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“Jia, wait for me here, alright? May ayusin lang si Papa sa kitchen.” Baekhyun said at agad namang tumango ang anak niyang busy magcolor sa drawing pad niya. Baekhyun smiled as she watched her daughter and he couldn’t help but press a loving kiss sa ulo ni Jia. She is really the spitting image of him. Sometimes, he couldn’t help but think na sana kamukha na lang ito ng namayapa niyang asawa , but then he remembered how happy Joon was when he saw that Jia looks like him. 

With that thought in mind, Baekhyun slipped out of the booth where his daughter was sitting and went to the kitchen para kunin ‘yung binake niya na cookies. It has been ten minutes noong ipinasok niya sa oven ‘yung ginawa niyang chocolate chip cookies. He bakes them in just ten minutes under 350 degree Fahrenheit to achieve the perfect texture — crispy ang outside but chewie ang inside.

His small bakeshop was situated sa gitna ng business district. Madaming mga cafe around the area pero madami-dami din naman ang loyal customers ni Baekhyun. Sa tingin niya, nagugustuhan ng mga ito ang homey ambiance sa baekshop niya. Isa pa, hindi ito katulad ng mga chains of cafes na nandoon sa business district, it is a family-owned business na si Baekhyun ang nag-aasikaso. His cousin helps around bilang waiter and barista since around the corner lang din ang University na pinapasukan nito. Sehun is very helpful. Ito nga ang sumusundo kay Jia sa school while Baekhyun looks after the bakeshop.

Ang routine nilang mag-ama araw-araw ay gumising ng maaga to prepare for Jia’s school. She’s already six and she’s in the first grade kaya hanggang tanghali lang ang pasok nito. Baekhyun prepares for the bread and cookies sa gabi, ginagawa na niya yung mga dough and batter sa gabi kasi madami siyang inaasikaso sa umaga. It’s better that way din since it makes the dough and batter rest well before baking. After sending Jia to school, pumupunta si Baekhyun sa bakeshop niya to open it. It was a walking distance lang naman sa school ni Jia, kung saan doon din pumapasok si Sehun. The school offers preschool to college kaya naman maswerte pa rin si Baekhyun since nandoon si Sehun para tingnan-tingnan si Jia.

Hanggang tanghali, Baekhyun prepares the bakeshop and bakes the bread. Sa mga oras na ‘yon, madami-daming customers na din ang bumibisita sa shop niya kasi niya nasa business district sila kung saan maraming workers and students na kailangan ng instance caffeine boost para maka-function. While Baekhyun lets the pastries bake, siya din ang nag-maman ng counter at nagtitimpla ng mga orders na coffee. Kaya naman niya since he has been doing that for the last four years.

One year after his husband died, itinayo niya ang cafe. He needs a job with a steady income at perfect ito since Hotel and Restaurant Management ang tinapos ni Baekhyun. Besides, owning a business is better than working in a company. That way, he has total control over his time. Mahalaga ‘yon para sa isang parent na katulad niya — lalo pa at single parent na siya.

When lunch time comes, dumadating na si Sehun kasama si Jia. Baekhyun prepares for their food sa kitchen habang si Sehun naman ang tumatao sa counter. Sehun always make sure na hanggang tanghali lang ang kukunin niyang schedule sa school. Kaya naman three am palang ay pumipila na siya sa registrar tuwing enrollment period to make sure na makakakuha siya ng magandang schedule para naman matulungan niya ang Kuya Baekhyun niya.

When Baekhyun first knew it, he cried and sinabihan si Sehun na hindi naman nito responsibilidad na alagaan sila ni Jia, but Sehun brushed him off and told him na noong bata siya, si Baekhyun ang nag-alaga sa kanya since his parents died in a car accident at kinupkop ito ng parents ni Baekhyun. Hindi din naman responsibilidad ni Baekhyun noon na alagaan si Sehun pero he did it kaya naman it’s his turn to help his Kuya Baek. Upon hearing all of those, lalo lang naiyak si Baekhyun. Tinatry niyang maging malakas para sa anak niya pero hearing those words from Sehun relieved him somehow. Narealize niya na hindi naman kailangang lagi siyang malakas, he could lean on Sehun. He could lean on other people.

After Baekhyun took all of the cookies out of the oven, dinala niya ito sa harap at idinisplay na. It was his second batch of the day. Maliit lang ang baekshop niya kumpara sa mga cafe na katabi niya pero his pastries and coffees are one of a kind. It’s a taste that would make you remember home, malayo sa detached na taste ng mga pastries ng mga coffee shops sa tabi niya. The homely taste of his pastries are what the customers kept coming back to.

Paglabas ni Baekhyun, natanaw niya agad ang pila sa may counter. Inilagay niya ang cookies sa display case. After doing that, lumapit siya kay Sehun na busy mag-take ng order at maggawa ng coffees at the same time. Tatlo lang naman ang nakapila kaya naman kayang-kaya iyon ni Sehun.

“Do you need help?” Bulong ni Baekhyun kay Sehun. Agad naman itong umiling and he gestured with his head to Jia’s direction. Baekhyun looked at his daughter and saw that she was once again sitting together with Chanyeol . 

“Kaya ko na, Kuya. Punta ka na doon kay Jia.” Tumango si Baekhyun at lumapit sa anak niya at kay Chanyeol, Jia’s friend.

Chanyeol and Jia met right here, in Baekhyun’s cafe. Matagal nang napapansin ni Baekhyun noon si Chanyeol since he always comes alone and he sits silently on his own. Lagi pang nakakunot ang noo nito tuwing papasok sa bakeshop niya na para bang pasan nito ang mundo. Well, it may look like that once he got to know Chanyeol. Chanyeol and Baekhyun were the same age pero itong si Chanyeol ay CEO na ng sarili niyang kompanya at his age. He was working around the corner lang din kaya lagi itong tambay sa maliit na bakeshop ni Baekhyun. Chanyeol is a known person, ito ang nagunguna sa list ng mga most liked bachelor sa Pilipinas. Being a CEO of a well-known accounting company has its own perks and cons. The cons being the stress.

Kaya naman naiintindihan ni Baekhyun kung bakit palaging nakakunot ang noo nito. The first time he saw Chanyeol smile was when Jia sat next to him and told him na masama mag-frown kasi nakaka-wrinkles. Nag-iisang customer ito noon at lalapitan na sana ni Baekhyun ang anak niya para sawayin ito kasi baka ma-offend si Chanyeol when he saw him laughing. 

Baekhyun had been stunned. First time niyang makita noon na tumatawa si Chanyeol and it was because of his daughter. His lovely daughter. The thought that Jia could make someone else’s day besides Baekhyun’s was enough to send a heartwarming feeling in Baekhyun’s heart. He was so proud of his daughter. 

But also, Chanyeol Park was so much more handsome when he’s smiling.

Nagmumukha kasi itong approachable, malayo sa intimidating aura niya. It makes him look like a normal person, ‘yung pwede mong maging kaibigan.

It has been almost a year simula noong maging magkaibigan si Jia at si Chanyeol. Simula noong pinansin nito ang frown ni Chanyeol, lagi na itong nakangiti kapag papasok ng bakeshop ni Baekhyun. Masasabi na nga ni Baekhyun na si Chanyeol na ang most loyal customer niya kasi hindi talaga matatapos ang araw ng hindi ito dumadaan sa bakeshop ni Baekhyun.

At four thirty o’clock, on the dot, lagi itong dumadating sa bakeshop para bumili ng paborito nitong chocolate chip cookie at Americano with extra four shots of espresso. When Baekhyun first heard his order, ngumiwi siya na nakapagpataas ng kilay ni Chanyeol. In Baekhyun’s defense, sobrang pait noon. Pero simula noong naging magkaibigan sila ni Jia, hindi na lamang ang coffee at pastry ang ipinupunta niya sa bakeshop ni Baekhyun. He also goes there for Jia.

Now, Baekhyun was wary of strangers, especially around his daughter. But there’s just something about Chanyeol that Baekhyun couldn’t explain. 

