Bini Imagines or AU's

Jhocey

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It had been a whirlwind of a decade for Jhoanna Robles. From a determined high school student to a successful radio broadcaster, she had carved a path out of her passion for storytelling. Her voice echoed in countless homes, her words carrying meaning and comfort to many. Yet, even with all her accomplishments, there was a part of her life she never quite moved on from—a part that still lingered like the faint scent of perfume long after the wearer had gone.

That part of her life was Stacey Sevilleja.

Stacey had been her everything back in high school: the girl who made her laugh until her sides hurt, who kissed her softly in secret corners where no one could find them, and who had taken a piece of Jhoanna's heart with her when they parted ways after graduation. They were young and in love, but life had taken them down different paths, and soon, they lost contact.

Jhoanna had long since stopped wondering what could have been—until that evening when their worlds collided once again.

~~~~~~~~~

It was a humid Friday evening in downtown Manila. Jhoanna was leaving the radio station after a particularly grueling day, her brain buzzing with the weight of the stories she had told on-air. She had her headphones slung over her neck and was mindlessly scrolling through her phone when she heard a voice—a voice she hadn't heard in years, yet it was unmistakable.

"Jhoanna? Is that you?"

She froze. Her heart lurched as she slowly turned around, and there she was.

Stacey.

Jhoanna's breath caught in her throat as her eyes landed on the woman standing in front of her. Stacey had grown into a beautiful, elegant woman—her polished flight attendant uniform hugging her figure perfectly, her hair neatly pinned back, and a bright red lipstick framing her signature smile. Her presence was radiant, just as it had been all those years ago.

"Stacey," Jhoanna breathed, her voice barely a whisper. "Wow... I didn't think I'd ever see you again."

Stacey laughed lightly, her eyes sparkling under the city lights. "Neither did I. It's been, what, ten years?"

"Almost," Jhoanna nodded, the ghost of a smile creeping onto her lips.

They stood there for a moment, letting the gravity of the moment settle in. It felt surreal to see each other after so long—both of them older, wiser, but still holding onto pieces of the past.

"You look amazing," Jhoanna said, her voice betraying the excitement bubbling beneath her calm exterior.

Stacey blushed slightly, waving off the compliment. "You're one to talk, Ms. Radio Broadcaster. I've been hearing your voice on the air for years."

"I didn't think anyone from our past listened to my show," Jhoanna admitted sheepishly.

"I never stopped listening," Stacey replied, her gaze softening as she met Jhoanna's eyes.

They decided to grab coffee and catch up—a casual plan that quickly turned into hours of talking, laughing, and reminiscing about their high school days. It was as if time hadn't passed at all. Their connection was still as strong as ever, the chemistry between them undeniable.

As they parted ways that night, Jhoanna couldn't help but feel that the universe had given her a second chance—a chance to see what might have been if they hadn't drifted apart.

~~~~~~~~~

The weeks that followed were filled with more meetings—what they called "friendly catch-ups." They explored old haunts, went to new cafés, and even found themselves laughing over shared memories of high school. Stacey would tell Jhoanna stories about her flights, the far-off places she'd traveled to, and the passengers she'd met. Meanwhile, Jhoanna would fill Stacey in on the world of broadcasting, sharing the behind-the-scenes of what went into her radio shows.