than Jhoanna.
It was as if Stacey’s thoughts weren’t completely written on her face, her actions bold enough for anyone else to see. Sometimes, it felt like the only thing she hadn’t tried was literally writing "Gusto kita, Jhoanna!" across her forehead.
Wait, should I do that?
Gaga, ‘wag, came a horrified voice at the back of her mind.
Prinsesa tayo. Hindi dapat tayo ‘yung naghahabol, another voice supplied.
Stacey rolled her eyes at herself.
Nahihibang na ‘ko. Kasalanan ‘to ni Jho.
Stacey’s phone buzzed as she settled into bed, barely back from thrifting with Maloi. When she saw the message from Jhoanna, her heart made a little leap, having missed the girl the entire day.
Jhoanna:
Hey, costume party at Mikha’s. Gusto mo bang maging couple?
Stacey’s brain short-circuited for a moment, and she blinked, rereading the message twice. Her thumbs hovered, and then, despite knowing better, she typed out a reply with a smirk.
Stacey:
couple? sabi na nga ba crush mo ako.
it’s ok, jho. sino ba namang hindi?
She waited, holding her breath and letting her imagination run wild for a split second before Jhoanna replied.
Jhoanna:
Baliw.
Like, couple costume kasi. Ano ba ‘yan, Staks.
Stacey groaned, fighting the urge to roll her eyes so hard they’d get stuck. Bwisit, she thought, but she couldn’t help laughing to herself. As if anyone else would get her this worked up over something as simple as a text. Of course, trust Jhoanna to turn something that sounded almost romantic into something else entirely. As usual, Jhoanna was blissfully, frustratingly clueless.
Stacey:
ok, what do u have in mind?
Three little dots appeared, and her stomach twisted with anticipation.
Jhoanna:
Ikaw.
Stacey’s heart stopped for a second, then sped up again, faster than before. Ako? she typed back, wondering if somehow Jhoanna had figured it out, if this was a roundabout way of actually asking her to be something more than friends.
But Jhoanna’s next reply came just as quickly.
Jhoanna:
Ikaw, kako, do you want to be anything in particular?
Stacey exhaled, all the hope that had fluttered in her chest dissipating just as fast, her fingers typing back something casual, fighting the urge to laugh at herself for getting caught up in yet another fantasy.
Stacey:
pag-isipan ko.
Jhoanna:
Yay! Okay! :D
Hay nako, Jhoanna. Manhid.
When the night of Mikha's Halloween party finally arrived, Stacey couldn’t help the thrill that zipped through her as she looked at herself in the mirror. The pink cheerleader outfit was unmistakable, complete with knee-high socks and a perfect bow in her hair. She was Megan from But I'm a Cheerleader, a little nod to the sapphic undertones she was convinced Jhoanna would miss entirely.
Just as she was adjusting her skirt for what felt like the hundredth time, the doorbell rang, and she nearly tripped over her own feet in her rush to open it. When she did, her breath hitched. There was Jhoanna, decked out in a leather jacket, a black button-up, dark jeans, and combat boots, smirking with that perfect slouch and confidence she somehow managed to pull off effortlessly. She’d even slicked her hair back a bit, giving herself that cool, slightly rebellious look that screamed Graham.
Stacey’s breath caught. Jhoanna looked… well, she looked incredible, to say the least. There was something about the leather jacket, the confident stance, and the teasing glint in her eye that made Stacey’s brain short-circuit just a little. This was too close to the fantasy she’d spun countless times—a version of Jhoanna who might see her, really see her.
Ang pogi.
Jhoanna tilted her head, breaking Stacey’s daze. “Staks, okay ka lang?” She grinned, taking in Stacey’s outfit. “Damn, pink looks good on you. Like… really good.”
Stacey’s cheeks flamed, and she laughed, brushing off the compliment as she fidgeted with the hem of her skirt. “Duh? I look good in everything. Especially in pink.” She forced a nonchalant smile, but the way Jhoanna looked at her was making her pulse race. Every word Jhoanna said was just another reminder of how easy it was to fall for her, over and over again.
