"Wala ka pang boyfriend, Eli?" 

I almost choked on my food when Ate Helen suddenly asked. It was her birthday today so inaya niya kami ng birthday dinner. Kami-kami lang naman nina Kuya and then 'yong iba nilang friends. Hindi ko na sila masyadong nakakausap. I was just so occupied with studies and Sevi. Ngayon lang ulit ako nagpakita sa kanila. My brother looked at me, waiting for an answer. 

"W-wala pa," I denied and sipped on my water. 

"Wala pa talaga? Hindi na yata namin maaabutan na magka-boyfriend ka." Ate Ericka pouted.

"What? Why?" Kumunot ang noo ko. 

"Huwag n'yo nang ipilit," masungit na sabi ni Kuya. He looked so tired! Kumusta na kaya siya sa law school? 

"Oh, Ericka and I are going to take our master's in the U.S.," Ate Helen explained. "But we're still processing the papers."

"What? You're leaving?" I pouted more. "After Hiro, kayo naman ang aalis?!" 

"Come on! Babalik din kami kaagad and uuwi naman kami kapag may break, unlike Hiro na doon na talaga titira. Don't worry!" Ate Ericka tried to console me. 

"We might leave next year if ma-process agad 'yong papers." 

They were becoming busier now. That was just what 'adulting' made us. Nakakatakot tumanda. Pakiramdam ko, nawawalan na sila ng oras para sa sarili nila. They either would spend time working or studying like my brother. Ako rin... nagiging busy na rin sa personal life and studies. 

"Ikaw, Shan? Girlfriend?" tanong ni Kuya Neil. 

Muntik na ring masamid si Kuya sa iniinom niyang tubig. Tumaas ang kilay ko habang nakatingin sa kaniya, hinihintay ang kaniyang sagot. May tinatago talaga 'to eh! He just wouldn't say it.

"Wala, I'm busy." He shook his head. 

"Weh? Dati kapag nagtatanong kami kung may girlfriend ka, sasabihin mo 'sino roon?'!" 

"My girlfriend is the law." He laughed. "It makes me crazy. It occupies my time."

I couldn't keep up especially when they were talking about work and master's! Oh gosh, pakiramdam ko kasama ko ang matatanda. I had to go home early because of that. May pasok pa 'ko kinabukasan eh. Buti pa sila, maglalasing na lang. Hindi ko lang alam kay Kuya. 

For Sevi's birthday, I organized a surprise party with the help of Sam. She agreed to do it in her condo. I only invited his close friends, including Arkin, but may shooting siya so hindi makakapunta. 

"Ang pangit diyan. Huwag n'yo dyan ilagay 'yong lobo!" Luna pointed at the balloons. 

"Luna, ang ingay ng bunganga mo. Pag nagising anak ko, sasakmalin kita." Yanna asked her to shut up because Avi was sleeping in the other room. 

"He's on his way," I announced while looking at my phone. 

Via was the one preparing the food. She was the other Archi student na friend nila. Kierra was helping Luna design the room. Sam was helping Via. 

"He's here!" I yelled when I received Sevi's text. 

Kinuha ko ang cake at pinatay namin ang ilaw pagkatapos sindihan ang candles. We panicked when we heard the doorbell. Sam looked at the peephole just to make sure that it was Sevi. Then, she gestured us a thumbs up before opening the door.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" 

"Putang-" Sevi held his chest when he heard the confetti. 

Yanna immediately went inside the bedroom when she heard Avi's cry. Mukhang nagising na nga noong nag-ingay kami. I laughed while they were putting a party hat on Sevi's head. He still looked so shocked and confused about what was going on.

"Sino'ng nagpauso nito, sasapakin ko!" pagbabanta niya. 

"Me!" I glared at him.

"Sasapakin ko ng halik!" he corrected. 

"Just make a wish! Nangangawit na 'ko!" 

He closed his eyes and whispered something before blowing out the candles. We clapped and turned on the lights so we could finally see each other. I placed the cake on the table so I could give Sevi a hug. 

