"Hey, you need to get ready. Our flight to Mexico is later," Mich said, her voice a gentle reassurance as she helped fix Ann's hair, wiping away the remnants of tears on the latter's cheeks. "You did great, you know. I'm sure they're all proud of you. Let's enjoy Mexico, okay?"

 

“Hmm..” Ann nodded like a child, “Thank you.” her voice raspy from crying.

 

"Okay, I need to go back and prepare too." Mich said. However, she noticed Ann gripping the bedsheet, a silent indication that she’s still not okay. Without hesitation, Mich reached for Ann's hands. "I'll prepare your bath first so you can freshen up. I'll call room service too. You need to eat something before going." With a reassuring smile, Mich stood up and made her way to the bathroom.

 

When she returned, the room service had arrived. Mich graciously opened the door for the server and watched as he settled the food. Turning her attention back to Ann, who remained silent, she understood that sometimes tears leave a lasting impact.

 

Mich extended her hand, offering it to Ann. "Your bath is readyyyy... come onnn..."

 

Ann stood up, walking to the bathroom without releasing Mich's hand. "I'll go to my room now. Call me if anything. The rubber duckies will accompany you." She chuckled at her last sentence. Her playful remark brought a genuine smile to Ann's face. Mich's cuteness was infectious, and the mention of rubber duckies unexpectedly made Ann feel a sense of comfort. How could something so simple evoke such warmth?

 

As Mich left, Ann couldn't help but appreciate the thoughtful gesture. The bathroom door closed, and the sound of running water soon filled the room. In the midst of the whirlwind of emotions, Mich's presence and whimsical comments became a soothing balm, a reminder that even in the face of disappointment, there were simple joys waiting to be embraced.

 

After the bath, Ann felt considerably better. Determined to shake off the remnants of disappointment, she decided to go live while doing her makeup. However, before she began her routine, Mich's earlier advice echoed in her mind – she needed to eat.

 

Setting aside her plans temporarily, Ann opted for a quick meal before going live. In typical fashion, she found herself engrossed in conversation, engaging with her followers with the same enthusiasm that characterized her on-stage presence. What was meant to be an hour-long makeup session stretched into nearly three hours, the passage of time unnoticed in the sea of lively comments and shared moments.

 

But Mich, a friend who had been waiting patiently, couldn't help but playfully express her faux disappointment.

 

Dee: You’re ignoring meee 😣

 

Ann: Sorry, I was live 😘

 

Dee: Good thing I saw your live. I almost went there to check on you. But it explains. 

 

Dee: We need to go naaa.

 

Ann replied with a playful tone.

 

Ann: Sorry naa. I’ll go down naa.

 

It’s kind of cool how “na” is being used on both of their native language the same way.

 

Dee, continuing the playful tease, added a touch of drama.

 

Dee: I joined the live. Even commented. But I’m a ghost, I guess. 🤷🏻‍♀️

 

Ann, with a hint of remorse, responded.

 

Ann: I didn’t saw it! I’m sorry 😭

 

Mich, breaking into laughter, lightened the mood.

 

Dee: 😂 Just kidding. Let’s go naa. 🫶🏻

 

Ann giggled. She assured her friend, signaling her readiness to move.

 

Ann: Coming naa 💘

 

Their playful exchange was a testament to the camaraderie that surrounded Ann. Even in the digital realm, the warmth and shared laughter filled the gaps left by the earlier tears.

 

As the bright lights of the TV event dimmed, Mich couldn't shake off the weariness that clung to her like a heavy cloak. It was their first event in Mexico. The adrenaline that fueled her through the event had subsided, leaving behind an undeniable fatigue. Unbeknownst to her, the signs of an impending illness had taken residence within.

 

Feeling unwell, Mich approached Ann with a forced smile. "Hey, I think I need to head back. Not feeling my best."

 

Ann, ever attentive to Mich's well-being, frowned in concern. "Are you okay? You look pale. Do you want me to come with you?"

 

Mich appreciated the offer but waved it off. "No, no. I'll be fine. You stay here and enjoy. Maybe they still need you. I already told the staffs."