Simula noong namatay ang tatay niya, Jia had been different. Sure, she was still the same sweet girl that Baekhyun adores pero halata mo na malungkot ito. She wasn’t smiling as much as she used to.

Not until Chanyeol.

The CEO just makes his daughter happy at ayaw naman iyong pigilan ni Baekhyun. He will do anything to make his only daughter happy. 

Dahil sa friendship ni Jia at ni Chanyeol, naging close na din si Baekhyun sa CEO. He even has Chanyeol’s personal number at mandalas din ay magkatext sila. Mostly, tungkol kay Jia pero minsan ay nagkukumustahan din sila like normal friends. Chanyeol became an extension for their little family. Alam din nito ang nangyari sa tatay ni Jia. For the past one year, nakilala ni Chanyeol at ni Baekhyun ang isa’t isa on a personal level. 

Alam ni Chanyeol ang past ni Baekhyun at alam din ni Baekhyun ang past ni Chanyeol. Alam ni Baekhyun na hindi naman talaga gusto ni Chanyeol na manahin ang kompanya nila. That’s not what his dreams are. Hindi niya pinangarap na umupo behind a desk all day pero wala naman siyang choice. Nag-iisang anak siya ng mga magulang niya at ayaw naman din niyang mapunta sa iba ang pinaghirapan ng mga ito. So, he had to give up his dreams to be a singer. 

Bukod kay Sehun ay naging katulong na din niya si Chanyeol sa pag-aalaga kay Jia. Tuwing pumupunta kasi ito sa bakeshop ay tinutulungan nito si Jia sa mga assignments niya, especially Math. Bilang CEO ng isang malaking accounting company, halimaw si Chanyeol sa Math, not to mention na siya din ang topnotcher sa Licensure Exam ng Accountancy noon. Madali lang naman ang mga assignments ni Jia considering the fact that she’s still in grade school, but still, malaking tulong na ‘yon kay Baekhyun. That way, hindi na niya kailangang kumuha ng tutor at nakakatipid din sila sa oras kasi pag-uwi, maglalaro na lang si Jia habang nagluluto siya ng dinner at hindi na nito kailangang problemahin ang assignments niya.

The only problem with Chanyeol and Jia’s closeness is the fact na baka Jia would start thinking of Chanyeol as a father figure. Masakit mawalan ng asawa, pero mas masakit mawalan ng ama. Lalo pa at sobrang bata pa ni Jia. She may have just been two years old when she lost her father, but it was a big impact in her life. Ayaw naman niyang maulit ‘yung feeling na ‘yon kapag nagkapamilya si Chanyeol and he stopped spending time with Jia.

Isa pa, Baekhyun was slowly getting attached and used to Chanyeol’s presence in their life too.

“Hi.” Bati ni Baekhyun at umupo sa harap ng magkatabing si Chanyeol at Jia. Busyng-busy ang dalawa sa assignment ni Jia na hindi man lang nila napansin ang pag-upo ni Baekhyun sa harap nila. Both Chanyeol and Jia looked up because of the sound of his voice. Napangiti naman si Baekhyun nang mapansin ang carefree at satisfied na mga ngiti sa labi ng dalawa. They looked so happy while spending time together and it made Baekhyun’s heart skip a beat.

“Papa!”  “Hi, B.” Sabay na bati ng dalawa and Baekhyun smiled at them.

“Anong ginagawa niyo?” Baekhyun asked as he took a peek sa ginagawa ni Chanyeol at ni Jia.

“It’s drawing. I know you’re bad at drawing, Papa. Kaya Uncle Chanyeol will help me.” Jia said and Baekhyun pouted, almost offended sa sinabi ng anak niya. Pero hindi naman kasi ito nagsisinungaling and they all knew that. Chanyeol laughed upon seeing Baekhyun’s face. Kapag talaga nasa loob ito ng bakeshop ni Baekhyun, hindi niya mapigilan ang sarili niya na mapangiti. 

“Your Papa’s very good at baking though. We all have things we’re good and bad at, Jia, but that doesn’t mean we’re worth any less than others.” Mahabang paliwanag ni Chanyeol. Jia was looking at him seriously, nakikinig sa mga sinasabi ni Chanyeol. Napangiti na lamang si Baekhyun habang pinapanood ang dalawa. Napaka-matured na bata kasi ni Jia for her age na hindi na kailangan ni Chanyeol na pa-simplehin ang mga words niya para maintindihan nito. Baekhyun is very proud of his daughter.

“Okay, Uncle.” Jia said while pouting at napatawa nalang si Chanyeol kasi kamukhang-kamukha ito ng Papa niya na kanina lang ay naka-pout din. Jia turned to her Papa and with a soft voice, she said, “Sorry, Papa.”

Baekhyun pat Jia in the head as he smiled. “It’s okay, baby.” Baekhyun then turned to Chanyeol and mouthed, “Thank you.”

Chanyeol just winked at him and Baekhyun pursed his lips, stopping himself from smiling.

Now this, this is something that worries Baekhyun too.

He was starting to get attached to Chanyeol.

Lumaki si Baekhyun sa paniniwala na may nakalaan para sa lahat na isang tao. He believes in the concept of soulmates. When he met his late husband, Baekhyun thought that he found his  soulmate. That he found the one. Hanggang ngayon naman ay naniniwala pa rin siya that Joon was the one for him.

But if Joon was the one, why was he slowly falling for Chanyeol?

He doesn’t know if it was because he saw how great Chanyeol acts around Jia or what. Chanyeol acts like a great father figure to Jia, but then again, kahit wala itong ginagawa ay naiisip pa rin siya ni Baekhyun. He doesn’t know how it started, but before he knew it, iniintay na niya ang mga texts ni Chanyeol. He was looking forward to four thirty o’clock kasi dadating na si Chanyeol sa oras na ‘yon. He doesn’t know when it started, but it just did.

One day, hinahanap-hanap na niya ang presence ni Chanyeol.

And it scares him. It scares Baekhyun so much. Wouldn’t it betray the vows he had promised to Joon? Falling in love with Chanyeol would betray everything Baekhyun stands for. Na hindi pala totoo ang the one. Na baka hindi naman pala totoo na may nakalaan na isang tao para sayo.

Isa pa, he has a kid. Chanyeol is a perfect man, bakit naman niya gugustuhin makipag-relasyon sa isang katulad niya, hindi ba? He could have anyone he wants. ‘Yung walang past kagaya niya. Heck, he was a widower and a single parent. Hindi naman ‘yon masama, pero madaming nag-iintay na mapansin ni Chanyeol na hindi kagaya niya na may baggage na kasama.

Chanyeol and Jia went back to what they were working on at umalis na din si Baekhyun sa table after making sure that the two were comfortable. Bumalik siya sa tabi ni Sehun. Wala nang mga customers kaya naman free na si Sehun na makipag-kwentuhan sa pinsan niya.

Baekhyun sighed pagkaupong-pagkaupo niya sa chair sa may tabi ni Sehun, his gaze trained to Chanyeol and Jia that were giggling about something. Medyo malayo kasi sila kaya hindi niya marinig.

Sumandal si Baekhyun sa balikat ni Sehun and the latter stifled a giggle. “Ano, Kuya? Okay pa ba?” Baekhyun grumbled at kinurot ng mahina ang tagiliran ni Sehun. Imbes na magreklamo dahil kinurot siya ni Baekhyun, he just laughed.

“Sehun,” Baekhyun whined, dragging the last syllable of Sehun’s name like a child throwing a tantrum. 

“Ano, Kuya?” Ginaya ni Sehun ang pag-drawl out ni Baekhyun ng last syllable, nang-aasar. Alam kasi nito ang naiisip ng pinsan niya habang nakatingin kay Jia at kay Chanyeol. Wala naman kasing ibang mapapagsabihan si Baekhyun. Hindi kasi ito palakaibigan noon, mahiyain siya. Joon was his only friend kaya naman he was lost noong mawala ito. He lost his husband and his only friend. Buti na lamang at may Jia siya. She grounds Baekhyun. She was the reason why Baekhyun never gave up.

