MIGO drives with two hands on the wheel.

The ride is silent. Nakatitig lang si Jiya sa blankong mukha ni Migo, pursing her lips, not knowing what to do for him. Pero kung ayaw niyang magsalita, hindi niya pipilitin.

He parks the car in front of her house and shuts off the engine. He opens the door and gets out, and Jiya follows suit.

Migo leans against her door when she closes it, sighing. "I'm sorry," he says, eyebrows furrowing together. "Hindi pa Christmas and I dragged you out."

"I don't care about that," Jiya mutters, standing in front of him. He's staring straight ahead. "You want to stay? Sleep here?"

A smile appears on his lips. Jiya's chest expands in relief. "Are you seducing me?"

"If it's working, why not? Wala si Manang and sabi mo uuwi ka bukas."

He finally looks at her, lips curved upwards. "I was planning to stay here rin naman kasi alam kong wala kang kasama."

"Or gusto mo 'kong solohin."

"Pwede rin. That's a bonus. A big one."

Jiya steps closer to cup his face. Migo's playful smile fades and his breath hitches when her thumb strokes his cheek. "Thank you," she whispers. "I had fun with your mom and sisters and the food was good. I had a good time."

He stares at her and reaches up to cover her hand in his, leaning his cheek against her palm. "I'm really sorry," he murmurs.

"Stop apologizing, hindi mo kasalanan." She swallows and asks, "I'm here, Migo. What can I do? Anong kailangan mo?"

"Ito." He brings his arms around her waist and buries his head on her shoulder, breathing in deeply. Jiya hugs him back, reaching around his neck, and he squeezes her so tight it's hard to breathe. "Ikaw."

When his shoulders shake, no sound comes out, and she feels wet on her skin. Her heart breaks when Migo's fingers claw at the fabric of her top, like he's trying to pull her closer even when there are no more spaces between them, and she clings to him, pressed against the car door.

Jiya turns her head to kiss his temple, shutting her eyes at his silent cry.

She lets him hug her, hold her as long as he needs. When he pulls away slowly, after what feels like hours, he mutters, "Sorry. Basa na damit mo."

Jiya reaches up to wipe his tears away. Then, taking his hand, she leads him inside.

Migo watches her take off her makeup and jewelry on her dresser, seated on the bed. When she goes to the bathroom to take a shower, Migo follows her, too.

When he steps inside with her, Jiya says, "I should buy shampoo for you. Dove lang meron ako ngayon."

"Okay. And that's fine," he mutters, closing his eyes under the water, wetting his hair. His hands are on her waist, gripping tight, parang gusto niyang malaman na nandito siya habang nakapikit.

Jiya threads her fingers in his hair and washes it, tiptoeing kasi ang tangkad niya. He leans forward to bump his head on her chest, chuckling quietly. "Hello, twins."

Jiya rolls her eyes, expecting him to reach up and touch or bite and kiss, but his hands stay on her waist, and his eyes stay closed while Jiya massages his scalp.

She finishes washing them both with Migo's hands never leaving her body. Somehow, even if they aren't doing anything remotely sexual, this feels a lot more intimate.

Saka lang siya binitawan ni Migo when they get out, and she hands him a towel and his clothes. Buti na lang may naiwan dito from the few times he's slept over.

He smells like her when they lie down on the bed. Migo entangles his legs with hers, arms around her small frame, and buries his head in her neck.

Jiya strokes his hair and back, kisses his forehead. "You're going home to Pampanga this Tuesday?"

He hums. "Mm. Sama ka."

Jiya bites her lip to hide her smile. "I can't. And natatakot ako sa lola mo."

"Just tell her nadidiligan ka and you'll be fine." She smacks him lightly. Migo tightens his arms around her. "And you can't? Ano ibig sabihin n'on?"

She sighs. "Pagbalik ni Papa dito for New Year, he has a party to attend to for work and he told me to come. Try and make connections and all that."

"Or to introduce you as heir of the company."

"Kung mangyayari 'yon, magwa-walk out ako."

Jiya can feel Migo's smile against her collarbone. He mutters, "Mga daddy issues natin. Joke, may mommy issues ka rin pala."

It makes her grin, the ridiculousness of it. "You wanna get drunk and wait for midnight?"

She and Migo raid the Valle pantry downstairs. Pagdating ng midnight, they send a video message to their friends and they all send one back with their families, and Jiya and Migo crash on the couch, drunk.

Paggising niya, the sun is streaming past the windows on his face. She smiles, wraps her legs around him like a koala, and goes back to sleep.

It's the first Christmas she isn't alone after so many years again.

*

"Hi, Ji!" Elois waves at the camera, smiling widely from her seat beside Migo in the car. "Merry Christmas pala!"

Jiya forces a smile. "Merry Christmas, Elois."

"Sayang you're not coming with us! But don't worry, aalagaan ko 'tong boyfriend mo."

Jiya raises an eyebrow at her statement. The fuck.

Migo pushes her out of the way and grabs the phone back, grinning. "I'll text you pagdating namin, baby."

