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Chapter Text

Wyn couldn’t help but groan out of frustration as he saw a meeting invitation, and he shut his laptop when the thought of him showing up with his baby bump crossed his mind. Nakakakilabot.

Minsan, kapag sobrang abala na sa trabaho, nakakalimutan niya ang literal niyang dala-dalang problema.

Palagi siyang kinakamusta ni Seokmin. Pinapaalalahanan rin siyang kumain sa tamang oras at magpa-tingin na sa doctor para sa mga gamot at mga dapat at di dapat niyang gawin.

Everything is not sinking through his mind. He’s trying so hard to reject the fact that he’s indeed pregnant, even going as far as trying to convince himself that he could still party and drown himself in beers and vodka because the pregnancy thing was just a horrible dream. In the end, Seokmin screamed his heart out at him to remind him that, no, this is not a dream but a reality that he needed to face.

Nasa plano na ni Wynona ang tumandang mag-isa at wala siyang nakikitang problema ‘ron. Kung tutuusin, that’s kind of inevitable for a person like him— never had a relationship, likes to be alone and hates seeing another person the first thing in the morning.

At ngayong buntis siya, magkaka-anak at magpapalaki ng bata, anong gagawin niya? Parang kailangan niyang bumuo ng plano mula sa umpisa dahil lahat ng inisip at sinubukan niyang buuin simula ng bata siya ay hindi na tutugma dahil sa kalagayan nuya ngayon.

It’s all because right now, at this very moment, his dreams aren’t just his dreams, and his life isn’t just his life anymore.

“Anong balak mo?”

Seokmin has asked him these questions multiple times ever since they found out that he’s pregnant.

Sa totoo lang, hindi niya pa alam. Ang dami niya pa rin kasing kailangang asikasuhin at tapusin sa trabaho kaya hindi niya maisingit ang pag-iisip sa problemang meron siya ngayon.

Tangina. If only he had stayed in the comfort of his condo unit that one night.

Minsan na nga lang lumandi nadali pa agad. Tangina naman talaga.

Seokmin:

Nakapag-isip ka na ba?

Ano bang balak mo?

Kung feeling mo marami ka oras para mag-isip, feeling mo lang yun.

Magpacheck-up ka na plssss

He read the messages of his friend but decided not to respond, ni-lock nalang ang phone at sinubukang mag-focus sa mga proposal na pinapa-approve sakaniya kahapon pa.

Seokmin is a soft-hearted guy, but he can also be really talkative.

Simula nung nalaman niyang buntis siya, Seokmin kept messaging him, telling him to eat and sleep early or not to stress so much with work because it might be bad for him. Kaya minsan, hindi maiwasan ni Wynona na samaan ng tingin ang kaibigan because it sounded as if he’s excited with whatever’s happening.

“Wyn, you’re stable naman na financially. Baka para sayo na talaga ‘yan.”

Hindi niya na mabilang kung naka-ilang paikot siya ng mata dahil sa sinabing ‘yon ng kaibigan.

He has a decent amount in his savings account, more than enough to survive. If he’s alone. His condo unit is fully paid, and so is the house in Olympia with which his parents left him.

Higit pa sa komportable ang buhay ngayon ni Wynona at alam niyang hindi magiging problema ang pera kung sakali except that’s not the only problem here— hindi niya maisip na may iba siyang paglalaanan ng oras, pera at pagmamahal bukod sa sarili niya, hindi siya yun.

That’s the reason why, instead of browsing through his work e-mail or checking his schedule, he decided to browse through the internet and check the safest way to get an abortion.

“Tangina.”

Running his fingers through his hair, he closed his laptop and leaned against his swivel chair, not knowing what to do.

“Oh, lord. My parents will hate me for this.” he mumbled.

As he looked at the television, he saw that guy again, the father of his unborn child.

Kasama ang abogado nito, iginiit ni Miguel Kim, businessman at anak ng senador at batikang artista, na kasangkot ito sa drug scandal kung saan dalawang binata ang nasa ospital ng dahil sa overdose.

Sinasabing ang yacht party ay para sa birthday ni Sebastian Choi, panganay na anak diumano ng notorious Alabang drug lord na matagal ng tinutugis ng PDEA.

Ayon sa pahayag ni Miguel Kim, naimbitahan lamang siya ng kaibigan sa nasabing party at walang kinalaman sa kung anuman ang nangyari.

Lumabas na nga rin ang drug test ni Miguel Kim at Sebastian Choi bagama’t negative ang resulta, naniniwala pa rin ang mga magulang ng biktima na dapat silang managot sa kung anong nangyari sa mga anak na hanggang ngayo’y nasa ospital at walang malay.

Kasalukuyang—

Wynona turned the television off.

Gago rin talaga ‘tong tatay ng anak niya. Drugs? Hindi nag-iisip. Alam ng anak ng drug lord binestfriend pa. Minsan talaga ang utak ng mayayaman, di mo masabi. Bakit kaya? Dahil marami na silang pera kaya hindi na masiyadong gumagamit ng utak sa araw-araw na pamumuhay?

Wynona shook his head, and he unknowingly placed his hand on his still, very flat stomach.

Ganong tao ang tatay ng anak niya. Ganon.

When he realized his action, he cringed and immediately grabbed his phone, trying to check if the text message of that asshole was still on his messaging app.

He rolled his eyes as soon as he saw an unknown number and even more so when he saw the last message he received from said man.

0917 172 7122:

Hit me up whenever, pretty.

Tangina. Manyak.

If there’s one petty thing about Wynona, that would be— that he always thinks he shouldn’t be the only one suffering lalo na kung dalawa naman silang gumawa nito, so without a second thought, he typed a message for the man.

Wynona:

6PM. Let’s meet. Parking lot.

He did not say much, just the address of his condo unit and an instruction to meet him at the parking lot.

Mukha nalang nito ang laman ng balita kaya alam niyang hindi maganda kung madadawit rin siya dito.

Alam niya rin naman na wala siyang matatapos na trabaho sa araw na ‘yon kaya imbes na ubusin ang oras sa opisina niya, he decided to go to Seokmin’s coffee shop and got himself an iced cold brew and a chocolate moist cake.

“Huy, pwede ka ba mag-kape?” nag-aalalang tanong ng kaibihan sakaniya.

“Ang OA mo, Seok. Please lang.”

He did not say anything afterward and just devoured his cake. He almost moaned because it was so delicious.

“Luh. Sarap na sarap?” taas ang kilay ni Seok, “Akala ko ba ayaw mo diyan dahil bloated ka lang pagtapos at masyadong matamis?”

Wynona just rolled his eyes at his friend and just focused on his sweets, even humming out of happiness dahil kanina niya pa rin iniisip kung anong gustong kainin, hindi niya lang mapangalanan kung ano.

“I’ll.. I’ll talk to Miguel Kim later.”

“What!?”

Mabilis na pinanlakihan ng mata ni Wyn ang kaibigan dahil sa lakas ng boses nito. Seokmin made a face but covered his mouth with his hand atsaka bahagyang lumapit sa kaibigan.

“Talaga?” he asked, “Anong sasabihin mo? Ano ‘yan co-parenting?”

Wynona immediately shot Seokmin a death glare when he heard a tad bit of excitement in his friend’s voice.

Ayaw niya rin ‘tong umasa… na may makikita siyang bata mula sakaniya. Because again, that’s just not Wynona.

“I’ll tell him that I want to abort the baby.”

“What the fuck?” Seokmin gasped.

The latter realized that his customers were starting to look in his direction because his voice was getting loud, so he pulled his chair closer to Wynona.

“Sure ka ba diyan, ha? Kaya mo ba yun?” nag-aalalang tanong ni Seokmin.

And Wynona just shrugged his shoulders, not wanting to answer that question all because he’s not all figured out yet, siya mismo marami pang tanong sa sarili niya.

Saglit lang naman ang byahe mula sa coffee shop ni Seokmin papunta sa condo niya kaya halos 5:40 na rin siya umalis doon, ang dami rin kasing kwento at bilin sakaniya ng kaibigan.

Halos alas sais na rin ng makarating siya at makapag-park, he quickly reached out for his phone and was about to type a message for Miguel Kim pero bago pa man niya magawa ‘yon, said guy is already knocking on his car’s window.

Nang mabuksan ang pinto ay nagmadaling pumasok ang lalake, he’s wearing a black cargo pants, black shirt, a silver necklace and a black baseball cap. Halata mong may ginawang mali dahil nagtatago, he couldn’t help but shake his head.

He almost cursed out loud ng akmang hahalikan siya ng lalake which left Miguel really confused.

“Ikakama kita mamaya tapos halik lang ngayon ayaw mo?”

The actual fuck?

Wynona shifted in his seat, crossing his arms.

“Sinong nagsabing ikakama mo ko ngayon? Ilusyunado.” Mariin nitong sabi.

And that made Miguel Kim even more confused. If this is not for a quick fuck then what is this meeting for? Dyahe naman. Ang hirap hirap takasan ng mga bantay niya tapos wala rin naman pala siyang maiuuwi ngayong gabi.

“Oh, eh ba’t mo ko pinatawag dito? Ano gagawin natin mags-small talk?” Preskong sabi ng binata.

Mariing napatingin si Wynona dito. Mas malapit at di hamak na nasa wisyo siya ngayon, gwapo talaga si Miguel Kim, di niya naman ‘yon maipagkakaila— his face is one for the books. has a chiseled jaw, expressive eyes, and overall, the features of a god.

Ang hindi niya lang matanggap, di siya makapaniwalang nagpa-kama siya sa taong bukod sa mukha ay wala ng ginawang tama. Ano bang kayang gawin nitong taong ‘to bukod sa magaling siyang bumayo at sumamba ng katawan? Hindi lang ‘yon, mukha rin ‘tong walang ugali, mayabang at palaging gusto niya ang nasusunod.

“You’re aware that we had sex, right?” Wynona asked, still with his head held up high, not wanting to let Miguel Kim know that the fact was shattering his soul into pieces.

“Oh, ano ngayon?”

Tamo. Puro walang kabuluhan ang sagot.

“I’m pregnant.”

Putangina.

Putangina.

Putangina.

Ayan lang ang nasa isip ni Miguel ng marinig yun mula sa lalakeng nasa tabi niya, para siyang binuhusan ng malamig na tubig at parang ilang minuto nalang eh may sentensya na siya.

“Putangina.” Miguel cursed out.

Wynona rolled his eyes and smirked when he saw how surprised Miguel Kim was. Mabuti. Para hindi lang siya ang nababaliw sa kakaisip.

“But don’t worry about it,” Wynona then shrugged his shoulder, “Just find me someone who can help us with the abortion.” he said.

At parang mas lalong nanlamig si Miguel nang dahil sa sinabi sakaniya ng lalakeng nasa tabi.

“Sorry. What’s your name again? It’s… it’s Wynona, right?”

“Yup.”

Miguel Kim stared at him for a second, which turned into a minute, until he found himself unable to form words because Wynona stared back at him with much more challenging eyes.

“You want to get rid of the baby?” he asked, as if in disbelief.

“Yes. That’s the best option for the both of us pati na rin—“

“What? No! Ayoko.”

“Excuse me?”

Wynona has his eyebrows furrowed with how Miguel Kim rejected the thought. Ang akala niya ay saglit lang silang mag-uusap, ipapaalam niya lang ang balak niya at makakaalis na silang dalawa.

“Ako nalang,” Miguel said in almost a whisper, “Ako nalang ang magpapalaki sa bata. Pagtapos mong manganak, ako na sa lahat.” he said.

Those words shocked Wynona even more— that Miguel Kim wants to raise the baby on his own kesa sa ipalaglag ito.

For sure, Wyn did not see that coming.

Chapter Text

It was one night.

Wynona’s never the one to do things without thinking about the possible consequences of his actions. He’s just not that type of person.

He grew up alone.

His parents passed when he was still in high school. Fortunately, his parents had a lot of good insurance, and that’s the reason he was able to live without asking much help from his relatives.

It was hard. Sino bang hindi mahihirapan kung mag-isa ka lang sa buhay lalo na sa murang edad? Superhero ka na ata kung mamaniin mo lang ‘yon.

Mahirap dahil mag-isa ka at lalong mas mahirap kapag unti-unti mong naabot ang mga gusto mo sa buhay pero wala na sila.

Maybe, just maybe, that’s also the reason why Wynona found comfort in loneliness because: when you’re alone, there is no one to look forward to.

Pag mag-isa ka, walang mang-iiwan sayo.

He’s twenty-five years old.

Born and raised in Laguna. Unang tumira sa Calamba pero lumipat sa Sta. Rosa dahil mas malapit doon ang trabaho ng Tatay niya at nandoon na siya hanggang sa magbinata.

They live in a humbe two-storey house in Olympia. Maayos naman ang buhay nila. His mother is a fast-food chain’s branch manager, and his father owns a hardware and three water stations.

Masaya ang pamilya nila. Maging ang nga kamag-anak ay mababait, palaging nakasuporta dahil na rin siguro bunso at nag-iisang babae ang kaniyang nanay.

He loves his parents, and that’s why he always does his best in school. He wishes that someday he’d be successful and spoil them.

Ang kaso, hindi pala mangyayari yun.

Kung siya lang ang masusunod, ayos na siyang sa Laguna manirahan at mag-aral, wala namang problema. Ang kaso lang, ayaw siyang tantanan ng mga Tito at Tita niya pagtungtong niya ng senior highschool.

Jusko. Kulang nalang gawan siya ng powerpoint presentation ng mga naglalakihan at nag-gagandahang unibersidad sa Maynila para lang kumbinsihin siya lalo na nung malaman na ang balak niyang pasukan eh yung malaking unibersidad sa Biñan, panget raw ang konotasyon sa unibersidad na ‘yon at sayang daw ang talino niya kung sakali.

Wynona, probably because he’s been living alone all his life, learned to make decisions for himself—but that doesn’t mean he’s not easily convinced when other people try to change his mind.

Minsan nga hindi ganon ang kaso, nagbabago ang desisyon niya para matapos na ang usapan. Ayaw niya rin kasi ng mahabang diskusyon.

That’s why, instead of basking in Laguna’s literal heat, he went to Manila with a promise of a good education and a convenient life from his Titos and Titas, who loved him dearly because he was the spitting image of their younger sister.

Again, he’s just twenty-five years old. That’s a fact that never fails to leave the executives with their mouths open; it’s because a twenty-five-year-old handling a whole outsourcing business in Manila is nearly impossible unless you’re that smart and capable.

Hindi yun madali.

Hindi madali para sa kung kanino at lalong hindi madali para sa taong kagaya ni Wynona— when you’re up there, you’re supposed to be all smiles and always ready to mingle with not just the executives but all person in the building at doon siya laging hirap.

November na.

It’s almost the end of the year, and that’s why he’s really stressed about trying to meet all the deliverables, especially with the talks of a possible client visit by the end of May.

He’s so stressed. That’s probably the reason why he started to go all out in that one bar in BGC, durog siya.

Durog na durog. That’s just not him.

He could vividly remember how he decided to take shot after shot of tequila, and not even his best friend Seokmin could stop him.

He’s too drunk that he decides to throw all of his inhibitions away and let this tall, handsome, moreno guy bring him home and touch him on all sides of his body.

“You look… pretty.”

The man is undeniably handsome. He’s probably six-foot something, has a nice smile, and smells good despite the never-ending sweat and excitement of the people around them.

However, the two security that followed the man did not go unnoticed in Wynona’s eyes.

“Are you someone important?” His eyebrows furrowed, almost teasing.

The taller guy shook his head, even shrugging his shoulders, and with that kind of nuance, Wynona knew this guy was probably a VVIP who did nothing but cause trouble.

If there were no alcohol in his system, Wynona would walk away because he knew better than to stick to a man this tall but useless. Still, it’s probably because of the never-ending shot of Cuervo and double black that instead of walking away, he found himself pressing his body against the stranger.

“Tangina,” the stranger breathed out, “Ang kinis mo.” he whispered, his hands slipping inside Wynona’s loose dress shirt.

A shot of tequila. A good party music and a hot moreno is all it took for Wynona to lose that one strand of sanity that’s been keeping him from going all out.

Kaya ito siya ngayon, nangingiyak.

“Tangina. Kinakabahan ako, Seok.”

