"SO kayo," Addie repeats, finger pointing back and forth to Jiya and to Migo. "Kayo. As in, together. As in, boyfriend-girlfriend. As in, parang kami ni Cas."

"Yes," Migo answers, stiff from his side of the couch.

"Oo nga, Ads, paulit-ulit?" Jiya snaps. "Oo, kami. Oo, boyfriend ko siya, girlfriend niya ako, oo, nag-kiss na kami—nakita n'yo naman—and oo, magki-kiss pa kami ulit in the future. Paulit-ulit, more than that pa. Gano'n naman 'pag kayo 'di ba? Bawal sumagot si Van 'tsaka si Isco."

Van clears her throat. Both her and Isco look away.

Inggo hasn't stopped laughing. "Putangina. Putangina talaga!"

"'Yon lang kanina pa input mo!" Migo shouts, throwing a pillow at him. "Bobo mo, bwiset."

So after the stunt that Jiya pulled, pinalayas na ni Cas lahat ng tao sa bahay niya, inupo ni Addie at ni Van si Migo at Jiya sa couch, tinawanan sila ni Inggo 'tsaka ni Isco, tapos si Anton naman hindi kumikibo.

"So wait lang!" Van puts her hands up, staring at the two of them. "Kailan pa 'to?"

"So ito kasi," Migo starts, pointing at Jiya with his thumb, clicking his tongue, "masyadong baliw sa 'kin, when I told her I was going to the States before she left for Korea, she kissed me."

"Isa pa," Jiya tells him, raising one eyebrow. "Ulitin mo."

Migo clears his throat. "So si Valle kasi, when I told her I was going to the States before she left for Korea, she kissed me. Tapos ako yung nabaliw and nag-blackmail sa kanya na sasabihin ko sa inyo kasi wow." He whistles lowly and fans himself. "That kiss."

Jiya smacks him lightly. Migo grins and winks at her.

"Saan yung kiss?" Isco asks. "Sa lips? Pero kung nabaliw ka, baka sa baba—"

"Magsalita ka pa," Jiya tells him, unblinking, while Migo laughs. "Sige pa. Go."

He hides behind Van. "'Di kasi clear," he mutters.

Addie's still frozen, staring at them. "So...you don't actually hate each other."

"Oh, we did," Jiya answers, face blank. "I did, until naging sila ni Tasha."

"Ako naman kinukulit ko siya since freshmen pa kami in high school kasi crush ko siya." Migo laughs and swings an arm around her shoulders, spreading his legs. "Pero akala ko wala akong chance kasi nga she hated me. So 'yon, naglandian kami no'ng August pa—"

"I wouldn't say naglandian," Jiya interjects, clearing her throat.

"Nilandi mo 'ko, 'wag kang ano," he snaps, rolling his eyes. "Nagwala siya when I brought Rose no'ng birthday ni Ads, nag-confess ako, sinagot niya 'ko." Migo grins, shrugging. "Any other questions from the panel?"

Cas tilts his head to the side. "So bakit n'yo tinago sa 'min?"

"Oo nga," Anton says, furrowing his eyebrows. "Addie's birthday was almost a month ago."

"I will direct this question to my lovely girlfriend," Migo says, gesturing to her. Jiya slaps his hand away and rolls her eyes, and he puts it on her knee, rubbing her skin.

"Lovely?!" Isco snorts, slapping a hand to his mouth, pointing his other one at Jiya. "'Yan?! Si Grinch, si Thanos, si Oscar the Grouch? Sure ka ba?! Bro, feeling ko hi-no-hostage ka talaga, you were threatened, 'no? 'Wag kang mag-alala, we're going to get you out of there—"

"Ang daldal mo, tangina." Inggo pushes him, staring at Jiya, obviously waiting for an answer.

Jiya purses her lips and mutters, "Kasi nahiya ako sa inyo. I've been telling you guys I hate him and I can't stand him, and I didn't know how to tell you otherwise. Sorry."

Addie stands up from her chair. "This is betrayal!"

"Betrayal," Van echoes, nodding.

Jiya winces. "Guys—"

"Kailangan ninyo harapin ang consequences ng nagawa n'yo," Addie continues, narrowing her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest. "Migo can atone for your sin, Jiya Valle. Sasama siya sa 'min."

"And ikaw, sasama ka sa 'min," Cas tells Jiya, nodding.

"Kasalanan mo 'to," Migo whispers, leaning close to her face. "Ano 'to, beheading? Auction ng mga ari ko? Pota, hindi pwede, 'di ko pa nagagamit sa 'yo."

Despite the situation, Jiya cracks a smile.

"Putangina talaga," Inggo laughs again, clapping loudly. He shakes his head, grinning, pointing at the two of them. "Putangina, ang weird! Hindi sila nag-aaway! Ngumiti—ngumiti si Jiya kay Migs!"

