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- they don’t know about the things we do
The days were passing by quickly, and Stell wasn’t ready just yet to get out of his shared condo with his boyfriend, Justin, and go back to working. Don’t get him wrong, he loves his job. He loves performing in front of fans and interacting with them at events, pero tao lang din naman siya. He too, needs rest and lambing galing sa boyfriend niya.
Speaking of his boyfriend, hinihintay niya pa rin itong bumalik mula sa kusina. His Justin, his best-friend-turned-boyfriend. The younger had gone out of their room earlier, going to pick up their brunch that they had delivered and prepare it for their breakfast in bed. Si Stell nga sana ang magluluto today, but these plans went out the window the second the older male woke up feeling pain in his back and lower regions. Napasobra ata kami kagabi, ang sakit ng likod ko. Grabe ka na, Justin. Blushing at the thought, he snaps himself out of his stupor as the door to their bedroom opens and in comes the younger male.
“Good Morning, Hon.” the other male greets upon getting inside. “I got us our food, kain na.” anyaya pa nito. Stell smiles at his boyfriend’s words, making space for the other male on their shared bed.
They sit in comfortable silence as they begin eating their food, occasionally exchanging commentaries and just small talks. It was Justin who finished his meal first, and is now looking at the older male like he hung the stars and the moon at night. He smiles softly, reaching out to wipe the sauce on the corner of his boyfriend’s mouth. Napahinto na lamang si Stell sa pagsubo, looking over at the other man beside him. Justin offers a smile, placing his hand on the other male’s jaw and pulling him close, planting a soft kiss on Stell’s forehead. The latter feels his face heat up, blushing at his lover’s sudden display of affection.
“Are you in too much pain pa ba? I’m sorry, napasobra ako kagabi.” Justin says, caressing the shorter man’s cheeks. Stell smiles as he leans towards the touch, looking directly at Justin. “I’m okay. I actually liked it nga eh.” he admits shyly, the tips of his ears turning red as he pulls away from the younger male, burying his face in their pillows. The younger male is taken aback by his lover’s words, clearly not expecting him to admit that loudly. He laughs softly as he turns to his boyfriend, reaching out to touch the other man. He laughs more when Stell pushes his hands away, his whine muffled by the pillows. Justin places the small bed tray onto the floor and scoots closer to his boyfriend, hoisting him up and forcing the other man to face him.
“Akala ko ba you liked it? Why hide?” he teases as Stell smacks his chest in return. The older man buries himself in his lover’s arms, making himself as small as possible. Jusko po, mas matanda pa’ ko sa batang ‘to, pero ako yung tiklop. Ano ba ‘to, universe? He thinks to himself, letting out a small whine at the crook of his lover’s neck. “Naman eh, nahihiya na nga yung tao, nanunukso ka pa. Tama ka na Justin.” he replies to the younger’s teasing, his face heating up at the sound of his lover’s soft laugh. Halatang nag-eenjoy sa kahihiyan ko eh noh, napakagago talaga Justin.
Justin wraps his arms around the older male’s waist, pulling him closer and kissing the top of his head. “Eto na po, ‘di na po manunukso. Baka maging kamatis ka na diyan eh, pulang-pula yan siya.” he says, laughing once more when the man in his arms just hits his chest, murmuring complaints against the crook of the younger male’s neck.
They stayed that way for a long while, both not yet ready to disturb and let go of the comfort and warmth surrounding them.
- they don’t know about the I-love-yous
Stell was, to say the least, proud of his boyfriend. Justin’s first solo song had been a huge success, eliciting mixed reactions and massive support from fans. He was smiling from ear to ear at the sight of his boyfriend on his phone screen. The younger one had been invited to perform his solo song today, and gustuhin man ni Stell na sumama at personalang manood, he was unfortunately struck by a small fever. It wasn’t anything serious, pero wala siyang nagawa kundi ang magpahinga na lamang sa condo nila at sundin ang payo ng nakababata na magpagaling.
He was watching as his lover was profusely expressing his thanks to the event hosts for the opportunity to promote and perform. Stell’s heart was full of happiness, not only for the Justin currently on stage, but also for the Justin that had stayed up late countless times in preparation for his upcoming song. Afterall, he was there no’ng mga panahon ni minsan ay si Justin naman ang nagkasakit dahil sa pagpupuyat at walang pahinga nito. Naudlot pa tuloy bebetime namin non. Stell chuckles at the thought that had crossed his mind. He plays the live stream until it was done, at tsaka niya lang binaba ang tablet na ginamit niya.