“Nakita mo na ba?” nanlalaki ang matang tanong nito, “Tangina. Hindi pa pala eh. Silipin mo na.”

Wynona’s always been proud.

Hindi naman siya mayabang. It’s just that he’s also not the type to shy away from opportunities, especially when it’s presented to him— para sakin ‘yan, that’s how his mind works every single time.

May magandang mukha, may kamag-anak na nakasuporta, matalino at magaling sa trabaho. He has traits that are key to an easier life and success, so he always makes sure to seize opportunities and not make stupid decisions that might take them away from him.

Kaya ayan, mangiyak ngiyak siya ng unang ipunto ni Seokmin ang madalas niyang pagsusuka, maging ang biglaan niyang pagka-hilig sa matatamis na hindi niya naman gusto noon.

It was supposed to be a harmless joke from Seokmin when he threw the buntis ka ba to Wynona. Kasi paano yun mangyayari? He has no relationship since birth.

“Sige na, Wyn. Para malaman na natin.” Pag-alo sakaniya ng kaibigan, “Malalaman at malalaman rin naman natin ‘yan.”

Wynona looked at the seven pregnancy test kit that he tried, lahat ‘yon hindi niya pa nakikita ang resulta dahil sa sobrang takot niya.

Seokmin’s right, he needs to know the fact sooner or later, might as well do it now? Tangina. Hindi naman kasi madali.

Inabot niya ang isa at dahan-dahan itong hinarap sakaniya. The two of them gasped upon seeing the result; Seokmin even snatched the test kit from him and looked at all the other kits to check if there was one that showed a different result pero wala, lahat pare-pareho ang sinasabi.

Positive.

He could feel his hands getting cold upon seeing those two lines and his head getting so heavy upon seeing the other kits that showed nothing but the same result. It felt as if someone was flipping his stomach upside down. He’s anxious, scared, and doesn’t know what to do.

“W.. Wyn…”

Even Seokmin was speechless. He didn’t know what words he could offer to his friend.

Wynona and a kid? That’s a picture he never thought he’d see.

“I’m.. I’m doing so.. I’m doing so well,” he’s anxiously biting his lip, “No. Ang dami ko pang gustong gawin, Seok. This.. this is not for me.” He breathed out.

Seokmin sat on the white velvet couch, running his fingers through his hair, wala na ring pumapasok sa utak niya dahil ang dami niyang tanong na alam niyang hindi agad masasagot lalo na’t parang wala sa wisyo ang kaniyang kaibigan.

“Sino.. sinong ama niyan?” he asked.

Ang businessman at ang anak ng senador na si Miguel Kim kasangkot di umano sa iniimbestigahang yacht party para sa anak ng notorious Alabang drug lord na sinasabing matalik na kaibigan ng binata.

Timely.

Wynona’s world stopped. His eyes bore into the television, reading the headlines and trying to comprehend what the news is all about.

Tangina.

Senator’s son? Involved in a drug scandal? Bestfriend to an Alabang druglord’s son?

Hindi man lang siya namili ng maayos na ama para sa anak niya.

“That man,” Wynona with shaking fingers pointed at the television, “That good for nothing is the father of my child.” he said.

Chapter Text

“Putangina, Miguel. Hindi na natapos tapos ‘tong problemang ‘to.”

He was just staring at his father’s gun collection as he was called to let him know about the state of the two young men who were currently in the hospital.

“Umamin ka. Tangina. Ano bang nangyari?” Singhal sakaniya ng ama niya.

Miguel Kim Jr. A public attorney turned senator who wants the best for his countrymen only to be eaten by greed, power and influence five years after being in a government position.

Noong bata pa siya, palagi niyang kasama ang ama sa lahat ng bagay. Hindi pwedeng hindi sila umaalis kada Linggo para mamili ng mga laruan niyo o di kaya tatambay sa park malapit sakanilang village para lang magkaron ng oras para sa isa’t isa.

However, all of that changed when his grandfather became terminally ill. Biglang hindi na sapat ang kinikita ng kaniyang ama bilang abogado para sa bayan kaya napagdesisyunan nitong manghiram ng malaking pera— yung makukuha agad pero dignidad at buong buhay mo ang kapalit.

Twenty-million. Para sa pagpapagamot at maginhawang buhay ni Miguel Kim Sr. sa ibang bansa.

Twenty-million mula sa notorious Alabang drug lord na si Sergio Choi.

Ang bilis niyang nakuha ang pera. Ilang bangko ang nilapitan niya para mangutang, ilang kaibigan at ilang trabaho at kaso ang sinubukan niyang kuhanin pero alam niyang kahit lumuha siya ng dugo ay hindi sasapat ang perang makukuha niya para sa pagpapagamot sa ama— kaya kahit na nakakaapak ng pagkatao, lumapit siya sa taong hindi niya inaasahang malalapitan niya.

And truth be told, the devil will give you whatever you want as long as you’re more than willing to pay the price. No matter how long, no matter how hard it takes.

Pagtapos ng twenty-million, andiyan pa ang therapy, pagpapagamot, bahay at bayad sa tagapag-alaga. Lahat ng ‘yon ay si Sergio Choi ang nagbayad, walang pag-aatubili.

Sinigurado rin nito na hindi kailanman mababakante sa trabaho ang kaniyang asawa bilang artista kaya kabi-kabila ang pelikula at ang serye. Nang makaipon, laking gulat ni Miguel Kim Jr. nang tanggihan nito ang paunang bayad sakaniyang mga utang.

“Hindi pera ang hihingin kong kapalit sayo, Kim. Marami ako niyan.”

He was told to run first as a councilor, then as mayor, and later, Sergio Choi told him to file his candidacy for Senator.

He hoped and endlessly prayed not to win— pero hindi nakalimutan ng sambayanan ang pagtulong niya sa mga magsasaka, sa mga kapos para sa abogado at maging sa mga batang biktima kaya nanalo at patuloy siyang nananalo.

Sa tingin niyo? Bakit ba kahit kailan hindi nahuli ang mga Choi.

They’re importing and exporting illegal firearms and cocaine to different drugs even operating online casinos pero kahit kailan hindi naranasan humimas ni Sergio Choi ng rehas ng selda.

And that’s all thanks to Senator Miguel Kim Jr.

“Sinabi ko sayo, Miguel, Noon pa man,” mariin siyang tinitigan ng ama, “Tigil tigilan mo ang kalalapit diyan kay Sebastian.” he said through gritted teeth.

Miguel rolled his eyes, glancing at the wall clock because he’d be late for an important meeting.

“Kaya mo?” he tauntingly asked, “Sergio Choi may be all that but that old man is a fool for his children.”

“Anong gagawin niyang bossing mo pag nalamang ayaw mong kasama ko ang panganay nilang anak?”

His father was about to say something, but Miguel already had enough for the day, so he rose to his feet and grabbed his car keys from one of his security.

“Also,” Miguel faced his father, “I don’t do drugs. Never.” he said.

Nang dumating siya sa opisina, sinubukan niyanh simulan ang mga trabahong naiwan niya kahapon.

Ang daming kailangang bisitahin na lugar, basahin na kontrata at mga bagong negosyante na kailangang pakisamahan.

Oo. Buhay gago naman talaga siya pero kapag usapang trabaho, hindi pa siya nagmimintis.

“Faye, napirmahan ko na yung proposal ng marketing. Pakisabi sakanila na i-check ang email, wala pa ko naririnig pabalik. Importante yun.”

Faye, Miguel's secretary, who is probably in his late forties, nodded as she took the clipboard Miguel handed her.

Isa palang ang natatapos niya sa maraming bagay na kailangan niyang gawin pero hindi na siya makapag-isip ng maayos. Tangina naman. Nagsabay-sabay pa.

Pag ganitong sobrang stress na siya, palaging ang bar ni Sebastian ang gusto niyang puntahan— don kasi madaling makahanap ng babae’t lalake na madaling dalhin sa sasakyan o kapag kinaya pa sa pinaka-malapit na hotel.

Eh, what’s the best way to let off steam? Sex.

“I’m pregnant.”

Putangina.

Yan rin ang dahilan kung bakit pakiramdam niya lumulutang siya araw-araw, hindi niya alam kung saan dapat mag-simula o kung dapat ba sabihin niya na rin ‘to sa mga magulang niya dahil baka malagot na naman siya kung huli na nilang malaman.

Pero sa kabilang banda, ano naman? Ilang taon naman na siya. Marami ring pera. Kahit na mag-anak siya ng lima, alam niyang kaya niyang buhayin. Pero syempre, wag naman sana lima. Tangina naman .

“Just find me someone who can help us with the abortion.”

Miguel clicked his tongue upon hearing those words all over again. Abortion.

Tangina. That never crossed his mind.

Hindi niya rin alam kung bakit. It’s not like he’s against it. Gago man siya but he believes that people should always have a choice and should have the right to exercise it.

Ang kaso, imbes na yun ang pumasok sa isip niya— hindi.

He can’t help but think of a small Miguel with hands clasped together, crying softly because he wants his Dada’s little hugs before his nap time. Tangina. Baby fever siguro.

Ano ba ‘to? Ganito ba pag-stress, nagc-crave ng anak?

Hindi naman yung magandang ‘yon ang una niyang na-kama. Sumakto lang talagang siya yung nadali at sumakto rin na wala lang sakaniya kung magka-anak man siya o ano.

Anong ginagawa nun ngayon?

Running his fingers through his hair, he grabbed his phone and typed a message.

Miguel:

Wynona G.

Wynona:

Jeon. Wynona Jeon.

Anong G sinasabi mo?

Miguel:

Wynona Ganda 🥵

Wynona:

What do you need?

Miguel:

Kapag ba sinabi kong katawan mo, pag bibigyan mo ko?

Wynona:

Putangina mo.

Miguel laughed because of Wynona's unhinged response. He could already imagine his brows furrowing in annoyance, only to roll his eyes right after.

Miguel:

‘To naman. Biro lang

Nagpa-check up ka na ba?

Sunduin kita mamaya

Payag ka na, wala ka namang choice eh

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA :P

Miguel is never the clingy one. Pag nakuha na niya ang gusto niya, sibat agad.

Parang basketball, pag tapos tumira at manalo, ligo sabay uwi na. Ganon lang dapat ka-simple. Ewan niya lang rin ba’t medyo papansin siya kay Wynona ngayon. Siguro dahil nadali niya, ganon? Di niya rin alam, sa totoo lang.

He wants to talk Wynona out of abortion. Siya, handa naman siya kung sakali pero alam niyang dapat ganon rin ang kaso kay Wynona dahil siya ang magdadala ng bata, ilang buwan rin yun— at kung meron mang matinding pagbabago, siya mismo ang makakaranas nun. Kaya desisyon niya any pinaka-importante.

Wynona:

Ayokong makitang kasama ka.

Miguel:

Aray ha.

Tatay ako ng anak mo, paalala ko lang.

Wynona:

Oh, tapos?

Ang yabang. Akala mo hindi nagmaka-awa sakaniya sa kama, mangiyak-ngiyak pa nga.

With his patience running thin, he sent another message to this snob of a guy.

Miguel:

Hihintayin kita mamaya.

Bubuksan niya na sana ang laptop para subukang makapag-trabaho pero agad siyang napahinto ng marahas na bumukas ang pintuan.

“Miguel. Inom tayo?”

Mariin niyang tinignan ang kaibigan na parang wala pang tulog dahil sa lalim ng mata. Bukod don, naka gray sweatpants at white oversized shirt lang.

“Ginagawa mo? Para kang pinalayas.”

Sebastian Choi, a businessman who works whenever he wants to, sat on the wide blue couch, taking in a deep breath.

“Tangina. Nakikipag-hiwalay sakin si Jihoon.” problemadong sabi nito.

Ah.

Si Jihoon Lee.

Yung nilagawan ng tatlong taon nitong gago niyang kaibigan. Kaya nung sinagot, ayan biglang tino. Hindi na umiinom at lalong hindi gumagawa ng ilegal, kahit mahirap man paniwalaan.

“Bakit daw?”

“Yung sa tanginang yacht party nga. Eh puta, sampung minuto lang tayo don diba?” napahilamos sa mukha si Sebastian, “Ngayon, itong si Jihoon inaalala yung dalawang lalake sa ospital baka raw di magising.”

“Aba. Tangina. Kung kaya kong maghimala dumilat lang sila gagawin ko, wag niya lang ako hiwalayan. Eh, kaso, sino ba ko? Si Santino? Close kay Lord?”

Miguel couldn’t help but let out a small laugh when he saw how frustrated his best friend was.

Sa laki ng eskandalo ngayon, ang iniisip niya pa rin eh yung chicks niyang ubod ng puti.

“Saan si Jihoon ngayon?”

“Ewan. Umalis ng condo. Pinapahanap ko pa. Di sumasagot ng tawag eh.”

Napatingin sa oras si Miguel, gusto niya man samahan ang kaibigan na uminom, alam niyang kailangan niya na rin talagang makipag-usap ng mas maayos kay Wynona at magkaroon ng mas maayos na plano para sakanila… at sa bata.

“Seb…”

“Ano?”

Sebastian Choi is his bestfriend.

Malaki man ang utang na loob ng pamilya nila Miguel sa mga Choi at kahit na para sa ama nito, utusan lamang si Miguel Jr., hindi kailanman naramdaman yun ni Miguel sa kaibigan.

“Ano yun? Tangina mo. Nagda-drugs ka ba, sinasabi ko sayo, mahirap yan.”

“Gago.”

Miguel bit the insides of his cheeks as he looked at his bestfriend, napakamot nalang sa batok.

“Nakabuntis ako.”

Blanko ang mukha ni Sebastian habang nakatingin sa kaibigan na para bang inaabangan niyang bawiin nito ang balita pero hindi yun nangyari kaya napasabunot nalang sa sariling buhok si Sebastian Choi na akala mo siya ang magtataguyod sa bata.

“Tangina ka, Miguel,” hampas ni Sebastian sa couch, “Anong gagawin natin niyan?” tanong nito.

Doon natigilan si Miguel.

That made him think about what he really wants— pero hindi naman kasi talaga gusto niya ang dapat na masunod. Hindi siya ang magdadala sa bata. Yun lang ‘yon.

“Kaya ko naman itaguyod yun. Gusto ko naman, kung sakali. Pero di naman kasi ako yung dapat masunod.”

Sebastian nodded his head, fully understanding what his friend meant by that.

Maging siya madalas niyang naiisip na mag-pamilya na, pakasalan si Jihoon at kung talagang magulo para dito ang buhay nila— pwedeng sa ibang bansa o sa probinsya sila manirahan, basta buo ang pamilya.

Ilang oras rin silang nag-usap ng kaibigan hanggang sa saktong paalis na siya ay nakatanggap na ng tawag si Sebastian mula sa isang security na nahanap na si Jihoon kaya agad ‘tong umalis para sunduin ang nobyo.

Madalas, di mapigilang maisip ni Miguel kung makakatagpo ba siya ng ganong klaseng tao. Yung mahal niya. Yung nakakabaliw at yung masakit sa puso kapag hindi sigurado sayo.

There were times when he couldn’t understand why Sebastian, even with all the guys and girls lining up for him, just couldn’t move on from Jihoon even after the countless rejections.

Gusto niyang maintindihan. Gusto niyang maranasan.

Pero sino bang niloko niya? He’s someone who hates the chase. Ayaw niya yung matagal. Ayaw niya nga ng foreplay eh. Gusto niya yung konting pasok ng daliri, pwede na. Sayang daw kasi sa oras. Oh sige, paano siya manliligaw niyan?

But it became even more impossible now, if ever that Wynona will allow him to raise the child, alam niyang dapat ito na ang pag-tuunan niya ng pansin at hindi ang tawag ng laman o ang ibang tao.

Letting out a deep sigh, he drove to Wynona’s building and parked right in front of the exit, not minding the security guard who told him that he should enter the parking space because he might cause a disturbance.

Finally, there he is.

Wynona is wearing high-waist gray pants and an almost cropped purple polo that accentuates his tiny waist and shows a little bit of his still-flat stomach.

For sure, it did something to Miguel.

He could still remember how soft his skin felt against his calloused hands and how his thighs shook as he whimpered for more.