She pushes his chest with one palm and stands up, clearing her throat. "Ano, sasama ba 'ko sa inyo o hinde?"

"Hoy!" Migo snatches her wrist, eyes widening. "Iiwan mo 'ko kila Ads?"

Jiya blinks. "Oo."

He blinks at her in disbelief. "Pa'no 'pag in-auction nila talaga ako? Babe naman."

"Babe!" Inggo howls, slapping his knee. "Putanginang babe daw!"

"Ang ingay mo, pag-uuntugin ko 'yang bungaga n'yo ni Isco para tumahimik kayo," Van snaps, stepping forward to grab Migo's arm. "'Lika ditong gago ka."

"Wait lang." Migo drags Jiya aside, interlacing their fingers together. Putek, walanghiya 'to! "Diyan muna kayo, two minutes!"

"Hoy, bawal 'yan!" Addie shouts.

"Two minutes!" Isco howls.

The rest of their friends whistle and snicker loudly. Jiya's cheeks flame in embarrassment as she follows Migo to Cas's room.

He closes and locks the door. Jiya raises an eyebrow at him. "Ano? Bilisan mo, may beheading pa tayo—"

With one hard shove to the shoulder, Migo pushes her against the wall, grips her bare waist with his fingers and kisses her.

A surprised groan comes out of her throat from his aggression, the searing heat of his mouth on hers, but she closes her eyes and loops her hands around his neck and kisses him back.

"Ang hot ng ginawa mo kanina," he mutters when he pulls back just enough to catch one breath, and then his hands go lower, down to her shorts, squeezing her bottom. "Ang hot mo, tangina."

She can hardly keep up with his desperate kisses, pressing her body flush to his, chest to chest, and in her woozy, woozy mind, she mumbles, "Needed to stake my claim."

Migo outright whines in her mouth, hands burning on her body. "Shit," he breathes, "'di 'ata kaya ng two minutes."

Natawa si Jiya, lips red and swollen, and he kisses her again, hands moving back up to her waist, up her stomach, fingers tracing the seam of her bralette. He demands, "Ano ba, nababaliw ako kanina pa sa suot mong 'to. Ano ba 'to?"

Jiya laughs again. "Ano, hubarin ko na?"

"Valle!" Migo almost shouts, incredulous, eyes widening, fingers stilling. "Bastos ka ah."

"Sinong nag-drag sa 'kin dito—"

"Hoy mga puta!" Van smashes her fist against the door. "Labas, ano ginagawa n'yo diyan!"

"NagMo-Monopoly!" Migo yells back.

She fists her hands in his shirt, pulls him to her and kisses him one last time. Migo melts into her, hand cupping her neck, thumb brushing her jaw.

More smashing against the door.

"May dala na 'ata silang pitchforks," Jiya mumbles, eyes locked to his lips.

"Mm." He kisses her again.

Jiya smiles in his mouth and pushes him back with her hands on his chest. "Can't believe you dragged me in here to make out with me."

"Can't believe you kissed me in front of everyone."

She grins and winks at him, turning around to touch the doorknob. "Needed to stake my claim nga."

He squeezes her bottom again and leans into her ear to whisper, "Puntahan kita later after ng beheading naten. 'Wag ka muna magbihis."

Jiya bites her lip. "You mean yung auction mo?"

Migo clicks his tongue. "Bad news sa atin 'yon pareho 'pag nangyari, Valle."

She flushes, then her friends drag him away from her.

Jiya faces Inggo, Cas, and Anton. "So sa'n mangyayari ang beheading ko?"

*

Private Message: migago

sungit: so inauction ba

migago: hindi so good news: gumagana,
mahaba, mataba pa rin. hindi nagalaw,
don't worry.

sungit: ang bastos mo talaga

migago: bastos ka rin ikaw nga nagsabi na
more than kissing gagawin natin sa mga
kaibigan natin tapos gusto mo na hubarin
yang suot mo sa harap ko wag kang
magmalinis.

migago: so ano ginawa ng mga kaibigan ko

sungit: pinakain ko sila. walang
tigil silang kumain. ang dami kong
binayaran.

migago: same din naman, sa liit ni van
akala ko hindi marami kumain. and also
they were interrogating me

sungit: lol ako rin naman. and mas
awkward kasi si anton di
masyadong nagsalita

migago: wala akong pake kay buenca
manigas siya. the girls asked me my
intentions

sungit: what did u say

migago: sabi ko pakakasalan kita.

sungit is typing...

sungit is typing...