"Bye, Ate Jiya!" Maureen shouts from the backseat. Meg echoes it, kissing the camera.

"Ingat and take care!" She waves at the phone bago binaba ni Migo.

Hindi dapat siya ma-stress. Walang binibigay na stress sa kanya si Migo when it comes to his friend.

Pero bakit naiilang siya?

Manang puts down a plate of egg tarts in front of her. "'Nak, kain."

She came back this morning with lots of food. Binigyan rin siya ni Jiya ng scented candle and branded perfume, gaya ng bigay niya kay Tita Sheryl, and Manang almost cried.

Pinakita rin ni Jiya sa kanya 'yong picture niya with Migo's family and Migo. Napatili-tili si Manang, kinikilig. Wallpaper na ni Jiya 'yong picture niya with him.

That night, her dad comes back tired. Kinuha agad ni Manang ang suitcase niya and Jiya kisses his cheek. "Hi, Pa."

"I wired money to your card for your dress sa party," he says as a greeting, taking off his tie and shoes. "Go shopping before then. Dapat presentable ka."

Jiya suppresses her sigh and smiles at him. "Okay po. Thank you. Um, there's food if you're hungry."

"No, I'll get some sleep. Don't wake me up."

Jiya watches him go up the stairs. Merry Christmas rin po.

While she's brushing her teeth, Jiya watches Migo's Instagram story. He reposted those that Maureen tagged him in, pero mayro'n ding isa from Elois. The camera shows her smiling face, tapos si Migo, who makes a peace sign at the camera while they walk along what seems like a food market.

@eloispagdagdagan: back home.
@migosalas

Jiya spits out the foam in her mouth and goes to her profile. Puro beach and travel pics ang feed. She scrolls further down, getting more and more annoyed kasi maganda na nga siya, maganda pa katawan.

May old picture from five years ago na selfie nila ni Migo. He looks so young, ang cute niya. No'ng high school na sila nito. Elois's arm is around his neck, face turned to his, nose brushing his cheek. May caption lang na heart.

Jiya grits her teeth, but when she looks at herself in the mirror, she blinks. Bakit siya naiinis? E five years ago na 'yong pic, no'ng magkaaway pa sila ni Migo.

She calms herself down kasi para na siyang crazy girlfriend. She sighs and heads back to her room, refreshing her feed.

Her heart jumps when she sees Migo posted their picture.

@migosalas: my present this
year @jvalle

She throws her phone on the bed and squeals.

Then remembers her dad is sleeping across the hallway and slaps a hand to her mouth, clearing her throat. Neck flushing hot, Jiya throws herself on the bed, picks it up, and likes it. She adds that to her story.

She texts Migo before bed.

ang corny mo nakakainis

He reads that immediately.

Pogi: kinilig ka wag mo kong
ginaganyan. umuwi na dad mo?

yup. i have to shop for a dress
tomorrow.

Pogi: send them nudez sa dressing
room

It makes her snort loudly.

baka mapauwi ka bigla

Pogi: ok lang. i miss you

Her lips curve upwards.

call before bed?

Pogi: UGHHHHHHH can't :( karaoke
and drinks. sobrang ingay baby,
mamaya pa kami nito. nagboodle fight
pa kami kanina ang gulo. wish you
were here, introduce kita buong
angkan ng mga salas

What the fuck is a boodle fight.

nakakatakot yon.

Pogi: NO OMG THEYRE NOT SCARY!! i
can help u close ko na mga tito and
tita and lola and mga older cousins ni
migo dati pa they'll love u!!

Jiya pushes her tongue against her cheek and sits up. Bakit 'to nagbabasa ng mga texts ni Migo?

Pogi: SORRY JIYA this is elois pala!!!
migs went to get a beer hehehe ang
cute nyo naman

hi can you leave migo's phone
alone? it's his privacy kasi.

Pogi: migs doesn't care naliligo pa nga
kami together before HAHA

Jiya bites the inside of her cheek.

I do.

Pogi: oh ok sorry jiya :((

She reads that but doesn't reply. Hinihintay niyang makabalik kay Migo phone niya.

Pogi: sorry babe. don't be annoyed ok
lang sakin. and she apologized to me
na rin

Jiya rolls her eyes.

hindi ok sakin. what if we
were talking about something
else what if she scrolled up to
our past messages?

Pogi: hindi raw niya ginawa and i
trust her. and napagsabihan ko na rin
sa comment about the ligo, bata pa
kami non, okay? don't be mad na.

Jiya still feels uneasy. Naiinis siya.

Kasi ang tagal niyang mag-isip ng reply, Migo calls.

She answers after three rings, muttering, "Ano."

"Baby," Migo greets with a sigh, and she flops down on the bed at his voice. Maingay sa kabilang line pero parang gumagalaw siya palabas para mas tahimik. "She apologized na, she feels bad."

"She shouldn't have touched it in the first place," Jiya mutters.

"I agree, she won't do it again."

Jiya sighs. "Okay. Get back to your inuman na."

"Okay, don't be annoyed na, it's not a big deal," Migo says. "Go to bed. Love you."

