NAUNANG nagising si Jiya kaysa kay Migo.

She's spent the past ten minutes in the quiet, squinting against the light, staring at the peace on his face.

Gently, she reaches out with her hand, and brushes the pad of one little finger on his cheek.

Jiya's lips tilt upwards when he scrunches his nose at the touch. She lays her head on his chest and tries to memorize his face, etch it into memory, imagine what it'll look like when there's wrinkles all over smooth skin, when the black of his hair gets washed out with gray and the strands start to fall from its roots like apples on a tree—and he'll still smile at her like the same Migo, and he'll still have eyes that admire her like the same Migo. He'll still have lips that kiss her like the same Migo.

She finds his hand under the covers, and very, very carefully, traces his pinky with hers. She imagines how it'll feel like when it goes numb, unable to open glass jars like he used to, unable to drive like he used to, baka hindi na rin makapagluto like he used to—and he'll still have a hold that's unwavering and secure, matibay, and he'll still have hands that hold her like she's breakable.

Jiya lets go of his pinky after hooking it loosely with hers, and travels up to the breadth of his chest, the slow rising and falling of his breathing, and spreads her slightly shaking fingers over the fabric of his shirt. She imagines how it'll feel when his body's turned weak and brittle, when his breathing becomes ragged with old age and the illnesses that come with it—and he'll still have a heart that loves her. Sana.

Normal ba 'to? Ilang months pa lang sila, pero bakit ang—bakit parang ilang taon na, parang hindi bago ang nararamdam niya—parang matagal nang nasa ilalim ng puso niya, matagal nang dormant sa loob-loob niya, na ngayon lang nagpakita?

Hindi na niya namalayan na she has tears in her eyes until one drop falls to his shirt.

Ang saya niyang gumising katabi ni Migo, pero ngayon, nahahaluan na 'yon ng sakit na hindi niya alam kayang iparamdam sa kanya ni Migo.

Migo stirs. Jiya hurriedly wipes her eyes and sits up, hugging her knees, waiting for him to wake up.

He squints against the light. Half-lidded, he rasps, "Morning."

"Hi," Jiya whispers back, giving him a smile.

Migo runs one hand through his face and reaches out with the other for her. She crawls over his legs and wraps her arms around him.

"Kanina ka pa gising?" he mutters sleepily, stroking her back.

"No." Jiya's fingers softly thread into his hair. She breathes in his scent and whispers on the skin of his neck, "I love waking up with you."

Before you—happy. Sad. Everything in between, everything in between the feeling of contentment, everything in between the feeling of pain.

With you—at peace. Home.

She feels his smile on her shoulder, hears it in his voice when he says, "Umagang-umaga, 'wag mong gingaganito puso ko, Valle."

Jiya kisses his pulse point. She feels it jump under her lips, and his hands grip her hips a little too tightly. Smiling, she whispers in his ear, "'Wag kang mag-alala. I'll take care of it."

"Sandali!" Migo almost shouts, laughing, pushing her off, but Jiya clings onto him like a koala, laughing. "Hoy! Namumula na 'ko, tangina mo, lumayo ka sa 'kin!"

"Bakit? Totoo nga!"

"Layo!" Migo slings an arm over her waist to push her on her back, hovering above her. His eyes are bright and his face is glowing and red. Jiya wishes she could take a picture. "Ganito ka ba ka-clingy and ka-cheesy sa mornings, Valle?"

Jiya wraps her legs around his calves, bringing him down to his knees with a grunt. Raising an eyebrow, she challenges, "Bakit, may problema ka?"

He laughs again. Putangina. Her stomach churns—para siyang nasa rollercoaster na pababa pa lang, the big drop. "Wala," he murmurs, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "Feeling ko lang nasiraan ako ng puso 'tsaka utak, pero okay lang. Kasalanan mo, pero okay lang. Gusto ko pa ng maraming mornings na ganito."

Jiya cups his neck and strokes his jaw with a thumb. "Migo."

He's still smiling, staring at her. "Mm?"

She bites her lip. "Gawan mo 'kong champorado."

Another laugh bubbles out of Migo's chest. Pwede niya ba 'yon i-store 'tsaka i-keep, ulit-ulitin sa tainga niya? "Nope, tuturuan kita."

"E," she whines, glaring at him when he starts to pull her up from the bed.

"Baka mag-crave ka tapos wala ako, so dapat marunong ka," he tells her, pushing her to the bathroom. "Pero may muta ka pa kasi, kaya maghilamos muna tayo."

Jiya throws him a tissue roll. "Ikaw rin kaya!"

*

Tinuruan siya ni Migo gumawa ng champorado.

It doesn't taste as good as his, pero pwede na. Kaya na mag-isa.

*

"So." Van clears her throat, one hand covering her face, and she looks at her shoulder. "Datingnakami," she murmurs, barely coherent.

Isco, standing behind her chair, raises his eyebrow. "Ulitin mo."

Van drops her hands, twists her head to look at him, and snaps, "Inuutusan mo ba 'ko—"

"So dating na kayo, finally," Addie cuts in with a sigh, shaking her head. She flips a page sa reading niya. "Finally."

Jiya grins, looking up from stirring her coffee. "Congrats, mga bobo."

Van makes a move to punch her. Jiya doesn't flinch.

"Exclusive na kami ngayon," Isco says proudly, puffing his chest out, scraping back a chair beside Van. He spreads his arm over her shoulder and says, "Nag-sorry na rin ako kay Inggo, Valentine's date ko dapat siya e."

Addie suddenly gasps, dropping her hands on her reading, eyes wide. She looks at each of her friends and whispers, "Valentine's. Oh my God, this week na 'yon!"

"May V-day party ulit kila Suarez, g ba?" Van says, leaning against Isco, shaking her drink. She snorts, glancing at Jiya, "Pero hindi na tayo purple cups this year."

