You stared at the screen glowing in the dark. Twenty messages. All from Stacey.
Your throat tightened, your vision blurring, but it wasn’t the petals this time. Just raw, aching emotion.
You clutched the small vial in one hand—the last drop of Seulgi’s anti-faint tonic—and your phone in the other, trembling. Jennie's words echoed like a curse in your head:
"Decide whether to tell her the truth… or let her fall in love with someone who might not be around long enough... You'll die."
The moment cracked something inside you.
A sob escaped your lips, and you curled into yourself on the bed. Silent, stifled cries broke through your chest. You felt like a child again—powerless, desperate, terrified.
Why you?
Why now, just when Stacey was slowly, finally turning toward you again?
Why does love come with a clock ticking too fast?
You whispered, brokenly, into the dark.
“Bakit gan’to…?” your voice trembled. “Ang selfish ko, ‘di ba, Mochi? Gusto ko siya… gusto ko siya sa tabi ko. Pero… what if I’m just dragging her into my ending?”
Mochi meowed softly from her little bed by the dresser, padding over and nuzzling your hand.
“I like her… sobra,” you sniffled, voice cracking. “But… kung pipiliin ko sarili ko, I might lose her. Kung pipiliin ko siya… I might not even make it kasi mawawala ko pa rin siya because she doesn't even like me.”
You clutched the anti-faint vial tighter, knuckles white.
“Three days. Pang tatlong araw na lang 'tong vial…” you whispered. “Hindi pa ako handa na ako mismo umiwas sakaniya.”
The room was quiet, save for the sound of your shaky breathing, your tears falling freely now.
And your phone buzzed again, lighting up with Stacey’s name.
This one wasn’t just a message.
“Can we talk? Call?”
You stared at the screen, your heart a wreck.
Your thumb hovered over the answer button for a heartbeat too long.
Then, click.
“Hello?” Your voice came out softer than you intended—rough around the edges, shaky, like it had been caught in a storm.
There was silence on the other line for a second.
“Y/N?”
Stacey's voice. Gentle. Cautious. And somehow, it made your tears threaten to fall again.
“Yeah, hey,” you replied quickly, forcing a breath and trying to steady your tone. “Sorry, I—I was just feeding Mochi kanina. Napagod siguro sa biyahe.”
Another pause. She didn’t speak right away.
“…Are you crying?”
You blinked fast, your grip on the blanket tightening. “Ha? Hindi ah. Allergies lang. You know, umuulan lately tapos I broke a glass kanina. Baka napasma ako.”
There was a quiet exhale from Stacey. “You don’t have to lie, Y/N.”
“I’m not—” your voice cracked on the last syllable, betraying you.
“Hey,” she said gently, “It’s okay… I just… I wanted to talk to someone. It’s been a mess lately. And I dunno, you’re the only one who doesn't look at me with pity. I'm on my way ha?”
You stayed silent, your throat closing in again.
“I just feel like… I’m stuck in between,” she continued softly. “Parang Colet and Aiah moved on, tapos Maloi’s being… weird. And I’m here. Floating. Wala akong anchor.”
You bit your lip, hard, tasting blood. You wanted to be that anchor. You are—but only for now. You don’t know how long you have left.
But she doesn’t know that.
And you can't tell her.
So you just whispered, “I’m here. I’ll be here, Stacey. Kahit anong mangyari.”
There was a long, quiet pause on the other line.
Then Stacey said, even softer, “Promise?”
You hesitated… then forced a smile she couldn't see.
“Promise.”
Even if it’s just until the petals take everything.
Even if your time is running out.
You barely ended the call when a soft ding-dong echoed through the house.
Your brows furrowed.
No way…
You rushed to your mirror, wiping under your eyes, trying to fix your puffiness with quick dabs of cold cream. Your heart was still in pieces, your mind screaming, but your body moved on instinct—right to your drawer, pulling out the almost-empty bottle of anti-faint serum Seulgi made.
You unscrewed the cap with shaky hands, muttering, “Just a little. Please, just let this be enough.”
You swallowed a careful dose, the bitter liquid trailing down your throat like cold fire.
Then a knock. Gentle, familiar. “Y/N?” Stacey’s voice called faintly through the door.
