INGGO Best Bro sent a photo

Inggo Best Bro: ano ang balak mo
gawin dito sir

Jiya grins at the picture and she feels her chest fill with warmth. Mukhang galit na galit si Migo sa kuha ni Inggo habang nasa class sila, nagsu-sulk na naman kasi mga one week na silang hindi nagkikita.

Nag-o-overtime si Jiya ulit, pero ngayon, dahil gusto niya, hindi dahil pinaparusahan siya ni Gelo. They're moving forward with a manuscript and Gelo and Claire are scheduled for a meeting with the author tomorrow, kaya nahihirapan siyang umalis ng office kasi ang saya-saya maging part ng publishing process. Finally.

It's the manuscript Gelo said he'd take a risk on.

So habang they work late nights sa office, they grab dinner na rin sa cafeteria or minsan nagpapa-deliver si Gelo. Bumabait sa kanya ulit 'to, he came through with his free lunch promise, tapos he makes her coffee in the mornings pa.

Jiya types her reply, leaning back against the sofa. Nasa phone booth siya ngayon kasi gusto niya ng small break, and nakaka-relax dito.

he's so cute wtf :(

Inggo Best Bro: mukha siyang
damulag pero ok

iniinsulto mo boyfriend ko, de
paz? :)

Inggo Best Bro: no po sorry po
hehehehe miss ka na namin ingat sa
work bro <333

She saves his picture and sends a text to her boyfriend. He hasn't replied to her since this morning.

babyyyyyy dont be tampo pls.

Migo reads that but doesn't reply.

Jiya sighs.

i promise to make it up to you
this weekend matutulog ako
sa burgundy I wont bring my
laptop :(

When he starts typing, Jiya grins.

Pogi: ok

Her smile fades. Ano ba 'yan.

She calls him. Sinagot niya agad. "Ano."

"I miss you too," Jiya says quietly, biting her lip. "I promise sa 'yong sa 'yo ako this weekend."

Alam ni Jiya that Migo loves seeing her do what she loves, pero parang hindi niya nakakaya when he doesn't see her or touch her or hug her. Nagsusungit talaga siya kasi super clingy niyang boyfriend.

Ayaw niya sa clingy dati pero kay Migo, she finds it super cute.

She hears him sigh heavily. "Nakakainis ka, parang namamatay na 'ko."

"OA ka," she says, giggling. But it's so nice to know that him missing her is so heavy a feeling. "If you have time after class, daan ka dito, I'll hug and kiss you."

"Pa'no 'pag gusto ko more than a hug and kiss," sungit niyang sabi.

"Kunin mo sa weekend," Jiya says, grinning.

"Sabihin mo mahal mo 'ko."

If it were possible, her grin grows wider at his ridiculous request. "Mahal kita."

"Sabihin mo mas gwapo ako sa boss mo."

Jiya laughs. "What?"

"'Di nakakatawa, Valle, sabihin mo."

Jiya blinks at his coldness. "Um, mas gwapo ka sa boss ko...baby, what's up?"

"Nase-stress ako na now that ayos kayo, every day kayong magkasama and lagi siyang nasa IG story mo and close kayo and when you call me at night, all you do is talk about him," dire-diretso niyang sabi.

Jiya blinks.

Was she doing that? Hindi niya namalayan!

She must've been talking about work, pero 'pag work, siyempre kasama na do'n si Gelo.

Kaya pala tumatahimik palagi si Migo sa phone, and minsan he doesn't say goodnight. Akala ni Jiya he fell asleep.

"I'm sorry, oh my God," Jiya whispers, putting a palm to her forehead. "I didn't notice."

"Well, hindi mo nga 'ko pinapansin."

"Babe," Jiya says, sighing, flinching at his hurt and annoyed tone. "I'm just busy with work, and you know na I consider him a friend and a mentor. He also only considers me a friend rin, alam mo 'yon, 'di ba?"

Tahimik si Migo.

Siguro he feels what Jiya felt noong lagi silang magkasama ni Elois. Noong annoyed siya kasi Elois was with him and she wasn't.

Every weekday, for about ten to twelve hours, kasama ni Jiya sa Gelo.

"I love you," Jiya says quietly, fingers fisting her shirt. She loves him so much her fingers are shaking with it. "It's your voice is what I want to hear before I go to bed, your smile that brings butterflies to my stomach, your laugh that I want to hear every day, your touch that I want forever—not his. Trabaho lang 'to, Migo. Okay?"

"Forever? E 'di pakasalan mo na 'ko," utos niya in the flattest voice she's ever heard.

She sputters out a laugh. "I will, I promise."

Migo sighs. "Okay. Kinikilig na 'ko, okay na tayo. I'll see if makakadaan ako later."

