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BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
The alarm still kept ringing nonstop on the small desk beside their bed. Stacey grumbled and coddled deeper inside the blanket.
'Ugh. Jho was supposed to turn the damn thing off.'
She forced her eyes open and glared at the clock.
6:11 AM. 'Jho should’ve been awake by now.'
Stacey groaned. Sitting up and turning the alarm off, a bit irritated, she looked over at her side and saw Jho there.
Stacey raised a brow and gave Jho a shake on the shoulder. She tried a few more times, but Jho didn’t move. Her skin felt hot. Stacey reached for the bedside lamp and flicked it on.
Jho was panting, ragged, sweating profusely even though the AC was on. “Shit,” Stacey mumbled.
She swung her legs off the bed and stretched before heading to the bathroom. She opened the cabinet. Barely anything—just a few medicines for coughs and runny noses. Stacey rubbed her face with both hands and let out a frustrated sigh.
Stacey walked back out of the bathroom. She had to get ready soon, but she couldn’t leave Jho like this.
She looked over at Jho once again and saw her stirring awake. Her expression was twisted in discomfort. Stacey sat back on the bed and gently fixed Jho’s hair.
“Good morning,” Stacey said softly. “You’ve got a fever.”
Jho’s eyes flicked up at her, teary, her body hot under Stacey’s hand. “Why… why didn’t you wake me earlier? Now I’m gonna be late!”
Stacey leaned down slightly, pinning her lightly to the bed. Her gaze deadpan. “No. Magpahinga ka muna. May sakit ka, okay?”
Jho frowned, pouting slightly, but didn’t argue further. Stacey adjusted the blanket over her, smoothing it out.
'Damn it, she’s burning up…'
Jho still stubbornly sat up. But when her head throbbed painfully, she winced and sank back down.
Stacey crossed her arms and scowled. “Antigas ng ulo mo. Sabi ko humiga ka lang.”
Jho glared at her but deflated under the fever.
Stacey stood up. “Stay in the dorm today. I’ll excuse you from your council duties and cover your classes. You’re not going anywhere.”
Jho nodded weakly.
Stacey turned and grabbed her ironed uniform from the closet. “Alright, I’m going to shower first. We’ll figure out the rest after.”
She paused for a moment, glancing back at Jho to make sure she was settled before heading to the bathroom.
Jho sulked, pulling the blanket tightly around herself. She grumbled softly, her eyes still teary even in the dim light, her body aching unbearably.
...
Ten minutes passed before Stacey finally emerged from the bathroom, dressed and dolled up. Her movements were hurried, but she paused to glance at Jho.
“You want something to eat before I go?” she asked.
Jho looked up weakly. “Um… fried rice… and scrambled eggs,” she mumbled.
Stacey nodded. “Got it.”
She quickly gathered the cooking equipment and ingredients from the dorm’s small kitchen, moving efficiently but keeping an eye on Jho as she started preparing breakfast.
Once done, Stacey quickly but carefully plated the food and set it down on the side of the bed. Jho sat up, muttering a weak, “Thanks.”
Stacey hurriedly grabbed her shoes and started pulling on her high knee socks, slipping each foot in carefully.
Before stepping away, she leaned down and pressed a soft peck to Jho’s lips. Pulling back, she patted Jho’s cheek.
“Rest, okay? No work today,” Stacey said softly. “I’ll see if I can grab some mangoes from outside the campus for you.”
She stood, taking one last glance at Jho, making sure she was comfortable before finishing getting ready.
Jho looked up, a small smile creeping onto her face as she watched Stacey head toward the front door.
“Bye!” she called out, a bit more enthusiastically than usual.
Stacey waved slowly, giving her one last reassuring glance before stepping out.
Jho turned back to her plate and began eating, her excitement barely contained.
She can’t wait for the mangoes, she thought, savoring the first bites.
——
Stacey hurried out of the dormitory building, grabbing her phone from her shoulder bag and checking the time. 7:12 AM.
