Chapter 21: We're In Love

                                    

                                          

The mall buzzed softly with the hum of weekday shoppers—families, students, and couples wandering aimlessly. Among them were Leni and Risa, both dressed casually: Leni in her favorite blue blouse paired with slacks, and Risa in a simple lavender top tucked into white culottes. They blended in, just two people enjoying an afternoon together, savoring a rare moment away from their demanding schedules.  
"Where do you want to go, Atty?" Risa asked, her tone soft yet playful, her fingers laced snugly with Leni's.  
The lawyer glanced at her with a smile. "Sen, ikaw ang pumili. Hindi naman madalas na ikaw ang may free time, kaya ikaw ang bida ngayon."  
Risa hummed thoughtfully, her eyes scanning the nearby shops and kiosks. Suddenly, she stopped mid-step, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "Love! Look at that!"  
Leni followed her gaze and chuckled softly. "Photobooth? Nako, Darling, matagal na akong hindi nakakakita ng ganyan. Pang-teenager yata 'yan."  
"Exactly!" Risa said, tugging Leni's hand. "Let's do it. Hindi mo pa ba natry? Napaka-cute nito, promise!"  
Leni smiled but hesitated. "Sen, parang hindi na bagay sa atin."  
"Love," Risa said, looking at her with a mix of determination and amusement. "Hindi kailangang bagay. Minsan, kailangan lang masaya."
"Kaya ba ganyan ang suot mo ngayon?"
"Nakakainis ka! Let's go na."  
Leni let herself be pulled along, laughing softly as Risa guided her into the brightly lit booth. It was small, cozy, and plastered with colorful posters advertising "Fun Memories!" and "Strike a Pose!"  
Risa plopped down on the chair, pulling Leni beside her. "Okay, so how does this work?" she asked, studying the touchscreen in front of them.  
"Aba, ikaw ang nagyaya, pero hindi mo rin pala alam?" Leni teased, poking her gently in the ribs.  
Risa giggled. "Chill ka lang. Ayun, o—press start." She tapped the screen, and the machine whirred to life.  
"Choose your props!" the cheerful voice instructed.  
On a rack beside them hung an assortment of props: colorful wigs, oversized sunglasses, feathered boas, and headbands adorned with bunny ears.  
"Okay, Love, pili na!" Risa declared, grabbing a sparkly top hat. She placed it on her head and posed dramatically. "How do I look?"  
"Parang magician," Leni teased, laughing. She reached for a simple flower crown. "Ito, mas bagay sayo."  
Risa gasped in mock offense. "Excuse me? This is fashion!"  
Leni chuckled and placed the flower crown gently on Risa's head. "Mas bagay ito, Darling. Simple pero elegant."  
Risa grinned, grabbing a pair of oversized heart-shaped glasses and sliding them onto Leni's face. "Perfect! You're a fairy queen with a sense of humor."  
"Darling naman," Leni said, trying not to laugh. "Baka magulat yung camera."  
"Good! Let's make memories," Risa said with a wink, pressing the button to start the photo session.  
"First pose in 3... 2... 1!"  
"Smile!" Risa said, throwing up a peace sign. Leni gave a soft, picture-perfect smile.  
When the preview appeared, Risa burst into laughter. "Gosh, ang formal mo naman! Parang yearbook photo."  
Leni laughed. "E paano ba? Hindi ako sanay sa ganito."