the final calm before the storm...

if ure here let me know :<

*

"MISS ko na si Inggo," Maureen whines into the couch's pillow beside Jiya. "I hate this! I hate that he has to study for a few more months!"

Jiya would usually comfort her, kasi Maureen complains about this every time she visits their house, pero wala siyang gana ngayon kasi miss niya rin si Migo.

Nagkukulong ang dalawa sa condo ni Inggo when they're not on rotation sa hospital to study for their licensure exam. Their walls have Manila papers pasted on them, desks filled with books and review materials and cases, and their trash cans flowing with several Kopiko wrappers and ramen cups.

Migo sleeps there more nights in a week than he does here. Sila ni Inggo wake up, study, eat, study, go to the hospital, go home, study, sleep, and then wake up four to five hours later. And then they study again.

Maureen and Jiya visited in the past two months they've been reviewing to help clean up and stock their fridge with food, but they didn't move from their desks when they greeted them with a kiss—hindi nga gumalaw si Inggo, tapos si Migo, he only muttered, "Hi, baby." Sumigaw pa ang dalawang boys when they started to move stuff around—hindi pala ginagalaw ang mga review materials ng mga 'to. So the girls resorted to just—taking care of the fridge and supplying them with actual food and drinks.

Jiya saw her tiny box on his desk, right in front of him. She smiles.

Hindi na nasasagot ni Migo minsan ang mga texts niya, and it's lonely on their bed. When he does get some time to sleep after his rotation sa bahay nila, he grabs her, exhausted, and whispers, "I'm sorry, Valle. I miss you too. I just need to pass."

Jiya can hear the strain in his voice. She nods and hugs him tight. "Sleep, you need to rest so you can study pa."

He's gone when she wakes up. Jiya relishes the remnants of his warmth on their bed.

While Maureen's at work, Jiya visits their condo again and finds Migo dead asleep on his desk. Si Inggo, sprawled over his bed, book in hand.

She catches the timer on his phone sa desk niya. He has five minutes more to sleep. Power nap siguro niya 'to.

Jiya stays, kneeling by his side, massaging his scalp. She watches him sleep with a small smile, feeling her chest ache because she misses him.

His alarm blares. Migo squints his eyes open. "Valle?" he rasps.

Jiya shuts off his phone and squeezes his shoulders. "Hi, my love. Come on, wake up. You need to study na."

"Ayoko na," Migo murmurs, tired. He circles his arms around her waist and pulls her to his lap, breathing in as he buries his head on her shoulder. "My brain feels like it's going to explode."

Jiya smooths his hair gently and kisses his head, smoothing it with her fingers. "Better?"

Migo nods once. "One more."

She smiles and kisses his forehead, and then his temple, and then his lips. "You can do this, baby," she whispers, brushing her thumb along his exhausted eyes. "You came this far. Pwede mapagod ang utak mo, 'wag lang ang puso. You want your license, remember? You love medicine."

Migo nods, taking a few deep breaths. "I do."

Jiya strokes his cheek. "Okay. Go to the bathroom and wash your face. I have fresh clothes for you if you wanna change, and then eat first, may dala akong Tetsuo for you both. And then I'll make coffee and leave, okay?"

Migo nods and whispers, "I don't want you to leave."

Jiya doesn't want to leave, either. "I know. But we both know I can't distract you while you're studying. Go, wash your face."

Inggo hugs her tight sa dala niyang pagkain and almost cries in her shoulder.

And then when they're both full and back to study mode, necks cracking, Jiya gives them their coffee and wraps a hand around Migo's neck, leaning down to kiss him. "Study hard. Call me if you need anything."

Migo kisses her back and smiles at her. "Thank you, baby. I love you."

"I love you too. Sobra. And I believe in you."

"Paano ako?" Inggo asks flatly, raising his eyebrow.

Jiya ruffles his hair. "I believe in you too, Inggo. I'm going na guys, I'll text you when I'm home."

Migo nods, watching her leave the condo.

Maureen visits again, grumpy. "I'm horny!" she shouts, kicking the couch. "Ugh!"

Same, sabi ni Jiya sa isip niya. She's been keeping herself company.

Pero may time rin na Migo wakes her up, desperate, pushing in and out of her with their clothes on. "Valle," he whines in her ear, kissing her neck, while she's still half-asleep. "Please. Wake up. Kailangan kita."

Jiya sits up once the confusion wears off. Pagod na si Migo kakaaral, so siya ang gagalaw.

He lifts his hips up the bed as she swallows him down, and he hangs his head back, groaning. "Ah, fuck, fuck, close, baby, stop."

Jiya pulls out of him and straddles his lap, holding his face. Migo leans into it, catching his breath. "Nagsawa ka na kay Inggo?" she teases, rubbing him against her, but not pushing in.

