NAKAKAPAGOD gumapang to midterms, mag-midterms, gumapang to finals, 'tsaka mag-finals.

Pero mas nakakapagod yata ang volleyball competition nila today.

"Why are there so many people watching?" Jiya asks, frowning, dribbling a volleyball in between her knees habang tinatalian siya ng buhok ni Migo sa likod niya. "Does everyone suddenly have PE at this time?"

Punong-puno kasi 'yong bleachers ng mga students na 'di naman naka-PE uniform halos. Pinagtititigan sila.

Migo taps her butt lightly when he's done and steals the ball from her, winking. "Papanoorin kasi nila 'ko."

Totoo ba? Jiya frowns. "Feeler."

He bumps her shoulder with his. "Ano mangyayari when I win?"

"If," Jiya corrects, raising an eyebrow. "And what do you want?"

"You as my date to Maureen's debut this Saturday."

Mga two weeks na niyang niyayaya si Jiya. 'Di talaga 'to titigil. Invited rin naman siya ni Maureen, pero... "May final ako sa Monday."

"Kaya nga." Migo smiles at her. "So magbibihis ka, magma-makeup ka, magiging date kita, isasayaw kita, iuuwi kita. Sound good?"

Hay. Jiya narrows her eyes at him. "And 'pag nanalo ako?"

He shrugs, twisting the ball in his finger. "What do you want?"

Hindi na nakasagot si Jiya kasi nilalapitan sila ng dalawang babaeng may hawak na tubig 'tsaka towel.

Jiya raises her foot with her arms crossed bago sila makarating kay Migo.

Her eyebrow lifts. "O, ano. Para sa 'kin ba 'yan?"

Migo makes a sound in between a laughter and a cough.

One of the girls clears their throat and shakes their head. "Sorry."

"Sorry?" Jiya repeats, not breaking her stare.

They scurry away.

Jiya puts down her foot.

Migo groans softly and whispers in her ear, "Puta, ang hot mo."

"Ang gusto ko," Jiya tells him, standing up. She puts her palms on the bench on either side of his hips and leans close to his face. Manood 'yang mga bitchesang 'yan at lahat ng nasa bleachers. Sa kanya si Migo. "When I win..."

"If," Migo corrects hoarsely, licking his lips, eyes darting down to her mouth.

Jiya smiles, leaning even closer to his face, arching her back. "If I win, I want you to show your wedding vows to me. As my birthday gift."

"Ayoko," is Migo's immediate answer.

"If I win nga!"

"E 'di hindi ka mananalo," he says. "Sabing sa wedding na e."

Jiya's heart jumps, but she scoffs. "Ambisosyo."

"Advance lang mag-isip, babe." He closes the distance between them, grips her chin with his fingers, and leaves a quick peck on her mouth. "Game na 'ko. 'Di ako pwede matalo."

"Oy, Elorde!"

Jiya turns around. Migo's arm instantly comes around her waist.

She smiles. "Cole."

"Ready?" he asks with a grin. To Migo, he says, "Uy, boyfriend ni Elorde. Cole nga pala. Are we playing against you?"

Migo shakes his hand once. "Migo," he says. "Yes, and competitive ako." His hand tightens on her waist. Jiya rolls her eyes. "So sorry na lang in advance, bro."

Cole grins, unfazed. "Okay lang, pero sorry na rin in case."

Migo gives him a sickly sweet smile.

"I'll follow," Jiya tells him, and Cole turns around with a salute, heading back to their team.

Jiya pushes Migo off. "Down, boy."

"Elorde?" he hisses.

Jiya kisses his cheek. "Good luck! Or not!"

He flips her off, heading towards the other side of the court, and Jiya laughs.

Easy-easy lang naman 'yong game sa simula, naghahabulan lang ng points ang dalawang teams. Serve, receive, lipat, receive, lipat, set, spike, receive ulit, tapos out. Nagch-cheer yung bleachers 'pag pareho silang nagkaka-point, tapos na-gets na ni Jiya ba't ang daming tao—for Cole or for Migo. Both, probably.

Wala ba silang ibang klase? Jiya rolls her eyes and bends to her knees, palms wide open to anticipate the serve.

Nakaka-distract lang na makita 'yong boyfriend niya sa kabila ng net, nagpapawis, ang galing maglaro. She grits her teeth and narrows her eyes at him when he catches her staring and winks at her, dragging his thumb to his neck.

Jiya points to him and makes a thumbs-down.

Nang nasa court na nila ang bola, papunta sa direction in between Cole and Jiya, they both yell, "Mine!" Hindi na nakapigil si Jiya sa takbo niya pati na rin si Cole, and he was able to lift the ball in the air bago niya nakabangga si Jiya.

She hisses, crashing into him.

