We sat on the soft sand, warm beneath us even as the sun began its slow descent into the horizon. The waves lapped at the shore rhythmically, a calming sound that mingled with the low murmur of voices and laughter from nearby beachgoers. The year had been a whirlwind, and now, as December 31st closed in, there was something bittersweet in the air.

Si Liang Wei, na may malungkot na ngiti, ay sinira ang komportableng katahimikan. "I'm glad I got to experience working with Architect Pablo Roman," he said, his voice steady but thoughtful. He glanced out at the waves, his dark eyes catching the last hints of sunlight. "It's been challenging but rewarding."

Kuya Marco chuckled and leaned back on his elbows. The golden light cast long shadows across his face, making him look older and more contemplative. "Honestly? I hated the idea at first. When I got the news that I was being sent to Bali, I thought, 'Great, now I'm stuck under the thumb of the biggest workaholic in the field.' Pablo Roman is married to his firm; everyone knows that. It's always been his only priority."

Nakinig ako, may bahagyang ngiti sa aking mga labi habang naglalaro ng mga random na pattern sa buhangin. Hindi ko pinalampas ang katotohanan sa mga salita ni Kuya Marco. Architect Pablo was intense, driven, and uncompromising, but that same passion had built a legacy, one I was now a small part of. "It's okay to be single at that age," sabi ko, ang boses ko ay may malambot na paniniwala. "Especially when your career is going so well. Some people find fulfillment in their work. It's their love story."

Kuya Marco nodded, a half-smile playing on his lips as he turned his head to look at me. "True. In our profession, finding a partner who can be patient and understanding is a bonus, not a given. It's rare to meet someone who can handle how time-consuming and draining this life is."

Apinya, sitting cross-legged next to me, let out a small, content sigh. "I'm lucky. My boyfriend knows how important this is to me. He's patient, even when I'm caught up in work for weeks on end. Not many people are like that."

Pumikit si Liang Wei sa kunwaring inis at tumawa. "Can't relate. The idea of love? Sure, it's nice, but when it comes to commitment? Nah. I've tried, but there's just no way I could keep up. So, I settle for flings and one-night stands. No strings, no expectations."

I chuckled softly, sharing a knowing glance with Apinya. The warmth of the sand seeped into my hands, grounding me as I listened to the gentle banter between my colleagues. We were different, each of us shaped by the demands of our careers and personal histories. Yet, here we were, together, reflecting on the year that had tested us, shaped us, and, in some way, connected us.

Apinya's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she leaned in closer, brushing sand off her legs. "So, Shan, what's going on between you and East? I mean, we all see it." Kuya Marco and Liang Wei exchanged knowing grins, their laughter blending with the gentle crash of the waves.

I felt my cheeks warm, caught off guard by their observations. How long had they been noticing? I took a deep breath and glanced at the horizon, where the sun was now just a golden sliver, casting a warm glow over the water. "You guys noticed that, huh?" I said, trying to keep my tone light.

Nagkibitbalikat si Apinya, at lumambot ang kanyang ekspresyon. "It's hard not to. He's always so reserved with everyone else, but with you... he's different."

A moment passed as I gathered my thoughts, the cool breeze stirring the loose strands of my hair. The truth felt heavy, but maybe it was time to share it, even if only a little. "It's complicated," I admitted. "After years of being single—through architecture school, I never really had a serious relationship. It was just casual dating or flings. Nothing serious, just... a way to escape the stress and keep things light."

Liang Wei's smile faded as he listened intently, and Kuya Marco's eyes narrowed, a flicker of sympathy crossing his face.

"But then I met East after architecture school," patuloy ko, habang humihina ang boses ko. "He was different. We connected on a level I hadn't experienced before, like we really saw each other. We'd talk about our pasts, our fears, our dreams. It wasn't just physical attraction; it was... deep. I was ready to commit for the first time. I thought he was too."

Apinya's brow furrowed. "But he ghosted you?"

Tumango ako, ang alaala ay nananatiling matalas, nananatiling masakit. "One day, without warning, he just stopped. No calls, no messages. Nothing. It was like he vanished overnight. At first, I thought something had happened to him, but then I learned through my mother that he was okay, just... struggling. I knew his family issues were weighing on him, and he was still carrying the scars from his ex." I paused, staring at the tiny waves that lapped the shore. "She cheated on him and then got engaged in Canada that same year she left the Philippines. It broke him."

