HER last day sa OJT, her co-workers throw a party for her. There's food and drinks and confetti and a cake. Jiya's heart warms.

She doesn't want to leave Theo & Brom, especially since may launch pa na upcoming for Fernando Ong. Hindi niya naabutan, but Gelo and Claire promise her na they'll update her.

While she's packing her stuff, Gelo gives her a small bouquet of flowers. "Here."

Jiya looks at it and swallows. Kung hindi lang niya alam na may feelings 'to sa kanya, she would've smacked him with it but accepted it nonetheless. Hugged him, even. "Gelo..."

"This is a thank you for your hard work these past few months," he says quietly with a sincere smile. "And a good luck to your senior year, and I hope you come back after you graduate."

Jiya bites her lip and takes it slowly, smiling back at him. "Thank you. So much. I learned a lot from you and Claire."

Gelo grins at her and sighs, shoving his hands inside his pockets. "I want to ask you to keep in touch because we're friends, but I don't think you'll do it."

Unless it's updates about their author. She purses her lips. "Tingnan mo stories ko sa IG. You follow me there."

It makes him chuckle. "Yeah. I will. But reach out to me anytime, Jiya. I'll miss seeing you here and I'll miss you."

Shit naman.

"You're not my intern anymore, so okay na siguro na I tell you this." He stares at her intently, and Jiya feels every drip of sincerity and hope in his following words. "I didn't want to bother you with my feelings while you were working here, pero na-realize ko na hindi ko kayang i-ignore mo lang. I want you to acknowledge it, I want to let you know every day, I want to make you confused. I'm sorry I'm selfish, I know you have Migo, but I like you. More than you can understand."

"Gelo, I'm sorry," Jiya almost snaps. "But I can't accept your feelings. You're a great friend and I—"

"I don't want to just be your friend," he interjects quietly.

"That's all I can give you," Jiya says, sighing. "Please, I don't want to leave on a bad note. I treasure you as my friend. Please respect that."

Gelo exhales heavily and forces a small smile on his face. "Okay."

"Thank you."

Awkward ang paalam nilang dalawa. Hindi maiwasan ni Jiya na isipin na sana hindi na lang siya gusto ni Gelo, kasi wala siyang mabibigay sa kanya. Wala at all.

Migo owns her. Every inch of her. Na kay Migo na, and wala siyang balak na bawiin 'yon.

*

"Migo, pagod na 'ko!"

"Ako na magtatrabaho," he whispers, swiping her hair away from her shoulder to kiss down her neck and jaw, collarbone and shoulder and chest. "Please, I'm so horny, I need you."

Oh my God. Hindi mapigilan ni Jiya na tumawa.

Since the first time, mga halos every day gusto gawin ni Migo. Kauuwi lang ni Jiya from the gym and balak niyang matulog when Migo sent her a picture of him hard and heavy in his pants with a text:

Pogi: naisip lang kita and napunta ako
don...and i need you. pls come over pls pls pls

no im tired u can go a day 
without sex

Pogi: NO I CANT ANO BA
IPAPAGDRIVE MO BA AKO PAPUNTA
DYAN NA GANITO AKO TANGINA
VALLE PLEASE ako magwwork
please i need u so bad

Natawa and naawa si Jiya sa desperation niya, so naligo siya and pinuntahan niya. Hindi pa niya binababa bag niya, inatake na siya ni Migo and dinala sa kwarto.

Tapos ngayon, gusto pa niya ng round two?! Putek!

"Ano nangyare sa 'yo?!" Jiya shouts, laughing, trying to keep him from pulling her sweatpants down—again. She grips onto the waistband pero ang lakas ng hila ni Migo, wala siyang nagawa. "Parang may ginising ako na sex monster!"

"This is your fault," he mutters, kissing down her stomach, hands going to her thighs to spread them open. "You feel too good."

Migo kisses her hard, and then since loose pa siya, he hikes her legs up to his shoulders and pushes in.

Jiya's eyes widen at their new position. "Hoy—you—did you watch porn?"

"Kailangan ko mag-aral, marami akong gustong i-try," he says, out of breath already, face contorting as he sinks in her. "Ah, fuck."

Nawala na sa isip ni Jiya na tumawa sa cuteness niya, fucking hell, kasi he feels too good rin. The bed creaks repeatedly and the sounds of skin against skin is so fucking lewd.

Migo pulls out, gasping, and flips her around, pulling her back on her knees, pushing her neck down to arch her back. He groans and puts his hands on her hips, rubbing against her. "Fuck, fuck."

"Nag-aral ka nga," Jiya says, panting, face on the mattress. "Please, fuck me."

"Ano 'yon?" His smugness is fucking annoying. "Kala ko ayaw mo na?"

"Migo, fuck me!" she snaps.

Tumawa si Migo. He kisses her nape, trails his fingers down her spine, and finally, finally gives her what she wants.

