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“Goodbye, Sir Jeonghan! Clock out na po ako, see you tomorrow po!” masiglang paalam ni Wonwoo habang hawak na niya ang bag niya, palihim na tumingin sa orasan. 7:12 PM. Mas maaga ng konti kaysa sa usual. Achievement na 'to.

Jeonghan Yoon, ang kanyang boss, na abala pa rin sa laptop sa glass desk nito, mukhang wala rin namang balak sumagot. Great. Mas okay nga ‘yon. Ibig sabihin, hindi na siya tatawagin pa para maghanap ng caffeine-free americano o maghanap ng obscure stat report sa Women’s Volleyball League ng Poland na siyang pinagkakaabalahan nito these days. Kung hindi siya pinansin, edi ibig sabihin no'n he's finally free to go.

Naglakad na si Wonwoo papalabas ng opisina na may ngiti sa labi. Oh My God na lang talaga! Hindi siya hinabol ng boss niya para pabalikin kaya ang laki ng ngiti sa mukha niya. Makakanood pa siya ng isang movie ngayong gabi tapos kakain siya ng masarap na pagkain. Nagc-crave pa naman siya ng adobo ngayon! 

“Wow! Ang aga ng uwi mo ha?” sambit ng isa niyang katrabaho na si Mina nang magkasalubong sila. 

“Good mood si boss tonight, eh,” sabi ni Wonwoo. Nag ngitian na lang sila ni Mina at saka ito pumasok sa opisina niya. Swerte pa talaga si Wonwoo, si Mina nga hindi pa nakakauwi.  

Sa totoo lang, overtime na nga siya ng dalawang oras pero sino ba siya para magreklamo? Sanay na siya. Overtime is basically his second job title. Kung may early out man siyang naranasan sa tatlong taon niyang pagiging personal assistant ni Jeonghan, isa lang ang explanation: either nakatulog ang boss niya sa opisina (which has happened twice, may throw pillow na nga sa ilalim ng desk), o kaya naman sobrang consumed nito sa trabaho na nakalimutan nitong may tao pala siyang binabayaran para sa admin tasks. 

Pero bihira ‘yang mga ‘yan. Kasi si Jeonghan? Hindi nakakalimot. Ever.

Being his personal assistant meant wearing at least ten different hats in a day.

Order ng breakfast, lunch, and dinner? That’s on him. Booking ng ride, flights, or even waxing appointments (don’t ask)? Also on him. Proofreading articles (kahit hindi niya trabaho) at two in the fucking morning dahil hindi daw okay ang tone? Check. Managing Jeonghan’s multiple calendars because he insists on separating personal, social, and mood-dependent meetings? Double check.

He’s basically a walking scheduler-slash-coffee-runner-slash-crisis-manager. And he’s good at it. No choice, eh. Kailangan mabuhay.

Tanginang buhay ‘to. Kailan kaya ‘yang tables will turn na ‘yan? Ako na ang mag-iikot! Sabi na lang talaga niya sa isip niya. Kumbaga, karma niya na ata ‘to sa mga nagawa niyang masama sa mundo at binabawian na siya ng Diyos. 

Si Jeonghan naman, well, he’s terrifying in the most elegant way possible. A former award-winning journalist turned editor-in-chief ng isang sikat na online sports journalism empire, he walks around the office in perfectly tailored suits, speaks in sharp, concise sentences, and edits like his keyboard personally offended him. Meticulous. Perfectionist. Ridiculously smart. Wala kang maipipintas sa credentials. Pero sa ugali? Next question. Chariz! 

Mabait naman ang boss niya, pero parang steak ang kabaitan nito kasi very rare. As in, paminsan-minsan lang mabait. Tipong once every blood moon or kapag nanalo ang paborito niyang volleyball team.

Kadalasan, si Jeonghan ay parang walking deadline: laging demanding, laging may hinahabol, at laging may kulang sa output mo kahit feeling mo ibinuhos mo na ang buong kaluluwa mo sa report. Pero kapag nasa mood siya, kapag nagkaroon naman ng tulog nang maayos, naka-inom ng masarap na kape, o nakatanggap ng balita na may bagong rookie na worth i-feature sa column niya, doon lang lumalabas ‘yung softer version niya.

Once, binilhan siya ni Jeonghan ng lunch. Isang beses lang. Nag-cancel daw kasi ng meeting at napadaan sa favorite Korean resto. Halos maiyak si Wonwoo. Akala niya may hidden camera. O kaya prank lang ‘yon ng HR.

Pero 'yon ang problema kay Jeonghan: he’s very unpredictable. Kahit gaano ka ka-organized o ka-prepared, hindi mo siya kayang i-anticipate. Minsan sobrang tahimik. Minsan parang may sariling talk show sa opisina habang binabanatan ‘yung latest sports scandal. Minsan okay siya. Minsan parang gusto mong i-email ‘yung resignation letter mo sa kalagitnaan ng Zoom call.

Pero sa kabila ng lahat, he stays. Wonwoo stays. Kasi kahit nakakabaliw minsan, kahit draining sa energy at emotions, may thrill eh. May sense of purpose. And if we’re being honest, wala siyang choice. May renta siyang binabayaran at hinuhulugan niya pa ‘yung bahay na pinagawa nilaang magkakapatid para sa mga magulang niya sa probinsya. Kung mayaman lang naman siya, hindi niya naman ‘to titiisin — ang magbuhat ng tatlong tray ng kape, bumili ng pagkain sa kabilang city, ang maghanap ng stats sa website na puro pop-up ads, ang mag-research ng background ng athlete na walang kahit isang social media account.

Pero ayun nga – he stays. Kasi may isa pa siyang dahilan.

Hinihintay niyang mapansin manlang ng boss niya ‘yung mga sinusulat niya. Na hindi lang siya pang-email reminders at pang-book ng dry cleaning ng condo. Na kaya rin niyang gumawa ng article, hindi lang para sa Excel reports o minutes of the meeting. 

Graduate si Wonwoo ng Journalism program sa Polytechnic University of the Philippines, wala lang siyang katulad ng background ni Jeonghan na galing sa Ateneo at nag-masters at doctorate sa Harvard University. Wonwoo loves sports writing, lalo na’t lumaki siya sa environment ng sports, mapa-basketball man ‘yan o volleyball sa barangay nila. May folder pa siya sa laptop niya, “Drafts That Will Never See The Light of Day” na punong-puno ng sports write-ups na never naman niyang na-submit kasi feel niya ang pangit. 

Nag-try naman siya isang beses. Naglakas-loob siyang ipasa kay Jeonghan ang isa sa mga sinulat niya, isang feature tungkol sa isang underdog na collegiate volleyball player na nagbuhat ng buong team sa semi-finals sa UAAP. 

Pero isang sulyap lang ang ibinigay ni Jeonghan. Hindi man lang binuklat ng buo. Tiningnan lang ang unang paragraph, saka malamig na sinabing, “You should focus on your job, Wonwoo. You’re my assistant."

Pak. Right hook. Knockout.

Ngumiti na lang siya noon at tumango saka tumalikod. 

Mula noon, tinanggap na lang niyang ang mga kwento niya ay para sa sarili niya. Para sa mga folder na hindi kailanman mabubuksan. At para sa mga pangarap na wala sa kontrata ng trabaho niya.

Gusto niyang i-pitch ulit sa boss niya ‘yung iba niyang sinulat. Pero si Jeonghan? Well, hindi siya madaling kausapin. Hindi rin ‘yung tipo ng tao na mahilig sa mga taong “may pangarap.” Ang gusto nito ay resulta. Flawless grammar. Sharp angles. Sources na hindi galing sa Facebook. 

Someday. Hopefully. Or maybe never. Pero for now, he gets the coffee. He prints the drafts. He answers the calls.

And he waits.

“Adobo, adobo, adobo for tonight!” sabi ni Wonwoo sa sarili habang papunta na siya sa elevator, “Pero baboy o manok? Parang bet ko mag-adobong baboy today!”

Ding. Bukas na ang elevator. This is freedom.

Pero bago pa tuluyang magsara ang pinto, may bigla siyang narinig mula sa dulo ng hallway.

“Wonwoo! Wait!”

Walangya. Talaga naman! 

Kahit hindi naman siya lumingon, kilala na niya kung sino ‘yung tumawag sa kanya. It’s Jeonghan. Surprise, surprise! Hindi ka pa uuwi! 

Agad na lumabas si Wonwoo sa elevator, pilit na pinanatili ang kanyang professional composure habang naglakad pabalik sa opisina. Hindi padabog, pero halata sa lakad niya na gusto na sana niyang makarating sa kama nang dire-diretso. At ayun na nga, nakatayo na si Jeonghan sa labas ng glass office niya, phone sa isang kamay at may subtle look of “may ipapagawa ako sa’yo” sa mukha.

Alam niyang may iuutos na naman. Pero ngumiti pa rin si Wonwoo. Because that’s the job. Kahit overtime na siya ng dalawang oras. 

“May nakalimutan po ba akong saguting email?” tanong niya. 

“No,” sagot ni Jeonghan sabay pasok muli sa opisina. He didn’t even look at him. Tuloy-tuloy lang siya papasok, saka marahang isinara ang glass door. “Can you buy me dinner? I want garlic parmesan burger and half-dozen cheesy bacon wings sa Frankie’s. Dalhin mo na lang dito kapag nandiyan na, thanks.”

Nasabi na rin ba ni Wonwoo na siya ang personal food panda rider ni Jeonghan? Yes. Ayan, nasabi na niya. 

Tumango si Wonwoo, pero sa loob-loob niya: Anak ng tokwa talaga. 

“Anything else, sir? Coffee po?” tanong niya ulit habang nilalabas na sa phone ang food delivery app. At this point, kaya na niyang i-memorize ang buong Frankie’s menu. 

“No na, I’m good,” sagot ni Jeonghan habang naka-focus na ulit sa laptop niya, typing intensely. Mukhang tinatapos talaga ‘tong article kasi kanina pa siya dito mula umaga, hindi pa yata tumatayo para mag-lunch. Typical Jeonghan.

Wala rin siyang binigay na pambayad, s’yempre. Kaya balik si Wonwoo sa normal routine: siya muna ang magbabayad gamit ang sariling pera, tapos saka iaabot ang resibo kinabukasan para bayaran ni Jeonghan. 

“Noted, Sir Jeonghan. Dalhin ko na lang po rito,” sagot ni Wonwoo. 

But just as he was about to step out, nagsalita ulit ang boss niya. 

“And, Wonwoo?”

Napalingon siya ulit. Of course. Hindi pa tapos.

“Yes, sir?”

“Have you called Coach Ramil about the interview slot?” tanong nito habang hindi pa rin lumilingon. Still typing nang mabilis. 

“Yes, sir. I confirmed this with his assistant earlier. Tentative pa rin yung Thursday but they said they’ll get back to us tomorrow morning,” sagot ni Wonwoo, nang mabilis din. Kasi hello, memorize niya lahat-lahat ng nasa Google Calendar niya. 

“Good. Also, what’s my schedule tomorrow?”

Kinuha ni Wonwoo ang phone at binuksan ang calendar app na punong-puno ng color-coded meetings. “You have a Zoom meeting with the editorial board at 10  AM, a one-on-one with the head of digital at 11:30, lunch break which I know you’ll probably skip, then back-to-back interviews from 2 PM to 4 PM. You’re scheduled to review final drafts for the special issue after that, and then free ka na by 6, assuming walang aberya.”

Tahimik si Jeonghan for a moment. Tumingin ito sa kanya, finally, with a short nod.

“Okay. Thanks.”

“Copy, sir. I’ll bring the food in 30 to 45 minutes.”

“Thirty minutes? Is there any way it could be twenty minutes instead?” dagdag pa ni Jeonghan, still not looking up from his laptop.

As if ako ang Foodpanda rider, Sir! sigaw ni Wonwoo sa loob ng utak niya. Gusto mo ba sir, ako na rin mag-fry ng wings? Ako na rin mag-deliver sa motor na wala ako? Gusto mo bang lumipad na lang ako papunta sa Frankie’s para sa'yo?

“Uhm, no po?” sagot ni Wonwoo.

“Alright, that’s fine.” 

Next time nga magdadala na siya ng helmet sa office. Para feel na feel na talaga niya  'yung side hustle as delivery boy.

Pagkalabas niya ng opisina, napa-buntong hininga siya.

Ang sarap sigurong maging boss. Ang sarap sigurong magpabili ng chicken wings habang may nagsusulat para sa'yo ng to-do list mo.

Pero for now, Wonwoo opens the app, places the order, and prepares himself to return. Umupo muna siya sa upuan niya sa desk sa labas lang din ng office ng boss niya habang tinitignan din kung ano bang mga ganap niya bukas.  Habang naghihintay ng order confirmation sa app, binuksan na rin niya ang Google Calendar para tingnan ang mga ganap niya bukas. Spoiler alert: puno na naman. May 9AM meeting, dalawang follow-ups, tatlong drafts na kailangang i-print, at malamang isa o dalawang mental breakdown squeezed in between.

Bigla namang tumunog ang phone niya.

BLIND DATE GUY 

Napairap si Wonwoo. Heto na naman.

Sino pa nga ba kundi ‘yung katrabahong katblind-date niya na pinilit lang talaga nina Jun at Seungkwan. 

For the record, wala talaga siyang planong pumatol. Sinabihan na niya si Jun about diyan dahil nga last time na nakipag-date siya sa nireto nila, parang na-trauma lang siya. 

Sabi naman ni Seungkwan: “No, trust me, this one’s different. Hindi ito ‘yung huling guy na may snake collection at tinanong ka if open-minded ka ba.” 

Pero this guy? This one wasn’t creepy. He was okay. Too okay. Laging naka-smile. Laging nagpapadala ng “good morning” texts na may inspirational quote from Pinterest. Yung tipong, “Good morning! Don’t forget, you are the sun that melts the darkness.” Ugh!

He’s not even Wonwoo’s type. Physically, emotionally, energetically — no match. Ang taas ng energy niya palagi, mataas din naman energy ni Wonwoo pero hindi niya kayang tapatan 'yung guy. Laging may pa-"heart" emoji. Isang beses tinanong siya kung gusto ba niya ng endearment. First date pa lang ‘yon. Wala pa ngang pagkain sa table.

Sinabihan na rin niya ‘yung lalaki na “I’m really busy with work, baka hindi ko ma-prioritize ang dating right now,” sabay peace sign. Pero ayaw pa ring tantanan. Persistent. Like a pimple on your nose before a big event, nandiyan na nga, nangingibabaw pa.

Ngayon, tumatawag na naman.

Should I block him? Or pretend na wala akong load kahit hindi naman ito 2006?

Nag-ring ulit. Tumigil. Nag-text.

BLIND DATE GUY
HEY! MISS  NA KITA HA! MAY NEW RESTO ALONG KATIPUNAN! WANNA GO NEXT FRIDAY?

Isa pa, he types in all-caps. Pambihira. 

Umirap na lang si Wonwoo at ibinulsa na lang ang phone.

Nope. Not today, Satan. Not today.

Anyway, nag-scroll scroll muna siya sa Tiktok niya pamatay oras hanggang sa tumawag na ang Food Panda rider na nasa baba na raw siya ng building, kaya agad-agad bumaba si Wonwoo para kuhanin ‘yung order niya. 

Sakto naman na pagbaba niya ay nandoon na nga sa labas ‘yung rider kaya agad niyang pinuntahan ito para kunin ‘yung order niya. 

“Wonwoo po?” 

“Opo, kuya,” sagot niya at saka aabutin na sana niya ‘yung pagkain nang bigla niyang naaalala na wala pala siyang cash ngayon, sakto na lang pala ‘yung pera niya para sa pamasahe niya pauwi. Tinignan niya ulit ‘yung delivery rider. “Ay kuya, p’wedeng gcash ko na lang po ‘yung bayad? Wala pala akong cash. Sorry.” 

“Ay Sir, hindi po p’wede. Cash po ‘yung mode of payment na nilagay niyo, eh. Cash lang po.” Sambit nung delivery rider. 

“Sige na, kuya. Wala talaga akong cash. Kahit mag-add na lang ako ng fifty pesos sa payment ko. ‘To naman si kuya parang hindi tropa, eh.” 

“Hindi po talaga, Sir. Hindi rin naman kita kilala, eh. Cash lang po.” 

Over naman sa serious si kuya! 

Kulang na lang mag-pout at puppy eyes dito si Wonwoo, eh. Dapat pala nag-withdraw siya kanina instead of scrolling on Tiktok na panandalian lang naman ang saya. Walangyang araw ‘to! 

“Kuya, sige na, gcash na lang. O kaya maya?” 

“Sir, kahit ano pa ‘yan, ayoko niyan. Cash lang po.” 

“‘Kahit mag-add ako ng one hundred pesos?” 

“Oo, Sir. Kahit ano pa pong gawin niyo.” 

Sungit naman ni Kuya! 

Bumuntong hininga si Wonwoo at saka nagsalita ulit. Kailangan pa atang umiyak ng dugo rito kay kuyang delivery rider, eh. “Kuya, mawawalan ako trabaho kapag hindi ko ‘yan – “ 

“May cash ako,” biglang may nagsalita mula sa likod ni Wonwoo. Oh My God, ito na ba ang aking night and shining armor? Keme lang.  

Agad napalingon si Wonwoo kung saan nanggaling ‘yung boses na ‘yon, at saktong paglingon niya ay nakita niya ang isang lalaking nakatayo sa hindi kalayuan sa kanya. HIndi na na-proseso agad ni Wonwoo ‘yung itsura ng lalaki dahil agad-agad ‘tong lumapit sa kanila ng delivery rider. 

Ngumiti si Wonwoo out of instinct kahit hindi niya kilala ‘yung lalaki, kasi for sure, tutulungan siya nito at papahiramin muna ng cash para makapagbayad na siya ng pagkain sa rider. 

“Ako na lang bibili niyan, Kuya. Magkano ‘yan?” casual na tanong ng lalaki, para bang siya ang umorder. 

“Seven hundred twenty-eight po, Sir,” sagot ng rider.

At doon nawala ang ngiti ni Wonwoo. Punyeta? Wait, bibilhin niya? Hindi ba niya ako papahiramin ng cash?

“Ah sakto, ito kuya,” sabi nung lalaki sabay abot ng seven hundred fifty pesos sa rider. 

Sinundan lang siya ni Wonwoo ng tingin, parang na-paralyze siya sa kinatatayuan niya. Kulang na lang ibuka niya ang bibig niya sa sobrang gulat. Like, literal nanigas siya sa kinatatayuan niya. May burger at wings na, pero wala siyang participation? Hindi man lang siya na-consult? Siya ang original na umorder, FYI!

“‘Wag mo nang suklian, kuya. Salamat.” 

“Salamat din po, Sir!” tuwang-tuwang sagot ng rider, sabay sakay sa motor na parang walang nangyari.

At doon lang na-reboot ang utak ni Wonwoo.

Doon lang na-process ni Wonwoo ang lahat ng nangyari in a span of one minute kaya agad siyang nagsalita. “Hoy, kuya! Bakit mo binigay sa iba? Aking order ‘yan, hoy kuya, bumalik ka rito!” sigaw niya habang umabante siya ng konti. 

Pero too late. Umarangkada na si Kuyang rider. Wala na. Wala na ang dinner ng boss niya. Wala na ang garlic parmesan burger at chicken wings – nasa kamay na ng ibang tao. 

Speaking of that tao, oras na para bigyan pansin 'to. Standing in front of him like he owns the building. Wearing a white long gown — chariz! Hindi ito Miss Universe.

Seryoso na kasi, so moreno, matangkad (mas matangkad sa kanya), malinis ang gupit, malaki ang katawan, gwapo rin naman pero hindi na siya gwapo sa paningin ni Wonwoo dahil kinuha niya ang supposed dinner ng boss niya.

Hindi siya gwapo sa mata ko. Siya ay kalaban ng bayan at kapayapaan.

Kumbaga, kung may laban sa building na ‘to ng Hunger Games, siya ang first tribute na iboboto ni Wonwoo for the game.

Pero ayun siya, nakatayo, very calm, very chill, hawak ‘yung brown paper bag na may lamang order ni Wonwoo. 

Gwapo nga pero nakakainis. 

“Excuse me,” sabat ni Wonwoo, habang hawak pa ang phone niya. Itinaas niya ‘yung kilay niya for cinematic purposes, keme.  “That’s my boss’s dinner. If I’m not upstairs in two minutes, tatanggalin niya ‘ko sa trabaho. Like, legit. Goodbye, sahod. Goodbye, buhay. Kaya ibigay mo na sa’kin ‘yan.” 

Wonwoo was confident and firm. Kahit na, in reality, ay kailangan pa niyang bahagyang tumingala para kausapin ‘yung lalaki. At hindi siya sanay. Usually kasi, siya ang mas matangkad sa kausap niya. He’s used to being the one looking down. 

But this? This is different. The guy was inches taller than him. HIndi lang “slightly taller”— as in legit kailangan niyang i-stretch ang leeg niya nang konti just to maintain eye contact.

Ngumiti lang ‘yung lalaki, halk-amused. “Hindi ka matatanggal sa trabaho. Baka nga ma-promote ka pa dahil sa pagiging masipag mo. Trust me.” 

Wonwoo rolled his eyes. “Kailangan ko ‘yang pagkain na ‘yan. Para sa boss ko nga ‘yan, ang kulilt ha.” diin ni Wonwoo, hindi talaga siya nagbibiro. Panigurado naghihintay na si Jeonghan sa pagkain niya. Lagot talaga siya! 

Huminga nang malalim ‘yung lalaki. “Ano muna ‘tong order mo?” 

Saan ba patungo ‘tong usapan na ‘to? 

“Garlic parmesan burger at cheesy bacon wings,” sagot ni Wonwoo. 

“Eh, paano ba ‘yan? Ako nagbayad. So, akin na ‘to. Para rin ‘to sa boss ko, at kung hindi ko siya mabibigyan ng dinner ngayong gabi, ako ang matatanggal sa trabaho,” sagot ulit nung lalaki at saka nag-umpisa nang pumasok sa building. 

Sinundan ito ni Wonwoo, hindi naman siya papayag na makuha ‘yun, no. Naghintay siya ng halos fourty minutes para sa order na ‘yan. 

“Hoy, hindi nga p’wede! Lagot ako sa boss ko! Kanina pa niya pinabili ‘yan!” 

“Malas mo wala kang cash,” sagot ulit nung lalaki habang patuloy lang sa paglalakad. 

“Wala ka bang awa sa kapwa mo tao?” tanong ulit ni Wonwoo. May iilang mga employee na sa building na lumalabas at nakakasalubong nila. May iilang napapatingin sa kanila pero dedma, wala siyang pake. Mas may pake siya sa dinner na ‘yan. 

“Meron naman. ‘Yun nga lang, not this time,” 

“Isusumbong kita sa mama mo!” sagot ni Wonwoo. Wala na siyang maisip na rebut. 

Natawa ‘yung lalaki at saka tumigil sa paglalakad. “Hindi mo nga kilala mama ko,” sagot niya. 

“Isusumbong na lang kita sa Kuya ko!” 

“Ano ka, bata?” 

“Hindi mo kasi gets, okay? Papatayin ako ng boss ko kapag hindi ko nabigay ‘yan,” tumigil saglit si Wonwoo. “Okay, medyo OA ‘yung papatayin pero matatanggal ako sa trabaho. Legit ‘yan.” 

Tumawa saglit ‘yung lalaki pero hindi agad siya sumagot. Instead, tinignan niya ‘yung hawak niyang brown paper bag at saka tumingin kay Wonwoo para magsalita. “Okay, dalawa naman ‘tong order mo ‘di ba? One cheesy bacon wings, one garlic parmesan burger?”

“Oo,”

“So hatiin na lang natin. You take one, I take the other. Fair deal.”

Sandaling katahimikan.

“Okay,” sabi ni Wonwoo. “Kukunin ko ‘yung wings. Mas gusto ng boss ko ‘yan.” 

“Whoa, no no no,” protesta nung lalaki. “Sa’kin ‘yung wings. Kailangan ng boss ko ng comfort food niya. Burger? Hindi niya kakainin ‘yan, low on-carb siya, high-attitude diet. Ibabato niya lang sa’kin ‘yan, trust me.”

Hindi alam ni Wonwoo kung totoo ‘tong pinagsasabi ng lalaking ‘to. 

“Siraulo ka ba?” sabi ni Wonwoo. “Ako naman umorder niyan so technically, mas may say ako diyan.” 

“No, technically, ako na ang may ari niyan kasi ako nagbayad. So dapat ako masusunod,” 

Gusto na lang sabunutan ni Wonwoo sarili niya. Umirap ulit siya at saka inayos ‘yung salamin niya. “Jusko, oo na, sige na! Kunin mo na ‘yang chicken wings! Akin na ‘yang burger!” 

Ngumiti sa kanya ‘yung lalaki at saka kinuha ‘yung box ng half-dozen chicken wings mula sa paper bag. Pagtapos ay inabot niya kay Wonwoo ‘yung paper bag na may lamang burger. 

“O, ayan. Garlic parmesan cheeseburger.” 

Padabog na kinuha ni Wonwoo sa lalaki ‘yung paper bag at saka umirap ulit. “Wow, thank you, ha?” 

Itinaas ng lalaki ‘yung box ng chicken wings as if nang aasar pa siya. “You’re welcome,” sagot niya. “Anong floor ka?” 

“Eleventh floor,” sagot ni Wonwoo kahit labag sa loob niyang sumagot. Gusto na lang talaga niyang umuwi at this point kaysa naman ibigay ‘to kay Jeonghan. 

“Ah, fifteenth floor ako,” sabi nung lalaki. “Bayaran mo ‘ko bukas ng cash din. Eight percent interest, liquidity preference.”

For the nth time, Wonwoo rolled his eyes. “Mukha bang afford ko pa magbayad ng interes?” sagot ni Wonwoo. “Kumukuha nga lang ako ng toilet paper sa office bathroom namin tapos pagbabayarin mo pa ko ng interes?” 

Natawa ‘yung lalaki sa kanya at saka nag-umpisa maglakad. Hindi rin alam ni Wonwoo bakit siya sumunod at pumasok ng elevator kasabay niya. Pinindot nila ‘yung kanya-kanya nilang floor. 

“Bakit kasi wala kang cash?” tanong nung lalaki at saka tumingin sa kanya habang nasa loob sila ng elevator. 

“None of your business,” sagot ni Wonwoo. “Ikaw? Bakit hindi ka umorder ng sarili mong pagkain? Wala ka bang delivery app?” 

“None of your business,” ani nung lalaki sabay tawa. Lakas trip, ampota! 

“Galing,” bulong ni Wonwoo. 

“Bayaran mo ‘yan, ha,” sambit nung lalaki ulit. “Ikaw magpunta sa floor ko tutal ikaw may utang.” 

“Oo na, whatever, thanks,” 

“You’re welcome. Utang mo sa’kin ‘yan.”

Hindi na nakasagot si Wonwoo dahil bumukas na ang elevator at nasa 11th floor na siya. Tumunog pa ‘yung ding. He stepped out of the elevator, pero nilingon niya pa ulit ‘yung lalaki na naiwan sa loob.

“Anong oras ka p’wedeng puntahan para bayaran?” tanong niya. 

“Same time,” sagot ng lalaki. 

Umirap si Wonwoo, pero tumango na lang. Fine. Keri. Babayaran kita bukas na bukas. Bago siya tuluyang makalabas ng elevator, bigla na namang nagsalita ‘yung lalaki.

“Wait!”

Napahinto si Wonwoo. Oh my god, ano na naman? May service charge pa?

“Ano? Kailan mo pa ng service charge?” tanong niya, hindi na niya tinago ‘yung inis.

“Anong pangalan mo pala?”

Napataas ang kilay ni Wonwoo. “Importante pa ba ‘yon?”

“Para kilala ko sinong may utang sa’kin,” sabay ngisi ng lalaki. 

Napabuntong-hininga si Wonwoo. “Wonwoo.”

Ngumiti ‘yung lalaki. “Ah. Wonwoo. I'm Mingyu. And, sa'kin talaga 'tong dinner." Tapos nito sabay kagat doon sa isang chicken wing na hawak na niya ngayon at nginisian pa siya. 

At cling!

Nagsara ang elevator doors.

At si Wonwoo? Naiwan sa hallway, hawak ang paper bag na may lamang garlic parmesan burger. 

Punyetang lalaki 'yun!

 » [mastermind] «

 0:02 ─〇───── 0:02

“Wonwoo, I’ll be leaving now,” sabi ni Jeonghan habang hawak-hawak ang kanyang Medium Dior Normandie Tote Bag na nagkakahalaga ng halos kalahating milyong piso. Yes, halos limang daang libo. At alam na alam ‘yon ni Wonwoo. Bakit? Kasi siya ang assistant. Siya ang naghanap ng available stock sa buong Metro Manila, siya ang nakipag-coordinate sa personal shopper, at siya rin ang tagabitbit habang si Jeonghan ay umiinom ng oat milk latte sa café sa tabi ng boutique. 

It’s already 7 in the evening. Overtime na naman si Wonwoo, as usual. If being underpaid were a sport, panalo na siya ng gold medal every day. Nakatutok siya ngayon sa laptop, nagta-type ng summary report ng mga articles submitted this week. 

"Finish what you're doing before you leave." dagdag ni Jeonghan, habang nilalagay ang Dior sa siko niya na parang kagagaling lang niya sa Vogue shoot.

“Yes, Sir,” sagot ni Wonwoo. Ano pa nga ba? Wala naman siyang choice, no. Kung mayroon lang, kanina pa siya umuwi para makapagpahinga. 

“By the way,” singit ni Jeonghan habang lumilingon sa salamin para i-check kung okay na ba ‘yung look niya, “What’s my schedule on Friday?”

Nag-click agad si Wonwoo sa calendar app niya. “You have a 10 AM Zoom with the FIBA Asia reps, lunch with the UAAP heads at one, then meeting with the web team at four.”

Jeonghan nodded, impressed but not surprised. “Okay. Add thirty minutes before lunch. I need time to scream into the void.”

“Copy, Sir,” sagot ni Wonwoo, saba ngiti. Ngiting gusto nang umuwi pero hindi p’wede dahil ayaw niyang magdala ng trabaho sa apartment niya. 

At akala niya tapos na, akala niya lang pala, kasi humakbang na ‘yung boss niya palayo. Pero hindi pa man siya nakakatatlong hakbang, bigla itong lumingon ulit kay Wonwoo.

Wonwoo almost — almost— screamed. Gusto na talaga niyang ihampas ‘yung keyboard niya sa desk, preferably with matching slow motion at background music. Pero then again, kung tatanungin mo siya, this is normal.

Routine na ‘to. Kasama na sa everyday corporate circus niya. Kung may loyalty card ang pagiging stressed, platinum tier na siya. Kung may overtime leaderboard, nasa Hall of Fame na siya.

So instead of flipping a table like in the movies he watches every weekend, napabuntong-hininga na lang siya. Of course may pahabol pa si Sir. Of course.

“Oh, and get a birthday gift for my niece.”

“Ah, si Mollie po? five years old, birthday on Sunday, yes. I got it, Sir,” sambit ni Wonwoo without even looking up. Nabanggit na ‘to ni Jeonghan last time, at s'yempre, Wonwoo being the highly-functional, borderline-overprepared, organized, underpaid, and emotionally exhausted assistant that he is, ni-note niya agad. Kasi sa trabaho niya, lahat ng mga bagay na lumalabas sa bunganga ng boss niya ay mangyayari. Walang “suggestion,” walang “reminder lang.” Lahat ‘yon ay dapat magawa — on time, on brand, and with a bow kung kinakailangan.

Napangiti si Jeonghan. “Good. Nothing educational. She likes Barbie, or anything super girlie.”

“Noted, Sir Jeonghan, I got it po.” 

“Excellent. See you tomorrow." Sabay lakad paalis, shoes clicking dramatically sa floor ng office. 

Bumuntong hininga si Wonwoo at saka sumandal saglit sa upuan niya. Buti na lang talaga at nag-early dinner na siya kanina, at least, pagod lang siya ngayon at hindi gutom. As if that’s any better, natawa na lang din siya sa sarili niya. 

Papalayo na sana si Jeonghan, pero huminto ulit ito at tinignan din siya. So, Wonwoo also stopped on his tracks, and looked back at his boss. 

“Are you getting enough sleep?” tanong ni Jeonghan, nakakunot ang noo. “Look at the dark circles under your eyes."

Napakagat-labi si Wonwoo para hindi mapa-irap ng harapan. Talagang nagulat ka pa, Sir Jeonghan? Talagang ikaw pa nagtaka kung bakit may eyebags ako?

Wonwoo gave a very tight-lipped smile. “I sleep when the empire sleeps, Sir.”

“Which is never,” sabat ni Jeonghan agad. “Hindi ka robot, Wonwoo.”

Wow naman talaga, he thought, internally clutching his last thread of patience.

“Okay lang po, Sir.” Hindi po okay.

“Kaya naman po.” Hindi ko na po kaya, gusto ko na pong matulog sa ibabaw ng printer.

Pero siyempre, duh, hindi niya ‘yon sasabihin harapan. Gusto pa niyang may trabaho siya bukas. Gusto rin niya ng 13th month pay at HMO benefits. 

Jeonghan simply nodded. “Get some rest when you can.”

Then, just like that, naglakad na ito palabas ng opisina, shoes, once again, clicking like a closing statement. Wonwoo just stated blankly at his screen habang sinasalo ang bigat ng mundo (oa lang siya). Get some rest when you can? Ulit-ulit na pumipintig ‘yon sa utak niya.

“When is that exactly, Sir?” bulong ni Wonwoo habang nagta-type ulit. “Wala ngang nap option sa to-do-list ko tapos when I can?” Wonwoo sighed dramatically. 

Bumalik na lang siya sa ginagawa niya — naka-multitask mode na naman siya ngayong gabi. Inaayos niya ang summary report ng weekly sports coverage at sinasabayang i-update ang master file ng press contacts.

Alam mo ‘yung kung may limang kamay lang siya, nagawa na niya lahat within the hour? Ganern.

Tapos, after a while, kinuha niya sa drawer niya ‘yung wallet niya dahil gusto sana niyang bumili ng Milo sa vending machine for emotional support pero may bibgla siyang naalala at napatigil siya saglit. 

‘Yung utang niya kay Mingyu.

“Right,” bulong niya. “Si Mr. Cash. Punyeta, may utang pa pala ako do’n,” bulong niya sa sarili niya. Naalala niya na today nga pala ‘yung sabi niyang “same time.” At bilang ma-pride siyang tao at ayaw na tumatanaw ng utang na loob, hindi p’wedeng tumagal ang utang niya. Wala sa sistema niya ‘yung may liability sa lalaking hindi manlang siya sinalba at talagang kinain 'yung in-order niya. 

Ang mas nakakapikon pa? Pag-akyat niya kagabi, biglang ayaw na raw mag-dinner ng boss niya. Wala na raw siya sa mood. Just like that. No warning, no explanation. Ang ending? Si Wonwoo ang napilitang kumain nung garlic parmesan burger kahit ayaw niya ng flavor. Duh. 320 pesos ‘yon, no! Hindi biro ‘yan sa ekonomiya ngayon. 

Kaya kahit labag sa loob niya ay kinain niya pa rin.  Punyeta, 320 pesos for a single meal? Isang burger lang ‘yon ha, walang kasamang rice, walang kasamang water, wala man lang pa-tissue!

Kung nagpunta na lang siya sa karinderya ni Aling Myrna sa kanto ng apartment niya, eh ‘di sana nakabili siya ng isang order ng adobo, may extra sabaw, tapos isa’t kalahating kanin — tapos may sukli pa siya pambili ng Mountain Dew. Kung susumahin, isang daan lang dapat magagastos niya.

Nakakainis talaga!

Napailing na lang si Wonwoo at saka tumayo agad mula sa kinauupuan niya at pinatay ang computer niya, kinuha sa bag ang wallet, phone, at siniguradong may 350 pesos siya sa wallet. 

Agad siyang lumabas ng office at pumasok sa elevator. Pinindot niya ang 15th floor kahit hindi siya sure kung saan ba talaga ang office ni Mingyu.

Pero push na ‘to. Kung wala siya ro’n, hahanapin ko. Bahala na.  

While the elevator ascended, nagsisimula na siyang mag-isip. 

What do I even say? “Hi, ito na bayad mo! Saksak mo sa baga mo ‘yan!’ 

He adjusted his shirt collar and stared at the elevator doors. Umiling na lang at nang bumukas ‘yung elevator. Agad naman siyang lumabas, at kung sinuswerte nga naman siya, nakita niyang nakaupo si Mingyu sa tapat ng isang glass-walled office, naka-slouch ng konti, hawak ang isang cup ng kape. 

Mukhang iilan na lang din ang tao sa floor na ‘to kasi kakaunti na lang ‘yung mga taong naglalakad. Mukha ring hindi pa napapansin ni Mingyu ‘yung presensya niya kaya dahan-dahan siyang naglakad papunta sa likod nito. 

“Hoy!"

“Holy shit!” 

Natawa si Wonwoo sa reaksyon ni Mingyu dahil halata na gulat na gulat ito at muntik pang matapon ‘yung kape na hawak niya. Buti na lang din gwapo siya, no? Anyway, Wonwoo, focus!

Umupo siya sa bakanteng upuan sa tabi ni Mingyu. Magsasalita na sana siya kasi meron na siyang prepared mental script at rehearsed delivery kanina sa elevator, pero naunahan siya ng mas matangkad.

“Anong ginagawa mo dito? Maintenance ka ba?” tanong nito habang nilalapag ang kape niya sa maliit na lamesa.

Napairap si Wonwoo. His award-winning eye roll na may kasamang buntong-hininga.

“Mukha ba akong maintenance?” sagot niya. “I work for Jeonghan Yoon.” Tapos niya as if that’s enough for Mingyu to know why he’s here. 

“Sino?” tanong ni Mingyu, and he looked genuinely curious. 

Napakurap si Wonwoo. Paki-ulit nga? Who daw?

Who?!

WHO?! 

Napahinto siya doon ng ilang segundo. Hindi niya kilala si Jeonghan Yoon? The Jeonghan Yoon? Who doesn’t even know Jeonghan Yoon?

“Sports reporter and editor-in-chief of ESPN Philippines that literally changed the course of sports writing,” sagot ni Wonwoo. Kahit naman minsan nakakabdtrip boss niya, he still looks up to him. Si Jeonghan pa rin ang ultimate role model niya in the industry. Idol niya ‘yon, kahit draining. Kahit ubos na siya emotionally and physically after every workday.

Kasi at the end of the day, the man knows his craft.

Jeonghan writes with precision, edits like a machine, and somehow always has the perfect headline under pressure. He’s sharp, he’s fast, and he reads through a 25000-word game analysis like it’s just a single tweet.

And let’s be honest, Jeonghan can eviscerate a poorly-written article in one glance but still look like he just stepped out of Vogue photoshoot. 

Wonwoo lowkey wants to be like him. Or at least be someone that Jeonghan trusts enough to publish. Because behind the sass? Jeonghan is brilliant, and Wonwoo wants to prove he can be that brilliant, too.

Mingyu nodded his head. “Ah, okay. Pero ano pa ngang ginagawa mo dito?”

Wonwoo sighed. “Well, hindi ako p’wedeng umalis hangga’t hindi pa umaalis ang boss ko. Kakaalis lang niya. Kaya ako lagi ang last umalis sa building na ‘to. Araw-araw.”

“Ah, no,” sabat ni Mingyu, nakataas kilay. “Ako lagi ang last.”

“Nope, you’re literally not,” sagot ni Wonwoo. 

Nagtaas ng kilay si Mingyu na parang ayaw niya talagang magpatalo. “Kahit umalis na boss ko, nandito pa rin ako.”

Match naman sila ni Wonwoo, hindi rin naman nagpapatalo si Wonwoo. 

“Oh well, may tulugan si Jeonghan sa loob ng office niya. Your point?”

“At may folding bed boss ko sa loob ng office niya.”

“Whatever!” sabay sabay silang umirap sa isa’t isa.

“See? I’m always the last one here,” ani Mingyu na parang siya ang nanalo sa Olympics of Overtime. “Bakit lagi kang overtime?” tanong pa nito.

As if hindi obvious.

“Wow ha, ikaw pa talaga nagtanong niyan?” balik ni Wonwoo, sabay tingin sa kanya na parang, hello, mukhang pareha lang naman tayo laging overtime, 

Natawa si Mingyu. “Answer the question.”

Nagkibit-balikat si Wonwoo. “Well, maraming trabahong kailangang tapusin. Jeonghan is a total workaholic, and being the royalty of a sports media empire doesn’t really help,” daldal niya, mabilis, tuluy-tuloy, parang nabuksan ang floodgates ng isang pagod na kaluluwa.

At wala na rin siyang pake kung hindi man sila close ni Mingyu, minsan kasi, mas madaling mag-rant sa taong hindi mo kakilala. Less judgment, more freedom to be dramatic. And right now? He’s grabbing that freedom with both hands.

“Like, seriously. He sends emails at one in the morning. Tapos may follow-up pa by six. Sino bang may energy mag-reply nang gano'n kaaga? Ako. Ako ‘yon. Kasi ako ang sumasalo ng lahat. He eats, sleeps, and breathes work, emphasis on breathes dahil hindi ko sure kung natutulog pa siya.”

Hinampas niya nang marahan ang armrest ng upuan niya for effect. “Kaya ako, always overtime. Always cramming. Always one sneeze away from burnout. Hell, wala na nga akong time makipag-date! Ni wala pa akong nagiging boyfriend! Ever!”

Napakunot-noo si Mingyu. “Boyfriend? Wala ka pang nagiging boyfriend?”

“Yes,” sagot ni Wonwoo, sabay irap. “May problema ka?”

Natawa si Mingyu, in that smug-but-kind-of-charming way. “Wala naman. Kinaklaro ko lang. Bakit ba lagi kang galit?”

“Hindi ako galit,” depensa ni Wonwoo, pero medyo napaangat na ‘yung boses niya, so not helping his case. “So anyway,” dagdag niya agad, trying to shift the conversation back. “I mean, do you know how many alarms I have in a day just to remind me to remind my boss to eat? Tapos ako, nakakalimutan ko na kumain! At kung nakakakain man ako, eh ‘di sa pantry na may libreng pandesal at kape na lang.”

Humugot siya ng hangin, tapos tuloy ulit. 

“Wala na akong social life, Mingyu. Wala. Hindi ko na nga maalala ‘yung last time na nagka-free time ako na hindi nauwi sa pagtulog sa desk. I sleep beside the printer more than I sleep in my own bed. Tapos minsan, kung makautos si Jeonghan, parang automated task scheduler na walang snooze button. Kahit weekend, may pa-email pa rin. Sunday? Hindi exempted. Birthday ko? Nabati naman niya, pero may kasunod na ‘Can you fix this before lunch?’”

Natawa siya, pero ‘yung tawa niya, pagod na tawa. Yung tipong if I don’t laugh, I will cry on this carpeted floor.

“Alam mo ba, one time, nagpa-haircut siya and I had to go with him kasi gusto niya ng honest opinion habang ginigupitan ‘yung bangs niya? I’m not even licensed to comment on bangs!”

He threw his hands up, as if talking to the universe now.

“At minsan ‘pag may nasabi siyang, ‘Wonwoo, remind me to send flowers to the sponsor or this brand,’ parang gusto kong sabihin, ‘Sir, remind mo rin sarili mong isa lang ako!’ Kasi hello, tatlong tao ang workload ko pero isa lang ang sahod ko! I don’t even know what rest means anymore. Lately, ‘yung idea ko ng self-care is changing the tone of the Google Calendar notifications para hindi ako ma-trigger.”

Tuloy pa rin siya, hand gestures and all, habang parang lumulutang na lang sa dami ng hinaing. Hindi na niya napansin kung paano siya tinitingnan ni Mingyu habang nagsasalita — calm, amused, but mostly soft.

Walang halong judgment, walang halong “wow, ang dami mong sinabi,” just pure attention.

He was really listening.

Hindi ‘yung tipong ng "sure, tapos?" kundi ‘yung tipong gusto niya talagang maintindihan kung bakit parang ready nang sumabog si Wonwoo sa sobrang pagod. He's the yapper, and Mingyu is the listener right now.

At kahit hindi pa napapansin ni Wonwoo, for the first time in a long time, someone was actually seeing him — not just the efficient assistant, not just the runner of errands, not just Jeonghan’s ever-reliable shadow but him.

And Mingyu? Tahimik lang siya. Still holding his now-lukewarm coffee.

Still watching Wonwoo. 

Like he wasn’t a walking to-do list. Like he mattered.

Then he leaned back, sighed, and finally looked at Mingyu.

“Dapat nanonood na ako ng four sisters and a wedding ngayon!”

Mingyu chuckled. “Ano ‘yan, paborito mong movie?”

Napataas kilay ni Wonwoo. “Bakit ba? It resonates with me, no,” ani niya.  “…but yeah. Kaya naman pa ‘to,” ani Wonwoo ulit, this time mas mahina na ang boses, parang slowly nagsi-sink in lahat ng sinabi niya. Napatitig siya kay Mingyu, saka bahagyang napahigpit ng hawak sa wallet niya. 

“Oh God,” dagdag niya, eyes wide in mock horror, “I’m gonna end up like Jeonghan. Single and workaholic!” 

Natawa si Mingyu, umiling bago sumagot, “You’re not gonna end up like him.”

Napakunot-noo si Wonwoo. “Paano mo naman nasabi, aber?”

Mingyu gave him a look. Like, ‘do I really have to spell it out? ’ look.

“Sa tingin ko lang,” sagot niya, sabay ngiti. “You talk too much for someone na tatandang mag-isa. Tsaka, kahit pa stressed ka, you still give a damn. You care about the people around you. That’s not like your boss, I assume.”

Tahimik si Wonwoo sandali. 

Mingyu just shrugged and sipped his coffee, like he didn’t just drop something lowkey profound.

“Also,” dagdag pa niya, “I don’t think someone who wants to write something meaningful can just vanish into career hell. You’ll fight for your space. That’s what makes you different.”

Tahimik ulit si Wonwoo. “Over naman sa words of affirmation saka very articulate ka rin, ha. Anong school mo nung college?” biro ni Wonwoo. “Pero pwedeng ulitin mo ‘yon? Ire-record ko, gagawin kong alarm.”

Mingyu laughed. “Baliw.” 

Bumuntong-hininga ulit si Wonwoo, parang sinimot na lang niya ‘yung natitirang lakas sa katawan niya para maging functional. “Ikaw naman. Bakit lagi kang overtime?”

Mingyu leaned back against his seat, arms crossed, saka tumingin kay Wonwoo na parang nag-iisip kung worth it bang ibukas ang sarili—  then decided, what the hell.

“Pareho lang tayo,” sagot niya.

Napataas ang kilay ni Wonwoo. “Oh? Let me guess. Your boss is also a functioning caffeine addict who lives for power, deadlines, and emotionally repressed success?”

Mingyu chuckled. “Close. His name’s Seungcheo Chol. He’s a venture capitalist. Meaning, he capitalizes on ventures, and my soul.”

Natawa si Wonwoo, bahagyang napapailinng sa mga kwento ni Mingyu — pero hindi lang siya natawa. He listened. Tahimik lang siyang nakatingin habang nagra-rant si Mingyu tungkol sa boss niyang si Seungcheol Choi, with all the frustration, admiration, at subtle burnouts na pamilyar na pamilyar kay Wonwoo.

And this time, just like what Mingyu did for him earlier, he was there. Not to judge, not to give unsolicited advice, but just to be present.

Tumango-tango siya habang nakikinig, ‘yung tipong I get it. I see you. I know exactly what that feels like.

“Alam mo favorite hobby niya? Mag-schedule ng meetings on a Sunday. Bro, it’s Sunday. I’m literally in boxers eating whatever I have inside the fridge.” 

“Gets,” sagot ni Wonwoo, halatang na-iimagine niya na agad ‘yung boss ni Mingyu as the corporate devil in a Patagonia vest.

“Alam mo ‘yung concept ng 9 to 5? Sa kanya naman, optional. Mas gusto niya ng 7 to forever. ”

Napakunot-noo si Wonwoo. “‘Di ba sabi mo may folding bed na siya sa office niya?”

“Meron. Pero hindi niya ginagamit. Kasi hindi siya natutulog. Or at least ‘yun ang paniniwala ko. Kasi kahit 3AM, magte-text ‘yan: ‘Did you see that startup in Singapore? Let’s schedule a call.’ Bro, how about we schedule a life?” 

Natawa si Wonwoo, pero halatang naka-relate naman siya. Too much.

“At kung akala mo na demanding ‘yang boss mong si Jeonghan,” dagdag pa ni Mingyu, “wait ‘til you meet Seungcheol. Once, I sneezed during a pitch meeting, and he said, ‘Control your body better.’ Ano 'ko? Robot?"

“Oh my God,” tawa ni Wonwoo, bahagyang napapahawak pa sa tiyan niya. “Same breed pala mga boss natin, no?”

“Yeah,” sabay iling ni Mingyu, pero may ngiti sa labi habang nakatingin kay Wonwoo. “Same workaholic, emotionally constipated people who apparently do not believe in life outside work.”

“Or sleep. Or weekends. Or basic human rights,” ani Wonwoo tapos nagtuloy, “Honestly, baka ang idea nila ng self-care is color-coding their Google Calendar.”

“Baka nga,” sabay tawa ulit ni Mingyu. “At kung may hobby man sila, ‘yun ay magpadala ng email habang tulog ka.”

Nagkatinginan silang dalawa, parehong sabay na napabuntong-hininga, laughing through the trauma, pero for once, at least, someone gets it.

And for the first time in a long day, pareho silang hindi nagmamadaling bumalik sa kanya-kanyang desk nila.

“Pero why do you stay?” biglang tanong ni Wonwoo, this time medyo tahimik na ‘yung tono niya. Seryoso siya sa tanong niya, hindi lang dahil sa pagod, kundi dahil curious talaga siya. Kasi siya, he has his reasons. Kaya he figured Mingyu must have his, too.

“Gusto ko ng promotion,” sagot ni Mingyu agad-agad, diretso, walang paligoy-paligoy. “I badly want it. Like, I’ve worked too hard to just quit now. I need to prove something.”

“Kanino?” tanong ni Wonwoo.

“Sa sarili ko,” sagot ni Mingyu. “And maybe sa kanya rin. Sa boss ko. I want him to see that I’m more than just the guy who picks up his dry cleaning and books his flights. So, you?” 

Tumango si Wonwoo, like he understood. Kasi he really does.

Ngumiti siya. “Well, pangarap ko pa rin na isang araw makita ‘yung article ko sa site ng ESPN. ‘Yung may byline ko. Wonwoo Jeon. Ganda ‘no?” sabay tawa.