Isco scoffs. "Dapat lang."

'Yong V-day party kay Suarez, Februrary 13 no'n—doon na-meet ni Jiya yung short relationship niya last year dahil sa purple cups nila ni Van—DTF.

Blue for single, pink for taken, green for it's complicated.

Lame, pero after ng night na 'yon, when she lost her virginity (around Valentine's pa talaga, corny pota), naging sila ni Luis.

"Ano gift ko kay Cas?!" Addie slumps her elbows down on the table and runs her hands through her face, whining. "Wala pa akong plan!"

Jiya makes a face. "Bakit may pa-gifts pa?"

"Kasi it's a day for your significant other!" Addie says exasperatedly. "Ang romantic kaya!"

"Romantic? So kailangan ko rin ng gift for you?" Isco asks Van, blinking. "Magbibigay ka ba sa 'kin? Ano plano natin, babe?"

Van smacks him. "Babe babe ka diyan. 'Tsaka 'wag na, huhubarin ko rin naman kung ano ibibigay mo. Or gagamitin natin."

Jiya gives them a flat look. "Puta, kadiri."

Isco winks. "She knows me so well."

Si Migo kaya? Jiya frowns. Nagce-celebrate ba 'yon ng Valentine's? Last year, around February (or March ba) sila nag-break ni Tasha.

Nakuha ni Jiya ang sagot niya while she's out with Addie and Van sa mall para maghanap ng isusuot for the party later, free cut na kasi last class nila. Si Addie lang actually may balak pumunta, tapos si Van and Isco baka humabol na lang din. Si Jiya, tinatamad.

Pero her phone buzzes in her pocket.

Pogi sent a photo

Pogi: omg sorry tumalsik

A loud snort escapes Jiya's mouth and she hurriedly covers her phone screen bago pa makita ng iba, then she lowers her brightness, laughing quietly to herself.

BALIW KA SAYO BA YAN

Pogi: GAGO HINDI AHHAHAHAHAHA
BAKIT GUSTO MO BA

Picture kasi ng tamod. Hay. Bakit nga ba niya kasi boyfriend 'to?

She types her reply, grinning.

pwede. ure done with class?

Pogi: nope, mag-shopping ka muna
dyan :) habol tayo sa vday party kila
suarez.

Jiya frowns.

ayoko naghahabol din ako ng
grades ko

Pogi: :( first vday naten :(

Napaka-romantic talaga neto. Jiya sighs.

sige na. don't give me flowers 
or anything tho sasapakin
kita. sunduin mo me later
tulog muna ko paguwi

Pogi: OKAY SEE YOU BABY

Ang dali niya talagang pasiyahin. She grins.

see u. <3

Pogi: POTA MAY HEART SJSHDJ

Jiya laughs.

Pagkasundo sa kanya ni Migo, naka-leather jacket, black shirt, and ripped jeans, may dalang flowers ang gago.

Jiya raises an eyebrow and stares at him, not moving from inside the gate. "Gusto mo ng sapak?"

Migo grins and makes this sound in between a laugh and a chuckle—medyo muntik nang mawala 'yong resolve ni Jiya kasi her heart melts. "Sige na, ito naman, first Valentine's natin." He thrusts the bouquet of red roses in black wrapper in her direction, waving it around.

"Ang corny mo," Jiya whines, stomping her foot, but she crosses her arms over her chest and stalks towards him to take the damn flowers. "Alam mo naman na these die fast."

Migo cups her face and leans down. "Okay lang na aminin mo na kinikilig ka, Valle."

Jiya stops him, pushing him away before he can kiss her. Migo blinks. "Naka-lipstick ako," she says. Red na red pa.

"Wala nga akong pake," Migo answers, rolling his eyes. He pulls her towards him and proves his point. Jiya's toes curl in her heels as she grips his arm, tiptoeing, kissing him back.

Then she pushes him, gives him a glare, and smacks him with the bouquet. "Nakakainis ka," she mutters, looking down at them. Jiya bites her lip as she twists it in her fingers.

Never pa kasi siyang naka-receive ng Valentine's flowers, and hindi naman 'yon something na gusto niyang ma-achieve kasi nga namamatay sila agad. Ano pang point?

Pero ngayon na si Migo ang nagbigay...puta.

"Thank you," she mutters, not looking at him.

"Ano 'yon?" He's grinning, hands still on her face, thumbs stroking her cheek. "Ang hina e."

"Thank you!" Jiya almost yells, hiding her face in the flowers.

Tumatawa siya. Ang sarap pakinggan. His hands slide down to her shoulders, to her sides, around her bare waist. "You're welcome," he murmurs, squeezing her. "Ano ba, sinabi ko ngang 'wag kang mag-bralette kasi nababaliw ako, naka-tube ka naman."

"Iba ang bralette sa tube."

"Parehas ko pa ring nakikita ang twins 'tsaka 'to." Migo runs his fingers along the skin of her waistband. Jiya snatches his wrist with a glare. "Kinakabahan ako sa 'yo, Valle, tangina. Pagtitinginan ka."

Kanina kasi, habang nagbibihis siya, Migo texted her.

Pogi: bawal na yung bralette magiging
horny lang ako buong night. magsuot
ka ng iba

Jiya rolled her eyes and replied:

magsusuot ako ng gusto ko.

Pogi: alam ko pero baby :( please :(
wag yung bralette para sakin lang yon

Totoo nga naman na nababaliw si Migo sa mga 'yon. She grins.

FINE

So nagsuot siya ng black na tube na may beige ripped jacket and brown skinny jeans na may belt. Imbis na nakalugay siya, she tied her hair in a low ponytail, put on some hoop earrings (for once), wore eyeliner (ang sakit ah, puta), and applied red lipstick that matches her heels.

