Work Text:
30 June 2028
It’s past midnight, and Risa can’t stop pacing around her room. The lingering press of Sherwin’s lips against her cheek refuses to leave her mind. She reaches up to touch the spot and absentmindedly smiles, only to catch herself. She snaps her smile shut and squishes her cheeks with both hands.
“Ano ba ‘to, I’m acting like a teenager. It wasn’t even a real kiss.”
Her heart pounds in her chest with just the thought of it. She puts both hands on her chest, mentally instructing her heart to be still.
“Let’s not make a big deal out of it, Risa.”
She hears her phone beep. She checks it and finds a message from no less a person than Sherwin.
Sherwin (12:36 AM): Nakauwi ka na ba?
Risa (12:37 AM): Yes, safely home. You?
Sherwin (12:37 AM): Home na rin. In bed na. You should be resting too, maaga pa tayo bukas.
“Good for him ha. Buti he can relax pa after what he did.” She mentally rolls her eyes. She gets on her bed and snuggles up under the blanket.
Risa (12:39 AM): In bed na rin. Good night, Sherwin. See you tomorrow!
Sherwin (12:40 AM): Good night, Risa! Sweet dreams. See you!
Risa turns off her bedside lamp and tucks herself to sleep.
Sherwin finds it difficult to sleep. Every time he closes his eyes, Risa’s face occupies his mind. Sometime after one in the morning, exhaustion finally wins.
——
Four senators have completed their twelve-year tenure: Sherwin, Risa, Joel and Migz, each delivering their valedictory speech in the order of their surnames.
Sherwin walks to the podium at the center of the session hall. As Senate President, he's used to recognizing speakers. This time, with a grin, he says,
“Sherwin Gatchalian… myself… is recognized.”
That draws laughter from the chamber. Applause fills the chamber and a few playful cheers and whistles ring out from the gallery.
He delivers his speech. He expresses appreciation to a number of people, and among those he acknowledges is Risa.
“To Risa, my seatmate, my former seatmate, my deepest gratitude to you kasi ang dami ko talagang natutunan sayo. We were the newbies 12 years ago, and I’m really glad I was seated next to you kasi naging kasangga talaga kita, and we became each other’s confidants during those early years in the Senate. You have influenced me to be better at my job. I admire you so much… your intelligence, your dedication to your work, your fearlessness and, most importantly, your heart for the people. You continue to inspire me.”
A ripple of knowing smiles spreads across the chamber. People who had always shipped the two exchange glances trying to suppress their grins. Somewhere in the gallery, somebody whispers, “Luh, parang confirmed ma.”
He moves on with his speech, reflecting on his time in the Senate, highlighting some of his achievements before finally closing with a heartfelt farewell. The chamber echoes with applause. He waits for it to settle before he speaks again.
“Now, to deliver her speech, Senator Risa Hontiveros is recognized.”
Risa is walking towards the podium while Sherwin steps away from it. Carrying stacks of papers and an iPad, their arms brush lightly as they cross paths. For the briefest moment, their eyes meet, soft smiles spreading across their faces.
“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, maraming salamat sa inyong lahat, and good morning.
Today marks my final day as a Senator, alongside the three gentlemen who are also concluding their terms. I never imagined that I would enter this institution, just as I never imagined that I would become an activist. Yet somehow, the universe always seemed to have other plans for me.
Even before I became a Senator, my purpose was always clear: to be a relentless advocate for those who cannot speak and fight for themselves. But serving as a Senator added another dimension to that mission. It was no longer enough to stand with those who needed a voice. I now had the responsibility to craft laws that would protect them, and to help reshape a system that has, for far too long, failed the very people it was meant to serve.”
Risa glances up at the Senate President, now seated at the rostrum. Sherwin gives her a little nod. She returns it with the faintest smile before she continues with her speech.
——
At half past eleven in the morning, the session adjourns, but the warmth and embraces among colleagues continue long after the gavel falls.