She laughs again and ends the call.

Si Gelo ang nag-migrate sa office nina Claire and Jiya while they're working on this manuscript. Strewn over the table and the floor are stacks and stacks of papers, tapos sa couch ang desk ni Gelo. Nakakatawa kasi ang assistants pa ang may desks.

"Okay!" Claire stands up and stretches. "I'm off, five na! I'll see you both Monday!"

Jiya looks up from her computer with wide eyes. "Monday? Tomorrow is the meeting with Fernando Ong!"

"May pupuntahan si Claire tomorrow until Sunday with family," Gelo says, not looking up from his clipboard, toying with his pen between his fingers.

Jiya blinks. "Ha? So...you're going alone?"

"No, you're coming with me," Gelo says, flipping a page.

She stills.

Claire laughs at her reaction while shouldering her bag. "Boss, give her a little warning, parang mahihimatay na."

Gelo finally looks up, worried, and snaps his fingers in front of her face. "Jiya."

"Ha? Oh, uh." She clears her throat. "I'm—uh, I'm coming with—with you? T-tomorrow?"

"Ay—ayaw mo b-ba?" mocks Gelo, grinning at her.

She tosses her pen his way. He dodges it, laughing. "Hoy! Respeto!"

"Yes, you are!" sagot ni Claire sa kanya, laughing rin, and she hugs her before turning to the door. She winks at Jiya. "So work hard! See you Monday!"

"Ingat!" sabi ni Gelo, still chuckling.

Lumapit si Jiya kay Gelo and sits next to him, posture perfect, a smile on her lips. "I'm really coming with you tomorrow?"

"Oo nga," he says, grinning, and he flicks her forehead before resting his chin on his palm, elbow propped up against the backrest of the couch. "You've been working hard for this; you were here every step of the way. It's only right that you're there sa meeting. Plus, kahit hindi naka-leave si Claire bukas, I would've still asked you to come instead of her para ma-experience mo rin. You'll be doing this a lot when you start working for real."

Holy shit.

She puts her hands to her mouth. "Sir!"

"'Wag kang plastik," sabi ni Gelo, rolling his eyes.

"Gelo!" she squeals, smacking him. Gelo makes no move to stop her, just staring at her face, smiling. She stomps her feet on the ground and squeals again in her hands.

"Are you that happy?" Gelo asks in awe.

"Oo!" Jiya says, nodding and clutching her chest to calm her breathing. "Oh my God. Oh my God. Pwede na 'ko mamatay. Joke, tomorrow na, after the meeting."

He laughs and says something under his breath, but Jiya doesn't catch it. "Ano?"

"Sabi ko magtrabaho ka na," he orders, grinning, tossing her his clipboard. He stands up and takes his phone and wallet. "I'll grab dinner for us."

Jiya stays in the office, giddy with excitement. Kanina pa siya nakangiti.

She only takes her eyes away from her screen when her phone buzzes.

Pogi: psst. wife.

Her smile widens.

yes?

Pogi: i'm at your floor.

Tumalon si Jiya from her chair and ran outside, holding on to the bar railings of the staircase.

Nasa entrance ng floor nila si Migo, naka-plain white shirt and jeans lang siya with a brown cap na nabaliktad sa ulo niya, pero her heart pounds at the sight of him kasi ano ba! Ang gwapo niya masyado, nakakainis!

He spots her, looking up, and smiles widely, waving the paper bag of food with him. Jiya's stomach erupts.

Her co-workers turn their heads at him, and Jiya feels a sense of annoyance. Akin siya!

She runs down the staircase and almost jumps him, pero pinigilan niya ang sarili niya kasi nasa office pa rin siya. She settles for taking his hand and leading him up the stairs to their office.

"Nakakainis ka, para kanino ka nagpapapogi?"

"Para sa wife ko, natural," he answers, scoffing, threading his fingers with hers as he follows her. "Swerte mo, 'no?"

Jiya shuts the door, locks it, and pushes him against the wall, giving him a sweet kiss. He wraps his free arm around her waist and squeezes her hip, smiling in her mouth.

"Missed you," Jiya murmurs, eyes locked on his lips, and she kisses him again.

"Kaya nga ako pumunta," he murmurs back, pulling her closer to him. "I'll be quick lang since I have to study and you're busy, but can you make time to eat dinner?"

She nods and hugs him tight, burying her head on his shoulder, kissing his neck.

Migo groans, pushing himself further back against the wall. "May dala akong pagkain, mahuhulog," he mutters weakly.

Jiya laughs, kisses him one last time, and takes the paper bags. "Thank you, baby."

He sits down next to her and watches her unwrap yung Jollibee. He sighs. "Sorry—"

"Shut up bago ako magalit," Jiya says, giving him a peck. "We talked about this already."

