"My head hurts," Gel muttered, massaging her temple.
"Why don't you just take a nap, love?" Darius suggested sweetly, rubbing her back. "I'll wake you up later so your headache goes away."
But Gel shook her head. "I can't. We still have so much to study," she replied, sighing as she scanned the review materials spread out in front of them. There was iced coffee beside her, now barely cold, and her eyes were slightly puffy from lack of sleep.
It was the weekend, but they woke up early to prepare for their upcoming finals. Both were in the medical field—Darius was studying Medical Laboratory Science, while Gel was taking up Pharmacy. They'd been friends since junior high, and after years of waiting, Darius only courted Gel after she turned 18. Now, their families had accepted their relationship.
***
"Just because someone likes me doesn't mean I'm going to entertain them!" Angela snapped, trying to calm herself. "How many times do I have to tell you that you're the one I love, that's why you're my boyfriend? I can't control if we got grouped together in class!"
But Darius wouldn't back down. "Still! It's annoying! I'm not like you who feels nothing—you don't even get jealous even though you know she likes me!"
Angela sighed, trying to stop herself from saying something hurtful. "Let's talk when you're thinking straight," she said before turning her back and walking away, leaving Darius fuming with jealousy.
Scenes like this were common between them. When Angela could no longer take the conversation, she would walk away—not because she was giving up, but because she knew the argument was going nowhere. She preferred to spend her time on more important things—like her studies.
Meanwhile, Darius, no matter how annoyed he was, knew he'd end up being the first to approach her again. Especially after getting scolded by his sister and cousin after venting to them.
***
"I have something for you."
A voice that always brought tension to Angela. She didn't even have to look to know who it was.
"I baked oatmeal cookies with dark chocolate and dried fruits—for you. Isn't your review for the competition ongoing? I figured these would be perfect," said Jenna, each word laced with flirtation.
Angela clenched her fist. Her hand resting on her lap with the book trembled slightly. She tried to calm herself. She knew nothing good would come from engaging with Jenna. In the end, she'd only look like the bad guy. But deep inside, she knew Darius was going to hear about this later.
This wasn't the first time. Jenna had deliberately interrupted moments between her and Darius many times before. Jenna—the girl who didn't care if the guy she liked already had a girlfriend. If she wanted something, she'd always find a way to get attention.
"Darius, I brought you something," Jenna said as the young man entered the classroom. "We just got back from Europe for our summer vacation. Of course, I thought of you."
Angela rolled her eyes. As persistent as Jenna was in seeking Darius's attention, she was just as uninterested in academics. She wasn't dumb—in fact, she was smart if she actually tried. But she preferred spending time flirting than studying.
Jenna's constant and shameless displays of affection toward Darius had caused plenty of arguments between Angela and him. But now, Angela was tired. She no longer argued. It never got her anywhere—only exhaustion, headaches, and a heavy heart.
So, she chose to invest her time in something more worthwhile—her studies. It was important to her to work hard for her future. She was set to follow in her mother's footsteps, who owned several pharmacy branches in their town and nearby areas.
On the other hand, Jenna remained the main source of tension in their relationship—the one obstacle to their peaceful love. Angela had asked herself more than once just how shameless Jenna was to keep pursuing a guy who clearly wasn't interested. Darius had repeatedly told Jenna that he had a girlfriend, and that other people shouldn't be doing things meant only for Angela. But Jenna—she seemed blind, deaf, and numb. A problem that just kept coming back.
***
"Yesss!!! Finally, Batanes here we come!" Kitty shouted as they walked toward the lounge to wait for boarding time.
"Pssst… you're so noisy, kitten," Lance scolded, shaking his head slightly with a smile at his endlessly energetic friend.
Kitty made a face and shot back, "Then don't come with us! Shoo! Leave!"
"Hey, hey! That's enough!" Darlene, Darius's older sister, jumped in. "You too, Lance, let Kitty be. Don't act like you're not excited to go to Batanes!"
Meanwhile, in one corner of the lounge, Darius and Gel seemed to be in a world of their own, sitting close together on the sofa, leaning against each other.
Darlene rolled her eyes playfully. "And hey, little bro! Let me remind you, this is our vacation! Hello, we're here too! Don't go hogging Gel all to yourself!"
Gel giggled while Darius frowned instantly. He'd gotten upset a few times before thinking Darlene was stealing Gel's attention.
"Come on, love," Gel said sweetly, gently pulling Darius's hand. "I've been asking you to join them for a while now."
"Tch! You're always soft and sweet when it comes to Gel!" Darlene teased. "Wow! You're not like that with Mom and Dad!"
"Ugh, this is why I don't want to fall in love!" Lance chimed in, pretending to scowl. "It's scary—I might catch your overly affectionate behavior, Darius!"
"Don't blame me, bro! You're just a coward!" Darius shot back, making the whole group burst into laughter.
Lance crossed his arms, closed his eyes for a moment, and shook his head. "Hey! I'm not a coward, okay? It's just not the right time. I'm still young. Study first!"
"Yeah right! 'Study first,' my ass!" Darius retorted, prompting claps and teasing from the group.
Laughter. Teasing. The airport lounge was loud, but to them, nothing else mattered—because here, they were family to each other.