Ang katahimikan sa pagitan namin ay ramdam na ramdam. Even the playful lilt of Kuya Marco's usual banter had vanished as they absorbed my story.

"It must have been hard," Liang Wei finally said, his voice unusually solemn.

Tumango ako, naramdaman ang sakit ng mga lumang sugat ngunit nakaramdam ng ginhawa na naibahagi ko ito. "It was. But it taught me a lot, too. About trust, about letting go. And seeing him now... it stirs up everything I thought I'd buried."

Apinya reached out, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. "You deserve clarity, Shan. And happiness."

I let out a small, bittersweet laugh, the kind that's half-amusement, half-resignation. "The thing is," I added, looking at the curious faces around me, "I only spent three months with East. Just three months. But those three months felt like years. It was like we were living in a romance movie or something."

Kuya Marco raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Three months? And it hit you that hard?"

I nodded, the memories flooding back—the late-night calls that turned into dawn, the way he'd look at me like I was the only person in the room, the way we'd laugh at the most ridiculous things. "Yeah, it did. Everything felt intense and meaningful. We'd share these long conversations about life, our dreams, even the parts of ourselves we kept hidden from everyone else. It was real. Or at least, it felt that way."

Lumambot ang mga mata ni Apinya, ang kanyang karaniwang mapaglarong asal ay nagbago patungo sa mas mapag-unawa. "Sometimes the shortest times can mean the most," she said quietly.

Liang Wei leaned back on his hands, the thoughtful expression on his face illuminated by the soft glow of the moon. "Sounds like the kind of thing that stays with you, whether you want it to or not."

"Exactly," I replied. "It's crazy, isn't it? You meet someone, and for a brief moment, everything aligns perfectly. But when it falls apart, it leaves a mark. Even now, seeing him at the studio, it's like I'm back in those moments, feeling every emotion I tried so hard to bury."

Ang hangin ay tila mas mabigat sa mga kwentong hindi namin masabi. Kuya Marco sighed, breaking the silence. "Love, huh? Never simple in our line of work."

I smiled at that, a mix of irony and acceptance. "No, it really isn't."

The cool saltwater lapped around us as we laughed and splashed, the earlier conversation lingering like a shadow that was slowly fading in the glow of the evening. Apinya suddenly gasped, her eyes wide as she pointed towards the shoreline. "Look, guys! Over there!"

Lahat kami ay lumingon, sumusunod sa kanyang tingin. Kaunting lakad mula sa dalampasigan, nakita namin ang isang lalaki na nakaluhod, hawak ang isang maliit, nakabukas na kahon na may singsing na kumikislap sa liwanag. Ang babae sa harap niya ay nakatayo na may mga kamay na nakatakip sa kanyang bibig, ang mga mata ay malapad sa gulat. Behind them, a small crowd of family members stood, some filming the moment, others holding their breath in anticipation.

It was one of those perfect scenes that felt plucked out of a romantic movie. We watched, captivated, as the man's hopeful expression turned into one of silent waiting. The seconds stretched, thick with expectation.

But then, something shifted. The woman shook her head, her lips forming words we couldn't hear but didn't need to. The man's face fell, the ring still in his outstretched hand. Ang mga ngiti ng nagtipunang pamilya ay isa-isa nang nawala, pinalitan ng mga ekspresyon ng pagkabigla at hindi komportable. The atmosphere, once charged with joy, turned heavy with disbelief and sympathy.

"Oh, my god," Kuya Marco muttered, breaking the stunned silence among us. None of us had expected that. The sadness of the moment settled on our group like a thin mist, blurring the edges of our joy.

"That's... rough," Liang Wei said, wincing as the woman turned and walked away, leaving the man kneeling on the sand, a figure of heartbreak framed by the waves.

Nagpalitan kami ng mga sulyap, isang hindi sinasadyang pag-unawa ang dumaan sa pagitan namin. May mga pangyayari talaga na hindi mo maihahanda 'yong sarili mo, kahit gaano mo pa kakilala ang isang tao o akala mo ay nauunawaan mo sila.

Huminga nang malumanay si Apinya. "Poor guy," she said, her voice tinged with empathy. But soon, the mood lifted as we exchanged silent nods, choosing to let it go. We returned to the water, splashing each other with renewed determination, as if to wash away the heaviness of what we'd just witnessed.

