Walang Kapalit

truth or dare (part 2)

Risa glanced at the clock on her kitchen wall, a slight flutter of nerves in her stomach. It was just past six, and Leni would be arriving any minute. She smoothed down her blouse for the third time, feeling both excited and a little self-conscious. They had agreed to keep things casual tonight, but this wasn't just another night in—it was their first real date. A spontaneous one, at that.

Her phone buzzed with a message: "On my way! See you in a bit 😊"

The simple text made her smile, easing the anxiety that had been building all afternoon. Leni had a way of doing that—bringing comfort with the smallest gestures.

The sound of a car horn outside broke her thoughts. Risa's heart jumped. She grabbed her purse, took one last look in the mirror, and hurried out, her hand instinctively patting down her hair. She spotted Leni leaning against the side of a blue sedan, dressed in jeans and a simple blouse that somehow made her look effortlessly sexy.

"Ang ganda ganda mo naman," Leni called out as Risa approached.

Risa blushed slightly. "Thanks, pogi naman ng sundo ko. So, what's the plan?"

Leni opened the passenger door for Risa with a small flourish. "That, my dear senator, is a surprise. But I promise, it'll be worth it."

Risa laughed and slid into the car. "Okay, Ms. Vice President, I trust you. Lead the way."

They drove through the winding streets of the city, the sun dipping lower, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange. Leni kept one hand on the steering wheel, the other comfortably resting on Risa's thigh. The traffic was surprisingly light, giving them time to chat about their day, their recent work, and bits of gossip they had both heard.

After a few turns, they drove into an area that Risa didn't recognize. Leni turned to her with a smile. "Ready for some fun?

Risa's curiosity piqued. "San mo ba ko dadalhin?"

Leni didn't answer immediately, just nodded ahead as the street opened up into a brightly lit theme park. Neon signs glowed with the names of various rides, and the smell of popcorn and cotton candy wafted through the air.

Risa laughed, a little surprised but excited. "I haven't been to one in years."

They entered the park, greeted by the sound of carnival music and the sight of children and families rushing from ride to ride. Leni grabbed Risa's hand, pulling her toward her. "Teka, secure muna kita baka mawala ka."

"Daming alam."

As they walked through the park, Leni pointed out different rides, teasing Risa about which one they should go on first. "How about that one?" Leni pointed to a massive roller coaster in the distance, its tracks twisting high into the sky.

"Ay jusko wait lang 'di ako ready for that!"

"Come on," Leni grinned. "It'll be fun. Trust me."

With some hesitation, Risa agreed, and they joined the line. The anticipation built as they slowly moved closer to the front, their excitement palpable.

Once they were strapped into the roller coaster, Risa squeezed Leni's hand, her nerves kicking in. "Why did I agree to this?" she muttered with a nervous laugh.

Leni chuckled. "Too late now! Just hold my hand."

As the coaster climbed higher, Risa's breath caught in her throat. She glanced over at Leni, who seemed perfectly at ease, a playful grin still on her face. And then they dropped—plummeting down the first hill, the wind whipping through their hair as they screamed.

When the ride finally came to a halt, Risa's heart was racing. She was breathless but laughing uncontrollably. "Gagi! Nalaglag ata puso ko don!"

Leni laughed with her, her cheeks flushed from the thrill. "Sino si gagi? Sabi sa'yo it would be fun."