And now, si Jia din ang dahilan bakit namomroblema si Baekhyun.

Bakit naman kasi sa adults pa nagustuhan ni Jia na makipagkaibigan! And not just any adults. A handsome and kind adult who treats his daughter like his own kid. 

“I don’t know what to do. What if hindi ko nalang isama si Jia dito?”

Sehun scoffed. “What? Iiwan mo ang pamangkin ko sa bahay? Are you hearing yourself, Kuya? Isa pa, how sure are you na titigil na ‘yan kakapunta dito if wala si Jia? For all I know, ikaw din ang isang ipinupunta niya dito.” Sehun whispered the last part at kahit magkatabi sila ni Baekhyun, hindi niya ‘yon narinig kasi sobrang hina.

“Anong sabi mo, Se?”

“Wala.” Humiwalay si Baekhyun sa pagkakasandal kay Sehun at tiningnan ito ng masama.

“Sabihin mo, isa.” Sehun chuckled nervously at iniwas ang tingin sa Kuya Baekhyun niya. Pilit namang hinahabol ni Baekhyun ang mata ni Sehun and when the latter felt tired dodging his cousin’s questioning gaze, he sighed at tiningnan si Baekhyun ng deretso sa mata.

“Sabi ko, isa ka din sa dahilan ng pagpunta niya dito.” Baekhyun’s eyes widened and he opened his mouth to answer, but he couldn’t find his voice so isinara niya ulit ang bibig niya only to open it again. He looked like a fish gaping because it was out of the water and he looked so funny in Sehun’s eyes na pinapanood siya with an amused gaze. Super halata ng pinsan niya. When couldn’t find the right words to say, he settled with a nervous chuckle.

“Don’t say things like that.” Baekhyun said as he touched his chest, sobrang bilis ng tibok ng puso niya. It has been five years noong huli niya ‘yung naramdaman. All his life, alam niya lang kiligin dahil kay Joon. He was his first boyfriend at swerte niya na ito na din ang naging asawa niya.

Akala niya noon ay makakasama niya si Joon hanggang sa pagtanda, but then he was suddenly diagnosed with lung cancer, stage two na noong malaman nila. Joon doesn’t smoke, but his father smokes a lot. He got the cancer because of secondhand smoke na nalalanghap niya sa paligid niya growing up. 

They tried a lot of treatments pero wala naman kasing cure ang cancer. It was a deadly disease. Mabilis kumalat ang cancer sa katawan ni Joon and before they knew it, they were already burying him. Swerte pa nga sila kasi umabot si Joon hanggang maging dalawang taon ang anak nila. Some people don't even get that chance. 

Feeling kilig seems so wrong when it’s not because of his husband. It felt wrong. It felt almost illegal.

Sehun sighed. “Kuya, didn’t you remember na noong nagkasakit ka, he insisted on sending me and Jia home kasi gusto niyang ma-check ka? Nakakalimutan mo na ba ang maraming times na binibisita ka niya dito para dalhan ng lunch kapag nalelate kami ni Jia? If he’s just here because of your daughter, he wouldn’t do any of that.”

Ipinilig ni Baekhyun ang ulo niya at muling tumingin sa gawi ni Chanyeol at ni Jia. This time, he caught Chanyeol looking at him. Imbes na umiwas ng tingin, Chanyeol waved and smiled at him. Para hindi mahalata ang kaba niya, Baekhyun did the same. Muling ibinalik ni Chanyeol ang tingin niya sa worksheet ni Jia at napahinga naman ng malalim si Baekhyun.

“He shouldn’t.” Maikli at mahinang sagot nito.

Sehun shrugged. “But he wants to, Kuya. Is that so wrong?”

“Sehun, you don’t understand.” Hinilamos ni Baekhyun ang mukha niya, too tired and stressed kasi ilang beses na din naman nila itong napag-usapan ni Sehun. He also talked to Joon about it one time when he was visiting him alone. Ayaw naman niyang marinig ni Jia ang mga sasabihin niya kasi sure siya na maiintindihan na ito ng anak niya.

“Then make me understand kasi hindi ko talaga magets ang point mo, Kuya.”

“I’m married, Sehun.”

“Was.”

“I have a kid.”

“And that kid loves Chanyeol. Chanyeol loves Jia too, alam mo ‘yan , Kuya.”

“It’s wrong.”

“And care to explain why?”

“Because!” Frustrated na sagot ni Baekhyun. “Kasi iisang tao lang ang nakalaan para sa atin and that’s Joon for me. How can it be anyone else?”

Sehun sighed and reached for Baekhyun’s hand. He squeezed it gently, trying his best to comfort his cousin kasi alam niya na nahihirapan na din ito. It has been three months since he started feeling something for Chanyeol. Alam niya kung gaano ka-stressed ang pinsan niya dahil dito. He was trying his best to help, pero ano ba ang magagawa niya? Sa huli, si Baekhyun lang din ang makakatulong sa sarili niya. Ang puso niya lang din ang makakaalam ng sagot na matagal na niyang hinahanap.

“Kuya, I do believe in soulmates too. But there are different kinds of soulmates. What if Kuya Joon was just your platonic soulmate? I’m not saying that he’s not the right guy for you, but what if he wasn’t the one? Hindi naman madali ang pag-ibig. I know it’s hard, but that’s what makes it worth it, right? Losing Kuya Joon was hard, I know. Hanggang ngayon hindi ko pa din ma-grasp ‘yung reality na wala na siya, but you shouldn’t close your doors on love, Kuya. Baka sa kakaisip mo na siya na ang the one, hindi mo na makita ‘yung totoong the one. See it for yourself muna? If you’re worried about Kuya Joon, don’t be. I know he will be happy to know if maay bagong nagpapangiti sayo. I know because he told me that bago siya mawala. He said that I have to make sure that you’re always smiling kahit hindi na siya ang dahilan.”

Baekhyun’s lips wobbled upon hearing those words from Sehun. He’s just in his thirties pero ang dami na agad niyang pinagdaanan. Masyado siyang maaga na nabyuda, pero what if lahat ng ‘yon ay nangyari to lead him to something else? It feels bad to even think like that, but what if? Hindi naman gusto ni Baekhyun na isipin na namatay ang asawa niya para makilala niya si Chanyeol, but what if Chanyeol was his only chance at love again?

Joon might be the right one, but what if he wasn’t the one?

It hurts Baekhyun to think like that, but he was so confused. Simula noong nakilala niya si Joon noong college ay ito lamang ang lalaking minahal niya. Falling in love with someone else, it was something that Baekhyun never thought he would do. He thought he would spend his lifetime loving Joon, but losing him really hurt. Baekhyun had never felt those same kinds of butterflies again.

Not until Chanyeol.

Chanyeol, who slowly bonded with his daughter. Chanyeol, who wormed his way into his heart and into his mind. Chanyeol, who offered him his arms noong nagkekwento siya tungkol sa namayapa niyang asawa. Chanyeol, who was the reason why Baekhyun was even rethinking about his whole stance at the one.

Baekhyun looked over to where Chanyeol and Jia are seated at nakita niya na ginulo ni Chanyeol ang buhok ni Jia playfully. Normally, Jia would throw a fit if someone did that to her hair. Ayaw nito na pinapakealaman ang buhok niya. The only person who was allowed to touch her hair was her Papa. Kapag nga si Sehun ang gumagawa noon ay umiiyak ito. Pero si Chanyeol, wala man lang reaksyon si Jia. Tumawa pa nga ito. It made Baekhyun smile too.

And all of a sudden, it made him realize something.

He’s in love with Chanyeol.

“Sehun.” Halos walang hiningang sambit ni Baekhyun, his eyes wide and full of unshed tears as he looked at his cousin. “Shit, I fell in love with someone else.”