Migo glares at her in the dark, jaw tight. "Wala ako sa mood makipagbiruan."

Jiya laughs quietly and kisses him, sinking down on his length.

The sound Migo makes her nails dig into his skin.

It's not long before he finishes inside her. Jiya goes to clean them both up kasi tulog na si Migo when he's done.

She puts a shirt on him and boxers, and he doesn't move. She kisses his head and hugs him to sleep.

When she wakes up, he's gone again, but there's a text on her phone.

Pogi: thank u :( im sorry ikaw lahat
nagwork and i fell asleep after. ill do
all the work pagkatapos ng exam baby
sorry. i just really needed you.

Jiya smiles, absolutely endeared.

i missed you too. don't
apologize. hope it gave u
energy <3

Migo doesn't read it until later.

Pogi: oh, it did.

Jiya goes out with her co-workers from T&B and her college friends. She sees her mom and dad as well, who are both still working, busy as ever. They ask how Migo's doing and Jiya tells them he's still studying for the exam. They both wish him luck.

Gelo also passes his good luck to her, one night before he leaves the office. "Good luck to Migo," he says with a smile, and then leaves.

He doesn't linger on her door anymore, but she's not as cold with him, either. They talk casually—not like before, not like when they were friends, but Jiya's anger is now replaced with indifference. Nakakapagod magalit sa kanya.

Jiya takes Migo out one day for a breather and Maureen does the same for Inggo. He passes out in the car and Jiya brings him to a small restaurant with good food and a good view sa rooftop. Lagi silang nagt-takeout or delivery ni Inggo, kaya paminsan-minsan, the girls bring them out of their room so they can catch a breath.

Migo is exhausted. "Sorry, I'm ruining this," he mutters, picking at his food. "I'm just...stressed. Sorry."

"No, it's okay." Jiya's heart squeezes in pain as he shuts his eyes and takes a deep breath. "Wala ka nang gana? You want to pack this up na lang and then go back to the condo to rest?"

He takes another deep breath in his hands, and then shakes his head, meeting her eyes. He gives her a small smile. "No, I want to finish a meal with you."

Kasi hindi na rin sila nakakakain together.

He passes out again in the car. Jiya parks sa harap ng condo ni Inggo and doesn't wake him until he needs to study.

"I love you," Jiya whispers in his ear before he gets out. "Call me if you need anything."

Migo smiles. "I love you too. Thank you."

*

"Jiya."

She pauses at Gelo's door, iPad in hand, and blinks. "Yes?"

He clears his throat and stands to lean on his desk, arms over his chest. His eyes pass over her face. "You look tired."

She suppresses the urge to sigh and forces a smile. "I'm fine."

Ginigising siya ni Migo minsan nang madaling araw kapag kailangan niya ng hug, cuddles, kiss, sex, words. Kahit ano habang namamatay siyang kaka-review. Kaaalis lang nila ni Inggo sa bahay kanina after breakfast para bumalik sa condo kasi mamaya pang afternoon ang rotation nila sa hospital.

Gelo purses his lips, but he doesn't push it. "I'm going to dinner with Sir Theo later tonight and he asked me to invite you."

Jiya blinks. Rapidly. "Um, am I in trouble?"

His mouth quirks up at the corner. "Why do you always think so negatively kaagad?"

"He's my boss's boss! Pinaka-high up the chain dito!" Jiya answers exasperatedly, almost sweating through her blouse. "Bakit ako kailangan? Assistant lang ako!"

His smile widens. "You'll see tonight. We'll leave together at six, is that okay? Sir will be coming from a conference, so he'll meet us there."

Jiya swallows thickly. "Am I going to be fired?"

Gelo scoffs loudly. "Wala ka bang tiwala sa 'kin, Jiya?"

"I don't know. Maybe you're mad that I'm mad."

He pierces her with his stare. "You're still angry? About the kiss?"

"Not angry. Wary. I don't trust your feelings."

"I don't trust them either, but believe me when I say ayoko nang maulit na hindi mo ako makausap o matingnan man lang. It hurt. So I'll take what I can get—even if it's just between the line of boss and assistant." He stands up and rounds the table again to go back to his chair. "I still love you, but I will keep it to myself as long as it's unwanted."

Jiya nods slowly. "Okay," she says quietly. "Gelo, I'm sorry."

He smiles. "Say you forgive me for the kiss and I'll forgive you for breaking my heart."

She tightens her grip on her iPad. "I forgive you."

"I forgive you, too. I'll see you at six, and no, you're not going to be fired."

Jiya scurries out of the office and slumps down on her chair. There's a text waiting on her phone.