You froze for half a beat then ran.
You opened it—just a crack at first—and there she was. Hoodie on, eyes tired but kind. And holding a bag of takeout and a bottle of Yakult.
“Kumain ka na?” she asked quietly.
Your heart thumped painfully. “Ngayon pa lang dapat…” you muttered, opening the door wider.
She stepped inside slowly, eyes scanning you with gentle concern. “You sounded off kanina. I… I couldn’t sleep.”
You gave her a small smile, praying the medicine kicks in fully. “So… you brought Yakult?”
“It’s the only thing I could think of bringing. Sorry, I panicked,” she admitted with a nervous laugh.
You chuckled despite the lump in your throat. “Yakult is always a good idea.”
She walked toward your bed, gently placing the bag on your desk. Her eyes landed briefly on the wilted petal near your trash bin, and for a second, your breath hitched.
Before she could say anything, you moved quickly, kicking the trash gently under the desk.
“Gusto mo dito tayo kumain?” you asked, pointing at the floor space by the bed.
She nodded, sitting cross-legged. “This okay?” she asked again, like she wasn’t sure if she was intruding.
You sat beside her, biting your lip. “More than okay.”
As she began unpacking the food, your body still trembled slightly from everything—Jennie’s visit, the glass breaking, the dying petals. But for now, Stacey was here.
And for now… you would take the moment.
You sat close, your knees almost touching as she opened the paper containers and placed them between you both. The scent of warm noodles and fried dumplings filled the air. Stacey handed you a fork, her eyes flickering toward yours for a second longer than necessary.
"Yung totoo, Y/N…" she started softly, scooping noodles onto your plate, "Are you okay?"
You forced a chuckle, twisting the fork in your fingers. "Ako pa ba? Siyempre naman okay lang ako." But your voice cracked on the last syllable.
Stacey paused, her eyes narrowing slightly. She didn’t press. She just quietly said, "You don’t have to lie to me."
Your hands stilled, the fork halfway to your mouth. You glanced sideways at her and found her already watching you, like she could see through every layer of bravado.
You smiled faintly, looking down. "Pagod lang talaga. Saka… ang daming iniisip. Alam mo na, flower shop dreams, condo… buhay."
"Yung flower shop mo… seryoso ka ba dun?" she asked, soft but curious.
You nodded quickly, eyes lighting up a little despite the ache inside. "Oo. As in, iniisip ko palang yung pangalan, excited na ko. Nakipag-usap na rin ako kina Sheena at Jhoanna, tutulong sila to manage it."
Stacey smiled, that real, tiny smile you missed. “Alam mo… bagay talaga sa'yo yung naisip mong business. Flowers. Yung warmth mo. Yung effort mo. The way you talk about them… parang… buhay din sila inside you.”
Your heart squeezed painfully in your chest. The irony. The tragedy. Buhay para sa'yo pero pamatay sa akin.
Before you could answer, she reached for the Yakult and handed it to you. “O, cheers muna tayo. Para sa bagong simula and friendship.”
You tapped your bottle to hers gently. “Cheers.”
As you both drank in silence, she suddenly leaned against your shoulder, light and hesitant, like she wasn’t sure if she was allowed.
And you—despite everything—let your head lean gently against hers.
For one night, maybe you could pretend this wasn’t a borrowed moment.
For one night, maybe you could forget that the flowers in your lungs were blooming faster than they should.
And that Stacey, the girl with the gentle hands and tired eyes, was unknowingly the one watering them.
You shifted slightly, just enough to glance down at her head resting on your shoulder. Her hair smelled like mild shampoo and a hint of sakura-scented something, soft and oddly comforting. The warmth of her presence made your chest ache—not from the petals this time, but something more delicate.
"Stacey..." you said softly, barely above a whisper. "Si... Ate Maloi."
You felt her body subtly tense, the air between you shifting. She didn’t move away, but her fingers that were loosely holding the chopsticks paused mid-air.
“What about her?” she murmured, her voice guarded but not cold.
You tried to sound casual, light, but there was a weight behind your words you couldn’t mask. “You mentioned sa text... na parang... she's hitting up on you?”
A beat of silence.
