"Bakit ako?! Hindi ako!" 

Hinampas ko si Sevi gamit ang bag ko at agad niyang hinarang ang kamay niya para pigilan ako. Umilag-ilag pa siya ha! Padabog akong umupo sa sofa at tiningnan nang masama si Yanna. My god! Siya na naman?! 

She was Hiro's ex! Or whatever! Hindi naman ata naging sila! Wala akong alam about them. 

"Magkaibigan lang kami," mahinahong pagpapaliwanag ni Sevi.

"Weh?" Yanna teased, laughing.

Tumayo ako at susugurin na sana siya nang pigilan ako ni Sevi at hinatak ulit paupo ng sofa. My gosh! The smug look on her face! Kung hindi lang talaga siya buntis! She was obviously trying to piss me off. 

"Tumawag sina Kierra noong isang araw na sumasakit daw tiyan ni Yanna kaya sinugod sa hospital. Malapit na kasi 'yong due niya. Umuwi sila saglit, kaya ako 'yong nagbabantay dito. Pabalik naman na sila Sam," paliwanag niya at tiningnan ang relo niya.

"And why didn't you tell me?!" I was still glaring at him. 

"I'm sorry. Nakalimutan ko." Umupo siya sa tabi ko at hinawakan ang kamay ko. "Madaling-madali kasi ako kasi emergency raw... Hindi ko na namalayan."

"Does Hiro know about this?" Tinaasan ko ng kilay si Yanna. 

Matagal siyang napatitig sa 'kin pero agad ding umiwas ng tingin. She pursed her lips and her expression changed to being serious. 

"Bakit niya kailangang malaman? Hindi naman naging kami at matagal na kaming hindi nag-uusap. Ano'ng pakialam niya kung nabuntis ako ng ibang lalaki, ha?" She raised her brow at me.

"Are you sure hindi ikaw 'yon?" Siniko ko si Sevi, inaasar siya.

"Hindi nga ako! Kadiri, oy!" Sevi looked so disgusted, which made Yanna laugh. "Mas gusto ko na lang mahirapan buong buhay ko!"

"Kung may balak kang sabihin, 'wag na." Yanna rolled her eyes. "Alam na niya na nabuntis ako ng iba, kaya nga hindi na kami nag-uusap."

"He knows?" My brows furrowed.

"Ilang ulit pa kaya?" Yanna laughed.

"Did you... cheat on him?" That was what it sounded like.

"Ewan ko sa 'yo..." Napailing siya, hindi sumagot. "Bigay mo na sa 'kin 'to. Walang nakakaalam nito kung hindi kami-kaming magkakaibigan." Sinamaan niya ng tingin si Sevi. 

"Hindi ko naman alam!" depensa ni Sevi sa sarili niya.

"Okay, fine! I wasn't even planning to!" sabi ko naman.

I felt like she really didn't want me to talk. She was right. It was also not my story to tell. I should respect her privacy. Sila-sila lang palang magkakaibigan ang nakakaalam tapos... 'pagkakalat ko? Gosh! That would put me in a bad light! Sevi might get turned off! Baka mag-away pa kami! 

Kung ano'ng mayroon sa kanila ng ex-crush ko, sa kanila na 'yon. Hindi ko kailangang mangialam sa kanilang dalawa. Besides, they already separated! What was the damn point?! Who would want to hear such things about their ex? 

"Sev, kuha mo nga 'ko ng tubig," utos ni Yanna. 

My brows furrowed when Sevi stood up to get her a bottle of water. Yanna looked at me again and smirked just to annoy the hell out of me. I swear, kung hindi lang siya buntis! 

"Sev, paalalay nga. Uupo ako," utos niya ulit. 

My lips parted when Sevi went to her and helped her up, holding her back and waist. Humawak pa siya sa braso ni Sevi at ngumiti sa 'kin. She squeezed Sevi's arms. Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. 

"Grabe muscles mo," sabi ni Yanna. 

"Yanna, tangina naman." Binitawan agad siya ni Sevi at lumayo. "Mandiri ka nga!" 