Amid the crowd of people eager to speak with them, Sherwin makes his way toward Risa, hoping to catch her attention. With her back partly turned to him as she speaks with Senator Migz, he quietly approaches and touches her elbow with his palm.
For all the times Sherwin has done this before, Risa immediately knows it is him. She turns around, confirming the familiar gesture and the person behind it.
Senator Migz, with a knowing smile, simply nods at Sherwin, gives him a gentle tap on the arm, and walks away, leaving the two a moment of privacy.
“I didn’t forget,” Sherwin says to Risa matter-of-factly.
Puzzled, Risa looks at him and asks, “Ang alin?”
“11:58 na. Last night.” A brief pause, “‘Di ko nakalimutan.”
In an instant, Risa remembers. It was about his promise: that today, at exactly twelve noon, he would pursue her.
Sherwin checks his watch. The moment the clock strikes at twelve noon, he leans in to give her a beso and whispers, “I hope you allow me.”
From a distance, Senator Migz quietly observes the two. Whatever was said between them is unclear, but he sees enough to understand that something has shifted between them. He lets out a sigh, not out of relief, but of finally seeing something happen.
——
Farewell parties organized by the staff members of the respective graduating senators have begun. Laughter, gratitude, and tears fill their offices, spilling into the hallways as they celebrate years of shared work, memories, and friendships.
——
It’s a little after 6pm now, and celebrations have wrapped up. The bottles of wine, plates, leftover food and party decorations have all been neatly packed away, leaving everything back in order. One by one, the staff members have headed home and the offices have fallen quiet once again.
Risa is just about to leave her office when Sherwin suddenly appears at her door.
“Sherwin,” she says softly, not quite a question, yet not quite a statement either.
“Hi.” Sherwin raises his right hand awkwardly in greeting. “Can I come in?”
“Oo naman, although technically, this isn’t my office anymore,” she lets out a small laugh.
Sherwin steps inside, closes the door behind him, and walks straight to her.
With his hands in his pockets, “So kumusta naman ‘yung mini party niyo?”
“Masaya pero malungkot din. I will still work with a few of them but I can’t keep them all na. Gosh, I can’t believe we’re finally done with politics!” She taps Sherwin’s arm with the tips of her fingers. He smiles from her enthusiasm.
“Kayo? How was yours?”
“Ayun, puro tukso lang ang inabot ko. Pinakanta pa talaga nila ako.” With a shy smile, he shakes his head. “Pero masaya, masaya naman. Mga krung krung lang talaga.”
“Ano na namang tinutukso nila sayo?”
With a mischievous smile, he says, “May something daw. Ewan ko sa mga ‘yun.”
“Anong something?” she asks, unable to hide her curiosity.
“Tayo.” He pauses. “May something daw tayo.”
Sherwin slips his hands out of his pockets. A quiet tension settles between them. Risa tucks her hair behind her ear and she scans the empty room.
Just when Sherwin is about to say something, Risa’s phone beeps. She fishes her phone out of her handbag then she says, “Oh!” She looks at Sherwin, “Manong is already here, I have to go, may dinner with the kids.” She gives him an apologetic look.
Sherwin, a bit flustered, says, “Sure, sure! Go ahead, no worries! We can talk some other time.”
“Yes, I’m sure we will.” Her eyes crinkle as she smiles at him.
“Okay, you go ahead na baka ma-traffic pa kayo. Baka the kids are waiting na for you. Ingat ka. Ingat din si manong sa pagmamaneho.”
Risa is about to head for the door when she stops.
“Sherwin.”
“Yes, Risa?”
Risa reaches up and lightly tugs at Sherwin’s collar with her free hand and gently pulls him closer. She presses a kiss to his cheek and lets it rest there for a quiet moment before heading for the door.
Sherwin remains where he is, still slightly bent over toward where she had been, visibly stunned by what has just happened. By the time he recovers, Risa is already out the door. He rushes into the hallway.
“Risa!”
Risa turns around.
“Payag ka na?”
Risa doesn’t answer. She only gives him a smile—the kind that says enough—before turning away.