Minsan lang feeling ni Jiya na maganda siya. And gusto niya ring hindi makaalis ng tingin si Migo sa kanya.

(Kahit naman may drool siya sa bibig, hindi na makaalis ng tingin si Migo—kahit naka-hoodie lang siya 'tsaka basketball shorts.)

"Ikaw lang makakahawak." Jiya leans up to kiss him again. "And sa 'yo lang ako nakatingin."

"Dapat lang," he whispers, hand sliding down to her butt.

Nando'n na lahat ng mga kaibigan nila sa malaking bahay ni Suarez except sina Isco and Van, male-late raw kasi traffic. Anton hugs her, Inggo whistles when he sees her, and si Addie nagpumilit na mag-picture sila with her and Cas.

Jiya drags Migo, fingers interlaced with his, sa drinks. May cups na naman na by the same colors.

Migo grabs two pink cups—taken. "O. Babatukan kita ng purple e."

Jiya smiles and takes it. "How do you know which one was mine last year? Wala ka naman dito no'n."

Her boyfriend pours her a drink. "I was here. I was so mad I left."

A scoff escapes her. She takes a sip. "Kayo pa ni Tasha no'n, anong karapatan mong magalit?"

"Break na kami at the time," Migo counters, raising his eyebrows. "Pero ikaw, gusto mo na 'ko, nakipag-momol ka pa raw kay—sino ba 'yon, 'yong fling mo—kay Luis—dito. Pota."

"'Di lang 'yon," Jiya says without thinking, snorting, downing her shot. Her phone buzzes in her pocket, and she fishes it out with one hand. "Oh, sina Isco's here, let's—"

Migo's still staring at her. "Valle, anong 'di lang 'yon?"

Jiya blinks. "Ha?"

"Sabi mo 'di lang 'yon." He puts down his cup and furrows his eyebrows. "Purple is for DTF. May...may nangyari pang iba? Umu—umuwi ka ba with him?"

Oh, shit.

Hindi pa alam ni Migo. Hindi niya alam na hindi na siya virgin.

Jiya purses her lips and looks up at him, swallowing. "Oo."

"And?" Migo mutters flatly, searching her face. "Hanggang saan?"

His tone takes her aback. Jiya's own eyebrows draw together. "DTF, 'di ba?"

Migo stares at her. "All the way?" he asks quietly.

"Hindi pa tayo no'n, Migo," Jiya says agad, putting her drink down. Somehow, she feels the need to defend herself kahit wala namang mali sa ginawa niya. Somehow, she feels the need to assure Migo. "Hindi pa tayo no'n, we hated each other then pa, and I was allowed to do whatever I wanted."

"No, I—" He sucks in a breath, pressing his lips to a thin line. Then he shakes his head, smiles, and says, "No, you're right. Yeah."

Nag-assume si Jiya na ginawa na nila ni Tasha.

She stares at his face. Migo smiles at her and pours Coke into his cup—he's driving kasi. "Baby," she starts.

"Mm?" He slides his hand in hers and drags her away. "Tara, sila Isco's here."

Migo pulls her into his lap, keeps his arms circled around her waist habang nag-iinuman and nag-uusap sila sa labas ng mga kaibigan nila.

He's laughing and smiling, stroking his fingers along her skin, and Jiya feels the warmth of his breath on her neck when he talks and laughs, pero habang pinaglalaruan ni Jiya fingers niya on her stomach, she's sensing na may mali.

Umalis sina Inggo, Anton, Isco, 'tsaka Van para mag-smoke. Jiya turns her head towards Migo, cups his cheek, and kisses him.

Migo kisses her back, rubbing his hand along her side, digging his nails in her skin.

Somewhere behind them, Cas whistles loudly. "May mga kwarto dito, guys!"

Migo pulls back. He smiles at her. "Lasing ka na?"

Jiya shakes her head, stroking his cheek. "Are you mad?"

Migo shakes his head once. "No," he whispers, leaning back against his seat. "I just didn't know."

"I'm sorry 'di ko sinabi," Jiya mutters, fisting her hand in his shirt sa chest niya. Migo's own hand envelopes hers, rubbing her skin in assurance. "Does it...does it bother you? Nagbago ba tingin mo sa 'kin? Do you think madumi na 'ko?" she whispers, voice breaking.

"Valle," Migo snaps. He puts down his drink and hauls her up. "Bro, sorry, pero bounce na kami, pakisabi sa iba."

Cas catches the look on both their faces and nods. "Go. Ingat kayo, text n'yo kami when you're home."

"You too," Jiya manages to say before she's dragged out to Migo's car.

Migo faces her. "I'm sorry, Valle. I'm sorry sa reaction ko, pero hindi ko—hindi nagbago ang tingin ko sa 'yo. Wala akong—you're right, hindi pa tayo no'n, you had every right to do whatever you wanted because it's your choice and it's your body. Nagulat—nagulat lang ako, I'm sorry I made you feel that way."

Jiya bites her lip and studies his face. He looks sorry, and worried, and regretful. Jiya grabs his hand and puts it to her lips, kisses his knuckles. "I'm sorry."

"Stop apologizing," Migo says harshly. "Stop, it's okay, don't apologize, babe."

"I feel bad kasi kung mangyayari 'yon sa 'tin, ako first mo."

Migo smiles at her. "Don't. Okay na ako sa hindi mo first, basta only."

Jiya nods. Kisses his knuckles again. Migo reaches out to tenderly touch her face. "Only," she promises quietly.

*

Saturday na Saturday, may make-up class si Jiya at eleven.

Pogi: good morning princess. i'll get u
bfast na and meet you at sec walk.
text me when ure here, ingat <3

May naka-schedule rin na group work sina Migo at 11:30 for their lab class on Monday.