Yanna laughed so hard. Ano ba 'to? Bumabawi ba siya dahil sinusungitan ko siya noon?! Gosh! Ang epal niya, ha!

"Huwag kang maniwala diyan. Nanggagago lang 'yan." Sevi shook his head and glared at Yanna.

Yanna gave me a smug look. Kinuha ko ang phone ko at kunwaring may tinawagan. "Hiro? Hey! Where are you? Busy ka?" 

Her lips parted in shock. Hah! I got her! Natahimik tuloy siya at hindi na nagsalita. I smirked and went back to my seat. I found out how to make her shut up. Game over, Yanna! 

Napatingin kami sa pinto nang bumukas 'yon. I saw Kierra holding a paper bag. Damit siguro na pamalit. Nagulat siya at napahinto nang makita ako roon. She gave me a gorgeous smile before looking at Sevi.

"Wala pa sina Sam?" tanong niya at sinara na ang pinto. Umiling naman si Sevi. 

Lumapit siya sa gilid ko at nilapag ang paper bag sa may katabing cabinet. Napakunot ang noo ko nang makaamoy ako ng familiar na perfume sa kaniya. Hindi ko matandaan kung saan ko naamoy 'yon but it was familiar! 

"Hoy buntis, tagal mo naman manganak." She looked at Yanna. 

"Aalis na kami." Hinawakan ni Sevi ang braso ko at hinatak na 'ko patayo. "Kapag nanatili pa kami rito, maghihiwalay na kami dahil diyan kay Yanna eh." 

Tumawa lang si Yanna at kumaway na sa 'min paalis. I stuck my tongue out and made a face before walking out of the room.  

"Mature!" rinig kong sigaw ni Yanna sa loob. 

I smirked by myself while Sevi was still pulling me by my arm. Binawi ko ang braso ko at masama siyang tiningnan bago siya nilagpasan. I needed to go to my mom! I almost forgot! Kaya nga pala ako nandito! 

Sumunod sa 'kin si Sevi hanggang sa elevator. Nang lumabas ako, sinundan niya pa rin ako hanggang sa makarating kami sa tapat ng clinic ng doctor ni Mommy. My mom was already there, waiting. 

"Mommy!" tawag ko at kumaway. "I'm sorry, I'm late! Something happened." 

"It's okay. Kakatapos ko lang magpacheck-up." My mom stood up and smiled at Sevi. "Hello." 

"Good afternoon po!" Sevi looked surprised. He probably didn't expect that my mom would be here. Wala naman siyang alam na may sakit si Mommy. "Nagkita lang po kami ni Elyse sa elevator." 

"We'll talk tomorrow," sinamaan ko ng tingin si Sevi bago humawak sa braso ni Mommy. "Let's go, Mom." 

"Bye po..." Sevi turned to my mom. 

The next day, my parents were both out for work, so I texted Sevi to go to my house so we could talk about what happened yesterday. Hindi niya sinabi sa 'king hindi siya umuwi sa bahay nila. We should really fix that! He should update me from time to time! 

I was already drinking tea outside the house, sa may garden, while waiting for him. When I heard the doorbell, umikot na lang ako sa gilid at nakita si Sevi sa labas ng pintuan namin, mukhang kinakabahan. 

"Hey," tawag ko sa kaniya mula sa gilid. "Camero." 

Napalingon siya sa 'kin at may tinago sa likod niya. I gestured for him to follow me so he did. Umikot kami papuntang garden at umupo ako sa white metal chair. Kinuha niya ang isang upuan at hinatak para malapit sa 'kin. 

"Uy," tawag niya nang umupo siya. 

I sipped on my tea, ignoring him. Yes, pinapunta ko siya rito so he would know that I was really pissed.

"Sorry na," he said in a soft voice.

Nilapag ko ang tea cup ko sa lamesa. I avoided his gaze and just stared in front, counting the flowers. Lahat gagawin ko just to ignore him. 

My brows furrowed when my vision got blocked by a red rose. 

