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Astrea

My body moved in sync as she continued to kiss me... deep, slow... as if she was afraid this moment would slip through her fingers.

I was confused—but I didn't pull away.

Her hands trailed down my arms, I can tell she's hesitant, as if memorizing the way I felt beneath her touch. Elise wasn't rushing, wasn't desperate. Instead, there was something fragile in the way she held me, like she was holding onto something she wasn't ready to let go of.

I felt her sigh against my lips, her forehead pressing against mine for a brief second before she kissed me again, softer this time.

"Elise..." I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.

She didn't respond, only pulling me closer, as if my voice alone was enough to make her break. Her fingers curled against my shirt, gripping onto me like I was the only thing keeping her grounded.

There was something about the way she was touching me, the way she kissed me—like she was trying to find an answer in something that neither of us could fully understand.

I wanted to ask, to make sense of whatever this was, but when I opened my mouth, she kissed me again, her hands cradling my face. And just like that, my words dissolved between us.

Because right now, it didn't matter.

Dahan-dahan siyang bumitaw sa halik, her lips lingering just a little too close, as if hesitant to put distance between us.

"Why aren't you pulling away?" She whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

I swallowed, unsure how to answer. Because I should've. Dapat umatras ako, dapat tinanong ko siya kung anong nangyayari, kung anong ibig sabihin nito. But instead, I let her pull me in, let her hold me like I was something she didn't want to lose.

"Elise..." I murmured once again, my hands unconsciously gripping the fabric of her sleeves. It was as if the only words I can utter is her name.

She pulled back slightly, just enough for me to see the flicker of hesitation in her eyes. And then she smiled—small, almost bittersweet. "Do you know how hard it is for me to understand you?"

Napakurap ako. "W-what?"

"It was easy for you to pull away.. before." Her fingers traced slow patterns against my arm, her touch light, almost absentminded. "But why are you still here?"

Hindi ko alam kung anong isasagot. Because she was right. Before, I kept my distance. Dati, iniwasan ko siya. But now? I didn't know how to walk away.

I felt her hand brush against my cheek, her thumb tracing the curve of my jaw.

"Kahit anong pilit kong intindihin, hindi ko pa rin alam kung bakit.." She murmured.

I parted my lips to say something—anything—but before I could, she leaned in again, her lips brushing against mine.

Leaving soft trail of kisses.

Para bang hinihintay niya kung magpapadala ako o kung tatapusin ko na 'to.

Fuck it.

Maybe because I really wanted this to happen.

I responded, tilting my head slightly, meeting her halfway. My fingers tightened around her sleeves, pulling her closer, as if grounding myself in the moment.

She was so close. Too close.

I could smell the faint scent of alcohol lingering on her breath, but beneath that was something undeniably her—the warmth, the familiarity.

"Tell me to stop.." She whispered against my lips.

I knew I should. I should have. But I didn't.

Instead, I pulled her in, our lips meeting once more, deeper this time. Her hands slowly trailed down my arms, tracing the shape of my shoulders before settling on my waist.

Her breath was warm against my lips, her hands slowly tracing the curve of my waist. My heartbeat thundered in my ears, drowning out every other sound, every other thought.

I knew this was reckless. I knew there were questions left unspoken, words unsaid. But in that moment, all I could focus on was her—her touch, her warmth, the way she made me feel like nothing else mattered.

She kissed me again, deeper this time, as if she was afraid I would disappear if she let go. My fingers found their way into her hair, pulling her closer, letting myself fall into the moment.

But then—

A sharp gasp.

A voice.

"Vien?! Astrea?!"

Agad kaming napabalikwas. Elise jolted away from me, eyes wide, breath caught in her throat. I barely had time to register what happened before I turned toward the doorway.

Vida.

Her expression shifted from confusion to shock to something unreadable in a matter of seconds. The silence that followed was deafening.

"Vida—"

But she had already taken a step back, her brows furrowing, as if trying to make sense of what she had just walked into.

"What the.." Her voice wavered, her gaze darting between the two of us—our disheveled clothes.

Elise clenched her jaw, her hands curling into fists at her sides. "Vida, this isn't—"

But Vida scoffed, letting out a sharp, disbelieving laugh. "This isn't what? What the hell is this, Vien?"

I opened my mouth, but the words died in my throat.

I should've seen this coming. I should've expected Vida to look for her sister, especially when she had been unreachable for days. But I didn't.

And now, here we were.

Elise ran a hand down her face, exhaling through her nose. "It's not what you think—"

"Then tell me what the hell I'm supposed to think!" Vida cut her off, eyes narrowing. "You've been ignoring me. Ignoring our parents. Akala namin kung anong nangyari sa'yo! And then I come here—only to see you like this?"

She turned to me then, her gaze sharp, accusing.

"And you, Astrea?"

I stiffened.

Her voice lowered, but there was something heavy underneath. "You told me you'd check on her. This is what you meant?"

Guilt curled in my stomach, twisting into something almost unbearable.

I should say something. I should explain.

But what could I even say?

That I didn't plan for this to happen? That I didn't expect to fall into Elise like this? That I didn't know how to walk away anymore?

Elise took a step forward. "Vida, listen to me—"

But Vida was already shaking her head, her expression unreadable.

"I don't—" She let out a breath, pressing her fingers against her temple. "I can't deal with this right now."

Then, without another word, she turned on her heel and walked away.

"Vida!" Elise called out, but Vida was already gone, the door slamming shut behind her.

The silence that followed was suffocating.

I swallowed hard, my hands clenching into fists. "Elise—"

But she wasn't looking at me.

She was staring at the door, her shoulders tense, her lips pressed together.

And for the first time since I stepped into the cabin, I saw it—

The exhaustion in her eyes. The weight she was carrying.

I exhaled, rubbing my temple.

