Jho started to be more open with me, more than just best friends. We always had sleepovers and intimate moments without the other members knowing, except for Gwen, and even our handlers were unaware. We tried to hide our relationship from everyone. In the quiet corners of our condos, our love grew.
We couldn't afford to show any intimacy outside or on social media because her parents would find out. They even asked about us to other people, so we had to be extra careful. My mother, on the other hand, was so supportive. She even created an album on her phone and Facebook titled #jhocey. I had to tell her to delete the album on Facebook because people might comment and spread rumors.
Being hidden sometimes hurts, but I can endure it all for Jhoanna. Even if it means our love can only be expressed within the small four walls of our room, I can accept that. Although it can be suffocating at times, we find happiness in each other. In those simple moments, I have never been happier in years.
One night, we decided to bake cookies together. Jhoanna insisted on doing everything herself, saying she was a master chef. I watched her mix the ingredients with such confidence, but soon flour was everywhere, and she couldn't stop laughing. She had flour on her nose, and I couldn't resist wiping it off and planting a quick kiss there.
Another time, we had a movie marathon planned, but we ended up building a fort out of pillows and blankets in the living room. We snuggled inside, laughing as we tried to get comfortable. I made a joke about how our fort could withstand any storm, and Jhoanna pretended to be a weather reporter, describing the "love storm" that had hit our little fort. She always dreamt of becoming one.
We would often stay up late, whether by texting, whispering secrets and dreams, or sharing funny videos or memes to each other. One night, Jho pulled out a bottle of whipped cream from the fridge and sprayed it into her mouth, grinning like a child. I couldn't stop laughing, and soon we were both covered in whipped cream, giggling uncontrollably.
"Stakuuuu," Jho says in her baby talk.
"Yes, baby!"
"Princess Stakuuu!"
"Ano nga? Nakakainis ka!" I said, rolling my eyes, but deep inside I felt a thrill.
"I love you, Princess Staku!"
"I love you, JR!"
Moments like these with Jho are the ones I will always treasure.
One morning, I woke up to Jhoanna trying to make breakfast. She was so focused on flipping pancakes, but she accidentally flipped one onto the floor. We both burst out laughing, and I hugged her from behind, feeling the warmth of her body against mine.
We would sometimes play silly games, like trying to balance a spoon on our noses or seeing who could make the silliest face. Jho always won with her ridiculously exaggerated expressions, and I'd laugh until my sides hurt.
—-
But then came a particularly busy stretch. Our schedules with Bini were packed with rehearsals, recordings, and performances.
To make matters worse, Jhoanna had to go home to her family for a week, so we barely saw each other. The days felt longer and the nights lonelier without our usual bebe time.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we managed to carve out a night just for us. I arrived at her condo, my heart racing with anticipation. As soon as the door opened, Jhoanna practically jumped into my arms. We held each other tightly, both of us unwilling to let go.
"I missed you so much, Staku," she whispered into my ear, her voice trembling slightly.
"I missed you too, Jho," I replied, feeling a mix of relief and joy wash over me.
YOU ARE READING
Take a Chance with Me
FanfictionFalling for her best friend Jhoanna was never part of Stacey's plan. How could she even navigate such risky territory? Is there hope for something more? Especially when Jhoanna, the dutiful daughter, has her future all mapped out, and Stacey isn't e...
