Keanna automatically smiled upon seeing Cale's face. He was facing her, and she could even feel the warm air coming from his nostrils.

Pinaglandas niya ang hintuturo sa matangos na ilong ni Cale, pero bigla itong dumilat at naningkit ang mga matang nakatitig sa kaniya.

Cale didn't say anything and positioned on top of Keanna without warning. They kissed, made out, and made love.

"Hi." Cale smiled and kissed the tip of Keanna's nose. "I missed this, sweetheart."

Keanna caressed Cale's cheek and agreed. It was just six in the morning, and they decided to cuddle in bed, talking about the possible things they would do for a week.

They showered together before leaving the room for breakfast.

"Hey, love birds!" Vianna walked toward them while eating an apple to hug Keanna. "I missed you, my baby Keanna."

"Saan ka na naman nagpunta kagabi, Ate?" tanong ni Cale at naramdaman ni Kea ang inis doon. "Anong oras ka na umuwi?"

Vianna snickered and lightly punched Cale's chest. "Kakauwi ko lang. I just took a bath an—"

"Ate naman." Cale sounded disappointed. "Anyway, at least you're here for breakfast. Ano'ng niluto nina Manang Jen?"

"I don't know yet. Hindi pa ako nakakapunta sa dirty kitchen," sagot ni Vianne at hinawakan ang kamay ni Keanna. "So, make kuwento. How's Baguio? Kailan kaya ako makakapunta ulit? I missed Tita Tadhana."

Mahinang natawa si Keanna at sumunod kay Vianne na naupo sa sofa. "Okay naman. Puwede ka namang magpunta roon anytime, Ate. At saka for sure, mag-e-enjoy ka na naman sa ukay-ukay ninyo ni Nanay."

"For sure! Grabe si Tita Tadhana when it comes to finding rare clothes. Super astig," pagmamalaki ni Vianne. "I'll visit Baguio nga soon."

"We should soon," sagot naman ni Cale. "Sama natin sina Mommy and Daddy."

Kaagad na nagbago ang reaksyon ng mukha ni Vianne at nakita iyon nina Cale at Keanna na nagkatinginan. Hindi na sila umimik at nanood lang sa TV na nakabukas at hinihintay ang pagbaba ng parents ng mga ito para sa breakfast.

Nakahain sa malaking lamesa ang sinigang, pork chops, okra at sawsawang bagoong isda na bitbit ni Keanna, mga prutas tulad ng melon, at drinks tulad naman ng kape at juice na pagpipilian nila.

"We're just planning to stay here," ani Cale nang tanungin ni Niana kung may balak ba silang puntahan. "Baka bukas na lang po kami lalabas. Yuan also asked us to go somewhere tomorrow."

Ngumiti ang mommy ni Cale at tumango. "Sounds like a good idea rin. If ever naman you need something, you can just let Jen know, ha? Keanna?"

"Yes po, Tita." Nilingon ni Keanna ang daddy ni Cale. "Tito, noong nakaraan pala, napag-usapan namin nina Daddy 'yung tungkol sa gusto ninyong bilhing property sa Baguio ni Tita Niana for transient."

"Ah, oo! Sinabi ko nga kay Keanu na siya na ang bahala kung sakali man tapos sabihan niya ako kung maganda," sagot ni Cavin. "It's actually a good investment."

Keanna agreed. "Opo. Maganda po 'yung lugar lalo po at medyo malapit sa tourist spot, pero puwede pa rin siyang considered as private kapag naayos na rin po. Si Kuya Sarki po yata ang ka-transact noong may-ari and sabi rin ni Kuya na if the price is right, mukhang makukuha po ninyo."

Cale observed Keanna talking about business. Isa rin iyon sa naging dahilan kung bakit sila nag-click. Aside from music, they loved talking about businesses and investments.

One thing Cale loved about Keanna, she would be very honest if she liked something or not. Katulad ng isang transient house na napuntahan nila sa isang beach resort.

Hindi nagustuhan ni Keanna ang services. Instead of calling out the manager, she gave some tips on improving, what to add, and anything that could help the business.