“Oh! Bago ko pala makalimutan,” Jhoanna held out a pair of handmade flower pompoms, each one carefully crafted from pink tissue paper, the petals fluffed up to look almost real. She could tell from the slightly uneven cuts and the effort in the layers that Jhoanna had probably spent a decent amount of time on them.
"Just because," Jhoanna said with that lopsided grin, as if it were no big deal at all, as if she didn’t just give Stacey something that made her heart seize in ways she didn’t even know were possible.
Stacey took the pompoms, fingers brushing over the paper petals, wondering how Jhoanna could be so clueless and yet so thoughtful at the same time. "Ginawa mo ‘to?" she asked, trying to hide the tremor in her voice.
Jhoanna shrugged, stuffing her hands into her jacket pockets. "Figured you should have the full cheerleader look, right? Isa ngang cheer d'yan, cheerleader," she teased, though there was a softness in her gaze that made Stacey's heart skip.
“Ako pa hinamon mo.” Stacey forced down the wild flutter of her heart, plastering on her best grin as she took a step back, lifting the handmade flower pompoms high. Jhoanna leaned against the wall, watching with that intense, teasing look Stacey knew all too well. But this time, there was a softness to her gaze that made Stacey’s cheeks flush as she tried to ignore it.
She took a deep breath, channeling every ounce of cheerleader energy she could muster as she tried her best to recall the lines from the movie. She swung the pompoms, throwing herself into the chant as if it were nothing but a fun joke.
"1, 2, 3, 4—" Stacey called out, her voice steady despite the rush in her chest. "I won't take no anymore!"
Jhoanna chuckled, eyes gleaming with amusement, and Stacey nearly lost her place. But she pushed through, feeling bolder as she went on.
"5, 6, 7, 8—I want you to be my mate!" She winked, her heart pounding louder as she caught Jhoanna’s eye.
“1, 2, 3, 4—you’re the one that I adore.” She tossed her head back in a playful flourish. Stacey felt the words strike closer to the truth than she wanted to admit. She dared a glance at Jhoanna, who was watching her with that half-amused, half-awestruck smile, and it took everything in her to keep going.
"5, 6, 7, 8—don’t run from me 'cause this is fate!" She ended with a twirl, throwing the pompoms into the air before catching them again, barely managing to steady her breath.
Jhoanna burst into laughter, clapping her hands and shaking her head. “Grabe, Staks. Have you been practicing?”
“Hindi, ‘no! It's all natural.” She exaggeratedly motions at herself.
(She spent countless hours practicing in front of the mirror after she first saw the movie, almost breaking everything in her room after a series of miscalculated jumps.)
Jhoanna’s laughter continued to echo in the house. Stacey rolled her eyes, trying to ignore the warmth spreading through her cheeks at the melodic sound of the girl's laugh, “Tara na nga!”
As they strolled down the street toward Mikha's place, Stacey’s heart felt light, especially with Jhoanna’s steady hand wrapped around hers. She couldn’t help but glance down every few steps to make sure it was real. They walked in comfortable silence, Jhoanna’s thumb brushing gently over Stacey’s knuckles every so often, each touch bringing Stacey’s heart a step closer to having a heart attack.
But as soon as they stepped inside Mikha's house, it was like Jhoanna vanished. Stacey knew it was bound to happen; the girl was the life of every party, her energy magnetic. She watched as a flood of friends and familiar faces surrounded Jhoanna, pulling her deeper into the crowd until Stacey was left standing by the door, trying not to feel as abandoned as she did.
After a few minutes of aimless people-watching, Maloi, dressed up as the devil, appeared, raising an eyebrow. “Nakasimangot ka na naman d’yan.”
Stacey rolled her eyes, crossing her arms in defense. “Hindi naman.”
