In the glittering world of pageantry, Mich stood out like a star with her calm and fun personality, embracing her true self with every step. Multitalented, sweet, and smart, she was a beacon of authenticity. Her unique fashion sense, draped in a dark theme, added an artistic edge that drew eyes.

 

Ann on the other hand, a beauty queen exuding Barbie-like grace, had already claimed victory in a previous pageant. Behind the flawless exterior, she grappled with the misconception that she was an unapproachable force. Despite her friendly nature and genuine, feminine softness, the world seemed to misinterpret her intentions most of the time. Some people think that she’s too good for everyone. But the truth is Ann worked diligently for the current pageant, and there is a silent struggle veiled by her regal exterior that most people found intimidating.

 

The auditorium buzzed with excitement as the pageant contestants prepared for the rehearsals. Among them were two women, two radiant contestants in the pageant who initially existed in parallel orbits but had yet to exchange more than polite smile and hellos the first time they met because they have different activities.

 

“What’s wrong with me.." Mich murmurs to herself.

 

Weeks ago, Mich couldn’t hide her excitement as she scrolled through Ann’s Instagram posts, double-tapping and leaving enthusiastic comments that showcased her genuine admiration. Each like and comment felt like a small bridge connecting their worlds. However, her excitement was soon met with an unintended chill. Despite her best efforts to engage with Ann on social media, Mich found her comments lost in the sea of notifications, seemingly overlooked. It stung a little, but she brushed it off, attributing it to the virtual chaos that often accompanied the life of a beauty queen.

 

“Why does it feel awkward?" The room buzzed with laughter and conversation as their break started, but she found herself caught in a moment of self-doubt, wondering if she should bridge the gap or wait for a more opportune time.

 

“She welcomes everyone but me. I don’t want to do the first move.” Mich thought and walk away. It’s been a week since Mich arrived in their venue. And this is her reasoning whenever she hears or see Ann somewhere near her, not noticing how she unconsciously tries to avoid to be in the same place with the other woman.

 

But there was this time on their 2nd break. She was talking with the other contestants and suddenly, she saw Ann walking towards them. It seems that the woman wants to join their conversation but the other contestants was called by the team managers, so they were the only ones left. She was actually surprised. She and Ann was side by side. A subtle tension hung in the air; it might have been fueled by the animosity between their fans. For Ann at least, knowing that her supporters, like a protective army, had taken hateful battle against Mich, firing digital arrows that pierced the peaceful atmosphere Mich had always advocated. Plus Ann do think that Mich is avoiding her.

 

As for Mich, her followers, however stood as a formidable force of positivity. Inspired by Mich’s constant message of spreading love and understanding, they countered the negativity with words that echoed the very essence of Mich’s character.

 

The discord didn't escape the notice of the organization, though. The escalating tension caught the attention of the pageant organizers, who decided it was time to address the issue. A public statement was released, urging both sets of fans to cease the hostilities and emphasizing the importance of unity among contestants.

 

Unbeknownst to the organizers, Mich and Ann had already sensed the need for connection even before everything. Being such amazing women, both of them had already planned to talk to each other. They were just waiting for the right timing. And now they are actually testing the water.

 

As the events unfolded in the rehersal, they seized an opportunity to break the awkward silence that had lingered between them.

 

A simple meet of the eyes, a tentative hi and hello, and a casual question: “How was it going for you so far?" initiated a conversation that defied the expectations set by their fans.

 

Unexpectedly, they clicked together. The initial awkwardness melted away, replaced by an easy camaraderie that blossomed into an unexpected friendship.

 

2 days after..

 

“Why are they even fighting?” Michael questioned and giggled a little while scrolling her Twitter feed. Ann and her were seated together on the floor while waiting for their last rehearsals.

 

Anne looked at her and then at her phone, understanding what she meant. “Yeah, I mean, like, we’re okayyy? You’re actually fun to be with! Why can’t they get along too?”

 

“I got an idea!”

 

“Hmm?”

 

“Let’s stick together so that whenever there’s an interview, they’ll see us together and see what we are actually promoting here.” Mich rolled her eyes pertaining to their advocacy as she said the last words.

