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Gwen and Mikha had perfected the art of sneaking around.
They had been friends since high school. Gwen was a transferee and Mikha followed her around persuading her to be on the volleyball team.
“You literally have the perfect height for it,” Mikha said.
“I literally don’t have time for it,” Gwen retorted.
After weeks of pleading — pestering, if you ask Gwen — Mikha won and Gwen joined the team.
Since high school, their dynamic was filled with easy affection. Gwen, the confident yet reserved one, and Mikha, the quick-witted spark of their team, always found themselves gravitating toward each other.
It all changed during one of those nights.
Gone were the competitive high schoolers who would do anything for a win. Now, they were more refined and self-assured.Textbooks were scattered on the floor, reviewers on the bed, empty cans of energy drinks in the trash, Gwen cuddling Mikha. It was one of those nights that the line between friendship and something more blurred. One moment, they were arguing over a calculus problem; the next, Mikha was staring at Gwen’s lips like they held the answer to everything. Gwen was trying to explain her solution to the problem when Mikha interrupted her.
"Are you gonna kiss me, or are we just gonna keep pretending this isn’t happening?" Mikha had whispered, eyes dark with something Gwen had never quite noticed before. Gwen, stunned, hesitated for only a second before closing the gap. From then on, their relationship was a series of stolen moments: hidden smiles, secret touches, and whispered confessions in between the chaos of college life.
They didn’t tell anyone.
Not yet. Not until they were sure and ready.
Secret hand-holding under the table? Check.
Lingering hugs that lasted two seconds too long? Easy.
Stealing kisses when no one was looking? A thrill.
And the best part? No one suspected a thing.
Their friend group was affectionate by nature. Cuddling, lap-sitting, and dramatic declarations of love were all part of the norm. Gwen being extra soft for Mikha barely raised an eyebrow.
But then came Stacey.
One fateful lunch break, Stacey plopped down beside Gwen with the biggest grin on her face.
“I found someone perfect for you.”
Mikha, who had been comfortably leaning against Gwen’s side, suddenly sat up straighter. Gwen, mid-bite of her chicken, blinked. “Huh?”Stacey wiggled her eyebrows. “You know Bryan? ‘Yung ka church ko? He’s 6’2, a licensed engineer, super nice, comes from a Chinese family. Your parents will love him.”
Gwen nearly choked. Mikha was already gripping her fork like a weapon.
“... Bakit biglang na-bring up ‘to?” Gwen asked, forcing a laugh.
Aiah rolled her eyes. “Because you’re single, Gwenny! And, no offense, pero malapit na mag summer ball. You can’t be a loser and show up without a date.”
Maloi cackled loudly. “Grabe, Ate Aiah! Si Mikha din naman walang date ah.”
“Oo nga. Mikhs loser ka daw oh,” teased Colet.
The group laughed while Mikha huffed and crossed her arms. Gwen laughed with the group before throwing an arm around her girlfriend. She sneaked a kiss on her temple to calm her down before she accidentally outs herself.
No one batted an eye.
“No! No, Mikhs. Sorry. You’re part of the event committee kasi kaya I knew you weren’t looking for a date,” Aiah explained.
“Anyways. Binigay ko na number mo kay Bryan. Expect a text from him na lang siguro mamaya,” Stacey said between bites of her burger.
Gwen’s eyes grew wide. “Wow, Staks. ‘Di mo man lang ako tinanong kung okay lang sa’kin?”
Stacey had the decency to look bashful. “Sorry, Gwenny. Gusto ko lang naman ma-enjoy mo rin ‘yung summer ball,” Stacey reasoned. “Can you at least try? For me? Pleaseee.”
Gwen sighed and looked at the girl clinging to her arm. She didn’t want to disappoint her girlfriend but she also can’t say no to Stacey. Fuck being a people pleaser, Gwen thought to herself. “Okay. Whatever,” she said while rolling her eyes.