Then Stacey let out a quiet, dry laugh, pulling back just enough to meet your eyes.
“Hindi naman exactly hitting up on me,” she said, voice tinged with uncertainty. “Pero… Maloi’s been… sweet. Caring. Yung tipong… napapansin kong lagi siyang nandyan kaht hindi ko naman hinahanap.”
You swallowed, trying to smile. “Baka concern lang talaga. Or… baka gusto ka niya.”
Stacey looked down at her lap, eyes distant. “I know. I’m not stupid… nararamdaman ko. Pero…” she trailed off, then looked at you again. “She’s not the one I want to look at me like that, I want it to be Aiah.”
Your breath caught.
But before either of you could say anything more, she added quickly, almost nervously, “Sorry. Hindi ko sinasadyang sabihin yun. I—baka awkward.”
You shook your head, smile faint, gentle. “Hindi. Okay lang… Thank you for being honest.”
Stacey stared at you for a long second, then leaned back into your shoulder—quieter now, like she was slowly lowering her walls again.
And inside, you couldn’t help but wonder:
If she looked at you like that… would it still be too late?
"Are you…" you swallowed, then continued, "Are you still hoping about Aiah? Kaya ba hindi mo ma-feel si Maloi... kahit obvious na siya na yung nandyan?"
She blinked slowly at your question, your voice soft and almost hesitant.
Stacey didn't answer at first. Her fingers played with the hem of your sleeve, eyes tracing invisible shapes on the floor. For a moment, it was just the sound of the electric fan humming in the corner and Mochi’s soft purring by your feet.
Then finally, she whispered, “I don’t know.”
She looked up at you, eyes glinting under the soft bedroom light.
“Siguro… a part of me still looks back, sa ‘what if.’ Sa ‘kung hindi lang ganito…’” Her voice cracked just a little. “Pero I’m tired, Y/N. I'm tired of chasing people who don't choose me.”
That last line cut through you.
Your heart clenched so tightly you nearly coughed—but you bit your lip and blinked the sting away.
“Then… maybe it’s time to look at someone who's not running away,” you said gently.
She glanced at you sharply, reading between the words. Her lips parted slightly, like she wanted to say something—but instead, she just stared.
Quietly.
Almost hopefully.
But then her phone buzzed again on your bed. She ignored it.
You didn’t push the moment. You let it linger, delicate and unspoken.
Because even if your time felt numbered, tonight… Stacey was here, resting against you.
“Can I sleep over?” Stacey suddenly asked, her voice a little small, a little unsure, as if she didn’t want to overstep but… also didn’t want to go.
You blinked at her, still stunned she’d even ask. “Are you sure? Pano sila Tita Freen tsaka Tita Becky?”
She waved her hand with a soft laugh. “I already texted them. They’re fine with it. Actually… mas gusto pa nga nila na may kasama ako ngayon.”
Your heart stuttered for a second. Silently, you started praying, Please, please, let the anti-faint effect last the whole night. Wala munang petals. Kahit ngayon lang.
You forced a smile, nodding. “Okay… pero—then sleep on the bed. I’ll just tell Mama Yoko and Mommy Faye you’re here tapos I’ll sleep beside them.”
“Uh, no?” Stacey said with an amused raise of her brow. “Why would I take your bed in your own house?”
“Because guest ka? Duh?” you argued, putting your hands on your hips like it made your logic more solid.
“Eh hindi nga ako guest,” she shot back, crossing her arms. “They’re already considering me a roommate, remember?”
You paused. Touche.
Still, you tried again. “Okay fine, pero ako na lang sa couch, or sa floor—”
Stacey narrowed her eyes. “Y/N. Just sleep beside me. It’s not like we haven’t been friends. Huwag ka ngang maarte.”
You opened your mouth, then shut it. Damn her logic again.
“But I move around a lot while sleeping—baka maistorbo ka.”
“Then I’ll move with you.”
You flushed. “Stacey!”
She grinned, clearly enjoying watching you panic. “Just tell your moms na we’ll sleep here. Together. In the bed. Labas muna ako to pee.”
Defeated but flustered, you muttered, “Fine…”
Then under your breath, you added, “...pero ‘di ako makakatulog knowing nandiyan ka sa tabi ko, grabe ka.”