Alam ni Jiya he was about to apologize again kasi Jollibee lang, but her heart is already soaring na he made time to buy this and to deliver it to her kahit may test siya na he's studying for.

"Thank you for this," she whispers, stroking his cheek. "And for dropping by. Alam kong busy ka."

He buries his head on her shoulder and hugs her while she sorts out the food on the table. "I could've died waiting for the weekend," he mutters sullenly, and he licks her neck.

Nakiliti si Jiya and she laughs, cupping his cheeks. She grins, but her stomach keeps on dropping when she looks at him. "Bakit sobrang hot mo ngayon?" Is it the cap?

It makes him laugh out loud. "Tigang ka na yata."

She smacks him with wide eyes. "Miguel!"

He wraps his arms around her and lifts her to his lap, hands on her legs. He leans up to give her a slow, sensual kiss that has her gripping the collar of his shirt. She feels hot all of a sudden.

"Shit," Migo whispers, sliding his hand up her skirt. "Fuck, paano ako makakaalis nito?"

Jiya kisses him hard, and Migo gasps in her mouth, hands traveling to her behind and squeezing harshly.

"Okay," she whispers, pulling back, panting, but Migo chases her mouth again. She laughs quietly, putting distance between them, resting her forehead against his and trying to calm her racing heart. "I'm still at work."

He bites his lip but he's grinning. He smacks her butt above her skirt, loud, and it makes Jiya yelp. "Okay. Kumain ka na. Hindi ako, ah."

Jiya laughs out loud again, gives him one last kiss, and slides off his lap to reach for actual food.

"I hope this is fine with you—" Gelo stops talking at the door, blinking, holding a full paper bag of Mom & Tina's.

Jiya smiles at him, guilty. Shit. Hindi niya nasabi na 'wag na siyang bilhan since Migo brought dinner. "Gelo, you remember Migo, my boyfriend."

"Yes, of course." His smile is tight.

"Hi again," Migo says with a wave, then he wraps his arm around Jiya's waist. "I'm leaving na rin, I just dropped by to give her dinner."

"Yeah, no problem." Gelo puts down his paper bag on the table. Sinundan ni Migo 'yon ng tingin. "You, uh, you're also studying pa, Migo?"

"Senior na rin," he answers. "BS Chem."

"Nasa honors program siya," Jiya says proudly. "Top fifteen percent lang ng applicants natatanggap."

Migo elbows her.

Gelo nods. "Impressive."

Her boyfriend grins. "Thank you."

"I brought food rin for you," Gelo says, pushing the Mom & Tina's bag towards her while she's munching on Jollibee fries. "If kulang sa 'yo 'yan. Masyado ka pa ring payat."

Jiya blinks. "Uh—"

"I know, kaya I bought a full meal," Migo says, still with a smile on his face. "Hindi kulang."

Gelo glances at him again. "If gusto lang niya ng options pa."

"Sapat na ang isang option," Migo counters easily.

"Maybe not to Jiya, baka mas gusto niya Mom & Tina's," he says.

"Contented na siya sa Jollibee," Migo almost snaps.

"Pwede rin niya magustuhan ang Mom—"

"Mahal na niya ang Jollibee—"

"Okay!" Jiya stands up and takes Migo's hand, suddenly aware of the tension in the room na para bang hindi na pagkain ang pinag-uusapan nila. "Baby, you have to study pa for your test."

Sinundan siya ni Migo palabas, jaw clenched.

"Bye, Migo."

"Bye, Gelo," he mutters. Outside, he sighs and asks her, "Are you going to eat what he bought?"

Jiya slides her hands to his shoulders and squeezes them reassuringly. "Mabubusog na ako sa Jollibee," she whispers with a smile.

It makes him smile and relax, too. "Okay." He leans down, takes her chin in his fingers, and kisses her. "I love you. Text me 'pag pauwi ka na. Don't see me out na."

"Okay, thank you for dinner. I love you more."

"Impossible," sabi niya with a wink, and then he goes down the staircase.

Pagpasok niya sa office, Gelo stands up straight from where he was watching sa window and clears his throat.

Jiya shakes her head at him. "Sorry, I didn't know he was dropping by. Nasayang yung food na dala mo. I can pay you back."

He sighs and follows her to the couch. "No, it's fine," he mutters. "Iuuwi ko na lang. Let's eat before we get back into it. Goal ko is makauwi tayo both by nine."

They do get to finish before nine and sabay na sila pumuntang parking.

Gelo raises his eyebrow when Jiya nears her car and fishes out her key. "You're driving?"

She sends him a flat look, still rummaging in her bag. "Problema?"

The corner of his lips quirks up. "I didn't know you had a license, I thought you brought your chauffeur everywhere."