"Too quiet." Hinalikan ni Cale ang tuktok ng ulo ni Keanna. "Do you wanna go somewhere? I know we talked about staying here, but aren't you bored?"

Keanna shook her head. "Not really. Sweetheart, what's happening?"

Bahagyang yumuko si Cale at bago naupo sa tabi ni Keanna sa kama. "About Ate Vianne?" tanong ni Cale.

"Oo. Ano'ng nangyayari?"

Humiga si Cale at bumuntonghinga. "Nag-away kasi sila ni Daddy noong isang araw. Ate Vianne's a little . . . stubborn? I guess hindi naman na shocking, but lately, she had been arguing with Dad. Like a lot."

"Dahil pa rin ba kay Kuya Gabo?"

"Oo. Ayaw kasi talaga ni Daddy kay Kuya Gabo at nagagalit si Ate Vianne dahil doon. Lately, napapadalas na ang pagtakas niya sa gabi o kaya minsan hindi na umuuwi sa gabi. Uuwi na lang tuwing umaga para sa breakfast." Mahinang natawa si Cale. "Buti nga umuuwi pa, e."

Rinig ni Keanna ang frustration sa boses ni Cale habang pinag-uusapan nila ang ate nito. Nakatakip pa nga ng braso ang mga mata habang nakahawak naman ang isang kamay sa legs niya.

Nanood silang dalawa ng movie sa kwarto ni Cale. May rules sila sa tuwing magkasama na walang gagamit ng laptop o kaya ng phone except kapag importante.

Cale and Keanna spent their time talking about things they missed the past week they hadn't seen each other.

"Minsan nakakapagod rin kasi na puro tayo video."

Nagulat si Keanna sa sinabi ni Cale. They were used to talking via video calls and hearing Cale say it, hindi niya alam kung bakit, pero parang naramdaman din niya iyon.

"I mean, it's okay. I get that we have different lives together, sweetheart." Hinaplos ni Cale ang buhok ni Keanna na nakahiga sa braso niya. "But I like this, Kea. I like cuddling with you."

Ngumiti si Keanna at tumagilid ng higa para halikan si Cale sa pisngi. "I like this, too. But we both understand that we're currently working on our careers separately, right?"

Cale nodded.

"And after the career, we're free to do whatever we want," Keanna said lowly. "Siguro tiis na rin muna tayo? It makes me miss you more, though."

Alam ni Cale na maintindihan si Keanna. Alam din ni Keanna na naiintindihan ni Cale ang kagusutuhan niya pa ring manirahan sa Baguio. Pero may mga pagkakataong napapaisip silang dalawa kung ano ang pakiramdam na palaging magkasama.

"Sometimes, I really do wonder what it feels like to be with you whenever I want to. Three weeks, Keanna. It was too long, and I am sorry for not bei—"

Cale stopped talking when Keanna got up and positioned herself on him. She also kissed his lips, making him stop. "It's okay," she whispered in between kisses. "Naiintindihan ko naman at hindi mo kailangang magpaliwanag."

"Bu—"

"But? Caleigh, I also have my own career to build and you're never doubting me. Hindi lang naman ikaw ang nag-pass sa pagbisita. In fact, kapag busy ako, ikaw mismo ang nagpupunta sa Baguio." Keanna shook her head. "Also, this setup's making us miss each other more."

Cale pouted, and his eyes looked a little droopy. "I kinda don't want it."

"You have no choice." Keanna smiled. "Tara, punta tayo sa park? Gusto kong mag-basketball!"

Naningkit ang mga mata ni Cale habang nakatitig sa kaniya at nakahawak pa sa baywang niya. "Let me shoot first, three points."

"Sean Caleigh!" paninita ni Keanna.

Pareho silang natawa at bumangon mula sa kama. Nagpalit sila ng damit na pang-jogging.

Keanna wore loose workout shorts paired with her green sando and rubber shoes, while Cale chose to wear his usual varsity shorts and a comfortable white sando paired with rubber shoes.

Nakaakbay si Cale kay Keanna habang naglalakad sila papunta sa park. Hawak naman ni Keanna ang bolang gagamitin nila. Pahapon na rin at buong araw lang silang magkasama.