She just laughed, already fluffing your pillows like she owned the place.
If only she knew exactly why it’s so hard for you to sleep with her this close.
You padded softly into your parents' room, hugging your arms around yourself like a shy little kid. Yoko was scrolling through her tablet, glasses low on her nose, while Faye was brushing her hair with slow, regal strokes at the vanity.
You stood by the door, eyes wide and almost trembling for extra effect.
“Hmm?” Faye noticed you first, glancing at your reflection in the mirror. “Anak? It’s late. Bakit gising ka pa?”
“Ma… Mommy…” you tiptoed closer, voice soft and almost too sweet. “Can I… sleep here tonight? Like… between you?”
Yoko looked up from her tablet, immediately suspicious. “Ha? Bakit?”
“Bad dream ba?” Faye asked, turning fully toward you with a more gentle tone.
You quickly nodded and dramatically hugged yourself. “M-maybe? I just feel… safer here.”
Both of them exchanged a look.
“Aren’t you supposed to be enjoying your big bed, hm?” Yoko said, lowering her glasses. “Yung pinili mong big bed 'yan, diba? With all the frilly pillows?”
“I’ll enjoy it tomorrow po,” you said quickly, already climbing between them and snuggling under the blanket. “Promise. Just tonight po. Please po.”
They let you settle in, but not without Faye raising a brow. “You’re not hiding anything from us, are you?”
“No po!” you chirped, wrapping your arms around Yoko’s waist like a shield from the world. “Just wanna feel extra loved tonight. Tsaka para hindi po kayo maingay ulit.”
They both sighed, exchanging a soft, knowing smile over your head—probably chalking it up to stress or your usual clinginess when overwhelmed.
But deep inside, your heart thudded like a drum, Stacey’s just in the next room, and I can’t risk fainting in front of her... not until I figure this out.
“Goodnight, baby,” Yoko murmured, kissing your forehead.
“Goodnight, anak,” Faye added, brushing your hair back.
You exhaled softly in relief. Safe—for now.
You were already nestled tightly between your parents, your face hidden in Yoko’s arm, when a soft knock echoed from your bedroom door down the hall.
Then came the faint creak of it opening.
“Y/N… asan ka na?” Stacey’s voice was quiet, hesitant.
She peeked in, expecting to see you lying in your bed, probably half-asleep. Instead, her brows furrowed when she saw the neatly made bed, empty and untouched. Her eyes darted around. “Y/N?” she called again, now stepping in.
You weren’t there.
A small pout formed on her lips as she stepped out and padded carefully down the hallway. Her hand brushed her hair back as she glanced at the door to your parents' bedroom. A quiet light seeped from under the door. She hesitated only a second before gently knocking.
Inside, you froze.
No no no no—
Your parents looked at each other, then at you, eyes slowly narrowing.
“Who’s that?” Mommy Faye asked slowly.
You buried your face deeper into Mama Yoko’s sleeve. “W-wala po. Probably wind. Or Mochi. I think Mochi knows how to knock now?”
Why do I say stupid things when I’m nervous?! you screamed internally.
The knock came again—firmer this time.
Yoko sighed, shifting you a bit so she could get up, but before she even stood fully, the door opened slightly with a soft creak.
“Uhm… sorry po—hinahanap ko lang po si Y/N, papaalam lang daw po kasi siya sa inyo eh,” Stacey’s soft voice broke through. She peeked in and froze when she saw you squished between your elegant mothers, eyes wide like a caught rat.
“Ah.”
“…Ah.”
Faye and Yoko slowly turned their heads toward you in unison.
“Y/N,” Faye said in a dangerously calm tone, “May bisita ka pala sa bahay? Na hindi mo sinabi?”
“Uhh…” you squeaked, slowly pulling the blanket up to your nose like it was armor.
“Nasa kwarto mo? Ngayon? Gabi?” Mama Yoko added, now staring at you like they were trying to burn holes into your soul.
“She just—Stacey just… spontaneously dropped by po after our call… tapos, she was emotional and—”
“She was supposed to sleep in your room?”
“…We agreed to sleep in the bed… together… for the first time…” you whispered weakly.