"I-I'm sorry.." Elise suddenly spoke, "I'll be in the bathroom."

She didn't wait for me to respond.

Didn't even glance back as she turned and disappeared into the bathroom, the door clicking shut behind her.

I sat there, the weight of everything pressing down on my chest. My pulse was still erratic—not from what had just happened between us, but from the look Vida had given me before she left.

Disbelief. Betrayal.

Guilt twisted in my stomach.

I dragged a hand down my face, exhaling sharply. I should go after her. Elise. But I stayed frozen in place, my mind replaying the moment over and over.

Vida wasn't supposed to find out like this.

Hell, I hadn't even figured out what this was yet.

I turned toward the bathroom door. The faint sound of water running filled the silence, but I knew she wasn't just in there to wash up.

She was hiding.

I stood, running a hand through my hair.

"Elise," I called out, knocking lightly. "Buksan mo 'to."

Nothing.

I sighed, leaning against the frame. "The water's running but you're not using it."

Still, no response.

"Elise, please."

A beat. Then, finally—

"Aster." Her voice was quiet, almost drowned out by the water.

I swallowed. "Come out."

Silence. Then the water shut off.

A few seconds later, the door cracked open.

Elise stood there, hair damp, wearing an oversized sweater that hung loosely over her frame. Her face was unreadable, but her eyes—

Her eyes told me everything.

"Are you okay?" I asked, my voice softer this time.

She let out a breath, shaking her head with a small, humorless laugh. "That's a stupid question."

I wanted to reach for her. To close the distance.

But I didn't.

Instead, I asked, "What do you need?"

She looked at me then, something flickering across her expression.

And in a voice barely above a whisper, she said,

"You."

I inhaled sharply.

And this time, I didn't hesitate.

I closed the gap between us, pulling her into my arms.

And she let me.

She let out a soft breath, her eyes fluttering closed for a brief moment before she looked at me again, searching—like she was trying to find something in my gaze that could ground her.

"Matulog ka muna," I said, my voice softer this time. "Let's talk about this tomorrow."

She hummed softly, a small, almost sad smile ghosting over her lips. "I'm a mess, aren't I?"

I felt something twist in my chest. The way she said it—so quiet, so resigned—made me ache in a way I couldn't explain.

"You're not," I said, my fingers lightly grazing her arm, grounding her. "You're just carrying too much."

She didn't answer right away. Instead, she exhaled, long and slow, before leaning into my touch. "Aster..."

I swallowed. There was something about the way she said my name—something vulnerable, something fragile. I knew she wouldn't say what she was feeling, wouldn't put it into words, but in the way she leaned against me, I understood.

"I'm staying," I whispered, as if saying it any louder would break whatever fragile thing was keeping us here in this moment. "I'm not leaving until you're okay."

She tensed slightly, her fingers curling against my sleeve. "You don't have to—"

"I want to," I cut in gently, but firm. "So just... rest."

Elise sighed again, her forehead pressing against my shoulder. "You always do this..." she mumbled, almost like a complaint, but there was no bite to her words.

"Do what?"

Her grip tightened slightly. "Make me feel like I'm not alone."

I stayed quiet, not knowing what to say to that. So instead, I reached for her hand, squeezing lightly.

She sighed, shifting closer, her weight pressing against me. "You'll be here when I wake up?"

I nodded, my voice steady. "Yeah. I'll be here."

And for the first time that night, she finally let herself breathe.

I tucked her in her bedroom, She didn't protest when I led her to the bed, only followed my touch like it was the only thing anchoring her. I pulled the blanket over her, smoothing it down over her shoulders. She curled onto her side, watching me through heavy-lidded eyes.

I hesitated for a moment, then brushed her damp hair away from her face. "Close your eyes," I murmured.

She blinked slowly, like she was fighting sleep just to keep looking at me. "Aster..."

"Hmm?"

Her fingers reached for mine beneath the covers, barely touching. "Can you stay? Just until I fall asleep."

I swallowed. I should've said no. I should've walked away now while I still could.

But I didn't.

"Okay," I whispered, slipping into the space beside her.

Elise sighed, turning her body toward me, her face inches from mine. "I meant what I said earlier," she murmured, her voice thick with exhaustion.

I searched her expression. "About what?"

Her gaze flickered to my lips for a split second before meeting my eyes again. "I need you."

Something inside me clenched at her words.

I didn't know what to say.

So instead, I just stayed.

I let her inch closer, let her fingers tangle with mine, let her head rest against my shoulder as her breaths evened out.

And as the night stretched on, I let myself believe—for just a moment—that maybe, just maybe, she needed me as much as I needed her.

__

Me
Vida, I'm sorry if
you walked in on us
in that situation. I know
you're pretty upset right
now. Hindi ko 'yon ipagkakaila..

But believe me, it wasn't
supposed to be like that.
Things.. got complicated.
If you're still worried about
your sister, I promise you,
I won't do anything to her.
Aalagaan ko si Elise.
1:23 AM
Seen

I leaned against the counter, rubbing my temple as I stared at my phone. Matagal na akong hindi kinakausap ni Vida nang ganito. She's always been protective of Elise, and walking in on us like that... yeah, I can't blame her for reacting that way.

I replayed the moment in my head—how her expression shifted from concern to shock, then to something I couldn't quite decipher.

"Hindi ko alam kung anong iniisip mo, Vida," I muttered, locking my phone and placing it on the counter.

My fingers absentmindedly traced the rim of the glass of water I had poured for myself earlier. I should probably head upstairs and sleep, but my mind was still too awake, too caught up in everything that just happened.

Elise and I—

I exhaled sharply, shaking my head.

Was it the alcohol? The moment? The feelings we've both been shoving aside for months?

Before I could even think further, a soft creak from the staircase made me look up.

"Elise?"

She stood at the bottom of the stairs, her hair slightly tousled from sleep.

