"IBA ang ngiti natin, 'tol," Inggo says, chuckling and wagging his eyebrows. "Anong nangyari?"

"Walang nangyari," Cas counters, biting his lip to keep from smiling, pero halatang-halata na ngumingiti na 'to sa glow ng mukha habang binababa ang bag sa couch.

"Shet!" Migo howls, jumping on his back. "Puta ka! Iniwan mo na 'ko!"

Anton whistles loudly and tackles him. "Pare! I'm so proud!"

Inggo tackles all of them and brings them to the ground, wrapping his arm around Cas's neck in a chokehold and ruffling his hair. "Ang laki mo na, totoy!" He wipes a fake tear from his face. "Kahapon lang, naiiiyak ka kasi akala mo mabaho hininga mo when you first kissed Addie—"

"Tangina mo!" Cas shouts, kicking him.

Jiya rolls her eyes, focused on her laptop while she slurps her her coffee. Ang ingay, pota, umagang-umaga.

Nagb-breakfast ang mga boys sa condo kasi free cut ang mga unggoy na 'to for first period at mamaya pa silang eleven, pero nang pumasok si Cas, kinalumitan na nila 'yong pagkain.

Alam din ni Jiya bakit sila nagkakagulo-gulo. Addie texted na kanina.

Hindi na siya virgin. Sila ni Cas.

"Ang cute mo naman!" sigaw ni Anton. "Kilig na kilig, ampota! Baka gusto mong umuwi ulit, pare?"

"Gago," Cas says, but he's laughing, red-faced, and wala nang pake si Jiya kasi alam niyang mahal niya si Addie and vice versa. "Kain na nga tayo—uy, Jiya! Morning!"

She sends him a salute without glancing at him.

"Don't worry. 'Di ko sinaktan si Ads," he says in a mumble.

"Wala akong sinabi," Jiya says, raising her eyebrow.

"Ah. Akala ko galit ka sa 'kin."

"Ganyan lang talaga 'yan," Migo says, slapping his back. "And magagalit na lang talaga kapag sinaktan mo na talaga si Ads. Baka mamatay ka."

"Hindi 'yon mangyayari," Cas says firmly.

"Siguraduhin mo," Jiya tells him, closing her laptop. She stands up and puts her things inside her bag. "Okay, class na ako, boys."

"'Wag na!" Inggo shouts from the couch, cuddled with Anton. "Dito ka na lang, bro."

Migo grabs her laptop and hugs it. "Dito ka na lang," he echoes, giving her his best puppy eyes.

Jiya rolls her eyes and puts on her ID. "Akin na."

"No."

"Miguel."

"Pota," he mutters, giving it back to her. "'Wag mo nga akong nilalandi sa harap ng mga kaibigan natin."

Cas whistles lowly. "O ano, alis na kami? Ikaw naman?"

Jiya throws him her pencil case. "Sige pa, Fuentes!"

"Sorry, sorry!"

Migo takes her bag and walks her to school, hand in hand. "How was yesterday pala with my sisters? Sabi nila it was fun but ayaw nilang magsabi kung ano ginawa n'yo."

Jiya's lips curl up in a smile.

"Ate, anong balak mo kay Kuya?" tanong ni Maureen while they were getting their nails done pagkatapos nilang mag-buffet. Even Meg was being pampered, kiliting-kiliti with her feet in the water.

"Kakatayin ko siya kapag pinalitan niya 'ko," Jiya answered her with a sweet smile.

Maureen giggled a little. "I'll help you. Pero kakatayin din kita kapag pinalitan mo rin siya."

That made Jiya smile. "It won't happen, but thank you for the warning."

"Ate Jiya, alam mo bang Kuya has a picture of you in his wallet?" singit ni Meg, gummy na gummy ang ngiti. "And minsan, he asks us to check kung okay lang ba message niya or not—"

"Or kung okay lang ba suot niya o buhok niya bago kayo mag-date, kung gwapo ba raw siya," Maureen snorted, rolling her eyes, but there was a fond smile on her lips. "And nagalit siya kay Meg when she took his anklet and almost lost it. Mga hanggang madaling araw namin hinanap sa may beach no'n, ayaw niya kaming pauwiin!"

Jiya felt her chest tighten. She bit her lip and quietly said, "Maureen. Meg. Sigurado ba kayong hindi kayo mapapatay ng kuya ninyo 'pag nalaman niyang sinabi n'yo 'to sa 'kin?"

"Mapapatay," Meg answered, giggling, swaying her feet. Her little pigtails swayed from side to side. "Pero no'ng magkaaway kayo, Ate, sobrang lungkot niya, and nasasaktan, and ayaw niya kaming kausapin...gusto lang namin malaman mo na mahal ka ni Kuya."

Maureen reached over and took her hand. Quietly, she pleaded, "Kaya please don't hurt him, Ate Jiya."

Wala namang balak si Jiya na gawin 'yon, pero nagawa na niya no'ng nag-away sila, and baka magawa niya pa ulit. Nasasaktan ako sa 'yo, Valle, sabi nga niya. Sinabi niya rin 'yon—nasasaktan ako sa 'yo, Migo—when he almost went home to Pampanga after her birthday without talking to her.

Parang hindi naman maiiwasan, given kung gaano at paano magmahal si Migo. Nakaka...nakakalunod. Parang walang hangin.

So ang sabi na lang niya is, "Mahal ko siya, Mau, Meg. I will do my best to make him happy with that."

In the present, Jiya hugs his arm and leans on his shoulder. "Nag-buffet, nag-spa, nag-shopping," she lists, grinning.

Migo clicks his tongue. "Ano sinabi nila about me?"

"Ang feeler mo, akala mo naman ikaw ang pag-uusapan."

He sighs. "Ano nga?"

Jiya leans up to kiss his cheek. "Basta. It's a secret between us three."

He points to his lips. "Isa pa and hindi na 'ko mangugulit o magtatampo."

Jiya laughs and gives him a quick one, holding his chin. "Thank you pala for last Saturday," she whispers, stroking his cheek, and Migo smiles. It makes her weak at the knees.

