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Joan loves it when she’s very much occupied. Always in the top student’s list, an elected officer in councils, an active member of an organization; you name it. She loves to be involved in every way possible. She sees it that as someone who is privileged enough to just focus on your growth advocacies, she will spend all of her time on it.
“Are there any more suggestions for the event?” Ate Alaine, who was voted chairperson for the upcoming leadership training, asked as they’re finalizing the program flow and committee deliverables. “None? Then let’s move on to the last agenda, which is 'Other Matters.'” Joan checked today’s meeting agenda and read what’s on the last one.
Introduction of another member.
“If you have read the notice of today’s session, another member will be added to the council. She is yet to come here since she’s a transferee and still processing some papers, but she had already expressed her willingness to join us. So, I hope by the next meeting, I expect everyone to give her a warm welcome and be friendly towards her as she adjusts her life here in the university. That would be all from me. Are there anything that needs to be addressed?”
The meeting was then adjourned. Joan put her other stuff in her bag and decided to carry her journal and printed reading materials, planning to stay in the garden area to study before her afternoon classes start. She bid her goodbyes and left the room. As she walked along the way towards the garden area, she was about to turn on the corner but wasn’t able to see the other side whose turn made them collide with each other.
“Oof!”
“Ow!”
Joan’s things got wet with the other person’s drinks while the latter’s white shirt got drenched.
“Hala shet ang notes ko!” Joan panicked, seeing her journal got wet. She looked at the person she bumped and the first thing her eyes landed on is the wet patch on the latter’s shirt that made it see through.
Woah–
“Aba, bastos ka ah!” The girl accused and covered her chest. That effectively made Joan look up and saw the prettiest angry face in her goddamn life.
Tangina.
Bakit sobrang pretty nito kahit galit?
The girl seemed to get more infuriated with the Joan’s lack of response, “Ano? Tititig ka nalang ba? Manyak ka nga! ‘Di ka ba magsosorry?” The girl gritted that snapped Joan’s reverie.
Ako? Manyak? “At bakit naman ako ang magsosorry? Nabasa mo nga ang journal ko oh! May classes pa ako mamaya, paano ako magnonotes nito?” The thing about Joan is, she’s willing to be the one to lower her pride just to de-escalate any conflict. During any misunderstanding or clash of ideas, she’s always willing to give way and be a mediator instead just so things won’t have to get worse.
There’s just something about this girl that flicks the switch off.
“Eh, ikaw yung nakabangga!”
“Excuse me? Ikaw nga yung nakabasa eh!”
“Psh, eh ikaw yung manyak sa ‘tin!”
“Hoy! Paulit-ulit ka ha! That’s some bullshit accusation!”
“Bullshit mo mukha mo! Ewan ko sayo!”
“What’s happening here?” Joan heard Alaine’s voice behind her and came up in between them. “Sabrina, are you okay?”
Magkakilala sila ni Ate Alaine?
“Ate Alaine, ito kasi imbes na mag sorry, aba siya pa may gana magalit!” The girl complained which made Alaine look at Joan, “Joan, what happened?”
“Eh, binangga niya ako tapos ito oh, basang-basa yung reading mats and journal ko!”
“Eh kung pinasok mo yan sa bag mo edi ‘di yan mababasa!” The girl retorted which made Joan angrier. Bungaga nitong babaeng ‘to!
“Anong sabi mo?!” Joan shouted.
“Okay, that’s it! You two!” Alaine shouted that effectively made the whole area quiet. Even the passerby and bystanders who witnessed the exchange got afraid with Alaine’s authority. No wonder she’s the Student Council President. “Ano bang pinapatunayan ninyong dalawa, ha? This isn’t supposed to be something that should be turned into a whole mess and you decided to do anyway.” Alaine looked at Joan intently and the latter already saw the flash of dismay in her Ate’s face. “Lalo na ikaw, Joan. Hindi ka naman ganito."