"Di ka pa natutulog?" Her voice was soft, barely above a whisper.

I shook my head. "I was just.. thinking."

She tilted her head slightly, then walked towards me, barefoot against the cool tile floor. She stopped right beside me, her eyes flickering to my phone on the counter before looking back at me.

"You.. messaged Vida?"

"Yeah." I nodded. "Hindi pa nagrereply."

She sighed, running a hand through her hair before leaning against the counter beside me.

"She'll come around," She said, though her voice carried the same uncertainty I was feeling.

Tahimik kaming dalawa. No words, just the quiet hum of the refrigerator and the faint ticking of the clock on the wall.

Then, softly—

"Do you regret it?"

My breath hitched slightly. "What?"

She turned to face me now, her expression unreadable. "What happened tonight."

I met her gaze, and for a moment, I wasn't sure what to say. Did I regret it? The way I responded to her? The way I didn't pull away?

The way I wanted more?

"Elise..."

Her name barely left my lips before she looked away, fingers gripping the edge of the counter. She was bracing herself, waiting—maybe for rejection, maybe for something she already expected me to say.

But I didn't want to lie.

I stepped closer, careful, hesitant. "Do you?"

She let out a soft breath, something between a sigh and a quiet laugh. "I don't know," She admitted. "I should. But I don't."

My chest tightened. It was the same for me.

There were a hundred reasons why this shouldn't have happened—why I should've stopped, why we should've never crossed that line. And yet, the weight of her touch still lingered, the warmth of her skin against mine still burned into memory.

She shifted, finally looking at me again, her eyes searching mine. "I just—" She exhaled sharply, shaking her head. "I don't want this to be something we pretend never happened, Aster."

I swallowed. "It's not."

Her lips parted slightly, surprised by my answer, by the honesty in my voice.

"I'm not going to pretend, Elise," I continued, my voice quieter now. "Hindi ko pagsisisihan ang isang bagay na gusto ko rin."

Her expression softened, relief flickering in her eyes.

I reached for her hand, hesitant at first, but when she didn't pull away, I held onto her, my thumb brushing lightly against her skin.

"Pero hindi ko alam kung anong ibig sabihin nito para sa'yo."

She looked down at our hands, inhaling deeply before whispering, "I don't know either."

Silence settled between us again—not awkward, not heavy. Just... uncertain.

Then, slowly, she squeezed my hand, grounding me back to her. "But I know one thing," She said, her voice barely above a whisper.

I waited.

"I don't want to run away from you anymore."

Something in my chest cracked open at that.

I hadn't realized how much I needed to hear those words until now.

__

The Next Morning..

The smell of brewed coffee lingered in the air, mixing with the crisp morning breeze that slipped through the slightly open window.

I blinked against the sunlight filtering through the curtains, my mind still foggy with sleep. For a moment, I just lay there, staring at the ceiling, letting last night sink in.

Then, the faint sound of clinking cups from downstairs snapped me out of my thoughts.

I pushed myself up, running a hand through my hair before swinging my legs over the edge of the bed. The wooden floor was cool against my bare feet as I stood, stretching slightly before grabbing my phone from the nightstand.

Still no message from Vida. Seen lang.

I sighed, shaking my head before making my way downstairs.

Elise was in the kitchen, standing by the counter, pouring coffee into two mugs. She was still wearing the oversized sweater from last night, her hair a bit messy from sleep. She looked... softer like this. Less guarded.

She glanced up when she heard me, offering a small smile. "Good morning."

I leaned against the doorway, crossing my arms. "You woke up early."

She shrugged, placing the coffee pot back down. "Couldn't sleep anymore."

I nodded, stepping further into the kitchen. "You okay?"

She hesitated, then sighed. "I don't know."

Honest. I appreciated that.

She slid one of the mugs toward me. "Kape?"

I took it, wrapping my hands around the warmth. "Thanks."

Tahimik lang kaming dalawa, sipping our coffee. The quiet wasn't uncomfortable, but it was filled with unspoken thoughts, lingering questions neither of us wanted to be the first to ask.

Then, finally—

"Did you sleep well?" Elise asked, breaking the silence.

I hummed, taking another sip before answering. "Yeah. Ikaw?"

She exhaled softly. "Better than I have in a while."

Something about the way she said it made my chest tighten.

She leaned against the counter, fingers tracing the rim of her cup. "Aster.."

The way she said my name—hesitant, careful—made me look at her fully.

"I meant what I said last night," She murmured. "I don't want to run away from you anymore."

I swallowed, setting my coffee down. "Elise—"

"I wasn't drunk last night.. tipsy, yes." She admitted, her brows furrowing slightly. "That kiss..." She trailed off, her gaze dropping to the rim of her coffee cup as if searching for the right words.

I stayed quiet, waiting.

Her fingers curled around the mug, knuckles turning white. "It wasn't just because of the moment. Or the alcohol. It was real, Aster." She looked up, her eyes meeting mine, raw and unguarded. "I meant it."

A lump formed in my throat. I knew I should say something—anything—but the words refused to come.

My heart pounded against my ribs. "Elise..."

She reached across the table, her fingers brushing against mine. "Sabihin mo sa'kin kung wala ka nang naramdaman, and I swear, I'll stop. I won't bring it up again."

My fingers twitched under her touch, but I didn't pull away. I couldn't.

She was waiting—waiting for me to tell her that last night meant nothing, that it was just a mistake. Waiting for me to give her an excuse to walk away again.

But I couldn't do that either.

"Hindi.." I started, swallowing hard. My chest felt tight, like there was something clawing to get out, something I had buried for too long. "Hindi ko kayang sabihin 'yon."

Her lips parted slightly, surprise flickering in her eyes before something softer took over. Hope.

