JIYA and Migo spend the rest of the afternoon playing cards at the patio outside in hoodies and boxers and lying down on the lounge beds, enjoying the sun.

For dinner, Migo cooks sheet-pan shrimp and sausage jambalaya while Jiya watches and takes photos of him.

They wash the dishes with soft music playing from the TV in the living room, and then they sit down on the sofa with wine glasses, facing the windows. Now that the sun's down, there's only yellow light filling the house and the garden outside.

Jiya leans against Migo's chest, tangling her legs with his. Migo's arms come around her body. "I feel tired kahit wala tayo masyadong ginawa."

"Marami tayong ginawa. Nag-exercise ka pa."

Jiya hits him without opening her eyes.

Migo chuckles, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "I can feel your happiness," he whispers, his thumb caressing her arm. "Ayoko nang umalis."

Ayaw na rin umalis ni Jiya. She wants to stay here in this house with Migo forever. Walang ibang inaalala. Walang ibang pinoproblema. Walang ibang tao—sila lang.

She bites her lip and looks at his fingers, playing with them.

Migo asks quietly, "How are things with your parents?"

Jiya sighs. "Um, my mom talked to me yesterday about the living arrangements. Ayaw niya na tumira ako with Papa."

Migo pauses. "And...what do you want?"

"Ayoko rin naman," she answers, shrugging. "'Yong pagkakasabi lang ni Mommy, parang akong doll na hinihila both arms in different directions. It's tiring."

He kisses her temple. "I'm sorry, princess," he murmurs. "Dito na lang tayo."

It makes her smile. "Kung pwede lang." She takes a deep breath and asks in return, "Was it hard? Asking your dad for the key to this place?"

Jiya feels Migo's chest exhale from her back. "A little. He...asked me why, I said anniversary natin. It was the first time I messaged him in years."

She clasps his fingers with hers and kisses his knuckles. "And what did he say?"

"In-ask niya ako kung pinapasaya mo 'ko."

Jiya sucks in a deep breath. "And?"

"And wait here." He kisses her head and moves off the couch, running to the bedroom.

Jiya sits up in confusion, hugging her knees. When Migo comes back, may dala-dala siyang maliit na box?

"I know you don't like gifts," he starts slowly, sitting next to her. He takes a deep breath and hands it to her. "Pero I wanted to give you something."

Stilling, Jiya takes it.

It's a little brown box with the month and day today engraved on top of it.

She swallows down the lump in her throat and opens it.

May photo ni Migo sa pinakataas. He's mid-laugh—it's crazy how Jiya hears his laugh in her head—and he's covering his face with one hand.

Jiya pulls the little ribbon. It's a photo strip, pero blank lahat except the first. Jiya turns the picture over and finds his handwriting.

1st.

She blinks at him. He's anxiously watching her face, fiddling with his fingers. "You make me happy," he mutters. "That's...that's how happy. I was just talking about you kila Mau and Meg and Ma in that photo, and...yeah. Dadagdagan ko lang yung mga blanko for the next anniversaries."

Jiya shuts her eyes.

"I love loving you, Valle," Migo whispers, and Jiya's heart clenches because she can hear how sincere he is, how much he means it, how much he feels it. "Ang tagal ko nang pinangarap na magmahal nang ganito sa 'yo."

"Wait." Jiya stands up, leaving the box on the couch, and runs to the room for her bag.

Mayro'n din siyang ibibigay.

Nakasulat lang siya sa yellow pad na naka-crumple inside her wallet. With a shaky breath, she comes back to the living room, Migo's eyes on hers, and she puts the folded paper in his hand. "That is my gift to you," she says quietly, swallowing. "One year pa lang, I know, kaya...kaya I want you to read that and make sure I say that to you when the time comes."

Migo unfolds the paper.

It's her wedding vows to him.

Siyempre tinanggal niya yung may sources, siyempre inayos niya sa kung ano sasabihin niya talaga when the time comes.

Umiyak siya while handwriting it kagabi because when she closed her eyes, she saw Migo standing at the altar.

Umiyak siya kasi she already sees that kind of future with him—one year pa lang.

Nakakalunod 'to. Gusto niya malaman ni Migo kung gaano nakakalunod ang pagmamahal niya sa kanya.

Migo looks like he's frozen while reading, his face blank.

Walang ibang sounds in the room aside from their breathing. Jiya hears her heartbeat in her ears.

Suddenly, nang makarating na si Migo sa last sentence, he stands up, shoves it in his hoodie pocket, and says, "Um. I'll be back."

Jiya blinks. "Huh?"

"Sandali lang ako," he mutters, back to her, running to the island to snatch the car keys off the surface, and he slips his feet into his shoes.

"Migo!"

He closes the door and he's gone.

Oh, shit. Oh, shit, oh, shit. Ano ginawa niya? Mali ba ginawa niya? Masyado niya bang pinush? Is he mad?

Oh, fuck.

She stands there, frozen, for God knows how long, staring at the door where he left, praying for it to open again.

Ang tagal. Hindi nagbukas.

Jiya can feel her eyes tearing up. With shaking fingers, she grabs her phone and dials Addie.

"Jiya babes—!"

"Migo left," she says, clutching her shirt, pacing. "M-Migo left."

Addie pauses. "Ha?"

"He left, he left when I gave him my anniversary gift," Jiya snaps, voice breaking, and her face crumples. "What do I do? Ano gagawin ko, Ads? Shit, bakit siya umalis—"

"Jiya, slow down. Deep breaths—"

"Addie, umalis siya, ano gagawin ko!" she nearly shouts, and then she twists around when the door unlocks.

Migo opens the door, kicks off his shoes, throws the keys on the counter. He doesn't break stride going to her.

Jiya is crying. "Saan ka galing—"

Migo tosses her phone somewhere behind him, slides his hands to her face and tilts her head to kiss her.

Jiya tries to match his aggressiveness, his desperation, clawing at his hands, pero hindi niya kaya kasi she can taste the salt of her tears. Her chest feels like it's breaking.

