19/02/2026
Our Story
We were both scholars, but in different classes. I’ve always been loud, bubbly, and super friendly, someone who easily makes friends and loves to talk. I had actually heard her name before because we’re both from Mindanao, though from different barangays.
There was one friend who knew her and wanted me to hang out with her, but it never really happened at first. Our real first meeting was through her roommate, who was also my friend. The moment I saw her, I thought, “Ah, so this is the girl everyone’s talking about!”
And oh my, her eyes. They are the kind of brown that just melts your heart, deep and warm like a sunset on a perfect summer evening. I couldn’t stop staring at them.
Later, we rode a jeepney together with our friends on the way to Mabolo. Traffic was crazy, so I kept joking around to lighten the mood and make sure no one got irritated. I did not expect her to be there, but I didn’t mind at all. Even though I didn’t really know her yet, I still made sure to notice her.
When we finally reached our destination, we had to walk a bit. While walking, someone needed help crossing the street. My friends didn’t really know what to do, so I stepped in. Looking back, I think my humor, the little things I did, and the way I cared made her notice me. At that time, I had no idea she liked me yet. It was such a small, ordinary moment, but it already felt special, like the start of something unforgettable.
Over time, what really drew me to her were the little things the subtle gestures, the way she would smile at someone who needed it, the way she remembered things that didn’t matter to anyone else. Her laugh was infectious, it could make a dull or awkward moment feel magical. I loved how she could be playful and teasing one moment and deep and thoughtful the next. I wanted to be around her all the time, just to feel her presence, hear her laugh, and see her eyes sparkle when she got excited.
But it wasn’t just her kindness. It was the way she treated me. Her maturity, her thoughtfulness, the way she made me feel seen and loved. Every small gesture, every shared joke, every quiet conversation made me fall for her more. She had everything I could ever hope for warmth, humor, depth, and a heart that loves deeply. She made me feel loved in a way that was pure and real, and honestly, I couldn’t help but fall for her more every day.
The moment I realized our connection was real didn’t come from anything grand. It was in a quiet, ordinary moment the way she looked at me, laughed with me, or cared for others. I remember thinking, “She really gets me. Being with her feels right.” That little moment made me realize what we had was rare and meaningful, something worth holding onto.
Being with her taught me patience not just in waiting, but in listening, understanding, and handling situations with care. She showed me that love isn’t always loud; sometimes it’s subtle, quiet, and consistent. Our relationship was a mix of friendship in public and lovers in private. It taught me that love is about growing together, respecting each other, and trusting each other, even when no one else sees it.
I also learned that a relationship only works when both people put in the effort. Connection matters. It isn’t enough for one person to always compromise or give. Love requires teamwork, communication, and care from both sides. Being with her also helped me discover more about myself: that I can be more caring, understanding, and open with my feelings than I ever realized.
Now, our relationship has changed. We were together for one year and eight months, and she asked me to let go. I respected her
because she was tired of trying to make things work between us. It hurts more than I can describe. Sometimes it feels like a part of me is missing, but I understand that love isn’t always about holding on.
We’re friends now. Even though it’s not the same, I still love her in a quieter, more mature way. I’ve learned that sometimes love means giving someone the space and freedom they need, even if it breaks your heart a little. I carry our memories, laughter, lessons, and the love we shared as a reminder that some connections are too precious to let go of, even if they change form.
It’s bittersweet, but I’ve grown. I’ve learned about patience, connection, and the kind of love that isn’t just about being together. It’s about understanding, respecting, and cherishing someone enough to honor what they need, even if it isn’t with you. Even though I miss her every day, I hope that by letting go, we can both continue to grow separately, yet forever touched by the love we shared.
Even now, when I think of her, I can feel the warmth of her hand in mine in my memory, the sparkle in her eyes when she laughed at something silly, the way she trusted me with her heart. It hurts because she is no longer mine to hold, but it’s also beautiful because I got to love someone so incredible. That kind of love changes you it lingers, it teaches, and it shapes every way you understand care, tenderness, and heartbreak.
And maybe that’s the hardest lesson of all loving someone enough to let them go can feel like losing a part of yourself, but it can also be the most honest, pure, and enduring love you will ever know.
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- Ashley Nicole Oco
