When Distance Bloomed Desire

Seraphina Vera Valleroux, or simply just Serra, grew up side by side with Kaixian Declan Chen-Declan to everyone who knew him well. From the very start, they've always been together as best friends, almost inseparable since both their moms are best friends as well. Both Filipinas raised in the U.S., their moms shared a bond that made their kids feel like family.

***

By the time high school started, Declan changed. Parang may pinagdadaanan siya, and he began to pull away. Pero ako? I didn't get the hint.

We've known each other even before we could talk.
Somewhere along the way, I realized... I like him.
Not just as my childhood friend, but as someone more.
And it feels like he enjoys having me around too. Our families are close, and we grew up together.
So really, what could possibly go wrong if I tell him? Right??

Wrong!

One afternoon, lakas loob kong sinabi sa kanya, "Declan, gusto talaga kita."

Pero yung sagot lang ni Declan ang nagpaiba ng pananaw ko sa mundo kong sa kanya lang ang ikot.

"I'M GAY, Serra. We're just not meant to be like what you expect US to."