Love and Resilience

Confessions Under the Skyline

SERENA’S POV

I woke up extra early today to some house chores. When my phone buzzed I smiled as I see the message was from Jovana.

From Jovana
Good morning, Seren! are you free today? How about we grab a coffee later at 6 pm?

To Jovana
Morning, sure Jo! see you later

My heart skipped a beat. Her excitement was tempered by the knowledge of her secret, but today was about enjoying Jovana's company.

It’s already 6 pm, when I arrived at the coffee shop’s rooftop. Jovana I already there.

Serena sat across from Jovana, the warm hues of the café's lighting casting a soft glow on her face. Jovana was speaking passionately about something probably her latest research project or an experience from work but Serena wasn’t quite listening. She was too busy marveling at how Jovana’s eyes lit up when she spoke about the things that mattered to her.

Serena’s heart swelled at the sight. The way Jovana gestured, her hands moving delicately in sync with her words, made Serena smile. It was in these small moments, watching Jovana exist so naturally, that Serena felt her feelings growing deeper. It wasn’t just Jovana’s brilliance that captivated her; it was how effortlessly she carried compassion in everything she did.

How did I get so lucky? I thought to myself, my gaze was lingering on Jovana’s lips as she spoke. Jovana paused, catching Serena’s stare, and raised an eyebrow, the corners of her mouth curving into a playful smile.

"What?" Jovana asked, a gentle laugh escaping her. "You’ve been staring at me for a while now. Is there something on my face?"

I blinked, my cheeks flushing slightly.
"No, it’s just... you’re incredible, you know that?"

Jovana’s smile softened. "I could say the same about you."

JOVANA’S POV (she’s admiring Serena)

The two walked side by side along Manila Bay, the sunset painting the sky in shades of pink and gold. Serena was animatedly recounting her latest happenings to her life, her eyes sparkling as she described her favorite moments from her trip. Jovana listened intently, but it wasn’t just Serena’s words that held her attention it was everything about her.

Jovana found herself smiling as she watched Serena. She loved how Serena’s entire face lit up when she talked about something she was passionate about, how her laughter was so genuine, so full of life. It was that energy, that fierce love for the world and all its possibilities, that had drawn Jovana to her from the very beginning.

As they strolled, Jovana’s gaze lingered on the curve of Serena’s smile, the way her hair caught the evening light. There was something undeniably captivating about the way Lila carried herself confident yet unpretentious, bold yet kind.

Jovana had met many people in her life, but none had ever made her feel the way Serena did. With Serena, everything felt lighter, simpler, and at the same time, infinitely more meaningful. She admired how strong Serena was, how she faced the world with so much courage despite the battles she had fought, the ones she still faced.

They paused near the water’s edge, the sound of gentle waves filling the space between them. Serena could feel the words on the tip of her tongue the ones she hadn’t said yet. The words that had been growing in her heart these past two months.

"You’re amazing, alam mo ba yon?"
Jovana’s voice was soft, filled with awe.

Serena turned to her, surprise flickering in her eyes. "What brought that on?"

Jovana shrugged, her lips curving into a smile. "Just.... you. Everything about you."

FF (nasa rooftop na ulit sila ng café)

Jovana sat across from Serena, the ambient city noise fading into the background. The view was breathtaking, but Jovana’s eyes were only on Serena. After their stroll by the bay earlier, they decided to unwind with coffee, but Jovana could feel the weight of unspoken words between them. She couldn’t hold it in any longer.

"Seren, I need to tell you something" I said in a soft voice

Serena blinked, her smile fading slightly as she met Jovana’s gaze. "What is it?"

I took a breath, myheart is racing.
"These past two months with you... I can’t stop thinking about how much you mean to me. I’ve been trying to keep it casual, but I can’t anymore." I paused, my  hands are lightly trembling as they rested on the table. "Serena, I’m falling for you. I know it’s complicated, but I don’t care. I can’t pretend that my feelings for you aren’t real."

There was silence, the moment hanging heavily between them. Jovana’s pulse quickened, waiting for Serena’s reaction, fearing what she might say.

Serena’s expression softened, a mix of surprise and warmth flooding her face. She reached across the table, her hand covering Jovana’s. "Jovana,"
she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.  "I feel the same. I’ve been scared trying to pust it away because.... because of everything. But I can’t deny it either. I’m falling for you too.

Jovana exhaled, a wave of relief washing over her as her heart swelled with emotion. "You are?" she asked, almost disbelieving.

Serena smiled, her eyes glistening.
"I’ve been trying to protect myself, but the truth is... I want to be with you, Jo. I don’t want to hold back anymore."

Jovana’s fingers tightened around Serena’s, her heart soaring. She stood up, gently pulling Serena with her, and together they looked out over the city, the world feeling smaller, quieter.

"I’m here, Serena" I murmured.
"No matter what hapoens, I’ll be here."

Serena leaned into her, resting her head on Jovana’s shoulder. "I know,"  she whispered. "And that's all I need"