"I'm sorry." Sevi looked shy while handing me the rose. 

Oh my gosh, this guy! Hindi ko tuloy natiis at kinuha ang rose mula sa kamay niya. I bit the insides of my cheek to prevent a smile but I just couldn't! Napangiti ako sa sobrang corny niya. 

"You're so baduy..." I laughed. 

"At least effective." He smiled at pinched my cheek. "Hindi ka na galit sa 'kin?" 

"Galit ako, okay? You just made me smile, but I am still mad!" I defended. 

"Bakit ka galit?" He pulled his chair closer so he could face me. "Pag-usapan natin 'to. Saan ka ba nagagalit para maayos ko?" 

"You didn't tell me that you weren't home. Hindi ko pa malalaman kung hindi kita pupuntahan sa house n'yo. You should have... like... texted me saying that your friend had an emergency and you needed to go to the hospital?" I said but in a calm way. 

"Sorry, mali ako roon. Dapat sinabi ko sa 'yo." He sighed. "Magte-text na 'ko sa 'yo kung saan ako pupunta. Basta ikaw din sabihin mo sa 'kin, ha..."

"Okay, that's fair." I nodded. 

"Ano pa?" He urged me to talk. 

"Did you have something with Yanna?"

"Yuck!" Agad nandiri ang mukha niya. "Hard pass, oy! Nakakadiri!"

"I was just making sure!" Natawa ako sa reaksyon niya. 

"Tropa-tropa lang, promise. Kung ano man 'yong pinagsasasabi ni Yanna, inaasar ka lang no'n. Huwag kang mag-alala, pagsasabihan ko," he said.

I nodded and sipped on my tea again. "You want to try?" 

Binigay ko sa kaniya ang cup at kinuha naman niya 'yon. Inamoy pa niya bago niya tinikman. I looked at the back door when I saw Jewel running towards us. When she barked, Sevi jumped on his seat, spilling the tea on the grass. 

"Ah! Ano 'yan?!" He pointed at my dog, panicking. 

"What do you mean 'ano 'yan'?! This is my dog!" I carried Jewel. I was so offended! 

"Ah, oo nga..." Kumalma na siya at bumalik na sa pagkakaupo. "Natapon tuloy 'yong tsaa, amp." 

Jewel was just staring at him, kinikilala siguro siya. That was weird. Usually, Jewel would bark at other people, but she looked so calm with Sevi. Gosh, mana sa amo. 

"I think she likes you..." I looked at Jewel. 

"Luh. Miss, may girlfriend ako." He gave Jewel a pat on the head. 

"Did you hear that? He's mine already," sabi ko kay Jewel.

She barked at me, so I put her down on the grass. She licked Sevi's leg before running away again. I giggled while Sevi was wiping his leg with the tissue. 

The next day, Sevi and I went to the hospital again because Yanna had just given birth to a baby girl at midnight. I didn't know why, but I felt so excited to see the baby. When we entered the room, si Sam lang ang nandoon at si Yanna na natutulog. 

"Omg, hi! Long time no see, Eli!" Bumeso sa 'kin si Sam at ngumiti kay Sevi. "I didn't know you guys are... a thing." 

"Busy ka kasi. Outdated ka na." Sevi shook his head in disappointment. "Nasaan si Avi?" 

Sam pointed at the small crib on the other side of the room. May light na nakatapat sa crib. 

"Oh my gosh, she's so cute," I whispered. 

The baby was sleeping. We weren't allowed to touch it yet so hanggang tingin na lang muna kami. I noticed some familiar features of the baby, but I couldn't point them out. I just knew that this girl would grow up so pretty. 

"We just need to be quiet. Yanna's really, really tired," Sam was whispering. 

"Normal delivery naman?" Sevi asked.

"Yeah. Smooth din ang delivery, thank God." Sam sighed. "The baby's healthy din, but they will run more tests to make sure that she's normal."

"Kanina ka pa nandito?" tanong ulit ni Sevi.

