BINI IMAGINES

Maloi

req by @monamimaloi

Two Years Ago

In a cozy corner of a café, Nica mustered all her courage. With a bright smile on her face, she approached Maloi, who was seated by the window. Nica's cheeks flushed with nervousness, but her resolve was strong. She extended her hand, holding a red lollipop and a chocolate with a red ribbon.

"Hi po, gusto kita," Nica said boldly, her eyes sparkling with hope.

Maloi looked up from her coffee, her expression shifting to one of gentle regret. "Sorry, Nica, I like someone else."

Nica's smile wavered, but she managed to keep it on her face. She took a deep breath, trying to stay composed. "But can you still accept these gifts?"

Maloi's smile softened as she nodded. "Thank you."

Days turned into months, and with each passing day, Nica continued to show her affection through gifts and heartfelt declarations. But Maloi's responses remained unchanged—her heart was set on someone else. The revelation that Maloi had feelings for Maki shattered Nica. Late at night, she cried silently, her heart heavy with unrequited love.

Jhoanna, her cousin, found her in tears and wrapped her arms around Nica. "It's okay, Nica, let it out, bebe," she whispered soothingly, her heart breaking for her cousin.

-

Sa isang maliit na café, umupo si Maloi sa kanyang paboritong table sa sulok, ang kaniyang kape ay halos wala nang laman. Iniisip niya ang mga nangyari sa nakaraan, ang sakit na dulot ng pagtanggi niya kay Nica. Nandito siya ngayon, subukang bumawi sa kanyang mga pagkakamali, pero tila huli na ang lahat.

Pumasok si Jhoanna sa café, ang kanyang mga mata ay punung-puno ng determinasyon. Agad niyang nakita si Maloi sa kanilang dating paboritong lugar. Ang puso ni Jhoanna ay puno ng galit sa kanyang kaibigan dahil sa pagtratar kay Nica, ngunit nang malaman niya na si Nica at Sheena ay magkasama na, unti-unting nawala ang kanyang galit kay Maloi. Naramdaman niya ang awa para sa kaibigan na nasaktan.

"Maloi," sabi ni Jhoanna, habang umupo siya sa harap ni Maloi, ang tono ng boses niya ay medyo malamig.

"Jhoanna..." Maloi replied, her eyes showing a mix of regret and nervousness.

"Alam mo ba kung gaano kasakit para kay Nica nung iniwan mo siya?" Jhoanna's voice was sharp but laced with concern. "Hindi mo alam kung paano siya nasaktan dahil sa'yo."

Maloi looked down, her face full of remorse. "I'm really sorry, Jhoanna. I didn't realize... I didn't know how much I was hurting her."

Jhoanna sighed, her anger slowly dissipating. "Nica went to New York after that. She needed time to heal, and now she's happy with Sheena."

Maloi's eyes widened in surprise. "Sheena? I had no idea..."

"Yes, and kahit galit ako sa'yo nung una, hindi ko naman gustong makita kang nasaktan din," Jhoanna admitted. "I just want you to know na Nica deserves someone who loves her the way she deserves."