Running Out of Songs (LenRisa One-Shot Stories)

Unti-Unti

Leni's POV following the previous shot titled "Ang Wakas"

Unti-unting naglalapit
Ang ating mga mundo
Pag-asa ay ating bitbit
Maligaya't walang takot

Walang nagbago sa amin. In fact, I'm glad that after four months of my loss, she remained consistent. Every Wednesday, like clockwork, she visits me. We always have lunch together, as if nothing has changed.

The last time she was here, she finally gathered the courage to ask the question that had been lingering between us for weeks. I admit, I've been distant, cold even. But I have my reasons.

"Anong nangyari?" she asked, her voice quiet but firm, as she placed her fork down.

"Saan?" I responded, barely looking up from my food

"Sa'yo. May nagawa ba ako? Iba na ang trato mo sa akin." Her voice trembled slightly, and I could see the sadness in her eyes

I put down my fork, finally meeting her eyes. "Anong treatment? What do you want me to do? Treat you special? Magkaibigan lang tayo, di ba, Ris?"

My tone was harsher than I intended, but I needed to say it.

"Don't tell me you have feelings for me. Alam mong hindi puwede. Besides, I don't have time for things like that—petty things."

The words hung between us, heavy and sharp. I could see the way her shoulders tensed, her lips parting slightly, as if she wanted to protest. But she stayed silent. Maybe she understood. Or maybe she was too hurt to respond.

In truth, I knew. I knew she liked me even without her saying it. The heart just knows these things. But I hate getting comfortable with people—people who will eventually leave or move on. I had to push her away before that could happen.

Ang saya at pagsinta'y tila walang kapantay
Inaabangan ang bawat pagtagpo
Walang mintis ang tuwa sa 'ting dalawa
Hinamak ang lahat

Unti-unting nawawala
Ang 'yong mga salita
Dahan-dahang naglalaho
Ang lahat ng pangako

I promised myself I'd stay firm. I wouldn't give in to Risa's subtle attempts to change my mind, to make me commit to something more than friendship. She never says it outright, but her actions speak louder than words. It's clear what she wants, but I can't—won't—let that happen.

But on the same day, I got a call from a friend. Kiko Pangilinan, to be specific. His timing, as always, was impeccable.

I replay the conversation in my mind.

"Lens, ang sa akin lang, maguguluhan yong isa. Para kang atras-abante."

"You know I didn't pick up your call just to be nagged like this," I said, feeling my irritation rise.

"Lens, ayan ka na naman. I'm not nagging. I'm just telling you this because you need to handle it better. Transition man lang sana, Lens. Hindi yung biglaan. One minute okay kayo, tapos bigla ka na lang mawawala."

"So, mali ako?"

"No, it's not about being right or wrong. Magpaka-adult ka naman. If you were in her shoes, how would you feel?"

I let out a sharp breath. "Ako pa tinanong mo? Of all people?"

"Ano nga?"

"If she did the same to me, I'd let go. Whatever she asked me to do, gagawin ko. Simple as that."

"Tang ina," Kiko muttered under his breath.

"Bakit?"

"Ang bato mo. Sobra. Alam mo, if Jesse were here, he'd never let you treat people like this. Especially not Risa. He knew how important you are to her."