Chapter 11

5 3 0
                                    

Now, I'm back. Ang dami nang nangyari, but here we are again—full circle. Fate really has a funny way of bringing you back to places you thought you'd left behind.

"I—" his voice broke, eyes misty. "I miss you, Meera." He smiled, but I could see the tears welling up.

I closed my eyes, trying to hide my own tears. Without thinking, I hugged him, burying my face in his shoulder. "I miss you, too, star," I whispered, holding on tightly. I hoped he wouldn't notice how much it hurt.

I always prayed for him, even when I was far away. Whenever I missed him, all I could do was hope for his happiness.

"I have good news," he said, his voice brighter now.

"What is it?"

"Shai and I... we're getting married." He grinned, happiness radiating from him.

There it was. The words I knew would come. He's been waiting for this moment, and now it's finally happening. I smiled—because I am happy for him. He found his person, his love.

"Attend ka ah, magtatampo ako kapag wala ang best friend ko sa kasal ko."

"Of course, I'll be there," I replied, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside.

"Ah, Meera, tulungan mo nga ako," he said, scratching his head sheepishly. "Di ko alam kung magugustuhan ni Shai itong kanta for the wedding entrance. Let's pretend you're Shai. Think she'll like it?"

"Sige, pakinggan ko."

Authors Note: if u wish to hear the music just click the video on top ^-^

He played "Snow On The Beach" by Taylor Swift ft. Lana Del Rey. I closed my eyes and listened to the song. For a moment, I allowed myself to dream. Dream of being the girl he cherished. It hurt, yes—pretending always hurts. But I couldn't be with Rios. His heart was never mine to keep.

He endured so much for Shai, and despite the pain, he never gave up. I admired him for that. I was proud of him.

"It's wonderful," I said softly as the song ended.

"She'll be happy," he whispered, a soft smile playing on his lips.

"I'm sure she will," I assured him.

And with that, I realized it's okay. I'll always be his best friend because we can't fight fate. But at least I've learned something, love doesn't always need a grand confession. I love him, and that's enough. I know he feels it, too, even if we never say it out loud.

•••

Our Fleeting GlancesWhere stories live. Discover now