 

“Okay..” Ann, frown even more. “Seat here then. Are you dizzy?”

 

Mich sat as Ann stood beside her. “A little,” Mich admitted.

 

"Please stand here for the group photo." They were called by the photographer.

 

Ann and Mich stood side by side, but the head organizer requested Ann to shift to the center, acknowledging her position as the first runner-up.

 

As the group assembled for the photo, the staff discreetly notified the head that Mich wasn't feeling well, and arrangements were made to her to her room.

 

Though Ann heard the news, she couldn't shake off her concern. Her eyes tracked Mich as the staff led her away, a veil of worry lingering until Mich disappeared into the venue.

 

Anxious to check on Mich, Ann dropped her a message.

 

Ann: Are you okay? Where are you?

 

Dee: Yes, I’m fine. Don’t worry naa. I just need to rest. I’m in our room now.

 

Ann: Okay, I was invited for a lunch with some org members. I will check up on you later. Rest well! ♥️

 

Dee: Okayyy eat well and have fun 🖤

 

Despite Ann's immediate desire to follow Mich, her day was far from over. Invited to have lunch with key figures from the organization, she reluctantly postponed checking on Mich physically until after her commitments were fulfilled.

 

“Hey, how are you feeling?” Ann wasted no time in fussing over Mich once she entered their room.

 

"Have you eaten? I'll order some soup and tea."

 

“Was it a question? Or she’s ordering me to eat and have a tea?” Mich thought as she chuckle lightly.

 

“I haven’t.”

 

“Why?” Ann frowned for the nth time this day.

 

“I kind of miss Filipino food. I can’t find any here. I want savory foods.” Mich pouted. “I want snacks too.” She continue to list what she wanted as Ann multitask listening to her while talking to the phone in her native language.

 

“They couldn’t find filipino foods here too. But they say the restaurant where these came from is good. Let’s try it. I got you some snacks also.” Ann actually rallied her team to search for the specific foods Mich was craving.

 

“Oh, thank you. I didn’t know you were actually listening to me.” Mich chuckled.

 

“I always listen to you! You’re the only one who doesn’t!”

 

“I have my airpods that timeeee.” Mich whines.

 

Ann handed the tray to Mich, "Okay, whatever. Eat up. It'll make you feel better.” Her eyes filled with genuine concern.
 

However, she saw that Mich was actually holding the chips. “Eat the snacks later!" 

 

Mich giggled. “I know. I was just checking the flavor.”

 

“Good.”

 

Mich couldn't help but be touched by Ann's gesture. "Thanks, Ann. You really didn't have to do all this."

 

Ann chuckled, "Well, you take care of me all the time. It's my turn to take care of you."

 

They shared a quiet moment, the exchange of glances saying more than words ever could. Mich, feeling the weight of Ann's concern, realized how fortunate she was to have someone who cared so deeply.

 

As Mich sipped the soothing tea, she couldn't deny the comfort that came from Ann's presence. In the moment of care, their connection deepened, proving that sometimes, the most profound bonds are forged not in grand gestures but in the simplicity of being there for each other. Mich was already okay earlier even before Ann came but now she felt even better. Glad that she can surely join tomorrow’s activities.

 

Engggg engggg engggg enggg engggg

 

An alarm blasted like siren at exactly 4am in the morning 🚨 

 

It startled Ann to the core. She had a mini panic attack.

 

She look around and saw Mich not even bulging despite the loud sound coming from her side.

 

“MICHELLE TURNED OFF YOUR ALARM!” Ann shouted.

 

It woke up the latter scrambling to turn it off. “Sorry..” She said still disoriented.

 

She didn’t got a reply so she glanced to Ann’s side. Ann was back to sleeping again.

 

Moments later, Ann's alarm reverberated through the room. Though not as piercing as Mich's, it jolted Ann awake. She quickly turned it off and went back to sleep, unaware that it would cause them to be late.

 

Almost instinctively, Ann shot up from her bed after seeing the time on her phone. "MICHELLE, WAKE UP! IT'S 7 AM!"