*

The weekend before they start their first semester as seniors, they spend it sa Pop-Up.

"Cheers sa mga bobo pa ren!" Isco shouts, raising his beer, and all of them make a toast.

Jiya wraps her lips around her Smirnoff bottle and drinks, and behind her, Migo's fingers trail up her neck where his mark is. His very red mark. Kanina pa niya hinahawakan.

"When you danced with Buenca here when we were sophomores," he mutters, fingertips going to the thin, thin strap of her black tank top. He slides a finger under the strap and traces it from end to end of her shoulder. "I was insane with jealousy. I was watching and I wanted to rip him off you."

Jiya smiles and leans back against his chest, reveling in his warmth. "Really."

"Pero wala akong karapatan no'n." He leans down and kisses her jaw under her ear. Jiya shivers. "Wala rin akong karapatan magalit when I found out he took you home, but I was. God."

"I was jealous of Tasha."

"You could've kissed me in front of her and I wouldn't have had objections."

Jiya turns her head, fingers on his jaw, and kisses him slowly. His hands tighten on her waist. She loves kissing him, God.

Migo traces his thumb on her lip. "This is the lipstick I bought you."

She smiles and drags him up to his feet, bringing his arm around her shoulder, leading him to the dance floor.

Nauna silang umuwi sa Burgundy kaysa kay Inggo. Sa sobrang impatient ni Migo, he doesn't even take off her underwear, just slides it to the side and pushes in, groaning.

Nakatulog si Jiya after siyang punasan ni Migo, and then nauna siyang nagising. She stares at his face and strokes his cheek, feels happy and hurt at the same time because she wants to see this face first thing in the morning when she wakes up. Jiya leans forward and kisses his forehead, then puts on his shirt to make breakfast.

He wraps his arms around her and hums while she's finishing up sa stove. "Wow," he mutters sleepily. Her toes curl and her stomach dips at his voice. Bwisit. "Ang panget pero ang bango."

"You have a hot morning voice," she tells him angrily, forcibly serving the mess of an eggs she made on two plates. She tried her best, okay?

Migo chuckles, turning her around to face him, and pushes her back against the counter, hands on either side of her hips. His hair is messy and he's so fucking cute. "What about my bed voice?"

"Natural, hot din." Sobra. Jiya can close her eyes and listen to his moans and whimpers and gasps and still come from that alone. "It's annoying that everything about you is hot."

He slides his hands below her—his shirt, finding only her underwear. "At ano ang gusto mo gawin ko do'n?"

She leaves the food on the counter and pulls him back inside his room. Migo's laugh is happy and excited.

First semester seems to fly by quickly. They go through their days studying and working, Jiya holding up a photocopy of her thick reading para hindi magising si Migo sa lap niya, one hand in his hair to massage his scalp. Nakahanap rin siya ng remote internship from another lit agency pampadagdag sa resumé niya, something to work on before she graduates. She wants experience past Theo & Brom.

May time naman na frustrated na si Migo sa inaaral nila kasi ang hirap na, and pinuntahan ni Jiya with food and his favorite drink and hugs and kisses and parang naiiyak na si Migo sa shoulder niya. Pati rin si Inggo, humihingi din ng hug sa kanya, pero sabi ni Migo, "No. Akin si Valle, siya ang motivation ko. Maghanap ka ng sa 'yo."

They walk past Red Brick Road hand in hand. Tinitingnan pa rin sila ng mga tao but Jiya doesn't feel uneasy anymore. In fact, she feels proud na sa kanya si Migo, and dapat lang alam ng lahat 'yon.

Minsan, they pass by Maureen and her friends, and she waves at them excitedly, a wide smile on her face. 'Yong mga kaibigan niya, ang tagal makatingin kay Migo tapos nagtitilian pa.

She huffs and lets go of his hand, walking away.

Migo laughs and chases after her. "Baby!"

She ignores him and walks faster, pero nahabol siya ni Migo, kissing her cheek with a smug grin. Jiya wants to punch his face and then kiss him.

They buy each other breakfasts and coffee and leave handwritten notes that still makes Jiya's stomach erupt in butterflies and her face heat. Binigyan niya rin ng flowers si Migo during Valentines in August with the note:

i'm yours. mahal na mahal kita.
more than you can ever know. -v.

and Migo picks her up with dried flowers, 'yong hindi namamatay, and Jiya keeps that on her desk beside their picture and beside last year's flowers.

And of course, in bed, she loves how Migo loves, how he wants her, how he touches her and takes care of her, how he marks every inch of her skin his.

Nakakatawa nga lang no'ng nagka-period si Jiya and he's whining. "Baby..."

"Hindi nga pwede!" Jiya says, laughing. She smacks him when he tries to grab her butt. "Ang dumi kaya!"

He huffs. "Okay lang kung may dugo."