Jiya says it back with a small smile.

Hindi nga siya big deal. Hindi siya naging big deal until nakita ni Jiya na may post si Elois sa feed niya. Picture ni Migo na nakatalikod sa may falls.

@eloispagdagdagan: best view

Alam na alam ni Jiya na si Migo 'yon. She scoffs loudly, puts down her coffee mug and almost breaks it, pati si Manang nagulat.

She sends that post to her boyfriend.

@jvalle: ????

Migo takes a minute.

@migosalas: not me. the falls

@jvalle: akala ko ba may
bf yan?

@migosalas: meron. wag kang
magselos, baby. we're just
close friends, you know that.
besides, i talk her ear off
about you i literally don't
shut up. trust me.

Jiya exhales heavily, tries to think rationally beyond her sudden possessiveness.

@jvalle: baka im annoyed
kasi she's with you and
im not.

@migosalas: you're in my head
and heart and phone screen,
she's not. and sama ka na dito
next time, curious na buong
pamilya ko sayo and my mom and
sisters are gushing about you.

It makes her smile.

@jvalle: okay. :( i miss
you.

@migosalas: AAAAAAAAAAAAAA
MATCHIES

She laughs. Gets Elois's post out of her head. Bakit pa niya i-o-overthink kung hindi naman threat 'yon sa kanya? Siya ang mahal ni Migo.

*

Pogi: wag ka munang magbihis pag-uwi mo.

Jiya smiles at Migo's message. Ito 'yong reply niya after niyang mag-send ng picture of her na ready na for the New Year's party.

Deep V-neck in wine red with a leg slit na maxi ang binili niyang dress. Her hair is slicked back with gel, parted in the middle, and her makeup is dark eyeshadow and dark red lipstick. There are gold chains around her neck and in between her breasts, and she feels pretty and gusto niya nandito si Migo para i-appreciate 'to nang harap-harapan.

But a picture will have to do. And may balak yata si gago mamayang pag-uwi niya.

Her dad is waiting for her in the car. He only gives her a once-over and a small nod. "Willy, let's go," he says to their driver, fixing his cuff links.

The party is grand and huge sa Marriott Grand Ballroom. It's loud, filled with people in dresses and suits, drinking their wine and chatting. Jiya suppresses her surprise when she sees the buffet table—mga aabot yata ng isang week ang pagkain.

As soon as Jiya steps out of the elevator with her dad, they're surrounded. "Mr. Valle," one man says, smiling widely as he hands her dad a glass. "Glad you could join us. We're thrilled to have you."

Her dad accepts the glass. "Thank you, Robert. This is my daughter, Jiya. Jiya, this is my partner from Cosca Inc."

"Ah, Ms. Valle." He reaches out to shake her hand, and Jiya blinks, taking it. "Care for a drink?"

She smiles. "Sure. Nice meeting you, sir."

Sinama siya ng tatay niya sa dinami-raming mga taong humihila sa kanya para makipag-usap about business, praising him for his recent project, asking about partnerships, mga shit na walang pake si Jiya, but she smiles politely and shakes the hands of those introduced to her by her dad. Hindi niya ipapahiya tatay niya sa what seems like an important event for networking.

Mauubos na glass niya wala pa silang oras. Umiinom lang kasi siya habang nag-uusap sila so she doesn't look awkward just standing there like a mug.

She's about to stop a server a few steps away to grab another glass when the man close to her, si Mr. Pacheco, if she remembers correctly, says, "So is Jiya going to be our next boss in about five years?"

Her dad smiles behind his glass, glancing at her. "I'd like to think so. She has the brains and the attitude for it."

"You should start studying as early as now," the woman beside her says with a smile. "And show up in the company more, get your dad's people to know your face."

Jiya swallows and smiles back uneasily. Her dad saves her from answering. "Jiya is still in college, she has time to think about it."

He's still so persistent kahit na magse-senior na si Jiya with a lit course.

Pero kahit hindi naman mag-aral ng business si Jiya, the company can be handed to her on a silver platter if she wants it.

She takes a glass and drinks from it when the subject changes. "How's Aliya?"

'Yong kabit niya.

Jiya doesn't hear her dad's answer and she doesn't want to. She heads off to find something to munch on habang nasa usapan sila.

There's are lines of food Jiya can't pronounce on the table. Walking in her heels, diretso siya sa dulo, sa may desserts, and picks up a glass of frozen berries with white chocolate cream and a spoon.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you. That's bitter."

But Jiya's spoon is already in her mouth when she turns around, startled.

The man is only slightly taller than her, hair pushed back to show his forehead, brown eyes, full lips. Unlike most of the other men na naka-suit and tie, naka-black turtleneck 'to with a beige jacket and beige slacks. He looks handsome and expensive. Even the way he talked had an accent to it, parang hindi siya full Filipino.

"This one, though," he continues, leaning forward with one hand in his pocket to pick up a glass of gingerbread affogato parfait. Jiya steps back when his sleeve almost brushes her arm. "This is sweet."

Tama siya. Bitter ang nakain niya, but she doesn't let it show on her face. She licks her spoon clean.