Sluggishly, Jiya showers and dresses into his hoodie and shorts, dumping her things carelessly in her bag. She yawns while she puts on her socks and slings her ID around her neck while she goes down the stairs. "Manang, ready na—"

"Shh!" Manang scolds her, putting a finger to her lips. She points at the sofa.

Jiya blinks, reaching the landing, finding her mother slumped on the couch. She's still in her work clothes, but the buttons of her blouse are undone messily, and her hair is out of its bun and the strands are all over her face. Her cheeks are flushed, and there's a wine stain on the pillow she's resting on. There are two open bottles of wine on the table.

Jiya sighs. To Manang, she whispers, "What happened?"

The old lady sighs, too. "'Di umuwi tatay mo, hija."

"That's normal," Jiya says.

"Umuwi raw sa bagong bili na condo niya," Manang says.

Ah. She swallows the lump in her throat and blinks rapidly, moving closer to her mother.

If her dad bought a condo unit, then that means he's...well, he's definitely leaving her mom now.

Jiya drops to her knees in front of her. Gently, she brushes the hair out of her face, and pulls the blanket over her body.

She looks so tired.

Jiya stares at her mom. Mas kamukha niya raw 'yong dad niya, pero sometimes, she sees herself in Hillary, too.

She already knew that her parents didn't love each other anymore. Ang tagal na, she grew up not remembering a time when they did, and ang tagal na rin nilang pinag-aawayan 'yong mga babae ng dad niya, 'yong mga lalaki ng mom niya—kasi mayro'n. Marami. Silang dalawa. Pero ngayon lang—ngayon lang nagsi-sink in sa kanya na nagkakatotoo na annulment nila. Soon.

Wala rin siyang magagawa. And hinda ba better na 'to? Kaysa 'yong magdusa silang nakatira pa rin sa isang bahay kahit wala namang inuuwian na pamilya?

Mas gusto na ni Jiya na nando'n sila sa kung saan sila masaya. Kung sa kabit 'yon, e 'di go, mag-annulment sila.

Jiya stands up and looks at Manang. Quietly, she asks, "Ready na po ba si Kuya Willy?"

"Oo." She comes close to grip her hand, searching her face in worry. "Jiya, anak..."

"Okay lang ako, 'Nang," she whispers with a smile, gripping her hand back. "Pagising na lang si Mom in a few para makatulog siya nang maayos sa kwarto niya. And pabigyan na lang rin po ng tubig and a pill for her hangover."

Manang nods. She reaches out to stroke her cheek. "Mahal ka nila, Jiya," she murmurs.

She keeps her face blank and nods once. "Una na po ako," she says, and then turns around to head to her car.

Jiya texts Migo as soon as she's in school, and heads straight to SEC Walk. He's already waiting for her, sitting on a bench, scrolling through his phone. May Starbucks paper bag sa tabi niya and coffee.

She smiles when she sees him, walking over. "How much do I owe you?"

"Three kisses," Migo says, tapping his lips.

Rolling her eyes, she leans down and cups his face with one hand, pressing three quick kisses to his mouth.

He's smiling. "Morning. Happy Valentine's."

"We celebrated na last night," she reminds him, taking the paper bag and the coffee. "But do we have plans today? Kahit nap muna at your place, and then a movie lang and dinner at UPTC?"

Migo tucks her hair behind her ear while she sips on her drink. "Are you asking me out, princess?"

"Yes." She steps in between his spread legs and brushes her hand through his soft hair. Migo closes his eyes, grinning at her, hanging his head back. "Is that a yes?"

"Yes, pero putangina, akin 'to, 'no?" He pulls on her hoodie harshly, glaring at her, then knocks at the cap on her head. "Shit, pati 'to. 'Wag na tayo mag-acads, condo na tayo, tara."

Jiya laughs once, but she hears the word 'condo', and she remembers her dad, and instantly, nawala good mood niya.

Migo notices. "Hey," he whispers, standing up to his full height, taking her drink and food and setting it down on the bench, and then he grips her hands and squeezes them. "Hey, Valle, okay ka lang?"

"Okay lang ako, tanga," she says, laughing.

Migo scrunches his eyebrows together and cups her face, thumbs stroking her cheeks. He stares at her, and 'yong tingin niya na 'yon—'yong tingin niya na 'yon, gusto nang magwala ni Jiya kasi parang mahal siya ng gagong 'to. "Valle..."

"Okay lang ako," Jiya whispers, and then she blinks, and tangina, wala na, umiiyak na siya.

Migo gently pushes her head to his chest and hugs her tight, caressing her back soothingly.

Jiya's shoulders shake as she wraps her arms around him, fisting his shirt with shaking fingers.

'Di pa ba siya sanay sa mga magulang niya? Ano na naman 'to, bakit siya nagda-drama pa?

Migo kisses her temple, gently cradling her head. "Do you need to go to class?" he whispers.

"Mm." Jiya inhales deeply and nods once. "I can't miss it."

"Okay." He kisses her temple again.

They hug lang until the bell rings, and Jiya pulls away, but Migo wipes her tears with his thumb, smiling. "I'll see you later, okay?"

Jiya nods. Migo brings her laptop with him and walks her to her classroom, fingers intertwined.

She eats her cinnamon roll and smiles at the napkin pa na may sulat ni Migo:

kinakabahan and excited akong makita ka
kahit na we just saw each other last night
and we see each other almost every day sa
school. feeling ko mahuhulog puso ko every
time. good morning, finish this, ok!

Her good mood is back, and she folds the napkin neatly and texts him under the table.

bakit ang cheesy mo.

Migo reads that immediately.

Pogi: alam ko. did you finish
everything?

yes po. and i feel the same
way.

Pogi: WHOOOOOOOOSH

Jiya raises an eyebrow at his response, and then he adds:

Pogi: sorry yun yung sound ng puso
kong nahulog na

She laughs, covering her mouth with her hand.