"Stop fighting me," Migo bites out, and hindi namalayan ni Jiya na she's been pushing at his chest. "Valle."

"Saan ka pumunta?" she sobs, shoulders shaking. "Bakit ka biglang umalis? May mali ba sa—"

"I love you," Migo murmurs, staring at her, eyes glassy. "I love you."

"Saan ka nga pumunta!" Jiya snaps, furiously wiping at her face.

"Nag-ikot lang ako sa sasakyan," he answers firmly, grabbing her wrists to stop her from pushing him when he comes close. Migo's jaw clenches. "You—na-overwhelm ako. Feeling ko nasasakal ako kanina."

Jiya stares at him, eyebrows drawing together.

Migo shakes his head. "I don't mean to say na nasasakal ako sa 'yo. I mean...shit, hindi ko ma-explain—"

"Gets ko," she mutters quietly, feeling her chest burn. "Parang nalulunod ka?"

He nods, swallowing thickly.

"Akala ko I did something wrong," she mutters miserably, arms dropping, and she slumps forward on his chest. "You just left."

"I'm sorry," Migo says, hugging her tight. He kisses her temple. "I'm sorry, baby. Kasi naman, puta, baliw ka ba? Gusto mo na ba akong mag-propose? Alam mo bang umiyak ako?"

Jiya sniffs, clutching his back, pressing her body impossibly closer to his.

She fell in love with the way Migo loves her. She fell in love with Migo like a coin in water—a light drop, then a sink.

"Migo."

She strains with his name.

Migo stills.

Jiya hears the fear and the risk in the breath she takes before she says, "I love you." She grits her teeth and bites out, "And I will fucking bash your skull in if you ever leave me like that again—"

Hindi na siya pinatapos ni Migo. He kisses her, says gets ko na, mag-makeout na lang tayo in the smile pressed to her mouth, and they end up in the bedroom again, and Migo goes down on his knees, worships her pressed against the window and in the bathtub, and there are tears in her eyes when her legs shake, and Migo kisses them all away.

*

Naunang nagising si Migo this time.

Jiya squints open her eyes, greeted by the sunlight bathing the room from the huge glass windows and Migo's bedhead with sleepy eyes and a blinding smile. "Good morning," he mutters, reaching out to brush her hair away from her face gently.

She turns around to bury her face in her pillow.

Migo chuckles, crawling over her body to lay on top of her, and Jiya grunts loudly in surprise from his heavy weight. "We have to eat breakfast and get back by noon. Sabi mo may mga tatapusin ka pa for school."

"Ang bigat mo!" she gasps out, legs thrashing.

Migo pretends he doesn't hear her and wraps his arms around her torso, sliding them under her hoodie. She yelps when cold hands touch her skin. "Good morning, Valle," he repeats, obviously grinning happily, nosing at her neck.

Jiya laughs and pushes him off. "Go cook breakfast!"

"Ayokong iwanan ka, matutulog ka lang ulit tapos magsusungit ka."

"Ugh." She twists out of his hold and glares at him, huffing. "Fine. Ligo na ako."

"Okay." He lies down against the pillows, placing his arm behind his head. From here, he can clearly see the shower, the tub—everything. "Go."

Jiya rolls her eyes. Wala na siyang pake, dapat lang inaappreciate ang katawan niya.

Nag-brush muna siya ng ngipin, and hindi pa man siya natatapos mag-rinse when Migo steps inside behind her. She hides her smile and says annoyingly, "O, anong ginagawa mo dito?"

"Sinosolo ka habang may oras pa," he mutters, hands all over her body, and Jiya shivers. "Valle, may favor ako."

Jiya runs her fingers through her wet hair and face, opening her eyes to face him. Migo is gloriously naked, and he's staring at her with a serious expression. "Mm?"

"Pakiulit ng sinabi mo kagabi."

Jiya bites her lip. "Bakit?"

"Kanina ko pa iniisip kung nanaginip lang ako, medyo kinabahan ako when I woke—"

"Mahal kita," she says.

Migo chokes, coughing.

Jiya turns around and finishes rinsing off the soap on her body. "Pwede ba tayong mag-scrambled eggs for breakfast?"

"Wait. Naninigas ako. Kanina pang paggising."

It makes her grin. "Problema mo na 'yon."

"Parang no."

She squeals nang hinatak siya pabalik ni Migo sa shower when she tries to step out, and he lifts her up against the wall and kisses her.

Migo dries his hair while Jiya dresses, purposely pushing her behind against his front. He smiles at her wickedly in the mirror. "Umayos ka, babalik tayo sa shower."

Jiya laughs out loud.

Migo makes them scrambled eggs while Jiya plays music from her phone. While they're cooking, he takes her hand and twirls her around the kitchen, and their laughs resonate around the whole house.

Jiya throws onions in his face when he gives her coffee with salt.

Once they're full and have cleared the dishes, they go to pack their stuff. Jiya texts Manang na pauwi na sila.

She clutches Migo's gift in her hands carefully, like she's holding glass, and puts it inside her bag.

Hindi alam ni Jiya kung saan nilagay ni Migo 'yong yellow paper niya, pero hindi na niya tatanungin.

Once they go up the stairs towards the entrance with their bags, Jiya sighs and stares down at the steps. "I want to stay pa."

Migo laughs a little, squeezing her shoulder and kissing the top of her head. "Babalik tayo," he promises her. "It's not going anywhere."

She swallows thickly and turns to him, rubbing his arm. "You want me to drive? Are you tired?"

"No. You sleep, alam kong gusto mo pa matulog."

He gets a kiss for that. Migo smiles against her mouth.

The drive back home is rest for Jiya. She only wakes up when Migo brushes his thumb on her eyelids, tapos nasa labas na pala sila ng bahay.

"We're here na," he whispers.

"No." She closes her eyes again. It's ridiculous. She spent the weekend with him and magkikita sila ulit bukas sa school, pero gusto pa niya siyang makasama.

Migo chuckles. "Dito ka na lang matutulog?"