That made Joan flinch and feel a pang of embarrassment. Her ate Alaine looking at her disappointedly is the least thing she’d ever want to happen, knowing that it was her who encouraged her to venture out in leadership roles and trusted in her capabilities. She bit her lower lip because she felt like pouting from the hurt.
She felt like crying.
“S-sorry.” She mumbled and ducked her head.
“You should be saying it to Sabrina, not me.”
Joan then looked at the girl whose eyebrows are still furrowed but her eyes are reflecting something she couldn't comprehend, but she went for the initial thought that came anyway.
Kinakaawaan ba ako nito?
That just made Joan’s blood boil.
For the sake of not making things worse and not making her ate Alaine get more disappointed at her, she faced the girl properly, “Sorry. ‘Di ko sinasadyang mabunggo ka at masigawan.” Joan said and bowed towards the girl. She didn’t wait for any response and scurried away from the scene, too emotional to hear more from what transpired and already felt ashamed with the crowd they had gathered.
Alaine was about to say something but Joan was walking away too fast. She looked at Sabrina whose arms are still crossed over her chest, hiding the wet patch that was made from the drink. Sabrina was also looking at the direction Joan had gone to, her furrowed brows that were angry are now looking like she's worried for the younger one.
It was the first time Alaine saw Joan lose her cool like that.
Joan then found out that the girl is the daughter of Mayor Sevilleja, Sabrina Alison Sevilleja; a Political Science student and the new Strategic Relations Officer from the organization.
She hates that brat’s guts.
After their first terrible meeting, Joan and Sabrina had been each other’s nemesis. There was never a day that Joan ever let Sabrina outdone her, and the latter will always find ways to push the younger’s buttons. Every event, activity, classes, heck even the popularity votes; they do everything they can to outshine the other.
Fortunately, there was always an Alaine to mediate the situation.
Until unfortunately, she just graduated.
They are already in their third-year for their undergraduate studies. Supposed to be the year for having full loads of their major subjects and focus entirely for academics.
Not for Joan and Sabrina, though.
Both of them arrived at the Office of the School COMELEC at the same time. Joan raises an eyebrow at Sabrina while the latter just rolled her eyes at the younger. Sabrina purposely bumped her shoulder at Joan and entered the room first. Joan let out a deep sigh and followed.
“Hey, Maxine. Bakit ka nandito ngayon?” Gone was the brat-Sabrina and is now speaking in her sweet, friendly voice. Joan snickered and mumbled, “napakafake talaga.”
Sabrina heard that and was about to retort when Maxine let out a cough to mediate the rising tension. “Hello Sabrina, hi Joan.” The redhead greeted them and gave a smile. “The COMELEC Chief is still in class so I was tasked to accept COCs as of the moment.” She explained and put the box labeled as ‘COC’ into the table. “Put your files inside here nalang and we will send you updates in your email about your applications.”
Both took a step forward at the same time and simultaneously put down their files on the box. It was Joan’s whose file on the top, which earned a smirk from Sabrina and looked at Joan tauntingly. The younger one already knew what that meant which made her look at the older irritably.
It wasn’t something to think of, honestly. But these two had already been at each other’s throat ever since Sabrina’s drink soaked Joan’s journal. They put competition on everything they can put on; who was able to get picked on head committee positions, who got higher scores on the same courses they have, who got recognized more, who got talked more in the freedom wall posts, who's going to get to the office meetings earlier;
That’s how naturally they make competitions.
This one now meant it's Sabrina who got to submit her application first.
Even though it doesn’t mean anything, really.
But seeing the look on Joan’s face definitely made Sabrina smug.
Joan hates this girl’s guts.
Sensing the rising tension, Maxine cleared her throat to get both’s attention.
“If you have questions, feel free to ask me.” That did the trick which made both girls look at her.
But it feels like she’s going to regret doing just that.
“Kailan maannounce yung final list ng candidates?” “When iannounce yung final list ng candidates?” Both said in unison that made the two look at each other.
“Kailan ba possible period for the campaign?” “When would be the campaign period?”
“Gaya-gaya ka na naman.” “Ginagaya mo na naman ako.”