Later that day the secret girlfriends were studying in the library. Well, more like Gwen was studying their modules while Mikha studied her girlfriend’s hand. Suddenly, Gwen’s phone buzzed.
Hey, Gwen! This is Bryan. Stacey gave me your number. Hope you’re having a great day!
Mikha snatched the phone, glaring at the message like it personally offended her. “Block him.”
“Anong block? Masyado namang nakakabastos ‘yun,” Gwen whisper-yelled.
Mikha narrowed her eyes. “Fine. Then ghost him.”
Before Gwen could agree, a new text popped up. Want to grab coffee this Saturday?
Gwen sighed. She didn’t want to lead Bryan on, but rejecting someone over text felt awful. “Sasabihin ko na lang in person, okay?”
Mikha groaned. “You’re too nice.”
“Kaya nga na-in love ka sa’kin, ‘di ba?”
Mikha tried to act annoyed but her glare Gwen turned to give her a loud smooch on the cheek.
Gwen sat at a quiet café, stirring her iced latte while Bryan smiled across from her.
He was nice.
Polite, funny, and definitely someone her parents would approve of.
But he wasn’t Mikha.
“So,” Bryan started. “Stacey hyped this up a lot, but I just wanted to see where your head was at.”
Gwen sighed, setting down her drink. “Bryan, you seem like a really great guy. Pero kasi… I’m actually dating someone.”
Bryan blinked, then let out a short laugh. “Oh, thank God.” Gwen frowned. “Wait, what?” Bryan grinned, shaking his head. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, you’re amazing. But I had a feeling you weren’t interested. I just didn’t want to assume.”
Relief flooded through Gwen. “So… Hindi ka galit?”
“Not at all,” Bryan said. “Actually, this works out. I won’t have to deal with Stacey setting me up anymore. But, uh… does she know you’re dating someone?”
Gwen paled. “No. Medyo lowkey pa lang kasi kami.”
Bryan smirked. “Well, good luck with that. Kung sino man siya? They’re really lucky.”
Outside, Mikha sat in her car. She was gripping the steering wheel like it had personally offended her. She watched as Gwen and Bryan laughed inside. Gwen even touched his arm briefly as she spoke. Mikha didn’t know what was happening, but she didn’t like it.
She texted. Are you done yet?
Gwen responded. Relax, I’m alive.
Mikha huffed. For now. If he doesn’t kill you, I will. Stop being so touchy.
Inside the cafe, Gwen laughed a little too loudly before saying goodbye to Bryan.
The moment she sat in Mikha’s car, the shorter girl pulled her into a kiss like a dog marking her territory.
Gwen would never admit it, but she loved seeing Mikha jealous.
By the next morning, their friend group had turned into a detective agency. Theories flew left and right. Apparently, Bryan could not keep his mouth shut. He told Stacey who told Maloi who told everyone. Now, their friend group is pushing Gwen to admit who she’s dating.
“Sabi sa inyo, beh! Si Joshua talaga ‘yan. ‘Yung sa theatre,” Maloi insisted. “Masyado silang intense during rehearsals.”
“Parang hindi naman,” Jhoanna countered. “Feeling ko si Christian. ‘Yung classmate natin sa Calc.”
Mikha sat tensely, eyes focused on her book. Gwen sat beside her huffing and puffing at her nosy friends.
“Yeah, sure. Lahat na lang ng kilala ko nillandi ko. Okay na kayo?” she said sarcastically.
The theories continued, but eventually, they all fixated on Sheena from the university’s dance team.
“She literally twerks extra hard when Gwen watches,” Aiah pointed out. “Come on, it makes sense.”
“Sheena’s hot,” Colet agreed. “Type ni Gwen, for sure.”
At that, Gwen winced as Mikha stepped on her toes under the table.
After lunch, they passed by Sheena in the hallway. Maloi not-so-subtly pushed Gwen causing her to stumble towards the dancer. Mikha pulled at Gwen’s elbow to steady her, while the rest of the group cackled and squealed teasingly.
“Sorry,” Gwen said sheepishly.
