Patience and Affection

#23 - ❝Sunday Revelations❞

The sun shone brightly that Sunday morning, casting a warm glow over the campus grounds. It was the perfect day for a hangout, especially after the excitement of the previous night's event. Isabel, Andrea, Scarlett, Rhiannon, and Maxwell had planned to meet up at their usual spot near the fountain. Maxwell had also invited Wayne, hoping that today would be the perfect time to share some big news with their friends.

As they gathered, there was an air of casual anticipation. Isabel and Andrea were chatting animatedly about some artwork they had seen online, while Scarlett, looking a bit tired, sipped her iced coffee in silence. Rhiannon, ever the multitasker, was typing away on her phone, probably handling some last-minute SSG business.

"Guys, sorry I’m late," Maxwell called out, arriving with Wayne by his side.

"Sama-sama na naman tayo," Isabel quipped, noticing Wayne's presence and giving Maxwell a knowing smile. "So, ano na? Anong balita?"

Maxwell exchanged a glance with Wayne, who gave him a small nod of encouragement. Taking a deep breath, Maxwell began, "Actually, may gusto kaming sabihin ni Wayne sa inyo."

The group fell silent, all eyes on the two. Rhiannon, in particular, paused her phone activity, her interest piqued.

"Official na kami," Maxwell blurted out, his cheeks flushing slightly. "We’re dating."

A moment of stunned silence followed before it was broken by Andrea's excited squeal. "Finally! Akala ko hindi na mangyayari 'yan?" she exclaimed, clapping her hands in delight.

Isabel grinned, nudging Maxwell playfully. "About time! Congrats, you two!"

Scarlett, despite her exhaustion, managed a warm smile. "I'm happy for you both."

Rhiannon's reaction was more subtle. She raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a smirk. "Took you long enough," she teased, though there was a hint of genuine happiness in her tone. "Wayne, you better treat Maxwell right, ha?"

Wayne, who had been quietly observing the reactions, chuckled softly. "Maxwell is my 'tinatangi.'"

Maxwell laughed, "And Wayne is my 'palagi'."

The group erupted into laughter, teasing and congratulating the new couple. The atmosphere was light and filled with warmth, the kind that only comes from close friends sharing in each other's happiness.

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Just then, Sébastien, Isabel's older brother, arrived, having managed to persuade Rhiannon to let him join the hangout after their tutoring session earlier. He approached with his usual carefree attitude, his eyes landing on Rhiannon first. "Uy, ano ‘tong naririnig ko?" he teased, glancing between Maxwell and Wayne. "Nagmamahalan na pala kayo?"

Maxwell nodded, "Yup, inannounce na namin."

Sébastien gave an exaggerated sigh, turning to Rhiannon with a grin. "See? If you weren't so feisty, tayo na rin siguro."

Rhiannon rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed with Sébastien's antics. "In your dreams, Sébastien," she shot back, though there was a playful tone in her voice.

Isabel groaned, "Kuya, lay off Rhiannon. Hindi ka niya type."

But Sébastien just laughed it off, sitting down next to them and joining the conversation. He couldn't resist a few more jokes at Rhiannon's expense, but it was clear that his teasing was all in good fun.

After a while, the conversation shifted to their plans after graduation. Scarlett, who had been mostly quiet, spoke up, "I’m just focused on finishing everything at this point. Ang dami kong kailangan tapusin, and I can’t afford to get distracted."

Andrea frowned, sensing the underlying stress in Scarlett's words. "Okay ka lang, Scarlett?"

Scarlett nodded, though her expression was a bit distant. "Yeah, just tired. It’s been a long few weeks."

Rhiannon, always perceptive, leaned forward. "If you need any help, just let us know. We’ve got your back."

Scarlett smiled, appreciating the offer. "Thanks, Rhiannon. I’ll keep that in mind."

As the afternoon sun began to lower, the group decided to grab a late lunch. They headed to a nearby café, continuing their lively discussions over food and drinks. The atmosphere remained cheerful, though there were moments of deeper conversation, especially when Scarlett quietly opened up a bit more about her struggles.

"Sobrang thankful ako sa inyo," Scarlett admitted as they finished their meal. "You guys have been my rock through everything."

"Scarlett," Isabel said softly, reaching out to squeeze her hand, "We’re always here for you, okay?"

Scarlett nodded, her eyes betraying just how much the support meant to her. "I know. And I’m grateful."

The group finished their meal, and as they left the café, there was a sense of camaraderie that felt even stronger than before. Maxwell and Wayne walked hand in hand, while Rhiannon, Isabel, Andrea, and Sébastien continued to joke and chat as they made their way back to campus.

Before they parted ways, Sébastien couldn't resist one last tease, leaning over to Rhiannon. "So, Rhiannon, when are we going to have our own announcement?"

Rhiannon rolled her eyes again but couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Never, Sébastien. Never."

With laughter and goodbyes, the group dispersed, each heading in their own direction, but with hearts a little fuller than before.

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