"Yeah, even during labor and delivery. Gosh, feeling ko ako 'yong tatay eh!" Sam giggled. "Naiyak pa 'ko! So embarrassing. Parang ako 'yong nanganak." 

Oh, right, right! Best friends sila! Ngayon ko lang naalala. Sam would bring Yanna to parties. Napaisip tuloy ako kung anong mafi-feel ko kapag si Ida ang nanganak. I would probably cry, too. I would treat that child like my own daughter. 

I looked at the baby girl again and imagined myself giving birth. Oh gosh, hindi ko yata kakayanin. I admired Yanna for being strong! Pregnancy was scary! 

"Ikaw, Sevi? Hindi ka pa mag-aanak?" Sam teased. 

"Matagal pa 'ko." Sevi chuckled. "Kailangan stable na kami ni Eli bago 'yon." 

My face heated. He was... thinking of his future with me?! I was included in his plans! I never thought I would be this happy to hear that. Marami na siyang goals sa future, pero nagawa niya pa rin akong isingit doon. 

Sevi and I were okay. We had to go back to school a week after that so naging busy na ulit kaming dalawa but we still made time for each other. Siguro twice a week, nagde-date kami. Before Valentine's Day, namomroblema na 'ko. I wanted to bake for him, but I didn't know how to bake! 

"Eli, are you listening?" Good thing mom was there to help me! "I said mix it until medyo sticky na siya. You can do that, right?" 

"Yes." I was so determined to mix what was in the bowl. We were baking heart brownies! "You think he will like this, Mom?"

"If a guy loves you, lahat ng ibibigay mo, magugustuhan niya. Kahit small keychain lang or kahit simple shirt, you know. It's the thought that counts." 

"Smells good!" My eyes widened when my dad walked into the kitchen. "What's this for?" 

"Dad!" I panicked. "I... I just-"

"Oh, Elyse is helping me bake brownies. I was planning to give my friends a box for Valentine's Day," mom answered for me. 

"Don't forget to give me some!" Dad really bought that excuse and smiled. 

As soon as he walked out of the kitchen, I sighed heavily. Nakalimutan ko yatang huminga sa sobrang kaba. 

"Thank you, Mommy." I pouted. 

"I got you, love." My mom laughed.

Pagkatapos namin mag-bake ni Mommy, tumikim ako ng isa. I was so happy when it tasted good! Finally! Matutuwa si Sevi nito. Ipagyayabang ko na marunong na 'kong mag-bake even though my mom helped me with it. 

The next day, nilagay ko 'yong brownies sa pink box and arranged it carefully. Nilagyan ko pa ng white ribbon and note bago ako nagpahatid kay Kuya Roel papunta sa bahay nila Sevi. We would pick Sevi up, go to an art exhibit, then we'd go to the highest building with a restaurant to have dinner.

"Kuya Roel, don't you have a date today?" I asked. "Are you sure this is okay?" 

"Wala po akong girlfriend, Ma'am," sagot niya naman, natatawa. 

"Don't you want to have fun this Valentine's Day? I can ask Sevi to drive the car." I was worried about his love life. 

"Wala rin po akong gagawin ngayon, Ma'am," tanggi niya pa rin. "Huwag po kayong mag-alala, hindi naman ako bababa ng sasakyan at susunod sa inyo para mag-third wheel." 

"Hala, that was not what I meant," I defended. 

Tumawa lang siya habang nagda-drive. I fixed my outfit before Sevi opened the car. I prepared for this! Nakasuot ako ng brown fitted satin dress with a thin strap, and a white Chanel cropped-top jacket. My dress was four inches above my knee. 

"Wow." He smiled at my outfit. "Ganda." 

I asked him to wear something semi-formal with a touch of color brown so we could match. He was wearing a dark brown dress shirt with three buttons opened and then black slacks. Tinupi niya ang sleeves hanggang siko dahil masyado raw formal.  

"Wala kang flowers?" I joked. 

"Ang dami nang namimigay ng flowers, mamamatay din naman." He shook his head. "Kaya iba ang ibibigay ko sa 'yo." 

