ONE SHOTS

Golden Hour | oneshot

We sat on the sand, feeling the cool breeze as we played chess just we always did since we are kids. I moved my piece to E4, and her eyes widened as she realized her next move will lead to forced checkmate. "Uh-huh, checkmate." I grinned teasing her. Her forehead wrinkled, and she knocked over all the pieces. "You're cheating!" she pouted. This was a familiar pattern, she'd invite me to play, she teased when she wins, but when she loses, she's always a sore loser. Yet I found her tantrums cute.

I turned to face the sunset, letting the warm golden light wash over me as the sky transformed into a canvas of pinks, oranges, and purples. The waves gently lapped at the shore, and the salty air filled my lungs as I basked in the serene beauty of the moment.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" she smiled, now facing the view too. I nodded and felt the moment. I sighed and mustered the courage to say what was on my mind. "Eli, I have something to tell you."

"Uan I want to tell you something"

We said in chorus and laughed about it. "Go ahead, share yours first Uan," she said with a smile. I sighed once more before answering.

"I like you, Eli." Her smile dissolve into silence as if a troubling thought has suddenly surfaced. "I know it sounds weird because we're both girls and we are best friends, but I love it when I see you smile. When you're near, my heart beats faster. Whenever we're together, I feel safe. When you have problems, I can't help but wish I could take away the pain with my hugs."

"Please don't reject me yet, Eli. Let me show my love to you, please?" I continued ignoring the sudden sadness in her eyes, unsure of how to bridge the gap that had formed between us.

She smiled sadly, with tears welling up in her eyes. "I know you've liked me for a long time." I smiled as I felt glimmer of hope in her response. "Remember that day we had a sleepover together? I was awake when you said you liked me, I appreciate it Uan. I'm sorry Uan but, I already love someone else." My smile faded as she continued.

"Your brother and I are together. I'm so sorry. I supposed to tell you that night, but when I heard your confession, but I've got afraid because I didn't want to hurt you and ruin our friendship." Her words crushed me.All this time I thought I was the one she liked visiting at home. Turns out, it wasn't about me at all – it was all about Kuya.

I bit my lower lip from the sudden realization. Tears steamed down my face as I looked away, trying to process the pain. "I'm really sorry, Uan. Can we still be friends?" she asked. Her voice cracked.

"Y-yes, of course. Ah I understand, but can you please give me time to process everything?" My voice broke, as tears continued to fall down from my face.

"Thank you so much for understanding, Uan. I'll give you some space to think about what happened. Just remember, I'm still here for you as a friend. Sorry if that's all I can offer. I'm so sorry." she said, Her eyes were filled with emotion, and pity was evident. She smiled before walking away. And just like that she left me under the beautiful but now bittersweet golden hour.

I smiled bitterly and looked up at the orange sky who witness the pain as she rejected me. It's hard, but I love Eli, and I also love my brother. Because of this love, I'm willing to sacrifice and endure pain whenever I see them together, because I promised my best friend that I'd support her in every decision she makes.

@Uan | willing to sacrifice

#wlw

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@ayiishinaii