I took a deep breath, looking at my reflection on the mirror, "You're not going to cry." I told myself, as much as I want to splash water on my face, I won't let my make-up getting ruined. 

I just took some more deep breaths in the bathroom before heading out and going back to our table where they just kept on talking about business. I just keep my head hang low while eating. 

I felt Sam's hand on mine, giving it a slight  squeeze, when I look at him, he gave me a smile and I returned a faint one. 

"Ipapahatid ko nalang kayong dalawa sa bahay, ako na ang maghahatid kay Lory." Dad said when we're outside the restaurant. 

I saw mom squint her eyes, "She can manage." she said but dad shook his head. 

"Sam is going home with his parents, I'll take Lory to their condo." Dad replied, mom glanced at me first and I immediately look down before they entered the van.

The car that dad's assistant brought awhile ago is just beside the van and I immediately went inside as I wait for dad who are still talking to tita Julieta. 

"You can cry now." Dad said when he entered the car, I shook my head, "I'm not gonna cry." I said and dad hum while starting the engine. 

"Alam ko na ang magpapasaya sa 'yo." he said before driving away. My brows furrowed and confusedly looked at him. 

What does he mean? 

My brows furrowed when we arrived at a familiar street. I fixed my seat and looked outside the window. 

"Dad, why are we here?" I confusedly asked when we stopped in front of Inin's apartment complex. 

Dad chuckled before pulling out his phone and calling someone, "Bumaba kana, andito na kami." Dad said and it made me even more confused. 

Susunduin namin si Inin? 

When dad put down his phone, he looked at me and smiled, "Itong kulot na 'to ang magpapasaya sa 'yo." he said and my brows furrowed. Soon after, Inin, Mauro and Josiah are rushing down the stairs of the apartment building, Inin is carrying an eco bag, Mauro is carrying a bag that Inin owns and Josiah is hugging a pillow, their hairs are going into every direction.

Dad chuckled and opened the door, "Boys!" he shouted once he got out, my lips parted and I immediately went out the car and rushing on dad's side which is facing the three who seems are still half asleep. 

"Dito mo na 'yan ilagay hijo." Dad said to Mauro when he opened the door at the back. 

"Salamat po sir." Mauro said in his sleepy voice before throwing the bag inside. 

"Inin pasok na," Dad said still holding the door for him, I chuckled in disbelief, they look like a mess. 

"Ikaw hijo? Ano 'yang unan na 'yan?" Dad asked Josiah who's standing behind the door, leaning on the car. 

"Ahm... ano po... Inin dalhin mo na 'to!" he said before throwing the pillow inside. 

Dad chuckled and shake his head before closing the door. 

"Sige na, matulog na kayong dalawa, hiramin muna namin si Inin." Dad said and I saw Josiah nods, 

"Huwag niyo na rin po muna ibalik para isa lang ang maingay sa apartment." he said and dad chuckled before nodding. 

We waved at the two, Mauro is almost hugging Josiah, his eyes almost closing. Me and dad went back inside the car where Inin is asleep at the back. 

"Matindi pala matulog 'yang boyfriend mo." Dad said while we're on our way to my own unit. I chuckled and nod, "Maybe he's just tired, he's doing a lot of things at school." I said and dad hummed. 

"Probably, baka kulang na rin sa tulog 'yan." he said and I nod, we soon arrived outside the condominium building. I woke up Inin and even helped him with his stuff while he hug the pillow that Josiah threw at him. 

He sleepily walking at the hallway in his Doraemon pajamas which I really find cute that it made me chuckled. 

"Matulog kana agad, I'm sure he will fall asleep on the bed once he got the touch of it." Dad said and I chuckled before nodding. 

I gave him a hug before bidding goodbye and closing the door of our unit. When I look at my back, Inin is nowhere to be found but the bedroom's door is opened. I chuckled and walk towards the bedroom, as I enter I saw him laying flat on the bed, his cheeks squished on the mattress. 

I chuckled and shook my head before turning on the air-conditioner and putting on blanket on him after. I just took a quick shower and change into pajamas. As I wet back in the room, a smile prints on my lips as I watch Inin peacefully sleep. I walk towards the other side of the bed and carefully tuck myself under the blanket, making sure not to wake him up. But as I lay my head on the pillow, I felt him move and wrap his arms around me. 