Sehun smiled, proud na narealize na ni Baekhyun ang feelings niya. Sobrang tagal na nitong in denial sa nararamdaman niya kay Chanyeol and he was just patiently waiting for his cousin to figure it all out. Naiintindihan niya naman. It was a lot to process. To think that he was in love again was not that easy to process. Lalo pa at kinasal ito kay Joon, may anak pa silang dalawa. Baekhyun lived his life thinking that the only man he would ever love was Joon, but then suddenly, there’s Chanyeol. Surely, it would throw anyone off the axis too.

Sasagot pa sana si Sehun sa pinsan niya pero nakita niya na papalapit sa kanila si Chanyeol so Sehun kept his mouth shut and gestured to his cousin na papalapit si Baekhyun.

Baekhyun’s eyes widened even more. He was spiraling. Kakarealize niya lang na may feelings siya kay Chanyeol at ngayon ay papalapit na ito sa kanya. Hindi niya alam ang gagawin. He was clutching his apron so hard that his knuckles were turning white.

Huminga ng malalim si Baekhyun, tinatry na pakalmahin ang sarili niya. It’s not everyday that you realize that you’re in love with someone else other than your late husband. But before Baekhyun knew it, Chanyeol was already in front him.

“Hi, B.” Bati ni Chanyeol.

“Hi.” Baekhyun answered in a high pitched tone, medyo pumiyok pa ito and Sehun stifled a laughter. Sobrang halata talaga ng pinsan niya kapag kinakabahan. Napapikit nalang si Baekhyun, silently cursing himself kasi ipinahiya na naman niya ang sarili niya. Hindi niya tuloy napansin ang fond na ngiti ni Chanyeol sa kanya. But Sehun did. 

“Can I talk to you?” Tanong ni Chanyeol, mukhang medyo kinakabahan ang boses. Napakunot naman ang noo ni Baekhyun. Suddenly, hindi na siya kinakabahan dahil sa nararamadaman niya. Medyo kinakabahan na lang siya sa sasabihin ni Chanyeol. Sobrang seryoso kasi nito and it was the first time that Baekhyun saw him nervous. He was shifting on his feat, clearly anxious about something. 

“Sure.” Agad na sagot ni Baekhyun. Tumingin naman si Chanyeol kay Sehun at ngumiti ng matipid dito. Sehun just nodded his head, naiintindihan na niya ang gustong sabihin ni Chanyeol. Sehun stood up from where he was seated.

“Alone sana?” Baekhyun looked at Sehun na naghahanda na umalis.

“I’ll be with Jia.” Huling sambit ni Sehun bago ito umalis at nilapitan ang pamangkin niya na ngayon ay muling nagcocolor na ulit sa drawing pad niya since tapos na ito sa mga assignment niya.

When Baekhyun was sure na ayos na si Sehun with Jia, muli niyang nilingon si Chanyeol na hanggang ngayon ay halata pa rin ang kaba sa mukha. Lalo lang kumunot ang noo ni Baekhyun. Kinakabahan na din siya. He’s worried na baka sasabihin na ni Chanyeol na hindi na siya makakapunta doon sa cafe kasi he’s in a relationship na. Paano sasabihin ni Baekhyun sa anak niya na hindi na siya madadalaw ng paborito niyang Uncle bukod kay Sehun? Paano na pag hinahanap sa kanya ni Jia si Chanyeol? Isa pa, paano na ang feelings niya?

He was starting to overthink kaya bago pa man siya malason ng utak niya ng lubos ay huminga siya ng malalim at nginitian ng maliit si Chanyeol.

“Doon tayo sa office ko.”

Baekhyun ushered Chanyeol at the back of the bakeshop kung nasaan ang maliit niyang office. Maliit lang naman ito pero may table siya doon para sa mga documents na kailangan niyang reviewhin para sa bakeshop like deliveries and such, at meron din doong sofabed. Minsan kasi ay nakakatulog si Jia sa paghihintay sa kanya kaya naman minabuti niya na bumili ng sofabed para pag nakatulog ang anak niya ay hindi ito magiging uncomfortable.

Nang makapasok sila sa office ay sinasara na ni Baekhyun ang pinto. Chanyeol was standing in the middle of the room, looking around as if familiarizing himself with the place. Baekhyun cleared his throat at tumingin naman si Chanyeol sa kanya. He gestured to the sofabed. Chanyeol took a seat, slowly as if he was scared that one wrong move and Baekhyun would kick him out of his office. He looked like a high schooler na nahuli ng principal na naninigarilyo sa labas ng school, malayo sa stoic image niya as a powerful CEO. It made Baekhyun smile a little.

“So, ano ‘yung sasabihin mo?” Tanong ni Baekhyun. Hindi na kasi siya makahintay. The suspense was killing him.

Chanyeol took a deep breathe bago siya tumingin kay Baekhyun.

“I know this might sound sudden, but I want to court you.” Baekhyun gasped upon hearing it. He was not expecting that. Malayong-malayo doon ang expectation niya. “I know, shocking, right?” Chanyeol chuckled but it was so clear that he was nervous kasi may nginig ‘yung tawa niya. “I was thinking about this for months. I love spending time with Jia, but also, I love seeing you smile. I thought it was just one of those silly infatuations , but it wasn’t. I tried going on dates with someone else pero you’re all I can think of. I know what happened to Jia’s father and I don’t want to replace him in your life. I just want to be someone you can lean on to. Someone you could tell your deepest thoughts to. I know mukha akong pabigla-bigla pero pinag-isipan ko ito ng mabuti. I have been thinking about this for months now. So, will you give me the chance to get to know you and Jia more? Not as a friend, but as someone you could potentially spend your future with?”

By the time Chanyeol was done, nagsho-short circuit na ang brain ni Baekhyun. Hindi niya alam ang gagawin. He was so not expecting that. He expected everything. Ineexpect niya na aalis na si Chanyeol at hindi na niya ulit ito makikita. Ineexpect niya na magpapaalam na si Chanyeol sa kanya kasi may karelasyon na ito at hindi na nito madadalaw si Jia. He expected everything except for this.

It was just so hard for him to grasp the concept that Chanyeol — someone as perfect as Chanyeol Park would fall in love with him.

“Chanyeol.” Is all Baekhyun could say. Hindi niya talaga alam kung ano ang sasabihin niya.

“It’s okay. You can turn me down. I’m a mature man. Hindi ko namna iiwasan si Jia if that’s what you’re thinking. I can take a rejection. We can still be friends. Like we have always been.” Chanyeol smiled. Halata ni Baekhyun ang pagbagsak ng mga shhoulders nito dahil sa posibleng rejection pero hindi niya na muna iyon pinansin. He has a lot of time to reassure Chanyeol. Ngayon, may gusto lang siyang malaman.

“Why me?” Baekhyun suddenly asked and Chanyeol looked taken aback. But nonetheless, he smiled, his gaze facing forward. Mukhang malalim ang iniisip.

Baekhyun waited for Chanyeol’s answer at hindi naman siya nito pinaghintay ng matagal. Akala ni Baekhyun ay madami pa itong gustong sabihin katulad noong confession niya kanina, but Chanyeol said three words. Just three words and Baekhyun almost cried in his seat.

“Why not you?”

Oo nga naman. Bakit nga naman hindi siya? Baekhyun was so busy pointing out his own flaws that he forgot that he has a lot of lovable qualities too. Masyado niyang pinuput down ang sarili niya na hindi niya na napansin that Chanyeol was holding him up high.

It was like a butterfly. Everyone knows that it’s pretty, but the butterfly doesn’t know that. Ang pinakamatindi talaga nating kalaban ay hindi ang opinyon ng ibang tao sa atin kundi ang opinyon natin sa ating sarili. It was the most destructive thought of all. People’s opinions about us — they come and go. Kahit ano namang gawin natin, may masasabi ang ibang tao. But when it’s our own opinion about us na nagpapa-down sa atin, mahirap na talaga ‘yon kalaban. 

This time, ang matinding kalaban ni Baekhyun ay ang utak niya. 