Dinala siya ni Migo sa Bounce Philippines sa Las Piñas no'ng akala niya na kakain lang sila and maglalakad-lakad, pero sabi niya to wear comfy clothes and to leave her pabebe act at home kasi gusto niya maging competitive siya (kahit 'di naman talaga pabebe si Jiya). Ayaw niya sa mga larong pambata, pero she had fun kasi pang-adults naman 'yong indoor playground na 'yon—may foam pit, slides, obstacle course, volleyball and dodgeball courts, tapos nag-wall climbing pa sila. Naunahan ni Jiya si Migo sa taas pero cheater ang boyfriend niya, sinipa siya at muntik na siyang mahulog.

Tawa sila nang tawa no'n kakatalon and kakalaro, tapos may mga nakita si Jiya na pinagtitingin-tinginan si Migo. May isa pa ngang lumapit to ask for his number habang pabalik si Jiya from the CR. Nainis siya.

"Hindi talaga kita madala kahit saan!" She snatched her drink from him pagbalik niya sa table and stabbed her straw in the cup, huffing.

Migo was smiling. "Sorry na gwapo ako, babe."

"Tumahimik ka," Jiya said, angry.

"Gusto mong pampawala bad mood?" he asked, raising his eyebrow. "Tara na?"

Nawala naman sa kotse.

"Binigay ko number mo," he whispered, sucking his fingers, raising his head from in between her spread legs. "Okay ka na?"

Dazed and sweaty, she nodded, panting.

Migo kissed her slowly, and she fell asleep in the car habang pauwi na sila.

It was a happy day. It was her happiest day with him so far.

"You're welcome," Migo whispers back, eyes shining. "Thank you rin. Tara, you might be late."

Hinatid siya sa classroom pero may class pa sa loob. He fixes her hair away from her face and asks, "Free ka naman this Saturday ulit, 'di ba?"

Jiya shrugs, scrolling through her phone. "'Di ko pa alam. Why?"

Migo's hand stills on her face. "Anong 'di mo alam?"

Jiya doesn't look up. "'Di ko pa alam. Baka may study sched ako or org thing, I'll check pa."

Migo drops his hand. "Ah. Okay."

Jiya looks at him. He's frowning, staring at the ground.

Para siyang puppy. Jiya grins. "Bakit? Ang clingy mo naman."

He looks irritated. "Valle, seriously—"

"Salas!"

Parehas na nag-turn and ulo nina Jiya and Migo. Kalalabas lang ng class before hers and students fill the hallway, pero the girl who called Migo's name is standing in front of them with a grin that reaches her ears. Maputi. Mahaba ang black hair. Dimples. Very, very...pretty.

"Elois," Migo breathes, lips slowly stretching into a smile. "Huy! Ba't nandito ka?"

"Surprise!" Elois answers back, laughing and opening her arms.

Jiya steps forward. "Uh—"

Wala na siyang magawa when Elois grabs Migo for a hug. Hindi naman siya pinigilan ng boyfriend niya, tuwang-tuwa pa nga, ang higpit ng pagkayakap. Jiya stares at his arms, raising her eyebrow.

"Dito ka na ba?" Migo asks cheerily, pulling back, hands on her shoulders. "What happened to AU?"

"I transferred and I told Tita not to tell you," Elois answers, face glowing. She eyes him up and down. "Wow, Migo. Mukha ka na talagang Atenista."

Migo rolls his eyes, still smiling, tapos naalala niya na hindi pala utility pole si Jiya and he lets go of Elois, pulling her by her shoulder. "Lois, this is Va—Jiya, girlfriend ko."

"So nice to meet you!" Elois holds out her hand, not losing the brightness in her face or voice. "OMG, you're so pretty talaga, Migo talks about you all the time. It's so good to put a name to the face."

Ikaw, hindi ka pinag-usapan ni Migo. Gusto sabihin ni Jiya 'yon but she feels Elois's genuineness, and kaibigan siya ni Migo...malapit pa. So she swallows her pride and shakes her hand with a small smile. "Thanks. You too."

"Childhood friend ko sa Pampanga," Migo explains. "When did you get here? I could've shown you around."

"Childhood friend lang?" Elois bumps his shoulder with a pout. To Jiya, she says, "Ako 'yong nag-uuwi sa kanya kapag lasing siya and tagabantay sa kanya kapag wala mga mama namin."

"Ulol." Migo sticks out his tongue at her.

"And kanina lang!" she adds, laughing. "You guys can show me around now. Free ba kayo? I would love to get to know the girl who can bring the great Miguel Salas to his knees."

"Bobo mo," Migo says, rolling his eyes, still smiling.

"Totoo naman, you're always Valle this and Valle that," Elois tells Jiya, winking. "Gusto ko lang malaman how you keep this guy in check."

Jiya doesn't know kung gusto niya o hindi si Elois, but she's not excluding or disrespecting her as Migo's girlfriend so...parang okay naman siya.

So she smiles and juts her thumb to the door. "Actually, may class ako. I'm really sorry."

Elois's face falls. "Shit, sayang. We can hang after your class na lang! What time do you finish?"

"No, it's okay." She waves her hand dismissively. "You guys go ahead. I'm sure marami kayong kailangan i-catch up ni Migo."

"Are you sure?" Elois asks, furrowing her eyebrows. "Kung sure ka lang na okay."

Jiya nods. "Yeah, of course. I'll see you around. It was so nice meeting you."

Binalik 'yon ni Elois sa kanya, and Migo grabs her waist, dipping his head to kiss her on the lips quickly. Jiya blinks, and Migo smiles at her, eyes twinkling. "I'll pick you up after school, baby. Text mo 'ko where you are."

Magkaiba sila ng lunch hour. She nods, taking her bag from him. "Okay, ingat."

Migo strokes her cheek. "You good?"

"Oo naman." She tiptoes, and kisses him again, wrapping her hand around his nape. "Enjoy ka, text mo 'ko."

He taps her butt lightly when she turns around and goes to catch up with his friend.

Nakakainis na iba rin awra ni Addie pagpasok niya sa classroom. She drops her things on the seat next to her and sighs dreamily. "OMG, Jiya babes."

"Gets ko na," Jiya says, rolling her eyes.

Walang pake si Addie. She grabs her arm and digs her nails into her skin, making Jiya hiss. "Sobrang...wow."