"No! Masakit!" She pushes him, cackling, slapping his hands away when they get under her shirt and cup her chest through her bra. "Magtiis ka diyan and alagaan mo 'ko."

"One week?!" he asks incredulously, eyes wide and pleading.

Jiya laughs again. "Get me food, I'm hungry."

Migo looks like a kicked puppy grabbing his wallet to buy her food. But when he comes back, he only hugs her, massages her back kasi masakit, and kisses her cheek. "I hate that this gives you pain."

She smiles at him and snuggles in his warmth.

Sa birthday ni Addie, gusto niya formal, ang arte-arte kasi, sa Conrad pa. They get to their two twin premier rooms na connected, boys and girls magkahiwalay, pero siyempre, magkasama sina Addie and Cas kasi si Addie ang nagbayad.

"Oy, tayo!" Cas barks, smacking Inggo and Isco na nakahiga lang lazily sa bed. "Ligo na kayo, mga puta, magagalit si Ads!"

"Ugh," Isco groans, rolling over.

"Ugh," Inggo echoes, hugging him.

Cas pushes them off the bed. "Tayo!"

Jiya snickers in front of the mirror while she does her makeup in hers and Van's room sa vanity. She closes the door nang magbibihis na sila ni Van, and she's putting on her shoes na when a knock comes in the door. "Are you both decent?"

Van is locking her earrings in front of the mirror. "Yes!"

Pagkapasok ni Migo, he turns around agad and hangs his head back. "Putangina naman, Valle."

It makes her laugh. "What? You don't like it?"

"Tangina mo," he says, angry. "Ano ba, please, wala tayong room together, okay?"

"I'd offer to migrate to the boys," Van says with a grin, "pero break na kami ni Isco. Medyo weird."

Migo groans again, still with his back to her.

"Bakit?" Inggo asks, buttoning his shirt, moving closer to the door. "Maganda ba masyado si Ji?"

Migo pushes him. "'Wag kang titingin."

Pero nakita na niya, and he whistles, smiling. Pati rin kay Van. "You guys are so pretty."

Van smiles at him.

Migo pushes him again and steps inside to close the door.

She rolls her eyes and steps closer to him when her stilettos are in place. "Akala mo naman mapipigilan mo tumingin lahat ng tao."

"I hate you," he mutters, finally turning around when Jiya pulls his arm and takes the bowtie from his hands. Marunong naman siyang ilagay ang tie niya, but he wants Jiya to do it. "You're so gorgeous," he breathes, eyes running up and down, hands on her arms going down to her hips, to her bottom. He squeezes it.

Jiya slaps his hands. "Down, boy."

"Kasalanan mo."

She pulls him closer by his collar para malagay niya nang maayos yung bowtie niya. He's so handsome.

Hindi mabitawan ni Migo si Jiya all the way to the event hall, hands on her bare shoulders, tracing her neck and spine, holding her waist. He puts his hand on her bare thigh while they're seated, and then intertwines their fingers together papuntang dance floor.

It's a slow song. Cas and Addie are together, Anton and Inggo are mingling somewhere, and kahit break na sila, sinayaw pa rin ni Isco si Van. They're still good friends.

She puts her hands on Migo's shoulders and neck, looking up at him, meeting his eyes on her, reverent and adoring. "I knew I loved you when I first danced with you sa debut ni Maureen."

He smiles, hugs her closer to him. "I know. I saw it on your face."

She strokes his face with her thumbs. "I kept telling myself na magiging masakit ka."

"And I kept telling myself na I know I'd always feel helpless when it comes to you, and I...I was okay with it. I am okay with it."

She sucks in a shaky breath and bows her head, closing her eyes. She grips his shoulders. "Migo."

"Valle," he murmurs.

She looks up and meets his eyes.

He reaches out with one hand to caress her cheek with his fingers. "I'm yours," he whispers, staring at her. "You own me."

Jiya puts her hands on his neck again and presses their foreheads together. "Natatakot ako," she whispers, closing her eyes.

Naiintindihan niya. Kasi siya rin.

Migo grips her in his hands. "Me too." He inhales shakily.

She opens her eyes to look at him and murmurs, "I love loving you." She cups his cheek and tilts his head down to kiss him.

Migo shuts his eyes and makes a sound like he's in pain when he kisses her back, squeezing her hips tightly with one hand like he's afraid she'll slip away, and the other holds her face so gently na parang babasagin siya.

At dahil wala silang room, do'n sila sa banyo. Migo raises her skirt and kneels in front of her, and then makes love to her with her dress bunched up her hips. "Told you I'll fuck you without taking this off you," he rasps, quickening his pace.

Jiya feels hot all over from his touch.

Pagbalik nila, Migo has an evil grin stuck on his face. Pinasuot niya kay Jiya 'yong underwear niyang madumi.