But Maloi just gave her that knowing look, glancing over at where Jhoanna was across the room. Stacey tried to keep her expression neutral as she leaned against the wall, watching Jhoanna work her way through the crowd. She had just been laughing with some friends when Stacey noticed Jhoanna’s hand reach out behind her, almost instinctively, searching for Stacey’s.
When Jhoanna’s fingers met only empty air, Stacey saw the exact moment Jhoanna realized she was alone. Jhoanna’s head whipped around, scanning the room until she spotted Stacey by the wall with Maloi. Their eyes met, and Jhoanna’s shoulders seemed to relax in relief as she held up a hand, beckoning Stacey to join her. But Stacey simply waved, her face painted with feigned casualness.
Jhoanna didn’t drop it, though. She gave Stacey a thumbs up from across the room, her eyebrows raised in a question. You okay?
Stacey nodded, a small, almost indifferent smile on her lips. It was a practiced expression, one she’d used a hundred times before. She wasn’t sure if it convinced Jhoanna, but the other girl eventually nodded back, though her gaze lingered, almost reluctant to let Stacey go.
Maloi, who’d been silently observing the whole exchange, couldn’t hold back a snicker. “Ayan ka na naman,” she muttered with a shake of her head. “Tara na’t tumagay. Para naman hindi ka nagmumukmok sa sulok.”
“Bagay sa’yo costume mo. Demonyo ka talaga.”
Maloi only laughed as she took her hand, leading her through the hallway and into the kitchen. Bottles and cups lined the counters, and Stacey let herself get pulled into the energy of it all.
Her devil friend handed her two shots, which she immediately downs, feeling the burn at the back of her throat. Whatever, she was here to have fun, to stop waiting for Jhoanna to notice her from afar.
And have fun, she will.
Stacey took another long sip from her drink. She had lost count at this point as Maloi only kept them coming, making sure her hands were never free. The drinks warmed her veins and left a pleasant buzz in her mind. She could feel herself loosening up, but her eyes kept drifting back to Jhoanna. There she was, chatting with another girl who was dressed as a generic ghost and leaning just a little too close, twirling her hair and giving Jhoanna that look. Stacey felt a sharp pang in her chest as she watched, rolling her eyes so hard she swore she could see the back of her head.
Ang manhid talaga. Tanga-tangahan lang? she thought, annoyance prickling under her skin.
“Sayaw tayo, Staku!” Maloi’s voice boomed beside her, snapping her out of her trance. Tipsy herself, Maloi wasted no time grabbing Stacey’s hand and pulling her toward the makeshift dance floor in the living room.
Before she could even process it, Stacey found herself surrounded by their friends, the music pulsing through her like a second heartbeat. She glanced over her shoulder just once, catching Jhoanna’s gaze from across the room. For a split second, their eyes met, and something flickered in Jhoanna’s expression, something Stacey couldn’t quite place. But she forced herself to look away, her chin tilted defiantly.
With a newfound determination, she threw herself into the music, moving like no one was watching, like she hadn’t just spent half the night longing for her best friend's attention. Her laughter mixed with the beat, her movements wild and uninhibited. Every step felt freeing, each sway of her hips a silent message— Whatever. Deadma sa’yo, Jhoanna.
Yet, from the corner of her eye, she could still feel Jhoanna’s gaze on her, a lingering, heavy presence that followed her every move.
Stacey continued to sway on the dance floor, her vision blurring at the edges as the music pulsed around her. The world felt pleasantly hazy—until a guy she didn’t know slid up beside her, his arm brushing against hers, his breath heavy with the sharp tang of alcohol. She cringed, inching away, but every time she moved, he closed the gap, his presence clinging like a shadow.
Panicking, she glanced around, spotting Mikha nearby and stumbling toward her. But just as Stacey reached her, Mikha moved, drifting further into the crowd, oblivious to Stacey’s silent plea. Before Stacey could gather her courage to tell the guy off, she suddenly caught the familiar scent of Jhoanna—warm, familiar, comforting.