Mabuti nalang at mabilis siyang nagising sa pag dedeliryo kaya nahatak niya agad si Wynona bago pa ‘to makalagpas sakaniya, agad naman siyang sininghalan at sinamaan nito ng tingin.

“Let me go, Miguel.”

“Uy, pag tinatawag mo pangalan ko tumitigas.”

Wynona scrunched his nose in disgust and snatched his arms aggressively from Miguel.

“Biro lang, ‘to naman,” marahan nitong hinaplos ang beywang niya, “Hatid kita. Sige na, mag-usap tayo.” malumanay nitong sabi.

Chapter Text

It took a lot of convincing bago pumayag si Wynona na ihatid siya ni Miguel.

“Grabe ka naman. Hindi mo ba ko papapasukin?”

Wynona just rolled his eyes, tumanggi siya pero mapilit talaga ang binata kesyo kailangan na daw talaga nilang mag-usap. Sa huli, pumayag na rin siya dahil tama rin naman ‘to, kailangan nilang mag-usap.

“Ayos. Malaki laki rin pala ‘tong condo mo.” pinasadahan ng tingin ni Miguel ang buong unit, “Bayad na ‘to?” he asked.

“Yeah…”

“Hm, okay. Babayaran ko sana.”

Wynona was about to say something, but he noticed that Miguel said that genuinely; it’s as if paying off a condo unit is as easy as just buying new clothes in a department store. Unbelievable.

Nakaupo lang sa sofa si Wynona habang nakatingin kay Miguel na akala ko mo nasa showroom dahil panay ang busisi sa unit niya. Ano bang trip nito?

“Napag-isipan mo na ba yung sinabi ko?” Miguel carefully asked.

Doon napahinto si Wynona, alam niya kung ano ang tinutukoy nito. Paanong hindi? Yun lang ang bumagabag sakaniya simula nung nagkita sila, ‘yan lang ang tumatakbo sa utak kahit nasa importanteng meeting siya.

He then looked at Miguel, trying to see right through him, he’s somehow confused— hindi niya maintindihan kung bakit mas gusto nitong palakihin ang bata? Hindi ba mas mahirap ‘yon lalo na at magiging mag-isa siya, kung sakali?

“This.. child… this child, Miguel,” he sighed, “This is not for me. Wala… wala akong alam sa pagmamahal. Wala akong alam sa paga-aalaga ng kung sinuman.”

“At isa pa, ang dami ko pang gustong gawin sa buhay ko at alam kong maski ikaw rin ganon. So, what’s with all of this?”

Mariin ngunit may paga-alala siyang tinignan ni Miguel. Nagkibit balikat ito sakaniya at nagpakawala ng isang malalim na buntong hininga.

“Kailangan ko ba ng malalim na rason?” he raised his brows, “Anak ko ‘yang dinadala mo. Hindi pa ba sapat yun?” he asked as if it was that simple.

Wynona’s lips started quivering. He could feel his hands turning cold, so he started playing with his fingers, trying so hard to maintain his composure.

Tangina.

Hindi naman siya matatakutin. Kagaya nga ng lagi niyang sinasabi, kaya niyang mag-isa at mas maiging mag-isa ka. Nang sa ganon, kapag nagkamali ka, ikaw lang— pero ‘yan rin ata ang dahilan kung bakit hirap na hirap siya ngayon dahil wala siyang ibang kasama kundi ang sarili.

If his father is here, will he get mad at him? If his mother is here, will she be disappointed, or will she hug him first?

Miguel saw how worried Wynona looked, so he walked towards him. Even with a bit of hesitation, he still sat next to the feline-eyed guy, whose shoulder was visibly shaking, probably due to anxiety.

“Hey,” marahan nitong tawag sakaniya, “Alam ko namang gago ako sa paningin mo pero anak ko ‘yan, akin ‘yan, atin.”

“What I’m trying to say is, kung iniisip mong mag-isa ka, hindi. Andito ako. Kung anuman ang desisyon mo, yun ang gagawin natin.” he said, letting out a small smile.

Wynona lowered his head as he could feel the tears threatening to slip out of his eyes at nang hindi niya na nga ‘to mapigilan ay palihim niya itong pinunasan, hoping that the father of his child did not see it.

“If you wanna continue with the abortion, let me know, hahanap tayo ng pwedeng tumulong satin para don. Believe me, makakahanap tayo.”

“And if you wanna take my offer, ipapangako ko sayong bibigyan ko ng magandang buhay ang bata at hindi mo na kailangang mag-alala…”

Wynona gulps down, biting his lower lips and still playing with his fingers not wanting to meet Miguel’s eyes dahil natatakot siyang mahimigan nito ang pag-iyak.

One thing about Wynona is that he doesn’t like it whenever people see him cry, regardless of the reason. Wala pa atang pagkakataon na nakita siya ng ibang taong umiyak maging nung namayapa ang kaniyang magulang.

“Sige na,” Miguel tapped his knees gently, “Mauuna na ko para makapag-pahinga ja na.” he said.

The taller rose to his feet maging si Wynona para sana maihatid kahit hanggang pinto lang ang bisita.

Miguel almost cursed under his breath when Wynona almost fell down on the floor kung hindi niya agad nahawakan ‘to sa braso, he looked at the man with concerned eyes at doon niya napansin na namumutla ito.

“Tangina. Namumutla ka.”

Wynona scrunched his nose as he fixed his glasses. He was about to remove Miguel’s hands from him, but the younger man just held him tighter.

“Anong nararamdaman mo?”

“L.. light headed lang. Matutulog na ako, aayos rin ‘to mamaya.”

Wynona thought Miguel would leave immediately, so he was surprised when, instead of walking away from him, the taller slowly wrapped his arms around the small of Wynona’s waist, guiding him as they walked towards the room.

Medyo nahihilo at biglang sama rin talaga ng pakiramdam ni Wynona kaya imbes na singhalan ang binata, hinayaan niya nalang ‘to hanggang sa makahiga siya sa kama.

“I have to go shower. This.. this is my outside clothes.” his eyes are begging to be closed.

Miguel bit his lower lips, finding the other adorable because his lips tugged downwards.

“Alarm, please. One hour.” Wynona said, almost wincing because of his splitting headache.

The taller figured that he probably really hates sleeping on his bed with his outside clothes dahil, una sa lahat, sino bang may gusto ‘non? That’s why he grabbed Wynona’s phone and set up an alarm after two hours placing the phone back at the side table.

After two hours, his alarm finally went off.

This is why he hates falling asleep before showering. He doesn’t appreciate the sticky feeling, kabayaran siguro sa katamaran niya na imbes magpalit muna eh nahiga agad sa kama at natulog.

Dahan-dahan siyang umupo sa kama dahil baka mahilo na naman siya. Nung isang araw, nagising rin siya ng dis oras dahil sa sama ng pakiramdam para siyang nasusuka na hindi mo malaman but that feeling went away after eating a chocolate ice cream.

Without any other thoughts, he showered and changed into a fresh set of clothes. Then, grabbing his laptop and phone, he checked the messages.

Miguel:

Hi. Nangeelam na ko sa kusina at ref mo

May adobo akong niluto. Nakapag-saing na rin ako kaya kumain ka paggising mo

Message mo rin ako kung kailan ka magpapa-check up ha? Sasamahan kita

The last message from Miguel Kim made his breathing hitched, he bit his lower lip as he stared at the message.

Miguel:

Alam kong natatakot ka. Andito lang ako. Alam kong hindi mo naman ako kilala at malamang wala kang tiwala sakin pero ako ang tatay ng anak mo, anak natin. Aalagaan kita.

Aalagaan ko kayong dalawa.

Wynona pursed his lips as he tried so hard not to let the tear slip out of his eyes. No. He doesn’t want to cry especially not because of the empty words of this stranger.

Ayaw niya.

Paano siya makakasiguro na magiging maayos ang bata? Na magiging maayos siya pagtapos ng lahat? Ang gulo gulo.

Is this the pregnancy hormones that they’re all talking about? Pakiramdam ni Wynona ay sasabog siya sa sobrang dami niyang nararamdaman, hindi niya alam kung anong dapat unahin.

He’s confused, scared and anxious all at once. Kanina pa rin kumakabog ang dibdib niya at hindi pa rin natitigil ang bahagyang panginginig ng dalawa niyang kamay:

That’s why, even though he didn’t want to, he decided to type a message for his best friend.

Wynona:

Seok?

Busy ka?

Seokmin:

Hindi :)

Puntahan kita bff!

And that, for sure, made Wynona smile a little.

At least, meron siyang Seokmin. May kaibigan siyang nandiyan lagi para sakaniya— a friend who could see right through him. Kahit isa lang, basta gaya niya.

Nang makarating si Seokmin, aligaga na nga siya in nature mas lalo pang nadagdagan ng malaman niyang nahilo kanina ang buntis niyang kaibigan kaya walang tigil ngayon ang pangaral niya kay Wynona.

“Ikaw, anong desisyon mo?” Seokmin finally asked, “Desisyon mo ang pinaka-importante dito.” he said.

He just spent over an hour telling Seokmin about what happened and, well, what kind of person Miguel is— not really much about his character but more so about his background… that he’s a senator’s son, best friends with the invincible Sergio Choi’s son and that he’s probably a fuck boy who has panganays in different regions.

“Kung magandang kinabukasan, di naman ako magtataka ‘ron, mabibigay niya talaga. Hello? Yaman kaya nila.”

“Pero di lang naman ‘yan dapat natin isipin. Ikaw, Wyn, okay lang ba sayo yun? Kaya mo ba, hm?”

And Wynona just raised his brows, “Kaya ko ang?” he asked, oblivious.

“Kaya mo bang dalhin ang bata? Ilang buwan rin ‘yan, maraming pagbabago, emotionally and physically.” Seokmin said, “Pag nagdesisyon ka, isipin mo ang sarili mo. Kung kaya mo ba ngayon, sa susunod na mga araw pati sa mas mahabang panahon.”

Napatungo nalang si Wynona. Kung ang dami dami niyang nararamdaman kanina ngayon ay wala na kundi takot.

He’s scared.

He’s scared of what’s gonna happen to him if he decides to continue with the pregnancy, scared of what’s gonna happen if he chooses not to, and he’s also scared that this child will hate him in the future if ever he gets to meet him.

“This kid.. this kid will just.. hate me, Seok.”

And he couldn’t help it anymore. He busted out in tears as all those questions flooded his mind.

All of a sudden, he’s scared that the kid would hate him. He’s scared that he wouldn’t be able to love his child the way his parents loved him dearly— dahil mas matagal siyang ulila kesa sa panahong kasama niya ang magulang kaya paanong magiging mabuti siyang ama?

“I.. I wanna love my baby too. I wanna love my baby too…”

Finally, Wynona cried his heart out. He cried like a child abandoned by someone dear to him, so Seokmin worriedly walked to his side, pulled him into a warm hug, and caressed his back.

“I wanna do a lot of things.. but… I wanna.. I wanna…”

His voice cracked. He couldn’t even finish his own sentence because of how hard he was crying, his veins popping out and the tip of his nose turning into a slight shade of pink.

“You’ll do great, Wyn. You’ll love the baby just fine, I know. Believe me.”

That night, before he closed his eyes, he sent a text message to the father of his child.

Wynona:

Pumapayag na ako.

Chapter Text

Wynona woke up feeling a bit nauseous, medyo napapadalas ang ganong pakiramdam nitong mga nakaraang araw kaya nasasanay na rin siya.

Kakatapos niya lang mag-ayos para makapasok ng trabaho at hindi niya mapigilang mapataas ng kilay habang binabasa ang mga text sakaniya ni Miguel.

Miguel:

Good morning!

Yun. Madadagdagan na naman ang pogi sa mundo.

May Miguel Kim IV na :)

Kapal ng mukha. As if ipangalan ko ang anak ko sayo, he thought.

Quickly, he typed a message for Miguel.

Wynona:

At paano kung babae?

Miguel:

Oh no.

Ngayon palang pinapatay ko na sa utak ko yung mga manliligaw :(

Wynona:

oa puta

Miguel:

Huy, don’t say bad words! Baka marinig ni baby

Wynona just rolled his eyes when he read that message. Mabilis na siyang umalis at nagmaneho papunta sa trabaho.

It seems as if there is a sudden shift in the atmosphere between him and Miguel; it’s because the taller man is really trying to make a conversation with him. Ang kaso, masiyado siyang OA kaya laging nabibwiset lang si Wynona sa huli.

Miguel:

Nagmamaneho ka ba papuntang opisina mo? Hanapan kitang driver

Wynona:

Buntis ako hindi baldado.

Hindi rin talaga maintindihan ni Wynona ang lalake, it seemed as if all of this was nothing but rainbows and sparkle for him while Wynona was losing his mind with the sudden changes in his life— but, hey, who is he to think that this doesn’t affect Miguel at all, though?

His eyebrows furrowed when he arrived at his office and saw a pink box on top of his table with a pitcher of what seemed to be pineapple juice.

“Ay, Sir Wyn. Kakakuha ko lang niyan sa baba. Padala po ni Sir Seokmin yung cookies tapos yung pineapple juice naman po galing daw kay Tita Melanie.”

Wynona let out a small smile and muttered a small thanks to his secretary before sitting on his swivel chair, and that’s when he decided to check Tita Melanie’s messages to him.

Tita Melanie:

Anak, sobrang busy mo naman! Magpahinga ka pa rin ha?

May balak pumunta ang mga pinsan mo sa Japan dahil manonood daw ng concert. Kung gusto mo sumama, sabihan mo ko ha? Magbbook ako ng flight para sayo

Alagaan mo ang sarili mo, Wynona. Wag puro work, okay?

He couldn’t help but smile upon reading all of that—his Tita Melanie is the younger sister of his late father.

Nung bagong luwas niya sa Manila halos hindi na siya iwan ng Tita Melanie niya sa condo para lang masigurong maayos ang kinakain niya at laging may laman ang ref, he was not joking when he said that he was well taken care of by his relatives.

Paano niya kaya sasabihin sa mga kamag-anak niyang buntis siya?

Ang tagal na siyang inuusisa ng mga Tito at Tita niya tungkol sa pakikipag-relasyon pero palaging ngiti at marahang iling lang ang sagot niya kaya hindi niya alam ngayon kung paano uumpisahan sakanila ang balitang magkaka-anak na siya.

No. Maybe, they don’t have to know. Ibibigay ko rin naman kay Miguel yung bata, he thought.

But instead of relief, he felt a wash of anxiety and loneliness when that thought crossed his mind. Ibibigay niya kay Miguel ang bata.

He’s pulled out of his trance when he receives another message.

Santino:

Hey, dinner later?

Don’t tell me you’re too busy for dinner, Boss Jeon.

Bahagya siyang napangiti ng dahil don.

Wynona:

Whatever.

Libre mo ‘to ha?

Santino:

Kailan kita pinagbayad?

He just rolled his eyes and locked his phone, inumpisahan na niya ang trababo. Hindi naman siya natambakan dahil pinilit niyang tapusin ang mga deliverables lalo na nung mga panahong ang dami-daming tumatakbo sa isip niya.

Nagsunod-sunod ang meetings niya at halos tatlong managers rin ang nakausap niya to get their insights about the upcoming right-sizing and redeployment kaya hindi niya rin namalayan ang oras, ni hindi niya nga napansin na maski tanghalian ay hindi niya na rin nagawa.

He was about to open another file when he heard his phone ringing.

Santino calling…

Oh, right. The dinner.

-

Miguel was just downing the ribeye steak that Sebastian ordered for them.

Dalawang ribeye steak, isang truffle pizza at isang pasta na hindi mabigkas ni Miguel ang inorder ng kaibigan niya at siyempre libre. Bakit? Inuwian na siya ni Jihoon eh.

“Sige na, baby. Dun ka na ulit sa condo na–”

“Paulit-ulit naman, Seb.”

“Eh, kasi baby ikaw eh ayaw mo umuwi satin.”

Miguel looked at his friend in disgust nang marinig pa rin nito ang mahinang pagbe-baby talk ng kaibigan sa boyfriend. Aba, hindi pa kuntento, nakanguso pa na akala mo talaga eh bata. Nakng.

“Nakakasuka kayong dalawa.” puna ni Miguel sakanila.

