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THIRD PERSON POV
The sound of rain pattering against your window was the only noise filling your small apartment. You curled up on your couch, hugging a blanket tightly around you. The gloomy weather seemed to match your mood perfectly. You sighed, staring blankly at the TV, not really paying attention to the movie playing.
A knock on the door broke your reverie. You frowned, not expecting anyone, but you slowly got up and made your way to the door. When you opened it, you were greeted by the sight of Jhoanna, drenched from the rain but smiling warmly at you.
"Jho?" you asked, surprised. "Anong ginagawa mo dito?"
"Hi Lia, Narinig ko kasi sa chat na down ka today," she said, holding up a bag. "So, nagdala ako ng comfort food and some movies. Okay lang ba?"
You couldn't help but smile, feeling a bit of warmth seep into your heart. "Sige, pasok ka."
She stepped inside, shaking off some of the rain from her umbrella before closing it. You handed her a towel to dry off, and she set the bag on the coffee table, revealing containers of your favorite food and a few DVDs.
"Thank you, Jho," you said softly, feeling touched by her thoughtfulness. "Hindi mo naman kailangan gawin 'to."
"Gusto kong gawin," she replied, her eyes meeting yours. "Gusto ko lang siguraduhin na okay ka."
You sat back down on the couch, and Jhoanna joined you after quickly drying off. She handed you a container of food, and you both started eating in comfortable silence, the sound of the rain creating a soothing background noise.
"Alam mo," Jhoanna started after a while, "kahit anong lungkot ng panahon, hindi ibig sabihin na dapat ka rin malungkot."
You glanced at her, seeing the genuine concern in her eyes. "Minsan kasi, ang hirap lang talaga. Ang daming iniisip."
Jhoanna reached out and gently squeezed your hand. "Nandito lang ako para sa'yo, okay? Kahit ano pa 'yan, pwede mo akong sabihan."
"Salamat, Jho," you whispered, feeling a lump form in your throat. "Malaking bagay 'to para sa'kin."
She gave you a reassuring smile and then picked up one of the DVDs. "Gusto mo ba panoorin natin 'to? Favorite mo 'to, diba?"
You nodded, grateful for the distraction. Jhoanna popped the DVD into the player, and soon, the familiar opening credits started to roll. You both settled back into the couch, with Jhoanna pulling the blanket over both of you.
As the movie played, you felt yourself relaxing more and more. Jhoanna's presence was comforting, and the warmth of her body next to yours made you feel safe and cared for. Halfway through the movie, you found yourself leaning against her, and she wrapped her arm around you, holding you close.
"Okay lang ba 'to?" she asked softly.
"Okay lang," you murmured, feeling your heart flutter. "Mas okay nga 'to."
You stayed like that for the rest of the movie, feeling a sense of peace that you hadn't felt in a long time. When the credits finally rolled, Jhoanna turned to you, her eyes searching yours.
"Alam mo ba, matagal ko nang gustong sabihin 'to," she started, her voice a bit hesitant. "Pero natatakot ako na baka hindi mo maramdaman ang nararamdaman ko."
Your heart raced as you looked at her, seeing the vulnerability in her eyes. "Ano 'yun, Jho?"
"Gusto kita," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "Hindi lang bilang kaibigan. Gusto kita ng higit pa doon."
You felt your breath catch in your throat. "Talaga?"
She nodded, looking nervous but determined. "Oo, totoo 'to. Matagal ko nang nararamdaman 'to, pero ngayon lang ako nagkaroon ng lakas ng loob na sabihin."
You felt tears prick at the corners of your eyes, but this time, they were tears of happiness. "Jho, gusto rin kita. Matagal na. Pero natatakot din ako na baka hindi mo nararamdaman 'yun."
A relieved smile broke out on her face, and she gently cupped your cheek. "Mula ngayon, hindi na tayo dapat matakot. Nandito na tayo para sa isa't isa."
With that, she leaned in and kissed you softly, the warmth of her lips chasing away the last remnants of your sadness. The rain continued to fall outside, but inside, wrapped in each other's arms, you felt nothing but warmth and love.
In that moment, you knew that no matter how gloomy the weather might get, you would always have Jhoanna to bring sunshine into your life.