"Oo na, puta ka." She yanks her arm off. "Inalagaan ka naman, 'di ba?"

"Sobra." She puts her face in her hands and squeals, kicking her feet in the ground. "Oh my God. Iba nga talaga when you do it with the person you love."

"Talaga?" Van interjects, dropping to the seat behind Jiya. "Parang walang iba sa 'min ni Isco."

Addie twists around with a gasp. "Really? Kahit with your previous flings?"

Van pops the gum in her mouth and shrugs. "Ewan. Baka kasi 'di ko naman siya mahal."

Jiya's eyebrows raise, crossing her arms. "You mean hindi pa."

Van shrugs again, opening her journal. "'Di ko rin alam. Anyway, Ads, kwento. In detail."

"'Wag dito!" Addie flushes. "Mamaya." Then her eyes widen and she says, "Wait. Ano sinabi ni Cas sa mga boys? Did he say it was bad, did he say na it was awful, na I cried—"

Jiya snorts and smacks her head gently. "Hay, itong mga batang 'to. Kinikilig si gago, okay? Super saya."

Addie's face crumples, jutting her bottom lip out. "Really?" she whispers.

"'Wag kang iiyak!" Jiya warns, pointing a finger at her. "Sinasabi ko sa 'yo, Addison!"

Van snickers, resting her feet on Jiya's chair. "Buti pa si Cas. Alam n'yo ba, si Isco, naglalaro ng COD pagkatapos. During pa nga e."

Jiya sputters out a laugh.

Pero paano kaya si Migo? Gusto niyang malaman, pero maghihintay siya kahit gaano katagal kasi alam niyang gagawin rin 'yon ni Migo for her if the roles were reversed.

Mahal na rin naman siya ni Migo, e. Wala na 'yong hihingi niyang paghihintay compared sa binibigay niya kay Jiya.

*

Hindi tumabi si Elois kay Migo when the three of them eat out. Hindi rin siya pumasok sa passenger seat, dumiretso siya sa backseat, and except for that first hug, hindi niya hinawakan si Migo. Hindi rin siya nagbukas ng topic na alam niyang walang alam si Jiya—kung meron man, she'll talk to Jiya like Jiya was there.

Also, may boyfriend siya. Tama 'yan. Jiya is satisfied na hindi niya kailangang makipag-away with yet another of Migo's many, many admirers, kaya good mood siya habang nanonood ng basketball game niya with the boys, may hawak na Coke float.

"Van, para sa 'yo!" Isco shouts, shooting.

He misses.

Van snickers, dipping her fries in her sundae. Jiya laughs, and Isco sends them a middle finger.

Migo is sweating from his hair down to his arms, skin glistening, and his hair is pushed back to his forehead. Ngayon niya lang ulit 'to nakita maglaro since high school intrams nila, no'ng binato niya sa ulo si Jiya with a ball.

She scowls at the memory.

May mga babae ring nakaupo sa mga bleachers—either watching him or the varsity team sa kabilang court. Sana 'yong varsity. Dudukutin ni Jiya mga mata nila kung si Migo.

"Valle," Migo calls, dribbling the ball. "Come here."

"Ayoko," Jiya says.

Migo raises an eyebrow, chest rising and falling heavily from exhaustion sa game nila.

She rolls her eyes and puts her drink down, crossing her arms. Si Inggo dumiretso na sa showers, si Isco naman sa tabi ni Van umupo para magpahimalos. Baby, ampota.

The curve on Migo's lips grows wider when she comes closer, and he passes the ball to her.

Jiya catches it and dribbles it with one hand, circling her boyfriend with narrowed eyes. He's grinning.

Siyempre hindi siya magpapatalo sa challenge. She makes a run for it sa hoop, and Migo jumps up to block her, pero she pivots, back to him, and shoots.

"Loser ka pala e," Jiya says with a chuckle, catching the ball again. She passes it to him.

Migo dribbles it between his legs. "Loser? I was going easy."

"Ulol." She sticks her tongue out at him. "Sige nga."

No'ng i-block sana ni Jiya 'yong talon niya, he almost shoves her to find his opening. Malapit na bumagsak ulo ni Jiya sa cement, but Migo lets go of the ball and plants his hand behind her head, and they crash.

"Ow!" Jiya hisses when her back hits the ground, but Migo also curses sa tama ng kamay niya with her head above it. "Shit, okay ka lang?"

Migo's laughing. "Aray, tangina! Kamay ko!"

Jiya smacks him, pushing him off her, can't help but laugh, too. "Sino ba kasi nagsabi na ilagtas mo ulo ko!"

"Alangan hahayaan ko mag-crack 'yan, bobo!"

"Bakit ba kasi ang laki mo!"

"Salamat," he says in between chuckles, reaching out with his hand to help her up. His face is glowing with his smile, and Jiya's stomach churns with butterflies.

But then Migo steps forward and wipes his face on her shoulder, spreading his sweat all over her neck and shirt.

"Ew! Migo!" Jiya squeals, pushing him off and stepping back, disgust on her face. "'Wag, kadiri!"

"Ew, Migo!" he mocks in a high-pitch voice, stepping closer to her, grin turning into a devilish smirk. "Arte mo, ah!"

"No!" Jiya tells him sternly, still backing up around the court, pointing a finger at him when he doesn't stop coming towards her. "No, Migo! Maligo—" she cuts herself off with an almost-scream when Migo starts running.

Tawang-tawa si gago kakahabol sa kanya. Makarating na sila hanggang sa kabilang dulo ng courts, sa likod ng bleachers, and she pants, raising her palms up. "Ayoko na, give up na 'ko."

He's still smiling, walking towards her, pawis na pawis na. "So free ka nga ba this Saturday?"

"Bakit ba tanong ka nang tanong?" Jiya asks exasperatedly, catching her breath. "Stop coming closer!"

"Hay, Valle." He sighs, clicking his tongue and shaking his head. "I expected a lot better. I'm hurt and disappointed."

Napatili siya when Migo starts running ulit, full speed ngayon, pero hindi na kinaya ni Jiya tumakas. He grabs her with arms around her waist, squeezing her tight, and she squeals. "Migo!"