Jiya opens her eyes when a thought comes to mind. "What if we just live together?"

It throws Migo into another coughing fit. "Puta. Ano ba," he snaps once he finds his voice, his playfulness gone. "And hindi pwede. Hindi pa tayo graduates. 'Pag financially stable na ako, do'n kita tatanungin."

She was just joking, but her chest tightens and she asks softly, "Gano'n ka ka-sure na magtatagal tayo?"

"Gano'n ako ka-sure sa 'yo." He turns around and opens the door, stepping out of the car.

Jiya does the same, and Manang greets them with a tight hug.

Pinasok muna nilang lahat yung bags except for Migo's, and when they step out again sa front gate and Migo unlocks his car doors, Jiya tiptoes, wraps her arms around him and hugs him, breathing in his scent—the shampoo and body wash he used earlier this morning when they showered together. It's nice. "Thank you," she whispers in his ear, pressing a kiss to his jaw. She feels his breath catch. "I'm the happiest when I'm with you."

He cups her face and kisses her slowly, and then he backs up with a smile that melts her bones.

That's what he looks like in the picture. Happy.

Helpless.

*

Nanirahan sa library and sa Blue sina Jiya, Van, and Addie habang nagsusulat ng mga papers nila for finals.

'Pag pumupunta ang mga boys, may dala lang silang coffee or food 'tsaka kiss tapos aalis na rin sila kasi hindi sila pinapansin.

Jiya runs after Migo sa hallway when he leaves not five minutes after he came, may dala lang na coffee niya and a book she asked him to pick up sa library, saying, "Text me 'pag kailangan mo ng sundo or 'pag pauwi ka na. 'Wag mong kakalimutan kumain and don't tire yourself, susuntukin kita. I love you." And then he kissed her forehead and then he was leaving.

She jumps on him and hugs him, legs around his waist, pagod na pagod na and gusto nang sumuko.

Migo grunts in surprise but he holds her up with his hands on her thighs.

Hindi siya nagsalita. Migo caresses her back and strokes her hair hanggang sa makarating ang elevator.

She lets him go.

Minsan, sina Jiya and Addie rin ang pumupunta sa Burgundy habang nag-aaral ang mga boys. Ayaw nga lang silang paalisin ni Cas and Migo.

"Mag-aral ka," Jiya says, laughing as Migo pulls at her ankle when she tried to get off the couch where he was laying down. "Marami ka pang exams."

"Dito ka na lang mag-aral."

"Nope, we'll only get distracted."

Migo knows she's right, and he's not happy about it. He pushes her off with a glare and goes back to his book. "Fine."

"Pabebe," Inggo comments from the other side of the room, focused on his laptop.

"Clingy," Anton adds quietly from the kitchen.

"'Wag kang magsalita, Castillo," Migo warns loudly, hurling a pillow at his friends. "Simp ka rin."

"Wala akong sinasabi!" Cas defends himself, hiding behind Addie.

Jiya grins and cups his face, giving him a quick kiss. "Text kita."

Migo rolls his eyes and walks her to the elevator, still pouting when she leaves.

Baby na baby talaga.

Naunang natapos mag-finals si Addie, tapos si Isco, tapos sina Van and Jiya. The boys still have two exams today, and sa last, hinihintay ni Jiya si Migo sa labas ng classroom niya.

The doors open, and cheering students howl in victory pagkalabas. Migo trudges out of the warzone with a sleep-deprived face, exhausted, and then his face lights up when he sees her.

He slumps down on her shoulder and whines, "I failed that test."

"Ulol," Jiya says fondly, stroking his hair. "I doubt that."

"Can we go sleep?" he mutters, dejected. "Pagod na ako."

She turns to kiss his temple and drags him to leave the school.

Natulog sila sa kwarto niya from noon hanggang magsi-six na nang gabi. Jiya traces his face with her fingers and frowns. Masyado yatang na-exhaust si Migo sa finals.

He scoots closer to her and buries his head on her neck, still asleep. Jiya squeezes him tighter, and she falls asleep again, too.

Sobrang dilim na sa kwarto when she comes to. Naka-hug pa rin si Migo sa kanya, evenly breathing.

Jiya reaches for her phone, careful not to wake him. Nine na.

Manang texted her almost an hour ago.

Manang: jiya anak uuwi ka ba dito
para maghapunan?

She winces and texts her back with one hand.

sorry nang hindi na po. tulog
na po kayo malelate ako ng
uwi kasama ko lang po si migo

Manang: ok anak ingat kau

Jiya puts her phone down and shakes him. "Babe."

He stirs a little. "Mm."

"Dinner tayo," she whispers, threading her fingers in his hair. "What do you want? I'll order na so you can still sleep while waiting for the food. Then I need to go home."

Migo blinks his eyes open. "Um, Tetsuo," he mutters sleepily.

"Okay, I'll wake you up later." She kisses his temple and climbs out of bed with her phone.

Nanonood si Inggo ng TV sa labas. She squints at the light and slumps down next to him. "Gusto mo ng Tetsuo?"

Lumabas din a few minutes later si Migo, rubbing his eyes, phone in hand. He's frowning. "Mga ilang beses pala akong tinawagan ni Lois," he croaks out, voice still hoarse from hours of sleep.

Jiya blinks. "She okay?"

He slumps down next to her, leaning his head on her shoulder while he dials his friend's number. Migo grabs her hand and puts it on his hair.

Jiya smiles and massages his scalp.

"Buti buhay pa kayo," Inggo says. "Para akong na-crucify sa finals, kakagising ko lang rin."

Jiya looks at him. "Gano'n kahirap sa Chem?"

"Oo," he says, scoffing. "Pota, malapit na tayo mag-seniors, bobo pa rin ako."

"Tama," Jiya says.

"Lois," Migo mutters sleepily into the phone. "Sorry, tulog ako buong day, kakatapos lang ng finals."

Jiya can't hear what Elois says on the other line, and hindi naman rin para sa kanya. She focuses on threading her fingers in the soft strands of his hair.