"What is it?" 

"Mamaya na. Excited ka." 

Okay, then! I also decided not to give him my brownies yet. He held my hand and intertwined it with his while we were on our way to an art exhibit. I thanked Kuya Roel before getting out of the car. 

It was exclusive so kaunti lang ang tao sa loob. I held Sevi's hand and walked around, looking at the paintings. Mayroon ding building designs na nasa loob ng glass. They used recycled materials for it. It was amazing. 

"I like this painting," I pointed at the expensive painting. It was abstract. "If we decide to live together in the future, I want a painting just like this." 

"Let's live together." He put his arms around me while looking at the painting. 

"Okay. Kapag may work na 'ko, I can leave the house and live with you. We can do that, right?" I looked at him. 

"Sige, pag-iipunan ko 'yan. Mauuna akong magkatrabaho kaysa sa 'yo." He laughed. "Baka kumuha rin ako ng condo malapit sa company para madali. Wala pa 'kong sasakyan eh." 

"And then I'll move in? If... pumayag si Daddy." I laughed. "I promise I'll introduce you to him after my graduation." 

Yeah, we can do that. We agreed to do that. 

After the exhibit, pinag-drive ulit kami ni Kuya Roel papunta sa restaurant. I gave him money so he could also look around and eat. 

Sevi put his hand on my waist while we were inside the elevator. Nasa pinakataas ang restaurant, where we can see the city lights. I was holding my box of brownies, but he didn't ask about it. He didn't want to spoil himself. 

"I love you," he suddenly whispered in my ear. 

I bit my lower lip to stop myself from smiling. May mga tao sa elevator so nahihiya akong bumulong din sa kaniya. Kailangan ko pa kasi tumingkayad para maabot siya, even though I was already wearing heels. 

When the elevator opened, we stepped outside and was welcomed by a waiter asking for our names. I took care of the reservation. After checking, he guided us to our table. Pinili ko 'yong table near the glass wall where we can see the buildings. 

"Thank you," I told the waiter after making our orders. 

"Half-half?" Sevi asked. 

"Yeah, we can do that." I smiled at him. "Or I can treat you." 

"Huwag na." Umiling agad siya. "Nag ipon na 'ko para rito. Advance ako mag-isip."

I giggled and placed my box on the table. I slid it over so it could reach him. Nagtataka niyang tiningnan 'yon bago inabot sa 'kin ang paper bag na hawak niya. I also did not ask about that. 

We opened it at the same time. I smiled when I saw preserved flowers placed in a glass dome. There were yellow and pink roses, and other small flowers arranged and designed beautifully. May cute fairy lights pa na nakapa-ikot. It looked so pretty. 

I looked at the cute sticky note attached to the glass. 

Happy Valentine's Day, Elyse. I love you.

- Engineer Camero (kung papalarin)

Kung hindi, non-showbiz boyfriend na lang.

Natawa ako habang nagbabasa. I flipped it and saw another note.

Roses are red

Violets are blue

Something's not dead

It's my love for you

I laughed and had the urge to hit him with that glass. Napaka corny, my gosh! Pero kinilig ako. He also looked happy when he saw my heart-shaped brownies. 

"I baked that!" I proudly said.

"Sure kang walang lason 'to?" He playfully smelled it. "Hindi ba 'ko mamamatay rito?"

"If you don't want it, then just give it back." Nagtampo na 'ko! 

"Joke lang. Sure ako masarap 'to! Ikaw gumawa eh!" He smiled at me. "Thank you, amore." 

"Te amo..." I gave him a finger heart. 

"Ano? Minura mo ba 'ko?" His brows furrowed. 

"Stupid! I said I love you in Spanish." I rolled my eyes. He just ruined the mood! 

"Taena mo," he mocked. "'Yon 'yong narinig ko eh!" 

The waiter already served our food so we didn't have time to argue anymore. We ate while talking about other personal stuff like what happened with his day and what happened with mine. I was complaining about my block mate while drinking wine. He was listening carefully. 