migago: pota natakot si gaga

sungit: ang advance mo magisip 
sa totoo lang

migago:👰🏻 < you

migago:🤵🏻 < me

migago: putek bakit may balbas

sungit: 🚶🏻🤛🏼

sungit: 🧎🏻 < you

migago: oo proposal ko yan

sungit: bobo eh bat on both knees

migago: may gagawin ako sayo until mag-
yes ka 😉😋👅

sungit: BASTOS layuan mo ko
demon

migago: 👨❤️‍💋‍👨 < us

migago: ay bobo that's isco and inggo

migago: 👩❤️‍💋‍👨👩❤️‍👨 < us

migago: ah also they asked me how far we
went

sungit: mga chismosa???? ano
sabi mo

migago: sabi ko hanggang Marikina lang

sungit: BOBO AHHSDKS I HATE U

migago: 🥰

migago: papunta na ko, ten minutes. skip the
polo.

sungit: bossy.

migago: heheh‍e 😘

Group: casaddie cake

Inggo de Paz: so pass samin si @Jiya

Van Andres: samin pass din si @Migo

Migo Salas: @Jiya 😘❤️😍👩❤️‍👨

Isco Cuenca: kadiri puta, worse pa sa
casaddie

Isco Cuenca: migs sure ka ba talaga blink
twice if u need help

Migo Salas: sure na sure.

Inggo de Paz: AAHSFJHSFH KILIG!!!!!

Isco Cuenca: ...final answer?

Jiya Valle: TANONG KO KAYA SI
VAN KUNG SURE SIYANG DI KA
DALHIN SA POUND

Isco Cuenca: OUCH

Addie Zacarias: CONGRATULATIONS TO
THE NEW COUPLE 🥳 🎉🥂

Anton Buencamino: happy for you guys! :)

Cas Fuentes: sobrang unexpected pero
same^

Migo Salas: omg thank u thank u 🙇🏻

Isco Cuenca: @Van next na tayo

Van Andres: @Isco isa pa matutulog ka
mag-isa.

Isco Cuenca: omg 🤐

*

Pagkaupo pa lang ni Jiya sa passenger seat ng car ni Migo, he locks the doors, moves his seat back, and leans back, spreading his legs. He looks at her expectantly.

Heart jumping in her throat, Jiya rolls her eyes and climbs across the center console to straddle him. "Miss mo na 'ko agad?"

"Oo, 'tsaka kanina pa 'ko nangangating hawakan 'to." His fingers slide up her hips, to her bare stomach, spreading them, up until he's slipping two pointer fingers in the seam of her bralette. She skipped the polo. "Nase-stress ako sa thoughts ko."

Jiya grins down at him, hands on his shoulders. "Kasama mo mga friends ko tapos kung ano-ano iniisip mo."

"Kasalanan mo," he snaps like he's frustrated, eyes glued to her body, fingers moving back and forth. It sends shivers down her spine. She bites her lip, threading her hands in his hair by the nape.

Migo's fingers suddenly still, moving down to grip her waist, and he takes a deep breath. He raises his head to look at her. "Okay, bago ako gumawa ng masama, gusto ko lang sabihin na I'm happy all our friends know na. We don't need to hide anymore."

Jiya raises her eyebrows. "Mas lalo lang nila tayong aasarin."

His lips curl up to a lazy half-smile, shrugging. "Mas okay na 'yon. They'll get used to it."

Jiya purses her lips, stroking the strands of his hair.

Migo blinks at her, tapping her waist. "Why? 'Di ka masaya na they know na? Samantalang ikaw nagpakita sa lahat?"

"I am," she mutters, staring at him. "I am, okay lang din ako na asarin nila tayo. It's just...other people."

Migo stares at her. "Other people," he repeats flatly.

Annoyed, Jiya huffs, pushing his shoulders. "Migo, alam mo naman na popular ka, 'di ba? Tapos people liked you and Tasha together kasi maganda siya, gwapo ka, tapos ano sasabihin nila when people find out you're taken? Tapos sa 'kin pa? Feeling ko, like Isco, they're gonna say, 'oh, wow, she threatened him, 'no?', or 'ang swerte naman niya kay Migo', like okay, gets ko naman—"

She stops abruptly when Migo's hands drop to his sides, away from her body. He's looking at her with no expression on his face, pero his jaw is tight. Oh, shit.

"Tuloy mo," Migo says quietly. "Tuloy mo pa."

HAHA. Shit. Ngayon lang nakita ni Jiya na ganito siya kagalit, aside from the time when she set him up with Rose.

She bites her lip and mutters, "Don't be mad."

"Tuloy mo pa nga."

"Migo," Jiya whines, leaning forward to hug him. "'Di na, sorry na. Shut up na ako."

He sighs. "Pwede ba, Valle. 'Wag na natin pakialaman yung ibang tao. I-pakyu na lang natin sila. Ano bang alam nila?"

Hindi pa rin siya hinahawakan ni Migo. Putek, ang shunga kasi e. "Okay," she mutters, squeezing him. "Sorry."