He had been planning to wait for his boyfriend, pero hindi niya na talaga mapigilan ang antok na dala ng lagnat niya. He moves to lie back down in their bed, pulling Justin’s pillow close to himself and sighing in content. Balik ka na, love. Miss na kita. He thought to himself as his eyelids started drooping at tuluyan na nga siyang makatulog.
It had been a while before a voice had called Stell out of his sleep. The latter, paired with the fever induced exhaustion, whined and wiggled his body in an attempt to push the other person away. He grumbles words of complaint against the pillow he’d been hugging close, his forehead creasing in frustration. He hears a soft laugh before the voice speaks once more, brushing his hair away from his forehead.
"Tapos ayaw mo pang makinig kanina na dito ka lang. Sarap nga ng tulog mo ohh.” the owner of the voice says, gently messaging the sleepy man’s scalp. Stell opens his eyes slowly, adjusting to the light illuminating the room. “Rise and shine, love. Gising na, I brought us food.” Stell looks up at the man, a small gasp escaping his lips once he sets his sight on the other person’s face. “Hi, Hon. Namiss mo ‘ko?” Justin asks with a wide smile.
Nagising ang diwa ni Stell at aligagang bumangon ito sa pagkakahiga para yakapin ang nobyo. Justin returns his hug, pulling him closer and tighter against his body. “You’re home. Kanina ka pa?” Stell asks against the crook of his boyfriend’s neck. Justin hums in his ear as his reply. “‘Di naman po masyado. Sakto lang para maprepare ko foods natin at magpalit ng damit.” the younger male continues.
Stell pulls away from the comfort of his boyfriend’s arms and checks him out. He offers the latter a smile, who in turn chuckles and pulls him close to plant a kiss on his forehead. “ Are you okay now? ‘Di ba lumala lagnat mo?” tanong ng nakababata. Stell shakes his head in response, wincing at the small jab of pain caused by the movement. Justin laughs at his boyfriend’s actions before pulling him close and running his hand through the older male’s hair. Stell sighs heavily as he wraps his arms around the younger man’s torso.
“I love you, Jah.” Stell mutters, breaking the comfortable silence that had surrounded them. Justin hums in response, shocked at the sudden confession. He recovers quickly, stroking the other boy’s back, coaxing him into saying more. Stell closes his eyes at the feeling and settles peacefully against the other boy’s warmth. “I’m so proud of you today, and for many more achievements to come. Nandito lang ako palagi, cheering for you and your journey. Mahal na mahal na mahal kita, love. Tandaan mo ‘yan, okay?” he murmurs absentmindedly, unaware of the thrilled smile spreading across his lover’s face. Justin hums and kisses his head before replying.
“ Mahal na mahal na mahal din kita, Stell. Thank you for being here, love.”
- they don’t know about the up all nights
“Love, why are you awake pa? Ala una na ohh, wala ka bang plano matulog?” Justin says loudly enough so Stell hears him from their bedroom door. “Shhh ka lang, lovie. Nasa exciting part na. “ the latter replies back. Justin shakes his head from where he stands and walks to where Stell is sitting at their sofa. He stands beside the couch, staring at the tv screen in front of them, confused and intrigued by what his lover could be watching. “Ano ba kasi ‘yang pinapanood mo at willing kang isacrifice ang tulog natin, hah?” the younger asks, lying down on the couch and placing his head at the older male’s lap.
At ‘di na nga ako pinapansin. Napakagaling aba, wala kang cuddles sa’kin mamaya. He thinks to himself. He tries to wiggle his head around, hoping to catch the other male’s attention this way. Pero laking gulat nalang niya’y bigla itong yumuko at hinalikan siya sa labi. Justin is left dumbfounded, ang utak niya’y puno ng kilig at pagkagulat sa ginawa ng nobyo. “Shhh, wag ka maingay, hon. Malalaman na nila ‘yung kontrabida ohh. Awa nalang talaga, four episodes left nalang.” Stell mutters into the air, stroking Justin’s hair.
Justin smiles at his boyfriend, turning to watch him instead of the drama playing in front of them. His heart feels as though it’s at peace, watching his lover dramatically react over the scenes playing out. Kailanman ay ‘di siya magsasawang panoorin ang kanyang nobyo, lalo na kung napakasaya nito. He lays there staring at the other male, letting out small smiles and light chuckles at his boyfriend’s reactions to what’s happening on screen.
