❝She watched him pour his heart out onstage yet somehow, the scene before her was much more endearing.❞

— ❁ —

        IN AWE, Lee watched Laurie tie his neck tie. Bahagyang nakakunot ang noo nito. Medyo kagat din nito ang pang-ibabang labi sa konsentrasyon. When Charlotte told him to wear a neck tie for his EP launch, he thought of watching a YouTube tutorial. His father never really taught him how. Hindi naman kasi ito sa opisina nagtatrabaho noong nabubuhay pa ito.

        "Why are you wearing a neck tie again? Hindi naman formal 'yong dress code, 'di ba?" tanong ni Laurie habang inaayos ang pagkakahapit ng tela sa leeg niya.

        Kay Laurie kasi natulog si Lee noong gabi. Charlotte knew, of course. Mas napanatag nga itong hindi siya mali-late sa sariling launch dahil si Laurie naman ang maghahatid sa kanya.

        "Sabi ni Manager, hilahin ko raw mamaya," tukoy ni Lee sa neck tie. Natigilan si Laurie sa ginagawa. "Bakit?"

        "What for?"

        "Ewan ko rin, e," pagsisinungaling niya. He grinned childishly. "Baka para sa fancams?"

        Laurie rested her hands on his chest. "Fancams?"

        "Fancams 'yong ano, uh, 'yong videos na kuha ng fans."

        "I'm not dumb." Muli nitong hinawakan ang neck tie. "Alam ko kung ano ibig sabihin ng fancams. What I don't know is why Charlotte asked you to do some fan service. It just seems unnecessary."

        "Naalala mo 'yong fancam ko no'ng gig namin ni Sandro na kinagat ko 'yong pick ko para itali buhok ko? Wait, ba't ko pa tinatanong, e, naka-save 'yon sa phone mo, 'di b—aray naman, Lau!"

        Nahigpitan kasi ni Laurie ang neck tie. Napaatras din siya nang kaunti, dahilan upang umalog ang sasakyan. While loosening the tie, he pouted at her.

        She squinted her eyes. "Ah, that."

        "'Yon na 'yon?" Lee asked, half-smiling. Sumiksik siya palapit sa driver seat, kay Laurie. "Hindi ka man lang ba nagseselos?"

        Lalong naningkit ang mga mata nito. "No, and about the video, Malie sent it to me. My phone must have saved it automatically."

        "Okay, sige, palagpasin natin 'yong sa video," nanunuya niyang sabi. "Pero selos ka nga sa fancams?"

        She unlocked her seat belt. "It's your job. Bakit naman ako magseselos?" Ngumuso si Lee na ikinatawa nito. Pagkatapos, tumuro ito sa pintong katabi niya. "Let's go. Baka hinahanap ka na ni Charlotte."

        "Teka, 'di mo ba aayusin 'to?" tukoy ni Lee sa neck tie na napakaluwag.

        "Tatanggalin mo rin naman mamaya, 'di ba?" nakangiting tanong ni Laurie, sabay pihit ng pinto at baba ng kotse.

        "Sus." Lee chuckled to himself. "'Di raw nagseselos."

        Before getting off the car, he grabbed a face mask from one of the compartments. Patakbo niyang nilapitan si Laurie. Hand in hand, they entered the bar. The lights were dim enough to hide their hands as they walked. Parang lumilindol din ang sahig. Sa kabila niyon, nanatiling kalmado si Lee.

        Nagpalingalinga siya para hanapin si Charlotte. Akmang igigiya na niya si Laurie papunta sa manager nang may biglang sumingit sa gitna nila. That prompted them to temporarily let go. Lee felt his forehead itch, annoyed, but that quickly subsided.

        The girl who appeared out of nowhere gaped at him, star-struck. Fan niya yata. "Hello po, Kuya. Pu—puwede pong maki-selfie?" Bago pa siya makasagot, nilapitan ng babae si Laurie. "Ate, p'wede pong pa-picture kami ni Kuya Lee?"

        Laurie threw him a sharp look. He was about to say something when her phone lit up. Kaagad nitong tiningnan ang notification.

        Sa kabila ng usok at ng matumal na pagdapo ng kumikislap na mga ilaw, kitang-kita ni Lee ang pagliwanag ng mukha ni Laurie. Tumunghay ito sa kanya, malawak na ang ngiti sa labi. She seemed to be in disbelief despite smiling. Excited for whatever made her smile, he approached her, not minding the girl who requested a selfie with him.

        Lee held her arms gently. "Bakit, Lau?"

        "The bakery responded." Ipinakita nito sa kanya ang e-mail na natanggap. "They want to meet us next week."

        "Anong ibig sabihin no'n?"

        "It's a 'yes', Lee." Laurie exhaled shakily. Mahina itong natawa pagkatapos. Saglit ding bumaba ang tingin nito sa mga labi niya bago lumihis sa fan niya. "Oh, uhm, I'm sorry but I can't take your picture. Excuse me for a bit."