Ang utak niya na sinisigaw na hindi siya karapat-dapat sa isang katulad ni Chanyeol at mali ang mainlove muli dahil nga iisang tao lamang ang nakatakda para sa kanya.

Pero paano naman ang isinisigaw ng puso niya? His heart which was screaming, begging to be let out, and enjoy the rest of his life with Chanyeol and Jia?

Kapag naglaban na ang puso at ang isip, alin nga ba ang nananalo?

“Why not you, B? You’re everything I have ever wished for in life.”

“A widower?” Baekhyun said to somehow lighten the mood kasi naiiyak na siya pero he asked it kasi curious din siya. Chanyeol chuckled.

“An amazing person, B. You might not see it, but I can. We all can. You are the most amazing and lovable person that I have ever met. You know, that day when Jia approached me, I was about to give up on life.” Baekhyun gasped but Chanyeol was fast to pacify his worries by holding his hand for comfort, silently saying that he was okay now. “I’m okay now, you don’t have to worry anymore. But as I was saying, that day was rough. I blew up a contract and my Dad scolded me a lot. I was rethinking my whole life when Jia came to me and told me not to frown kasi nakakatanda. I remembered thinking that she was like an angel who came to save me. Noong nakilala ko kayo ni Jia, I had a reason para bumangon araw-araw. I had a new purpose and before I knew it, bumabangon nalang ako tuwing umaga para magpunta dito sa bakeshop kapag uwian. So, B, it’s you. Of course, it would be you.”

Baekhyun was mum when Chanyeol finished what he had to say. Nabigla si Baekhyun sa mga narinig niya. Sa likod pala ng matapang at malakas na shell ni Chanyeol ay isa ring tao na mamomroblema at humihingi ng tulong.

This is why we should always be kind. Hindi kasi natin alam ang pinagdadaanan ng bawat isa. Maaaring ang maliit na bagay sayo ay malaki para sa iba. We all have our own limitations.

“Chanyeol, I…..”

“I  know this is a lot to process. I will understand if ayaw mo na akong makita with Jia or here. Ugh, I fucked up our friendship, didn’t I?” Chanyeol grumbled as he closed his eyes. “But then mas pagsisisihan ko naman kung hindi ako nag-confesss. Pero ayoko naman malayo sa inyo ni Jia if ever, but I will respect your decisi-,”

Chanyeol was rambling and it made Baekhyun smile. The fact that Chanyeol was nervous like this means he cares. And he cares. A lot.

Biglang hinawakan ni Baekhyun ang kamay ni Chanyeol kaya naputol ang pagrarant nito. Nanlalaki ang mata ni Chanyeol noong tumingin ito kay Baekhyun, hindi makapaniwala na hindi pa siya pinapalabas ni Baekhyun sa office nito.

“I won’t ask you to leave Jia. I won’t ask you to leave me also.” Mahinang bulong ni Baekhyun sa last part, nakatingin sa lap niya kasi nahihiya siyang tingnan si Chanyeol sa mata. What was wrong with him?! He was acting like a teenager eh may anak na nga siya. Ano ba?! 

“Ha?” Chanyeol asked, dumbfounded. Medyo nagets naman niya ang gustong sabihin ni Baekhyun, but he wanted to make sure. He was so nervous, hindi niya alam kung nag-hahallucinate lang ba siya na sinabi ni Baekhyun ‘yon.

This time, tumingin na si Baekhyun sa mga mata ni Chanyeol. His hands are still holding onto Chanyeol’s.

“I said, ayoko din na iwan mo ‘ko.” Nahihiyang sambit ni Baekhyun and Chanyeol fought the urge to smile kasi ang cute ni Baekhyun habang nahihiya ito. “I don’t want to be left alone again. Please stay.”

“Do you want me to?”

And Baekhyun had thought about it long and hard. He thought about it day and night. He thought about it when he was alone and even when he’s in a room full of people. If Joon was the one for him, then how come his heart aches when he thinks of Chanyeol walking away from his life. He thought about the possibility of Chanyeol entering their lives and it wasn’t bad. Not at all. Jia loves Chanyeol and the latter loves the former like she was his own daughter. If ever na magkaroon ng something between them, hindi naman nila bibiglain si Jia.

Baekhyun thought about it. Hindi naman kasi siya dense. Sure, sinasabi niya sa sarili na mali ang nararamdaman niya para kay Chanyeol pero alam naman niya na mahirap kalaban ang puso. Isa pa, hindi yata niya kakayanin kung mawalan na naman siya ng mahal sa buhay at ngayon ay kasalanan niya pa kasi he was too chickenshit to admit his feelings.

‘Yung sinabi ni Sehun sa kanya, sinabi din ‘yon ni Joon. Bago ito magpaalam noon, sinabi niya kay Baekhyun na he would like him to find another person that he could spend the rest of his life with. A person na makakatulong niya pagpapalaki kay Jia. A person na makakasama niya pagbuo ng pamilya kasi kahit anong pilit nila, hindi itinakda ng tadhana na sila ang bumuo nito. He wanted Baekhyun to be happy. Alam niyang masaya ito kasi may Jia pero iba pa rin ‘yong may makakasama siya sa buhay. Iba pa rin ang pagmamahal at companionship ng isang karelasyon.

And now, Chanyeol is here. Ready to give whatever Baekhyun needed.

He is what Baekhyun needs, but more so, he is what Baekhyun wants the most.

So Baekhyun smiled at Chanyeol, his eyes lighting up. Ang tagal na noong huling kumislap ng ganoon ang mata niya. The only person who could make his eyes light up like that was Jia, but now, there’s Chanyeol, and there’s nothing Baekhyun could ask for.

“I do. I want you to stay.”

And Baekhyun doesn’t need to say much more. Alam na ‘yon ni Chanyeol. Naiintindihan na siya ni Chanyeol. 

— three years later —

“Jia! Baby, are you ready?” Baekhyun called from the leaving room, kakatapos lang niya i-pack ‘yung mga pagkain na niluto niya. Bibisita kasi sila ngayon sa puntod ni Joon.

It was Jia’s 9th birthday and she told her Papa that she doesn’t want a big celebration. Gusto lang nito ng tahimik at intimate na celebration ng birthday niya with the people she loves. With her family.

That was why nagpe-prepare na sila ngayon para puntahan si Joon. Baekhyun, Jia, and Chanyeol.

It has been three years simula noong mag-confess si Chanyeol kay Baekhyun. Three years na din simula noong muling buksan ni Baekhyun ang puso niya para magmahal. 

The past three years have been nothing but blissful. Akala ni Baekhyun ay habang-buhay na lamang siyang magiguilty kasi feeling niya ay pinalitan niya ang namayapa niyang asawa, pero ni minsan ay hindi niya naramdaman ‘yon. Hindi naman kasi pinalitan ni Chanyeol si Joon sa buhay nila ni Jia. He was never a replacement. He has his own purpose sa pagpasok sa buhay nila ni Jia — and that is to teach them that love isn’t selfish.

Halos isang taon din ang inintay ni Chanyeol para sagutin siya ni Baekhyun and it was worth it. Kahit naman alam na ni Baekhyun na may nararamdaman na siya kay Chanyeol, hindi niya agad ito sinagot. He had to make sure that Chanyeol was there to stay. If it was just him, it would be easy. But he has Jia at ayaw naman niyang ipakilala si Chanyeol kay Jia as a potential partner kung hindi naman ito mag-sstay hanggang dulo. Ayaw naman niya na labas-pasok ito sa buhay ng anak niya. That would lead to serious issues in the long run and might traumatize Jia.

But Chanyeol was really one of a kind. Through the years, pinatunayan niya kay Baekhyun at kay Jia na malinis ang intensyon niya at wala sa plano niya ang iwan silang dalawa. Pinatunayan naman niya ‘yon at kitang-kita ‘yon ni Baekhyun sa mga action niya. Hindi lang si Baekhyun ang niligawan nito, pati na rin si Jia. 