Your moms both blinked at you, visibly processing that loaded sentence.
Stacey, now realizing how this looked, awkwardly stepped back and waved her hands. “Po! Sorry po! Wala pong masama na gagawin! As in, we just—usap lang po, I swear! Di niya ako pinatulog sa room niya po—ako 'tong nag-volunteer, I mean—”
You let out the tiniest whimper and hid under the blanket fully. I’m gonna die. Please let our condo be ready tomorrow.
Your heart thudded in your chest as you peeked from under the blanket, watching your moms shift their attention from you to Stacey, who now looked like a nervous puppy caught sneaking food off the table.
Yoko, ever the gentler one, offered Stacey a soft smile. “Huwag kang mag-alala, Stacey. We trust you.”
Faye followed with a small nod, though her tone was as firm as ever, “Wala namang problema. You're always welcome here. But next time, let us know if you’re sleeping over. Hindi ‘yung anak namin lang ang may alam.” Then her eyes flicked back to you. Sharp. Piercing. Deadly calm. “At ikaw, baby, bumalik na sa kwarto mo. Now.”
You whimpered under your breath. “But mommy—”
“No buts.”
“Pwedeng tomorrow morning nalang po…?”
“Now.” Faye’s voice didn’t rise, but it had that quiet weight that left no room for negotiation.
Yoko chuckled softly, brushing your hair back with that deceptive tenderness that still carried finality. “Baka si Stacey pa ‘yung maunang matulog mag-isa sa room mo, ‘di ba? Go. She’s waiting.”
You slowly sat up, dragging the blanket like a reluctant ghost being exorcised. “Fine,” you mumbled dramatically, climbing off the bed.
As you trudged toward the door like you were being marched to your execution, your moms both watched you. Faye whispered to Yoko, “I swear, kung hindi lang ‘yan baby natin…”
“I know,” Yoko whispered back, amused. “Buti nalang cute siya.”
You opened the door and met Stacey, who was still awkwardly standing there with her hands behind her back. You avoided her gaze as you muttered, “Tara na…”
She held in a chuckle. “Sorry, naistorbo kita sa beauty sleep mo.”
You huffed. “I was about to have a peaceful coma between the queens of this house, pero ikaw kasi—”
Stacey just smiled, walking beside you, her shoulder brushing against yours.
“Tulog na tayo?” she said softly.
“Hmm.” You swallowed, feeling the lingering heat in your cheeks.
You both stepped back into your room, Mochi already curled on your bed like she knew this moment was bound to happen.
You settled into your bed, back rigid, body stiff as a board—as far away from Stacey as the mattress could allow. You pulled the blanket up to your nose like it was a shield, eyes wide open, panicking in silence.
Okay lang ‘to... kaya mo ‘to… hindi ka magfa-faint. Hindi ka magka—
But the warmth of her presence. The slight shift of the mattress as she lay beside you. The soft sigh that escaped her lips, the faint lavender scent of her shampoo drifting to your side of the bed—it was all too much.
Too close. Too soft. Too Stacey.
The room tilted.
Then darkness.
You slumped slightly on the bed, body going still.
“Y/N?” Stacey whispered, shifting to look at you, noticing your sudden quiet. She tilted her head, eyes gentle. “Tulog ka na agad?” she said softly, almost amused. “Hindi pa nga ako nagsabi ng goodnight…”
She smiled to herself, pulling the blanket a little higher over your shoulder, then whispered, “Goodnight, Y/N…”
She was about to turn her back to face the other side when she noticed something near your hand—a small, soft petal, barely visible in the low light. She blinked at it, confused for a moment.
“Hmm?” she murmured, reaching out to touch it—
—but Mochi suddenly jumped on her chest with a soft “mrrrow”, distracting her completely.
“Hey! Mochi!” she giggled softly, careful not to wake you, the petal momentarily forgotten.
Unaware that her presence was killing you slowly.
---
The morning sun spilled gently through your bedroom window, casting a warm golden glow across the sheets. You stirred awake, head aching slightly, chest feeling oddly tight—but you quickly realized why when you turned your head to the side.
Petals. Fresh ones. Many.
