Archive of Our Own

“Well, masyadong powerful ang social media platform which could shape the public opinions and the user’s behavior. Kung walang regulation, for sure talamak ang magiging misinformation. one example of that is giving health advice which may be false or the political lies which can spread unchecked and uncontrolled. May responsibilities ang mga platforms na protektahan ang users sa pamamagitan ng pagpigil sa pagkalat ng mga fake information. Hindi natin pwedeng iasa lahat sa mga users dahil hindi naman lahat ay may sapat na tools o knowledge para ma-identify kung alin ang tama o mali,” ani Mingyu.

Tumango-tango naman ang kanilang propesor na para bang nasiyahan sa isinagot ni Mingyu. While everyone was in awe of Mingyu’s answer, Wonwoo suddenly stood up.

“Yes, Mr. Jeon? I know you have something to say,” the professor said, smirking. She even crossed her arms, aware that it was another day for the rivalry (in a good way) between the two top students in her class.

“Pero kung sobra ang regulation, posibleng mauwi ito sa pagsupil ng kalayaan sa pagpapahayag,” Wonwoo began. “Maaaring gamitin din ng mga may kapangyarihan ang regulation para patahimikin ang mga kritiko o ang mga hindi sang-ayon sa kanila. Hindi ba’t mas mainam kung maturuan ang mga users kung paano mag-isip ng kritikal at i-check kung ano ang mga nababasa nila? I think… Educating the users is better than aggressive control. Don’t you think, Mr. Kim?” he continued as he looked at Mingyu with a grin on his face.

“Nagtatalo na naman sila, samantalang ako iniisip ko lang kung anong lunch ko mamaya,” bulong ni Jeonghan sa katabing si Seungkwan. Agad naman siyang siniko nitong huli at sumenyas na manahimik.

Tila sanay na ang buong klase sa bangayan nila Mingyu at Wonwoo. Sa araw-araw na ginawa ng Diyos, walang araw din na hindi nila kinontra ang isa’t isa. Nandiyan yung mga pagkakataong pinapanood na lang sila ng buong klase na nagpapa-unahang mag-solve ng complex mathematical problem sa board, minsan naman kahit simpleng opinyon lang kagaya ng ‘ano bang nauna, manok o itlog?’ tapos hahaluan na nila ng mga scientific explanations.

“It’s the chicken that came first.” Mingyu uttered.

“No. It’s the egg,” Wonwoo responded. “It’s the egg that hatches a chicken,” he continued.

“Based on the book that I’ve read, you cannot have the reproductive output of an organism–”

They both stopped arguing when Jeonghan, annoyed, stabbed the egg he was eating with his fork. They were in the canteen when Seungkwan asked Wonwoo what came first, the egg or the chicken. And when Mingyu heard Wonwoo’s answer, that’s when they started arguing.

“Gusto ko lang naman kainin nang mapayapa ‘tong itlog ko. Kailan ba kayo matatapos sa bangayan niyo?” kalmado ngunit may diing tanong ni Jeonghan. “At ikaw, bakit naman kasi nagtanong ka pa?” he asked Seungkwan.

“Random thoughts lang naman,” Seungkwan answered, pouting his lips.

“Nawalan na ‘ko ng gana kumain. Mauna na ‘ko sa room, I have to study para sa recit mamaya,” Wonwoo said his goodbye and stood up, leaving the canteen without looking back.

Mingyu followed shortly after, saying goodbye to his friends at the other table before heading back to their room.

When they got to the room, it was just the two of them since everyone else was still in the canteen to hang out. Wonwoo barely glanced at Mingyu as the latter sat down in front of him, a small, almost teasing smile on his face while he was opening his laptop.

“Tinitingin-tingin mo?” Wonwoo asked.

“I’m just wondering…”

Wonwoo raised his brows, waiting for Mingyu to talk again.

“Do you really hate me that much? Na para bang ikamamatay mo kapag hindi ka naka-rebutt sa lahat ng sasabihin ko? I mean, nag-aaral lang din naman ako just like you. Is it because naungusan kita this term?”

“Asa. You will never ever be on top of me.”

"Hmm. I can actually top you. Puwede rin versa. Flexible naman ako,” ani Mingyu sabay ngisi ng nakakaloko.

“Tarantado.”

“Seriously, Jeon. Crush mo ba ‘ko?”

Wonwoo looked at Mingyu with disbelief in his expression. “Saan mo naman nakuha ‘yan? Sana all delulu,” naiiling na sagot nito.

“Maybe… you’re just doing this to get my attention. Who knows?” Mingyu uttered.

“Masyado naman atang mataas ang tingin mo sa sarili mo, Mr. Kim?”

Mingyu just shrugged his shoulders before he faced the front to focus on his laptop, but a secret smile flashed on his face.

“I’m not sure if you still remember the announcement I made last week about the internal journalism fellowship. The panel has already chosen the participant who will attend the program. We received almost 50 applications and two of those chosen came from your block,” the professor announced in the class one afternoon.

“Matic na kung sino ’yan,” Seungkwan murmured.

“Dalawa lang naman silang nag-apply para doon e,” Jeonghan whispered back.

“Malamang sila lang naman kasi yung qualified… Pareho pa silang nakapasok sa editorial category sa National Schools Press Conference competition nung high school e.”

“Tanginang NSPC ’yan. Naalala ko na naman yung mga panahong ginawa ko na ang lahat pero hindi pa rin sapat sa photojournalism,” Jeonghan murmured.

“Kim Mingyu and Jeon Wonwoo, please come see me later this afternoon so we can discuss your class schedule here that will fit the fellowship program. Congratulations,” the professor said. The whole class clapped their hands and Mingyu was thanking everyone, while Wonwoo just forced a smile.