"Caught you," he whispers, giving her cheek a quick peck before he puts her down. Migo keeps his hands on her shirt and turns her around with the hem, then shakes his hair in front of her like a wet dog.

Siyempre natalsik lahat ng pawis niya sa mukha ni Jiya. Wala na siyang nagawa kundi magpikit and magpunas ng mouth niya. "Kadiri ka, gago."

"Sus. Ito, kadiri? Pero tamo—"

"Natural!" Jiya hisses, stomping. "Masarap 'yon! Ito, hinde!"

It makes Migo laugh out loud, head falling into her shoulder, body shaking from the loudness. "Ah, shit, Valle," he says once he stops, then he laughs again. "Ang cute mo."

"Cute mo mukha mo, pawis na 'ko."

He swings an arm around her shoulder and kisses her temple, dragging her back to the bleachers. "Ligo tayo sa condo, tara."

"Landi n'yo!" Isco shouts at them when they leave the courts. Jiya gives him a middle finger in the air with her free hand without looking back, her other arm going around Migo's waist.

No'ng nakaligo na sila, siyempre may tinalsik din si Migo na hindi na niya pawis sa mukha ni Jiya, she takes one of her shirts and sweatpants sa side ng closet ni Migo and dresses in front of him.

Migo watches her on the bed, putting his arm behind his head and sitting up to get a better view. He whistles lowly, appreciative.

Jiya makes a show of putting on her undies real slow, bending down.

"Fuck you," he breathes, and she knows he's smiling, eyes everywhere.

"Dito lang ako, ready when you are," Jiya hums, slipping on the sweatpants. "Babe. Oo nga pala. Ano meron this Saturday?"

"Ewan ko sa 'yo," he snaps, suddenly annoyed. He turns around on the bed and buries his face in his pillow. "Bahala ka."

Jiya raises an eyebrow, putting on her shirt. Then she crawls on the bed and hugs him, burying her face in his neck, enjoying the smell of his body wash. "Anniversary na natin?"

Migo raises his head, narrowing his eyes. "Naalala mo?"

Jiya rolls her own and looks at him. "Obviously. Akala mo ba makakalimutan ko 'yon?"

Migo hits her with a pillow. "Ano ba! Mga ilang araw akong nagluluksa kasi akala ko nakalimutan mo! Pagod na pagod na si Inggo sa 'kin kaka-rant ko sa kanya, tangina mo!"

Jiya can't help but laugh, pero paulit-ulit siyang tinatamaan ng unan. She grabs her own weapon and hits him with it. "Migo! Sorry na!"

"I hate you!"

"Ah, so ayaw mo na mag-anniversary?"

Migo tackles her to the bed, hitting her with the pillow.

Jiya's stomach hurts from laughing, sinisipa-sipa si Migo.

When he stops, he cups her neck and kisses her harshly. Jiya melts into his kiss, can't stop smiling, fisting her hands in his hoodie and up to pull his hair.

"Gusto," he answers quietly, kissing her again, not giving her time to catch her breath. Jiya's toes curl. "Gustong-gusto, wala ka nang takas. Damay ka na nga sa lahat ng plano ko sa buhay."

Jiya feels her heart go numb at his words.

"Gutom ako," she whispers.

It makes him grin, tucking her hair behind her ear. "Alam kong minsan hindi mo alam ang sasabihin mo kasi masyadong mabigat 'tong nararamdaman ko for you, Valle. I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize." She wraps her arms and legs around him, pulling him to her, and Migo goes willingly. "Mahal ko ang pagmamahal mo. I just...hindi ako sanay. You know how I grew up."

"I do." He pulls back to kiss her forehead sweetly, thumb caressing her cheek. Migo smiles at her. "I do, so sasanayin kita. Magpaalam ka na wala ka sa weekend, pupunta tayo somewhere na overnight. Ah, and magdala ka ng bikini."

Jiya bites her lip, rubbing her foot up his leg. "Akala ko ba nagluluksa ka. May plans ka nang ginawa? What if 'di ko naalala, what if 'di pala ako free?"

"Gagawin kitang free," Migo says. "Kailangan natin 'tong i-celebrate, Valle. This first of the many, 'di ako papayag na hindi ka free."

Jiya groans, smacking him. "Bakit ba ang cute mo?"

"Papakasalan mo na 'ko?"

She laughs and pushes her off him. "'Wag kang advance mag-isip. Tara, I'm really hungry."

He takes her hand and follows her out the room.

*

On Friday, nagpa-pack si Jiya kasama si Manang when her mom comes in.

Ang paalam niya is she's going somewhere with Van, Addie, and Isco for the weekend. 'Yon lang.

"Ma'am." Manang stands up and dusts off her clothes.

"Jiya," Hillary says, ignoring her, "ano na naman sinasabi ng tatay mo na you'll be staying with him?"

Hay. Ito na naman.

Jiya stands up and faces her. "I didn't say anything like that, Mom. Sabi ko lang na I'll think about it."

"Bakit nga?" her mom demands with a scoff, crossing her arms. Defensive. "Akala ko ba okay sa 'yo na you're staying with me?"

Jiya chooses her words carefully. "I am, but—"

"But ano, you don't think I can take care of you kasi hindi ako hotshot CEO like your Papa?"

"Mom, that's not what I think," she says, clenching her jaw, balling her hands into fists behind her back. "Gusto ko mag-stay, but Papa is pushing the company—"

"E 'di do'n ka sa kanya!" Hillary shouts. Jiya flinches. "Kaya ko rin ang tuition mo, Jiya. Kaya kitang bigyan ng bubong, ng pagkain, ng kwarto. God, I give you Gucci and Louis Vuitton every year, what more can you ask for? Tapos ito ang ibabalik mo sa akin?"

Ah.

Jiya gets it now.

She's drunk.

Hindi na halata sa mukha niya and sa galaw niya, pero this is how she acts when she's awake with enough alcohol in her system—deranged. Defensive. Inaatake ang lahat kasi feeling niya victim siya.

"I know that," Jiya says quietly. Para namang utang na loob pa niya na binibigyan siya ng branded shit na not once ginamit niya buong buhay niya, or na kailangan siyang pakainin o paaralin o bigyan ng kama o kwarto. "I know that po. I will—I am staying here, Mom. You know I don't want to inherit the company naman. Ayaw ko lang isipin ni Papa na I'm not thinking about it carefully—I am. Pero gano'n pa rin ang sagot ko. I'm not leaving."