He watches her, smiling, and scoops a spoonful of the parfait, facing her. "Where's the lucky guy?"

She raises an eyebrow in question.

He swallows before clarifying, "Your date. Don't tell me you came alone."

Jiya wants to roll her eyes. "And if I did?"

The guy grins wickedly. "Lucky me, then. May countdown to New Year tonight. May I have your number?"

This guy. Picking her up na para bang nasa club sila. The audacity!

"No," she says, and then turns around to get back to her dad.

Business na ulit topic nila, and then maya-maya ay hinila siya ni Gerard to another table, leaning down to say, "These are people for a publishing company I'm acquainted with. Theo & Brom Press, if you're familiar?"

Oh, shit. Jiya looks up at him with wide eyes. "That's...that's the biggest publishing company in the country, I've sent letters for internship requests, but they never got back to me."

"Well, they will now. Theo, good evening."

The man—Theo Capinpin himself—clasps Gerard's hand in his and shakes it, grinning so widely. "Gerard, so good to see you. Happy holidays!"

Jiya is frozen, starstruck. This company has published countless of her favorite books. She searched na dati pa kung ano itsura ng office nila kasi gusto niyang mag-work do'n. Nakaapat na yata siyang email sa kanila, nakakahiya na.

After small talk, Theo finally notices her, eyes brightening. "And who is this young lady?"

"This is my only daughter, Jiya." Her dad squeezes her shoulder. "She's studying literature in the Ateneo right now, interested siya sa publishing more than sa family business."

"Is that so?" he asks, interested, reaching out his hand.

"Good evening, sir." Jiya tries very very hard to keep her voice stable. "I am astounded by your work in your company, most of my books are from Theo & Brom."

"Ah, an avid reader. Tell me, Jiya, which is your favorite?"

Madali 'yon. Jiya answers him truthfully, making gestures with her hands.

"Well, Gerard, you have a bright heir, but maybe her path is with me," Theo jokes, and Jiya's mind is screaming yes, yes, yes! Her dad laughs a little.

"Sir, here you go."

Jiya almost cracks her neck turning around at that voice, eyes widening nang makita ang lalaking kinausap siya kanina sa buffet table, handing a dessert glass to Theo. He also looks surprised with her standing there, but he quickly masks it with a smile when Theo thanks him and says, "Jiya, this is Angelo Montemayor. He's my fiction editor, so all the books you mentioned, the manuscripts go through him. Gelo, this is Jiya Valle, she's studying in Ateneo, very interested in our work."

Oh, shit. Oh, shit, shit, shit.

Gelo's lips slowly curve upwards. He offers his hand out to her, eyes gleaming. "Nice to meet you, Jiya Valle."

"Sir," she says, clearing her throat, shaking it.

His smile widens in amusement. Jiya's stomach dips.

"Gelo, let's see if we can have Jiya interning for us before she starts her senior year. Kailangan raw niya ng OJT," Theo tells him, eating his dessert. To Jiya, he grins and says, "Gelo might be your boss! Might as well get to know each other."

"Yes," Gelo says, still staring at her with that same, evil smile. "I would like that very much."

Fuck. Fuck!

"Drink, Ms. Valle?" Gelo asks her, offering his arm to her.

Her dad nods at her to go on.

Jiya gulps and puts her hand in his arm, and he leads her to the bar.

"So you came with your dad."

"I am so sorry, sir," Jiya says in a rush once they stop at the bar, and Gelo orders them drinks. "I—I apologize for my rudeness earlier."

"Would you have apologized if I wasn't from Theo & Brom?" Gelo asks lightly, placing his chin on top of his fist, grinning. He's obviously enjoying her discomfort.

Jiya falls silent.

"Good," Gelo says, sliding her drink over to her. "Don't. I was the one who came on to you, ako dapat ang mag-apologize. Sorry, I just thought you're really gorgeous."

She looks away, neck flushing, and sips her drink before she mutters, "Thank you, sir."

"Ah, I can't say those things na rin if we're going to work together." He clinks glasses with her. "You really want to work for T&B? What about Valle Holdings?"

"It's not for me," Jiya says firmly, pursing her lips. "I have no interest in business and the kind of work my dad does."

"Tell me what you told Sir Theo," he says, unbuttoning his suit jacket. "And may I have your number? For work, this time," he says, raising his eyebrow.

Jiya fishes out her phone and gets to talking. Para na rin siyang nag-interview rito.

Gerard whisks her away to a table for dinner, tapos paikot-ikot sila ulit sa room with drinks habang hinihintay ang countdown to New Year.

Migo texts her.

Pogi: enjoying? dying of boredom?

She smiles at her phone.

both. i met my dream 
company and i can contact
them for my OJT raw :(

Pogi: wow. congratulations baby u 
deserve it!!!

Her cheeks heat at the prospect.

congratulate me pag totoo na. 
for now, im missing you. a lot.

Pogi: let me know how much pag-uwi
mo. don't take the dress off.

Jiya bites her lip.

okay.

The countdown begins, and everyone cheers pagsapit ng new year. From across the room, Gelo tips his glass to her with a smile.