        Just as she was about to leave, Lee pulled Laurie close. "Uy, saan ka?"

        "I'm going to look for Mal and Theo. I'll see you later?"

       "Okay, text mo 'ko kung saan kayo banda, a?" Tumango si Laurie. Pasimple niya itong hinila at ginawaran ng kaswal na halik sa pisngi. "Congratulations. Hanapin ko kayo mamaya para makapag-celebrate tayo nang maayos."

        "Mm-hmm, see you," she hummed before walking away.

        Lee watched her disappear into the crowd before facing his fan again. "Sorry, sorry. Ako na lang siguro hahawak ng phone para mas mataas 'yong anggulo?" Inilahad niya ang kamay para hingin ang phone ng babae. "Hala, hindi ko naman itatakbo 'yan," biro niya.

        Natawa nang mahinhin ang babae. "Sorry po, medyo loading pa 'ko, e." Ngiting-ngiti nitong ibinigay ang phone.

        As he changed the camera setting, Lee took his face mask off. Binasa niya ang pang-ibabang labi. Nginitian niya muna ang babae bago iangat ang phone. "Okay, one, two, three." After three shots, he gave her phone back. "Ano nga po ulit name mo?"

        "Althea po, he-he."

        "Thank you sa pagpunta, Althea." Lee stretched out his hand. "Nice meeting you."

        "Uhm, medyo matagal ko na po kayong sinusubaybayan. Nakailang rewatch na nga po ako ng MV. Kalahati po ata ng streams, akin. Joke lang po, he-he." Napalabi si Lee. Mukhang alam na niya ang binabaybay nito. When the girl pointed in Laurie's direction, he bit the inside of his cheek. "Si Ate po kanina 'yong sa MV, 'di ba?"

        Smiling, he nodded. "Café niya rin 'yong nasa video."

        "Girlfriend niyo po?" curious nitong tanong. "Shocks, sorry po pag-intriga. 'Wag niyo na lang pong sagutin."

        Pumalatak si Lee, kunwaring naninita. "Wait lang, okay na 'yong selfie natin, 'no? Pa-mention ako kung ipo-post mo para makita ko rin."

        Nangingiting tumango si Althea. "Sure po!"

        Before wading through the bar to look for Laurie, he wore his face mask again. Muli niyang namataan si Charlotte. Kumaway ito sa kanya at saka, tumuro sa direksyon nina Laurie. He mouthed a "thanks". Giddy, he practically ran toward Laurie and Malie.

        Lee snaked his arms around Laurie's waist. "Hi ulit," bulong niya rito. "Congrats din ulit. Anong plano niyo ngayon?"

        Laurie leaned against his chest. "It's your night. Let's not talk about this."

        "Oo nga, 'wag mo kaming i-pressure," pagsang-ayon ni Malie.

        Patuloy lang ang pagtugtog nina Jegs sa stage. Habang nakayapos pa rin kay Laurie, kinawayan ito ni Lee. Ngumiti pabalik sina Jegs at Icai. Lee was set to perform after Sandro who comes after Makamundo.

        Nights before, he thought he would be nervous.

        Lee sighed in relief before resting his chin on Laurie's shoulder. He thought wrong. Wala naman pala siyang dapat na ikabahala. Bukod sa mukhang overcapacity na ang bar, halos walang masabi si Sir Gabby noong private listening party ng EP niya.

        Bahagyang lumayo si Laurie para matitigan siya. "Did you just sigh in my ear?"

        "Hindi naman." Muli itong sumandal. Muli rin siyang napabuntonghininga nang maramdamang ipinasa nito ang bigat sa kanya. "Is there something wrong?" she asked again.

        "Wala naman."

        Hinarap ulit siya ni Laurie. "Are you sure?"

       "Mm-hmm."

        Laurie and Lee spent the next minutes swaying along to Makamundo's set. Paminsanminsan silang nakarinig ng kumento mula kay Malie. Kung tama ang pagkakabilang ni Lee, limang beses na itong bumulong ng "sana all". Pagkunwa ay dumating si Theo na may bitbit na beer. Kausap pala nito si Stefan, pinare-record ang set ni Lee.

       "Lee!"

        It was Charlotte. Nang tuluyang makalapit, ipinakita nito sa kanila ang screen ng phone. "Kanina ka pa raw tinatawagan ni Lola Pasing. She said you weren't picking up."

        Sinilip niya ang sariling phone. Wala namang missed calls doon. Napapikit siya nang mapagtanto kung anong tinutukoy ng lola. He raised Charlotte's phone. A blurred image of Lola Pasing greeted them. "'La, sabi ko naman sa 'yo, 'di talaga ako makakasagot kung 'di ako online. Nag-video call ka yata, e." Ibinalik niya ang phone ni Charlotte. "Thanks, Manager, pero ako na lang tatawag sa kanya."