"And ako yung swerte," he says quietly, finally raising his hands back to her body, fingers spreading over her spine. Jiya relaxes into him. "I know I was one of the people who made you feel small about yourself, ako pa nga yata yung pinakanag-contribute do'n. So babawi ako." He pushes her back gently so he can look at her. Migo raises one of his hands to her face. "I'm sorry and babawi ako. Okay?"

She bites her lip and stares at him. "I should piss you off on purpose more often."

His mouth curls. "Bakit?"

"You're hot," Jiya tells him with a smile. "And minsan ka lang magalit kasi."

Natawa siya. His laugh fills the car, and he reaches up to flick her forehead. "So gano'n pala gusto mo. Gusto mo i-shut up kita."

"Oo."

"Huy!" Migo says, laughing, throwing his head back. "Seryoso ka ba?"

"Oo nga," Jiya snaps, rolling her eyes. "'Pag nakarating na tayo do'n, you can shove your fingers in my mouth and tell me to shut up. Or, you know, ito." She shifts on his lap.

"Tangina!" Migo twists his head against the seat, away from her, fisting her shorts to still her. "Umupo ka na do'n, puta, ikaw ang mas bastos sa 'tin e!"

Jiya grins, making no move to get off his lap, brushing her thumb against his nape. "'Pag sa text, kaya mo 'kong demonyohin, ano nangyayari sa 'yo ngayon? Duwag ka pala."

"Duwag?" Migo scoffs, meeting her eyes. Parang na-challenge. "So 'di ka uupo do'n?"

Jiya shifts on his lap again, sitting comfortably, and Migo hisses, fingers digging in her skin. "Okay lang ako dito."

"Tangina mo," Migo breathes, cupping her neck with both palms and leans up to kiss her.

Jiya threads her fingers in his hair, her other hand fisting the collar of his shirt, opening her mouth, gasping, when he slides his tongue in.

"Sabihan mo 'ko 'pag ayaw mo," he whispers, then kisses her again. Jiya sucks in a deep breath when his lips move to her jaw, following a line from the crook of her neck where it meets her shoulder, and back up towards her throat. She fists his shirt in her hands, leaning back.

His fingers graze her skin down from her neck, trailing down to her shoulders, leaving searing marks in their wake. Migo hooks his fingers under the straps of her top and slides them off.

He tips her chin towards him and kisses her, moaning into her mouth when she parts her lips almost immediately to let his tongue slip in again, and she whimpers when his thumbs brush the lines of lace, the V of her bralette.

"Ingay natin ah," he breathes, grinning. Tanginang gago. "Sino na maingay ngayon?"

Stubborn, Jiya puts her hands on his shoulders and pushes him against the seat, buries her head in his neck and kisses his skin.

And then moves.

The gasp he makes is music to Jiya's ears. She smiles against his jaw, kissing his skin, sucking, and moves back and forth, back and forth. His hands fly to her hips as he pants. "Ikaw," she whispers, biting his earlobe.

"Fuck you," Migo breathes.

"Ito na nga e," Jiya answers, rolling her eyes. "Ano? Ako na lang ba magtatrabaho dito?"

He laughs, breathy, and hangs his head back, Adam's apple bobbing, and does as she says, hands sliding up her stomach, pulling her straps down, spreading his fingers on her chest, pinching and pulling. She whimpers again, and he whispers, "Ingay."

"Parang ikaw." She quickens her pace, rocking their hips together, burying her head on his shoulder, biting his skin.

"Oo na, tayong dalawa—puta, bilisan mo."

She does as he says. "'Wag mo 'kong inuutusan, 'nyeta ka—"

*

Parang medyo nahihirapan mag-adjust ang barkada kay Jiya and Migo.

Papasok sa car ni Migo, dire-diretso si Cas sa passenger seat. Jiya stands outside the car, blinking, tapos si Migo naman tinulak siya palabas. "Bro, do'n ka sa likod, ano ba!"

"Puta, oo nga pala," Cas says, laughing. He opens the door and gets out, grinning at Jiya. She only raises her eyebrow at him and he makes way. "Sorry, nakalimutan ko."

Jiya sits on the passenger side, narrowing her eyes at him in the backseat, while Van, Isco and Inggo snicker.

Migo leans over and kisses her on the cheek. "Hi, sungit."

Even as her heart races, Jiya scowls at him when the rest of their friends howl in laughter and disgust.

He grins, puts her hand above his above the gear stick, interlacing their fingers. "Bawal na kayo mag-react from now on 'pag magP-PDA kami."

"Pa'nong bawal! PDA ampota!" Inggo shouts, pointing at their hands. "Ang weird!"

Jiya twists around to face him, her other hand forming a fist. "Susuntukin kita, de Paz, isa pa—"

Isco pulls him down. "Bro, gagawin niya, baka ikaw ang dalhin sa pound."

"Bawal na nga," Migo snaps, raising his eyes to the rearview mirror. "Nahihiya tuloy 'tong si Valle. Shut up kayong lahat."