3pm.

“Talagang paborito mo akong inisin, ‘no?” Wonwoo suddenly asked as he walked towards the faculty room, with Mingyu following behind.

Mingyu looked to his left and right before pointing at himself. “Are you talking to me?”

Wonwoo rolled his eyes. “What do you think?”

“What do you mean, paborito kitang inisin?”

“Sinadya mo bang mag-apply din sa fellowship program? Kasi... I don't remember you being interested when the prof first announced it sa klase.”

“Excuse me?”

“You’re accusing me of maybe liking you just because I always contradict you. But in reality, it’s you who wants my attention,” Wonwoo said.

Mingyu laughed in disbelief. “I like you,” he suddenly said, making Wonwoo crease his eyebrows. “...I like you to be second—next to me,” he continued with a wink before stepping into the faculty room.

Wonwoo just sighed and forced a smile before following Mingyu inside, where their professor was waiting for them.

“WHAT?!” Wonwoo and Mingyu exclaimed in unison when the professor told them they would be roommates during the entire fellowship, which would be held in Baguio.

“M-Ma’am, I can be with anyone... just not with him,” Wonwoo said with a hint of pleading in his voice.

“Same,” Mingyu added casually, making Wonwoo roll his eyes.

The professor looked at the two students standing in front of her and let out a heavy sigh. “I’m afraid I can’t do anything about it anymore,” she said. “It was the dean who made the decision.”

“Pero Ma’am—”

“Just do your best, and good luck to both of you,” the professor cut Wonwoo off before turning back to her laptop. Then she paused. “Also, the schedule for your make-up classes… I’ll send them to your emails. I’ll allow your homework and projects to be submitted late to give way to your fellowship commitments. I know you two will never disappoint the university, so please take care of each other, okay?”

With his shoulders slumped, Wonwoo exited the faculty room with Mingyu.

“Wons...”

Wonwoo stopped walking and turned to Mingyu with a frown. He was already annoyed at the thought of being stuck with his rival for over three months of training. He shot Mingyu a death glare, wondering how he was supposed to focus when he’d be stuck with the one person he couldn’t stand.

“What, now?” he snapped.

“Good luck,” Mingyu said casually, shrugging with both hands in his pockets as he walked past Wonwoo, whistling.

Kaya gano’n na lamang ang inis na nararamdaman ni Wonwoo habang pinagmamasdan ang papalayong si Mingyu.

Baguio.

Wonwoo slammed his luggage down as he entered their room. Nag-unahan pa silang tumakbo ni Mingyu sa double bed, each hoping to get the lower part of the bed. Unfortunately, with Mingyu’s long legs, he claimed the bottom bunk and immediately flopped down with a smug smile on his face.

Wonwoo was left with no choice, but to accept his fate. Iika-ika siyang naglakad patungo sa luggage niya para ayusin na ang mga ito ng magsalita si Mingyu.

“Pilay ka?” Mingyu asked.

“Hmm. Kaya nga gusto ko sana sa baba ng bed kasi medyo mahirap sa akin ang umakyat sa itaas.”

“Bakit hindi mo sinabi agad sa akin?”

“E nakipag-unahan ka na e,” Wonwoo rolled his eyes.

“Sige na, dito ka na sa baba, ako na sa taas,” bumangon si Mingyu mula sa pagkakahiga atsaka ibinato ang back pack sa itaas ng kama.

Napangisi naman si Wonwoo at mabilis na inilagay ang kanyang bolster sa ibabang kama at dire-diretsong naglakad na siyang ipinagtaka ni Mingyu.

“Teka, akala ko ba pilay ka?”

“Yup, just a minute ago. Okay na ‘ko ngayon, thank you,” Wonwoo said, dropping his body onto the lower bed.

Mingyu just shook his head, staring hopelessly at Wonwoo, who was already hugging his bolster as if it was the most comfortable thing in the world.

“You guys will be having a seminar with the Director and a well-known editorial writer within this week. Also, we will have one-on-one sessions so I can provide you with a research topic based on your interests and strengths,” the mentor explained.

Halos hindi na makapaghintay si Wonwoo. He was so eager to finish his work because writing articles was his forte, and being in various journalism competitions had been his thing since he was in elementary—all because his parents wanted him to follow his great-grandfather’s path who was one of the greatest editorial writers in the country.

“Mr. Jeon, I know you will excel in this program, knowing your family background. I’m sure your great-grandfather is very proud of you,” the mentor told Wonwoo during their one-on-one session.

Napangiti si Wonwoo sa sinabi ng mentor. However, he knew deep down that the pressure he felt had only increased. He didn’t know if he should be happy or terrified by the high expectations placed on him by those around him.

“Putangina, bilisan mo! Sige, sige, ako muna. Doon ka sa tower, gago!” Mingyu shouted while holding his phone and playing Mobile Legends. “Victory! One more game, bilisan niyo,” he added, laughing.

Napapikit si Wonwoo habang abala siya sa pagta-type sa kanyang laptop. He started working on an outline for the article he needed to write, but he couldn’t focus because of Mingyu’s noise. Frustrated, he stood up and tapped his roommate, who was still lying on the top bunk.

“What?” Mingyu asked after he removed his headphones.

Wonwoo didn’t respond and simply showed a sticky note where “Bawal ang maingay pagpatak ng 5 pm” was written, then walked over and stuck it on Mingyu’s small board before returning to his desk.

“What the fu—sorry,” Mingyu quickly lowered his voice, even biting his lower lip as he continued talking to his game mates.