Akala nga ni Baekhyun ay magiging mahirap para kay Jia ang tanggapin si Chanyeol bilang potential partner ni Baekhyun pero noong sinabi nila ito sakanya ay sobrang saya niya. Of course she will always love her biological father, pero mahal niya din si Chanyeol bilang isang father figure. Not because they’re not the same blood doesn’t mean they are not family. Hindi man siya galing sa dugo ni Chanyeol, anak siya nito.

Kung noon ay nag-iisa lang si Baekhyun sa pag-attend ng mga family day sa school ni Jia with Sehun’s presence sometimes, ngayon ay hindi na siya nag-iisa. Chanyeol was there to support him and Jia. Nandoon ito para sumali sa mga father-daughter activities na gustong salihan ni Jia, but Baekhyun was clumsy to do. He was the perfect person to be Jia’s other parental figure.

At hindi lang naman ‘yon ang dahilan kung bakit mahal na mahal ni Baekhyun si Chanyeol. Sure, malaking percentage noon ang pagmamahal at ang way ng pag-treat ni Chanyeol sa anak niya, but he fell in love with Chanyeol because of the way he cares for Baekhyun. Despite his brave exterior, Chanyeol is a very soft-hearted person. Baekhyun fell in love with the way Chanyeol sees the world with his eyes. He grew up in a very tough society, but he still sees the good in everyone. Si Chanyeol ‘yung tipo ng tao na kaya kang patawarin kahit na binully mo siya noong bata siya. He was just like that. 

Chanyeol has so much love to give and Baekhyun was lucky that they’re the ones who were receiving Chanyeol’s love.

After almost a year of courting, sinagot na ni Baekhyun si Chanyeol. Dalawang taon na din silang mag-kasintahan ni Chanyeol. They weren’t moving together pa, though. While Chanyeol wants to, feel ni Baekhyun ay napalaking step na noon. Sigurado naman na siya kay Chanyeol pero ayaw pa lang talaga niya na mag-move in muna. Saka na siguro kapag nag-propose na ito sa kanya. 

Pinag-usapan naman na nila ni Chanyeol ang possible future nila at pareho naman sila ng gusto. Baekhyun had to make sure of that kasi hindi lang naman buhay niya ang pinasok ni Chanyeol. Isa pa, hindi ba parang nagsasayang naman sila ng oras kung hindi naman pala sila pareho ng gusto?

Thank goodness pareho sila ng ninanais na future.

Baekhyun had always wanted a big family. Bata pa lamang siya ay gusto na niya talaga ang malaking pamilya. Nag-iisang anak kasi siya at si Sehun lang ang pinsan niya. Masaya pa rin naman siya noon kahit silang dalawa lamang ni Sehun pero he couldn’t help but think of how joyful it would be if they have a big family. Baekhyun wanted that. He had always wanted that and thank goodness it was the same as Chanyeol’s dream.

They were so in sync. 

Naniniwala pa rin naman si Baekhyun na may isang tao na nakalaan para sa atin and he believes that it was Chanyeol for him. Joon was his platonic soulmate. Noong ikinasal sila, he married his best friend. Baekhyun loves him, but it wasn’t the same as the one he felt with Chanyeol. It was way more intense. 

He believes that we really have to go through a lot before we find the one. 

He had to go through the process of loving and losing to get to Chanyeol. Nakilala niya si Joon para makita niya kung paano ba dapat siya itrato ng tama. 

Baekhyun was just so lucky to have found Chanyeol.

“I’m coming, Papa!” Jia answered, she was shouting kasi nasa may second floor pa siya ng bahay kung nasaan ang mga bedroom para marinig siya ng Papa niya. Dalaga na talaga ang anak ni Baekhyun, ito na ang namimili ng mga damit na susuotin niya.

Baekhyun sighed at the thought while still busy na i-zipper ‘yung bag na dadalhin nila. Suddenly, a strong arm encased his body and Baekhyun fought the urge to smile, giddy kasi alam na niya kung sino ‘yon.

“What’s with the long and deep sigh?” Chanyeol asked as he hugged Baekhyun from the back, slowly swaying them both.

Tumayo naman ng tuwid si Baekhyun at humarap kay Chanyeol. The taller male chuckled upon seeing the cute pout in Baekhyun’s face. Mabilis niyang hinalikan ang labi nito ang Baekhyun pursed his lips to stop himself from smiling. Nagpapacute pa kasi siya sa boyfriend niya, gusto niya lang ng lambing eh. Chanyeol held his waist habang ang mga braso naman ni Baekhyun ay nakaplibot sa leeg ni Chanyeol. Mukha silang mag-sslow dance sa gitna ng living room nina Baekhyun.

“Ang laki na ni Jia. Mamaya pa mag-cocollege na siya at iiwan na niya ako.” 

Chanyeol giggled at hinalikan ang tungki ng ilong ni Baekhyun. “She will never leave us, Mahal. Our daughter loves you very much. Kahit pa may jowa na si Jia, si Papa pa rin ang number one sa puso niya.” 

Napangiti naman si Baekhyun dito. What Chanyeol said comforted him a lot, but the one who made his heart skip a beat was the fact that Chanyeol refers to Jia as their daughter. Napakaswerte talaga ni Baekhyun sa isang Chanyeol Park.

In the eyes of the people, a single parent and a widower like him doesn’t deserve someone as great as Chanyeol. To be honest, minsan nga ay naiisip din ito ni Baekhyun, but Chanyeol was always fast to reassure him that they deserve each other. The whole world could go fuck themselves, Chanyeol doesn’t care. He would set the world on fire just to keep Baekhyun and Jia warm — that’s how much he loves them.

“Sure ka dyan ha?” Pabirong sagot ni Baekhyun at napatawa nalang si Chanyeol.

“Pwede naman tayong gumawa ng babies natin para hindi ka na sad. Ayaw na magpabihis sayo ni Jia pero ‘yung mga babies natin pwede mo ‘yon liguan at bihisan.” Chanyeol joked and Baekhyun laughed. He slapped Chanyeol’s chest, nahihiya.

“Ano ba!” Tawa ni Baekhyun. Before they knew it, nakalimutan na ni Baekhyun kung ano ba ang ikinakalungkot niya kanina. Chanyeol just has that effect on him. Pag nandito ito sa tabi ni Baekhyun, nakakalimutan niya lahat ng problema niya, lahat ng hinaing niya sa mundo. Chanyeol is his comfort, his citadel.

“Papa, Tatay! Ano ba ‘yan, bakit diyan pa kayo naglalandian, tara na!” They heard someone saying at agad na tumingin si Chanyeol at si Baekhyun sa may dulo ng hagdanan kung saan nakatayo si Jia habang nasa bewang niya ang mga kamay niya, looking at her parents with a frown on her face.

Chanyeol and Baekhyun just giggled sa kacutean ng prinsesa nila. She looks like a young woman now. 

Oh, isa pa pala. Over the course of the past three years, natutunan na din ni Jia na tawagin si Chanyeol na Tatay. She said she doesn’t want to call him Daddy kasi it feels like pinapalitan niya ni Joon, so she would just call him Tatay. That way, hindi siya malilito.

Chanyeol, being the soft-hearted crybaby that he is, cried upon hearing Jia call him Tatay for the first time. Simula noon ay iyon na ang tawag ni Jia sa kanya. Isa na talaga silang pamilya.

Dahil minamadali na sila ng prinsesa nila ay tinapos na ni Baekhyun ang pag-pack, now with the addition of Chanyeol and Jia’s help.

Sa bahay na kasi nila natulog si Chanyeol kagabi kasi nga ay bibisitahin nila ng maaga ang puntod ni Joon. His parents wanted him to rest in their family’s graveyard sa may probinsya kaya naman it was a long drive, five hours at least. Chanyeol volunteered to drive at dahil nga kailangan nila maagang umalis para maaga din silang dumating doon at para hindi na din sila abutan ng traffic, sa bahay na nila natulog si Chanyeol.