Pogi: my love my life my future wife, i
am taking a fucking break tonight
bago ako mabaliw. party ng
batchmates sunduin kita at eight? :D
magbralette ka hehehe yum

She bites her lip and hangs her head. As much as she wants to be there with him to de-stress, she has plans.

baby sorry. may dinner ako
for work :(

Pogi: with gelo?

She sighs, annoyed na 'yon ang una niyang naisip.

for work. with him and sir
theo. kasi boss ko sila.

Pogi: ah. okay.

Jiya takes a deep breath. He's stressed and he was clearly excited to spend a worry-free night with her and his batchmates.

I'm sorry, i'd go if i could baby
you know that. enjoy ka and
text me when u can!! don't
drive if you're going to drink

Pogi: dinner. so that means siya ang
maghahatid sayo pauwi

She presses her lips in a hard line. Iniisip na lang niya kung ibang babae ang humalik sa kanya sa cheek and he had to go to dinner with her.

if it bothers you, i will go back
home to get the car.

Migo takes a very long time to reply to that.

Pogi: no, hassle and traffic. baka ma-
late ka. just don't let him kiss you again.

Hindi mapigilan ni Jiya ang inis niya.

LET HIM? i didn't LET him do
anything, Migo. kung naalala
mo lang, siya ang gumawa
sakin non, SIYA LANG.

Pogi: okay. forgive me if im still
fucking wary with him around you.

i can handle myself.

Pogi: you're too soft with him, you
know? nagalit ka pero papatawarin
mo lang din. kaya kampante siya na
may gusto ka rin e.

what do you want me to do,
migo. quit?

Pogi: i'd like you to but we both know
you'd break up with me first.

Hindi alam ni Jiya kung saan nanggagaling ang mga kagaguhan na sinasabi ni Migo. Putangina, dala ba 'to ng stress?

don't do this, migo. you're
giving me an ultimatum. shut
up now habang iniisip ko pa
na stressed ka lang kaya mo
ko ginaganito.

Hindi sumagot si Migo. Nag-shut up nga.

At six, Gelo knocks on her door with a smile, his jacket on his arm. "Ready?"

Jiya nods and grabs her bag. "Let's go."

Migo texts her sa car.

Pogi: we're still fighting but i wanted
to let you know that i love you and to
be safe. have a good night pero wag
masyadong good, i-miss mo ko ng
konti.

Her lips twitch as she leans against the window, sighing.

ayoko pa rin kita kausapin
pero mahal kita and mag-
ingat ka also and enjoy. i'll
wait for you at home don't
drink and drive.

Pogi: noted.

She allows herself to smile.

Sir Theo greets them with a warm hug as soon as Gelo and Jiya step inside the private booth of the restaurant.

"Jiya, how are you?" Sir Theo's smile is kind. "Your dad wants to know as well."

"I'm good, sir, thank you." She accepts the wine glass he's offering and crosses her legs. "Please tell him I am still fine without Valle Holdings."

It makes both Gelo and Sir Theo cackle loudly. "I would hope so," their boss says with a glint in his eye, raising his glass to her. "Gelo's been telling me about your work, and I must say I'm impressed with your dedication over the past years you've been with us."

"Sir, baka pwedeng dinner muna," Gelo says with a grin. "Baka hindi makakain si Jiya."

"Of course, of course!" Sir Theo gestures to the food, matching Gelo's grin. "Let's eat!"

Hindi alam ni Jiya ang sinasabi nila, but she smiles politely and helps herself with dinner.

Gelo fills her wine glass when it's close to empty, but she shakes her head. He only winks and mutters, "You'll need it."

Sir Theo wipes his mouth with his napkin. "Gelo, I assume you've told Jiya about the purpose of this meeting?"

"No, sir."

"Ah, surprise. Very well, then." Sir Theo chuckles, leaning forward towards her. "Jiya, do you have plans of leaving Theo & Brom?"

"Sir, she thinks we're firing her," Gelo cuts in quickly when Jiya freezes.

"Oh, goodness, no!" Sir Theo laughs. "No, you're not being fired, Jiya. Actually, what I want to talk about is the opposite. What do you feel about becoming senior editor for Theo & Brom sa newly opened branch natin sa New York?"

Nasusuka si Jiya.

Gelo watches her face with a grin. "I think she likes it, sir."

"Um," Jiya starts, coughing, and she covers her mouth with her hand. "I, um, sorry. Me po?"

"Walang ibang Jiya Valle dito," Sir Theo counters, chuckling. "I've looked at your work, Jiya. Nakausap ko na rin si Gelo—he'll be the managing editor there, so you'll still be working together if you're worried about that. Newly opened branch siya so we're still filling up the staff, and you're our first choice as senior editor."

Oh, Lord.

She grabs her wine and drinks it. "Sir, thank you," she chokes out. "Thank you so much for even considering me for this position. I'm very honored, but may I think about it?"