Kung tatanungin, I too, am willing to sacrifice my sleep, makita ka lang masaya at nag-eenjoy sa mga bagay na gusto mo, Stell. Never lose this enthusiasm of yours when it comes to things you enjoy.
Justin thinks to himself, offering the older male a smile when he turns to him, confused at his boyfriend’s sudden silence.
“Kwentuhan mo ‘ko sa nangyari, love. Kahit buong gabi pa ‘yan. Might as well watch the show with you na lang, tutal gising na din naman na ako.” The younger male says as the other man smiles at his words and pauses the show before turning to talk to him. Justin listens intently, with only one thought crossing his mind.
He wouldn’t trade nights like these with his beloved, over anything else in the world.
- they don’t know I’ve waited all my life
Bata pa lang si Stell ay pangarap niya ng makahanap ng taong mamahalin niya sa pang habangbuhay. Wala na siyang pake kung babae o lalaki ito, noon pa may sambit na ng kanyang pamilya na tanggap nila kung ano man ang gugustuhin niya. Ang hiling niya lang talaga noon ay dapat may itsura, mabait, mayaman, at kasing funny niya ang makakatuluyan niya. At talaga namang favorite siya ni universe ng ibigay nito ang dati niyang hinihiling pa, at ‘di lang ‘yon, much better pa.
Early 2023 no’ng napagtanto niya ang simula ng pagbabago ng nararamdaman niya para sa best friend at band mate niyang si Justin. He hadn’t even tried to deny anything to himself, feeling niya kasi sayang lang sa oras at space sa utak niya ang pagdududa sa feelings niya para sa nakababata. Kung tutuusin, halata naman din talaga kasi siya, sadyang manhid lang siguro ang nakababata no’ng time na ‘yon at ‘di niya nahalata si Stell.
At times, he’d catch himself staring at the other male far too long, and immediately brushing it off as soon as the younger one caught him. Minsan nga, sa sobrang in love niya ata sa lalaki, ay tumatawa siya sa mga jokes nito kahit na napakacorny at waley. Allowing the younger male to sleep over at his condo, hanggang sa nakasanayan na nilang dalawa na uwian ang isa’t isa. That was the year they had started going closer too, na para bang kilala na nila ang isa’t isa noon pa man. And it really felt like it then.
Mid 2023 ng matupad din ang isa sa mga childhood dreams niya. An angry rain confession, tulad sa mga dramang napapanood niya noon. He remembered confronting the younger man back then, confessing his feelings, and running away, prepared to cry and sleep away his grief after getting rejected. ‘Di niya naman kasi inakalang sinundan pala siya ni Justin, who pulled him close and stood with him under the pouring rain. Kasabay ng pagpatak ng mga luha ni Stell ay ang paglabas naman ng tunay na nararamdaman ni Justin. The younger had confessed how he felt, telling the other man all his fears and reasons for holding back all these years. At doon niya din nalaman na mas nauna pa pala ang nakababata na mahulog sa kanya, at pinili lang nitong itago ang nararamdaman sa takot na baka masira at mawala ang kung anong meron man sila.
He remembers the both of them laughing at their silliness and katorpehan, at mas lalong naaalala niya ang pagluhod ni Justin at pagtatanong nito sa kanya. Stell, may I have the honor of courting you? Allow me to show you how I truly feel in every way I can. May I?” Stell remembers the way he shook after hearing Justin’s words, his question that rendered the older boy speechless and only being able to manage to produce a nod.
And lastly, he remembers the way they both cried tears of happiness when Stell had finally accepted his advances, sakto pa sa family reunion ni Justin, to which Stell was invited to as well. He remembers the delighted cheers and congratulations from the De Dios family when Justin, despite his size, picked Stell up and spun him around in pure joy, peppering his face with light kisses as the latter just let out giggles. Stell remembers thinking to himself that his lifelong dream had come true in the form of one Justin De Dios. And he wouldn’t have it any other way.
It had been a long time ago then, but until now, nothing has changed about the way he feels for Justin, who was currently sleeping beside him in bed. The younger one had been exhausted to the bone after today’s event, and if he were to be honest, Stell was exhausted too. Pero he just somehow couldn't find it in himself to close his eyes, not when he’s too busy staring at the sleeping boy beside him. Ang lalaking kinababaliwan ng maraming fans, that only he can call his. His hon, his love, his jahjah, and just his. He smiles at the thought, brushing away loose strands of hair from the sleeping man’s forehead.