Hillary holds on to the doorknob and stares at her, swallowing thickly. "Okay," she says, pursing her lips. "Hindi ka rin pwede agawin ni Gerard, akin ka."

She feels those words wrap around her heart and sink into her stomach.

Isa lang naman siya sa mga assets na pinaghahatian na nila ng tatay niya.

Wala naman silang pake e. Dad niya, ginagawa siyang pagmamanahan sa kumpanya. Mom niya, ginagawa siyang property.

Her mom fishes out her wallet from her bag and slaps a thick wad of bills on her dresser. "Here, allowance mo for the weekend. Enjoy."

When she leaves, Jiya stays frozen, hands shaking behind her back.

Manang comes close and puts her hands on her shoulders. Mas maliit sa kanya si Manang, pero when Jiya slumps into her arms, parang bata na siya ulit na umiiyak when her crayons were stolen, when she heard her parents fighting with each other that first time.

Walang sinabi si Manang kasi wala rin siyang masasabi. Hindi niya pwede sabihin na 'wag damdamin ni Jiya kasi hindi niya pwedeng hindi damdamin, and hindi niya pwede sabihin na her mom didn't mean shit of what she said kasi she did.

She pulls away and smiles at her. "I'm fine, Manang. Thanks. I'll finish packing lang po, and then gusto ko po sana ng pancakes for merienda, meron po ba tayo?"

Manang nods, face set in worry as she strokes Jiya's cheek. "Sige, anak," she whispers with a sad smile. "Unahin ko na 'yon tapos kain tayo, ha?"

Alam niya kasi na ayaw pag-usapan ni Jiya and gusto niyang mapag-isa.

"Thank you po," she says, and Manang leaves.

Sitting on her bed, she pulls out her phone and texts Migo.

babe u busy?

Binasa agad 'yon ni Migo, and then he's typing.

Pogi: hello wifey :)

Jiya manages a small smile.

Migo sends another text.

Pogi: getting drinks lang with lois,
may problema with her mom.
kinakalma ko lang then kakausapin
ko si tita

Jiya raises an eyebrow.

oh. is everything ok naman?

Pogi: yeah, dw :) something wrong ba
princess?

She smiles a little.

no naman. pls dont drink if 
ure driving

Pogi: have a soda lang! i'll take her
home pero mukhang balak pang
uminom nang marami.

oh okay! ingat, text me when
ure home na baby

Pogi: will do <3 sunduin kita tomorrow
morning hehe excited na ko to spend
the weekend with you. love you so
much.

Jiya sends him back a heart.

Pogi: ay shit kilig

She manages another small smile and tosses her phone on the bed.

Pagbaba niya pagkatapos niya mag-pack, may pancakes. Masarap.

*

OA 'tong si Migong pagkakita sa kanya early Saturday morning. He falls against her car, clutching his chest, an expression of pain on his face. "Aray, ang sakit, ang ganda mo masyado."

"Tanga," Jiya says, rolling her eyes, but she's smiling. Naka-navy blue polo lang siya na malaki with the first two buttons undone and rolled-up sleeves tucked in denim shorts. Hindi na siya nag-makeup aside from her cheek and lip tint, and she pulled her hair up in a bun.

'Di niya sinasabi, pero her heart jumped pagkakita niya kay Migo na naka-white din na collared shirt and black shorts. His hair is down, tamang length lang so his eyes aren't covered, and his watch on his wrist shines. Kahit 'yong anklet na bigay ni Jiya sa paa niya.

Bakit ba ang cute niya?! Makikipag-away na naman si Jiya e.

She throws her duffel bag in the backseat. They're taking her car kasi may Bluetooth dito.

Migo leans in to kiss her cheek, lightly stroking her waist.

"How's Elois?"

"She's fine," Migo answers, brushing her hair away from her face when she faces him. "Good morning," he murmurs with a smile.

Jiya narrows her eyes at him. "Where are we going?"

"Sabihin mo muna kung gwapo ako, mga hanggang madaling araw kong ginugulo si Mau."

It makes her grin. She crosses her arms over her chest and looks him up and down. Ugh. "You know you are," she mutters.

"Mm." Migo chuckles, one hand going to her nape and the other to her belt loops to pull her to him. "Happy anniversary."

Jiya tiptoes to kiss him slowly. Migo's hand on her neck tightens just a fraction, and her belly dips. "Happy anniv," she mutters, staring at his lips when she pulls away, and chases his mouth again.

He's smiling in their kiss, tugs Jiya's bottom lip in between his. "One year na 'kong nababaliw sa 'yo."

"First of the many, right?"

"Ah!" Migo pushes her away, shutting his eyes. "Wait. Puso ko tumalon. Na-stress ako."

Jiya laughs out loud, smacking him. "Loser ka!"

"Migo, anak!" Manang's voice says, and she comes running outside the front door may dala-dalang maliit na bag. Jiya's eyes widen. "Dalhin n'yo 'to, ginawan ko kayo ng merienda, mga paborito ni Jiya. May honey grahams dito, banana muffins, 'tsaka peanut butter cups."

"'Nang!" Jiya gasps, jaw dropping, clutching her arm. "Kailan mo 'to ginawa?! Sabi ko sa 'yo 'wag mo na pahirapan sarili mo—"

"Ano ka ba!" Manang smacks her, tinutulak-tulak 'yong maliit na bag sa kamay ni Migo. "Wala 'yan! 'Tsaka kailangan kumain kayo nang marami."

"'Nang naman," Jiya mutters, furrowing her eyebrows. "'Di naman kailangan—"

Migo hugs her tightly, swinging her around. "Salamat, Manang!" he chirps cheerfully. "Shet, parang ang sarap. Lagay ko po 'to sa loob."

He rounds the car with the bag. Manang faces her with a gentle smile, taking her hands. "Ito lang ang mabibigay kong baon mo, 'nak, ha."

"Manang," she whispers, stepping forward to hug her tightly. "Hindi siya 'lang'. Thank you po. Uubusin namin ni Migo."