"Shit, sorry, okay ka lang?" Hawak ni Cole ang arms niya, wide-eyed.

"Okay lang!" She pushes him off and watches the ball, and they go back to their positions.

Na-set ng kabila at binigay kay Migo. Tumalon siya, ready na pumalo ang kamay, tapos nag-spike.

Hindi na-block. Nag-slide sa ground 'yong dalawang teammates ni Jiya para makuha 'yon.

Point nila. Migo grins, pushing his tongue inside his cheek, and turns around to give his teammates a high-five.

Cole whistles. "Competitive nga."

Jiya rolls her eyes. "Or petty."

Nang nakarating silang dalawa sa harap ng net, Jiya bends down to her knees and glares at him. "Pwede ba, 'wag ka masyadong seloso?"

Migo smiles at her from the other end of the net, shifting his weight from foot to foot. "I don't know what you're talking about, baby."

"'Di ka na nakakatuwa, Salas."

"Hmm, may matatawag kaya ako dito na Mayweather?"

Jiya shakes her head with a roll of her eyes, pero hindi na siya nakapag-respond kasi napunta na sa kanya 'yong bola.

She receives it, and when the setter gives it back, she runs up, jumps, and spikes it over the net.

Na-block lang ni Migo (ang tangkad kasi ni gago, putangina), kaya tumama sa ulo niya ang ball.

"Shit," Migo says, holding onto the net with wide eyes, one foot already crossing her side of the court. "Shit, sorry, babe. Okay ka lang?"

Jiya touches her forehead and winces. Parang ang numb.

"Sorry," he whispers. "Sorry, 'di ko sinasadya."

"Okay lang," Jiya tells him, shaking her head. "It's just a game."

Hindi na nakapag-respond si Migo kasi the ball is served again. Cole catches her eyes, panting, and mouths, "You good?"

Jiya gives him a nod, and then they're back into it.

Sa timeout, dineretsuhan siya ni Cole, grabbing her face with two hands, eyebrows scrunched together, looking at her cheek. "Ang lakas n'on, don't you feel dizzy?"

Jiya slaps his hands away, shaking her head. "I'm fine, nahilo lang ako nang saglit, pero okay lang—"

'Yong kamay naman ni Migo ang napunta sa mukha niya, turning her to him, jaw clenching sa pagtitig niya sa cheek niya. He looks so worried. "Masakit pa?"

Jiya groans, pushing him off. "Okay nga lang ako, ano ba kayo!"

"Bro, being competitive is fine as long as no one gets hurt," Cole says, raising his eyebrow. "Tapos si Elorde pa," he adds, scoffing.

Migo's eyes go to him, tongue pushing inside his cheek. His chest is still rising and falling rapidly, catching his breath pa sa pagod sa laro. "Sinasabi mo ba na sinasadya kong gawin 'yon sa girlfriend ko, bro?"

"I'm just saying na sana mas naging careful ka—"

Migo steps forward. "At sino ka ba para—"

Jiya pushes her boyfriend off with one hand on his chest. "Tumahimik kayong dalawa," she mutters, glaring at each of them. They still don't look away from each other. Jiya sighs. "Cole, umalis ka na."

With a tight jaw, he finally turns away.

Migo looks at her, shoulders slumping. "Are you sure walang masakit?"

"Friends lang kami," Jiya says, ignoring his worry. "Please don't fight with my friends, Migo."

He lets out a scoff. "Hindi ka lang friend para do'n. Kung hindi tayo, hindi ko kayang maging friend ka lang. 'Tsaka Valle, alam mo bang kanina pa niya tinitingnan 'yang pwet mo? Parang gusto nang tumira ng mga mata niya do'n, ah."

Ugh. "Akala mo ba hindi pinagtitinginan 'yang pwet mo ng mga babae dito?"

"Sa 'yo lang pwet ko," he says with the straightest face Jiya's ever seen.

"Sa 'yo lang din akin," Jiya returns, biting her lip when her mouth threatens to smile, kasi mukha pa ring seryoso and 'di convinced si Migo. Hay. Para talaga 'tong baby. "So umayos ka bago kita masuntok."

When she turns around, he squeezes her butt quickly.

They finish the game with Migo's serves. Tuloy-tuloy lang. Walang nakaka-receive.

Ayaw talaga nito magpatalo kahit kanino.

He's all smiles pagkatapos, wiping her sweat off her face with his towel. "I guess I'll see you on Saturday, then."

Jiya smacks him lightly, brushing her fingers through his wet hair. "What's the dress code?"

"Anything easy access."

Jiya smacks him again. Migo laughs.

Cole runs up to them and offers his hand out to Migo. "Congrats and good game."

Migo stares at it, arm slung around Jiya's shoulder.

