After Lance's intense confession, their friends gave the two of them some space to talk privately. Unaware of it herself, Kitty would also end up confessing her long-hidden feelings after hearing everything Lance had to say.
"Wait, hold up!" Kitty suddenly shouted, unable to hold back her real emotions. "You jerk! You're such an asshole! So all this time, you were teasing me just to get my attention?! While I was over here confused as hell why, even though you annoyed me so much, I still preferred being annoyed by you over seeing you talk to girls like Eliza who looked like clowns with all that makeup!"
Instead of being serious, the couple Gel and Darius burst into laughter. They were clearly enjoying the moment even while helping ease the tension in the air. Kitty rolled her eyes at them, while Lance looked stunned by what he had just heard. He didn't expect such a reaction from the girl he had secretly liked for so long. Truly, alcohol has its own magic—it can make even the shyest or most awkward people start talking.
After Kitty's confession, a few minutes of silence followed. The mix of bafflement and joy was written all over Lance's face. He didn't know what to do next. All the anger, all the dreams he had kept hidden for so long were now out in the open.
"Wait a second, Kitty," Lance turned to her, still seeming confused. "I just... I just want to know if I even have a chance?"
Gel and Darius exchanged glances, as if reminded of all the moments of heartbreak Lance had previously shared. They never imagined things would unfold this quickly. Slowly, they began to process the happiness they felt—like children who were finally seeing a dream long wished for come true.
The next day, no one was surprised to see that something had clearly changed between Kitty and Lance. They were spending more time together and had stopped teasing each other like before. It was as if all the tension and misunderstandings between them had dissolved, replaced with smiles and soft, affectionate glances.
After a quick trip back to Manila, Gel and Kitty met again for a movie marathon at Gel's condo.
"So how are you two doing now?" Gel asked teasingly, wrapped in a blanket and smiling at Kitty. "Is there anything you'd like to share?"
Kitty, still in disbelief over everything that had happened, looked at her friend. "Uhm, honestly, it still hasn't sunk in. I mean, who would've thought someone like Lance actually liked me? Back then I looked like a mess—crying and all."
Kitty chuckled as she recalled that night.
"Tsk! You're so harsh on yourself!" Gel said, grinning and giving her a light tap. "Come on, seriously! Who even looks good after crying?"
With a more serious tone, Gel turned to Kitty and said, "But like I've always told you, sis—you're beautiful! And kind, too!"
Kitty, still a little unsure, just laughed it off. "Okay, maybe I'll believe the 'beautiful' part. But 'kind'? Hmm, I don't think so."
"Ha!" Gel laughed. "You can't fool me! But seriously, Kitty, you are beautiful inside and out. No matter what you say, you can't hide that."
Thanks to Gel's support, Kitty finally began to open up and share things she'd never voiced before. But just as they were getting deeper into the conversation, Gel suddenly paused and asked something that took Kitty by surprise.
"Wait," Gel said, her tone suddenly serious. "Was Lance the guy you mentioned before? The one you secretly liked but found annoying?"
Kitty's face flushed, clearly unprepared for the question. "Uhm..." Before she could even finish her answer, Gel shrieked and tapped her friend's arm.
"I knew it! That's why you didn't want to tell me! I noticed something back then, but I didn't want to be judgmental."
Kitty realized she couldn't lie anymore and finally broke the silence. "Yeah, it's him. Sometimes he annoyed me so much, I couldn't understand what he was trying to prove to me. But... sometimes, I liked him. That's all."
Gel couldn't contain her excitement and continued chatting away. Their conversation grew lighter and more relaxed, and they didn't even notice the time slipping away. Their planned movie marathon turned into a night of endless conversations, filled with unexpected feelings and cherished memories.
The next day, Gel was busy packing for a trip to Japan. She was joining her brother Gelo for an international gaming competition. Their parents had flown in from Singapore too, so it was also a family reunion. Darius would be going as well, so of course Kitty followed—naturally, Lance wasn't far behind.
At Gel's condo, Darius dropped by to spend some time with his girlfriend before her trip.
"Finally, I've got you to myself," he said as he sat beside her on the couch.
Gel didn't respond right away. Instead, she gently leaned against Darius's shoulder and closed her eyes for a moment. The young man smiled before brushing her hair softly. "I miss you, love," he whispered and kissed the top of her head.
"I miss you too," Gel replied softly.
Darius smiled and gently lifted her face to look at her. He wasn't disappointed when Gel met his gaze with affection. Soon, their lips met in a tender kiss.
Darius grinned and teased, "I really thought I was the only one missing you."
"Oh please! There you go again!" Gel rolled her eyes and pinched his nose.
"Ow! Love, that hurt!" Darius whined playfully, though it didn't hurt at all.
Gel shook her head. "Love, you're so over the top! Such a drama king!"
Instead of sulking, Darius suddenly cupped the back of her neck and kissed her, this time with more intensity now that Gel was giving in to him. They laughed at first, but their kisses gradually deepened, driven by the heat of their love.
Slowly, without letting go of each other, they made their way to Gel's bedroom. It wasn't the first time, but they were always careful. They both knew they had bigger responsibilities—their dreams and their future.
In the end, no matter how strong their desires were, the promise to chase their dreams together remained the strongest bond they shared.