Jiya smiles back at him. Her phone buzzes.

Pogi: happy new year, wife.

happy new year, my love.

Sa bahay, pinakita niya kung gaano niya ka-miss si Migo by touching all the places he said he'd touch if he were with her in video.

Saka lang siya naligo and nagbihis after, a satisfied and sated smile on her face.

*

Second semester starts with an orientation for their OJT. Van swings an arm around her shoulder with a groan. "Ayoko pa maging slave ng capitalism."

"Kailangan ko na mag-email sa mga media companies," Addie sighs, running a hand through her hair. "Ang dami pa palang documents na need. Ugh."

Jiya will get to contacting Gelo for those documents later. She's giddy with excitement for it.

Habang World Lit class nila sa may classroom na may aircon (thank God), Migo texts her.

Pogi: paalis na babe. u want coffee and 
bfast daan ako starbs?

Jiya grins.

please. i love u.

Pogi: stop namumula ako.

"Wala pang kape ang saya-saya na," Isco comments, slumping down next to her. Walang rules ang prof nila rito kaya okay lang na mag-sit in kahit sino. "Migo changed you, my friend."

Jiya ignores him, rolling her eyes.

When Migo says he's outside, she jumps out of her seat and greets him with a kiss.

He's smiling into her mouth. "Ano, miss mo na 'ko agad?"

"Good morning," she mutters in return, kisses him again, and then takes her coffee from him and the cinnamon bun he's handing to her. "Thank you. Magkano utang ko?"

He taps his lips. "Three more."

Jiya grins and gives him three more kisses.

Pagpasok niya ulit sa kwarto, she opens the bag and reads his handwritten note on the napkin.

di pa kita nakikita alam kong ang ganda mo
today and kinakabahan na akong puntahan
ka. ginawa nang tahanan ng butterflies ang
stomach ko. good morning. mahal na mahal kita.

Jiya almost slaps her hands to her cheeks sa init. She texts him.

you're so annoying and cute.
and i get a lot of butterflies
around you, too.

Pogi: shut the fuck up im dying

Jiya laughs and eats her breakfast.

Nag-lessen na mga outings nilang magkakaibigan habang busy silang lahat with acads and orgs. Para kay Van, Isco, Addie, and Jiya, inaasikaso rin nila OJT nila. Sa mga boys na taga-BS Chem, may summer classes sila na lecture and lab imbis na OJT.

Pagdating ng birthday ni Migo, Jiya surprises him with tickets to his favorite OPM band's concert.

"Oh, shit!" sigaw niya. "Shit, Valle! Totoo ba 'to? You're not pranking me?"

"Magbihis ka na," she tells him over the phone, smiling. "It's real. I'll pick you up in an hour."

Nakakahawa ang saya ni Migo on the way to the venue. He keeps jumping in his feet, swinging their arms around, face glowing. First concert niya raw 'to.

And Jiya doesn't listen to the music he likes, but she wants to enjoy this with him. It's his birthday, after all.

Migo keeps his arms around her waist and his chin on her shoulder as they stand front row, and he sings the lyrics to her ear, swaying them around. They're sweating and their ears are ringing with noise and cheers and the last of the music when she parks at the condo. She tears off his denim jacket and flips his cap around his head, pushing him on the bed when they get to his room. He's panting, sweat on his neck, and Jiya licks that and kisses him hard, unbuttoning his jeans.

Migo gasps in her mouth, groaning as his hands travel under her shirt, sliding off the straps of her bra, and he kicks his hips up to let her pull his jeans and underwear down, and he gathers her hair in his hand and Jiya loves how she's the only one who can make him feel like this.

He kisses her after, tongue inside her mouth, and rasps, "Ako naman."

"Happy birthday," Jiya says cheekily, and then she squeals when Migo drops her on the bed and crawls over her with a wolfish grin. He pulls her back to him in between his legs and snakes one hand down inside her skirt, the other on her thigh, keeping her legs open, and he kisses her neck.

"The happiest yet," he murmurs and gets to work, holding her down.

And then before mag-midterms, Jiya texts Gelo.

Good morning, sir, this is Jiya
Valle po. I was wondering if I
was going to email you or
Theo & Brom's HR for the
documents I need signed for
my OJT? Thank you so much!

Gelo responds in no less than ten minutes.

Sir Gelo: Send them to me along with
your CV and portfolio (if you have
one) for our records. Also, good to
hear from you, Jiya.

Kasama n'on ang email address niya. Excited, Jiya attaches the documents na agad and sends them.

And gasps when she receives them back, all signed and ready, an hour later, with instructions for her orientation and the address to the office written in the email body.

Gelo sends her a text.

Sir Gelo: I look forward to working with you. :)

She squeals, grinning.

Thank you, sir. I'm very
excited to work na rin po.

Sir Gelo: Please lay off with the sir and
the po. Makes me feel old. I prefer it
kung Gelo na lang.

Um, but I would be working
for you. Wouldn't it be
unprofessional po? and I need
to be respectful rin po since
you are older than me.