Bukod sa movie marathon, food trip, at road trip, parehong mahilig sa ilang sports sina Cale at Keanna tulad ng basketball o kaya minsan ay badminton at volleyball. Madalas nilang kasama sina Sarki, Vianne, Yuan, at iba pa.

Mabuti rin at weekday kaya wala silang kaagaw sa park.

Si Keanna ang unang nag-shoot at si Cale naman ang humabol ng bola, nag-shoot, hinabol, at ibinato kay Keanna. Nag-one on one sila at nagtatawanan pa dahil pareho silang hinihingal.

"Ang tagal ko nang walang exercise na ganito." Yumuko si Keanna at hinihingal na nakahawak sa sariling tuhod. "Wala akong time noong nakaraan."

"Same." Cale did a jump shot. "I missed doing this with you, sweetheart. Kapag nagpatayo na tayo ng sarili nating bahay, there should be a court like this. Every morning, we'll you know . . . shoot something."

Naningkit ang mga mata ni Keanna habang nakatingin kay Cale na natawa sa sariling sinabi bago nagpatuloy sa paglalaro.

Tagaktak ang pawis nilang dalawa at naghahabulan pa rin ng bola.

Cale and Keanna were laughing, they were teasing each other, and while playing, both were enjoying because their time was just limited. Ilang araw lang silang magkasama at uuwi na ulit sa Baguio si Keanna, babalik naman sa trabaho si Cale.

Sa loob ng subdivision nina Cale, mayroong convenience store kaya nang matapos sa basketball, nagkayayaan silang dalawa.

Bumili sila ng chips at drinks bago bumalik sa park para naman maupo lang sa swing habang kumakain.

Nilingon ni Keanna si Cale na mahinang kumakanta. Mahina iyon ngunit sapat para marinig niya. It was Little Things by One Direction.

"I'm in love with you, and all these little things . .  ." Cale gazed at Keanna and smiled, teasing her. "You'll never love yourself half as much as I love you."

Keanna, on the other hand, snorted and rolled her eyes when in reality, she was cherishing the time with Cale. Pasimple siyang nakatingin habang naka-side view nitong pinanonood ang mga batang nagsisimula nang maglaro sa parke.

"What's going on?" Keanna asked when Cale suddenly looked down. "Caleigh?"

Patagilid na tumingin si Cale kay Keanna, pero bahagya pa ring nakayuko. "Iniisip ko lang kung paano kapag may baby or babies na rin tayo. I'm scared that I won't be the best father. There's fear inside me na b-baka sobrang busy ko tapos hin—"

"Hey." Keanna stood up and walked towards Cale. "Bakit mo naman iniisip 'yan?"

"Kasi ngayon pa lang, na hindi pa nga ako ang full-time na nagma-manage sa Karev Telco, parang nawalan ako bigla ng time sa 'yo. I'm guilty, Keanna." Cale sounded like he was defeated. "What if I turn out to be the worst dad ever?"

Lumuhod si Keanna sa harapan ni Cale at hinalikan ang pisngi ng kasintahan. Hindi niya alam kung paano ang comfort na gagawin niya.

"Alam mo, I never thought of this until today, until you've mentioned it." Keanna combed Cale's hair using her fingertips.

"Why?" Cale frowned. "You never thought of having children with me?"

Napaisip si Keanna dahil kahit kailan, hindi niya naisip iyon. Nagbago ang reaksyon ng mukha niya habang nakatingin kay Cale at mukhang napansin nito iyon.

"Sweetheart? Y-You never thought of building a family with me?" Cale murmured.

"Uy, hindi sa ganoon." Keanna breathed. "It's just that we're still new to this. Wala pa tayong one year and to be honest, there were times na naiisip kong . . . naiisip kong . . ."

Cale's brows furrowed, and his mouth parted a little. "Keanna? What?"

"Naiisip ko kung magtatagal ba tayo."

Tumayo si Cale at tumalikod kay Keanna na yumuko. Tumingin siya sa kawalan at hindi kaagad nagsalita.