Most of the time. Kailangan rin niya mag-practice. "You make me sound like a spoiled brat."

He raises his hands and steps back, smiling at her.

"I hate you," Jiya says.

His smile grows into a grin. "Will you let me know 'pag nakauwi ka na? Kinakabahan ako for some reason."

Jiya rolls her eyes and opens the doors. "Fine. I'll drive safely po."

"I'll let that po pass kasi you do need to drive safely, but tomorrow, don't bring a car na. Sabay tayong pupunta sa meeting."

Jiya nods and waves at him. "See you tomorrow!"

Gelo waves back at her and watches her drive off.

She calls Migo using the Bluetooth speaker habang nasa stoplight siya. "Hi baby, pauwi na 'ko. Are you still studying?"

"Drive safely, princess," Migo says sleepily, his voice filling her car. Jiya feels warm all over. "I'm done na. I was just waiting for you to text so I can go to bed."

Jiya smiles. "I will. Sleep ka na. Thank you again for dinner."

"Mm." Inaantok na talaga boses niya. Jiya wants to scream kasi ang hot niya, nakakabaliw. "I'll wait for your text when you're home," he murmurs. "Kanta ka so I don't fall asleep."

"Not a chance," she laughs. "Go na, you're passing out in exhaustion. Naka-set na alarm mo?"

"Opo," he mutters.

"You're so cute," Jiya says, sighing.

"Cute mo mukha mo, inuwi mo ba yung Mom & Tina's," he asks quietly. "Mahal 'yon."

Kanina pa ba niya iniisip 'yon? Jiya frowns, keeping her eyes on the road. "No, Gelo took it home."

He's smiling when he says, "Good."

"Baby, don't worry about Gelo na," she says, biting her lip. "He's nothing to be worried about."

"I'm not worried," he counters weakly.

Jiya raises her eyebrow.

"I just know he likes you."

She frowns. "As a friend, yes."

"Bobo," Migo says with a sigh. "Halata kaya."

She exhales heavily and drums her fingers on the wheel. "Well, kung ano man ang feelings ni Gelo, wala akong pakialam do'n whatsoever."

"He gets to see you in all those pretty and short skirts you bought."

"I bought those with you," Jiya says. "Migo, I love you."

"Mm," he hums grumpily.

She bites her lip, smiling. "Migo, pinakagwapo ka sa lahat."

"Mm," he hums.

"Migo, you make me happy...and horny. All the time."

"Mm," he says, chuckling.

"Migo, I'll marry you."

He pauses. And then, "Ngayon na?"

Jiya grins. Her cheekbones hurt. "Sleep na. I'll text you when I'm home. I love you."

"Gago, namumula na ako," Migo mutters. Jiya laughs. "I love you. Sobra."

Jiya doesn't doubt it. At all.

The next morning, she wakes up extra early (o 'di ba, si Migo lang din ang may power na patayuin siya much earlier than necessary) to drop by Ateneo with his favorite tea, a cinnamon roll, and a note. Lagi na lang si Migo ang pumupunta sa kanya, and she wants to surprise him this time.

She texts Migo when she's outside his classroom.

good morning, baby. :)

He reads that. Wala pa kasi silang prof.

Pogi: ur early. excited kang makita
boss mo?

Jiya rolls her eyes. Napakaseloso.

baka ikaw. labas ka i'm
outside your room

Wala pang five seconds after she sends that, the door bursts open, and 'yong gising niya na one hour earlier is so, so worth it when he runs his eyes on her from head to toe, and he whistles lowly. "Wow, shit. Heaven na ba 'to?"

Jiya hugs him tight, giggling. "Corny mo."

"Good morning," he mutters, squeezing her, swaying them around. Wala siyang pake na nasa hallway sila. "Sobrang good morning."

Jiya smiles in his shoulder. "I wanted to wish you good luck sa test mo."

Inabot niya 'yong breakfast and tea. Parang naiiyak na si Migo.

She kisses him quickly. "Kumain ka while reviewing."

He leans down again and kisses her. "Thank you. Magkano utang ko?"

"Tatlo pa," she says, and Migo grins and kisses her thrice again.

"It's Friday," he says, eyes twinkling. "So masusundo kita tonight. And I get to have you all by myself in this." One of his hands slides down below her skirt and the other moves her hair away from her shoulder, tracing her bare skin. Jiya shivers.

Today, because it's an important day and because she knew she'll be with Migo, she wore a halter blouse in pink na may ruffles, leaving her shoulders bare, and a white pencil skirt fit around the hips.

Jiya nods, brushing his hair away from his forehead. "I might finish late after the dinner."

He narrows his eyes. "Can you wear this after the dinner na lang?"

Jiya smacks him, rolling her eyes.