"Sa'n ka?" he asks lazily. "Okay. Tanong ko muna. 'Wag kang maglasing, iiwan kita diyan, sige." He puts down the phone, and when he looks at Jiya, alam na niya na kailangan niyang umalis.

She gives him a small smile. "She okay?"

"Umiiyak e," he mutters, sighing. "Ewan. Kailangan ako."

Jiya doesn't want him to leave. "May food na parating, you haven't eaten since lunch," she reasons quietly. "I can come...?"

"Oo nga, ayokong umalis." He hugs her around her waist and groans. "And no need na, princess, you need to go home. Iuuwi ko lang din naman pagkatapos niyang mag-rant."

And kay Migo lang siya pwede mag-rant.

Intindi ni Jiya kasi matagal na silang magkaibigan. She nods and smiles. "Okay, go lang. Eat na lang when you come back, kakain ako with Inggo."

"Hahatid pa sana kita," Migo mutters in her shirt.

"Ako na, bro," Inggo offers, shrugging. "Akong bahala."

Jiya nudges him. "Thanks."

Migo kisses her after he dresses up. "Bro, ingatan mo, akin 'yan."

Inggo shoves him out the door. "Umalis ka na, kadiri ka."

"Sabihin mo muna sa 'kin na iuuwi mo siya nang maayos."

"Oo nga, cross my heart, hope to die, stick a needle in my eye, okay na? Kulit mo!"

Kumain muna sila ni Inggo. Kumukuha pa talaga si gago sa kanya ng chicken, tapos ngingiti na para bang magiging okay ang lahat kasi gwapo siya.

Inggo grabs her neck in a chokehold and ruffles her hair bago siya pumasok sa loob pagkahatid sa kanya. "O, pasabi kay Salas nasa bahay ka na in one piece."

Jiya shoves him and punches his shoulder. "Text mo rin ako 'pag nakabalik ka na."

Inggo grins, opening the door, giving her a salute. "'Ge. Night, Ji."

Jiya goes up to her room quietly kasi tulog na si Manang. She texts her boyfriend paghiga niya sa kama.

safe and sound.

Migo reads that agad. Jiya smiles, hinihintay yata ang text niya.

Pogi: ok good. thank u for the much
needed nap and cuddles today

i'm proud of you for finishing 
finals. you worked hard baby

Pogi: i'm proud of you too and you
 worked very hard rin.

Simple words lang, pero gumaan ang loob niya pagkatapos ng dalawang linggong exhaustion.

thank u :) how's Elois?

Pogi: umiinom pa. i'll text you pag
pauwi na ko, i'm not drinking, i
promise.

okay pls take care

Migo types. And then the bubbles disappear, and then they appear again. Jiya frowns. Anong gusto nito sabihin?

A minute later, Migo finally sends the text.

Pogi: alam ko we have the casmas
party to go to pati na rin sa hs friends
natin

He sends another after a minute.

Pogi: and i wanted to ask you this
kanina pero de paz was there and
nahiya ako

Jiya laughs a little. Nahiya pa 'to sa mga narinig na ni Inggo na ginawa nila?

Pogi: and i can't wait til tomorrow kasi
parang magwawala na puso ko

Jiya types, heart jumping her throat.

the answer to your proposal is
no kasi bata pa tayo

Pogi: SFKHFKHGKSHGK ok noted pag
hindi na tayo bata the answer will be
yes

Jiya laughs loudly, turning over on her back, grinning as her heart soars.

tingnan natin salas

Pogi: anong tingnan? may wedding
vows ka na, set na. basta immake sure
ko na you'll say what you wrote to my
face. kapag hindi sasapakin kita

She's still chuckling.

noted.

He takes five whole minutes to respond back. Jiya almost falls asleep, but when she sees the message, her eyes snap open.

Pogi: SO AYUN NGA i can't wait til
tomorrow kasi nagwawala na ako so
will u spend christmas eve with me
and my family kung wala kang plans
kasi gusto kang makasama ni mama
and gusto kitang makasama with my
sisters and kung magoout of the
country ka man ok lang wala naman
sakin yun iiyak lang ako pero ok
lang

She can't help herself. She calls him.

Migo answers in one ring. "Damn, can't turn me down easy?" he asks with a nervous chuckle. Maingay sa line niya, and then it quiets down, like he moved away from the noise to hear her properly.

But Jiya isn't even saying anything.

Migo panics. "Say something, I'm dying here."

She swallows the lump in her throat and hugs herself with one arm. "You want me to spend Christmas Eve with your family?" she asks quietly.

"Kung wala kang plano," Migo murmurs back. "And siyempre, kung gusto mo lang, anong magagawa ko kung ayaw mo, 'di ba—"

"Okay," she whispers.

Migo is so silent that for a moment, Jiya thinks he hung up.

But he's still on the line, and then he repeats, after a shaking exhale, "Okay?"

Jiya tugs at her covers and mutters, "I don't want to intrude on family time, but if it's what you want—"

"It's what I want," Migo says. Firmly. "You're not intruding on anything, I'm the one asking you."

Jiya breathes out. "And if okay lang kila Tita and your sisters...then okay."

"Alam na nila na dinamay na kita sa mga plano ko sa buhay, so okay na okay sila na ito yung first step."

This would be the first time Jiya will be spending Christmas with an actual family. Si Manang kasi, laging umuuwi sa kanila kapag malapit na Pasko, tapos mga cousins niya na kasama niya sa Japan, parang mga kaibigan niya lang rin.

Hindi niya alam kung paano ang Noche Buena. Natatakot din siyang sumali kasi hindi naman siya pamilya.

Baka natatakot lang siya because it's something unknown.

"Valle, you okay?" Migo asks quietly. "I know it's...not what you're used to, and I might be overwhelming you when I said I'll be patient. Just tell me, I won't be mad, I promise."

Baka natatakot lang siya na gugustuhin niyang maging pamilya rin ang pamilya ni Migo.

