Hate That I Love You

16: marahuyo

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MAVIS

The first day of the school festival passed smoothly, yet it was a memory. Ashi agreed to accompany me at the booth pero hindi rin natuloy dahil kailangan siya sa ibang bazaars and orgs.

I know she didn't want to decline midway but she has to— I entirely understand it and led her even deep inside I was disappointed because I didn't just invite her for fun but because I prepared something special for her that somehow she didn't have a glimpse of dahil naging busy kami pareho.

Her becoming as one of the student leaders is a new level for someone like me who's just a mere volunteer— an indeed trouble maker.

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the next day

It was afternoon when we finished all the tasks, the second day of the school festival drifted long and beautiful.

I honestly didn't have a chance to talk or see her ever since in the morning, so I made my vacant time valuable to see her.

Agad akong nagtungo pabalik sa field at luminga, the west wing was full of students with their own circle, enjoying the sunset— but she wasn't there.

Ilang minuto pa akong naghanap at naglakad bago siya nasilayan, she was there, comfortably sitting below the shade of tree.

Taking a deep breath, I approached, hesitating for a moment as I watched her lost in thought.

The afternoon sun cast a gentle glow on her, highlighting her features. Ang ganda— nakakarahuyo.

Her expression was contemplative, almost peaceful, and for a second, I was afraid to interrupt.

But I knew this was another chance—a small moment where I could simply be there with her, if she'd let me.

“Hey” I began, my voice soft as I tried not to startle her. Ashi turned, her gaze sliding over to me, unreadable but calm. “Beautiful day, isn't it?” I asked, pertaining to the sunset, sitting beside her.

She gave a slight nod, glancing back at the sky. “It is— I guess.” Her voice was quiet, as though she was speaking more to herself than to me.

There was a long pause, and I felt the familiar awkwardness creeping in, a reminder of the tension between us.

But I fought through it, desperate to break the silence that seemed to stretch endlessly.

“You seem deep in thought” I ventured, hoping to keep her talking. “Anything you want to share?”

Ashi sighed, crossing her arms as she finally met my gaze. “It's just—everything's been so complicated, you know?”

I nodded, my heart pounding as I realized she was actually opening up, even if just a little. “Yeah. Complicated is an understatement, honestly. But I'm glad you're talking to me.”

“Bakit ka ba nandito, Mavis?” She asked, turning to face me fully now. Her eyes, usually guarded, held a flicker of curiosity, maybe even a touch of vulnerability.

I swallowed, taking a deep breath to steady myself. “I'm here because I can't keep going knowing I hurt you, Ashi. You have no idea how much I regret everything I did.”

She looked away, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. “You think regrets will fix what happened talaga? You think you can just throw around apologies and make everything okay?”

Her words stung, but I knew I deserved them. I closed my eyes, taking in a deep breath.

“Hindi ko ini-expect na maging okay tayo agad. I know it doesn't work like that… pero ayoko nang tumigil sa pagpapakita sayo na nagbabago ako. Because I care about you, Ashi—more than I realized.”

Ashi's expression softened, but she didn't respond right away. Instead, she leaned against the wall, her gaze distant. “It's not that simple, Mavis— but maybe— maybe I appreciate the effort, prove it please, nalilito na rin kasi ako.”

The faintest hint of a smile graced her lips, and I felt my heart swell with hope. It was small—almost nothing—but to me, it was everything.

“You wouldn't need to say it twice, Ash” I whispered, barely able to believe it. “Thank you for giving me even this small chance.”

Ashi shrugged, but there was a warmth in her eyes that hadn't been there before. “Don't make me regret it.”

“I won't,” I promised, my voice was steady, full of determination. “I won't let you down.”

She nodded, giving me a final look before turning away standing as she walked off, I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face.

It was a start—a small, hesitant step forward. And for the first time, I felt like there was hope.

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Sumunod ang mga araw,  filled with quiet moments, shared glances, and unspoken words.

Each small interaction brought us a little closer, like pieces of a puzzle slowly coming together.

I found myself looking forward to every chance I got to be near her, to listen, to learn, to understand her in ways I never had before.

One evening, after a late student council meeting, I found myself walking beside Ashi again.

The campus was quiet, the air cool and calm, filled with the gentle rustle of leaves as we made our way to the gate.

“Alam mo” Ashi began, her voice breaking the comfortable silence between us, “I used to think you were nothing but trouble, Mavis.”

I chuckled, rubbing the back of my neck sheepishly. “To be fair, I kinda was. I'm still trying to figure out how to be less of that.”

She smiled faintly, the corners of her mouth twitching as she looked at me. “I've noticed. It's—it's good to see this side of you.”

“Only for you” I said softly, the words were slipping out before I could stop myself. Ashi's eyes widened slightly, her cheeks turning pink as she looked away, caught off guard.

“Smooth talker” She muttered, though her tone was playful, and I felt my heart skip a beat at the sight of her flustered expression.

We stopped by the gate, the streetlights casting a warm glow over us as we lingered there, neither of us wanting to end the moment just yet.

For a while, we stood in comfortable silence, simply existing in each other's presence.

“Thanks for tonight,” She finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. “For everything.”

I nodded, my throat tightening as I tried to keep my emotions in check. “Anytime, Ashi. Anytime you need me… I'll be here.”

Ashi nodded, offering me a small, tentative smile before turning to leave. And as I watched her walk away, a surge of determination filled me.

I was ready—ready to be the person she needed, no matter how long it took.

One day, I'd show her that I wasn't just someone who hurt her; I could be someone she could trust, someone she could rely on, someone who would never let her down.

Someone who'll just purely love her.

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