Sir Gelo: HAHAHAHAHAHA

Jiya blinks. May nakakatawa ba sa sinabi niya?

Sir Gelo: I said I was looking forward
to working WITH you. You don't work
for me. Yes, the official position is
intern (as what is required from your
school), but you'll be treated as one of
T&B's employees and employee lang
rin ako, so no need for the sir and the
po. I'm not worried about you being
unprofessional or disrespectful even
though I am older. Okay? :)

Ang dami niyang sinabi. Jiya sighs.

Got it po.

Sir Gelo: ?

Wincing, she types again.

Got it, Gelo.

Gelo: That's better.

Now that that's out of the way, she can focus on midterms.

One Tuesday morning, while getting ready for school, Jiya is printing her reviewer for Philo kasi hinihingi ng dalawang bobo na si Isco and Inggo kasi bukas na start ng midterms nila.

Nagulat na lang siya when a door slams loudly and footsteps come rushing down the hallway.

"Gerard!"

Jiya shuts her eyes and sighs. She will stay here in her room hanggang sa umalis na sila, buti na lang at ten pa first period niya.

"Ano ba, Hillary, bitawan mo 'ko!"

Pero wala pala siyang takas kasi her door slams open and she jumps, and her dad is there, jaw clenched, may hawak-hawak na suitcase. "Jiya, pack your things. We'll stay in the condo."

"Jiya, don't you dare move," her mom hisses. "Kung aalis ka, umalis ka! 'Wag mong isama ang anak ko!"

Gerard stalks towards her. Jiya drops the papers she's holding in fear, wide-eyed, and she flinches when her dad grabs her wrist in a death grip. "Halika na. May inuwing lalaki 'yang nanay mo sa kwarto namin."

"Papa," Jiya whimpers, trying to shake off his hand on her wrist kahit hinihila-hila na siya to her closet. "Papa, wait—"

"And you think you're so righteous porke't you bed all your whores sa putanginang condo mo and not here?" her mom screams, following them.

"I do my shit nang wala ang anak ko sa bahay!" Gerard nearly throws her inside her closet, dragging her inside, and barks, "Pack!"

She flinches, tears in her eyes, holding her wrist.

"E 'di dadalhin mo rin si Jiya kung saan ang mga babae mo!" Hillary shouts again, stalking over and grabbing her wrist again, digging her nails in her skin. Jiya hisses in pain. "Jiya stays here."

When her dad steps closer, hands balled into fists and jaw clenched tight in frustration, Jiya steps back, hands shaking.

Gerard sees this. He stares at her, chest heaving, and Jiya can't see the man who used to give her piggyback rides all over the house, who used to play cashier and Barbie with her, who used to sneak candy in her pocket when her mom wasn't looking.

"Mag-uwi ka ulit ng lalaki sa bahay na 'to and I will make sure you don't get visitation rights," Gerard hisses to his wife. "Tandaan mo 'yan, Hillary."

"Don't fucking threaten me with my child," her mom snaps back, jutting her chin out. "Umalis ka na!"

He does, slamming the doors on the way.

Her mom turns to her, eyes red and heavy, makeup smudged, naka-camisole lang. "Jiya, you're not going with him. Ever."

Jiya stares at her and pulls her arm back out of her hold. Parang nababali na 'to, lumalabas na ang mga buto sa skin. "Kailangan ko pong pumasok sa school," she says through her gritted teeth, and wiping her tears, she brushes past her, grabs her bag with her left arm, and dire-diretso siyang bumaba ng stairs.

Manang rushes to open the front door for her, worried. "Anak..."

"Thank you, 'Nang. See you later," she mutters, tuloy tuloy lang hanggang sa makarating siya sa car. "Kuya, tara na. Sa Burgundy po."

Curled up against the window, her tears run down her face and her wrist hurts. May red marks na 'to sa higpit ng hawak sa kanya ng parents niya. With shaking fingers, she calls Migo.

Nang sa fifth ring wala pa siyang sagot, she hangs up and calls him again.

Wala pa rin. Frustrated, she texts him.

nasan ka im otw to burgundy i
need u

She waits for him to read that, pero hindi rin niya ginawa. Tulog pa ba siya?

Her hands are still shaking a bit when she arrives at the condo. Binuksan niya with her key kasi tahimik. Walang tao and it's dark.

Umalis na si Migo. Bakit hindi sumasagot?

She throws her bag on the couch and grips her hair through her strands, wanting to pull them out sa sakit sa chest niya. She calls Inggo and crosses her fingers wala 'yon sa class.

"Oy, bro!" Inggo answers cheerfully. "Asan na Philo—"

"Where's Migo?" she asks quietly, closing her eyes. "Nasa'n siya, kasama mo ba? Hindi niya sinasagot phone niya kanina pa, tangina."

Natahimik si Inggo sa sinabi niya. Then he says, "He's not with me, pero he rushed out of class kanina kasi tinakbo raw si Elois sa hospital kasi nahimatay? Baka he's still there?"

A scoff escapes Jiya's lips. She runs a hand through her wet face and mutters, "Thanks."