In a single, smooth movement, Jhoanna stepped between them, her arm sliding around Stacey’s waist. “Princess,” she murmured, her voice cutting through the music and sending a wave of relief washing over Stacey. Jhoanna’s fingers brushed lightly at the hem of Stacey’s skirt, tugging it down just slightly, protectively.
“Having fun?” Jhoanna asked, an amused smile tugging at her lips as she looked at Stacey.
Stacey grinned up at her, feeling a rush of giddiness as she looped her arms around Jhoanna’s shoulders, leaning in a little closer than necessary. “Ngayon, oo,” she said, the words tumbling out without much thought. She gave her a dopey smile, half from the alcohol and half from the warmth radiating from Jhoanna’s touch.
Jhoanna chuckled, her eyes softening as she pulled Stacey in just a bit tighter. “Tara, let’s get you some water to sober up,” she said gently, guiding her away from the crowd. Stacey let herself be led, feeling safe in the steady weight of Jhoanna’s arm around her, heart pounding louder than the music.
The cold kitchen counter felt like heaven against Stacey’s forehead as she let her head rest on it, finally cooling down after all the dancing and alcohol. She felt a bit steadier after drinking the water Jhoanna had handed her, though a fuzzy, sleepy feeling still lingered. Jhoanna stood beside her, looking at her with a soft smile.
“Kumusta pakiramdam mo?” Jhoanna asked gently.
Stacey managed a thumbs-up, keeping her head firmly on the counter. She heard Jhoanna chuckle beside her, a warm sound that felt like a hug wrapping around her.
“Tara, uwi na tayo, Staku. Makapagpahinga ka na,” Jhoanna coaxed, her voice soft as she rubbed a soothing hand along Stacey’s shoulder. Reluctantly, Stacey lifted her head, swaying a little as she straightened. Jhoanna slipped an arm around her to steady her, guiding her through the crowded living room.
They bumped into Mikha, dressed as Claire Redfield, now that Stacey was able to see her clearly on the way out. “Oh? Mukhang pabagsak na ‘yan, ah.” Mikha laughed, pertaining to Stacey. Stacey only gave her a glare and a middle finger in return.
“Una na kami, Mikhs! Salamat sa party!” Jhoanna called, offering a quick wave as they headed toward the door.
As they walked home, Stacey felt the weight of Jhoanna’s jacket draped over her shoulders, its warmth and scent filling her senses. She pulled it tighter, feeling grateful not just for the warmth but for Jhoanna’s quiet care, the way she looked out for her without a second thought.
The streets were quiet, just the soft crunch of their footsteps filling the air. Stacey glanced up at the girl, watching her steady profile as they walked side by side. She didn’t say anything, just let herself lean into Jhoanna’s warmth, feeling safer than she had all night.
But as the silence stretched between them, and with every step, Stacey’s mind spun as she walked beside Jhoanna, every gesture, every oblivious comment only adding fuel to the frustration simmering in her chest. It felt like an endless cycle—giving hints, waiting for her to notice, and being met with the same clueless smile. She tried to keep it down, to swallow it like she always did, but tonight, it refused to stay buried. She wanted nothing more than to rip her hair out. Maybe rip Jhoanna’s.
Ano pa bang dapat kong gawin para malaman niyang gusto ko siya?
Jhoanna’s voice broke through her thoughts, casual as ever. “Lalim naman ng iniisip mo,” she teased, nudging her with an elbow.
Stacey’s patience snapped. She couldn’t take it anymore. She yanked Jhoanna’s jacket off her shoulders, tossing it back to her with an annoyed huff. She spun on her heel and stormed forward without so much as a glance back, her footsteps loud and angry against the pavement. Jhoanna’s eyes widened as she stopped in her tracks.
“Staku! Anong problema mo?” Jhoanna called after her, sounding genuinely bewildered. “Ayaw mo ba sa costume natin?”