"Happy birthday," I whispered before letting him go. 

He gave everyone a hug. Lumiwanag ang mukha niya nang makitang lumabas si Yanna sa kwarto, buhat si Avi na kakagising lang. I stared at her face, smiling. She kind of looked like... someone I knew, but I refused to talk about it. Yanna probably had a reason and I respected that.

"Bebe!" Sevi went to Avi so he could carry her. The kid placed her head on Sevi's shoulder, trying to go back to sleep. I smiled while preparing the food. "Bagong gising ang bebe na 'yan!" 

"Sobrang Tito mo naman, Sevi." Yanna laughed.

After a proper dinner, Sam brought out bottles of liquor. Everyone cheered except for me. I wasn't used to drinking! May pasok din ako kinabukasan so hindi ako pwedeng magpakalasing. I was still on my fourth glass when they finished their sixth bottle. 

"Hoy Luna, ano na?! Lasing ka na?" Kierra tried to hold Luna's face. She was already blushing. 

"Ke..." he suddenly cried. 

My eyes widened when I saw how hard she was crying. I looked at Sevi, and our eyes met. He looked so confused, too. He held my waist and pulled me closer to him. 

"Broken pa rin," he whispered to me. 

"Putangina, siya pa rin talaga..." Luna sobbed, covering her face. 

"Oh god..." Sam sighed while pouring tequila into a shot glass. "Drink this na lang, oh."

"Hoy, ano ba 'yan." Kierra hugged her so she would calm down. "Hayaan mo na 'yon. Sabi mo naka move-on ka na, ah?!" 

"Damn," I whispered to Sevi. "She looks devastated." 

"Putangina talaga, ang sakit pa rin eh!" Luna said, holding her chest. 

Yanna came out of the room after taking care of Avrielle. She stopped when she saw Luna crying on the floor. 

"Anak ng..." She scratched her head a little. "Bakit umiiyak na 'yan?! Nawala lang ako saglit!

I bit my lower lip, feeling terrible for her. I didn't want to be like that. I didn't want to be hurt like that. Pakiramdam ko, hindi ko kakayanin. Kapag nag-break kami ni Sevi, baka hindi ko kayanin 'yong sakit. I would probably cry every night for the whole month. 

"Don't hurt me like that," I whispered. 

"Awayin ka nga hindi ko magawa..." He sighed. 

We never had a big fight that would lead to a breakup. We always communicated it properly. Minsan nagtatampo siya, and minsan nagtatampo rin ako kapag hindi kami masyadong nakakapag-usap, but we always found a way to fix it. We really can't sleep without fixing a fight. 

In my seventh term, I was accepted to become an intern in our company, together with Ida and other people. It was a big company. I didn't know why I was so nervous on my first official day. Maybe because sa Marketing Department ako na-assign habang si Ida ay sa Sales. Ayaw kong mag-isa! I wanted to cry. 

I had to change my surname. I didn't want a special treatment. I used my mom's surname, which was Sarria. Ang nakakaalam lang siguro na anak ako ng may-ari ay 'yong HR head. Inayos ko ang gamit ko sa maliit na cubicle na in-assign sa 'kin. Habang inaayos ko, chineck ko ang phone ko because Sevi just texted. 

From: Sevi

how's first day babe? 

I smiled while typing. 

To: Sevi

So far so good I guess. Review ka lang diyan :)

He was busy reviewing for boards na so minsan na lang kami nagkikita, tapos ngayong term, intern pa 'ko! It was okay. We understood each other. It was part of growing up. 

"No texting at work!" 

Napatalon ako sa gulat at muntik pang mahulog ang phone ko sa sahig nang sumigaw ang isang employee. I looked at her nervously with my hands shaking. 

"Intern?" She was a little old. Late forties siguro. 

I nodded, kinakabahan pa rin. Agad kong tinago ang phone ko sa bag at tumingin ulit sa kaniya. Oh gosh, I got so scared! 