"Babe," she scolds him.

"Good game," Migo says, taking his hand and shaking it once.

To Jiya, Cole grins and waves. "See you when I see you, Elorde. Keep in touch."

She gives him a two-finger salute.

Migo looks around and calls to no one in particular, "Uy, Mayweather!"

Jiya rolls her eyes and wraps an arm around his waist, and they walk out of the courts together.

*

"Putangina, Van, pwede ba?!"

"'Wag ka kasi gumalaw, bwiset!"

"Oh my God," Addie groans, slapping a hand to her forehead. "Jiya, we're not gonna get your eyeliner done if you don't stop moving. Or crying."

"It hurts!" Jiya cries, blinking rapidly. "Ano ba 'to?! Ayoko na!"

"Lapit na!" Van holds her chin firmly, glaring at her. "Almost done, Ji, kaya mo 'to. Look up."

"Ayoko na," Jiya whines, sniffling, looking up, while Addie dabs her tears with a tissue. Ang hapdi na ng mata niya, putek. "Someone call Migo and tell him I hate him. Stupid ass."

Addie whips out her phone and dials him.

He picks up in one ring. "Ads?"

"Hate ka raw ng girlfriend mo."

"Van!" Jiya screams.

"Tapos na!" Van screams back.

"Bakit?" Migo asks, laughing loudly. "Kasi nagpapaganda?"

Addie inspects her nails. "Oo."

"Pasabi I'll make it up to her," Migo says, the grin evident in his voice. "Pag-uwi namin."

"Siguraduhin mo lang!" Jiya shouts.

"TMI," Van says.

"TMI ka diyan," Addie snorts. "Mas malala pa kayo ni Isco!"

"See you in thirty, princess," Migo says, laughing, and then he hangs up.

"Aw!" Addie squeals. "Princess tawag niya sa 'yo!"


"Walang ka-prinse-prinsesa 'to," Van scoffs, holding up a spray. "Close your eyes."

Jiya huffs and does as she says. Nilagyan na lang siya ni Van ng setting spray, and then she declares, "Done!"

She'll give it to her friends—gumanda nga naman siya kahit simple lang 'yong ginawang makeup ni Van—dark eyeshadow, dark red lipstick, may pa-highlighter pa 'tsaka 'yong tanginang eyeliner na nagpalaki naman sa mga mata niya. Nilugay lang ni Addie buhok niya pero kinulot sa baba, and she lent her gold hoops for her to wear para ma-pair sa simple gold necklace around her neck.

Nag-dig pa siya sa closet niya para maghanap ng susuotin, tapos nakita niya 'yong dress na binili ng mom niya for her dad's event almost four years ago—a bodycon maxi dress in black with thin spaghetti straps and a leg slit. Her back is bare and medyo low ang neckline.

Addie whistles lowly, looking at her in the mirror, fanning herself. "If 'di lang tayo taken, babe, I would hit on you."

"Same," Van says, nodding in satisfaction.

Jiya gives them both a quick one-arm hug. "Thanks, guys."

"May pagkain ba dito? I'm hungry," Van says.

"Me also," Addie adds.

Jiya rolls her eyes and pushes them away. "Downstairs, tara."

Muntik na naman maiyak ni Manang pagkakita sa kanya. Jiya points a finger at her. "Op, op, 'Nang! Bawal! No!"

Manang nods and turns around. "Halikayo, kain, kain."

It's when Addie and Van are stuffing their faces, tapos pinapanood lang sila ni Jiya kasi may lipstick na siya 'tsaka nag-brush na ng teeth, that steps ring down the staircase.

Van, with her mouth full, drops the lumpia she's holding with wide eyes. "Shino 'yon?"

Pinakinggan ni Jiya yung footsteps.

"Mom ko," she whispers, standing up.

Tumayo rin 'tong dalawang bobo niyang kaibigan. Jiya sighs.

Hillary has her carry-on bag on her shoulder habang may files sa kamay niya. Naka-suit na siya with heels and nakapusod ang buhok. Ang mukha niya ay elegant na elegant sa makeup niya, parang hindi kulang sa tulog. "Manang, is Kuya Willy ready?" she asks.

"Opo, ma'am," Manang answers, stepping forward to take her bag. Binigay naman ng mom niya.

"Flight, Mommy?" Jiya asks quietly, wringing her hands behind her back.

Hillary looks up. "China. I'll be back later this week."

"Hello po, Tita," Addie greets quietly, bowing.

"Hello po, good evening," Van says with a hand on her mouth, bowing.

Jiya resists the urge to slap her forehead.

"Hi, girls," Hillary says, rummaging through her bag. She glances at Jiya again and nods once before returning her attention to her papers. "You look nice. Where are you going?"