 

Ann laughed. She found the girl’s sarcasm funny because she jokes the same way too.

 

“Aren’t we already stuck together? You text me all the time to meet you." Ann teased.

 

“You asked my numberr!?" Mich coutered in a bit high tone. She faked a hurtful expression, holding her heart.

 

“You texted me first.”

 

“You get upset when I eat snacks without you??”

 

“Whatever, let’s do that. They can’t separate us now. You’re funny, and you understand me, I really like you." Ann stated truthfully, making Mich stare at her as she smile in adoration before the practice had started again.

 

The next day..

 

“Now they have a hastag for us?”

 

“It’s cute, it’s our last names.”

 

“How did you know?!”

 

“They’re tagging me too, daddyyy.”

 

“Daddy?!??”

 

Ann laughed because of Mich’s reaction. “I saw in the comments they call us daddy and mommy.”

 

“But why do I have to be the daddy??” Mich exclaimed.

 

“I don’t know. Well, I don’t even want to call anyone daddy! Thank you!” Ann aswered in the same tone.

 

“Is it because of the Dee? Well, it’s cute. We’re like their parents. Maybe now they’ll listen to us and stop fighting?” Mich giggled on the last thought.

 

“I guess so?”

 

Mich smirked. ”So you’re the mommy then?”

 

Ann shrugged. “I don’t mind it.”

 

“Well, I always do daddy duties for you. Might as well declare it.”

 

“Are you saying I always make you do errands for me!?”

 

“No, I’m saying I love taking care of you.” Mich said with a joking tone while smiling.

 

Ann make face to her before both burst into laughter.

 

The next day…

 

Mammi: I think I lost my blanket and makeup kit. 😣

 

Daddee: What are you talking about? It’s here.

 

Mammi: What do you mean there!?

 

Daddee: you left it here on the table after our rehearsal 💃

 

Mammi: I’m too tired to go back 😢

 

……

 

Mammi: 😵‍💫

 

Mammi: 🥺

 

Mammi: 💔

 

Mammi: ❤️‍🩹

 

Mammi: 😣

 

Daddee: Okay! Stop! I’ll bring it!

 

Mammi: Hahaha You’re the best daddy!

 

Daddee: Daddy Duties 🤷🏻‍♀️

 

Mammi: 💞😘

 

They became inseparable in a short period of time.  The chemistry between them was palpable. Their interactions became more natural, their conversations became more genuine, and their laughter started to become spontaneous. Even their fans, who are once divided by rivalry, started to embrace the connection, giving rise to an endearing ship name that symbolized the unity they represented.

 

From that point forward, their dynamic changed. Ann, once perceived as an intimidating person, became a canvas of emotions that Mich was eager to explore. She saw beyond the polished exterior to the woman who needed understanding and care. Mich, being herself, extended a comforting hand to Ann, becoming a source of strength and understanding.

 

Unbeknown to everyone, Ann found solace in Mich’s presence. The tension surrounding her melts away whenever Mich is by her side. Mich became the unexpected rock, offering support in ways that went beyond the glitz and glamour of the pageant. In the quiet moments, Mich took care of Ann, navigating the delicate intricacies of the beauty queen’s vulnerability.

 

Their friendship became a haven, a sanctuary where misunderstandings dissipated and genuine connections thrived. The world may have seen them as competitors, but in reality, Mich and Ann formed an unspoken alliance—a bond of care and understanding that blossomed unexpectedly in the midst of a glamorous spectacle.

 

It was during the crowning moment, when Ann was named 1st runner-up, that Mich’s perception shifted. She herself got into top 10. As the glittering crown settled on someone else’s head, Mich’s gaze fell upon Ann. The way the woman held back her tears spoke volumes, a silent testament to the strength it took to conceal the vulnerability beneath the surface. It was in the careful blink, the quiver of a lip, and the gaze somewhere straight up causing Ann to be unaware of her surroundings revealed the struggle to keep the emotions in check.