Laughter rose again, bouncing across the open sea, as we let ourselves be swept up in the simple joy of the moment, reminding ourselves that sometimes, happiness was found in these shared, fleeting moments of togetherness.

The night air was electric, a perfect blend of warmth and the crisp ocean breeze that carried the faint scent of salt and tropical flowers. The bar by the beach was lively, filled with music that pulsed in rhythm with the crashing waves. Lanterns cast a soft golden glow over the wooden deck, where people danced and laughed, their silhouettes illuminated under strings of twinkling lights.

I took a sip of my drink, feeling the slight sting of alcohol warm my throat as I sat on the edge of the wooden bench. Umupo si Kuya Marco sa tapat ko, ang mga mata ay kumikislap sa kalokohan habang nakasandal siya pabalik, pinagmamasdan si Liang Wei, na sa kabila ng lahat ay nanatiling kalmado at mahinahon buong araw. There was something about this moment that felt timeless, surrounded by friends, laughter in the air, and the sound of the sea playing like a soundtrack in the background.

Kuya Marco tilted his head and smirked. "Liang Wei, you're acting too well-behaved tonight. Where's the infamous flirt who charms every woman he meets?"

Liang Wei chuckled, swirling his drink with an easy smile. "Not tonight, Marco. Sometimes you just want to sit with your friends and not worry about... distractions." He raised his glass to us with a mock salute.

Apinya, sitting next to me, let out a laugh and leaned forward. "Are you sure it's not because you're considering dating Shan?" she teased, wiggling her eyebrows and sending a playful glance in my direction. I almost choked on my drink, surprised at how direct she was.

Liang Wei's eyes widened, and he let out a laugh that echoed over the music. "Apinya, please! I'm 30, and Shan here is what, 23? That's far from ideal," he said, looking at me with a grin that was both teasing and apologetic.

I smiled back, grateful for the lighthearted nature of the conversation but also slightly embarrassed by the spotlight. The jokes and playful accusations bounced around the table, and I could feel the camaraderie wash over me. These moments were rare—days and nights when work wasn't at the forefront and we could just be a group of friends.

Kuya Marco took a sip of his drink and shrugged, his laid-back smile showing no signs of waning. "Age gaps don't mean what they used to. Who cares anymore?" He leaned forward, pointing a finger at Liang Wei with mock seriousness. "If anyone should consider Shan, it's you, Marco," Liang Wei retorted. "You're 28, and that's not much of a gap."

I chuckled at the banter, the embarrassment fading into amusement as the conversation kept flowing.

Kuya Marco shook his head, a shadow passing over his expression for just a moment. "Nope. One of my life's principles is to never date someone I work with or anyone in the same field. It just never ends well, believe me," he said with a wry smile. The others knew bits and pieces of Kuya Marco's past, how an ill-fated relationship with an architect had ended badly and left him wary of mixing work and romance.

Ang mga mata ni Apinya ay kumikislap sa kuryusidad habang binago niya ang pinag-uusapan, pinapalo ang aking balikat nang mahinahon. "It's funny, isn't it? Shan's the youngest here at 23, and I'm already 25. But look at her, keeping all of us on our toes," she said with a wink.

Bago pa ako makapagsalita, napansin kong lumihis ang tingin ni Apinya sa aming mesa. Ang kanyang ngiti ay medyo nag-alinlangan, pagkatapos ay naging tila nagagalak. "Look who decided to make an appearance," she said, tilting her head toward the bar counter.

I followed her gaze, and my heart gave a strange flutter. There was East, leaning against the bar with a look of thinly veiled irritation as a small group of women attempted to engage him in conversation.Kahit sa ganitong kalagayan, nakadamit ng kaswal na may bahagyang pamumula sa kanyang maputing balat, dala pa rin niya ang parehong malamig at malayong aura. But to anyone who knew him, there were subtle tells—his jaw clenched a little too tight, the way his fingers drummed on the glass in his hand. He was annoyed.

Tumawa ako nang mahina, ang tunog ay nagulat pa ako. Napansin ni Kuya Marco ang aking ekspresyon at itinaas niya ang kilay niya. "Looks like he's in dire need of rescue," I said before I could stop myself.