“It’s okay,” Sheena said. “May naligaw na naman na package mo sa locker ko.”
Gwen scratched the back of her nape. Her friends were all smiling foolishly. “Nako, pasensya na. Ewan ko ba bakit laging naliligaw sa locker mo ‘yung parcels ko.”
“Baka destiny,” Maloi chipped in causing the group to laugh.
Unfortunately, Sheena herself took the teasing as confirmation that Gwen liked her back. Suddenly, she was seeking Gwen out more, smiling at her a little too sweetly, laughing a little too loud at her jokes. Gwen, always so panicked and non-confrontational, was too afraid to correct the misunderstanding.
And Mikha? Mikha was about to lose it.
The start of the end came on a Wednesday.
Maloi had arranged for everyone to come over to Gwen’s condo for a movie night, only for everyone to suddenly “cancel,” leaving Gwen and Sheena alone.
Well, alone with Mikha.
“Wow,” Sheena laughed, settling into the couch. “‘Di ka man lang sinipot ng friends mo.”
Gwen forced a chuckle but felt the weight of someone else's gaze.
Across the room, Mikha sat stiffly, gripping the armrest of her chair like she was bracing for impact. She had been quiet the whole night, her usual quips absent, her body language tense.
By the time the movie ended and Sheena had left, Mikha dragged Gwen into the bedroom.
"You need to block her,” Mikha said, arms crossed tightly.
Gwen blinked, still processing the sudden shift. “What?”
“You heard me.” Mikha’s voice was firm, but the slight tremble in her fingers betrayed her.“Block. Her.”
Gwen exhaled, rubbing a hand over her face. “Mikha, come on. Hindi ko naman siya pwedeng iblock nang ganun-ganun lang.”
“She likes you.” Mikha’s voice was quieter now, but there was no mistaking the edge in it. “And you—” She stopped herself, taking a shaky breath. “You’re letting them set you up.”
Gwen stared at her. “Anong gusto mong gawin ko? Gusto mo magpost na ‘ko ngayon sa IG? Say, ‘Hey, actually, I have a girlfriend, and it’s Mikha’?”
Mikha flinched. Gwen softened. She knew her girlfriend was not yet ready. Gwen had been out since high school, but liking girls is something new for Mikha. No one knows. Not even Mikha's friends. No one except for her kind, patient, and loving girlfriend.
Gwen sighed. “Mikha, alam mong ayokong i-pressure ka. Pero ayoko ring ma-stress ka dahil dito. ‘Pag umamin na tayo, mas magiging madali na lahat. You know that, right?”
For a moment, Mikha looked at her, something vulnerable flickering in her expression. But then, she shook her head. “I’m not ready.”
Gwen’s shoulders sagged slightly.
Mikha reached for her hand, squeezing it tightly. “It’s not that I don’t want to,” she murmured. “I love you, you know? I just… I don’t know how to do this yet.”
Gwen swallowed the lump in her throat. “Okay." Gwen pulled her girlfriend in a hug. "It's okay. Alam kong hindi kita pipilitin, pero hinay-hinay na sa selos, babi.”
Mikha nodded, but there was still something heavy between them. “But seriously,” Mikha muttered, “can you at least stop letting Sheena flirt with you?”
Despite everything, Gwen burst out laughing. “Oh my God, Mikhaela.”
Mikha huffed, cheeks heating up.
“No promises,” Gwen teased, leaning in to kiss her on the cheek.
Mikha groaned dramatically, but her grip on Gwen’s waist tightened.
The end came on a Saturday.
The moment Gwen and Mikha stepped into Maloi’s condo, Mikha’s grip on her hand disappeared. Gwen barely had time to react before Mikha shoved her hands into the pocket of her hoodie, shoulders tensed.
She followed her girlfriend’s gaze and — oh.
Sheena.
Gwen sighed. She had hoped tonight would be just another night with their friends, but with Sheena here, that hope was dead on arrival. Mikha was already stewing.