After the game, Mingyu went to their mini-refrigerator and was surprised by how many bottles of coffee were inside. Perfect timing since he was about to start working on his article and needed caffeine to keep him awake. He was about to grab one when he noticed a sticky note stuck to the fridge.

“Nasa sampung utos ng Diyos ang huwag magnakaw. Getting one of my drinks without my permission is considered stealing :) –Jeon Wonwoo.”

Mingyu just nodded his head gently, still taking a bottle of coffee before heading back to his table, which was behind Wonwoo’s.

“Wons, pahingi ah. Ayan, nagpaalam na ‘ko,” Mingyu said.

“What the fuck? That’s mine!”

“Sorry, nabuksan ko na. Palitan ko na lang bukas. Kailangan ko ng caffeine sa katawan para makapag-function yung utak ko, e.”

“E ‘di sana bumili ka?”

“Bibili ako bukas. Palitan ko pa ng lima ‘to e,” Mingyu teased, smirking as he sat on his swivel chair and heard Wonwoo’s deep sigh. Deep down, he was satisfied knowing that he had successfully diverted Wonwoo’s attention and made him stop focusing on his work. Based on what he had witnessed earlier during the one-on-one session, it seemed like the mentor favored Wonwoo, and that was exactly what Mingyu wanted to change. “Tingnan na lang natin kung ikaw pa rin ang paborito niya after this first project ends,” he thought to himself.

A week had gone by, and Wonwoo was already fed up with Mingyu’s antics. As much as he wanted to endure, he couldn’t take it anymore. There were times when Mingyu would intentionally play loud music when he started to write. He was also fully aware that Mingyu was purposely trying to annoy him so he couldn’t focus on his work.

Kaya naman, he asked his mentor directly if he could switch roommates or even if he could be transferred elsewhere.

“Yes, you’re allowed to switch with anyone,” the mentor said when Wonwoo accidentally bumped into him in his office.

Agad na nagningning ang mga mata ni Wonwoo sa narinig.

“Kung may mahahanap kang kapalitan,” the mentor added, which immediately made Wonwoo’s smile fade.

'Where the hell would I find a replacement?' he asked himself.

Over the next few days, Wonwoo tried his best to bribe anyone in his class with food, drinks, small help with article writing, and so on, just to find someone willing to swap rooms with him. But despite spending so much, he couldn’t find anyone.

And truly, fate had other plans because after handing in his first project, another one came up that really tested his patience.

“I actually loved all your works. Some needs improvement, but most of you already seem very comfortable with what you’re doing, which I’m really proud of. Now, your next project will be with a partner, and that will be your partner until this program ends. You guys will be given time to go outside and conduct an interview if needed, just to validate and justify your stance,” the mentor announced.

Hearing those words felt like a huge weight had been lifted off Wonwoo’s chest. He thought that would be his chance to escape Mingyu’s shadow—until the mentor spoke again.

“And your partner will be your roommate, since you already know each other,” the mentor added with a smile before adjourning the class.

For a moment, Wonwoo stood there, stunned. What he thought would be his escape from Mingyu’s ghost was just a big joke. And it was much worse than he had expected.

“Hi, partner,” Mingyu said, waving his hand and was clearly teasing Wonwoo.

Wonwoo shut his eyes tightly and composed himself before murmuring, “What the fuck is this.”

“Where the fuck is my highlighter?” iritang tanong ni Wonwoo habang kinakalkal ang drawers sa table niya.

“Yung color orange ba?” Mingyu asked. “Hiniram ko kanina, and naiwan ko ata sa room kasama nung librong ginamit ko—”

“And who the hell told you to touch my things?!”

“Hiniram ko lang naman—”

“But I already left a note, ‘di ba? It was clearly stated na huwag na huwag mong gagalawin o hihingahan man lang ang mga gamit ko! Akala ko ba matalino ka? Bakit hindi mo na-gets ’yon?”

“Teka, ang OA mo naman? Highlighter lang ’yon.”

“If I know, you’re just doing this to sabotage me.”

“Ganyan ba ka-petty tingin mo sa 'kin?"

“Yes,” Wonwoo answered without hesitation. “Akala mo hindi ko alam na ginagawa mo ang lahat para ma-distract ako? Para mawala ako sa focus sa article na sinusulat ko during our first activity?”

“Oh, e bakit ikaw?”

“Anong ako?”

“Akala mo ba hindi ko alam na lahat ng kasama natin dito, sinusuhulan mo para makipagpalit ng room?”

“I’m just doing you a favor! If I know, ayaw mo rin naman akong kasama—”

“Dati ’yon…” Mingyu stopped mid-sentence, realizing what he had just said. Wonwoo blinked, surprised and confused. “I mean… dati ’yon. Ngayon kasi… ah… mapapakinabangan na kita. Ayaw mo no’n? Kapag nagsanib puwersa tayo, baka mas maganda yung project na maipasa natin. ’Di ba sabi ni mentor, may chance na ma-publish yung works natin kapag nagustuhan ng panel?”

“And what made you think that us being together in one project is a good idea?” sarkastikong tanong ni Wonwoo. He had to admit—deep down, a part of him believed that their combined skills could lead to something great. But he wasn’t willing to take that risk, not when the person he hated most was involved. He was scared that in the end, Mingyu might just stab him in the back.

Kaya kailangan na niyang gumawa ng paraan para mapalitan ang partner niya… bago pa mahuli ang lahat.

“Ang laki ng ulo ng drawing mo,” Wonwoo said as he moved his swivel chair closer to Mingyu, who was busy drawing.

They were both working on the editorial piece they needed to perfect—dahil nakasalalay doon kung mapa-publish ito o hindi.