She inhaled deeply and exhaled sharply. Eighteen minutes. The classroom was a bit far from where she was, and students were already crowding the path, rushing in all directions.
Stacey weaved through the throng, her bag bouncing slightly against her side.
'Gotta make it in time..'
Stacey arrived just in time for class—well, five minutes early, and just a minute before the teacher came in and shut the door to block any more late students.
She heaved a relieved sigh, sliding into her seat and adjusting her bag.
“Yikes, that was close,” Sheena whispered, nudging her lightly.
“Yeah, tell me about it,” Stacey murmured back, glancing at the clock. “Thank god.”
Before Sheena could respond, the teacher’s strict voice cut through the chatter, making the whole class stiffen instantly.
“Good morning, everyone. Please settle down,” Ms. Ramos said sharply, eyes scanning the room like a hawk.
Stacey straightened immediately, trying not to draw attention.
Sheena leaned closer again, whispering, “Lucky you made it. The others failed to make it.”
“Yeah,” Stacey whispered back, lowering her voice. “No way I’m letting that happen to me today.”
The class quieted further as Ms. Ramos began writing on the board, and Stacey shifted her bag to the floor, keeping one eye on the door for anyone else who might try slipping in late.
——-
After a few more boring classes—or at least that’s what Stacey would call them—lunch finally came.
Thank God it was an hour.
She gathered her things as students filed out of the room.
Sheena waited for her with a smile. “So… cafeteria or outside? You eating with us?”
Stacey paused, slinging her shoulder bag over her shoulder. “Sorry, I can’t eat with you guys today. I’m heading back to the dorm. Jho's sick.”
Sheena raised both brows, realization dawning. “Oh… okay.”
As they stepped out of the classroom together, Stacey added, “I’ll stop by outside first—get some mangoes for her—then go back and cheer her up a bit.”
Sheena nodded, smiling. “You’re really dedicated.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Stacey replied with a grin, shaking her head. “Someone’s gotta take care of her.”
Sheena grinned. “Awww, you’re so in love.” she teased.
Stacey rolled her eyes. “Please. You’re just feeling lovesick because Gwen’s not around anymore.”
Sheena gasped, crossing her arms, “How dare you—” but Stacey just laughed, shaking her head. “Byebye, I gotta hurry,” she said, pushing open the door and stepping outside.
As she walked out of the campus, Stacey felt a few stares on her—not the judging kind, but more like awe and admiration.
She hummed lightly and flipped her hair, striking a little pose for anyone watching. Of course she had fans.
Stacey smirked to herself. Being cheer captain had its perks.
But everyone also knew she wasn’t free to mingle. Not at all.
She adjusted her bag on her shoulder and started weaving through the crowd, keeping her pace steady while glancing toward the street where the fruit stalls were.
....
Stacey quickly stepped onto the streets where fruit stalls and diners lined the sidewalk. She examined the prices, squinting slightly as she searched for any ripe mangoes.
Five stalls down… three to go. Stacey silently hoped at least one of the remaining stalls would have some.
She scanned the first—nothing. The second—still no luck. And then… yes!
Her eyes widened, and a smile spread across her face.
She quickly reached for her wallet inside her bag. “Hello, magkano po sa isang kilo na manga?” she asked the kind old lady.
The lady began weighing each fruit carefully. “One fifty pesos per kilo, hija,” she said.
Stacey thought for a moment, then nodded. Six ripe, medium-sized mangoes. Totally worth it.
Stacey smiled and handed the kind old lady the exact amount, adding an extra thirty pesos as a tip.
The lady’s voice carried a hint of gratitude. “Ay wag na, hija. Nakakahiya naman itong tanggapin.” the kind lady said, trying to hand the extra money back.
Stacey shook her head. “Di po, take it. Para po iyan sa paghirap niyo.”
The old lady paused, contemplating for a moment, then finally nodded and accepted the money. “Salamat, hija.” She carefully placed the six mangoes into a clear plastic bag.
Stacey nodded. “Walang anuman po.” then she turned to leave
Stacey sighed, putting the plastic in her bag so nothing would spill. “Perfect,” she muttered to herself.