Mingyu looked at him with soft eyes. “Mangyayari ‘yan.”

Wonwoo smiled, and for the first time that day — maybe he actually believed it.

Natahimik silang dalawa after that. Ang tanging naririnig na lang ay ang mahinang pag-echo ng mga hakbang ng mga pa-out na empleyado sa kabilang hallway. Medyo madilim na rin sa floor na ‘yon at isa na lang ang bukas na ilaw mula sa isang nearby office, habang ang karamihan ay naka-ambient lighting na lang, giving the place a quiet, end-of-the-day glow.

Naroon sila sa hallway sa tapat ng isang glass-paneled office — malinis, modern, tahimik. May ilang empty desks sa paligid, may isa pang office na naka-bukas ang pinto. The air smelled faintly of leftover takeout, printer ink, and Mingyu’s strong black coffee. Amoy na amoy ni Wonwoo ‘yung kape sa kamay ni Mingyu. 

Wonwoo glanced at the large glass windows at the end of the hallway — city lights everywhere. Buildings blinking, traffic crawling below like glowing ants, Manila looking softer than it actually is from eleven floors up.

Then his gaze drifted back to Mingyu na nakaupo lang, nakasandal sa upuan, tulala sa kape niya na parang may existential crisis siyang pinagdadaanan. 

Come to think of it, napaisip si Wonwoo na kung may ganyan siyang mukha? Baka nag-audition na siya sa PBB or sumali na sa isang reality show. Hindi naman siya kasi in denial — gwapo si Mingyu. Undeniably. Universally. Pang-billboard level.

Kumbaga sa ganyang mukha, he can get what he wants. Handsome privilege is real, and this man right here is a card-carrying member of the club.

At mukha rin naman siyang mabait, like the guy has manners, and was actually listening to Wonwoo earlier.

Which, frankly, is more dangerous than just being hot and conventionally attractive. 

Umiling na lang si Wonwoo at saka bumuntong-hininga, habang pinapanood si Mingyu na nakatulala pa rin sa kape niya. Punyeta, bulong niya sa isip, hanggang kailan ba kami ganito ni Mingyu? Forever pagod, forever overtime, forever secondhand stress from bosses who don’t even believe in lunch breaks?

Pero habang nagi-isip siya, a lightbulb moment struck. Bigla siyang napalingon kay Mingyu, na para bang binigyan siya ng pag-asa ni universe. 

“May naisip ako,” ani ni Wonwoo, sabay ngiti.

Mingyu looked at him with a raised brow, wary but curious. “Ano?”

“Why don’t we set them up?” tuloy ni Wonwoo, dead serious pero nakangiti pa rin na siya na parang proud na proud sa naisip niyang bright idea.

“Ha?” tanong ni Mingyu, halos mapaubo siya sa gulat, looking at Wonwoo like he just suggested they adopt a shark. “Set who up?”

“Hear me out!” sabay lapag ni Wonwoo ng wallet at phone niya sa mesa as if prepping for a strategic briefing. “Easy peasy, Mingyu. Pareho silang workaholic, parehong walang love life, parehong may tendency na magpadala ng email ng alas-dos ng madaling araw. If we get them together, maybe just maybe they’ll finally have something better to do than overwork us. ”

Mingyu stared at him, trying to process the insanity. “Kaya ang plano mo ay turn their corporate misery into romance?”

“Yes!” sagot ni Wonwoo “If they date each other, madi-distract sila, they will chill a little, magpapahinga sila on weekends, magde-date, and leave us alone!”

Mingyu huffed. “Wonwoo, hindi ‘to teleserye,”

“Exactly, it’s better. It’s real-life manipulation.”

Umiling si Mingyu. “Hindi nila kilala ang isa’t isa."

“Lahat naman tayo nag-uumpisa sa ganyan, ‘di ba?” sambit ni Wonwoo. “Edi clean slate! Fresh start! Imagine this, a power couple, both successful, both workaholics, both too busy to notice their assistants dying inside.”

Napatawang na lang si Mingyu. “So ang plano mo ay i-set up ang dalawang high-functioning at malamang emotionally unavailable na boss para lang makauwi tayo nang maaga?”

“Exactly. Tama ka diyan.”

“Wonwoo, I don’t think gagana ‘yan.” Sagot ni Mingyu. 

Wonwoo just groaned. Basta ang alam niya, this is a perfect plan. 

“Well, buti na lang matatalino tayo,” sagot ni Wonwoo sabay kindat. “Gagawin natin ‘tong subtle lang. Kumbaga, natural walang halong kemikal. Para lang slow burn rom-com ang atake, pero sa totoong buhay.”

Umiling si Mingyu, kaya napairap si Wonwoo. Ang hirap naman pilitin ng isang ‘to, parang di pa siya sanay sa konting kasiyahan sa buhay. Wala namang masamang mag-try, ‘di ba? Tignan niyo nga, three years ago, nag-try lang naman siyang mag-apply bilang personal assistant tapos ngayon? Stressed na stressed at pagod na pagod na siya. How ironic.

“Anong plano mo?”

“Thanks for asking!” sagot ni Wonwoo. “Step one ay kailangan magkita sila. Step two ay kailangan nating gumawa ng paraan para magka-quality time sila. Step three hayaan natin na mag-fly ang sparks, ganern! Parang kanta lang ni Taylor Swift ’yan, Mingyu. Let the sparks fly! At ang last step, tayo naman ang makakapagpahinga! Makakanood na ako ng movies na gusto kong panoorin tapos, uhm, ano pa ba?” 

Tumawa si Mingyu. “Magkakaroon ka ng oras makipag-date?” 

Napatigil si Wonwoo roon at saka tumitig kay Mingyu. “Wala sa plano ko ‘yan, pero p’wede naman, baka masingit ko sa schedule ko kung magiging successful ‘tong plano natin.” 

“No,” sagot ni Mingyu bigla. 

“Ano?” 

“My answer is no, Wonwoo,” seryosong sagot ni Mingyu sabay tayo. Inilapag muna nito ‘yung coffee cup malapit sa trash can bago bumalik sa harap ni Wonwoo.

“Hoy, anong no ka diyan?” 

“Paano kung hindi nila magustuhan ‘yung isa’t isa? Paano kung mag-clash sila? O kaya mas lalo tayong mapagod kasi masama pala loob nila sa isa’t isa after the awkward date you planned?”

“Edi susubukan ulit natin!” pilit ni Wonwoo sabay tumayo na rin, sabay tapik ng mahinang irita sa braso ni Mingyu. “But at least we tried. At this point, kahit situationship lang ang kahahantungan nila, I’ll take it. Basta hindi na ako utusang bumili ng truffle oil at oat milk at alas-nuebe ng gabi.”

Hindi agad sumagot si Mingyu, kaya napairap si Wonwoo at tumayo na, ready to end the conversation. Kainis talaga. At mas nakakainis kasi, ugh! Mas matangkad talaga siya sa akin, okay fine, hindi ‘yun issue pero nakakainis! 

“I’ll give you three days to think about it,” sabi niya with finality, as if he’s declaring a war. Tumalikod siya agad para um-exit na kaso may nakalimutan siya. 

“Ay shuta,” bulong niya, at bumalik at dinampot ‘yung wallet at phone niya na naiwan sa mesa ni Mingyu. Narinig niya lang na tumawa si Mingyu, kaya napairap ulit siya. 

Naglakad ulit siya palayo pero ilang hakbang pa lang, napatigil siya. Napahinto. Napatingin sa sahig. “Right,” bulong niya sa sarili.

Bumalik na naman siya kay Mingyu, who — surprise, surprise — was still standing there, looking at him like he’s the walking embodiment of chaos.

“Utang ko pala,” sambit ni Wonwoo sabay abot ng pera. “With interest na ‘yan, ha. So babalikan kita after three days. Magdesisyon ka na.”

Ngumiti siya ng bahagya at saka tumalikod. “Good night, bye!” sabay lakad paalis, this time, for real na.

Mingyu stared at the money in his hand, blinking. “Ibang klase talaga.” bulong niya sabay tawa na may kasabay na iling habang pinapanood niyang pumasok si Wonwoo sa loob ng elevator. 

At bumukas na nga ang elevator, closing in on the beginning of the end of their peaceful assistant lives.

 » [dear future husband] «

 0:03 ─〇───── 0:03

“Oh my God, oh my God, ikakasal na tayo? Thank God, akala ko wala ka nang balak, my bebu! ” sigaw ni Jun na halos maiyak sa kilig habang isinusuot ni Minghao ang singsing sa kanya. Sa gitna ng sala ni Wonwoo nagaganap ang eksena, parang proposal scene sa teleserye, complete with candle lights and music. 

Biglang napabangon si Wonwoo mula sa pagkakahiga sa sofa, disoriented for a second, then stared blankly at the chaotic lovefest happening in his living room. Nag-waltz pa talaga ‘yung dalawa sa gitna ng sala. 

Ngumiti na lang si Wonwoo habang pinapanood ‘yung dalawa. Mapapa- sana all ka na lang talaga.

To introduce the side characters in his ever-so-busy and mostly quiet life: si Jun ang kaibigan niyang parang kapatid na niya, ever since dumating siya sa mundong ‘to at napag-desisyunan ni Lord na kailangan ng isang certified drama queen-slash-corporate slave. Si Minghao naman ang kanyang jowa. Engineer by profession, lover ni Jun by passion, keme . High school pa lang, sila na ni Jun. Kahit sa lahat ng tampuhan, away, iyakan, pagmumukmok, and everything in between, they managed to stay together. Ten years and counting, and now, they’re engaged. And they look so happy. The kind of happy that makes you want to believe in forever.

Wonwoo has been with them through it all. Tagakinig ni Jun kapag may tampo si Minghao, tagapayo ni Minghao kapag nagtatampo si Jun, at ngayon, witness sa isa sa pinakamahalagang yugto ng buhay nila.

And what about you, Wonwoo?

Well, unlike them, wala pa siya kahit anong naging relasyon. Minsan nga hindi rin siya sure kung nauna lang ba siyang tumanda o napag-iwanan na lang talaga siya ng panahon.

Bunso si Wonwoo. Kuya at ate niya? May sarili nang pamilya. Nagbibigay naman, yes. Pero somehow, naging automatic kay Wonwoo ang sumalo ng responsibilidad para sa pamilya nila. Siya kasi ‘yung laging nandiyan. Siya ‘yung hindi lumayo. Siya ‘yung walang ibang priority kundi ang bayaran sa PAG-IBIG ‘yung pinagawa nilang bahay. 

Pero mahirap din maging bunso, ah.

Laging sinasabi ng iba na kapag bunso ka, ikaw raw ‘yung favorite, may special treatment ka sa pamilya, ikaw ‘yung baby of the family at laging spoiled. 

‘Yan ang palaging iniisip nila. That’s what they’ve always believed about people like Wonwoo. But no one really talks about the other side of being the youngest.  No one talks about the weight the bunso carries behind the smiles. For Wonwoo,  being the youngest often means watching everything from the sidelines. Pinapanood mo kung paano umalis isa-isa ‘yung mga nakakatanda mong kapatid sa bahay niyo, habulin ‘yung mga pangarap nila, and be celebrated. 

Watching your family grow, but also drift as everyone builds their own lives and leaves you behind in the house where it all started. Being the bunso means always being told what to do, how to follow, who to emulate, which footsteps to walk in. It’s hearing, “Sundan mo ang kuya mo,” or “Gayahin mo si ate.” And when you do something right, it’s not always yours to keep. Because someone already did it and someone did it better.

Lumaki naman si Wonwoo sa isang tahanan na mahal siya, oo. Pero minsan hindi siya naiintindihan. Wonwoo never lacked food on the table, or roof over his head, but he lacked a place where he could fall apart. Para sa pamilya niya siya lagi ‘yung masayahin, ‘yung tipong hindi naman kailangan ng sobra, independent na nga raw siya, at mukhang kaya naman na raw niya.

Wonwoo was the last card in the family deck.  So he felt the need to write something just as good or even better. Pero hindi niya alam kung paano, kasi walang nagturo sa kanya kasi akala nilang lahat alam niya na katulad ng ate at kuya niya.

Nakakalungkot ang katotohanan, no? The bunso carries a different kind of burden no one talks about. The kind of burden that lives in silence because everyone thinks you’re okay. 

Pero natuto si Wonwoo na hindi umangal. Natutunan niyang ‘wag umiyak nang malakas kasi ayaw niyang makita ng iba na mahina siya. Natutunan niyang ‘wag humingi ng tulong kasi busy naman lahat ng tao, manggugulo pa ba siya?

Minsan kapag may get-together ang pamilya, mapapatitig na lang siya sa mga kapatid niya at tatanungin ang sarili kung may mararating pa ba siya? Kasi ‘yung ate at kuya niya may mga sarili ng pamilya tapos mga successful na sa buhay.

May mga gabi na nakatitig lang si Wonwoo sa kisame, iniisip kung siya na lang ba talaga ang hindi pa alam ang direksyon sa buhay.

So who gets to hug the bunso? Who sees the tiredness behind the cheerful laugh?  Who tells the youngest, You don’t have to live up to anyone. You’re enough.”

No one ever really says that.

But they should.

Because sometimes, the bunso is the one who needs it most. Not because he’s the youngest. But because he’s been trying to grow up in silence for far too long.

And don’t get him wrong, mahal na mahal niya pamilya niya. Pero minsan, habang sinusubaybayan niya ang love story ng mga tao sa paligid niya — si Jun, si Minghao, si Seungkwan at ‘yung jowang nakilala niya sa bumble — napapaisip siya.

What about me?

Hindi naman siya hopeless. In fact, he still believes that somewhere out there, someone is meant for him. He believes in divine timing, in the right person arriving at the right time. Pero minsan lang, sa mga gabing ganito — na kahit sala mo, naging venue na ng proposal — hindi niya maiwasang mapaisip: nasaan na kaya siya?

Someone to talk to after a long day. Someone to send memes to at 3AM. Someone na mapagsusumbungan niya kapag ginagago na siya masyado ng mundo. Someone na makikinig sa kanya.

Pero kahit ganoon naman, hindi naman nagmamadali si Wonwoo. He believes in timelines, his own timeline. Hindi dahil engaged na ang mga kaibigan niya ay kailangan na rin niyang sumabay. He knows love isn’t a race, and just because it hasn’t happened yet doesn’t mean it won’t. Ang importante, ready siya when it does. And besides, he’d rather wait for the right one than settle for the wrong one out of pressure.

He’s just 26 years old — hello, bata pa 'yan! Fresh out of quarter-life crisis.  Wonwoo knows he still has a lot of time. Hindi pa siya expired, 'no. Wala sa plano niyang mag-panic buying ng jowa.

Talagang sabi siguro ni Lord, “‘Nak, wait ka lang. Hindi mo pa moment. Chill ka lang muna diyan, support role ka muna sa mga love story ng friends mo, pero promise, may sariling plot twist ka rin.”

And that’s fine. Kasi alam ni Wonwoo na love, just like success and healing, doesn’t come on-demand. It comes when it’s meant to. Hindi ito Shopee na may next-day delivery. Minsan late dumating, pero kapag dumating naman sana pasabog. 

So habang wala pa, okay lang. Magtatrabaho muna siya, magsusulat, magpapaka-responsableng anak. Because someday, someone will waltz into his life too. 

Tumitig si Wonwoo sa mga kaibigan niyang nakangiti sa isa’t isa habang nagsasayaw pa rin sa gitna ng sala, para bang may sarili silang mundo. He’s genuinely happy for them. Really. Kahit may konting sana all sa puso niya, hindi niya maikakaila naman na deserve ng dalawa ang happy ending nila.

Tumayo siya mula sa sofa, lumapit sa kanila, at niyakap silang dalawa. “Congrats, Jun, Hao! Sobrang happy ako para sa inyo!” sambit niya, at that point, feel niya talaga na tutulo na ang luha niya. Hindi dahil malungkot siya pero dahil proud siya sa kanila.

Naramdaman niyang niyakap siya pabalik nung dalawa. “Thank you, Wons! I love you!” ani Jun sabay halik sa noo niya.

Ginulo naman ni Minghao ang buhok niya habang naiipit na siya sa gitna nilang dalawa. “Wons! Hindi p’wedeng wala ka sa engagement party, ha?”

Ngumiti si Wonwoo kahit ipit na ipit na siya. “Duh, s’yempre! Malay niyo magdala pa ako ng date!” biro niya, kahit deep inside, alam niyang wala naman talaga siyang madadala.

“Aba, edi mas maganda!” sagot ni Jun sabay hawak sa magkabilang pisngi ni Wonwoo. “Wons, sasabihin agad namin kung kailan para makapag-file ka kaagad ng leave, okay? Hindi p’wedeng wala ka. Please naman, for once, sana payagan ka ng boss mong ‘yon!”

Nag-pose pa si Wonwoo, nag-pumewang. “Oo na, basta sabihin niyo kung kailan, okay?”

“Okie! Ikaw naman unang makakaalam!” sagot ni Jun sabay blow pa ng kiss sa kanya.

Tumawa si Wonwoo. May sasabihin pa sana siya pero biglang tumunog ang phone niya. Itinaas niya ito, ipinakita sa mga kaibigan na may tawag siya. “Boss,” binigkas niya silently habang naglalakad papunta sa kitchen. 

Jusko, alas diyes na, Sir Jeonghan! 

Bumuntong-hininga siya bago sinagot ang tawag. “Yes, Sir Jeonghan?”

“Wonwoo, sorry ah. I know it's late,” bungad ni Jeonghan, mukhang pagod pero with that calm, commanding tone na parang kahit nag-a-apologize siya, trabaho pa rin ang ending. “But where did you save the PR draft for the International Men’s Volleyball feature? I can't seem to find it in the shared folder.”

“Check niyo po under ‘IVB Drafts,’ tapos subfolder ng September Features. File name po is ‘PR Final - Version 3.’ Nandoon po ‘yon.”

“Ah, yeah. Found it. Thanks. One more thing, any updates on Director Mo’s availability for Monday’s interview?”

Nag-scroll agad si Wonwoo sa phone notes niya. “No confirmation yet from their side, but I followed up kanina. I’ll check again first thing tomorrow morning.”

“Alright. What’s your schedule on Monday morning? Do you have plans?”

Sir, tingin mo may gala pa ko? May social life ba ko?

“None po, Sir. I’m fully available.”

“Good. Just block the whole morning in case they confirm last-minute.”

“Noted po.”

Akala na niya tapos na, pero s'yempre hindi. Jeonghan cleared his throat.

“And, oh! Please book me a salon appointment for tomorrow evening, same place. Tell them I want the same stylist, same colorist, and I want to be out before dinner at six. If they don’t have a slot, make a slot. You know what to do.”

Ayun na nga. Napapikit si Wonwoo. Wala na ngang slot sa buhay ko, kailangan ko pang gumawa ng slot sa salon calendar ng stylist mo, Sir?

“Yes, Sir. I’ll take care of it.”

“Thanks, Wonwoo. And hey, thanks for answering even at this hour. I know I put a lot on your plate sometimes.”

Wait lang. Is Jeonghan Yoon finally acknowledging his toxicity? At 10PM? Charot!

“Okay lang po, Sir. Part of the job,” sagot niya. 

“Alright. Go back to whatever you were doing. Good night.”

“Good night, Sir.”

Pagkababa ng tawag, literal na napatitig na lang si Wonwoo sa kisame habang iniisip kung may salon appointment rin ba ang mga kaluluwang pagod tulad niya. Kinuha niya ‘yung baso sa ref, uminom ng malamig na tubig, at bumalik sa sala. Napansin niyang sumasayaw na ‘yung dalawa niyang kaibigan habang magkayakap at tumutugtog ang Dear Future Husband by Meghan Trainor.

Good for them, he thought with a soft smile. 

Ang best part lang ata sa buhay ni Wonwoo ay sumasahod siya at nakakabili ng kwek-kwek o siomai sa kanto. 

Umiling na lang siya, saka humiga ulit sa sofa. For some reason, napaisip siya bigla kay Mingyu. Two days pa lang ang lumipas simula nang in-offer niya ‘yung plan, pero feeling niya kailangan na talagang magdesisyon ng isang ‘yon.

At kung tutuusin, maybe just maybe, Jeonghan Yoon just really needs to get laid. Baka ‘yan lang ang sagot sa world peace.

 » [namumula] «

 0:04 ─〇───── 0:04

“Mingyu, get this done by tomorrow, okay? I need this ready before 9 A.M. pitch.”

That voice? Low, commanding, borderline threatening if you're not used to it, was enough for Wonwoo to pause mid-step habang papalabas na siya ng elevator sa 15th floor. Napalingon siya sa kaliwa, at hindi nga siya nagkamali.

There, in all his sharp, black suit glory, stood Seungcheol Choi. Yes, the Seungcheol Choi. Venture capitalist according to Mingyu. Ruthless business shark. At apparently, boss ni Mingyu. At 8 PM, ha. 

Wala talagang pinipiling oras ang kapitalismo. Eat the rich talaga!

“Yes, sir,” sagot ni Mingyu habang nakatayo pa rin, straight as a soldier, hawak-hawak ang folder na parang thesis defense niya ‘tong nangyayari ngayon.

“And I need you to rework the deck from last week. I hated the flow, make it more aggressive. Also, revise the financial projections for Q3, use the alternative revenue model we discussed with the Kuala Lumpur group.”

Mingyu nodded his head. “Noted, sir.”

Kumunot ang noo ni Wonwoo habang pinapanood ang interaction ni Mingyu at ng boss niya. Mingyu was nodding, taking mental notes, clearly trying not to look exhausted but Wonwoo could already tell. 

Akala niya si Jeonghan na ang pinaka workaholic na boss sa buong Pilipinas, pero charot lang pala. May Seungcheol pang nag-eexist sa mundo. Actually, no, pareha lang sila. 

Napailing si Wonwoo at napabulong, “Magkasama talaga dapat ‘yang dalawang ‘yan, eh.”

“—And don’t forget to email Sasha from marketing. I want the new branding mockups on my desk by tomorrow noon. If they’re late, I swear to God,—” sabay hinga ng malalim si Seungcheol, as if trying not to combust. 

Wonwoo, still standing a few feet away, was surprised. Like, he even took a step back. 

Then Mingyu caught his eyes, literally looked up mid-nod, and when he saw Wonwoo, bahagya siyang napangiti, pero mabilis din itong pinigil.

Wonwoo raised a brow, crossed his arms, and mouthed, “8PM?” sabay turo sa invisible watch niya.

Mingyu just shrugged, as if to say, I know.

Poor guy.

Now more than ever, alam ni Wonwoo na his plan has to work. For their sanity. For the preservation of their twenties. And for the chance na makauwi silang pareho nang maaga at maka-attend siya ng engagement party ng best friends niya.

Hindi pa doon natapos.

“Oh! And confirm with the legal team kung kailan due ‘yung NDA revisions. I don’t want another delay like last time, Mingyu. And please, check the logistics report from Davao. I saw some discrepancies in the inventory numbers. Cross-check everything. Tonight.”

“Tonight, sir?”

“Yes, is there a problem?”

Yes! There’s a problem! Sigaw ni Wonwoo sa loob ng utak niya. 

Problem: it's eight freaking PM and you’re asking this man to solve the logistics crisis of the century!

But Mingyu, still composed somehow, just nodded. “Walang problema, sir. I’ll handle everything.”

Wonwoo was seconds away from barging in with, “Sir, gusto n’yo na rin ba magpasama kay Mingyu sa pagligo niyo? Baka gusto n’yo na rin po ng foot spa? Bigyan n’yo ng break ‘yung tao!”

Instead, he watched Mingyu smile sheepishly in his direction while Seungcheol returned to his phone call, still muttering things only a corporate capitalist would understand. 

Wonwoo sighed. This wasn’t just a plan anymore. This was a rescue mission. A humanitarian act. They have to set their two bosses up. No ifs, no buts. 

“So ibig sabihin, hindi ka pa makakauwi niyan?” tanong ni Wonwoo habang sabay silang naupo sa bench, parehong may hawak na kape — their last line of defense against burnout.

Mingyu sighed. “Exactly. Narinig mo naman si Seungcheol, ‘di ba? Kung pwede lang niyang ipa-encode lahat-lahat sa’kin, papagawa niya sa’kin ‘yon.”

Humigop si Wonwoo ng kape. “Hmm,” sagot niya as if he’s taking his time to answer. “Bagay talaga sila ni Jeonghan. Pareho silang walking workload.”

Natawa si Mingyu. Pero hindi siya agad sumagot. Nilapag niya muna ‘yung kape sa tabi niya. Tapos, out of nowhere, inabot niya ang mukha ni Wonwoo at marahang inayos ang salamin nito.

Napatigil si Wonwoo sa gulat. “Hey—”

“Sssh,” bulong ni Mingyu, who’s sporting a serious look. “Tabingi na. Baka hindi mo napapansin sa sobrang busy mo.”

Tahimik lang si Wonwoo. Hindi niya alam kung bakit parang mas mainit bigla ang gabi kahit malamig ang hangin. He just knows na biglang namula ‘yung pisngi niya. Ano ba naman ‘tong taong ‘to kasi!

“Thanks,” mahinang tugon niya.

Ngumiti si Mingyu. “You’re welcome. Nga pala, ikaw? Bakit ‘di ka pa umuuwi?” 

Natawa si Wonwoo. Trying to play it cool, sinusubukang hindi isipin ‘yung ginawa ni Mingyu. Tanga, nagmamagandang loob lang kasi ‘yung tao, Wonwoo. Tama siya, sa sobrang busy mo hindi mo na namamalayang nakatabingi salamin mo!

“Dapat hindi na natin ‘yan tinatanong sa isa’t isa, eh. Alam naman na natin ‘yung sagot.” 

Mingyu chuckled at saka humigop ulit sa kape niya bago sumagot. “Tama ka naman.”

Wonwoo smiled at saka tumitig kay Mingyu. “So, what do you think about my plan? Payag ka na? S’yempre payag ka na. Four days na nga ‘yung binigay ko sa’yo,” sabi niya sabay halos mag-pout pa, parang batang naghihintay ng candy.

Mingyu sighed, leaned slightly toward him, and stared back. “Magiging masaya ka ba kapag pumayag ako, Wonwoo?”

Nagningning ang mga mata ni Wonwoo, sabay ngiti. Of course sasaya siya! “S’yempre naman! Mingyu, this will help us both, trust me. Kailangan lang nilang mag-date and we’re going to be free!”

Umiling si Mingyu sabay tawa. Akala ni Wonwoo ay hindi pa rin ito papayag, baka babaliktad na naman. Pero —

“Okay.”

Napakurap si Wonwoo. “What do you mean okay?”

“Okay,” ulit ni Mingyu, this time may konting ngiti. “Pumapayag na ako. Let’s set them up.”

Parang may fireworks sa background si Wonwoo. Literal na tumayo ang balahibo niya sa braso. Is this the taste of freedom? Is this what liberation feels like?

Hindi siya agad nakasagot. Nakanganga lang siya ng ilang segundo bago niya biglang inilapag ‘yung hawak niyang kape sa upuan at, without thinking, bigla niyang niyakap si Mingyu.

Even he was shocked sa ginawa niya. Oh my God, bakit ko siya niyakap? Tanga ka, Wonwoo! 

Pero bago pa siya makabitaw, naramdaman niyang niyakap siya pabalik ni Mingyu — tight and warm.

“Okay ka lang?” bulong ni Mingyu habang nakangisi, cheek pressed lightly against Wonwoo’s temple.

“Yeah,” sagot ni Wonwoo. “Sorry, na-excite lang slight,” tapos niya.

“Konti lang?” tanong ni Mingyu habang hindi pa rin binibitawan si Wonwoo. “SIge, sabi mo eh.” 

“Shut up,” sagot ni Wonwoo sabay bitaw sa yakap. Hindi siya makatingin sa mga mata ni Mingyu. Kainis!

“Ikaw yumakap sa’kin.” 

“Whatever!”

Tumawa si Mingyu. “No judgment. Cute ka nga eh.”

Wonwoo rolled his eyes at saka tumayo mula sa upuan niya. “Okay. Step one, make them meet. Mag-uusap tayo bukas, strategist style.” tapos niya, sabay talikod kay Mingyu.

He walked away with overly dramatic stomps, theatrical and slightly adorable, like a lead character in a romcom who just declared a world-changing plan.

Mingyu, still sitting, just chuckled at the whole scene. “Okay, copy boss,” sagot niya

Habang nakatalikod na si Wonwoo at papalayo, nararamdaman niyang namumula ang buong mukha niya. Pinipigilan niya ang sarili na hindi sumigaw sa kahihiyan o kaya'y tumakbo na parang bata pero, nope. Dignity first.

Pero pagkalayo niya ng tatlong hakbang, bigla siyang napatigil.

Bumalik siya ng mabilis sa upuan at kinuha ‘yung kape niya. “Sayang ‘tong 120 pesos, hello,” sabi niya sa sarili niya at kay Mingyu na rin. Hawak niya na ang cup, pero hindi pa siya umaalis.

Tumingin siya ulit kay Mingyu. “Tomorrow, copy?”

Nagtaas ng kilay si Mingyu, still leaning sa upuan, and smirked. “Okay.”

Then he laughed again, that soft laugh that made Wonwoo’s ears turn a deeper shade of red.

Kaya nilingon na lang niya si Mingyu, ngumiti ng konti, at naglakad palayo — this time with coffee in hand and a mission in his heart.

Operation: Get Our Lives Back — officially in motion.

 » [daydreamin'] «

 0:05 ─〇───── 0:05

“Talagang may spreadsheet ka ng likes and dislikes ng boss mo?” tanong ni Mingyu habang inilalapit pa lalo ang mukha niya sa screen ng computer ni Wonwoo. Parang curious child in a museum. Apparently, Mingyu decided na siya naman ngayon ang bibisita sa office ni Wonwoo — uninvited, of course.

Sakto namang nasa boardroom si Jeonghan para sa isang editorial meeting, kaya may breather time si Wonwoo. For once, hindi siya hinahabol ng ‘urgent’ errands o pa-rush na email blast.

Wonwoo adjusted his glasses and smiled, proudly. “Yup,” sagot niya habang mabilis na nag-scroll sa Excel file niyang may color coding pa. “May separate tab for food, drinks, moods, and random Jeonghan-isms.”

“Favorite food, tinola na may kamias?” basa ni Mingyu, halos idikit na ang ilong sa screen. “Favorite thing to do on weekends: sumimangot habang hinahalo ang kape? Is your boss a walking contradiction?”

Tumawa si Wonwoo at tinulak nang kaunti ang braso ni Mingyu. “Yes, he’s weird in his own way. Don’t judge. Brilliant mind, pero very specific.”

“Specific is one thing, pero may naka-assign kang code for every facial expression niya?” tanong ni Mingyu habang naka-tilt ang ulo. “This one says: ‘If he squints at the window between 3PM to 4PM, he’s stressed.’”

“Alam mo ba kung ilang beses na akong na-save ng spreadsheet na ‘yan?” sagot ni Wonwoo. “The man communicates in eye twitches and sighs. Kung wala ‘to, baka natanggal na ako noong 2020.”

Mingyu chuckled. “Ibang klase ka rin talaga, Wonwoo. Talagang may decoding system ka para sa boss mo.”

“Eh, ikaw? Anong paborito ng boss mong kainin?” balik-tanong ni Wonwoo habang tinabihan na si Mingyu at sinandal ang siko sa desk.

Napaisip sandali si Mingyu at sumimangot. “Steak. Bloody rare. 'Yung halos buhay pa. At hindi ‘yung basta-bastang steak, should be dry-aged, may wine pairing, at dapat may jazz music na tumutugtog sa background.”

“Well, well, ganyan talaga mayayaman,” comment ni Wonwoo. At saka lumayo muna siya saglit kasi halos magdikit na ‘yung mukha nila ni Mingyu. Nope, not good for his heart. After nung nangyari kahapon, na bigla na lang niyang niyakap si Mingyu? Naging conscious na siya sa mga kilos niya. Nakakainis talaga!

Nagkatitigan sila saglit. There’s that soft silence again — ‘yung tipong hindi awkward, but oddly comforting. Parang sandaling pinahinga ng universe ang dalawa sa ka-busy-han ng mundo nila.

Mingyu was the first to speak. “Do you think this would actually work?”

Wonwoo smiled, not breaking eye contact. “I hope so.”

“And if this works,” Mingyu continued, voice a bit more playful now, “anong gagawin mo? Makikipag-date ka na ba?”

Natawa si Wonwoo. “Hmmm, hindi ko alam. Honestly, gusto ko lang talaga magpahinga. Baka mauna ka pang makipag-date, Mingyu.”

Mingyu chuckled and leaned back sa upuan. “Wala sa isip ko. My ex-girlfriend broke up with me two years ago kasi daw wala akong time sa kanya.”

Napatingin si Wonwoo sa kanya, curious. It wasn’t the usual nosy kind of curiosity, he genuinely wanted to know. “Oh. Anong nangyari?”

Nagtagal ng ilang segundo bago nagsalita si Mingyu, as if he was carefully sifting through a memory.

“She was great,” panimula niya. “Kind and understanding. Pero dumating sa point na parang I was always choosing work. Hindi ko naman siya sinasadyang i-prioritize less. I just kept saying, ‘Next week magiging okay na schedule ko,’ or ‘Saglit lang ’to, matatapos din.’ Pero ‘yung saglit, umabot ng buwan. Then months. Hanggang sa napagod na siya.”

Tahimik si Wonwoo. Hindi dahil wala siyang masabi, pero dahil naiintindihan niya. That kind of fatigue? It hits home.

“I mean, I get it,” tuloy ni Mingyu. “Kasi kung ako ‘yung nasa position niya, probably I’d leave too. Nakaka-guilty nga, eh. Pero at the same time, gusto ko rin kasing umangat. I was working hard for something, someone. Eh, 'yun nga. I lost her along the way.”

“You really loved her?” tanong ni Wonwoo.

Mingyu nodded. “Of course, I did. Pero minsan love isn’t enough when you’re always choosing something else over it.”

“Nasaan na siya ngayon?” 

Mingyu shrugged. “She’s a model, and hindi ko na rin alam. Nawalan na kami ng contact after naming mag-break.”

Tumango si Wonwoo. “Mahal mo pa?” 

Mingyu held his gaze on Wonwoo for a moment, as if weighing the honesty of his own answer. Then he shook his head gently and said with quiet certainty, “Hindi na.”

There was no bitterness in his voice. No regret either. Just a calm acceptance that something once good had run its course.

“Alam mo ‘yon,” dagdag ni Mingyu, “minsan iniisip mo na kapag nawala ang isang tao, masasaktan ka habang buhay. Pero hindi pala. You just slowly get used to them not being around. Tapos darating ‘yung araw na mapapansin mo, hindi mo na pala sila hinahanap.”

Tahimik si Wonwoo. He wasn’t the best at comforting people, but something about Mingyu’s tone made him want to try.

“So you’re okay now?” tanong niya, soft and careful.

“Yeah,” sagot ni Mingyu. “Better, I think. Mas klaro na priorities ko. Mas alam ko na ngayon na hindi ko gusto ‘yung version ng sarili ko na lagi na lang busy at pagod. Kaya siguro pumayag ako sa plano mo.”

“Plan natin,” sabat ni Wonwoo, correcting him with a grin.

Mingyu chuckled. “Right. Teamwork.”

There was a soft pause again. This time, it was Wonwoo who looked away first, not because he was shy, but because his chest felt unexpectedly warm. 

“Teamworks make the dream work, ika nga,”

Mingyu heard him and laughed. 

And for a moment, neither of them said a word.

Nagsalita ulit si Mingyu. “You lead the way, Wonwoo.” 

Ngumiti si Wonwoo. “Yes, we will bookmark the plan.”

“Bookmark?” tanong ni Mingyu. 

Natawa si Wonwoo. “Bookmark, as in babalikan natin. Hindi natin binabalewala, hindi rin natin kinakalimutan. We’re just putting a mental sticky note on it.”

“Ah,” sagot ni Mingyu habang tumango-tango, impressed. “I learned something new today. Kala ko pang browser o libro lang ‘yon.”

“Lahat ng bagay may metaphor, Mingyu,” sabi ni Wonwoo habang pinipigil ang tawa. “Gamitin mo ‘yan next time para magmukha kang deep boy.”

Tumawa si Mingyu. “Noted. Bookmark, mental sticky note, Wonwoo-style.”

Nagkatinginan ulit sila — at this point, sanay na sila sa ganitong mga tahimik na pagkakataon. 

Tumayo na si Mingyu mula sa kinauupuan niya at saka tumingin kay Wonwoo. “Ikaw, Wonwoo? What do you like?” 

“Huh?” 

Mingyu chuckled. Ipinasok niya ‘yung mga kamay niya sa pocket ng slacks niya. “Anong paborito mong ulam?” 

Nagtaas ng kilay si Wonwoo. “Adobong baboy. Bakit, paglulutuan mo ‘ko?”

Tumawa si Mingyu, isang malalim na tawa. “Assuming ka rin pala.”

Napangiwi si Wonwoo. “Siraulo pala ‘to. Tatanong-tanong tapos may gana pang mang-asar.”

“Gusto ko lang naman malaman,” sagot ni Mingyu habang nagkibit-balikat, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Then he smiled, soft and playful. “Adobong baboy, ha?”

Napakurap si Wonwoo. “Oo, adobong baboy. ‘Yung may patatas, dapat malambot.”

“Ah, okay. Noted.” Sabay kindat ni Mingyu habang palayo na. “Bye, Bookmark!”

At naiwan na naman si Wonwoo sa upuan niya, nakatulala, hawak pa rin ang mouse ng computer pero parang hindi na niya alam kung nasaan na siya sa spreadsheet niya tinitignan nila kanina.

Namumula na naman ang mukha niya.

“Punyetang ‘yan,” bulong niya. “Dapat talaga trabaho ang inuuna.” 

Pero kahit pa sinabihan niya ‘yon sa isip niya, di rin naman niya mapigilang mapangiti.

Mingyu 

10:28 PM 

Wonwoo, 8:30 sharp nasa building na si Seungcheol. 

 

Wonwoo

10:28 PM 

great!!!! 8:30 rin si jeonghan. meaning, dapat mas maaga tayo sa kanila bukas! kita tayo sa 15th floor. 

 

Mingyu 

10:30 PM 

Copy. Buti gising ka pa? Nasa office ka pa?

 

Wonwoo

10:30 PM 

kakauwi lang hehehe 

 

 Mingyu 

10:31 PM 

Wow. OT pa, mabibili mo rin mga pangarap mong gamot. 

 

Wonwoo

10:32 PM 

SIRAULO 

ikaw? nasa labas ka pa?

 

Mingyu 

10:33 PM 

Oo. Kakatapos lang mag-gym. 

 

Wonwoo

10:34 PM 

WHAT

gym at this ungodly hour????!! 

 

Mingyu 

10:35 PM 

Exactly. Wala akong time during the day. 

Wonwoo

10:36 PM 

wow!!! OT pa, mabibili mo rin mga pangarap mong gamot. 

 

Wonwoo

10:37 PM 

sige na, see you tomorrow! good night! :D 

 

Mingyu 

10:39 PM 

Hahahahaha

Good night, Wonwoo. 

Let’s get this done for my promotion and your article :)

 » [maybe the night] «

 0:06 ─〇───── 0:06

Apparently, this was all Mingyu’s idea. A crazy one, but hopefully, a good kind of crazy. Wonwoo hoped so. Nagdesisyon si Mingyu na kailangan daw ng “cute meet” ang mga boss nila. “According to science, every great love story starts with a memorable encounter,” sabi niya habang seryoso pa talaga ang mukha.

Like for example, getting stuck in an elevator. It's classic and low-budget romcom realness.

So here they were, nasa loob ng isang maliit na staff room, cramped, mainit, at amoy instant noodles at kape. May mga CCTV monitors sa harap nila, showing who’s getting in and out of the elevators from the 1st to the 30 floor. It’s like Pinoy Big Brother House but a corporate edition.

Patingin-tingin lang si Wonwoo kay Mingyu at kay Kuya Jim, ang maintenance guy na parang mas invested pa sa mga halaman niya kaysa sa elevator mismo. May bitbit itong maliit na succulent na nasa paso.

“Mapapalaki mo ba ‘yang halaman dito, Kuya Jim?” tanong ni Wonwoo, trying to make conversation habang pawis na pawis na siya.

“Pwede naman, nilalabas ko sa araw minsan. Para ma-boost ang photosynthesis,” sagot ni Kuya Jim, sabay tawa.  Nagtinginan sila ni Mingyu. “Anong atin, Sir Mingyu?”

Ngumiti si Mingyu.“Kuya Jim, may tiwala ka naman sa’kin, ‘di ba?”

“Depende. May dala kang kape?”

“Wala. Pero may kailangan lang talaga ako ngayon,” umpisa ni Mingyu. “May kailangan lang kaming pagkitain ngayon. Kailangan lang nilang ma-stuck sa elevator. Two minutes lang, promise.” Paliwanag ni Mingyu habang pasimpleng tumingin sa monitor. 

At kung may isang taong makakaisip ng ganitong kalokohan, it’s definitely Mingyu. He’s such a people person — kilala niya lahat sa building. As in from the guards, janitors, canteen staff, hanggang sa mga top execs, he knows them by name. May insider info pa siya kung kailan may elevator maintenance or kung sino ang late pumasok. Kaya confident siyang kaya nilang i-pull off ‘tong elevator plan.

“Matchmaking na pala trabaho n’yo ngayon,” biro ni Kuya Jim as if he gets it. “Eh since binigyan mo ko ng succulent nung birthday ko, sige na nga. Sino ba target?”

Ngumiti si Mingyu, sabay kindat kay Wonwoo. Nagkasabayan pa silang nagsabi ng: “Jeonghan Yoon and Seungcheol Choi.”

“Okay, copy! Kilala ko sila!"

Agad silang tumutok sa monitor. Wonwoo, already sweating like crazy, finally took off his blazer. Blazer in this blazing heat? Sana hindi siya mahimatay.

Nakita nilang pumasok na si Seungcheol sa elevator, ang aga-aga pero mukhang galit na agad siya sa mundo habang nagta-type sa phone niya.

“Ayan na, ayan na,” sambit ni Mingyu, para bang nanonood lang sila ng Dragon Ball sa GMA-7. “Wonwoo, 8:30 na. Nasaan na si Jeong —”

“Ayan na rin siya!” sigaw ni Wonwoo, sabay palo kay Mingyu sa braso. “Kuya Jim, itigil mo sa tenth floor, okay? Kahit two minutes lang!”

“Copy that,” sagot ni Kuya Jim na parang secret agent, sabay pindot sa keyboard.

Jeonghan has entered the elevator. Now, both Jeonghan and Seungcheol were breathing the same stale elevator air.

But were they talking? Of course not.

Si Seungcheol na abala pa rin sa phone. Si Jeonghan naman nag-side eye lang, then pinindot ang floor number niya. That’s it. 

“Say hi, Seungcheol!” reklamo ni Mingyu, half-laughing, half-frustrated. “Wala man lang ‘hi’? Does no one look each other in the eyes anymore?”

“Pareha lang siguro nilang iniisip ngayon kung anong gagawin nila for the day." Dagdag ni Wonwoo, sabay facepalm. 

Sa loob ng elevator, they were practically standing on opposite ends like it was a battlefield. Phones out. Walls up. Chemistry? Non-existent.

“Okay, okay. Mingyu, I think this is the moment,” Wonwoo commented as he stared at the screen. 

Nagkatitigan muna sina Mingyu at Wonwoo, sabay tango. 

“Stop!” sigaw nilang dalawa na parang mga director sa isang pelikula. 

“Copy!” sagot ni Kuya Jim habang may pinindot ulit sa keyboard niya.

Sakto namang may pumasok na isa pang lalaki sa elevator. May dala ‘tong isang box na hawak-hawak niya sa pagitan ng mga kamay niya. Pumindot muna ito bago tumayo sa harapan. 

“Hindi talaga mabubuo ang kwento kapag walang extra,” biro ni Mingyu. Pero hindi alam ni Wonwoo kung natutuwa ba si Mingyu ngayon o hindi, more likely the latter. 

“Well, well, well... labas!” sabi ni Wonwoo, waving at the screen like the guy could hear him. “This is not your scene. You’re ruining the plot!”

Tumawa si Kuya Jim. “Wala ba kayong Plan B?” 

Mingyu and Wonwoo looked at each other.

Wala. Ito pa lang ang plano nila ngayong araw. Walang Plan B, walang back-up, just pure chaotic confidence from Mingyu.

Bigla namang tumigil ulit ‘yung elevator. 

“Kuya Jim, paganahin mo muna ulit. Palabasin muna natin si Kuyang delivery guy, please,” utos ni Wonwoo habang hinihimas ang kanyang sentido.

“Copy!” sagot ni Kuya Jim habang nagta-type.

But before he could even hit Enter, flicker — nag-blink ang ilaw sa elevator, sabay isang matinding laglag.

“Uh-oh,” sabay sambit ni Mingyu habang unti-unting lumalapit sa monitor.

“Wait, wait, Kuya Jim, hindi ba pinagana mo na ulit?” tanong ni Wonwoo, habang nanlalaki ang mata niya sa nakikita niya. This is not how they planned it, shuta!

“Inayos ko na,” tarantang sagot ni Kuya Jim habang pinipindot-pindot na naman ‘yung keyboard niya. “Pero ayaw gumalaw, Sir! Mukhang nag-malfunction talaga!”

Mingyu and Wonwoo’s eyes snapped back to the screen. Bumalik na ang ilaw sa elevator and what they saw next made Wonwoo grip the edge of the table like his life depended on it. Kung hindi mahihimatay si Wonwoo sa init, sa napapanood na lang niya siya mahihimatay. Inilapag na nung delivery guy ‘yung mga hawak niyang boxes sa lapag habang pinapanood na siya nina Jeonghan at Seugcheol. Both of them lowered their phones and asked something doon kay Kuya, sayang lang at hindi nila marinig. 

Nagsalita si Mingyu. “Namumutla siya, para siyang mawawalan ng hangin. Claustrophobic?” 

Halos mapapikit na lang si Wonwoo sa mga nakikita at nairirinig niya. Unang plano pa lang palpak na! “Oh My God,” 

“Holy shit!” napasigaw na lang si Mingyu habang nakatingin sa screen. 

Yes, gusto na lang mahimatay ni Wonwoo at this point. 

It happens. Kuyang Delivery Guy pulls off his jacket in one dramatic swoop. Ngayon, naka-sando na lang si Kuyang delivery na parang wala siyang kasamang tao sa loob ng elevator. He begins to pace, then squat. 

Jeonghan is slowly sliding toward the corner of the elevator. Seungcheol, frozen. Holding his phone mid-text, looking like his soul left his body. Kuyang delivery guy is now squatting barefoot, fanning himself with his own jacket.

“Oh My God, Oh My God!” sigaw ni Wonwoo. “Hinuhubad na niya ‘yung pants niya!”

“Naiinitan nga kasi ‘yung tao,” sagot naman ni Mingyu sabay tingin kay Wonwoo. “Claustrophobic siya, Wonwoo.”

“Oh My God, I know!” sagot ni Wonwoo. “Mingyu, this is not the plan!” 

Mingyu just shrugged his shoulders na para bang wala na silang magagawa at this point. 

Now it’s dead silent inside the elevator, except for the sound of labored breathing. Jeonghan and Seungcheol were standing very still. Kuyang Delivery Guy was squatting in the corner, barefoot, fanning himself with his jacket.

Kagat-kagat na ni Wonwoo ‘yung kuko niya, mas kinakabahan pa siya. Baka ang ending nito, papasok ng office ay badtrip si Jeonghan at mas kawawa talaga si Wonwoo. Oh My God, talaga! 

On the screen, this time, nakatakip na ang mga ilong nina Jeonghan at Seungcheol habang nakatingin kay kuyang delivery.

“Walangya, umutot pa ata?” natatawang sabi ni Mingyu. 

Wonwoo just signed as he looked at the screen. Hindi na maipinta ‘yung mga itsura ng mga boss nila dahil pareha na silang nakatakip ang kamay sa mga ilong nila, while the delivery guy? Nakaupo na sa lapag na parang naglalabas ng kung ano sa sahig. 

Oh My God. 

The elevator doors opened.

Sabay hingang malalim si Wonwoo, like he just survived a rollercoaster from hell.

On screen, Jeonghan and Seungcheol look at each other briefly — that shared look of 'What the hell just happened?'  Then they stepped out in complete silence.

Kuyang Delivery Guy, as if nothing happened, stands up, fixes his sando and shorts, picks up his boxes at saktong may bagong sumakay sa elevator. The new guy pauses, stares at him for a second, then decides: not my business and presses his floor button.

“Ayun, nagkita naman na sila!” sambit ni Kuya Jim sabay tingin sa dalawa. “At least nagkita, ‘di ba?” 

Umiling lang si Mingyu habang tumatawa. 

Napairap si Wonwoo. “Ang galing ng unforgettable and cute meetup mo,  Mingyu.”

Ngumisi si Mingyu habang nanonood pa rin sa monitor. “Hey, it’s still a win. Nagkatinginan sila.”

Wonwoo rolled his eyes and grabbed his blazer with one dramatic swoop. “Very optimistic. Galing mo talaga,” aniya, sabay tingin kay Kuya Jim. “Thanks, Kuya Jim! May libre kang kape sa’kin bukas! Bye!”

Nagmadali siyang lumabas ng staff room, his face flushed — with stress or secondhand embarrassment? Hindi na rin siya sure.

Narinig niyang sumunod si Mingyu sa likod niya, footsteps light but obvious.

“Wonwoo! Hey!” tawag nito.

“Ano?” sagot ni Wonwoo nang hindi nililingon si Mingyu, tuloy-tuloy pa rin siya sa paglalakad.

“Hindi naman natin alam na gano’n mangyayari,” natatawang sagot ni Mingyu habang halos humahabol sa kaniya. “Nakabusangot ka diyan, eh.” 

“Eh kasi naman, Mingyu, tangeks! Ang pangit ng una nilang encounter!” hinto ni Wonwoo sabay harap sa kaniya. “Unforgettable nga, pero ang pangit talaga!”

“Ang mahalaga kilala na nila ‘yung mukha ng isa’t isa,” sagot ni Mingyu, hindi pa rin inaalis ang ngiti. “Still a win.”

Wonwoo rolled his eyes. “Eh mas unforgettable pa ‘yung una nating pagkikita eh. Remember? Inagaw mo order ko?”

Napahinto si Mingyu, natawa, sabay turo sa sarili. “Ah, so inaamin mo? Mas cute ‘yung una nating pagkikita?”