 

Mich grappled with the sting of not securing a top 5 spot too, a wave of disappointment was still in her as well. Yet, as she witnessed Ann, experiencing her own heartbreak, Mich found a reserve of strength within.

 

A gentle tap from Mich on Ann’s back sparked a moment of surprise, but it was swiftly replaced by a silent agreement. "It’s okay.” Mich mouthed. Ann smiled as she leaned into Mich’s reassuring presence, finding solace in the unspoken comfort between them. In that simple gesture, the touch on Ann’s back became a conduit for shared strength, turning a pat into a tender reassurance that, despite the disappointments, they had each other to navigate the ups and downs of life.

 

After the competition, Mich found herself in tears, grappling with a swirl of emotions. She’s cried herself in the comfort room earlier not wanting the others to see it until she calms down.

 

A nagging feeling of concern gnawed at Mich. She was actually worried about Ann, so she made her way to Ann’s team as they wait to finish packing-up. 

 

She noticed Ann's composed demeanor, seemingly untouched by the emotional storm. Observing Ann engrossed in her phone, scanning social media reactions, evoked a growing worry within Mich.

 

Recognizing Ann’s need for space to process the overwhelming events, Mich approached with a gentle demeanor, “Hey.. Take some rest, I’ll be here if you need anything. Just text or call me, okay?” Mich’s worry was evident, and she wanted to ensure Ann felt supported in the midst of the emotional aftermath.

 

“Hmm..” Ann nodded. “We’re going together in Mexico tomorrow right?” She asked. They were both informed that they were selected to join the after activity.

 

“Hmm, that’s why we need to rest now.”

 

“Okay, rest well too.”

 

Hours after…

 

In the quiet dawn, Ann stirred briefly to bid farewell to her roommate, Ms. Laos, as she embarked on an early journey home. Returning to the warmth of her bed, Ann drifted back into sleep after because of exhaustion. 

 

However, upon waking up again 2 or 3 hours after, the reality of the recent events crashed upon her like an emotional tidal wave. Overwhelmed, she found herself sobbing uncontrollably, the weight of her emotions too heavy to bear and despite minutes passing, she couldn’t stop. She tried to calm herself down, taking deep breaths, but the emotions overwhelmed her.

 

In the midst of her tears, Ann reached for her phone and called Mich. 

 

The urgency in her cries startled Mich.

 

Mich : "Hey, what happened? Why are you crying?"

 

Ann keeps on crying. She couldn’t talk.

 

Mich's concern deepened, and she rushed to Ann's room.

 

Ann (between sobs): “Ms... Laos... left... this... morning”

 

As Ann’s tears continued to flow, each sob carried the weight of multiple emotions converging into a storm within her. The departure of Ms. Laos, her roommate and confidante, left an unexpected void that echoed with profound loneliness. The recent loss in the competition added another layer to her vulnerability, as the sting of disappointment blended. 

 

Everything sinks in to her now.

 

Michelle: "Ann, it's okay. I'm here. Open the door, please."

 

A swift knock on Ann's door opened a scene of raw emotion.

 

And then there, in the dim light, Mich was greeted by the heart-wrenching sight of Ann. Tear-streaked cheeks and disheveled hair, her eyes reflecting a turbulent sea of emotions. Mich, taking in the scene, felt an ache in her own chest. 

 

The unspoken connection between them became a lifeline as Mich embraced Ann, offering silent comfort in the face of overwhelming sorrow.

 

As Mich observed Ann crumbling into a torrent of tears, it was as if each sob reverberated through her own heart. Ann's emotion unraveling stirred a profound ache in Mich. The helplessness of seeing the person she cared for in such agony was an emotional tempest, and yet, in that very storm, Mich found a fierce determination to be the unwavering anchor for Ann's turbulent sea of emotions.

 

In that raw, vulnerable moment, a realization struck Mich with sudden clarity: she had developed something she never expected to feel.

 

“I want to take care of her. I want to stay by her side. I think…”

 

“I’m catching feelings.”

 

Mich found herself caught in the unexpected tendrils of feelings for Ann. The realization hit her.