Sebastian just raised his middle finger up towards his friend, but Jihoon widened his eyes at him, so he muttered a quick sorry kaya mas lalong natawa si Miguel sa kaibigan. Puta. Tiklop na tiklop si Sebastian Choi.

“Ay, Seb. Nasa France si Tito ngayon?”

“Oo. Nagbago daw quality nung party drugs don kaya chinecheck nila.”

And Jihoon facepalmed at that.

“Please,” he sighed, “Do not talk about your deadly business out in the open.” bulong nila.

“Baby, no. Di ko naman yung negosyo eh.” Sebastian said, even pouting at his boyfriend, “Labas ako don, promise!” even raising his hands up.

Jihoon did not come from a wealthy family. Unlike Sebastian Choi, who grew up with almost every single thing, Jihoon grew up with nothing but the wisest words from his parents— basta masipag ka, malayo mararating mo. ‘Yan ang tipikal na maririnig sa Pilipino’ng magulang, which Jihoon did not and will never agree.

When he found out about the lifelong business of Sebastian’s father and how he started as a college dropout with nothing but an almost creaking house in Tondo– doon nagsimulang tumagilid ang tiwala niya sa sipag at tiyaga.

Kasi paanong nahihirapan pa rin sa ibang bansa ang magulang niya habang si Sergio Choi ay nakahiga sa pera na hindi na nila mabilang at masundan?

Jihoon could vividly remember how his stomach churned when he saw Fernando Amorsolo’s painting sitting on top of Sebastian’s bar counter and how he was casually wearing a Daytona and replacing it with another one when he accidentally broke it as if it was worth nothing—they literally do not have a sense of value for money because they just have so so many.

Alam naman ni Jihoon. He’s hyper-aware that his boyfriend is out of everything that his father is doing— hindi kasama sa negosyo at hindi bumibilang sa usapang illegal. At isa pa, hindi kasalanan ni Sebastian ang mabigat na kasalanan ng ama niya.

“Kamusta naman si.. si…” pilit inaalala ni Jihoon kung nabanggit na ba ni Miguel ang pangalan ng taong gusto niyang tukuyin.

“Wynona?”

And as if on cue, just a few tables away sat a beautiful Wynona dressed casually but as stunning as ever.

Ang ganda na sana. Yung nakasira lang eh yung lalakeng naka-upo sa tapat nito na paminsan minsan na inaabot ang kamay ni Wynona para haplusin.

Gago. Alam kaya niyang buntis si Wynona at kasing pogi niya ang ama?

“Tangina,” Sebastian furrowed his brows, “Si Santino ba yun?” he asked.

And Miguel’s heart picked a pace that he wasn’t even familiar with when the man faced their direction, revealing the youngest of Sergio Choi, Santino Vernon Choi.

Oh. Please, don’t let Santino fall in love with Wynona. No.

It’s because he knows that if ever that happens— Sergio Choi will do every single thing to literally give Wynona to his youngest, whether the latter likes it or not.

Chapter Text

Kahit na ayaw umuwi ni Sebastian sakanilang bahay sa Alabang wala siyang choice dahil kailangan niyang kumuha ng mga damit, pwede namang bumili nalang siya ng bago pero magagalit kasi si Jihoon sakaniya at kakabati lang nilang dalawa. Sa ngayon, mas kaya niyang tiisin ang pag-uwi sa bahay nila kesa naman layasan ulit siya ng nobyo.

“Sir, naku! Di namin alam na uuwi kayo. Ano ‘hong pagkain ang gusto niyo?”

“Naku, Sir! Matutuwa ang Daddy niyo pag nalamang umuwi ka na.”

Marahang tinapik ni Sebastian ang braso ng halos isang dekada nilang kasambahay.

“Ate Mae, kukuha lang po ako ng gamit. Wag niyo na po ipaalam kay Dad na umuwi ako.” aniya.

He was about to walk straight toward his room but stopped when he saw his younger brother sitting in their living room, looking intently at his laptop.

Santino and him are different but alike in some way—alike because they both do not want to be associated with their father's illegal and deadly business, but different because, unlike Sebastian, who really does not want to do anything with whatever their father’s doing, Santino, on the other hand, loves using their old man’s connection to be one step ahead of other people, and of course, it always works.

Hindi nagbibiro si Sergio Choi nang sabihin niyang kahit ano ibibigay para sa anak because if one of his sons wants any person dead, he’d do it in a heartbeat.

Their mother passed four months after giving birth to Santino, and that’s the reason why Sergio Choi is especially soft to his youngest.

Sergio Choi is evil to anyone except his family. He loved his late partner so much he’d do anything for her— that’s why when she died, he promised her that he’d take care of their children like his whole life depended on it.

“Santino…”

The youngest Choi was taken aback when he saw his older brother.

“Tangina. Andito ka pala.”

“Kumukuha lang ng gamit, uuwi rin ako agad. Ikaw, bakit ka nandito?”

Santino shrugged his shoulders, “Sa sabado pa matatapos renovation ng condo ko and our old man’s getting all sappy because we never visit him. Yun pala siya naman ang wala.” he said.

“May inaasikaso yun para sa negosyo niya. Tawagan mo para umuwi agad kung gusto mong makita.”

Santino just pursed his lips, shaking his head as he continued typing away from his laptop.

Sebastian remembers how they saw him with Wynona Jeon, and he would like to confront him about it as soon as possible.

He was about to speak again but stopped and stared at his brother. His heart wavered as he took in his features. He was really a spitting image of their mother.

“Kumain ka na ba, Santino? Bago yung chef dito, sabihan mo si Ate Mae na paalalahanan siyang may allergy ka.”

“Whatever…”

Alam niyang baka hindi yun gawin ng kapatid niya kaya siya nalang rin mismo ang nagsabi kay Ate Mae, mabuti na ang sigurado.

Once he was done packing up his things, he left home.

He sometimes feels guilty that he almost never meets his father when all Sergio Choi does is call him every morning to make sure that his eldest is still alive and breathing.

Every month, a new painting, a new watch, and a new property are named after him. Apparently, cleaning your money is really hard and may take weeks or even months. Palaging si Senator Kim ang naglilinis ng pera ng pamilya nila and he does a really good job at it kaya hindi mabitawan ng ama niya.

Don’t get him wrong, Sebastian has no ill feelings towards his father. He knows that his father provided him with everything he needed growing up— he’s always present in every milestone of his life, and he always makes sure that no one can aggravate him or his brother, but that doesn’t mean it was easy.

It was hard. It was nerve-wracking.

Hindi niya alam kung hanggang kailan niya makakasama ang ama. Nung bata siya dalawa lang ang kinatatakutan niya— ang makulong ang ama niya o ang mamatay ‘to.

He knows that with the amount of illegal business he’s done, he deserves to be put in jail, but his young mind could only think about missing his father and losing someone who lulls him to sleep, if ever. Kaya ayaw niya.

Ngayon ba nagbago na ang pananaw niya? Ngayon ba, sa tingin niya dapat nang makulong si Sergio Choi? Hindi niya pa rin masagot hanggang ngayon at ‘yan ang dahilan kung bakit sinusubukan niyang iwasan ang ama.

Sergio Choi is such a horrible human, and he is his favorite child.

“Ilagay mo na sa kwarto ‘yang mga damit mo. Ako na maga-ayos.”

He was pulled out of his thoughts when he heard Jihoon’s voice.

Sinundan niya lang ito ng tingin hanggang sa makarating ito sa kusina, cutting some mushroom and preparing his ingredients because he’s craving for a creamy carbonara.

Growing up, Sebastian thought that life is supposed to be rushed and messy.

Siguro dahil na rin sa gulo na dala ng negosyo ng ama niya. Lagi siyang may kasamang security, hindi siya pwedeng lapitan, hindi pwedeng hawakan at hindi pwedeng makipag-kilala basta basta at palaging nagmamadali kung may isang taong matagal ang tingin sakaniya.

He’s been living like he’s hunted all his life that’s why he thought that life should be lived like that— in a cage just so you’d be protected.

Luckily enough, all of that changed when he met Jihoon.

Tangina. Sobrang lumang tugtugin pakinggan pero parang bumagal ang lahat nang makilala niya si Ji. It felt as if living life became smoother, easier and beautiful. It’s as if nothing could go wrong as long as he get to stay with Jihoon.

Sebastian walked towards Jihoon, gently wrapping his arms around his smaller boyfriend before burying his face in the crook of his neck and letting out a small smile.

“Something happened, hm?”

He’d give it to Jihoon, to be fucking honest. Kasi, who would give someone like him a chance? Eh tangina ang gulo ng buhay niya.

“I’m so sorry,” he whispered, “I’m so sorry I love you and I just.. I just can’t let you go.”

Hindi naman tanga si Sebastian.

Alam niyang hindi madali ang maging ka-relasyon siya at lalong hindi payapa ang magkaroon ng koneksyon sa taong kagaya niya, running away is a much plausible option for Jihoon.

Minsan iniisip niya, tama bang ipasok si Jihoon sa buhay niya? Alam niyang mahihirapan ‘to at alam niya rin na habambuhay na may paga-aalala sakaniya kung sakali.

Sometimes, just really sometimes, Sebastian thinks that letting Jihoon go means loving him even more because it means peace and a more normal life for him. Ang kaso, kada maiisip niya ‘yan, agad rin naman siyang natatauhan dahil alam niyang mababaliw siya kung sakaling mawala sakaniya si Jihoon.

Truth.

He could still remember how he stopped eating for a week back in college because Jihoon ghosted him out of nowhere. When his father found out about it, he sent his men to different regions to find him.

“Baliw ka. Nababaliw ka na, Sebastian.”

Those are the words that he first heard from Jihoon nang malaman nitong napaka-raming tao ang hinahanap siya sa iba’t ibang lugar ng bansa.

“You’re crazy,” Jihoon faced him, “Masaya akong mahal mo ako, Seb.” he said, in almost a whisper.

Jihoon reached out for Sebastian’s hands, intertwining their fingers before he looked at him straight in the eye.

“Hindi ko siguro laging napapakita pero masaya akong mahal mo ko,” Jihoon then slowly wraps his arms around Sebastian’s neck, “And I am so so happy that I love you too.” he said, his voice firm.

Tangina.

Sebastian will literally throw every single thing that he has as long as he gets to keep his Jihoon.

Chapter Text

Ang dami niyang ginagawa.

Ang daming meetings ang nagdaan, kontratang kailangan pasadahan ulit at iilang reklamo na kailangan nilang masolusyunan dahil nakaka-apekto na ‘to sa operations at kung magtuloy-tuloy ay baka masilip rin ng mga kliyente.

Wynona ran his fingers through his hair; the unpleasant feeling was still lingering. He always feels nauseous, especially when he’s standing for a little too long kaya palagi siyang may baong candy dahil pakiramdam niya ay masusuka siya palagi.

He’s been so caught up with his work that he couldn’t even respond to Seokmin’s text. Inis na inis rin sakaniya si Santino dahil panay patay lang sa tawag si Wynona, he’s really not joking when he said that he was busy. Sa sobrang abala niya ay nakakalimutan niya nang kumain.

He stretched his arms when he finally ended the meeting with some of his operation managers. Finally, he closed his laptop and started scrolling through his messages.

Miguel:

Huy, sobrang busy mo naman

Make sure you’re eating

Daan ako sa condo mo bukas. Mag-iwan ako stock ng pagkain at lutuan kitang ulam para alam kong may sustansya mga kinakain mo

Wynona couldn’t help but roll his eyes. Ang OA lang talaga, he thought.

But Wynona’s thankful that Miguel stayed true to his words. Simula nung pumayag si Wynona na ipagpatuloy ang pagbubuntis niya ay palagi na siyang kinakamusta ni Miguel. Lagi rin ‘tong nasa condo niya para maglinis, ipagluto siya ng ulam at madalas ay nag-iiwan ng  sandamakmak na pagkain sa ref para daw may stock siya.

Wynona was about to ignore all those messages but stopped when another one came from the father of his child.

Miguel:

May appointment tayo sa OB wedsnedsay ha? Free your sched

I’ll pick you up

Wynona stopped.

Damn.

Yup, he needs a thorough check up. Simula nung nalaman niyang buntis siya ay hindi pa siya nakakapagpa-tingin. Palagi niyang sinasabi kay Seokmin that he’d set up an appointment, but he always forgets, so Miguel doing it instead is like a stab in the chest.

Tangina. Paanong magkaka-anak siya sa ganitong lagay?

He’s gonna be.. such a bad parent.

Wynona bit his lower lips, trying so hard not to shed a tear because he didn’t even know the reason why he was tearing up. Damn this stupid stupid pregnancy hormones.

Mabilis siyang nagbukas ng laptop at nag-file ng leave para sa araw na binanggit ni Miguel. Ito nalang naman ang pwede niyang gawin para sa anak.

There’s a lot of things going through his mind kaya rin siguro pinipili niyang magpakalunod nalang sa trabaho dahil sa ganoong paraan para bang nakakalimutan niya ang mabigat na responsibilidad na kailangan niyang kaharapin.

Sa ngayon, walang ibang nararamdaman si Wynona kundi purong takot. Hindi niya alam kung ano ang mangyayari sa mga susunod na buwan. Paano kung biglang magbago ang isip ni Miguel at biglang ayaw na niyang kuhanin ang bata? Kung ganon, anong mangyayari sakaniya?

He’s selfish; he knows that by heart. That’s also why he knows being a parent will never be for him.

Wednesday came.

Check up lang naman ang gagawin pero hindi niya alam bakit grabe ang kabog ng dibdib niya.

Seokmin:

Hello bff!

Balitaan mo ko kung kamusta si baby ha?

Hihi! Ilang weeks na kaya siya omg

Wynona rolled his eyes when he saw the messages from his friend.

Wynona:

Wag kang excited diyan.

Magte-text palang rin sana siya kay Miguel na sa ospital nalang silang dalawa magkita para makapag-dala siya ng sasakyan but before he could even do that, he heard his door click open and saw the taller guy with a paper bag in his hands.

“Ano na naman ‘yan?” Taas ang kilay nitong tanong.

Hindi na mabilang ni Wynona kung ano-ano ang mga pinagbibili ni Miguel para sa condo niya minsan kahit hindi naman talaga kailangan sa pagbubuntis niya eh binibili nito kagaya ng bagong aircon ngayon sa kwarto niya at maging air humidifier sa kaniyang sala.

“Huy, ang aga aga ang sungit mo,” marahang sita sakaniya ni Miguel, “Baka mahawa ang baby natin niyan.”

Wynona froze as Miguel walked towards him, placing his hand on his waist and the other on his stomach.

“Musta pakiramdam, hm?” bulong nito, “Hilo pa rin ang Mama?”

Wynona gulps down.

Mama.

Wynona couldn’t explain the whirlwind of emotion he felt upon hearing that word coming out of Miguel’s mouth… it sounded endearing.

“M.. medyo sanay na kaya ayos lang.”

“Huh? Anong sanay na,” tinaasan siya ng kilay nito, “Di ‘yon normal kaya hindi mo dapat sinasanay yung sarili mo sa ganon. Baka mamaya sobrang sama na ng pakiramdam mo di ka pa rin magsabi ha?”

Miguel then leaned down, placing his chin on top of Wyn’s head as he pulled the latter close to him, “Sasabihan mo ako palagi.” he said in almost a whisper.

To mask whatever he’s feeling, he elbowed Miguel to get out of his touch atsaka ito inirapan.

And when they finally arrived at the hospital, mas lalong lumakas ang kabog ng dibdib ni Wynona. Kinakabahan siya. Maayos lang kaya ang baby? Tangina. Hindi niya alam. Para bang ngayon siya pinagbabayad sa mga panahong hindi siya kumakain sa tamang oras at hindi niya iniinom ang gatas na bilin sakaniya ni Miguel.

“C’mon, let’s check how far along are you.” malumanay na sabi ng doctor.

Wynona bit his lower lips, playing with his finger as he lay down. He winced when a cold gel hit the skin of his stomach.

He closed his eyes, nervousness still eating him up. It felt as if all of the worries that had been keeping him up the past few days vanished into thin air when he heard a faint but loud thumping sound.

“Hmm,” the doctor squinted, “Look, that’s your little one, hijo.”

And Wynona’s eyes stayed glued on the monitor, trying so hard to see his baby, hindi maipaliwanag ang nararamdaman.