“Ah ganun?” “Excuse me?”
“Ikaw kaya yung papansin sa ‘tin!” “Ikaw kaya yung bida-bida between us!”
“Okay, enough!” Maxine exclaimed which made the two stop.
How did Alaine survived these two? “The final list of candidates will be announced expectedly two weeks after this week’s filing process. The campaign period shall start two days after the final list. Any other–you know what? Don’t ask me now. Just send an email for your inquiries.” Maxine let out a sigh and stood. “And please tell your partylist as well to send their COCs na rin. Thank you.”
Both of them said their thanks at the same time, storming off from the office, with Joan getting out first.
For ones who hate each other, they connect so well.
Maxine just shook her head from what transpired and opened her phone.
‘Guess who’s running against each other in this upcoming election.’ She wrote on an entry wall.
When the two graduated from their respective degree programs, both of them got hired in the same circle that works together; Joan got into the Office of the Municipal Mayor, specifically under the CSO Desk and Sabrina then started working for a CSO she had an internship with for her senior year. Both still meeting each other from time to time and still with their never-ending competitions.
“Magkakilala pala kayo ni Miss Sabrina?” Gel asked during their lunch time. Both of them waiting for Alaine in their usual spot at the office so they could have lunch together.
“Magkakilala? Psh. Hinding-hindi ko papangarapin maging kaibigan yun no!” Joan exclaimed. Her answer made Gel raise an eyebrow, “Bakit hindi? Sobrang bait kaya nun. Throughout the community outreach that I volunteered kasama siya, she was always so attentive and sociable sa mga participant. I mean, bare minimum kasi nga she’s privileged, but someone like her who’s a politician’s daughter, she never really used her name to help out the community. That’s just being her, kumbaga.”
That made Joan quiet and made her remember her moments with Sabrina. Gel was right. Even though Sabrina could definitely wave her nepo card to get everything she wants in her way, the older one never once used it, even against her in their fights. As much as Joan stays all night in their libraries to finish her course requirement research, she also sees Sabrina there; equally hardworking and tiredly reading books.
Or maybe Mayor Sevilleja knows how to raise a daughter.
But it does feel wrong to credit someone’s hard work just because they’re the child of a parent.
“Ah, basta. ‘Di ko siya bet.” Joan said in finality and drank on her tumbler.
Gel shrugged. “Too bad. Bagay pa naman kayo.”
Joan choked on her drink and coughed loudly for air. Alaine came in the scene with a Gel who was laughing while a Joan was tapping on her chest to breathe properly. “What happened here?”
“Ito kasi si Gel!” Joan complained, still catching her breath. “Kung anong kababalaghan pinagsasabi eh.”
Gel shrugged again. “I’m just saying. You and Sabrina have sparks–”
“Ayan ka na naman!”
“Don’t shout at Gel, please.” Alaine reprimanded. “And besides, Gel’s got a point.”
Joan pouted. “Pati ba naman ikaw, ate?”
Both of the girls giggled at how the younger is acting. “I mean, depende kasi kung anong spark yan. Either kuryente sa kilig ba or your rivalry will burn down a house soon.”
“Sus. Mas papangarapin ko pa masunog kesa mapalapit dun!”
“Ah, so rivals pala sila?” Gel asked, which made Alaine nod. “Yep. ever since freshmen sila, magkaaway na yan.”
Well, that's strange. Gel thought and remembered the times when Sabrina visits the office.
“Bakit parang ‘di ka naniniwala?” Alaine asked Gel when the latter didn’t comment further.
“Wala lang. Gutom na ako.” Gel evaded the question and just took her lunch out.
Do rivals buy pandesals for their nemesis early in the morning and place it on their office table?
Gel didn’t say anything, though.
Over the years, Joan and Sabrina earned much recognition in their respective fields. Joan got more involved with CSOs than just being in the office, while Sabrina actually became the executive director of the organization she started working with 5 years ago. Both still have that tension whenever they share the same room, but the bickering and snide remarks lessened especially when some people who weren’t aware of their past were around.