        Chuckling, Charlotte turned to Laurie and Malie. "I badly want to stay and chat, kaso busy night, e. I'll see you later na lang?" Bumaling ito kay Theo pagkatapos. "Marunong ka namang mag-shoot on film, 'di ba?"

        Theo nodded. "Don't worry. I'll walk around again after this." Itinaas nito ang hawak na beer.

       "Okay, sige. See you all later," paalam ni Charlotte sa tatlo bago humarap kay Lee. "Ikaw na pala sunod kay Sandro, a?" She pointed at the stage. Saktong lumakas ang tilian ng audience dahil nag-body roll si Sandro. "Such a show-off. Lau, 'wag kang mag-alala, walang gano'n si Lee."

       Nalukot ang noo ni Laurie na abala sa pakikipag-usap kina Malie at Theo. "I'm sorry, what?"

       Scrunching his nose, Lee gently pushed Charlotte away. "Manager, sige na. Do'n ka na."

        "Joke lang kasi. Anyway, salang ka na in 10 minutes, okay?"

        Maliit siyang ngumiti at tumango. Pag-alis ni Charlotte, tinawagan niya si Lola Pasing, video call. He gestured at Laurie and Malie, then pointed at his screen.

        Malie waved enthusiastically when Lola Pasing opened the camera. "Hello po, Lola~"

       Si Theo naman ay tumango lang at ngumiti nang pagkatipidtipid. Sunod na hinarap ni Lee ang screen kay Laurie. She raised a brow, slightly panicking.

        "Ay, si Laurie ba ina?" tanong ni Lola Pasing habang inaaninag si Laurie. Bukod sa mahina ang signal nito, medyo madilim din kasi sa bar. "Anay gad, wara ako katan-aw."

        Pinagitnaan nila ni Laurie ang phone. "Wait, 'La, patayin ko muna camera ko para hindi matakaw sa internet. Sorry po kung medyo maingay pero opo, si Laurie po 'yong kanina. Si Malie naman po 'yong kumaway."

        "What do I say?" Laurie asked quietly.

       "Mag-'hi' ka lang," nangingiti niyang sabi. "Ba't 'di pa po kayo tulog, 'La? Sabi ko naman sa 'yo, p'wede namang 'yong record na lang panoorin mo bukas nang umaga."

       "What are you saying?" kunot-noong tanong ni Laurie. "S'yempre, gusto ka niyang mapanood nang live. I could've watched you at home but I'm here because it's different. It's better. You know that."

        Lee had to bite his lip to stop himself from smiling too much. Baka kasi karmahin siya at bigla siyang madapa sa stage, kangingiti niya.

       "Tama si Laurie, anak. Kung pupuwede nga lang akong lumuwas, e, pupunta talaga ako d'yan."

        Hiningi ni Laurie ang phone niya. Lee obliged. "Lola, 'wag mo pong ibaba 'yong call mamaya, okay? Para marinig niyo po si Lee kahit 'di naka-on 'yong camera. Regarding the video naman po, I'll send it to you first thing tomorrow morning."

        Siniko niya si Laurie. "Biglang bait, 'ha?"

        "What are you saying? I'm always nice."

        Lee was about to retort when a notification popped on his lockscreen. Galing kay Charlotte. Pinapupunta na siya nito sa gilid ng stage. After sending a quick reply, he turned to Laurie. "Tawag na 'ko. Iwan ko na lang sa 'yo phone ko, a?"

        Laurie nodded. "Lola, paakyat na po si Lee ng stage," pagpapaalam nito kay Lola Pasing sa kabilang linya. After that, she tiptoed and kissed his cheek. "Goodluck. I'm right here."

        "Mal," tawag ni Lee kina Malie at Theo. Tumuro siya sa stage. "Wish me luck, ha-ha."

        "Okay, goodluck," humahagikgik nitong sabi.

        Theo approached him and patted his shoulder. "Break a leg." Lee gestured at Malie. Mukhang nakailang bote na kasi ito ng beer. "I'm on it," Theo mumbled exasperatedly.

        Before finally walking away, Lee pulled Laurie close again. "What?" Itinaas nito ang phone niya. The call duration with Lola Pasing was still running. "What is it? Kinakabahan ka?"

        "Hindi nga, e. Parang lalo tuloy akong kinakabahan na 'di ako kinakabahan."

        "Come here." Bumuntonghininga si Laurie. Nang hindi siya tuminag, ito na ang lumapit. She rested her hands on his chest again before fixing his tie. "Look around you. You haven't played anything and everyone's already happy. Pa'no pa kaya mamaya?"

       S'yempre, tama si Laurie. The bar was already buzzed with excitement even before they arrived. Trending din daw ang hashtags na related sa EP launch niya.

        "Ikaw ba?" nakangiting tanong ni Lee kay Laurie. When she seemed confused about the question, he reached for her hand. "Sabi mo kasi, 'everyone's happy'. Happy ka rin ba?"