"Sarria..." She looked at my I.D. "Busy ka ba?"

"N-no, Ma'am." I shook my head.

"Good. Can you get us coffee? Kapag first day ng intern, ganoon ang greeting sa 'min. With coffee. I guess you aren't aware of that." She gave me a sarcastic smile. 

"Y-yes, Ma'am." 

Nagmamadali kong kinuha ang wallet ko, cellphone, at maliit na notebook. Maraming employees sa Marketing so pinili ko na lang bigyan 'yong mga tao sa side ko dahil sila naman ang madalas kong makakasama. I needed to get along with them! 

I listed their orders before taking the elevator to buy coffee at the nearest coffee shop. Tahimik lang akong nakasakay roon, hinihintay ang pagbaba. Nang makarating ako sa coffee shop, I gave the cashier girl the list. Habang hinihintay ko ang orders ko, sumandal muna ako sa counter. 

My eyes widened when I saw a familiar face. 

"Oh..." Sevi's mom smiled at me when she saw me. "Elyse! Ano'ng ginagawa mo rito?" 

"Hi po." Nagmano ako sa kaniya. "I'm buying coffee for the employees."

"Intern?" She looked at my I.D. "Saang department ka? Bakit ka naman pinapabili ng kape?" 

"Ugh... Greeting daw po." I sighed. "But it's okay! Don't tell my dad, please!" 

I didn't want to make it a big deal. As I said, I didn't want special treatment. I wanted it to be normal. I should learn the hard way before going to the top. 

When my name was called, I carried two drink holders and smiled at Sevi's mom before going back to the company. I distributed the coffee per table, checking their names on it. Pagkatapos, umupo na ako sa cubicle ko para ayusin ulit ang mga gamit ko. I wasn't done yet. 

"Mali naman 'to eh! Ang sabi ko walang whipped cream!" An employee called my attention.

"W-what?" I walked towards her in an instant. I checked my notebook. "You didn't say that." 

"I said that. Mas marunong ka pa?" She raised her brow at me. 

"I... I'll just... get you another one-" I tried to take the cup back. 

"'Wag na! Bumalik ka na lang sa trabaho mo." 

I wasn't used to being treated like this, but I kept my mouth shut. Bumalik na lang ako sa cubicle ko at inayos ang mga papel. Umupo na rin ako pagkatapos, nakatitig sa computer. Hindi ko na alam ang gagawin ko. Wala pang ina-assign sa 'kin. 

"Elyse," Miss Alliah called me. She was the HR head. "Your first assignment, pinapasabi since nandito na ako. Gawan mo 'to ng PowerPoint and then present mo sa head mamaya. May meeting bukas. The marketing head, which is also your supervisor, will attend to you later."

"Okay po." I nodded. 

"Just tell me if they're treating you bad," she whispered. "Or if they're making you do something unethical. Alam mo naman ang mga bawal. I'm here to take care of you guys." 

I just smiled at her and shook my head. I didn't want to make it a big deal, okay?! Even though they were mean. When she left, I started reading the file. It was a new marketing proposal. My first task was too easy, huh. 

During lunchtime, I went out to buy a fruit cup and went back to my seat, still working on the presentation. Since break time naman, I checked my phone and texted Sevi.

To: Sevi

They're so mean :( 

He replied so fast. 

From: Sevi

aww bb :( sapakin natin 

To: Sevi

It's okay. I asked for this :( 

First day pa lang naman. It would get better! I looked on the brighter side. Maybe they were just trying to scare me or something. I knew they will warm up to me soon. Kung hindi, then what a toxic environment! 

"Hello." I looked at the woman who greeted me. "Ms. Garcia." She offered her hand. 

She was tall and beautiful. I think she was already in her late twenties. She looked professional and authoritative. Some employees looked away from her when she arrived. 

"Marketing head," she explained. "I will assign you your future tasks in this department specifically. Alliyah's too busy roaming around, so she couldn't attend to your needs 24/7." 

"E-Elyse," I stood up and took her hand. 