"Sabi mo papayag siya kaagad," Sir Theo tells Gelo, clicking his tongue.

Gelo's smile doesn't waver, and he doesn't take his eyes away from Jiya's face. "Let's give her time to come to terms with it, sir."

"Sure." Their boss grins. "Think about it carefully, Jiya. You'll head fiction and non-fiction, and nasa executive board ka. Let Gelo know as soon as you have your answer. I'd be very happy to have you as Theo & Brom's senior editor in New York."

Lutang si Jiya pauwi. Gelo keeps glancing at her, the smile still on his face. "You okay?" tanong niya about thirty minutes in nang wala pa ring masabi si Jiya.

"Hmm? Ah, yes." She blinks and heaves a deep breath.

"I'm assuming you're happy," he says slowly, tapping his fingers on the wheel.

She is. She's over the moon.

Pero sa New York?

"But you don't want to leave," Gelo continues quietly. "Or you don't want to leave Migo."

She can deal with her parents kasi sanay naman siya na magkahiwalay na sila. Her friends, she can FaceTime and talk to on social media. Si Migo...she's been supportive of his career since med school, and siguro naman, he can give way for her career this time. Sasama siya sa kanya. Right?

She gives him a tight smile. "I'll think about it."

Gelo nods and doesn't say anything more.

Bago pa siya pagbuksan ng pinto, Jiya gets out of the car as soon as it pulls up in front of her house, but that doesn't stop Gelo from stepping out to walk her to the door.

"I can only imagine the things we can do together at work if you accept the offer, Jiya," Gelo tells her with a sincere smile, eyes shining. He keeps a distance from her sa harap ng pinto. "Think about it carefully and let me know. Have a good—"

"Valle," a lazy voice slurs as the door opens.

Migo's hair is disheveled, his shirt wrinkled, and he smells of alcohol.

Hinatid na siya ni Maureen with drunk Inggo an hour ago, at akala ni Jiya tulog na siya.

"Migo," Gelo greets with a tight smile.

Jiya steps closer to him, wrinkling her nose. "Baby, akala ko tulog ka na."

"Waiting for you," he drawls, slinging an arm over her shoulder. "Gelo," he greets with a smug smile.

Fucking hell.

Jiya pushes him. "Migo, pumasok na tayo—"

"Ano nga ulit ginawa mo sa girlfriend ko?" Migo asks, tilting his head, raising his eyebrows. "Ah." He squeezes her shoulder and leans in to kiss her cheek quickly. "'Yon ba?"

"Migo!" Jiya hisses, flushing red. Embarrassed, she gives Gelo an apologetic look. "Gelo, I'm so sorry—"

"I already apologized to her," Gelo tells him quietly, jaw clenching at his hold on Jiya.

"Apologize to me, too."

"Migo!" Jiya snaps, still pushing him, pero he doesn't budge. "Migo, stop it, he's my boss."

"Boss lang?" Migo snaps. "Hindi para sa kanya e."

"I apologize for doing such thing in front of your house," Gelo mutters, eyes on Migo's. "You should probably take it easy and sleep this off."

"Migo." Jiya's voice is laced with quiet and hot fury, eyes watering. "Inside. Now."

He stares at Gelo for a few more seconds, hand stroking her skin, showing him na siya lang ang pwedeng humawak kay Jiya...and then he goes inside.

"I'm so sorry—"

"No worries." Gelo smiles at her, stepping back. "I would've reacted way worse if I were in his shoes. Goodnight, Jiya."

Pagkapasok niya, she stalks to the kitchen. "Migo, what the fuck was that? Napaka-rude mo! That was my boss!"

"And this is my home," Migo mutters, downing his glass of water. "I wanted to make sure he didn't kiss you again sa door natin."

"When are you going to let it go?" Jiya hisses. "Wala akong pake sa mga feelings ni Gelo, pero boss ko siya sa trabaho. I don't appreciate being flaunted like a toy sa harap niya because you're so damn possessive—"

He almost breaks the glass setting it on the counter, eyes blazing. "When he stops being in love with you."

Jiya exhales heavily, trying to calm herself. "I," she starts quietly, "am in love with you. I'm not going to stop. No matter how stupid you are. Can you just apologize to me for what happened tonight so we can take a shower together?" She runs a hand through her hair and sighs in frustration. "I'm tired and I was really looking forward to sleeping with you."

Finally, finally, Migo's mouth twitches. "Sleeping?"

"Fucking and actual sleeping," Jiya snaps. "In that order. Kung nagseselos ka pa rin, ipakita mo sa 'kin nang wala na tayong suot, pwede? Bakit tayo mag-aaway kung pwedeng mag-sex na lang?"