They had agreed that Mingyu would be in charge of the detailed illustration or the visual commentary, while Wonwoo would focus on outlining and conceptualizing.

And they will co-write the article together.

Mingyu turned to Wonwoo with creased brows. “What do you mean? Sinunod ko lang naman yung sinabi mo kagabi.”

Wonwoo just shrugged. “Ayoko. Ang pangit,” he said flatly.

With no choice, Mingyu sighed and turned back to his iPad to redraw the editorial art.

“Hmm. Pakibago. It’s still a no,” Wonwoo said as he looked at Mingyu’s second drawing.

For the nth time, Mingyu sighed again and returned to his table to start over. That time, he gripped the stylus a bit tighter as he composed himself and began to draw again.

“I don’t like the details,” Wonwoo said when Mingyu showed him the third version. “Ano ba, Mingyu? Ang simple-simple na nga lang ng gagawin mo, hindi mo pa rin magawa nang tama,” aniya pa at bakas ang inis sa tono ng kanyang boses.

“Ano pa bang mali sa ginawa ko? E lahat naman ng sinasabi mo, sinusunod ko.”

“Hindi ko ma-internalize. There’s something wrong with the details of your drawing.”

“Then explain it to me. Point out specifically what’s wrong.”

“Basta. Ayoko ng drawing mo. Kapag hindi ako nakapag-internalize, paano tayo gagawa ng article?”

Mingyu shut his eyes tightly and forced himself to nod. “Fine,” he mumbled, heading back to his table.

And Wonwoo smirked secretly as he noticed how frustrated Mingyu was. If he couldn’t bribe anyone to switch partners, then he’d just push Mingyu to the edge and make him quit voluntarily. He knew he could finish the project on his own… with a partner or no partner at all.

Mingyu, on the other hand, was fully aware that Wonwoo was doing it on purpose to make him give up. He knew Wonwoo’s tricks—he’d seen them before. Matagal na silang magkaklase kaya alam na niya ang bawat galaw nito. “Kung sa tingin mong susukuan kita, puwes, nagkakamali ka,” he whispered to himself as he moved his pen once again and began to draw.

“Okay na ‘yan,” Wonwoo said without looking at Mingyu’s iPad as he was busy typing an outline on his laptop. It had been a week since he gave up on Mingyu's persistence. Nagtataka siyang nag-angat ng tingin nang hindi gumalaw si Mingyu sa kinatatayuan nito at matamang nakatitig lamang sa kanya. “What?” he asked.

“What do you mean, okay na?” tanong ni Mingyu.

“Okay na. Pasado na."

Pero tila hindi kumbinsido si Mingyu sa mga nangyayari. His eyes narrowed while looking at Wonwoo. For a whole week, there wasn’t a single day or hour where Wonwoo hadn’t rejected his work, so he couldn’t help but feel puzzled when he accepted the drawing without even looking at it. He felt something was off, and that was what he needed to figure out.

Kinabukasan.

“Mingyu, paki-send sa email ko yung art na ginawa mo kagabi,” Wonwoo said, putting his laptop and notebook into his Herschel bag before slinging it over his shoulder.

Humihikab naman at nagkakamot pa ng tiyan si Mingyu habang tumatango-tango. “Saan ka pupunta?" he asked.

“Sa mentor. May iko-consult lang ako. I need his input,” Wonwoo replied. He was about to leave when Mingyu spoke again.

“If you need to consult something about sa ginagawa natin, hindi ba dapat dalawa tayo? We’re partners.”

Wonwoo rolled his eyes secretly. “Just complete the editorial art first and send it to me ASAP,” he said without looking at his roommate before stepping out of their room.

Mingyu just shook his head and lazily got up to open his laptop. He yawned for a second time, but his senses snapped awake when he noticed that the art he had spent a week working on for the editorial was missing.

He knew that he saved it before he went to sleep, but at that moment, no matter how hard he searched through every folder on his laptop, he still couldn’t find it.

It was 3 p.m. when Wonwoo returned to their room and found Mingyu busy doing something with his iPad and stylus pen. Masyado itong abala sa ginagawa na kahit ang pagpasok niya ay hindi nito napansin.

“Mingyu,” Wonwoo called.

It was only then that Mingyu looked up.

Wonwoo, on the other hand, was puzzled by the look Mingyu was giving him. “W-what?”

But Mingyu didn’t say a word. He stared at Wonwoo for a few more seconds before turning his attention back to what he was doing.

“‘Di ba sabi ko sa’yo, i-send mo sa akin yung file–”

“Give me until tomorrow.”

“Anong until tomorrow? ‘Di ba may nagawa ka na?”

“Nawala,” Mingyu just answered without looking at his roommate.

“What do you mean, nawala?”

“Aba’y malay ko paanong bigla na lang siyang nawala as if someone purposely deleted it on my laptop.”

“Pinagbibintangan mo ba ‘ko?”

“Bakit guilty ka ba?” Mingyu asked seriously, facing Wonwoo again.

“What the fuck?”

“You don’t have to feel guilty if you didn’t do it though,” ani Mingyu atsaka ibinalik ang atensiyon sa pagdo-drawing.

At the stroke of midnight, Mingyu was still at his desk, desperately trying to recall every detail of the drawing that had gone missing. If he had to spend the entire night redrawing it, he would, just so he could finish it and his partner wouldn’t have anything to complain about. Their deadline was fast approaching after all.

Around 1:30 a.m., Wonwoo woke up feeling thirsty. He was rubbing his eyes and yawning when he noticed that Mingyu was still at the desk. Ni hindi nga nito napansin ang kanyang pagbangon at pagtungo sa refrigerator para kumuha ng tubig.

