untouchable

32

"Bunso, I really think it's time for you to finally learn how to drive." Aika told Jill while they're watching some K-Drama on the living room.

Jill groans in frustration. She playfully pouts at her older sister. "Do I really have to if nandyan ka naman? Ems."

Aika giggles in response while shaking her head. "If you can't drive, how are you going to make moves sa crush mo? Alangan namang chauffeur mo p-"

"Ate!" Jill exclaims and tries covering Aika's mouth to stop her from speaking further. The older's chuckling is muffled by her hand. If their mother hears it, Leni would not verbally tease her, but it's obvious in her body language. Their condo walls are thin and she's only at the bathroom.

"Uy, hindi dineny. So may crush ka na nga ulit?" Aika taunted.

"Wala! Issue ka." Jill replied and ignores Aika's teasing glare at her.

It's Sunday and they just got home from church. The universe somehow gave this day to their family because no one has any plans today. They get to lounge in their matching PJs, while watching movies or series and eating unhealthy snacks. If only Tricia's here, it would be a perfect day. Doesn't matter, their sister will return soon and they could catch up again.

"Talaga? E you mentioned an Ethan the other day ah. Workmate mo 'yun, right?" Aika asked again.

Jill swallows her mouthful of popcorn before replying, "Yeah, pero friends lang kami n'on. We just talk a lot lang talaga lately, befriending each other, ganern."

Aika blankly stares at her. "Baka naman may gusto sa'yo 'yung guy?"

"OMG, no. I don't think every man who befriends me are trying to hit on me. Not everyone has ulterior motives naman." Jill nonchalantly replies.

"Well..." Aika trails off. "Most men have."

Jill snorts and throws an unpopped kernel her way. "Medyo may point, though I don't think Ethan likes me. I don't know. We're only friends. I like him, but not in that way."

Aika just mouth shrugs. "Alright, if you say so." She surrenders. "Pero what about Y/N?"

Jill almost choked on her popcorn at the mention of your name. "What about her?"

"Walang bumabalik na feelings or something?" Aika continues to probe.

"Jessica Marie? More like Jessica Marites." Jill replied with a roll of her eyes.

Aika laughs at that. "Curious lang, e. Pero speaking of Y/N, medyo miss ko na 'yon." She absentmindedly said. Then an idea sparks in her head. "What if yayain mo si Y/N sa spin class next weekend?"

Sorry, siz, but no. "Ate, busy 'yon." She excused.

"How would you know? Hindi mo pa nga tinanong?"

"I don't have to. I just know." Jill said, tone dismissive. She's hoping her sister would just drop the subject, but then this is Aika we're talking about.

"Ayaw mo siyang i-invite." Aika deduced. "Fine, I'll just do it myself." And so she brings out her phone.

"Ate! Busy nga 'yon palagi. 'Wag mo na yayain. She'll just turn you down."

"Okay, at least galing sa kaniya. Kelan ka pa naging spokesperson ni Y/N?" Aika insisted and contemplates what to type. The last time you two have talked was three months ago. It was when Aika asked you about your sisig recipe again.

But the beauty with adult friendships is that the parties don't really have to constantly communicate to maintain the relationship, it's just understood. And your friendship with each other is strong enough for it to be low-maintenance. You can go months not talking and when you do, it will flow naturally. It's not awkward at all.