"Saya natin, ah," Isco comments, scraping back the chair next to her and dumping his books on the table. "Got some kagabi? 'Di ka masungit e."

Jiya smacks him with her pencil case. "Baka ikaw, so shut up ka na lang diyan."

Isco snorts. "Ako nga talaga." And then he stands up to give Van one, big, fat kiss on the cheek when she comes in with Addie.

Jiya keeps looking at the clock. Gusto na niya umalis, gusto na niya makita si Migo.

During the lecture, her phone buzzes on the table. She opens the message kaagad even without looking at the contact name, pero hindi boyfriend niya ang nag-text.

Cole: hey elorde :) i saw you in school
kanina, what time are u off?

Jiya's eyebrows raise.

why are u asking?

Cole: kasi we're gonna play basketball
baka u want to come :)

She snorts.

ano, para maging cheerleader
nyo? no thanks.

Cole: no, to play. feeling ko masaya
kang kalaro e.

next time. may date ako :)

Cole: ouch. sige, see u on tues!

Jiya doesn't bother replying.

Bago pa mag-ring ang bell, with two minutes to go, Jiya starts packing her things quietly. As soon as the shrill rings make a sound, she stands up and shoulders her bag, waving goodbye to her friends hurriedly, and leaves the room.

Palakad na siya to SOM Forest to text Migo.

I'm done! where you?

His reply is instant.

Pogi: wait lang babe sorry. may two pa
kami na gagawin, una ka na sa condo,
there's a key sa plant sa door.

Jiya pouts.

oki bilisan mo. see u later

Pogi: dapat pala bigyan na kita ng key.

She almost chokes on her saliva at his reply, stopping in her tracks.

HOY PWEDE WARNING 
MUNA

Pogi: valle, warning: I'll give you a key
to my condo unit. Sound good? :)

fuck you

Pogi: soon, baby. text me when ur
inside. :)

Jiya's cheeks are burning, but she's smiling while walking towards the gate, passing the footbridge, and walking to Burgundy under the heat of the sun.

Tulog siguro si Inggo sa room niya or he went home for the weekend, tahimik kasi sa loob. Jiya dumps her things on the couch, takes off her shoes, and lies down on Migo's bed, taking off her cap and ID.

here na baby. habol ka sa nap
ko i want cuddles.

Pogi: so cute. you got it wife :)

Jiya sighs and closes her eyes. Hay, Migo. Bakit mo ba ginaganito puso ko?

*

Nagising si Jiya almost two hours later na wala pa rin siyang katabi sa kama. Frowning, she checks her phone. Walang text si Migo.

Annoyed, she texts him.

san ka na i need u can we 
cuddle na please.

Her boyfriend reads that.

Pogi: kakatapos lang baby sorry.
hinihintay ko lang sundo ni tasha
then i'll take a tric na. cute mo when
ure clingy :(

Jiya sits up slowly. She rubs her eyes with her hand to make sure she read that correctly. Noong hindi pa rin nag-iiba 'yong name kahit gano katagal niyang titigan, she calls him.

"Morning," Migo greets with a smile. "Ten minutes—"

"Kasama si Tasha sa group work mo?" she asks quietly, wrapping an arm around herself. "Why are you waiting for her sundo pa?"

Migo used to do that all the time no'ng sila. Alam ni Jiya kasi palagi niyang naririnig, and every time naririnig niya, iisipin niya: swerte naman ni Tasha. Sana ako na lang. "Uy, I'll just wait for Tasha's sundo," he'd say. "Hintayin ko lang sundo ng girlfriend ko," he'd say. "Sunod ako after masundo ni Tasha," he'd say.

"Yes," Migo answers slowly. "And wala, we're friends, sa may Leong din siya susunduin e papunta akong gate 3, so hinintay ko na rin with her—"

Sira na mood niya. It may be because of her parents, it may be kasi ex ni Migo si Tasha and she feels irrationally jealous kasi kanina pa niya hinihintay si Migo, kanina pa niya kailangan at gustong yakapin. 'Yon lang, he's doing something he used to do a lot when he and Tasha were together.

Mali bang nasasaktan siya?

She crawls off the bed, jaw clenching, and says, "Okay."

"Valle," Migo says lowly, picking up on her tone. "Are you mad?

Jiya grabs her things off the couch and stomps her feet in her shoes. "Slight lang," she says through gritted teeth. "Slight lang, Migo, ex mo kasi 'yan e."

"Wait lang," Migo snaps, hearing her movement at the end of the line. "'Valle, wait, 'wag kang aalis, papunta na 'ko."

"'Wag na," Jiya says, slamming the door. "Uwi na 'ko."

He makes a noise of frustration. "Valle, sandali lang, pwede?"

Jiya hangs up. Pagkababa niya sa lobby, dire-diretso siya to the footbridge.

An idea comes to mind. She calls Cole.

"Yo, Elorde!" he answers, the smile evident in his face.

"May room pa for one more?" Jiya asks, speed-walking. "Sa'n kayo?"

"Meron for you," he says, chuckling. "Sunduin na kita, sakto, nasa parking lot pa lang ako."

"JSEC?"

"Yeah."

"I'll go to you." She hangs up.

Cole opens the door for her with a grin. "Mainit maglaro in a hoodie, ah."

She takes off her ball cap and slips the hoodie off with one swift motion, dumping it in the backseat with her things, leaving her in a black tank top. She stares at Cole flatly, putting the cap back on her head. He's blinking at her, eyes wide. "Okay na? May sasabihin ka pa sa suot ko o pwede na tayong umalis?"

He whistles lowly, rounding the car. "Bad mood ka ah," he comments, switching on the engine. "May nangyari sa date?"

