After winning our game against Generika, Jia apologized for her behavior and also thanked me for being there. After that, something changed between us. I can't pinpoint what exactly but it felt like something did.
That or I went full-blown stupid.
I honestly feel like it's the latter.
Masakit pa rin every time I remember Jia and Miguel's interaction and Jia's reaction to Miguel. Masakit pa rin even when Jia said she was fine and she was just surprised but after some thought, she was definitely over Miguel. Masakit until the point na namanhid na ata ako.
I learned to accept that Jia would always have feelings for Miguel. I can't control how she feels or how Miguel feels about her. I only have control on my own emotions and the things that I do. With that control, I chose to ignore everything else.
I will do what will make me happy and once in a while, I would get hurt. It didn't matter. I resigned myself to the fact that eventually, I will get my heart broken.
Who am I kidding diba? Jia may never return my feelings and that hurt but I chose to love not expecting anything in return. I'm hoping for the best but expecting the worst.
I already knew the worst was coming but I choose to stay. Yes. Definitely, full-blown stupid.
My birthday came two days after the conference where we won bronze. I was up early and already prepared when Jia knocked on my bedroom door in my parents' house.
"Happy birthday!" she greeted when I opened the door.
She tiptoed to kiss me on the cheek and hugged me.
I bent and hugged her back and placed my face on her neck.
"Thank you," I whispered. Jia stiffened as probably felt ticklish. Her neck has always been sensitive. "Regalo ko?"
"I'm your gift."
I knew she was kidding and that it was like a custom on our birthdays but still, I didn't let the chance pass.
"Hmmn," I hummed. "If you were really my gift, I'd take you and run. You'd be the best gift ever."
I moved back to look at her but kept my hands on her waist. She was blushing.
"Bakit ka namumula?" I asked with a grin.
"Ang landi mo kasi," she said as she glared at me.
"Ah, umiepekto na ba ang panglalandi ko sayo?"
She pushed my face with her hand and I stumbled backwards.
"Sira!"
I laughed.
I like it when Jia becomes flustered around me. It makes me think that she doesn't see me as a friend anymore. Sure, that doesn't mean she likes me back but I just like her to be a little more aware of me. I just like her to take me seriously a little bit more.
"So ano na ngang gift ko?"
She rolled her eyes at me before taking out an envelope from her backpocket.
"Ooooh, where are we going?" I asked excitedly as I took it.
"Japan. Tatapusin lang natin 'yung team building at the end of the month," Jia said with a smile.
I smiled widely. I love trips with Jia. Nasosolo ko siya on those trips.
"Thank you, Jia! I can't wait!" I said as I placed a kiss on her forehead.
Jia's arms went around me and she laid her head on my shoulder.
"Sorry, it's not as special as your gifts were to me," she said.
"What are you talking about? I love your gift. It's more than watching the game of my idol and having dinner with her," I said sincerely.
Jia moved back and looked at me confusedly.
"How?"
"It's spending days going on an adventure with the girl that I like. No one can top that."
Jia blushed and bit her lower lip slightly that made me gulp. So tempting.
"Landi!" she said and pushed me again. "Ibang level landi mo ngayon, ah."
"Too much?" I asked worriedly.
I didn't want to make her uncomfortable.
She shook her head.
"I told you. I can handle you," Jia said proudly. "Anyway, may plans ka ba for today?"
I shook my head.
"Good kasi I already planned out the whole day. Breakfast with your family, lunch with Maki and Cel, we can do whatever you want in the afternoon, and then dinner with me. How does that sound?"
"Sounds good," I said.
Breakfast and the whole morning with my family was fun. Jia was like a part of the family so it was as easy going as possible. Even though Mom kept teasing the two of us together, Jia handled it pretty well.
Same went for our lunch with Maki and Cel. Those two never stopped trying to bully me even though it was my birthday. It didn't help that whenever Jia and I bantered, they always took Jia's side. Clearly, those two has a favorite.
After lunch, I told Jia I didn't want to do much. I was feeling lazy. So Jia and I bought ice cream and pizza and then, we went back to my condo to watch a movie. It was one lazy afternoon but it still felt like the best birthday.
I think it had to do with the fact that Jia and I were sitting on my couch with my left arm around her and she was leaning into me the whole time we were watching. She even put her left hand on top of mine and entwined her fingers between mine as it laid on Jia's tummy.
My heart was pounding the whole time and my skin tingled feeling her closeness but it was amazing. It felt like we were a couple.
I know, I know. I'm being stupid. But it's my birthday so back off.
For dinner, Jia got us a reservation on my favorite restaurant and we spent the whole time laughing. We were just talking but there was never a dull moment with her.
Since we've been using Jia's car the whole time, Jia was the one who took me home to my condo.
"Thank you for today, Jia," I whispered as I hugged her.
I moved back to talk to her seriously though.
"But seriously, what's up? You've been acting weird since this afternoon."
It was not all the time but I caught Jia staring at me and seemingly want to say something or do something several times already.
Jia looked away hesitantly before shaking her head.
"Nothing. Alis na ako. Happy birthday ulit, Isabel," she said with a smile.
She headed towards the door but I stopped her.
"Jia, come on."
Jia looked up at me. The hesitation in her eyes was replaced by determination.
Jia's hands cupped my face and suddenly, she was leaning into me.
Soft.
Her lips were soft.
Her lips were soft against mine.
"G-good night, Isabel. I-I'll see you tomorrow.
Jia was out the door but I still couldn't move. I was still holding my breath. I was still stunned.
What the fuck just happened?
END OF CHAPTER.
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Author's notes: mas mahaba pa talaga dapat 'to at papadaanin ko pa dapat ang main ship ko pero parang magandang putulin dito eh. Ayyyyyy 😆😆😆
Thanks for reading! And sa lahat ng nagcocomment, maraming maraming salamat! Tamad lang ako magreply pero sobrang appreciated. Thanks ulit!