Gel introduced Calista to Joan and Alaine. They volunteered for a community outreach in one that Sabrina’s organization initiated. One of the activities for the event was a busking session, where the funds will be used to buy art materials for the children. “Sobrang galing nyan tumugtog, pramis.” Gel praised that made Cal shy.
“Grabe ka naman maka compliment, Gel. Sakto lang”
“And a good vocalist, too!” Gel added that made Joan and Alaine giggle with how enthusiastic she is for her friend.
“Joan can also sing well, you know.” Alaine said.
“Ay oo nga. I heard her sing once sa team building before and she was really good.” Gel added that made Joan blush.
“Binobola niyo na naman ako.”
“Gusto mo tayong dalawa kumanta, Joan?” Cal suggested that was actually agreed by the other two.
“Pwede naman if okay lang sayo.”
“Can I join, too?” Sabrina said suddenly that made them look at where she was at, who’s still carrying a box full of snacks.
“Oo naman, Miss Sab! Wait, tulungan na kita dyan.” Cal then went towards Sabrina and helped her carry the box.
Psh. Nagpapapansin na naman. Joan irritably thought and rolled her eyes.
She wasn’t really planning to volunteer for this event but Gel was insistent and Alaine didn’t even need to be persuaded enough to get to join. So, against her hatred towards a certain pink-haired girl, she joined.
Tapos nagpapink hair pa siya? Papansin talaga.
But during the whole preparation for the program, while Joan and Cal practiced a little for their busking performance, she noticed that Sabrina never once spoke towards her. Most of the time that the two were sharing the same space, either one of them would always look at the other and make snide remarks or provoke each other. She didn’t think too much about it because she was actually having fun trying out songs with Cal. The two of them were able to choose which songs they wanted to sing later.
When it was Cal and Sabrina’s turn to practice, the latter still didn’t look at her way and only talked to Cal on what they would perform later.
Now Joan is bothered.
What did she possibly do to make Sabrina actually ignore her?
While watching Sabrina and Cal getting comfortable and laughing together, she felt a weird sensation on her chest. She really couldn’t describe the feeling but seeing Sabrina really does invoke something out of her. Ever since the day they met, Joan always had this feeling whenever Sabrina was around. Now, though, it feels like it's creeping up on her skin that all she wants to do is get a rise out of the other girl. Joan bit her lip and shook her head. Baka inaasar na naman ako nito by ignoring me. She thought.
When the busking session officially started, many people gathered around when they heard Joan and Calista sing together. Aside from the fact that Calista was actually known locally by her singing, her duet together with Joan made people swoon with how beautiful they sang. People cheered for the two and even asked for another song from them in which they actually obliged. They aren’t even at the middle of the program yet and they have garnered enough funds with their busking.
After Cal and Joan’s performance, the singer performed another solo before calling on Sabrina to sing with her on the mini stage. When the two rivals passed each other, Sabrina still didn’t look at her and just went straight towards the seat beside Cal. Joan is starting to get really pissed with Sabrina. Why is the girl ignoring her?
They may bicker, they always fight; but never ignore.
This was the first time Sabrina ignored her.
Cal started to strum the guitar and Sabrina adjusted the mic.
“This could have been just another day
But instead we're standing here
No need for words, it's all been said
In the way you hold me near
I was alone on this journey
You came along to comfort me
Everything I want in life is right here”
This was actually the first time Joan heard Sabrina sing. She could admit that she, herself, has gotten better at singing since she joined the theater club at college. That was something in her world that she didn’t have to compete with Sabrina because she thought that the girl was never interested in music.
She was not prepared for the beautiful voice that her rival possessed.
“'Cause this is not your ordinary, no ordinary love
I was not prepared enough to fall so deep in love
This is not your ordinary, no ordinary love
You were the first to touch my heart
And everything's right again with your extraordinary love
No, no, no”
And there, that then, was the first time that Sabrina looked at her today.