"Bro, okay ka lang?"

"Hindi," she says, almost in a whisper, voice breaking. "No, I'm not."

"Kailangan mo ng kasama?" Inggo asks, and she hears rustling on the other line. "Nasa condo ka ba? I'll go to you."

"No, kailangan ko si Migo," she whimpers. "Inggo, kailangan ko siya."

"Bumaba ka sa lobby, I'll drive you do'n sa hospital," he says, and then he hangs up.

Pagkakita niya sa kanya, he hugs her tight. Jiya cries in his shoulder. "Inggo..."

He pulls back and wipes her tears with his thumbs, his jaw set. "Let's go." He gives her a helmet sa motorcycle niya. "Kapit ka," he tells her, starting the engine.

Jiya wraps her arms around his waist and holds tight.

Inggo's hands still on the bars, looking at her own hands. "Ji, ano 'yan? May mga sugat pa."

"Basta," she says quietly, exhaling heavily. "Please just drive."

Inggo sighs and revs the engine.

Nasa ER pa raw si Elois Pagdagdagan. Si Migo nakaupo sa tabi niya, just staring at her.

Jiya comes close. "Is she okay?"

Migo almost jumps, blinking. Surprised when he sees her and Inggo. "Uh, yeah. May gas lang raw sa stomach from stress kaya nahimatay. What are—what are you guys doing here?"

"You weren't answering your phone," Jiya says flatly.

"Oh." Migo stands up and fishes it out, frowning sa dinami-raming missed calls and texts ni Jiya pati na rin siguro ng kaibigan niya. "Shit, sorry, babe. Hindi ko na namalayan."

"Okay lang," she says, nodding. "Hope she gets better. Hintayin mo na 'yang magising."

Jiya leaves. Hindi na niya alam kung sinundan siya ni Inggo pero sana oo kasi siya ang magd-drive sa kanila pabalik.

Hinabol siya ni Migo sa labas, hand on her wrist. With a sigh, he says, "Valle, wait—"

At the touch, Jiya yanks it with a gasp, shaking, holding it to her chest.

Migo's eyebrows furrow at her reaction.

Inggo steps out of the hospital, and she almost sighs in relief. "Alis na kami."

"'Wag muna, sandali, Valle, sandali!" he nearly shouts no'ng ayaw na siyang harapin ni Jiya, tuloy-tuloy lang sa parking. "'Wag kang magseselos. 'Di ko 'yan kailangan ngayon—or ever, okay? Kaibigan ko lang siya—"

"Ha?!" Jiya almost screams, twisting around to face him.

Migo stares at her face, jaw tight. "May sakit siya and she needed me. She told the hospital to call me—"

"I needed you, Migo," Jiya hisses, stepping forward. "I needed you! Irrational man kung irrational, pero ang sabihin mo sa 'king ang galit na nararamdaman ko kasi wala ka no'ng kailangan kita is jealousy na inconvenience and hassle to you, then I'm sorry for being such a burden." She grits her teeth. "Mag-stay ka dito. 'Wag mo 'kong pupuntahan nang 'di pa okay 'yang si Elois."

"Valle," he snaps, moving to grab her again when she tries to leave.

"Bro," Inggo says icily, blocking him. "Let her go."

Migo pushes him. "'Wag mo 'kong inuutusan. Bakit mo ba kasama si Valle, ha?"

"Kasi kaibigan ko siya and ako na lang ang kakailanganin niya since 'di ka available."

Migo steps forward, rage in his face, pero Jiya pulls Inggo's arm. "Stop. Inggo, tara na."

Wala nang nagawa si Migo kundi ang panoorin silang umalis.

Pagbalik ni Inggo sa condo, Jiya unwraps her arms around him and almost stumbles pababa. Inggo grabs her. "Ji, 'wag ka na munang pumasok."

"Ayoko ring mag-stay dito kasi babalik siya." Jiya gives him the helmet back, sighing. "Sorry. Nadamay pa kita sa away namin. Roommate and best friend mo pa naman."

"Gago kung gago," Inggo says, shrugging. He reaches over to fix her hair na nagulo sa helmet, a worried scrunch in between his eyebrows. "Stay here. Ako na kukuha ng bag and laptop mo sa taas then let's walk to school together."

Jiya nods mutely. "Thanks," she mutters.

Kahit anong tulak and palayas ni Jiya kay Inggo, ayaw niya siyang iwanan, dala-dala laptop niya. Nakaka-miss na ng class kakasunod sa kanya.

"Okay, bakit tayo may aso?" Isco questions, slinging an arm around Inggo's shoulder. "Bakit mo sinusundan si Thanos? Para sa reviewer, 'no?"

"Gumawa ka na ng sarili mong reviewer," Inggo tells him. "'Wag na nating istorbohin si Jiya."

"Bro, who are you and nasa'n si de Paz? He would never betray me like this."

Jiya sighs. "Inggo, okay na nga ako. Umalis ka na."

"No."

"Jiya babes!" Addie reaches out to take her wrist. "Where's Vannie? Tara—"

Inggo grabs her hand before she can touch Jiya.