Your breath caught in your throat. Scattered across your pillow, your blanket, even clinging lightly to your shirt were delicate, pink-hued petals—the kind that never lied. The kind that whispered what you refused to say out loud.
Your eyes widened in panic.
"No, no, no—shit, ang dami nito!"
You scrambled as silently as you could, careful not to wake Stacey, who was still fast asleep, her brows softly relaxed and lips slightly parted as she lay curled under the blanket.
You held your breath and tiptoed to your desk drawer, hands trembling as you grabbed the nearly-empty vial Seulgi had given you.
One last swig.
One last patch.
One last lie.
You downed it fast, the bitter taste biting your tongue, but the effect was instant. The suffocating tightness in your chest ebbed away just enough to keep you from collapsing again. You wiped your mouth with your sleeve, glancing back at the bed where Stacey shifted a little, her arm reaching for where you had been.
You swallowed hard and grabbed a small pouch to collect the petals, hiding them quickly in the drawer beside your notes.
"I need to talk to Seulgi unnie... maybe even Irene unnie… this is getting worse."
You looked back at Stacey.
Her features soft in the morning light. She looked at peace. And somehow, that made it worse.
Because your love was quiet.
Dangerous. Killing you in silence.
And she still didn’t know.
Stacey stirred under the blanket, eyebrows knitting as the soft buzz of her phone vibrated against the nightstand. A gentle chime followed—her mom’s caller ID flashing on the screen. You froze, heart in your throat, watching her groggily reach for it.
"Mm… Ma?" Stacey croaked out, voice still hoarse with sleep. She cleared her throat, sitting up slightly, the blanket sliding down her shoulder. "Yeah, I stayed over… Yeah, I'm safe. Nasa bahay nila Y/N. Huh? Yeah, she’s here. Tulog pa 'ata—"
She glanced at you.
You quickly pretended to still be asleep, curled on your side facing the wall. You felt her eyes on you for a moment longer before she turned her attention back to the phone.
"Okay… I’ll go home later, promise. Love you, Ma."
Silence.
Then you felt the bed shift.
“Y/N…” she called softly.
You kept your breathing steady, pretending to still be asleep.
“Ang cute mo naman kapag natutulog ka…” she whispered, not knowing you were wide awake, fists clenching in the sheets behind your back.
She reached out and gently brushed a stray hair away from your cheek. “Thanks for letting me stay last night… sorry if naabala kita.”
You stayed still, even as your chest ached—not from the disease, but from the words you couldn’t say back.
Why did it have to be her?
Why did it still have to be her?
Then she murmured, “You always feel warm… kahit ang layo mo kanina…”
And her words struck you again—soft, quiet, sincere.
You wanted to cry.
But you swallowed it back.
Because one petal had already fallen last night.
And your bottle was now almost empty.
“Y/N…”
A soft tug on your shoulder made you flinch, but you didn’t roll over yet. Your throat burned—tight, aching, like a vine curled around your ribs, threatening to bloom.
“Y/N, gising ka na?” Stacey’s voice was gentler now, coaxing, as if worried she disturbed your sleep. “Tanghali na oh. Di ka ba mag-aalmusal?”
You slowly turned, eyes half-lidded, a practiced sleepy smile pulling at your lips. “H-huh? Oh… morning…”
“Grabe, kala ko na-coma ka na,” she teased, but there was a flicker of concern in her tone. “Okay ka lang ba?”
You nodded slowly, avoiding her gaze. “Yeah… just… puyat lang siguro.” You offered a sheepish chuckle. “Sobrang lamig din kagabi.”
Stacey softened. “You should’ve told me. Dapat pinilit mo akong yakapin ka.”
You bit the inside of your cheek, masking the way your chest clenched. “Ayoko naman na maging rude sa guest… ikaw nga ’tong biglaan eh.”
“Eh kasi…” she paused, scratching her head, suddenly sheepish. “Ayoko lang… mag-isa. Kaya napunta ako dito.”
Your gaze finally met hers, and there it was—that same sadness lingering in her eyes. “Stacey…” you said gently, voice catching. “You’re never alone. Alam mo ’yan, di ba?”
“I know.” She gave you a small, sad smile. “Pero minsan parang… kahit na maraming tao sa paligid mo, parang wala pa rin, I still feel lonely eh.”