        "What kind of question is that?" Despite smiling, she rolled her eyes. "Oo naman. I wouldn't be here if I wasn't, right?"

        Lee nodded slowly. Balak niya sanang sumenyas at humirit ng ilan pang minuto kasama si Laurie. Ang kaso, paglingon niya kay Charlotte ay nakapameywang na ito. He gave Laurie a peck on the cheek before leaning toward his phone. "'La, paakyat na po ako, a? Maya na lang po ulit."

        "Goodluck, anak. Papa-record ko kay Tiyo mo, a? Palakasan na lang."

        Sabay silang natawa sa biling iyon ni Lola Pasing.

        Lee waved at Malie and Theo before heading toward the stage. On his way, he received a few "congratulations in advance" accompanied with pats on his back. Tumabi siya kay Sandro na katatapos lang ang set.

        "Pawis na pawis ka, e, R&B genre mo?" nakatawa niyang tanong.

        Sandro threw him a bewildered look. "Didn't you see me back there? I danced kaya."

        "Wala naman kasing nagsabi na sumayaw ka."

        "The song called for it, e," kibitbalikat nitong sabi. "Saka, I looked good naman so it's fine."

        Pinaningkitan niya ito ng mata. "Mga priorities mo talaga, kakaiba."

       "Seeing you came here with Laurie, I'm guessing things are good?"

       "Better pa nga," nangingiti niyang pag-amin. "Kayo no'ng fling mo?"

        "Hey, don't let her hear you call her that," saway nito bago sumimsim sa hawak na bottled water. "It's Axel, actually."

        "Aba, first time na may pinangalanan ka, a?" he teased.

        Sandro elbowed him. "Shut up. She's fun."

        "Kilala na ba ni Manager?"

        "They bumped into each other in the CR daw, ha-ha."

        "Uy, Kuya—" Sabay nilang nilingon ni Sandro si Junnie. "—congrats. Sorry, medyo late kami ng dating." Inakbayan at pinalapit nito ang girlfriend na si Alice.

        Because of her maxi dress, Alice's baby bump was very prominent. "Hi, good evening po." Nakipagkamay ito kay Sandro bago kay Lee. "Ay, share ko lang po na parang sumisipa si Baby 'pag tumutugtog 'yong 'Iyo' sa radyo."

        "Hindi nga?" Hindi makapaniwala itong tiningnan ni Lee. "Kung gusto mo, kuha kayo ng physical copy mamaya. Pasabihan na lang si Manager, libre na 'yon."

       "You are so easy," Sandro mumbled, chuckling.

        Junnie patted his shoulder again. "Kuya, hanap lang kami ng upuan, a?"

        Lee nodded. "Sige, see you mamaya." Nang makaalis ang dalawa, muli siyang bumaling kay Sandro. "Dapat 'di na niya sinama si Alice. Alam niyang maraming nagyoyosi, e."

        "Junnie said she insisted. Besides, there's a booth naman sa gilid. I think Manager reserved them a seat."

        Sandro finally bid him goodbye after receiving a text. Hula ni Lee ay galing iyon sa kinukuwento nito. Nasa gitna siya ng pagmumunimuni nang makita niyang pumanhik sa kabila ng stage ang emcees. The emcees did the usual: hyping the crowd while bantering with each other. A few minutes more and they started thanking sponsors.

        "Are you nervous?"

        Halos mapasapo si Lee sa dibdib sa gulat. "Manager naman. Kung alam mong kinakabahan ako, 'di mo na dapat ako ginulat."

       "Pumunta ako dito para bigyan ka ng pep talk pero mukhang 'di mo naman kailangan." Maliit na ngumiti si Charlotte. "Although, I'm still gonna ask just in case: hindi ka ba nao-overwhelm?"

        "Sakto lang kasi ilang beses naman na 'kong tumugtog dito," nakatawa niyang sagot.

        "Nervous?"

        "Sakto lang din. Pawalawala 'yong malamig na pawis sa palad ko, ha-ha."

        "That's good. Ayan 'yong tinatawag na good kind of nervous, 'yong magandang klase ng takot."

        "Charlotte," tawag dito ni Lee. Lukot ang noo nito nang lumingon sa kanya. "Gusto ko lang sanang mag-'thank you' ulit sa tiwala."

        "You're welcome," Charlotte said casually as she handed him his guitar. "Tulak lang naman kailangan mo. I think you've always been headed here."

        Smiling, Lee nodded. They faced the stage again after that.

       The emcees just unveiled the cover art and title: "Dear You". Hindi na siya sinubukan pang kontrahin ng manager noong meeting nila. Alam naman nitong buo na ang concept sa utak niya, e.

        Even the cover art was painted by Lee. Medyo basic nga lang iyon para sa kanya. It was just a page from his sketchbook in college. Some were just colored scribbles and doodles. Sa bandang gilid naman, naisama sa cropping iyong sketch niya ng singkit na mata ni Laurie.