The pink haired girl sang the verse while looking at her intently. Joan was even matching the stare. The air felt so charged that every breath the younger took, a jolt passes through her veins and ends a tingling sensation on her fingertips. So, she slowed her breathing and watched Sabrina with every movement she makes; the way her chest rises, her eyes closing to give emphasis on the words she sings, and when they open–her eyes piercing through her with so much intensity.
God, Joan felt like convulsing.
Papansin talaga kahit kailan.
Today was the second part of the outreach program: bringing art towards the children.
They were able to accumulate so much funds from the busking session that they were able to pay for a whole street wall to be used for painting. They were able to purchase so many art supplies for every child in the barangay. Seeing the kids so happy with the news, Joan melted from their smiles.
It's just that art like this was never for her.
One of the reasons why she hesitated joining the program is because she never really had a talent for drawing or painting. Sure, you could assign her to sing, dance, act, and write. That’s an art she’s confident she can make a good result. But draw or paint? She’d rather really accept defeat.
So, now she knows that at this stage, she already loses to Sabrina, who apparently, is very good at painting.
“Okay kids! Ready na ba kayo for today’s activity?” Sabrina asked enthusiastically, which made the kids answer as equally as energetically.
“So, for today, para matulungan tayo gumagawa ng napakagandang mga paintings dito, kasama natin si ate Mace!” Gel introduced the short girl with red glasses that smiled so brightly.
“Hi kids! Bago muna tayo mag paint dito sa napakagandang wall na ‘to, may ituturo muna ako sa inyo, okay?” Mace taught the kids some way of how to handle the paint brushes and how to properly use and clean them, about color mixing and as well as what to take note of in which color matches. Everyone started to get their paint brushes and started mixing paint colors.
Alaine decided to pair up with some kids while Joan and Gel stuck together. She’s contemplating on what color she will use and tried to remember the colors that Mace taught that would mix well. She wanted to ask the art teacher again but she saw her chatting happily with Sabrina and they are already starting to paint in the middle part of the street wall. The two were even laughing at each other while mixing some paints. Out of nowhere, Sabrina put a small dot of pink paint on Mace’s cheeks that made the art teacher squeal. The other girl fought back by splashing a yellow paint on Sabrina that put a yellow line on her pink hair. Both of the girls laughed so loudly and freely that some kids decided to join them with the paint splashing.
‘Di naman bagay ang yellow at pink.
After the busking session that night, Sabrina didn’t look her way again ever since. There were occasional acknowledgement, especially if some people are around. But if it's just the two of them? Joan was so close into thinking that Sabrina couldn't see her at all.
Joan’s chest felt like it was exploding again. She’s getting angrier and angrier towards Sabrina that it felt like an itch that she’d want to scratch using her teeth. Did she go too far somehow that Sabrina does not want to see her at all? Ang kapal naman ng mukha niya mang snob! Napaka brat talaga.
She wanted to face upfront the girl and ask her. But what does she even say? For the whole 13 years that they’ve known each other’s existence, all they ever do is fight and be mean with each other.
“Uy, ang gandang shade ng purple yan ah!” Joan snapped from her reverie when she heard Mace beside her. She looked at where the girl was referring to and she saw the can of purple paint that she was holding. Blue to kanina ‘bat naging purple? “Paano ‘to naging purple?”
“Dahil dyan sa pink na paint, which by the way, pwede ko ba kunin? Need ko more mix kasi inubos na ni Sab lahat.” Joan handed over the pink paint can and Mace went back towards Sabrina again. Joan looked at the initial painting they had already made and another flick on her chest passed when saw how Sabrina looked so bright and carefree beside Mace.
The heaviness in her chest felt closely exploding.
‘Di naman ganun ka ganda together ang yellow at pink.
It was one of those midnights that Joan couldn’t sleep. There was something inside her chest that wanted to explode but she didn't even know what. She’s been feeling this much lately ever since she volunteered from the community outreach that Sabrina’s organization conducted a month ago.
