Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
THIRD PERSON POV
"Love, please wait for me."
Aiah's voice broke as she held Eleanora's face, her thumb gently wiping away the tears that streamed down her cheeks. She leaned in, pressing a tender kiss on Eleanora's lips, the taste of salt from their tears mixing with the desperation of their embrace.
"Alam kong mahirap, pero pangako, babalikan kita," Aiah whispered, her voice laced with a mix of hope and heartbreak. Eleanora nodded, unable to speak through the sobs that wracked her body.
"I'll wait for you, Aiah. I promise." Eleanora managed to choke out, her grip tightening on Aiah's hands, as if by holding on, she could make her stay a little longer.
But Aiah had a dream to chase, a future that meant being part of BINI. And with a final, lingering kiss, she walked away, leaving Eleanora behind, clutching onto a promise that would have to survive the test of time.
Five Years Later
Aiah stood at the entrance of the party, heart pounding in her chest. Fons' birthday celebration was in full swing, and she was trying her best to focus on mingling with the guests. She wasn't expecting to see her tonight, wasn't prepared for the flood of emotions that hit her like a tidal wave the moment she saw Eleanora walk through the door.
"Grabe, ang ganda niya," Aiah thought to herself, almost breathless at the sight of Eleanora. Time had only made her more beautiful, her presence radiating like a light that Aiah couldn't help but be drawn to.
"Nandiyan si Eleanora. Stay calm, Aiah. Breathe lang," she reminded herself, but it was impossible. Every cell in her body was telling her to run to Eleanora, to hold her like she did before, to ask if she still remembered the promise they made under the stars.
Eleanora caught Aiah's gaze and gave her a soft, almost hesitant smile. Aiah felt her knees go weak. That smile was everything and more than she had remembered. She wanted to say something, anything, but the words were stuck in her throat.
"Hey, Aiah! Lapit ka nga dito!" Fons called out, breaking her trance. "This is Eleanora, my close close friend!"
Aiah's heart clenched. She turned to Eleanora, eyes searching for something, anything, that would tell her how she felt. But Eleanora just smiled again, her eyes unreadable.
After a while, Eleanora excused herself, heading towards the balcony. Aiah watched her go, her mind racing.
"Ngayon na. This is your chance," Aiah told herself. With trembling hands, she followed her.
"Eleanora..."
The soft sound of Aiah's voice broke the stillness of the night air. Eleanora turned to face her, leaning against the balcony railing, her expression calm and composed.
"Hi, Aiah," she greeted, her voice gentle but distant, as if they were mere acquaintances.
Aiah felt a pang in her chest at the coldness. She took a hesitant step closer, her hands shaking slightly. "I didn't know na nandito ka... Fons didn't tell me."