"Ikaw..." I exhaled, gripping my mug a little tighter. "Ikaw lang naman 'yung laging umaatras, diba?" My voice was quiet, but the weight of it was undeniable. "Ikaw ang laging lumalayo. Ikaw ang hindi makapagdesisyon."

She flinched, her gaze dropping to our hands, but she didn't move away.

"You say you don't want to push me away anymore." I tilted my head, studying her. "Then prove it."

She looked up again, and for the first time, she didn't look hesitant. She looked determined.

"I will," She whispered, voice steady. "I want to move forward with you, Aster."

The weight of her words settled between us, shifting the air.

"No more excuses," She continued, squeezing my hand gently. "No more running.. no more hiding."

I searched her face, waiting for that flicker of doubt, that hesitation that always found its way between us. But this time, I couldn't find it.

She meant it.

A small, shaky exhale escaped me, and I ran a hand through my hair, letting out something between a scoff and a soft laugh.

I shook my head. "You really thought of it just now?"

She bit her lip, guilty. "I was scared."

"Of what?"

"Of wanting you too much." She let out a breathy laugh, almost self-deprecating. "Of messing this up before it even begins."

I stared at her, heart pounding.

She squeezed my hand again, her thumb running along my skin. "But I don't want to be scared anymore."

A part of me wanted to test her, to push and see if she would still run. But another part—the part that had been waiting for this, hoping for this—wanted to believe her.

I sighed, shaking my head before finally, finally, intertwining my fingers fully with hers.

Elise's grip on my hand tightened slightly, as if grounding herself before she spoke.

"The reason why I haven't been in contact with anyone for almost a week..." She paused, inhaling deeply before meeting my gaze. "It wasn't just because of work or anything else I told Vida."

I stayed silent, letting her continue.

"I was uncertain," She admitted, her voice quieter now. "About what I felt. About you."

I blinked, something heavy settling in my chest.

"The night at the beach..." Her fingers twitched against mine, as if remembering the way we had been so close—how we had almost kissed, how we had almost crossed that invisible line we had been tiptoeing around for years.

"After that, I—" She exhaled sharply, shaking her head. "I didn't know what to do. I kept thinking, replaying everything in my head, trying to convince myself that it was just the moment, that it didn't mean anything. That what I felt would fade if I ignored it long enough."

I clenched my jaw, my mind flashing back to that night. The way she looked at me, the way her fingers lingered against my skin, the way I had almost leaned in, only to hesitate at the last second.

"I tried to stay away," Elise admitted, her lips pressing into a thin line. "To figure out if it was just.. a passing thing."

I swallowed hard. "And?"

She exhaled shakily, her eyes searching mine. "And then you came last night."

The weight of her words made my breath hitch.

The memory was still fresh—how she had held me, how she had kissed me, how neither of us had wanted to stop.

She let out a small laugh, almost self-deprecating. "And I realized.. I was being stupid."

I raised a brow, waiting.

She smiled, small and almost uncertain, but genuine. "Because the moment I saw you, I stopped questioning it."

A beat of silence passed.

"I.." I murmured, unsure of what to say, unsure if I even needed to say anything at all.

She stared at our intertwined fingers, running her thumb along my knuckles. Tahimik lang siya, as if lost in thought, and for a moment, I thought she was going to say something else. But then, she just sighed.

"Alam kong nasaktan kita noon." Her voice was barely above a whisper, but the weight of her words pressed against my chest. "And I don't want to do that to you again."

Napatingin ako sa kanya, watching the way her brows furrowed, the way she chewed on her bottom lip like she was debating whether to say more.

"Elise—"

"I was unfair to you," She cut in, her grip tightening slightly. "I kept you close, but at the same time, I pushed you away. I made you doubt yourself—made you doubt me." She exhaled shakily. "At that time, I thought I was doing the right thing. I thought staying away would help, that denying everything would eventually make it disappear."

Tahimik lang ako, letting her talk, letting her get it all out.

"But it never did." She finally looked at me, her eyes searching mine. "It was always there, kahit anong gawin ko."

Something inside me twisted at her words.

Alam ko naman. I had always known. I had felt it in the way she looked at me when she thought I wasn't paying attention, in the way her fingers lingered just a second too long whenever she touched me. In the way she kissed me last night—like she had wanted to for a long time.

"I kept thinking," Elise continued. "What if hindi ko kayang panindigan 'to? What if I hurt you again?" She bit her lip. "I don't ever want to make you feel like you're not enough. Because you are, Aster. You always have been."

A lump formed in my throat.

She sighed, running a hand through her hair. "And now that I'm here.. I still don't know if I'll be perfect at this. But I do know one thing."

I waited.

"I don't want to keep running," She said, her voice firm. "And I don't want to keep hurting you just because I'm too much of a coward to admit what I feel."

She leaned in, pressing our foreheads together. "I want to be here. With you."

My heart pounded in my chest.

"Pero.." Her voice softened. "Kaya mo ba akong pagkatiwalaan ulit?"

I let out a slow breath, letting her words sink in. I thought about everything—about the times I had doubted, about the times I had wanted to let go but couldn't.

And now she was here, asking for a chance.

I studied her face, the vulnerability in her eyes, the way she was waiting—hoping—for my answer.

Maybe it wouldn't be easy. Maybe we'd still make mistakes.

But I wanted this.

I wanted her.

I squeezed her hand. "You already know the answer.." I murmured. "Let's move forward."

She let out a breath she seemed to have been holding, and for the first time in a long time, she smiled—small, hesitant, but real.

And this time, when she kissed me, it felt like a promise.

__

Constellations 1:35 PM.

"Oh my fucking Go—"

"Shut up, Tatum. Don't even swear at me right now." Giit ko sa kanya, dahil alam kong magiging OA na naman ang reaksyon niya.

