Sa Ngalan Ng Pag-Ibig

                                    

                                          
While reading, you may listen to Sa Ngalan Ng Pag-Ibig by December Avenue
Hanggang kailan ako maghihintay
Na para bang wala nang papalit sa 'yo?
Nasa'n ka man, sigaw ng puso ko'y
Ikaw hanggang ngayon
Leni and Risa had been detectives in Manila for several decades now. Both came from families in different provinces, and after long shifts and unpredictable hours, they had decided it would be more practical to share an apartment in the city. Their bond as best friends made the arrangement easy, though their personalities were quite different. Leni, organized and precise, was always solving puzzles in her spare time, while Risa had a more free-spirited, spontaneous nature, even when it came to love.
Leni had just ended a long-term relationship with her boyfriend. He had become too demanding of her time, and with their busy schedules, it became impossible to maintain. Meanwhile, Risa had taken to dating apps, searching for someone who fit into her life and values.
Kung sana lamang ay nakita mo ang lungkot sa 'yong ngiti
Isang umagang 'di ka nagbalik
Saturday afternoon...
"Lens, samahan mo naman ako mamaya?" Risa asked, fidgeting slightly, her voice almost hesitant.
Leni was deeply immersed in her Sudoku puzzle, barely glancing up. "Saan?"
Risa bit her lip. "May ime-meet kasi ako..."
That caught Leni's attention. She set the puzzle aside and raised an eyebrow. "Sa Bumble ba 'to?"
"Oo."
Leni paused, assessing her friend. "Sigurado ka ba na gusto mo siyang kitain?"
"Oo, this person seems... different. Nice." Risa's voice softened, a flicker of something unreadable passing in her eyes.
Leni hesitated, feeling a strange twinge she couldn't name. "Okay, then," she finally said, keeping her tone light.
Later that evening...
Leni agreed to be nearby while Risa met her date. She sat in a café across from the restaurant, watching as Risa scanned the room nervously. Leni smiled faintly; she'd never seen Risa this on edge about meeting someone before. When the door opened, Leni's eyes drifted to the person entering, her smile vanishing in an instant. Risa's date wasn't what she had expected—it was a woman.
The night went on, and Risa's laughter filled the restaurant. From across the street, Leni found herself unable to look away. She had never really thought about Risa's love life in depth before, but now... something stirred in her that she couldn't quite shake.
When Leni picked Risa up later, the ride home was silent. They both sensed that something had shifted.
Gumising ka at nang makita mo ang tamis ng sandali
Ng kahapong 'di magbabalik
The next morning...
"Ris, usap tayo." Leni's voice broke the quiet hum of the morning.
Risa looked up from her coffee. "Yes, Lens?"
Leni took a breath, gathering her thoughts. "I don't know how to ask this without offending you but... about last night..." Her voice trailed off.
Risa nodded knowingly, her lips curving into a sad smile. "I could tell you were surprised. To answer your unspoken question—yes, I'm bisexual."
Leni blinked, digesting the confession. "Kailan pa?"