Addie blinks at him, hand slack in his hold.

Isco steps away with a low whistle, eyebrows raised. "Um..."

"Sorry," he says, letting her go.

Jiya winces. Malapit na siyang atakihin sa puso when Addie's hand came close, pero buti na lang Inggo stopped her. Hindi nga niya alam kung paano i-e-explain 'to.

She slings an arm around Addie's shoulders and leads her away with a forced smile. "Tara, let's go find Van."

Nauna si Isco maglakad, excited na makita girlfriend niya. Buti na lang he and Addie took the hint, hindi na nagtanong sa nangyari.

She looks back to mouth at Inggo, "Thank you."

He smiles back at her. "No problem," he mouths back.

Sa class, nakailang tawag na sa kanya si Migo. Siguro nakabalik na 'to from the hospital.

Pogi: valle, ayusin natin to, please.
nasan ka?
Pogi: i saw your message. i'm sorry.
and i didn't mean what i said, hindi
hassle or inconvenience ang
nararamdaman mo kahit kailan and
i...i thought about it kung nag-switch
tayo ng places and i would've reacted
way worse. Im sorry.
Pogi: please, i want to know if you're
okay. i'm here and i'm sorry.

Jiya reads all of that, biting the inside of her cheek.

okay lang ako.

He types agad.

Pogi: can i see you? please.

wag na muna. mag-aaral pa
ko.

Matagal bago nag-reply si Migo.

Pogi: okay. i love you.

She's upset and she's exhausted and tangina, kailangan niya pang mag-aral for midterms, pero hindi siya magsisinungaling kay Migo.

i love you too.

She turns off her phone. Hinatid siya ni Inggo sa sundo niya, still worried. "Sure ka ba? Ayaw mong i-bandage ko 'yan?"

She gives him a small smile and shakes her head. "Okay lang." Jiya takes a deep breath and holds it out, closing her eyes. "Um, can you try to hold it? Para lang alam ko kung...kung okay na 'kong mahawak ng iba."

"Or mahawak ni Migs."

She sighs, looking at him. "Please."

Inggo bites his lip and steps closer. Slowly, the tips of his fingers touch her skin, and Jiya winces.

Inggo pulls back. "No."

"Go, okay lang!" Jiya says, shaking her head. "It's fine. You won't hurt me."

Inggo sighs and tries again. Carefully, he wraps his fingers around her wrist, covering the red marks. Hindi tight ang pagkakahawak.

Jiya exhales deeply, staring at his hand. She nods, swallowing thickly. "Okay. That's good."

Inggo lets go and pulls her into a hug. Jiya hugs him back, resting her head on his shoulder. "Thanks," she whispers.

"Dito lang ako," he mutters, stroking her back. "Text mo 'ko 'pag nakauwi ka na."

Pinanood siya ni Inggo umalis hangga't sa mawala na siya sa paningin ni Jiya.

She eats dinner with Manang in silence and locks herself in her room to study. Alam naman niyang hindi uuwi parents niya tonight (dad niya hindi na babalik dito), pero natatakot pa rin siya baka ma-slam open na naman ang pinto.

Jiya almost pulls her hair out nang 'di siya maka-focus, almost gauges her eyes out sa kaka-breakdown.

Hindi niya alam kung ano inaral niya. She lies down on her bed at nearly four in the morning, holding her wrist to her chest.

*

("Nasa'n siya?" tanong agad ni Migo when Inggo steps inside the condo, taking off his shoes. "Is she okay?"

"Umuwi na," Inggo answers, and ngayon lang nakita ni Migo ang best friend niya na seryosong-seryoso, parang galit pa nga. "And better."

'Yong sinabi niya kanina sa hospital, parang nabulag si Migo sa galit, pero ang tinatatak na lang niya sa utak niya is 'yong kailangan nga ni Valle. Kung hindi si Migo 'yon, magpasalamat na lang siya na nando'n si Inggo.

Migo swallows his fucking pride, takes a deep breath and says, "Salamat."

"Hindi ko ginawa para sa 'yo."

"Inggo," Migo says, gritting his teeth. "Sinabi ba niya sa 'yo kung ano nangyari?"

"Bakit, magseselos ka kung oo? Magagalit ka na naman ba parang no'ng kay Anton?"

"Anong problema mo?" Migo snaps, pulling him back when he tries to leave to the kitchen. "Ha, de Paz?"

Ngayon lang sila nag-away nang gan'to.

Inggo pushes his hand off and sneers, "Bakit ka pa nag-aalala kung kinausap ako ni Jiya instead of you kung ang dapat na inaalala mo is kung paano mo 'to aayusin? Tangina, Migs, kaibigan kita, pero kaibigan ko rin siya. Hindi niya kailangan 'yang selos mo sa 'kin, okay? 'Tsaka magtanong ka muna bago mo hawakan wrist niya, may nangyari do'n." He leaves and closes the door to his room.

Migo feels like his jaw is about to break from how hard he's clenching it.

He leaves for a smoke. Ngayon lang siya ulit nag-smoke.)