Running Out of Songs (LenRisa One-Shot Stories)

Tahanan

Sa araw-araw
Tanging ikaw ang
Palagi kong hinahangad
Laging tanaw sa 'yo ang ilaw
Na nagsisilbi kong liwanag

Leni, a public lawyer, and Risa, a medical doctor, have been friends for decades, despite their differences and occasional opposing views. Chel and Kiko, both public lawyers and mutual friends, often gather with them.

In the present...

Chel and Kiko sit around the kitchen counter as Leni busies herself preparing food. The smell of freshly made pesto fills the air, mixing with their light laughter. It's a familiar routine—an unspoken tradition whenever Leni finds herself alone at home. After the meal, Kiko moves to the sink, rolling up his sleeves to wash the dishes while Chel continues chatting with Leni.

"Leni, curious lang ako." Kiko out of curiosity asks

"Ayan na naman tayo. Ano na naman yan?" Leni masks it off by laughing

"You're aware of Risa's affection, right?" Kiko continued to ask

Leni stops for a moment, her hand hovering over the counter, but she doesn't look at Kiko directly.
"Oo, alam ko."

"Wait, wait, wait. Alam mo?" Chel leans forward, surprised.

"Bakit? Anong problema kung alam ko?" Leni frowns slightly.

"Ang tanong kasi, does anyone else know? Hindi siya nagsasalita about it, maski sa amin. Tahimik lang siya." Kiko

"Yeah, she hasn't really confided in anyone. Not even us. Parang wala siyang outlet." Chel adds, intrigued.

"Maski kayo? Talaga?" Leni

"Oo. Baka nahihiya siya. Or... until now, maybe she's still in denial? Hindi ko alam."
Kiko

Leni moves toward the window, gazing out at the backyard. She's quiet for a moment, as if weighing her words carefully.

"Paano ko nalaman... it wasn't anything she said. It's the way she looks at me. The way her eyes follow me. Her gaze—" Leni says

"Intense, 'di ba?" Chel asks

"Sobra. Parang she's trying to say something without saying it. It's almost as if she's holding back... but why?" Leni

Chel crosses her arms, deep in thought.
"She never told us. Kahit indirect, wala siyang sinasabi."

Leni turns, her voice quieter, reflective.
"Baka nahihirapan siyang aminin, lalo na sa sitwasyon ngayon."

"Pero may boyfriend siya, 'di ba? What do you think about that?" Kiko questions.

Leni sighs, shaking her head.
"That's part of it. Maybe she thinks it's impossible, kaya hindi niya sinasabi. I don't know if it's just fear or if it's her way of protecting herself—or maybe even me."

Chel steps closer to Leni, concern evident on her face.
"And what about you? Does it bother you na hanggang ngayon hindi siya umaamin? Or are you just... waiting?"

Leni meets Chel's gaze, her expression a mix of uncertainty and something deeper.

"I'm not sure. Pero... I think we're both waiting." Leni admits

---

Ramdam ko ang pagmamahal giliw
Namumukod-tangi ka at walang katulad

Leni and Risa meet in a quiet park, the air thick with unspoken words. There's an undeniable tension between them, the kind that's been building for years. Risa hesitates for a moment, taking a deep breath before speaking.