Kahit wala siyang pake, Jiya answers, "Debut po ng friend ko."

"May sundo ka ba?" she asks with a frown, flipping through her papers. "Kuya Willy's driving me to the airport, Jiya."

"I have po," Jiya says, pursing her lips. "Don't worry."

"Okay, I have to go," she says, dire-diretso sa door na pinagbukas ni Manang. "Be good."

"Ingat po," Jiya mutters.

"Ingat po, Tita," Van says.

"Have a safe flight po!" Addie shouts after her.

Jiya turns to them with a flat face. "Bakit kayo nag-bow? Queen ba? Mga bobo."

"Parang queen na!" Van argues, slumping back down on her chair. "Scary."

"Where's Tito?" Addie asks innocently, shaking the ketchup bottle.

Jiya smiles tightly. "Um, still at work." Or wala sa country. Or condo niya ulit. 'Di na rin alam ni Jiya.

Her friends don't ask more questions, tapos in her purse, her phone buzzes.

Pogi: here na baby!!!! :D

She smiles and pockets her phone, slipping on her heels. "Alis na 'ko, bye! Manang, palayasin n'yo po sila pagkatapos nila kumain."

"Gagamit pa 'ko ng PS4 mo," Van shouts, waving. "Ingat!"

"Be safe and have fun!" Addie shouts.

Bago lumabas ng front gate si Jiya, Manang fixes her hair and smiles at her. "Ang laki-laki mo na, anak."

Sometimes, Jiya forgets that Manang has seen her grow up from a ten-year-old bratty kid to...whatever she is now at twenty.

She practically raised her.

Jiya steps forward and hugs her tight, closing her eyes. "I love you, 'Nang," she whispers. "And okay lang ako. I promise."

Kasi alam ni Jiya na she's worried about her, lalo na pagdating sa parents niya.

Manang rubs her back. "Mahal rin kita, hija," she whispers back. "O, sige na, naghihintay na si Migo."

Jiya lets herself hug her for a few more moments, basking in her warmth and scent, bago siya nag-let go. She smiles at her. "Don't wait up na po, I'll be late. Tulog na po kayo agad, ah?"

Manang shoos her away. Migo, leaning against his car, greets her, tapos medyo napatili si Manang kasi ang gwapo niya.

Jiya can't blame her. Napapatili na rin siya sa loob-loob niya.

The last time na nakita niyang naka-suit and tie si Migo...prom. High school. Hindi nag-attend si Jiya kasi alam niyang pagtatawanan lang siya ni Migo no'n 'tsaka ng iba nilang classmates kasi hindi naman siya nagsusuot ng dress or naglalagay ng makeup. Para siyang lalaki kung manamit, magsalita, umupo.

Tapos pinuntahan siya ni Migo sa bahay nila nang naka-suit, tapos lumabas si Jiya nang naka-basketball shorts 'tsaka isang malaking shirt na may stain pa ng tomato sauce sa kinakain niyang chips. "O, ano ginagawa mo dito?" she snapped.

Migo smiled at her. "'Di ka ba pupunta?"

"Mukha ba akong pupunta, Migo," she said flatly.

"Pwede," he said, giving her a once-over. "Panget ka pa rin naman kahit anong gawin mo, pero bihis ka na. I'll wait." He leaned against his car, arms behind his back. Bagong bili no'n yung Vios niya, kakukuha lang din ng license niya.

"Umalis ka na," Jiya told him. "'Di ako magbibihis."

"Valle, once lang ang prom sa buong buhay mo."

"Wala rin akong dress, okay?" She rolled her eyes and turned away. "Goodbye." Jiya slammed the front gate in his face.

Pagbalik niya sa living room, she watched him stay frozen in place, bowing his head and sighing. Tapos sa kamay niya may hawak siyang isang rosas, and he threw open the door and tossed it inside, tapos he drove away na.

Noon, she remembers thinking: oh, shit, bakit ang gwapo ni gago, putangina.

Ngayon, she thinks: oh, shit, bakit ang gwapo ng boyfriend ko, putangina.

"Kailangan mo ng tissue?" Migo asks, grinning, stepping towards her. "You're drooling, e."

Jiya huffs. "Naalala ko lang when you went to my house no'ng prom. Naka-suit ka rin no'n."

"Ah." Migo hangs his head back with a breathless chuckle. "That was my failed attempt at asking you to come as my date."

She blinks. "Ha?"

"Crush nga kita," Migo says, clicking his tongue, sliding his hand on her waist. "Tapos na-sad ako when they said you weren't going...and I thought I could change your mind. Kasi gusto kitang isayaw and makasama no'n."

"Pa'no mo i-cha-change mind ko kung sinabihan mo 'kong panget!" Jiya snaps, smacking his chest and glaring at him. "Hindi ka rin naman nag-ask! Bobo!"

