Chapter Text
The night was unusually warm. Amidst the chaos, Yani found himself heaving a sigh of relief after all the rush and pulls the past weeks.
It was tiring, he has to admit. The chaos in the studio and hellbent hours spent inside the 1Z office were testaments. The resounding impact of practice rehearsals, the exchanged thoughts during endless meetings, cups of coffee which went stale all just because they were too immersed discussing concepts, he could name them one by one but despite it all, there's only one thing that keeps him from rest.
It was not the long arguments of what concept to use, designs to craft or tracks that should be prioritized. Neither it was the long debated investments or partnerships that 1Z has entered the past years. It was not the band members having rows with one another once in a while nor the staff discussing how they can stretch what few resources they have.
What keeps him wide awake at night is sitting right inside the conference room, sat and deep in thought while his eyes remained glued on the revised proposal and contract of one of the partnerships they've been talking about the past months.
The ever promising leader of SB19 and CEO of 1Z Entertainment, John Paulo Nase.
Pablo to the fans, or Boss Uno to the staff. Pau to his family, and Pinuno to his members, despite him cringing over the nickname. But to him, as a fellow leader, or maybe even as his boss, he is "Paulo".
Yani knocked on the half-transparent glass doors of the conference room. He knew, while Paulo may have heard, the man is too busy to even spare him a look. Pushing the heavy doors, he brought him a warm cup of takeout coffee and placed it beside the stack of papers that he has been reviewing the past hour.
"You should take a break." He said softly which made Paulo look up.
"Yani."
There was this certain comfort whenever he hears the man say his name. He, on the other hand, was left deducing what little there is amidst the sleepless nights.
"Patapos na ako. I just need to finish this, baka kasi di na kita mabalikan regarding dito bukas."
Paulo is hardworking, there is no doubt. But he needs to rest too. And maybe a little convincing would make the man listen to him for once
"Ikaw, hindi ka pa ba uuwi?" The man asked in return. "Ako na magla-lock ng office. Ibibilin ko na lang kay Kuya Ronnie. Pwede ka nang umuwi."
Yani has long discarded his coat. They've just attended the meeting with their external partners and their team had just incorporated the proposed amendment. That's what Paulo has been reviewing the past hour, the engagements, the scope including the promotions, schedule and timeline. They needed to finalize things before they execute the contract. And while Yani recognizes the need, he could not help but think of ways to lighten the load for the ever dedicated CEO.
"You can leave that. I'll run you through the changes tomorrow. Please, umuwi ka na at magpahinga."
Heaving a sigh, Paulo began to pack up. He then took a sip of coffee and closed his eyes as he smiled.
Yani knew what coffee Paulo wanted, but he'll never admit how he pays too much attention over such tiny details. Maybe, he also didn't know the exact reason why. For now, it was enough that he could somehow give what Paulo wanted.
*****
Yani walked alongside Paulo, descending from the 5th floor of their office building. It has been a long day, one which he wanted to end to finally have a fitful albeit short rest. They exited through the glass doors and walked to the parking lot until Paulo turned towards him.
"Sabi ni Jah nasira ang sasakyan mo." Paulo started. "Gusto mo bang sumabay sa akin? Motor lang ang dala ko ha."
Yani was left stunned for a moment, not expecting the question. True, he just booked a ride after his car refused to start this morning. But he too isn't that fond of motorcycles to begin with. Hence, he didn't know how to say respond to Paulo's offer.
"Tara, ride?" The man asked with a smile painting his face.
There was this hopeful look in Paulo's eyes when he asked the question. And while he didn't expect the man to offer him something this personal, Yani was elated to know that the years they have grown together made them close enough to offer or throw ideas without worry.
Throwing the man a look, he reminded.
"Pau, pinapauwi kita. Sa sobrang pagod mo nga parang pipikit ka na e. I really want to offer you to ride with me. I booked a cab."
