Jenn's POV
We had a long, long flight with one layover in Bangkok. After almost nine hours in the air, we finally landed in Manila, Philippines.
We were so excited getting off the plane that we almost tripped while rushing to the luggage belt. After collecting our bags, we headed straight to our pre-booked cab. We had booked both the cab and our Airbnb in advance to make the trip smooth and easy.
Once in the cab, Jas immediately took out her phone to call her mom. I did the same and called Mumma to let her know we had landed safely.
When we reached our apartment, we got out of the cab. I paid the driver online, and we rolled our bags up to our Airbnb. It was a sea-facing apartment, and as soon as we stepped inside, we were stunned by how beautiful it was.
The apartment had a cozy little hall with a comfy sofa covered in soft, colorful cushions. In front of the sofa was a sleek table, and right across was a huge flat-screen TV that nearly covered the entire wall. Where the wall ended, a big glass door began—opening into a balcony with the most breathtaking sea view.
The balcony was decorated with lush green plants and vibrant flower pots, adding to the serene vibe. There was even a full-length mirror out there—perfect, since Jas and I were both mirror-obsessed.
We literally screamed with excitement when we saw the view.
The apartment had two bedrooms and a modern kitchen. Both rooms had the same sea-facing view as the balcony. Jas's room came first, then the hall, and then mine, all lined up in the same direction so we could wave at each other from our balconies. On the other side of the hall was an elegant, Pinterest-worthy kitchen with all the latest appliances.
We were beyond excited to stay in this dreamy place for the next one month.
"I'm going to freshen up, take a shower, and offer namaz," I told Jas.
She nodded, "I'm going to nap first, she added.
We headed to our rooms. I unpacked my toiletries in the bathroom, freshened up, took a long, soothing shower, and offered my prayers. Then I went to the kitchen to make coffee—there wasn't much else available yet.
I made two cups and walked over to Jas's room. "Here's your coffee, Jas. I'm leaving it on the table. Get up and get ready—we need to go grocery shopping," I said, turning back toward my room.
But she immediately hugged me from behind. "Thank you, my jellypenguin," she said, taking her cup with a smile.
"Let's have this coffee on the balcony," I insisted.
She jumped up, and we stepped onto the balcony attached to her room. The sun was setting, and the sky looked absolutely magical. I quickly grabbed my phone, and we took a bunch of pictures—together, of the view, and of the golden sky.
Once we finished our coffee, I took the cup from Jas and reminded her to get ready. I went back to the kitchen, washed the cups, and got changed. The cab I'd booked earlier was waiting outside.
We left the apartment and headed to a nearby shopping mart. Jas grabbed a trolley and immediately started filling it with all sorts of unnecessary things. I gave her a side-eye, but she looked at me with her classic puppy-dog face and pleaded. I sighed and nodded—she was too cute to say no to.
"I'll go shop for the essentials," I told her, heading toward the vegetables and spices section. She nodded as I grabbed another trolley and turned down a different aisle.
As I turned to reach for my cart, I suddenly collided with someone. I nearly fell to the floor, and my elbow hit something hard.
I screamed like a startled cat, clutching my elbow in pain—when I suddenly heard a deep voice apologizing.
The accent was different. American, maybe? I looked up—and froze.
The guy standing in front of me was gorgeous. Tall—at least 6'2—with sharp features and a lean, athletic build. He held out his hand to help me up.
"Ma'am, are you okay?" he asked, looking concerned.
Still in shock, I stood up without taking his hand and forced a laugh. "I'm okay," I said, trying not to look like a total lunatic.
There I was, with a messy bun, wearing shorts and a polo t-shirt—looking like a walking disaster. I had never imagined I'd bump into someone this handsome at a grocery store of all places.
I tried to walk away casually, but he called after me again.
"Are you sure you're okay? Your elbow is bleeding," he said, pointing gently toward it.
I glanced down. He was right—a scratch. "Oh, it's nothing. I'll apply some ointment at home," I replied sweetly. "Thanks for the concern, though."
He smiled and nodded, and we both walked away in opposite directions.