The gesture makes the younger man stir in his sleep, grumbling to himself, before scooting closer to the other boy. Stell’s heart melts at the thought of his sleepy boyfriend still, though unconsciously, pulling him closer and melting against him. He closes his eyes as he buries himself at the crook of the younger man’s neck, sighing softly and allowing the steady beating sound of his boyfriend’s heart lull him to dream land.
- baby, they don’t know about us
Justin scrolls absentmindedly on his phone, occasionally laughing at funny tiktoks he watches and even reposting some. He’d been scrolling for a while now, waiting for his boyfriend to come out of the shower so that he too, can start getting ready for their date. Justin just smiles at the thought, feeling giddy at the idea of strolling around in a foreign country where no one knows who they are. A place he can pretend is theirs, even for a short while, and be able to take his boyfriend around for a date.
He shakes his head dismissively, trying to get rid of the bitter thoughts swimming around his mind. He wouldn’t let such thoughts sour the atmosphere today, after all, he had long waited for the both of them to be able to do these things freely, away from the scrutinizing eyes of the media back home. Kung saan lahat ng ginagawa mo ay maaaring maging dahilan ng iyong pagkasira, no matter how big or small the matter is.
It hadn’t been too long until he finally heard the sound of the bathroom door opening, his boyfriend stepping out of the shower after what almost felt like an eternity of waiting. He looks up and smiles at his boyfriend, who in return, just tilted his head to the side in confusion.
“Grabe, ang tagal mo magready, mahal. Magdadalawang oras ka na ata sa cr ehh.” panunukso pa ng nakababata. Stell just rolls his eyes at his lover's words, throwing his shirt in the latter’s direction. “Ewan ko sa’yo Justin, magready ka na nga lang! Dami pang sinasabi eh, ‘pag ako talaga tinamad... ” the older boy trails off, glancing at his lover who just laughs at him. Justin walks closer to the other man, planting a kiss on the other’s cheek before he gets inside the bathroom. Inside, he lets the water from the shower wash away his thoughts earlier.
Half an hour later, Justin comes out of the bathroom to see his lover sitting in their hotel bed, scrolling through Justin’s phone. He chuckles as he silently moves closer to the latter and snatches his phone. Stell gasps at him, clearly surprised at his lover’s presence. “Jusko naman, hon. Akala ko ano na. Nagulat ako do’n, bwiset ka!” the older man exclaims, repeatedly hitting the younger one’s arms, who’s currently just laughing at the other boy’s reaction. “Weh, patingin nga ng gulat.” he teases back, smiling as Stell glares at him.
Justin moves to change his clothes as Stell gets the hair blower ready. Justin turns to look at his boyfriend, who’s patting down the space beside him, signalling the younger male to sit. He smiles softly at his boyfriend’s actions and walks to settle down beside the other man. Stell turns the blower on and glides it across Justin’s hair, drying up the latter’s fresh from the shower style. He hums a tune that Justin finds familiar, but can’t remember. It takes only a few minutes for Justin’s hair to dry. He finds himself locked in his sitting position when he tries to stand, with his boyfriend’s arms circling his neck from the back. He hears the latter heave a sigh before speaking.
“Kanina, while scrolling through your tiktok, nakita ko mga finavorite mong videos. Specifically the hard launch videos ng mga magjowa do’n.” the older boy says. Justin freezes up in his place, suddenly nervous about the direction this conversation is leaning to. Nevertheless, he hums in encouragement, signalling the other man to continue. “Mahal, be honest with me, hah. Do you wanna do that trend din? Want mo na ba i-legal sa buong mundo relationship natin?” the latter continues.
Justin feels his mouth dry up from the question. ‘Di niya alam kung pa’no sasagutin ang nobyo. Should he be honest and just tell him the truth? Because yes, gustong-gusto niya ng ipagsigawan sa mundo na mahal niya ang nag-iisang Stellvester Ajero at siya’y mahal din nito. As cheesy as it sounds, matagal na talaga niyang gustong ihard launch ang relationship nila, but obviously, he had to wait and ask for the other boy’s opinions too. ‘Di lang naman siya ang nag-iisang nagdedesisyon sa relasyon nila. Which is why, hindi siya ready sagutin ang tanong ng nobyo niya.