"Wala," Jiya snaps, pushing her hand on the button sa radio. She turns it up to a high volume to shut him up.

Cole chuckles, getting the message, and reverses out of his parking space.

Jiya ignores Migo's calls. Dinala siya ni Cole sa court sa may village niya, nando'n rin sina Billy, Carlo, and a couple of other guys from their team.

Cole passes her the ball. "Try to shoot it muna."

Jiya dribbles it, bends her knees, and aims for the net.

Tumama naman sa board, pero hindi pumasok. Cole grins. "Pwede na. Game!"

Nakakapagod ang basketball.

When Carlo blocks her pass, jumping up, he tackles over Jiya sa bigat ng katawan niya.

"Ay, shit," Carlo mutters, dropping to his knees. "Shit, sorry, Jiya, are you okay?"

Masakit 'yong knee niya, the skin is scraped, may dugo. She hisses, panting, giving him a thumbs-up with one hand. Her other hand goes to her knee. "I'm fine."

Cole drops to his knees and grabs her arm, putting it over his shoulder. "Kaya mo tumayo?" he whispers, one arm supporting her waist.

Jiya winces and nods. "Kaya." Carlos helps her up, too, pero si Cole ang nag-alalay sa kanya sa bench.

"Sorry talaga, Jiya," Carlos mutters, rubbing the nape of his neck.

"It's okay!" she tells him with a smile, setting her foot carefully in front of her pagkaupo niya. "Don't worry about it."

"Kumuha ka ng ointment and bandage sa car ko and water," Cole tells him, hands around the open skin on her knee.

Jiya slaps his hands away. "OA ka, ano ba, mawawala din 'yan."

"Kailangan linisin," he snaps, glaring at her. "Give me my bag, nasa tabi mo."

Jiya glares at him, but she reaches for his bag and gives it to him. Cole rummages through it for a towel.

Then, gently, he presses the towel on her wound to stop the bleeding, holding her calf with his other hand.

Jiya winces, gripping the bench.

Cole snorts. "OA pala ako, ah."

"Shut up."

Pagkabalik ni Carlo, Cole takes off her shoe and sock and opens the water bottle, looking at her. "Baka masakit 'to. I just need to clean it, humawak ka sa shirt ko."

"Hindi na."

Cole sighs, shaking his head, and pours the water on her knee.

"Putangina," Jiya hisses weakly, instinctively reaching out and fisting her hand on his shirt sa shoulder niya.

Cole's mouth curls up. "Sabi na e."

Jiya wants to punch him.

He finishes cleaning it, then he uncaps the antibiotic ointment and applies it gently on her wound, blowing into it. Then tinakpan niya ng bandage. "Palitan mo 'yan every day," he instructs, looking through his bag again. "And wash it every day rin."

Jiya rolls her eyes, sighing, and reaches for her phone. "'Ge. Thanks." May fourteen missed calls na si Migo. Tumatawag na naman.

Jiya picks up.

"Nasa'n ka?" he demands, angry. "Ano problema mo, Valle, nandito ako sa bahay mo, kanina pa ako nag-aalala, tangina—"

"Kasama ko friends ko, I'm fine," Jiya mutters, tired. She closes her eyes and rubs her forehead, shoulders slumping. "Magpapahatid na ako, wait for me there."

"Susunduin na kita," he bites out.

"'Wag na, maghintay ka, magaling ka naman do'n," Jiya says, hanging up. To Cole, who's been watching her, she says, "Can you take me home na?"

Nagpaalam sila sa mga teammates niya, and Jiya thanks them for a good time. Nakakalakad naman si Jiya nang maayos, pero nakabantay si Cole in case na mahulog siya.

Sa car, he asks, "LQ?"

"NB," she answers, settling in the passenger seat.

Cole raises an eyebrow. "NB?"

"None of your business," she answers sweetly, looking out the window.

He huffs out a laugh. "Noted."

Nakikita na ni Jiya 'yong galit sa mukha ni Migo from a distance. Pagkahinto ng car ni Cole, she grabs her things, slings Migo's hoodie on her arm, and says, "Salamat for today. Bye."

"Wait lang, your knee." Before she can protest, he's out the door to open the door for her.

Jiya sighs.

He helps her out, pero agad na binitawan ni Jiya kamay niya habang palapit si Migo, umuusok na ulo. "Sino siya?" Cole asks her.

"Boyfriend niya, baket," Migo snaps, getting in his face. "Sino ka?"

"Migo." Jiya pushes his chest back with one hand, clenching her jaw.

Tiningnan siya ni Migo, jaw tight.

Cole backs up, hands raised in the air. "See you on Tuesday, Elorde."

Hindi na nagpaalam si Jiya. Nagtititigan lang sila ni Migo until he says, "Sumama ka sa kanya to get back at me? Sino ba 'yong gago na 'yon?"

"No," Jiya answers tightly, gritting her teeth. "Sumama ako kasi nagsawa akong kakahintay sa 'yo."

"It was acads, Valle!" Migo says exasperatedly, chest rising and falling rapidly, parang 'di siya makapaniwala sa ginawa ni Jiya. "Tangina, may problema ka na do'n? Ha?"

"That's not the problem at alam mo 'yon," Jiya hisses, stepping closer to him. "I needed you, Migo, hinintay kita, tapos maghihintay ka with your ex ng sundo niya? You used to do that all the time when you were together, 'di ba?"

"Valle, sa tingin mo ba ginawa ko 'yon kasi naging kami," Migo counters angrily. "I would've done that even if it were any other friend waiting for their sundo when were were going in the same fucking direction—"

"Pero hindi ibang tao 'yon, si Tasha 'yon, ex mo—"

"Ano naman kung ex ko, tangina, e ikaw mahal ko?!"

Jiya shuts up.