Napatingin si Wonwoo sa kaniya, napatigil rin — biglang bumilis ang tibok ng puso niya for reasons that definitely weren’t stress-related. “Ang sabi ko,” tumikhim siya, “unforgettable, hindi cute.”

At bago pa siya matunaw sa sarili niyang sinabi, naglakad na siyang ulit, this time mas mabilis.

“Bye! May trabaho pa ako!” sigaw niya habang sinusuot ‘yung blazer niya. Dapat pala hindi na niya sinuot, kasi bakit parang mas uminit? Parang namumula at umiinit ata mukha niya. 

“Wonwoo!” sigaw ulit ni Mingyu as if they were not in a busy hallway of a building. Hindi lumingon si Wonwoo at patuloy lang sa paglalakad. “Hindi diyan ang elevator! Sa kabila!” sigaw ni Mingyu. 

Rinig na rinig ni Wonwoo ‘yung tawa ni Mingyu. 

Pero hindi na siya tumigil. Tuloy-tuloy lang siya sa paglalakad. 

“Whatever!” sigaw niya pabalik. “Gagamitin ko ‘yung hagdan!” 

Mingyu just stood there, smiling like an idiot, hands in his pockets as he watched Wonwoo speed-walk like his life depended on it.

“Tingin mo deserve natin ‘tong kwek-kwek na kinakain natin ngayon?” tanong ni Wonwoo habang hawak-hawak ang isang maliit na cup na may tatlong piraso ng kwek-kwek.

Nag-aya kasi si Mingyu na magkita at pag-usapan daw ang susunod na plano dahil mas effective ‘pag face-to-face kaysa text sabi niya. Kaya heto sila ngayon parehong may kwek-kwek sa kamay — naglalakad sa gilid ng isang mataong kalsada sa Maynila. 

It’s 9:00 PM, pero buhay na buhay pa rin ang paligid — may nagkukwentuhan sa waiting shed, may nag-aabang ng jeep, siguro ‘yung iba papauwi ng bahay nila, mayroon siguro na papasok palang ng trabaho, o ‘yung iba ay may gala sa ganitong oras. 

Tumawa si Mingyu bago isinubo ‘yung isang kwek-kwek. Sa isip ni Wonwoo habang tinitignan ‘yung binata ay sana all. Kasi siya ang init pa ng kwek-kwek niya kaya hindi niya pa makain, samantalang si Mingyu ay nakadalawang kain na. 

“Oo naman,” sagot ni Mingyu after swallowing. He looked at Wonwoo, may maliit na ngiti sa labi. “Bakit naman hindi?”

“Eh kasi palpak nga ‘yung una nating plano kahapon, hello?” sagot ni Wonwoo, not even aware that he was pouting right now. 

Mingyu chuckled, and this time, he even bumped his shoulder lightly against Wonwoo’s. “Hindi naman palpak ‘yon. Nagkita pa rin sila. At least ngayon, ‘pag nagkakasalubong sila sa building, may shared memory na sila. Shared trauma counts as connection, right?”

Wonwoo rolled his eyes, but he knew Mingyu had a point. Walang negative feedback from Jeonghan or Seungcheol. Though yes, may konting awkwardness sa unang encounter nila, but nothing explosive. Still, he was too tired to argue — after all, OT na naman siya today, and Jeonghan made him rewrite a report three times.

“Tingin mo ba anong type ni Seungcheol?” tanong ni Wonwoo at saka tiningala si Mingyu. Ang tangkad naman kasi! 

Mingyu raised an eyebrow, looking amused. But instead of answering the question, he looked straight at Wonwoo’s cup.

“Bago ko sagutin ‘yan, bakit hindi mo pa rin kinakain ‘yang kwek-kwek mo?” tanong niya sabay tapon nung baso ng kwek-kwek niya sa basurahan sa gilid ng kalsada, then he was eyeing Wonwoo’s untouched kwek-kwek like it was some mystery to solve.

“Ang init pa kasi,” sagot ni Wonwoo,

Then, suddenly, without warning, kinuha ni Mingyu ‘yung cup mula sa mga kamay niya.

“Akin na nga,” Mingyu said, taking the cup from Wonwoo’s hand before he could react.

“Ha? Hoy! Bakit—”

Bago pa makapag-protesta si Wonwoo, kinuha ni Mingyu ‘yung isang kwek gamit ang stick, at sabay hinipan. 

“Para hindi na mainit. Kanina ka pa ihip nang ihip, eh,” sagot ni Mingyu habang hinihipan ‘yung kwek-kwek ni Wonwoo. 

Napatitig na lang si Wonwoo sa binata habang pinapanood kung paano palamigin ni Mingyu ‘yung kwek-kwek niya. Parang slow motion ang bawat galaw nito — ‘yung pagyuko, paghawak sa lalagyan, at ‘yung bahagyang pagkakunot ng noo habang sinisigurado niyang nahihipan niya ‘to nang maayos. He couldn’t even move, not when Mingyu looked that good. 

Kayang-kaya naman niyang palamigin ‘yung kwek-kwek na ‘yon. Pero hinayaan niya lang si Mingyu. 

Act of service siguro love language neto.

After Mingyu was satisfied with it at tingin niyang malamig na ito, binigay niya ulit ‘yung cup kay Wonwoo. “Ayan, malamig na siguro ‘yan. P’wede mo nang kainin.” 

“Thanks,” sagot na lang ni Wonwoo habang sinasabihan ang sarili niya na kumalma dahil bare minimum lang ‘yan, at sadyang mabait lang si Mingyu. But he couldn’t shake off something inside his chest ever since he met this guy. Anyway, wala ‘yan sa to-do list niya. Hindi niya kailangan intindihin ‘yan.

“So, back to your question, anong type ni Seungcheol,” sabi ni Mingyu habang patuloy pa rin silang naglalakad. “Wala naman kasi siyang diretsong sinasabi tungkol sa ideal type niya, pero kung ibabase ko sa mga naka-date na niya, he likes someone reliable. Yung grounded, hindi clingy, at marunong umintindi.” 

Napangiti si Mingyu, bahagyang umiling. “He’s a venture capitalist, always on calls, meetings, pitches, late-night emails. The man probably dreams in spreadsheets. Kaya feeling ko, gusto niya ng taong hindi mabigat sa oras. Someone who gets that he’s busy but still knows how to show up when it counts,” sambit ni Mingyu.“Feeling ko rin gusto niya ‘yung resourceful. 'Yung tipo ng taong hindi umaasa palagi, marunong dumiskarte. Kasi kahit super hands-on siya sa trabaho, wala siyang oras para sa mga taong kailangan pang i-micromanage emotionally.”

Tumigil si Mingyu saglit, nag-isip saglit pero nagpatuloy ulit. “Pero siyempre, lahat ‘to hula ko lang. Binabase ko lang ‘to sa mga nabanggit niya minsan at sa iilang napapansin ko.” 

“Hmmm,” ani Wonwoo habang kumakain na ng kwek-kwek niya this time. “Si Jeonghan naman, he loves compliments and praises. Like, genuinely thrives on them.”

Napatawa siya, bahagyang umiling. “I’ve been working for him for three years, so sanay na ako. Konting ‘you handled that meeting so well, sir’ or ‘ang galing ng idea n’yo,’ and suddenly, good mood na siya buong araw. Minsan nga parang nagtatrabaho lang ako para i-feed ‘yung ego niya, eh.”

Tumingin siya kay Mingyu at natatawa. “Pero don’t get me wrong, hindi siya pusong-mamon. Jeonghan’s sharp. Sobrang strategic mag-isip, alam niya kung paano dalhin ‘yung sarili niya para makuha ‘yung gusto niya. Pero deep down, gusto niya talaga ng affirmation. Parang reassurance na he’s doing great, na people notice him.”

Tumigil siya sandali, habang hinahalo ‘yung sawsawan ng kwek-kwek. “So I guess, kung may type man siya, it’s probably someone who knows how to stroke his ego the right way. Someone charming din siguro, or at least someone who knows how to keep up with his games. And maybe, someone who actually sees through all the flair. Kasi behind all that charisma, Jeonghan’s kind of soft din in his own way. He just doesn’t like showing it.”

Napangiti si Mingyu habang pinagmamasdan si Wonwoo. “Well,” panimula niya, bahagyang tumango, “I think they’ll somehow connect,” Tumingin siya kay Wonwoo na para bang sinisigurado kung pareho sila ng iniisip tapos nagpatuloy ulit. “I mean, reliable and resourceful type ni Seungcheol, ‘di ba? Tapos si Jeonghan, he likes being reassured, appreciated, parang they could balance each other out.”

Wonwoo nodded his head. “Jeonghan wants someone who sees him, and Seungcheol needs someone who doesn’t demand too much but knows when to step in. Sakto lang, I think.”

Bahagya namang yumuko para tignan si Wonwoo sa mata. “They just need a little push.” 

Wonwoo stared back. “A little push, and we can handle that,” 

Tumango si Mingyu sa kanya habang nakangiti. Hindi na ito sumagot pa, kaya nagpatuloy lang silang dalawa sa paglalakad. Medyo madilim na sa paligid, pero may mga street lights pa rin sa daan kaya everything was still visible. The soft yellow glow lit up the sidewalks, and kahit papaano, kita pa rin nila ang Maynila. May mga jeep na dumaraan sa kalsada, ilang bukas na sari-sari store, at ‘yung tipikal na ingay ng syudad. 

May konting hangin, just enough para hindi mainit. Tahimik lang silang dalawa habang ninanamnam ang gabi, but not in a weird way, more like comfortable silence. Parang walang kailangang madaliin. Just the two of them walking, side by side, under the city lights.

“So, tuloy natin ‘yung plano sa Linggo?” basag ni Mingyu sa katamikan na namamagitan sa kanilang dalawa. 

Huminto si Wonwoo para itapon ‘yung cup niya dahil ubos niya na ang kwek-kwek. Tumango siya. “Yep, planado na lahat, noh. Sayang naman din ‘yung libreng ticket natin.” 

Mingyu chuckled. “Grabe rin, no? Akalain mong pareho pa silang may baseball game sa schedule nila this Sunday. At paano mo rin pala nakumbinsi ‘yung sinasabi mong kakilala mo para sa kiss cam?”

Natawa si Wonwoo, hindi na rin mapigilan ang ngiti habang iniisip ang timing ng lahat. So, Jeonghan and Seungcheol would be at the same event on Sunday — the baseball game. Lucky, lucky them.

He glanced at Mingyu. “Mingyu, kapag si Jeonghan ang boss mo, automatic na lalawak ‘yung connections mo. I mean, he talks to different people every single day, players, coaches, managers, media people, you name it. Especially sa mundo ng sports, sobrang dami niyang kilala.”

He laughed softly. “Minsan nga parang walking Linked In ‘yung tao. Isang sulyap lang niya, may access ka na to places you’d never think you’d get into. Kaya ‘yung kiss cam? Madali lang ‘yon. Just a few messages.” 

“And you think they’d actually kiss on Sunday?” tanong ni Mingyu.

Natawa si Wonwoo. “With all that pressure? Oh, they’ll kiss. Trust me.”

May saglit na katahimikan ulit sa pagitan nila, hanggang sa nagsalita si Mingyu. 

“Ikaw ba, Wonwoo?”

Napalingon si Wonwoo. “Hmm?”

Tumingin si Mingyu sa kanya. “What’s your type? Personality wise.”

Wonwoo chuckled, bahagyang napatingala sa taas tinitignan ang mmga bituwin habang nag-iisip. “Mabuting tao. Someone who’s really kind.” 

“Hmmm,” dagdag niya. “Bakit?” 

Sandaling natahimik si Wonwoo bago sumagot. “Kasi at the end of the day, ‘yon ‘yung pinaka-importante para sa’kin. Looks fade, people change, pero ‘yung kabutihang-loob, ‘yun ‘yung mahirap hanapin ngayon, eh. Kindness makes you feel safe. And I think that’s what I want most, yung maramdaman mong safe ka kahit gaguhin ka man ng mundo.” 

“Ah,” sagot ni Mingyu. “That’s nice,” 

Ngumiti si Wonwoo. “Ikaw ba, Mingyu?”

Natawa si Mingyu. “Someone with a sense of humor,” sabi niya tapos tumingin ulit kay Wonwoo. “Eh paano kung sa physical naman?”

“Well, gusto ko ‘yung mas matangkad sa’kin,” 

“‘Yun lang? Ayaw mo ng pogi?” 

Natawa si Wonwoo. “Tangeks, s’yempre gusto ko pero hindi na siguro nagma-matter sa’kin ‘yun kasi parang kahit pangit nagloloko eh, kumabaga sa ugali na lang sana babawi, eh. Gets mo ba?” 

Natawa siya saglit, bahagyang napailing. “Basta mas matangkad sa’kin, number one sa list ko ‘yan,” tumingin siya kay Mingyu ulit. 

“Ah. Hirap hanapin niyan ah, matangkad ka na, eh.” sagot ni Mingyu, sabay tawa. 

Duh, mas matangkad ka nga sa'kin? So hindi 'yun mahirap hanapin. 

Medyo namula ‘yung mukha niya sa sinagot ni Mingyu sa hindi malamang dahilan. Punyeta, bakit ba kasi sila napunta sa ganung usapan? Ang bida dapat dito sina Jeonghan at Seungcheol, hindi sila.

Napakagat siya sa loob ng pisngi niya at, as always, kibit-balikat na lang. Don’t overthink, Wonwoo. Wala ‘yan sa trabaho mo. Ayaw mo na ng extra responsibilities, lalo na ‘yung mga ganyan.

Nagpatuloy lang ang gabi. Tuloy pa rin ang lakad nila, at buti na lang, naiba na rin ang topic. They started talking about their plans for Sunday — Jeonghan and Seungcheol’s setup, the kiss cam, how to make it look natural. Yes, ‘yan ang dapat iniisip ni Wonwoo. Not Mingyu. Not his height preferences. Not his ideal type.

But somewhere in the back of his mind, a thought lingered — quiet, persistent, and annoyingly warm.

 » [disconnected] «

 0:07 ─〇───── 0:07

“Bakit ganyan suot mo?” tanong ni Mingyu, kunot-noong tinitigan si Wonwoo mula ulo hanggang paa.

Napataas ang kilay ni Wonwoo habang hawak pa ang popcorn. “Anong meron sa suot ko?”

“Cheerleader ka ba?” natatawang sambit ni Mingyu habang tinitignan pa rin ‘yung suot ni Wonwoo. 

Napairap si Wonwoo. Bakit? Ano bang mali sa suot niya, aber? 

Suot niya ang navy blue Yankees cap na sakto lang ang anggulo sa buhok niya, matching Yankees shirt na medyo fitted kaya kita pa rin ang frame ng katawan niya, at pleated cheerleader-style shorts na lampas-tuhod, hindi naman that short. Sinabayan pa niya ito ng knee-high striped socks at white sneakers — comfortable, breathable, and in his mind, very game-day appropriate.

Ang tagal kayang pinag-isipan ni Wonwoo ‘tong outfit niya kagabi. The goal was to look like a die-hard baseball fan, kahit hindi naman talaga. Sometimes, you just have to blend in.

“Eh ikaw?” balik niyang tanong, napapailing habang tinapunan ng tingin si Mingyu. “Bakit ganyan suot mo?” 

Mingyu looked smug as ever in his white long-sleeved dress shirt, black suit jacket (yes, suit jacket!), loosely knotted navy tie, at gray slacks. Kulang na lang laptop at PowerPoint presentation, mukha na siyang late sa board meeting, hindi sa baseball game.

“Bakit? Hindi naman ako maglalaro.” Sagot ni Mingyu. 

“Suit, really, Mingyu?” balik ni Wonwoo, sabay kagat ng isang piraso ng popcorn. “Stadium pupuntahan natin ha, hindi conference meeting.” 

Pero in fairness, Mingyu looked good in that suit. Suit and that white long-sleeved dress shirt that hugged his big biceps really well, gray slacks that fit him just right, at ‘yung navy blue tie na for some reason just worked. Mas madalas kasi black ang suot ni Mingyu — clean, corporate, classic. Kaya ‘tong navy blue? Unexpected. Pero bagay.

At talagang napansin mo pa ‘yan, Wonwoo? Mahiya ka naman.

You’re just observing. Hindi naman ibig sabihin kung napansin mo ‘yung tie niya eh—

Pero napansin nga niya. Masyado pang specific. First time niya atang makita si Mingyu na may suot na ibang kulay ng tie, and now he couldn’t unsee it. Ang lakas tuloy ng contrast sa kulay ng suit, parang mas gwapo siyang tingnan today, less uptight. Mas approachable. Mas… ugh. Whatever.

You're just describing what you're seeing. That’s all. 

Mingyu just grinned. “At least hindi ako mukhang magpe-perform sa halftime, Wonwoo.”

“Excuse me,” sagot ni Wonwoo, sabay irap at tayo mula sa upuan nila sa waiting area. “Pinaparinggan mo ba ‘ko?”

“Hindi ah,” tawa ni Mingyu. “Cute mo nga diyan, eh. Parang halatang fan ka ng baseball. Anong paborito mong team?”

Hindi na siya sinagot ni Wonwoo. Umirap lang ulit ito, humawak ng mahigpit sa popcorn tub niya, at naglakad papunta sa entrance ng stadium. 

“Oy! Galit?” sigaw ni Mingyu habang nakangisi, pero agad din siyang tumayo para sundan si Wonwoo.

Huminto si Wonwoo at nilingon siya. “Hindi ako galit!”

“Eh bakit nakasimangot ka bigla?” tanong ni Mingyu habang lumalapit.

“Eh kasi inaasar mo suot ko!” balik ni Wonwoo sabay irap ulit.

“Sorry,” sabi ni Mingyu habang tumatakbo palapit, at noong nakalapit na siya kay Wonwoo, nagsalita ulit siya. “Inaasar lang kita kasi ang cute mo sa suot mo. ‘Yun lang ‘yon.”

Umirap ulit si Wonwoo, pero this time may bahagyang ngiti na sa gilid ng labi niya na kanina niya pa pinipigilan. “Ewan ko sa’yo. ‘Lika na nga, baka mauna pa ‘yung dalawa sa’tin du’n.”

“Copy, cheerleader!” 

“Mingyu! Isa pa babatuhin kita nitong hawak ‘ko!”

“Bayolente ka naman masyado!” 

“Kasi iniinis mo ‘ko!”

“Hindi na nga. Sige na, pasok na tayo do’n.” 

“Telescope talaga, Wonwoo?”

“Duh, para makita natin sila dahil nasa kabilang side sila,” sagot niya, hindi man lang nilingon si Mingyu habang nakadikit pa rin ang mata niya sa maliit na telescope.

“Buti nasingit mo ‘yan sa bag mo?”

“I have my ways,” sagot ni Wonwoo, finally lumingon kay Mingyu na nakaupo sa tabi niya sa isa sa mga bleachers ng stadium. Nakatingin ito sa kanya with an expression na parang hinuhusgahan siya—not in a harsh way, but more like amused disbelief. Well, fair enough. Sino bang normal na taong nakakapuslit ng telescope sa loob ng stadium?

Pero siyempre, si Wonwoo ‘to. May mga kakilala siya sa loob — a lot of them, actually. Salamat sa trabaho niya at kay Jeonghan na die-hard supporter ng Liga Baseball League. Ayon nga sa boss niya, “Underrated ang baseball sa Pilipinas, and we need to push it more into the spotlight.” Kaya naman, in the process of tagging along with Jeonghan sa mga sports events, lalaki rin ba naman ang network niya? Obvious ba? Of course. 

“Nandyan na ba sila? ‘Di ko makita, eh. Ang layo ng upuan natin sa kanila,” tanong ni Mingyu habang pinipilit silipin ang kabilang side.

“Wala pa, wala pa,” sagot ni Wonwoo without missing a beat, still glued to his telescope. “Medyo maaga tayo. Ten minutes more siguro?”

Narinig niyang tumawa si Mingyu, low and teasing, kaya nagtaas ng kilay si Wonwoo kahit hindi pa rin binababa ang telescope niya. “Hoy, tinatawa mo diyan?”

“Interesting, Wonwoo. Very interesting,” sagot ni Mingyu, tawa pa rin nang tawa. “Baba mo muna ‘yang telescope mo baka mangawit ka kaagad diyan. Mamaya mo na tignan ulit.”

Ibinaba na rin ni Wonwoo ‘yung telescope at tumingin kay Mingyu. And there it was — that smug look. Nakangisi pa talaga si Mingyu na para bang inaasar si Wonwoo.

Napailing na lang si Wonwoo. “Tawa ka nang tawa diyan eh this is a pair work.”

Mingyu chuckled. “Wala naman akong sinabing hindi ‘to pair work,” sagot nito habang unti-unting hinuhubad ang blazer niya. Napatawa tuloy si Wonwoo, watching him struggle to shake off the formal piece of clothing in the middle of a stadium full of people in jerseys.

Inilapag ni Mingyu ang blazer sa sandalan ng upuan niya. He seemed finally free sa uncomfiness na nararamdaman niya. 

“Sino ba kasing siraulo ang magsusuot ng ganyang kainit na blazer sa baseball game?” tawa ni Wonwoo. “’Yung totoo, Mingyu, may pupuntahan ka bang board meeting after nito?”

“Wala naman,” sagot ni Mingyu, nagkibit-balikat. “Mas okay na ‘yung ready just in case tumawag si Seungcheol.”

“Very proactive,” sagot ni Wonwoo, at in fairness, legit naman. Kung ang mga boss mo ay sina Jeonghan at Seungcheol, hindi talaga puwedeng pa-relax-relax ka lang kahit weekends. You always have to be two steps ahead.

“Hmmm,” ani Mingyu habang may kinakalkal sa bulsa niya. “Kailangan may remembrance tayo.”

Bago pa makareact si Wonwoo, bigla na lang nilabas ni Mingyu ang phone niya at tinutok ito kay Wonwoo like a camera ready for a front-page shot.

“Smile,” utos ni Mingyu habang nakangisi. “Para may remembrance tayo ng araw na ‘to.” 

Napakunot ang noo ni Wonwoo. “Hoy! Ang haggard ko!” 

“Hindi ah, mukha ka pa namang tao, it’s all good, Wonwoo,” sagot ni Mingyu habang nakatutok pa rin sa mukha ni Wonwoo ‘yung phone niya. “Isang picture lang.” 

Wonwoo rolled his eyes pero ngumiti rin naman sa harap ni Mingyu. Mingyu took the picture with a triumphant grin before sliding his phone back into his pocket. Si Wonwoo naman ay umayos ng upo, crossed one leg over the other, and tried not to look too flustered.

“First time ko sa baseball game,” sabi ni Mingyu habang pareho silang nakatingin ngayon sa field, the sun starting to dip lower into a golden haze.

“Bakit? Ano ba sports mo?” tanong ni Wonwoo habang sinubo ang isang piraso ng popcorn.

“Basketball lang,” sagot ni Mingyu, shoulders relaxing a bit. “Pero marunong ako sa baseball. ‘Yung pang-kanto nga lang.”

Wonwoo chuckled, eyes still on the field. “Well, edi welcome sa first baseball game mo.”

“Yup, thanks for bringing me along,” tugon ni Mingyu.

Hindi na siya sinagot ni Wonwoo, dahil halos sabay na nag-umpisang maghiyawan ang mga tao sa loob ng stadium. The energy shifted. Kinuha niya agad ‘yung telescope mula sa bag at nilapit sa mata.

Focus, Wonwoo. Focus sa mission.

Lumiwanag ang mukha niya nang makita si Jeonghan, now seated in his designated VIP spot, habang si Seungcheol ay papalapit na sa tabi nito. Perfect timing. Libre ang ticket ni Jeonghan, perks of being an editor-in-chief, and si Mingyu naman ang bumili ng ticket ni Seungcheol — at s’yempre, sinadya nilang magkatabi.

Wonwoo really wished this would go well.

“Mingyu,” tawag niya agad, excitement bubbling. “Magkatabi na sila!”

“Patingin ako,” sabay abot ng kamay ni Mingyu.

Ibinigay ni Wonwoo ang telescope, pero inabot ng kaunting abala dahil hindi agad nahanap ni Mingyu ang angle. “Sandali, ang labo?”

“Diyan lang, ‘yan ‘yan!” tinuro pa ni Wonwoo ang direksyon.

“Okay, okay. Ayun… Hmm,” sabi ni Mingyu habang hawak ang telescope. “Hindi sila nag-uusap.”

“What? Anong ginagawa nila?”

“Pareho silang busy sa phones nila, Wonwoo,” Mingyu said. “Do you really think this would work?”

“It will work, Mingyu,” sagot ni Wonwoo, confident. Dumaan nga ako sa Quiapo Church kanina, okay? This will work. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

“Ayan, lumingon na si Seungcheol kay Jeonghan!” sabay ayos ng upo  Mingyu.

“Patingin, patingin! OMG!”

But instead of fully handing over the telescope, Mingyu leaned to the side and offered the other eyepiece to Wonwoo. “Sabay na lang tayo. Para real-time analysis.”

Napatigil si Wonwoo for a second, but fine — whatever, logistics. Kaya inilapit niya rin ang mukha niya on the other side of the telescope.

And there they were. Si Seungcheol na nakangiting tinapik si Jeonghan, and the latter laughed habang inoooffer ‘yung isang soda kay Seungcheol.

“Nag-uusap na sila,” bulong ni Wonwoo, trying not to squeal. “Oh My God, nag-uusap sila, Mingyu!”

“Progress,” Mingyu whispered, clearly smiling too.

They were still focused on the scene as if they were two proud matchmakers watching their ships begin to sail when Mingyu suddenly pulled away to say something.

“Okay, I think—”

Pero pag-angat niya ng ulo, hindi niya ata na-realize kung gaano kalapit ang mukha niya kay Wonwoo. Kaya nang ibinaba ni Mingyu ang telescope, halos dumikit ang ilong niya kay Wonwoo. Their faces were right there just a few inches apart. 

Wonwoo, in his mid-sentence, literally froze. Kumbaga parang tumigil ang mundo niya for a second. Medyo nanlaki ‘yung mata niya habang nakatingin kay Mingyu. Bakit naman kasi super lapit naman! 

At si Mingyu, well, he didn’t exactly move away either.

Sandali lang ‘yon. Super sandali. Pero parang tumigil ang paligid. Parang kahit ‘yung crowd, natameme sa nangyari sa kanila. Sobrang lapit nila ni Mingyu sa isa’t isa. As in, sa isang iglap na lang, puwedeng magdikit ang ilong nila. Puwedeng magkabungguan ang hininga nila. And Wonwoo, well, he suddenly forgot what he was supposed to say, or even think .

Parang any second now hihimatayin siya. For some weird reason. Or okay – maybe not that weird. Maybe because Mingyu’s gaze was steady, warm, and way too close. Maybe because damn, bakit parang ang pogi lalo ni Mingyu up close?

Napalunok si Wonwoo. He could feel the heat rise to his face, and this time hindi niya na maitatangging namula talaga siya. Ang init pala talaga sa stadium. 

Napangiti na lang siya, trying to mask whatever it was he was starting to feel. “Taas mo na ulit,” sabi niya.

Mingyu blinked slowly, then smiled that kind of smile. The one that made Wonwoo feel like his legs were suddenly made of jelly. 

They were back at looking through the telescope. 

“Ayan na… ayan na. Nagkakatawanan na sila,” ani Wonwoo. “I think it’s working.”

“Yup,” sagot ni Mingyu sabay tango. “Definitely working.”

Wonwoo was trying his best to calm himself down. Bakit naman kasi bigla siyang mapakali? Para kang ewan ngayon, Wonwoo! Umiling na lang siya at sinasabi sa sarili niya na kailangan niyang mag-focus sa goal: Ang mag-usap at mag-kiss mamaya sina Jeonghan at Seungcheol. ‘Yun ang goal. 

Both of them were watching silently for a minute — eyes fixed on Jeonghan and Seungcheol, who were finally talking. This time, parang may binubulong si Seungcheol na naging dahilan kung bakit biglang napatawa si Jeonghan, head slightly thrown back, one hand covering his mouth.

Ngumisi si Wonwoo. Wow. That was rare.

Sobrang bihira makita si Jeonghan na tumatawa ng ganon. Working for him for three years, sanay na siya sa bitchesa attitude , sa deadpan responses , at sa intense poker-face mode ni Jeonghan — lalo na sa mga meeting. He rarely jokes, and when he does, it’s usually sarcastic at best.

But now?

Now, Jeonghan was actually smiling. Like, smiling-smiling. And not just with his lips, his eyes crinkled, his shoulders relaxed. He even leaned a little closer kay Seungcheol, as if genuinely invested sa sinasabi nito.

Seungcheol, on the other hand, looked so sure of himself. He was animated while talking, slightly turning his body toward Jeonghan, one arm casually draped at the back of seat next to him. Then Jeonghan lightly swatted Seungcheol’s arm, still laughing at whatever was said. 

Laro! May pahawak talaga! ‘Yan ang gustong mangyari ni Wonwoo. 

Wonwoo felt like clapping.

“Bagay sila, no?” bulong ni Wonwoo without thinking.

Mingyu, still leaning beside him, gave a quiet nod. “Yup, bagay sila.”

And for a brief moment, both of them forgot their little awkward moment earlier. Because watching Jeonghan and Seungcheol now, it didn’t just look like a successful setup.

It looked like a beginning.

After that, nag-decide silang dalawa na itigil muna ang pagma-marites gamit ang telescope. Wonwoo smiled, mission semi-accomplished — nag-uusap na sina Jeonghan at Seungcheol, and honestly, that’s already a win. Besides, kiss cam won’t happen until the halftime show, so they had time to chill.

Nag-umpisa na ‘yung laro, kaya ibinaba na ni Wonwoo ang telescope at inilipat ang focus sa field.

“Okay, sino team natin?” tanong ni Mingyu habang inaayos ang pagkakaupo.

“‘Yung mga naka-blue,” sagot ni Wonwoo, confident kahit wala siyang kaalam-alam sa dalawang team na naglalaro. “Matching sila sa suot ko, so I feel spiritually aligned.”

Mingyu laughed. “Valid logic. Sige, blue team tayo.” 

Nag-umpisa na talaga ‘yung laro at mas umingay pa ‘yung crowd. Before they knew it, they were cheering with everyone else — without actually knowing who they were cheering for.

“Go, Blue!!” sigaw ni Wonwoo sabay hampas ng popcorn tub sa braso ni Mingyu. “Kuya, bilisan mo namang tumakbo!” 

Mingyu burst out laughing. “Pitcher ‘yan, eh.”’ 

“Eh ano ngayon, tumakbo pa rin siya!” balik ni Wonwoo, refusing to be corrected.

Every so often, kapag may biglang hit o fast play, both of them would jump a little in their seats. Minsan si Wonwoo, out of sheer excitement, would slap Mingyu’s arm or thigh.

“Oh My God, naman!” sigaw ulit ni Wonwoo, sabay hampas ulit sa braso ni Mingyu. “Ang bilis nung bola, nakita mo ‘yun?”

Natawa lang si Mingyu at saka tumango. “Exciting din pala manood ng baseball.”

“Takbo, bilis!” sigaw ulit ni Wonwoo habang busy sa panonood. Tama si Mingyu, nakaka-excited din palang manood ng baseball game. 

At one point, sabay pa silang napasigaw sa isang play.

“Yes!” halos sabay nilang sigaw. 

Tumingin sila sa isa’t isa, both wide-eyed and smiling. And for a split second, something about that shared excitement made everything feel warm for Wonwoo. Like they'd done this before, like they should be doing this more often. S’yempre to distress, tama. ‘Yun lang ‘yun. 

After another thirty minutes, natapos na rin ang first half ng laro. The players jogged off the field, and stadium lights dimmed just a little at biglang nagsimula ‘yung background music. 

And then it flashed on the big screen.

THE KISS CAM.

“Here we go,” bulong ni Wonwoo habang both he and Mingyu stared up, necks craned, eyes wide, na parang mga batang naghihintay sa candies na ibibigay ng mga magulang nila. 

Beside him, Mingyu was already sitting upright, popcorn long forgotten on his lap. “Tingin mo gagawin talaga nila?”

“Dapat lang, aba,” sagot ni Wonwoo. “Sayang naman ‘yung pakape ko sa technical diyan sa kiss cam,” 

Tumawa lang si Mingyu at balik na ulit ang atensyon sa malaking screen. 

Sa una, nag-land ‘yung camera sa isang couple na mukhang mga bata pa. Cute, blushing, and obviously shy. They kissed, and the crowd went wild. 

Sana all na lang ang comment ni Wonwoo. 

Next, another couple. Middle-aged, na super game. The guy even dipped his wife like in a movie. Another round of cheering. 

Again, another sana all from Wonwoo. 

Sa pangatlong pagkakataon, napunta na kina Jeonghan at Seungcheol ‘yung camera kaya agad na napasigaw si Wonwoo. 

“Yes!” sigaw niya at saka tumayo mula sa kinauupuan niya tapos umupo ulit. “This is it pansit!” 

Naririnig niya lang na tumatawa si Mingyu sa tabi niya sabay sabing, “‘Wag kang maingay, Wonwoo. Baka sa’yo tumapat ‘yan.” 

Wonwoo rolled his eyes. “Sino namang hahalikan ko rito?” 

Hindi na nakasagot si Mingyu dahil biglang nagsigawan ‘yung crowd dahil hindi gumagalaw sina Jeonghan at Seungcheol. Napakurap lang si Jeonghan, si Seungchel naman ay umiiling. 

Hindi sila gumagalaw. 

“Huwag niyong sabihing…” Wonwoo gasped. “Huwag niyong sabihing tatanggi kayo?”

Seungcheol scratched the back of his head. Jeonghan looked away, slightly chuckling. 

The crowd waited.

Then, camera cut. To another couple.

“What the hell? Wait lang–” hinampas ni Wonwoo si Mingyu sa braso. “Ayaw nila!”

“Sino naman kasing hahalikan ‘yung kakakilala niya pa lang, Wonwoo?” 

Nilingon ni Wonwoo si Mingyu. “So? For fun lang naman ‘yan, eh. ‘Yan nga purpose ng kiss cam!” Pagsungit niya at saka pinanood ulit ‘yung screen. 

Napunta ulit sa isang couple ‘yung camera, and both of them were very into it kaya nagsigawan ‘yung mga tao sa loob ng stadium. 

At bumalik ulit kina Jeonghan at Seungcheol ‘yung camera. 

Round 2 ang atake.

This time, Jeonghan rolled his eyes — Wonwoo recognized that expression. That’s the fine, I’ll do it face.

He leaned in and gave Seungcheol a quick, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it kiss sa cheek.

“Awwww,” tili ng ilang tao. But the rest of the crowd?

“Boooo!”sigaw ng crowd. 

“What do you mean boo?” sigaw ni Wonwoo. “Ang cute kaya! That was so Jeonghan-coded!”

“Apparently, not enough for the kiss cam gods,” sabi ni Mingyu, chewing dramatically on a popcorn.

“Pero oo nga,” buntong hininga ni Wonwoo. “Hindi enough ‘yon, kailangan nilang mag-kiss for real!” 

Camera moved again. Another random couple, this time wearing matching jerseys, locked lips.

But before the segment could end, it was back to their bosses. 

Round 3. Final Boss na, jusko po! Jusko po!

“Feel ko ito na ‘yon,” bulong ni Mingyu. 

Wonwoo held his breath. “Come on, Seungcheol. Gamitin mo kaya ‘yang muscles mo para hatakin si Jeonghan!” 

The whole stadium hushed like they knew something was about to happen.

Seungcheol turned to Jeonghan. May sinabi niya kay Jeonghan na hindi naman marinig sa camera. Jeonghan snorted, but nodded his head. 

Then with full eye contact to the screen Seungcheol leaned in.

And kissed Jeonghan.

On the lips.

Quick, soft, but definitely a kiss.

The stadium went feral, and so did Wonwoo.

May nagsigaw ‘yung mga tao sa loob. May mga tumayo pa mula sa mga upuan nila. May nagtapon pa nga ng popcorn na para bang confetti ‘yun. 

“Oh My God!” tili ni Wonwoo. “Nag-kiss sila! Oh My God!” 

Wonwoo turned to Mingyu with wide, sparkling eyes then, out of pure adrenaline, lunged into him with a hug.mLike, full-on body-hug. Nakapulupot ‘yung mga braso niya sa leeg ni Mingyu, face buried in his shoulder, laughter shaking in his chest.

Ramdam niya rin ‘yung tawa ni Mingyu at ibinalik ‘yung yakap. His arms around Wonwoo’s waist, lifting him just a little. 

“Oh my God, nakita mo ‘yon?” sigaw-bulong ni Wonwoo habang nakayakap pa rin kay Mingyu. “Nag-kiss sila, Mingyu. Nag-kiss sila talaga!”

“Nakita ko,” sagot ni Mingyu, still laughing—at kung hindi siya nagkakamali, medyo humigpit pa ‘yung yakap nito sa kanya. “Cute nila, no?”

“Yes!” sagot ni Wonwoo, na para bang bata. “Super cute!” 

Pero nang mapansin niyang hindi pa rin sila naghihiwalay, medyo nag-buffer ‘yung utak niya. Napatigil siya for a moment, at mabilis na bumitaw kay Mingyu. 

Nagkatinginan. Realized how close their faces were. Again.

And for the third time that day, napatahimik si Wonwoo.

Lintek na. What was that, Wonwoo?

But then again — so what? Adrenaline, right? Emotions were high. The mission was a success. Natural lang na sumobra siya sa saya. Hindi siya nakapag-isip for a second dahil nangibabaw ‘yung emosyon niya. No big deal! 

Right?

Right??

Napaupo siya bigla, at umupo rin si Mingyu. 

To ground himself, nilingon ni Wonwoo si Mingyu at ngumiti — trying to play it cool kahit medyo mas bumibilis ‘yung tibok ng puso niya. 

“Congrats, partner,” sabi niya, sabay lahad ng kamay.

Mingyu laughed softly, eyes still on him. He took Wonwoo’s hand and shook it. 

“Congrats, partner,” ulit ni Mingyu. 

They held onto the handshake for a second too long.

 » [late night talking] «

 0:08─〇───── 0:08

Wonwoo

8:45 AM 

parang ang ganda ng umaga ni jeonghan ngayon, mingyu! OMG feel ko may nangyari sa kanila after the game!! 

 

Mingyu

8:47 AM 

Good mood din ngayon si Seungcheol. Hahaha. 

Hindi pa siya sumisigaw. 

 

Wonwoo

8:48 AM 

nakangiti akong inutusan ni jeonghan! 

 

Mingyu

8:50 AM 

Nagpabili ng kape si Seungcheol, guess what?

 

Wonwoo

8:52 AM 

what????

 

Mingyu

8:53 AM 

Nilibre niya buong team haha

First time nangyari 'to 

 

Wonwoo

8:54 AM 

OMGGG 

SOMETHING REALLY HAPPENED!!!! I AM SAT 

 

Mingyu

8:55 AM 

Kape rin tayo mamaya? 

4PM :) 

 

Wonwoo

8:5 7AM 

g!!! babain mo na lang ako here sa 11th 

 

Mingyu

8:57 AM 

Sige, partner. See you mamaya :) 

 

---

 

Mingyu

4:01 PM 

Umalis na si Seungcheol nang walang iniiwang trabaho sa’kin. Ito na ‘yung  pinaka-maagang umalis siya nang hindi nagsasabi kung saan siya pupunta. 

 

Wonwoo

4:02 PM 

hello omg i was about to message

umalis na rin si jeonghan!!! nagtanong lang siya sa’kin if okay na raw ba itsura niya!!! MAY DATE SILA METHINKS 

DAY 2 NG JEONGCHEOL I AM SO SAT 

 

Mingyu

4:04 PM 

Meaning maaga rin tayo makakauwi. 

 

Wonwoo

4:07 PM 

MINGYU NAIIYAK AKO 

KUMBAGA FIRST TIME TO MANGYARI EVER!! MAAGA AKO MAKAKAUWI!! MAKAKANOOD AKO NG FOUR SISTERS AND A WEDDING! (don’t ask bakit ko papanoorin ulit) may bubog ako sa movie na yan!! 

 

Mingyu

4:08 PM 

Kwek kwek bago umuwi? 

 

Wonwoo

4:09 PM 

libre mo??? HAHAHAHAH

 

Mingyu

4:10 PM 

Sige. Hahaha 

See you mamaya, 5PM? 

 

Wonwoo

4:11 PM

5pm yesss 

 

---

 

Mingyu
3:03 PM
Wonwoo
Ayaw ni Jeonghan ng matcha ‘di ba?

Pero mahilig si Seungcheol doon

 

Wonwoo

3:05 PM

YESS 

why???

 

Mingyu
3:06 PM

Nakasalubong ko si Jeonghan. May hawak siyang matcha coffee hahaha

 

Wonwoo
3:07 PM
OMG 

SHARING DRINKS????? KUMBAGA SANA ALL 

POWER COUPLE BEHAVIOR

 

Mingyu

3:08 PM
That’s a subtle flex

 

Wonwoo
3:09 PM

i’m so happy for them I might cry sa UV Express pauwi 😭

ang gaan ng aura ni jeonghan!! DAY 3 NA MASAYA SIYA 

WALA RIN SIYANG BINIBIGAY NA EXTRA WORK SA AKIN SO IT’S A WIN FOR US

 

Mingyu
3:10 PM

A win for us :) 

 

Wonwoo
3:12 PM

makakapag-gym ka na nang maaga, mingyu! i’m so happy for you!

 

Mingyu
3:12 PM

At hindi ka na mag-iipon para sa gamot dahil hindi ka na mag-OOT! 

 

Wonwoo
3:13 PM

OH I AM LOVING THIS NEW LIFE 

may mga kailangan lang akong asikasuhin this week including emails tapos makakahilata na ako on weekends YAY

 

Mingyu
3:14 PM

Make sure to include yourself in the list of things you need to take care of this week, Wonwoo :) 

 

Wonwoo
3:14 PM

ikaw din, mingyu! :DDD 

 

---

 

Wonwoo
11:26 AM
MINGYU.

bumaba ba boss mo para mag-lunch break??

 

Mingyu

11:27 AM

Yes, kakababa niya lang. Si Jeonghan din ba?

 

Wonwoo
11:28 AM
yupp!!

HINDI NILA TAYO INUTUSAN BUMILI NG LUNCH NILA OH MY GOD

lunch date nila, trewww??? 

 

Mingyu

11:30 AM
Tara, lunch na rin tayo?

 

Wonwoo
11:31 AM

waitz may need lang akong tapusin and baba na ako sa cafeteria in a bit 

 

Mingyu
11:32 AM
May dala akong adobo. Gusto mo?

Wonwoo
11:32 AM

OMG talaga???

 

Mingyu

11:33  AM
Yes. Adobong baboy :) 

HIntayin kita sa cafeteria. Usual spot na lang. 

Wonwoo
11:32  AM

okie doks! baba ako in 5 mins

Mingyu 

11:34 AM

Sige, see you :) 

---

 

Mingyu

10:58 PM
Wonwoo, gising ka pa?

 

Wonwoo

10:59 PM
yes! bakit?? 

 

Mingyu

11:00 PM

Wala lang.
Well, actually may sinabi si Seungcheol sa’kin kanina.
Na baka i-consider daw niya ako for promotion as managing director. 

 

Wonwoo

11:01 PM

woah yan na yun, mingyu!! 

you’ve been wanting that since forever

 

Mingyu

11:02 PM
Yeah. Kaya nga. So, thanks for bringing the idea about setting them up :) I think it’s working really well

 

Wonwoo

11:03 PM
huyyy! ako lang ‘towhh hahaha jonks 

congrats na agad, mingyu!!

 

Mingyu

11:04 PM
Thanks, Wonwoo. 

I really want it so bad.

 

Wonwoo

11:05 PM 

and you will get it, mingyu. 

 

Mingyu

11:06 PM

What about you?
Anong goal mo lately? Ganun pa rin?

 

Wonwoo

11:07 PM
yup, hindi naman nagbago eh
i just want one of my articles to be published on Jeonghan’s site. that’s all.

Mingyu
11:09 PM
You’re so good at what you do, Wonwoo. 

I’m sure makukuha mon rin ‘yan :) 

Wonwoo
11:10 PM
well sana nga??? huhuhu
jeonghan barely puts names on his articles kasi he’s very picky pero if mangyari nga ‘yung goal ko, i’ll know i did something right kahit isang beses lang

 

Mingyu
11:11 PM
You will.

You’re a quiet kind of brilliant.

Wonwoo
11:12 PM
quiet kind of brilliant?.

very oddly specific 

hahahaha

Mingyu
11:13 PM
Because it fits you.
You don’t need to be loud to be good.
You just are.

Wonwoo
11:15 PM
thanks for saying that, mingyu. 

Mingyu
11:16 PM
Always.
Partner tayo, remember?

Wonwoo
11:16 PM
hahaha oo naman! partners! :DDD
good night na, mingyu. gigising na naman tayo bukas nang maaga para kumayod

Mingyu
11:16 PM
Good night, Wonwoo :) 

And hey, someday, magse-send ako ng email kay Jeonghan para sabihin sa kanya na he’s missing out if he doesn’t publish your work :) 

 » [tila tala] «

 0:09─〇───── 0:09

“Wonwoo?”

Nakayuko pa si Wonwoo sa laptop niya, finalizing the copy for Jeonghan’s latest sports op-ed. He was almost done with line editing, konting polish na lang sa formatting and he was ready to submit (na again, hindi niya talaga 'to trabaho pero go na lang din dahil sinabi ni Jeonghan). That day’s to-do list was unusually light — no urgent revisions, no random meetings, no 9 PM emails asking for “small tweaks.”

Which was rare, but not surprising. Because for the past three weeks, Jeonghan had been in an unusually good mood.

Like smiling-at-people kind of good mood.

Like not-being-scary-at-9AM kind of good mood.

At dahil doon, hindi lang si Wonwoo ang nakikinabang — pati si Mingyu. For three full weeks, pareho silang nakakauwi on time. Five o'clock sharp. Clock out. Patayin ang computer tapos alis na. Minsan dadaana muna sila roon sa binibilhan nila ng kwek-kwek. Sometimes, they’d head to their favorite Japanese-themed café nearby and drink overpriced lattes just because they could.

So nang tawagin siya bigla ni Jeonghan, medyo napatigil siya — but not in a panic mode kind of way.

Tumayo siya agad. He straightened his shirt and walked toward the inner office.

Pagbukas niya ng pinto, nadatnan niya si Jeonghan sa harap ng bilog na salamin sa side ng office wall. The Editor-in-Chief was adjusting the collar of his button-down, slightly fluffing his hair. His laptop was closed. His phone was glowing on the desk.

“Yes, Sir Jeonghan?” bati ni Wonwoo, professionally curious.

Hindi siya nilingon ni Jeonghan dahil busy itong i-check ang sarili niya sa salamin. 

“Do I look okay?” tanong ng boss niya. 

Napatingin si Wonwoo.

He had to admit: Jeonghan looked good. Sharp as always, but there was something softer about him today — maybe it was the way his shirt sleeves were rolled up just a little, or the way he kept touching his hair, like he wanted it to fall just right.

“Yes po, Sir. You look great,” sagot niya agad. “May event po kayo today?” tanong niya kasi wala rin namang sinabi si Jeonghan na may schedule siya ng 4PM, although to be honest, he already had a strong guess. 

Jeonghan finally looked at him. Ngumiti ito bago sumagot, “So, I’m seeing this guy,” umpisa niya habang umupo sa swivel chair, turning slightly to face Wonwoo. His tone was light, but there was something different in the way he said it — like he wasn’t just sharing tea, but something genuinely personal.

“Handsome and funny, too,” dagdag pa ni Jeonghan. “I met him,” napahinto siya saglit sabay tawa. “Actually, the first encounter was a mess, pero we met again sa baseball game three weeks ago.” 

Wonwoo tilted his head, barely able to hide the growing grin on his face. “Oh, really, Sir Jeonghan?” sagot niya, trying his best to sound casual even if he already knew who Jeonghan was talking about. Kasi sino pa ba, ‘di ba? 

“Kumusta naman po?”

Jeonghan leaned back a bit, still smiling. “We’ve been going on a few dates. Mostly quiet ones lang, coffee, sometimes late dinner after work pero I really like him.”

Wonwoo felt his heart squeeze a little softly for his boss. He hadn’t seen Jeonghan this light in years.

“That’s good to hear, sir,” sambit niya. 

Tumango si Jeonghan. “Tonight, may date ulit kami,” sabi niya. “He’s picking me up sa baba. Can you believe that? Parang high school.”

Tumawa si Wonwoo. Bare minimum naman ‘yon, Sir . Pero s’yempre hindi niya sinabi ‘yan.

“He actually makes time,” dagdag ni Jeonghan, this time his voice a bit softer. “Knowing how hectic his schedule is, that says a lot. He’s not into big gestures, but he shows up.”

Tumango si Wonwoo, mukhang naeenjoy naman ni Jeonghan ang dating life  niya ngayon, so, it’s a win for everyone. 

A moment passed.

Then Jeonghan cleared his throat, shifting back into his usual boss mode. “Anyway,” sabi niya habang tinitignan ulit ang reflection niya sa salamin. “Naayos mo na ba ‘yung schedule ko for tomorrow? ‘Yung panel meeting with the NCAA reps?”

“Yes po,” sagot ni Wonwoo. “10:30 AM at Deco, then lunch with Gatorade marketing team after. Na-confirm ko na rin po ‘yung car service niyo, and your media kit’s already in your bag.”

Tumango si Jeonghan. “Efficient as always. I don’t say this often, pero you make my life so much easier, Wonwoo.”

Wonwoo smiled. “Thank you, Sir Jeonghan.”

“No need to stay late today,” dagdag ni Jeonghan habang kinukuha ang phone sa mesa. “Once ma-email mo na sa akin ‘yung updated weekly rundown, you can clock out na. You can go home.”

“Okay po,” tumango si Wonwoo, though napansin niyang nakangiti na naman si Jeonghan habang nagte-text.

“Nandyan na po ba si sir Seu-” pinutol agad ni Wonwoo ‘yung sasabihin ninya sana, dahil naalala niyang walang binanggit na pangalan si Jeonghan sa kanya. “Nandyan na po sundo niyo?” 

Jeonghan chuckled  “He’s downstairs. Sabi ko five minutes lang ako.”

“Enjoy po, Sir Jeonghan,” 

“Thank you,” balik ni Jeonghan habang kinukuha na ang coat niya. “No overtime today, Wonwoo, okay?” 

Tumango si Wonwoo at ngumiti. Wala rin naman siya talagang balak mag-overtime dahil halos tapos na niya lahat ng gawain niya. Nginitian siya ni Jeonghan at nagpaalam na ito. 