Cale's heart sank at what he heard, and he didn't know how to respond. No words, he stared at nowhere when small pair of hands wrapped around his waist from behind.

"Sorry, mali 'yung pagkakasabi ko." Pumikit si Keanna habang nakayakap kay Cale. "It's just that sa part ko kasi may fear. Masyado tayong malayo sa isa't isa and to be honest, may mga pagkakataong naiisip ko na what if makahanap ka rito kasi mas malapit?"

Hindi sumagot si Cale at nanatili siyang nakatingin sa kawalan.

"Sorry it came out wrong, 'wag ka nang magalit."

Again, no words from Cale.

Humiwalay sa pagkakayakap si Keanna mula sa likuran at humarap kay Cale na kaagad naman siyang tiningnan.

Keanna pouted. "Sorry kung mali 'yung pagkakasabi ko. It's just my fear. I'm sorry it came out wrong."

Cale was still stoic, and Keanna started to worry.

"Cale naman. Say something, please?" Keanna murmured. "Please? Galit ka?"

Umiling si Cale ngunit walang reaksyon ang mukha. "Tara na. Balik na tayo sa bahay. Ano'ng gusto mong dinner?"

Keanna didn't say anything.

Hinawakan ni Cale ang kamay ni Keanna at ipinagsaklop iyon bago naglakad, pero nanatiling tahimik. Paminsan-minsang nililingon ni Keanna ang kasintahan, pero tahimik pa rin ito hanggang sa hindi na niya kayanin dahil mabilis na ang tibok ng puso niya.

"Cale naman, e. Kung galit ka sa akin, sabihin mo ngayon. Hindi tayo uuwi sa bahay ninyo nang hindi mo sinasabi sa akin."

"Ayaw kitang saktan, Kea." Cale looked away and started walking, leaving Keanna.

Yumuko si Kea at tumakbo papunta sa harapan ni Cale. Sumibi siya at nakatingalang nakatingin sa mukha nitong seryosong nakatitig sa kaniya. The aura was intimidating—even to Keanna. The way he stared at her, hindi siya sanay dahil ang patay ng dating.

"Sweetheart, please?" Keanna begged. "Sorry."

Cale gritted his teeth and gave Keanna a dead stare. "Next time, at least tell me how you feel. Kasi I was always looking forward to building a family with you. I was even overthinking how we will be parents, tapos ikaw, and you think we won't end up together?"

Keanna bit her lower lip and played with her fingertips. Cale looked cold as ice, and she didn't want to say anything in return.

"Iniisip mo kung magtatagal ba tayo?" Cale's eyes looked disappointed and his jaw tightened. "My heart literally sank, Keanna."

"S-Sorry," Keanna muttered.

Cale looked away with emotionless eyes before holding Keanna's hand and started walking.

"Caleigh. Sorry," Keanna again murmured. "I was just overthin—"

"Did I give you any reasons to overthink?" Cale stopped walking. "Next time, tell me. Ayaw kong dumating sa puntong magugulat na lang ako na ayaw mo na dahil pakiramdam mo, hindi tayo magkakatuluyan. Keanna naman, e. Don't do that again, please?"

A lone tear rolled down Keanna's left eye and subtly sniffed.

"Hey." Cale wiped Kea's tear. "Sorry, too. I was just a lit—"

Hindi na natapos ni Cale ang sasabihin nang bigla na lang ipalibot ni Keanna ang dalawang braso sa leeg niya. He then wrapped one arm around her waist and lightly carried her. He even buried his face on the hollows of her neck.

"Jump, sweetheart."

Kaagad na ipinalibot ni Keanna ang dalawang binti sa baywang ni Cale. Wala na siyang pakialam kung pawis silang dalawa. Nakasubsob na rin ang mukha niya sa balikat ni Cale.

"Sorry na," Keanna whispered.

"Forgiven." Cale planted three soft kisses on Keanna's neck. "Don't ever think like that again."

"Hindi na."

"Good," Cale murmured. "Kapag nakipaghiwalay ka, hahabulin kita. Akala mo, ha?"

T H E X W H Y S