As Wonwoo stood there, watching Mingyu’s back, a sudden wave of concern hit him when he saw Mingyu wiped his nose. His worry only grew when he saw the red liquid trickling down—it was blood.

“Mingyu, yung ilong mo–”

“I’m okay. Just go back to sleep,” malamig ang tonong sabi ni Mingyu na hindi man lang siya tinatapunan ng tingin.

Wonwoo wanted to help—he really did. The concern in his chest was real. Seeing Mingyu like that, pale and worn out, nose bleeding yet still refusing to stop… his instinct was to rush to his side, to tell him to rest, to take over if he had to.

But just as he took a step forward, he suddenly stopped.

And that’s when a sudden wave of guilt washed over him.

Wonwoo woke up early the next morning to make breakfast. At first, it was supposed to be just for himself, but then he glanced at his roommate who was still sleeping at his desk with a tissue on his nose—probably too tired to even make it to his bed.

Nagising si Mingyu alas nuebe ng umaga at nag-unat-unat. He checked his nose first and felt relieved when he realized he was finally okay. Aaminin niyang natakot siya dahil ilang minuto rin ang lumipas bago tuluyang huminto ang pagdurugo ng kanyang ilong.

He was actually stretching his neck when he felt something on his forehead only to find out it was a sticky note with Wonwoo’s handwriting.

“May sobra akong sandwich na nagawa. Wala namang kakain, kainin mo na lang kung gusto mo. Sobra rin yung kapeng nabili ko nung nag-grocery ako kahapon, kumuha ka na lang. Kung ayaw mo e’ di don’t.”

And then there’s another note that was stuck on his table.

“Tatambay lang ako sa coffee shop malapit dito para gumawa ng outline. Para makapag-focus ka rin sa ginagawa mo. Baka mamatay ka na e.”

Mingyu just gently shook his head, but a soft smile appeared on his lips while reading those notes repeatedly.

Wonwoo came back into their room almost six in the evening. He couldn’t help but smile as he told Mingyu that he had finished the outline for their article. Mingyu's face lit up with real happiness, and for a moment... they both felt a sense of ease between them.

They went quiet for a moment, a bit of awkwardness slipping in as it hit them. They were actually talking like normal friends, without the usual tension or silent fights. It was a small but meaningful reminder that maybe, just maybe… they could be the kind of partners they were both hoping for.

“Hmm… m-maliligo muna ako,” Wonwoo said awkwardly, putting down his bag on his chair and his laptop on his table.

“Okay,” matipid na sagot ni Mingyu bago tumalikod para tapusin ang ginagawa.

Wonwoo wiped his hair with a white towel after taking a long bath that lasted almost an hour. He sat into his swivel chair and opened his laptop, but his mind was elsewhere. He was contemplating, unsure if he should ask Mingyu if he had eaten his dinner yet. It wasn’t easy since he wasn’t used to talking to him without that familiar edge of annoyance or frustration. Still, despite the growing nervousness in his chest, he pushed himself to ask. “Nag… nag-dinner ka na ba?” he asked, pretending to still be wiping his hair.

“Hindi pa eh,” Mingyu responded.

“Gusto mo ba, order tayo? Hindi pa rin ako nagdi-dinner eh.”

“Sure. Jollibee na lang?” Mingyu asked.

“Okay. Sa akin isang–”

“Spaghetti, iced tea, and burger steak with two peach mango pies?” Mingyu smiled.

“Paano mo alam?”

“Naririnig ko kayo ni Jeonghan kapag afternoon break tapos o-order kayo sa grab food.”

“Wow. Si not interested pala ‘to sa akin e,” Wonwoo whispered to himself.

“Hmm?” Mingyu glanced at Wonwoo while browsing his food panda app for their order.

Wonwoo forced a smile and shook his head. “Wala,” he answered, then faced his laptop to review the outline he’d finished at the cafe earlier. But his heart suddenly skipped a beat when he couldn’t find his USB where he saved his work. Sira ang Wi-Fi sa cafe na pinuntahan niya kaya’t hindi niya nagamit ang google docs. Buti na lang at may dala siyang USB, pero hindi niya ito makita nang mga oras na ‘yon kahit sigurado siyang inilagay niya iyon sa bulsa ng kanyang bag bago siya umalis ng cafe.

“May problema ba?” Mingyu asked when he noticed Wonwoo panicking.

“Nawawala yung USB kung saan naka-save yung outline na ginawa ko kanina,” Wonwoo answered without looking at Mingyu as he was busy checking his bag.

“What?”

“Nandito lang yun eh. Alam kong nilagay ko ‘yon sa bag ko bago ako umalis kanina,” Wonwoo said, frustrated as he looked at Mingyu suspiciously.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Mingyu asked, confused.

Walang sabi-sabi, pumunta si Wonwoo sa table ni Mingyu at walang kaabog-abog na hinalungkat ang mga gamit at drawers nito.

“Wonwoo, what the heck are you doing–”

“Stop with your shitty child play act, Mingyu. Malapit na ang deadline natin, talagang ngayon mo pa naisipang isabotahe ako?”

Mingyu’s brows furrowed. “Pinagbibintangan mo ba ‘ko?”

Saglit na natahimik si Wonwoo. “Kasi… kasi baka gumaganti ka dahil binura ko yung file mo.”

Inis na tumawa si Mingyu. “Child play act, you said? Sino bang parang isip-bata sa ating dalawa? Sabi ko na nga ba ikaw ang may gawa no’n eh.”

“Then why didn’t you ask me about it? Bakit hindi ka nagalit sa akin?”

“Kasi mas nanaig sa akin yung paniniwalang hindi mo kayang gawin ‘yon.”