Migo slaps a hand to his mouth and twists around, burying his face in his hands. "Putangina, putangina, kalimutan mo 'yon, wala akong sinabi, tangina!"

Jiya purses her lips, and she hides her mouth behind her hand when her lips curl upwards.

She feels her heart soaring in her chest.

"Migo," she mutters quietly, clearing her throat.

"Tangina, tangina." He's pacing, pulling his hair out.

"Migo."

"Tumahimik ka, tangina, wala kang narinig—"

Jiya sighs, pulls his arm, and kisses him.

Migo's hand slides to the back of her neck, walking her backwards to his car, aggressively pressing their lips together. His other hand grabs at her waist, digging his nails to her skin.

She loops her hands around his neck, gasping in his mouth when he sucks on her lower lip, pushing his hands under her tank top, scraping her back. They go under her thighs, and Jiya wraps her legs around his waist, pulling at his hair, grasping his face in her hands.

Migo pulls back, tilting his head to the side, panting heavily, kissing her jaw, ear, the curve of her neck. He slides the strap of her tank top off and sucks on her shoulder, all the while rolling his hips against hers.

Jiya whines, leaning her head back, pressing her body impossibly closer to his. Migo's hand dips on her waistband, and he grips her chin to kiss her again, pushy and obnoxious and desperate.

When he slows down, turning them to sweet and slow and gentle, Jiya pulls back to press their foreheads together, closing her eyes, stroking his hair. Migo keeps his hands on her sides, rubbing her skin, breathing heavily.

"Sorry," Jiya murmurs, squeezing her eyes shut. "Sorry nagalit ako. Sorry rin na I ditched you, and I'm sorry for ignoring your calls and worrying you."

Migo's Adam's apple bobs up and down. Jiya buries her head on his shoulder as he sets her back on the ground, and she hugs him tight, breathing in his scent, nosing at his neck.

Ang sarap sa yakap niya.

Migo squeezes her to him and kisses her forehead. "I'm sorry," he whispers. "I'm sorry for making you wait, I'm sorry kasi hindi ko naisip na masasaktan ka sa ginawa kong paghintay ng sundo ni Tasha, and I'm sorry naging defensive ako."

Jiya kisses his jaw. "Nakakapagod makipag-away with you," she murmurs, hugging him.

Migo laughs breathily, stroking her hair. "Okay lang na mapagod ka sa away. 'Wag lang sa 'kin. Sa 'tin," he whispers.

Jiya wonders if he can also hear the plead in his voice.

She takes his hand, kissing his knuckles, and leads him inside.

Manang opens the door and quietly says, "Si Ma'am Hillary nasa kwarto niya. Papa mo, anak..."

"Okay po," Jiya answers, smiling at her.

Migo whispers, "Hi, Manang, na-miss ko kayo."

"Nandito ka lang noong isang araw," she scoffs, brushing the hair out of his eyes and shooing them upstairs.

Dire-diretso si Migo sa kama niya, nauna pa siya kay Jiya sa kwarto, and he pulls her arm, making her stumble on top of him on the bed. He wraps his arms around her and squeezes her tightly, murmurs, "Sino 'yong gago na kasama mo?"

Jiya hugs him back, sighing, playing with his hair. "Classmate ko lang sa PE. Friend—sort of."

"Ano ginawa n'yo," he mutters.

Para siyang baby. Hay.

Jiya kisses his jaw and whispers, "Nag-basketball."

"Kaya pala ang baho mo," he grunts.

Jiya rolls her eyes and smacks him gently.

His hands smooth down her back. "Hindi ba natin...you don't want to talk about why you cried kanina?"

Jiya shakes her head. "No."

"Okay," he whispers.

Jiya pushes off him, hands on his chest. Migo reaches up to brush the hair out of her face, tucking it behind her ear. "Maliligo muna 'ko then we can go on that date...if you want to, before kitang ihatid sa Burgundy."

"Tinatanong pa ba if I want to?"

She smiles and bends down to kiss him. "Sama ka ba?"

Migo blinks, watching her sit up on her knees. "Saan? Sa date? Natural, alangan mag-date ka mag-isa."

Jiya takes off her tank top, staring at him. "Sa shower, tanga."

Migo snatches her wrists with wide eyes. "Huy."

"Akala mo naman 'di mo pa 'to nakikita!" Jiya laughs, pushing his hands off. "Or nahahawakan o nahahalikan, Salas, you're not innocent, okay?"

"Oo nga, hi sa twins ulit, missed you guys, pero why are you inviting me sa shower mo?"

"Ayaw mo?" She takes off her bra and tosses it on the floor, crawling off the bed.

Migo lets out a breathless laugh, watching her pull her shorts down. "Wala akong gagawin nang nandito nanay mo sa bahay."

Jiya grins, sliding her underwear down her legs, looking at him over his shoulder. Migo's eyes are right where she wants them. "If you're sure."

"Ugh." He groans and turns over, back to her. "Maligo ka na nga, bwiset."

Jiya laughs and disappears inside the bathroom.

*

"Migo, are we gonna talk about the—"

"Hinde!" Migo screams, pushing her off, just as they leave the movie house. Jiya blinks, surprised. A couple of people passing by look at him in surprise, too. "Hinde, no, Valle, wala tayong pag-uusapan—!"

"Migo, calm down, I was just gonna ask kung pag-uusapan ba natin 'yong org DP blast mo and why ang cute mo masyado do'n?"

She grins, sipping her leftover soda, blinking innocently at him.

Migo glares at her and stalks away. "Bahala ka diyan."

"Baby!" Jiya laughs, running after him. "Sorry na, sorry na, hindi na. But really, pwede bang don't be too cute? There are so many comments, e."

