Bound by Destiny: The MikhAiah Chronicles

Chapter 3: Falling In Love (4)

It was a late afternoon when Colet found herself standing outside Maloi's apartment, hesitating for the first time in a long while. Normally, she would have barged right in, teasing Maloi about something ridiculous or dragging her out for a meal. But today was different. Today, Colet's heart was heavier than usual, filled with emotions she could no longer ignore.

Colet had always been the strong, protective type—especially when it came to Mikha and Maloi. She was the one who cracked jokes, the one who could handle anything thrown her way. But around Maloi, things felt different. There was a softness in her that only she could bring out, and that terrified her.

With a deep breath, she knocked on the door, her heart pounding in her chest. Seconds later, Maloi opened it, her face lighting up in a way that always made Colet feel warm. "Colet! Ano na naman ang dinala mong kalokohan ngayon?" she teased, stepping aside to let her in.

But Colet didn't laugh like she usually did. Instead, she stood there, her eyes serious, as if she were fighting some internal battle.

Maloi frowned, immediately sensing the change in her demeanor. "Okay ka lang?" Her voice was gentle now, full of concern.

Colet bit her lip, suddenly feeling the weight of everything she had been keeping inside. She walked past her and sat down on the couch, running a hand through her hair. "Maloi, may kailangan akong sabihin sa'yo. At hindi ko alam kung paano sisimulan."

That made Maloi nervous. She had never seen Colet like this—so vulnerable, so hesitant. She sat beside her, her eyes searching hers. "Ano 'yun? May problema ba? Sabihin mo na."

Colet let out a shaky breath, her heart hammering in her chest. She had faced down danger countless times before, but this—this was the scariest thing she had ever done. Finally, she looked up at her, her eyes brimming with emotions she had tried to suppress for so long.

"Maloi, alam mo naman na matagal na tayong magkasama, 'di ba?" she began, her voice quieter than usual. "Kasama kita sa lahat, palagi kang nariyan, kahit ano pa man. Pero... hindi ko na kayang itago 'to. Hindi ko na kayang itago 'yung nararamdaman ko para sa'yo."

Maloi's heart skipped a beat. She stared at her, her mind reeling. Was this really happening? The playful, tough, unshakeable Colet—confessing her feelings? She had always thought of her as her best friend, her partner in crime. But somewhere along the way, her feelings had changed too. She just never thought Colet felt the same.

"Colet..." she began, but her voice trailed off, unsure of what to say. She didn't want to break her heart. She didn't want to lose the one person who had always been there for her.

Colet's eyes shimmered with vulnerability, something Maloi rarely saw. "Hindi ko sinasabi 'to para bigyan ka ng pressure. Gusto ko lang maging totoo sa sarili ko, lalo na sa'yo. Matagal ko nang tinatago 'to dahil takot ako na baka mawala ka. Baka... hindi mo ako maramdaman ng ganito."

Maloi swallowed hard, her chest tightening as the realization hit her. She had been so caught up in her own feelings, so afraid to confront them, that she hadn't seen what was right in front of her—the woman who had stood by her side, who cared for her deeply, who was risking everything just to be honest.

"Colet..." she whispered again, this time more certain. She reached out, gently taking her hand in hers. "Matagal ko na ring nararamdaman 'to. Hindi ko lang alam kung paano sasabihin. Baka nga hindi mo ako seryosohin, eh."

Colet's eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, she couldn't breathe. "Anong ibig mong sabihin?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Maloi squeezed her hand, her heart racing. "Colet, mahal din kita. Alam kong hindi ko na rin kayang itago 'to. Every time na kasama kita, iba yung nararamdaman ko. Hindi lang ito tungkol sa pagiging magkaibigan. It's more than that, and I've been too scared to admit it."

Colet's heart soared, but her mind was still spinning. She had prepared herself for rejection, for heartbreak. But this—this was something she hadn't dared hope for.

"Talaga?" she whispered, her voice trembling with disbelief.

Maloi nodded, her eyes never leaving hers. "Oo, Colet. Mahal kita. Palagi kong minamahal ka, pero hindi ko alam kung paano sabihin sa'yo."

A small, relieved laugh escaped Colet's lips as she blinked back the tears that had been threatening to spill. For the first time in a long time, she didn't feel the need to hide behind her tough exterior. She could be vulnerable, and it was okay.

"Ang tanga natin, no?" she said, a smile tugging at her lips.

Maloi chuckled softly, her thumb gently brushing over her hand. "Oo nga. Ang tagal nating pinigilan 'to, eh pareho lang pala ang nararamdaman natin."

There was a moment of silence between them, not awkward, but filled with understanding. It was like everything had fallen into place.

"Colet, I'm scared too." Maloi admitted softly. "Takot ako na kung maging tayo, baka masira ang pagkakaibigan natin. Pero mas takot ako na hindi natin subukan. Mas takot ako na magpatuloy tayo na parang walang nangyayari, kahit alam nating iba na 'yung nararamdaman natin."

Colet nodded, her grip tightening on her hand. "Pareho tayo. Pero gusto kong subukan, Maloi. Gusto kong makita kung ano 'yung pwede nating maging—kahit na nakakatakot. Kasi hindi ko na kayang itago 'to."

Maloi smiled, a soft, genuine smile that made Colet's heart flutter. "Gusto ko rin, Colet. Gusto kong subukan kasama ka."

Without thinking, Colet leaned in, her lips brushing against hers in the softest, most hesitant of kisses. It was tentative, unsure, but it felt right. When they pulled back, they both laughed nervously, their foreheads resting against each other.

"Ang corny natin." Maloi teased, a grin breaking across her face.

Colet rolled her eyes but smiled too. "Shut up." she said, playfully shoving her, but her heart felt light—lighter than it had in a long time. For once, she didn't feel like she had to be tough, or strong, or unbreakable.

In that moment, with Maloi's hand in hers and the weight of their unspoken feelings finally lifted, Colet felt free.

--------------------------------------------------------