"Hindi mo naman ako seseryoshin!" Migo defends himself, laughing, clutching his chest. His eyes are twinkling with a happiness Jiya has never seen before. Her toes curl inside her shoes. "Sorry na, I didn't mean it," he whispers, and then he leans down to kiss her forehead. "Tapos ngayon...ngayon..."

Migo takes a deep breath and tucks her hair behind her ear, staring at her. She swallows thickly and looks away, kasi hindi siya sanay na tinitingnan siya ni Migo nang ganito—reverently, nang parang...nang parang 'di siya makapaniwala na sasama siya this time sa kanya.

"Ngayon?" she mutters when he doesn't speak, looking at his watch.

Migo merely sighs and brings his hands around her back. Then he pulls back abruptly, parang gulat. His eyes are wide. "Bakit wala akong nahawakan?"

Jiya's mouth curls upwards. "The back is bare."

Migo blinks at her. "Anong bare?"

"Bare, synonyms: naked, unclothed, uncovered, exposed, stripped," Jiya rattles off, grinning. She turns around to show him.

"Oh, shit," Migo whispers. "Oh, shit."

Jiya laughs. "Kailangan mo ng tissue?"

"Oo, panlinis." He opens the car door for her. "Pero hindi ng drool."

Gago talaga 'to. She bites her lip, shaking her head, and takes his hand to settle in the passenger seat.

Migo doesn't start the engine. He pulls his seat back and looks at her, spreading his legs.

Jiya rolls her eyes and leans over the center console, kissing him quickly. "Bakit ba lagi ka na lang horny?"

"Kasalanan mo," Migo snaps, frustrated, bringing his hand around her back to spread his fingers over her skin. He hisses when Jiya pulls him out of his pants. "Tangina, fuck, Valle, nababaliw ako sa 'yo."

Halata. Jiya kisses his jawline and throat and whispers, "Sorry, kamay lang. Naka-lipstick na 'ko and I don't want to mess it up."

"Okay lang," he groans, hanging his head back, keeps tracing his fingers on her skin. "Fuck. Faster."

Bossy. She clicks her tongue. "Magic word."

"Tangina mo," he breathes. Migo dips his hand under the cloth of her dress pagdating sa babang part ng back niya. "Fuck, faster, please," he bites out, chest rising and falling rapidly.

Jiya grins and does as he says.

Pagkatapos, he grips her chin and kisses her roughly. "I might not be able to keep my hands off you," he whispers.

Jiya sucks her thumb neatly, blinking at him. "I wouldn't want you to, anyway."

Migo groans, gripping the steering wheel. "Ayoko na pumunta sa debut ng kapatid ko. Do'n na tayo sa condo."

Jiya laughs and settles in her seat, strapping in her belt after she cleans her hand with tissue. "Hindi pwede, babe. Your family's waiting for us and you're Maureen's first dance."

"Ugh." He starts the engine and puts a hand on her thigh, squeezing it. "Sige na. Mabait akong kuya, mabait akong kuya..."

Jiya smiles at him, rubbing her hand over his.

Maliit lang ang venue ng debut ni Maureen, pero ang elegant ng decorations and lights. Puno na ng guests pagkapasok nila, and a lot of them, presumably batchmates ni Maureen, greet Migo, calling him 'kuya'. He says hi back, his arm around Jiya's waist as he leads her inside.

"Miguel!" his mom, Tita Sheryl, calls, spotting them, worry evident on her face. Jiya smiles. Kamukhang-kamukha ni Migo ang nanay niya. "Magsisimula na, anak, kanina ka pa namin hinahanap!"

"Sorry, Ma," he says sheepishly, rubbing the nape of his neck. Then he pulls Jiya closer and clears his throat. "Ah, Ma, si Va—Jiya po."

"Hi, Tita—oh!" Jiya gasps as she gets pulled into a tight hug. She blinks, eyes wide, and hugs Migo's mom back.

"Jiya! Oh my God, ang ganda mo!" Tita Sheryl says in delight, shaking her. "Ang tagal-tagal ko nang pinapagalitan si Miguel kasi hindi ka pa niya inuuwi sa 'min!"

Matagal nang kilala ni Jiya si Tita Sheryl sa mga PTAs at events noong high school. Mabait si Tita Sheryl sa kanya sa kaunting beses na nagkausap sila (mostly to congratulate her for her grades)—naisip pa nga ni Jiya noon kung paano niya naging anak si Devil's spawn na si Migo kung ang bait-bait ng nanay niya.

"Ma!" Migo hisses quietly, pulling Jiya's arm. "'Wag mo siyang i-pressure, please?"

"It's okay, Tita," Jiya says with a smile, pulling back. "Sorry po medyo na-late kami, there was traffic..."