She dramatically gasped, clutching her chest like she was having a heart attack. "Astrea Luceria, are you telling me that after all these years of unresolved tension, stolen glances, and literal heartbreak—you and Ms. Vivien finally had a moment? A real moment?"

Napairap ako, resting my chin on my palm. "You make it sound like a slow-burn movie."

"Because it is a slow-burn movie! Are you kidding me?" She threw her hands up. "I need to process this. Give me a second."

Umiling na lang ako, watching as she dramatically took a sip of her drink, as if trying to calm herself.

She finally set her cup down and leaned in, eyes practically sparkling. "Okay, start from the beginning. Paano nangyari 'to?"

Napabuntong-hininga ako, thinking back to last night. It still felt surreal—Elise's touch, her words, the way she looked at me like she was afraid to lose me again.

"She told me she wants to try," I started, my voice softer than I intended. "That she doesn't want to keep running."

Tatum nodded, urging me to continue.

"I was hesitant at first," I admitted. "Kasi, paano kung maulit lang ulit? What if she realizes na hindi niya pala kaya? What if I get left behind again?"

She frowned but stayed silent, letting me get my thoughts out.

"But when she said she didn't want to hurt me anymore.. that she didn't want to keep running away," I let out a breath, "I knew she meant it."

Tatum smiled, this time softer. "And you?"

I stared down at my coffee, watching the steam rise. "I told her na alam na niya 'yung sagot."

A knowing smirk played on her lips. "And then?"

I bit the inside of my cheek, trying not to let my face betray too much emotion. "Then.. we kissed."

And just like that, Tatum's excitement exploded. "PUTANGINA, FINALLY!"

"Tatum—shh!" Napalingon ako sa ibang customers, but thankfully, walang nagrereklamo.

"Hindi lang ako makapaniwala, okay?" She grinned, practically vibrating in her seat. "After years of pining, heartbreak, confusion—this is the moment! This is the payoff!"

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't stop the small smile forming on my lips. Tatum had been there for me through everything—through the confusion, the heartache, the moments when I swore I wanted to let go but couldn't.

I knew she wasn't just excited for the drama of it all. She was happy for me.

"Alam kong hindi magiging madali," I admitted, my fingers tracing the rim of my cup. "Pero.. gusto kong subukan."

She softened at that, reaching across the table to squeeze my hand. "Then that's all that matters."

I looked at her, and she gave me a reassuring smile. "You deserve this, Astrea. You both do."

And for the first time in a long time, I let myself believe that maybe—just maybe—she was right.

"Are you planning to tell everyone about this?"

"Lul." Saad ko, "We're not.. even in a relationship yet."

"Oh, situationship." She smiled teasingly, "Who knows? She might do a grand gesture."

"Itigil mo 'yang mga kadeluluhan mo na gan'yan." Napairap ako sa kanya, "Besides.. we're not rushing things. It's like we're just... figuring things out."

She raised a brow, taking another sip of her drink. "Figuring things out while also making out on a couch?"

I shot her a glare. "Gusto mo talagang masapak, ano?"

She just laughed, completely unbothered. "I'm just saying, Astrea. You two have been dancing around each other for years. And now, finally, something's happening—pero 'figuring things out' pa rin kayo?"

Napahinga ako nang malalim, trying to find the right words. "It's complicated, Tatum."

She tilted her head. "Complicated dahil sa history niyo? O complicated dahil may isang tao diyan na hindi pa rin sure sa nararamdaman niya?"

I stiffened at that, gripping my cup a little tighter. "She wants to try," I repeated, as if saying it enough times would make it feel more certain. "That's enough for me."

Tatum hummed, looking at me like she wanted to say something else, but she held back. Instead, she leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "Alright. I'll trust you on that. But Astrea, promise me one thing."

I met her gaze, waiting.

"Don't let yourself get hurt again."

That made something twist in my chest, because wasn't that my biggest fear, too?

"Yeah," I said quietly. "I won't."

She studied me for a moment before nodding. "Good."

Then, as if needing to break the tension, she grinned again. "Now, tell me—gaano ka-init 'yung nangyari ng gabing 'yon?"

Napairap na lang ako. "Tangina, Tatum."

She cackled. "What? I'm invested!"

"I'm not answering that."

"So may sagot talaga?!"

I groaned, covering my face with my hands. "Bakit nga kita kinausap?!"

She only laughed harder, and despite everything—the uncertainty, the fear of what came next—I found myself smiling, too.

A couple of hours later, nakaalis na rin si Tatum. I looked at my phone and saw a message from Vida asking me to meet her, it's been 4 days since that night happened. Kinukulit ko pa rin siya and I guess she's ready to talk now. Finally.

Vida
You owe me big time.
Let's have dinner tonight.
Dahil kasalanan mo, you have
to cook for me sa resto mo
and it should be free.
4:23 PM

I can't help but to scoff as I saw her text, parang tanga talaga 'to. Gusto pa makalibre. But since I've also wanted to talk to her, I said yes.

Habang hinihintay siya, I busied myself sa kusina. It's been a while since I actually cooked something proper, pero muscle memory took over. The aroma of garlic and butter filled the air, mixing with the faint hum of conversations mula sa ilang customers na nandito pa.

Maya-maya lang, I heard the familiar chime of the door opening. Hindi ko na kailangan lingunin para malaman kung sino 'yun.

"Wow. Ginawa mo naman akong special guest." Aniya, her voice laced with sarcasm as she leaned against the counter.

"Hindi ka special," Sagot ko agad. "Nagkataon lang na gusto ko ring kumain."

"You mean nagkataon lang na gusto mo akong suyuin," She quipped, grabbing a glass of water habang nakangisi. "Kasi alam mong napraning ako dahil sa inyo ni Vien."

I didn't respond right away, instead tinapos ko muna 'yung niluluto ko. But I could feel her gaze on me, waiting.