“Ayoko!” Stacey snapped, her voice sharp as she stomped further ahead, heels clicking angrily against the pavement. She knew she was being petty, but she didn’t care.
Jhoanna rushed to catch up, confusion written all over her face. “Ha? Eh, ikaw nagsuggest neto no’ng tinanong kita ah?”
Stacey halted, turning on her heel to face Jhoanna, her eyes blazing with all the things she’d been holding back. The younger girl froze, eyes wide, finally seeing the seriousness in Stacey’s expression.
“Ask me again,” Stacey demanded, her voice shaking with something raw, unsaid.
“Ha?” Jhoanna stammered, not understanding.
“Ask me again, Jho,” Stacey said, barely keeping her voice steady. “Ask me what I want to be.”
Jhoanna blinked, but she could see something fragile in Stacey’s gaze, and for once, her usual teasing grin faded. “Okay… what do you want to be for Halloween?”
Stacey’s gaze never wavered. She took a shaky breath, heart pounding as she forced herself to say the words that had been lodged in her chest for too long. “I want to be yours, Jhoanna.”
The words hung heavy in the air between them, raw and vulnerable, her emotions laid bare.
Stacey watched as Jhoanna’s expression morphed into a blank stare, and the annoyance she’d just tried to push away surged back with a vengeance.
“I want to be your girlfriend, jackass! Ang manhid, manhid mo!” she snapped, slapping Jhoanna's arm, her voice rising. Jhoanna just blinked, clearly taken aback at Stacey's violence, and that only fueled the angry girl's fire.
“Ang daming lumalandi sa’yo buong gabi, ‘di mo man lang napansin ‘yun?” Stacey continued, throwing her hands up in frustration. “Buong gabi nagagalit lang ako sa’yo kasi napakamanhid talaga! For months, nagpapapansin ako, I kept flirting, I kept giving hints, wala! Buong gabi nagagalit din ako sa sarili ko kasi hindi ko man lang magawang umamin sa’yo.”
Jhoanna remained silent, her expression unreadable, and it made Stacey’s blood boil even more.
“Wala ka man lang sasabihin?”
Silence.
“Diyan ka na nga, pucha…” She turned away, arms crossed tightly over her chest, feeling the heat of frustration radiate through her.
“Stacey,” Jhoanna finally spoke, her voice calm but firm.
“...If you need me, maghuhukay lang ako ng puntod ko,” Stacey shot back, unable to keep the bitterness from creeping in.
“Stacey,” Jhoanna tried again, stepping closer, concern etching her features.
“...Putanginang buhay ‘to, sawang-sawa na 'ko!” Stacey exclaimed, the weight of her emotions crashing down like a tidal wave.
“Stacey!” Jhoanna’s voice cut through the storm, sharp and commanding, stopping Stacey in her tracks and startling her out of her spiraling thoughts.
“Ano?!” Stacey shot back, her eyes wild and frantic, the frustration still bubbling beneath the surface. When she caught Jhoanna’s gaze, the younger girl couldn’t help but notice how cute she looked at that moment.
Suddenly, Jhoanna burst out laughing, and Stacey blinked, baffled. “Nasisiraan ka na ba ng bait? Anong tinatawa mo d’yan?”
Jhoanna continued to laugh, the sound infectious; Stacey bit back her cheek to keep herself from smiling. She glared, incredulous, hands on her hips. “Tapos ka na ba? Iiwan kita rito, nakakayamot ka kasama.”
“Akala ko ba gusto mo ‘ko?” Jhoanna teased, a playful glint in her eyes.
“Anong connect?!” Stacey's loud mouth exclaimed, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks. “Gagamitin mo pa ‘yun laban sa’kin?”
“Ang ingay mo,” Jhoanna said with a playful glint in her eye, laughter lingering in her voice as she stepped closer, “Hahalikan kita.”