"Penge naman breakfast 'tsaka sweet loving," Inggo says from the door, holding his hands out.

Migo smacks them and pushes him inside. "No. Akin si Valle and akin 'to."

She's skipping on the way back to her car, and her heart jumps when Migo texts her.

Pogi: NAPAKAGAGO MO NAMULA
AKO SA HARAP NG BOYS INAASAR
NILA AKO

Jiya laughs, settling in the backseat. May sinama siyang note sa napkin ng breakfast niya.

tinataas ko lang skirts ko for you. ikaw lang forever.
good luck sa test mo, my love.

Lahat ng notes na binigay sa kanya ni Migo, tinago niya. Sana itago rin ni Migo.

mahal na mahal kita

Pogi: ano nangyayare bakit ang sweet
mo :( mahal kita. sobra.

i told you i'll work on showing
it more diba

Pogi: E MAMAMATAY NA AKO AT
THIS RATE VALLE ano gagawin ko
hindi pa pwede

Before she can reply, he sends one more text.

Pogi: also, you're so pretty. lagi naman
pero ngayon especially, umakyat puso
ko kanina sa langit hindi pa
bumabalik. itataas ko talaga yang
skirt mo mamaya

Jiya laughs out loud. This happiness...she never thought she could experience this ever. She's so happy with Migo.

So sobrang good mood siya when she comes to work, opening the door to her office. "Good morning!"

"Wow," Gelo mutters, blinking at Jiya, eyes wide. He puts down his laptop, watching her put her bag down on her desk. "You're...cheerful. And you look—nice."

"Thank you," sabi ni Jiya, smiling, kasi totoo naman. Sinabi na rin ni Migo, hehe. "It's a good day."

Nakatitig pa rin sa kanya si Gelo.

Jiya's eyes shine at the mug on her desk as she takes a seat. "Uy, thank you for the coffee."

Gelo smiles at her. "Sure. You have plans after our meeting?"

Jiya opens her computer and arranges her desk, feeling Gelo's eyes still on her. "Date night. E ikaw?"

"Anong ako?"

"Loser ka pa rin ba and you're just staying at home?"

He snickers, finally looking away. "It's called resting."

Jiya snorts. "Sure."

Gelo tosses her his pen. "Magtrabaho ka na, hindi kita binabayaran para insultuhin ako."

Jiya huffs and fixes her hair. "K."

"Ano 'yon, Ms. Valle?"

"Okay po, sir," she says with a sweet smile, turning to her computer, and then rolls her eyes.

Gelo's grinning when he says, "Thought so."

The rest of the day passes by in a blur, parang ang bilis ng oras. When six comes, Gelo starts packing his stuff, checking his watch. "Okay, let's go."

Jiya stands up shakily and breathes out, triple checking the company's iPad again, baka may nakalimutan siya na file or what and hindi pwede 'yon, kailangan maayos siya during this dinner meeting.

Gelo snatches it from her. "You've checked that five times, okay na."

"Gelo!" she snaps.

"Jiya, stop being so nervous. You'll be great," he says reassuringly, packing the iPad in her bag. "And I'll be there with you if something goes wrong, pero usually naman, these meetings go smoothly. Just be yourself and shake off those nerves."

Jiya takes deep breaths and shakes her hands, pero parang walang nagawa.

Gelo takes her wrist and leads her out.

"Gelo, our things—"

"We have five minutes to spare for this, and you need it," he mutters, leading her to the library.

Dinala siya ni Gelo sa phone booth. Jiya stands in front of the huge window and inhales and exhales deeply, watching the city below.

Tahimik lang si Gelo sa likod niya, binigyan talaga siya ng five minutes to breathe and calm herself. Habang tumatagal, her breathing becomes slower, and she feels some of her muscles relax from tension.

She turns around to smile at him. "Okay. Game."

He grins at her and opens the door.

His car is a sleek, black Mercedes-Benz. On the drive over, she texts Migo. Kanina pa siya natapos sa test niya and he's just in Yellow Cab with sila Anton, Inggo, and Cas.

hello otw na to the meeting
kinakabahan ako

Pogi: you'll rock it baby. ikaw pa

His reply was fast. She told him to keep his phone with him because she'll text him about the meeting and kailangan niya ng reassurance from him.

Pogi: you'll be great. wala akong doubts
about it.

Jiya smiles. That eases her nerves, too.

thank you i love u

Pogi: i know <3

She and Gelo keep a light conversation papunta sa restaurant. When they arrive, Gelo opens the door for her again and puts a hand on her back to lead her inside.