Mabilis na nag-iwas ng tingin si Wonwoo. “Huwag mong ibahin ang usapan,” he muttered. “Ilabas mo na lang yung USB, please.”

“Wala nga sa akin!”

“Fuck it!” Wonwoo blurted out. “I shouldn’t have trusted you,” he said, teary eyed before he turned his back.

Three days.

Three days into the silent war between Mingyu and Wonwoo that even their fellow members in the fellowship and their mentor noticed something was off. One time after their class, the mentor called the two to ask them directly what’s the problem, but they just both faked their smiles and pretended they’re on good terms. Both of them let out a sigh of relief when they felt like they managed to convince their mentor.

But in reality, they’re communicating through sticky notes only or at times, through email written in the most formal tone possible.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Kim,

I have completed the outline and have also started writing the article. I am requesting additional time until tomorrow morning to finish my part as I had to start from the beginning due to what happened.

I appreciate your understanding.

Thank you.”

That was an email Wonwoo sent to Mingyu when he arrived at their room and started working on his part of the article.

Nakatanggap rin naman siya agad ng reply kay Mingyu.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Jeon,

I am unsure of the reason why you still refuse to speak to me even though I am just behind you. Nevertheless, please take your time as I am not rushing you. I will be stepping out for a while to do something important.

Thank you.”

Wonwoo quickly pretended to be typing on his laptop when he felt Mingyu move behind him. He even managed to sneak a glance as Mingyu left their room without carrying anything. Though he wondered where Mingyu was going, he simply shrugged it off and continued what he was doing.

9pm.

Naalimpungatan si Wonwoo sa malakas na kalabog na pagbukas ng pinto ng kanilang kuwarto. Nakatulog pala siya habang tinatapos ang article na sinusulat. Pikit pa ang kaliwang mata at humihikab, tinungo niya ang pintuan kung saan naririnig niyang may kausap si Mingyu.

“Hi,” Mingyu immediately greeted when he noticed Wonwoo’s presence.

Tila nagising ang diwa ni Wonwoo nang mapansin ang dumudugong gilid ng labi ni Mingyu, habang may pasa naman sa kanang mata ang lalakeng kausap nito.

“Say sorry, asshole and give him back what you took from him,” utos ni Mingyu sa lalakeng may pasa sa mukha. Nakilala ito ni Wonwoo—isa ito sa mga kasamahan nila sa fellowship.

Wonwoo couldn’t say a word as he was still trying to grasp what's happening, but he was completely shocked when the man handed him something. The moment he accepted it, his eyes widened in surprise.

It was the USB where he had saved the outline he finished.

“S-Sorry, Wonwoo. Hindi ko sinasadya—” natigil sa pagsasalita ang lalake nang bigla siyang batukan ni Mingyu.

“Sinadya mo ’yon, tanga. Ninakaw mo e,” sabi ni Mingyu.

“Please, huwag niyo akong isusumbong sa mentor. Promise, gagawin ko lahat ng gusto niyo. Lahat-lahat… N-nadala lang talaga ako ng pressure at inggit sa inyo kaya ko nagawa yung bagay na ‘yon,” nakayukong paliwanag ng lalake habang pinaglalaruan ang kanyang mga daliri. “Wonwoo… sorry, please… hinding-hindi na mauulit—”

“Hindi na talaga mauulit kasi bukas wala ka na dito. I’ll tell the mentor about what you did, and—”

“Mingyu,” mahinahong sambit ni Wonwoo, dahilan para mapatingin sa kanya si Mingyu. “Okay na,” aniya, ‘tsaka ibinaling ang atensyon sa lalakeng malapit nang umiyak.

“Sige na, Jack. Bumalik ka na sa room mo. We won’t tell the mentor about what happened.”

“Salamat, Wonwoo. Salamat…” ani Jack, at akmang yayakap pa sana kay Wonwoo pero pinigilan siya ni Mingyu.

“Iisa ka pa, e,” Mingyu muttered as he glared at Jack walking away, then followed Wonwoo, who already went back into their room.

“What was that? That’s it? After everything he did? After something that serious, you can forgive him just like that? Tapos ako na inosente, tatlong araw mo nang hindi kinakausap—”

“I’m sorry,” ani Wonwoo, sabay harap kay Mingyu at diretsong tumingin sa mga mata nito.

Mingyu wanted to smile, but he needed to keep his composure. “Parang nabingi ako, ano ulit ’yon?”

“I’m sorry,” Wonwoo said again, pouting his lips. “Ayoko na mag-explain, kasi I know that won’t justify my action towards you. Kaya, sorry,” he added.

“Parang music to my ears yung sorry mo ah,” nakangising sabi ni Mingyu.

Wonwoo just rolled his eyes, but wasn’t able to hide his smile eventually. “Paano mo nalaman na siya yung kumuha?”

“CCTV. Sa tatlong araw na hindi mo ‘ko kinakausap, tatlong araw ko ring kinulit yung cafe na ipakita sa akin yung CCTV footage nung araw na nagpunta ka sa kanila. Tapos nung nalaman ko kanina na kinuha niya mismo sa bag mo yung USB habang nasa banyo ka, pinuntahan ko siya agad. Tapos ang tarantado, siya pa yung mayabang, kaya ayun, nasapak ko. Kaso gumanti,” Mingyu explained, scratching the back of his neck shyly.

Wonwoo couldn't say anything and just shook his head in disbelief.

“Siya nga pala, may ipapakita ako sa’yo,” Mingyu said as he went to his table and opened his laptop. He scrolled for a bit, then sat down on his swivel chair and rolled it next to Wonwoo’s before placing the laptop on his table.

“Upo ka dito, bilis,” he said, tapping on Wonwoo’s chair.