Everything’s looking good. Yan lang ata ang naintindihan niya sa sinabi ng doctor dahil hindi niya na maalis ang tingin sa sonogram na inabot sakaniya. Kung may kailangan siyang gawin at bilhin pwes si Miguel na ang bahala don.

Hanggang sa makarating sa sasakyan ay hindi pa rin umiimik si Wynona kaya imbes na magsimulang magmaneho ay tinignan na ‘to ni Miguel na puno ng paga-alala.

“Hey, anong nararamdaman mo, hm?” marahang hinaplos ni Miguel ang braso nito, “May masakit ba?”

And Wynona couldn’t hold it in any longer; he busted out in tears, and no matter how hard he tried to wipe it away ay patuloy pa rin ang pagbuhos ng mga luha niya. His lips were quivering, and his fingers were shaking as he cried.

“Hey, hey,” may halong paga-alala ang tawag ni Miguel ng makita ang mga luha nito, “May masakit ba, baby?” he asked.

Wynona’s lips tugged downwards as he tried to form a word, but nothing came out of his mouth, so he cried even more.

He’s nine weeks pregnant.

The doctor told him that he should take care of himself and make sure that he won’t be under a lot of stress, yun lang ang naintindihan niya. His sole focus is the tiny being inside him; he just can’t take his eyes off his child.

“Wyn, hey,” silip ni Miguel sakaniya, “What’s wrong?” he asked, worried.

Wynona bit the inside of his cheeks. Hindi niya rin alam kung bakit siya naiiyak at mas lalo lang siyang naluluha dahil sa marahang tanong at haplos sakaniya ni Miguel.

“Ikaw,” mahinang sabi ni Wynona, “Anong nararamdaman mo kanina?” he softly asked.

“Hm, kailan? Nung nakahiga ka?”

Wynona nodded his head while looking at Miguel like a lost aggravated kitten.

“Ang sarap mo.”

Sinamaan lang siya ng tingin ni Wynona dahil sa sagot nito but the both of them still shared a small laugh together. It is visible that both of them are happy seeing their unborn child for the first time, and even though none of them wants to admit it, there’s this certain hope growing inside of them— na baka kaya nga nilang dalawa, na baka maging mabuti naman silang magulang.

“I.. I wanna see the baby,” his lips tugged downwards, “Will.. Will you please let me see the baby?” he asked.

It’s the pregnancy hormones.

Ayan ang pilit na sinisiksik ni Wynona sa utak niya dahil maisip palang na hindi niya makikita ang anak dahil kukuhanin agad ito ni Miguel gaya ng pinag-usapan ay parang dinudurog na siya.

“What are you saying, hm?” mas lalong inilapit ni Miguel ang lalake sakaniya, “Of course. It’s our baby po. You will see the baby.” he said, with finality in his voice.

Wynona blamed everything that he did that day on his pregnancy hormones— the way he cried even after arriving at his condo, the way he sent a death glare to Miguel when he tried letting go of the hug, and the way he almost wailed again when his baby daddy bid goodbye because it’s getting late.

Miguel:

Hey, kuha lang akong gamit okay? Balik rin ako agad

Stop crying, baby. Saglit lang ‘to

Miguel doesn’t know why, but the thought of Wynona not wanting to let go of him earlier made him smile.

Chapter Text

Something shifted in the atmosphere between Miguel and Wynona after the check-up. Mas makapal na ang mukha ni Miguel ngayon, Wynona thought.

Nung una ay napapadalas lang ang bisita nito sa condo niya para makasigurado na may stock pa ng pagkain at vitamins si Wynona hanggang sa unti-unti na ‘tong nagkakaroon ng sariling gamit sa condo at madalas na doon na rin natutulog.

Wynona called him out for it once but never did it again. Ayos lang rin naman kasi talaga.

Maging si Seokmin sinabihan rin siya na mas maganda nga kung may kasama siyang ibang tao para may mag-asikaso sakaniya kung sakaling bigla na namang sumama ang pakiramdam niya.

“Ang cute,” Miguel giggled, “Siguro sobrang ganda nitong anak natin kung babae.” he proudly said.

Wynona has his eyebrows furrowed in confusion, hindi makuha kung saan nanggagaling ang mga pinagsasasabi ni Miguel.

“Anong cute? It looks like a tiny hamster.” he blurted out.

Miguel snapped his head towards Wynona looking so offended because of what he just said. Hamster? Talaga, yun talaga? Eh anak nila yun.

“Di mo talaga iniisip mga sinasabi mo,” napanguso si Miguel, “Anak natin sabihan mo ba naman na parang hamster.”

Hindi na umimik si Wynona dahil alam niyang hindi sila matatapos ni Miguel kung sasagot pa siya.

He just grabbed his car keys and was about to go out.

“Uy, uy! Aba saan ang punta? Parang walang kasama ah. Di man lang magpaalam.”

“I’ll just meet a friend.”

“Wag mo ko niloloko ah. Si Seokmin lang ang friend mo.”

Wynona ran his fingers through his hair as he crossed his arms while looking straight at Miguel na hindi pa tapos sa mahaba niyang litanya.

“Hindi si Seokmin ang kikitain ko. Magla-lunch lang kami ni Santino, he’s also a friend of mine.”

Miguel stilled in his spot upon hearing that name from Wynona. Tangina. Akala ko ba busy ‘yon. Eh, ba’t nakikipagkita sa Wynona ko? he thought.

Wala na rin siyang nasabi dahil naglakad na palabas si Wynona.

Nagpakawala nalang siya ng isang malalim na buntong hininga at madramang sumandal sa sofa.

Tanginang Santino ‘to.

He filed a leave and told his secretary not to call him unless it’s really urget so he can do whatever with Wynona because he saw on his calender that he doesn’t have work today. Nakng tokwa, umalis naman.

Ayaw niya namang mag mukmok sa condo ni Wynona kaya napagdesisyunan niyang pumunta nalang sa condo ng kaibigan niyang si Sebastian. Hindi na rin siya nag-abala pang magpaalam dahil baka tanggihan pa siya, dibale na kung anumang maabutan niya ‘ron.

“Uy, tangina. Sexy time?” tawa ni Miguel nang buksan ni Sebastian ang pinto na walang pantaas at sobrang gulo ng buhok, “Daming lamok dito, tol?” dagdag niya nang makita ang pulang marka sa dibdib ng kaibigan.

Sebastian threw a middle finger up as he let his friend inside the comfort of his shared condo unit with his lovely Jihoon who’s still inside their room still filled with the remnants of their hot exploration last night.

“Saan si Ji?” Miguel looks around, “Sabihin mo nga ipagluto ako ng kaldereta.”

Agad siyang binato ni Sebastian ng unan at sinamaan ng tingin. Masarap magluto si Jihoon kaya madalas ay naglalambing ng ulam si Miguel dito, literal na lambing, kaya kapag nangyayari ‘yon eh talaga namang pinapaliguan ng mura ni Sebastian ang kaibigan.

“Tigilan mo si Jihoon ah. Tangina mo.”

Miguel just let out a small laugh going straight to their pantry grabbing a whole box of cookies. He then looked for other snacks grabbing those he knows Wynona will surely like becase his baby mama seemed to like sweets.

“Uy, tim-tam paborito ‘to ni Wyn,” he grabbed two tim-tam, “Wow. Sour patch gusto rin ‘to ni Wyn.”

Binatukan siya ni Sebastian at inilayo na sa pantry nila dahil parang balak atang mag grocery ni Miguel sa condo nila dahil panay kuha nang kung ano-anong pagkain na magustuhan.

“Ba’t ka ba nandito? Leave leave ka sa trabaho tas ako iistorbohin mo!”

Napaismid naman si Miguel nang maalala na naman ang dahilan kung bakit napilitan siyang pumunta dito kay Sebastian. Aba! Kung nandon si Wynona sa bahay nila hindi siya gagawi dito.

“Gago kasi ‘yang kapatid mo,” Miguel sat on the couch opening the snacks that he also got from Sebastian's pantry, “Inaya ba namang mag-lunch si Wynona.” he said, shaking his head, annoyance could be heard in his voice. 

Napakunot ang noo ni Sebastian sa kaibigan pero nagkibit nalang rin ng balikat atsaka bumalik ng kusina para kumuha ng instant noodles.

“Eh, ano naman?” ani Sebastian.

Doon natigilan si Miguel.

Oo nga.

Ano naman? He’s not supposed to care, tama ba?

“Ang akala ko ba yung bata lang ang dahilan kung bakit mo pa rin kinikita si Wynona,” Seb cocked a brow, “Eh, ba’t parang nauulol ka diyan dahil magkasama sila ng kapatid ko?”

Huh.

Miguel just rolled his eyes at his friend as if there’s something wrong with what he just said. Mali naman talaga.

“Naga-alala lang. Siyempre, dala niya ang anak ko. Pano kung may mangyari? Edi ako ang nahirapan.”

“Ang OA.”

He just rolled his eyes at his bestfriend before looking at his phone only to sigh and lock it again because there was no response for Wynona yet.

“Si Wyn ata yung lalakeng palaging pinapasundan ni Santino.”

“Ano?” Napabalikwas agad si Miguel, “Bakit pinapasundan?” mataas ang boses na tanong nito.

“Ewan. Dinig ko lang pinahanap niya pa yun, may gusto ata siya ‘ron. Di ko sure.”

Napangiwi si Miguel ng dahil sa narinig niya.

Pinasundan kasi gusto? Tanginang ‘yan. Classic Choi.

“Galawan niyo talaga ganyan, no?” Miguel tauntingly asked, shaking his head in disbelief.

“Ano?”

“Pinapasundan. Obsessed amputa.”

Mabilis na kumuha si Sebastian ng isang magazine at binato ‘to sa gawi ni Miguel sayang lang dahil hindi dumiretso sa mukha.

“At least gumagalaw gago.”

Miguel threw a middle finger at his friend but a few seconds later, he snapped his finger when he remembered something— their baby.

Kinuha niya ang wallet sakaniyang bulsa at inilabas ang sonogram, sinenyasan niyang lumapit ang kaibigan.

Sebastian gasped in utter shock giving Miguel the cup noodles that he was holding just so he could take a look at the sonogram properly, warmth spread through Sebastian’s chest just by thinking that there will be a new addition to their life— to his bestfriend’s life.

“Babae o lalake?”

Kinuha na agad ni Miguel ang sonogram sa kaibigan, “Ewan. Nagagalit si Wyn pag sinasabi kong lalake baka daw magtampo pag babae ang lumabas.” aniya.

Kinuha naman ulit pabalik ni Sebastian ang sonogram sa kaibigan atsaka inilabas ang phone nito.

“Picture-an ko lang,” nakangiting sabi nito, “Pakita ko kay Jihoon mamaya. Matutuwa ‘yon panigurado pag nakita ‘to.” he said.

Hindi mapigilang mapatingin ni Miguel sa kaibigan na iba ang ngiti habang nakatingin sa sonogram ng anak niya.

“Pre, anak ko ‘yan ha?” kinuha na ni Miguel ang sonogram kay Seb, “Baka mamaya panindigan mo eh.” biro nito.

Sebastian bit the inside of his cheeks, a lot of things running through his mind— most of it are thoughts of creating a family with Jihoon.

He badly wants to open up the idea of having kids with his boyfriend but he doesn’t want to scare him dahil baka mamaya ay takbuhan na naman siya. Tangina. Hirap kaya magpahanap ng tao.

“Magpasakal ka na kasi.” kantyaw ni Miguel sa kaibigan.

Sebastian just made a face at his friend and the younger couldn’t help but laugh knowing damn well that he hit a spot.

“Ganyan ka nang ganyan diyan yung mag-ina mo dine-date ng ibang lalake.”

Tangina talaga ni Sebastian Choi.

He just really knows the right words to piss him off. Medyo nakakalimutan na nga niya ang dahilan kung bakit wala si Wynona sa condo tapos pinaalala na naman.

Nang mapatingin si Miguel sa oras ay mas lalo lang siyang hindi mapakali, apat na oras ng wala si Wynona. Akala ko ba lunch lang? Ang tagal naman, slow eater ba silang dalawa? he thought.

Hindi na siya makatiis kaya kahit sandamakmak pa ang text niya kay Wynona na hindi pa rin nasasagot ay dinagdagan niya na naman.

Miguel:

Ma, saan ka na?

Chapter Text

They’re finally done with lunch, so they decided to go get some coffee. They settled in hisbeans because there were few people at this hour, and the coffee’s good, as well as the croffle, which Wynona really likes.

“Huy, easy. You’re slurping the croffle. Di ‘yan spaghetti.”

Wynona just rolled his eyes at his friend who’s looking at him as if eating a croffle is a crime but still, he was able to smile upon getting a glimpse of the other plate of croffle. Siyempre, libre.

“Di ka pa ba hinahanap ng baby daddy mo?” Santino asked.

Mabilis na natigilan si Wynona at sinamaan ‘to ng tingin, “His name’s Miguel. Stop calling him my baby daddy, please lang.” he said, rolling his eyes.

He told Santino about his pregnancy.

Wala. Wynona did not expect for him to just nod his head na para bang normal na normal lang ang balitang sinabi niya dito.

“Ano, magulat ba dapat ako? Eh, tanda mo na. Malamang nakikipag-sex ka. Di ka lang siguro marunong kaya nadali ka.”

Those were Santino's words when he told him about his pregnancy. Though, he doesn’t know who the father is— parang wala lang sense kung malalaman niya pa dahil hindi naman sila magkakilala nito.

At sino ba naman kasi si Santino para magulat, diba? Siya nga ‘tong may pinapasundan na lalake just because he had a crush on said guy since college.

Santino’s really secretive. Siguro kaya rin niya nakasundo ‘to dahil hindi siya nagtatanong ng mga personal na bagay masiyado kay Wynona dahil ayaw rin niyang natatanong.

However, Santino’s a talker. Sobra sobrang daldal lalo na ngayong alam niya na kung saan nagt-trabaho yung lalakeng gusto niya.

Alei Yoon.

A high school teacher in a public school around Manila. A very beautiful one at that. Also, Santino’s long-time crush.

It was… what? Back in college, when he first saw Alei. Unfortunately, Alei’s already in his last year. That’s why he didn’t even get to introduce himself to the older, but that doesn’t mean that the admiration stopped. Hence, the security following Alei Yoon without his knowledge.

“That’s… I don’t know,” Wynona shrugged his shoulders, “Weird.” he mumbled.

Santino just rolled his eyes at his friend, not accepting any other opinions. Basta para sakaniya, tama lang ang ginagawa niya.

Oh, anong masama don? Maigi nga’t may bantay si Alei lalo na’t minsan ginagabi na ‘to sa school at nagco-commute lang pauwi.

“I talked to the school’s principal. Tinatanong ko kung pwedeng mag-donate ng aircon.”

“Tanga. Weird ‘yon. Lalo na kapag klase niya lang yung naka-aircon.”

“Baliw. Malamang buong school meron para hindi sketchy. What do you think?” he asked, even wiggling his brows, na para bang proud siya sa naiisip niya.

Santino is a dumb man when in love.

Noon pa man alam na ni Wynona na galing talaga sa mayamang pamilya si Santino, halata naman sa sasakyan na papalit-palit, sa mamahaling relo maging ang mga kaya nitong gawin sa araw-araw. Kagaya niyan, mag-hire ng security para sa crush niyang hindi naman siya kilala.

“Huy, ilang classroom ang meron sa isang public school. Mahal yun,” Wynona rolled his eyes, “Konti nalang talaga iisipin ko ng anak ka ng mafia boss.” aniya.

Santino just pursed his lips, not saying anything. He just shook his head at his friend, who was already devouring his croffle, which was actually too sweet for his liking. Kaya pati yung kanya ay binigay niya na kay Wynona.

“Bakit hindi ka nalang kasi magpakilala ng maayos don sa tao?”

“Hell. Paano? Wala kaming mutual friends. Ang weird naman kung magpapakilala ako sakanya out of nowhere.”

And Wynona looked at him dead in the eye.

“So, ‘yang ginagawa mo ngayon di weird?”

Santino just scoffed, crossing his arms as he leaned against his seat, biting back a remark for his friend.