Stacey hurried back inside the campus, her mind set on heading straight for the dormitory building. She had barely taken a few steps past the gate when she suddenly stopped.
She frowned, confused for a split second—then her eyes widened.
“Oh, shoot.”
Jho. She forgot to excuse Jho to the council.
“Damn it,” Stacey muttered under her breath, already turning around. It wouldn’t take much time anyway. With a quick pace, she headed deeper into the school, climbing flight after flight of stairs until she reached the familiar door of the student council room.
She knocked twice.
“Come in,” a voice called.
Stacey opened the door and stepped inside. Several council members were seated around the table, papers and laptops scattered about. The vice president looked up, surprise flickering across her face.
“Stacey?”
Stacey didn’t waste a second. “May sasabihin lang ako. Regarding Jho's absence—”
The vice president smiled gently, cutting her off. “Ah okay na yan. Jho already informed us through the group chat.”
Stacey froze mid-sentence.
“Oh.”
A beat passed. Then another.
“Oh… okay.”
Heat crept up her cheeks, and she let out a small, embarrassed laugh. “Sorry for the interruption, then.”
The vice president chuckled. “No need.”
Stacey nodded, gave a quick wave, and quietly made her exit, shutting the door behind her.
She pressed her lips together, still flushed.
“That was so embarrassing,” Stacey huffed to herself as she walked out of the school grounds and headed toward the dormitory building. She shook her head, trying to shake off the memory, and focused instead on the familiar path leading home.
Reaching their dorm, Stacey unlocked the door and pushed it open. The sight that greeted her immediately softened her expression.
Jho was up and about, seated at her personal desk with her laptop open, eyes focused on whatever she was watching. Stacey smiled quietly and closed the door behind her.
Jho glanced up. Her face lit up almost instantly.
“Stakuu!”
She stood and walked over, wrapping Stacey in a hug. Stacey hugged back without hesitation.
“How are you feeling?” Stacey asked softly.
Jho pulled away first, and Stacey dropped her bag by the door. “Still not great,” Jho muttered. “I checked earlier. Fever’s still there.”
“How high?”
“Thirty-eight..point forty something.”
Stacey nodded, concern flickering across her face. “Sit back down,” she said gently, guiding Jho toward her desk. “No standing too much.”
As Jho complied, Stacey reached into her bag. She pulled out the clear plastic filled with ripe mangoes and set it on the desk.
Jho’s eyes widened. Then she smiled—wide and bright, like she’d just been given the best surprise of the day.
“You got mangoes?”
Stacey grinned.
Stacey pointed a finger at Jho. “Stay put. Magluluto nako.”
“Okayy,” Jho replied obediently, already moving her laptop to the small dining table.
The table was just big enough to fit a couple of viands and rice, but it worked. She settled there, clicking play on whatever she had been watching earlier, occasionally glancing toward the kitchen.
Stacey set the mangoes—still neatly tied in the plastic bag—aside on the counter. “Those are for after,” she said, almost like a reminder to herself.
Jho huffed in disapproval. “Awh.. I've been craving it.”
Stacey laughed under her breath and pulled out the marinated chicken from the fridge. “It's Adobo for today.”
Jho looked up immediately. “Oh really?”
“Yup,” Stacey said, grabbing a pan. “Good thing I already marinated this last night. We can eat this now and still have some left for dinner.”
“You always plan ahead,” Jho teased.
Stacey shot her a look over her shoulder. “Right?”
“Right.” Jho replied, smiling.
Soon, the familiar sounds of cooking filled the dorm—the soft sizzle of oil, the clink of utensils, the faint aroma of soy sauce and vinegar slowly spreading through the room. Jho leaned back in her chair, comforted by the smell alone.
“Smells so good,” Jho said. “I missed adobo.”
Stacey glanced back at her. “You literally ate this four days ago.”
“Still missed it,” Jho replied, unapologetic.
Stacey shook her head fondly and continued cooking, occasionally checking the time. They still had enough minutes before her next class, and she was determined they’d eat properly—together—before she had to leave again.