"And then he said, why did I erase his name sa output?! The audacity?!" reklamo ko. 

"Kapal naman!" He gasped dramatically.

"Right?! I mean, shut up, Ray-ray, you literally suck at everything except cheating at your girlfriend!" 

"Period!" Sevi cheered for me. 

I laughed at his reaction. Nakakainis siya pero natatawa ako sa kaniya. That was how we celebrated our first Valentine's Day together. After eating, we went outside to look at the buildings. Sumandal ako sa railings habang nakahawak siya sa bewang ko. 

"I can't wait for you to build something like that." I pointed at a tall building. 

"Sana nga." He smiled. "Ang galing nila 'no? Sana ganyan din ako kagaling." 

"Of course!" I looked at him. "Hindi lang ganyan kagaling. You will be the best! You will do better!"

"Wow, taas." He laughed. "Thank you, love. Hintayin mo. Pagkatapos ko grumaduate at makapasa ng boards, panis 'yan sa 'kin." Ngumisi pa siya.

I couldn't wait for him to graduate. Ganoon na lang ang excitement ko when I received a message from him. I was in class when he sent me his graduation picture. I smiled at his handsome face. Sobrang unfair! Ang pogi niya lalo sa grad pic! 

elydezma: How could someone look that handsome smh 

sevirous: hay ako lang 'to 

elydezma: So excited for your grad! Sayang limited lang ang tickets. 

sevirous: ops wag mong batiin baka di matuloy hahahaha 

sevirous: kukuhanan kita ng tix wag kang mag alala bb

During finals week, we became busier but that did not stop us from seeing each other. I would go to his house so we could study together. It was actually effective. Siya ang nagre-review sa 'kin at nagtatanong ng questions. 

"Tama ako, right? Tama ako! I deserve a kiss!" Ngumuso ako habang nakaupo sa kama niya. 

"Tama!" He gave me a soft kiss before looking at my reviewer again. "O, heto. Enumerate mo ah." 

I had a hard time enumerating it, but I still got it right. I reached for him so he could give me another kiss. Nakahiga siya sa kama at nakaupo ako sa gilid niya. I straddled his hips and kissed him again, giggling. 

"Sobra na 'yon ah," Sevi protested. 

"Lima in-enumerate ko, so limang kiss din!" I defended. 

"Nakakailan ka na ah! Tyansing ka lang sa 'kin!" 

I kissed him again to make him shut up. He gave up and placed the reviewer on the side table before wrapping his arms around me. I bit his lower lip and sucked it before kissing him again. 

"O next na, next na." He stopped and pushed me lightly. "Aral na ulit!" 

He was so in control! Eyes on the goal. 

Hinintay ko ulit siya after ng finals niya. I was outside his building, holding two cones of ice cream. I looked at my watch. He should be here by now. Dapat bilisan niya because the ice cream was about to melt! 

Lumiwanag ang mukha ko nang makitang naglalabasan na 'yong engineering students. I jumped in excitement when I saw Sevi laughing with his blockmates. They were talking about something related to construction. 

"Jowa mo, p're." Siniko siya ng blockmate niya.

Napatingin agad sa 'kin si Sevi. He smiled wider and walked faster towards me to give me a hug. Inangat ko kaagad ang ice cream dahil baka matapon. 

"Good job, babe!" Inabot ko ang ice cream sa kaniya nang bitawan na niya 'ko. "Ice cream! It's your reward! How's the exam?" 

"Okay lang," Sevi said while holding the cone. "Pasado naman... Sana!" 

"Let's go! I'll treat you! Road to QPAV na!" Humawak ako sa baywang niya habang naglalakad. 

They had that 'road to QPAV' saying that meant road to graduation because they usually held their graduation ceremonies in QPAV, the yellow building. Sevi explained that to me last month. Funny how naa-adapt ko pati kung paano sila magsalita.

We ate in a karinderya. I was listening to him while he was talking about his finals. May pinapaliwanag siya sa 'king related to their subject but I couldn't understand so tumatango na lang ako. 