Finally, I placed a plate in front of her. "Kumain ka muna."

She eyed the food but didn't touch it right away. Instead, she leaned forward, resting her chin on her palm. "So," she started, "When are you gonna start explaining?"

I sighed, wiping my hands on a towel before finally sitting across her. "Anong gusto mong marinig?"

"Simulan mo sa umpisa," She said, crossing her arms. "Simulan mo sa kung paano kayo nauwi ni Vien sa.. ganun."

I sighed, leaning back against the chair. "Nag-check lang talaga ako sa kanya. Sinigurado kong okay siya."

She raised a brow. "Checking up? That's one hell of a checking up na nasaksihan ko, Astrea."

Napailing ako, knowing that she wasn't going to let this go. "Look, I know paano siya lumabas sa paningin mo, but it's not like that. Hindi ko pinlano 'yun. Things just.. escalated."

"Escalated?" She scoffed, finally picking up her fork. "Ano 'to, aksidenteng natumba tapos naglapat mga labi niyo?"

I groaned, rubbing my temples. "Hindi ko alam kung paano ipapaliwanag sa'yo ng hindi mo ko pagtatawanan."

"Try me."

Napabuntong-hininga ako bago tumingin ulit sa kanya. "We already talked the morning after," I started. "For the first time in a while, we really talked. About everything. About what happened between us. About why things fell apart."

Tahimik lang siyang nakikinig this time, chewing on her food habang hinihintay akong magpatuloy.

"That night.. she asked me why I didn't pull away," I murmured, recalling Elise's words. "Bakit hindi ako lumalayo. Hindi ko rin alam kung anong isasagot ko noon, kasi totoo naman. Before, I kept my distance. I pushed her away."

"But now?" she prompted.

"But now.." Napahinto ako sandali, trying to find the right words. "Now, I don't want to."

There was a pause before she sighed, setting down her utensils. "So, what's with the two of you?" She tilted her head. "Official na ba?"

I shook my head. "Hindi naman kami nagmamadali."

"Huh." Tumango siya, as if weighing my words. "Pero may nararamdaman kayo para sa isa't isa."

I nodded.

She exhaled through her nose, shaking her head. "Well, shit."

Napakunot-noo ako. "Ano na namang problema mo?"

"Kasi, Astrea," She said, looking at me seriously. "Kung sasaktan ka lang ulit ng kapatid ko, ewan ko na lang."

"I know what I'm doing, Vida."

She scoffed. "Sure ka? Kasi kung hindi mo alam, sasapakin ko 'yun. Baka nakakalimutan mong kapatid ko 'yun, pero kaibigan din kita."

I blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected shift in her tone. She looked annoyed, yes, But I know genuine 'yung concern niya.

"I get it," She continued. "Alam kong gusto mo siya, pero gusto ko ring malaman kung sigurado ka. Dahil ayokong dumating 'yung araw na may masasaktan na naman sa inyong dalawa."

For a moment, hindi ako nakapagsalita.

"I know what you went through.." She exhaled deeply, "..But I also know what Vien went through. Do you know how hard it is to be in between you two?!"

Then, slowly, a small smile tugged at my lips. "Are you giving me the 'if you hurt her, you hurt me' speech?"

She groaned. "Oh fuck you, Astrea."

Napatawa ako. "Vida, I appreciate it. Pero I don't think Elise is planning to hurt me."

"Tsk." She rolled her eyes, but there was something softer in her expression now. "Fine. Pero kapag iniwan ka niya, 'wag kang lalapit sa akin para magreklamo."

"Bakit, kakampihan mo siya?"

"Nope," She said, smirking. "I might say 'I told you so!'"

Napailing na lang ako. "Hayop ka."

Tumawa siya, shaking her head. "Whatever. Basta tandaan mo 'to, Astrea—kung masaya ka, sige. Pero kung aabot sa puntong hindi ka na sigurado, I won't hesitate to drag you out of this."

I met her gaze, appreciating the sincerity behind her words.

"But honestly speaking.. I'd pick Vien over you, pronto."

I scoffed at her response. "Yeah, noted."

She nodded, finally picking up her fork again. "Good. Now, since nilibre mo 'ko, may dessert ba 'to?"

Napangisi ako. "Gusto mo pang isagad?"

"Of course," She said, grinning. "Sabi ko nga, special ako."

...

Dealing with Tatum and Vida at the same time was quite a headache. Kakasara ko lang ng restaurant, and I was planning to go home immediately.

But a ring on my phone suddenly stopped me from opening my car.

My heart was practically racing when I saw who was calling.

It was Elise.

We've been communicating for the past two days now, updating each other like it's second nature to us. And it's been a while since that happened.. kaya kahit pag tawag niya, I still get nervous.

I swallowed hard as I answered the phone call.

"Hey.." Her sweet voice immediately welcomed me.

"Hey."

I tried to sound normal, but my grip on the phone tightened. I wasn't expecting her to call this late, especially after everything that happened.

There was a pause on the other end, like she was hesitating. Then, she sighed. "Are you busy?"

I leaned against my car, exhaling softly. "Just closed the restaurant. Pa-uwi na rin dapat."

"Can I come with you?"

Napakurap ako. "Ha?"

"It's been a while since I came over.." Her voice was softer now, almost uncertain. "If.. if that's okay."

I swallowed. I didn't know how to respond. This wasn't like before, where I could just brush things off, pretend like nothing happened.

Before I could answer, I felt a presence behind me. Warm. Familiar. And then—the softest scent of her perfume filled my senses.

Elise.

And before I could even turn, her arms wrapped around my waist from behind, her chin resting lightly on my shoulder.

"Aster.." She murmured, her breath warm against my neck.

My body stiffened, heat rising to my face. "E-Elise?"

She hummed, tightening her embrace. "Kanina pa kita pinapanood.." She admitted, her voice laced with amusement. "You looked so serious."