Pathetically, she feels like she's about to cry.

Manang strokes her back. "Walang anuman 'yon, hija. Mag-iingat kayo, ha? Text mo 'ko paminsan."

"Opo," she mutters, swallowing thickly. Jiya takes a deep breath, composing herself, before she pulls back with a smile and rubs Manang's shoulders. "Thank you po. Alis na po kami."

"O siya, sige. Migo, anak, pakiingatan 'tong alaga ko."

Migo kisses her cheek. "Promise po. Bye, 'Nang!"

Manang waves at them hanggang sa makalabas sila ng bahay, and then she's out of sight.

Jiya bites her bottom lip and exhales shakily.

Migo reaches over and takes her hand, squeezing it before interlacing their fingers together. He brings her hand to his lips and kisses her knuckles, giving her a smile. "You okay?"

Jiya nods, swallowing the lump in her throat. She exhales heavily and smiles at him, nodding. "I'm fine. Saan tayo pupunta?"

"Tagaytay," sagot ni Migo, focused on the road.

Jiya raises an eyebrow. "Really."

"It has nothing to do with Buenca, don't give me that look," he says without looking at her, keeping his easy grin. "May gusto lang akong puntahan with you and it just so happens to be in Tagaytay. Okay?"

Jiya laughs. "Okay."

Nag-drive-thru sila sa Starbs for coffee for Jiya and tea for Migo. She connects her phone to the Bluetooth and plays music habang malakas na kumakanta si Migo and vinivideo ni Jiya, laughing behind the phone screen. Binuksan pa ni Migo 'yong sunroof para makatayo si Jiya, closing her eyes at the feel of the wind on her face.

Jiya feeds him the snacks Manang gave them during the drive, and Migo sucks her finger in his mouth.

"Migo!"

He winks at her.

Jiya spends the rest of the car ride looking out the window while Migo's hand strokes her thigh. When he drives the car into a secluded road, Jiya turns to him. "Dito na?"

Migo only smiles, glancing at her, makes a sharp right, diretso sa isang garage. "Dito na."

Jiya blinks when he parks the car and gets out. She does, too, and they grab their things from the backseat. Migo walks uphill ahead, towards a huge brown gate made of wood.

Jiya can only follow him, chin tipped up. Dire-diretso si Migo sa may entrance, and he puts the bags down to fish out his key.

"Migo, where are we?" Jiya asks slowly, furrowing her eyebrows.

"Future bahay natin," he answers with the straightest face Jiya has ever seen, fitting the key in the lock. He opens the door.

Binaba nila bags nila sa nook with wooden benches and white walls, two windows on either side of the wall with bright light coming through the glass. There's a tunnel with a stairway going down.

Jiya looks at Migo. "Papatayin mo ba 'ko?"

Her boyfriend laughs, eyes crinkling. "Baka," he answers cheekily, reaching his hand out. "Tara."

Jiya bites her lip and takes it, and hand in hand, Migo goes down the stairs first.

Her jaw drops at the sight, and her steps falter at the stairs.

There's a single, huge, tree bark in the middle of the spacious, bright living room on the left, with wide floor to ceiling glass windows overlooking Tagaytay. On the right is the dining room with a long table and curvy, long countertop. Everything is white and wood.

Migo steps down to the living room and points to the windows, grinning widely. "There's Taal."

Jiya walks slowly, speechless. Outside the window, the view is breathtaking.

Migo opens the sliding door, taking her hand, and leads her outside—garden with patio furniture, a private pool, and lounge chairs facing Taal.

"Okay, nasa'n tayo?" Jiya asks, awed. This place is a Santorini-style designer villa.

"Sa future bahay nga natin."

"Migo!"

"Aray!" He moves away from her, laughing, when she smacks him. "Fine. Villa ng dad ko. He bought it years ago, pero hindi naman siya nags-stay dito and walang ibang pinapastay. So I...asked for the key."

Jiya stares at him. "This is yours."

He scrunches his nose and scratches the back of his neck. "Eh, not really—"

"It's under your dad's name."

"Yes, it is."

Jiya exhales heavily. and turns around. The house is gorgeous with its huge glass windows and white paint foundations, surrounded by the green and wood and bright, natural light.

Migo holds out his hand again. "Tour the rest?"

Jiya nods, following him, still speechless.

The kitchen is directly behind the dining area with marble countertops. May daan din dito papunta sa garden and pool sa labas. Beside the kitchen is one of the deluxe rooms with a queen-sized bed and its own bathroom—all wood and white pa rin. On the left side of the living room is also a deluxe room, and across from it is the master suite.

"May family suite pa sa baba with two single beds," Migo tells her before opening the door to the master bedroom. "Pero that's usually for guests."

She nods mutely, and mas lalo pang nawala 'yong boses niya, eyes widening, at the master suite.

There are floor to ceiling windows and curtains sa harap ng king bed. 'Yon ang una niyang napansin—ang ganda ng makikita mo when you wake up.

The second thing she notices is the open bathroom—walang pinto. It's separated from the bedroom with a white countertop with two sinks, and the hot tub is literally sitting in there. Sa gitna. May shower room, but it's also not private sa iisang glass door niya lang.

"Gutom ka na?"

Jiya's head whips around to Migo's smiling face, eyes twinkling. "Pasok ko muna bags and then luto tayo."

"I don't know how to cook," Jiya says, blinking.

"Alam ko. Stand there and look pretty." He turns around, but he faces her again to say, "Ah, that one time you cooked for me, do'n ko na alam."

Jiya raises an eyebrow. "Na ano?"

"Na ako na magluluto for us for the rest of our lives."

Jiya runs after him when he runs to the kitchen, laughing.

"Joke lang!" he says, raising his palms, still laughing. "Do'n ko na alam 'yong power ko over you. Who else could make Jiya Valle go into the kitchen but me?"

She rolls her eyes, doesn't answer him because totoo naman, and sits down on the counter while Migo heads to the oven.

She watches him put noodles in a pot of hot water, and in a saucepan, heats tomato sauce.

Migo hums while he cooks. It's an OPM song that Jiya doesn't know.

She furrows her eyebrows when Migo grabs a large bowl and puts in beef, breadcrumbs, parsley, egg, garlic, cheese and onion. "Meatballs?"