When they sit again, Inggo slaps him. "Hoy, anong ngiti 'yan, bastos ka."

Migo laughs quietly and puts his hand on Jiya's knee again while she squirms.

Bago siya hinatid sa bahay, dinagdagan ni Migo ang dumi sa kotse.

He grips her chin and gives her a hard, wet kiss. "Breakfast on Monday."

She takes off his suit jacket na pinatong sa kanya kanina no'ng nilalamig na siya and kisses him again. "Drive safe, text me when you're home."

His smirk is still on his lips as he runs his eyes in between her legs. Jiya's face heats and she smacks him, and then he laughs, driving off.

Hindi pa nakakauwi si Migo no'ng nakaligo na siya (nilabhan niya underwear niya). She lies down on the bed, tired, but also sits up quickly when a knock on the door comes. "Jiya?"

Akala niya tulog na nanay niya!

She stands up and opens it, clearing her throat. "Mommy."

Naka-nightgown na siya. Hillary steps inside and sits down on her bed. "You came from a party?"

"Yes po, Addie's birthday celeb," she answers quietly, fidgeting.

Every time nag-uusap sila ng nanay niya, she brings up Gelo. No doubt 'yon na naman ang gagawin niya ngayon.

"Did you bring Gelo as your date? Siya ba naghatid sa 'yo?"

Jiya clenches her jaw and sighs. "Mom, Gelo is just my friend and my former boss. I don't feel anything for him."

Her eyebrows scrunch. "But he's handsome and kind and good to you! Mayaman pa, and he—"

"I have a boyfriend," Jiya says quietly. Hillary shuts up, blinking. "I've had a boyfriend for almost two years. Same year po kami, he's in BS Chem, honors program sa Ateneo, and he's handsome and kind and good to me. Very much. I love him and he loves me. Siya po ang naghatid sa 'kin. And no, he's not the reason why my grades dropped. I'm pulling them back up now."

Her mom stares at her incredulously. "Two years? Bakit hindi mo sinasabi?"

"How could I when you and Papa have been so busy with the petition?" Jiya reasons quietly. "And I...I didn't want you to blame him for my grades or my refusal to become a lawyer or the heir to Valle Holdings. He has nothing to do with my decisions. Migo supports me with what I want to do, and I want you to see how much he loves and cherishes me."

Natatakot si Jiya tingnan ang nanay niya.

Finally, she says, "You don't tell me anything anymore, Jiya."

"Because I can't," Jiya says, feeling her eyes burn. "Because all you care about is my grades."

"I care about your future—"

"And you come home drunk and go out most nights to meet your lovers. You're working all the time and you were treating me like a rag doll in your possession para hindi ako sumama kay Papa. Tell me, Mom. Paano kita masasabihan about my love life, then?"

First time na walang masabi si Hillary.

Jiya's hands are shaking behind her back. "I know you care about my future. But please don't bring up Gelo again, and please make time to meet Migo and let me know when you're available."

Hindi niya alam kung ano sinabi ng mom niya bago siya umalis. Baka wala siyang nasabi.

She calls Migo before bed. Nakauwi na siya sa kanila. "Miss me already?" he chuckles in greeting. She hears the rustling of clothes on the other line. "Parang mas clingy ka na sa 'kin ngayon, ah—"

"I told my mom about you."

Jiya hears the stillness of his breath. "Is that a...good thing?" he asks slowly. Hindi niya alam kung paano mag-react.

Mga ilang months na rin since her mom and dad met Gelo and sawang-sawa na siya kakarinig ng pangalan niya sa mga bungaga nila. Kapag nagdi-dinner din sila ng dad niya, tinatanong din siya about him.

Ayaw na niya.

"Yes," she whispers, turning over on her side. "Yes, it is. I feel...brave. I told her to make time to meet you."

"Oh, holy shit," Migo breathes. She smiles. "Shit, Valle, wait. Madi-disappoint lang siya sa 'kin compared kay—"

"Say his name and I swear to God ibababa ko 'to and you don't get any for an entire week. Wala akong period, ah."

"Compared kay Zayn Malik, kasi," he says, coughing. "But...are you sure, baby? Are you not regretting it?"

"The only thing I'm regretting is hindi ko sinabi nang mas maaga and it led to me hurting you," she mumbles. "You'll need to meet them anyway before you propose, let's get the first over with."

Migo laughs out loud. "Tangina, Valle!"

"I love you," Jiya whispers. "So much. Forever. Ikaw lang."

"Shit, wait lang! Kinikilig ako!"

Jiya laughs. And then she falls asleep to his voice when they stay up talking until early morning.

Pagdating ng second anniversary nila, they spend it sa EK. Migo kisses her during the fireworks. Then he turns around, gathers her hair in one hand and pushes it over her shoulder, and then metal touches her chest, just under her throat.

Jiya looks down. It's a a necklace with his name in cursive and gold.