Migo clears his throat. Jiya steps on his foot, grinning at his mom.

"Jiya," she says seriously, clutching her arms. "Sabihan mo 'ko kapag hindi mabait 'tong anak ko sa 'yo. Isumbong mo at ako na ang bahala."

"Ma!" Migo whines, embarrassed.

"You don't have to worry about that po," Jiya says quietly, squeezing her hands. "Migo's good to me."

She feels him squeeze her waist.

"Dapat lang!" Tita Sheryl scoffs. "Halika na, Maureen is waiting for us. Jiya, anak, sumama ka sa 'min—"

"No na po!" Jiya steps back, shaking her head with a smile. "No na po, Tita, I'll sit po muna. Please go ahead."

"Valle," Migo says quietly, holding out his hand.

"Family mo 'yan," Jiya tells him, tiptoeing to kiss him on the cheek. She pushes him. "Go. I'll see you later."

Migo sighs and points to a table. "Sit there, I'll be back."

Tita Sheryl insists pa that she comes, but Jiya's more insistent—she's not going to crash ang dapat na family photo nila.

Kumuha siya ng champagne sa mga waiters passing by and heads to the table na sinabi ni Migo. Empty pa kaya she just took a seat, laying her purse on the table, and drinks her champagne.

Hindi pa siya nakakatatlong sips when nilapitan siya.

"Hi," the girl in red says with a bright smile, leaning over the table. "Um, excuse me, but I think you're sitting at the wrong table." She bites her lip. "This table is reserved for sa mga ka-close ni Mau."

Jiya stares at her, not putting her glass down. She glances at the guy with her who's smiling as well, mukhang bata. Jiya turns back to the brunette and says, "I think I'm seated at the right table, actually."

She blinks, laughing, and then she stops, eyes going wide. She slaps a hand to her mouth. "Oh my God, I'm so sorry, are you Ate Tasha? Kuya Migo's girlfriend?"

Jiya puts down the glass and smiles tightly at her. "Ate Jiya. Ex na ni Migo si Tasha."

"Oh." She pulls out a chair and sits, chuckling. Tinabihan siya ng lalaki. "I'm so sorry, my fault, my fault. It's nice to meet you, Ate Jiya. Sorry, ah, hindi ka kasi kinwento ni Kuya Migo, I didn't know."

Jiya raises her eyebrow. "Hindi ka rin kinwento ng boyfriend ko. Sorry, who are you?"

"Ah." She holds out her hand, flipping her hair away from her face and smiles. "Kim. Bustamante. And this is Gab, best friends kami ni Maureen."

"Ah." Jiya shakes her hand once. Gab waves at her. She sips her champagne again and turns away. "Nice to meet you, then."

Buti na lang she stops trying to make conversation. Baka batukan na ni Jiya.

Dumating si Migo, mom niya, and si Meg sa table before the program starts. Meg gives her a hug before siya pinaupo ng mom niya, and si Migo naman, bago pa siya makaupo, Kim stands up and pulls him in for a hug. "Kuya!"

Migo pats her back once and pulls away with a smile. "O, Kim."

"Kuya," Gab greets him, too, giving him a handshake.

"Kuya naman!" Kim says with an exaggerated pout. "I didn't know you were bringing someone pala!"

"Ah." Migo rounds the table and pulls the chair beside her, slinging an arm over her shoulder. "Kim, Gab, si Jiya, girlfriend ko. I'm bringing her as my date to Mau's debut. Okay na?" He grabs Jiya's champagne and drinks it.

Hindi na nakasalita si Kim. Jiya bows her head and smiles.

Migo rubs her shoulder and leans in close. "Traffic pala, ah."

"Did you get in trouble?" Jiya whispers back, grinning.

"No." He snorts. "My mom adores you."

"Well, no'ng high school pa niya ako nirereto sa 'yo. And I said no thanks."

Migo scoffs out a laugh, caressing her skin. Magkaka-goose bumps siya nito. "And look where you are now."

Jiya rubs his thigh. "Look where I am now."

He kisses her temple.

Tama si Migo—buong gabi, yung kamay niya parating nasa likod niya, brushing his fingernails up and down her skin, tracing circles, spreading his fingers over the expanse of it, dipping it along the line of cloth sa tailbone niya.

Sana nakikita ng Kim na 'yon. Parang kanina pa sila tinititigan e.

When Migo's called as Maureen's first dance (wala tatay nila), he stands up and squeezes her shoulder. "Be right back."

Pinanood ni Jiya na isayaw ni Migo ang kapatid niya, and she smiles. Their close relationship is endearing—Maureen and Meg are lucky na ang bait na kuya ni Migo. Jiya watches them talk while they dance, smiles on their faces, and Migo turns her around. Pagkatalikod ni Maureen, nakita ni Jiya yung face ni Migo nang saglit—parang hindi siya makapaniwala na eighteen na kapatid niya.