Migo's barely containing his smile. "I can't argue with that. I'm sorry."

Jiya raises an eyebrow. "For?"

"Being rude to your boss," he says. "Flaunting you. Being an alpha male. And for the record, I was also looking forward to sleeping together. Fucking and actual sleeping. In that order."

Jiya turns around to head to the stairs. "That was our shortest argument ever."

"May bribe e."

"Tanga. Umakyat ka na dito, bilis, bagal-bagal e."

*

"Baby, I really am sorry," Migo whispers, crawling next to her in bed.

Jiya's sated and sleepy. She wraps her arms around him and bites his shoulder. "Sinasabi mo lang 'yan kasi nakailan ka."

Migo's laugh echoes around the room, and his chest vibrates with it.

Jiya smiles. "I know you are," she mutters, tracing circles on his skin. Gusto nang sabihin ni Jiya 'yong promotion sa New York, pero marami pang iniisip si Migo about his exams and ayaw ni Jiya na ma-distract siya. After na lang. "Gelo will keep his feelings to himself. I know you don't trust him, but you trust me, don't you?"

"Yes," he murmurs, kissing her forehead. "Ang hirap naman kase na ang ganda mo, puta."

Jiya rolls her eyes. "Ilan?"

"Ilan ang alin?"

"Ilan ang lumapit sa 'yo, nanghingi ng number mo, in-ask kung single ka?" For sure, 'yong mga kaibigan ng batchmates ni Migo, nando'n din kanina sa party.

Migo clears his throat and closes his eyes. "Nadadala na ako ng tulog..."

Jiya smacks him. "Ilan, punyeta ka."

He hugs her tighter, grinning, burying his head on her shoulder. "Sa wedding natin, gusto mo ba indoor or outdoor?"

"Outdoor. Ilan?"

"Kids na gusto ko? Mm...tatlo, minimum."

"Tatlo?! Do you think madali lang ang manganak? Palibhasa wala ka kasing uterus! And that wasn't what I was asking! How many nga?"

"Inches?" Migo sighs. "Babe, alam mo na kung ga'no kahaba. Gusto mo pa i-measure?"

Jiya tackles him on the bed. Migo laughs loudly, and it bounces off the walls. Soaks her heart.

*

Nagka-anxiety attack si Migo during the second week of preparing for their next set of subjects.

He's crying in the bathroom when she gets to the condo. Inggo has been knocking kanina pa, it seems, and he turns to Jiya with a worried face. "Ayaw niya akong papasukin, he's waiting for you."

Jiya turns the knob and closes it shut behind her. Migo is hunched over himself, stuck in one corner, head between his knees. His shoulders rise and fall quickly, and Jiya's heart breaks hearing him sob and try to breathe.

"Migo." She inches closer to him and kneels. "Migo, baby, I'm here. I'm here."

Migo looks up, and her heart shatters.

She wraps her arms around him, tucking his head in her chest, rocking them slowly. "Migo, I'm here." She closes her eyes, not knowing what to do except to hold him and kiss his hair and squeeze him tight. Let him know she's here. "I'm here."

Jiya doesn't know how much time passes until his breathing slows, and he stops digging his nails in her skin.

His eyes are bloodshot when he looks up at her. "I'm sorry," he whispers. "Sorry, hindi ko kinaya, everything got to me—"

The stress, the pressure, lahat ng kailangan niya aralin at isiksik sa ulo niya. The anxiety of failing.

"Shh, shh, it's fine, it's fine, don't apologize." Jiya strokes his back and hugs him again. "I love you so much, you're doing so well and I'm proud of you. Always. Never forget that."

Eventually, Migo calms down. "I need to...I need to sleep for an hour," he whispers to her. "Can you just stay muna?"

Jiya cups his face and gives him a kiss. "Of course."

Migo hugs her tight in his sleep sa kama ni Inggo, breath on her neck.

Inggo stares at him, chewing his lip.

Jiya whispers, "What else can I do for him?"

"Ito lang," he whispers back. "That's enough."

She wonders if nag-breakdown na din si Inggo kay Mau.

Before she leaves, she leaves a note on top of Migo's desk.

you can do this, doc. i love you. - your wife.

He texts her back while she's asleep.

Pogi: you're my life. thank you.

If there were a word heavier than love...it was that. Life.

*

Gelo peers at her from his laptop. "The New York office has a nap room with beds."

Jiya blinks, fingers pausing on her keyboard. "What?"

"And a bigger cafeteria." He clears his throat, scratching the back of his ear. "Or so I've been told. Pictures pa lang nakikita ko."

She purses her lips. "Okay."

"Okay," Gelo agrees, nodding. "You want coffee?"

*

Inggo and Migo shout deafeningly loud...and then cry when they pass the PLE.