I pursed my lips as I felt his warmth, this is what I need right now after the stressful event awhile ago. A warm hug from the man I love, the only man I'll love and marry. 

I woke up with the space next to me is empty. My brows furrowed and I sat on bed looking around the bedroom, nasaan na 'yong katabi ko? 

I jump on my feet and exit the bedroom where I see Inin talking with someone on the phone. 

"Gago, wala akong na-aalala na bumangon ako at nag-impake!" I eavesdropped on their conversation, 

[Come on Inin, nag-impake ka kagabi. Ginising mo kami ni Uro kagabi dahil tumawag tatay ni Lory at sinabi na susunduin ka daw. Gising ka  p're!] It's Josiah on the other line, their call is on speaker that's why I can hear them meters away. I watch as Inin pace back and forth on the kitchen while holding on his hair. 

"What if may nakakahiya akong sinabi? Baka nag-recite ako kila tito kagabi ng minememorya ko!" Inin panicked which made me almost giggle but I don't want him to hear me. 

[Wala naman siguro, iyong unan ko pala naibato ko sa 'yo! Huwag mo lawayan 'yan, gago! Lulunurin kita sa mouth wash!] Josiah shouted and I feel like I can no longer hold my laughter. Inin walked towards the coffee machine and prepared his coffee. 

"Pero seryoso p're, natakot ako noong magising ako sa kwarto ni Lory, akala ko kung anong nangyari, buti nalang nakita ko si Doraemon my friend." He said before leaning on the counter and taking a sip of his coffee, that's when his eyes travelled at my direction. His eyes widened and almost spit out the coffee. 

"Akala ko multo!" he shouted while looking at me which made me burst out laughing. 

"Una na ako Sean!!" He bid goodbye to his friend before putting down his mug and running towards me to give me a hug. 

"Akala ko talaga multo ka." he said while hugging me which made burst out laughing. 

"Grabe ka naman sa multo!" I playfully hit his shoulder, "Nakadungaw ka sa pinto eh! Ulo lang ang kita! Aatakihin kaya ako sa puso." He said before pulling away from the hug where I see his cute pout. 

I pinch his nose, "Ewan ko sa 'yo, kumain nalang tayo." I said and he nods, while cooking our breakfast, I decided that I won't be going to the university today. Wala naman nang classes, may grades na kami, halos tumatambay nalang kami sa Ateneo, mas pipiliin ko nalang na mag stay sa condo. 

"Papasok ka pa?" I asked Inin while he's cooking scrambled egg, I make sure too give him the doe eyes, hoping he can stay here with me. 

He turn his head at my direction and smiled, "Naipasa ko na lahat ng requirements ko, end of school year na sa isang linggo, may grades na rin ako, matataas pa! Papasok pa ba ako?" Nagmayabang pa ito, I chuckled and playfully hit his arm. 

"Tinatanong nga kita, eh! Hindi kasi ako papasok, dito nalang ako sa condo." I said before crossing my arms and leaning on the counter. 

He chuckled while stirring the eggs, "Sige na nga, mapilit ka eh, dito nalang din ako." he said and a wide smile prints on my lips before I hugged him from behind. I would follow him around, kahit kumukuha na siya ng pinggan ay nakayapos pa rin ako sa likod niya hanggang sa matapos siyang magluto at nakahain na ang mga pagkain. 

"Kailan pupunta si tito dito?" I asked while we're eating breakfast, 

"Linggo na daw ng umaga, wala kasi siyang tutuluyan kung dadating siya ng mas maaga." he replied and I nod. 

"May balak ka ba na gawin ngayon? Parang ang sarap lang matulog 'no?" I asked and he chuckled, 

"Tulog lang din ang nasa isip ko. Nagbabawi talaga ako ng tulog." he said and I chuckled before nodding. 

That's what happened the whole morning, after breakfast, we both went back to bed and fall asleep once again. Around 11am, we woke up and instead of cooking, I just ordered foods while we watch movies. And while eating, we're still at the living room, watching movies. 