Jiya doesn't know kung anong restaurant 'to, but it's very, very fancy and sophisticated. Tama lang 'yong suot niya. Kahit si Gelo ay naka-white dress shirt with the first two buttons undone, a maroon suit jacket and maroon slacks. To others, parang masyadong showy 'yong color, but kay Gelo, it works so well kasi aside from his face, marunong din siya magdala.

People turn their heads as they walk by. Jiya almost stumbles in her heels at a wrong step sa stairs but Gelo tightens his hand around her waist. "Okay?" he asks, drawing his eyebrows together.

"Yeah," Jiya says, smiling, standing upright. "Sorry. Ang daming nakatingin."

"Sa 'yo," he says under his breath, leading her up.

Jiya snorts. "Sa 'yo kaya."

"So you think na gwapo ako?"

She rolls her eyes. "Pumapanget ka kapag mabayang."

He laughs quietly. "Good to know. Take notes lang until we stop talking about work and then eat. I don't want you to just take notes all night, have fun also."

Jiya nods, and nakarating na sila sa isang private room. "Hi, Mr. Ong. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. This is Jiya, my assistant."

Assistant! Hindi intern! "Hello po, Mr. Ong." Jiya reaches out to shake his hand with a wide smile. "It's very nice to meet you."

Jiya can still feel her nerves shaking inside, pero parang natabunan na sila ng comfort and ease when they get to talking about the manuscript because Jiya knows this. She was there every step of the way until makarating dito.

"Jiya was very impressed with it," Gelo says, taking a sip of his wine. "She was the one who convinced me, so you have her to thank."

"Oh, really?" Fernando Ong was in his late thirties, and he had a kind smile and wrinkles on his face. "I didn't expect such a young mind to be spearheading my publishing."

Her heart flutters, but she shakes her head quickly and says, "Oh, no, I'm not—"

"Young, but brilliant," Gelo says, smiling at him. "Jiya, care to share your thoughts about it? And then you can move on with our plans."

Ako?!

Jiya's mouth opens and closes at Gelo. Wala 'to sa script nila! Ang alam niya is magt-take notes lang siya and si Gelo ang magsasalita!

But he takes her iPad and smiles at her encouragingly. "Go ahead."

Jiya sits up straight. Her fingers shake under the table, but she faces Ong and swallows thickly before she starts speaking.

The author eagerly listens, nods, and smiles as she talks, even agreeing with her points. When she moves forward to talk about the contract and the launch, she glances at Gelo multiple times, only to see him watching and smiling at her, not interrupting. She figures she's doing a good job so far.

When Ong asks questions, Gelo lets Jiya answer them. And thank God nasasagot din niya. Minsan lang may in-a-add si Gelo after she talks.

"Well," Ong says, smiling brightly. "I'm very impressed with Theo & Brom's interest and passion in my work. I can't have chosen to sign with a better company than this, so thank you, Ms...sorry, what is your last name?"

Her smile freezes. Pinakilala siya ni Gelo as Jiya, and akala niya dahil kasi intern lang siya and much younger than both of them, pero she realizes now na baka he introduced her as Jiya because he recognizes her worth and talent as T&B's employees...even though she got here with her dad's connections.

"Valle po, but please call me Jiya, Mr. Ong."

"Alright, Jiya." Ong raises his glass to her. "To a very fruitful partnership. I expect the same kind of excellence from you moving forward."

"Of course, sir." Jiya picks up her glass and toasts with him and Gelo. Pagkatapos ng business talk, their dinner is finally served. Thank God, gutom na siya.

Her knees feel weak and her fingers are still shaking on her lap, buti na lang hindi napansin no'ng nag-toast sila.

Gelo's hand finds hers under the table, and he squeezes it tight, pero nakatingin siya kay Ong and nagkwekwentuhan na sila about non-work-related matters.

Is this his way of apologizing for putting her on the spot? Or for telling her she did a good job?

Nonetheless, she squeezes it back kasi sobrang saya niya, sobrang nakaka-proud that she was able to get through this meeting and receive good feedback. Gelo's smile widens, eyes still on Ong, and then he pulls away.

They're served expensive steak. In the middle of talking, Gelo exchanges his plate with Jiya's after he slices his steak. Her eyes widen, about to stop him, kasi hindi pa siya tapos sa pags-slice ng kanya, but he doesn't even glance at her. Nag-slice siya ulit.

Mamaya na niya pasasalamatan.

It's almost ten when they finally finish. Jiya feels lightheaded from the food na hindi niya naubos and the bit of wine she sipped and the high from her good job. Gelo opens the door for her in his car, and she leans back against the seat, exhaling heavily, still smiling.

"How's it feel?"

Jiya turns to him. "Um...para akong high."

He laughs loudly, torso turned towards her. "You did amazing," he says quietly, a sincere smile on his face. "I'm very proud."

Jiya smacks him.