"I see. You're working on our presentation tomorrow," she looked at my computer. "Well, then. Tomorrow, I want you to come up with a marketing plan. Kahit draft lang, basta pasok sa concept. Can you do that?" She smiled at me. 

"Yes po," I nodded. 

"Good," she looked back at the employee staring. Nang lumipat ang tingin niya sa kape sa tables nila, tumikhim siya. "Did they ask you to buy them coffee?" 

"Uh," I couldn't talk. 

"What did I say?!" She yelled at the employees. Napatalon ako sa kinauupuan ko sa gulat. "You are being paid enough salary just to what?! Ask the intern to buy coffee for you?! How embarrassing!" 

I shifted on my seat uncomfortably. No one talked. Everyone was just looking down, natatakot sumagot. Some employees from the other side were looking, nakiki-chismis sa nangyayari. Oh gosh, she looked nice but scary! 

"Who asked her to buy coffee?! See me in my office!" Then she walked away. 

Wow, what a nice working environment. Ang chaotic! Binalik ko na lang ulit ang atensyon ko sa ginagawa ko. The concept was actually so nice. I spent the night thinking about a nice suggestion. Wala na ring kumausap sa 'kin pagkatapos magalit ni Ms. Garcia. She was like a savior. 

Hanggang five lang kami so inayos ko na ang gamit ko. Sevi and I were going to have dinner tonight. Nagpaalam muna ako kay Ms. Garcia bago ako umalis. Kuya Roel picked me up and drove me to an Italian restaurant. I was craving pasta. 

Sevi was already there when I came. I pouted and made a sad face while walking towards him. He immediately stood up and spread his arms to hug me. Sinandal ko ang ulo ko sa dibdib niya habang yakap niya 'ko nang mahigpit, hinahaplos ang buhok ko. 

"Bad day?" he asked. 

"I'm sad." I sighed. "Some people are just so mean." 

"Kawawa naman." He hugged me tighter. "I-kain natin 'yan, babe." 

Tumango ako at umupo na sa tapat niya. Malungkot din ako na hindi ako makakapag-UAAP this year dahil sa internship. Okay lang dahil may next year pa naman. Last year ko na 'yon, though. 

"Where are we going for our first anniversary?" I asked him while eating. "I can make an excuse to my dad. I have work, though... And... Oh, you will take your board exam."

"Basta, susunduin kita no'n. Ako bahala." He smiled at me. 

"Oh, you have a surprise?" I was so excited kahit months away pa naman siya. "I'm going to look forward to that." 

I had a hard time adjusting in the company. Good thing the employees started treating me well, maybe because Ms. Garcia was always there, checking up on me. Hindi naman sila mabait pero hindi na rin sila ganoon kasungit. Whenever I would ask questions, they would respond but they won't really elaborate on it. Nahihiya na rin ako magtanong dahil may ginagawa sila. 

I celebrated my birthday with just a simple dinner with my family and friends. I was too busy for a party. The next day, Sevi and I celebrated it together with a simple date night in Tagaytay. 

"Elyse, meeting. Halika, sasama ka sa 'kin," Ms. Garcia called me. 

Nagmadali akong tumayo at kinuha ang aking notebook at cellphone bago sumunod sa kaniya. It was my first meeting with other departments, including the executives. When I entered the board room, I looked around in amazement. It was much bigger than the room last time. 

Umupo ako sa tabi ni Ms. Garcia, hawak-hawak ang notebook para mag-take down ng notes. Everyone stood up when my dad entered the room. Napatayo rin ako. Kasunod niya si Mommy and then 'yong mom ni Sevi as the secretary. 

When the meeting started, I focused on the projector screen in front. Someone was presenting their proposal. Everyone was quiet and they waited for the presentation to be over before asking questions. Ako ang kinakabahan para sa nagpe-present! Everyone in the room looked professional. 

"As I said, the resort will cater-" 

My eyes widened when my phone suddenly rang. Everyone in the room looked at me while I was turning my phone off. Some looked pissed. I wanted to cry in embarrassment! 