Jiya sinks in her seat and covers her face with her free hand, eyes shutting closed. Migo smiles at her, shaking his head, absolutely fond.

Tapos habang nag-aaral sa condo sina Van, Addie, and Jiya, Migo calls her.

She looks away from her laptop and picks up the phone, lips turning up into a smile. She answers it. "Ano?"

"Uwi lang ako to get my stuff then I'll come back to school to pick you up," he says, and the smile is evident in his voice, too. "Until seven ka pa, right?"

"Yep."

"Okay, text kita." He pauses. And then, "Kinakabahan ako."

It makes Jiya laugh. "Saan?"

"'Pag kausap kita," Migo says, chuckling. "Bago kita makita. 'Pag magkasama tayo. You just make me nervous."

She bows her head and bites her lip. "Hoy, ayoko sa cheesy."

"Kinikilag ka kaya," Migo says. "Eat before your org meeting. Siguraduhin mong kakain ka. Ayoko sa sinungaling, Valle."

Jiya's smile widens. "Bossy."

"Baby," he says firmly.

"Fine," Jiya huffs, cheeks hurting from her grin. "Ingat ka, okay—"

The phone is suddenly ripped off her ear. Addie glares at Jiya. "Hoy, I'll snitch on you to Migo, sino ningingitian mo sa phone kanina pa?"

"Oo nga," Van snaps, crossing her arms over her chest. "Ganyan ka na ba, Jiya?"

Jiya blinks. "Si Migo nga kausap ko."

Addie blinks, too. She looks at the screen. "Ay. Weh?"

"Weh?" Van echoes.

Jiya sighs in annoyance, rubbing her forehead.

Addie presses the loudspeaker option, blinking. "H-hello?"

"Ads?" Migo asks, confused. "What happened? Sa'n si Valle?"

Addie flushes and tosses the phone back to Jiya. "Sorry," she squeaks, picking up a book and hiding her face in it.

Jiya puts the phone back to her ear, taking a deep breath, staring at Van and Addie who are suddenly finding the ceiling and the plant so interesting. "So feeling ng friends natin baliktad na yung mundo kasi hindi kita nimumura o iniinsulto."

Migo's laughter is loud. "Takte. Ano ba!"

She smiles and says, "Ingat, text me."

"Will do, baby."

Tinitigan ni Jiya 'yong mga kaibigan niyang mga mukhang ewan.

"I have the right to remain silent po," Van says.

"Mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell," Addie mutters, counting the leaves in the plant.

Tapos nakatulog si Jiya on top of her notes sa table, habang nasa condo ulit sina Jiya and her friends. Pagod na siya, stressed, been studying a lot. Malapit na kasi sila mag-finals.

In her half-conscious mind, she hears Isco whisper, "Gisingin mo, kailangan ko ng reviewer niya."

"Ayoko," Van whispers back. "'Di ba hindi nga natin ginigising si Jiya? Gusto mo ba mamatay?"

"Kaya nga ako takot, ikaw na manggising."

"Ah, so ako i-sa-sacrifice mo? No thanks."

Isco whines, "Addie, help!"

"You don't wake her up," Addie whispers, clicking her tongue. "Unless you wanna die."

Tapos may knocks sa door ni Addie. "Dito na kami babe," Cas's voice says. Addie unlocks the door, tapos sabi ni Cas, "We come bearing gifts for the Powerpuff team."

"Coffee!" Addie squeals. "I love you."

Tapos Isco gasps. "OMG, si Migo. Bro!"

Van scoffs. "Kala mo ba ligtas 'yang si Migo 'pag ginising niya 'tong isa?"

"Tulog?" Migo's voice asks above her.

"Oo, pero gisingin mo kasi kailangan ko ng reviewer," Isco whispers.

"Migs, 'wag," Inggo says from afar. "Katakot 'yan."

Addie hums, sipping her coffee. "Baka mamatay ka."

Migo laughs. "OA kayo, 'di niya ako papatayin. Kayo lang."

Van snorts. "'Di ka gano'n ka-special, 'no."

Migo says, "Also, gigisingin ko siya kasi kailangan niya mag-aral. Hindi para sa 'yo, Cuencs, gumawa ka ng sariling reviewer mo."

So she wakes up with soft strokes to her back, and Migo's whisper of, "Valle, gising. May coffee ako for you."

Parang nagtigil sa paghinga lahat ng kaibigan nila. Jiya blinks her eyes open, finding her boyfriend's smiling face right in front of her. She snaps, "Ano."

"Sungit," Migo laughs. "Good morning."

She sits up slowly, eyes sore, face scrunched up in annoyance.

"Si Migo 'yon, hindi kami," Isco says, shaking his head, pointing at her boyfriend.