He turns his head around, looking right at the other’s eyes. Stell tilts his head to the side, looking at Justin expectantly. The latter stares at him for a while before he sighs and finally answers. “Sobra. You have no idea ga’no katagal ko ng gustong ipagsigawan sa mundo na akin ka, sayo ako, at mahal natin ang isa’t isa.” he says softly, turning his body fully around. He smiles as he reaches out to hold the older male, who goes pliant against his hold. “But still, I am waiting for when the time comes na ready ka na din.” he continues, rubbing his hands up and down the other boy’s back.
Stell hums against his neck as he pulls the younger male even closer against himself. His voice is soft and shaky when he asks, “What brought this on? Gusto mo ba sumabay sa trends ngayon, hah?” Justin chuckles softly at the innocent question as he places his chin at the top of the older boy’s head. His voice is full of warmth and joy when he answers his beloved’s question.
“Wala lang, pagod na ata si Nick Jonas sakin eh. Palagi nalang siyang nagpeplay kapag nakikita ko mga posts ng ibang shippers. Akin ka lang eh, tapos ‘di ko man lang masabi sa kanila.” The sound of laughter he gets as a reply makes Justin smile wider, as he jokingly lets out an offended gasp. “Wow, pinagtatawanan ako. ‘Di mo na ata ako mahal eh.” he says in mock offense.
Stell pushes himself off the younger’s body, looking directly at the latter’s face and placing both his hands on his boyfriend’s face. The latter stares at the man holding him and smiles when he sees the pout on his face. “Ang OA mo. Alam mo naman ‘di totoo yung iba, tas nagseselos ka pa rin. Timang ka ba?” the latter says, voice soft and bordering on reprimanding. “Eh kasi, sinasabihan tayong hanggang mag bestfriend lang, or magkapatid. Sino bang matutuwa do’n?” the younger male replies, voice laced with fake sadness.
Stell looks at his lover’s face and plants a kiss on the other man’s lips, leaving Justin speechless and his face heating up. “I know nagjojoke ka lang right now, but still, I want you to remember na whatever we have, ‘di mababago lahat ng ‘to ng kung ano man ang sasabihin ng iba. And besides, wala naman talagang pumipigil sa’ting maghard launch eh. If you want, we can do it soon. Para na rin sa ikakatahimik at pahinga ni Nick Jonas.” Stell says softly, chuckling at himself at some of his words. Justin stares at the other male, a soft smile spreading across his lips. He reaches out to hold the other boy’s hands and pulls it away from his face, intertwining their fingers as he looks at the older male.
“Gusto mo gawin na’tin lahat ng hard launch ideas na sinave ko? Ready na’ko, kahit ngayon na agad eh.” he says excitedly, smiling even wider when he hears his boyfriend’s laugh. “Ayoko nga, wala naman originality ‘yun.” Stell replies, his face contorted into a thinking expression, na para bang ang lalim ng iniisip nito tungkol sa kung pa’no niya gusto malegal sa mundo. “Alam mo gusto ko?” he continues as Justin just hums in response. “Ang magready ka na kasi mala-late na tayo sa reservation natin. Jusko, love. Mahal pa naman bookings do’n.” he laughs as the younger man’s expression falls, clearly not expecting the answer. Justin clicks his tongue in fake annoyance and stands up, moving around the room to continue getting ready. All the while Stell looks at him smiling, before he says something that stops the younger male in his movements.
“Let’s shoot a new vlog today, ng tayong dalawa lang. Walang binabago, walang tinatago. Let’s show the world we love each other, and we’re going on dates sa ibang bansa.”
Justin stops in his tracks for a while, before he turns to see a smiling Stell on the bed. He offers an excited smile of his own, bago siya nag aligagang ihanda at kunin ang mga gagamitin nila sa vlog, fully aware of the wide smile and soft eyes directed at him.
- I just wanna tell the world that you’re mine, boy
Both boys are sitting on the couch of their shared condo, a laptop placed on top of the younger male’s lap. Kakatapos lang nilang mag-edit sa vlog nila kaya nama’y pinag-iisipan nalang nila pa’no ito iaanounce sa mga fans. Justin hears his boyfriend let out a sigh beside him, halatang kinakabahan sa gagawin nila. He turns to look at the other male and pulls him closer by the shoulders. Stell wastes no time leaning his head on the younger’s shoulder, letting out another deep sigh.