"I'm so sorry, Sir," Ms. Garcia apologized on my behalf. 

"It's okay. Continue." My dad looked at the presenter. 

Napanguso ako habang nakayuko, nahihiya na. When I looked up, my mom was looking at me, trying to prevent a laugh. Halatang gusto niya 'kong tawanan pero hindi niya magawa dahil nasa meeting kami. I pouted and she smiled at me. 

Pagkatapos ng meeting, hiyang-hiya pa rin akong tumayo. Ms. Garcia went to me and started scolding me about the phone. I bit my lower lip, nodding. 

"Keep it easy, Garcia," my mom said while fixing her things. 

"Yes, Ma'am." Ms. Garcia bowed a little. 

"The intern's so innocent." Mom laughed at me before leaving the room with my dad. 

Sumunod na rin ako kay Ms. Garcia palabas. Mabuti na lang at nakatakas na 'ko sa tingin ng ibang employees. Makakalimutan din nila 'yon for sure! 

"You're lucky that Mr. Ledezma was in a good mood." Ms. Garcia sighed. "Or else lagot tayong dalawa." 

Weeks passed by normally. It was Friday when I planned to make a box of snacks for Sevi. I went to the grocery to buy him food dahil exam niya na bukas. I just want to keep him calm, hydrated, and healthy so he will do well. Gabi na noong binisita ko siya sa library. He texted me that he will be there until midnight. 

Pagkapasok ko, I immediately saw him alone in a table for four. Marami siyang papel at libro sa harapan niya. He was sleeping. Nakatulugan na niya ang kaniyang pagbabasa. I sighed and sat beside him. 

"Baby, hey," I tried to wake him up. 

He opened his eyes and blinked twice when he saw me. Umayos siya ng upo at tiningnan ang binabasa niya. He muttered a curse and covered his face in frustration. 

"Hey, I'm sure you will do well." I held his hand and squeezed it. "You need to rest a little. Come here." 

Umusog ako at sinandal ang ulo niya sa balikat ko. I played with his hair until his breathing came back to normal. He looked so stressed. Kawawa naman siya. I was sure that he would pass in one take but he didn't trust himself that much. 

"Bakit ka pala nandito?" he asked and looked at me. 

"Here." I gave him a small pink box full of healthy snacks, juice, and water. "I call this the Ely-mergency Kit." 

Kinuha niya 'yon at binuksan. Lumiwanag ang mukha niya nang makita ang mga pagkain sa loob. I included chocolates too so he will have more energy to study! He sighed and gave me a tight hug. 

"Kumusta araw mo?" he asked after kissing my cheek. 

"It was tiring as usual." I pinched his cheek. "How about you? How are you? Are you eating well? Are you hydrating yourself properly? Did you sleep last night?"

"Oo, natulog ako." He laughed. "Oo, kumain din ako at uminom ng maraming tubig. Naaalala ko lang kasi pinapaalala mo." 

I would always text him to eat, drink water, and rest kapag may free time ako. I understood how busy he was. Kahit ako, nakakalimutan ko na rin minsan kumain, pero dahil iniisip ko palagi kung kumain na siya, naaalala kong ako rin pala, hindi pa kumakain. 

"I love you," I whispered.

"I love you." He kissed my forehead. 

He went back to studying after that and I waited for him to be finished. I was just using my laptop the whole time, preparing for another presentation tomorrow. I felt sleepy around ten PM, so I took a nap. Good thing the library was open 24/7. 

I woke up around midnight while Sevi was still studying. Umayos ako ng upo at nahulog ang jacket sa balikat ko. Kinuha ko 'yon at tumingin kay Sevi. Naka-shirt na lang siya kahit malamig. 

"It's cold." Inabot ko sa kaniya pabalik ang jacket niya. "Wear this." 

"Okay lang. Tapos na 'ko. Uuwi na tayo." He smiled and closed his book. 