Migo grabs her face and kisses her hard, and Jiya laughs in his mouth, heart bursting in joy. "Congratulations," she whispers when she catches her breath, and Migo kisses her again.

Buti na lang pumasa 'tong dalawa. God. She wouldn't know what to do if Migo passed and Inggo didn't or vice versa. Sa mukha ni Maureen na niyayakap si Inggo, it tells her na she's also extremely relieved pasado sila both.

"Inom, putangina!" Inggo yells, lifting Maureen in the air, and she squeals.

So they do. With all their family, and then their college friends who wave around the balloons M and D kasi may license na sila both, shoving them and shouting, "Doctor na 'tong mga gagong 'to!"

Van and Addie both hug Inggo and Migo. "Congrats, boys!" Addie squeals, pouring them their drinks, and she shouts a toast to them both.

Migo leans back against the couch, happiness and relief all over his face, resting his arm against the backrest of the sofa where they're seated.

Jiya rubs his knee and grins. "How's it feel?"

Migo sits up, leaning closer to her, and brushes his lips against her mouth.

Jiya clutches his shoulders when his other hand travels to his favorite top on her, and his fingers slide up and down the lace. "Wonderful," he breathes. "I wanna fuck you, sweetheart."

God. Jiya squirms on the couch. Sa tagal ng review period and exams ni Migo, sobrang nag-backseat ang sex life nila—except of course, sa mga times na hindi na kaya ni Migo. Jiya couldn't bother him when he was studying.

She's already out of breath and wala pang ginagawa si Migo. "Banyo or car?"

"Car. And then home. Over and over again."

He pulls her to her feet, downs the last of his shot, and pushes her in the backseat.

Jiya loves seeing him lose his control, lose himself in the moment, in her, and he's wild and desperate and he slaps her thigh, her butt, even her down there, and he fucks her hard and rough, like he's been starved of this for months.

It shows in all the scratch marks sa likod niya when Jiya wakes up sore. Incredibly sore.

Migo took her in the car, against the wall, on the floor, in the shower, on their bed.

"Oh my God," she whispers when she doesn't catch herself, stumbling. She can't walk.

Migo laughs out loud. "Tangina!"

"Fucking—I hate you!" she cries, helpless on the floor. "Migo!"

Her boyfriend rolls over on the bed and watches her from the mattress, an evil, satisfied smirk on his lips. "I think I like seeing you there."

"Migo." She cries for real this time. "I can't feel my legs!"

"Ah, shit, Valle, sorry." He drops down from the bed and lifts her up, and Jiya catches his wince. Sore din yata katawan nito. "Don't cry, baby, I'm sorry I laughed. I'm just happy."

She punches his chest weakly and pulls up the covers to her body. "Lumayo ka na sa 'kin, sex fiend."

Migo clicks his tongue and pulls the blankets off her face, brushing her tears away. "I'll let us rest for a while. And then I want another round. And another, and another..."

"Oh my God."

"Valle, I felt like I was abstaining for months, I was too tired to even masturbate."

Jiya can't help but laugh. He's grinning, happy, and Jiya's heart bursts at his happiness. "I missed you. So much."

Migo leans down to kiss her slowly. "You have no idea how much I missed you, too."

*

Migo opens the box beside her in the morning.

Jiya watches his face and finds nothing. "Do you like it?" she whispers.

Migo traces his hand over it slowly. And then he looks at her. "I'm not returning this. Ever."

Jiya smiles. "I wouldn't want you to."

It's a gunmetal plated 3D anatomical human heart. Hers, in a sense.

Sa kanya na matagal na, pero now that he's taking care of lives and actual human hearts...gawin niya rin kay Jiya.

My weary heart has come to rest in yours, Jiya says in her kiss, pressed to his lips.

And Migo says in his: mine too.

*

Jiya thought she'd have time to tell Migo about the promotion as soon as his exams were over.

Pero he's a resident na...and they both agreed na pwede na siya mag-propose as soon as he gets his license.

He has his license.

Jiya is startled every time he slides his hand inside his pocket during dinner, only to take out his phone and keys, a knowing look in his eyes. Or when he turns to her while they're walking down the street with a warm smile, only to brush her hair behind her ears and kiss her on the forehead.

Or kapag luluhod siya bigla sa harap niya.

Jiya almost pushes him back to his feet, pero kapag gano'n ang reaction niya, ano na lang ang iisipin ni Migo? So she forces herself to stay still, frozen, as Migo bends down with a smile, looking up at her. "Ano?" he asks, raising his eyebrow. "Nagtatali lang ako ng shoelaces ko."

Babatukan niya 'tong gago na to. Jiya can see his shoulders shaking in silent laughter as he ties his perfectly tied shoelaces.