They spent another hour thinking of ways for Santino to possibly approach his long-time crush, but the younger one just kept rejecting all Wynona’s ideas.

“Alam mo, magmove-on ka nalang.” pagsuko nito.

Santino was about to say something but stopped when a familiar figure stopped right next to Wynona who’s still busy inhaling his croffles.

“Wyn…”

Maging si Santino ay nagulat nang makumpirma na si Miguel ‘yon at sa likod naman nito ay ang kapatid niyang naka-pajamas pa habang naka-facetime sa boyfriend niya.

“Kuya?” Santino looked at his brother, “You look awful.” he stated.

And it was Wynona’s turn to freeze in his spot when he heard how Santino called the man behind Miguel.

Kilala niya kung sino yun. Sebastian Choi.

“Ano,” he said in almost a whisper, “Kuya?” he asked, looking at Santino as if asking to confirm what was on his mind.

“Oh, yeah. Kuya Seb, this is Wynona. A friend of mine. And Wyn, this is my brother,” he then pointed at the said man, “Sebastian.” he introduced.

Choi.

Sebastian Choi.

Santino Choi.

Fucking hell.

Wynona felt as if his world was spinning upon realizing who Santino was; it was as if every detail that he had noticed over the past few years was now dawning on him.

Akmang tatayo si Wynona ngunit halos matumba na ‘to mabuti nalang at mabilis nahawakan ni Miguel ang kaniyang beywang at inilapit ang katawan sakaniya habang mariin pa rin ang tingin kay Santino.

“Hoy,” Sebastian looked at his younger brother, “Alam mo ba lagay nito?” he asked pertaining to Wyn.

Santino nodded his head, relaxed.

“Ito yung tatay oh,” Sebastian pointed at his bestfriend, “Umayos ka, Santino.” he said.

Santino let out a small taunting laugh, shaking his head, looking at Miguel’s challenging eyes as if wanting to provoke the latter— enjoying the expression he’s getting from his brother’s bestfriend.

“Oh, please. I’m very open minded. May anak o wala ayos lang sakin.” he said, shrugging his shoulders.

Miguel let out a loud scoff upon hearing that snarky remark from the younger. Swerte niya lang at hawak niya si Wynona dahil kung hindi eh baka na-kwelyuhan niyo na si Santino.

“Na.. nahihilo ako, Miguel.”

And that’s more than enough to get his attention; he drew circles on Wynona’s back as he pulled his body even closer.

“Okay, let’s go home, hm?”

Even when driving, Miguel still has his brows furrowed in utter annoyance, still remembering what Santino just said.

Tangina niya. Feeling si gago.

Anong kala niya? Papayag siyang magpaka-ama sa anak nila ni Wynona. In his dreams. Miguel thought.

“Gago rin talaga ‘yang kapatid mo, no?”

Sebastian just let out a small laugh, not really wanting to get involved in the small feud between his brother and his best friend. Laki na sila, kaya nila ‘yan.

They dropped Sebastian off at his condo bago nagmaneho si Miguel papunta sakanila.

When they arrived at the parking area, he was about to get out of the car but stopped when Wynona rested his forehead on Miguel’s shoulder. As if on instinct, Miguel immediately wrapped his arms around the small of Wynona’s waist.

“Kaya pa? Punta na tayo kay doc, baby, hm?”

He was just feeling nauseous and didn’t like it, that’s all; it was nothing serious.

Pero basta, hindi niya rin alam. Kapag nandiyan si Miguel at nahihilo siya gusto niya nalang ibaon ang mukha sa leeg o sa dibdib nito at para bang kumakalma agad siya.

It’s the pregnancy hormones, right? Or maybe it’s the baby. Right. The baby finds comfort in Miguel’s smell.

Chapter Text

“God! So, magkakakilala silang tatlo?” he exclaimed, pacing back and forth.

Wynona just hummed in response while skimming through the files that was sent to him earlier this morning.

Wala daw masiyadong tao sa cafe ngayon kaya napagdesisyunan ni Seokmin na tumambay nalang kahit saglit sa opisina ni Wynona lalo na’t nagsabi ‘tong may nalaman siya. Of course, sinong tatanggi sa chismis?

“Ano? Do you think you dodged a bullet?” Wynona asked, “Or missed the jackpot?” he chuckled.

Minsan niya kasing nireto si Seokmin kay Santino. They went out for a couple of dates— para sa isang kupal, Santino has nothing but nice words for Seokmin— at para sa isang ubod ng arte, Seokmin was left in awe with how Santino treated him the days they were together.

Ang kaso, parehas silang hindi makaalis sa mga bagahe nila. Seokmin, with his situationship. Santino, with his college crush.

“OA ka,” Seokmin rolled his eyes, “Wala naman kaming feelings sa isa’t isa.” he said.

Wynona just shrugged his shoulders, edi mabuti kung ganon.

“Ikaw, anong balak mo? Parang halos sayo na nakatira si Miguel ah.”

He stopped upon hearing that. Oh

Hindi niya rin alam, honestly. Hindi niya na rin namalayan that Miguel is starting to occupy the other half of his cabinet, or his blue toothbrush on the sink and even his favorite scent sitting on top of Wynona’s vanity table— his house does not seem like a house of a person who’s living alone.

“Sinusubukan niyo ba?”

That question made Wynona snapped his head toward Seokmin.

“Ang alin?”

“Kayong dalawa.”

Wynona’s brows is now knitted together because of the sudden question from his friend— that never crossed his mind.

“No? Kung ano ang plano nung una, yun pa rin.” he said, almost cold.

Seokmin’s not taking it.

He stared at Wynona as if trying to read right through him— he’s tough, and while that is true, he’s also soft and needed someone to confide in and be weak with.

Si Wynona kasi ay isa sa maraming tao na pakiramdam niya kapag umiyak at nakaramdam siya ng pagmamahal, mahina siya, o baka maisahan siya.

“If you need something, message mo lang ako ha?”

After Seokmin left, Wynona spent the whole day with meetings and trying to create a good action plan for next month’s upcoming ramp, wanting to leave a good impression on the client, knowing that it would invite more lines of business if this year’s project would succeed.

He’s in his element.

Wynona loves working. He loves staying up all night, searching, and trying to be even better than the last time—making sure that he’s innovative in more ways than one. He loves taking a step back just to see the whole picture before taking a step even further to implement what he got from all the sleepless nights.

Ito. Ang trabaho. Ang career.

Ayan ang mga bagay na lubos na nakakapag pasaya sakaniya kaya alam niyang masisira siya kung mawawala sakaniya ang lahat ng pinaghirapan niya mula noon.

—

Miguel taps his fingers on top of his table and listens to what is being discussed. It was just an online meeting with finance—he’s trying to check how they are allocating the budget for each department because of incident reports of executive managers getting a kickback for projects and deals.

Sa totoo lang, ayos lang naman kay Miguel.

Ang kaso, tanga sila, nagpahuli. Kaya tuloy pare-parehas silang abala ngayon.

Mabilis siyang napatingin sa oras at kinuha ang phone ng makitang oras na para inumin ni Wynona ang dalawang supplement na nireseta sakaniya ng doctor.

Miguel:

Baby

Supplements

Nasa pocket ng bag mo. Labeled it as 2 and 3. Yan kailangan mo inumin ngayon

Miguel’s eyes lingered on Engineer Santos, his lips curving upwards, ito yun.

Underpaid naman talaga ‘tong mga bagong hired na inhinyero. Sigurado rin si Miguel na maliit na porsyento lang ang napupunta sa mga ‘to dahil sila lang ang sumasalo ng dumi ng mas mataas sakanila.

Again, itong mga ganto, ayos lang kay Miguel lalo na’t ang pera ay galing sa mga kliyente at hindi sa mismong kumpanya— ang kaso, kapag gumagawa ka ng kagaguhan dapat pag nahuli ka, alam mo kung anong sasabihin at paano lulusutan.

“Enough with Engineer Santos,” Miguel chuckled, “Hindi naman ‘to HR hearing, wag natin ‘yan idiin dito. I just want to see kung paano kayo nagdidiskusyon, yun lang.”

Mas naging payapa ang meeting nila pagtapos ‘non kaya natapos rin.

Hindi nakauwi ng tatlong gabi si Miguel sa condo ni Wynona dahil sa dami ng ginagawa. Nagmaneho rin siya papuntang Laguna at Cavite para bisitahin ang ginagawang site doon kaya balak niyang tapusin ang mga trabaho na para sa susunod na linggo pa sana— he wanted to make sure that he could go home to Wynona every night.

He was too busy reading the plans and checking the blueprints that needed approval when he received a message from his best friend.

Sebastian:

Tangina tol

Nagkasagutan kami ni Ji

Inom tayo?

As much as Miguel wanted to be there for his best friend, he knew that he needed to finish all of these. Tatawagan niya nalang siguro ang kaibigan mamaya pag marami na siyang nabawas sa trabaho.

He’s so busy trying to get things done that he did not even hear the loud steps of his father, who barged into his room, throwing the photos of him with Wynona taken without their knowledge.

“Tangina mo, Miguel,” marahas siyang hinila patayo ng kaniyang ama, “Anong kalat na naman ‘to?”

Miguel looked at the photos on the floor. He saw one with his arms around Wynona’s waist at the hospital, another at the coffee shop when he was with Sebastian, and the others were just random photos of them together at the grocery store, coming out of the condo building, or him waiting for Wynona in front of his office.

“Tangina, Miguel. Nabuntis mo raw?” itinulak siya ng malakas ng kaniyang ama dahilan para masagi ang isang frame, “Totoo ba? Nabuntis mo?” sigaw ng senador.

Miguel scrunched up his nose, wincing when he saw the blood from his arms because of the shattered glass from the frame.

His father loosened his tie. He shut his eyes as if trying to calm himself down, but then he grabbed one plaque and threw it against the wall, almost hitting his only son.

“Ito,” he pointed at Miguel, “Ito ang kalat na napakahirap linisin, Miguel.”

The young Miguel Kim stood up, looking at his father, confused when he saw fear rather than anger and how his face paled when their eyes met.

“Nabuntis mo ang pamangkin ng presidente!”

Chapter Text

Miguel was just looking at his father, who was pacing back and forth, typing something on his phone, and calling some important names, trying to pull a string as if it would change the fact that Miguel indeed got Wynona pregnant.

Wynona Herrera Jeon.

Tangina. What a powerful powerful name.

In Miguel’s defense, hindi niya naman alam ang family background ni Wynona— that night he just found him… mesmerizing with a beauty so loud, it feels like a sin to look away and deny himself with such a face.

“Sigurado na ba kayo? Buntis talaga?” Miguel Jr., asked.

He shrugged his shoulders, “Nine weeks.”

The old man clenched both of his fist, letting out a deep sigh as he sat on his swivel chair.

“Tangina, Miguel,” mabilis na kinuha at binato sa dingding ng matanda ang isang picture frame, “Alam mong magagalit si Sergio Choi pag nalamang napalapit tayo sa presidente. Alam mo ‘yan.”

Miguel looked at his father; he couldn’t help but shake his head in utter amusement.

“That sounds like a you problem, Dad.”

Tumawa nang malakas ang senador na para bang may mali sa kalkula ni Miguel ng mga bagay-bagay. He looked at his son with such indifference almost as if he was disappointed.

“At sa tingin mo ligtas ka?” his father looked at him tauntingly, “Hindi natin alam kung anong kayang gawin ng presidente sayo.”

Miguel couldn’t care less. Maybe it’s because he grew up with danger all his life that something as trivial as this cannot faze him anymore— Tangina. Aba kung huling araw niya na edi huling araw niya na, ganon lang naman ang buhay.

“Hindi ko alam kung bakit ka ganyan. You’re just… so careless.”

Wala ng pumapasok sa utak ni Miguel.

Apat na araw. Yun nalang ang paulit-ulit niyang naiisip.

Kung hindi siya uuwi ngayong gabi kay Wynona ay apat na araw na siyang hindi nagagawi ‘ron. Hindi rin siya nakapagsabi ng maayos kung bakit dahil parehas silang abala bukod sa panaka-nakang paalala niya sa pag-inom nito ng gamot ay wala na silang iba pang pagu-usap.

“May relasyon ba kayong dalawa?”

Miguel, with his brows knitted together, just looked at his father dead in the eye, not wanting to give him more information— and it’s not as if he could really give more eh totoo namang nangyari nalang ‘yon.

Hindi sila pwedeng mapalapit sa mga Herrera.

Wilfredo Herrera’s trying to swipe off the online casinos, he’s not in favor of it— saying that it will ruin the lives of the Filipinos and will prey on the poor.

Unang taon niya bilang presidente ng pumutok na naman ang pangalan ni Sergio Choi dahil sa nahuling smuggler sa NAIA. Yun lang ang laman ng balita araw-araw dahil may kasabwat raw sa immigration na ang ama niya mismo ang direktang kausap.

Not only that— the news of online casinos, people getting kidnapped and the amount of illegal papers masked as permits to operate that was confiscated— lahat nang ‘yon ay nalusutan ni Sergio Choi dahil sa koneksyon at talino ng ama niya and that’s why Wilfredo Herrera oath to take down Senator Miguel Kim Jr.

Si Miguel Kim Jr., ang utak ni Sergio Choi, a proven fact.

“Miguel, sumagot ka.”

Again, Miguel just looked at his father with a stoic expression.

Hindi na siya bata na basta bastang matatakot sa konting taas ng boses at hindi na rin siya bata para maging sunod-sunuran pa sa ama niya.

He’s a grown-up man who should be making his own decisions.

“Anak ko ang dala-dala ni Wynona, anak namin. We are more than capable to make decisions of our own, Dad.”

Hindi na niya hinintay ang susunod na sasabihin ng kaniyang ama at lumabas na ng opisina nito dahil alam niyang wala naman ng patutunguhan ang usapan, ipipilit lang ng ama niyang malaman ang bawat detalye para malaman kung hanggang saan siya dapat magsinungaling— all of that without getting Miguel’s approval.

Miguel knew that he exudes anger and frustration na kahit sinong makakita sakaniya ay malalaman na wala siya sa wisyo at konting sundo sa inis niya ay diretsong mananapak siya ng tao kaya rin napagdesisyunan niyang wag nalang rin munang umuwi kay Wynona.

Instead of going to Wynona’s condo unit, he decided to go to Sebastian’s condo to probably stay the night there tutal nag-aaya rin naman ng inuman ang kaibigan.

“Anong kailangan mo, anak? Ano bang nangyari at bakit nag-away na naman kayo ni Jihoon?”

The sound of Sergio Choi’s concerned voice greeted him as he entered his bestfriend’s unit.

This is something that Miguel never experienced, ang makakwentuhan ang tatay niya sa sobrang personal na bagay.

“Ewan ko ‘ron. Mahal ko siya pero gulo niya minsan. Ang sabi ko lang naman ay pauwiin nalang ang parents niya kung hirap na don,” Sebastian put his phone on his thighs to hand a bottle of beer to Miguel, “Kako pwede namang ibigay sa magulang niya yung bahay natin sa Bicol. Ayun, nagalit.”

Sergio Choi let out a small laugh on the other line.

“Eh, baka naman kasi ang yabang ng pagkasabi mo, anak. Hindi ka rin dapat naga-alok ng ganon kalaki sakaniya ng basta basta, dahan dahanin mo lang.”

Sebastian just cursed under his breath as he took another shot.

“Osya, sige. Ipapahanap ko agad si Jihoon. Wag ka na lumabas at ang mga tao na natin ang bahala.”

Miguel couldn’t help but look at his best friend, amused by the fact that he was able to be vulnerable with his father, the Sergio Choi.

That’s one thing that Miguel realized upon being friends with Sebastian for how many years— na masamang tao si Sergio Choi pero mabuti siyang magulang.

“Oh, akala ko ba busy ka?”

Miguel pursed his lips, shrugging his shoulders. He was not in the mood to discuss what had happened with his father earlier, as it would just dampen his already sour mood.

“Ano na namang problema niyo ni Jihoon?” mahinang tawa ni Miguel, “Tangina parang konti nalang maghihiwalay na kayo ah.”

Sebastian snapped his head in his friend’s direction, grabbed the remote control, and threw it right on Miguel’s knee, causing the younger to wince in pain because of the impact.