He kisses her head after he locks it. "Here's my first name until I can give you my last," he whispers.

Jiya nearly cries. She turns around and kisses him hard. Migo is smiling in her mouth, and he squeezes her waist, pulls her closer to him. Umuwi sila sa Tagaytay villa and Migo claims her in every inch of the master suite.

She wears the necklace proudly on her neck from then on. Migo grins at her and toys with it with his fingers while they're seated on the couch, studying. "Ganda ng necklace mo, ah. Palitan ko 'yan mamaya."

Jiya frowns and looks up from her laptop. "With what?"

He shows her his hand.

Jiya smacks him, and Migo laughs, running away from her.

Lahat sila nagpre-prepare for their thesis sa second semester. Kung nakakalabas man sila, minsan lang. May time pa na nagkita si Migo and Maureen sa Lan Kwai and someone touches her. Jiya sees the exact moment Migo's face goes red in anger, and his hands drop from her sides, tatayo na dapat, nang nauna sa kanya si Inggo. He stalks over, pulls him off Maureen, and punches the asshole in the face. Sumunod pa si Cas and Anton na dinala 'yong bastos sa labas para do'n makipag-away, ayaw nila ma-ban sa bar.

Maureen is crying pagkahatid nila sa kanya. Jiya hugs her, wipes her tears, and looks at Migo whose jaw is still clenched, angry. She asks her, "Mau, you want to stay muna sa Burgundy tonight?"

So natulog siya sa kwarto ni Migo. Jiya and Inggo sit on the couch, and dumudugo ang labi niya. She grabs cloth from his room and grips his chin to apply pressure to it. Iniiwisan siya ng tingin ni Inggo sa lapit niya. "Ji, okay na," he mutters. Or he tries to, with cloth pressed to his mouth.

She smacks him with her free hand and Inggo winces. "Bobo. After nito, linisin mo 'yang kamay mo, may mga sugat din."

"Ow!" he hisses when Jiya puts more force in the cloth. He glares at her.

"Ito lang, ganyan ka? Pero okay lang sa 'yo manuntok?"

"I saw what happened," he mutters, looking away.

Jiya sighs. She's glad Inggo, Cas, and Anton beat the shit out of that asshole. She feels sad for Maureen.

Nilagyan pa ng ice pack ni Jiya 'yong sugat niya sa labi habang nagco-complain 'tong si Inggo. Nakita sila ni Migo nang gano'n pagkabukas niya ng pinto ng kwarto niya.

Inggo stands up. "How is she?"

Migo sighs and slumps down on the couch next to Jiya, closing his eyes. "Asleep na kakaiyak. Thank you daw and sorry, pero sinabi ko sa kanya na 'wag na 'wag siyang magso-sorry sa hindi niya kasalanan."

Inggo nods and sits down again. Jiya grips his chin to turn his face toward her. "Hindi ka pa tapos."

"Migs," he whines.

"Hayaan mo na," Migo says quietly, stroking Jiya's shoulder. "Dumudugo ka, bro. And salamat pala. Nag-thank you na rin ako kina Cas and Buenca."

"Don't mention it," Inggo grumbles, and Jiya sees his hand close in a fist. Parang galit pa rin.

Migo hovers over Maureen over the next week, pero nainis na kapatid niya and she shoves him when he follows her back to Blue. "Kuya! Okay na ako, please!"

Migo scrunches his eyebrows. "Sure ka ba?"

She sighs. "Kuya, my God. I promise I'm fine na. Please leave me alone, para kang bodyguard."

Jiya bites her lip and holds her hand. "Mau, your kuya's just worried."

"I'm fine," Maureen says, sighing, reaching up to hug him tight. "Thank you...and kina Kuya Inggo, Kuya Cas, and Kuya Anton. I'll call you and I'll go to you if I need you, but for now, please stop following me. You know I love you, right?"

Migo huffs and hugs her back. "Tawagan mo 'ko agad. If I don't answer, call Valle, Inggo, Buenca, or Cas—kahit sino sa mga kaibigan ko. Update mo 'ko paminsan-minsan."

Maureen also hugs Jiya before she goes inside her condo.

Jiya takes Migo's hand and leads him out the building. "She'll be fine."

He sighs and kisses her temple. "Sana."

Hindi na sila nakalabas pagkatapos n'on, baon na baon na sa finals. Nang may exam pa si Migo and tapos na si Jiya, hindi siya pinapansin.

"Migo," she whines on his bed. Nag-aaral siya sa desk niya. "Baby."

"Shh," he tells her, still facing his books. "You're distracting me."

Usually, si Jiya ang nagpapaalis sa kanya kapag nag-aaral siya and si Migo ang clingy, pero malapit na silang two weeks hindi nag-aalisan ng damit.