"I'm happy," she says honestly, and her voice is quiet, but it fills the empty room. "I'm happy and I'm scared."

Jiya doesn't need to explain why. Migo gets it.

There's a smile in his voice when he tells her, "You don't need to be scared. Sabihan ko na sina Mama, ah?"

Jiya bites her lip and nods. "Okay."

"Migo!" Elois's voice shouts on the other line. "Iniwan mo 'ko sa loob!"

Migo sighs. "Umupo ka muna d'yan, uminom ka ng tubig." To Jiya, he mutters, "Sorry, babe. Text kita later pag-uwi."

It's nearing midnight. Jiya frowns. "Until later pa kayo? I thought saglit ka lang?"

"Wala pang balak umuwi 'to," he mutters. "Sleep na, I'll text."

She sighs. "Okay. Get something to eat. Goodnight, I love you."

"Gago," Migo whispers. "Ha ha. Wait lang. Na-stress ako."

She laughs. "Take care, text me." And then hangs up.

Nakita na lang ni Jiya text ni Migo sa susunod na araw, sent at 3:54 AM.

Pogi: home na wife. i love u more.
thank you for saying yes

Sa kahit ano namang itatanong o ihihingi ni Migo sa kanya, parang yes na lang ang sagot ni Jiya.

*

Sabi ni Migo casual lang, no need to dress up. Pero ano ibig sabihin ng casual?

"Jeans," sabi ni Van sa loudspeaker niya sa phone.

"No! It means a cute skirt!" Addie counters.

"Hubad na lang," Isco chimes in unhelpfully. "Appreciate na 'yon ni Migo."

"Pero hindi ng pamilya niya, bobo ka ba," Addie snarkily snaps. "Jiya babes, your blouse na white with buttons sa harap na sobrang fit tapos the red denim skirt. Nasa closet mo 'yon somewhere."

Hindi na tatanungin ni Jiya kung paano alam ni Addie ang mga laman ng closet niya.

She takes them out and dumps them on the huge pile on the bed, chewing on her lip. "Ang ikli ng skirt!" she complains.

"Ji!" Van shouts. "Strapless tube mo na red na lang 'tsaka shorts."

"Ayoko magmukhang pokpok."

"Pokpok ka naman talaga," sabi ni Van.

"Tama siya," Isco says.

"Sandale!" Jiya shouts, sweating, picking up her phone. "Tatawagin ko si Migo dito, 'wag kayong magulo."

Migo answers in one ring. Pang-apat na tawag na ni Jiya today, so he laughs when he greets, "Ano na naman, Valle?"

"Ano ibig sabihin ng casual?" she asks him, bouncing her leg. "Skirt, shorts, jeans, dress...?"

"You're overthinking," Migo says, clearly smiling.

"Tumatawa ka ba!" Addie suddenly shouts. "Akala mo ba nakakatawa ang ma-stress na makilala ang pamilya ng jowa mo!"

Migo clears his throat. "Sorry po," he mutters.

Jiya manages a smile despite her nerves. "Which one nga, babe?"

"Kahit ano talaga, but if it helps, naka-shorts lang ako," he answers. "Wala talaga silang pakialam, Valle."

"Kami may pakialam!" Addie snaps.

Jiya snickers. "Okay, jeans na lang."

"Okay." Migo clears his throat. "Sunduin kita at eight."

"Bro," Isco says. "Ano ginawa mo kay Thanos? Naging babae na."

"Ano 'yon, Cuenca?" Jiya asks sweetly.

"Kaya ka pa rin niyan suntukin," Migo says with a smile. "Eight, babe. 'Wag kang kabahan. Bye guys!"

Binaba na rin niya 'yong phone call with her friends kasi mas lalo siyang natataranta. After another hour of sorting through her clothes, she finally chooses a slim-fitted long-sleeved blouse with a sweetheart neck in maroon and skinny jeans, then pulls out her dusty black purse and stilettos. Habang naliligo siya, nag-practice siya ng mga ways of greeting niya kay Tita Sheryl and kina Meg and Maureen. It's stupid kasi kilala na niya sila and vice versa, pero first time niyang papasok sa bahay nila as girlfriend ni Migo and she needs to make a good impression.

Ayaw niyang sabihin ng mom ni Migo na wala siyang manners, o respeto, o kung ano man. Hindi pwede.

Nilugay lang niya ang buhok niya and puts on light makeup, adding color to her pale face and lips. Hindi siya mapakali habang hinihintay niya si Migo sa living room, hawak hawak ang Conti's dessert na pinadaan niya kay Kuya Willy kaninang umaga.

Pagdating ni Migo, he blinks. "Ano 'yan?"

"Dessert," she answers, mouth dry. "'Di pwedeng wala akong dala. Makikikain ako tapos wala akong ambag?"

His lips curve into a smile as he steps closer. "Pero you're the guest."

"Exactly."

He exhales and shakes his head, rubbing his hands up and down her arms. "You look pretty," he says, eyes roaming up and down.

"Dapat lang, mga ilang oras akong nag-ayos."

He chuckles lightly and bends down to kiss her. "Tara na."

Sa kotse, hindi pa rin siya mapakali. She's biting her nails in one hand, tugging at her blouse with the other. Parang pinagpapawisan pwet niya. Pwede ba 'yon?

Migo takes her hand away from her face and grasps it, squeezing it tightly. "Relax, Valle."

"I can't."

"They know you already."

"But I want them to love me as your girlfriend," she mutters sullenly, still looking out the window. "Shit. Ano ba. Feeling ko aatakihin na ako anytime."

Migo brings her hand to his lips and kisses it, smiling. "They already love you, don't worry. Ako nga dapat kabahan kasi they'll embarrass me."

It does little to assure her.

Migo sighs. "They'll see naman na inaalagaan mo 'ko and yung puso ko. That's enough for them to love you."

Hindi niya alam kung paano 'yon makikita ng pamilya niya, pero hindi na niya tatanungin.

Sa harap ng screen door, Jiya fists her hands in Migo's sweater and exhales shakily.

