My PauStell Munchkins | StellJun

Christmas Eve Legend

Description: Stell is having his long-time love for Pablo and is contented to the other man's friendship-love because according to him, he would rather not lose Pablo than to confess his undying love for him.

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"STELL, ni minsan ba ay naisip mong umamin na lang kay Pablo? Ako ang nahihirapan sa iyo eh. Hindi ko alam pero kasi, tuwing tinititigan mo siya mula sa malayo, parang ang saya-saya mo pero malungkot ka rin. Gets mo ba ako?" Justin suggested while letting the bell-shaped cookies in the tray to cool after he pulled it out from the oven.

Stell sighs. "As if naman kaya ko. Iniisip ko pa lang, parang hindi ko na kaya."

Justin rolled his eyes. "Pero naisip mo rin ba ang sinasabi ko?"

"Oo naman. Ilang libong beses pero tuwing sinusubukan kong gawin, wala na. Natutunaw lahat ng tapang ko. Hindi ko kaya. Feeling ko, sapat na sa akin na mahalin niya bilang isang kaibigan." Stell smiled bitterly.

"It doesn't hurt to be brave, Stell." Justin reminded.

"But it does hurt to lose him. I can't lose him, Jah. I can't lose John Paulo." Stell countered. "Oo, siya ang pangarap ko pero kung dahil sa pagtingin ko, magbabago ang lahat ng meron kami, mas mabuti pang manahimik."

"Pero hindi iyan ang solusyon, Stell." Justin insisted. "Paano mo malalaman kung hindi mo susubukan?"

Stell shakes his head earnestly. "Hindi mo ako naiintindihan."

Justin could only sigh as he helped his helpless friend in the cake's frosting. "Ikaw ang bahala. Nagsasabi lang naman ako. I don't think, gano'n kababaw si Pablo para itapon ang pinagsamahan ninyo just because of the fact that you like him."

Stell pouted like a child. "Love, Jah. I just don't like him. I love him."

Justin snorted. "Eh 'di... fight for it. Fight for him."

"Huwag ka nga! Nakakaano ka!" The older swatted his hands into the younger's shoulder. "Ayoko nga sabi eh. Takot ako."

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A group of five gathered outside as they all basked into the colorful night sky. Roaring of fireworks came rushing into their eardrum but it is understandable hence when the clock strikes twelve, they all welcomed and celebrated the enormous Christmas Eve. Though they've been away from their family because of a certain circumstances, they're glad that they have each other and so they're not that lonely as it may seem.

"Merry Christmas, guys!" Josh yelps happily.

"Merry Christmas! Love you all!" Ken beams at the four.

"Yeah, Merry Christmas! I'm happy to share this moment with you guys sa kabila ng lahat." Pablo raised his glass of grape juice. "To more Christmas with you all."

"To more Christmas!" they all said in chorus, drinking their drinks all together.

After a few more minute, the fireworks display are finally over. Justin suggested to go back inside as the cold crisp of December Eve bites his skin despite of his thick cardigan. All of them agreed and excitedly marched in the front door for the exchanging of gifts. Ken and Josh giggles, followed by the shaking head of Justin. Stell is about to step inside when a strong hand grabbed his wrist gently.

"Pau? Bakit?" he asked, trying to avoid the other man's soulful eyes that is too disarming for him.

"Can you stay for just a second?" Pablo pleads and the younger couldn't say no. "May sasabihin lang ako."