Running Out of Songs (LenRisa One-Shot Stories)

Ikaw At Ako

A/N: This is dedicated to nisyver

Ikaw at ako pinagtagpo
Nag-usap ang ating puso

"You know... sometimes I wonder what would happen if I told you how I really feel." Therese's voice wavers, her heart racing.

"How you feel about what?" Leonor leans closer, sensing the weight behind her words.

"About us. Matagal ko na 'tong iniisip. I've been scared, pero hindi ko na kayang magpanggap." Therese's eyes lock onto Leonor's, vulnerability spilling forth.

"I've felt the same. Just didn't know if you..." Leonor trails off, her own feelings threatening to overwhelm her.

"Maybe we should stop pretending." Therese whispers, hope and fear intertwining in her gaze.

Leonor's smile blossoms, radiant yet tinged with apprehension.

---

"I hate that I'm leaving, just when this—us—feels right." Therese's voice quivers, her eyes brimming with tears.

"I hate it too, but we can't stop life. We'll make it work. Lagi naman tayong may paraan, di ba?" Leonor's heart aches as she fights to keep the conversation light.

"I'll call. We can keep this going, right?" Therese's voice trembles with uncertainty, as though she fears that the distance will unravel their bond. Therese is leaving to study abroad, while Leonor will stay behind in the Philippines to continue her education.

"Of course. We always find a way." Leonor's smile feels fragile, like glass, shattering at the thought of goodbye.

But some goodbyes linger, etched in memory like a haunting melody.

---

"Leonor? Is that really you?" Therese gasps, her heart racing as she takes in the sight of the woman she thought she had lost.

"Therese. After all these years." Leonor's laugh is disbelieving, a mixture of joy and disbelief.

"I never thought... How have you been?" Therese asks, wanting to bridge the chasm of time that separated them.

"I've been okay. Pero na-miss kita. More than I realized." Leonor admits, her heart swelling with emotions long buried.

"I missed you too. A lot." Therese's voice trembles, the weight of unspoken words filling the space between them.

"Do you remember that last night at the theater? Parang ang tagal na, pero parang kahapon lang." Leonor's laughter echoes with bittersweet memories, the nostalgia flooding her senses.

"How could I forget? That was the night everything changed." Therese's grin masks the vulnerability beneath, memories swirling like an old film.

"I've thought about you so much... what we had, what we lost." Leonor's tone shifts, the gravity of their past hanging heavily in the air.

"I've thought about it too. But now? Ayoko na maghintay. I don't want to waste another second." Therese's voice is firm, a determination forged from longing.

"Then let's not. We've both grown. But some things never change." Leonor steps closer, her hand seeking out Therese's, fingers intertwining as if reclaiming what was once theirs.

"All this time apart... I wasn't sure if I was holding onto a memory or if what we had was real." Therese reflects, her heart pounding, caught between past and present.

"It was real. It still is." Leonor replies, her voice steady yet laced with emotion, as if declaring a truth she had hidden away.

"So what now? Do we keep waiting for the 'right time'?" Therese asks, vulnerability creeping into her smile.

"No more waiting. Let's do this. It's our time na." Leonor states, the resolve in her voice igniting the spark of hope in Therese's heart.

"Are you saying...?" Therese's smile widens, disbelief mingling with elation.

"Yes. Let's get married." Leonor's declaration is firm, her eyes shining with a mix of fear and exhilaration.

--

The sun cast a golden hue over the lush garden, illuminating the vibrant blooms that surrounded Therese and Leonor as they stood beneath an archway adorned with cascading flowers. The soft rustle of leaves and the gentle hum of nature created a serene backdrop for the most significant moment of their lives. Friends and family gathered, their hearts filled with anticipation and love, as they prepared to witness the union of two souls who had weathered storms and emerged stronger together.

Leonor took a deep breath, her heart racing as she gazed into Therese's eyes. "Therese," she began, her voice a mixture of joy and vulnerability, "from the moment I first saw you, I knew you were special. I remember the way your laughter lit up the room and how your kindness touched everyone around you. Over the years, that feeling never went away. Even when we were apart, you were always with me, guiding me in the darkest moments. Today, in front of our family and friends, I promise that I'll never let go of you again. I vow to celebrate your successes and to lift you up during your struggles. I promise to create a home filled with laughter, compassion, and understanding. You are my heart, and I will cherish every moment we share."

Tears shimmered in Therese's eyes as she listened to Leonor's heartfelt words. The weight of their shared history hung in the air, a testament to their journey. "Leonor," she replied, her voice steady yet filled with emotion, "you've been my best friend, my first love, and now, my forever. We've faced challenges that could have torn us apart, but they only led us here, to this beautiful moment. I promise to love you with all that I am, and to never let time or distance take us apart again. I promise to create a life filled with adventure and discovery, to share with you all the beauty this world has to offer. You are my light, and together, we will shine brighter than we ever could alone."

The wind picked up gently, wrapping around them like a warm embrace as they exchanged glances that spoke of a deep understanding and commitment.

As they exchanged their vows, the atmosphere grew thick with emotion. Friends and family wiped away tears as they listened to the heartfelt promises that echoed in the garden, each word resonating with love and sincerity.

Leonor stepped closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "We're finally home."

"Yes. Magkasama na tayo, finally," Therese laughed through her tears, squeezing Leonor's hand tightly, their hearts beating as one. The warmth of their love enveloped them, a protective cocoon against the outside world.

With the garden as their witness, they leaned in, foreheads touching, as they shared a soft, lingering kiss, sealing their vows with a promise that would last a lifetime. The sound of applause erupted around them, but all they could hear was the rhythm of their hearts, intertwined forever.

Ikaw at ako pinag-isa
Tayong dalwa may kanya kanya
Sa isa't-isa tayo ay sumasandal
Bawat hangad kayang abutin
Sa pangamba'y di paaalipin
Basta't ikaw ako tayo magpakailanman