 

Mich groggily stirred, responding, "I think you'll be my alarm from now on. It's surprisingly effective."

 

"We're running late! Get moving!"

 

"Alright, alright, Mom. I'm on it."

 

In a hurried frenzy, both of them rushed. Ann was so annoyed with Mich because she was so fast.

 

“I’m done-”

 

“Of course you’re done! You have like a half the hair that I have!”

 

Mich couldn’t help but laughed at Ann’s reaction. She found it so fascinating.

 

“Okay, let me help you then. What do you need?”

 

“Can you like fix my purse?” Ann used her soft tone now. “I only need my phone there, and some retouch essentials.”

 

“Okay, tell what to put.”

 

And that’s how their first morning goes in Mexico.

 

Under the sun-drenched skies of Mexico, Mich and Ann found themselves enveloped in the vibrant energy of an event hosted by the pageant organization. Glued together like two stars in the same constellation, their bond had grown inseparable. While Ann was the more clingy of the two not wanting to do anything without the other, Mich harbored a sense of attachment that ran just as deep.

 

The other candidates couldn't help but notice the magnetic connection between Mich and Ann. Whispered conversations and subtle glances filled the air until, one time, curiosity got the best of them.

 

They were waiting for the bus to be ready, they have a city tour today.

 

Maria, a bubbly contestant with a penchant for playful banter, couldn't resist asking, "Hey, when did you two become joined at the hip? I remember how you two seems to avoid each other before. There’s even a rumor that you two does not like each other. But now, it's like you're inseparable!"

 

Ann shot a mischievous grin at Mich before responding, "Oh, She doesn't like me before. She was avoiding me." Ann stated faking a sad face at the end.

 

Mich laughed, playing along, "It’s because she’s too good for everyone." She said. Playfully distancing herself from Ann.

 

“That’s a lie!”

 

“I remember-“

 

“No-” It’s funny how they are even pushing each other lightly to be in front on one another just to explain.

 

“She was greeting everyone-”

 

“No-”

 

“She was like the owner of the hotel, she welcome everyone-”

 

“No!”

 

“But me-“

 

“No!! It’s because you were no where to be found!”

 

“I was there…”

 

“And I even remember. I even tried to smile at you! But you were like-” Ann gave out an expression with a poker face.

 

“When was that?” Mich was confused.

 

“That time you were wearing sunglasses! Who even wears sunglasses inside? It’s not even sunny inside!”

 

“Oh but I followed her first. And started commenting on her posts. But I never got a reply. I was like, what a snob.”

 

Ann gave out a shocked reaction but nonetheless keeps on smiling. “Mean!”

 

Their banter sparked laughter among the group, and another contestant, Sofia, chimed in, “You two are cute!”

 

“Yeah, it’s like when you ask a couple how they first met. And their answers were so different from each other.” Ann's laughter triggered an infectious wave, causing everyone to burst into laughter as well.

 

"But come on, spill the beans. How did you two really become so close?"

 

Ann winked at Mich, teasingly saying, “Well, Mich here has this idea that she’s in a league of her own, too cool for everyone. I had to up my friend game, you know.”

 

Mich couldn't help but retort, "Oh please, she's just buttering it up. The truth is, she couldn't resist my charm from the beginning. She approached me in the bus."

 

The banter continued, each candidate pressing for more details. Mich and Ann shared their versions of how they first met and became close, their stories weaving together like a whimsical tapestry of mismatched memories.

 

Ann laughed, recounting, "I saw her from across the room, and when she came by, I was like ‘Hi! Michelle~!’"

 

Mich interjected, "No, I remember her approaching me and saying, 'oh, hi.'"

 

As the stories unfolded, they noticed differences in how they remembered events. Surprisingly, this only made the atmosphere more cheerful. The playful teasing and laughter carried on into the night until it was only the two of them left heading back to their room. Revealing the unspoken truth – their friendship was a lucky and unpredictable bond, like a dance between two connected souls.

 

“We wasted a week to bond. Now I kind of regret it. I want this to last longer.” Mich thought.