        "Here to perform a new song from his new EP—" The emcees clapped and cued him in. "—Simeon Lee!"

        While walking, Lee held onto his guitar. Naningkit ang mga mata niya nang tumama sa kanya ang spotlight. Ipinangsangga niya ang kanang kamay. After that, he glanced at Jegs behind him. Ang Makamundo kasi ang tutugtog bilang backup niya.

        Lee gripped the mic when Jegs gave him a thumbs up. "Nasabi naman na lahat, 'no? Diretso tugtog na lang tayo?" Natawa siya nang makitang salubong ang kilay ni Charlotte. "Sorry, medyo nablangko ako. Sasabihin ko kasi sana na blood, sweat, and tears 'yong pinuhunan ko dito tapos na-realize ko na wala namang blood so ayon. . . sweat and tears lang pala."

        Tawanan ulit.

        "Itong 'Dear You' ay collection ng mga sinulat ko no'ng college so ngayon pa lang, kino-confirm ko nang oo, dedication 'tong buong EP para kay—" Lee's eyes looked for Laurie. Malawak siyang ngumiti. "—joke lang. 'Di naman natin kailangang makilala, 'di ba? Makikilala niyo naman siya 'pag pinakinggan niyo in order 'yong EP, ha-ha. Sorry ang cheesy pero 'yon, e. Gano'n, e."

        Delicately, he began strumming the guitar. The lights dimmed. Ang naiwan lang na nakasindi ay iyong nakatutok sa kanila sa stage. Muli niyang hinanap si Laurie. Hindi niya napigiliang matawa nang mahina sa mic.

        Nilingon niya sina Jegs. "Tugtog na tayo, 'no? Baka kung ano pa masabi ko, e."

        Momentarily, Lee let go of the guitar. Pasimple niyang hinila iyong neck tie. Bukod sa instruction ni Charlotte, medyo mahigpit din kasi talaga ang pagkakatali ni Laurie.

        "This one is entitled 'Forever Yours'."

        Tuluyang inalis ni Lee ang neck tie.

        Nagtilian.

        He quickly looked for Laurie in the crowd and mouthed: "O, 'di ba?"

        She responded by scrunching her nose.

        Muling hinapit ni Lee ang mic. "The first time our eyes met, I knew I was yours~"

        Tiningala niya ang spotlight.

—

        THE YELLOW streetlights near Cafuné never seemed brighter for Laurie. Kahit medyo malamlam, sapat na ang mga iyon para mapanood niya ang paminsanminsang paghumpay ng mga anino nila ni Lee. Katatapos lang ng launch pero nagdesisyon silang dumiretso sa café. Mag-uumaga na rin kasi.

        Laurie smiled when Lee pulled her close. "Antok ka na ba? Nakailang beer ka ba kanina?"

        "I'm fine." Saglit siyang huminto sa paghakbang para tanawin ang kalsada. "Nasaan pala sila Mal? They were right behind us."

        Besides Lee's successful launch, Laurie and Malie had something to celebrate. Habang abala si Lee sa workshops ay iyong partnership naman ang pinaghandaan nila nang ilang buwan. Naging malaking tulong iyong pag-promote ni Miss Himeko, pati na ang kay Lee. Tuloy ay nabawi nila ang mga ginastos sa ginawang pag-eexperiment sa menu.

        "Ay, nag-text nga pala si Theo. Bumili raw sila ng ice cream sa 7/11," tumatawang kuwento ni Lee. "Baka raw kasi umiyak si Mal kaya pinagbigyan na niya."

        "He really shouldn't have. Mayro'n naman sa café."

        "Mm-hmm."

        Sinulyapan niya ito. "You said we should celebrate your launch and the partnership. Bigla kang natahimik. Are you sleepy?"

        "Hindi, a," ungot nito. "Nagugutom na nga ako, e."

        "In that case, let's hurry u—"

        Laurie blinked. Maingat kasi siyang hinila ni Lee, dahilan upang muli siyang mapalingon dito.

        "Lau."

        "What?" She grabbed onto Lee's black blazer that perfectly hung on her shoulders. Umihip kasi ang hangin. Medyo mahamog iyon dahil pasado alas-kuwatro na ng umaga. "Bakit?"

       "'Yong babae kasi kanina, 'yong nagpa-picture—" Nilaro-laro nito ang kamay niya. "—namukhaan ka, tapos tinanong ako kung girlfriend kita."

        Napakainit sa pakiramdam ng kamay ni Lee. Pinisil iyon ni Laurie. She smiled upon realizing he didn't change much. His hand was still rough but warm. Harsh but tender. "What about it? Anong sinabi mo?"

        "Wala naman." Tumikhim ito at saka, muling ngumiti. Nalukot kasi ang noo niya. "Hindi pa kasi kita natatanong kung ano. . ."

        "What?"