*

Group: casaddie cake

Inggo de Paz sent a photo

Inggo de Paz: a soldier has fallen. @Migo

Inggo de Paz: ganto itsura mo kay jiya
bro:🧎🏻‍♂️

Cas Fuentes: i know im young 🤪 but if i
had to choose her or the sun 😩☀️

Anton Buencamino: i'd be one nocturnal
son of a gun 😩🌑🔫

Isco Cuenca: ba ra ra ba ra ra ra 🎶🎤

Cas Fuentes: take a look at my girlfriend
🤪😍👩‍❤️‍👨

Inggo de Paz: she's the only one i got
🥺🧎🏻‍♂️🤰🏻

Isco Cuenca: ba ra ra ba ra ra ra 🎶🎤

Anton Buencamino: bobo isa na lang yon
na 'ba ra ra ra'

Van Andres: ba ba da da kasi mga tanga

Migo Salas: sweet ko noh 🥰

Addie Zacarias: OMG migo posting a pic of
jiya babes with that song...she won
🥺😔☹️😭

Anton Buencamino: ops

Inggo de Paz: ops

Isco Cuenca: ops

Van Andres: panalo ka na. @Jiya

Anton Buencamino: OPSSSS

Inggo de Paz: OPSSSS

Cas Fuentes: @Addie i love u bubba

Addie Zacarias: che

Inggo de Paz: 🤭

Isco Cuenca: @Van i like u

Van Andres: ge

Anton Buencamino: 😬🤭

Cas Fuentas: halika dito. @Inggo halika.

Inggo de Paz left the group

Cas Fuentes: DUWAG

Private Message: migago

sungit: ...ang cute ng pic ko. suot
ko pa hoodie mo hehe

migago: YUN LANG MASASABI MO

migago: 😔💔

sungit: ANO PA SASABIHIN KO OO
NA KINILIG AKO PANALO AKO

migago: PANALO KA TALAGA SAKEN

sungit: ano

migago: ako po ako po yung panalo. 🧎🏻‍♂️

sungit: 😚

migago: ay shit may kiss. dapat pala
magpost ako ng magpost ng ig story.

migago: ah and the pic is my wallpaper
🥰

sungit: cute mo.

migago: HINDI MO BA KO WALLPAPER
bakit hindi mo sinasagot na wallpaper mo
rin ako sino nasa wallpaper mo

sungit: si zayn malik

migago: ah. ok understandable

sungit: ITO NAMAN CONCEDE NA
AGAD JOKE LANG YON ikaw kase
AHHAHA

migago: E GWAPO YON E insecure ako

sungit: tumahamik ka dyan dami
daming nagccomment sa org dp
mo insecure ka

migago: kaya nga pinost kita sa ig story ko
and facebook my day 🥰

sungit: ...😚

migago: AY MAY KISS ULET punta ka dito
gawin mo yang totoo

sungit: sdkhskkfj

sungit: babe

migago: kinikilig ako pwede ba. ano

sungit: i think we should talk
about

sungit is typing...

migago: NO NO NO AYOKO NGA AYOKO
PAG-USAPAN PWEDE SENSITIVE TOPIC
OK HINDE NATIN PAGUUSAPAN SHUT UP

sungit: yung plans kasi natin for
the summer. :)

migago: tangina mo. ill delete my story.

sungit: WAG

migago: bahala ka diyan.

sungit: BABY WAIT LANG

sungit: MIGO SORRY NA :(

sungit: omg

sungit: migooooooo

sungit: :(

sungit: babyyyyyyyyyy

Group: casaddie cake

Anton Buencamino: POTA NANGOPYA SI
CAS TSAKA SI ISCO NAGPOST REN
HSKSHDKSHFA HAHAHAHA

Inggo de Paz: rip to our fallen soldiers @Cas @Isco

Addie Zacarias: tss

Van Andres: hay.

Cas Fuentes: 🖕🏽

Isco Cuenca: 😘 @Van

Migo Salas: ako raw yung blueprint. pakyu boys

Jiya Valle: sagutin mo ko sa pm
@Migo

Migo Salas: ayoko

Inggo de Paz: 🤭

Anton Buencamino: 😬🤭

*

Migo hasn't deleted his story yet, but Jiya feels bad. Masyado niya na yatang inasar si Migo sa na-blurt out niya on accident noong nag-aaway sila.

Nagdala siya ng Tetsuo 'tsaka milk tea na favorite flavor ni Migo bago pumunta sa Burgundy.

Binuksan ni Migo 'yong pinto, didn't spare her a glance, and flopped back down on the couch, turning back to his phone.

"Babe, sorry na." Jiya drops the food and drink on the table and crawls on top of him, wrapping her arms and legs around his body. Hindi kumibo si Migo. "Sorry," she mutters, kissing his cheek. "Sorry na, hmm? I won't bring it up anymore, 'di na kita aasarin. Sorry." She kisses his neck sweetly.

"Ang dali mo lang palang papuntahin dito," Migo murmurs in her hair.

Jiya sits up, jaw dropping. Migo's grinning, and his eyes are shining. "Oh my God, did you just act mad para puntahan kita?!"

His smile grows wider.

Jiya huffs and rolls her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest. "I was studying."

"Exactly my point," Migo murmurs, pulling her waist with one hand, his other going to her face to tilt her head, kisses her slowly. "'Pag nag-aaral ka, you neglect me."

Jiya raises an eyebrow and looks at his crotch. "Ikaw o siya?"

Migo winks. "Both."

Midterms na kasi nila, kaya medyo natatambakan na naman sila ng acads.

"'Tsaka..." He cups her neck with his palm and whispers in her ear, "Suyuin mo nga 'ko ulet. Cute mo e."

Jiya pushes him off with a glare. Migo laughs.

"Nocturnal son of a gun ka pala ah," Jiya mutters, rolling her eyes, heading to the dining table.

"Hoy!" Migo laughs. "Bawal 'yan, sweet ko kaya!"