"Alam ko," inis niyang sabi, and then she scoots forward on her chair and hugs Migo, burying her head on his shoulder. Jiya heaves a sigh of relief sa warmth and bango niya.

"Aba pota," Van says.

"Ligtas nga," Inggo says, wowed.

Cas laughs. "May sacrificial lamb na pala kayo e," he snickers, slumping down on the couch beside Addie.

Migo squeezes her to him after the surprise wears off. Siya kasi usually ang nagi-initiate ng PDA nila in front of their friends. Ngayon lang ganito si Jiya. "You okay, princess?" he whispers, hand smoothing down her hair.

"Pagod na 'ko," she mutters, shutting her eyes. "Stressed na 'ko, ayoko na mag-aral."

Migo kisses her temple. "May dala akong coffee mo, pero gusto mo muna mag-nap?"

She nods once.

"Ads, pwede?" Migo asks.

"Oo naman!" Addie almost squeals. "Go."

"Pa-ref naman please nito." He tips his chin to her drink and hauls her up, hand in hers, and leads her to Addie's room, sliding the door closed.

She hugs him as soon as they lie down, swinging her leg over his thighs, head on his chest. Jiya closes her eyes, smiling slightly when she hears his heartbeat speed up. "Pagising in an hour," she whispers, snuggling closer to him.

"Okay," Migo whispers back, pressing his lips to her forehead, wrapping his arms around her.

Later, Inggo shows them their pic na naka-cuddle, at sinapak muna siya ni Jiya bago niya pina-Airdrop.

Sa InTACT naman ni Jiya, hinatid siya ni Migo, fingers interlaced, gives her a quick kiss on the mouth before opening the door. Bago pa siya umalis, Migo sticks his head in and says, "Yes, boyfriend na niya ako. Magpakabait kayo."

Jiya almost smacks him in embarrassment while the rest of her freshies cheer in kilig, tapos Migo laughs and leaves the room.

Tapos sa wedding vows assignment nila, hindi nakikipag-cooperate si gago.

"Tigilan mo 'ko," Jiya snaps, turning away from him. She shoves her pointer finger at the laptop screen repeatedly, her nails making a click click click sound. "Migo! Mamaya mo na 'ko landiin. We need to do this."

Kanina pa kasi siya hinahalikan kung saan-saan—jaw, ear, neck, shoulder, collarbone, scraping his nail on her skin when he hooks his finger under her tank top strap and slides it down, biting and licking at her skin.

Nasa room sila ni Jiya. Napatili si Manang kanina when Jiya dragged Migo inside with her hand in his, leading him up the stairs. Masyadong kilig 'tong si Manang e.

Migo sighs. "E."

Jiya rolls her eyes. Para 'tong bata. "Akala ko ba ikaw yung may gustong magpakasal? This should be easy to you."

"Oo nga, pero masyado akong kinikilig and kinakabahan when I think about it, kaya I try not to. Writing my wedding vows to you is torture."

Jiya's mouth curls up, raising her eyebrow. "Assignment lang 'to, may sources pa na kailangan, kaya 'wag kang ambisosyo, okay?"

He grins. "Okay. Isusulat ko akin mamaya."

"Migo."

Migo pushes her on her back, almost kicking away the laptop. "Please," he whispers, caging her in, dropping a slow, sweet kiss on her mouth. "'Di ko kayang isulat while you're here."

Ang cute naman nito, putangina!

She hooks her legs on his waist and sighs, bringing him down to kiss him again. "Fine. I haven't written mine yet either naman."

He laughs, smiles against her mouth, kisses her sweetly.

Minsan, dire-diretso pa rin si Cas sa passenger seat ni Migo, pero hindi na siya umuupo kasi nare-realize na niya pagbukas pa lang niya ng door. Tapos tatabi siya, he'll clear his throat and say, "In-open ko lang for you, Jiya."

Pwede na. Improving.

Habang nag-a-adjust mga kaibigan nila sa kanila, pati na rin 'yong buong batch—school. Mga may kilala at nag-aadmire kay Migo. Marami-rami 'yon.

"Jiya! Is it true kayo ni Migo Salas?"

Jiya grits her teeth in annoyance. Nakailang tanong na sila sa kanya, nakakairita na. Nilapitan lang siya habang nakapila siya sa JSEC ah, gusto niya lang kumain! "Oo."

"Wow. Congrats, girl! You're so lucky!"

She ignores her and picks up her mango shake from the stall. Same response to everyone else.

Nang kinuha naman ni Migo kamay niya while she and Addie are walking to their next class, pinagtitinginan sila. "Morning, girls."

"Morning, Migs!"

"Bitawan mo 'ko," Jiya snaps, pulling her hand back, but Migo doesn't budge. "Ano ba 'to, high school? Bakit tayo tinitingnan?"

He tightens his hold on her hand. "Cute mo kasi."