Though a bit confused, Wonwoo followed him.

“Here. I did this last night. You can use this to add another argument sa stance mo,” Mingyu said, showing him the document. “Ah, a-ayaw mo ba?” he asked awkwardly when Wonwoo stayed silent and just looked at him. That’s when he realized it was the first time they had been that physically close to each other.

Natawa naman si Wonwoo nang mapansin ang namumulang pisngi ni Mingyu. “I’ll check that later, pero gamutin muna natin yung sugat mo.”

“Okay lang ’to. Hindi naman masakit—”

“And what are you going to tell the mentor when he asks why you have a cut on your lip?”

“Sasabihin ko… kinagat mo ‘ko— I mean…” Mingyu scratched his head, regretting what he blurted out. He expected Wonwoo to get mad, but the latter just shook his head and walked over to his things to get the first aid kit. He just shrugged and smiled while watching his roommate, who was busy putting ointment on a piece of cotton.

Kinabukasan.

It was Friday, and their lesson finished earlier than usual, so their friends were making plans to hang out especially since the weekend was coming up. Some of them were going back to Manila to spend the weekend with their families.

“Sama ka sa kanila?” Mingyu asked Wonwoo.

Wonwoo quickly shook his head. “Mas gugustuhin ko pang matulog,” he answered. “Ikaw?”

“Depende. Nakakatamad din kasing gumala. Next week pa ako babalik ng Manila since nasa out of town din naman pamilya ko ngayon, kaya wala rin akong dadatnan kung uuwi ako sa amin.”

“Sabagay.”

“May naisip ako,” nakangising usal ni Mingyu at bago pa makapagsalita si Wonwoo ay hinatak na niya ito palabas ng kanilang room.

“Anong ginagawa natin dito?” Wonwoo asked, confused when they went inside the seven eleven. Tanging malokong ngiti lamang ang ibinigay sa kanya ni Mingyu atsaka ito tumungo sa shelf ng mga alak. “Gago, huy. Iinom ka? Sana sumama ka na lang doon sa mga kasama natin na magna-night out mamaya.”

“Ayoko, hindi ka kasama e,” Mingyu just answered without looking at Wonwoo who was just standing behind him. “Kaya yung alak ang dadalhin ko sa’yo,” he added.

“Paano? E bawal ang alcohol sa dorm. Mamaya isumbong pa tayo–"

“Ssh. Trust me. Nagawa ko na ‘to before, buhay pa naman ako.”

“What?”

“Try mo kalimutan minsan maging ulirang estudyante. I am not saying that you should try being wild. Moderate lang, as long as you can control yourself. I bet you haven’t seen the unedited version of yourself,” Mingyu stated, giving Wonwoo a soft smile before he went to the counter to pay.

After paying for the alcohol he bought, Mingyu took his tumbler from his backpack and transferred one bottle of the alcohol he purchased into it. “Akin na tumbler mo,” he said to Wonwoo who immediately complied. Quickly, he also transferred another bottle of alcohol into the tumbler and his grin widened after doing so. “Tapos bibili tayong barbecue diyan sa kanto para pulutan. Ikaw na magbitbit kapag papasok tayo sa building natin para hindi tayo mahalata ng guard. Sa ating dalawa, mas mukha kasing hindi ka gagawa ng kasalanan kahit ubod ka ng sungit–joke, hehe,” aniya pa sabay tawa ng tapunan siya ni Wonwoo ng masamang tingin.

Wonwoo just sighed, but he thought that maybe what they were about to do wasn’t really that bad.

Just one night, he told himself.

Midnight.

It was already past midnight when they had almost finished drinking the alcohol they sneaked into their room. Both were tipsy but still aware of what they were doing.

The whole time they were together, they just laughed at each other’s stories as if they were the only people in the world. Wonwoo would be lying if he said he didn’t wish time would stop because of the happiness he felt with the guy he never in his wildest dreams thought he’d get along with.

“Remember, nung first year tayo… both of us ran as first year representatives for the student council, tapos during the miting de avance, ang lala nung debate natin?” Mingyu laughed as he told the story. They sat side by side on the floor, backs leaning against the bed.

“Yeah, I remember that,” Wonwoo responded, holding his glass of alcohol.

“Pinatigil na tayo ng dean kasi dinaig na raw natin yung mga tumatakbong president,” Mingyu continued. “Imagine, first year pa lang, ang init na ng dugo mo sa akin.”

“Because I felt like you were a big threat and I wasn’t wrong.”

“But seriously,” Mingyu drank from his glass before speaking again. “Bakit nga ba ang laki ng galit mo sa akin?”

Wonwoo smiled and took a sip from his glass before answering. “Naiinis ako kasi ang galing mo. I mean, you can put yourself on top without trying so hard. Unlike me… na parang kailangan ko pang magbasa ng libro gabi-gabi o kaya mag-advance study para mag-top. Samantalang ikaw, you can enjoy your life. Naiinis ako na sa tuwing nakikita kita, napapaisip ako kung anong mali sa ginagawa ko,” Wonwoo said sadly.

“I don’t think it’s you,” Mingyu simply uttered, which made Wonwoo’s eyebrows furrow. “Your parents painted you as the perfect son, na hindi nagkakamali. Na dapat palaging nasa unahan. You grew up with so much pressure and afraid to disappoint the people around you, Wons.”

“Alam mo?”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to overhear the conversation between you and your dad,” Mingyu sincerely said. It was about the time he accidentally heard Wonwoo talking to his dad one morning, and his dad kept reminding him that his work during their fellowship should be published because it would be a huge disgrace to their family if it didn’t happen.