Sinundan niya ‘yung boss niya ng tingin hanggang makalabas ito ng office at nakangiti lang si Wonwoo. Makakauwi ulit siya nang maaga without overtime. Makakanood na naman siya ng movie at makakatulog nang maaga. Totoo talaga ang Diyos! 

Tumunog na naman ‘yung phone niya. Pagkakuha niya nito, nakita niya na may bagong notifs na naman sa group chat nila sa opisina. As expected, may naglabas na naman ng chismis — Jeonghan was seen leaving early again. At ayon sa messages, marami naman ang masaya. Hindi lang dahil maagang umalis ang boss nila, kundi dahil hindi na sila nasusungitan these past few days.

Nag-chat lang siya ng isang quick reply: blessed na naman tayo ngayong linggo! magdiwang! 

Then ibinalik na niya sa bulsa ang phone.

Wonwoo spent the next thirty minutes finishing off the last bits of work, and by the time he looked at the clock, five minutes na lang before five. Kaya pinatay niya na ang monitor, nag-ayos ng gamit, at siniguradong malinis ang desk niya.

“Time to go home,” bulong niya sa sarili, sabay palakpak sa hangin. 

Tumayo siya, kinuha ang bag, at lumabas ng office. Sa hallway, marami na ring umaalis — may mga nagbibiruan pa. 

“Pangatlong week na ‘tong walang overtime.” 

“Kailangan lang na laging masaya si Sir Jeonghan!” 

“Korek! In love siguro ‘yan!” 

Natawa na lang si Wonwoo. 

Pagdating niya sa ground floor, sakto pa na binuksan ng guard ‘yung main glass door. Sinalubong siya ng hangin at ingay ng Maynila, at habang papalabas siya ay may pamilyar na boses na tumawag sa kanya.

“Wonwoo!” 

Napalingon siya agad. Sa kabilang side ng driveway, nakita niya si Mingyu, kumakaway habang nakangiti. Nakasuot ito ng light blue button-down, sleeves rolled up, at may hawak na dalawang drinks. Katabi niya ang isang babae na mukhang katrabaho niya. Mukhang nagpaalam na si Mingyu rito, dahil pagkatapos may sabihin, tumakbo na siya papunta kay Wonwoo.

“Pauwi ka na?” tanong ni Mingyu, catching his breath habang inaabot ang isa sa dalawang drinks. “Pistachio latter, naalala ko sabi mo last week na gusto mong i-try ulit.”

“Ay, akala ko para do’n sa kasama mo?” tanong ni Wonwoo sabay tingin doon sa kasama ni Mingyu kanina na, surprisingly, ay nakatingin sa direksyon nila na parang hinihintay niya pa si Mingyu. 

Mingyu chuckled. “Hindi, nakasabay ko lang siya bumili kanina,” sabi nito. “Para sa’yo talaga ‘to.”

“Ah,” sagot ni Wonwoo at binaling ‘yung tingin kay Mingyu. Kinuha niya ‘yung kape mula kay Mingyu. “Natandaan mo pa ‘yung sinabi ko, ah?” 

“Oo naman,” sagot ni Mingyu with a shrug, na para bang hindi naman big deal. “Small brain space lang naman kailangan to remember your favorites.”

Napangiti si Wonwoo. Edi wow. Ayan na naman. ‘Yung tipong simpleng bagay lang, isang order ng pistachio latte, but it made his heart do that annoying little jump.

He remembers.

Mingyu remembers the things he says. Always.

Like that time sinabi lang niya na allergic siya sa shrimp, tapos the next week, inalis ni Mingyu ‘yung tempura sa lunch set niya. Or noong nag-mention siya na favorite niya ‘yung 2006 One More Chance movie, tapos biglang nag-quote si Mingyu ng Popoy lines the next day. 

And now, here he is again, handing him his drink of the week like it’s no big deal, like it’s just natural.

Wonwoo took a slow sip, trying not to smile too wide. 

“Ikaw ba, pauwi na rin?” tanong niya. 

“Hmm,” sagot ni Mingyu. “Actually, hinihintay talaga kita. May bagong bukas na kainan diyan sa tabi ng Zeus coffee. Masarap daw do’n, eh. Gusto mo i-try?” 

“Ah,” sambit ni Wonwoo. “Pero ang aga pa for dinner. Kwek-kwek muna tayo tas lakad konti hanggang sa magutom ulit tayo?” 

Mingyu chuckled. “Okay, p’wede naman.” 

Sabay silang naglakad papunta sa direksyon kung saan sila kumakain ng kwek-kwek. Kinumusta lang nila ‘yung isa’t isa as if hindi nila ginagawa ‘yun sa araw-araw, nagkwentuhan sa mga ganap ng mga boss nila the past few days, and Wonwoo felt the ease between them. Like, this was starting to become routine. 

At habang iniinom ni Wonwoo ‘yung pistachio latte na bigay ni Mingyu, napatingin siya kay Mingyu, then looked away immediately.

Wonwoo bit his lip. 

This is becoming his favorite part of the day.

 » [this is how you fall in love] «

 0:10 ─〇───── 0:10

“Feel ko type ka niyang katrabaho mo,” komento ni Wonwoo habang nakasandal sa office chair, legs slightly stretched out habang nilalaro ang takip ng tumbler niya. Nasa loob sila ngayon ng office ni Mingyu dahil, as usual, maagang umalis na naman ang mga boss nila. Walang tanungan. Alam na agad nila kung bakit maagang umalis mga boss nila. 

Wala na ring masyadong gagawin si Wonwoo. Kaya ayan siya, nagkakalat ng unsolicited observations at dinadaldal si Mingyub na tahimik na nagta-type sa laptop niya.

Nililingon siya nito saglit. “Sino?”

“‘Yung kaninang nag-abot ng kape,” sagot ni Wonwoo sabay turo sa Spanish latte na nakalapag sa mesa. Five minutes ago lang, dumaan ‘yung katrabaho ni Mingyu — yes, the same girl na kasama ni Mingyu nung isang araw sa labas ng building. Nag-abot ng kape with a sweet smile at halos hindi pa umaalis agad kahit tapos na ‘yung hand-off. Friendly, yes. Pero obvious. Like, super obvious.

“Ah, si Hana?” sagot ni Mingyu sabay balik sa pagta-type.

“Ah, Hana pala pangalan,” ulit ni Wonwoo, nodding slowly. “Ganda naman siya. Hawig niya si Bea Alonzo.”

Napatawa si Mingyu. “Napansin mo pa talaga ‘yon?”

“Oo naman. Bagay kayo, in fairness.”

Nilingon niya si Mingyu after niyang sabihin ‘yun, trying to read his reaction. Pero parang walang reaction si Mingyu kundi focused lang sa ginagawa niya. 

Wonwoo shifted in his seat, bigla siyang nainis sa saril niya.

Ano bang pakialam ko? Kung totoo man na gusto ni Hana si Mingyu at kung gusto rin siya ni Mingyu, e ‘di go. Deserve nila ‘yung isa’t isa. Good-looking people doing good-looking people things. 

Wala naman siyang sinabing bawal ‘yon. Besides, hindi rin naman talaga nakakagulat kung may mga nagkakagusto kay Mingyu. The guy is handsome and nice — charming, even — so yes, very understandable.

Like, kung may checklist para sa ideal guy, halos complete package na si Mingyu. Gwapo. Mabait. Magalang. Matangkad. Marunong makinig. May sense of humor pa. 

So no, hindi siya magtataka kung may mga gustong mag-abot ng kape. Kung may mga naghihintay ng reply sa chat. 

“Umamin na si Hana a month ago,” tugon ni Mingyu tapos tinigil niya ‘yung pagta-type. 

“Oh, talaga?” tanong ni Wonwoo, leaning forward a bit. Now he’s genuinely curious. “Edi mukhang okay naman kayo? Dating na kayo? Kasi binigyan ka nga ng kape, eh.”

Mingyu chuckled and shook his head. “Hindi,” sabay buntong-hininga. “Sinabi ko naman sa kanya directly na I didn’t feel the same way. Ayoko rin paasahin siya. So I told her politely, nang maayos.”

Wonwoo nodded slowly. “Good on you,” sabi niya. “At least clear.”

Mingyu gave a soft laugh. “Yeah. Sabi ko rin na kung sakaling may ganung gestures in the future, for example, I don’t know, food, coffee, gifts, hindi ko tanggapin. Out of respect. Pero kanina, na-corner lang talaga ako. Nandito na siya sa desk ko, nakaabot na ‘yung kape. Ang hirap naman magsabi ng ‘no’ habang hawak na niya ‘yung kape.”

“Peer pressure ‘yun, natural,” sagot ni Wonwoo. 

Mingyu leaned back. “And I appreciate the gesture, pero I can’t return the feelings.”

Wonwoo stared at him for a moment, then nodded. “Gets. Hirap din ‘pag mabait ka talaga, no?”

Mingyu gave him a look. “Hindi ako mabait, I’m just considerate.”

“Sus, pa-humble talaga siya,” sabi ni Wonwoo habang umiikot sa swivel chair niya. “Hindi mo kasalanan kung may magkagusto sa’yo. Baka happy crush ka na lang, gano’n. Ganun na rin kasi ngayon, noh. Bigay-bigay ng kape sa mga crush nila.”

“Eh paano kung ako naman ‘yung magkagusto?” Mingyu said, voice lower, almost like a passing thought. 

Napatingin si Wonwoo sa kanya. “Ha?”

“Wala,” sabay balik ni Mingyu sa laptop niya. “Dinner tayo mamaya, sa’n mo gusto?” 

Wonwoo smiled. “P’wede bang do’n ulit sa kinainan natin last time?” 

Ngumiti si Mingyu. “Sige, doon na lang ulit.” 

Tumango si Wonwoo at bumalik na si Mingyu sa pagta-type sa laptop niya. Hindi niya alam kung tatayo na ba siya o hindi, pero komportable naman siya sa upuan niya. Malamig ang aircon, tahimik ang paligid, at wala na siyang gagawin sa office. Saka mabobored lang din siya doon at baka makatulog pa siya kaya siguro hihintayin na lang niyang matapos si Mingyu. 

It’s like Mingyu could hear him kasi nagsalita ito agad.

“Idlip ka muna,” sabi nito habang patuloy sa pagta-type. “Gisingin na lang kita mamaya.”

“Gisingin mo ‘ko after mo diyan, ah,” tugon niya, medyo nag-inat pa at saka bahagyang umusog palapit sa mesa, resting his chin on his arms na ngayon ay nasa ibabaw na ng desk.

“Copy, partner,” sagot ni Mingyu, this time glancing at him with a soft smile. Then, ginilid niya pa lalo ‘yung pwesto ng laptop niya at inayos ‘yung desk para mas may space si Wonwoo sa pag-idlip. 

“Salamat,” bulong ni Wonwoo. 

Tahimik sa office. Tanging tunog ng keyboard ni Mingyu ang naririnig niya. 

At habang unti-unti nang dinadala ng antok si Wonwoo, isa lang lang ang paulit-ulit sa utak niya:

Bakit parang ang sarap mong hintayin, Mingyu?

Hindi sigurado si Wonwoo kung anong nagpagising sa kanya. Wala namang tunog. Tahimik sa paligid. Wala rin namang gumalaw. Basta noong dahan-dahan niyang iminulat ang mga mata niya, ang bumungad agad sa paningin niya ay ang mukha ni Mingyu — nakapatong na rin sa mesa, halos katapat niya.

Oh.

For a moment, hindi muna siya gumalaw. Parang gusto niyang i-absorb kung ano ang nangyayari. Natatandaan pa niya na bago siya pumikit kanina, abala si Mingyu sa pagta-type sa laptop niya, focused and slightly frowning, as always. Pero ngayon, the screen was dark, nakagilid na ang laptop. 

Wonwoo stared for a while. 

Tinitigan niya si Mingyu, this time with no distractions. 

Napansin niya ‘yung maayos na bagsak ng buhok nito sa noo, ‘yung maliit na nunal nito sa ilong, at ‘yung paraan nang paghinga ni Mingyu na kalmado. Tapos ‘yung labi niyang bahagyang nakabuka. May pulang marka na sa gilid ng pisngi niya gawa marahil nang pagkakapatong sa braso.

He really looks good, too good, honestly, naisip niya. 

Mingyu looks so handsome. Too handsome, actually — unfair levels of handsome, kung tatanungin si Wonwoo.

At doon nagsimulang bumilis na naman ang tibok ng puso niya. Kasi habang tinitignan niya si Mingyu, napagtanto niyang bihira siya makakita ng isang taong kahit tulog, parang pinapakalma pa rin siya. 

How can someone look this peaceful and still manage to calm him down without even trying?

Sure, alam naman niyang Mingyu made him feel safe. Comfortable. But there was something else now. Something deeper. Because even asleep, Mingyu's presence filled the room like soft music in the background. What the hell, Mingyu. 

At doon nagsimula ang unti-unting pag-flashback sa utak ni Wonwoo. Parang mabilis na montage ng lahat ng nangyari mula sa araw na una silang nagkita — nung inagaw ni Mingyu ‘yung order niya kay kuyang food panda rider.

Then came that stupid, brilliant plan para iset-up ang mga boss nila. Akala niya noon, once matapos ‘yung plano, they’d go back to being strangers who pass each other by sa hallway. But it didn’t happen. Kasi from awkward co-conspirators, they became the best wingman duo in the corporate world, kung tutuusin.

Naalala niya kung paano sila sabay nag-prepare ng mga nakakatawang plano nila, nag-uusap nang pabulong sa gitna ng hallway kapag magkakasalubong sila, kung paano sila nagpalitan ng mga ideas habang nagkakape — and how Mingyu always remembered the smallest things he mentioned.

Hanggang sa naging routine na lang bigla ang lahat.

Sabay na silang umuuwi.

Sabay silang nagkakape after work.

Minsan, bigla na lang may random coffee sa desk niya with a post-it note:
“You look tired today. Inumin mo ‘to.” – Mingyu :)

Tapos kung hindi kape, kwek-kwek.

Kwek-kwek sa labas ng office, sa parehong pwesto lagi, parehong order: tatlong stick kay Mingyu, dalawang stick lang sa kanya. Pero siya lagi ang pinapapili ni Mingyu kung anong sauce ang ipaghalo.

Then came the random messages. Minsan walang sense. Minsan memes. Minsan puro “Hoy ” lang.

Pero araw-araw, walang palya.

Hanggang sa ngayon. Sa eksaktong moment na ‘to. Magkatapat sila sa iisang mesa, sa parehong mundo, sa parehong tahimik na pagitan.

At habang nakatitig siya sa tulog na si Mingyu, parang bigla siyang tinamaan ng isang napaka-obvious na tanong.

Since when did I start looking at him like this?

At mas importanteng tanong: What the hell am I supposed to do now?

Wonwoo blinked, slowly. Then smiled.

May nahulog na hibla ng buhok sa noo ni Mingyu, dahan-dahang dumapo sa mismong talukap ng mata nito.

Napakunot ang noo ni Wonwoo habang tinititigan. It looked ticklish. Baka magising si Mingyu kung di niya alisin. So, slowly, like he was afraid to make a sound, inabot niya ang kamay niya, hinawi ang buhok gamit ang pinakailalim ng daliri.

And in doing so — hindi niya sinasadya, swear — pero sobrang lapit na pala ng mukha niya kay Mingyu.

Parang isang segundo na lang at — holy crap, he could literally count Mingyu’s lashes if he wanted to. He could feel the soft exhale from his nose. Napalunok si Wonwoo. He was just supposed to fix the hair. 

But before he could move away, that exact moment, bumukas ang mga mata ni Mingyu. Those warm, sleepy eyes. Directly looking at him.

Nagkatitigan sila.

And neither moved.

Si Wonwoo na nanigas na sa posisyon niya habang ang kamay pa rin nakahawak sa tuktok ng ulo ni Mingyu. Si Mingyu naman, parang hindi pa masyadong gising pero aware. Too aware.

“Uh—” bungad ni Wonwoo, panicky chuckle. “May may buhok kasi sa mata mo.”

Hindi agad nagsalita si Mingyu. Pero ang tagal niyang tinitigan si Wonwoo habang  nakangiti. 

“Uh, tatanggalin ko lang,” mahinang sambit ni Wonwoo sabay tanggal nung buhok sa mata ni Mingyu.

Then, softly, Mingyu whispered, “Thanks, Wonwoo.”

Wonwoo cleared his throat and awkwardly pulled back, finally sitting upright sa upuan niya. “Welcome,” sagot niya, trying to sound normal kahit ang bilis pa rin ng tibok ng puso niya.

Mingyu pushed himself up slowly, stretching a little habang nakatingin pa rin sa kanya. “Nakatulog pala ‘ko. Sorry, Wonwoo. Sabi ko gigisingin kita pagkatapos ko, eh. Kaso lang ang peaceful mo habang natutulog ka kanina kaya natulog na lang din ako.” Tapos nito sabay tawa.

Wonwoo cleared his throat again and forced a small smile, trying to act chill.. “Okay lang,” sambit niya, sabay tayo mula sa upuan. “Seven na pala… magdi-dinner pa tayo, ‘di ba? Kunin ko lang gamit ko sa baba.”

Hindi pa man nakakasagot si Mingyu, nakalabas na agad si Wonwoo ng office. Hindi dahil nagmamadali siya, well, medyo, but mostly dahil kailangan niya lang huminga.

Pakshet. 

Kailangan niya lang ng kanyang moment. Isang tahimik na hallway. Isang elevator na walang sakay. Kahit CR. 

Anywhere basta hindi kaharap si Mingyu. 

“Nakakahiya ka, Wonwoo,” bulong niya sa sarili niya nang papasok ng elevator. “Nahuli ka niyang nakatitig sa kanya? Ang tanga lang. Nakakahiya ka.”

Hindi siya ganito. Hindi siya nagpa-panic over eye contact. Pero ang nakakainis ay walang ibang ginawa si Mingyu kung hindi ngumiti sa kanya. Nakakainis !

Bumuntong-hininga si Wonwoo at nang makarating siya sa 11th floor, tuluyan na siyang napahinto sa hallway. Tumingala muna siya sandali na parang humihingi ng tulong sa kisame bago marahang nag-facepalm.

Nakakahiya lang talaga! Isa ‘yun sa mga moment na hindi makakalimutan ni Wonwoo. Tipong kapag maaalala niya, mapapakurot na lang siya sa sarili niya kasi nakakahiya talaga.

At kahit ilang minuto na siyang palakad-lakad, hindi pa rin siya maka-recover. Ang tanging nasa isip niya lang: Anong iniisip ni Mingyu ngayon?

Mingyu 

10:48 PM 

Hulaan ko, walang pinauwing trabaho sa’yo ngayon boss mo?

 

Wonwoo

10:49 PM

yes wala hahahaha 

mukhang nasa honeymoon phase sila at the moment kaya busy sila sa isa’tisa

 

Mingyu 

10:50 PM 

Yeah, mukhang nag-eenjoy naman si Seungcheol. 

So, free ka ngayong weekend?

 

Wonwoo

10:51 PM

actually dapat kaso lang may ganap ako tomorrow

Mingyu 

10:52 PM 

Ano ganap mo?

 

Wonwoo

10:53 PM

sisiputin ko yung guy na nireto nung friend ko so like date siguro ganon

 

Mingyu 

10:55 PM 

Ah, nice.

I hope it goes well, Wonwoo.  

 

Wonwoo

10:56 PM

yes, thanks, mingyu! 

ikaw ba? wala kang ganap ngayong weekend?? use it, mingyu! minsan lang tayo magkaroon ng weekend na hindi iniisip ang trabaho

Mingyu

10:58 PM

Meron sana pero hindi na tuloy. 

Okay lang, may next time pa naman :) 

Tulog ka na, Wonwoo. Good luck sa date mo bukas. 

 

Wonwoo

10:59 PM

ahh okayyy 

sige na, goodnight, mingyu! 

 » [mean it] «

 0:11 ─〇───── 0:11

“Pak, oh, ang ganda!” sigaw ni Seungkwan habang tinitingnan si Wonwoo na nakatayo sa harap ng salamin, naka-cardigan na light blue, tucked in sa beige slacks, at may simpleng necklace. “Good luck, Wons! Nawa’y may karat ka bago matapos ang araw na ‘to!”

“Balitaan mo kami agad, ha?” dagdag ni Jun habang inaayos ang kwelyo ng ng suot ni Wonwoo, parang nanay na inaasikaso ang anak na pupunta sa prom. “Ang linis mo tignan! Parang hindi ikaw!”

“Ang sama niyo,” umirap si Wonwoo habang pinaplastik ang sarili sa harap ng salamin. Inayos niya pa ang suot na relo at glasses bago lumingon sa dalawa. “Hindi ko naman isusuko ang bataan sa taong kakakilala ko lang, Kwan. At oo, Jun, babalitaan ko kayo. Pero I swear, I have this gut feeling na hindi magiging okay ‘to.”

“Ang OA mo, wala pa nga,” sabat ni Seungkwan habang umupo sa couch at kinain ‘yung left-over fries ni Wonwoo. “Hindi mo pa nga nakikilala si Changkyun. Mabait ‘yon, promise!”

Wonwoo let out a deep sigh. “First date tapos golf? Gusto ko lang naman ng tahimik na dinner or movie marathon. Tsaka, pang alta ‘yang golf golf na ‘yan, eh.” 

“Bayad naman niya lahat, girl. Don’t worry!” Jun grinned. “Tsaka magkunyari ka na lang na marunong kang mag-golf, kahit pa-swing swing lang nung golf club, ganon!”

“True,” sabat ni Seungkwan. “Saka who knows? Baka naman mag-click kayo, di ba? Be optimistic, Wons!”

“Honestly, mas pipiliin ko pang kumain ng kwek-kwek sa kanto kaysa–,” reklamo ni Wonwoo at hindi niya nga natapos ‘yung sasabbihin niya dahil tinulak na siya ni Jun palabas bago pa siya makabalik ulit sa loob.. 

“Go na, teh! Baka malate ka pa! First  impression lasts!”

“Bye, bestie! Good luck!” Sigaw ni Seungkwan at sabay pa nga sila ni Jun na kumaway as if may ribbon-cutting ceremony si Wonwoo.

Thirty minutes later, nasa labas na si Wonwoo ng isang fancy golf club. Tumitig siya sa building na parang gusto niya itong lamunin ng lupa. Ang linis ng paligid, ang tahimik ng ambiance, at halos lahat ng tao ng tao rito ay mukhang may-ari ng mga buildings na nakikita niya sa Metro Manila. 

“Jusko, bakit ba ako pumayag sa date na ‘to?” bulong niya sa sarili sabay tingin sa suot niya. Mukha pa siyang tangang naka-cardigan na para bang makikipag-coffee date siya. Well, whatever!

Wonwoo just felt like he didn’t even belong here. 

He took a deep breath. Bahala na, it’s not like he could back out. Nag-oo na siya kay Changkyun, he would just think na matatapos din ‘to at makakabalik na siya sa kama niya. He just needed to get through this day to shut Seungkwan and Jun up into setting him up. 

At kahit hindi talaga niya trip ang ganitong klaseng date, pinilit niyang ngumiti. Kinuha niya ang phone niya, nag-chat sa group chat nila. 

Wonwoo

i’m here. pagdasal niyo ‘ko or something

 

Seungkwan

Make eye contact and swing it like you mean it!

 

Jun

good luck, badet! <33 baka siya na ang madadala mo sa engagement party next next month! hihi so excited!

Napailing na lang si Wonwoo, pero natawa rin sa mga pinagsasabi ng mga kaibibgan niya. He pocketed his phone, straightened his shirt, at saka pumasok na sa venue.

Sa isip niya: Please let this be quick. 

Pagkapasok ni Wonwoo sa loob ng golf lounge, agad siyang sinalubong ng isang attendant. Ngumiti si Wonwoo at saka sinabi ‘yung pangalan niya – sabi kasi ni Changkyun ay banggitin lang ni Wonwoo ‘yung pangalan niya sa sasalubong sa kanya, eh. 

“Ah, Mr. Changkyun is already inside, Sir. P'wede naman na po kayong pumasok.” Sabi ng attendant habang nakangiti at sinabing p’wede naman na siyang pumasok. 

Of course he is, he thought, and followed the staff to a private putting area na parang straight out of a sports documentary. May music na hindi niya alam kung ano, ambient lights, and a glass wall overlooking an actual mini green.

Very sosyal lang talaga. Ito ‘yung sports ng mga mayayaman, eh. Kung papipiliin lang si Wonwoo, mas gusto niya pang magtumbang preso kaysa rito, eh. O kaya chinese garter, lagi pa naman siyang mother doon. 

Nang makapasok na siya nang tuluyan ay nakita nga niya na nandoon na si Changkyun. Naka-black polo, slacks, at white sneakers, may hawak ng golf club habang nagsa-swing casually na parang lumaki siya sa loob ng country club.

Nang lumingon ito sa direksyon niya ay ngumiti ito sa kanya. “Wonwoo, hey,” bati nito with a confident grin. Tinignan ang suot niya bago nagsalita. “Well, you look great.” 

Ngumiti lang si Wonwoo kahit alam naman niyang na-judge na siya ni Changkyun dahil sa suot niya. Dedma sa basher! “Hi, yeah. Nice place.”

“Right? It’s my favorite place. I come here twice a week,” sabi ni Changkyun habang inaabot sa kanya ‘yung isang club. “I remember you said you play golf?”

Wonwoo blinked. “Isang beses lang ‘yun,” sagot niya kahit hindi naman talaga. 

Tumawa lang si Changkyun. “Same thing. 'Di ba sabi mo marunong ka? You try naman. I want to play with you before we eat our dinner.” 

Wonwoo laughed nervously at first, akala niya joke lang ‘yon. but no, Changkyun was now standing behind him, pointing to the tee.

“Go. Let’s see what you got,” Changkyun added with that same smug tone na parang audition ito para maging fiancé niya. As if Wonwoo wanted to be that. “Or, should I teach you how to do it right?” 

Tumango na lang siya para sa ikatatahimik ni Changkyun. 

Wonwoo sighed. For Jun and Seungkwan. For world peace. Para sa ikatatahimik ng lahat.

Hindi man lang siya pinaupo o kinumusta man lang. Ni hindi siya tinanong kung uminom ba siya ng tubig o kung okay pa ang blood sugar niya sa sobrang init sa labas. Diretso agad sa golf na parang required subject sa college.

Gusto na lang umiling ni Wonwoo. Muntik na niyang tanungin kung may written exam ba pagkatapos nito, eh. 

Ang tanging consolation lang niya ngayon ay may libre siyang iced tea sa tabi. Pero kahit ‘yun, pang mayamn din — may mint, lemon slice, at straw na gawa sa actual cinnamon stick. 

Sa isip niya: Okay lang. Konting tiis. Makakatakas din ako mamaya. Konting acting lang, Wonwoo. 

Pero habang pinapanuod niyang i-demonstrate ni Changkyun ang "perfect swing form" na parang bang hindi siya mapapalagay kapag hindi niya nagawa ‘to, napatitig na lang si Wonwoo sa langit.

Lord, if this is a test, please know I am failing gracefully.

Nang matapos mag-demo si Changkyun, turn naman ni Wonwoo.

He took the club, lumuhod pa siya ng bahagya para ayusin ang bola (although hindi rin naman niya alam kung paano exactly), then tumayo, huminga nang malalim (na akala mo talaga marunong siya) and — swing.

Pak!

Lumipad ang bola. But instead na sa green, it flew 90 degrees to the left. As in diretso sa glass wall. umama ito, thankfully hindi nabasag, pero nag-vibrate ‘yung salamin at tumigil ang lahat ng tao sa paligid nila.

Wonwoo stood there, frozen.

Changkyun blinked. “Well, that was something.”

“Thanks,” sagot ni Wonwoo habang pinipilit huwag matawa. “Tinarget ko talaga ‘yung reflection. Para sa introspection.”

“Try again,” ulit ni Changkyun, this time with his arms crossed, like he just witnessed the worst swing in golf history.

Jusko naman! Ang hirap magpanggap ah!

Wonwoo looked at him, smiled. “Okay,” sagot ni Wonwoo 

He adjusted his stance. Bent his knees. Closed one eye like a pirate because, why not, baka makatulong sa accuracy nitong second try niya. He lifted the club high — masyado ngang mataas na parang maghihiwa ng kawayan — then swung with full force. 

The ball flew again but this time, it bounced . Not once, not twice, but thrice. Tumama sa edge ng artificial grass, lumundag sa nearby golf mat ng ibang player, saka tumama sa club ng isang lalaki. 

“Ay!” sambit ni Wonwoo. 

“Oh God,” rinig niyang sabi ni Changkyun sa tabi niya. 

The sound of collective gasps filled the room.

Wonwoo stood there, holding the club like a mic, shocked and 90% ready to fake a faint. Nakakahiya!

“Uh,” sabi ni Wonwoo, “Social experiment ‘yon.  Gusto ko lang malaman kung gaano katibay ‘yung golf ball. Testing durability, kumbaga.”

Tumingin lang si Changkyun sa kanya. “Right. Maybe golf isn’t your sport.”

Maybe being condescending isn’t yours either! 

Pero s’yempre hindi niya sinabi ‘yan, kahit na confrontational siyang tao.

Changkyun took the club next and positioned himself like he was in a sports magazine cover shoot. He gave the ball a clean, practiced swing and it went straight down the green, landing near the hole. 

“See?” sabi niya saka nilingon si Wonwoo. “It’s all in the form. It really takes discipline. Precision. Focus. You have to understand the wind, the angle, the terrain. I’ve been playing for five years, and it’s part of my weekend routine.”

Wonwoo smiled. A polite one. The kind you give to people na walang alam kundi magmayabang. “Wow. That’s impressive. Galing mo pala.”

And then for the next thirty minutes, Changkyun just kept playing. Shot after shot after shot na akala mo nasa tournament ng Olympics. He barely looked at Wonwoo, except when he needed validation .

“Gold brings me peace. I go out here whenever I need to think. I actually closed a big deal last week on this very spot.”

Wonwoo nodded. Again. Politely. And stared at his own reflection sa glass wall, asking: Sayang lang pamasahe ko papunta rito, eh. Sana pinang-Samgyup ko na lang!

“Pangarap ko magkaroon ng vacation house sa Tagaytay with its own driving range,” dagdag ni Changkyun. “Para every weekend, laro lang. No distractions.”

Wonwoo just sipped the overpriced bottled water internally screaming. Lord, gusto ko na umuwi!

No questions for him. No “What about you?” No “Anong hobbies mo?” Just Changkyun. In full broadcast mode.

By the end of the almost an hour solo golf talk show, Wonwoo sighed — audibly this time. Tinignan niya ‘yung oras sa phone niya. Halos isang oras na ang nakakalipas   –pero parang limang oras na sa pakiramdam niya.

“Oh, I love golfing!” sambit ulit ni Changkyun.

And that was it.

That was the moment Wonwooreally  realized: This isn’t going to work.

Tumingin siya sa glass walls na muntik na niyang mabasag kanina. Kung p’wede lang tumagos diyan, ginawa na niya, eh. 

Kinuha niya ulit ‘yung phone niya sa bulsa, at nagulat siya nang makita niyang nag-send ng message si Mingyu sa kanya. 

Mingyu

4:01 PM 

Wonwoo, kumakain ka ng pochero?

Dala ako sa Monday :) 

Ngumiti si Wonwoo habang nakatitig sa message ni Mingyu. 

Para bang naririnig na niya sa utak niya ang boses ni Mingyu, nakikita niya itong naka-roll up ang manggas, may hawak na plastic cup sa isang kamay at kwek-kwek sa isang stick sa kabila. Naalala niya kung paano bahagyang idinidikit ni Mingyu ang balikat niya sa kanya tuwing magkasabay silang naglalakad. Kung paanong tinatanong siya ni Mingyu kung gusto ba niya ‘yung huling piraso ng tokneneng — kahit halatang paborito naman ‘yon ni Mingyu. 

Big things in disguise.

“Wonwoo?” tanong ni Changkyun, eyebrows raised. “Are you listening?”

Wonwoo blinked. “Huh? Uh, yes. Definitely. Something about you wanting to join golf leagues?” 

Changkyun chuckled, shaking his head. “Okay, I think we’re good here. Let’s sit down. Drinks are coming.”

Habang papunta sila sa lounge seats, napaisip si Wonwoo. Why was he even here? He didn’t even like golf. He didn’t vibe with condescending men in loafers. He was here because Seungkwan and Jun insisted that he should try meeting other people.

Well, he tried.

Umupo siya at uminom nung dumating ‘yung drinks nila – masyadong matamis, mukha ring mahal. Hindi ‘yung katulad ng palamig na binibili nila ni Mingyu, o kaya ‘yung pistachio latte na binibigay ni Mingyu sa kanya tuwing Friday. 

Kinuha niya ulit ‘yung phone niya at nag-type ng message. 

yes! kumakain ako niyan hehe

mingyu? may ginagawa ka today? kwek-kwek tayo?

Then he stared at it.

Deleted it.

Typed again.

Wonwoo

4:15 PM

mingyu, busy ka?

And hit send.

Ten seconds later, his phone buzzed.

Mingyu

4:15 PM 

Hindi. Bakit? 

Wonwoo

4:16  PM

trip mo ba kwek-kwek ngayon?? 

 

Mingyu

4:16 PM 

Oo naman. Wala naman akong ginagawa. 

Pero akala ko nasa date ka? 

 

Wonwoo

4:17 PM

my god tinry ko naman sakyan trip niya sa golfing pero hindi talaga eh

saka wala siyang ginawa kundi magkwento about sa sarili niyo so 

 

Mingyu

4:18 PM 

Sunduin kita, gusto mo? Tapos kwento mo sa’kin nangyari :) 

Wonwoo

4:19 PM

huy hindi na, mingyu. nakakahiya naman saka ako na nga nang iistorbo eh

kita na lang tayo

 

Mingyu

4:20 PM 

Hindi ka istorbo, Wonwoo. 

Send mo location mo. Ready ko lang motor. 

On my way :)

Just like that, he sent his location to Mingyu. 

“Excuse me, Changkyun,” sabi ni Wonwoo sabay kuha ng  bag niya. “May nakalimutan kasi ako. Emergency at work.”

“Now? Seriously?” tanong ni Changkyun, unimpressed.

“Yup. Deadline,” Wonwoo replied, walking away. “Sorry. Golf wasn’t really my calling. Good luck sa golf journey mo, though.”

“Oh, okay. Thanks.” sagot ni Changkyun sabay tayo mula sa kinauupuan niya. 

“Pero hey,” dagdag ni Wonwoo habang huminto sandali at nilingon si Changkyun. “I enjoyed today naman, kahit papaano. Thanks for the time.”

Nagtaas lang ng kilay si Changkyun, clearly still unimpressed.

Ngumiti si Wonwoo, polite but firm. “Pero to be honest, I don’t think magkakaroon pa ng second date. Parang hindi tayo match, ‘di ba?”

Changkyun gave a shrug. “Fair enough.”

“Good luck sa mga susunod mong swings,” sabay kindat ni Wonwoo, tapos talikod na ulit, nilakad ang daan paalis na para bang gumugulong na ang credits ng scene he’d gladly erase from memory.

Pagdating sa labas ng venue, huminga siya nang malalim, at mahina niyang nasambit, “Never again.”

Hihintayin na lang niya si Mingyu, at sa totoo lang, hindi na siya makapaghintay na makasama ‘to for the rest of the day. After everything — after the awkwardness, the golf balls gone rogue, and the painfully long monologue about how amazing golf was — na-realize niyang wala na siyang ibang gustong makasama ngayon kundi si Mingyu.

Mingyu, na laging chil

Mingyu, na laging considerate.

Mingyu, na laging nangungumusta.

Mingyu, na kaya siyang patawanin kahit bad mood siya. 

Yes. Today might’ve started with someone else, but he knew exactly who he wanted it to end with.

Pero as a friend lang naman. 

“Bakit hindi mo ginagamit ‘yung motor mo papasok sa work?” tanong ni Wonwoo habang ngumunguya ng asado siopao. Bago pa man maubos, sinundan niya ito ng lagok mula sa bottled coffee na binili nila sa 7-Eleven. Nasa loob na sila ngayon ng convenience store, nakaupo sa maliit na table malapit sa glass wall, habang pinapanood ang dumadaan sa labas. May mga ilang estudyanteng naglalakad, may dalawang delivery rider na kumakain sa tabi nila, at may batang umiiyak kasi hindi siya binilhan ng Ice cream.

Nilibre niya si Mingyu ng siopao at kape, bayad na rin ‘yon sa pagsundo sa kanya kanina. Hindi naman siya mapagpalibre, pero somehow, gusto lang din talaga niyang bumawi kahit papaano. Infairness naman talaga, parang nag-Angkas lang siya kanina habang sakay ng motor ni Mingyu. 

Actually, puwedeng-puwede siyang kumapit sa bewang nito at ilang beses na rin siyang kiniliti ng idea pero may konting hiya pa siya, so sa likod ng motor siya nakakapit, ‘yung kamay niya na awkwardly nakahawak lang sa metal bar o minsan ay sa gilid ng upuan. Hindi rin naman niya masisi ang sarili niya. Kahit sinong normal na tao, mahihiyang kapitan si Mingyu nang gano’n, lalo na kung sa bawat liko ng motor ay parang ang lapit-lapit na nila sa isa’t isa. 

Mingyu just grinned. Then after a moment, he said, “Ginamit ko naman ‘yung motor ko. Three months ago nga lang.”

Tumaas ang kilay ni Wonwoo. “Three months? Tagal na ah. Eh bakit ‘di mo na ginagamit ngayon?”

“Nasa garahe lang. Medyo napagod ako magmaneho, eh. Traffic lagi sa umaga tapos puro lubak pa daanan sa’min. Ginagamit ko na lang kapag aalis ako ng weekends, o kaya may rides kami ng tropa.”

“Okay na ‘yan,” sagot ni Wonwoo habang inaabot ‘yung isa pang napkin para punasan gilid ng bibig niya. “At least you’re saving the environment. Responsible citizen, Mingyu Kim.” 

Mingyu chuckled. “Fair point,” sabi ni Mingyu. “So, kumusta date mo? Gusto mo pag-usapan?” 

Bumuntong hininga si Wonwoo. “Do I want to talk about it? Not really,” sabi niya, pero ramdam niyang he's already ready to rant.

Mingyu laughed a little. “That bad, huh?”

“Well,” panimula ni Wonwoo, leaning back sa upuan nila sa tabi ng glass wall, “for starters, hindi man lang niya ako kinumusta nung pagdating ko. Like, wala man lang small talk. Pagdating ko doon, agad-agad golf-related ang tanong which I actually understand naman since golf date nga. Pero pinatayo niya agad ako at pinaghawak ng club.”

“Wow,” sagot ni Mingyu, raising a brow. “Very warm welcome.”

“Exactly,” balik ni Wonwoo, obviously annoyed but trying to keep it light. “Tapos nung nag-try ako, well, I almost took down a glass wall. Honestly, if may CCTV man ‘dun, I’m probably a meme now, Mingyu.”

Mingyu was already laughing. “Sana may footage. Cute mo siguro, do’n.” 

“Nakakahiya kaya,” sagot ni Wonwoo, sabay hampas ng tissue sa braso ni Mingyu. “Tapos, after that? For thirty minutes, siya lang nagsasalita. About golf. About how good he is. About his achievements. It was so bad.”

“At least na-experience mo mag-golf, ‘yun na lang siguro pampalubag loob,” komento ni Mingyu. 

“Ang hirap pala magkunwari na interesado ko, no?” sabi ni Wonwoo sabay buntong hininga ulit. “And you know, I can pretend to care.”

“Impressive skill,” Mingyu teased.

“Pero hindi kanina,” umpisa niya. “Wala akong energy sa taong parang ginawang interview ‘yung date.”

There was a short pause, both of them sipping quietly. Then Mingyu tilted his head, voice softer this time. “So, ano ba ideal date mo, Wonwoo?”

Napaisip si Wonwoo saglit, then he shrugged gently. Simpleng tao lang naman siya, kaya simple lang ang mga gusto niya sa buhay. 

“Hmm... I guess simple lang. Doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive.” He looked at Mingyu. “Basta alam mong interested ‘yung tao sa’yo. 'Yung tatanungin ka kung anong gusto mo, anong mga ayaw mo. Someone who actually listens. Someone who actually cares.”

Tahimik lang si Mingyu for a second, like he was thinking about it. Then, a small smile formed on his lips. “Ah, simple mo lang talaga, no?”

Natawa si Wonwoo, not even denying it. “Eh, ang importante naman kasi…” he paused for a bit, trying to find the right words. “It’s not the place or what you’re doing. It’s the effort. ‘Yung may konting effort man lang na kilalanin ka. Someone who actually cares and listens. Like, you can tell when someone’s just being polite versus when someone really wants to understand you. Gets ba?”

“Yeah,” Mingyu said softly. “Gets.”

May bahagyang ngiti si Wonwoo sa labi, pero pakiramdam niya rin na he’s sharing too much. Ano namang pake kasi ni Mingyu sa gusto niya ‘di ba? Ano namang pakialam ni Mingyu sa idea niya ng ideal date or kung anong hinahanap niya sa isang tao?

He bit his lip subtly, trying to pull himself back in. Sometimes, when he’s with Mingyu, he forgets how much he's actually letting down his walls.

Pero walang sinasabi si Mingyu, eh. Tahimik lang siyang umiinom ng kape as if wala siyang pake kung umabot sila ng dis oras ng gabi na puro kwento lang si Wonwoo, kasi nandiyan naman siya para makinig. 

And maybe, maybe that’s exactly why Wonwoo kept talking. Because with Mingyu, it never felt like too much. Even when he thought it was.

“Anyway,” sabi ni Wonwoo habang sinusubukang i-redirect ang usapan, “let’s just say I probably won’t be playing golf anytime soon.”

Mingyu chuckled, tilting his coffee cup toward him. “Maybe it’s not really your thing, Wonwoo. Mahirap naman pilitin talaga kung hindi mo gusto ‘yung isang bagay o isang tao.”

Napangiti si Wonwoo, about to nod in agreement, when his mouth moved faster than his brain.

“Parang ikaw lang kay Hana, no?”

Walangya.

Biglang napakurap si Wonwoo nung na-realize niya na ‘yung sinabi niya. Hindi naman niya balak i-open talaga ‘yon, didn’t even mean to bring up Hana. Hindi niya intensyong maging nosy or pushy or — God , why did he say that?

Stupid, stupid, Wonwoo! 

Tiningnan siya ni Mingyu, una mukhang medyo nagulat ‘to, sunod ay parang natuwa, tapos naging seryoso ‘yung mukha niya na para bang may bigla siyang napag-isipan.He leaned back a little, placing the empty coffee cup on the table beside them.

“Oo,” sabi ni Mingyu sa wakas . “Parang gano’n nga,” 

Wonwoo kept his expression steady, pretending to sip the last of his drink kahit wala na talagang laman. Anything to avoid direct eye contact.

“Okay si Hana, ah. Pero s’yempre hindi ko naman p’wedeng ipilit. Alam kong if I said yes, I’d be lying. I’d be pretending something could grow when it can’t. And that’s unfair.”

Wonwoo slowly looked up at him, the tension in his chest relaxing just a little.

Mingyu glanced sideways at him and smiled. “Ayoko naman ng ganon.”

Natahimik sandali si Wonwoo. Tama naman talaga si Mingyu. Unfair nga naman sa inyo parehas kung ipipilit mong magustuhan ‘yung tao, kahit alam mong wala naman talagang patutunguhan. Naniniwala rin siya na it should come naturally — ’yung connection, ‘yung kilig, ‘yung urge to stay and to try. Hindi ‘yung dahil lang gusto mong may makasama, o para lang masabing may plus one ka sa buhay.

“At least honest ka sa feelings mo,” komento ni Wonwoo. “By the way, hindi na talaga natuloy ‘yung lakad mo na sinabi mo kahapon?” tanong niya, trying to change the topic. 

Tumango si Mingyu. “Ah, natuloy naman. Masaya nga, eh.” 

Ngumiti si Wonwoo. “Buti naman at natuloy.” 

“Hmmm,” sagot ni Mingyu. “Sabihin mo lang sa’kin kung gusto mo na umuwi, ha? Hatid na rin kita sa apartment mo,” 

Agad na umiling na si Wonwoo, this time. Nakakahiya naman na kasi talaga kay Mingyu. “‘Di na, Mingyu. Inabala na nga kita, eh. Okay na ‘ko, magb-book na lang ako ng joy ride.” 

“Eh nandito naman ako, bakit ka pa magb-book?” 

“Hindi na, Mingyu,” ulit ni Wonwoo. “Okay lang talaga. Mabilis lang naman mag-book ngayon ng Joy Ride, promise.”

“Wonwoo,” sabat ni Mingyu. “Wala ka namang inaabala. Gusto ko nga ihatid ka, ‘wag ka na makulit. Saka delikado, gabi na.”

“Baka may ibang lakad ka pa after nito,” 

“Wala,” mabilis na sagot ni Mingyu. “Ikaw lang ang lakad ko.”

At doon napatigil si Wonwoo. Halos malaglag siya sa kinauupuan niya at sabay silang natahimik. Medyo natawa si Mingyu pagkatapos, parang na-realize niya rin kung ano rin ‘yung sinabi niya. 

“I mean,” dugtong ni Mingyu. “Literal. Wala na talaga akong ibang plano. So pwede na ‘di ba? Hatid na kita.”

Tahimik si Wonwoo sandali, bago napailing pero pinipigilan niyang ngumiti. “Fine, oo na.” 

Siguro naman ginagawa rin ni Mingyu ‘to sa iba, ‘di ba? Like, for sure hinahatid niya rin ‘yung mga tropa niya kapag gabi na. It’s just who he is — nice, dependable, thoughtful. Hindi lang si Wonwoo. Hindi lang siya.

He had to remind himself of that.

Kumbaga, huwag KANG assuming, Wonwoo Jeon. Just because Mingyu offered to drive him home, just because he remembered he shared the last piece of kwek-kwek, doesn’t mean anything.

Right?

Pero kahit anong pilit niya, hindi niya mapigilang mapatingin sa lalaking naglalakad ngayon sa tabi niya — very relaxed, easygoing, with his hands holding both of their helmets. 

Wonwoo sighed silently. Yeah. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, Wonwoo. 

 » [tell me something i don't know] «

 0:12 ─〇───── 0:12

“Tell me something I don’t know!”

Parang may umalingawngaw na alarma sa buong office. Biglang nagtayuan ang lahat, halos magkandarapa sa pag-ayos ng desk, pagbuklat ng folders, at pag-refresh ng files sa tablet nila. Kahit ‘yung laging chill na si Chan, mukhang muntik nang matapunan ng kape ‘yung laptop niya sa sobrang pagmamadali.

Wonwoo immediately stood up too, clutching the iPad tightly — nakabukas pa rin doon ang schedule ni Jeonghan. Pero wala na siyang oras para ayusin ‘yon, dahil alam niyang kapag narinig nila ang, “Tell me something I don’t know,” galing kay Jeonghan, it’s either: One, may mali na naman sa trabaho. Two, may mali talaga sa trabaho. Last, may mali talaga. Period.

And judging from Jeonghan’s expression as he entered the office today — dark under eyes, tight jaw, at literal na hindi man lang nag-good morning sa kanila — yes, bad mood siya. As in bad bad mood. The kind of mood na kahit ‘yung aircon parang napapansin niyang mali ang pagbuga.

Wonwoo couldn’t help but think: May nangyari kaya sa kanila ni Seungcheol?

He bit his lip. Oh no, is this post-date fallout?

Samantala, si Jeonghan naman ay nasa gitna na ngayon ng room with a folder in one hand and rage in both eyes. He scanned the room like he was about to personally file everyone’s resignation letters.

“So,” Jeonghan started, his tone flat but dangerous, “Karina and Wendy. You've been proofreading for years, right? Then magpapasa kayo ng articles sa'kin na may typo?”

Karina visibly gulped. Wendy looked like she was about to teleport.

“I swear, one more spelling error and I’m going to question your diplomas.”

Tahimik ang lahat. Literal na naririnig ni Wonwoo ang lagtik ng mouse click ni Mina sa kabilang desk.

“Giselle, bakit out of order ang mga photo placements sa layout mo? First photo is a beach volleyball court, second photo is a summer trip?” Jeonghan raised an eyebrow, shaking his head. Jeonghan scoffed. “This isn’t a travel blog, Giselle. This is a sports feature, not a summer throwback. What were you thinking?”

Tahimik ang buong office. Walang nag–aattempt na magsalita.

“Nag-internship ka ba sa Canva? Kasi kung ‘yan ang quality ng layout mo, baka dapat mag-reset tayo. You’re not getting paid para mag-collage ng personal album. Ayusin mo ‘yan bago ko tanggalin ang access mo sa photo database. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, sir Jeonghan,” halos bulong na sagot ni Giselle. “Sorry po, Sir.” 

“Don’t be sorry, be competent.”

Sanay naman na sila na ganito kapag stressed si Jeonghan, but damn, this is worse. 

“And next time, this is for everyone,” dagdag ni Jeonghan. “triple-check your files before submitting. I’m not your proofreader. I’m your editor.”

Dead silence. Kahit ‘yung wall clock parang mahihiyang tumunog, eh.

Everyone else kept their heads down, pretending to look busy because when Jeonghan was like this? You didn’t breathe, you didn’t blink, and God forbid, you didn’t make eye contact.

Wonwoo held his breath. He hoped, prayed, na hindi siya matawag. Sigurado siyang hindi siya makakapag-function kapag siya na ang pinagalitan. Not while trying to solve whatever invisible crisis just hit the Jeonghan-Seungcheol storyline.

Jeonghan turned to the desk near the windows kung saan nakatayo sina Mark at Joy.

“Mark. Joy.” Jeonghan’s voice was sharp, cold, and with the way everyone subtly looked up from their desks, they knew it was about to go down.

“Did either of you actually read the fact-checking notes for the Belen and Pepito feature? Or did you just skim it and hope for the best?”

Mark opened his mouth to speak, but Jeonghan was already walking toward them, holding up a printed page. “Because unless these two athletes magically broke two national records, your stats are five months outdated. Five months, Mark.”

Napalunok na lang si Mark. “Akala ko po inupdate ni Joy – “ 

Hindi na natapos si Mark sa sasabihin niya dahil nagsalita agad si Jeonghan. 

“Ah, so we’re playing the blame game now?” Sarkastikong tumawa si Jeonghan. 

Oh God, masamang pangitain talaga ‘to. Kailangan tanungin na ni Wonwoo si Mingyu kung bad mood din ba si Seungcheol.