He brushes his knuckles on her cheek and kisses her head. "Tara," he murmurs, and then he takes her hand and leads her inside.

Wala 'yong cold and hollow feeling kapag pumapasok si Jiya sa Valle mansion every day kasi may ingay and galaw. Makalat 'yong living room na may chandelier and grandfather clock dahil sa mga books at iba-ibang gamit. There are throw pillows with knitted cases lined up neatly on the two black sofas opposite each other, and a small coffee table in between on top of an outdated rug. May maliit na flat screen and electric fan, and white curtains over the big windows. There's a small Christmas tree against the wall, and the stairs leading to the second floor are made of wood.

The living room goes straight to the dining area with one long table with six chairs, the kitchen right behind it, forming an L-shape with its counter, sink, and numerous cabinets. May water dispenser sa tabi ng two-door ref, and there's a Last Supper painting na nakasabit sa wall sa likod ng dining table. May glass door rin that leads to a storage area kung saan nakasampay ang mga damit.

"Sorry, we tried to clean up as much as we could," Migo says apologetically, wincing.

Jiya shakes her head and smiles at him. "I like it. It feels warm."

Migo smiles at her, and then he calls out, "Ma, dito na kami."

Migo's mom comes into view in her peach dress from the kitchen, wiping her wet hands with a towel. She opens her arms widely after tossing the towel in Migo's direction, running over to Jiya. "Jiya, anak! Hay, ang ganda-ganda mo talaga."

"Merry Christmas po, Tita, kayo rin po," she greets back, almost shyly, hugging her. Migo's mom's arms around her are tight. She smells like hotdogs and marshmallows. It's nice. "Um, I brought dessert..."

"Naku, Miguel." She smacks her son's arm. "Didn't you tell her not to bring anything?"

"I did!" Migo defends himself, frowning. "Ang kulit niya kase, pinipilit raw na kailangan may dalhin siya."

"Makikikain po kasi ako," Jiya says with a sheepish smile.

"We're happy to have you, ngayon lang kami inuwian ni Miguel ng girlfriend niya," she tells her, winking. Jiya's face heats. Migo looks away.

"And salamat na lang." Sheryl clicks her tongue and takes the boxes offered to her, but she's smiling widely after a peek inside. "Tamang-tama na rin, wala tayong cake. Thank you, hija."

"No problem po." She follows her to the kitchen, pursing her lips. "Um, can I help with anything?"

"No," Migo tells her, dragging her to the table, where heaps of delicious food are already set. "Sit down. Ako na mag-aayos ng table."

"I can do it," Jiya argues, but Tita Sheryl also gives her a stern look. She stays seated, shoulders slumping. "Or not," she mutters.

Migo and his mom move around the kitchen, and then habang awkward lang si Jiya na nakaupo na parang ewan, steps come bounding the stairs. "Ate Jiya!"

Meg hugs her pagkababa niya. Naka-dress siya na pink and her hair's braided. "Do you like ginataang alimango?"

Jiya blinks, brushing her hair away from her face. "Um..." Ano 'yon?

"Crabs in coconut milk," Migo offers.

"I haven't tried it yet," Jiya tells Meg with a smile.

"Dapat ba nag-order na lang tayo?" Migo's mom wonders, face pulling together in worry. "May Max's naman na malapit—"

"No, no!" Jiya's eyes are wide. "No, oh my God, no na po. Ang dami pong pagkain, Tita, I'm sure masarap po lahat 'to. And I'm not allergic to anything."

It takes a while for Tita Sheryl to be convinced na okay lang kay Jiya kahit anong nasa table, kahit hindi niya alam ang iba na luto—like the rellenong bangus, pata tim, and sipo egg. May hotdogs and marshmallows on sticks pa and pork asado Kapampangan rin na specialty raw ng mom ni Migo.

Maureen comes down a few minutes later before dinner, giving Jiya a hug. She whispers, "Kagabi pa nagpa-panic si Kuya."

Si Jiya nagpa-panic last week pa.

The sisters keep her company hanggang ma-serve ni Migo and Tita Sheryl lahat ng pagkain. Migo sits beside her, Meg and Maureen sit opposite them, and then their mom sits at the head, clapping her hands. "Okay, game! Let's pray."

Migo offers his hand to Jiya. Blinking, she takes it, pati na rin ang hand na inooffer sa kanya ni Tita Sheryl.

They say grace with their eyes closed. Jiya doesn't do this, but she also closes her eyes and thanks God for the food and the company this year.

Kahit lima lang sila, dinner is loud and rowdy, pinagpapasahan lahat ng mababangong pagkain. Migo grabs her plate before she can move and gets her a little bit of everything. Si Tita naman, pinapanood siya, tinatanong kung masarap, parang mas nag-aalala sa kinakain niya na hindi na siya nakakakain.

"Tita, everything is good po, please eat, kayo po ang naghirap magluto," she assures her with a grin. It's true, magaling magluto ang mom niya. "And thank you so much po for the food and for having me."

"Ay, it's long overdue that we sat down for a meal," she says, pouring into her glass Coke from the bottle. "But buti na lang it's Christmas pa. Sana we invited your parents!"

"Ma," Migo says quietly.

"It's okay," Jiya says quickly when Tita Sheryl opens her mouth to apologize. "It's okay po, um, my parents are both out of the country and working po right now, but maybe next time."

Maureen whistles, grinning wickedly at her brother. "Next time raw."

Migo throws a marshmallow at her.

Maureen dodges it. "Mama, o!"

"Working kahit Christmas?" Sheryl keeps her focus on Jiya, frowning. "So it would've been just you in your house?"

Jiya smiles at her. "Yes po, but I'm used to it. I don't really...we don't really celebrate."

The pity in Sheryl's face is hard to conceal. "Well, your dad is chairman of Valle Holdings and your mom is...a lawyer, tama ba?"

"Yes po," Jiya answers, wiping her lips with a napkin. "So they're really busy."