"Umagang-umaga 'wag nila 'ko inisin," she mutters, hand slumping in defeat.

Addie laughs, bumping her shoulder. "So sungit, babe! Also, inggit lang mga 'yan sa inyo, don't mind them."

"Mm." Migo leans down to kiss her on the cheek outside the door and grins. "Inggit sila sa 'kin. Bye, baby. Lunch later!"

"Tama lang!" she shouts after him, biting her lip to keep from smiling when he turns around and winks, and then walks away, waving at his other friends.

Napatili si Addie, hinahampas-hampas siya. "'Di talaga ako sanay, pucha, pero ang cute n'yo!"

Jiya sighs na lang, slumping down on her chair.

Sa freedom wall naman ng school nila, may viral post.

Migo Salas is taken again :( mas bagay sila ni tasha tbh.

May mga comments na naka-tag si Tasha, pero the top comment leads to Jiya's social media pages. She rolls her eyes and mutters, "Sino nagtanong sa 'yo, tangina, irrelevant opinion mo." Pinagpiyepiyestahan siguro ang mga pictures niya sa Instagram and Facebook. Pinagtatawanan. Sinasabing hindi naman sila bagay kasi hindi siya kasing-ganda, kasing-charming, kasing-funny ni Tasha. Or—maganda. Funny. Charming. Period.

May message siya agad sa Instagram.

girl pahinging number ni
migo!!! u aren't his real
gf naman diba?

Angrily, she replies:

totoo BAKET. suntukan?

She grits her teeth and packs her things, rushing out of the lib. Kumuha siya ng tric papunta Burgundy kasi ang layo ng condo ni Migo.

Natutulog pa siya kasi tuloy-tuloy classes niya kaninang umaga, tapos may org meeting siya in two hours pa. Kanina, bago pumasok sa RL si Jiya, he texted her.

Pogi: baby tulog tayo punta ka condo

mag-aaral ako. rest na.

Pogi: :( ok :(

ure gonna distract me and i wont get
any work done

Pogi: ...no im not

Pogi: fine i will lalandiin lang kita.
puntahan na lang kita dyan after my nap
text me if u go somewhere else <3

Dire-diretso siya sa elevator after mag-sign sa logbook ni Kuya Guard na kilala na siya. She knocks, and Inggo opens the door, eyes blinking. He steps aside to let her in. "Uy, Ji."

"Tulog pa?" she asks, taking off her shoes and dumping her bag on the couch.

Inggo shrugs, settling back on his chair sa dining table, kaharap ang books. "Nasa kwarto pa. 'Wag kayong maingay, nag-aaral ako."

"Baliw!" Jiya snaps, smacking his head when she passes him to Migo's room, and Inggo cackles.

Tulog pa nga. Quietly, she shuts his door and crawls on the bed, swinging her legs over his, wrapping her arms around him. She exhales heavily, burying her head on his chest.

Nagising si Migo. "Si Inggo ba 'to?" he rasps sleepily.

"Tangina mo," Jiya says, rolling her eyes.

He chuckles quietly, tucking her head further into his chest, squeezing her to him. Nakangiti siya when he mutters, "Kala ko ba nag-aaral ka. Ano, miss mo 'ko?"

Bakit ang hot ng sleepy voice niya? Lahat na lang!

"Oo," she admits unabashedly. She huffs. "Nakakairita ka."

"Kakagising ko lang!" Migo says, laughing. "Ano ginawa ko?"

Jiya pushes him away and sits up, glaring at him. "Pwedeng magpapanget ka nang slight? Slight lang. Hirap na hirap na 'ko e."

Migo raises an eyebrow and stares at her, putting his hands behind his head. "Tigang ka?"

"Gago!" Jiya laughs loudly, slapping his shoulder. "Ano ba!"

"Bakit!" Migo laughs too, catching her hands. "Akala ko nababaliw ka na sa kagwapuhan ko."

"Oo nga!"

"So tigang ka nga?"

"Hindi!" Her cheeks hurt. "Baliw ka talaga. Sinasabi ko lang—bakit nga kasi ang gwapo mo? 'Di ka ba pwedeng hindi masyadong maging charming or hot? Alam ko na. 'Wag ka nang lumabas. Ever. Dito ka na lang."

"Alam kong gwapo ako, pero wala akong ibang na-gets sa sinasabi mo."

"Naiirita ako kasi maraming may gusto sa 'yo," she snaps, rolling her eyes. "Bakit ang dami kong kalaban?"

Migo chuckles, sitting up against the headboard and spreading his legs. "Wala kang kalaban, Valle. Sinabi ko na sa 'yo na sa 'yo lang ako, 'di ba?"

"Corny mo," she mutters, scooting forward to hug him when he pulls at her arm. Her heart is racing, cheeks flushing sa sinabi niya. "Hinamon ko na lang sila sa suntukan."