I looked at my laptop in panic. I have a presentation tomorrow! My eyes widened when I noticed that he finished designing my PowerPoint! 

"What..." I whispered, scrolling through it. I just added the content earlier and was planning to design it after but he... he finished everything. 

"Pangit ba?" Sevi asked, laughing at my face. 

"No! I'm... I'm just... surprised." I looked at it again. Damn, ang ganda ng design. Parang professional. It was better than my last presentation. "It looks so good. Thank you but you really didn't have to-"

"Bukas na 'yan, 'di ba?" he cut me off. "Nakalagay sa date." 

"Yes! But-" 

He gave me a soft kiss to shut me up. Gusto kong maiyak sa kaniya. I felt like a spoiled girlfriend! I returned the favor by giving him a ride home. 

"Good luck tomorrow." I held his face. "You can do it. Rest well so you will be relaxed tomorrow. I know you will do well!" 

"Thank you." He smiled. "Good luck sa presentation mo." 

"Fighting, Engineer Camero." 

I felt more nervous about his board exam than my presentation! Okay naman ang presentation ko kinabukasan. I texted Sevi after that, but he did not reply because he was still taking the exam. We couldn't see each other after that because I had a dinner with my parents after work. 

From: Sevi

tapos na first day!!!!!! wooo!!!! 

I laughed and typed my reply. 

To: Sevi

How did it go? Omg congrats! 

From: Sevi

ang hirap :( huhu bb :( 

To: Sevi

It's fine! You did good! Good luck tomorrow! I'm here for you! Stay healthy and hydrated, baby. Take a rest, okay? Do well! I love you. 

After six days, the results came out! Sevi promised that he won't look at the results yet kapag hindi ako kasama. I was so excited to go to him after work. I also prepared myself for the worse. I prepared some comfort food for him if ever... if ever lang na bagsak siya. 

When I entered their house, I saw Sevi seated on the couch with his hands together, looking at the floor nervously. May laptop sa coffee table at hindi pa talaga niya tinitingnan ang results. Steven was also there, curious. 

"Ako na titingin!" Steven offered.

"Huwag. Bida-bida ka diyan," pambabara ni Sevi. 

"Sige na, Kuya!" 

"Hey," I greeted after placing my bag on the table. "Game! Let's do this!" 

Kinuha ko ang laptop at sinearch kung saan makikita ang results. I was so nervous but I trusted him! Alam kong makakapasa siya. 

"Wait lang, ayaw ko pa." Sevi looked so nervous. I had never seen him like this!

"What do you mean? You waited the whole day for this. Let's do this na!" I convinced him. 

"Ah, wait lang!" Pinigilan niya ang kamay ko. "Please, wait lang. Hindi ako makahinga." 

"Babe!" I laughed and held his face. His hands were shaking already. "Don't worry. Whatever happens, we are all still proud of you. You can take the exam again next time, okay? Let's do this." 

Sevi stood up and walked away, covering his face nervously. I giggled while scrolling through the surnames. Nakatingin din si Steven. Wala pa 'yong mommy ni Sevi kaya kami-kami pa lang ang makakaalam. 

1241 Camero, Sebastian Vincent 

I covered my mouth in excitement when I saw his name! Oh my god! 

"Kuya, wala pangalan mo rito," Steven teased. 

"H-huh?" Sevi looked back at us. 

"It's okay, love... You can... Uh... Do better next time." I gave him a sad smile, nakikisakay sa trip ni Steven.

"Sabi na, eh." He sighed heavily, disappointed in himself. I felt so broken seeing him like that!

Oh my gosh, he looked so sad! Pumunta siya sa kusina para kumuha ng tubig, nanlulumo. I giggled and followed him into the kitchen, still holding the laptop. He sighed again after drinking one glass of water. 

"Wala eh. Bagsak..." He gave me a painful smile. 

My lips slowly formed a smile and showed him the result. "Congratulations, love!" 

"Huh?" His expression changed while looking at the screen. "Ano?" 