I exhaled sharply, trying to gather my thoughts. "Akala ko nasa campus ka pa?"

"I got impatient." Her fingers traced small patterns against my stomach, making my pulse race. "Gusto lang kitang sunduin."

I turned my head slightly, just enough to see a glimpse of her smirk. "You could've just asked for me to pick you up."

"Where's the fun in that?" She teased, tilting her head. "Besides.. namiss kita."

Napakurap ako. That was the last thing I expected her to say.

Her voice was softer now, more vulnerable. And when I met her gaze, there was something there—something real.

I swallowed hard. "Tara na," I said, clearing my throat. "If you want to come over, then let's go."

Her lips curled into a small smile before she slowly let go of me. But just as I was about to unlock my car, she reached for my hand, intertwining our fingers together.

"I missed this too," She admitted.

I didn't say anything. I didn't have to.

I just squeezed her hand, letting my actions speak for me.

...

The soft click of the door closing behind us echoed through my quiet unit. I let go of Elise's hand, tossing my keys onto the counter before shrugging off my jacket. She followed, slower, her gaze wandering around my living room like she was seeing it for the first time in a long while.

Then, she stilled.

I followed her line of sight and felt my breath hitch.

The painting.

It hung right where it always had—framed above the small bookshelf near the couch. It was the only thing that remained untouched despite the subtle changes I made in my space over the past months.

"You still kept it," She murmured, almost to herself.

I exhaled, running a hand through my hair. "Yeah."

Her fingers brushed against the frame, tracing the edges like she was rediscovering it. "I remember when I gave this to you." She let out a soft laugh. "Back at the cabin.. I wasn't sure if you'd even like it."

I leaned against the counter, watching her. "I liked it."

Silence settled between us, thick with something neither of us wanted to name. Then, she stepped closer, her arms loosely crossing over her chest.

"Why?"

I frowned slightly. "Why what?"

Her eyes searched mine, like she was looking for something. "Why did you keep it? Even after.. what happened."

I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. Because the truth was—I didn't really know how to explain it.

Because it was you. Because it reminded me of us—before everything got complicated. Before I lost you.

"Because I wanted to," I said simply, hoping it was enough.

Elise studied me for a moment, then smiled—small, almost sad. "You really are unfair, Aster."

Napakurap ako. "What?"

"You pull away when I try to understand you," She murmured, stepping even closer, "But you keep things like this. Things that make me wonder if I ever really left."

My pulse quickened. "Elise—"

She reached up, fingertips grazing the collar of my shirt, barely touching my skin.

Her fingers lingered at the collar of my shirt, a ghost of a touch that sent a shiver down my spine. I could feel her breath—warm, uneven—as she stood impossibly close, her presence wrapping around me like something I wasn't sure I could escape from.

Or maybe, I didn't want to.

"You really have a hard time expressing what you feel sometimes." She whispered, her voice low, almost teasing.

I swallowed hard. "No offense taken."

She let out a quiet laugh, her forehead pressing lightly against mine. "I know."

Then, her lips brushed against mine—barely there, like she was testing the weight of it, the meaning behind it. It was slow, hesitant, almost unsure. But I still felt the way her fingers tightened slightly around the fabric of my shirt, the way her body leaned into mine.

I responded just as softly, tilting my head, letting myself fall into the moment. But just as our kisses started to deepen, she suddenly pulled back, her breathing slightly unsteady.

She didn't move away completely, her hands still resting on my sides, but her gaze flickered with something I couldn't quite place.

"Aster," she murmured, searching my face, "We don't have to rush this."

I blinked, processing her words.

And she was right.

We've spent so much time tangled in misunderstandings, in feelings we never knew how to deal with. Rushing into this—whatever this was—wouldn't fix anything.

I exhaled, nodding slightly. "Yeah.. I know."

She smiled at me then, small but genuine, before she took a step back. I immediately felt the absence of her warmth, but it didn't feel like before.

She sat down on the couch, pulling her legs up slightly as she rested her elbow against the backrest. "So," she started, tilting her head, "You said you talked to Tatum?"

I leaned against the counter again, crossing my arms. "Yeah. Kanina lang."

Her brows lifted slightly. "And?"

I let out a small sigh. "Sinabi ko sa kanya. About us. About how I feel."

There was a brief pause before a smile tugged at Elise's lips. "And anong sabi niya?"

"She said it's about time."

Elise laughed, shaking her head. "Of course she did."

I hesitated for a second before adding, "I also talked to Vida."

Her expression shifted, something softer replacing the amusement. "Is she okay?"

"She was worried about you." I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. "Pero naintindihan naman niya. I just.. I had to tell her, Elise. Kailangan niyang marinig mula sa'kin."

Elise nodded slowly, her gaze thoughtful. "Good."

I frowned slightly. "Good?"

She gave me a small smile. "Kasi bukas, gusto ko siyang kausapin."

I nodded, finally walking over to sit beside her. "Yeah.. I think she'd like that."

Elise hummed in agreement, then leaned her head against my shoulder.

"You hungry?" I asked softly.

"Mm.. no." She answered, "But I need something to energize me."

"Alright." I stood up, "I'll make something for us."

"You're not tired?"

How can I?

She's here..

Damn, I feel so corny.

"Not really. I'll make it quick." Saad ko naman sabay punta ng kusina.

She shifted slightly, letting out a quiet sigh as she stretched her legs along the couch. "You know, now that the school year's started, I almost forgot what it feels like to just sit and do nothing."

I glanced at her from the kitchen, where I was pulling ingredients from the fridge. "That bad already?"

She hummed in response, watching me with quiet amusement. "It's only been two days, and I'm already drowning in work. The new syllabus needs adjusting, half my students are not even interested in my subject, and don't even get me started on the admin meetings."