Migo laughs loudly. "Tangina, are you serious?"

"Oo." She sighs, hugging him.

He's quiet for a moment. And then, "Valle. Alam ko iniisip mo at sinasabi ko sa 'yo tigilan mo bago ako magalit."

She smiles slightly. "Gusto ko magalit ka."

"Seryoso ako."

Jiya purses her lips. "Okay, sorry."

He sighs, tilting his head to kiss her temple, stroking her back. Migo says quietly, "Baby...hindi ko alam paano ko mapapakita na ako yung swerte sa 'yo. Na ako yung—ako yung mas baliw sa 'ting dalawa, na ako yung pinakamasaya no'ng sinagot mo 'ko."

Jiya sits up and reaches for her phone, swallowing thickly.

Migo stares at her, hands falling to his sides. "Ang dami kong sinabi tapos you're just gonna ignore me? Pinapahiya mo 'ko, Valle."

She bites her lip, lips curling upward, and raises the phone to his face. Nilayo niya 'onti yung camera para kuha din legs niyang naka-straddle sa lap niya.

Migo blinks.

"Smile," Jiya says.

He does.

Jiya grins and snuggles closer to him, tapping on her phone. Pinapanood siya ni Migo, scrunching his eyebrows.

She captions the photo and posts it on her story.

@jvalle: MY view. @migosalas

"Putangina. Hot mo," he mutters, gripping her chin to tilt it to him, kissing her.

Jiya smiles in his mouth, tossing her phone somewhere behind her, threading her fingers in his hair.

Later, ni-repost 'yon ni Migo. May caption namang:

@migosalas: yours.

*

("Hey, Migo!"

Good mood siya. Good mood siya today, kasi tapos na classes niya and magkikita na sila ni Valle, so when he turns, he's smiling.

Si Bea. One of his blockmates na classmate niya rin sa katatapos lang nilang Sociology class. "Hey."

May mga kasama siyang friends niyang girls na nag-wave din sa kanya, malalaki mga ngiti.

Bea smiles at him. "Free ka? Kain tayo."

"'Di e." He juts his thumb out sa may parking. "Meet ko girlfriend ko."

She blinks at him. "Ah, so...the rumors are true? Si, ah, what's her name—Jiya ba? I saw your story, pero—"

"Yes." Migo grins. "Ganda niya, 'no?"

Bea laughs once, tucking her hair behind her ear. "I—I mean, well, good for her, then. She's lucky."

"Ako ang lucky," Migo tells her, walking backwards. "Bye."

Pagkakita niya kay Valle na nakasandal sa car niya, glaring down at her phone na hawak 'yong laptop sa chest niya, Migo's heart jumps.

"Ang tagal mo!" she complains. "Gutom na 'ko."

Natawa si Migo. He cups her nape with one hand and kisses her square on the mouth.

Valle pushes him with one hand, eyes wide. "Hoy, 'wag kang malandi."

He kisses her again on the mouth.

"Migo!"

He laughs, caging her against his car, squeezing her hip through her shorts. "Sorry, 'di ko mapigilan."

She narrows her eyes, tilting her head up to meet his stare. "Bakit ang saya mo? What happened?"

Migo's smile grows wider. "Masaya lang ako."

Valle's eyebrows furrow. "Okay...? Gutom na 'ko, buksan mo na 'to."

He chuckles and unlocks the door. While he's driving, one hand on her thigh, thumb stroking her skin, Valle asks, "Bakit may nagte-text sa 'kin na hinahanap ka? Si...Josie raw? Sino 'to, ha. Pa-hi hi Migo pa na may smiley face."

Migo smiles, glancing at her. "Hiningi niya number ko."

Valle raises an eyebrow. "So you gave her mine?"

"Oo." He shrugs. "Ang kulit e. Hamunin mo sa suntukan."

Hindi na nagsalita si Valle. Migo looks at her and finds her face blank, staring at him.

He squeezes her thigh in worry. Shit, mali ba ginawa niya? "Valle?"

"Pwedeng dumiretso ka na lang sa condo?"

Migo sputters out a laugh. "Bakit?"

"Gusto mo gawin ko dito?"

"Tangina," he says, laughing. "Akala ko ba gutom ka?"

"Gutom nga." She looks at him innocently. "Condo."

Putangina talaga. Nababaliw na 'tong si Migo. "Okay," he says, grinning.

Pagkatapos, pagkauwi ni Inggo, inask niya sila, "Kumain na kayo?"

Valle doesn't look up from her phone and says, with the blankest face, "Tapos na 'ko."

Migo coughs. Walanghiya 'tong girlfriend niya. "Order tayo."

Inggo sighs and rubs his foreheead. "Ayoko malaman, mga bastos kayong gago. Jabee, g?"

Valle winks at him. Tumalon puso ni Migo. Hay.)