The man gave him a funny look. "Eh? Ikaw pa ihatid ko e. Dali na, hop on, at nang maturuan naman kita sumakay nito."
He may have looked quite pensive and Paulo was already giving him a look.
"I'm not taking any chances, Pau."
The man scratched his head.
"Apaka-KJ naman. Tara na. I-cancel mo na yang binook mo. Sayang pambayad. Tsaka, traffic sa dadaanan. Mas madali pag motor."
Yani remained quiet and the man continued yapping.
"Dali na! Promise, mas makikinig na ako sa'yo."
Now, that was a catch. There has always been this growing chemistry between him as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Paulo being the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) being on the end of one another when it comes to decision making. And while Yani recognizes Paulo's authority when it comes to these things, he too wanted to make the man understand why they have to cut edges or push limits when needed.
The man has always been supportive, but there would be long hours of arguments when he needs to defend or even challenge ideas whenever. And while he looks forward to these discussions, he would definitely appreciate Paulo lending an ear in silence before they start the arguments.
Yani raised an eyebrow. Now, he wanted to consider the man's offer and somehow, he could see traces of Paulo already regretting making it.
"I'm holding you to that promise, Paulo."
Paulo pouted and Yani shouldn't even find this cute. But he just did.
"Why do I feel like I'm going to regret this?" Paulo softly muttered which made him smile.
*****
Yani didn't expect how smooth the ride is given how Paulo is adventurous when it comes to these things.
He held the man's waist, quite surprised how thin it was despite noticing how Paulo has grown lean the past months. He somehow developed this thought of Paulo being fragile, something that the man would certainly put up in a debate any day. His lean physique too has somehow attracted a lot, moreso when people look how he looked like or how soft his features are. The man often gets that kind of compliments and somehow, Yani understands why some people see the man that way. However, he knows that it's more than that although he too is not excused from seeing how Paulo has grown more attractive the past years.
He inhaled the cool breeze as they traveled past cities from the busy highways of Marikina to the bright streets of Taguig. He has long moved out of Malabon and it was fortunate enough that they live not too far from one another. He has already offered to give the man a ride had it not been him leaving his vehicle for PMS just this morning.
The man's scent lingered as he sat behind him, giving him a whiff of lavender. He was curious, despite the smoke and otherwordly scents outside, he always finds himself leaning in, a soft scent that manages to catch his attention everytime Paulo passes by. A sharp curve made his hold on Paulo's torso tighten and the man seemed to notice. Pulling back, he felt Paulo's hand secure a hold on his arm as if saying it's okay to hold to him tightly, and he did.
Until then he noticed lighting strike, illuminating the midnight cloudy skies. Yani somehow prayed that they would make it enough before the rain pours. And from his end, he heard Paulo hiss. They were not expecting a storm tonight.
The strikes became more frequent as thunder boomed louder. Yani felt the motorcycle speed up and he clung to Paulo as a subconscious reaction. In a matter of seconds, large droplets began to fall.
Paulo revved the engine and in a matter of minutes, they stood on the sheltered entrance of the condo building in Mckinley. They both hopped off and removed their helmets and stared at one another.
"Sorry, Yans. Inabot na tayo ng ulan."
Yani's eyes softened. It was not Paulo's fault at all but he was apologizing. The man deserved more. Further, he could see, the man's hand was shaking. Was it out of the cold?
Tapping Paulo by the shoulder, he responded. "Not your fault. Hinatid mo pa ako kahit na malapit ng umulan." Staring at the scene, Yani could gage that it would take a while before the storm weakens. "Park ka na muna. I'll wait here. Magpatila ka na muna ng ulan."
Yani saw the hesitant look in Paulo's eyes but he didn't want him to drive either under the falling rain. They were both wet and needed ro change. Thus, he insisted.
"Please?"
Paulo nodded and drove the motorcycle leading to the basement parking. Yani didn't know but there is this something telling him that being with the man now might change things moving forward.
But he didn't want to entertain the thought now. Heaving a sigh, he discarded it and walked inside the lobby.
