Kita na Kita (MaColet)

Piskit!

Months have passed since I started courting Maloi. Although we haven't made it official yet, we are exclusively dating. We haven't told anyone about our relationship, but I don't really mind. I have this firm belief in what we have, and I can feel Maloi's sincerity with every word she says and every gesture she makes. There's a silent understanding between us that doesn't need the validation of others. Of course, Sheena and Mikha have definitely sensed something, given their keen observation skills. Gwen and Aiah, who I confided in from the beginning, are already in the loop. Their support has been unwavering, and it's been a relief to share my happiness with them.

What truly surprises me is that Staku and Jhoanna, who are usually so attentive and quick to notice any shift in our group's dynamics, haven't picked up on our relationship. It's almost amusing how our subtle interactions have flown under their radar. Perhaps they're just waiting for us to say something, or maybe they're giving us the space to navigate this new chapter in our own time.

"Hala ka diha. Grabe ang ngisi, Bai!" Aiah teased me one evening during one of our girly dates. She had stayed in Manila for a few days due to work commitments, and we seized the opportunity to catch up. The teasing started when I couldn't hide my grin after receiving a beautiful selfie from Maloi. The image of her, radiant and full of life, was enough to brighten my entire day.

"Boang!" I retorted, feeling my face flush red. The heat was undeniable, and I knew I was blushing hard. Aiah's laughter rang through the air, her teasing a reminder of how transparent I could be when it came to my feelings for Maloi.

"Lupig paman ani mag-asawa bisan wala pa label, do!" she quipped, her eyes twinkling with mischief. Her joke hit home, highlighting how we behaved more like a married couple even without an official label—YET. It was a humorous but true observation, and it made me realize just how deep our connection was.

I'm truly grateful that the old bubbly Aiah is back. Despite the devastating events of the past years with Mikha, she has managed to retain her positivity and zest for life. Seeing her happy and vibrant again warms my heart. Happiness really looks good on her, and I'm thrilled to see her in such a good place.

"Hapit na. Pero, no rush ra gyud, Bai," I said, trying to convey my feelings with a mix of excitement and patience. "But I am so happy with Maloi. The happiest I have ever been." My words were sincere, reflecting the profound joy and contentment I felt in my relationship with Maloi. We continued to share life updates, where our conversation flowing effortlessly as always.

Our chat was interrupted by a text from Jhoanna, who wanted to have dinner with us. Sheena is in the province, Mikha is in the US, Maloi has a taping, and Stacey is in London, so it's just the three of us. Despite the distance and our different paths, we always found ways to reconnect and share our lives with each other.

When Jhoanna arrived, she greeted Aiah with a warm smile. "Ate Aiah, ang ganda-ganda mo na talaga. Nakakainis! Parang mas lalo ka pang bumata," she said, her smile reaching her eyes and forming crescent moons. It was a genuine compliment, and it was clear that Jhoanna was happy to see Aiah looking so well.

Aiah smiled back, her dimples showing. "Sus, fishing for compliment ka nanaman," she responded, her voice playful. It was a familiar exchange, one that spoke of the deep affection and camaraderie between them.

"Pag nandito si Staku, jusko batok ka nanaman. Sinasabi ko sa'yo, Bai," I joked, imagining the scenario with Stacey present. The thought of Stacey playfully smacking Jhoanna on the head for her flattery made us all laugh.

I missed these times with the girls. We've watched each other grow, supported each other through difficult times, and celebrated each other's successes. I'm glad that even though we are on different paths now, the bond and love remain as strong as ever. Some of us have even truly found love in each other, and it's heartwarming to see.

"Mga Ate, I really wanted to meet you tonight because I want to propose to Staku six months from now," Jhoanna announced, dropping a bombshell that left both Aiah and me in tears.

Who would have thought that the banter duo, the girls who would openly pull each other's hair on live streams, would end up together? It wasn't really a shocker to us, though. It was always going to be either Staku or Jhoanna who would propose first. Still, my heart was overflowing with love and happiness for the two of them, the Bini OG couple.

"Piskit! I'm so happy for you both!" I exclaimed, unable to contain my joy. The news was thrilling, and I felt a surge of excitement for what lay ahead for them.

"Pero bakit six months pa?" Aiah asked out of nowhere. Hay, Aiah.

"I want to prepare kasi. I want all the important people in our lives to be there," Jhoanna explained, her eyes shining with excitement and love. It was clear that she wanted the proposal to be perfect, a moment to be cherished forever.

Jhoanna lays out some of her initial plans for us, her excitement radiating with every word. She speaks with such detail and enthusiasm, mapping out a video call with the rest of the girls—everyone except Staku, of course—in the coming days. It is heartwarming to see her so animated with her eyes sparkling as she meticulously describes her vision. It is clear she is ready to take this big step. One of our bunsos is ready to settle down, and we couldn't be prouder.

"Update naman kayo sa love life niyo. Kayo ha? Baka kasal na pala kayo. Di lang nagsasabi," Jhoanna says, her voice dripping with her usual over-the-top dramatics. She is always so extra and ahead of herself, but we love her for it.

"I'm so single. Feeling ko ito talaga ang calling ko. Baka hindi talaga Mama Mary, baka Sister Mary talaga," Aiah quips, her pouty lips adding an extra dose of humor to her joke. We all giggle at the image of Aiah in a nun's habit, embracing her new calling.

"Single yata si Mikha," Jhoanna adds, trying to keep a straight face but failing miserably. "Hala, ate Aiah! Joke lang talaga!"

I playfully throw a tissue at Jhoanna, laughing at her antics. "Piskit, kahit kailan talaga Jhoanna. Busalan ko yang baba mo ng tissue." Our laughter echoes around the room, the bond we share filling the space with warmth.

"Honestly, I'm not affected anymore. And I hope that Mikha has moved on and healed, too," Aiah says genuinely, her eyes glimmering with sincerity. It is a poignant moment that reflects her strength and growth over the years.

We continue to chat, sharing snippets of our lives, until Jhoanna suddenly turns to me with a mischievous glint in her eye.

"Teka ha? Ang daya mo Ate Colet. Di ka makakatakas sa akin," she declares, her tone playful yet serious enough to make my brows furrow in curiosity.

"Kung akala mo hindi na notice nina Staku at Sheena, pwes kitang kita ko. Anong meron sa inyo ni ate Maloi, ha?" she presses, her eyes twinkling with curiosity and amusement.

Piskit. Patay ta diha, Bai.

I feel my heart skip a beat, caught off guard by Jhoanna's sudden interrogation. I can feel the heat rising to my cheeks, my mind racing to find the right words. The room seems to hold its breath, waiting for my response.

Aiah, meanwhile, is covering her mouth, clearly struggling to contain her laughter at my expense. She is enjoying every second of seeing me caught off guard. Her eyes dance with amusement as she tries to stifle her giggles, making the moment even more lighthearted and memorable.