        Laurie didn't even attempt to hide her smile. Lee was just too adorable. Naalala niya tuloy iyong unang beses siya nitong inayang maging girlfriend at tumanggi siya. Hindi pa kasi sila gaanong magkakilala noon. When he approached her again and proposed to get to know each other first, she agreed.

        Lee was the first person to suggest that. Sa lahat ng nanligaw sa kanya, ito lang din ang naglaan ng oras araw-araw, makilala lang siya.

        "So, ano nga?" Itinaas-baba nito ang mga kilay.

        "What?" Laurie asked, chuckling. "Ano bang tinatanong mo?"

        Pouting, Lee reached for her hand. Itinaas at ipinakita nito sa kanya ang magkahawak nilang kamay. "Ano nga?"

        She squeezed his hand again. "Mm-hmm."

        Lee skipped happily toward Cafuné. Magrereklamo sana si Laurie kaya lang, ngiting-ngiti ito. For the first time, she didn't have the heart to leave a snarky remark. Valentine's Day rin kasi. Wala naman silang plano. Baka nga matulog lang sila buong araw sa unit niya. Katatapos lang ng launch. Lee would be busy promoting for the rest of the month.

        If they were still in college, Laurie would have probably told him it was fine and then, secretly wish he wasn't busy.

        Meanwhile, Present Laurie was actually happy he would be busy for the whole month. May gimmick din kasi sila ni Malie buong February: weekly speed-dating event. Bukod doon, halos may booking ang Cafuné kada linggo.

        Nasa gitna si Laurie ng pagbubukas ng café nang makarinig sila ng busina. It was Theo's car. However, Theo and Malie weren't the only ones inside. Nasa back seat ang kakambal niya, kumakaway.

        Tumuloy sila ni Lee sa café.

        The door chimes twinkled and Laurie pointed at the light switch. "Paki-on naman, thank you."

        "Wait lang," untag ni Lee. "Saan tayo banda?"

        Pang-apatan lang kasi ang mga mesa.

        Nilibot ni Laurie ng tingin ang café. After that, she gestured at the coffee bar. "Help me push two tables together?" When Lee nodded, she grabbed chairs. Inayos nila ang mga iyon sa tabi ng coffee bar, doon banda sa nakasabit na painting ni Lee.

        Gamit ang mga daliri, sinuklay ni Lee ang buhok. "Ano pang kailangan?"

        Muling kumagingking ang door chimes. Magkasunod na pumasok sina Theo at Stefan.

        "Umupo ka na lang," nakangiting sabi ni Malie. Binuksan din nito ang aircon. "You're a customer today. Kami nang bahala ni Lauwie."

        "Hang on." Akmang aamba ito ng yakap kaya itinaas ni Laurie ang palad. "Are you sober?"

        "She's fine. I bought her two coffees from the vending machine," Theo mumbled before sitting down.

        Tumabi rito si Stefan. Laurie was about to ask why he showed up when he intentionally bumped his head on the table. Napatingin si Lee sa kakambal niya. "Okay ka lang, Stefan?"

        "Nope," sagot nito habang nakasubsob pa rin ang mukha sa mesa.

        "He's fine," Laurie told Lee. "He does that when he doesn't want to sleep."

        "Mag-ooffer sana ako ng kape pero parang need mo nang itulog 'yan," nakangiwing sabi ni Malie. "You can sleep by the couch. Idlip ka do'n, o."

        Stefan groaned.

        Theo brought his phone out and started typing. "He said he wanted to eat first before going home. Diretso tulog daw siya pag-uwi. Why are you looking at me like that?"

        "Nakuha mo 'yon sa ungol lang?" natatawang tanong ni Lee.

        Umiling ang lalaki. "No, he told me earlier."

        "A," ang tanging nasabi ni Lee.

        "Listen up," Laurie called everyone's attention. Itinuro niya ang overhead menu'ng tadtad ng "unavailable" sticker. "We only have two pasta available and two rice bowls. For the pasta, cheese tortellini, and carbonara lang ang available."

        Malambing na sumandal si Malie sa kanan niyang balikat. "Thai fried chicken lang available sa rice bowls, saka 'yong adobo."

        Itinaas ni Lee ang hintuturo. "Adobo rice bowl lang po sa 'kin, tapos iced tea."

        "Tortellini for me," said Theo. "And iced chocolate."

        "Same," Stefan seconded, prompting Laurie to knit her brows.

        "You're sleeping as soon as you get home, right?" She kicked her brother under the table. Nanatili kasi itong nakasubsob sa mesa. "You might get nightmares if you eat and sleep."

        "I am already in one, sis."

        Despite being dramatic, Laurie understood what he meant. The month of February in the publishing world is pretty competitive. Dahil buwan ng pag-ibig, kaliwa't kanan ang pagsasalibro ng romance books. Laurie couldn't blame Stefan for being competitive. Maliban sa dahilang nasa dugo na nila iyon, sadyang mahirap iwasang pagkakitaan ang Valentine's Day.