Nilingon ni Jeonghan si Joy “And you? You left a whole paragraph without a source. You think we’re BuzzFeed or just a freaking blog? You think we can post whatever sounds nice and hope no one checks? What’s up with everyone, really?” 

Hindi sumagot si Joy kasi mukhang paiyak na siya. 

“Let me remind you na this is a sports publication, not your high school org newsletter. Do better.” 

Then he tossed the printout on their desk, the pages landing with a dramatic sound. 

No one dared to move.

“Wonwoo,” tawag bigla ni Jeonghan sa kanya nang papasok ito sa loob ng office niya. 

Napakapit siya sa iPad na para bang sandata niya ito.

“Yes, sir?”

Hindi siya tinignan ni Jeonghan nang nagsalita ito. “Coffee. Strong. And fast.”

Tumango si Wonwoo agad, at agad ding umalis ng office as if his life depended on it. And maybe it did.

Because if Jeonghan was a storm, then everyone inside the office? Yeah. They were definitely unprepared.

 » [mula ngayon] «

 0:13 ─〇───── 0:13

Ito na ulit ang unang overtime ni Wonwoo matapos ang isang buwang heavenly routine nang pag-uwi nang maaga. Babawiin pa rin pala talaga ‘tong kaligayahan niya. Parang binawi ng universe lahat ng kapayapaan at katahimikan ng nakaraang buwan in just one day. 

Kanina, nung inabot niya personally ‘yung kape kay Jeonghan, hoping that maybe, just maybe, magkaroon siya ng “thank you” or kahit isang “good morning.” Pero wala. Not even a nod. 

Kaya ayun, ginawa na lang ni Wonwoo ‘yung buong araw niya na parang robot. No complaints, no distractions. Clock in, grind, repeat. Eight PM na . Overtime na siya ng tatlong oras, and yet he still couldn’t muster the courage to tell Jeonghan na uuwi na siya. Lalo na’t tinambakan siya ng kung ano-anong tasks today — office work, meetings, errand calls, personal schedules ni Jeonghan, at kung anu-ano pang mukhang hindi naman emergency pero may red exclamation point sa email.

Bumuntong-hininga si Wonwoo habang tinitigan ‘yung tatlong devices niya, laptop sa kanan, iPad sa kaliwa, at computer monitor sa gitna. Literal na nababad na siya sa screen buong araw. Wala pa siyang oras na mag-check ng phone or kahit man lang bumaba sa cafeteria. Kanina, nagpasabay na lang siya kay Chan at Karina para sa lunch at kinain niya ‘yon sa desk habang nagre-reply sa apat na sunod-sunod na email.

Sakit na ng ulo at mata? Check. Uhaw at gutom? Check. 

Finally, he took a deep breath. Tapos na siya sa mga pinagawa. Ang kulang na lang ay ‘yung mismong pahintulot para umalis. Naglakad siya papunta sa office ni Jeonghan. Umuwi na ‘yung iba kanina lang, at sila na lang ni Jeonghan ang nandito ngayon sa loob ng office, baka nga sila na lang ang natitira rito sa 11th floor, eh. 

Kumatok siya nang mahina bagp pumasok sa loob. “Sir Jeonghan, may ipapagawa pa po kayo?”

Finally, Jeonghan stopped typing and looked at him with sharp, tired eyes. “Alam mo, Wonwoo, I don’t need you asking me every five minutes if I have something else for you to do.”

Nagulat si Wonwoo. “Ah, hindi naman po sa—”

“Then use your brain for once,” Jeonghan cut him off, voice firm and biting. “Hindi porket assistant kita, ibig sabihin, spoonfeeding ka buong araw. You should’ve known what’s urgent and what can wait.”

Nanlaki ang mata ni Wonwoo. That stung. Hindi muna siya nagsalita kasi pina-process niya pa ‘yung mga sinasabi ni Jeonghan ngayon. 

Jeonghan sighed in frustration and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “You’ve been here for what, three years? Four? Dapat alam mo na kung paano gumalaw sa paligid ko. I don’t need dead weight in this office.”

Parang binuhusan ng malamig na tubig si Wonwoo sa mga sinabi ni Jeonghan. Sure, alam naman niyang minsan ay may kasamang talim talaga ang pananalita ng boss niya — sharp, direct, no sugarcoating. Pero hindi niya in-expect na magiging ganito kabigat ngayon. Wala man lang konsiderasyon, kahit pa obvious na overtime na siya, kahit pa siya na lang ang natitirang gumagalaw para sa lahat ng pinapagawa nito.

Hindi agad nag-sorry si Wonwoo, kahit na ang instinct niya ay agad-agad humingi ng tawad. Pero pinigilan niya ang sarili dahil alam niyang ayaw ni Jeonghan marinig ang salitang "sorry," lalo na sa trabaho. Para kay Jeonghan, hindi sapat ang sorry kung pwede namang ayusin agad ang mali. Para sa kanya, ang tunay na paghingi ng paumanhin ay ‘yung hindi na mauulit. 

“Noted po, Sir Jeonghan.” Sagot na lang ni Wonwoo. 

Jeonghan paused, then looked up from his screen. Alam na ni Wonwoo ‘yung tingin na ‘yon. 

“One more thing, ‘yung flight ko to Singapore?” tanong ni Jeonghan, his tone cool but cutting. “I checked the itinerary just now. It’s not booked. At kailan ang alis ko, ha? Four days from now. Four days, Wonwoo.”

Parang may pumasok na hangin sa tenga ni Wonwoo at sabay-sabay niyang narinig ang salitang “Four days,” “Singapore,” at “not booked.” Napatayo siya nang tuwid, halos malaglag ‘yung clipboard na hawak niya.

“Sir, ang sabi n’yo po kasi sa’kin last time ay tentative pa ‘yung trip kaya hindi ko po—”

“Tentative doesn’t mean ignore completely!” Jeonghan snapped, voice rising just a bit but enough para gumapang ang tensyon sa loob ng opisina. “If I say it’s tentative, prepare both options. That’s your job. That’s what I expect from someone who claims to know how I work.”

Napapikit si Wonwoo saglit. Damn it. Damn it. Damn it. He really thought he was efficient. Hindi naman siya nagkulang sa notes, hindi rin siya nagpabaya sa reminders — lahat ng updates nakalista, may follow-up pa sa email. Ang instruction sa kanya ni Jeonghan last week was that the trip was still tentative, so ang ginawa niya ay i-prepare muna ang itinerary, pati na rin ang dalawang possible flight options. Inaantay na lang niya ang go signal ni Jeonghan para ma-book officially.

Kasi ayaw naman ni Jeonghan ng premature actions. Ilang beses na nitong sinabi na he hates unnecessary expenses, lalo na kung hindi pa final ang lakad. Kaya para kay Wonwoo, he was following instructions. He thought he was doing the smart, correct, Jeonghan-approved move. Pero ayun, mali pala sa mata nito.

“Copy po, Sir Joeghan,” bulong niya ngayon, kahit pa alam niyang walang saysay ‘yan kay Jeonghan. “Ib-book ko na po ngayon.”

Jeonghan shook his head sharply, eyes still fixed on his monitor. “No. Wag na,” mariin niyang sabi. “I don’t want you handling it anymore. I’ll do it myself.”

“Sir—” gusto niyang magpaliwanag, gusto niyang humingi ng isa pang chance, pero agad siyang tinapunan ng tingin ni Jeonghan.

“I said no.”

He clenched his fists sa gilid ng katawan niya, then forced himself to nod again. “Copy po, sir.”

Jeonghan scoffed, then leaned back on his chair, arms crossed, looking at Wonwoo like he was seeing him for the first time, and not in a good way.

“Alam mo, Wonwoo, minsan naiisip ko kung ano ba talaga pinagkakaabalahan mo these days. Kasi parang wala ka na sa focus. Parang laging lumilipad ‘yang utak mo.”

Napatungo na lang si Wonwoo, forcing himself to stand still kahit na ang bigat-bigat na ng dibdib niya, parang may nakapatong na buong mundo sa balikat niya. His throat felt tight, and for a moment, he couldn’t even breathe right. Wala naman siyang ibang pinagkakaabalahan. Wala siyang ibang inaatupag kundi trabaho — lagi, araw-araw. Kung may libreng oras man siya, ginagamit niya 'yon para habulin 'yung mga pending, ayusin 'yung schedule ng boss niya, linisin ang mga pagkukulang ng iba.

Nitong nakaraang buwan nga lang siya nagkaroon ng oras para sa sarili niya, pamilya, at mga kaibigan, eh. Itong buwan lang na may iba ring pinagkakaabalahan si Jeonghan. Akala niya makakahinga na siya nang maluwag. 

Hindi na nga siya halos nakakauwi sa maayos na oras noon. He would even skip lunch breaks before just to meet deadlines, would dinners with friends para magbantay ng inbox ni Jeonghan, at kahit birthday niya sa loob ng tatlng taon, pumasok siya kasi ayaw niyang maabala si Jeonghan sa pag-asikaso.

So hearing this: “ Ano ba pinagkakaabalahan mo these days?” crushed him.

Kasi kung alam lang ni Jeonghan kung gaano niya sinusubukang maging maayos lahat ng trabaho niya, kung gaano siya takot magkamali, kung gaano siya napapagod pero pinipilit pa rin para lang hindi matawag na pabaya. He gave so much of himself to this job – his time, his energy, even his peace, and yet it still wasn’t enough.

“Ang dali-daling task, right? Book the damn flight. Hindi ko na nga ‘yan dapat inuulit sa’yo, ‘di ba?” Jeonghan continued, his voice sharper now. “You used to be reliable. Ano’ng nangyari? In fact, kung may ibang mas importante kang inaatupag, just let me know. So I can finally find someone who’s actually there, unlike you.”

Parang sinuntok siya sa sikmura. Reliable. Used to be. Lahat ng effort niya these past years, parang nabura in one sentence.

Jeonghan waved a hand dismissively. “Just go home. It’s late. Come back with better sense tomorrow.”

Wonwoo’s throat tightened. He swallowed the lump forming, nodded once, and whispered, “Yes, sir.”

Paglabas niya ng office, binilisan niya ang lakad pabalik sa desk niya. Sa sobrang bigat ng nararamdaman niya ngayon, hindi na niya napansin na nanginginig na ang mga kamay niya habang inaayos ‘yung mga gamit niya. Binuksan niya ‘yung bag nniya, pero hindi niya maipasok nang maayos ‘yung laptop dahil nanlalabo na ang paningin niya.

And that was when it happened.

A tear dropped onto his keyboard.

Then another. Until he had to blink rapidly, remove his glasses, and cover his face, pretending to yawn, but really, he was crying. Silently.

Wonwoo sniffled, hurriedly zipped his bag, and hung his sling over his shoulder. Lumakad siya nang mabilis palabas ng opisina, head bowed, not daring to look back. As soon as he stepped inside the elevator and the doors closed, doon lang niya tuluyang hinayaan pumatak ang mga luha. The sob he’d been holding escaped his throat. 

He leaned his head against the elevator wall, shut his eyes, and whispered to himself. “Tanga mo kasi, Wonwoo. Trabaho na nga lang meron ka palpak ka pa.”

Lumabas si Wonwoo ng building na para bang kinakaya pa niya ang bigat sa dibdib niya pero ‘yung bawat hakbang niya, parang bumabagsak na rin ang katawan niya sa pagod, sa inis, sa sakit. Ang lamig ng hangin pero mas malamig ‘yung pakiramdam niya sa loob. Tuloy-tuloy lang ‘yung luha niya habang nakayuko siya, one arm clutching the strap of his sling bag like it’s the only thing holding him together.

“Wonwoo!”

Napahinto siya. Alam niya kung kanino ‘yung boses na ‘yon.

Mingyu.

Dali-dali siyang nagpahid ng luha gamit ang palad niya, saka niya pinunasan ‘yung salamin niya gamit ‘yung polo niya. Ayaw niyang makita siyang ganito ni Mingyu.

Pero huli na.

Paglingon niya, nandoon na si Mingyu sa harapan niya. “Hinintay talaga kita,” sabi nito, pero agad napahinto, halatang napansin na agad ang namumulang mata at basang pisngi ni Wonwoo. “Umiiyak ka ba?”

Hindi siya sumagot. Umiling lang siya nang kaunti at agad tumingin sa ibang direksyon para hindi magtama ‘yung mga mata nila ni Mingyu. Pero mas lumapit si Mingyu, dahan-dahang hinawakan ang magkabilang balikat niya.

“Wonwoo,” tawag ulit nito.“Look at me.”

And that was it. Tuluyan na ulit siyang naiyak. Buong araw niyang pilit pinigilan ‘yung emosyon niya lalo na nung nasa loob siya ng office ni Jeonghan, pero kaharap niya si Mingyu, parang p’wede na siyang magsumbong, eh. Parang p’wede na siyang umiyak at maging vulnerable. 

Napaluhod siya mismo sa harap ni Mingyu, tinakpan ang mukha niya habang tuloy-tuloy ang iyak niya na parang batang nagsusumbong.

“Sorry,” bulong niya sa pagitan ng hikbi. “Sorry, hindi ko na kaya…”

Mabilis na lumuhod si Mingyu sa tabi niya, niyakap siya nang mahigpit, as if he’s shielding Wonwoo from whatever this was. “Okay lang, okay lang, I got you,” bulong ni Mingyu habang hinahaplos ang likod niya. “Let it out, Wonwoo. I’m here.”

Nanginginig pa rin ang balikat ni Wonwoo habang yakap siya ni Mingyu sa gilid ng building. Nakaalalay si Mingyu sa likod niya, nakaluhod pareho sa malamig na semento, habang ginuguhit ng mga daliri nito ang likod niya pataas-pababa sa sobrang pag-aalala.

“Gusto mong pag-usapan?” mahinang bulong ni Mingyu sa kanya habang hinahaplos ‘yung likod niya. 

Humigpit pa lalo ang pagkakahawak ni Wonwoo sa damit ni Mingyu habang pilit niyang sinasalo ang sariling kahihiyan, pagod, at sakit sa iisang iyak. Nakakahiya. Para siyang sirang plaka ngayon. 

“Sorry, ang babaw ko —” bulong niya ulit, at basag-basag ‘yung boses niya. “I just tried so hard today. Lahat ginawa ko. Hindi na nga ako nakakain nang maayos kanina. Wala akong kwenta sa trabaho na ‘to, Mingyu.” 

Hindi nagsalita si Mingyu na parang hinayaan muna niyang ilabas lahat ni Wonwoo ang sakit. Instead, he pulled him in closer, pinatong ang baba sa tuktok ng ulo ni Wonwoo nagbitaw nang malalim na hininga. 

“Walang kwenta, walang dulot,” sabi ulit niya habang humihikbi sa bisig ni Mingyu. 

“Hindi totoo ‘yan, Wonwoo.” Mingyu said firmly.

“Pero trabaho ko ‘yun, dapat inasikaso ko,” sagot ni Wonwoo at saka humiwalay sa yakap. Tinignan niya sa mata si Mingyu. “Ni mag-book ng flight niya hindi ko magawa. Trabaho ko ‘yun, eh.” 

“Trabaho mo, oo. Pero hindi ka robot at sigurado ako na may dahilan bakit hindi mo ‘yun na-book. You’ve done more than enough.” Saglit siyang napatingin sa basang pisngi ni Wonwoo. “I see how hard you work. Ako nga nag-aalala para sa’yo eh. Ikaw mismo, ‘di mo binibigyan sarili mo ng break.”

Wonwoo shook his head, at kahit pilit niyang pigilan, tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang pag-agos ng luha sa pisngi niya. Nanlalabo na ‘yung salamin niya, kaya inalis niya ‘to saglit para punasan, pero kahit ‘yun hindi niya magawa nang maayos dahil nanginginig ang kamay niya.

Humihikbi siya, ‘ung tipo ng hikbi na parang may bumabara sa lalamunan niya. Gumagalaw ‘yung balikat niya sa bawat hinga niya, at kahit anong pilit niyang ayusin ang sarili niya ngayon, hindi niya na kayang i-compose ang sarili.

“Si Jeonghan…” bulong niya habang nakatingin pa rin kay Mingyu, “first time niya ‘kong pagsalitaan nang gano’n. Na parang… parang wala akong kwenta sa trabaho ko, Mingyu.” Napakagat siya sa labi, pilit nilulunok ang sakit. “Na parang wala akong ginawang tama. Na kahit ginawa ko na lahat, wala pa rin akong silbi sa paningin niya.”

Mingyu crouched lower, gently removing the glasses from Wonwoo’s trembling hands. Pinunasan ni Mingyu ito bago ulit isuot kay Wonwoo. Then he looked at him, really looked at him with eyes filled with concern.

“Ang sakit lang kasi,” tuloy ni Wonwoo. “I mean… hindi naman ako perpekto. Pero binibigay ko naman ‘yung best ko araw-araw, kahit pagod na ako. Kahit wala akong personal time. Tapos isang pagkakamali lang, para bang… para bang lahat ng effort ko wala na lang kwenta.”

He looked at Mingyu through tear-filled eyes. “Sana man lang tinanong niya kung okay lang ako. Sana man lang kahit isang beses kinilala niya ‘yung hirap ko.”

Hindi agad sumagot si Mingyu. Hinayaan niya munang huminga si Wonwoo, hinayaan niyang mailabas lahat. But then, softly, he said, “Alam mo kung hindi niya kaya makita kung gaano ka ka-dedicated at gaano kalaki ang binibigay mong parte sa trabaho niyo, then hindi ka talaga ang may pagkukulang. Siya ang hindi marunong tumingin.”

“Ang sakit lang mapagsalitaan nang gano’n, Mingyu,” sagot ni Wonwoo habang umiiyak. “Masakit kasi sa tatlong taon ko nang pagtatrabaho sa kanya, walang araw na hindi ko iniisip ang trabaho. Hindi naman ako naging pabaya, eh. Alam kong oo, pinapasahod ako, pero ‘yung pagsalitaan ako nang gano’n? Parang ‘di ko ‘yun matanggap.”

Mingyu smiled at him at saka hinawakan ‘yung magkabilang pisngi niya at saka pinunasan ito na parang gusto niyang maalis lahat ng luha ni Wonwoo. “Hindi ako si Jeonghan, Wonwoo, pero nakikita ko kung gaano ka ka-dedicated sa trabaho mo, kung gaano ka kasipag,” umpisa nito.

Hinagod ni Mingyu ang gilid ng pisngi niya gamit ang hinlalaki. “Alam ko kung gaano ka ka-responsable. Alam ko kung paano mo tini-take note lahat, kung paano mong pinipilit magmukhang okay kahit pagod na pagod ka na. Hindi ka invisible, Wonwoo. Hindi sa’kin.”

Napakagat labi si Wonwoo, trying to hold back another wave of tears, but Mingyu just leaned in closer, steady and sure.

“You're enough. Kahit wala kang mapatunayan sa kahit sino, sapat ka. You don’t need to break yourself to be seen. Because I see you, Wonwoo. I always have.” 

“Mingyu,” bulong ni Wonwoo, nanginginig ang labi niya habang pilit nilulunok ang susunod na hikbi. Hindi niya alam kung ano pa bang dapat sabihin. Kasi, Mingyu’s always so present. Hindi lang physically, but he's emotionally there, too. Sabi ni Wonwoo noon, gusto lang naman niya ng taong pwedeng pagsumbungan. Yung makikinig sa kanya kapag pagod na siya, yung hindi siya huhusgahan kahit hindi niya kayang maging malakas. Pero bakit parang si Mingyu naman ‘yung binigay ng universe for that?

And he’s not complaining. Not even a little.

Because he likes it. He likes the way Mingyu sees him. He likes how Mingyu makes him feel like he’s not too much or too quiet or too difficult.

Wonwoo’s heart is just so full right now, overflowing, even. And it’s terrifying. Because when something feels this good, this safe, it’s hard not to want more. It’s hard not to hope.

But at the same time, he knows he shouldn’t. 

Tahimik lang saglit si Mingyu, pero hindi niya binitawan si Wonwoo. Tinitigan niya lang ‘to, as if he was memorizing the sadness in his eyes, the trembling of his lips, the quiet bravery it took to still be here. 

Hinawi ni Mingyu ‘yung buhok ni Wonwoo palayo sa mukha nito at tiningnan siya sa mata.

“Ang sipag mo. Ang dami mong ginagawa kahit hindi ka humihingi ng tulong. Inuuna mo palagi ‘yung ibang tao kahit pagod ka na,” umpisa ni Mingyu tapos ngumiti siya. “Nakikita ko kung gaano ka mag-alala. Nakikita ko kung paano ka pa rin nagpupursige kahit pagod ka na. Nakikita ko ‘yung kabutihan mo, ‘yung puso mo.”

Mingyu cupped Wonwoo’s face again, his touch still gentle and grounding. “Pahinga ka, hmm?” bulong niya. “Ipa-process mo ‘to. Hindi mo kailangang piliting okay ka agad, pero bitbitin mo lang ‘yung totoo na hindi mo 'to kasalanan. Na may limitasyon ka rin. Tapos mamaya, matutulog ka nang maayos. Walang iisipin. Hayaan mo muna ‘yung mundo.”

Tahimik lang si Wonwoo, nakapikit pa rin habang tinatanggap lahat ng sinabi ni Mingyu. 

Makalipas ang ilang sandali, nagsalita ulit si Mingyu nang mahinahon.“Gusto mo maglakad pa?” tanong nito. “O uwi na?”

Dahan-dahang dumilat si Wonwoo at bahagyang ngumiti. “Uwi na.”

“Okay,” sagot ni Mingyu sabay tango. “Gusto mong ihatid kita? Kasi ako oo para lang masigurado ko na safe ka.”

Tumango si Wonwoo.

“Sige, tara na.” Maingat siyang inalalayan ni Mingyu para makatayo. Hinawakan siya sa siko, steady and warm, then he reached down, picked up Wonwoo’s bag, and slung it over his own shoulders without saying anything more.

Tahimik lang silang dalawa habang nagsimulang lumakad, pero sa pagitan ng bawat hakbang ay may bigat na nawala sa dibdib ni Wonwoo — unti-unti, paunti-unti.  Sa bawat hakbang nila, unti-unting gumagaan ang pakiramdam ni Wonwoo na parang may bigat sa dibdib niyang nababawas, slowly but surely.

All because of Mingyu, who was holding his hand gently but firmly, as if saying, I’m here. I’m not letting go.

And Wonwoo felt that — in the silence, in the way their fingers fit, in the quiet comfort of not having to pretend he was okay.

 » [ikot] «

 0:14 ─〇───── 0:14

“Okay, alam ko na kung bakit bad mood mga boss natin,” bungad ni Wonwoo habang mabilis na sumampa sa upuan sa harap ni Mingyu, dala ang tray ng pagkain niya. “Pero thank God at hindi niya ako sinama sa meeting room. At least may time pa akong sabayan ka mag-lunch.”

Mingyu looked up from his meal and grinned. “Upo ka muna, Wonwoo. Mamaya na ‘yan,” sabay turo sa upuan. “Okay ka na ba? Hindi na masakit ulo mo?”

Umiling si Wonwoo habang iniaayos ang tray sa harap niya at saka umupo. “Okay na ako, promise. Pero ‘di na rin ‘yun importante. Ang importante, back to regular programming na si Jeonghan.” He rolled his eyes, picked up his fork, then added, “At kapag sinabi kong back to normal, ibig sabihin masungit na ulit siya. Wala na ‘yung glow. Hindi na siya mukhang in love, Mingyu. Mukha na ulit siyang Dragon.”

Tatlong araw na ang lumipas simula nang mapagsabihan siya  ni Jeonghan at tuloy ang buhay. Ginawa niya ang pinakaimportanteng bagay na matagal na niyang hindi ginagawa: he let himself feel. He didn’t force himself to bounce back instantly. Hindi siya nagmadaling pumasok sa trabaho the next day nang maaga, at sa unang pagkakataon, pinili niyang i-process muna lahat, pati na ang nararamdaman niya gaya ng sabi ni Mingyu.

And Mingyu. God, Mingyu. He never fails to check up on him. Kahit halatang may sarili rin itong mga iniintindi, kahit pagod din, Mingyu always finds time to ask if he's eaten, if he’s doing okay, or if he just needs someone to talk to. Kaya of course, bilang isang mabuting kaibigan, Wonwoo does the same. He checks on Mingyu, too. Sends little updates, asks how his day went, even sends random memes just to make him laugh.

Because Mingyu had been there when he needed someone the most. And Wonwoo wanted to be that someone, too.

‘Yun naman ginagawa ng magkakaibigan talaga, ‘di ba? 

Napatawa si Mingyu habang umiinom ng tubig. “Dragon pala, ha?” 

“Eh ‘yun ‘yung description na bagay sa kanya. Kahapon lang, may sinigawan siya kasi mali raw ang font size sa draft.” Tapos napailing si Wonwoo habang tumatawa. “Hindi na ako ‘yung punching bag niya. Today.”

“Small wins,” sagot ni Mingyu, tumatawa na rin. “Deserve mong magpahinga, Wonwoo. Proud ako sa’yo.”

Napatigil si Wonwoo saglit, saka ngumiti. That one line “deserve mong magpahinga ”  hit deeper than he expected.

“Pero focus tayo sa goal, Mingyu,” sabi niya ulit. “Kailangan natin ibalik ‘yung glow ni Jeonghan. Kumusta boss mo?” 

At doon bumuntong-hininga si Mingyu. “Pareha lang sila. All clouds, no sun,” sabay upo nang mas pabagsak kaysa usual. “Kanina pa ako parang may kasalanan na hindi ko alam.”

Napakunot ang noo ni Wonwoo habang sinasandok ng kanin. “Bakit, anong pinagawa sa’yo?”

“Una, pinabago n’ya lahat ng layout ng deck kahit okay na ‘yun kahapon. Tapos na nga, approved na, then biglang ‘I don’t like the vibe. Redo everything,’” sabi ni Mingyu, ginagaya pa ‘yung boses ni Seungcheol. “Tapos ‘yung buong team namin, sinabon niya sa meeting kanina. Kesyo ‘we’re slow,’ kesyo ‘we’re not innovating,’ tapos may pa-linyang ‘kung kayo ang ilalaban ko sa client, dapat sigurado ako na hindi ako mapapahiya.’”

“Yikes,” bulalas ni Wonwoo. “Anong ginawa ng team mo?”

“Wala. Tahimik lang kami. Tapos,” napahinto siya saglit. 

Napakunot ang noo ni Wonwoo. “Tapos?” 

Mingyu sighed again. “Mukhang mapupurnada ‘yung promotion ko.”

Natigilan si Wonwoo. “What? Bakit naman?”

“Ewan. Hindi naman siya nagsabi directly, pero ‘yung mga tanong niya sa akin kanina, ‘Are you sure you’re ready for more responsibility?’ and ‘Do you think you’ve been consistent lately?’ Tapos may pahabol pa siyang, ‘Sometimes being reliable isn’t enough, Kim. You need to stand out.’”

Napapikit si Mingyu habang ginagaya ang tono ni Seungcheol. “Para akong may evaluation araw-araw.”

“Eh consistent ka naman, ah,” sagot ni Wonwoo. “Tsaka kung standing out ang usapan, hello? Ikaw nga ‘yung may pinaka-naka-color coordinated na presentations sa buong floor.”

“Sabihin mo ‘yan sa boss ko,” sabi ni Mingyu, forced smile and all. “Nakaka-burnout din pala ‘yung trying to prove yourself all the time, no?”

Wonwoo didn’t answer right away. Instead, he looked at Mingyu quietly — long enough for Mingyu to glance back.

“You really wanted the promotion, no?” tanong ni Wonwoo nang may ngiti sa labi. 

Tumango si Mingyu. “Oo naman. Limang taon na ako kay Seungcheol, Wons,” sabi niya. “Limang taon na akong umaasa. Limang taon na akong nag-o-overtime, nagpapaka-kalbo sa stress, sinasalo lahat kahit hindi ko na trabaho. Kasi akala ko kapag pinilit kong galingan, mapapansin din ako. Akala ko, this time, ako na.”

Ngumiti si Mingyu. “I wanted the promotion, Wons. Gusto ko talaga. Not just for the title, but because I’ve worked so damn hard for it.”

Wonwoo smiled, soft but certain. “Deserve mo ‘yun, Mingyu. ‘Yung promotion na ‘yan. Kaya gagawin natin lahat, okay? Kung puwede lang balikan ‘yung square one, which is going to happen, by the way,” dagdag niya habang patuloy sa pagkain ng adobong sitaw. “Napurnada lang dahil nagka-LQ sila. Ganyan talaga kapag parehong ma-pride. Alam mo na, fire versus fire, walang magpapakumbaba.”

Mingyu laughed, a light chuckle escaping his lips. “Kaya tayo, dapat pag-uusapan natin lahat.”

“Ha?” Nagulat si Wonwoo. His head snapped toward Mingyu, brows raised, mouth slightly open.

Mingyu turned to him. “Ang ibig kong sabihin, kahit sa pagkakaibigan, 'di ba dapat hindi kayo parehong mapride? Dapat marunong kayong mag-usap, kahit pa may tampuhan o misunderstanding.”

Wonwoo blinked, then let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. “Ah. Oo naman. Oo nga. Dapat gano’n,” sagot niya. 

Natahimik silang dalawa. Wonwoo bit his lip, trying hard not to remember what happened three nights ago — the way Mingyu held him so tightly, the way his voice softened just for him, how his arms felt like a safe place to fall apart in. Alam niyang wala lang ‘yon. Ayaw niyang bigyan ng ibang ibig sabihin. Kaibigan na sila. At galing mismo kay Mingyu na magkaibigan nga sila. 

Ano pa bang ineexpect niya?

So he tells himself to stop. To forget. But God, it’s hard when the silence between them feels like it’s holding too much.

“So, narinig ko lang kay Seungcheol kanina habang kausap niya ‘yung kaibigan niya,” basag ni Mingyu sa katahimikan na namamagitan sa kanila. “May sinabi siya something about Jeonghan’s pride and how he doesn’t know how to deal with it sometimes. Tapos parang nagselos ata si Jeonghan. Binaggit niya ‘yung pangalan ni Jisoo, eh.” 

Napaangat ng tingin si Wonwoo. “Sino ‘yon? Friend? Ex?” 

“Kaibigan niya ‘yun,” sagot ni Mingyu. “Pero ang context parang nagkita sila recently kasi may pinabook siya sa’king restaurant. Tapos ayun, Jeonghan apparently walked out habang nag-uusap sila.”

“Kaya pala!” bulalas ni Wonwoo, habang naaalala bigla ang sinabi ni Jeonghan kaninang umaga. “May nasabi siya kanina habang nagra-rant na ang insensitive daw ng boss mo. Tapos akala ko trabaho na naman ‘yung pinanggagalingan ng init ng ulo niya. Hindi ko alam na selos pala!”

Mingyu chuckled, resting his chin on his hand. “Selos nga siguro, pero p’wede ba nilang i-acknowledge ‘yon nang hindi tayo nadadamay?”

“Legit,” sabi ni Wonwoo, sabay kurot sa sitaw na kanina pa niya tinutuhog sa tinidor. “Iba talaga nagagawa ng selos, eh.” Tapos niya. 

Natawa si Mingyu, pero umiling din pagkatapos. “Pero s’yempre, dapat alam mo rin kung paano iha-handle ‘yun. Normal lang naman ‘yang selos na ‘yan, pero kung hindi mo na kaya i-communicate nang maayos, kung puro pride na lang ‘yung pinapairal mo then maybe it’s not working anymore. Jeonghan can’t just expect people to understand him all the time without saying anything.”

“Oy, grabe ka naman sa boss ko, Mingyu,” natatawang sambit ni Wonwoo. “Baka naman kasi sumobra ‘yang boss mo, no,”

Natawa ulit si Mingyu sabay taas ng kamay niya as if he’s surrendering. “Oh, hindi tayo ang magkaaway dito ah?” 

Natawa si Wonwoo kasi hindi niya mapigilan. Kahit na stress at drama ang bumuo ng linggo nila, somehow, si Mingyu pa rin ang nakakapagpatawa at nagpapagaan ng loob niya.

“Kaya nga,” sagot ni Wonwoo sabay kurot sa natitirang sitaw sa plato. “Kaya nga kailangan nating gumawa ng paraan.”

“Anong plano mo?” tanong ni Mingyu, naglalaro ang kilay out of curiosity.

Wonwoo grinned. “Are you ready, partner?” sabay kindat niya na para bang isa siyang secret mission agent. “Kasi kailangan ko ‘tong gawin dahil may kailangan akong attendan na engagement party next week. Kailangan good mood si Jeonghan to approve my leave.” 

Mingyu smiled, amused. “Sasabayan ko lang trip mo, as always,” sagot ni Mingyu. “And you will get that leave.”

 » [everybody talks] «

 0:15 ─〇───── 0:15

To what extent would you go just to have your freedom back at maibalik ang mga free weekends mo? Siyempre, after ninyong iset-up ang mga boss niyo at nagkaroon sila nang hindi inaasahang away, as the secret masterminds behind it all, you’re more than willing to do everything para lang magkabati sila — even if it means manipulating everything behind the scenes.

And that’s exactly what Wonwoo and Mingyu did for the entire week. Kahit pagod na sila at parehong overloaded bilang personal assistants ng mga boss nilang workaholics, they still found ways to sneak in their mission: patch up JeongCheol sa toxic schedule nila. Kasi naman, ilang araw na ‘yung tampuhan, parang hindi na matatapos. Parang teleserye na walang finale. And let’s be honest, kung hindi sila gagalaw, baka sumuko na lang silang pareha para sa mga pangarap nila. 

According to Mingyu, Seungcheol is a sucker for fine wine. Meanwhile, Jeonghan? He melts at handwritten letters and flowers. So they started there.

Noong Monday, maaga pa lang ay dumaan si Wonwoo sa flower shop. Nagpalagay siya ng bouquet na may mix ng white tulips and lavender — Jeonghan’s favorite. Pagbalik niya sa office, nilapag niya ‘yon sa desk nito with a vague excuse.

“Sir, may nag-deliver po. Walang nakalagay kung kanino galing.”

Jeonghan stared at the flowers, then smiled. “Si Seungcheol lang naman ‘yung huling nagbigay nito sa’kin…”

Bingo. Score one for Team Reconciliation.

Meanwhile, kwento naman ni Mingyu naman na naglagay siya fancy bottle of wine sa desk ni Seungcheol. Seungcheol didn’t say much, but he opened the note attached: “Hope your week gets better. You deserve a breather.”

Ngumiti raw sabi ni Mingyu, pero konti lang. Pero that’s still a progress. 

By Tuesday, they kind of leveled it up.

Early that morning, Wonwoo carefully slipped a small envelope on Jeonghan’s desk — handwritten, elegant, with no name written outside. Kunwari, galing kay Seungcheol. Inside was a simple letter:

“I know things haven’t been easy lately. But I miss our usual coffee mornings. I miss you. – SC”

“Sir Jeonghan, may naiwan pong sulat kanina sa front desk. Pinabigay po sa inyo,” sabi ni Wonwoo habang nilalapag ang envelope sa lamesa ni Jeonghan.

Jeonghan picked it up slowly, opened it in silence. Seryoso ang expression nito, pero hindi nakalampas kay Wonwoo ang bahagyang pagtaas ng kilay ng boss niya. May bahagyang tiklop sa sulok ng labi nito, parang pinipigilan ngumiti. 

At the same time, Mingyu made his move. Alam niyang every time stressed si Seungcheol, he reached for chocolates — dark and rich. So he placed a sleek black box on his boss’s desk. No note, no explanation.

“Sir, galing po ata sa sponsor from last quarter. Complimentary daw,” sabi ni Mingyu.

Seungcheol stared at the box, then opened it, revealing an assortment of his favorite stress relievers. He didn’t say much, but Mingyu caught it, the softening in his posture, the slight relaxing of his jaw.

Pero may nakalagay na: I hope these chocolates somehow make you feel better. – JY

Then came Wednesday. That was the day they went full strategic.

Mingyu subtly edited Seungcheol’s schedule — just enough para mapapunta siya sa elevator at exactly 10:47 AM. Sakto rin naman na si Jeonghan, dahil sa planong pakana ni Wonwoo, ay kailangan ding bumaba to check an urgent document sa reception.

“Sir,” ani Wonwoo habang naglalagay ng files sa desk ni Jeonghan, kunwari abala, “kailangan niyo po pumirma agad nito kasi hinihintay na po sa baba.”

“Bakit hindi mo na lang ibaba?” tanong ni Jeonghan, na hindi man lang nilingon.

“Confidential daw po. Kailangan po talaga kayo ang personal na pumirma.”

Checkmate.

At 10:47 AM sharp, the elevator doors slid open at heto na, sina Jeonghan at Seungcheol na parehong papasok from opposite sides.

The moment was silent.

Napakunot ang noo ni Jeonghan nang makita kung sino ang nasa loob. Si Seungcheol naman, bahagyang nataas ang kilay. 

They froze for a second. 

Jeonghan stepped in at tumabi kay Seungcheol.

One second.

Two seconds.

And in those two seconds, nagkatinginan sila, direct eye contact.

Two. Full. Seconds.

Sa mundo nilang dalawa, that was practically equivalent to a handwritten apology and a coffee date.

Mingyu, who was watching from the CCTV monitor room (thanks to Kuya Jim, again), whispered to himself, “Bingo.”

Samantalang si Wonwoo, na kunwari nag-aayos ng files malapit sa reception, nag-thumbs up ng palihim kay guard kuya, who was in on it too. 

Team effort lang, ganern!

They were getting closer.

By Thursday, pagod na pagod na sina Wonwoo at Mingyu, mentally drained, physically exhausted, and yes, but they kept going. They have come this far, alangan namang sumuko pa sila?

That morning, they went the extra mile. They left anonymous notes sa desks ng mga boss nila. Simple messages lang like: “Some things are worth fixing.”

Neatly written in clean, professional fonts. Printed. Folded. Discreetly placed. Walang ebidensiya. Hindi rin halata kung sino ang gumawa.

Then, at exactly 4:49 PM, both Wonwoo and Mingyu received the most unexpected words from their bosses. 

“Don’t stay late. You can go home early.”

Sa letrang B, BINGO. 

Because sometimes, para lang mabawi mo ang free weekends mo at hindi mag-overtime, you have to play cupid, event planner, and lowkey manipulator.

All in a week's work.

There comes another week. Monday to be specific. 

“Wonwoo?”

Agad napaangat ang ulo ni Wonwoo mula sa ginagawa niya nang marinig si  Jeonghan. Tiningnan niya agad ang boss niya na ngayon ay nakatayo sa tapat ng office door nito, hawak ang tablet at may ngiti sa labi. Good mood na ulit siya, okay na sila ni Seungcheol, eh. Pag-ibig nga naman.

“Yes po, Sir Jeonghan?” mabilis niyang sagot.

“Can you come here for a second? I need you to do something,” sabi nito sabay balik sa loob ng opisina.

Agad namang tumayo si Wonwoo, dala tablet niya just in case may ipagawa si Jeonghan, at sumunod. “Yes, Sir?”

Jeonghan didn’t look up immediately. He was scrolling through something on his screen when he spoke again, casually but clearly in a better mood than the past few days. “Seungcheol is in a meeting, and I’m also wrapping something up. Can you book our flight na to Bali? I want it this weekend. Saturday morning. Did you finish the itinerary?”

Tumango si Wonwoo sabay ngiti. “Yes po. Nasa email n’yo na rin po ‘yung updated version,” sagot ni Wonwoo habang nilalabas na rin ang notes niya. Actually, kahapon lang siya sinabihan ni Jeonghan tungkol sa Bali getaway na ‘to pero tinapos niya na ‘yung itinerary kung sakaling hingin agad ni Jeonghan. 

And of of course, he won’t commit the same mistakes again. Nagtanong din siya kay Jeonghan kung ib-book niya na para sure, pero ‘wag daw muna.

“Great,” sagot ni Jeonghan, finally looking up. “We’ll have our weekend getaway, and I can’t wait. The flight should be this Saturday morning. And correct me if I’m wrong, didn’t you mention may engagement party ka na kailangan attend-an on Monday?”

“Uh, opo. Gabi pa naman po ng lunes ‘yun, Sir.” 

Jeonghan smiled. “Four days naman kami sa Bali. We’ll be back Tuesday evening. I’ve already told the team to hold everything while I’m gone, no emails, no calls, no emergencies unless it’s truly end-of-the-world level. I want a clean, uninterrupted vacation.”

“Ah, okay po, Sir Jeonghan. Ipapaalam ko lang po sana ‘yung lunes nang gabi – “

Hindi na natuloy ni Wonwoo ‘yung sinabi niya dahil pinutol ‘to agad ni Jeonghan. “No, you’ve been working your ass off lately. Overtime, running this office while I was less than pleasant,” Jeonghan added with a sigh, “you’re taking the four days off too. Paid leave.”

“Po?” halos hindi makapaniwala si Wonwoo.

Totoo ang Diyos? 

Totoo si Jeonghan? 

Tama ba ‘tong naririnig niya? 

Iba nga talaga ang nagagawa ng pag-ibig, what the fuck! 

Jeonghan chuckled. “You heard me. Paid leave. Don’t come back until Wednesday. That’s an order.”

“Just take the time off. Breathe and recover. And enjoy your best friend’s engagement party on Monday. Jun, right?” Jeonghan said simply, leaning back on his chair. 

“Yes po.”

“Congrats, paki sabi na lang,” 

“Naalala n’yo po pala pangalan niya,” napangiti si Wonwoo.

Jeonghan nodded, already typing again. “Of course I do. I might be difficult sometimes pero hindi ko naman nakakalimutan 'yung mga sinasabi. Also I don’t forget who’s holding this office together when I’m falling apart.”

And just like that, napalunok si Wonwoo. Kasi ang bigat ng mga nakalipas na linggo niya, ang bigat ng mga nangyari, pero he’s here. At naririnig niya ‘to, mula sa taong halos hindi marunong magsabi ng pasasalamat.

“Salamat po talaga, Sir Jeonghan,” mahina niyang sabi. 

“Don’t mention it,” sagot ni Jeonghan. “Now go book those flights. Bali isn’t going to wait for us.”

“Thank you, Sir Jeonghan, thank you po talaga.”

“You earned it,” sagot ni Jeonghan “Also, thanks, Wonwoo. For the past few weeks. For staying.”

Tumango agad si Wonwoo at saka naglakad na papalabas, pero narinig niya ulit si Jeonghan. 

“And, Wonwoo?” 

“Po?” 

“You and the guy, what’s his name again?”

Napahinto si Wonwoo sa may pinto ng office, agad lumingon. “Sino po?”

Jeonghan leaned back sa swivel chair niya, arms crossed, one eyebrow raised like he was enjoying this way too much. “The guy you're always with. Tall, dark, and handsome."

Shit.

Nanlamig bigla ang batok ni Wonwoo. Kinabahan siya. 

Oh my god. Nabuko na ba kami? Naisip niya agad ‘yung mga bouquet, wine, anonymous letters, strategic elevator run-ins. All of it. Pero imposible, ‘di ba? Hindi naman sila nagpahalata. At isa pa, Jeonghan looks happy. Hindi galit. Wala ni bahid ng pagdududa. May Bali trip pa nga sila ni Seungcheol, eh!

Kaya pinilit niyang ngumiti. “Ah, si Mingyu po.”

“Yeah. You guys look cute together, ha.” Ngumisi si Jeonghan. “I saw you sa cafeteria last time. Akala mo siguro hindi kita nakita habang inaabot mo ‘yung tissue sa kanya tapos ‘yung upo niyo na parang kayo lang talaga ang tao sa mundo.” 

Namula si Wonwoo. As in buong mukha niya, from neck to ears, nag-blush. Hindi niya alam kung saan ibabaon sarili niya, but he tried to laugh it off.

“Ah, hindi po, Sir. Ano lang po ‘yun, nag-uusap lang kami tungkol sa work. Nagkakataon lang po talaga na —”

Jeonghan raised a hand, stopping him mid-ramble. “Relax. I’m not judging. I’m just saying na bagay kayo.” 

“Nako, Sir. Magkaibigan lang po talaga kami ni Mingyu.” 

Jeonghan smiled. “Well okay, if you say so,.” bumalk na atensyon ni Jeonghan sa screen. “Sige na, you can go. After booking the flight, p’wede ka na ring umuwi.” 

“Okay po, thank you po, Sir.” 

Napailing na lang si Wonwoo sabay labas ng office. Pero habang naglalakad siya pabalik sa desk niya, isa lang ang iniisip niya:

Bagay ba talaga kami ni Mingyu? 

 » [i can see you] «

 0:16 ─〇───── 0:16

“Sino aawayin natin at naka-nguso ka diyan?”

Agad na umangat ang ulo ni Wonwoo habang nakaupo siya sa waiting area sa first floor. Umirap siya kay Mingyu at saka tumayo.

“Tangeks, ang tagal mo naman kasi,” angal niya, sabay hampas nang mahina sa braso nito.

Tumawa si Mingyu habang inaayos ang sling ng bag niya. “Parang five minutes late lang ako? May chineck lang akong file, grabe ka naman.”

“Okay,” sagot ni Wonwoo, sabay lakad pauna. He was practically skipping, light on his feet like a kid on a sugar rush. “Tara na at kumain!”

“Ang saya mo ngayon, ah,” sabi ni Mingyu habang sumasabay sa lakad niya. “May nangyari ba?”

Inangat ulit ni Wonwoo ang ulo niya at tumingin kay Mingyu habang nagba-bounce pa rin sa lakad. “Well, malapit na ‘yung trip ng mga boss natin sa Bali, and that means we’re both free for four days,” sagot niya, halos na kung nasa Anime lang siya, siya ‘yung character na kumikislap ‘yung mga mata. Sabi kasi ni Mingyu na binigyan din siya ng time off ni Seungcheol, and the best part? Paid leave rin. Sinong hindi matutuwa, ‘di ba?

“Hmmm,” sabi ni Mingyu, tumango habang binubuksan ang isang button ng polo niya kasi mukhang naiinitan na siya. “That’s something to look forward to, definitely.”

Lumiko sila sa isang kanto papunta sa paborito nilang restaurant — isang maliit pero cozy naman kaya gustong-gusto nila ni Mingyu rito. Isa pa, masarap ‘yung pagkain, kumbaga worth it ang 250 pesos sa isang ulam. 

"Grabre, no? Paid leave, imagine that! Ugh, people in love naman talaga!"

“Ah, kaya pala ang saya-saya mo ngayon,” patuloy ni Mingyu. “It’s nice to see you like this, Wonwoo.”

“Bakit ikaw, ‘di ka ba masaya?” tanong ni Wonwoo sabay taas ng kilay at himpit ng bag niya sa balikat.

Mingyu chuckled, shaking his head lightly. “S’yempre masaya rin ako, Wons. Actually, binring up na naman ni Seungcheol ‘yung tungkol sa promotion ko.”

Napahinto si Wonwoo sa lakad niya, biglang lumingon kay Mingyu. “Wait, okay, is it good or bad?”

Mingyu smiled down at him. “It’s good. Sabi niya, kailangan ko lang umattend ng ilang leadership trainings. Saka may two-day conference na pinapa-attendan sa’kin next month.”

“Whoa,” sagot ni Wonwoo, eyes widening. “That sounds good! Parang malapit na ‘yan, Mingyu. You’ll get there, eventually. Deserve mo ‘yun.”

“You think so?” tanong ni Mingyu at naglakad na ulit sila. 

Wonwoo smiled. “Oo naman, deserve mo ‘yun. Alam ko rin kung gaano mo kagusto ‘yun, saka ang sipag-sipag mo kaya. Who wouldn’t want to promote someone like you? Kung ako boss mo, pinromote na kita, eh.” 

Mingyu chuckled. “Ikaw naman boss ko, ah?” 

Wonwoo’s head snapped. “Boss sa kalokohan? Sa mga plano natin sa mga boss natin?” 

Umiling si Mingyu muna bago sila tumigil sa harap ng restaurant. Mingyu opened the glass door for him. “After you,” biro niya. 

“Loko,” sabi ni Wonwoo pero ngumiti pa rin habang pumasok. The familiar scent of garlic butter, grilled meats, and something sweet in the air instantly made him sigh in relief.

Nang makahanap na sila ng upuan at nakaupo na nang komporatable. Nagsalita ulit si Mingyu. 

“Basta ikaw boss ko, Wons.” 

Napataas ang kilay ni Wonwoo. “Okay? Eh di kung ako boss mo, kunin mo na ‘yung menu sa counter nang makapag-order na tayo.”

Hindi na nagdalawang-isip si Mingyu, agad na tumayo at nag-salute pa. “Copy that, boss!” sabay ngiti bago naglakad papunta sa counter.

Natawa si Wonwoo. Pinanood niya si Mingyu habang inaabot ang mga menu, habang nakikipagbiruan pa sa staff na parang kilalang-kilala niya ang mga ito, sobrang gaan niya panoorin. 

And yet, habang nanonood siya, hindi mapakali ‘yung puso niya. May kung anong bigat at kilig at takot na nagsasabay-sabay sa dibdib niya. Kasi the way Mingyu talks to him, the way Mingyu always shows up, the way he makes things lighter, paano kung sanay na pala siya sa ganito? Sa presence ni Mingyu. Sa atensyon. 

He clutched the hem of his shirt under the table, trying to steady his thoughts.

‘Hindi ka mafa-fall, Wonwoo kasi hindi naman 'yan kasama sa plano. Period.’ he reminded himself silently.

“Hindi ka na ulit nagsulat?” tanong ni Mingyu habang sinisipsip ang straw ng iced tea niya, hindi inaalis ang tingin kay Wonwoo.

Umiling si Wonwoo, sabay lunok sa huling subo ng kanin at ulam sa plato niya. “Hindi na, ewan. Parang… nawala na lang bigla ‘yung drive. Wala na rin kasi akong gana simula nung hindi tinanggap ni Jeonghan ‘yung last article na sinubmit ko noon. Hindi man lang niya binasa, Mingyu. Tinabi lang niya.”

Tumango si Mingyu habang tahimik, hinahayaan lang si Wonwoo magsalita.

Wonwoo looked down at his empty plate, slowly pushing around the last grain of rice with his fork.

“Ano naman?” sagot ni Mingyu, “That’s still your writing. That’s you. You should go back. Magaling ka kaya magsulat, alam mo ‘yan. Malay mo, someday, may makakita ng gawa mo tapos kunin ka nila.” 

“Wala na rin kasi akong time talaga magsulat ngayon. Kung meron man, ginagamit ko na lang ‘yun sa pagtulog, sa self-care, sa mga bagay na at least nakakahinga ako kahit konti.”

He sighed. I miss the version of me who was excited about things. Who stayed up late writing, not just staying up because of deadlines or burnout. But maybe that part of me is just gone now.