As far as Jiya knows, Migo has been the one helping his mom raise Maureen and Megan since umalis tatay nila. High school pa lang si Migo no'n, middle school pa lang si Mau, elementary si Meg. Ang laking responsibilidad na alagaan 'yong dalawang bata sa pamilya, pero nagawa ni Migo.

Migo pulls Maureen to him, hugging her tight.

"Ang swerte talaga ni Mau kay Kuya," Kim says with a sigh. "Sobrang maalaga niya, sweet, caring...OMG, Ate Jiya." She turns to her, grinning. "Alam mo ba, when we were kids, I was crying kasi someone was bullying me, tapos Kuya Migo fought him. He's so sweet." She sighs dreamily, and then asks her, "He's still living in Burgundy, right? I've been there na kasi."

Jiya stares at her.

"Kim," Gab says, clenching his jaw. "Ano ba, sinabi na ni Mau na tigilan mo si Kuya."

"Sorry," Kim tells her, laughing, waving her hand around. "I tend to get possessive kasi of Kuya Migo. Close na kami since grade two pa 'ko."

"And he's put you in the friendzone since grade two as well," Jiya says.

"Nakalagpas na when I turned eighteen," she answers innocently. "But don't worry! Past is in the past, Ate Jiya. I consider him my best friend."

Jiya scoffs once, lips turning up to a smirk. "Parang one-sided, but sure."

Kim doesn't reply, because Migo comes back. "Are you cold?" he asks, eyebrows scrunching together. He rubs her back and moves to take off his jacket. "You're shivering."

"Nanginginig ako sa galit," Jiya lets him know quietly, snatching another glass from a waiter passing by. She downs the champagne.

Migo takes it from her with a frown. "Babe, slow down. Hindi pa tayo kumakain. And why are you mad? Ano ginawa ko?"

Jiya doesn't want to give Kim the satisfaction of knowing na she's bothered about what she said, so she just shakes her head and purses her lips, facing the stage. "Later na."

Migo sighs, rubbing his forehead. "Ano sinabi sa 'yo ni Kim? Sabihin mo sa 'kin o ako magtatanong sa kanya."

Jiya feels heat around her eyes. Tangina.

She stands up. "Excuse me, banyo lang ako."

Sa lobby, nahabol siya ni Migo, gripping her wrist. "Valle, wait lang, let me explain."

"Nakapunta na raw siya sa Burgundy," Jiya says, facing him. Migo stares at her, jaw tight. "Is that true?"

"No'ng bago pa tayo freshmen, yes, when I just moved in," Migo says through gritted teeth. "She came by with a gift, and nothing happened past a kiss. I don't know what she told you, pero 'yon ang totoo. She tried to kiss me and I pushed her away kasi kaibigan siya ni Maureen, and nothing else happened since then. Hindi ko na nga kinakausap e."

Jiya stares at him.

Migo's hands drop to hers. He squeezes her fingers. "I'm sorry," he whispers. "I'm sorry na nasaktan ka sa kung ano man sinabi niya, but I'm not lying, Valle."

Jiya bows her head, leaning against his chest. She takes a deep breath, squeezing his fingers. "I trust you," she whispers. "I trust you."

Migo kisses her forehead and rubs her back soothingly. Jiya melts. "Pagsasabihan ko," he mutters.

"'Wag na," Jiya says, shaking her head. She snakes her arms around his waist and hugs him. "Debut ni Mau. I don't want any drama, okay?"

Migo sighs, stroking her hair. "Okay. I'm sorry."

Jiya nods, squeezing him tighter.

They hug for what feels like forever until Jiya shivers—sa lamig this time.

Migo takes off his jacket and wraps it around her, and then grabs her hand, interlaces their fingers together, and leads her back inside.

Tinititigan sila ni Kim. Jiya smiles at her. "It's cold kasi. Hindi ka ba nilalamig?"

Kim clears her throat and looks away.

Hindi na niya kinausap si Jiya or si Migo for the rest of the night. After dinner, Migo holds out his hand and smiles at her. "I think you owe me a dance from three years ago."

Jiya rolls her eyes, smiling, and takes it, letting him lead her to the dance floor.

Migo takes her hands and slides them around his neck, and he puts his own around her waist. Jiya strokes the sides of his face with her thumbs, staring at him while they move side to side.

Ang sakit nito, ang sakit nito, ang sakit nito.

Magiging masakit 'to.

Tangina. Ngayon pa lang, alam na ni Jiya.

She sucks in a shaky breath and bows her head, closing her eyes. She grips his shoulders. "Migo."