That hurt.
More than the thorns inside your chest.
You slowly sat up, careful with your movement. You didn’t want her to notice the tight way you breathed or how you subtly curled your fingers to stop their trembling.
Stacey reached out to brush a lock of hair behind your ear again. “Thanks, Y/N… for last night.”
You gave a small nod. “Anytime.”
But you knew your time was running short.
---
The scent of garlic rice and fried eggs wafted through the air as you sat quietly at the breakfast table, eyes on your plate while your fork absentmindedly poked the food. Stacey was seated across from you, yawning into her palm while looking adorably disheveled from sleep.
Meanwhile, your moms were fully awake—too awake for your liking this early in the morning.
“So, Y/N,” your mommy Faye started, sipping her coffee with that regal air she always had, “we’ll finalize the condo arrangements this afternoon. Before classes start next week, you and Stacey should be fully settled.”
“Oo,” your mama Yoko chimed in, cutting into a piece of longganisa. “We’ve already talked to Freen and Becky. Nakausap na rin namin ang agent. All that’s left is choosing the final pieces for the interiors and signing the contract.”
You simply nodded, forcing a small smile.
“Ang tahimik mo ngayon, anak,” Faye noted, narrowing her eyes. “You’re not backing out, are you?”
You shook your head quickly. “No, ma. I’m… I’m just tired.”
Your moms exchanged a glance you didn’t miss—half knowing, half suspicious. But they let it pass.
Stacey, still nursing her hot chocolate, perked up. “It’s okay po, tita. Late din po kasi kaming natulog ni Y/N.”
Both your mothers raised a brow at that.
You cleared your throat fast. “I mean—nagkwentuhan lang! Ganun. Nothing big.”
“Hmm,” Yoko hummed, obviously unconvinced. “Well, just make sure everything’s packed by tonight. Bukas, lilipat na kayo.”
“Gusto ko na nga po eh,” you muttered, poking your egg. “Para makapag-set up na rin ng workspace… and… flower things…”
“Flower things?” your mommy Faye echoed.
You froze slightly, then nodded. “Just… tye flower shop po na napagusapan natin.”
Stacey quietly looked at you, her brows gently furrowed in curiosity—but she didn’t press.
As your parents continued talking logistics and color palettes, you glanced at Stacey under your lashes. She gave you a small smile across the table, and your stomach flipped—not just from nerves.
But from the ever-growing bloom inside.
After breakfast, Stacey stood by the door, slipping on her black leather jacket with practiced ease, her helmet hanging from two fingers. You followed her, still a bit quiet, hugging yourself under your oversized hoodie as you walked her out.
When the front gate buzzed open, you both looked up—and there it was.
Athena.
Stacey’s gleaming, jet-black big bike stood outside like something out of a dream, engine softly purring, matte finish shimmering under the soft morning light.
“Oh my god,” you muttered, stepping closer. “This is your motorcycle?”
Stacey smirked, flipping her keys between her fingers. “Yup, Athena pangalan. She missed me na siguro. I haven’t used her much lately.”
Your eyes sparkled, awe momentarily replacing the dull weight in your chest. “She’s gorgeous.”
“I know,” she chuckled, then teasingly added, “Do you want a ride?”
You hesitated, heart skipping for a different reason now. “Ngayon?”
“Later,” she said with a small laugh, putting on her helmet. “I’ll just go home, pack my stuff for the condo later, and pick you up, okay?”
You nodded. “Okay. Drive safe.”
She paused, staring at you through her helmet’s slightly lifted visor. “Hey…”
“Hmm?”
Stacey’s voice softened. “Thanks for letting me stay last night.”
You smiled, small and shy. “Thanks for… being here.”
Then with a playful wink, she revved Athena to life, the roar of the engine vibrating through the air.
“I’ll text you,” she called out, then sped off, the wind catching her hair before she put the visor down.
You stood at the gate, arms crossed against the breeze, watching her disappear around the corner, heart racing—grateful for the temporary dose of Seulgi’s anti-faint… but terrified at how fleeting everything felt.
TBC
Di na kayo nagiingay, nalasing lang ako eh :<