She went into the nearest 7eleven in her area and bought some Boy Bawang Cornick to munch over. After paying, she went out of the store and unexpectedly saw Shaira eating siopao at one of the tables. She didn’t hesitate to sit in front of the girl. “Uy, Shaira. Napadayo ka rito?” Joan greeted.
“Walang asado dun sa malapit sa 'min kaya napadayo ako sa kasunod.” The other answered but then she raised an eyebrow at Joan. “Teka nga, ‘bat nakikiupo ka? Close ba tayo?”
“Ito naman. Bakit ka ba may hidden animosity sa ‘kin eh ang bait-bait ko kaya sayo.”
“Mabait mo mukha mo.” Joan laughed at the girl's reply which made her remember a certain someone who treated her as much in their early years.
Shaira noticed Joan’s silence. “Natahimik ka naman?”
“Shai,” Joan called out seriously, which further raised the other girl’s eyebrows. “Have you ever felt your chest going to explode? To the point that you don’t even know what to do about it?”
Both of them became quiet from the question. Joan wanted to laugh because why would she be asking this with Shaira? It's not like Shair knew, anyway. She was about to shrug the question of when Shaira stood so suddenly.
“Sabihin mo.” Shaira answered seriously, which surprised Joan.
“Sabihin ang alin?”
“Ang lahat. Kung ano nararamdaman mo, sabihin mo. Kung feel mo siya isigaw, edi isigaw mo. Sabihin mo lahat ng gusto mong sabihin.” Shaira explained.
So, Joan followed through.
Now, at 12PM, she’s in front of Sabrina’s two story house. She doesn't even know if the girl still lives here considering it's been a year since she last went here, all because Alaine fetched them together. She doesn’t even know why she still remembers the way here. Heck, she was just having a chat with Shaira and now she’s here.
“Sabrina Alison!” Joan shouted. She should really be ashamed of making such a noise at this late hour but she needs to let this hatred all out from her chest. She doesn’t even know if Sabrina is still awake or worse, she’s not even here at home considering that the girl could be anywhere because of her work.
A little of Joan's worry faded when a window from the second floor opened and it showed a fully awake Sabrina, whose face is void of makeup and her hair back into its long, dark brown color.
Tangina.
“Joan? Anong ginagawa mo dito?” Sabrina was very much confused.
“Nakakainis ka, alam mo ba yun?” Joan started out and frustratedly combed her hair back. “13 years ago, gusto ko naman talaga magsorry agad sayo nun pero bigla mo ba naman akong tinawag na manyak? Hindi ko naman sinasadya yun eh! Ewan ko rin ‘bat ganun naging reaksyon ko pero kasi, nakakainis ka tignan, alam mo ba yun?”
“Jo—’
“Tapos simula nun ‘di na tayo natigil sa pag-aaway. Tuwing nakikita kita, naiinis lang ako lalo kasi kuhang-kuha mo lagi yung pika ko. Ewan ko ba ‘bat nadadala ako sa bawat tukso o pang-uudyok mo, pero natutuwa rin naman ako kasi nalalamangan kita kahit paano. Tuwing nakikita ko yung mukha mo na galit sa ‘kin, di ko maipaliwanag yung tuwa kasi, kasi nagawa kong kunin yung atensyon mo. Ang weird, diba?”
“Joan—”
“Sobrang nakakainis ka pa ‘rin, alam mo ba yun? Bakit ka ba kasi ganun ka ganda, ha? Simula noong nakita kita nung una hanggang ngayon, ganun ka pa rin kaganda na ‘di ko ma gets kasi may kung anong pakiramdam dito sa dibdib ko na sasabog sa tuwing nakikita ka. Kahit anong lamang ko sayo, kahit pa yata ako yung nanalong president sa elections natin nung tumakbo tayo, dapat natuwa ako pero parang naging walang saysay ang lahat kasi ibig sabihin nun wala na akong need ilaban sayo.”
Sabrina didn’t try to stop Joan this time and just let the girl speak her mind.