"Ate, only child ka 'di ba?" Maureen interjects, leaning forward. Jiya nods. "So does that mean sa 'yo na ang Valle Holdings when you graduate?"

Meg gasps loudly, dropping her fork. "OMG! Ate Jiya, mayaman ka, 'no? Dapat pala sa inyo na lang tayo kumain—"

"Meg," Migo says sternly, frowning. "That's rude."

"It's okay," Jiya assures them agad when Meg's face falls. She purses her lips, doesn't know how to answer. "Technically, yes," she answers Maureen slowly, "but I actually want to pursue a career in publishing, kaya lit ang course ko."

"And your dad is okay with that naman?" Tita Sheryl asks, genuinely curious. "Since ikaw lang ang anak."

Jiya smiles at her. "He's still trying to convince me, but I'm decided na po."

"It's good you're choosing for yourself," Sheryl tells her, nodding. "And you're a very good student, kwento nga ni Miguel na you're top of your batch raw. I'm sure they're very proud. Napakagaling."

Jiya doesn't know if her mom yelling at her for a B+ and her dad telling her to pull up a 3.92 GPA to a 4 is being proud, but she smiles and nods. "I hope so po."

"Ate Jiya," Maureen says again, catching her attention, a wicked gleam in her eyes. "Paano mo sinagot si Kuya? I mean, you're the talk sa campus, the 'it couple', and my friends are asking me how you guys happened. Ayaw ni Kuya ikwento sa 'min. 'Tsaka bakit? E ang panget niya."

Jiya's mouth dries. Um, he blackmailed me into telling everyone I kissed him in his room upstairs before you guys moved away to the U.S. na hindi naman pala natuloy, and then I set him up with another girl, and then he got mad and I cried and he kissed me against a dirty alleyway and demanded us to be together?

"'Wag mo na alamin," Migo says flatly, stabbing his fork in his food. He narrows his eyes at his sister. "'Tsaka gwapo ako, ikaw ang panget. Unahin mo 'yang pag-aaral mo kesa sa pagtatanong sa love life ko."

"Ate!" Meg whines. "I want to know, too!"

Jiya purses her lips, face heating. Migo puts a hand on her knee to rub it through her jeans.

Tita Sheryl laughs. "Hay nako. Hindi kasi makapaniwala ang dalawang 'to kung bakit mo raw sinagot si Miguel, e bully siya sa 'yo no'ng high school."

"Bully rin po sa 'kin si Valle," Migo argues. "And past is past, okay? She doesn't hate me anymore."

"Oo, mahal ka na niya ngayon," Maureen says.

Migo promptly chokes on the water he's drinking.

Jiya's face is burning.

"Sabi niya kakatayin kanya if you replace her," Maureen continues, clearly enjoying her brother's and Jiya's discomfort.

Jiya clears her throat. Bakit niya 'yon sinabi sa harap ng nanay ni Migo, puta naman, sinong gustong makarinig na kakatayin ang anak niya?! "Tita, hindi po—"

"And bakit mo siya tinatawag by her last name? 'Di naman sweet."

"Tatawagin ko siyang Jiya 'pag Salas na siya," Migo says in the flattest voice she's ever heard. "Ma, papasa ng bangus."

"Yie!" Meg shouts in glee, shaking in her seat. "Kuya!"

Tita Sheryl clicks her tongue, shaking her head with a smile. "Hoy Miguel, siguraduhin mo munang tapusin mo nang maayos ang pag-aaral mo, hindi biro ang med."

"And that is...a long way off, Tita," Jiya says, chuckling nervously. "Bata pa kami."

"Pero nag-overnight sa Tagaytay rest house..." Maureen mutters. "Happy anniversary pala!"

"Isa pa, Mau," Migo snaps. "Ma!"

"Maureen, tama na," Sheryl tries to say firmly, but she's laughing, and Jiya wants to die. "Kain pa, Jiya anak."

They cut the cake in thin slices after dinner, and then Tita Sheryl says it's time for pictures.

Jiya puts her plate down. "I can take the picture—"

"Kasama ka," Migo says firmly, taking her wrist to drag her to the living room where Maureen is already setting up her phone on the tripod. "Hindi ka na pwedeng tumakas gaya no'ng debut ni Mau."

Hindi naman tumatakas si Jiya. Ayaw niya lang na sumama sa family picture dapat. She purses her lips, having no choice but to follow him, and mutters, "Migo, kayo muna. And then I'll—"

"Ayoko." He pulls her harshly beside him in front of the Christmas tree while Meg rushes over with cake on her lips to stand beside him, and Tita Sheryl comes back from fixing her hair at the reflection on the TV to stand beside her.

She puts her arm around Jiya and pulls her close. "I'm so happy you're here with us, Jiya," she says warmly, and Jiya feels her sincerity dig deep into her bones and lungs and heart.

Migo puts an arm around her waist and squeezes Meg's shoulder with his other hand in front of him, and then Maureen shouts, "Okay, timer is set! Ten, nine, eight..."

She runs to stand beside Migo.

When the picture's taken, Maureen rushes over to the tripod and grabs the phone. "Kuya, kayo ni Ate Jiya."

Jiya starts to shake her head, but Migo clearly wants a picture, because he pulls her torso to face him, squeezing her hip, and whispers, "Smile."

Wala nang nagawa si Jiya but to do as he says, heart pounding in her chest. She stares at the camera, embarrassed na tumitili si Meg. Tita Sheryl is smiling, watching them.

Before they clear the table, Jiya gives the sisters her small presents. "It's nothing much, but merry Christmas, girls."

Meg is jumping on her feet, gasping at the sight of the pretty blue box tied with a blue ribbon. Maureen's jaw also drops as she accepts the gift.

"Nothing much?" Migo hisses in her ear behind her, hand sliding to her waist. "Sabi ko walang gifts!"

"I wanted to give them something, shut up."

Meg's dramatic gasp as she holds up the bracelet makes Jiya's smile widen. It's a custom birthstone bracelet with a rose gold plate of their initial.