Once everything was ready, Stacey scooped rice onto two plates and carefully ladled the adobo on top. The steam curled up, filling the dorm with an even richer smell.
Jho looked up from her laptop. “ Staku,” she started casually, then hesitated for half a second. “Can I go out later and watch you practice with the cheer squad?”
Stacey paused mid-motion and slowly turned to her. One brow raised. “Hindi.”
Jho blinked. “What do you mean no?”
“May sakit ka,” Stacey said flatly. “You have a fever. Standing outside for hours is just going to make it worse.”
“But uupo lang ako at manonood,” Jho argued. “Di ako gagalaw.”
Stacey shook her head, setting Jho’s plate down in front of her. “That’s still a no.”
Jho frowned immediately. “Staku…”
“Hindi,” Stacey repeated, firmer this time.
Jho slumped back in her chair, lips puckered in a pout. “I promise I’ll be careful. I’ll bring water. I won’t stay long.”
Stacey crossed her arms. “You said that last time you were sick.”
“Iba yun,” Jho muttered.
Stacey sat down across from her, holding her own plate. “You’re not going.”
Jho groaned softly and rested her forehead on the table. “You’re so strict.”
“And matigas ulo mo,” Stacey shot back, frowning right back at her.
Jho peeked up at her, eyes slightly watery from both fever and frustration. “Please?”
Stacey clenched her jaw, clearly annoyed now. “No—”
“I’ll be extra careful,” Jho insisted quickly. “I swear. I just want to see you.”
Stacey stared at her for a long moment, irritation written all over her face. She knew that look. Jho wasn’t going to back down.
“…Fine,” Stacey said at last, exhaling sharply. “But if you feel even a little worse, you’re going straight back here hah?”
Jho’s face lit up instantly. “Oo nga?”
“Yes,” Stacey warned, pointing her spoon at her. “And you’re sitting the whole time.”
Jho nodded eagerly. “Okay, deal!”
Stacey shook her head, muttering, “Kulit,” before finally taking a bite of her food.
Jho smiled to herself and picked up her spoon too, clearly pleased she’d won—this time.
Stacey finished her food first, glancing at the time on her phone. Fourteen minutes. Tight, but manageable.
She stood up and grabbed the mangoes, washing them quickly before cutting one, then another. Her movements were practiced and careful, slicing the bright yellow flesh neatly and arranging them on a small plate. When she set it down in front of Jho, the reaction was immediate.
Jho practically leaned over the table. “Oh finally,” she muttered, already reaching for a slice.
Stacey snorted. “Wipe your mouth. You’re drooling.”
Jho ignored the comment, chewing happily.
Stacey grabbed her bag and slung it over her shoulder. “Okay. After you eat, clean up. If you feel too tired, just put the plates and utensils in the sink. I’ll wash everything when I get back.”
Jho nodded quickly, mouth still full. “Mmhmm.”
Stacey slipped her shoes back on, glancing at Jho one last time. The sight made her smile despite the rush. “Don’t overdo it, okay? Rest.”
Jho lifted a mango slice in response, like a promise.
Stacey headed for the door, waving. “We’re buying medicine for your fever later tonight,” she called out.
“Okay!” Jho answered between bites.
With that, Stacey stepped out and shut the door behind her, already picking up her pace as she headed back out.
....
But Jho suddenly stopped mid-bite.
She set the half-eaten mango slice down, hesitated for only a second, then stood up and slipped out of the dorm.
Stacey hadn’t gone far yet.
“Staku!” Jho called, voice a little breathless.
Stacey froze. She turned around fast—and her eyes widened when she saw Jho standing there.
“What are you doing out—” Stacey started, already walking back, hand reaching out to drag her inside.
She didn’t get the chance.
Jho leaned in and kissed her.
It was quick. Soft. Barely a few seconds.
Stacey short-circuited.
When Jho pulled back, Stacey was bright red, staring at her like her brain needed a reboot.
Jho smiled, small and pleased. “You forgot that.”
