BINONDO, Manila

Sophie and Robin had slipped out of the club and went to a small store in the street that sold soda. They drank it under the lamp light. It was getting cold, and Robin had put her coat over Sophie’s shoulders. 

“You’d rather be out here drinking soda with me, than let’s say, hard liquor?”

Robin finished her glass bottle and put it down. “I don’t think Dani would like that. And I told myself at the start of tonight that I’d stay sober the whole time.”

Robin looked at Sophie. She put her hand on Sophie’s which was touching the sidewalk. “I’d like to remember this night.”

“Me too,” said Sophie. Sophie hesitated, but continued, “I didn’t tell you this, but I’m actually getting married the day after tomorrow.”

“Ah,”

Sophie wanted a stronger reaction from her. She wanted Robin to tell her something. Anything to keep Sophie with her. 

Robin sensed her mistake when she saw Sophie look away. She pulled Sophie by the waist which surprised both of them. “I—” 

Robin didn’t know what to say. They were in an awkward position. Robin could see Sophie’s face turn red under the faint lamp light. She held Sophie’s hand. “I really had a good time with you, Sophie. And I hope you’ll remember me like this. Even after—”

“Would you kiss me?”

Sophie leaned closer to her. Robin could feel Sophie’s breath. Robin’s pale face was all red now. She adored Sophie’s boldness and she couldn’t help but crack a smile. 

Before Robin could say anything, Sophie said, “I want my first kiss to be someone I like. Not some…stranger,”

“So we’re not strangers?” Robin looked with a hopeful tone.

“Of course not! You’re absolutely lovely! And…” Sophie’s words turned to a mutter. “You are quite beautiful.”

“Let’s finish our dance first,” Robin stood and helped Sophie up. They slowly swayed under the stars. Sophie’s head was on Robin’s chest. No space was in between them. Robin, who had a significant height difference with Sophie, leaned her head on Sophie’s. 

On the street, they could hear an off-tune karaoke song being sung, and they couldn’t help but giggle. The music faded down until there was silence. 

Robin pulled Sophie closer. She looked at Sophie with her deep amber eyes. He noticed every detail about Sophie. Her dark brown hair, her eyebags, and her sickly frame. Robin wanted to kiss Sophie so much. She realized though, how much Sophie did not know about her. 

 Robin leaned down and kissed her on the forehead. Sophie, surprised that it wasn’t on the lips, stuttered “I meant—”

“I know,” Robin smiled. “I’d rather save that kiss for the wedding.”

It was at that moment, Sophie heard Dani and Zephyr’s calls. Zephyr rushed to Sophie asking if she was alright. Zephyr then looked at Robin with a wary gaze. 

“Don’t worry, Zephyr. Nothing happened. You can confirm that with Sophie.” said Robin. Robin gave a goodbye nod to Dani and took a final glance at Sophie before walking away. 

Sophie couldn’t hear what Zephyr was saying as she stared at her fiancé until she finally couldn’t see her figure.