After lunch, we did some small cleaning at the unit and by 3pm, we decided to go the mall and he come with me while I shop. 

"Kung ako tatanungin mo? Mas maganda iyong lipstick na shade 63 ang nakalagay." he said, we're now inside Watson's and I'm buying new make-ups. 

"This pink one?" I asked, raising the lipstick, he hum, "Hindi ba nude pink 'yan?" he asked and I chuckled before nodding. 

"It is, pero sige, I'll buy the nude pink nalang." I said before putting it in the basket he's holding. I was at the eye palette section when he showed me cute face mask, it's a Tiger design and he said it looks cute so I bought two for us. 

After at the Watson's we went to the Arcade and enjoyed the rest of our time. We also had dinner at the mall and went home after to try the face mask I bought. We took a lot of pictures and send it to my friends. 

From: Gwen

Oo na, ikaw na ang may jowa, tanggap ko na!

"Congratulations ate!! You're graduate na!" Theo greeted me once the event ended, Dad caught our attention when he said that the photographer that he hired will be taking our family picture. 

I looked in front and smile, I'm standing between Dad and Theo while Mom is standing next to dad. The photographer took a lot of photos before he said it's finally done. 

"Let's go to our restaurant, I asked the staffs to prepare a decoration for you." Dad said and I gave him a smile and nod. The travel from the event hall to the restaurant is quiet, no one is uttering any word but I am not complaining. 

When we entered the restaurant, it feels like it's opened only just for me today. 

"Congratulations Miss Lory!!" All the staffs shouted in unison, a smile print on my lips as I thanked them all. 

Dad wasn't lying about the decorations, there are balloons, party strips and even banner of me! They also acknowledge me as a Cum Laude!! 

"They prepared all your favorites so enjoy, Lory." Dad said once we made our way to our seats. Not long after the foods started coming, it is countless of foods serves in front of us. Once everything is served, I immediately dig in. 

"What's your plan, ate?" Theo asked while we're eating, I glance at him and my brows furrowed, "What do you mean?" I confusedly asked, he chuckled, "I mean, are you gonna work after graduation na?" he asked and my lips parted. 

I shook my head, "No, not yet, I'll still have my OJT." I replied and he slowly nods. 

"Where ate? On dad's company?" he asked and I pursed my lips. I don't know the answer on that yet. 

"It would be better if she take her OJT on Ponce's, so her and Sam would be together always, besides Sam is already working at them." Mom answered, well she knows the answer herself.

I slowly nod, "Yes, that's actually a great idea." I faked a smiled, I would actually rather be at Sam's company. Cause if I work at Dad's, I might end up seeing mom almost every day and I don't want that to happen. 

After our little celebration that actually doesn't feel very sincere, they sent me to mine and Sam's shared unit. And as expected, Sam is already there. 

"I'll take care of her tita." Sam said as mom, dad and Theo are about to leave. 

Mom hummed, "Sure, keep on eye on her too, tell me if she's doing something stupid." Mom sternly said, I wanted to roll my eyes but I can't. 

Sam chuckled, "She's a good girl tita, but sure." he replied, Mom just nod before they left and Sam closes the door. 

"Baliw." I murmured before rolling my eyes which made Sam chuckled. 

"So... congratulations! What do you want to do now?" he cheerfully asked, I sat down on the couch, slouching. 

"I honestly don't know, I want to rest and just talk. Tapos kana sa shift mo diba?" I asked and he hummed, 

"Actually... no, pero umalis lang ako para abangan ka pag-uwi." he replied and I nod, 

"Kwentuhan mo naman ako, kahit ano." I said as I close my eyes, he went silent for few seconds before he finally speaks. 

"Your friend Ali is a ghoster pala." he started and my eyes shot open before I sit properly on the couch. 

"What do you mean? Spill!" I said before slightly hitting his leg, 

He chuckled, "We were talking for 5 days, it was good, I like her humor and she's also very caring just like what you said. Pero... around 11am, sabi niya may aasikasuhin lang daw siya, 3 days niyang inasikao 'yon." he said and I gasped, 

"Oh my God! She ghosted you pala? So how are you two doing na?" I asked, getting interested on the conversations. 