"Naku, anak, sana hindi ka na nag-abala," Tita Sheryl says, frowning. "Mukhang mamahalin 'yan—"

"Please don't worry about it, Tita," Jiya says quietly with a smile, turning to face her in Migo's hold. "I really wanted to give them something they can use. Besides, it's a thank you na rin po for having me over."

Maureen leaps to hug her, jumping her around. "Ang ganda, Ate!"

Meg joins in the hug, too.

Binigyan niya rin ng small scented candle and branded perfume si Tita Sheryl that she reluctantly accepts when she realizes walang balak si Jiya na ibalik sa bag niya ang mga 'yon.

"You didn't have to, but thank you," Migo whispers.

Jiya smiles at him.

She washes the dishes with Tita Sheryl while Migo and Maureen clear the table and pack the leftover food. Meg heads upstairs to change into her pajamas.

"Jiya, anak," Sheryl says quietly to her over the running water. "I'm happy to see Miguel so happy. I'm happy that it's you."

Jiya gulps, keeping her eyes on the dishes. Kapag tiningnan niya si Tita Sheryl, baka umiyak na lang siya bigla. "Thank you, Tita. I...you raised him so well po. He's kind and good and he works very hard. I'm sure you're very proud."

"Thank you, hija." Her smile is as warm as a hug.

Migo brings her upstairs to his room before the wine while waiting for midnight. His smile is mischievous and his eyes are twinkling when he points at the bed and says, "That's where you kissed me."

"Ulitin natin," Jiya says, dragging him to the mattress. Migo laughs loudly and falls on her, and she kisses him sweetly, slowly—not quick and desperate during that first time.

Migo is happy. Jiya can see it in his smile and eyes and face when he hovers above her, stroking her cheek with his finger. "I didn't think you'd be back here with another kiss."

Jiya kisses him again. "Still think you're breaking your own heart?"

He grins and traces his finger along the neckline of her sweater. "No. Not anymore."

They're bringing the wine and the soda (for Meg) to the living room to wait for midnight when the doorbell rings.

"Ako na, Ma." Migo puts down the glasses on the table and heads out.

Maureen drags Jiya to the sofa. "Ate, tulong naman. 'Tsaka ano masarap inumin dito?"

Jiya smiles and helps her put on the bracelet. She holds her wrist and smiles. "It looks good."

Maureen grins and thanks her again, and then looking at the door, she frowns. "Si Ate Elois na naman ba 'yon?"

Jiya blinks. "Elois?"

"'Yong kaibigan ni Kuya since they were kids," Maureen says, inspecting her bracelet. "Lagi siyang nandito. TBH, feeling close siya sa 'min ni Mom and Meg, pero okay naman siya, and she's coming back with us sa Pampanga sa Tuesday. Baka gustong makisama sa inom."

Bakit ba lagi na lang siyang umiinom?

Pero hindi si Elois ang nasa pinto. Migo comes back with his jaw clenched, hands tight in a fist. "Ma, nandito si Michael."

Maureen stands up, vile in her voice when she exclaims, "Ha?"

Sheryl bites her lip and rushes to the door, patting Migo's chest. "'Wag mo siyang tinatawag na Michael, tatay mo siya, Miguel." And then she steps back when a tall figure steps inside the room. "Michael."

Jiya thought Migo looks like his mom, but she's wrong.

Migo's dad is clean-shaven, has gray hair, nakasuot ng business suit, may dalang suitcase sa isang kamay and a paper bag full of gifts with the other. He steps inside the house slowly. "Sheryl," he greets lowly, a nervous smile on his face. "Maureen."

"Why are you here?" Maureen asks. It's a complete one-eighty from the Maureen Jiya knows—the cheerful, kind, friendly Maureen.

Jiya swallows thickly. She's not supposed to be here, this is a family matter between the Salases.

"Naghabol ako ng plane para maabot ko Christmas," Migo's dad says meekly, putting down the suitcase on the floor. "Para magkakasama tayo."

Tita Sheryl takes his arm, looking up at him with a smile. "Mabuti naman, have you eaten na? Kaka-ref lang naman ng mga pagkain—"

"Daddy!" Meg shouts, bounding from the stairs in her pajamas. She giggles loudly and jumps in her dad's arms, and he catches her easily. "Daddy! May gifts ka ba?"

"Oo naman!" Migo's dad answers, laughing, kissing her head. "Ang laki-laki naman na ni Nutmeg!"

Maureen scoffs, turning around. Like she's disgusted at the sight.

Tita Sheryl notices and hisses, "Maureen. Umayos ka. Paghanda mo ng pagkain tatay mo."

Maureen's jaw clenches. "No." Then she disappears upstairs, slamming the door.

Migo is still frozen near the door, staring at his father.

Jiya stands up and takes her bag. "Tita," she whispers, "I'll go na po, thank you so much—"

"Oh." Michael puts Meg down, noticing Jiya's presence for the first time. He blinks at her. "Um, are you...are you Migo's girlfriend?"

Jiya swallows thickly. "Yes po," she mumbles. "Um, I'm Jiya Valle po, Tito."

He smiles widely at her. "Nice meeting you. Happy anniversary sa inyong dalawa. Recent lang, 'di ba? Did you enjoy the rest house naman?"

Jiya gives him a small smile out of politeness. "Yes po, it was very beautiful—"

"Ma," Migo cuts her off, turning to his mom. "Hatid ko po si Valle."

Tita Sheryl purses her lips. "Anak, hindi pa Pasko, baka Jiya can stay—"

"Hatid ko po si Valle," Migo repeats, firmer this time, pushing his tongue against his cheek. "And kung 'di po ako babalik, uwi ako tomorrow."

"Miguel," Tita Sheryl snaps, furrowing her eyebrows. She sighs, frustrated. "Please."

"Salamat sa susi," Migo tells his dad flatly. "Nasa counter siya kung kukunin mo. Valle, tara."

He leaves the house.

Jiya quickly thanks Tita Sheryl again, politely smiles at Migo's dad, and ruffles Meg's hair before she follows him.