        Even Cafuné hopped on the bandwagon through heart-shaped decorations and pink drinks.

        "I'm not giving you a full serving, okay?" Laurie mumbled before throwing Theo a glance. "Please don't let him sleep."

        Laurie followed Malie to the coffee bar. Nang mapalingon sa best friend, napabuntonghininga siya. Nahihirapan na naman kasi itong itali ang apron. Walang-imik itong tinulungan ni Laurie. Afterward, they turned the stove on. Malie quickly took three glasses. Una nitong itinimpla iyong iced chocolate nina Theo at Stefan.

        Laurie, on the other hand, boiled the pasta. Pinagtulungan nila ang pagre-reheat ng garlic butter at carbonara sauce.

        "Sure na 'yong sa bakery, 'di ba?" tanong ni Malie habang binubuhusan ng sauce ang mga plato ng tortellini. "Grabe, mami-miss kong mag-bake."

        Laurie took two coffee mugs from the dish rack. "What do you mean?"

        "E, kasi bakery na 'yon? It just doesn't make sense, kung magbi-bake pa 'ko kahit may partnership na tayo sa kanila."

        "Mal, I like your baking and cooking. We already discussed this. Nakalimutan mo na ba?" Pinindot niya ang coffee grinder. "May specials tayo every week. I'm not letting you stop baking your strawberry chocolate."

        "E, Lauwie, baka langawin 'yong mga gawa ko," parang bata nitong ungot.

        "That won't happen." Laurie filled one of the mugs with Americano. Iyong para naman kay Malie ay hinaluan niya ng creamer at ilang scoop ng asukal. "Puro slices lang 'yong sa bakery. I think they're sending bread and ref cakes, too. Iba pa rin 'yong sarili nating gawa."

        "That's true. Maraming may gusto ng signature blend mo, e, saka 'yong recipe natin ng tortellini."

        "Here you go." Itinulak niya papunta rito iyong isa sa coffee mugs. Malie looked at her weirdly. "What?"

        Ngumuso ito sa hawak niyang mug. "Nasa'n 'yong thermos mo?"

        "I didn't bring it. Hindi mo rin naman pinupuno," nakangiwi niyang sabi na ikinatawa ni Malie.

        Little by little, they brought the food to the table. Lee took the drinks from the counter. Ito na rin ang kumuha at nagbigay ng utensils. Nang makumpleto ang hapag, sinipa ni Laurie si Stefan sa ilalim ng mesa. Kaagad naman itong nagpungas.

        Stefan rolled his sleeves. "Ako ba magli-lead ng prayer?"

        "You pray?" Laurie teased as she sat beside Lee.

        Her twin made a face. "But seriously, ano bang religion niyo? 'Di ba talaga tayo magdadasal?"

        Nakarinig sila ng pagkalansing. Napalingon sila kay Theo. Ngumunguya na ito ng pasta. "What?"

        "Fuck it, gutom na rin ako." Tinusok ni Stefan ang kapirasong pasta at saka, suminghap. "God, this is good. Wait, this is free, right?"

        "Pinagbabayad ka ni Lau?" tanong ni Lee.

        "Ikaw ba, hindi?" gulat na tanong ng kapatid niya. Lalong naningkit ang mga mata nito sa nalaman. "What the fuck, Lau? Ang daya naman."

        Laurie just smiled sweetly. Itinuon niya ang atensyon sa kaharap na plato ng carbonara. Immediately, she stabbed the tiny bits of mushroom. She put them on the side of her plate. Kaswal namang kinuha ni Lee ang mga iyon.

        "Oo nga pala," panimula ni Malie. "Balak naming mag-order ng crystal chandelier next, next month."

        "I thought you said they were tacky," Theo muttered.

        Sumimsim si Malie ng kape. "Sino nagsabi?"

        Tumuro si Theo kay Laurie. "When did I say that?"

        "At Alejandro's, you said they were pretentious."

        "No, I didn't."

        "May kakilala si Dad." Itinaas-baba pa ni Stefan ang mga kilay habang sinasabi iyon. "How big do you want it? You should buy a huge one, 'yong sakop na buong café."

        "Lagi namang may kakilala si Dad," Laurie hummed.

        She and her dad haven't really talked much. They're still navigating things. One time, her dad dropped by the café. Ito ang nag-deliver sa kanya ng pangakong wine ni Stefan. Inalok niya ito ng breakfast sa café pero tumanggi ito.

        Kape na lang daw. That morning, Laurie made him her signature blend. She swore she saw him smile.

        "A big one would look tacky," Theo said, referring to chandeliers.

        "Oo nga, saka masyadong agaw-pansin 'yon," buntonghiningang sabi ni Malie. "Mas oki siguro kung sakto lang. 'Di naman kailangan na grand, saka ang gastos din no'n sa kuryente."