He scratched the back of his head, "Well... she told me she's not interested anymore and I really understand that." he said and I burst out laughing, "She rejected you! You got rejected, Sam! Oh my God!!" I exclaimed while throwing my head back. 

"I can't believe you got rejected when a lot of girls are head over heels to you in college." I said when I stopped laughing, I stand up from the couch and fix my dress. 

"That's enough to make me tired more, I'll just take a nap." I said before walking towards our bedroom. I changed first  before heading to bed. 

Around 6pm when I woke up from my nap, I change into casual clothes and bid goodbye to Sam to go to my own condo unit. As I arrived there, Inin is waiting by the lobby, he immediately congratulated me and even gave me a cake that we enjoyed in my unit. He also cooked dinner for me and we watched movies together until morning. 

Since it is also his summer vacation, he stayed at Quezon City to work as a crew on the fast food restaurant he has been working on for years. He would come home around 9pm and I'll be waiting for him. Around May I applied to Sam's company and started my OJT. That means I no longer stay at the unit 24/7.

"How was your OJT? Mahirap ba?" It's our lunch break and Sam meets me by the coffee bar. 

I hummed, "It's fine, kinakaya naman." I said before taking a sip of the coffee I made. 

"Hinay-hinay sa kape, baka mag palpitate ka." he said and I shake my head, "I'm good, sanay na ako sa kape, Inin makes the best coffee for me." I replied and he chuckled, 

"How many weeks do you have left sa internship mo?" He asked, I faced him and lean by the counter. 

"I think... 4 weeks nalang." I replied and he slowly nods. 

"Well goodluck on that, I'm already working on the position you'll be placed." he said and my brows furrowed. 

"What do you mean?" I confusedly asked and he chuckled, "I'm making sure you'll be able to work immediately after your internship ends. Sinisugrado ko na may bakante sa Accounting and Finance department." replied and I slowly nod. 

"Hii!!" I excitedly said once Inin entered the unit, with his tired self, he manage to give me a tight hug. 

"Nakakarelax naman 'yon." he said before planting a kiss on top of my forehead. 

I pull way from he hug but my arms still wrapped around him, I kissed his nose, "Nakakarelax din 'to." I planted more kisses on his cheeks before we both end up laughing together. 

"Bumili pala ako ng letchon, may nadaan kasi ako, mukhang masarap." he said and I nod before walking towards the kitchen to prepare the plates and rice for us. 

That what happens to us sometimes, he would buy ulam from outside while I cook rice at home. Or sometimes I'm the one who'll buy food, or we just cook at home. 

"Congratulations, Lory!" He immediately gave me a hug once he entered the unit, he remembered! 

"Thank you! Akala ko nalimutan mo." I said and he chuckled before kissing my forehead, "Paano ko makakalimutan na ngayong araw ang tapos ng OJT mo? Magiging ganap ka nang accountant sa susunod!!" he happily said before putting down his school bag. 

We sat down on the dining and started eating the foods I ordered, 

"How's school?" I asked while enjoying the carbonara. He smiled, "Favorite ako ng prof namin." he said and I gasped, 

"Really?!" I excitedly asked, he giggled, "Favorite utusan." he said my smile dropped, "Ngii!" I said and he chuckled. 

We continued talking about our day until we finished eating, naghugas na siya ng pinagkainan habang ako naman ay naglinis ng katawan. Nang matapos siya sa kusina ay siya naman ang gumamit ng banyo at saka-saka ay parehas na kaming nakahiga. 

"Nai-imagine ko na talaga ang magiging bahay natin sa future." he said with matching hand movements on the air. 

I giggled, "Do you still have the drawing we made?" I asked and he hummed, 

"Siyempre naman, laminated pa nga eh, para hindi magusot." he said and I giggled before slighting hitting his chest as I fix his arm that I use as a pillow. 

He sighed before wrapping his other arm around me, "I can't wait for both of us to be ready and finally get married." he softly said and even though our room is air-conditioned, I feel like my whole body heat up. 

He faced me and I did the same to him, "Alam mo ba 'yon, Lory? Kung gaano kita kamahal? Kung gaano ako kahanda na bitawan ang mga bagay-bagay para sa 'yo?"