Or kapag sinasabi niya, "Baby, may tanong ako."

And Jiya will say, "...Ano?"

And he'll smirk at her and ask, "Ano gusto mo for dinner, Chinese or Thai?"

Hindi alam ni Jiya kung 'yong outing nila ni Inggo the other day was to buy the ring. Kinakabahan siya. Hindi pa pwede.

But every time she sees an opening to talk to him, she chokes up. She doesn't know what his reaction will be, pero if supportive siya na boyfriend, he'd be happy for her. Right?

If it comes down to it, alam ni Jiya that they won't survive long distance. Migo can trust Jiya and vice versa, pero hindi niya mapipigilan si Migo sa mga maiisip niya about her and Gelo no matter the assurances, and that will ultimately ruin their relationship. Jiya also doesn't like the idea of going long without physical touch, pero alam niyang mas kaya niya kaysa kay Migo.

Migo can't do it. Or won't.

Gelo snaps his fingers in front of her face. "Jiya."

She blinks rapidly and shakes her head, not realizing she's been staring at her monitor for the past few minutes, frozen. She focuses back on Gelo. "Hi, yeah, sorry. You were saying?"

Her boss raises an eyebrow, bag in hand and jacket on his arm. "Nothing, I was just worried because you look like you have a lot on your mind. And it's past five na."

Ah. Jiya looks at her phone.

Pogi: baby parking na me!!! :DD

Susunduin nga pala siya ni Migo para makapag-date sila. He's off-duty na rin sa hospital.

She scrambles to pack her things with a flustered laugh. "Thanks, nalulutang na ako."

"Do you have a ride home?" Gelo asks gently with a smile. "Sabay na tayo sa parking."

Jiya nods, shouldering her bag, and he opens the door for her as they leave the office.

In the elevator, Jiya says, "Am I really first choice?"

Gelo looks at her, surprised she opened the topic first. Hindi kasi binubuksan ni Gelo ang usapang New York aside from that one time. Siguro he doesn't want to pressure her, either. "Yes," he answers swiftly. "You are."

"Why?"

"Because you are brilliant. And sir and I want you to shine even more."

She looks at him with her eyebrows raised. "Is that my boss talking?" Or the friend who has feelings for me?

He gets what she's saying. He smiles crookedly. "Yes. Your boss separated his personal feelings and bias when he was asked for the best candidate for the position."

"Really."

"I've always wanted nothing more than watch you grow and love this work, Jiya." His tone drops a little lower, features drawing together. "I told you I won't make you regret giving up Valle Holdings."

He did. And he also followed through on that.

Jiya sighs and steps out just as the doors open. "Well, I don't. And I never will. This is what I love doing."

"And you'll love it even more in New York," he says behind her quietly, turning to his car. "Goodnight, Jiya."

"Goodnight, Gelo."

Migo's smile is bright as he pushes himself off the car, arms opening. "Hello, wife."

Her heart jumps. Dati, the pet name didn't bother her—she loved it, even. Ngayon, nakakakaba na kasi pwede na maging totoo. Very soon.

"Hi, love." She gives him a quick kiss on the lips.

Akala ni Jiya he'll open the door for her na so they can leave for dinner, but he shocks her when he takes her hand and calls, "Gelo."

Her boss turns around, eyebrow raised.

Migo clears his throat. "I'm sorry I was rude to you that night you dropped her off."

Gelo gives him a small smile. "It was justified, but thank you for apologizing. I don't particularly make a habit of pissing off my friends' boyfriends."

Jiya suppresses her groan. Fucking hell, why is he provoking Migo?

His jaw tightens. "Ah, kay Valle lang. Kasi hindi mo siya friend."

"Friends until she says she doesn't want to be."

Migo pushes his tongue against his cheek. "So that means you'll probably receive an invitation to our wedding, since Valle has a habit of reminding me you are friends."

Jiya squeezes Migo's hand, pulling him away. "Migo, tara na."

"Wedding?" Gelo's eyebrows raise, and he looks at Jiya. "Oh. I wasn't aware you proposed already, but I'll look forward to the invite." He tries for a smile, but it comes out sad. "Dito ba or sa New York na?"

Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck.

Jiya can see the exact moment Migo's face turns from annoyed and smug to blank. "What?"

Gelo blinks, looking at Jiya. "Oh. You—he doesn't know?"

"Not yet," Jiya bites out, nails digging into Migo's skin. "Thank you sa pakikiuna sa akin, Gelo."

"I'm sorry, I didn't know, it was a genuine question," Gelo rushes to say, rubbing the nape of his neck. "I thought you—"

"What the fuck are we talking about?" Migo asks her, voice deadly quiet and calm. His eyes are dangerous and angry and it makes her shiver.