*****
The trip up high as they boarded the elevator was quiet, neither of them saying a word.
Paulo held his bag in one hand, the only item remaining dry which he kept inside the motorcycle's compartment. Both of them were dripping wet from head to toe, with only a few patches of their clothes remaining damp while others were drenched. He shivered, noticing the consistent blow of air inside the elevator's air conditioned area. Subconsciously, he rubbed his arm, a futile attempt to warm up.
That's when he noticed Yani moving forward, shielding the cold air from reaching him. The man seemed unfazed. He, on the other hand, could not stop the gears running inside his head.
Maybe Yani is already regretting his choice of riding the motorcycle with him. He could have stayed dry inside the confines of a booked cab, and yet, he agreed with his offer. Maybe the man was too shy to decline. Maybe he's just being kind enough to consider the ride. Maybe Paulo shouldn't have pushed the man into agreeing into something that he was not entirely comfortable with. Bad thing is that they both ended up drenched. The thoughts kept rushing in until then he heard a ring, followed by the opening of the elevator doors.
Paulo tailed the man as they walked leaving small puddles of water on the floor. He tried as much not to make a mess as he quietly followed Yani, until then he stopped by a door.
Room 1416.
The man gestured him to enter which he did. The man then turned the lights on and directed himself towards what Paulo assumed is his room. He stayed still, quietly waiting on the corner, not anymore wanting to wet the man's floor.
Not a minute after, Yani approached and handed him a white towel, and a set of fresh clothes.
"Please, change quickly. Baka magkasakit ka." The man looked quite worried as he met his gaze. Yani then gestured towards what Paulo assumed is the comfort room. "There are supplies there if you want to bathe. I'm just not too sure with the size of the clothing but I think, those will fit."
Yani then pushed him softly by the small of his back towards the comfort room.
"Let me know if you need anything."
Paulo did not even have the chance to say anything before Yani stepped into another room.
*****
Yani heaved a sigh that he didn't know he was holding.
The moment Paulo entered the comfort room, he rested his back against the door and slumped into a sitting position.
He didn't know what he was doing. He was panicking. Just the mere thought of Paulo inside the room, with this not so obvious developing admiration towards the man, isn't something that he would call a healthy exchange.
He was thankful. The man was indeed kind when, thinking about other people's welfare first before his own but he didn't want to burden him either. Quickly, he grabbed a set of clothing and directed himself on his room's bathroom and took a quick shower.
He needed to calm down and think things through. With the rain falling hard outside, he might need to consider giving the man a place to stay. Or maybe hail a cab to get where he needs to, if that would be safe.
He finished showering as soon and exited his room. He then directed himself towards the kitchen and passed through the other room where Paulo is. He heard running water and he assumed that the man was taking a shower too.
Quickly, he rummaged through his refrigerator and began preparing a meal which he has planned a week ago. They both needed something to warm their stomach. And maybe, a bowl of chicken macaroni soup would do the trick.
*****
Paulo exited the bathroom with a new set of clothing. The man gave him something comfortable, a bit of an oversized black shirt, and grey joggers which seemed to fit him just right.
And as soon as he stepped out, he smelt something savory within the confines of the man's condo unit. Quite unsure, he walked around and chanced over the man's kitchen where he saw Yani stirring something inside a small pot.
"Yans?" He called out softly.
Yani turned towards him and smiled. It was definitely not the first time that he saw the man in this kind of laid back clothing. He was wearing a maroon sleeveless top and cream joggers, on his bare feet, hair still damp, and a bit of the flawless unmarked skin showing. He shouldn't find their very own COO, much more the older brother of one of the members, cute right? Suddenly, Paulo felt everything else stop.
"Pau, halika. Kain na muna tayo."
Paulo tried to process the words. His brain must have gone haywire just taking on the sight before him. Until he felt a hand touch his shoulder, neck and forehead. Yani has approached him and is now a few inches away from him as he took his wrist and felt him up.