"Aray!" he complains, laughing. "Ano?! Compliment 'yon!"

"You threw me in the fire!"

"Jiya, tingin mo ba gagawin ko 'yon if I didn't know that you could handle it? And look! He sang your praises. Alam ko na you could do it, you exceeded my expectations and more. I had no doubts."

She turns away from him and stares out the window when she feels her eyes burn.

"Wala kang masabi because you know I'm right," Gelo says smugly.

Jiya punches his shoulder without looking at him. "Thanks sa steak rin."

"Hindi ka nga kumain masyado e," he says, snorting, finally revving the engine. "I was going to ask you to eat so we can celebrate, something greasy, pero I remembered na date night mo...where should I drop you off?"

Shit, oo nga pala!

She fishes out her phone in her bag and exhales in relief nang walang text si Migo. Nasabi rin niya kasi na she'll be finishing late—pero her eyebrows furrow when she has a text from her mom.

Mommy: manang said you'll finish late
at work. come home after.

Jiya frowns. Nagpaalam na siya na matutulog siya kay 'Addie' for the weekend, uuwi lang siya para kunin ang bag niya tapos susunduin siya ni Migo.

Fine. Since uuwi rin naman siya, she texts her mother an affirmative, then sends Migo a message.

She texts her boyfriend.

baby i'm done na. i'm so
happy, kwento ko later, uwi
muna ako to get my bag but i'll
let u know when u should
leave burgundy, kakausapin
ako ng mom ko saglit lang
then we can leave

To Gelo, she says, "Is it okay if I ask you to drop me off at home?"

"Bakit naman hindi?" he says, scoffing, driving forward. "Put in your address."

She does sa Waze ng phone niya, and her phone buzzes.

Pogi: punta na ako ngayon para
makausap ko siya :)

Jiya sighs.

migo...

Pogi: i know, i know, joke lang. let me
know, princess. also, super proud of
you :) I knew you could do it and i
can't wait to hear about it

Even with his smile, Jiya knows he's sad pa rin.

She sighs and looks out the window during the drive. Naalala na naman niya ang tinanong ni Hillary na may nilalandi ba siya kaya bumaba ang grades niya.

Shit.

Gelo pulls up at her driveway. Jiya unbuckles her seatbelt, tired. "Don't open the—"

Hindi pa siya tapos magsalita, he gets out of his seat and opens the door for her.

Jiya huffs and gets out, shouldering her bag. "Sabing 'wag na e."

"Ang bastos ko naman 'pag gano'n, lalo na diyan sa suot mo."

Jiya scowls. "Ano meron sa suot ko?"

"You look pretty," he says, shrugging, not breaking his stare.

Jiya blinks. "So kapag nakaganito lang ako, do'n mo lang ako pagbubuksan ng pinto?"

"Hindi. You're pretty every day."

Jiya steps back, toward her gate. "Thank you for the ride, sir."

He smiles. Nakuha niya na she's drawing the line. "Of course, Ms. Valle. I'll see you on—"

"Papa," Jiya gasps, blinking, when her dad's car stops in front of her house.

Gelo blinks and turns around. "Papa...?"

Jiya watches him get out of the backseat, still wearing his crisp suit. "Jiya, Gelo."

"Mr. Valle," Gelo greets politely, shaking the hand offered to him. "We came from a meeting and I just dropped her off."

"I know, I was told." Her dad looks at her with a small smile that shocks her. "Has she been doing well?"

"Very," Gelo answers.

"Pa," Jiya says, looking up at him. "Um, what are you..."

"I left some things in my office here. My driver is going to get them, but your mom said we should eat dinner together." He clears his throat and opens the gate. "Since we're civil. Gelo, come eat with us. I'd like to hear about my daughter's work with you."

Gelo looks at Jiya, who's frantically shaking her head at him with wide eyes. He blinks at her, furrowing his eyebrows. "Uh, sir, I think Jiya has a dat—"

Hindi 'yon ang sinasabi niya! Sinasabi niya na 'wag niya i-accept ang invitation! Fuck! Jiya grabs his arm and digs her nails in his skin before he can continue. "It's late na, Pa. He just dropped me off."

"Kaya nga, and you're thanking him by sending him off without a meal?" he asks, raising an eyebrow at her with a tone that said no arguments.

Fuck.

Gelo clears his throat. "Thank you, sir."

Walang nagawa si Jiya but to follow her dad inside, and Gelo follows her.

Her mom greets her dad with a simple smile and awkward beso. "Oh, who is this young man?"

"Hi, I'm Gelo Montemayor, Theo & Brom's fiction editor. Jiya's my intern," Gelo says, shaking her hand with a charming smile.

Hillary tilts her head. "Of Montemayor Corp?"

"That's my family's business, yes," Gelo says tightly, keeping his easy smile.