“I mean,” tuloy niya, “yung mga free time natin noon at saka ngayon, ‘di ko na kayang ibuhos sa passion ko.”

Tahimik sila pareho sandali. Mingyu didn’t push. He never does. He just listens. And that, somehow, makes everything hurt less.

Mingyu leaned back on his chair, studying him with soft eyes. “Sana mahanap mo ulit ‘yung drive mo, Wonwoo,” sabi niya. “Kasi sayang, eh. You’re so talented. Hindi lahat ng tao may ganyang talent.” 

Napatingin si Wonwoo sa lalaking kaharap niiya ngayon. Bakit kaya ang perfect ni Mingyu, no?

“Don’t let go of that,” dagdag ni Mingyu. “You don’t have to run back to it agad-agad, pero sana, isang araw balikan mo rin.”

Ngumiti si Wonwoo. “Thank you, Mingyu. Thanks for saying that.” 

“Hey,” ani Mingyu. “Sinasabi ko lang kung ano ‘yung totoo.” 

Then, as if remembering something, nagsalita ulit si Wonwoo.

“Ah, oo nga pala,” sambit niya. “Busy ka ba sa Monday?”

Napakunot ang noo ni Mingyu. “Monday? Hindi naman. Bakit? Nasa Bali naman na niyan sila Seungcheol, eh. Baka gym lang gano’n o kaya kapag nag-aya ng basketball ‘yung tropa.”’ 

Ngumiti si Wonwoo. “Kasi may engagement party sina Jun at Minghao. ‘Yung nakwento ko sa’yo dati? Tanda mo pa?”

“Ah, ‘yung bestfriends mong Engineer saka Architect?” 

“Yup, sila nga. Naikwento kita sa kanila last time tapos they said gusto ka raw nilang ma-meet. Tinanong nila kung pwede kang isama sa engagement party. Sama ka?”

Nagulat si Mingyu. “Naikwento mo ‘ko?”

Tumango si Wonwoo. Of course I did. How could I not talk about you when you’re the only thing keeping me sane lately?

“Oo naman,” sagot niya. “Sabi ko ikaw ‘yung partner ko.” 

“Partner mo ‘ko?” tanong ni Mingyu, sabay sandal ng bahagya pasulong. Pinatong niya ang isang siko sa mesa, saka inalalayan ng palad ang pisngi niya. Nakangiti siya nang kaunti habang nakatitig kay Wonwoo. 

Tumango si Wonwoo, sabay ngiti at turo sa kanilang dalawa gamit ang daliri niya. “Oo? I mean, ‘di ba? Partners in crime? Business partners?” 

Napakunot ang noo ni Mingyu, pero may ngiti sa labi niya. “Partners in crime? Business partners? Ano talaga sa dalawa?”

Tumawa si Wonwoo. “Both,” sabi niya. “So, ano? Sama ka na?” 

He’s just really, really, really trying to play it off. Pero alam ni Wonwoo na namumula na ‘yung mukha niya. He meant naman kasi na partner, as in kasama sa kalokohan nila sa mga boss nila. Not the other kind .

Mingyu nodded his head, still looking at him. “Okay, I’ll be there. Sabay tayo?”

Tumango rin si Wonwoo, quickly. “Sabay tayo.”

At dahil hindi niya na kayang tiisin ‘yung titig ni Mingyu, napainom na lang siya ng tubig habang pilit iniiwas ang mga mata.

 » [romeo & juliet] «

 0:17 ─〇───── 0:17

“I met Minghao over here, and there were a lot of things to not like about me, or about each other actually. And yet I am completely and totally in love with him. When I was little, my grandmother used to say, ‘and you like because, and you love despite.’ You like someone because of all of their qualities, and you love someone despite some of their qualities,” sambit ni Jun habang naluluha pa at saka tumingin kay Minghao na katabi niya. “Hao, I like you as much as I love you, and I can’t wait to marry you.” 

Nakatayo si Wonwoo sa gilid habang katabi si Mingyu. Pareho silang may hawak na wine glasses habang pinapanood ang speech ng dalawang soon-to-be-husbands. Pakiramdam ni Wonwoo ay maiiyak talaga siya, and he honestly feels so happy that his best friends have come this far. Ang dami na nilang pinagdaanan nina Jun at Minghao, pero ngayon, nakikita niyang sobrang saya at secure na sila sa isa’t isa, how could he not feel proud?

Nasa isang rooftop sila sa Makati, under a canopy of string lights and a sea of city buildings glowing behind them. The air was light, filled with soft music, laughter, and clinking glasses. The engagement party had turned into something much more intimate than glamorous, and Wonwoo wouldn’t have it any other way. Lumingon siya saglit kay Mingyu na nakangiti habang pinapanood sina Jun at Hao magpalitan ng mga matatamis na salita sa harap ng lahat. The softness in Mingyu’s expression, the way his eyes sparkled under the warm lights. 

Napatingin si Wonwoo sa suot nilang dalawa. Pareho silang nakaputi ngayon — plain, relaxed button-down shirts, tucked in neatly. Napailing siya nang bahagya. He’s losing it. Grabe na talaga siya mag-overthink and overanalyze these days. Just because they’re wearing the same color doesn’t mean anything. Pure coincidence lang ‘to, he told himself.

He scoffed at his own thoughts and took a small sip from his wine. Kalma ka lang, Wonwoo. Don’t spiral tonight.

“Cheers, Hao,” bulong ni Jun, saka hinalikan sa pisngi ang fiancé niya. Tumawa si Minghao habang pinupunasan ang luha sa gilid ng mata niya.

“Cheers, my love.”

The next thing Wonwoo knew, he was sitting at the same table with Mingyu, Jun, Seungkwan, and Minghao. Kanina pa nagsasabay ng tawa sina Mingyu at Minghao habang nag-uusap tungkol sa motor na wala talaga siyang kaalam-alam. In fairness, ang bilis ng blending ni Mingyu. He didn’t even look like a guest, more like he belonged. May ganung aura si Mingyu — extroverted, warm, and just naturally charming. Ang bilis rin niyang naging komportable around them, and it made Wonwoo smile more than once tonight.

Fourth glass na niya ‘to, so medyo tipsy na siya. Hindi pa siya nahihilo, pero alam niyang tinatamaan na siya kasi clingy na siya ngayon. Nakasandal na siya kay Seungkwan habang hawak-hawak pa rin ‘yung wine glass niya. His cheeks were flushed, and his smile was permanent.

“Congrats, Jun! I love you!” sigaw ni Wonwoo, sabay halik sa pisngi ni Jun. Tinaas niya ang baso niya. “‘Wag niyo akong kakalimutan ni Hao, okie?”

Jun laughed and clinked his glass against Wonwoo’s. “I love you too, Wons! Kakalimutan ka? Anak ka kaya namin ni Hao!”

“Congrats, Junhui! Mahal na mahal namin kayo ni Hao!” sigaw ni Seungkwan na medyo tipsy na rin, tapos niyakap si Minghao mula sa likod. “Ang ganda ng speech mo kanina na para bang gusto ko na ring ikasal!”

Bago pa makasagot ang iba, biglang may nag-play ng background music — something slow at first, then upbeat. The lights dimmed, and soft fairy lights twinkled around the rooftop.

“Okay, party time!” sigaw ni Jun habang tumayo at tinaas ang baso niya. “Cheers!”

“Cheers!” sabay-sabay nilang sigaw habang nagtatawanan.

At gaya nga nang inaasahan, sila-sila rin ang unang humatak sa isa’t isa papunta sa gitna ng dance floor. Minghao pulled Jun, Seungkwan dragged someone from another table, and someone grabbed Mingyu.

And the next thing Wonwoo knew, he was standing in the middle of the floor at magkaharap sila ni Mingyu. The music shifted to something funky and energetic. At walang pasabi, biglang sumayaw si Mingyu ng all-out weird dances — complete with exaggerated body waves, finger guns, at ‘yung signature sprinkler move na ginawa niya with so much confidence it made Wonwoo laugh.

“Galing mo pala sumayaw, no?” sabi ni Wonwoo habang pinapanood si Mingyu na gumawa ng mga dance moves na hindi niya alam kung seryoso ba siya o hindi. 

Mingyu grinned at him. “Killers moves ‘to, Wons. Hindi ka ba nag-eenjoy sa pinapanood mo?” 

“I'm not,” natatawang sagot ni Wonwoo, kahit na totoo namang he’s beyond entertained. Alam na alam niya sa sarili niyang tinamaan na siya ng alak kasi nag-eenglish na siya nang straight, at nahihilo na rin siya, pero kaya pa naman niyang i-tolerate ang buong gabi. 

After a while, the music faded into a soft hum, parang biglang nag-shift ang mood sa buong rooftop. From lively beats and wild dancing kanina, biglang nag-transition ang speakers into something slow, melodic, and romantic.

The bass softened, replaced by gentle piano keys and a mellow acoustic guitar. The fairy lights seemed to glow warmer, casting a soft golden hue over everyone. The laughter quieted a bit, replaced by giggles and hushed murmurs as couples started moving closer, swaying gently to the new rhythm.

Basta ang alam lang ni Wonwoo ay paboritong kanta ni Minghao 'yung tumutugtog ngayon - Romeo & Juliet by Peter McPoland.

It was the kind of song na parang bumagal ang oras para kay Wonwoo. Everything around them felt softer, calmer, and intimate, like the universe took a deep breath and let everyone exhale with it.

And then Wonwoo felt it, Mingyu extended his hand to him. “P’wede ka bang isayaw?” 

“I don’t do weird dancing,” sagot ni Wonwoo, but he was already reaching for Mingyu’s hand anyway.

Tumawa si Mingyu.  “That’s okay. I’m weird enough for the both of us.”

They started slow — medyo awkward pa sa simula, parang mga paang hindi magkaintindihan kung saang direksyon ba dapat ilalagay, pero pareho rin silang tumatawa, mga bulong na may kasamang “sorry” at “oops” habang nag-aadjust. Wonwoo held Mingyu’s hand, and it felt steady, warm, at sobrang comforting kahit ang daming tao sa paligid nila. 

Mingyu stepped closer, then, with all the ease in the world, placed his hands carefully on Wonwoo’s waist. It wasn’t presumptuous; instead it was soft, asking for permission even without words. And when Wonwoo didn’t move away, Mingyu’s hold settled.

That’s when it hit him. Pucha, ang bilis ng tibok ng puso niya. Ramdam na ramdam niya ‘yung sarili niyang kaba na parang sasabog siya. It was so loud. So loud, he was sure Mingyu could hear it, too.

Tumingala si Wonwoo saglit at nahuli niya ‘yung tingin ni Mingyu sa kanya. It was soft.  And without thinking, without even planning, Wonwoo leaned forward and rested his head on Mingyu’s shoulder. His forehead grazed the side of Mingyu’s neck, eyes fluttering shut.

He could feel the way Mingyu’s breath hitched, just the slightest change. but the way his hands tightened around his waist gave Wonwoo the answer he didn’t know he needed.

Wonwoo knew exactly what he was doing. But he couldn’t seem to stop.

Patuloy lang sila sa pagsayaw hanggang sa maisipan nang magsalita ni Wonwoo. Inangat niya ‘yung ulo niya para tignan na si Mingyu na nakatingin sa kanya. 

“Ano kayang and because nina Seungcheol at Jeonghan?” 

“Hmmm?” 

“That ‘you ike because and love despite thing? ’All these reasons why it shouldn't work out? Parang Romeo and Juliet? Like mortal enemies families sila ‘di ba? I mean meron kayang and because silang dalawa?” tanong ni Wonwoo. Tumatak kasi ‘yung sinabi ni Jun kanina na ‘you like because and you love despite.’ 

Si Mingyu na lang ang gumagalaw sa kanilang dalawa, gently swaying them in rhythm with the slow music. His arms were still wrapped securely around Wonwoo’s waist, holding him as if he belonged right there as if letting go wasn’t even an option.

Wonwoo’s arms rested loosely around Mingyu’s neck, his fingers brushing lightly against the back of Mingyu’s collar. The space between them was nearly nonexistent, the closeness unfamiliar yet comforting, and warm in all the right ways.

This,  whatever this was, felt like the most intimate thing they’ve shared in all the months they’ve known each other. No teasing. No jokes. No missions to fix their chaotic bosses. Just the two of them, quietly swaying, holding on.

Wonwoo feels at ease. 

“Meron naman siguro,” sabi ni Mingyu. “Maybe Jeonghan likes Seungcheol despite his temper. And Seungcheol likes Jeonghan despite his pride.”

Napatawa si Wonwoo nang mahina. “That makes sense.”

“Even friendships have them, right?” tanong ni Wonwoo sabay ngiti. “Meron din tayo no’n kasi magkaibigan tayo. Ako kay Jun, Kwan, at Hao. Si Jun na kahit pushy minsan, si Kwan na sobrang ingay minsan wala na sa lugar, at si Hao na sobrang kalat sa gamit, and I still love them despite those things.” 

Mingyu chuckled. Mukha siyang okay at hindi lasing kaya Wonwoo pouted. “Oo naman, Wons. Even friendships have them.”

“Ikaw, Mingyu... you love expensive stuff, ‘di ba? Like, sobrang high-end ng taste mo. ‘Yung pabango mo, ‘yung bag mo... kahit ‘yung ballpen mo na parang ginto tapos ‘yung motor mong harley davidson, don’t ask bakit ko alam…” Tuloy-tuloy at mabilis niyang sabi without even thinking. He blames this all on alcohol. 

Tumawa si Mingyu. “That’s my despite, huh?” sabay kibit-balikat. 

“Mmmm, tapos,” bungad ni Wonwoo, sabay angat ng hintuturo niya at may dahan-dahang idinikit ito sa dibdib ni Mingyu, eksakto kung saan niya ramdam ang tibok ng puso nito.

Hiis brows slightly raised and his lips quirking into a half-smile. His posture shifted too, shoulders straightened, chin lifted just a little, as if he was about to give a full-blown lecture on Why Mingyu Is So Extra, complete with hand gestures and bullet points.

He tapped lightly, once, sa gitna ng dibdib ni Mingyu, and said in a mock-serious tone, “Dito, dito talaga nanggagaling ‘yung pagiging magastos mo.”

“Ah, so, what’s my because?”

Napaisip sandali si Wonwoo, but the alcohol in his system made him braver than usual. His finger, still resting gently sa dibdib ni Mingyu, slowly curled into a loose fist before bumaba ang kamay niya at muling yumakap sa leeg nito.

He looked up at Mingyu, eyes soft, voice softer.

“Your because?” he echoed, then smiled, that kind of smile na parang nahuli siya sa sarili niyang pakulo. “You’re kind. You’re patient. You listen, kahit ang dami kong sinasabi, kahit minsan hindi ko na alam kung may point pa ‘yung mga kwento ko sa’yo. Sobrang daldal ko kapag magkausap tayo and minsan feel ko I'm too much.”

Huminga siya nang malalim bago nagpatuloy, “‘Yun ‘yung because mo. Because you make people feel safe. You make me feel safe.”

Napayuko siya saglit after saying that, suddenly aware of how honest that sounded. Too honest.

Mingyu grinned. “Ikaw naman, Wons. You’re too kind. You give too much. Minsan, nakakalimutan mo na ‘yung sarili mo. You’re too quiet when you’re hurting, too polite when you’re supposed to fight back. That’s something people might not understand about you. But I understand.” Kumunot ang noo ni Mingyu, then softened his gaze. 

Kumunot ang noo ni Mingyu, then softened his gaze. “Pero sobrang dami mong good qualities despite all that.”

Tinitigan niya si Wonwoo, eyes searching his face like he wanted him to really hear it, to believe every word.

“Despite being too quiet, you never ignore people. Despite being too soft, you never let anyone down. Despite giving too much, you never expect anything in return.” Napangiti si Mingyu, but there was something gentle and sincere behind it now. “And I think that’s what makes you so damn special, Wonwoo.”

Wonwoo giggled. “So, am I your because and despite?” 

Mingyu smiled. “You could say that,” sambit niya. 

Lasing lang ako. Baka nga panaginip lang ‘to.

Kaya nang biglang nag-iba ‘yung music, parang natauhan si Wonwoo. Bumitaw siya agad mula sa pagkakayakap kay Mingyu, tinaas ang kamay na parang nagpapasahan ng mic at sabay sabi ng: 

“Gusto ko ng pizza!”

 » [something that i want] «

 0:18 ─〇───── 0:18

Hindi niya rin alam kung saan siya kumukuha ng lakas ng loob ngayon. Kasi habang nasa gilid sila ng kalsada, nasa ilalim ng ilaw ng streetlamp, at sa malamig na hangin, nakataas ang dalawang kamay niya, umiikot-ikot at sumasayaw na parang isa siyang Disney Princess. Barely coordinated, tipsy, pero walang pakialam sa paligid niya. Hindi niya na rin alam kung anong title nung kinakanta niya, basta wala na siyang pake at this point. 

At habang ginagawa niya ‘yon, nandoon lang si Mingyu, nakatayo sa tabi niya, hawak ang isang box ng pizza sa isang kamay at ang jacket ni Wonwoo sa kabilang braso. Nakatingin sa kanya ito habang tumatawa. 

“Nakatingin sa’yo ‘yung babae, Wons,” natatawang sambit ni Mingyu habang pinapanood si Wonwoo. 

“Let them stare!” sigaw ni Wonwoo, taas-kamay pa habang umiikot. “They wish they had pizza and a Disney Prince like mine!”

Napailing si Mingyu habang tumatawa. “Kala ko ba gusto mo ng pizza? Kain na tayo?” lalapit na sana siya kay Wonwoo kaso lang biglang tumigil si Wonwoo. 

Wonwoo pointed at Mingyu with exaggerated drama, as if he was about to deliver a passionate monologue pero walang lumabas na salita mula sa bibig niya. He just stared. Kasi alam niyang hindi alak ang nagsasalita ngayon. Sobrang gwapo ni Mingyu – unfairly attractive. Ang linis tingnan, ang ayos ng buhok kahit halos magdamag na ata silang gising, ang bango kahit galing sa party, at 'yung katawan? Jusko, parang sinadya ng universe na ilagay sa iisang tao lahat ng gusto niya.

Sinalo ni Mingyu lahat. Lahat! And Wonwoo? He was barely keeping it together.

“You!” tugon ni Wonwoo sabay turo kay Mingyu. “You’re supposed to sing the bridge, Mr. Disney Prince! This is a musical number!”

“Musical number?” natawa si Mingyu habang dahan-dahang nilapag ‘yung pizza sa isang bench na nadaanan nila sa waiting shed. “Sorry, hindi ko alam ‘yung kanta, Wons.” Tapos nito habang nakangiting tinitignan si Wonwoo. 

“Correction,” sabi ni Wonwoo, na ngayon ay nakatayo na ng diretso, “I’m just tipsy enough to live my best life,” dagdag niya pa sabay kanta ulilt. “Something that I tell myself I need is something that I want! And I need everything I see something that I want!”

Lumapit si Mingyu at pinatong ang jacket sa balikat ni Wonwoo. “Lalamigan ka. Baka magkasakit ka pa. Pero, kanta ka lang. ” bulong nito habang ayos ng ayos ang collar niya.

“Wait lang,” biglang sabi ni Wonwoo habang hawak ang kamay ni Mingyu para pigilan ito sa paglayo. “This is the part where we kiss in the movie, ‘di ba?”

Napahinto si Mingyu, napakunot ng kaunti ang noo niya. “Yeah?”

Tumawa si Wonwoo pero may kaba sa dibdib niya. He was joking, but not really. Half of him was hoping Mingyu wouldn’t take it seriously. The other half? It was already leaning in.

“Ganito ‘yung mga napapanood kong rom-com movies eh, ‘yung nagki-kiss na ‘yung mga bida!” Wonwoo giggled. 

“Ah, favorite mo rom com talaga, no?” tanong ni Mingyu. 

Tumango lang si Wonwoo. His lips parted, but no words came out. Natulala na lang siya sa mukha ni Mingyu. Everything around them quieted down — wala na siyang naririnig kundi ‘yung sariling tibok ng puso niya at ‘yung unti-unting paglapit ni Mingyu.

“Wonwoo?” tawag ni Mingyu, this time softer, almost like a whisper.

He was close. Too close.

Wonwoo could smell his cologne, that ridiculously expensive one. The one that always made him weak in the knees. 

Hindi niya alam kung lalayo siya o kung hahayaan niyang mangyari ‘yung inaakala niyang panaginip lang. Kasi lahat ng ito, ‘yung  ilaw na tumatama sa kanila, ‘yung pizza, ‘yung moment na ‘to, si Mingyu — felt too good to be real.

And maybe that was the scariest part.

Pero si Mingyu? He looked at him like nothing else mattered.

Pero hindi pa rin siya makagalaw. Para siyang nahipnotismo sa dami ng nararamdaman niya. He didn’t know whether to lean in or to run. Because this moment — this felt like something that could change everything.

But instead of leaning forward or walking away, he blurted:

“I want the pizza now.”

Natawa si Mingyu. “Pizza it is.”

Tahimik silang naupo sa bench, at saka dahan-dahang binuksan ni Mingyu ang box ng pizza sa pagitan nila. Pareho silang kumuha ng tig-isang slice, and for a few peaceful minutes, tahimik lang nilang pinagsaluhan ang cravings ni Wonwoo na Hawaiian Pizza. Walang nagsasalita sa kanila dalawa, ninanamnam lang nila ang lamig ng gabi at ang sarap ng pizza. 

“Hmmm,” sabay nilang sabi matapos ang unang kagat.

Napatawa si Wonwoo. “Sarap.”

“Cravings satisfied ba, Wons?” tanong ni Mingyu habang tumatawa.

“Yup!” 

Bumalik ulit sila sa katahimikan hanggang sa pareha na nilang naubos ‘yung tag-isang slice nila. Kaya agad nilingon ni Wonwoo si Mingyu na nakatingin na sa kanya. 

Nagkatinginan sila. It was soft, unintentional, but there was something there. Tapos dahan-dahang iniabot ni Mingyu ang kamay niya at pinunasan ang gilid ng labi ni Wonwoo gamit ang hinlalaki.

Doon na naman tumigil ang mundo ni Wonwoo.

Parang may kung anong kumurot sa sikmura niya. He swallowed hard. Ang lapit ni Mingyu, ang gwapo, ang gentle, and suddenly, everything he tried to bury deep inside, every hint of a feeling came rushing back to the surface.

And that was it.

Tumayo siya bigla.

“Uuwi na ko, ha.” Sabi niya sabay ayos ng damit niya, suddenly, everything was making sense. He looked at Mingyu, halatang nagulat ito sa sinabi niya. 

Napakunot ang noo ni Mingyu. “Hatid na kita.”

Umiling si Wonwoo. “‘Wag na, kaya ko na. Promise, Mingyu.”

“Wonwoo, hatid na kita —”

“Ako na lang, please.” He met his gaze. “I just need my me time.” Sagot niya sabay ngiti. The usual ngiti na binibigay niya kay Mingyu. 

“Wons, sigurado ka?” 

“Hmmm,” sambit at tango niya. “Hindi naman ako lasing. Promise. Chat kita agad kapag nakauwi na ako para hindi ka mag-alala.” 

For the first time, he looked more scared than tipsy. And he hated that his heart was screaming something his mouth wasn’t ready to say.

“Okay,” mahina at mabagal na sagot ni Mingyu, eyes filled with concern. “Ingat ka, ha?”

Tumango si Wonwoo, forcing a small smile, before turning around and walking away with his heart pounding and with one truth echoing in his chest:

Yes, gusto nga niya si Mingyu.

And maybe that’s exactly why he had to leave.

Tinuruan siya ni Mingyu kung paano i-process ang emosyon niya — to feel things, not ignore them. And right now, that’s exactly what he needed to do.

Habang naglalakad siya palayo, pinilit niyang hindi lumingon. Pinilit niyang hindi marinig ‘yung boses ni Mingyu sa likod niya, kahit sa utak niya lang. Pero kahit anong gawin niya, ang lakas pa rin ng tibok ng puso niya at hindi dahil sa alak.

Gusto ko siya. 

‘Yan na. Umamin na rin siya sa sarili niya.

He stuffed his free hand inside his coat pocket and let out a deep, shaky sigh. The streets were quiet, and the night was unusually still, but inside his chest, everything felt loud.

Gusto ko siya. What the fuck. Gusto ko siya! Oh My God!

Ang problema? Ayaw niyang masira ang friendship nila. Ayaw niyang mawala kung ano mang mayroon sila. Mingyu, who always showed up. Who held him when he couldn’t hold himself. Who made him feel safe and seen. Ayaw niyang mawala lahat ng ‘yon dahil lang sa nararamdaman niya.

So as much as possible, he thought, I’ll bury this feeling. In my grave, if I have to.

He crossed the street slowly, the city lights washing over his tired face. He let the wind cool his flushed cheeks. Napatigil siya sa tapat ng isang closed café, yung tipo ng lugar na gusto sanang puntahan ng dalawa kapag off nila. He looked at his reflection sa salamin ng café window. And for a moment, he saw it. The truth in his eyes. 

He shut his eyes for a second, whispered to himself, “Okay lang ‘yan, Wonwoo. Emotions are temporary.”

But even as he said that, a part of him knew that this one wasn’t.

This feeling wasn’t a fleeting crush. This was something real. Something warm. Something terrifying.

At kapag nalaman ni Mingyu?

Hindi niya alam kung kakayanin pa ng puso niya.

So he did what he was taught to do.

He breathed. He kept walking.

And tried to pretend na walang magbabago.

 » [fallin' all in you] «

 0:19 ─〇───── 0:19

Mingyu

4:10 PM

Nasa zeus coffee ako ngayon, anong gusto mo? 

Pistachio ulit o gusto mo i-try yung Australian chocolate? 

Wonwoo

4:10 PM

bakit ka nagcha-chat during office hours 

Mingyu

4:11 PM

Ikaw rin naman

Wonwoo

4:12 PM

pero pistachio pls pls

50 mins before 5 at uwian na

no ot for us dahil mukhang good ang trip nila sa bali 

Mingyu

4:14 PM

No OT  

Akyat ko na lang diyan kape mo, Wons 

Wonwoo

4:14 PM

okieee

 

---

 

Mingyu

8:17 PM

‘Di ba favorite mo si Taylor Swift? 

Anong favorite mong kanta niya? 

Wonwoo

8:18 PM

you’re in loveeee 

Mingyu

8:19 PM

Gusto mo maging honest ako? 

Wonwoo

8:19 PM

huhhh 

pinagsasabi mo mingyu 

Mingyu

8:20 PM

Ha? Sabi mo in love ako? 

Wonwoo

8:21 PM

baliw 

tangeks 

you’re in love kasi title nung song  

Mingyu

8:21 PM

Ahhh

Hahahaha

Wonwoo

8:22 PM

sana all baliw 

---

 

Wonwoo

3:09 PM

mingyuuuuuuuu 

Mingyu

3:11 PM

Yes, my love? 

Wonwoo

3:15 PM

gago

puro ka biro

Mingyu

3:16 PM

Hahahha

Ano? Office hours nagcha-chat ka diyan 

 

Wonwoo

3:17 PM

edi wag na!!! 

Mingyu

3:17 PM

Joke lang, ‘di mabiro

Ano ‘yun? 

Mingyu

3:18 PM

Huy 

Mingyu

3:18 PM

Wonwoo

 

Mingyu

3:20 PM

Ano ‘yon??

Wonwoo

3:20 PM

ito naman over sa chats!!!!

nag-inat lang ako saglit

sabay tayo uwi mamaya, libre kita kwek-kwek 

 

Mingyu

3:21 PM

Kahit ikaw pa ilibre ko

Wonwoo

3:22 PM

lah ako nga manlilibre

puro ikaw na lang!!! 

Mingyu

3:22 PM

Hahahaha 

Sige, ako libre mo ngayon  

Wonwoo

3:23 PM

oks manoks 

 

---

Wonwoo

1:11 PM

nanlibre si jeonghan ng sampung box ng snr pizza here sa office

ganyan pala talaga kapag in love noh bigla ka na lang manlilibre  

Mingyu

1:18 PM

Binigyan naman ako ng isang bote ng wine ni Seungcheol. Minsan lang ‘to mangyari so sigurado masaya sila ni Jeonghan ngayon. 

 

Wonwoo

1:20 PM

ughh people in love yuckkk nainggit

Mingyu

1:21 PM

‘Wag ka mainggit, Wons. 

Wonwoo

1:23 PM

hindi naman talaga ako inggit 

jonks lang yun

hiniweysss 

back to work na me bye 

Mingyu

1:23 PM

Pahinga mo rin mata mo ha. 

Wonwoo

1:24 PM

yes mingyu copy that

---

Mingyu

1:01 PM

Wons, akyat ko diyan ‘tong adobo mo. Bakit ‘di ka pa nagla-lunch? Nagalit na naman ba boss mo? Okay naman mood ni Seungcheol dito.

Wonwoo

1:09 PM

hello mingyyyyuu

hindi tangeksss, may need lang ako tapusin hehe pero good mood naman boss ko 

also kakaakyat mo rito napagkakamalan ka nang jowa ko  

Mingyu

1:10 PM

Wow parang lugi ka pa ah? 

Wonwoo

1:11 PM

gago hahahahahahahahahhaa

Mingyu

1:12 PM

Grabe ka :(( 

Wonwoo

1:13 PM

si hohey naman 

Mingyu

1:13 PM

Parang ayaw mo ‘kong maging boyfriend ah? 

Wonwoo

1:14 PM

sana all boang 

tama ka na 

Mingyu

1:15 PM

Hahahaha  

Sige na, akyat ko na diyan. 

 » [i think i fell in love today] «

 0:20 ─〇───── 0:20

“Hi.”

“Hi, anong ginagawa mo rito?” tanong ni Wonwoo nang inangat niya ang ulo at tumambad sa kanya ang nakangiting si Mingyu. Jusko, sinusubukan ko na ngang umiwas pero hindi talaga keri, Tito Boy!

Para kay Wonwoo, ang hirap pala magkagusto sa taong araw-araw mong nakikita. Kasi kahit anong pilit ang gawin mong paglimot, paulit-ulit ka lang bumabalik sa simula. Isa lang naman ang gusto niya — makamove on na para bang meron silang. Pero paano, kung bawat araw ay paalala kung bakit siya nahulog sa unang pagkakataon?

Tinanggap na lang niya, kahit masakit, na hindi lang simpleng crush ang nararamdaman niya para kay Mingyu. It’s deeper than that. He’s falling in love. And it terrifies him. Kasi sa totoo lang, hindi niya alam kung paano ba talaga magmahal lalo na kung ang taong gusto mo ay kaibigan mo. Someone who probably doesn’t feel the same.

Nagkatinginan lang sila ni Mingyu. Sampung segundong katahimikan. Pero parang may sariling usapan ‘yung mga mata nila. 

“You two, in my office. Now,” seryosong sabi ni Jeonghan bago siya tumalikod at pumasok sa loob.

Nagkatinginan muna ulit sina Mingyu at Wonwoo, both confused. Tahimik silang pumasok sa loob ng opisina ni Jeonghan, kung saan nandoon na rin si Seungcheol na nakangiti, nakatayo sa gilid ng mesa, at hawak-hawak ang kamay ni Jeonghan.

They were holding hands. 

Wonwoo stole a glance at Mingyu, who was already looking at him. Mingyu smiled, a small, knowing curve of his lips, and Wonwoo almost rolled his eyes but instead forced himself to smile back.

Para kay Wonwoo, halatang in love na in love naman ‘yung dalawa sa isa’t isa. Mukha silang masaya, like genuinely happy. And honestly? Happiness looked so good on Jeonghan. Mas relaxed ‘yung aura niya ngayon, glowing almost. The usual sharpness in his tone had softened into something lighter, calmer. He looked fulfilled.

At doon lalo kinurot ang konsensya ni Wonwoo.

Because despite the joy he saw, he couldn’t ignore the fact that so much of it – their setup, their meetings, those little pushes in the right direction had been orchestrated. Manipulated, even. And he was part of that. He led it.

Of course, the intention had always been good. He just wanted Jeonghan to be happy. But still, there was a small part of him that kept whispering: Did he take away Jeonghan’s choice? Did he push too hard?

Minsan hindi niya maiwasang mapaisip na what if it hadn’t worked out? What if it backfired? Would Jeonghan have blamed him?

Pero ngayon, habang pinagmamasdan niya itong nakangiti kay Seungcheol, hawak ang kamay nito na parang wala nang ibang tao sa mundo kundi silang dalawa lang, Wonwoo realized something: maybe happiness doesn’t always come from spontaneity. Maybe, just maybe, people sometimes need a little push.

And if that push led to this?

Then maybe the guilt was something he could carry quietly, so long as Jeonghan remained this happy.

“Mingyu,” tawag ni Seungcheol habang nakatingin sa direksyon nilang dalawa na nakatayo. “This is Jeonghan,” sabay turo kay Jeonghan. “And Jeonghan’s personal assistant —” napatigil naman siya sandali, halatang hindi alam ang pangalan ni Wonwoo.

“Wonwoo,” mabilis na salo ni Jeonghan.

“Right, Wonwoo,” ulit ni Seungcheol, bago ngumiti. 

“Yeah, I think they know each other already.”Ani ulit ni Jeonghan. 

Mingyu cleared his throat, tinignan si Wonwoo, and extended his hand. As if ngayon lang sila nagkita at hindi talaga sila magkakilala. 

“Nice to meet you again, Wonwoo.” Sabi ni Mingyu, eyes never leaving Wonwoo’s face.

Ngumiti si Wonwoo, trying to ignore the awkward fluttering in his chest to calm down. He took Mingyu’s hand in his, firm and brief. “Nice to meet you, Mingyu." 

It felt surreal. ‘Yung handshake na ‘to na mabagal at sobrang pilit na parang halos hindi talaga sila masyadong magkakilala, pero sa totoo lang, Wonwoo still remembered how Mingyu’s fingers brushed the side of his mouth, and how he whispered his name like it meant something.

“Anyway,” sabat ni Seungcheol, “You two should really get to know each other.”

Wonwoo blinked. “Po?”

Seungcheol tightened his hold on Jeonghan’s hand, smiling. “Because Jeonghan and I are getting married.”

P’wedeng pwede nang pasukan ng bangaw ‘yung mga bunganga nila ni Mingyu dahil pareha silang nagulat sa sinabi ni Seungcheol. Shuta, kasal agad-agad? Wala manlang balita o chismis na nag-celebrate sila ng monthsary nila? Kasal talaga agad?

“Wait, what—talaga po?” tanong ni Wonwoo na halos hindi makapaniwala. Jusko!

“Yes,” sagot ni Seungcheol, proud. “We’re engaged. We wanted to tell you both together since you two are our personal assistants.”

“Wow.” ‘Yan lang ‘yung nasabi ni Mingyu nunng una. Napahinto siya sandali, as if processing the weight of that announcement. “Wonderful,” dagdag niya, this time ay nakangiti na siya, at saka tinapunan ng tingin si Wonwoo saglit as if  he was gauging his reaction.

"Amazing." Sabi ulit ni Mingyu with his shit eating grin.

Jeonghan smiled. “Yes, we’re getting married.”

“Wow,” sagot ni Wonwoo, trying to compose himself, “Congratulations.” 

Naranig niyang tumawa si Mingyu sa gilid niya kaya pasimple niyang siniko ito para manahimik. 

“We want you to set it up,” masayang sabi ni Seungcheol, habang nakatingin sa dalawang assistants. 

“Us? Obviously,” sagot agad ni Wonwoo, nakataas ang kilay at may ngiting of course, who else would it be . “Copy that!” mabilis niyang sabi at saka niya kinuha agad ‘yung notepad niya mula sa desk sa labas ng office, bumalik sa loob, at nagsimulang mag-jot down ng notes.

Seungcheol turned to Mingyu, “How come you’re not writing this down like Wonwoo, Mingyu?”

“Ah, oh—” Nagulat si Mingyu, sabay kuha ng phone niya at binuksan ang notes app, medyo nag-panic pa siya habang pasimpleng sinilip si Wonwoo.

“Next Month,” sabay-sabi ni Jeonghan at Seungcheol, obviously excited.

“Next Month?” ulit ni Wonwoo habang sinusulat ang date sa notebook niya. “That’s… uh, so soon,” bulong niya, dahil bukod sa short notice, mukhang marami-raming silang gagawin ni Mingyu dahil sila ang mag-aasikaso nito.

“Wonwoo,” sabi ni Jeonghan, now shifting to a gentler tone, “I’m gonna be gone for so long. There’s going to be little to do here for a while. Maybe this is a good time to prep that draft on the Palarong Pambansa potentials you were talking about?”

Medyo nagulat si Wonwoo doon. This is his first time hearing that, Oh God, ibig sabihin ba nito ay may plano na si Jeonghan basahin ‘yung mga isusulat niya?

He looked up, a little unsure. “What do you mean, Sir Jeonghan?”

Jeonghan leaned back in his chair, still holding hands with Seungcheol. “You want your articles to be published, right?” he said matter-of-factly. “Then you need to start working on them. Something real. Something you care about.”

Nanlamig ang palad ni Wonwoo habang pinakikinggan niya ‘yung boss niya. This was not Jeonghan’s usual tone, and it felt more like a push. A very rare one.

“You keep pitching safe stories before,” tuloy ni Jeonghan. “But the one time your eyes lit up was when you talked about that provincial track kid with no shoes who keeps winning gold. That’s your angle. That’s where your voice is.”

Tahimik lang si Wonwoo habang pinapakinggan si Jeonghan. This is it, his dreams are finally not just dreams. 

“So write it,” Jeonghan added. “You’ve got a window. Use it.”

Ngumiti si Wonwoo. “Thank you, Sir Jeoghan. That would be amazing.”

Jeonghan smiled warmly. “Do it. I know it’s a passion piece.”

Seungcheol turned to Mingyu. “And Mingyu —”

Mingyu straightened his back.

“I’m giving you the promotion. When we get back, you’ll train the new guy for a few weeks. He’ll take over as my personal assistant, and I want you to bring him up to your level.”

Nakita ni Wonwoo kung paano medyo nanlaki ang mata ni Mingyu sa narinig niya mula sa boss nila. For a second, he looked genuinely surprised — but still composed, like he was trying not to show too much emotion.

Napangiti si Wonwoo habang tahimik na pinagmamasdan ang binata. Mingyu’s dreams are also coming true. And somehow, witnessing that made his own heart feel a little lighter.

“Absolutely, Sir Seungcheol,” sagot ni Mingyu. “Thank you, sir.”

“You’ve earned it,” Seungcheol said with a nod.

Mga limang minuto pa silang kinausap ng mga boss nila para sa planong wedding hanggang sa pinalabas na sila ng mga ‘to. 

Pagkalabas na pagkalabas nila ng office, parehas sina Wonwoo at Mingyu na hindi na nakapigil ng sigaw. 

“Aaaahhh!” sabay nilang sigaw, sabay yakap nang mahigpit sa isa’t isa. Tumawa si Wonwoo habang ramdam niya kung paano medyo tumaas ang salamin niya sa gilid ng mukha niya dahil sa lakas ng impact pero he couldn’t care less. This was worth celebrating.

Medyo inangat pa siya ni Mingyu sa sobrang tuwa, ‘yung braso nitong mahigpit sa baywang niya habang binubuhat siya nito. Napasandal si Wonwoo sa balikat ni Mingyuhabang nakangiti, pero may kung anong kurot sa dibdib niya.

Because for a second it felt like they weren’t pretending.

But he tried to shake those feelings off. 

“Articles!” sigaw ni Wonwoo.

“Promotions!” sigaw ni Mingyu pabalik, sabay tawanan.

Pero agad silang napahiwalay nang bumukas ang pinto ng office at lumabas si Seungcheol.

“All right, Mingyu. We can work from the District Club today,” sabi nito, habang naglalakad papunta na sa labas. 

“Yes, sir,” mabilis na sagot ni Mingyu, sabay tingin kay Wonwoo na nakangiti pa rin. Binigyan siya ng thumbs up ni Mingyu. 

“See you,” sabi ni Mingyu, bago siya tumalikod at sumunod kay Seungcheol. 

“See you,” mahinang tugon ni Wonwoo, habang pinapanood siyang lumayo.

Makalipas ang ilang minuto na hindi pa siya nakakarecover sa mga revelations today ay pinatawag naman na siya agad ni Jeonghan sa loob ng opisina nito. 

“Have a seat, Wonwoo.”

Medyo nagulat si Wonwoo pero agad siyang sumunod, naupo sa tapat ni Jeonghan habang pinagmamasdan ang boss niya saka ito nagsalita para sa plano niya sa kasal. 

“I want it big, Wonwoo. Invite all my friends, you know them, right? And oh! Maybe we should have a party before the wedding. What’s on my personal agenda pala next week?”

Binuksan ni Wonwoo ‘yung planner niya agad-agad. “Jennie’s baby shower ng Saturday pero I canceled that one for you, Sir.” 

“Oh, I’ll go to that,” sabay sabing parang nagbago bigla ang isip niya.

“Wonwoo looked at his boos. “Po?”

“Yes. I’ll finally have something they’ll wanna talk about,” sagot ni Jeonghan. Tapos ngumiti siya kay Wonwoo. “Have a seat, Wonwoo.”

Medyo nagulat si Wonwoo, pero sumunod naman siya. Naupo siya sa harap ng mesa habang si Jeonghan ay nakasandal sa upuan niya.  

“I’m gonna give you some advice,” panimula ni Jeonghan, habang iniikot-ikot ang ballpen sa pagitan ng mga daliri niya. “Men don’t wanna date you when you’re beating them to a story.”

Napakunot-noo si Wonwoo. “Po?”

“You know,” umpisa ni Jeonghan.“You’re smart, Wonwoo. You’re composed. You walk into a room and you already know how it’s going to end. That scares people. Especially men. Kasi most of them want to feel like they’re in control, like they’re the ones giving the answers. But you? You already know the ending.”

Wonwoo bit his lip, unsure how to respond. Ito ‘yung unang pagkakataon na naging ganito ka-personal ang usapan nila ni Jeonghan. And, wow, giving him advice now? That’s rare. Hindi sanay si Wonwoo na makakita ng ganitong side ng boss niya, and somehow, it meant more than he expected.

He looked up at Jeonghan, and in that moment, he was reminded why he looked up to him so much. Jeonghan wasn’t just his boss, he was his role model when it came to the craft. The way he handled stories, how he carried himself in a room, and how he never let anyone underestimate him — Wonwoo admired all of that.

And now, to be on the receiving end of that kind of belief? Nakakapanibago na nakakatuwa. 

“But I’ve met someone, Seungcheol,” dagdag ni Jeonghan, habang nakangiti. “Someone who wants me to be strong. And he likes that I’m successful. He’s not intimidated. He listens. He tells me I don’t have to soften myself for him to stay. I don’t know because it feels like fate.”

Tahimik lang si Wonwoo. He was taking it all in, every word, every shift in Jeonghan’s tone. Pero kahit gaano ka-inspiring ang sinabi nito, hindi niya maiwasang maramdaman na nandiyan na naman ‘yung guilt.

Fate? Jeonghan called it fate.

But in Wonwoo’s mind, it wasn’t fate, it was him and Mingyu, working behind the scenes, orchestrating every so-called 'spontaneous' encounter. The late-morning coffee runs. The surprise lunch drop-off. The elevator trap. The baseball game. The letters, flowers, and wines. Lahat ‘yon, plinano nila.

And now, Jeonghan believed it was destiny.

That’s what hurt the most.

“And here’s another thing,” tuloy pa ni Jeonghan, tumingin na ngayon diretso sa mga mata niya. “You’ve got the instincts, Wonwoo. But instincts without grit won’t take you far in this industry. You’ll be challenged. You’ll be underestimated. You’ll be dismissed before you even speak.”

He leaned back, arms crossed. “That’s why I’m tough on you. Look, I know I’ve been unpleasant.”

“No, hindi po, Sir Jeonghan,” sagot ni Wonwoo. 

Napataas ang kilay ni Jeonghan, pero nakangiti siya. “Really? Because I want you to succeed. That’s the truth. I don’t give this kind of energy to people I don’t believe in.”

Wonwoo’s brows slightly furrowed. “What do you mean, Sir Jeonghan?”

“I see so much potential in you,” sabi ni Jeonghan. “You’re calm, but you’re sharp. Your presence fills a room. People listen when you speak, but you have to be brave enough to speak even when no one asks you to.”

Tumigil siya sandali, sinadya ang bawat salitang isusunod niya. “You need to stop asking for permission to take up space.”

Wonwoo swallowed hard.

“You don’t have to shrink to be accepted,” dagdag ni Jeonghan. “Stop apologizing for knowing things. Stop hiding behind politeness when what you really have is power. You’re not just my assistant, Wonwoo. You’re a writer, a storyteller.”

“And if I’m the most awful person in this building, and you can survive me?” ngumiti siya, na may halong biro, “Then you’re ready for the rest of this industry. Because trust me, it gets uglier out there.”

Tahimik si Wonwoo. Parang may kumirot sa dibdib niya. Pero sa ilalim ng kirot na ‘yon, may affirmation, respeto, and a little bit of pride in him. 

“Thank you, Sir Jeonghan,” mahina niyang sabi. “For all of that.”

Pakiramdam ni Wonwoo, maiiyak na siya, eh. Pero iba ‘yung iyak na ‘to, hindi dahil sa lungkot o pagod, kundi dahil sa tuwa. Finally. Jeonghan was giving him advice, real advice, encouraging him to pursue his passion for sports writing.

And for the first time in a while, someone aside from Mingyu actually believed he had potential. A potential that Wonwoo thought was long gone, or worse, never really there to begin with.

“Don’t thank me yet,” sagot ni Jeonghan sabay bigay ulit ng ngiti sa kanya. “You’re still doing my wedding timeline.”

Tumawa si Wonwoo at saka tumayo sabay ngiti. “On it, Sir Jeonghan.”

 » [you're in love] «

 0:21 ─〇───── 0:21

“Hoy, bakit naman nakasimangot ka diyan? May nangyari ba?” tanong ni Wonwoo nang maupo siya sa tabi ni Mingyu pagkarating niya sa 15th floor. Sinadya talaga niya itong puntahan — unang araw din kasi ni Mingyu bilang Managing Director, no longer just a personal assistant. Pero kahit promoted na siya, sila pa rin ang in-charge sa kasal nina Jeonghan at Seungcheol.

Si Wonwoo naman, hindi pa rin nagsisimula sa draft niya. Gusto niyang matapos muna ang wedding ng mga boss nila bago siya sumabak sa panibagong trabaho. One thing at a time. Para walang sabayang iniisip.

It’s been exactly five days since the engagement announcement, and the two of them had been swamped with preparations. Hindi naman sila nag-o-overtime, pero mas pinili na rin nilang mag-stay sa building para mas madali ang coordination. Mabilisang meetings, review ng suppliers, tawag dito, tawag doon.

Nilapag ni Wonwoo ang dalang kape sa mesa ni Mingyu. “Congratulations on your promotion, partner,” sabi niya, habang tagilid na umupo para magkaharap talaga sila sa maliit na opisina nito.

Nilingon siya ni Mingyu, saka ngumiti. “Thank you, partner,” tugon nito, tinignan ang kape, saka muling binalingan si Wonwoo. “Coffee, huh?”

Tumango si Wonwoo. “Kasi promoted ka na, so ako naman ang manlilibre ng kape,” biro niya, pero ‘yung mata niya, hindi inaalis kay Mingyu.

Kaninang lunch pa niya napapansin, Mingyu had been unusually quiet. Tahimik habang kumakain, maikli lang sumagot. Naitanong niya na rin kanina kung okay lang ba ito. “Oo naman,” sagot ng binata, pero halatang may bumabagabag sa kanya. 

Sa kanilang dalawa, si Mingyu ang makulit, pero walang gano’n simula pa kanina. 

Ayaw namang maging chismoso ni Wonwoo, kaya pinili niyang hindi pilitin. Pero ngayon, habang nakaharap sila sa isa’t isa, he couldn’t help but observe him more closely. The silence was the same. Same faraway look in his eyes.

Maya-maya, nagsalita si Mingyu. 

“Wonwoo, paano kung,” panimula niya, pero halos pabulong, “what if one day, maghiwalay sila Jeonghan at Seungcheol?”

Napatingin si Wonwoo, kilay bahagyang nagtaas. “Ha? What do you mean?”

Mingyu shrugged lightly, eyes still fixed on his cup. “Wala. I mean, people change. Relationships change. Minsan kahit gaano ka ka-sure, may mga bagay talagang hindi mo kayang i-predict, eh.”

Tahimik si Wonwoo. Tinitigan niya si Mingyu, sinusubukang basahin ‘yung tunay na pinanggagalingan ng tanong niya pero hindi niya ‘to mabasa.

“May sinabi ba si Seungcheol?” maingat niyang tanong.

Umiling si Mingyu. “Wala naman. Masaya naman siya kay Jeonghan,” sagot niya, sabay ngiti. “It’s just a thought.”

“Napapaisip lang ako,” dagdag pa ni Mingyu. “What if ‘yung mga bagay na pinaghirapan nating buuin para sa kanila mawawalan din ng silbi?”

Wonwoo looked at him closely, then sighed. “Mingyu, hindi natin hawak ‘yung kung ano'ng mangyayari sa kanila ngayon. Pero ang alam ko, right now, masaya sila. And that matters.”

Mingyu nodded slowly. “Yeah. I guess.”

Natahimik ulit sila. Si Mingyu, nakatitig lang sa kape na dala ni Wonwoo; si Wonwoo naman, tahimik na pinagmamasdan si Mingyu — observing the way his brows slightly furrowed, the way his fingers lightly tapped on the edge of the desk as if may bumabagabag pa rin sa kanya.

At kahit walang direktang sinabi si Mingyu, Wonwoo could feel it, there was something more to that question. Something heavier. And maybe, just maybe, it had nothing to do with Jeonghan and Seungcheol at all.

Maybe it’s personal.

Pero ayaw rin naman niyang maging chismoso, kahit ang totoo ay sobrang curious na siya. 

Bago pa siya tuluyang lamunin ng overthinking, biglang nagsalita si Mingyu, this time with a soft smile on his face.

“Hintayin mo ‘ko?” tanong nito, turning slightly toward him. “May rereply-an lang akong email tapos uwi na tayo.”

Napakurap si Wonwoo at napangiti. “Okay.”

Then, without warning, Mingyu reached out and gently pinched his left cheek.

“Just sit there,” he said with a grin, “and just be pretty.”

Tapos nito, balik agad sa laptop na para bang walang nangyari. Na para bang hindi niya pinakilig si Wonwoo! 