"I'll see you tomorrow," Jiya tells Gelo, pulling Migo back to his car.

He nearly slams the door when he gets inside the driver's seat. "What was that?"

Jiya swallows thickly, taking a deep breath. "Migo, calm down muna."

"What was that shit about New York?" His jaw is tight and his eyebrows are furrowed, and God. This isn't how she planned on telling him.

She purses her lips and answers, "I...I was offered a promotion. As senior editor."

Jiya watches Migo's face. He blinks once, and then says, "Here."

"No. New York."

Migo stares at her. "And when was this?"

"That night he dropped me off after dinner."

"Ah. Months ago. Months ago."

"I was trying to find the right time to tell you," Jiya rushes to explain, wanting to pull out her hair, kasi tangina naman. Nalaman pa ni Migo from Gelo. "I was going to talk to you about it, of course I was!"

Migo's still just staring at her. Jiya can't read his face. "When? Kapag nasa airport ka na? Nasa plane ka na?"

"Of course not," she snaps, gritting her teeth. "I was—" Jiya stops. Freezes. "Ka?" Not tayo?

Migo's jaw ticks. "I'm trying really, really hard to be happy for you, Valle."

"Try harder."

"You deserve this promotion. I know you do."

Jiya stares at him, too. "But?" she asks flatly, shoulders slumping.

He takes a sharp breath. "You want to take it."

It's not a question. "I do. It's an amazing opportunity, I get to be part of the executive board, I'll handle both fiction and non-fiction, it's a salary increase, and newly opened—"

"And will Gelo be there as well?"

"That doesn't matter."

"Answer me."

Jiya grits her teeth. "Yes, he'll be managing editor."

Migo pauses. And then he asks, "Paano ako?"

Jiya's breath comes out shaky. "I've been looking for apartments near both the building and a hospital. I'll receive housing allowance din and we have savings, so we can just move in together and you can continue your residency there."

Migo's abrupt laugh echoes around the car. Jiya's stunned with the unfamiliar and unwelcome feeling it brings—his laugh is her favorite sound. Pero hindi ngayon. "You've been house hunting na?" Migo asks incredulously, scoffing. "Nang hindi ko alam? Ano 'to, i-su-surprise mo na lang ako with a key and a lease and tickets to New York and say, 'Babe, pack ka na, we're going to live on the other side of the world.' Gano'n?"

"Stop being sarcastic," Jiya snaps. "I just wanted to look so we have options na when I decided to tell you—"

"What makes you think I'd want to look at those options at all?"

Jiya's eyes roam his face as she holds her breath, waiting for him to take it back.

Migo doesn't.

"Bakit ako ang mag-a-adjust para sa 'yo, Valle?" he murmurs, and the words hang like a thread dangling in between them with a knife at the end of the knot, slashing both their chests.

It's a selfish reason. "Because you love me."

"You love me, too," Migo counters, his voice dripping with anger. "And that's why I know you're not seriously asking me to leave my family, our friends, my work."

"This is my work," Jiya hisses, feeling her eyes well up. "I've been nothing but supportive of your career for years, Migo. Ngayon na ako naman—"

"You're asking me to follow you to the other side of the fucking world!" Migo snaps, and Jiya flinches. "Kung mahal mo ako, bakit ang trabaho mo ang pinipili mo? E gusto ka lang naman papuntahin do'n kasi mahal ka ng gago."

Jiya almost slaps him.

Migo seems to realize what he just said, because he flinches. He opens his mouth, possibly to take it back, but Jiya whispers, "You did not just say I was offered the promotion because of Gelo." Her tears escape freely now. "You did not just say I didn't work hard for this, that I don't deserve this, na nakuha ko 'to because I'm excellent at what I do. And you did not just manipulate me into choosing you over work because I love you."

"Ginawa mo rin 'yon when you used my love to tell me na sundan ka."

"I thought na for once, ako naman ang i-su-support mo." She looks out the window and moves to the door, face in her hands. "I guess I was asking for too much."

He's silent for a while. Tapos: "Bakit...bakit hindi ka na lang dito? Montemayor can fuck off to New York for all I care."

"Ang selfish mo, tangina," she chokes out, still crying pathetically. "You don't want me to take the promotion kasi kasama ko rin do'n si Gelo? Is that it? Kung wala siya, you'd be more than willing to drop everything and go with me?"

He can make excuses all he wants—family, friends, work—pero if Gelo wasn't in the picture, Jiya knows, she knows that Migo will go with her. Anywhere.

His silence is enough confirmation.

"Take me home." Her voice is the final stab to his chest.

Migo shoves the key in the ignition and drives.

She slams the door as soon as she gets out of the car, and dire-diretso siya sa taas to take a fucking shower.

Migo doesn't come upstairs.

Her pillow is stained and wet.