Kuya Marco caught on, lifting his drink. "East!" he called out, his voice cutting through the noise. Liang Wei and Apinya joined in, waving him over. East's eyes flicked to our table, and for a moment, something in them softened. He excused himself from the women with a polite nod and made his way over, the tension in his shoulders easing with each step.

"Thanks for the save," he muttered as he took the empty seat next to me, the familiar hint of sarcasm lacing his voice. Tumingin siya sa paligid ng mesa, ngunit ang kanyang tingin ay huminto sa akin nang masyadong matagal bago siya kumuha ng bagong inumin.

I raised an eyebrow, trying to act casual as I said, "Couldn't let you suffer out there alone."

The group laughed, and just like that, the conversation shifted back to funny work stories and inside jokes. East's presence changed the air, making it more electric but also comfortable in a way I couldn't quite explain. Paminsan-minsan ay nararamdaman ko ang kanyang titig sa akin, pero pinanatili ko ang aking atensyon sa mga usapan at tawanan, hindi naglakas-loob na direktang titigan siya.

The music pulsed, and the waves rolled in the background. We were all there, caught in a perfect moment between work, ambition, and whatever came next.

The night was a whirlwind of colors and movement. As the familiar tune of 'Stay' by Justin Bieber and The Kid LAROI started playing, the bar lit up with a collective cheer. Tumalon si Apinya mula sa kanyang upuan at hinawakan ang aking kamay, ang mga mata ay malaki sa pananabik. "Come on, Shan! Let's hit the dance floor!" she shouted over the music, her energy infectious. Marco and Liang Wei were quick to follow, whooping as they wove their way through the crowd.

I turned to see East, still seated at the table, watching us with that stoic expression that he wore so effortlessly. For a moment, our eyes met, and I felt that familiar, inexplicable pull between us. Before I could second-guess myself, I reached out a hand to him, raising an eyebrow playfully. "Tara na, East. Live a little," I challenged.

He hesitated, a slight frown creasing his brow, but then something in his eyes softened, and with a resigned smile, he took my hand and followed me to the dance floor. The crowd pulsated with energy, bodies moving to the beat, laughter and cheers filling the space. The world seemed to blur at the edges, leaving only the rush of the music and the exhilaration of being surrounded by friends.

Dancing with East felt electric, each movement synchronized, a silent conversation woven between steps. The lights flashed, catching the gleam in his eyes as he looked at me, his usual guarded expression replaced by something raw, something familiar. Before I knew it, he pulled me closer, our faces inches apart. His breath was warm, tinged with the faintest trace of alcohol, and without thinking, I leaned in, closing the gap between us.

Ang halik ay mahaba at malalim, pinapagana ang bawat ugat sa aking katawan. Around us, the crowd danced on, oblivious to the moment shared between us. Ang kanyang mga kamay ay napunta sa aking baywang, hinahawakan ako na parang natatakot siyang mawala ako, ngunit ang mahika ay nabasag lamang nang magbago ang ritmo, at nagsimula nang sumigaw ang mga tao.

"Ten... nine... eight..." The countdown to the New Year had begun, the energy in the air buzzing with anticipation. East's eyes searched mine, a flicker of hope behind them as he whispered, "Shan, be my girlfriend. Let's try again."

I stared at him, the words hanging between us like a fragile thread. A wave of emotions washed over me—memories of the past, of moments we shared, and of that crushing silence when he disappeared without a trace. A smirk tugged at my lips as I responded, "I'm having a good time, East. Let's just keep it that way." Magaan ang tono ko, pero ang kahulugan nito ay kabaligtaran.

His face fell, the hope extinguished, replaced by a look of hurt and disbelief. For a moment, I felt the sting of guilt, but I reminded myself of how I had felt when he ghosted me, when I was left to piece together what went wrong.

The final countdown hit, and fireworks exploded in the sky above the beach. The crowd erupted in cheers, voices mingling in a chorus of celebration. Humilig ako kay East at bumulong, "Happy New Year, East," malamig at matatag ang boses ko.

Tumingin siya sa akin, ang mga mata'y nababalot ng pagkadismaya. The smile I wore was meant to mask the storm within, but deep down, I knew the wound between us had only deepened.

____

a/n: Double update for today! Will post Chapter 19 later tonight! ;)