Hindi naman sa nagdadalawang isip sila sa gagawin, after all, they’d already informed the others of their plan. Alam naman nilang suportado sila ng tatlo pa nilang kagrupo, but still, once their relationship got out, maaring makaapekto ito sa career at image nila as a group, kaya tama lang na ipinaalam muna nila ang plano nila sa tatlo.
Stell lets out what he thinks is his seventh sigh for the past hour. Lifting his head up, he turns to look at Justin who was already staring at him. The latter hums and offers a small smile, the gesture comforting the brewing storm deep inside Stell.
“Are you okay? Gusto mo pa ba ituloy?” the younger asks, voice laced with concern. Stell offers a nod of his own, a small smile spreading across his lips. “Oo naman, love. I’m just a bit nervous, what if ‘di magugustuhan ng mga fans ang vlog natin? Dali-dali pa naman pagkakaedit no’n. Masira reputation mo as an aesthetic person.” Stell replies teasingly, trying to lighten up the mood. Justin laughs at his boyfriend’s words, before he pulls him back down to lie on his shoulder. The latter allows himself to be guided down by the younger, once again lost in thought.
Comfortable silence engulfs them. Ang tanging maririnig sa kwarto ay ang tunog ng aircon at ng mga pusa sa kabilang kwarto. Justin lets out a deep breath, as he too, grows nervous at the thought of finally doing what he’s been waiting to do for a long time now. Stell notices the subtle hint of nervousness in Justin’s sigh as he makes a humming sound of his own.
“Love.” he calls the younger’s attention. “Kunin mo phone ko, selfie tayo. Tapos ipopost ko sa myday ko sa Instagram, announce natin new vlog mo.” he continues. He feels the younger move beside him, complying with his request and immediately reaching for the older male’s phone on their coffee table. Agad namang iniabot ng nakababata ang cellphone ni Stell sa kanya, at naghanda sila para magpicture. Stell opens his camera as they both pose for the picture. The older boy clicks the shutter and goes to check the photo. He opens his Instagram app and posts the picture in his story, writing out a short caption about their new vlog.
He turned to Justin, who was looking at him patiently. Nodding his head, he signals the younger to post the video, to which the younger complies immediately. It takes a few minutes for the video to load, as they both look at the screen in silence. Once the video gets uploaded, Justin closes his laptop and places it on the table in front of them.
The younger boy turns to the other man sitting beside him, pulling him closer. Stell melts at the warmth engulfing his boyfriend’s body, sighing contentedly. He feels the younger man exhale shakily, obviously still nervous about what they’d done. They stay that way for a long while, just basking in the comforting silence and warmth between them. Stell feels his eyelids drooping, sleepiness catching up to him. He reluctantly peels himself away from the younger and turns to look at him with a small, comforting smile.
“Tulog na tayo, mahal. Inaantok na’ko. Let’s just check tomorrow, okay?” he asks, voice laced with exhaustion. Justin smiles at him and nods, moving to stand himself and pulling the other man along with him. Stell lets himself be guided to their bedroom and heaves a contented sigh when the younger man tucks him in before laying down beside him. He scoots closer towards his boyfriend, as the latter wraps his arms around the other man, cuddling him.
“ I can feel you thinking from over here, love. Sleep na, we’ll worry about these tomorrow.” Stell says in his sleepy state, feeling the younger one stiffen beside him. “I’m just worried, mahal. Ang daming pwede magbago after nito, and I worry about all of the possibilities.” the younger man replies, murmuring against the other man’s hair. Stell hums in response, as he remains silent for a few seconds before answering. “No matter what happens, walang magbabago sa’tin, hon. Whether the world likes it or not, I’ll be here beside you, and you with me.”
“I know. Thank you, love. Tulog na ikaw, I’ll hold you for the entire evening.” the younger replies back.
Stell smiles against his boyfriend’s chest and hums. “Goodnight, lovie. Mahal na mahal kita.”
“Mahal na mahal din kita, Stell.” he hears the younger respond, before sleep finally takes over his entire being.
They both went to sleep that night, with only one thing in mind.
Kung ano man ang mangyayari, sa gugustuhin man ng mundo o hindi, Stell loved Justin, just as much as Justin loved Stell. And that they would choose each other everyday, over and over again, just as they had done even before they shared their love to the world.