“Pero ayun ka pa rin naman sa paligid. Nakikita pa rin kita kahit saan. Sa org works, sa library, sa socmed; nilalandakan sa kung saan ka man kung gaano ka kabuti, katalino, at kasayang kasama. Papansin ka talaga no? Kahit saan, papansin ka kasi kada tingin ko sa paligid, ikaw agad nakikita ko!”
Joan stopped and took a deep breath. She looked at the girl above her who’s looking at her without an ounce of reaction on her face.
Joan wants to explode now.
“Sa tagal-tagal ng set-up natin na magkaaway, isang araw bigla nalang na ‘di mo ako napapansin! Nakakainis ka, alam mo ba yun? Pinaramdam mo sa ‘kin na sa loob ng 13 years nating aso’t pusa, bigla-bigla nalang na ‘di ako karapat-dapat ng atensyon mo! Nakakainis ka kasi binasa mo yung favorite journal ko, pinahiya mo ako ng paulit-ulit sa lahat, nalalamangan mo ako sa rankings at sa career ngayon, mas famous ka, tapos ngayon ‘di mo pa ako pinapansin! Napakabrat mo!”
Sabrina suddenly vanished from the window and Joan took that time to regulate her breathing. A minute later, she saw the front door open and there was the girl again, leaning her body on the door frame and crossing her arms. She was still looking at Joan with an unreadable expression but Joan registered it into her head as disinterest. “Tapos ka na?”
“Hindi! Hindi pa ako tapos! Hindi pa ako tapos sabihin kung gaano nakakainis ang buong pagkatao mo! Tapos ngayon mag iinarte kang ‘di mo ako nakikita? Aba, ginawa ko lang naman lahat ng ‘yon kasi akala ko sa ganoong paraan mo lang ako mapapansin! Ano bang hamak ng isang tulad ko sa isang katulad mo, ha? Sabrina, you are literally the prettiest girl a room could ever have! You’re even insanely smart and kind and humble and–fuck, lahat na ata nasayo eh!”
“And?”
“And I hate how your eyes crinkle whenever you smile! I hate how the sunbeams reflect their shine on you that’s making you ethereal! I hate that dimple on your face whenever you smirk at me! I hate how your hair naturally flows when you run! I hate that every time I see you, I have to stop for a second because I forgot how to breathe! I hate everyone just naturally flocks around you! I hate that you always leave pandesals on my table every morning! I hate that you prepare an umbrella and medicine every time we’re together because you know how I easily get sick! I hate that you always carry a microfiber cloth with you even if you don’t wear glasses because you know I don’t always have mine!”
Sabrina was taken aback by the sudden revelation. She knew all this time?
“And most of all, I fucking hate that I had to be the first one to say that I love you!”
There, she said it.
“Tapos ka na?” Sabrina asked again. Joan combed her hair again and nodded. Bravely looking at the girl she’s supposed to hate even though all she ever wanted to do now was run away.
Sabrina stepped closer towards Joan; bare feet, in just her pink silk sleep dress. Joan could feel the heat rising from her neck to cheeks. Seeing how bare this Sabrina is, her skin so bright and shining like the moonlight, she could feel her brain melting with the combined embarrassment of shouting in a neighborhood that’s probably already asleep.
“So, alam mo?” Sabrina teasingly asked. “You knew what I really felt about you all this time?”
Joan slowly nodded and bit her lower lip.
“And you still choose not to say anything…?”
“Kasi nakakainis—”
Before Joan could go for a lengthy declaration of her hate towards her again, Sabrina pecked the younger one’s lips that effectively shut her up.
“Oo, Joan. I love you, too. I have loved you ever since you stubbornly see me as a competition when all I ever wanted to do was to get closer to you.” Sabrina confessed and smiled.
That fucking damn smile.
“And you still choose not to say anything.” Joan whispered. Feeling light headed from the lips that touched hers seconds ago and the feeling on her chest melting like honey because finally, finally.
Finally.
“Where’s the fun in that?” Sabrina giggled and this time, held Joan’s face with both of her hands to kiss the girl properly.
Someone really should’ve said something from the start.