At this point, mas okay na sigurong mahimatay na lang si Wonwoo kaysa umupo sa tabi ni Mingyu and “be pretty.” His whole face felt warm, and he wasn’t sure if it was from embarrassment or from the way Mingyu’s fingers lingered just a second too long.

Ano ba, Mingyu?  he thought, sinking slightly in his chair.

And as Mingyu typed away, so effortlessly unaware of the effect he had, Wonwoo could only sit there, flushed, flustered, and falling.

Hard.

» [all of the stars] «

 0:22 ─〇───── 0:22

Wonwoo was practically skipping steps as he made his way up to the 15th floor. He was bouncing with every step, pakiramdam niya talaga sobrang swerte niya, kumbaga, the universe has been kind to him lately. Bitbit niya ang clipboard niya habang sinusulyapan ang email confirmation sa phone niya. Finally, may good news siya kay Mingyu. 

At finally din, makakapunta siya ngayong araw sa dinner na inarrange ni Seungkwan para sa kanilang magkakaibigan, inaya niya si Mingyu kanina, pero hindi pa ‘to nagre-replayan sa kanya. Isa rin ‘yan sa dahilan bakit inakyat niya na rito sa Mingyu. 

“Secured na!” bulong niya sa sarili, grinning from ear to ear.

Na-finalize na ang arrangement with the wedding coordinator, and the venue Jeonghan had been dreaming about for months — Amanpulo . The beach wedding, the sunset aisle, the intimate setup, it was all falling into place. Alam niyang magiging masaya si Jeonghan. And he couldn’t wait to see Mingyu’s reaction too. For sure makakafocus na si Mingyu sa mga trabaho niya bilang managing director at hindi na iisipan pa ‘tong mga kailangan ayusin para sa wedding. Ang totoo niyan, kaya naman ni Wonwoo, eh. Masyado lang masipag si Mingyu at gusto pa ring tumulong. 

Hindi na siya nakakatok kasi alas otso na rin naman ng gabi and for sure wala ng taon sa loob ng office. Besides, masyado siyang excited ngayon to even care about that.

Pero nang makaapak siya sa loob ng office at bago pa man makarating sa desk ni Mingyuu, agad napahinto si Wonwoo. 

May narinig siyang pamilyar boses mula sa loob. 

Seungcheol.

He wasn’t speaking loud, but his voice carried just enough.

“…Yeah, I agreed to it because it shut them up. They’ve been on my case for months. At least now, they’ll stop asking if I’m ever going to settle down, dude. The wedding’s in two weeks, though. I’ll have my assistant send over the invitations.”

Tumigil si Wonwoo. Parang biglang may kumalabit sa dibdib niya, mabilis at malamig. Nanigas ‘yung kamay niyang hawak ang clipboard at phone niya. Hindi niya alam kung didiretso siya sa loob o aalis na lang. Hindi niya rin alam kung gusto niya pang marinig ‘yung sinasabi ni Seungcheol. Pero nakahinto lang siya, at hindi gumagalaw sa kinatatayuan niya. 

The rest of the sentence was muffled, but the tone was clear. It wasn’t excitement. It wasn’t love. It was frustration. Wonwoo could hear it, he could feel it. 

He stepped back, slowly, para hindi siya marinig. His mind was racing, trying to make sense of it. Tama ba ‘tong naririnig niya?

“I agreed to it because it shut them up…”

It felt like someone just pulled the rug from under him. Parang kanina lang sobrang saya at excited niya para i-deliver ‘yung balita kay Mingyu na tuloy na tuloy na talaga ‘yung kasal dahil okay na ‘yung venue at dream beach wedding pa ni Jeonghan. Pero ngayon? Pakiramdam niya, he was  intruding on something he was never meant to hear.

Ibig bang sabihin ay ginagamit lang ni Seungcheol si Jeonghan to shut his parents up about settling down?

Tumayo lang si Wonwoo sa pwesto niya, holding the confirmation like it was burning in his hand. At this point, hindi niya alam ‘yung gagawin niya. Sasabihin niya ba kay Mingyu ‘yung narinig niya? Sasabihin niya ba kay Jeonghan? O magkunwaring wala siyang narinig?

But more than anything, what broke him was the thought of Jeonghan. Kung gaano siya kasaya sa mga nangyayari ngayon, at kung gaano siya nag-effort kay Seungcheol.

But he’s just being used, Wonwoo. 

Napalunok si Wonwoo, blinking fast, as if trying to chase away the heaviness settling in his chest.

Umatras pa siya nang kaunti at mas hinigpitan ang hawak sa clipboard niya.

Akala niya, magiging maganda ‘tong araw na ‘to.

Pero ngayon hindi na siya sigurado.

“You know how my parents are, bro,” tuloy ni Seungcheol. “They’re really traditional and strategic, everything’s about image. At least with this engagement, I can finally breathe. And besides, Jeonghan’s powerful, dude. He’s literally the country’s finest and most respected sports journalist. I like his image.”

Napalunok na naman si Wonwoo. So, tama nga siya.

Ginagamit lang ni Seungcheol si Jeonghan? ‘Yung image niya? ‘Yung pangalan niya? Lahat-lahat? Walangya.

He clenched his jaw.

Galit siya. Galit siya kay Seungcheol for being so damn calculated, for making Jeonghan believe this was love, for letting him dream about a life that apparently was just a strategy.

Pero mas lalo siyang galit sa sarili niya. Because it was his idea. All of this. Siya ang unang nag-pitch ng idea na i-set up sila. Siya ‘yung nag-push kay Mingyu to help make it happen.

But now? Ang sakit tanggapin na baka naging tulay lang pala siya papunta sa isang malaking kasinungalingan.

God, what have I done?

And the worst part? He had no idea how to fix it.

“…I mean, Jeonghan’s kind. I like him, okay? He’s… smart. Witty. He gets me. It’s not like I’m forcing myself.”

There was a pause.

“But love? I don’t know. Not yet. Maybe I’ll get there.”

Wonwoo felt his chest tighten. That part “Maybe I’ll get there” rang louder than all the rest.

Tahimik siyang umatras, habang malakas ang pintig ng puso niya. ‘Yung confirmation email na nasa phone niya, ‘yung clipboard na bigla na lang bumigat sa kamay niya, parang lahat ng ‘yan aynang saysay.

Jeonghan's kind… I like him… Maybe I’ll get there.

Those weren’t words of someone ready to promise forever.

Dahan-dahan at tahimik na umalis si Wonwoo sa loob. He’s trying to breathe evenly. Hindi niya alam kung sasabihin niya ba muna ‘to kay Mingyu o ididiretso na kay Jeonghan. 

Pero isa lang ang malinaw sa kanya ngayon. 

This wedding might not be what it seems.

And suddenly, everything — the flower arrangements, Amanpulo as the venue, the sunset plans, felt like something beautiful built on a fragile lie.

“Wons, kanina ka pa tahimik. May problema ba?” tanong ni Mingyu sabay tapik sa balikat niya. Hawak ni Mingyu ‘yung payong habang naglalakad sila pauwi. Magkatabi, magkahati sa ilalim ng payong ni Wonwoo. Kanina lang ay kumakain pa sila ng kwek-kwek sa may kanto, pero biglang lumakas ang ambon kaya napilitan silang umalis na at dumiretso pauwi. 

Inangat ni Wonwoo ang ulo niya para tignan si Mingyu, who was looking down at him with a soft, almost concerned smile. Ganoon naman lagi si Mingyu — soft eyes, steady hands, warm presence. Comforting . Kaya mas lalo siyang nakokonsensya na hindi ‘to alam ni Mingyu. 

It’s been two hours.

Dalawang oras simula nang marinig niya ‘yung sinabi ni Seungcheol. At sa loob ng dalawang oras na ‘yan, hindi siya pinatulog ng konsensya niya. He’s been carrying it alone, wondering kung kailan niya dapat sabihin kay Mingyu, if he should say anything at all.

But tonight, with the cold air brushing past their arms, and the quiet city soaked in rain, he couldn’t hold it anymore.

Bumuntong-hininga siya. “Mingyu,” tawag niya, mababa, mahina ang boses.

“Hmm?” sagot nito, inaayos ang payong sa taas nila. “Kung may bumabagabag sa’yo, Wons, p’wede mong sabihin sa’kin.”

“Mingyu, kasi…” Halos hindi niya masabi. It’s now or never. “Narinig ko si Seungcheol nung isang araw. Nung umakyat ako sa floor niyo, wala ka, pero narinig ko siya. May kausap siya sa phone Sabi niya..  sabi niya pumayag lang siya na ikasal kay Jeonghan kasi gusto niyang tumigil na ‘yung parents niya sa kakapilit. Na hindi pa naman niya mahal si Jeonghan, na gusto niya lang 'yung image niya.”

Tahimik lang si Mingyu na nakikinig sa kanya pero napahinto na sila habang palakas nang palakas ‘yung ambon. 

Tuluy-tuloy lang si Wonwoo, kahit ang bigat na ng lalamunan niya. “Sabi niya gusto niya si Jeonghan, oo, pero hindi pa mahal. Na maybe it’s just the idea of Jeonghan na gusto niya, ‘yung image. Mayaman, sikat, matalino, powerful. Pero hindi si Jeonghan mismo.”

Tahimik pa rin si Mingyu.

Kaya napatingin sa kanya si Wonwoo. “Mingyu, tingin mo kailangan nating sabihin kay Jeonghan na?” 

Nakatingin lang sa kanya si Mingyu na parang binabasa siya. 

Mingyu’s eyes flickered, just a bit. His jaw tensed, pero nahuli ni Wonwoo ‘yun. The kind of silence that says more than words ever could.

Ni hindi manlang nagulat si Mingyu.

“…Mingyu?” tanong ni Wonwoo ulit. Please, please. Sana hindi ‘yung iniisip ko. Please, Lord. Sana mali 'yung iniisip ko.

“Alam mo na, ‘no?” dagdag ni Wonwoo, barely above a whisper.

And Mingyu looked at him then, really looked at him.

Subtle lang ang tango niya, like a truth he didn’t want to face either. Like something he had been carrying quietly all this time.

“A-alam mo?” tanong ulit ni Wonwoo, paos, pilit na kinakalma ‘yung boses niya pero nanginginig na ito. 

Alam ni Mingyu at hindi niya sinabi agad? Samantalang si Wonwoo ay kahit pa kinakain ng konsensya niya simula nung narinig niya kanina ‘yung kay Seungcheol. Tangina?

Parang sinasaksak ‘yung dibdib niya. Hindi niya in-expect kay Mingyu ‘yun, eh. 

Mingyu looked down. For the first time. “Sorry, Wons,” bulong niya. “Oo, alam ko.”

Parang binuhusan si Wonwoo ng malamig na tubig. “Alam mo at hindi mo agad sinabi sa’kin, Mingyu? Kailan pa?” 

Bumuntong hininga si Mingyu. “Narinig ko rin siya, hindi ko alam kung sadya niyang pinarig sa’kin, eh. Nung araw na binalita nila na engaged na sila,” sagot ni Mingyu. So, almost two weeks na? 

“Nasa buffet kami nu’n. Akala ko wala lang. Akala ko he was just panicking. Alam mo ‘yung ibang tao, minsan they say shit when they’re overwhelmed.”

Two fucking weeks. 

Hindi makapaniwala si Wonwoo na tumagal nang gano’n ‘yung pagsisinungaling si Mingyu. Kaya ba parang palagi siyang may iniisip these days? Akala ni Wonwoo ay naninibago lang siya sa trabaho niya bilang Managing Director, pero iba pala iniisip niya.

“Nagsinungaling ka sa’kin?” bulalas ni Wonwoo, isang hakbang palayo kay Mingyu pero agad na gumalaw si Mingyu para hindi siya mapalayo sa payong at hindi siya mabasa ng ulan . “Alam mo pala? Alam mong hindi totoo lahat nang nararamdaman ng boss mo, tapos tinuloy pa rin natin lahat? Nagplano pa rin tayo ng wedding nila? Like nothing?”

“I was trying to protect —” Mingyu started.

“Protect who?” singit ni Wonwoo. “Jeonghan? Me? Or yourself?”

“Ikaw,” sagot ni Mingyu, and he was really frustrated. “Gusto ni Seungcheol si Jeonghan. It’s just that he’s confused. Matututunan naman niya sigurong mahalin si Jeonghan pagkatapos ng wedding—”

“Naririnig mo ba sarili mo ngayon, Mingyu? Wedding?” putol ni Wonwoo, mas tumaas na ‘yung boses niya this time, nanginginig. “Hindi na dapat matuloy ‘yang kasal na ‘yan!”

“Wonwoo—”

“Hindi, Mingyu!” singit niya, lumalakas na rin ang ulan. Nabasa na ang mga balikat nila kahit may hawak si Mingyu na payong. The storm was growing outside and between them. “The fact na nagsinungaling ka rin sa’kin.”

Umiling si Wonwoo nang sunod-sunod. “Sinabi mo dapat sa’kin, eh. Dapat tinigil agad natin ‘tong pagpaplano ng kasal nila. Or at least not let it get this far.”

Mingyu stepped forward, the rain dripping from his hair, from the edge of the umbrella now tilted to cover them both. “Tapos anong mangyayari pagkatapos? Sasabihin natin kay Jeonghan lahat? Wons, tayo gumawa nito lahat, eh. Tayo ‘yung dahilan kung bakit nagkita sila, bakit sila naging close, bakit sila engaged ngayon. Kapag nalaman nila ‘yun, babawiin niya sa’yo lahat, sa’tin.”

“Mali nga ‘yun, Mingyu!”

“Hindi mo naiintindihan, Wons,” sambit ni Mingyu. “Hindi na natin puwedeng basta na lang sabihin sa kanya ‘to. Paano kung masira natin sila?”

“Edi mas mabuti ‘yun kaysa naman magpakasal siya sa taong hindi siya mahal!” balik ni Wonwoo, now yelling back, voice cracking from rage and heartbreak. 

“Pero paano kung mali tayo? Paano kung may chance pa sila? Na maging totoo ‘to eventually?”

Wonwoo let out a bitter laugh, tumingala sa langit na ngayon ay binubuhos na ang ulan sa kanila na parang sinasabayan ‘yung patulong luha niya. He didn’t even bother to wipe them away. Ano pa bang point? Basa na rin naman siya, sa ulan, sa sakit, sa katotohanan.

Hindi niya in-expect kay Mingyu ‘to. Hindi sa taong pinaka-pinagkakatiwalaan niya. Not from someone who made him feel safe. Someone he thought he could count on.

Whatever Mingyu was trying to protect, kahit si Wonwoo pa ‘yan, mali pa rin. Hindi niya dapat tinanggap na okay lang ‘to. 

“Do you even hear yourself, Mingyu? Willing kang i-risk lahat para lang sa baka? Sa maybe?” 

“Minsan, ‘yun lang meron tayo,” bulong ni Mingyu.

“Bullshit,” sagot ni Wonwoo, isang hakbang palayo kay Mingyu at tuluyan na nga siyang nabasa ng ulan. “Ang meron tayo ngayon ay isang malaking kasinungalingan na pinili mong hayaan, Mingyu.”

“Anoong gusto mong gawin ko, Wonwoo?” tanong ni Mingyu. “Sabihin ko kay Jeonghan? Sabihin ko na narinig ko si Seungcheol at nagsinungaling tayo? Na pinagplanuhan natin lahat ‘to pero mali pala?”

“Yes,” sagot ni Wonwoo. “Kung kaya mo pang matulog nang tahimik gabi-gabi, then go ahead. Pero ako, hindi ko na kaya.”

Nakatayo lang silang dalawa doon, parehong basang-basa dahil sa lakas ng ulan. Mabilis ang pag-angat-baba ng dibdib ni Wonwoo, habang si Mingyu ay nakatingin ng diretso sa kanya. 

“Ngayon, anong gagawin natin?” tanong ni Mingyu, lumapit siya kay Wonwoo. Maingat niyang hinawakan ang kamay nito, saka inabot ang payong na parang huling pagtatangka na kahit papano, may maibigay siyang kahit kaunting proteksyon mula sa ulan.

Pero nang hawak na ni Wonwoo ang payong, hindi man lang siya tumingin kay Mingyu. Walang pasabing ibinagsak lang niya ito sa gilid. Tumilapon sa basang semento ang payong, bumukas pa sa pagkakabagsak, pero hindi na niya ito pinansin.

Hindi niya kailangan ng payong.

Hindi niya kailangan ng kahit ano mula kay Mingyu.

Ang kailangan niya ngayon ay katotohanan, at ‘yon ang bagay na hindi kayang ibigay ni Mingyu sa kanya ngayon.

Tumingin si Wonwoo sa binata, matatag kahit nanginginig. “Ngayon? Lalayo muna ‘ko sa’yo. Hanggang sa magkaroon ka ng lakas ng loob para gawin kung ano ‘yung tama, Mingyu.”

Tatalikod na sana siya, pero narinig niya ang boses ni Mingyu sa likod niya na halos desperado.

“Kapag sinabi natin, baka hindi na tanggapin ni Jeonghan ‘yung article mo, Wonwoo.”

Natawa si Wonwoo. Isang mapait na tawa ang binitawan niya.

“Dahil lang ba diyan? O dahil ayaw mong mawala sa posisyon mo ngayon?”

Nagulat si Mingyu sa sinabi niya.

Gustong bawiin ni Wonwoo ‘yung mga sinabi niya. Gustong-gusto niya, lalo na’t kitang-kita kung gaano nasaktan si Mingyu. Parang may tumama sa kanya mismo nang makita niya ‘yung sakit sa mga mata ng binata, na parang siya ‘yung sumira ng lahat sa isang iglap. Pero kahit gaano kasakit, kailangan niya ‘tong sabihin. Kailangan niyang iparamdam kay Mingyu na mali ‘yung ginagawa nila at ginawa nila.

Kasi hindi ‘to simpleng pagkakamali lang. Hindi ‘to tipong sorry and we move on. This is someone's life. Someone’s heart. And that someone is Jeonghan na walang kaalam-alam, walang kasalanan, at nagtitiwala sa kanilang dalawa.

He couldn’t be that person. The person who ruins a life just to protect his own dreams. Just to protect Mingyu’s position. Just to keep quiet.

Hindi puwedeng maging tahimik lang siya this time.

Kahit pa ang ibig sabihin niyon ay masaktan si Mingyu.

Kahit pa ang ibig sabihin ay lumayo siya.

Kasi kung hindi ngayon, kailan pa?

And as much as he wanted to run back and say he didn’t mean it, he knew deep down he absolutely did.

“Anong sinasabi mo?”

“‘Yung promotion mo, ‘di ba? You wanted it so bad. Na ngayong nandiyan ka na, ayaw mo nang mawala.” Tumitig siya diretso sa mga mata ni Mingyu. “But at what cost, Mingyu? A lie? A fake marriage? Your silence?”

Gumapang ang galit sa mukha ni Mingyu. “Ganyan na ba talaga tingin mo sa’kin?”

“Baka kasi ‘yon na talaga ang pinapakita mo,” sagot ni Wonwoo, wala nang pakialam kung gaano pa kasakit. “You used to fight for what’s right. You used to care. Pero ngayon? You’re just part of the system.”

“Ganyan talaga tingin mo sa’kin, no?” tanong ni Mingyu, at kahit pilit niyang panatilihing kalmado ang tono niya, ramdam ‘yung panginginig ng boses niya. Hindi niya agad sinundan ‘yon. Tumingala muna siya sa langit, pinikit ang mga mata, parang nilulunok ang lahat ng bigat na nasa dibdib niya bago siya muling nagsalita.

“Sorry kung iniisip ko ‘yung pangarap natin, Wonwoo,” bulong niya, pero may diin sa bawat salita na binibitawan niya ngayon. “Sorry kung gusto kong panindigan lahat ng pinaghirapan natin. Yeah, maybe I fucking love the job I have now. Maybe for the first time in my life, I feel like I’m finally good at something. Like I’m finally seen. ”

Humigpit ang panga ni Mingyu, at kahit basang-basa na sila pareho, hindi niya na pinapansin ang ulan.

Napaatras ng kaunti si Wonwoo, at kahit pilit niyang pinigilan, tumulo na ang luha niya.

Sa bawat bigkas ni Mingyu ng salita, kasabay nu’n ‘yung pagpatak ng mga luha niya. Halos hindi na nga niya makita si Mingyu dahil basa na rin ‘yung salamin niya. Basta ang alam lang niya ay nasasaktan siya sa sitwasyon nilang ngayon, at sa mga binitawan niyang salita kay Mingyu.

“Tingin mo ba madali para sa’kin ‘to? Tingin mo ba hindi ko iniisip gabi-gabi kung tama pa ba ‘tong lahat? Na kung sinira na ba natin si Jeonghan without even meaning to?”

Hindi siya sumagot. 

“Tingin mo hindi ako takot?” tuloy ni Mingyu. “Takot na mawalan ng trabaho, takot na masira ‘yung tiwala nila, takot na mawalan ka. Kasi kung mas pipiliin mong lumayo kaysa pakinggan ako ngayon baka ikaw na rin ‘yung mawala sa’kin, Wonwoo.”

Hindi ulit nakasagot si Wonwoo. It was Mingyu’s sign to talk more. 

“But okay,” sambit ni Mingyu. “I fucking wanted the promotion, kung ‘yun ‘yung gusto mong isipin. Sorry kung nagsinungaling ako, Wonwoo.”

“Pero mali nga ‘to, Mingyu,” hikbi ni Wonwoo. “Mali na nagsisinungaling tayo.”

“Iniisip ko lang ‘yung consequences kapag sinabi natin, Wons,”

“Pero ayokong matulog sa gabi knowing na may sisirain akong buhay."

Tahimik si Mingyu saglit. Then he said, “I did what I had to do.”

And just like that, it broke something inside Wonwoo.

“Ginawa mo kung ano sa tingin mong tama, pero ako? Araw-araw akong kakainin ng konsensya,” nanginginig na sabi ni Wonwoo. “Habang ikaw, nagde-decide ka nang mag-isa. Na para bang... hindi na importante kung anong nararamdaman ko sa lahat ng ‘to.”

“Hindi ‘yan totoo,” sagot ni Mingyu agad. 

“Eh anong totoo, Mingyu?” balik ni Wonwoo. “Na okay lang magsinungaling basta hindi masira ‘yung pangalan mo? Na ayos lang manahimik kahit alam mong may taong mabibigo sa huli?”

Bumigat ang hangin sa pagitan nila, sabay ng biglang pagbuhos ng ulan na parang sinadya. Wala na silang pakialam. 

“You let it happen, Gyu,” sagot ni Wonwoo, isang piraso na lang ang natitirang lakas sa boses niya. “Alam mong mali. Pero hinayaan mo pa rin. At ngayon, gusto mong ako ‘yung manahimik?”

Tahimik si Mingyu.

“You were supposed to be the one I could trust the most.”

“I’m protecting your dreams,” bulong ni Mingyu, almost like a plea.

Napailing si Wonwoo “Bakit?” tanong niya, humakbang palapit kay Mingyu, luha sa mata, galit sa dibdib. “Bakit mo poprotektahan ‘yung hindi naman sa’yo, Mingyu? Hindi mo naman ako responsibilidad! It’s for me to decide. Ako dapat ang pumili kung ano ang kaya kong isugal para sa pangarap ko. Hindi ikaw.”

“Kasi nag-aalala ako sa’yo, Wonwoo,” sagot ni Mingyu, mas lumakas ‘yung boses niya. “Kasi nakita ko kung gaano ka nagsusumikap. Gusto ko lang matupad mo ‘yon. Gusto ko makitang nando’n ka, sa byline, sa cover story, sa awards stage. Kasi mahalaga ka sa’kin, eh. Ikaw. You matter to me, more than anything.”

“I care about you, a lot, Wonwoo. So much it makes me crazy. Kaya kahit mali, kahit alam kong mali, pinili kong manahimik kasi akala ko, I was protecting you.”

Somehow, knowing that Mingyu did all of it out of care only made it worse. Because this, whatever this is, without honesty? It was never protection.

It was betrayal wrapped in good intentions.

“I care about you, too, Mingyu.” I actually love you. “Pero mali ‘to. So maybe after this night… sasabihin ko na kay Jeonghan at…”

Don’t say it, Wonwoo. Don’t say it.

Pero sinabi niya pa rin.

“…at huwag na tayong magkita.”

Mingyu blinked. “Ano?”

“Narinig mo ‘ko, Mingyu,” sagot ni Wonwoo, halos pabulong na parang ayaw niya naman talaga iparinig kay Mingyu. 

Halos humigpit ang hangin sa paligid nila.

“‘Yan talaga gusto mo?” tanong ni Mingyu. “O nadadala ka lang ng emosyon mo ngayon?”

“‘Yan ang gusto ko,” sagot ni Wonwoo, kahit pa hindi stable ang boses niya. Kahit pa wasak na wasak siya sa loob. “Kasi kung hindi tayo lalayo sa isa’t isa, wala talagang matatapos. Itigil na natin ‘tong lahat .”

Tumango si Mingyu. Mabagal. Tahimik. Walang sinabi.

And that silence?

It hurt more than any of the words they’ve exchanged.

Kaya tumalikod na si Wonwoo. Hindi na niya hinintay pa ang kahit anong tugon. Hindi na siya lumingon.

He just walked away, every step heavier than the last.

And for the first time in a long time, Mingyu didn’t follow.

» [back to friends] «

 0:23─〇───── 0:23

Everything was just not going his way.

Una, may biglaang conference si Jeonghan sa Malaysia for five days, kaya simula noong narinig niya ang sinabi ni Seungcheol at nagkaroon sila ng matinding komprontasyon ni Mingyu, hindi pa rin niya nasasabi kay Jeonghan ang totoo. At kung kailan lang ito uuwi? Sa mismong araw pa ng baby shower ng kaibigan nito sa Sabado. 

Gusto ni Wonwoo na harapin si Jeonghan. Gusto niyang sabihin ang lahat — face-to-face. Ayaw niyang sa text, hindi sa email, hindi sa chat. He owed him that much. Wonwoo wanted to come clean with everything. Ayaw na niyang mabuhay sa ganitong kasinungalingan. Kung pwede lang sanang ibalik ang oras kung sana noon pa lang, hindi na nila ‘to pinlano. Pero sa kagustuhan niyang maibsan ang bigat sa trabaho, sa pangarap, sa pressure, eto siya ngayon. And now, everything came crashing down on him.

Dalawang araw na ang lumipas simula ng huling beses niyang nakita si Mingyu.

Dalawang araw na walang kumukulit sa kanya, walang kakwentuhan hanggang alas otso ng gabi sa building, walang kasabay mag-lunch, sa pag-uwi. Dalawang araw na puro katahimikan ang bumalot sa paligid niya.

At ‘yung mga bagay na dati ay hindi niya pinapansin? Ngayon, pakiramdam niya, hinahanap-hanap niya.

“Wons, bakit hindi nakasama si Mingyu sa dinner natin?” tanong ni Seungkwan isang araw.

“Uy oo nga si pogi, umamin ka na ba sa kanya, Wons?” sabat pa ni Jun na may kasamang kindat. “Kaya ba hindi siya kasama?”

“Ah, busy siya eh,” sabay iwas ni Wonwoo ng tingin. “Saka baliw ka, Jun. Anong umamin? Ayoko nga.”

Pero kahit gaano niya pa subukang itago, hindi niya maitago sa sarili niyang namimiss niya si Mingyu.

Napasandal siya sa upuan niya, napabuntong-hininga. Sa harap niya, nakadikit pa rin sa monitor ang isang maliit na post-it note na kulay dilaw, sulat-kamay ni Mingyu.

Tuwing titignan mo ‘tong note na ‘to, ipahinga mo yang mga mata mo, Wons. – Your Business partner, partner-in-crime, Bookmark. 

Napangiti siya nang bahagya, pero saglit lang. Because right after that weak smile came the sting.

Napayuko siya sa desk niya. He held the edge of the table tightly as his shoulders started shaking.

Hindi niya na namalayan.

Umiiyak na pala siya.

Walang hikbi. Walang ingay. Pero tuloy-tuloy ang pagpatak ng luha niya sa papel sa harap niya.

Putangina. Lintek na buhay ‘to.

At higit sa lahat, intek na Mingyu. Ba’t ang hirap mong hindi hanapin?

“Wons, kape oh,” sambit ni Soonyoung habang nilalapag ang pistachio latte sa desk niya.

Napatingin siya saglit, at medyo nagulat. “Ha? Sino nagbigay?”

“Ay, birthday ni Chan. Nagpakape,” sagot ni Soonyoung. “Minsan lang manlibre ‘yan kaya kunin na natin. Saka lagi namang pistachio order mo, kaya ‘yan na rin binili namin.” 

Natigilan si Wonwoo. Gusto niyang sampalin ‘yung sarili niya kasi bakit niya inisip na si Mingyu ang nagpadala? Tanga, tanga, Wonwoo. Sinabihan mo ‘yung tao na ‘wag na kayong magkita, ‘di ba?

Hindi siya agad sumagot. Napatingin lang siya sa cup. Walang pangalan, walang note, walang signature doodle sa side tulad ng dati. Not like how Mingyu would always draw a stupid sun or write “For Wons, who forgets to breathe.”

“Salamat, Soons. Pasabi kay Chan na salamat din. Nabati ko naman siya kanina.” Sagot ni Wonwoo sabay tawa. 

Kaya tahimik lang siyang uminom ng kape. 

At habang nilulunok niya ‘yung unang lagok, parang mas mahirap lunukin ‘yung lungkot sa dibdib niya.

Tangina talaga, oh. 

Nagmamadaling pumasok si Wonwoo sa building, humahabol sa oras kahit wala naman talagang magagalit sa kaniya. Jeonghan’s still in Malaysia at bukas pa ang balik nito, and technically, hindi naman required ang presence niya nang maaga. Pero hindi iyon ang issue — ang issue, this was his first time in three years na ma-late, and for him, that was unacceptable.

“Bwisit kasi, Wonwoo,” bulong niya sa sarili habang mabilis na kinukuha ang ID mula sa bag. “Kung hindi ka napuyat kakaiyak kagabi, edi sana on time ka nagising?”

The scanner beeped. He tapped in. 8:37 AM. Thirty-seven minutes late sa personal standard niya.

He exhaled, trying to shake off the panic. Maayos pa naman ang buhok niya kahit pa clearly na labag sa loob niya ang pagkakabihis niya kanina. Tumakbo pa nga siya pababa ng apartment para makasakay nang mas mabilis sa binook niyang Joy Ride. Pero kahit anong bilis niya, he still wasn’t fast enough to outrun the sadness from last night.

Pagkaangat niya ng ulo, he froze.

Doon, sa may bandang lounge sa lobby, nakita niya si Mingyu na nakikipagtawanan kasama ang apat na katrabaho niya, and right beside him, of course, it was Hana. 

Mata pa lang ni Wonwoo, sumikip na agad ‘yung dibdib niya. God, bakit ang ganda pa rin ng ngiti niya? Bakit parang ang gaan ng loob niya ngayon, samantalang ako, halos hindi makabangon sa kama kagabi?

Wonwoo wanted to disappear right now. Sobrang liit nga lang naman ng mundo nila, at nasa iisang malaking building lang naman sila. So of course magkikita at magkikita talaga sila. 

But here Mingyu was, laughing like he hadn’t cried two nights ago in the rain. Mingyu smiling beside Hana.

Napansin siya agad ni Mingyu dahil malapit lang naman ito sa kanya.

And for a fleeting second, nagkatinginan sila.

But before anything else could register, any wave, any smile, any step, Wonwoo quickly looked away. Tinapik niya ang sarili mentally. Nope. Not today.

Mabilis siyang lumakad papuntang elevator, pinipilit ayusin ang itsura ng mukha niya para walang makapansin na parang pinagsakluban siya ng langit at lupa sa isang simpleng pagkikita lang. He could feel Mingyu’s gaze on him, but he didn’t look back.

You don’t get to smile at me like that, he thought, not when I cried myself to sleep over you last night.

“Karina, sige na, ako na bahala dito,” sabi ni Wonwoo habang iniaabot ang folder mula sa desk ni Karina. “Ipaabot ko na lang sa kabilang team.”

“Wons, thank you! Sobrang punuan na kasi ngayon sa schedule,” sagot ni Karina. “Kailangan ko lang talagang pumunta sa design room. Thank youo ulit, Wons!” 

“Welcome!” sagot ni Wonwoo habang bitbit niya ‘yung folder na para sa partner publication ng sports feature section nila. Ang pakay lang niya ay ihatid ‘to saglit para sa review. It was actually simple, wala rin naman siyang ginagawa dahil walang pinapagawa si Jeonghan sa kanya. 

‘Yung kasal? He secretly canceled the Amanpulo venue, quietly, discreetly, with no one else on the team knowing except the events liaison. Wala pa ring alam si Jeonghan hanggang ngayon . Siya naman ang kausap ng resort, kaya walang ibang pwedeng makaalam ng update unless manggaling sa kanya.

And that’s what made it worse. The venue they had celebrated securing, the beach wedding Jeonghan had always dreamed of, is gone. Canceled without his knowledge.

All this time, Jeonghan was still thinking everything was in place. Still believing everything was real.

Bumuntong hininga si Wonwoo habang hinihintay na bumukas ‘yung elevator. Pagbukas ng elevator, may isang taong lumabas muna at saka siya pumasok. Nang nagsara ito ay agad niyang pinindot ‘yung 5th floor, pero after nu’n, napatigil siya nang lumingon siya sa gilid niya dahil pamilyar ‘yung amoy. 

Mingyu. 

Parang gusto na lang tuloy niyang lumabas. Para siyang mauubusan ng hangin sa loob ng elevator. 

Tumayo lang sila sa magkaibang dulo na halatang nag-iiwasan, malapit lang naman pero parang kilometro ang pagitan. Ramdam ni Wonwoo ang init ng katawan ni Mingyu mula sa distansya, pero hindi niya magawang lumingon. Hindi rin niya magawang kumilos nang natural. Hawak-hawak niya nang mahigpit ‘yung envelope sa kamay niya na akala mo naman aagawin ni Mingyu. 

Nararamdaman niya ang paghinga ni Mingyu.

Shuta, bakit ang tagal sa 5th floor?

The silence was suffocating. Walang ibang tao sa elevator — just the two of them, and all the things they left unsaid. The soft mechanical hum of the lift only made it worse, parang mas pinapansin ‘yung tension sa pagitan nila. Masyadong tahimik. Masyadong masikip.

Wonwoo kept his eyes fixed on the glowing floor indicator, as if staring hard enough would make it move faster.

Ninth floor… Eighth floor.. still too slow.

He could feel Mingyu shifting slightly on the other side. Hindi naman malikot, pero ramdam niya ‘yung bigat ng presensya nito. Like Mingyu was holding something in.

The envelope in his hand was already crumpling at the edges from how tight his grip was.

“Wonwoo?”

Napalingon siya, slowly, hesitant. They hadn't spoken in days, and the sound of his name coming from Mingyu’s voice felt like a rock thrown into still water.

Mingyu wasn’t smiling. Just looking at him. 

“I’m sorry,” Sambit ni Mingyu. “About last time.”

Wonwoo said nothing, just stared. His throat felt too tight.

“Natakot lang ako,” Mingyu continued. “And I know that’s not an excuse. Kung sasabihin mo man kay Jeonghan ‘yung totoo. Hindi naman kita pipigilan. Do what’s in your heart.”

Wonwoo blinked, slowly. Para siyang tinamaan ulit. Not because Mingyu was apologizing, but because it felt like Mingyu was finally letting him go.

Gustong umiyak ni Wonwoo. 

“Sorry din, Mingyu,” sagot ni Wonwoo, and his voice was barely above a whisper. “Sa mga nasabi ko last time. About sa promotion mo. I know how hard you’ve worked for it. Nasaktan lang ako, nagalit, at natakot. Alam kong gano’n din ‘yung mga naramdaman mo.” 

Mingyu swallowed, slowly. “I deserved it, Wons. Lahat ng sinabi mo. Totoo naman eh. I let it happen. I should’ve said something sooner. Hindi ko dapat hinayaan na umabot sa ganun. Lalo na sayo.”

Wonwoo met his gaze now, and this time, hindi niya na tinakasan ‘yung titig ni Mingyu.

“Akala ko lang tayo ‘yung magkakampi dito, Gyu.”

“We were,” Mingyu said, softly. “We still are. Pero ang dami kong kinain na takot. I just didn’t know how to fix it without hurting anyone.”

Ngumiti si Wonwoo, kahit pa ramdam niyang gumagapang na ang bigat sa dibdib niya. Gusto niyang yakapin si Mingyu. Gusto niyang tanggalin lahat ng distansya sa pagitan nila. Miss na miss na niya ‘to. ‘Yung presensya, ‘yung lambing, ‘yung comfort na dala lang ni Mingyu kapag nandiyan siya.

Pero he held himself back.

Kasi kahit gaano pa niya kamahal si Mingyu, kahit gaano pa niya gustong ipikit na lang ang mga mata at limutin lahat ng gulo, he couldn’t.

Not when the truth still hadn’t been said.

Not when someone else’s heart was still on the line.

Kaya ngumiti na lang siya. It was a sincere one.

Sapat na muna ‘yon. Hanggang doon lang muna sila.

“Tapos naman na, eh. Wala na tayong magagawa,” mahina ngunit buo ang boses ni Wonwoo. “Pero gusto ko lang malaman mo na sasabihin ko lahat kay Jeonghan kahit pa anong mangyari, Mingyu.”

Tahimik. Parang kahit ‘yung elevator, nakikisama sa bigat ng usapan nila. Walang kaluskos, walang ingay. Just the two of them, stuck in that suspended moment.

“I understand, Wons.” Tahimik ang tono ni Mingyu, pero may kirot sa loob.

Ping.

At saka lang bumukas ang elevator doors.

Natigilan saglit si Wonwoo. Tumingin siya kay Mingyu saglit. Then he smiled, small and sincere.

Tumalikod siya at saka lumabas.

Pero bago pa siya makalayo, narinig niya ang pamilyar na boses.

“Wons.”

Huminto siya, at saka nilingon si Mingyu. “May sasabihin ka pa?”

Mingyu stepped out, tumigil sa likuran niya, just close enough to be heard.

“Lahat ng pinakita ko sa’yo. Lahat ng sinabi ko sa’yo…” Tumigil siya sandali, na parang nag-iipon ng lakas ng loob. “Lahat ‘yon totoo, Wonwoo.”

Hindi gumalaw si Wonwoo, pero ramdam niyang kumakabog na naman ang puso niya.

“I care about you,” tuloy ni Mingyu. “More than I should’ve allowed myself to. I messed up, I know that. Pero kahit isang beses man lang, gusto kong marinig mo ‘to nang diretso sa’kin. Hindi ako nagkunwari. Hindi ako nagsinungaling sa kung ano’ng meron sa’tin.”

Wonwoo was glued to where he was standing. My God naman, Mingyu. You're making this hard for me.

“Lahat ng mga pinakita ko sa’yo, lahat ng sinabi ko, ‘yon ‘yung totoo. ‘Yon talaga ‘yung nararamdaman ko, Wons. Hindi mo alam kung gaano ako nagpapasalamat na pinili kong bumaba noong araw na 'yon para agawin ‘yung order mo. Alam kong medyo gago ako no’n, pero nakilala kita,” napangiti si Mingyu.

“‘Yung mga pangugulit ko sa’yo? Hindi ‘yon trip lang. Gusto lang talaga kitang makausap. ‘Yung paghatid ko sa’yo kasi gusto kong masigurong makakauwi kang ligtas. Dahil mahalaga ka sa’kin, kahit hindi mo pa alam no’n.”

Huminga siya nang malalim, as if holding back something big.

“No’ng nalaman kong may date ka? Tangina, hindi ako mapakali. Ako dapat ‘yon, eh. Ako dapat ‘yung nagyaya sa’yo. Kaso naunahan ako ng kaba. Kaya ang sinabi ko na lang, hindi natuloy ‘yung lakad ko pero ang totoo, ikaw talaga ‘yung sadya ko. Gusto lang kitang makita nu’n kasi ikaw lang laman ng isip ko nu’n. Pero naduwag ako.”

Tumingala siya sandali, na parang pinipigilan ‘yung namumuong luha.

“Alam kong may nararamdaman na ako para sa’yo noon pa. Pero it hit me, like really hit me, nung engagement party ni Jun. Tapos ‘yung pauwi tayo, ‘di ba? May dala tayong pizza, tapos bigla ka na lang kumanta ng Disney song na hindi ko alam kung ano. You were singing and dancing, ang saya mo, ang ganda mo. Parang walang bigat sa mundo. Ang gaan mong panoorin, Wonwoo.”

He finally looked at him, eyes soft and pained.

“Doon ko na-realize. Doon ko inamin sa sarili ko na, shit, in love na pala talaga ako sa’yo. And the scariest part is, I don’t want to lose you.”

Tahimik lang si Wonwoo, but Mingyu kept going, voice now a little more unsteady.

“Pero sinasabi ko ‘to hindi para kausapin mo ulit ako. Hindi para bumalik tayo sa dati. Hindi para patawarin mo ‘ko agad o para sabihin mong okay lang lahat,” sambit ulit ni Mingyu. “Sinasabi ko ‘to kasi hindi ko na alam kung makakausap pa ulit kita. Kasi kahit anong gawin ko ngayon, parang huli na ang lahat, parang nasira ko na lahat. Pero gusto ko pa ring malaman mo na totoo ako sa’yo. Kahit doon man lang.”

He took a shaky breath, hands in fists at his sides.

“I know I messed up. Big time. But what I felt for you? What I still feel for you? That’s the only thing I’m sure of right now.”

Tumigil siya saglit, parang tinatantsa kung dapat pa ba siyang magpatuloy. 

“Wala na akong ibang hinihingi, Wons. Ayokong pilitin ka. Ayokong ipilit ang sarili ko. Pero kung darating ‘yung araw na mapapatawad mo ‘ko, kahit hindi na tayo bumalik sa dati, kahit saglit lang basta malaman mo lang na hindi ako nagsinungaling sa’yo tungkol sa nararamdaman ko.”

Then Mingyu smiled.

It was the saddest smile Wonwoo had ever seen.

“Kung galit ka pa, okay lang. Process muna natin lahat nang ‘to. Kung hindi mo na ‘ko kayang kausapin pagkatapos nito, tatanggapin ko. Dahil sa dinami-dami ng bagay na hindi ko sinabi noon, ito ‘yung ayokong pagsisihan habang-buhay.”

Hindi na siya nagsalita pa. Mingyu just nodded lightly, turned around, and walked away — quiet, slow steps that somehow sounded louder than thunder in Wonwoo’s ears.

At si Wonwoo? Nanigas na siya sa kinatatayuan niya. 

As in, completely rooted to the spot, as if the air had just left his lungs.

Did Mingyu just confess?

Did he just say he loved him too?

Parang gusto niyang mapaupo sa sahig. Or mahimatay. Or pareho.

“Tangina, ano raw?” bulong niya sa sarili, trying to wrap his head around it.

He shut his eyes tightly, fists clenching at his sides. Bakit hindi niya nasabi? Bakit hindi niya nasabi pabalik?

Because he did. God, he loved him. Wonwoo loves him.

And he let him walk away.

Bumuntong-hininga si Wonwoo, pilit pinipigilan ‘yung panginginig ng dibdib niya. Now, it's really now or never. Hindi na siya pwedeng tumalikod, hindi na pwedeng paurong lang at takasan ang lahat.

Kailangan na niyang ayusin ang lahat.

At magsisimula siya sa pagsabi ng totoo kay Jeonghan.

Whatever happens after that, whether he loses his job or his dreams, he has to do what is right. 

Because it was time to stop hiding.

It was time to make things right.

» [pocketful of sunshine] «

 0:24─〇───── 0:24

Halos tumakbo si Wonwoo habang pumapasok sa loob ng isa cafe kung saan ginaganap ang baby shower kung saan nasaan si Jeonghan ngayon. There were pastel balloons, long tables na may mga baby-themed pastries, and a whole lot of people na nakasuot ng pink at blue. Halos lahat sila busy makipag-usap sa mga taong kakilala nila, may mga nakikipag-picture sa magiging mom-to-be.

Except Wonwoo. 

Hindi naman siya nandito para mag-celebrate. Nandito siya para hanapin si Jeonghan at sabihin sa kanya ang totoo. 

“Excuse me, sorry—” Wonwoo mumbled as he weaved through the crowd, nearly tripping on a stroller parked by the dessert table. Amoy na amoy niya ‘yung vanilla scent ng cupcakes na parang bigla tuloy siyang nagutom. Pero hindi na importante ‘yun. Nasaan si Jeonghan?

“Excuse me, excuse me po,” ulit niya ulit habang sumisingit sa mga tao. May nadaplisan pa siyang upuan, muntik pang matapon ang kape ng isa. Hinanap ng mata niya agad si Jeonghan at nakita niya ito sa may bandang likod, nakikipagtawanan, hawak ang mocktail habang kausap ang ilang kakilala niya. 

Parang mas bumigit ‘yung dibdib ni Wonwoo. Jeonghan was sporting the same smile they all worked so hard for, built so many lies around. 

Hindi niya deserve ‘to, Wonwoo thought. Deserve niyang malaman lahat. 

“Sir Jeonghan!” ” sigaw niya. Halos lahat ay napalingon sa kanya pero wala naman na siyang pake kasi kailangan nang malaman ‘to ni Jeonghan. Agad-agad na napalingon sa kanya si Jeonghan na may halong gulat. Alam naman na ni Wonwoo magiging reaksyon ng boss niya, kasi una sa lahat, hindi naman siya invited dito. 

“Wonwoo?” tanong ni Jeonghan, stepping away from the circle of friends. “Wonwoo, bakit nandito ka? Wala naman akong iuutos and besides, it’s Saturday.”

“Sir Jeonghan, uh, may sasabihin lang po ako,” sambit niya, halos wala siyang hininga kasi ang layo rin nang tinakbo niya kanina. “Five minutes lang po.”

Jeonghan stared at him for a second, tapos tumango at saka siya hinila kung saan wala masyadong tao. “Is it urgent?” tanong ng boss niya. 

More than urgent, actually.

“What is it?”

“Tungkol sa mga nangyari. Sa lahat, about me and Mingyu.” 

Jeonghan tilted his head. “What do you mean? Kayo na ba ni Mingyu? I’m happy for you, Wonwoo.” 

Pucha. Jeonghan genuinely looked so happy like parang finally may jowa ka na Wonwoo look , pero mas lalong nakonsensya si Wonwoo.

Wonwoo didn’t look away. He owed Jeonghan that much.

“I—we manipulated everything,” sambit niya. “Not everything pero sinet up namin kayo ni Seungcheol. Me and Mingyu made it happen. Pinlano namin lahat.” 

Halatang confuses na si Jeonghan and he’s looking at Wonwoo ridiculously. “What are you saying, Wonwoo? Are you fucking with me?” 

Umiling si Wonwoo. Handa na siyang matanggal sa trabaho. Handa na siyang bitawan lahat ng pangarap niya. 

“No, Sir Jeonghan,” sagot niya ulit. “Me and Mingyu, we staged things. ‘Yung una niyong encounter ni Seungcheol sa elevator kaya kayo na-stuck, kami dahilan nu’n. ‘Yung baseball game, pinlano rin naman ‘yun para matapat kayo sa kiss camera. ‘Yung mga letters, notes, wines, flowers, kami lang may gawa ni Mingyu no’n,” tumigil siya saglit para huminga saka nagpatuloy. “We created situations where you’d feel something. Akala ko noon harmless lang. Kasi akala ko mababawasan ‘yung trabaho ko. Akala ko tama lang. Pero mali pala. Pero….”

“Pero?” Jeonghan’s voice was sharper now. Kilala ni Wonwoo ‘yung ganyang tingin. Tingin na hindi na siya sisikatan ng araw. 

“Pero hindi na tama.”

“Bakit mo ‘to sinasabi sa’kin ngayon?” tanong ulit ni Jeonghan, like he was interrogating him. 

“Kasi narinig ‘ko si Seungcheol. Narinig ko siyang may kausap ilang araw bago niyo sabihin sa’min ni Mingyu na engage na kayo. Sabi niya, pumayag lang siya sa kasal niyo para tumahimik na ‘yung mga magulang niya. Hindi ka pa naman daw niya mahal ka. Gusto ka niya, oo, pero hindi pa mahal. Gusto ka niyang pakasalan kasi ikaw ‘yan eh, mayaman, matalino, maimpluwensya. Pero hindi ikaw mismo, Sir Jeonghan. Hindi ikaw.”

Jeonghan blinked. “Bakit ngayon mo lang ‘to sinabi?” 

Wonwoo swallowed the lump on his throat. 

“Kasi hinintay kong bumalik ka bago ko sabihin. Ayokong sabihin lang sa email o kaya sa text,” tuloy ni Wonwoo, halos nanginginig na ‘yung boses niya. “Sir Jeonghan, you deserve the truth. And you deserve a love that’s real.”

For a long time, Jeonghan didn’t say anything.

 “So all this time… I was being handled? Like some PR project?”

Napayuko si Wonwoo. “Hindi ganun ‘yung intensyon namin. I mean, at first. Yes, I was trying to fix your schedule, give you moments of rest, make you date someone, and mas magkakaroon ako ng pahinga. Then we saw how you and Sir Seungcheol clicked, and it just… snowballed.”

“Snowballed,” Jeonghan echoed, dryly. “So naisip niyong paikutin na lang ang mundo ko habang wala akong kaalam-alam?”

“Hindi namin in-expect na aabot sa ganito, Sir Jeonghan. I swear. We didn’t want to hurt you,” pabulong na sambit ni Wonwoo. “Pero alam kong nasaktan ka. Kaya ako nandito. Kasi ayoko nang dagdagan pa ‘yung sakit. I’m so sorry, Sir Jeonghan. Sorry.”

Jeonghan let out a bitter laugh. "Do you have any idea how many nights I spent thinking I was finally lucky with the timing of everything? How I thought, for once, the universe was finally aligning in my favor? And now I find out it was all just a script?"

“Hindi script,” giit ni Wonwoo. “May totoo sa nangyari. Hindi lahat fake. Hindi ‘yung mga ngiti mo, hindi ‘yung saya mo. Kahit ‘yung kay Seungcheol. Alam ko naging totoo rin siya sa’yo at some point.”

“But it started as a lie,” Jeonghan whispered, eyes glistening. “And I’m a journalist, Wonwoo. I build my life around the truth., around statistics You think I can look at Seungcheol the same way now?”

“I’m sorry, Sir Jeonghan,” sabi ni Wonwoo, halos pabulong, at ramdam niya kung paano nanginginig ‘yung boses niya. “I’m sorry, and thank you for believing in me… sa pagtitiwala mo sa’kin, sa trabaho, sa oras, sa espasyo mo, even when I didn’t deserve it. Hindi namin intensyon na saktan ka.”