Nakakainis lang kasi hindi siya pinapansin ni tanga. She huffs and stands up. Naka-shirt lang siya ni Migo and she got rid of her sweatpants hours ago, akala niya mate-tempt niya boyfriend niya pero he just slapped her butt and returned to his books. Bwisit naman ang quantum chemistry.

Jiya comes close to his desk, pulls his chair back a bit, and puts her hands on his shoulders to straddle him.

"Valle," he says in warning, tongue inside his cheek as he shakes his head. He grunts from her weight when she sits on him, and she sighs when she feels him under her.

Jiya wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him. He kisses her back, hands under her shirt.

"Nag-aaral ako," Migo says, grinning.

"Isa lang please," she begs, rolling her hips, and Migo gasps, squeezing her hips. She smiles. "Alam kong frustrated ka na rin. Take a break."

"Pagod ako."

"Ako magtatrabaho." She takes off her shirt, leaving her only in her bra and underwear, and she pulls him out of his shorts. Migo hisses when she touches him. "Okay?"

"E ano magagawa ko, nilabas mo na e."

Jiya laughs and kisses him sweetly, groaning when she moves her underwear to the side, raises her hips and sinks into him.

Migo closes his eyes. "God, fuck. Galaw."

"Akala ko ba nag-aaral ka?" she teases him, slowly moving up and down.

"Shut up," he hisses, slaps her thigh, and cups her neck with his palm. His name shines on her skin. "Faster."

Pagkatapos, Jiya refuses to let go.

"Baby, come on!" he laughs, kissing her shoulder. "I need to study!"

Jiya clings to him when he tries to shake her off. She bites his neck. "No."

In the end, walang nagawa si Migo kundi mag-aral na nakapatong sa kanya si Jiya, stroking her back with his hand, fingers moving up and down her spine. Sometimes, he kisses her head.

Hindi alam ni Jiya na tapos na siya sa last exam. Nakahiga lang siya sa sofa sa Burgundy in his hoodie, nanonood ng TV. Bigla na lang bumukas 'yong door and he attacks her.

"Migo!" she shouts, squealing when he picks her up bridal style and drops her on the bed.

"Everything off," he demands, taking his own clothes off, and walang nagawa si Jiya kundi gawin ang gusto niya, face heating from his look.

He grabs her ankles and drags her down the bed, hiking her legs up his shoulders. He fucks her roughly and almost desperately, even flips her around to her stomach and pushes her face down on the mattress.

She's out of breath, legs shaking when they're done. Migo falls on top of her, sweaty and panting. "Wow."

Migo laughs quietly and kisses her head. "Sorry, shit. Okay ka lang?"

Feeling niya napuno niya ng scratch marks ang likod ni Migo. "Um, I got railed hard. Okay na okay ako."

He laughs again and rolls off her to clean them. Nag-cuddle sila pagkatapos and nakatulog sa pagod.

Christmas break na pagkatapos. After the Casmas party, umuwi si Migo and his family sa Pampanga with Jiya seeing them off. She's going to the States for Christmas with her cousins.

While she's packing her things, her dad calls.

"Pa," she answers.

"I have a Christmas party to attend to before you leave for the States, come with me."

Jiya sighs, rubbing the nape of her neck. "Pa, you know I'm not going to inherit—"

Her dad cuts her off. "I know. It's for you, maraming publishing companies doon. It's a good networking opportunity before you graduate."

It's hard to believe that her dad has backed off from pushing Valle Holdings to her, pero he hasn't brought it up ever since nag-dinner with them si Gelo. Tapos ngayon, okay na siya na gusto niya sa publishing siya?

But it's...it's a good opportunity. And malamang, if Theo & Brom will be there, Gelo will be there.

"Okay po," she mutters, and her dad hangs up.

When she calls to tell Migo, she already knew he wasn't going to be happy about it. But she wasn't expecting him to say, "Valle, don't go."

Jiya takes a deep breath. "Baby, it's a good opportunity, marami akong makikilala pang companies—"

"You and I both know you're not going anywhere other than Theo & Brom," Migo says quietly. "That's your dream company. You want to go back after graduation."

"Plans can change," Jiya argues weakly, biting her lip. Tama naman kasi si Migo, pero in case lang, 'di ba? Manghihinayang siya if she lets this pass. "I interned for another company, katatapos ko lang, and I can work at another—"

"Don't go," Migo says again. "Please. I know Gelo will be there."

Her jaw clenches. "I'm not going because of Gelo, I'm going for my career."

"Parang iisa na din sila, Valle. Gelo and your career come hand in hand."

Ang hirap to argue against that, but Gelo assured her so many times na walang kinalaman ang feelings niya to his belief in her competence and skill. Siyempre, to Migo, iisa pa rin ang meaning n'on—they'll still work together every day and Gelo will still have feelings for her.

Jiya swallows thickly and plays with her necklace. "I'm not going to do anything to make you doubt me, Migo. He's just my friend."