Stacey blinked. Once. Twice. “You—” She pressed a hand to her face.
“Yeah, yeah,” Jho said, still smiling. “But you really did forget.”
Stacey sighed, defeated, then gently took Jho by the wrist. “Ugh. Come on. Back inside. Now.”
Jho let herself be guided, still grinning like she’d just won something.
———
After that, Jho behaved—as Stacey finally left for class.
She finished the mango slices Stacey had cut for her and washed the dishes carefully, moving slower than usual but making sure everything was clean and put back where it belonged. Even with her head still aching and her body warm with fever, she didn’t want Stacey coming back later to more work after what would definitely be a brutal cheer practice.
Once everything was done, Jho flopped back onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling.
Her mind drifted immediately.
What to wear later. Something soft. Something warm. A hoodie, maybe. Joggers. Nothing too heavy, but enough to block the cold air once the sun dipped.
Then she remembered.
“Oh—right.”
Jho pushed herself up again and walked to the foot of the bed. The box was still there, tucked neatly where she’d left it. She let out a small sigh of relief before picking it up and sitting back down.
Inside was the morganite necklace.
The one Stacey had stared at for a little too long whenever they passed the jewelry stall. The one she’d brushed off with a laugh, saying it was “too much” even though her eyes always lingered.
Jho smiled softly.
She hadn’t managed to give it on Stacey’s birthday a week ago. Six thousand pesos wasn’t exactly easy to come by, not with classes and council work—she’d only been able to buy it two days ago after working through the weekend.
Late or not, it didn’t matter.
She closed the box gently, holding it against her chest for a moment.
She’ll smile, Jho thought, certain.
And that alone made the fever feel a little lighter.
Jho slept for a few solid hours after carefully putting the box back where it was hidden. Before closing her eyes, she set her phone alarm for the end of classes.
3:30 PM.
She didn’t bother fixing her position on the bed. The moment her head hit the pillow, she was out.
—
The alarm went off loud and unforgiving.
Jho winced, fumbling for her phone before turning it off a second later. She lay there for a moment, staring up at the ceiling, eyes a little red but rested. It had been a good sleep—heavy, uninterrupted.
She groaned softly and stretched, joints cracking one after another.
“Ah… finally,” she muttered.
Grabbing her phone, she checked the time, then quickly typed out a message to Stacey, telling her she’d get ready and meet them at the field.
Send.
Jho pushed herself up and sat on the edge of the bed. The fever was still there, lingering, but it wasn’t as crushing as earlier. Uncomfortable, yes. Of course.
She stood and walked to the closet, pulling out something comfy: a loose hoodie and oversized pants. Warm.
She changed quickly, tied her hair back, and slipped on her shoes.
Before heading out, Jho paused by the bed.
She reached down and pulled the small box from where it was hidden, holding it for a second longer than necessary. Her thumb brushed over the lid.
A small smile formed.
With one last glance around the room, she grabbed her phone and headed out, closing the dorm door quietly behind her—gift in hand, heart a little lighter.
At this time, some students were already heading back, probably those planning to rest early. Most, however, were still outside, either hanging out or running last-minute errands. Those with trainings and duties would stay busy well past six.
A few students noticed Jho as she stepped out of the dormitory building. “Uy, Pres!”
“Good afternoon!” one called politely.
Jho smiled softly and gave a small wave in return. “Hello.”
She walked past the clusters of students, careful to keep her pace steady despite the lingering warmth in her body.
The large field at the back of the campus came into view, wide and empty except for the scattered cheer squad members stretching and moving around, preparing for practice. Jho tightened her grip on the small box, and continued her walk toward the field.
Reaching the field, Jho climbed up to the bleachers and sat down. From here, she had a perfect view of the practice area.
The wind was already picking up, ruffling her hair slightly, even though it was only 4 PM.
Down on the field, the cheer squad was starting to warm up, stretching and moving through the early steps of their drill. And there—right in the middle—was Stacey, commanding the group with effortless confidence.