He rakes his fingers through his hair and pulls out a glove, grinning. "Spaghetti and meatballs."

Jiya blinks. "Ayoko."

"Alam ko kung bakit ayaw mo," he says, laughing. "I pushed your face in a plate when we were cooking for econ no'ng sophomores tayo."

She huffs, crossing her arms over her chest at the memory.

"Amuyin mo," Migo told her, dragging her to the kitchen. Ayaw nga niya sa kitchen kasi naghuhugas lang siya ng pinggan, 'yon lang ambag niya sa economics class nila today. Si Migo ang nagluluto sa group nila and pinipilit niya na may mali sa instructions na binigay ni Jiya. "Tell me what you smell."

Jiya yanked her arm away and glared at him. "Ano ginawa mo sa grade natin, Salas?"

"Hoy, prinsesa, ako na nga nagluto't lahat-lahat, sisisihin mo pa 'ko?" he sneered at her in frustration. "Bilis na, amuyin mo para maayos ko."

With a roll of her eyes, Jiya bent down to smell the plate.

And then there was red sauce in her glasses, up her nose, all over her face. May meatball pang nasama sa bibig niya.

Narinig niya tawa ni Migo sa likod niya pati mga iba niyang classmates na boys.

She closed her eyes, balling her hands into fists, and took a deep breath.

"Cute mo, Valle," Migo said, chuckling, pulling out his phone to take a picture.

Jiya grabbed two meatballs and shoved it in his face.

Migo sputtered in surprise.

With tears in her eyes, she said in gritted teeth, "Cute mo mukha mo, gago." Then she grabbed another fistful of noodles and threw it at him and the boys near him, and walked away.

"Binigyan kita ng plate no'n and you gave it to someone else," Migo says, sighing at the memory, shaking his head. "Nasaktan ako."

"So you shoved my face in spaghetti?!" Jiya almost shouts, scoffing incredulously.

Migo gives her a sheepish smile. "Gago nga ako, babe. So ngayon, I am going to make up for that."

Jiya narrows her eyes at him. "That happened years ago. Bata pa tayo no'n."

"Still, naalala ko pa rin galit mo and then I heard you crying while you washed your face," he says, focusing on shaping the meatballs in front of him. "So I want a new memory with spaghetti and meatballs."

Jiya purses her lips, staring at the side of his face. "Matatagalan tayo if you plan on making up for every single thing you did to bully me no'ng high school."

"You bullied me, too," he counters, raising an eyebrow.

Jiya remembers when she took his wallet para hindi siya makauwi. Medyo natataranta na si Migo no'n and nagagalit sa mga kaibigan, demanding them to give it back.

Jiya let him walk home under the rain.

She clears her throat, jumps down from the counter and scoots beside him, putting on a glove. "Can I help?"

Migo bumps her shoulder with his and slides the bowl over.

Masarap 'yong luto. Migo wipes the sauce from the corner of her mouth with his thumb and licks it with a wink.

They wash the dishes in peace hanggang sa sabihin ni Migo, "So ang nasa isip ko is kailangan natin i-soundproof 'yong walls ng master suite kasi nasa kabila lang 'yong isang anak natin, baka ma-traumatize siya sa mga maririnig niya—"

Jiya sprays him with the gooseneck faucet.

Migo's jaw drops, water droplets dripping from his hair to his face to his clothes, eyes shut. "Tangina mo," he whispers.

"Nakakainis kasi mga sinasabi—Migo!" she shouts with a gasp when Migo sprays her, too.

"Okay na, even na tayo!" he says quickly, raising his hands in the air at her glare. "Magpo-pool pa tayo pagkatapos nito, tama na."

Jiya huffs, wiping her cheeks.

"Bakit nakakainis?" he whispers, slapping her butt. Jiya makes a move to punch him. "Atin na 'to, sinasabi ko sa 'yo."

"Tumahimik ka."

Migo snickers.

Dahil wala namang pinto ang banyo, Jiya changes in her bikini sa may walk-in 'closet' katabi ng tub, nakatalikod kay Migo. She knows he's watching her, though, because he sucks in a breath when she strips everything off.

Jiya smiles, putting on her black bandeau top with a gold circle bar holding the two pads together, and a high-rise thong bottoms in black rin.

"Puta, Valle," Migo says in irritation behind her. "Sabi ko bikini, hindi triangle."

"Magpasalamat ka na lang na tayo lang ang nandito," she sings, teasing, taking off the ponytail holding her hair up, letting it fall on her shoulders.

Migo doesn't say anything else. He watches her leave the room with her shades, phone, and sunblock on hand.

She lies down on one of the lounge chairs and pulls up her group chat with her friends.

Group: powerpuff team

buttercup: i am in: paradise

blossom is typing...

bubbles is typing...

bubbles: WHERE'D HE BRING U

blossom: buhay pa si gaga, buti naman

professor utong: nakakalakad ka pa ba
mga ilang oras na kayong nakaalis

buttercup: vacation villa ng dad ni
migo. ANG GANDA ugh

buttercup: tumahimik ka isco

bubbles: SO CUTE OMG :(( PICS

buttercup sent 9 photos

professor utong: PUTANGINA HOY the
windows???? the open bahtroom???

bubbles: um so you guys have the villa to
urselves hanggang tomorrow???

blossom: WEEEEEEW GET IT MAY POOL
PA

professor utong: penge address van dyan
na tayo

professor utong: kaya pala marami daw
biniling condoms si migs ganyan yang
bahay!!! ITS A DREAM SEX PLACE

buttercup: ANO SABI NINO

bubbles: SORRY SI CAS KASI NAGKWENTO
nagpatulong raw si migs fkhskfhskg

blossom: SO ALAM NI CAS SIZE NI
MIGO???? LARGE? XL? GO JIYA

bubbles: POTA IDK wag mo kong
tanungin!!!

buttercup: shut up kayong lahat
goodbye

professor utong: wag papaanak grinch di
pa ko ready maging tito

buttercup: tumahimik kang ipis
ka

Jiya's face heats as she puts her phone down.

Migo dumps his phone on the lounge bed next to her and grabs her sunblock, spreading his legs over her chair. "Talikod ka."