Gwen nudged her gently. “Babi, chill. Sheena’s just here to hang out.” Mikha’s jaw clenched, but she gave a tight nod.
Sheena, oblivious to the growing storm, greeted Gwen with a hug. She surely didn’t intend to make Mikha jealous. Sheena was naturally charming and effortlessly playful. But, still, Mikha’s fingers tapped anxiously against her knee, eyes burning holes into Gwen’s drink.
Across the room, Maloi smirked. She leaned toward Aiah and whispered just loud enough for everyone to hear. “Ang cute ni Sheena and Gwen, 'no?”
Aiah snickered. “Oh, for sure. Bagay na bagay talaga.” Mikha’s grip tightened around her glass.
Gwen shot their friends a glare, but before she could say anything, Sheena nudged her playfully. “Ano ba kayo, guys,” she grinned, leaning in slightly. “May jowa na nga daw si Gwen. Baka maging uncomfortable pa ‘yan sa’kin.”
The room fell silent for a fraction of a second before exploding into knowing laughter.
Gwen’s stomach twisted.
She opened her mouth to respond, to find a way to let Sheena down gently, but before she could even form a word—
Thud.
Mikha slammed her drink down on the table, the sound sharp enough to cut through the chatter.
The laughter died instantly.
“Alright, I can't do this.”
Gwen’s heart plummeted.
The entire room turned toward Mikha. Their usually playful friend was now stiff with barely restrained frustration.
Gwen’s pulse pounded in her ears as Mikha turned to her with that look. The look. “Either you tell them,” Mikha said, voice tight, “or I’m telling everyone.”
The air in the room shifted. Confusion flickered across their friends' faces, amusement fading into curiosity.
"Tell us what?" Stacey asked.
“Go. Tell them,” Gwen dared. “Ikaw lang naman hinihintay ko.”
Mikha huffed, crossing her arms. “Don’t pin this on me, Gweneth.”
The group stayed quiet. The room turned tense.
“‘Wag mong ibaling sa’king ‘yang galit mo, Mikhaela. Sabihin mo na kung gusto mo,” Gwen said with a leveled voice.
Aiah blinked. "Wait… what’s going on?"
Mikha stood up, turning to the group. "You really wanna set up Gwen with Sheena?"
“Uh, yes?” Stacey said, confused.
Mikha rolled her eyes. “Well, that’s a problem. Because Gwen is already dating me.”
Colet’s eyes widened. “Wait. Ha!?”
Mikha crossed her arms. “Yeah. We’ve been together for months.”
Gwen, seeing no way out of this, smiled and nodded. “Yeah. It’s true.”
Chaos erupted. Their friends exploded into laughter, shouting, and exaggerated gasps of betrayal. “BAKIT 'DI NIYO NA LANG SINABI?!” Maloi wailed. “I WASTED SO MUCH TIME INVESTIGATING AND MAKING FLOWCHARTS.”
Amidst the commotion, Sheena simply leaned back in her chair, an amused smirk forming on her lips.
“Sabi na nga ba, eh,” she said, taking a sip of her drink.
Mikha blinked. “Wait. Alam mo na?”
Sheena shrugged. “Lagi kitang nakikita sa condo ni Gwen. Like, lagi lagi. No offense, pero parang hindi naman kayo ganun ka-studious.”
Gwen’s ears turned red while Mikha sputtered. “Eh bakit dikit ka pa rin ng dikit kay Gwen?”
“Cute niyo lang asarin,” Sheena cackled loudly. Then, she sighed dramatically. “Pero totoo na naging crush kita, Gwenny. Sayang naunahan ako ni Mikha.”
At the end of it all, Aiah sighed, shaking her head. “Honestly, I should have seen this coming.”
Mikha, now sitting on Gwen’s lap, asked, “Hindi ba kayo galit?”
“Of course not!” Stacey smirked. “But you know what? Single pa rin si Bryan. Have you met him, Sheena?”
Sheena groaned. Mikha burst out laughing.
And just like that, the secret was out.