"I'm sorry," tipid na paliwanag ng aking long time boyfriend na si Matteo.

We're trapped in his garden's gazebo dahil sa biglaang pagbuhos ng malakas na ulan. Inilibot ko ang aking paningin and saw how chaotic the whole place was. From wet paper lanterns hanggang sa tumumbang tent— Everything was a mess.

"So you're planning to surprise me?"

I looked at him pero nakayuko lang siya. Mula doo'y hindi ko na naitago ang aking ngiti. Bihira lang niya ipakita ang side niyang ito kaya naman I want to treasure moments like this.

"I'm sorry, Madeline," he said. "I've messed up everything."

"Bakit ba panay ang sorry mo?" natatawang saad ko. "It's not like you're a guy full of surprises."

He raised his head and looked at me with apologetic eyes. I reached out for his face and pinched his nose.

"I just wanted to give your dream date," it was almost a whisper.

Kumunot ang noo ko. "My dream date?"

"I've always wanted to take you to see the fireworks, Mads. Kasi 'yon ang dream date mo, right?" he said. "You want us to have a simple dinner under the fireworks—but I've messed everything up."

I felt like a feather floating through the air and I can't help but to smile.

I paused for a moment then held both of his hands.

"That was my dream date when I haven't found out that I have lung cancer yet, Theo—"

I wasn't able to finish my sentence when I saw a glistening liquid from his eyes. He's crying?

"Hindi bagay sa'yo ang umiiyak!"

He didn't answer back but instead, he pulled me in a hug which made my heart pound like crazy.

And from there, hindi ko na rin napigilan ang luha ko. I buried my face on his chest while cherishing this moment.

"I just wanted to give you the best," he said.

"Theo, you don't have to give me the best of everything because I already have it—and that's you."

"Pero—"

I didn't let him finish his sentence when I pulled him in a kiss. That was actually our first.

"Don't say another sorry, we can still make that dream date come true."

Humiwalay ako sa kanya then took a thick blanket tsaka ito inilatag sa sahig. Kinuha ko rin ang kanyang laptop and set it up on the floor. I searched for a live coverage of the supposed to be fireworks display on facebook.

Nang matapos ay lumingon ako sa kanya then extended my hand for him to sit with me. He was hesitant pero mabilis din siyang sumunod sa akin. He sat down then fixed the cannula on my nose which was connected to my oxygen tank. After that, I leaned my head on his shoulder and we both enjoyed the fireworks display on the screen.

"This is the best date for me," I said. "Thank you for everything, Theo."

I felt his kiss on my head then whispered, "I love you, Mads."

>End<