Hindi naman na bago ‘yon. Para ngang dalawa na ang bahay nila kasi minsan ay sa condo ni Chanyeol sila natutulog ni Jia at minsan naman ay sa bahay nila natutulog si Chanyeol. May mga damit na sila sa bahay ng isa’t isa. It made Baekhyun’s heart warm because it just means that they are welcoming each other in their personal space. It was intimate, to say the least. For him, it was the purest form of love. Welcoming someone into your home — where the person that who you are is formed — is a love language that wasn’t talked about enough.

When Jia was close enough for Baekhyun and Chanyeol to hug her, they pulled her into their arms, hugging her in between them. Jia chuckled, naglalambing kasi ang Papa at Tatay niya. Well, lagi naman ang mga itong malambing, pero mas lalo na pag birthday niya.

“I love you, sunshine. Happy birthday.” Bulong ni Baekhyun kay Jia.

“I love you too, Papa.” 

“I love you din, Jia namin. Happy birthday.” It was Chanyeol’s time naman to say it and Jia just melted into his arms, masayang-masaya kasi she and her Papa found someone as great as Chanyeol to welcome into their lives. Surely, magiging masaya si Daddy Joon when he met Chanyeol.

“I love you too, Tatay. Thank you for coming into our lives. ”

The drive to the cemetery took about five hours and thirty minutes. Buti at hindi sila naabutan ng traffic kaya naman medyo mabilis pa rin silang nakarating. 

It was Chanyeol’s first time visiting Joon’s grave. Nahihiya kasi siyang sumama noon kay Baekhyun at kay Jia kasi he felt like he was invading something. Ngayon lang siya nagkalakas ng loob na sumama.

Over the course of the past three years, paminsan-minsan pa din na kinakabahan si Chanyeol kasi he knows he will never be on par to Joon’s level, but Baekhyun knows, he knows what he was thinking and he was always fast to pacify the demons in Chanyeol’s mind.

Hindi naman kasi niya dapat hinihiling ‘yung pagmamahal na ibinigay ni Baekhyun at Jia kay Joon, that love was given already. The love that Baekhyun and Jia had for Chanyeol wasn’t the same. It was the same type of love, but it wasn’t the same. Hindi ‘yon remnants ng pagmamahal na meron si Baekhyun at Jia for Joon. What they were giving Chanyeol was brand new and all for him. 

Hindi naman na kasi mawawala ‘yung pagmamahal na meron si Baekhyun at Jia para kay Joon — not that Chanyeol wants them to forget him. Joon will always be Jia’s father and he will always be Baekhyun’s friend. He couldn’t take that away from them. Sinabi niya na he wasn’t there to replace Joon and he meant it.

Nang makarating sila sa cemetery ay tulog pa si Jia. Nakatulog kasi ito sa backseat ng car dahil maaga nga silang nagising at napagod din ito sa mahabang byahe. Chanyeol and Baekhyun went out of the car muna bago nila gisingin si Jia. Si Chanyeol na ang nagbuhat ng mga dala nilang gamit habang ginigising naman ni Baekhyun si Jia. Medyo nalungkot pa nga ito nang marealize niya na hindi na niya kayang buhatin si Jia kagaya noong dati kapag nakakatulog ito. Malaki na kasi talaga ang anak niya.

But it also made Baekhyun proud because it just means that he was doing well sa pagpapalaki kay Jia. If Joon’s watching them, he would be so proud of how Baekhyun raised their little girl.

Nang magising si Jia ay naglakad na  sila papasok sa cemetary. Chanyeol was holding their bag of food while Baekhyun was holding Jia’s hand with his right and the flowers that they bought for Joon on his left. Nagsi-swing pa nga ito, a telltale sign na excited si Jia. Imbes na mainggit, Chanyeol was very happy to see Jia happy. She was like a sunshine in their lives and it just goes to show how lovely their daughter was. She was just two years old noong namatay ang Daddy niya pero hanggang ngayon ay hindi niya pa rin ito nakakalimutan. Baekhyun raised her well.

Hindi man maalala ni Jia mostly ang mga alaala niya kasama ang Daddy niya, hindi naman niya malilimutan ang pagmamahal na ipinaramdam nito sa kanya. Hindi din naman nagkulang ang Papa niya sa mga kwento nito. He was always ready to answer Jia kapag may tanong ito tungkol sa Daddy niya. Joon is a great guy and Baekhyun was so glad that he was the one whom he had his daughter with.

If he could go back in time and know that all of this would happen, na mabubyuda siya ng maaga and he would end up falling in love again with someone else, he would do it. Kahit anong sakit ang pinagdaanan niya, he would do it all over again if it means he’ll get to meet Joon, Jia, and Chanyeol.

Nang makarating sa puntod ni Joon ay nilatag na ni Chanyeol ang baon nilang picnic blanket. Buti na lamang at nasa ilalim ng shade ng malaking puno ang puntod ni Joon, medyo mainit na kasi at medyo patanghali na kaya hindi na healthy ang sikat ng araw.

Baekhyun and Jia went straight to Joon para kausapin ito habang sineset up naman ni Chanyeol ang mga dala nila sa picnic blanket hindi kalayuan sa mag-ama. Walang tao sa sementeryo. Halos sila lamang ang tao doon. Maaliwalas ang simoy ng hangin dahil nga nasa probinsya sila and it calmed Chanyeol’s nerves. Kinakabahan pa rin talaga siya. Joon might not be with them anymore, but his opinion was very important for Chanyeol.

Chanyeol was almost done setting everything up when Jia called for him. Chanyeol’s eyes widened as Jia beckoned him to come closer. Nakangiti lang naman si Baekhyun sa kanya, nodding his head and encouraging him na lumapit just like what his daughter wants. Binitawan muna ni Chanyeol ang hawak niyang tupperware ng pagkain at lumapit sa mag-ama with timid and almost shy steps.

“Why?” Chanyeol asked. Baekhyun and Jia were sitting down on the ground and Jia tapped the space beside him kaya naman umupo si Chanyeol sa tabi nito. Nasa gitna nilang dalawa ni Baekhyun si Jia na nakaharap sa puntod ng Daddy niya. Chanyeol looked at Joon’s final resting place and a gush of air washed over them, making Chanyeol shiver. It was like Joon was greeting him.

“I want to introduce you to someone, Daddy.” Jia said as she looked at her father’s grave. Nilingon niya ng mabilis si Chanyeol who gulped, realizing what was happening. Tumingin si Chanyeol kay Baekhyun na ngumiti lang sa kanya, encouraging him. Jia held Chanyeol’s hand in hers and said, “Daddy, meet Tatay. He was the one who was taking care of us and Papa. Are you seeing him? He makes me and Papa so happy. You’re happy for us too, right, Daddy?” A gush of cold wair washed over them once again. It was as if Joon was answering Jia’s questions.

Jia smiled when she felt it. Naiiyak na din si Chanyeol kasi ang tagal na niyang iniimagine ‘to, but nothing’s better than this. She was really introducing him to her biological father as someone na nagpapasaya sa kanila ng Papa niya. It was the final reassurance that Chanyeol needs — that Jia was really happy to have him as her other parental figure.

“Joon, when you died, you told me you want me to be happy. Now, I can bravely say to you, I am happy. Chanyeol makes me so happy. You like him for us, right?” Baekhyun said, confirming what Jia had told her father. Chanyeol does make them happy. The happiest.

Hindi na napigilan ni Chanyeol ang pag-iyak. He was overwhelmed with emotions. Jia and Baekhyun hugged him as he cried. He felt so loved during that minute. Hindi naman nagkulang si Jia at si Baekhyun sa pagpaparamdam na mahal siya ng mga ito pero ngayon, sure na siya na mahal na mahal siya ng mga ito. They welcomed him into their little family and Chanyeol will never break their trust nor hurt them.

“Don’t cry, Tatay.” Jia said.

“Yeah, don’t cry, Mahal. You should be happy right now.”