That’s an unforgivable joke for Sebastian— talagang malilintikan ang lahat kapag hiniwalayan siya ni Jihoon and he’s not even kidding.

Crazy runs in his blood. Look at his father then his younger brother, Santino Choi— they are all crazy when in love much more when left behind.

“Hindi ako hihiwalayan nun.” ani Sebastian.

Bahagyang natawa si Miguel nang dahil reaksyon ng kaibigan, alam niya kasing kinukumbinsi lang ni Sebastian ang sarili.

“Di mo ‘yan choice, Seb. Alam mo ‘yan.” panggagago ni Miguel sa kaibigan.

Sebastian took shot after shot of brandy, hoping that it would knock him out because he was just so tired, hoping for Jihoon to come back and at least respond to his messages.

Kung kailangan ni Jihoon na magmakaawa siya o maski ang lumuhod gagawin niya matapos lang ang alitan nilang dalawa.

“Ikaw, bakit hindi ka umuwi kay Wynona?”

And it’s now Miguel’s turn to remain quiet. He just stared at the whiskey on the table while tapping his fingers on the armrest, humming.

Miguel stared at his best friend.

Gaano ba kalalim ang tingin ni Sebastian sa pagkakaibigan nilang dalawa? Kung tutuusin, matalinong utusan lang naman ni Sergio Choi ang ama niya, ang buong pamilya nila— gaano kalalim ang pinagsamahan nilang nabuo sa lahat ng masamang gawain ng kanilang mga magulang?

“Pamangkin ng presidente si Wynona, Seb.”

Sebastian stiffened, almost dropping the bottle of tequila he had just grabbed from his bar counter. He was about to say something only to shut his mouth right after, blinking as if waiting for Miguel to drop a disclaimer that it was a joke and he looked too serious—except, just like the pregnancy news, none came.

Tangina.

Eh, talagang puntirya ng presidente ang ama niya. Kaya nga hindi na rin ‘to masiyadong naglalagi sa bansa dahil alam niyang konting kiliti nalang sa iilan pang senador ay maipadadampot na ang ama niya.

His father is trying to devise a plan to take down the president, figuratively and, of course, literally.

Miguel looked at Sebastian, his best friend, nervously as if trying to weigh things down while also trying to read right through him— iniisip kung dito na ba magtatapos ang ilang taon nilang pagsasama dahil kahit na hindi sabihin at aminin ni Sebastian alam niyang mahal na mahal nito ang kaniyang ama.

But Sebastian’s next words just made Miguel remember why they were friends in the first place.

“Hindi natin problema ang problema ng mga magulang natin, Miguel. Labas tayo diyan.”

Chapter Text

Limang araw.

That’s the very first thing that came into Wynona’s mind when he woke up so early in the morning. It’s been five days since Miguel last went to his condo— hindi naman sa hinahanap niya ‘to, he just thinks that it wouldn’t hurt to let him know na naubusan na siya ng pake sa anak nila kaya hindi na siya bumibisita.

He looked at his reflection, he could see that his cheekbones appeared more prominent because of the weight he had lost in the past few weeks. Ayan rin ang reklamo ni Miguel sa doctor niya na bakit siya nangangayayat, he couldn’t help but smirk remembering how Miguel almost snapped at the medical staff who recorded his weight nang marinig na nabawasan na naman ang timbang niya.

Letting out a deep sigh, Wynona’s stomach churned upon seeing Miguel’s scent and his favorite watch sitting on top of his vanity table; it’s a spare that Miguel left in his condo para daw palagi siyang pogi.

“That fucking bastard.” 

He couldn’t help but remember how he always sees Miguel inside his room, cleaning his bed, arranging his cabinet and even wiping the books on his side table — all because a clean room would help Wynona feel more relaxed. Tangina.

Short-lived lang pala yung pagiging sweet ni gago, Wynona thought.

Even Wynona himself couldn’t deny the bitter feeling creeping inside his chest; it was so intense he swore he’d fucking throw whatever at Miguel kapag nagkasalubong man silang dalawa ulit.

Trying to shrug any thoughts off of his mind. He grabbed his phone and checked the messages.

Tito Wilfredo:

See you later, anak.

Magmamaneho ka ba? Ipapasundo nalang kita

And his lips curled into a small smile when he saw another message from one of his cousins.

Arthur:

Pupunta ka, right? ‘Cos my Dad’s asking everyone na ihanda mga paborito mo.

Fucking favoritism.

And another one from his younger cousin.

Charlotte:

Dad’s so excited to see you and he’s making it everyone’s business.

Paborito talaga bwiset

Nang makarating si Wynona sa bahay ng kaniyang tiyuhin ay agad siyang dinaluhan ng mga kasambahay, umiiling iling pa ang ilan niyang mga pinsan bago lumapit sakaniya para sa beso at marahang yakap.

“Buti naman nagpakita ka na,” irap ni Charlotte, “Busy much?”

Paminsan-minsan kapag hindi abala ang kaniyang tiyuhin ay talagang bigla itong nagi-imbita para sa isang salo-salo at nagiging magaan lang ang hapag sa tuwing nakakarating si Wynona.

“Anak, Wyn!”

Warren Herrera, a cardiothoracic surgeon known to be the first Filipino to do an open-heart surgery in New York who’s now running a medical foundation in Sorsogon. But in this family, he’s just… well, the middle child.

“Ang tagal kitang hindi nakita, anak,” marahang haplos sa pisngi ang natanggap ni Wyn, “Ayos ka lang ba?” he asked.

He just nodded his head at him. Ilang minuto rin siyang nakipag-kwentuhan sakaniyang Tito Warren, ibinabahagi nito ang proseso ng paggawa niya ng libro tungkol sa paga-aral niya ng medisina at kung paano niya nalagpasan ang iba’t-ibang hamon ng buhay tungkol man sa paga-aral na umubos ng panahon niya o sa pamilya na may mabigat na pangarap para sakaniya.

“Make sure na bibigyan mo ko ng kopya, Tito. Please, sign it as well.” mahinang tawa ni Wynona.

His Uncle Warren reached out for his hands, caressing the back of it as they shared such a warm moment that expressed nothing but love and familiarity, only for Warren’s lips to slowly tug downwards as he stared at Wynona’s every feature.

“Kung nandito si Angelique, sigurado isa yun sa pinaka masaya para sakin.” Warren glanced at his nephew, “Yun yung may paborito sakin eh.” he said, chuckling.

Wendy Angelique Herrera, ang bunso at nag-iisang babae ng mga Herrera—though, even with the fact that she had every single thing growing up, her father wanting nothing but comfort and luxury for his princess—Angelique grew up prim and so proper that she’s always the target of bullies in school.

She’s the type of girl who screams elegance, a beauty so soft you’d be afraid to touch her thinking she might break, and a heart so kind to the point that the whole town of Bicol loves her.

Siya ang isa sa mga taong makakagaanan mo agad ng loob dahil bukod sa talagang maganda ay mabait at palaging maintindihin.

She’s so so loved by the whole family— kahit na anong gawin niya, her father will allow and never deny her of her wants and needs, except she barely asks for any because she’s always been contented with what’s provided.

“Ah… Tito,” Wynona squeezed her Uncle’s hand, “I actually heard from someone… hindi raw pala magkaklase si Daddy at Mama sa La Salle ‘non? Ang akala ko ba doon sila nagkakilala?”

Warren stilled.

It felt as if he was punched in the gut with what he heard from his favorite nephew.

“Saan mo ‘yan nakuha?” matalim ang boses, “Anong pangalan ng taong nagsabi niyan?”

His tone sounded scary, almost deadly.

Wynona was about to say something but stopped when Warren rose to his feet to greet his older brother.

The one and only, the eldest and the golden child of the Herrera’s— now, the President of the Philippines, Wilfredo Herrera.

Strikto ang tingin nito sa kapatid nang marahan niyang akapin ‘to.

“Kamusta ang ospital? Ano’t bumaba ang tinatanggap na pro-bono?”

“Inaayos na ang budget, Kuya.”

But his strictness and firm expression slowly faded when his eyes landed on his favorite, their Wynona.

“Andito pala ang paborito ko,” halakhak nito at hawak sa mukha ni Wynona, “Patingin nga.” he then stared and ruffled Wynona’s hair like a child.

The family's admiration for Wynona is unmatched—it’s as if their children have long accepted that Wynona will be sitting with them at the office once the last will is ready to be read by their family lawyer.

Wilfredo Herrera’s smile turned into something warm, but his eyes seemed as if they were longing for someone— that he could see only through Wynona.

“You’re just…” he trails off, “A spitting image of our baby girl.” he said, in such a weak voice.

Maging si Wynona ay unti-unting nawala ang ngiti sa mga labi nang dahil sa narinig sakaniyang tiyuhin.

However, he’s used to it. Still, it never fails to make him sad— that his mother left them so early, a huge void that not even his presence could fill.

Nung nasa Laguna pa sila, Wynona lived in a humble home, no one would ever expect that his mother is from a family that owned and runs an empire.

Growing up, he had a lot of questions in his mind, especially whenever he was home and had just finished with his school activities, so he had all the time to stare at and watch every action of his mother.

Sometimes, when he’s looking a bit too much, he sees how his mother slowly distances herself whenever his father is trying to kiss her, so he settles by rubbing her back as he lets out a warm smile.

It was always like that— his father, who seemed really careful and loving towards her mother and her… who seemed aloof but still trying to keep it together.

Habang lumalaki siya ay unti-unti niyang napagtatanto kung gaano ka-importante ang pamilya ng kaniyang ina.

“Hindi ba masiyadong maliit ‘to para sainyo?” ani Wilfredo Herrera, pinapasadahan ng tingin ang buong bahay nila.

Ito ang tiyuhin niyang binibisita sila tatlong beses sa isang buwan at palagi siyang binibigyan ng malaking pera at mamahaling gamit.

Ang alam niya, ito ang panganay. Yung isa naman, doktor sa ibang bansa at mukhang malapit rin don ang kaniyang Mama dahil kahit na malayo ay palagi silang magka-videocall para magka-mustahan.

A young Wynona who loves to remain quiet and observe couldn’t help but stare at his father, who was standing a few feet away from his Uncle, nakakuyom ang palad at nakatungo na para bang hiyang hiya kaya’t maging ang mapatingin dito ay hindi niya magawa.

Wilfredo looked at every corner of their house once again, as if trying to find fault in it, trying to convince his younger sister to move into a much bigger home.

“Hindi mo ba kailangan ng kasambahay?”

“Hindi, kuya. Kaya naman namin.”

“Nang yaya para kay Wynona? Sinong naghahatid sundo sa bata?”

Angelique let out small smile, “Ako. Minsan ang Daddy niya.”

Mariing tinignan ni Wilfredo ang kapatid, umigting ang panga ng makita ang maliit na sugat sa daliri ng babaeng kapatid.

“Ano ‘yang nasa daliri mo?”

Angelique sighed, knowing damn well what was about to happen.

“Nahiwa. Nung nagluluto ako.”

And Wilfredo Herrera gave a sharp look towards Wynona’s father as if he did such a grave mistake for letting Angelique Herrera step foot in the kitchen.

“Eh, anong ginagawa nang lalakeng ‘to?” Wilfredo crossed his arms, raising his brows, “Hindi mo kailangang magsilbi sa kung kanino, Angelique. Hindi ka namin pinadala dito para maghirap.” aniya, may diin sa bawat salita.

His mother, who’s always composed, looked at Wilfredo in disbelief.

“Kuya, your words…”

Mabilis na napatingin si Wilfredo sa gawi ni Wynona kaya nagbago ang ekspresyon nito at marahang ngumiti sa bata.

“Anak,” Wilfredo smiled at the young Wynona once again, “Why don’t you go upstairs first and check the laptop I got you?”

Wynona let out a small smile, slowly nodding his head.

He ran upstairs.

Except, he did not go inside his room.

“I’m glad, Angelique. Ang ginhawa ng pakiramdam ko whenever I am looking at Wynona because…” isang bunting hininga, “he looks nothing like his... evil of a father.”

Mula nung araw na ‘yon, palaging iniisip ni Wynona kung bakit may diin at galit ang boses ng kaniyang Tito Wilfredo habang binabanggit ang patungkol sa tatay niya and why… just why does he have to speak to his poor father like that. Not to mention that he’s right in front of him.

It’s a Sunday.

Kada Linggo, palagi siyang dinadala ng kaniyang Daddy sa bayan. Minsan para umupo at kumain ng dirty ice cream o di kaya mag bike para lang daw makakita ng ibang tao si Wynona at hindi lumaki na masiyadong mahiyain.

Wynona used to dread going out because, unlike other kids his age who find joy in outdoor activities, he would rather stay home and read or probably just nap.

He’s now in highschool.

Hindi na ganon kadalas ang paglabas nila ng Daddy niya. Higit sa lahat, mas marami na rin siyang napapansin at dahil don, mas lalo siyang umiilap sakaniyang mga magulang.

No, it’s not because he’s not loved— lumaki siya nang punong puno ng pagmamahal mula sakaniyang mga magulang.

He knows that his mother loves him dearly.

He knows that his father cares for him so much.

However, whenever his parents are left alone, they almost never talk, almost as if they were strangers, and this never fails to make Wynona’s stomach churn in confusion.

“Bakit mo ilalabas si Wynona?”

Wynona stopped in his tracks when he heard the worried voice of Danilo Jeon, his father.

“Kailangang maihatid sa school. May importanteng exam, hindi pwedeng umabsent.”

A long pause.

“Hindi mo ba narinig ang Kuya mo?” his father seemed wary, “Nasa Laguna sila. Hinahanap ka. Ano, gusto mo bang magpahanap, Angelique?”

He heard a loud thump, something dropping on the floor followed by a loud scream which made him whimper.

“H.. how dare you lay your hands on me?” a sobbed was heard, “Bayaran ka lang ng mga kapatid ko.”

That was something that Wynona would always remember whenever he’s reminded by how his perspective of love changed because of his parents.

He knew, as a kid, that his father always looked and cared for his mother— however, the purple bruises and the scratches on her arms and thighs says otherwise.

“Wynona, itong mga pinsan mo naga-aya ng bakasyon. Kailan ka pwede?” nakangiting tanong sakaniya ni Wilfredo.

Marahang ngumiti si Wynona.

“Pass muna ako, Tito. Sobrang daming kailangang tapusin sa trabaho.”

Napatikhim si Wilfredo. Tinignan nang mabuti ang pamangkin na para bang ineeksamin ang ekspresyon nito.

“Nangangayayat ka. Are you resting well?” naga-alalang tanong nito, “Warren, hindi ba’t ikaw ang naga-asikaso ng annual check-up ni Wyn bakit—”

“No, no. I.. I’m fine, Tito. I’m really… uh,” Wynona almost cursed at himself while trying to find a good reason, “I’m really trying to lose weight.”

Warren looked at his older brother, uneasy, as if he was about to say something so Wilfredo clears his throat.

“Sa opisina lang ako.” paalam nito.

Wala pang isang minuto ang nakalipas ay sumunod na si Warren sakaniyang kapatid.

Silence.

None of them were speaking—Warren’s hands were pressed together, waiting for his brother to speak as he scanned the photo and the chart notes that he had gotten from a big hospital in Makati.

“Kumpirmado?”

Mabigat at strikto ang tono nang nakakatanda habang nakatingin sa isang larawan, si Wynona at isang matangkad na lalake— as someone who loves checking the daily news, he knew who the bastard was, Miguel Kim III.

Wynona’s adored by the Herrera’s.

Wilfredo worked so hard to give Wynona the quiet life that he always wanted, almost everyone does not know that they are related but that doesn’t mean Wynona’s not protected.

Ang bawat galaw at bawat lugar kung nasan si Wynona ay protektado, palaging may bantay, palaging may handang sumalo ng bala para sakaniya.

Wilfredo Herrera took in a deep breath, slowly nodding his head.

“Iharap mo sakin ang batang Miguel.”

Chapter Text

It’s been two weeks since Miguel last went to his condo.

The first week, hinayaan lang ni Wynona. Iniisip na baka masiyadong abala si Miguel para magpunta sa condo. Ang kaso, nang lumalim ang mga araw, hindi na rin ‘to nagte-text sakaniya hanggang sa ganito umabot na ng dalawang linggo.