"Look!" Tinuro ko ang pangalan niya.

"Oh shit, gago! Ako ba 'yan?! Pucha!" Tumango ako sa kaniya, excited. "Holy shit!" He covered his mouth. "Steven, tantado ka, halika rito!" sigaw niya at pumunta sa living room.

Steven laughed so hard and ran upstairs so Sevi couldn't chase him. Saktong-sakto, dumating 'yong mom ni Sevi. Her brows furrowed, wondering why her sons were chasing each other. 

"Ma, Engineer na 'ko!" Sevi proudly said.

"Ha?!" His mom covered her mouth in surprise. "Hala, jusko, anak ko! Congrats!" She ran towards Sevi to give him a tight hug. I started tearing up when his mom started crying on his chest! Oh my gosh, it was so emotional. 

"Ma, huwag ka ngang umiyak..." Sevi laughed. 

"Ang galing-galing mo." His mom was still crying. "Nakakaproud ka, anak."

"Ma, ano ba." Sevi shook his head. "Ako lang 'to." 

I laughed and smacked Sevi in the arm for teasing his mom. Nang bitawan siya ng mama niya, binatukan din siya sa kalokohan niya. His mom asked me to stay for dinner. She promised Sevi that she will cook a lot of food tonight so we can celebrate. 

The next day was our first anniversary. Ida helped me pick out a cute gift. It was a clock using mathematical equations instead of simple numbers. It was just for fun, actually. My real gift was a locket necklace with our picture on it. It was small because I wanted it to be lowkey. 

I wore a maroon silk dress ending above my knees for our date night. I tied my long straight hair in a high ponytail and also wore his necklace together with a pair of diamond earrings. Good thing my dad was still at work. Tinext ko na lang siya na may pupuntahan kami ni Ida. 

"Bye Kuya Roel!" I waved at him before getting inside a Porsche. "Oh, wow." 

Umupo ako sa shotgun seat at sinara ang pinto. My mouth formed an 'o' when I saw Sevi looking so fine in his dark red dress shirt folded to his elbows. He fixed his hair, too! He looked so handsome in his semi-formal attire. 

"Whose car is this?" I curiously asked him. 

"Arkin." He smiled. "Huwag ka nang magtataka kapag may nakasunod na sa 'ting paparazzi." 

"What the hell!" I consciously looked at the side mirror. 

"Joke lang. Van gamit no'n. Hindi niya masyadong nilalabas 'to." He was laughing at my reaction. "Ah, by the way..." 

I automatically closed my eyes when he leaned for a kiss. I put my hand on his cheek to deepen our kiss. 

Tumigil din kami kaagad at nag-drive na siya paalis. It was my first time seeing him drive! I didn't even know that he could drive! He held my hand while driving, which made me smile like crazy. He looked so hot with his veins showing on his other hand that was holding the steering wheel. 

"Huwag mo 'kong titigan." Sevi laughed, teasing me. 

I looked away and just stared in front, wondering where we were headed to. Nakatulog na yata ako sa tagal. When I woke up, we were already parked outside a... park? Tinanggal ko ang seatbelt ko at lumabas na. Sevi held my hand and made me follow him. 

It was a forest park near the lake. Gabi na kaya bukas na ang fairy lights sa trees. Oh, it was actually a restaurant. May wooden tables and chairs sa may balcony. May mga taong kumakain din pero kaunti lang dahil gabi na. 

"This is a hidden place." I laughed. "Was this on your list?" 

"Oo naman." He smirked. "Tamang research lang." 

It was like a peaceful picnic at night, only that we were provided tables and chairs. Sevi ordered steak and wine for us. 

"My treat," nakangising sabi niya. 

"What? Why?" My brows furrowed.

"Celebration na rin 'to ng board exam ko," he said while pouring wine on my glass. 

Kinuha niya ang wine glass niya at tinaas sa 'kin. "Happy anniversary! To more years with you, love." 

"To more years with you..." I smiled. 

________________________________________________________________________________

:)