"Valle," he murmurs.

She looks up and meets his eyes.

HAHA. Shit.

Tinitingnan siya ni Migo na parang mahal siya.

Gano'n din kaya itsura ni Jiya? 'Yong tingin sa mata niya?

He reaches out with one hand to caress her cheek with his fingers. "How is it," he whispers, staring at her, "that you can make me feel so helpless whenever I look at you?"

Jiya puts her hands on his neck again and presses their foreheads together. "Eyeliner ko lang 'yon," she whispers, closing her eyes.

Migo doesn't laugh. "Hindi lang tonight," he says softly, gripping her in his hands. "Hindi lang kapag naka-makeup ka or naka-dress. Every day, Valle. Every day, you..." He inhales shakily. "You make me feel so helpless. Parang gusto ko na lang lumuhod sa 'yo."

Jiya doesn't know if that's a good thing or not.

She opens her eyes to look at him and murmurs, "'Di pa ako ready magpakasal, 'wag ka mag-propose."

This time, he laughs quietly.

Jiya cups his cheek and tilts his head down to kiss him.

Migo shuts his eyes and makes a sound like he's in pain when he kisses her back, squeezing her hips tightly with one hand like he's afraid she'll slip away, and the other holds her face so gently na para bang babasagin siya.

Migo plays with her fingers for the rest of the program and keeps his hand on her back. Jiya gives her gift to Maureen and hugs her, and nagpaalam din sila sa mom niya 'tsaka kay Meg. Migo says bye to a lot of people—nag-wave lang siya kay Kim when she runs up to him with her arms open, expecting a hug.

Hindi pa nasasara ni Migo 'yong pinto sa unit niya, Jiya's already loosening his tie and unbuttoning his polo shirt, habang si Migo naman slams the door closed with his foot and slides her straps off her shoulders, hands going to her chest.

She pushes him off with a glare. "Kiss lang? E kung i-kiss lang kita dito?"

Migo kicks off his shoes with a grin. "Kiss lang, I promise. Hindi siya pumasok sa room ko ever."

"Do'n tayo." She kicks off her heels and drags him to his room.

Migo pushes her against the wall, back to him, and drags his lips along her nape, down her spine, raising her dress up to her hips. "Selosa," he whispers.

"Tangina mo," Jiya breathes. Migo pulls her underwear down, leaving her dress on. He flips her around and kisses down to her chest, to her stomach, to her thighs, kneeling.

Jiya threads her fingers in his hair at the sight of him on his knees for her.

He pushes her hips back when they buck up to his face, and he gives her a glare, head raising. "Hindi kita patatapusin kung galaw ka nang galaw."

"Migo," she whines, clawing at his shoulders.

He slaps her inner thigh. Jiya makes a noise of surprise, the pleasure churning in her belly. Migo hooks his arms under her legs and gets back to work.

When she's delirious and whimpering, he pushes her on the bed, pulls his pants down and kneels up to her face, gathering her hair in one hand. "Can I?" he rasps.

Jiya nods, sitting up, opening her mouth.

Migo holds her head. "Fuck," he breathes, hanging his head back. "Valle, fuck."

Nang malapit na siya, he pulls out, flips her on her stomach, pulls her up to her hands and knees, and grinds against her backside, on top of her dress.

"Fuck me," Jiya says, breathless. "Migo, fuck me."

"Not yet," he groans, pushing her hips down. "Shut up."

Fuck, fuck, fuck, Jiya thinks. That's so hot.

Jiya reaches around to get her dress out of the way, pero Migo snatches her wrist and pins it above her head. "Don't tempt me, baby," he whispers in her ear, and then picks up his pace. "Don't move."

Putangina, ang hot niya.

She lets him do what he wants with her body hanggang matapos siya all over her back, moaning and gasping.

He brushes the hair out of her back and kisses her nape sweetly. "Thank you," he whispers.

Jiya smiles. "Not yet?"

"Not tonight," he says quietly, kissing her on the mouth before standing up. "I'll clean you up. Gutom ka ba? You want McDo?"

Jiya giggles. "Yes, please."

Kumain sila sa couch nang naka-cuddle. Migo lends her his clothes to sleep in.

Nauna na naman siyang gumising kay Migo. She stares at him, sighs, and clutches her shirt where her heart is.

Ito na naman.

Waking up before you—happy. Sad. Everything in between, everything in between the feeling of contentment, everything in between the feeling of pain.

Helpless.

If this is what love is...

"Tangina, Migo," she whispers, shutting her eyes, "alagaan mo puso ko."

Masakit 'to.

Migo's still asleep.

Later, when he wakes up, she'll say, "I love waking up with you." Like that morning in her room after his birthday, kasi with you—at peace. Home.