He's quiet for a moment. "Okay."

Jiya knows he's not happy, but he's not selfish enough to force it—especially since it concerns her career.

She wears a one-shoulder long-sleeved dress with a leg slit, tying her hair up in a neat bun. Suot niya pa rin ang necklace na pangalan ni Migo and put on pearls on her ears.

She sends a picture to Migo.

missing you

Pogi: so stunning. take care princess.
text me when ur home

Jiya sighs. She knows he's trying his best to be okay with it. Wala naman siyang gagawing kalokohan kay Migo.

Her dad is whisked away to tables as soon as they enter the venue. Jiya grabs a champagne glass and mingles on her own.

Of course, it's not long before Gelo finds her. "You look breathtaking, Jiya."

She gives him a smile. "Hi."

His smile widens. "Hi."

Surprisingly, kahit ilang months na silang hindi nag-uusap (he still watches her IG stories, though), it's easy to fall back into conversation with him. He tells her about Fernando Ong and their new manuscripts, and that the office feels empty without her.

Gelo only puts a hand on her nang malapit na siyang matapilok in her heels. His hand is hot against her back. "You okay?"

Jiya shrugs him off and nods in thanks.

Iniwan rin naman siya ni Gelo so she can do what she came here to do—network, but her dad pulls her to a table with Sir Theo for dinner...and magkatabi sila ni Gelo.

"I'll be drinking tonight. Gelo, take her home, will you?" her dad says bigla, patting her on the shoulder before he leaves.

Jiya's teeth grits. Ginawa ba 'to on purpose ng dad niya? Alam naman niyang may boyfriend na siya e! (She told him during one of their lunches together and wala siyang reaction.)

"Sorry, you don't need to—"

"I'd be happy to," Gelo says with a smile.

Jiya sighs and picks at her food. Fuck.

He opens the door for her in his car and puts a hand above her head while she gets in. It's silent in the car except for the soft music of the radio.

"How's school?" tanong ni Gelo.

She fiddles with her fingers on her lap. "Good. Thesis ko na next semester, and then graduation."

"...And I assume Migo is doing well."

"He is," Jiya answers shortly.

Gelo gives her a glance and a small smile. "I can see your necklace, Jiya. I'm asking as a friend."

"If you still like me, you're not asking as a friend."

"I do. I think about you and I miss you and my heart is going wild being here with you, but my question came from who you consider only a friend."

Jiya's jaw tightens as she looks at him. "I may want to work at T&B pa, Gelo. Please don't do this."

"If you still want to work at the company after graduation, no one is stopping you." Gelo looks at her. "I'll be happy to have you as a co-worker again."

"As a co-worker only."

He laughs a little. "God, Jiya. You know how to torment a man."

"I'm not tormenting you, I'm just telling you your feelings make me uncomfortable—"

"Good," sabi ni Gelo, lips quirked up.

Jiya glares at him. "I want nothing beyond our friendly relationship."

"If that's what you want, okay."

"It is."

Gelo grins at her. "Okay."

What the fuck?! Nima-manipulate ba siya? Bakit feeling ni Jiya siya ang mali in this situation when si Gelo dapat ang mag-feel nang gano'n?

He stops the car in front of her house and gets out, pero nauna nang binuksan ni Jiya ang pinto. He offers his hand when she gets out, but she doesn't take it. He bites his lip, trying to keep from laughing.

Jiya looks at him. "Thank you for taking me home."

"My pleasure."

He waits for her to step inside the house before he gets back in his car and leaves.

Pagkatapos maligo and magbihis ni Jiya, humiga siya sa kama. Tinawagan niya si Migo.

Late na, but he still answers. "Home?"

Jiya's stomach dips at his voice. She misses him already. "Yes," she whispers.

Migo pauses. "Sino?"

"Sino ang ano?"

"Who took you home?"

Jiya sighs. "That's not important."

He pauses again. "So si Gelo."

"Migo, please," she pleads, massing her forehead. "My dad was drinking, umuwi na si Kuya Willy, pinagbilin niya lang ako—"

"Okay," he cuts her off quietly. "I know you're tired. I won't keep you up na, I'm going to bed na rin."

"Migo, wait, please." Hindi siya makakatulog nang ganito sila. "Your name was on my neck, you were there the whole time he was looking at me and talking to me, okay?"

Walang nagawa 'yon. "Does he still like you? Did he say anything?"

"Wala ka na dapat pake doon kasi ako walang pake," Jiya nearly snaps.

Migo is quiet.

Fucking hell. "Are you mad?" she asks tiredly.

"I am."