Napakagat siya sa labi at pilit na ngumiti kahit ang bigat-bigat sa dibdib.

“You didn’t deserve to be lied to. Wala naman talagang may deserve nang ganon. And kung pwede lang balikan lahat, babaguhin ko. Pero ngayon, ang kaya ko na lang gawin ay magsabi ng totoo. Kung anuman ang consequences, tatanggapin ko. I owe you that much.”

Silence.

“You’re fired.”

Doon tuluyang nag-collapse ang mundo ni Wonwoo. Hindi siya gumalaw. Hindi siya makasigaw. Para siyang nawalan ng boses, ng lakas, ng karapatan.

“Sir…”

Ano pa bang in-expect ni Wonwoo? Kung siya rin ang nasa posisyon ni Jeoghan, tatanggalin at tatanggalin talaga niya ‘yung mga ganitong tao sa trabaho. Eh. 

“Please leave,” ulit ni Jeonghan, “I need to clean this mess without the people who created it.”

Nakahilata lang si Wonwoo sa sofa, balot na balot sa kumot na parang burrito, walang balak bumangon mula pa kaninang umaga. Nakapatay ang ilaw, nakabukas lang ang TV na naka-pause sa “Are You Still Watching?” screen ng Netflix, at may mga basyo ng takeout sa sahig. Ganito ang buhay unemployed at tambay — dahil simula noong Sabado na tinanggal siya ni Jeonghan sa trabaho, wala na siyang ginawa kundi magmukmok, umiyak, at i-replay lahat ng maling ginawa niya.

Bigla niyang narinig ang pagbukas ng pinto. Sumunod ang iilang kaluskos, at ang mga yapak na halatang abalang nag-aayos ng kalat.

“Hoy, Wonwoo Jeon!” sigaw ni Jun, habang pinupulot ang mga nakakalat na lalagyan ng fries at crumpled tissue sa sahig. “Anong nangyayari sa’yo ha? Bakit wala ka sa work?”

Hindi sumagot si Wonwoo. Umungol lang mula sa loob ng kumot.

Hinila ni Jun ang kumot nang mabilisan, at tumambad ang pulang-pulang mukha ni Wonwoo na halatang kakatapos lang umiyak.

“Natanggal ako,” bulong niya nang mahina.

Tumigil saglit si Jun, kunot ang noo. “Talaga?”

“Oo nga! Parang ang saya mo pa!” sagot ni Wonwoo, naiiyak ulit. “Tanggal na ‘ko.”

“Oh,” sagot ni Jun, sabay bitaw sa kumot. “Edi good! Hindi ka na pagod! Maghanap ka ng work na gusto mo talaga! Yung makakapagsulat ka’t magagamit mo yang diploma mo!”

Tuluyan nang bumigay si Wonwoo at muling napaiyak. “Pero three years ako do’n, Jun. Tapos wala akong nasulat na maayos na article. Kahit isa. Ang dami ko nang sinimulan pero walang natapos. Tapos galit pa sa’kin si Jeonghan, kaya never na niya akong tutulungan. I’m so bad at this. For months, paulit-ulit lang ako sa isang article na hindi ko matapos. Ang pangit ng draft. Walang puso.”

Napailing si Jun at bigla siyang binatukan. “Nakakainis ka.”

“Aray! Ako pa nakakainis eh ako na nga natanggal sa trabaho? Ang dami ko pa namang shopee na paparating!” angal niya which is true naman talaga na ang dami niyang order pa online. 

“Syempre pangit talaga sa una, Wonwoo Jeon! Alam mo ba kailangan mong gawin?”

“Ano?”

“Go back and make it better. Pero hindi mo siya maaayos kung hindi mo muna sisimulan. Just write something bad, so what? Ganun talaga! Hindi ka naman pinanganak na Pulitzer winner agad. And hello, si Jeonghan? Oo minsan masama ugali niya, pero ang dami mong natutunan sa kanya. Hindi mo lang nagamit kasi palagi kang busy. Ngayon may oras ka na. Kaya bumangon ka diyan.” Sigaw sa kanya ni Jun habang kinukuha ‘yung mga kalat niya mula sa sahig at nilagay sa basurahan. Inayos niya ‘yung isa pang sofa at saka tinignan si Wonwoo. “Wons, hindi ka makakapagsulat kung wala ‘yung atensyon mo do’n.”

Tumingin lang si Wonwoo sa best friend niya na parang bata.

“Bumangon ka. Ngayon na. Kung hindi, susunugin ko ‘tong kumot mo.”

Napilitan si Wonwoo tumayo, pinunasan ang luha niya gamit ang manggas ng hoodie na suot nniya. Hinawakan ni Jun ang braso niya at inalalayan siyang umupo nang maayos.

“Maghahanda ako ng dinner mo. Ikaw, magsimula ka sa title. Kahit ‘Pangit na Draft ni Wonwoo Jeon.’ Okay?”

“Okay,” sagot ni Wonwoo, sabay ngiti. “Magsusulat ako ng pinaka-pangit na article ever.”

“Yes, it’s going to suck!” sigaw ni Jun habang nagsasayaw-sayaw na parang cheerleader at saka niya kinuha ‘yung kamay ni Wonwoo at tumalon-talon. Alam ni Wonwoo na pinapagaan lang ng kaibigan niya ‘yung nararamdaman niya, and it’s actually working. “Pero babasahin pa rin namin ‘yan, Wons! At kung kailangan mo ng input, nandito kam , okay?”

Ngumiti si Wonwoo. Maybe Jun was right. Hindi dahil wala siyang talent o wala siyang kwentang writer pero dahil hindi niya talaga nabigyan ng oras ang sarili niya noon. Laging may deadline, laging may kailangang habulin, laging may ibang inuuna. Kaya siguro kahit gaano niya gustuhin, wala siyang naisusulat. Hindi dahil hindi niya kaya, kundi dahil hindi niya pinayagang huminga at magpahinga ang sarili niya.

“Okay. I got this.”

“You got this, Wons!”

At sa unang pagkakataon sa ilang araw, tumawa si Wonwoo. ‘Yung hindi pa rin mawala ‘yung bigat sa dibdib niya, pero hindi na siya nag-iisa sa pagbitbit nun.

Ngayon, habang nakaupo siya sa harap ng laptop niya, may kape sa tabi niya at post-it note na bigay ni Mingyu pa rin ang nasa gilid ng screen, he realized that maybe all he needed was time. And maybe, now, he finally had it.

At kung magiging honest siya sa sarili niya, he kind of missed Mingyu, too. A little too much.

Nagbukas ulit ng laptop si Wonwoo. Binasa niya mula simula ang draft na binuksan niya kahapon nang paulit-ulit, pero parang walang nadadagdag sa isip niya. Napabuntong-hininga siya, tapos dahan-dahang pinatong ang noo sa desk niya, habang tumutugtog sa background ang playlist na ginawa ni Seungkwan para sa kanya: “Writer in Pain and Need of Salvation.”

Medyo natawa siya ng bahagya sa title, loko talaga ‘tong mga kaibigan niya kahit kailan. 

Pain and need of salvation nga talaga. Kasi kahit gustuhin niyang magsulat, wala siyang mailabas. Parang may bara sa dibdib at utak niya. Sa mga daliri niyang nakatapat na sa keyboard pero ayaw naman gumalaw.

Makalipas ang ilang oras, sinubukan niyang mag-type ulit. 

Limang pangungusap.

Binura.

Limang ulit.

Binura ulit.

Paulit-ulit. 

Napatingin na lang siya sa title ng article niya.

"Pucha naman," bulong niya sa sarili niya. "Bakit ba ang hirap?"

He sighed again, deeper this time.

Pero kahit ganoon, hindi niya sinara ‘yung document. And for some reason, may konting saya naman. Kasi dati, sinasara niya agad kapag hindi siya makaisip. 

Ngayon? Bukas pa rin. Bukas at  naghihintay.

"Maybe that’s enough for now," sambit niya.

Kahit wala pang tamang salita, kahit wala pang kabuuan ‘yung kwento basta nandito siya. At nandiyan ‘yung draft na parang parehong silang naghihintay sa isa’t isa.

And maybe, just maybe, he was slowly finding his way back.

Apat na araw na si Wonwoo na paulit-ulit ang pagbukas ng document. Araw-araw sa parehong file. Parehong headline na hindi pa rin niya gustong palitan. Binabasa niya ‘yung unang paragraph na sinunlat niiya nung nakaraan, hoping na baka sakaling may sumunod na salita. Pero wala. And for the first time, hindi niya ito kinainisan.

Kasi naniniwala si Wonwoo na, in writing, you don’t get to force it.

You don’t command creativity to arrive on your terms. Hindi naman siya robot. Hindi siya task na pwedeng i-schedule sa Google Calendar. You have to wait for it. Nurture it. Show up kahit wala pa. Be patient with it, and in return, it will be kind to you, eventually.

Kaya ngayon, hindi niya na pinipilit ang sarili niya.

Ngayon, kapag walang masulat, okay lang. Kapag isang sentence lang ang kaya niya sa buong araw, okay lang din. Kasi, progress isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s just you, staring at the screen, choosing to stay. Choosing not to give up.

Nag-vibrate ang phone niya.

“Update?” text ni Jun.

Ngumiti si Wonwoo. Hindi niya alam kung matatawa siya o maiiyak. 

“One paragraph.”

 Kasunod agad ang reply ni Jun: “A win is a win, bestie.” 

Napangiti si Wonwoo.

Oo nga naman. A win is a win. Kahit maliit. Kahit hindi pa perfect.

Bumuntong hininga siya at tumingin ulit sa laptop niya. Pinatong niya ang kamay sa keyboard at hinayaan lang tumakbo ang isip niya. Walang pressure. Walang expectations.

Just flow, just write, kahit magulo pa.

At doon, may lumabas. Isang linya. Tapos isa pa. At isa pa.

Hindi niya muna binasa. Hindi niya muna in-edit. For the first time in weeks, hinayaan niya lang.

And for some reason, those messy lines felt more real than any polished draft he had tried to force before.

Kasi ngayon, hindi lang siya basta sumusulat para matapos ang article. He was writing to feel again. To breathe. To believe that maybe, just maybe, he’s still capable of telling a story worth hearing.

Sa gilid ng screen niya, naroon pa rin ‘yung post-it note na bigay ni Mingyu:
“Tuwing titignan mo ‘tong note na ‘to, ipahinga mo ‘yang mga mata mo, Wons. –  Your Business partner, partner-in-crime, Bookmark. 

Tumitig siya do’n saglit. At kahit may kirot pa rin sa dibdib niya, kahit hindi pa rin ayos lahat sa kanila ni Mingyu, he allowed himself to miss Mingyu. Just a little. Quietly.

Come Thursday.
For the first time in almost a week, lumabas ulit si Wonwoo ng apartment niya para magsulat. Hindi na siya nakatalukbong sa kumot, hindi na rin umiiyak sa ilalim ng desk lamp niya habang nakatitig sa laptop niya. This time, nasa labas siya sa maliit na café sa kanto, may kape sa tabi niya at earphones na hindi niya naman talaga pinakikinggan. White noise lang. Para lang hindi masyadong tahimik.

And for the first time, pakiramdam niya may nagawa na siyang tama. Kumpleto na ang article niya. Hindi lang isang paragraph, hindi lang tatlo, apat na buong talata. Apat na talatang buhay na buhay.

Napatigil siya sa pagta-type. Tumitig lang siya sa screen niya. And before he even realized it, he was smiling. Parang gusto niyang umiyak, pero this time, hindi dahil sa guilt, or fear, or heartbreak. He wanted to cry out of relief. Out of joy.

His article was about a twelve-year-old boy from Sultan Kudarat na sumali sa Palarong Pambansa track and field finals. Walang sapatos ang bata. May duct tape lang na nakapulupot sa talampakan para hindi tuluyang mabiyak ang kalyo sa paa niya. But he ran. Not just to finish the race — but to win it. And he did. Gold medal.

“Hindi ko naman po kailangan ng sapatos para manalo, kailangan ko lang pong tumakbo,” sabi ng bata. 

That one quote. That one line. Tumagos sa puso ni Wonwoo ‘yun.

Parang ganoon din siya ngayon.

Hindi niya kailangan ng perpektong trabaho, ng validation ni Jeonghan, or even a full-blown plan for the future. He just needed to keep running. Keep writing. Keep going.

He took a deep breath. And this time, he allowed himself to cry sa isang sulok ng café, habang lumalamig ‘yung kape niya at nagpi-play pa rin ‘yung background noise, Wonwoo was finally proud of something again.

Habang tinititigan niya ‘yung title ng article niya, hindi lang niya nakita ‘yung sarili niya sa batang ‘yon. He felt like, somehow, he was helping fulfill the dream of a young Filipino athlete.

By writing this, by telling the boy’s story, he was giving him the spotlight he deserved. A platform and a chance to be seen, to be celebrated, not just as someone who won gold, but as someone who ran against all odds.

At sa pagkukuwento ni Wonwoo, parang tinulungan na rin niyang buuin ‘yung pangarap ng batang ‘yon. Hindi niya alam kung saan niya ipa-publish ‘yang article niya na ‘yan, kung saan niya ipapasa, pero bukas na siguro niya ‘yan iisipin. Masaya siya ngayon na natapos na niya. 

A simple article.

But for a kid like that?

It could mean everything. 

And maybe this was the kind of writer he wanted to be all along. One who writes not just to meet deadlines or please bosses, but someone who writes to give voice to those who don’t always get heard.

This was the kind of story that made him fall in love with writing in the first place.

Pinikit niya ‘yung mga mata niya at sabay bulong ng, “I did something good today.” And this time, he believed it.

Sir Jeonghan
6:49 AM
Get your things from the office today by 9 AM sharp.

Tumigil ang mundo ni Wonwoo nang mabasa niya ‘yung text. Ilang beses niyang tiningnan ang screen, binasa ito nang paulit-ulit, as if the words would somehow change.

Wala namang ibang nakasulat. Walang “good morning,” walang kahit anong clue kung anong klaseng mood mayroon si Jeonghan ngayon. Just that cold, formal, final.

Bumuntong hininga si Wonwoo at dahan-dahang ibinaba ang phone. Dalawang linggo na rin mula noong huling beses siyang pumasok sa opisina. Dalawang linggo nang tahimik na paghilom, nang paulit-ulit na pagsulat at pagbura, nang pagyakap sa sariling pagkakamali. Pero ito na. Kailangan na rin niyang harapin ang dulo. O kaya ang panibagong simula.

Hindi naman siya umaasa. Hindi na rin siya nag-iilusyon. Ang gusto lang niya ay makaharap si Jeonghan at humingi ng tawad ulit ng tawad sa huling pagkakataon. Because maybe that’s the only thing he could do right now: to show up and own up. 

Today he would be brave and face the past, and finally make peace with it.

» [stuck with you] «

 0:25─〇───── 0:25

Huling tinanggal ni Wonwoo ‘yung post-it note galing kay Mingyu na matagal nang nakadikit sa gilid ng computer monitor niya. Kulay dilaw na medyo kumupas na sa tagal nakadikit diyan. 

Napangiti siya, pero sandaling ngiti lang, ‘yung tipong may kasamang lungkot pero nakakahinga na siya nang maluwag. Tinupi niya ‘yung note nang maingat at nilagay sa pinakailalim ng box na may laman na ng personal niyang gamit — isang framed photo nila ng team noong unang company event niya, ang paborito niyang mug na may stain na ng instant coffee sa loob, ilang ballpen na gumagana’t hindi, at isang maliit na cactus na, sa totoo lang, si Mingyu pa ang nagregalo, picture nila nung kasal ni Jun, at kung anu-ano pang personal na gamit na nadala niya sa office. 

Tiningnan niya ang desk niya sa huling pagkakataon. Dito siya unang naupo bilang isang fresh graduate na takot tumanggap ng mga trabaho kasi baka magkamali siya. Dito rin siya unang pinagalitan ni Jeonghan, unang pinuri sa trabaho, at unang napuyat sa mga deadlines na kailangan niyang habulin. Dito sila nag-uusap ni Mingyu tuwing mag-oovertime sila, dito ilalapag ni Mingyu ‘yung kape niya, at sobrang dami pang memories na bibitbitin niya. 

Wonwoo would be lying if he said he wouldn’t miss this. Because he will.

Heartbreakingly so.

First jobs are like first loves — never perfect, often messy, but unforgettable. Dito siya natutong tumanggap ng constructive criticism mula sa boss niya, dito rin siya unang natutong uminom ng kape sa stress, at dito niya unang naramdaman na kaya pala niyang tumayo sa sariling paa. Dahil sa trabahong ito, nakatulong siya sa pamilya, may naitayo silang maliit na bahay sa probinsya, at kahit minsan lang, nabili niya ‘yung mga bagay na noon, pangarap lang niya.

Pero higit sa lahat, dito rin siya unang umibig nang tahimik. Dito niya sa building na ‘to nakilala si Mingyu. Dito siya natutong tumawa nang mas malakas, tumitig nang mas matagal, at umasa nang hindi niya namamalayan.

Dito nabuo ‘yung mga parte ng sarili niyang ngayon ay hindi na lang basta empleyado — kundi isang tao na lumaban, natuto, at ngayon ay marunong nang bumitaw kahit masakit.

Kaya habang hawak niya ang kahon ng gamit niya, alam niyang bitbit din niya ang lahat ng alaala, hindi lang ng trabaho, kundi ng mga taong minahal at minahal siya.

At hindi lang ‘yung 11th floor ang mamimiss niya.

Mamimiss din niya ang 15th floor. Hindi dahil sa trabaho pero dahil nandoon si Mingyu.

He looked up briefly, as if tinititigan ang kisame, pero alam niyang tinatanong niya sa sarili: Nasaan kaya si Mingyu ngayon?

It’s been two weeks. Two whole weeks of radio silence. Walang message, walang tawag, ni isang text lang wala. Parang sabay nilang piniling umiwas muna — space, as people call it. Pero sa totoo lang, sa bawat araw na lumipas, mas namimiss niya lang si Mingyu.

Hindi siya sigurado kung paano sila ulit magkikita. Pero sigurado siya na mangyayari ‘yon. Sooner or later, magkukrus din muli ang mga landas nila. Hindi man sa opisina, pero sa mundong maliit, magkakabanggaan at magkakatinginan din ulit. 

Napalingon siya sa glass door ng opisina ni Jeonghan, wala pa ito sa loob. Siguro sinandya niyang papuntahin si Wonwoo nang ganitong oras para hindi sila magkita kasi kinasusuklaman niya ang dating assistant. Well, hindi naman niya rin masisisi ang boss niya. 

Tama si Jun na marami nga siyang natutunan kay Jeonghan sa loob ng tatlong taon. Natutunan niyang maging matapang kahit nanginginig na ‘yung tuhod niya. Natutunan niyang gamitin ‘yung boses niya, even when it felt like no one was listening. Natutunan niyang magtanong, mag-demand ng clarity, at hindi matakot sa confrontation. 

He learned how to fight for an idea, and own up to his mistakes. Na kahit mali siya, basta marunong siyang tumanggap at matuto, hindi siya mawawala. Jeonghan was tough, yes, but he was also brilliant. And underneath that brilliance was a kind of mentorship na hindi mo agad makikita, pero mararamdaman mo sa mga pagkakataong pinapalaban ka niya kahit ayaw mo na.

Kay Jeonghan niya natutunang na silence can be a strategy, that pausing doesn’t mean losing, and that every word on a page carries weight kaya dapat alam mo kung bakit mo sinusulat.

So yes, kahit nasaktan siya, kahit natanggal siya, he’s still thankful. As cliche as it sounds, not all endings mean failure. Sometimes, they just mean you’re finally ready for something new.

Ngumiti siya for the last time sa desk niya, as if baka sakaling ngumiti rin pabalik ‘yung desk  niya. ‘Yung countless late nights, endless scheduling of Jeonghan’s agenda, at mga tawang ubos-lungkot kasama ang team. Bitbit ang box ng mga gamit niya, handa na sana siyang magpaalam one last time, pero napahinto siya nang bigla niyang marinig ang pamilyar na boses mula sa kabilang side ng floor.

“Tell me something I don’t know!”

Nanigas si Wonwoo sa kinatatayuan niya. Alam na alam niya ‘yan. Signature line ‘yan ni Jeonghan kapag tinatawag na nito ang atensyon ng buong team para manermon o kaya magbigay ng reminder. 

Halos sabay-sabay tumayo ang mga tao sa paligid niya at kahit siya, parang muscle memory na lang nilang lahat. Hindi pa siya napapansin ni Jeonghan, pero rinig niya ang buong litanya nito.

“Mina, triple-check the names before you submit. Sports journalism is about facts, not vibes. Karina, ang creative layout natin ay dapat laging may logic, understood? Chan, I need two captions, not just one. Tapos ‘yung font na ginamit niyo kahapon, it looked like it belonged to a cupcake shop. This is sports, not a bakery, okay? Paulit-ulit na lang. Are we falling apart?”

“Also,” dagdag pa nito, “I know it's been a rough week, but I need everyone to remember to write with purpose.” 

Pagkatapos no’n, tumalikod na si Jeonghan para pumasok sa opisina niya pero natigilan ito sa pintuan.

Napatingin siya kay Wonwoo. And for a brief second, time seemed to pause.

Jeonghan smiled. Soft, calm. Almost like he was welcoming someone home.

“Let’s talk inside, Wonwoo.”

Nagulat si Wonwoo. Hindi niya alam kung anong mararamdaman niya. Kaba, guilt, relief, o lahat ng ‘yon sabay-sabay. Kasi what the fuck, bakit nakangiti sa kanya si Jeonghan?

Tumango siya, bitbit pa rin ang box ng gamit niya, at sumunod kay Jeonghan papasok sa loob ng opisina.

Pagkapasok pa lang, hindi na siya nagpatumpik-tumpik.

“Sir Jeonghan, for the last time, I’m so sorry po sa lahat-lahat nang nagawa ko. Pinagsisihan ko na po ‘yon. Lahat. Hindi ko na hinihingi na maibalik ‘yung trabaho, gusto ko lang po humingi ng tawad nang personal.”

Tahimik si Jeonghan saglit, bago siya tumango. “You’re forgiven, Wonwoo. You were forgiven the moment you told me the truth.”

“Po?” nanlaki ang mata ni Wonwoo.

Finally, umupo si Jeonghan sa upuan niya at tiningnan si Wonwoo.  “Do you really think I’d just let you go like that? The team’s been falling apart since you left. You have no idea how important you were to the daily flow of the office. So many things are off schedule, so many little details are getting missed, things you used to catch without being asked. And it’s not just about the work you did. It’s your presence. You held everything together more than you realize.”

Napayuko si Wonwoo Kasi parang hindi niya deserve ‘yung kabutihan ni Jeonghan ngayon. Isa pa, alam niya rin namang hindi na siya babalik sa pagiging personal assistant. “Thank you, Sir Jeonghan. Pero hindi ko na po tatanggapin ‘yung position. Hindi po dahil galit ako or anything. Gusto ko lang pong subukan ulit magsulat. I want to see if I can still do it.”

Tahimik ulit si Jeonghan, pero ngumiti siya. “Can I have your article, then?”

“Po?” muling tanong ni Wonwoo. 

Natawa si Jeonghan sa sagot niya, tumango habang umaabot ng papel mula sa mesa. “I’m an editor, remember? Let me read it.”

Oh My God.

Agad-agad kinuha ni Wonwoo mula sa bag niya ang folded, slightly crumpled copy ng printed article niya na sabi niya sa sarili niya ay lagi na niyang dadalhin. Hindi niya in-expect na si Jeonghan pa pala ‘yung unang makakabasa. Nanginginig pa ang kamay niyang iniabot ito kay Jeonghan.

Tahimik na binasa ni Jeonghan ang ilang unang linya. Nagtaas ito ng kilay. “Nice headline. And the hook? Ganda ng rhythm. I can already feel the young athlete’s journey just from the first paragraph.”

Napangiti si Wonwoo. Halos hindi siya makapaniwala. Pinuri siya ni Jeonghan. Hindi bilang assistant, kundi bilang writer.

“Sabi ko na sa’yo, you have so much potential in you,” dagdag ni Jeonghan habang tinapik-tapik ang papel. “And I’m not saying this just because gusto kitang bumalik sa trabaho. I’m saying this as your editor now.”

Wonwoo smiled. “Thank you po, Sir Jeonghan.” 

Jeonghan leaned back in his chair, still holding the article like it meant something. “This paper stays with me for now. I’ll review it again and get back to you within the day.”

He looked up at Wonwoo, his voice gentler now. “And Wonwoo, please keep writing. Kahit hindi under my supervision. Kahit saan ka mapunta. Just keep writing. Don’t stop again.”

Wonwoo could only nod, throat tightening. It felt like air after drowning.

“But I do have a proposal,” dagdag ni Jeonghan, now sounding more like the sharp editor he was known for. “Nothing urgent. Think of it as something to consider.”

Wonwoo tilted his head, curious.

“I want you to write a full feature,” tuloy ni Jeonghan. “A cover story for our next monthly issue. It’s going to be about underdog athletes, those who came from nothing but are making their mark. And I want your voice in it. Raw, real, and exactly how you wrote this article.”

Napakunot-noo si Wonwoo. “Po? Ako? Cover?”

Jeonghan smiled. “Yes. You. Not as an assistant. As a writer. This would be your first official byline under our publication if you say yes.”

Then he softened. “I’ll wait for your answer until next week. No pressure. For now, rest. Breathe. You’ve been through a lot, and I’m proud of you for making it this far.”

Wonwoo could barely speak. A cover story? From him?

Oh My God talaga!

“Thank you, Sir Jeonghan. Sobrang thank you.”

“Sige na, you can go. Take a rest muna,” sabi ni Jeonghan habang inayos ang papel sa mesa niya.

Tumango si Wonwoo, mahigpit pa rin ang hawak sa box ng gamit niya. Paalis na siya, palabas na ng opisina nang biglang nagsalita ulit si Jeonghan.

“And oh, Wonwoo. Baka ‘ko pala makalimutan,”

Napalingon siya. “Sir?”

“Nakausap ko pala si Mingyu.”

Nanlaki ang mata ni Wonwoo. “Po?”

Napatawa si Jeonghan, pinipigilan mang halatang tuwang-tuwa siya sa reaksyon ni Wonwoo. “Nung araw na kinausap mo ko sa baby shower. I went back here to clear my mind, para mag-isip. Pagbalik ko, nagkasalubong kami sa first floor,”

Napatigil si Wonwoo. Natuyuan siya ng lalamunan.

“And you know,” patuloy ni Jeonghan, nakangiti na parang inaasar pa siya, “sabi niya, kapag nagrereklamo ka raw tungkol sa’kin, you’re actually complimenting me.”

“Huh?” lutang na tanong ni Wonwoo.

“Yeah. Kasi you look up to me, sabi niya. Sabi pa niya na I’m a badass. He has his way with words, no?” Tumawa si Jeonghan. “Pero he was honest. Hindi niya itinago lahat. Inamin niya lahat. And I didn’t even need to ask if he was sincere because I could see it right away.”

Tahimik lang si Wonwoo. Hindi niya alam kung mahihiya ba siya, matutuwa, o iiyak na naman kasi mas namiss niya lalo si Mingyu. 

“At isa pa,” dagdag ni Jeonghan, “he talked a lot about you. Not just about what happened, but about who you are. About how you write. About how much he believes in you. Sabi niya, you’re the kind of person who notices the quiet details, ‘yung mga bagay na hindi napapansin ng karamihan. Na you don’t write just to impress, you write because you care. He said that’s what makes your words stick.”

Tumigil sandali si Jeonghan, parang tinitimbang kung sasabihin pa ba niya ‘yung sumunod. Pero tuloy pa rin siya. “Mingyu told me that he was proud of you. And that he’s sorry for everything. That if there’s one thing he regrets, it’s making you doubt how he truly felt. He told me he loved you, you know.”

“Also, nag-resign na siya kay Seungcheol,” dagdag pa ni Jeonghan. "he said he needed to start over. Somewhere he can rebuild not just his career, but himself,” Jeonghan smiled softly. “Yeah, he loves you, Wonwoo. He didn’t say it loudly, but he meant it. And I think he was hoping that somehow, you still feel the same.”

“Po?” Wala na siyang ibang sinabi kundi po! Jusko.

Napatingin si Wonwoo. 

My God, Mingyu Kim!

Napatungo si Wonwoo. Hinigpitan niya ang hawak sa box. Of course, he still feels the same. Mahal niya si Mingyu, sobra. 

“You’re surrounded by people who care, Wonwoo,” ani Jeonghan. “Don’t forget that.”

Jeonghan stood from his desk and gave Wonwoo a small nod. “Sige na, you can go,” he said, a little softer this time.

Sabay na silang naglakad palabas ng opisina. Pagkabukas ng pinto, saglit na natigil si Jeonghan, kinuha ang phone mula sa bulsa, nag-type saglit, then slipped it back in quickly. Paglingon niya kay Wonwoo, may ngiti sa labi niya.

“I’m looking forward to working with you,” Jeonghan said. “But whatever your decision is, I’ll be rooting for you.”

Napakagat ng labi si Wonwoo, trying to keep the sudden surge of emotion at bay. He just nodded, hugged the box tighter to his chest, and whispered, “Thank you, Sir.”

Jeonghan just smiled. “Go. Rest. And write.”

Ngumiti si Wonwoo habang isinasara ang pinto ng opisina ni Jeonghan. Hawak pa rin niya ang box ng gamit niya, pero ngayon, mas magaan na ang hakbang niya. Dumaan siya sa workspace ng team at nagpaalam one last time. Kina Soonyoung, Karina, Mina, at Chan — mga naging kakampi niya sa bawat deadline, overtime, at office potluck.

“Uy, Wonwoo! Saan ka na pupunta after nito?” tanong ni Mina habang niyayakap siya.

“Ah, wala pa naman,” sagot niya. “Papahinga muna siguro ako.”

“Proud kami sa’yo, ha,” sabi ni Karina sabay kapa din sa kanya. 

Nang makapagpaalam na siya ay lumabas na siya sa office at lumiko siya papunta sa kabilang dulo ng hallway — ibang department pero under pa rin ni Jeonghan. Isa rin itong parte ng publication pero ibang team, ibang mundo. Dito naka-base ang mga writers na hinahangaan niya noon pa man.

Pagdating niya sa pinto, dahan-dahan siyang kumatok. Si Jihoon ang unang nakakita sa kanya.

“Uy, Wonwoo! Long time! Balita?”

“Wala lang, dumaan lang ako to say goodbye,” sagot niya. 

“Oo nga. Nabalitaan nga namin na nag-resign ka na raw sabi ni Sir Jeonghan. Sayang! Laging chill kapag nandito ka sa area namin, eh,” sabat naman ni Lisa, isa sa mga writers.

Ngumiti si Wonwoo at huminga nang malalim. “Thank you. Ang dami kong natutunan dito, kahit nasa kabilang office ako palagi. 

“You’re gonna do great, Wonwoo!” sigaw ni Jihoon. “Good luck sa new journey!”

“Break a leg, Jeon!” sigaw naman ni Jihyo. 

Huminga siya nang malalim habang bitbit pa rin niya ang box ng gamit niya pero mas magaan na. Nakangiti siya habang naglalakad palabas ng department at papuntang elevator. 

Pinindot niya ang unang floor saka naghintay na bumukas ang elevator.  At sa sobrang dami ng iniisip niya, hindi na niya napansin kung sino ‘yung mga ang nasa loob nang bumukas ang elevator. May dalawang taong lumabas pero ramdam niya na may tao sa gilid niya. 

Napalingon siya kasi pamilyar ‘yung amoy ng pabango nito, hindi niya alam kung nag-iilusyon lang siya pero pabango ni Mingyu ‘yun. At noong lumingon siya, hindi siya nagkakamali. 

Coincidence? 

Hindi niya alam. Pero parang pinaglalaruan siya ng universe ngayong araw. 

Si Mingyu na nakatayo sa gilid niya. Wala itong dala kundi sarili niya lang. He’s wearing his earth tone polo and white slacks. Nakatingin din siya kay Wonwoo at halatang kanina niya pa ito tinitignan. 

Pero pareho silang nagulat pero walang nagsalita. Walang kumukurap sa kanilang dalawa. Hindi tuloy alam ni Wonwoo kung saan niya ibabaling ang tingin. Sa bag niya? Sa sapatos niya? Sa ilaw sa ceiling? Sa box na hawak niya?

Ang tanging naririnig nila ay ang mahinang tunog ng elevator na paakyat.

Then suddenly — a slight jolt.

Sumindi ang red light. Elevator stopped.

“What the hell,” bulong ni Wonwoo, halos automatic.

Napatingin siya kay Mingyu, who let out a soft laugh, but didn’t say anything. 

Wonwoo swallowed the lump in his throat, eyes blinking fast like it would help him process everything. Ito na ba ‘yung karma niya sa ginawa nila kina Jeonghan at Seungcheol sa elevator?

Lesson learned, isip ni Wonwoo habang pinipigilan na irapan ang sarili. 

And just like that, they were alone. In silence. Stuck together. This time, with no plan.

Ramdam ni Wonwoo ang kaba sa dibdib niya. Hindi dahil sa elevator, kundi dahil sa katotohanang miss na miss na niya si Mingyu. Ilang linggo rin silang hindi nagkita. No texts, no updates, not even a “hi.” Ang dami niyang gustong sabihin, pero parang hindi niya kayang simulan.

Napansin niyang si Mingyu nakatayo lang sa gilid niya si Mingyu. Pareho silang nakatayo sa magkabilang gilid, pero parang sobrang lapit na rin. Wala pa ring nagsasalita. Ilang segundo, ilang minuto, parang habang-buhay.

At dun lang na-realize ni Wonwoo, habang tinititigan niya ‘yung reflection ni Mingyu sa elevator door: Kaya ko bang pakawalan ‘tong lalaking ‘to?

S’yempre hindi.

Kung hindi niya kayang talikuran ang pagsusulat kahit ilang beses na siyang nadapa, kahit ilang gabi siyang napuyat sa pagtingin sa laptop niya kahit walang maisip na sentence at kung hindi niya tinalikuran ang pangarap niyang ‘yon bakit niya kailangang bitawan si Mingyu?

Pinili niyang magpursige bilang writer, kahit wala nang kasiguraduhan. At ngayon, habang nasa loob sila ng elevator na parang pinaglalaruan sila ng tadhana, kailangan niya ring harapin ‘yung nararamdaman niya, hindi para kay Mingyu lang, kundi para rin sa sarili niya.

Mingyu was still looking straight ahead, unaware that every second of silence was cracking something inside Wonwoo’s chest. 

At doon napakapit nang mahigpit si Wonwoo sa box na hawak niya, hindi dahil mabigat, kundi dahil kung hindi siya hahawak sa isang bagay, baka hindi niya kayaning itago ‘yung nararamdaman niya paunti-unti nang bumabalik sa ibabaw.

Kung hindi ngayon, kailan pa?

Kung may ilalaban pa, baka pwede pang simulan ulit.

“Mingyu,”

“Wonwoo,” 

Sabay pa talaga. Pareho silang natawa.

Tahimik lang silang nakatayo sa loob ng elevator, nakatitig sa isa’t isa, habang parang bumagal ang oras.

Then finally, huminga nang malalim si Wonwoo. Humarap na siya nang tuluyan kay Mingyu, tumingala, at ngumiti.

“Mingyu…” Wonwoo started, voice a little shaky. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Wons.” 

Nagulat si Wonwoo doon, well, alam naman niyang Mingyu feels the same way pero hindi niya in-expect na agad-agad sasagot si Mingyu sa kanya as if he didn’t want to miss any opportunity.

“I’m sorry,” sabi ni Wonwoo. “I’m sorry sa lahat ng mga sinabi ko. Sa lahat ng  mganasabi kong hindi ko naman talaga mini-mean. Sa mga pagkakataong pinili kong lumayo imbes na harapin ka. I’m sorry na pinagdudahan kita. I’m sorry kung hindi ko sinabi agad na mahal din kita.”

Mingyu stepped closer, just enough for Wonwoo to feel his warmth again. “Ako rin. I’m sorry. Sa lahat ng hindi ko nasabi. Sa mga bagay na huli ko nang naamin. I should’ve protected you better. I should’ve protected us better.” 

May katahimikan ulit na namagitan sa kanilang dalawa. Hindi pa rin gumagalaw ang elevator, ibig-sabihin ay stuck pa rin sila sa loob.

Then Mingyu’s voice dropped low. “Pero Wons, kung sa ngayon, kung sa puntong ‘to, gusto mong mawala na lang ako sa buhay mo, kung ‘yon ‘yung kailangan ko para makabawi, para gumaan ang lahat, gagawin ko.”

Napasinghap si Wonwoo.

“I’ll disappear,” tuloy ni Mingyu. “I won’t bother you, I won’t ask for anything. But…”

Humakbang pa si Mingyu nang konti, pinanood siya ni Wonwoo na parang may sasabihin pa.

“But if there’s even a tiny chance, kahit sobrang liit lang na baka isang araw, you’ll want me to stay, Wonwoo, I’ll wait. I’ll wait as long as it takes.”

Hindi sinasadya ni Wonwoo na matawa kaya napataas ang kilay ni Mingyu as if asking him what’s even funny. Natawa lang siya kasi as if namang pakawalan niya si Mingyu, noh!

Tumango si Wonwoo, wiping the corner of his eye habang natatawa pa rin nang kaunti. “Sorry, sorry,” aniya. “Natawa lang ako kasi as if namang pakawalan pa kita.”

Mingyu blinked, stunned. “What?”

Ngumiti si Wonwoo. “You’re talking like I ever stopped wanting you to stay.”

And just like that, parang may pumutok na liwanag sa loob ng elevator. Hindi literal, pero ‘yung klase ng liwanag na bumabalot sa puso mo kapag alam mong 'Ah, Shit. I’m safe here.'

Tumawa na rin si Mingyu. “Sabi mo kasi nu’n, ‘wag na tayong magkita. Alam mo bang sobrang natakot ako no’n, Wonwoo? Hindi ako halos makatulog kasi akala ko mawawala ka na sa’kin. Hindi na kita makikita. Hindi na kita maririnig. Hindi na kita masasabayan sa lunch break mo kahit pa ang daldal mo kapag kumakain tayo at ang bilis mong magsalita.” 

Huminga nang malalim si Mingyu. “Ang hirap, Wons. Ang hirap mong pakawalan.”

Wonwoo stepped closer. Binaba niya muna ‘yung box na dala niya at saka niya kinuha ‘yung kamay ni Mingyu, intertwining their fingers. “Hindi ako mawawala sa’yo. I’m sorry kung nasabi ko ‘yun, I didn’t mean it, Gyu. Sorry talaga. For the record, mahal din kita at hindi ko kayang pakawalan ka, okay?”

Mingyu stared at their hands, then at Wonwoo — his eyes softening, like the weight he’d been carrying for weeks suddenly became lighter. Napalunok siya.

“Okay,” Mingyu whispered. “Okay. I’m fucking in love with you, Wonwoo.”

Napangiti si Wonwoo, hinigpitan pa niya ang pagkakahawak sa kamay ni Mingyu. “I’m in love with you too, Mingyu.”

Mingyu laughed, tearfully. “Miss na miss kita, Wons. Hindi mo alam kung gaano ko pinigilan sarili ko na puntahan ka sa apartment mo. Gabi-gabi kong tinitingnan ‘yung phone ko, hinihintay kung magme-message ka o uunahan ko na. Pero hindi ko ginawa kasi alam kong kailangan mo ng space, alam kong kailangan mong i-process lahat. You deserved that.”

Huminga nang malalim si Mingyu bago nagpatuloy. “Pero Wons, tama ka. Dapat ginawa natin ‘yung tama noon pa. I’m sorry if it took me so long to speak up. To be brave. Ang tagal kong nagkunwaring okay lang ‘yung ginawa at sinabi ni Seungcheol. Pero the truth is, I was just really scared. Natakot akong mawala ‘yung lahat ng pinaghirapan mo para sa pangarap mo, pangarap ko, natakot akong mawala ka.”

Tumingin siya kay Wonwoo. “And because of that fear, I ended up hurting the one person I should’ve protected the most. I should’ve told the truth. I should’ve stood by you. I should’ve been better.”

“Wons,” dagdag pa niya, “I’m sorry for being silent when it mattered the most. I’m sorry for choosing comfort over courage. And I’m sorry if I ever made you feel like your voice didn’t matter. Kasi it does. You do.”

Tahimik lang si Wonwoo habang nakatingin kay Mingyu, hinahayaan muna siyang magsalita, hayaan siyang ibuhos lahat ng inipon niyang emosyon. Pero nang matapos si Mingyu at tuluyang bumuntong-hininga sa harap niya, saka siya tumugon.

“It’s okay, Gyu,” bulong niya habang pinisil ang kamay nito. “I get it now. You were scared, and I was, too. Pero at the end of the day we still chose to be good people.”

“I’m proud of you,” tuloy ni Wonwoo, this time with a soft smile. “Kasi kahit huli, you still chose what’s right. You stood up for the truth. That takes courage, Gyu. And I know it wasn’t easy.”

“I’m proud of you, too, Wons,” sabi ni Mingyu. “More than you’ll ever know.”

Ngumiti si Wonwoo, saka mahinang tumawa. “So ngayon, alam na natin ‘di ba? Next time, I mean, alam kong matanda na tayo to know what’s right and wrong, pero minsan talaga, nagkakamali pa rin tayo.” Tiningnan niya si Mingyu nang diretso, hawak pa rin ang kamay nito. “Ang importante, natuto tayong harapin ‘yung problema. Hindi tayo tumakbo. Kaya kapag may dumating ulit na pagsubok, isipin lang natin na it’s our chance to earn battle scars.”

“Battle scars?”

“Oo,” sagot ni Wonwoo. “Proof na lumaban tayo. Kahit mahirap, kahit takot tayo pero tinapos natin nang tama.”

Saglit na tumawa si Mingyu. “Basta hindi na gan’ung klase ng problema tulad nung nangyari.”

Natawa na rin si Wonwoo, sabay iling. “Oo naman, loko. Once is more than enough.”

Mingyu took a breath, and this time, dahan-dahang hinaplos ang pisngi ni Wonwoo. “Thank you for staying, Wons. For forgiving me. For still choosing me.”

“Thank you din,” sagot ni Wonwoo, leaning into his hand. “For waiting and forgiving despite sa mga nasabi ko. For loving me even when I made it hard. Kasi kahit galit ako, kahit nasaktan ako, I never stopped.”

“Me neither,” bulong ni Mingyu. “And I won’t.”

Ngumiti si Wonwoo. “Alam mo dito na ‘yung scene na magkikiss na yung mga bida sa movie eh,”

Ngumiti rin si Mingyu, eyes softening at the edges as he tilted his head slightly. “Yeah?” sambit  niya. 

“Now’s a good time, tingin mo, Mingyu?”

Mingyu let out a shaky breath, half-laugh, half-sigh, like he’d been holding that moment in for years. Mas lumapit pa ngayon si Mingyu sa kanya para mas maramdaman niya ‘yung hininga ni Wonwoo. 

Mingyu’s hands found its way to Wonwoo’s waist, the other brushing up gently to cradle his face like something fragile. Wonwoo, on the other hand, reached up and rested his hand on Mingyu’s chest, steadying himself, and grounding them both.

And finally, they kissed.

They leaned in at the same time, foreheads brushing first, lips hovering for a second like a question. Then the answer came when their lips finally touched. 

Walang pagmamadali sa halikan nila, hindi rin ito katulad ng mga nasa movies where sparks flew dramatically. This was real, full of gentle pressure, and a kiss that said: We’ve been apart for weeks, let us have this kiss.

Mingyu tilted his head, deepening the kiss just slightly, not with urgency, but with need. His thumb brushed the corner of Wonwoo’s jaw, memorizing every part of him. Wonwoo’s hand slid up to curl behind Mingyu’s neck, pulling him closer until their chests met, heartbeats almost syncing.

When they pulled apart slowly and unwillingly, foreheads rested against each other’s. They were both catching their breath, eyes closed for a moment, as if the kiss had rewound time and stitched every broken piece back together.

It felt like coming home.

Ngumiti si Mingyu, “I love you, baby.” 

Wonwoo smiled back. “I love you too, partner.” 

May saglit na katahimikan sa kanila hanggang sa nagsalita si Wonwoo. 

“Wait, bakit ka pala nandito?” tanong ni Wonwoo.

“Ah, sabi kasi ni Jeonghan sa’kin kahapon may iniwan ka raw para sa’kin kaya kukunin ko sana. Ano pala yung iniwan mo?”

Nang narinig ni Wonwoo ang tanong ni Mingyu kung ano ang iniwan niya, agad siyang napatigil. Wala siyang maalala. Wala siyang iniwang kahit ano para kay Mingyu.

Napakunot ang noo niya. “Wala naman akong iniwan para sa’yo, eh.”

“Ha? Eh bakit ako pinapunta ng boss mo?” 

At doon nila sabay-sabay na-realize.

Parang biglang may ilaw na bumukas sa ulo nila pareho. Parang isang eksena sa pelikula kung saan sabay nilang binigkas sa isip ang parehong pangalan: 

Jeonghan.

Una ay may katahimikan sa pagitan nila.

Tapos sabay silang napatawa. Sabay din silang tumingala sa CCTV ng elevator at ngumiti. 

Ding!

Parang magic, biglang gumana na ang elevator. After all that confession, all that silence, now the doors were finally open.

Mingyu laughed. “Set up, huh?” 

Wonwoo smiled. “Set up.” 

Well, tama nga naman silang dalawa. Jeonghan was looking at them through a screen inside the staff room with a smile on his face. “Thank you, Kuya Jim.” 

“Parang ilang buwan lang ang nakakalipas sir ‘yang dalawang ‘yan ‘yung nandito eh.” Sagot ni Kuya Jim. 

Jeonghan just laughed.

 » [this will be an everlasting love] «

∞──────∞

(5 years later)

The lights were warm and golden. Champagne glasses clinked from table to table, laughter echoed through the air, and everyone had the same glow that only love and maybe a bit of alcohol could bring. Sa gitna ng venue, may maliit na stage na may mic at spotlight  at sa ngayon, si Wonwoo ang nakatayo ro’n, hawak ang mic with slightly trembling fingers, pero nakangiti siya. Unang tumama ang tingin niya sa lalaking katabi niya ngayon , naka-black suit, buhok na medyo magulo na parang sinadya naman niya, at hindi rin maitago ang ngiti. Sobrang gwapo, at kahit kasal na sila, parang hindi pa rin makapaniwala si Wonwoo na asawa na niya siya.

Inikot niya ang paningin niya. Sa table nina Jun, Minghao, Seungkwan, at Vernon na may hawak na wine glasses. Si Jun na nakangiti, at Si Seungkwan, as usual, sobrang OA at umiiyak pa.

Tapos tumama rin ang tingin niya kay Jeonghan na kaibigan narin niya ngayon. Pero higit sa lahat, si Jeonghan na tinuruan siyang manindigan, magsalita, at magsulat nang may puso. The Jeonghan who stayed when everything fell apart. The one who didn’t just forgive him — but believed in him again. Working with him became one of the greatest turns in his life.

“Uh, hi,” bungad niya, kasunod ng konting hiyawan mula sa guests. “Hindi ko alam bakit ako kinakabahan eh kasal ko naman ‘to,” 

Tumawa ang karamihan, at may iilang sigaw ng “We love you, Wons!” mula sa friends niya. Mula sa dulo ng crowd.

Wonwoo breathed in. Then smiled.

“Sabi ng kaibigan ko dati, ayan si Jun,” sabi niya sabay turo kay Jun na kumaway naman. “Noong na-engage sila ni Hao, may sinabi raw ‘yung lola niya sa kanya. You like because, and you love despite.”

Tahimik lang lahat at nakatingin kay Wonwoo sa audience.

“You like someone because of all their qualities, and you love someone despite some of their qualities. You like someone because they’re kind, they’re funny, they make you feel safe, they bring out the best in you. And I liked my husband because of all those things. Because he’s the type of person na maghahatid sa’yo kahit maulan, magdadala ng extra jacket kahit hindi mo naman hinihingi, at magtatabi ng ketchup packets ng Jollibee kasi alam niyang gusto mo ‘yun.”

Tumingin siya sa asawa na niya ngayon, who now had that soft, teary-eyed smile he only reserved for Wonwoo.

“But love,” tuloy niya, “you love despite. Despite the bad days, despite the messy parts, despite the moments na parang hindi kayo nagkakaintindihan. You love even when it's hard. You love still.”

Huminga si Wonwoo nang malalim. Tiningnan niya ang mga bisita, and finally, ibinalik ang tingin sa lalaking nasa tabi niya.

“So to our friends and family, thank you. For witnessing all the becauses and despites that brought us here today.”

And then his voice softened.

“To my husband now, Mingyu…”

He paused, because damn, that still sounded so surreal.

“…thank you for being my because, and even more, for staying despite. Thank you for loving me when I was unlovable, for choosing me every time, and for waiting. I don’t know what I did to deserve a life with you, but I promise to never stop earning it. I love you so much, my husband.”

Mingyu was already wiping the corners of his eyes.

May mga pumalakpak at may ilan ding humiyaw ng “Aww!” habang kinukuha niya ‘yung mic na inabot sa kanya ni Wonwoo. He looked at Wonwoo first — eyes filled with so much love, and a touch of disbelief that this was really happening. 

Tumingin muli kay Wonwoo, at doon na talaga siya ngumiti. 

“You like because. You love despite. And that’s something I never forgot.”

He turned slightly, letting his voice carry across the room.

“I like Wonwoo because he’s brilliant, and funny, most beautiful person i've ever seen, and passionate about things most people wouldn’t even notice. I like him because he laughs with his whole face, because he makes really bad jokes when he’s nervous, and because he writes the most beautiful lines when he thinks no one’s reading.”

Nag-pause saglit si Mingyu tapos tinitigan siya sa mga mata. 

“But I love him despite. I love him despite the walls he builds when he’s scared. Despite how he sometimes pushes people away to protect them,” umpisa ulit ni Mingyu and this time sa crowd siya tumingin. “I love him still. I love him more. And I will keep loving him  because of who he is, and despite everything we’ll face in the future.”

Then, he turned fully to Wonwoo.

“I promise to choose you every day, Wons. Even on the hard days. Even on the quiet days. Even when life is not as magical as today. I’ll still choose to love you because, and despite.”

Mingyu smiled. “Wonwoo, my person, my certainty, my favorite writer, and the best thing that has ever happened to me,  I love you. I love you so much and I will choose you every single day.” 

Wonwoo grinned. “I love you too, my partner.”

“I love you more than anything, my forever partner.”

FIN.