Blinking, Jiya does as he says, pulling her hair over to one shoulder. He's shirtless, naka-board shorts lang hanging low on his hips. Jiya's stomach churns.

"Bagong bili 'to?" he asks quietly behind her, his breath on her neck. He runs his finger over the seam of her top.

She bites her lip. "Mm."

"Inisip mo 'ko?"

Jiya shivers when his fingers spread the sunscreen over her back. She nods once again.

"Good," he says, turning his head to kiss under her ear while his hands roam her back and around her stomach. "This is for me only."

Jiya can only nod mutely. Naglagay rin siya ng sunblock kay Migo, and then he pulls her to the pool.

"Who has a bigger butt?" tanong ng phone.

Jiya dunks Migo's head in the water. "Hoy!"

"Sabi mo back to back ako!"

"Dati 'yon no'ng wala pa akong firsthand experience!"

"Who's a better driver?" tanong ulit ng phone.

Jiya puts her hands on Migo's head and dunks it again.

He pushes her once he's out, laughing.

"Who fell in love with the other first?"

"Hoy, hoy!" Migo tries to run away, but Jiya grabs his shoulders and pushes him down, laughing.

"Takas ka pa, ah! I love you I love you ka diyan!"

"Who's the better kisser?"

They both go underwater. Migo pushes her up.

Sa katatawa ni Jiya may napupunta nang tubig sa ilong niya.

"Who flirts the most?"

Jiya jumps on his back and pushes his head down.

"Who's more annoying when they're hungry?"

Migo tosses her off him and pulls her hair under the water.

"Aray!" she sputters, splashing him. "Ang sakit n'on!"

"E 'di magpakalbo ka!"

"Who has the better laugh?" the phone asks.

Jiya runs after Migo, who's actually already laughing, and Jiya laughs, too, pushing his head underwater again.

"Who is grumpier?"

"Halika," Migo warns, crooking his finger. He pushes his wet hair back away from his face and steps towards her. "Halika ditong masungit ka."

"Who can't wait for marriage and kids?"

Migo stops.

Jiya grins. "Halika. Halika ditong ambisosyo ka."

"Nilulunod mo lang ako!"

"Oo, para sa 'kin na 'tong bahay."

"Sa 'tin with two kids kasi two deluxe rooms."

"Migo!"

"Gusto mo tatlo, apat? G naman, pagawa pa tayong kwarto."

His phone on the lounge bed rings. Migo lets go of Jiya. "Wait lang."

He gets out of the pool, shaking his head to get rid of the water dripping on his hair, and answers the call.

Jiya presses herself against the side of the pool, running her hands through her face, and watches her boyfriend, droplets of water sliding down his skin.

Her mouth goes dry and her belly ties itself into knots.

As if knowing what she's thinking, Migo turns around, a smirk already on his lips, staring at her. To whoever he's talking to, Jiya hopes it's not his mom or his sisters. Ugh, the things she wants to do to him.

He rounds the pool and sits on its edge without breaking stare. "Ano iniisip mo?"

Jiya raises an eyebrow, looking up at him. "Sino kausap mo?"

"Si Cas," he answers easily, leaning back. "May tinatanong lang."

"Kung nagamit mo na 'yong mga condoms na binili mo?"

Migo pushes his tongue against his cheek, smiling. "Sino nag-snitch sa 'kin?"

Jiya's belly dips as she swims closer, settling between his legs. "Does it matter kung totoo?"

"Just wanted to be prepared," he breathes, watching her, hand sliding to her wet hair, thumb stroking her cheek. His eyes are dark. "Fuck, you're so pretty."

Jiya pulls his head down for a kiss for that, licking at the seam of his mouth. Migo squeezes her hips, groans, traces his tongue along her cupid's bow.

"Walang CCTV dito?" she asks hoarsely, hands moving downwards, keeps kissing him.

"Huh?" He's dazed, chasing her mouth, pulling her hair back to bare her neck for him. "Sa labas lang," he mutters, sucking on her skin.

Jiya palms over his crotch, pulling a strangled moan from him, and then pulls his shorts down. Migo pushes her head forward with his fingers in her hair without hesitation, and Jiya wraps her lips around the head, sucking.

"Ah, fuck." Migo leans his head back, Adam's apple bobbing, and then he focuses again on her, eyes on her mouth. "Fuck, Valle. Feels so good."

She sinks all way down to his pelvis. Migo's hands fist in her wet hair, hips stuttering.

Pagkatapos ni Migo, he drags her to the bed on his lap, pushes her hips down to roll against his, and Jiya can't help but groan, digging her nails in his shoulders, quickening her pace.

Gusto na niya tanggalin bottoms niya.

Migo senses what she's about to do when her hands go to pull them down, but he grabs her wrists and shakes his head. "'Di ko pa kaya," he whispers, staring at her. "Kahit anong preparation ko."

"It's okay," Jiya assures him, cupping his face. "'Di ko ipapasok. Relax."

He hisses when Jiya slides them off and she lowers herself down, curving his length to his stomach. His chest heaves at the feeling, and Jiya whimpers. "Ah, fuck, Migo."

"Shit, shit, shit," Migo mutters, burying his head in her chest, kissing and sucking her skin. He pushes her hips back and forth, panting. "Faster, baby."

Jiya pulls at his hair and quickens her pace, the room filled with their grunts and low moans and the wet slide.

Migo finishes again, in his stomach this time. Jiya bends down to lick him clean.

"Fucking hell," he groans, still shaking, putting an arm over his face. "Tangina."

She kisses him, crawling over his body, and Migo presses his lips to hers lazily. "We need a shower," she mutters, hand on his hipbone, tracing circles over his V and happy trail.

She grins when he hisses, pushing her off him. "Tumalikod ka muna."

"Manonood ako, kaya nga open bathroom and glass door, 'di ba?"

"Wala na akong malalabas na tamod, tumalikod ka. Maligo ka pagkatapos ko."

Jiya laughs out loud and lets him go. He stumbles a bit going to the bathroom and Jiya laughs harder. He sends her a middle finger above his head and grabs his towel.

She does as he says, hearing the water running. When he's done, he only glares at her and tosses her his towel, and then he leaves the room.

Jiya's cheeks hurt from smiling.