"Because he still likes me?" Jiya raises her voice and scoffs incredulously. "That's not my fault—"

"Because you said you weren't going to do anything to make me doubt you and you followed through on that, but I still felt uneasy and anxious the whole time you were there with him, so what does that say about you and me?" He takes a shaky breath. "Na insecure pa rin ako? Na you don't care that I told you not to go and you still went anyway? You're going to be working with him when we graduate and wala akong magagawa doon because it's what you want, it's your dream. I have to learn to be okay with this, Valle, pero tangina, ang hirap."

Jiya understands what he's saying, pero... "Migo, you need to trust me. You said you'd try to believe me every day kahit mahirap."

"I do. I am," he murmurs. "I'm trying very, very hard."

Hindi alam ni Jiya kung ano pwede niya pang gawin. "Migo, what can I do?"

"Say you love me and mean it."

"I love you. So much," she says. Firmly. "You own me, I'm yours."

He exhales heavily. "I love you too. Sleep na."

Binaba na niya. Jiya stares at her phone for a while before she goes to sleep, feels the heaviness in her chest.

She goes to the States with her cousins with barely enough energy to be in a good mood, especially when Migo replies with coldness.

baby airport na

And he said:

Pogi: okay, eat breakfast.

hi, boarding na

And he said:

Pogi: take care. text me when you
land

baby here na, otw to hotel

And he said:

Pogi: okay have fun

Nainis si Jiya. She throws the phone on her bed and kicks her luggage.

When she stops texting him the third day na gano'n siya, he doesn't even text her except sa gabi.

Pogi: hotel na?

Jiya wants to punch her screen.

yes

Pogi: okay, goodnight, sleep well.

Sleep well?! Agh!

Behind ang States sa Pinas sa time, kaya nauna ang Christmas doon. Pero nang magsabay na Christmas na sa kanila both, Migo texts her first.

Pogi: Merry Christmas

Sa galit niya, she calls him.

"Valle," he says.

Muntik na manghina loob ni Jiya sa boses niya. The phone shakes in her hand. "Merry Christmas?!" she nearly shouts, tapos tiningnan siya ng mga pinsan niyang gulat. "'Yon lang? A week na puro walang kwentang replies, tapos ngayon, 'Merry Christmas' lang ang sasabihin mo?!"

Migo pauses. "I'm sorry—"

"Tayo pa ba?" Jiya demands, gritting her teeth so hard she's afraid her jaw might snap. "'Di ko kasi alam e, pwedeng pa-update?"

"I'm sorry, I know it's not your fault."

"You're treating me like it is. What do you want me to do about Gelo, Migo?" she says, voice breaking, and she heaves a heavy breath. Pumunta siya sa banyo. She locks the door and sinks down on the floor. "Ano ang gagawin ko for you to stop—stop treating me this coldly?"

"Move in with me."

Her entire body freezes.

"Ha?" she pathetically whimpers.

She hears his sharp intake of breath before he mutters, "After graduation. While I'm at med school, I want to come home to you, to wake up next to you, to eat those ugly eggs you make. To see you in my shirts in the mornings and nights, to see your false lashes and makeup and shampoo in the bathroom. Please. Move in with me."

Jiya puts her face in her hands. "Babalikan kita sa ugly eggs mamaya. But are you asking me because of Gelo?"

"I'm asking because I love you," Migo corrects quietly. "This is you and me, Valle. Wala si Gelo dito, walang ibang tao dito. I know I'll still be at school, and I'd have to figure out a way for rent, but—"

"Migo, you're asking because you want to feel settled about Gelo," Jiya says quietly. Her heart is lurching in different emotions. "Because you know I'll come home to you at the end of the day after work."

"Won't you?" he asks quietly.

"I will," Jiya says with a heavy breath. "Of course I will. But I—"

"I trust you, and I know you would never do anything with him," Migo cuts her off. His breath is shaky when he inhales. "But if you ever did, I would—I would still sit in our room and wait for you to come home."

"Migo." My God. "Shut up, don't say things like that."

"I'll ask you again when graduation is near." Four to five months. "But for now...I miss you."

"Kasalanan mo, ang sungit mo kasing punyeta ka." She wipes her cheeks with the back of her hand, and her head falls into her palm. "Migo, please. Akala mo ba okay lang din sa 'kin na nandiyan si Elois? I trust you, but I know she still likes you. Break na sila ng boyfriend niya, 'di ba?"

Nag-apologize na ang bitchesa sa kanilang dalawa. She's not friendly with Migo anymore, wary of his coldness and Jiya's hostility, but she's still close with Migo's family.

"Hindi mo siya kaagaw," Migo counters. "Wala kang kaagaw, Valle, sa 'yong sa 'yo ako."

"Sa 'yong sa 'yo rin ako," Jiya says. "Believe that. Please."

Migo takes a deep breath. "I do."

Jiya bites her lip. "Baka you just want to move in with me para mas marami ka pang fucking time."

It makes him laugh. Jiya's stomach churns. It's her favorite sound, make it her ringtone. "That's a big, big part of it, wife."