After weeks of quiet glances and silent what-ifs, she never imagined fate would bring him closer — especially on a day she never meant to stand out.
It was her birthday at the office — a day she had hoped would pass quietly. She brought donuts for her team, not realizing most were working from home. The break room felt too big, the celebration too small. Out of quiet embarrassment, she invited the other team to join — including him.
She hadn't meant for it to happen that way.
She wasn't ready.
It was supposed to be simple, quiet.
But fate — clumsy, mischievous — had other plans.
Instead of her friend calling everyone else first, she called him.
The moment she heard his name, her heart dropped. Heat rushed to her cheeks, nerves scrambled in every direction.
Still, somehow — through the panic and pounding heartbeat — she found the courage to invite him herself. Properly, this time.
He smiled. That quiet, gentle smile of his. And said yes.
They walked together to the outdoor area — just the two of them.
He made small talk. She nodded along, only half-hearing, half-dreaming.
Then, casually, almost playfully, he asked, "Were you the one who sent the perfume?"
Her heart nearly stopped. She could barely meet his eyes.
But she nodded. "Yes," she said, her voice barely a whisper.
He smiled again. "Matagal na," he said softly — he had known for a long time.
Something inside her trembled. A mix of fear, relief, and the aching need to finally say it — all of it.
So she did. She told him the truth:
That yes, she liked him. That she didn't expect anything in return. That her feelings weren't meant to pressure or confuse.
She just wanted to know him. To be friends, if he would let her. Nothing more. No expectations. No demands.
He looked at her — quietly, thoughtfully. Then he smiled. Offered his hand.
And said, "Let's not be awkward. We can be friends."
That moment — small, simple, and sincere — felt like sunlight cracking through a long, quiet sky.
They even took a photo together. She tucked it away like a fragile treasure, a memory she didn't want to lose.
Later, she added him on Instagram. He followed back.
And in her chest, a tiny ember of hope began to glow — warm, soft, and real.
And for a little while, that was enough.