But Stacey’s loud voice only continued to boom through the streets, not taking Jhoanna’s threat seriously, “Magagawa mo ba?! Eh, hindi mo nga alam na gusto kit—”
Before she could finish, Jhoanna leaned in and pressed her lips against Stacey’s for a fleeting moment, the kiss soft and surprising. It sent a jolt of electricity through Stacey, her mind momentarily blanking out as she processed what had just happened.
“Ayan, tumahimik ka rin,” Jhoanna said, stepping back with a satisfied grin, a hint of mischief dancing in her eyes.
Stacey stood there, stunned, her heart racing. Jhoanna shook her head, that infuriating teasing smile playing on her lips again. “Ako pa talaga yung manhid? I've always thought nililigawan kita.”
She buried her hands in her pockets and shrugged casually, “But I guess I should’ve been more straightforward.”
Stacey blinked, her heart stuttering at the revelation. “Ligaw?” she echoed, confusion threading through her words.
“Of course,” Jhoanna replied, her gaze steady and earnest. “I take you out on dates, give you flowers, my attention, my time, and my heart? You think I do that to anyone?”
Stacey hesitated, the weight of her insecurities creeping back in. “Yes?” she ventured, but the uncertainty in her voice was palpable.
“No, sa'yo lang,” Jhoanna countered, her tone firm yet warm, and that stung more than Stacey expected. The embarrassment flooded Stacey’s cheeks, a hot wave that left her feeling exposed.
“Edi ako ‘yung mukhang tanga ngayon,” she groaned, sinking to the sidewalk in defeat. She squatted down, burying her face in her hands, trying to shield herself from the world. The feeling of humiliation wrapped around her like a suffocating chain around her neck, and she wished desperately for the ground to swallow her whole.
Tama pala na maghuhukay ako ng puntod.
Jhoanna quickly followed suit, her movements fluid and instinctive as she knelt beside Stacey. “Hey,” she said softly, reaching out to gently pry Stacey's hands away from her face. “No, it's not your fault. I really should’ve been clearer with my intentions.” Her voice was soothing, like a balm against Stacey’s racing thoughts.
Stacey peeked through her fingers, and her heart swelled at the sight of Jhoanna’s concerned expression. The warmth of their closeness provided a moment of solace amid her embarrassment, and for a fleeting second, the weight of her feelings felt lighter.
“But if it's any consolation,” Jhoanna continued, a playful glint returning to her eyes, “You can be my girlfriend for Halloween. Kahit sa mga susunod pang Halloween. If you’ll have me, of course.” The playful tone in her voice was infectious, and the glimmer in her eyes made Stacey’s breath hitch.
Stacey’s heart soared, the warmth spreading through her chest, chasing away the earlier embarrassment like the sun breaking through the clouds. The reality of Jhoanna's words settled in, and a shy smile threaded Stacey's lips, “Yeah.”
“Yes, I’d love that,” she replied, her voice firm and genuine, a blush breaking across her face.
“Great,” Jhoanna grinned, relief washing over her features. “So, new costume idea? Girlfriend kita, girlfriend mo ‘ko.” She reached out, her hand warm and reassuring as she guided Stacey up.
Stacey couldn’t help but roll her eyes, a teasing smirk tugging at her lips. “Edi ang yabang mo na niyan,” she shot back, but there was a warmth in her tone that betrayed her amusement.
“Malamang? Matapos mong magpapansin sa akin? Ikaw na 'yan, oh!” Jhoanna gestured toward Stacey with mock seriousness, an exaggerated grin lighting up her face. “Aayaw pa ba ako?”
Stacey groaned, her cheeks heating up at the lighthearted banter. “Huwag na! Igo-ghost na lang kita, bye!” She couldn’t help but break into a run, laughter bubbling from her lips as she tried to escape the teasing.
“Staku, ‘wag! Patay na patay na nga ako sa’yo, oh!” Jhoanna called after her, placing an exaggerated hand on her chest, laughter lacing her voice as she chased after Stacey. The way she said it made Stacey’s heart flutter, affection spreading through her as she felt the sincerity behind the playful words.
“Che!”