"Ah. Nice to meet you, I'm Hillary." Her mom's smile is bright and wide as she leads him to the dining area. "You're very handsome, Gelo. How old are you?"

"Twenty-six."

"Oh, you're only a few years older than Jiya! She's turning twenty-two in a few days."

While the food is being served, Jiya stays in her seat next to Gelo, frozen, and he and her mom and her dad engage in easy conversation. Under the table, she texts Migo.

baby sorry wait lang. my dad
came home bigla and they
want us to have dinner
together kaming lahat. after
this ako na lang ang
magddrive to you

"So, Gelo, your family's handling Montemayor Corp, but you pursued literature anyway?" Hillary asks, passing him a bowl. "How's that going for you?"

"Good," he answers. "I really enjoy my work at Theo & Brom, and I think Jiya does, too. You have a brilliant and talented daughter, Mrs. Valle."

"Please, it's Hillary. Hiwalay na kami ni Gerard," she says with a forced laugh. "And really? I don't know much about what Jiya's doing since she won't take up law."

"Or step up for Valle Holdings," Gerard interjects, but he's smiling, which is super fucking weird. "But I guess it's fine as long as she's working with you."

Ha?

"I've worked with Gelo and Theo a couple of times," her father continues to tell Hillary. "Very competent. I have no doubt Jiya learns a lot from you."

"Thank you, sir," Gelo says, reaching for his glass. "Like I said, she's excellent."

"Ano pa?" Hillary asks.

"Po?" Gelo returns, blinking.

Jiya clenches her jaw and stops picking her food. "Mom."

"What?" she laughs heartily. "I just want to hear what he thinks of you."

Nakatingin din ang dad niya sa kanya.

Fuck! Ano ba 'to?! Nakakahiya sa boss niya! Kahit kaibigan ang turing niya kay Gelo, nakakahiya pa rin 'to, putek!

She turns to him and whispers, "Gelo, you don't need to—"

"I'm being honest when I say it's an honor to work with someone so dedicated and passionate. Jiya is intelligent, convicted, and quick on her feet. Kanina, I put her on the spot during our meeting by letting her spearhead, and she exceeded my expectations. She was very natural and composed, and she understands what she's talking about and delivers it well. She's always prepared, always ready to do what is beyond expected of her, and I'm always astonished by the results."

Jiya stares at the side of Gelo's face.

"That makes me proud," her dad utters, nodding. He chews before he says to Jiya, "It's good to know you've been doing excellently. It would've been a shame if not sa pangalan natin."

So...the first time she hears that her dad is proud of her, it's because galing pa sa iba, and he's threatening her to continue doing the same kasi nakakahiya sa Valle name if not.

"Work-wise, I expected that from Jiya, she's my daughter, after all," Hillary says, and Jiya wants to fucking stab herself. "She's diligent and hardworking, although sometimes, I think she can do better."

Kasi end of the world na ang 3.8 or 3.9.

"She's doing her best while working with me," Gelo assures her with a smile.

"Well then, walang problema career-wise. What do you think of Jiya as a woman?"

"Mommy," Jiya almost snaps, dropping her fork and balling her hands into fists. "He's my boss."

"And a friend," Gerard says, arching his brow.

My God. Natatakot si Jiya tingnan si Gelo.

"He has a very good career, polite and well-mannered, and from the looks of it, kahit hindi mo namana ang Montemayor Corp, you have a Benz," Hillary lists. "Plus, you're still young and very, very handsome. Unless of course, you're already taken, and I won't ask anymore."

Jiya can feel her eyes sting. She's clutching her skirt under the table. "Mom, I have—"

"I like her," Gelo says. "She's funny and kind and very beautiful. Of course, my feelings for her are not the reason why I praise her for her competence and skill—those are two very separate things as her boss...and as her admirer."

Hillary looks pleased. Gerard claps loudly and guffaws. "Well then, Gelo. Care for a drink?"

"I'll be driving, sir, but I'll gladly have a soda instead."

Jiya doesn't know how she sits through the rest of that torture. Ni hindi niya magalaw ang puno niya na plate. Nasusuka siya.

Her mom pushes her to see him out. Sinundan ni Gelo si Jiya sa labas.

"Jiya."

She wants to apologize. She wants him to apologize. She wants to apologize to Migo kasi wala siyang nasabi sa mga magulang niya.

Fuck. Migo.

"I'm sorry for making you uncomfortable," Gelo says, staring at her eyes. "But I won't take it back because I meant it. You can pretend you heard nothing when you come to work on Monday, okay?"

She can only nod and say, "My parents...I apologize for their brashness."

"No need." He smiles at her and unlocks his doors. "Goodnight, Jiya."

She watches him drive off.