"Pau, are you alright? Masama na ba ang pakiramdam mo?"
He felt like burning up, heat creeping up his cheeks that he almost wanted to burst out. He must have gone nuts, blushing and his mouth still agape as he stared at a worried looking Yani. The man then took a step back. And there, he saw two bowls of hot soup laid out on the table.
"Akala ko nagkasakit ka na. Tara, kain na muna tayo. Baka gutom ka na."
He took the seat opposite of Yani as they began eating. Surprisingly, the soup tasted good, a complete opposite of what Justin made them ingest a few months back. The mere memory made him smile.
"Hindi ba masarap?"
Paulo lifted his gaze to see Yani waiting for his response.
"Masarap, Yans! Naalala ko lang ang luto ni Jah." He then lifted a spoonful of macaroni, veggies and hotdogs. "Naglagay siya ng hotdog sa kare-kare. Kahit na paborito ko yung hotdog, di ko nakain."
Yani laughed and it sounded so natural that it made his smile turn into a grin.
"Hindi man ako magaling kumanta o sumayaw, at least namana ko kay Papa yung galing niya sa pagluluto."
Paulo stopped munching. "Hey, I beg to disagree. I heard you singing once."
At that moment, Yani stopped eating, and it made Paulo think if he ever said something he shouldn't have. It was true though, he heard him before and he always remembered, the man's baritone voice was good, much more if he put effort learning to hone the skill.
"I'll take that as a compliment." Yani stated and he stood, winding the blinds to take a look outside. "It's still raining hard. Kailangan mo bang umuwi? You could stay the night."
The man's calm voice was soothing. And Paulo didn't know how his presence has placated a number of instances when they were all on edge inaide the 1Z office. Paying the man a gaze, Yani continued.
"I can book you a cab but it might be a bit unsafe. I... I just don't want to force you if you don't want to stay but..."
The man's words trailed, but there was a look in the Yani's eyes that kept him still.
"...I prefer na dito ka na muna magpalipas ng gabi."
Paulo didn't know but he found himself smiling.
"Okay, Yans. Malaki naman ang sofa mo, di ba?"
Yani seemed to be a bit confused by the question.
"Sigurado naman akong di ka na mahuhulog dun."
This time, it made the other laugh again. And Paulo found it endearing. Now, he wanted to ask himself if this is just another crush that would soon dissipate.
*****
"Yans! Nagbibiro lang ako, hindi ko kukunin ang kama mo."
Yani stared at a quite distressed Paulo. He knew that it was indeed a joke, but he wanted the man to be comfortable. Giving up his bed now is the least thing he could do for all the hardships the man went through the past years. And for believing in him that he could further 1Z by making him the COO.
"I am not kidding either." He stated as he settled himself on the couch.
It was raining hard still, the sound unusually calming against the quiet as he watched Paulo on the other end of the sofa, insisting that he take it up instead.
"Matulog ka na, Pau. Maaga pa tayo bukas."
"E ikaw?"
"Gusto mo bang tumabi ako sa'yo?" Yani asked and Paulo looked quite scandalized by the suggestion. "Thought so."
"Yani! It's not that. I don't want to take your bed. Okay naman na ako rito. Baka di ka pa makatulog. Ako kahit san, sandal-tulog naman ako."
Yani gave him a look. "I insist, Pau. Tsaka baka magalit sa akin si Justin. Dun ka na."
Paulo looked quite confused.
"Eeehh? Bakit naman magagalit si Bujah?"
Now, that was a slip. He shouldn't have said that.
Discarding the man's reaction, he paid him a glance. There was this sad look in Paulo's eyes but Yani tried to ignore it. He wanted the man to be comfortable. Paulo then marched towards the room quite dejectedly, but he tried to ignore it. Settling himself on the sofa, he laid out the blanket and turned sideways to get his much needed sleep.
And the thought of Paulo on his oversized clothes lingering at the back of his mind.