Wonwoo gave a bitter smile. “Natatakot akong magkamali, Gyu. Natatakot akong bumagsak,” he confessed. “Kaya nga mabilis kong napatawad si Jack nung sinabi niyang nagawa niya lang ‘yon dahil sa pressure. Natakot ako kasi ayokong umabot ako sa puntong ‘yon.”

“But you’re just a human, Wons. Part ng buhay natin ang mag-fail kasi doon tayo natututo. Atsaka, hindi tayo perfect,” Mingyu said. “And if you fail? It doesn’t make you less of a person.”

“Pero hindi ganyan mag-isip ang parents ko.”

“Do you think they love you?” Mingyu asked suddenly, which made Wonwoo confused.

“Of course! I’m their unico hijo,” Wonwoo answered firmly.

“Then they won’t disown you as their son if you fail… because they love you,” Mingyu softly said.

Hindi nagsalita si Wonwoo at matamang tintigan lang si Mingyu. There was something in his heart that seemed to lighten after hearing everything Mingyu said, as if all the struggles he faced as a son who couldn’t afford to make mistakes and always had to be ahead were finally validated.

“And if you ever need someone to talk about your shits, I’m willing to listen kahit mamaga pa tenga ko, promise,” Mingyu added, raising his right hand as he faced Wonwoo. Nagulat naman siya at parang na-estatwa ng dahan-dahang lumapit si Wonwoo sa kanya at isinandal ang ulo nito sa balikat niya.

“Allowed ba yung ganito?” Wonwoo mumbled.

Mingyu smiled quietly. “Even if my shoulders get stiff, okay lang,” he answered.

”Gyu?”

“Hmm?”

“Thank you. Akala ko habambuhay na lang tayong magbabangayan,” Wonwoo softly chuckled.

“Akala ko rin e. I didn’t expect we’d get to this point. Sana pala nai-record ko yung sinabi mong magaling ako. First time yun na tinanggap mong magaling ako,” tumatawang sabi ni Mingyu.

“Tss.”

“Pero, Wons?”

“What?”

“Thank you rin.”

“Thank you saan? For all the times I went against you—”

“For letting me see the unfiltered version of you. I mean, the raw Jeon Wonwoo… not the Wonwoo I always see who’s gunning to top everything. Thank you for letting me see the unedited you,” Mingyu said softly.

It was a long night, but for Wonwoo and Mingyu, it felt like time finally slowed down just for the two of them. The quiet hum of the room, the soft glow from their desk lamps, and the sound of their breathing filled the space more than words ever could.

Three months have passed in the blink of an eye. Mingyu and Wonwoo completed the program with a different approach after that night. They didn’t just become friends—they became each other’s source of comfort over the past few months, something neither of them had expected.

Both received high praise during the fellowship program, and their final works were chosen to be published. They returned to their university with pride and honor, carrying not just their achievements, but the bond they never saw coming.

“Legalizing same-sex marriage does not take away anything from anyone else. It doesn’t even pose any threat to anyone’s beliefs or values. It’s simply about giving love, respect, and commitment to people who’ve been denied it for so long,” ani Mingyu habang nakaharap sa klase. Balik na sila ni Wonwoo bilang regular na estudyante. They worked late nights, helped each other study, and submitted every requirement without complaint. Being top students helped... but so did the quiet determination they both carried with them.

Nagpalakpakan ang buong klase pati na rin si Wonwoo at gano’n na lamang ang pagtataka ni Wonwoo ng tumingin sa kanya ang lahat.

“Bakit ka pumapalakpak? Nasaan na ang rebuttal mo?” Seungkwan asked.

“Bading, ang tagal naming hinintay ng pagbabalik niyo. Sobrang boring nung wala kayo, walang kausap yung prof natin sa klase.”

Natawa naman si Wonwoo. “E tama naman kasi yung sinabi ni Gyu–”

“Gyu?!” Seungkwan and Jeonghan asked in unison.

“Anong hangin ang nahithit niyo sa baguio at parang may nagbago sa inyong dalawa?” Jeonghan looked at Wonwoo suspiciously.

“Baliw,” was Wonwoo’s only response, shaking his head with a smile. Since his two friends were busy chatting him up, he didn’t even realize that their professor had already dismissed the class.

“Wons.”

Wonwoo immediately looked up to someone who called his name.

It was Mingyu.

“Gyu? Wons? Pota, may call sign na sila?” Seungkwan whispered to Jeonghan.

“You still owe me a lesson, you know. Teach me the formula later. Lib after class?” Mingyu asked.

Wonwoo just nodded with a smile. “Sure,” he said, which made Jeonghan and Seungkwan’s jaws drop.

Saglit na tinapunan ni Mingyu si Wonwoo ng isang matamis na ngiti bago ito tumalikod para bumalik sa upuan niya.

“Gago, anong meron sa inyo? Nakita mo 'yon, Kwan?” Jeonghan asked, acting dramatically like he was really surprised.

“Yung matatamis na ngitian? Yung tension? Yung kakaibang tinginan? Oo, kitang-kita ko lahat,”Seungkwan replied.

“There's something going on... May something talaga! Huwag kang magsisinungaling sa amin, Jeon Wonwoo!” pangungulit pa ni Jeonghan.

Wonwoo just laughed and was trying to brush it off.

He knew in his heart that there was something genuine between him and Mingyu. There was no need for him to say it out loud or define it. It’s the way they looked at each other, the intimate moments they shared, and the feeling of Mingyu's presence made him feel a little lighter.

Whatever it was, it felt right.

It felt honest and safe..

And in that moment, all he really knew was that he was happy... like his heart had finally found something it wasn’t looking for, but needed all along.