"'Di ba? 'Di ba tama naman ako?" He pointed at the paper. 

"Uh, yeah..." I nodded. Hindi ko alam ang sinasabi niya! Hindi naman ako engineering student! 

"O, 'di ba? Pero 'yong iba kong kaklase, iba 'yong sinagot. Ang gulo. Bahala na." He scratched his head in frustration. 

"Hayaan mo na. It's already over. Stop thinking about the things you can't control," I cheered him up. "You can't change it anymore. Look forward na." 

He had more free time while preparing for their graduation. Bumalik na rin ako sa school for the next term. It was so annoying because may class ako sa day ng graduation niya! I couldn't miss it so I made sure walang quizzes or activities bago ako nag-cut. First time ko naman mag-cut sa afternoon subjects, so okay lang! 

"Sige, a-absent din ako para pareho tayo." Ida laughed. 

"No, attend class so you can report to me!" I stopped her. 

"Hmp! Boring naman eh!" She pouted. 

Tumawa lang ako at kinuha ang gamit ko bago lumabas. Hinatid ulit ako ni Kuya Roel sa UST. Sobrang traffic, so I was late. 

They were already starting when I went in with my ticket. I was seated next to Sevi's mom. Si Steven, sa kabilang side niya and si Sofia, kandong niya. 

"Hi!" I smiled at Sofia.

"Games?" she asked me. Lagi na niyang tanong sa akin 'yan tuwing nakikita ako. 

Sa 'kin na siya kumandong habang naglalaro ng games sa phone ko.

"Camero, Sebastian Vincent." 

I clapped so hard when his name was called. Kinuha ko muna ang phone ko kay Sofia so I could take a video of him. I was so proud! I wanted to cheer for him but it wasn't a basketball game so I just stayed on my seat. Besides, ang daming pumapalakpak sa kaniya because... Well, he was famous. 

I waited for the ceremony to be over. Pagkatapos, lumabas na kami ng family ni Sevi. Hawak-hawak ko si Sofia while we were waiting for Sevi outside. I was holding a bouquet for him too! 

"Ayun na siya," his mom pointed somewhere.

Binigay ko muna si Sofia sa Mommy niya bago ako tumakbo papunta kay Sevi. His eyes widened when he saw me coming but also opened his arms so I could go straight to him. Muntik pa kaming matumba nang yumakap ako sa kaniya.

"Congratulations!" I jumped in excitement. 

"Thank you, love." He hugged me back with one hand. 'Yong isa, inaayos 'yong cap niya. 

"I'm so proud of you!" I kissed him on his cheek. 

"Mas masaya ka pa yata kaysa sa 'kin." He laughed. Of course! 

I let him go so he could hug his mother. He kissed Sofia's cheek and pulled Steven's hair playfully. Sobrang bully! 

"Aray ko!" Steven smacked him on his arm. 

"Naghanda ako ng pagkain sa bahay. Halika, Elyse," aya sa 'kin ng Mommy niya.

I was hopping while Sevi's hand was on my shoulder. We took pictures in front of the main building and also sa arch kahit mahirap makisingit. At least we had a picture. I was kissing him on his cheek while he was smiling and holding his cap. His hand was around my waist. It was my favorite picture. 

Pagkauwi namin sa kanila, he went upstairs to change his clothes. I also went upstairs with him. As soon as he closed the door, he gave me a soft kiss. I closed my eyes and wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. 

"So proud of you," I whispered. 

He kissed me again before hugging me so tight. Binaon niya ang mukha niya sa leeg ko. It was so comforting. 

"Thank you." He kissed my cheek. 

"Board exam na next! I'm so excited! I bet you'll pass in one take!" 

"Masyado naman 'atang malaki tiwala mo sa 'kin," he laughed. "Mabuti 'yon. Dito ka lang, ah. Huwag kang aalis." 

"Don't worry. I'll always be here." I held his face. "I'll celebrate every milestone with you." 

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:)