Parallels

dito ka lang

Dito Ka Lang - Keiko Necessario and Luis Cortez

AD's definitely a comfort ship, even after all these years. crazy to witness a rare connection that never faltered no matter how much time has passed haha. 

--

When it comes to exhaustion, Alyssa has already mastered dealing with it. Usually, she would stay silent, one that her teammates have already picked up. Pag tahimik na si Alyssa, or their captain's not joining to their banters, that only means one thing, she already exhausted her social battery and needs to wind down to recharge.

That has always been the routine. Alyssa would stay at the corner until she's ready to join the chaos again. Although Ella or Michele, or even Pangs and Tots, would sit beside her in silence at times, Alyssa would always remain silent, you'll always find her arms across her chest while her eyes are closed. Keeping all the exhaustion inside her.

But that changed ever since Dennise came.

"Hi," Alyssa said, standing in front of Dennise who's fixing her things. Their game ended 30 minutes ago and Dennise has already finished taking a shower.

Dennise smiled at Alyssa, "hi! Bakit, Ly?"

Dennise scoot over as Alyssa sat beside her, "10 minutes?" Alyssa asked.

Dennise chuckled, "okay, take your time."

"Thank you, Den," Alyssa said. She closed her eyes and placed her arms across her chest.

Dennise only smiled. She carefully finished fixing her things to not disturb Alyssa's quiet time. When she's done, she looked at Alyssa before leaning against the wall, brushing her shoulder against Alyssa's.

"My shoulders are free for you to lean on, just saying," Dennise whispered while not looking at Alyssa but she felt Alyssa chuckle.

Alyssa obliged, though, and leaned her head on Dennise's shoulder. As soon as she felt Dennise's warmth, she sighed in relief, "why are you always warm, Den?"

"Literally?" Dennise asked.

"Medyo," Alyssa answered and chuckled.

"Ovulating, I guess."

"Ang nerd mo," Alyssa said that made Dennise laugh.

"Binigyan lang kita ng probable na scientific explanation e," Dennise responded.

"Geez, nerd," Alyssa said again, "I'm so tired."

"Tumatanda ka na talaga," Dennise joked, "congrats, by the way."

Alyssa laughed. She opened her eyes and moved back to look at Dennise, "madaya."

"Ang ano?"

"Bakit never kang na-haggard sa games natin? It's unfair," Alyssa said.

"Baliw," Dennise said while laughing.

"Seryoso nga, I always notice it while we're in the game."

"Ah, so you're admitting na you're always looking at me?" Dennise asked, her tone teasing.

Alyssa groaned, "masamang mapansin?"

Dennise shrugged while there's a smile on her face. She noticed a few of Alyssa's hair on her face so what she did was she tucked them behind Alyssa's ear. The shock on Alyssa's face didn't fail to make her laugh.

"Kilig ka?" Dennise asked.

"Pshhhh," Alyssa only hissed. Dennise laughed out loud while seeing the frown on Alyssa's face.

"Pikon," Dennise said, "anyway, Ly."

"Hmm?"

"Do you need a hug?" Dennise asked.

Alyssa's expression softened, she nodded at Dennise who happily pulled her for a hug, "Den..."

"Hmm?" Dennise asked, still hugging Alyssa.

Alyssa hugged Dennise back, "dito ka lang?"

Alyssa felt Dennise chuckle, "literally? Because that's not possible—"

"Dennise naman e," Alyssa whined.

Dennise tightened her arms around Alyssa, "oo, dito lang," she answered, "dito lang lagi."

Alyssa wanted to melt in Dennise's embrace. She already forgot how tired she was, all that she's thinking of at the moment is how safe and secure she's feeling with Dennise beside her.

"Thank you for coming back," Alyssa said.

"Well, nothing beats home," Dennise responded. She moved away for a bit to look at Alyssa and smiled widely at her, "yeah, definitely home."