I smirked, setting the mixing bowl on the counter. "You sound like an old professor complaining about kids these days."

She scoffed. "I am an old professor complaining about kids these days."

I chuckled as I reached for the whisk. "You're being dramatic. You're not even that much older than me."

"Yeah. I'm not really the one who complains much, but maybe I'm just feeling tired." She muttered, rubbing her temples. Then, her gaze flickered to what I was doing. "What are you making?"

"Dessert."

She raised an eyebrow. "Specific."

"You'll see," I said, cracking an egg into the bowl.

She hummed again, resting her chin on her palm as she continued to watch me. "I never took you for the type to make dessert."

"I own a restaurant," I reminded her.

"Yeah, but you always let someone else handle that part."

I shrugged. "Doesn't mean I don't know how."

She studied me for a moment before a small smile tugged at her lips. "I like this side of you."

I paused for a beat, not expecting that. "What side?"

"This," She gestured lazily towards me. "Relaxed. Comfortable. You're always so guarded, like you're carrying the weight of something you don't know how to put down."

I swallowed, my hands stilling slightly.

She wasn't wrong.

Elise must've noticed my silence because her expression softened. "Hey," she called gently. "I didn't mean to—"

"It's fine," I cut in, offering her a small smirk to ease the sudden shift in atmosphere. "You're just not used to seeing me like this."

She exhaled a quiet laugh, shaking her head. "Yeah. Maybe."

For a moment, neither of us spoke. The quiet wasn't heavy, though—it was easy, natural, the kind that didn't need to be filled.

After a while, Elise got up and made her way to the kitchen, leaning against the counter as she watched me pour the batter into a small dish. "So, what is it?"

I glanced at her. "Molten lava cake."

Her lips parted slightly in surprise. "Really?"

I smirked. "What, you thought I was making cookies?"

She let out a soft laugh. "I don't know. Just.. didn't expect that."

I slid the dish into the oven and set the timer before turning to her. "You'll like it."

Elise tilted her head, her expression unreadable for a moment before she smiled. "I think I already do."

I raised an eyebrow, but she only laughed again before stealing a spoon from the counter and wandering back to the couch.

And as I watched her, something warm settled in my chest—something that had nothing to do with the dessert baking in the oven.

She spun the spoon between her fingers, watching the oven with a distant expression. "I missed this.." she murmured, almost to herself.

I leaned against the counter, drying my hands with a towel. "What?"

She turned her gaze to me, a small, almost nostalgic smile playing on her lips. "Watching you cook."

Napakunot ang noo ko. "You've seen me cook before."

She let out a soft laugh. "Yeah, but not like this."

I tilted my head, waiting for her to explain.

She rested her chin on her palm. "Remember when you taught me how to bake a cake on Christmas?"

I stilled for a moment, my fingers tightening slightly around the towel. Of course, I remembered.

She continued without waiting for an answer. "I kept bothering you to teach me how to bake a cake kahit na alam nating dalawa na wala akong talent sa kusina." She let out a small chuckle. "I thought you'd get annoyed, but you weren't. You were patient with me, even if you told me that you're not patient enough to teach others."

I met her gaze, remembering the way she had beamed so brightly that day when we finally pulled the cake out of the oven, slightly lopsided but still standing. When she told me that she was glad that spent that Christmas with me. The way she had rested her head against my shoulder after we'd finished, tired but undeniably happy.

And when she kissed me on the cheek right before she left.

And now, sitting across from me, she was looking at me like she remembered it, too.

"I missed that too.." she admitted, voice quieter this time. "Being in the kitchen with you. Laughing about things that don't make sense. Just.. being there."

Something tightened in my chest.

I opened my mouth to say something, but the oven timer beeped before I could.

Elise blinked, as if snapping out of a memory, and straightened. "Oh, tapos na?"

I exhaled slowly, pushing down whatever was brewing inside me. "Yeah."

I turned away to grab the oven mitts, hoping she wouldn't notice the slight unsteadiness in my hands. But even as I pulled out the molten lava cake, even as I set it down on the counter, I could still feel her gaze lingering on me—watching, waiting, searching for something I wasn't sure I could give.

And maybe, just maybe, a part of me didn't want to stop her from looking.

Elise picked up a spoon, scooping a small piece of the lava cake. The chocolate oozed slightly as she lifted it, steam rising from the warmth. She blew on it gently before taking a bite.

For a moment, she was quiet.

I watched her carefully, waiting for her reaction.

Then, her lips curved into a smile. "Damn," she murmured, closing her eyes briefly as she savored the taste. "This is so much better than the one we made before."

Napangiti ako. "Kasi hindi mo na nilagyan ng dalawang basong asukal."

She opened one eye, pretending to be offended. "Excuse me, that was artistic expression."

I scoffed. "That was a sugar overdose."

She chuckled, shaking her head as she scooped another bite and held it out to me. "Tikman mo."

I hesitated for a second before leaning in, letting her feed me. The richness of the chocolate melted on my tongue, the sweetness perfectly balanced.

"Mm," I hummed in approval. "Not bad."

She grinned. "Not bad? Too humble, my love."

Napailing ako, but I didn't argue.

She picked at the edge of the plate absentmindedly, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "I'm happy," she said softly.

I glanced at her. She wasn't looking at me, but I could see the sincerity in her face, the warmth in her eyes.

"Right now," She continued, stirring her spoon in slow circles against the plate. "I'm happy."

A strange feeling settled in my chest. It was warm, a little terrifying, but not unwelcome.

I let out a quiet breath, setting my spoon down. "Ako rin."

This time, she looked at me. And for a second, we just sat there, the weight of unspoken things hanging between us.

Neither of us said anything more.

We didn't need to.

Because for now—for this moment—being here was enough.

__

A/N: Slow burn 'to mga, nak ha. Wala munang warning.