        Uminom si Laurie ng kape. Gumuhit ang init niyon mula sa lalamunan hanggang sa tiyan niya. She glanced at Lee and leaned toward him. "You're quiet. Are you okay?"

        "Gutom lang," ngumunguya nitong sagot. "Ngayon ko lang naalala na 'di pala ako nakakain nang maayos kanina sa bar."

        "Is the food good?"

        "Mm-hmm." Lumunok ito. "O-order-in ko sana 'yong pasta na gawa mo, kaso mas mabigat sa tiyan, e."

        Mahinang natawa si Laurie. "It's fine."

        Walang-sabing sinilip ni Lee ang coffee mug niya. "Siguro naman, hindi mo 'to pinuno?"

        Umiling siya. "Around one-fourth lang." She twirled the pasta around her fork. "Ugh," she groaned upon realizing she ate a mushroom.

        "Bakit?"

        "Mushroom."

        "Akin na nga."

        Grinning, Lee took her plate. Muli nitong hinimay ang bawat hibla ng pasta. Lahat ng makikitang mushroom ay tinusok at kinain nito. Tahimik itong pinanuod ni Laurie. Hours ago, she watched him pour his heart out onstage yet somehow, the scene before her was much more endearing.

        Napaiismid kasi si Lee kada ngunguyain nito iyong mushroom na nahuli. Cringing made his eye whiskers appear, slightly obscuring the mole by his left eye.

        "That's enough," Laurie told him, chuckling. "I can manage."

        "Saka mo binawi kung kailan ubos na," tumatawa rin nitong sabi, sabay tulak ng pinggan niya.

        Laurie sat up straight. Medyo bumibigat na rin ang mga mata niya sa antok. The conversations began fading in the background. Nagtatanong lang naman si Theo tungkol sa pamahiing binabangungot ang mga natutulog nang busog. Pati si Lee, nakisama sa pagpapaliwanag. He even mentioned a neighbor in the province who died while sleeping.

        Sighing, Laurie glanced outside the café. May sumisilip nang mga sinag ng araw. She checked her watch. It was almost 5:30 AM. Balak niya sanang pauwiin na sina Theo, Stefan, at Malie pero nauwi na sa mga multo ang usapan.

        Binangga ni Lee ang balikat niya. "Antok ka na?"

        "Not really. I just realized it's morning now," she mumbled, staring into her almost-empty coffee mug.

        Laurie wasn't the sentimental type but she felt her eyes glisten as she looked around the table. Nagkalat ang mga baso, mangkok, at plato. There were water rings, too. She had to gulp to choke her tears. Medyo matagal na kasi mula noong makarinig siya ng ingay sa hapagkainan. Ni hindi nga niya maalala ang huling beses na nagsalo sila ng daddy niya.

        "Lee?"

        "Hmm?"

        "Nothing," she lied with a smile.

        Laurie drank the rest of her coffee. Pinanatili niya ang isang kamay sa gilid ng mug habang ang isa naman ay hawak ni Lee. Nagsimula siyang magkumpara. Ubos na kasi ang kape niya. Kanina pa dumausdos pababa sa tiyan niya.

        But oddly enough, she still felt warm.

        It wasn't the coffee-burning-the-tongue kind of burn, though. Pinisil niyang muli ang kamay ni Lee. Lalo lang uminit ang pakiramdam niya. Naging kasingbanayad ng kapeng tama lang ang temperatura. It was as if the warmth nestled in the pit of her stomach, filling and satisfying something invisible.

        Her soul.

        Pero kaya naman palang mabusog ng kaluluwa niya. Hindi lang pala si Lee ang sagot. All along, it was supposed to be Lee and coffee. Hindi pala pupuwedeng wala ang isa.

        "Uy, bakit?" he asked again, still smiling. "Kanina mo pa 'ko tinitingnan."

        Nanubig ang mga mata niya. "I just wanted to say 'thanks'."

        "Para saan?"

        "I don't really know." Nagkibitbalikat siya kahit malinaw naman kung ano ang ipinagpapasalamat niya. "Happy Valentine's Day, though."

        For a second, Lee looked worried and confused. Saka lang ito ngumiti nang ngumiti rin siya. "Okay, 'di ako mangungulit. Happy Valentine's Day din."

        Laurie breathed in deeply, catching a faint whiff of Lee's fabcon. Paulit-ulit siyang suminghap. It was an attempt to memorize his scent; to be accustomed to his permanence in Cafuné; in her life.

        People say absence makes the heart grow fonder. In a way, it did for Lee and Laurie. Lalo kasi silang rumupok at lumambot para sa isa't isa.

        "What's with you two?" Si Stefan. "Kanina pa kayo nagbubulungan d'yan. Care to share with the rest of the class?"

        Chuckling to herself, Laurie turned to Lee. Nangingiti itong umiling sa kapatid niya. Pagkatapos niyon ay pinakiramdaman niya ang sarili.

        Her poor heart's definitely fonder now. It's braver, too.#