Take a Chance with Me

Mekaya ka ba?!

The years have been a gentle hand to our careers and my love affair with Jhoanna. As Bini's rhythm began to slow and our paths diverged in search of our true selves, my heart swelled with gratitude.

As a group, we achieved the extraordinary. The endorsements, the outpouring of love, and even the lessons we learned from the harsh criticisms molded us. But my proudest moment was our performance at Coachella. Years ago, I would mimic my idol Jennie, dreaming of following her path. Standing on that stage, I realized I had done it. I was happy. So, so happy.

"Can you believe we're here?" I whispered to Jhoanna as we stood backstage, the roar of the crowd echoing in our ears.

"We made it, Mahal," she replied, squeezing my hand. "Let's give them a show they'll never forget."

We stepped onto the stage, and the world felt like it had shifted into place. Every beat of the music, every cheer from the crowd, was a testament to our journey.

Jhoanna and I, shrouded in secrecy, never let a day end with unresolved conflict despite our constant bickering. Perhaps that was our love language. At the end the day, we are lovers, committed to resolving our differences. She is my rock – patient, kind, loving. Each day, I discovered a new facet of lover girl Jhoanna, and my love for her grew beyond anything I could have imagined.

"Bakit ako lagi naghuhugas, Staku?" Jhoanna would complain, trying to sound stern but failing miserably.

"Because I cook," I would retort with a grin. "It's only fair."

"Alam mo naman ayaw kong naghuhugas! Yung kamay ko nagiging shiny."

"And yet, you do them. Kaya love kita, JR!"

After Bini, we each carved our own paths. Ate Maloi and Colet's voices soared as soloists, Sheena became one of the country's top choreographers and influencers, and Gwen and I stepped into the modeling world. Yet, I felt the pull of education and the dream of becoming a flight attendant. Mikha embraced acting, and Ate Aiah shone both behind the scenes and on magazine covers. My brilliant and beautiful Jhoanna realized her dream of becoming a broadcaster on TV Patrol. I couldn't miss an episode, often finding myself like Evelyn Hugo, almost kissing the screen every time she appeared that I could potentially chip my tooth.

Jhoanna's family took about a year to come around, but that journey brought us closer. Her parents' acceptance healed wounds and forged stronger bonds. Her father, who once seemed distant, became a father to me too. He loved me as he loved Jhoanna, sometimes to the point where she teased me about our closeness. He taught me to drive, and now I can take us to Calamba, with Jhoanna playfully critiquing my cautious driving while I claim she drives too fast!

"Ano ba naman yan Staku! Para kang lola mag drive!" Jhoanna would laugh, her eyes sparkling with affection.

"Eh ikaw nga napaka kaskasera mo!" I'd retort, a smile tugging at my lips.

In those moments, as we navigated the roads and life together, I realized how deeply intertwined our lives had become. The road ahead was uncertain, but with Jhoanna by my side, every twist and turn felt like an adventure we were destined to share.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over our little apartment, Jhoanna turned to me, her eyes filled with a mix of love and determination.

"Do you ever wonder what the future holds for us?" she asked softly.

I took her hand, feeling the warmth of her touch. "All the time. But as long as we're together, I'm ready for anything."

She smiled, a tear slipping down her cheek. "I love you more than words can say, Princes Staku!"

"And I love you, JR. More than anything in this world."

We held each other close, the weight of our journey and the promise of our future filling the room. In that moment, surrounded by the remnants of our past and the dreams of our future, we knew that no matter where life took us, we would always find our way back to each other.

—-

Then came the ultimate shock in our group—Ate Aiah and Mikha were in a relationship after their trip abroad. The revelation hit us like a tidal wave, but for me, it was a validation of what I had always sensed. I knew it! There had always been something between them, a spark they tried to dim for the sake of their careers. Every lingering glance, every touch that lasted a fraction too long—they were signs of a deeper connection, a love that they had kept hidden. Now, they had reignited that flame, and all I could do was shed a tear. They were so perfect together, their chemistry undeniable and their happiness infectious. I was overwhelmed with pride and joy for them. They were the second couple in our group. Bakla talaga ang Bini!

As I watched them, my thoughts drifted to the rest of us. I wondered about the other half. Were there other hidden loves waiting to be revealed? Or perhaps unspoken feelings that would never see the light of day? It made me reflect on the delicate balance between our personal desires and the collective dreams we had built together. While Ate Aiah and Mikha's love story unfolded beautifully, it left me questioning the untold stories and the hidden emotions within our tight-knit group.

But it seems like Ate Aiah and Mikha's relationship was not meant to last. In just months, we noticed them fighting. It was Ate Aiah who would mostly confide in us, her voice tinged with worry. She was concerned about Mikha's group of friends. They seemed so opposite despite us growing together and seeing each other every day. And it made me think about Jhoanna and me. What if our similarities would draw us apart?

I remember Jhoanna speaking in one of her podcasts with Ate Aiah, "What if we only loved them for a short time, only for us to miss them forever?"

It honestly bothered me for days until Jhoanna noticed.

"Staku, kanina pa kita kinakausap," she said, a hint of frustration in her voice.

"Huh?" I replied, snapped out of my thoughts.

"Is something bothering you?" she asked, her eyes searching mine with concern.

I tried to hold it in, but the floodgates burst open. "Jho, hindi ko kaya pag nawala ka. What if maging katulad tayo nila Ate Aiah? What if magkatotoo yung sinabi niyo sa podcast?" I cried, my voice trembling with fear.

Her face softened, and she took my hands in hers. "Jusko naman, Staku. Diba forever and ever tayo?" she said, her voice cracking as tears welled up in her eyes too.

We held each other, crying together as she whispered words of assurance to me.

"Staku, we're not them. We're us. We've built something strong, and I believe in us," Jhoanna said, her hand gently stroking my hair.

"But what if one day, everything changes? What if we grow apart without even realizing it?" I choked out, my heart heavy with dread.

She pulled back slightly, looking into my eyes with a fierce determination. "Then we fight for it. We fight for us. Because you're my everything, and I can't imagine a life without you."

Her words washed over me, soothing my fears. We sat there, holding each other, as the world outside faded away. In that moment, amidst our tears and whispered promises, I felt a renewed sense of hope.

Days turned into weeks, and we worked on our relationship with a newfound commitment. We talked more, laughed more, and cherished each moment as if it were our last. And through it all, I realized that love wasn't just about the good times; it was about weathering the storms together, hand in hand.

Months later, we watched as Ate Aiah and Mikha, despite their differences, found a way back to each other. Their struggles reminded us that every relationship has its battles, but with love and effort, even the deepest wounds can heal.

As Jhoanna and I sat on the balcony one evening, watching the sunset paint the heaven in hues of pink and gold, she turned to me, her eyes reflecting the colors of the sky.

"Staku, no matter what happens, remember that I love you more than words can say," she whispered.

I smiled, my heart swelling with love. "And I love you, Jho. Forever and ever."

As we kissed under the fading light, I knew that no matter where life took us, we would always find our way back to each other. Because our love was not just a fleeting moment; it was a lifetime of memories, promises, and dreams yet to unfold.