Jho smiled softly, placing the small box beside her on the bleacher. She leaned back, letting the wind brush against her face, but her gaze stayed fixed on Stacey.
She really was beautiful.
Every movement, every confident shout, every graceful step—it drew Jho in more than she cared to admit.
It didn’t take long for Stacey to notice Jho from the far side of the field. She waved, then broke into a run, weaving between the cheerleaders who continued their drill without missing a beat.
Stacey climbed the few bleacher steps quickly and finally reached Jho. She cupped both of Jho’s cheeks gently, concern written across her face. “Hey… you doing okay?”
Jho cackled softly, brushing her thumbs over Stacey’s hands as she held them against her cheeks. “I’m fine,” she assured.
Stacey let out a sigh of relief, her shoulders loosening. But then her gaze flicked downward.
The box.
Her brow rose almost immediately.
Jho noticed, a small smile tugging at her lips, but she didn’t say anything—letting Stacey’s curiosity do the work.
Of course, Stacey had to ask about it.
“What’s that?” she demanded, eyes narrowing playfully.
Jho rubbed the back of her neck, glancing away. “I’ll show you after your practice…” she mumbled.
Stacey shook her head, stepping closer. “Nope. I want to know now.”
Jho tried to protest. “Staku—”
“Nope,” Stacey cut her off, voice firm. “Hand it over.”
Jho sighed, defeated, and finally surrendered. She picked up the box carefully and held it out. “Fine. Open it,” she said softly.
Stacey’s fingers trembled slightly as she took it, excitement and curiosity mixing in her chest. She opened the box. Inside was… another smaller jewelry box.
Stacey’s eyes flicked to Jho. “Wait—what’s this?”
Jho just smiled faintly, standing and moving closer. “Open it.”
Taking a deep breath, Stacey lifted the lid of the inner box.
Her eyes widened.
Inside lay the beautiful morganite necklace she’d been eyeing for so long.
Jho stepped forward and hugged Stacey tightly. “Sorry it’s late… my gift to you, even if it’s a week late.”
Stacey was too stunned to speak, too emotional. Her chest tightened, and tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, threatening to ruin her carefully done makeup. She could only stare, clutching the necklace in her hands, heart full, unable to form words.
Jho rested her head against Stacey’s shoulder, quiet and patient, letting the moment sink in.
Stacey slowly closed the box as Jho pulled back slightly, her eyes searching Stacey’s face.
Stacey wiped at the tears threatening to ruin her makeup and pouted.
Jho chuckled softly. “What’s with the look?”
Stacey gave her a light punch on the shoulder. “It’s your fault if my makeup’s ruined now! And if I can’t focus during practice, it’s on you!”
Jho’s lips curved into a teasing smirk. “Well, I did tell you to wait until practice was done.”
Stacey glared at her, but it softened quickly into a smile. “Still… best gift ever,” she admitted, her voice catching slightly.
Jho grinned, stepping forward. “Glad you love it.”
They hugged once more, tight and lingering, letting the wind brush around them.
Stacey pulled back from the hug, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face.
“Hey,” she said, switching the topic abruptly, “go back to the dorm after an hour or so, okay? You’re still sick.”
Jho groaned, leaning back slightly on the bleacher. “But… I wanted to watch the whole practice.”
Stacey raised a brow. “Not today. Just a little while. That’s enough.”
She carefully placed the jewelry box back inside its larger box. “Take care of this until I can wear it,” she said, giving Jho a pointed look.
Jho nodded, still holding the box in her hand, a small smile tugging at her lips.
Stacey hopped down the bleachers, energy in her step despite the lingering fatigue from her earlier practice.
Jho watched the practice continue, her eyes following Stacey as she moved across the field with her squad.
Then, unexpectedly, a sharp sneeze escaped her. She rubbed her nose quickly.
A cough followed, harsh and uncomfortable, making her shiver.
Ugh.
She felt miserable again, the warmth in her body and the lingering fever reminding her that maybe she really should have stayed in the dorm. Her hand instinctively went to her forehead, checking for heat, and she groaned softly.