“I-I am happy. These are happy tears.” Chanyeol said with difficulty, hindi pa rin kasi siya tumitigil sa pag-iyak ang both Baekhyun and Jia laughed. Chanyeol was such a big and muscly man pero kung umiyak ito ay wagas. Napakalambot talaga ng puso ni Chanyeol. His heart was full of love. His heart was as innocent and pure as a child’s.

“I love you.” Bulong ni Baekhyun kay Chanyeol and the latter sniffed before answering, his eyes still full of tears.

Baekhyun smiled kahit hindi siya nakikita ni Chanyeol kasi nga yakap niya pa rin ito. “I love you too. So much. Thank you so much for coming into our lives, Chanyeol. We are very lucky to have you in our lives.”

They stayed there for a couple of hours. They sat in the picnic blanket that they brought with him at kinain ang mga pagkain that they prepared. They sang a happy birthday song to Jia and then ate the cake that Baekhyun baked.

Chanyeol gave Jia a telescope for her birthday. Nakita niya kasi ang fascination ni Jia sa mga stars. If Jia want to pursue that road, Chanyeol and Baekhyun would support her.

Nagkwentuhan lang sila noong mga oras na ‘yon, teasing Jia because she already has a crush, in between laughs na ikinasimangot naman ng birthday girl. Maganda din ang araw. It was like Joon was looking over at them and making sure that they were having a good time. Hindi mainit ang weather. Medyo mahangin pero sakto lang. The tree did its job in shading them from the sun’s heat. Naglaro din sila ng mga dala nilang board games at noong mabored na si Chanyeol ay nakipaghabulan siya kay Jia with Baekhyun watching them with a smile on his face as he sat down on the picnic blanket.

Noong namatay si Joon, akala niya ay hindi na niya maeexperience ‘yung mga ganito — family day. Pero dumating si Chanyeol.

Dumating si Chanyeol dala ang pagmamahal sa puso niya at walang sawa na ibinuhos ito sa kanilang dalawa ni Jia. Chanyeol often told him that he was lucky to have Baekhyun and Jia in his life, but it was actually the other way around. Baekhyun and Jia were very lucky to have someone like Chanyeol in their lives. He made everything better. He completed their little family.

Jia was back at her father’s grave, talking to him about everything and anything. Si Chanyeol naman ay nakaupo sa picnic blanket habang nakaunan sa kanya si Baekhyun. Chanyeol was looking down at Baekhyun while the latter was watching him with a smile on his face.

Itinaas ni Baekhyun ang kamay niya and he started tracing Chanyeol’s facial feature which made Chanyeol giggle, medyo makikiliti kasi siya ng malalambot na daliri ni Baekhyun.

“You know, I dreamt of Joon yesterday.” Panimula ni Baekhyun and Chanyeol smiled at him, urging him to continue. “It was the first time that I ever dreamt of him ever since he died. Noong unang taon na nawala siya, I used to beg God to at least let me dream of him, but I never did. Not until yesterday.” 

“And what happened in the dream?” Chanyeol asked and Baekhyun beamed at him, his eyes getting teary while remembering the dream that he had.

“We were in the room tapos nagising lang ko. You were sleeping and when I looked over to my side, he was there, watching us with a smile on his face. He said he’s very happy for me and that he knows that you will always protect us — Jia and I. He said you have always been the right man for me and he was glad that it all worked out in the end. I never told you this, but I still think about what Joon would say about our relationship. Would he think that I betrayed him kasi I fell in love with someone else or would he be happy for me? The dream that I had yesterday was like the closure I never knew I needed from Joon.”

“Mahal….”

Baekhyun smiled and he pulled Chanyeol’s face closer to his so he could kiss him on the lips. When they parted, they both had a goofy smile on their faces. 

“Mahal kita, Chanyeol. Thank you for welcoming Jia into your life and treating her as your own daughter.”

“I did it not because I have to, but because I love you. The two of you. Ako nga dapat ang magpasalamat eh. Salamat kasi dahil sa inyo ni Jia, nagkaroon ako ng bagong dahilan para bumangon sa umaga. Salamat kasi hindi na malamig at malungkot ang gabi ko kasi alam ko na makikita kong muli ang mga ngiti niyo pagsikat ng araw. Salamat kasi pinapasok niyo ako sa buhay niyo. Hinding-hindi ko kayo bibiguin.”

“Dapat lang,” Baekhyun pouted. “Sinabi ko kay Joon na multuhin ka kapag pinaiyak mo kami ni Jia.” Chanyeol laughed at that and Baekhyun did too.

Hindi naman takot sa multo si Chanyeol pero takot siya na masaktan niya nga si Baekhyun at si Jia nang hindi niya inaasahan. But as long as he’s alive, no one can hurt Baekhyun and Jia, not even himself.

When Jia came back from talking to Joon’s grave, nagyaya na itong umuwi. Medyo hapon na din kasi at may pasok pa ito kinabukasan. Nilikom na nila nag mga dala nilang gamit. Buhat na ni Baekhyun ang bag na puno ng mga tupperware na wala nang laman habang si Chanyeol naman ay bitbit ‘yung mga foldable chairs na dala nila.

Ready na silang umalis when Chanyeol stopped them.

“Wait,” Baekhyun and Jia looked at him, confused. “Go ahead na sa car. I still have something to say to Joon.” Nagtataka man, Baekhyun just nodded his head. Chanyeol just smiled at him reassuringly and Baekhyun shrugged, just letting Chanyeol do whatever he wanted.

Chanyeol watched as Baekhyun and Jia walked away. When he was sure that they were safe and out of earshot, lumapit siya sa puntod ni Joon. Ibinaba niya muna ang mga dala niyang gamit at lumuhod sa harap ng puntod nito.

“Thank you for taking care of Jia and Baekhyun back then. Hindi kita bibiguin. You can rest easy now, pare. I will take care of Baekhyun and Jia from now on.” Binalot si Chanyeol ng malamig na hangin pero this time, hindi siya nagka-goosebumps. Instead, the cold air comforted him. He reached for his pocket at hinugot doon ang red velvet box na matagal na niyang dinadala-dala, waiting for the perfect moment to pop the question. Binuksan niya ito at tinapat sa puntod ni Joon, pinapakita ang singsing na laman noon.

“I want to marry Baekhyun and I would appreciate it if you give me your blessings. I will take care of them for you. Ako naman ang magmamahal sa kanila.” 

As if Joon was hearing everything Chanyeol was saying, biglang may dumapo na butterfly sa puntod ni Joon. Chanyeol watched as it fluttered around hanggang sa dumapo ito sa box ng singsing na hawak niya, resting there for a while bago bumalik sa puntod ni Joon.

Chanyeol smiled, knowing that it was Joon, giving him his blessing to take care of his family na pamilya na din ngayon ni Chanyeol.

“Thank you, pare. I will never let you down.”

And with that, Chanyeol stood up, bitbit ang mga gamit nila at ang singsing naman na matagal na niyang gustong ibigay kay Baekhyun ay nakatago nang muli sa bulsa niya.

He has the widest smile on his face, like a dork.

‘Yon lang naman kasi ang hinihintay niya, ang assurance galing kay Joon na tanggap siya nito para kay Baekhyun at kay Jia.

Hindi naman madali ang magmahal. Pero hindi din naman mahirap magmahal.

All his life, Chanyeol was looking for something that would make him feel alive. He was searching for the one person who would make him get out of bed in the early morning even on a Sunday. He was looking for a person that would make living worth it.

And instead of one person, he found two.

He found Baekhyun and Jia.

He had met them at the strangest time of his life, but it was perfect. He was in a lavender haze.

Hindi niya inaakala na sa maliit na bakeshop pala na ‘yon sa corner ng street kung saan siya nagtatrabaho makikita ang matagal na niyang hinahanap.

Before he met Baekhyun and Jia, he didn't know how to smile, how to have fun. But it seems like that’s all he could do ever since he met them. He was always smiling. He was not just living, he was alive.

Chanyeol was looking for love when he met Baekhyun and Jia, and what he found wasn’t just love.

He found a home.

— end —