Wynona hated the feeling.

Ayaw niya ng pakiramdam na parang hinihintay niya si Miguel. Una sa lahat, hindi naman nakatira ‘yon dito kaya bakit naman siya uuwi? That’s something Wynona’s trying to get to his head.

Sa sobrang abala niya nitong mga nakaraang araw ay natapos niya na ang mga kailangang gawin, may mga hinihintay siyang data from her managers pero wala pang dumadating sakaniya kaya suddenly ang dami niyang oras.

“Wynona, you have to come with me on their school’s foundation day or whatever that is called.”

Hindi umiimik si Wynona dahil abala ‘to sa pamimili kung anong unang kakainin niya— ang isang dark chocolate o yung kisses na pinabili niya kay Santino sa convenience store kanina.

Ang hilig talaga niya sa matamis simula nung nagbuntis. Hell! Ni hindi nga siya kumakain ng cake o umiinom ng milktea dati dahil masiyadong matamis para sakaniya. Eh, tignan mo ngayon, para siyang inaapi ni Miguel sa tuwing pinagbabawalan siyang mag-snacks ng tsokolate.

Wynonna stopped.

A visible frown on his face appeared when he suddenly thought of Miguel. He couldn’t help but curse under his breath, trying to shrug off any thoughts about the man.

Huh. Kung hindi niya kami naaalala ng anak niya aba edi ‘wag, he thought.

“Ano, Wyn? Sasama ka?”

Hindi alam ng kawawang Santino na masiyadong lunod si Wynona sa sarili niyang problema para sagutin at intindihin ang dilemma niya.

“So, anong feeling,” ani Wynona na parang hindi narining ang mga naunang sinabi ng kaibigan.

Santino tilted his head, not understanding what Wynona’s trying to say.

“What?”

“Curious lang,” he shrugged his shoulders, “Anak ka ng drug lord. Marami kayong pera?”

Santino’s jaw dropped. Fucking hell?

Maganda lang talaga ‘tong si Wynona pero puta weird talaga siya, Santino thought.

Tinignan siya ni Wynona na parang siya pa ang may mali, naghihintay pa rin sa isasagot niya. Kasi, hello? Hindi naman araw-araw may makikilala kang anak ng drug lord, yung big time pa.

“I heard Sergio Choi’s smuggling drugs even out of the country,” Wynona squinted his eyes trying to recall that one breaking news, “Hmm, where again? Spain, Thailand and South Korea. Edi confirmed marami nga kayong pera.”

“Tsaka, diba? Aside from the drugs and stuff, he’s operating online casinos rin? Lalo na yung kinahuhumalingan ng mga tao ngayon?”

“Oh,” Wynona snapped his fingers as if remembering something so important, “And and and kayo rin supplier ng ecstasy sa Poblacion, right?”

Santino wanted to run. No, hindi siya OA. Gusto niya talagang tumakbo, literal.

This is the first time that someone so brave enumerated the list of illegal business that his father has. Baliw talaga ‘tong si Wynona.

“Tangina, Wyn. You’re fucking weird.” singhal nito sa kaibigan.

Kumunot lang naman ang noo ni Wynona.

“Wow, me weird?” Turo niya sa sarili, “Sino ba ang anak ng drug lord? Definitely, not me.” he mockingly said, even shaking his head as he smirked.

“How do you guys even clean your money?”

Santino pursed his lips, looking at Wynona, amused.

“My dad has a furniture shop somewhere in Alabang,” he rolled his shoulders, “and we also have a genius who has connections and takes care of everything.”

Santino then leans against his chair, running his fingers through his hair.

“Also, there’s a lot of politician who’s on my father’s side,” bahagyang natawa si Santino, “Sino ang diyos ng senado? Si Sergio Choi.”

Wynona’s fingers visibly trembled.

It’s just… uncanny— hearing something so illegal like this as if it was just a random chika from a friend except it’s something so deadly pero kahit kailan ay hindi naimbestigahan dahil sa malakas na koneksyon at pera.

Kung tatanungin si Wynona, hindi siya makikipag lapit kay Santino kung nalaman niyang anak ‘to ni Sergio Choi una palang. He’s just not like that, ayaw niyang napapalapit sa gulo kaya nga laking gulat niya nung araw na tawaging kuya ni Santino ang laman ng balitang si Sebastian Choi.

Ang kaso lang, ngayong mag kaibigan na silang dalawa ng mas batang Choi, alam niyang huli na ang lahat— masiyado nang malalim ang pagkakaibigan nilang dalawa at hindi niya rin alam kung bakit pero hindi niya magawang husgahan si Santino.

“Nagbabayad ba kayo ng tax?” kuryosong tanong ni Wynona.

“Ang random puta.”

“Anong random don? Gago ka ba? Seryoso ‘yan.”

Santino let out a grin, shaking his head, “Ni hindi nga alam nang kahit na sino kung gaano talaga karami ang pera ng tatay ko.“

Wynona’s jaw dropped.

They are filthy rich.

Please note na literal ang filthy.

Paano?

Hindi niya maintindihan kung gaano ba kalakas ang pangalan ni Sergio Choi para makatakas sa mga ginawa at ginagawa niyang krimen, ilang taon na siyang sinusubukan tugusin ng PDEA pero palaging walang nangyayari. Isang araw laman siya ng balita dahil sa mga opisinang na-raid o di kaya dahil sa isang ina na nagmamakaawang bigyan ng hustisya ang anak na na-kidnap pero sa makalawa lahat nang ‘yon ay burado na, parang walang nangyari— parang walang buhay na nalagay sa alanganin.

“Ikaw, are you involved with your father’s business, Santino?”

He looked at his friend as if that thought weirded him out but he shook his head.

“Ayoko at ayaw rin ni Dad. He said he’d do all the illegal stuff and let us have all the luxury that comes with it.”

“But.. does it really come with luxury? Hindi ba’t kung ganyan delikado rin kayo?”

The air grew thick as Santino tried to recall the memories from his early childhood until he needed to enter university. Nahirapan ba siya?

“It does come with luxury. Bukod sa security nung mga bata na kami, hindi namin masiyado naramdaman yung downside,” Santino let out a small smile, “Hirap siguro paniwalaan but Dad’s really hands-on with us. Basta may event, nandon siya. Kahit na mahirap at delikado.”

“And your Mom?”

Santino’s smile slowly faded upon the mere mention of someone so lovely— no, he never met her, he just knew… because his father always talks highly of her.

“She died due to childbirth.” the lump started forming in Santino’s throat.

Wynona does not know how to respond to that— grief is something he’s so familiar with, but he knows that he’s wired differently.

He grieves in silence.

As for Santino, he doesn’t know how he does it.

Bago pa man makapagsalita si Wynona ay bahagya ng tumawa si Santino, “I’m over it. Di ko naman siya nakasama.”

A lie.

He could see how Santino shifted in his seat after saying those words and how he cleared his throat as if trying to hold back the tears in his eyes threatening to fall.

It’s much more difficult to grieve the loss of someone you never met but so so important.

“My dad… uhm,” he awkwardly smiled, “He told me I.. I looked exactly like Mom.“

“And you know, Dad told me that Mom’s really really kind… na she stayed next to him kahit ang hirap niyang kasama, kahit na marami siyang kayang hindi ibigay kay Mama at kahit na madalas silang magkalayo.”

Santino’s brows started to slowly knit together upon remembering the words of his father whenever he’s telling a story about his beautiful Mom— it’s as if Sergio Choi’s almost apologetic… na para bang ang dami niyang pagkukulang sa sariling kapareha.

Samantha Galicia, his mother, the partner of Sergio Choi. They weren’t married, and whenever Santino’s trying to ask his father why he never married his Mom… he would just let out a smile so apologetic to the point that even Santino almost feels sorry for his Mom.

Wynona clears his throat, tucking the loose strands of his hair behind his ears, trying so hard to contain his emotion.

Hearing someone share something about a memory of a loved one made his heart swell— he couldn’t help but remember how amazing his parents were.

Miss na miss niya na ang Mama niya.

Miss na miss niya na rin ang Daddy niya.

In times like this, he knows that he can give up every single thing that he has right now if it means being able to be with his parents again.

Ang sakit pala talaga.

Ang sakit kapag naaalala mo kung paano ka alagaan ng mga magulang mo, ang sakit kapag namimiss mo sila pero hindi ka na pwedeng bumalik at humingi ng yakap at halik dahil wala na sila— it’s so so hard to grieve a loss of a parent who’s been nothing but loving and supportive.

Wynona was pulled out of his thoughts when Santino opened the television, and a familiar face greeted him.

Pinag-uusapan na naman diumano ang biktima sa yacht party ni Sebastian Choi.

Ang businessman na si Miguel Kim, III., kaibigan ni Sebastian Choi ay namataan sa isang sikat na bar sa Bonifacio Global City.

Ang daing nang maraming Pilipino ay hustisya para sa dalawang estudyante na hanggang ngayon ay wala pa ring malay sa ospital. Bagama’t inurong ang kaso laban sa mga Choi at Kim, sinasabing dismayado pa rin ang magulang ng dalawang biktima da—

Santino turned the television off.

“Fucking hell.”

Yeah, fucking hell.

Anong nasa bar si Miguel pero hindi man lang magawa nitong mag-text sakaniya o kuhanin ang mga kalat niya sa condo?

“Tangina. He’s in a club tapos di man lang nagte-text.” he murmured.

Hindi mapigilang matawa ni Santino nang dahil sa narinig mula sa kaibigan.

“Huh? You just heard a big news at ang inaalala mo eh nasa club si Miguel?” napailing si Santino, “Parang iba na ‘yan.”

Wynona just rolled his eyes at his friend, not saying anything.

Umuwi siya ng kaniyang condo na puno ng inis at masama ang loob.

He thought that a cold shower would help him control his frustration and well anger but he thought wrong dahil kahit naka-pajamas na ay nagdadabog pa rin siya at kada maaalala ang balita ay hindi niya mapigilang mapailing sa pagkadismaya.

“Edi wag,” he snickered, “Akala niya ba di ko kayang wala siya? Papalakihin ko ‘tong anak ko mag-isa.”

Punong-puno ng sama ng loob at pait ang boses ni Wynona.

He met Miguel in a club in BGC as well. Hindi siya tanga. He knows that Miguel is hot! Hindi malabong may lalapit sakaniya ‘ron at pag nagkataon, ano? Magp-pray sila? Tangina. Imposible.

His emotions are all heightened, and he doesn’t even know why; it feels as if one wrong move and he will explode.

He grabbed his laptop but immediately stilled in his spot when he heard someone opening the door, his eyebrows furrowed, and his eyes shot a death glare at the taller man who clicked the door open, revealing the one who was the sole reason for his fucked up emotions.

Pigil hininga niyang binuksan ang file na kailangan niyang i-review, ayaw bigyan ng pansin si Miguel.

He was just staring at the words, trying to read, but damn, he couldn’t comprehend anything, especially when Miguel sat on the edge of the bed dangerously close to him.

“Hello…”

Wynona remained quiet.

“Kamusta kayo ni baby?”

The hell. After disappearing for two weeks?

Miguel licked his lower lips when Wynona did not spare him a single glance. He was about to reach out for his hands pero padabog nitong sinarado ang kaniyang laptop at inilagay sa side table para makahiga, mabigat ang galaw na tumalikod kay Miguel.

The taller inhaled a sharp breath, understanding why Wynona was behaving in such a way— he’d been gone for so long, and he did not even inform the latter about his whereabouts.

“Kung nakikipagkita ka man kay Wynona, itigil mo na muna.”

Nagtatakang tinignan ni Miguel ang kaniyang ama dahil sa sinabi nito.

“I have to go see Wy—“

“Putangina, Miguel! Ako nga nalaman ko agad na nabuntis mo yang Herrera’ng ‘yan,” he spat out, “Paano pa ang Presidente? Tingin mo ba walang bantay yun? Tangina. Para ka namang hindi nag-iisip.”

Miguel looked at his father dead in the eye.

Sa totoo lang, wala siyang pakeelam.

He knows that the world that he’s living in is dangerous, sanay na siya ‘ron, kaya ito ay wala lang sakaniya— kung magalit man sakaniya ang Presidente ay maiintindihan niya ‘yon. Kung hindi siya tatanggapin nito, iintindihin niya pa rin pero hindi ibig sabihin ‘non hahayaan niyang malayo sa anak niya. Yun ang hinding hindi mangyayari.

“Are you seeing Sebastian these days?” his father asked, akala mo’y nagmamadali.

“Yeah. Saw him yesterday.”

“Alam niya ‘to?”

And Miguel slowly nodded his head.

Miguel Jr., took in a deep breath, his shoulder deliberately went down as he shook his head in disbelief with what was happening, sinusubukan mag-isip kung ano ang tamang gawin para mailayo ang anak sa posibleng kapahamakan.

“Sana… sana hindi mo sinabi.” pagod nitong sabi.

Miguel doesn’t want any more fights with his father so he decided to go to his condo unit and probably spend the night there.

Hindi niya rin magawang ma-text si Wynona para masabihan ‘tong hindi siya makakauwi dahil kinuha rin ng kaniyang ama ang phone niya. Inis na inis si Miguel. Tangina. Ginawa ba naman siyang grounded high school student.

“Hindi natin alam kung anong magiging reaksyon ni Wilfredo Herrera pag nalaman niya ‘to kaya mabuti pa rin na maingat tayo.”

Yan ang sinabi sakaniya ng kaniyang ama bago siya tuluyang umalis.

No phones. No Wynona.

Pakiramdam ni Miguel ay mababaliw na siya so he tried to go back to his old ways to calm his nerves— alcohol and a hit of cigarette.

Nang makarating siya sa BGC ay agad siyang kumuha ng iinumin. However, instead of downing it, he stared and circled his fingers around the glass.

He then looked around— some, girls and guys, were eye fucking him. Some even tried to touch his arms, but he’s quick to always dismiss them, mumbling a small ‘I’m not interested, sorry.’

Pero bakit nga ba hindi siya interesado? Wala naman silang relasyon ni Wynona at wala rin naman ‘tong sinabi na hindi siya pwedeng makipag-kita sa iba.

Tangina.

Magda-dalawang linggo na simula nang huli niyang nakita at nakausap si Wynona ng personal.

Kumakain kaya yun? Siguro puro instant noodles na matigas pa yun. Naiinom niya kaya mga gamot niya? Eh, yung gatas kaya natitimpla? Those were his thoughts while the loud booming music was in the background.

No matter how distracting the music was, how blinding the light was, or how many people tried to get his attention, nothing seemed to work to pull Miguel out of his thoughts, not when he was thinking about Wynona.

“Fuck.”

Those were his last words before he left the scene.

“Baby, please? Talk to me.”

A minute has passed but he got no response from the older.

Miguel ran his fingers through his hair and was about to leave Wynona dahil baka pagod na rin ‘to pero natigilan siya ng mapansin niya ang mabigat nitong paghinga and his shoulders were visibly shaking.

And soon after, he heard Wynona sobbing. It seemed as if the older was also shocked because of his loud sob, so he grabbed a pillow and buried his face on it.

Kawawa naman. Masama siguro loob. Isip isip ni Miguel.

Dahan dahan siyang lumapit kay Wynona. He then started caressing his back before he decided to lie next to the older, wrapping his arms around his waist, pulling him close to him.

Wynona tried to wiggle out of Miguel’s touch, but the younger one just held him tighter.

Nagpakawala ng malalim na buntong hininga si Miguel bago dahan dahang iniharap sakaniya si Wynona and it just confirmed his assumption that he is indeed crying.

Miguel bit the inside of his cheeks as he saw the tears slipping out of Wynona’s eyes along with his quivering lips; it made Miguel want to punch himself for making the older feel something like this.

“I.. i’m sorry for not coming home,” he said, “I am sorry for not messaging you. I was.. I was so busy at work.” he lied.

Parang piniga ang puso ni Miguel nang mas naiyak si Wynona dahil sa sinabi niya.

“F.. for two weeks?” he said, in such a small voice.

Tangina. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. I’m so sorry, baby. Yun lang ang nasa isip ni Miguel habang marahang nakatingin kay Wynona.

“A.. ayaw mo na samin ni baby…”

Miguel’s jaw dropped.

He wanted to say something, anything, that would assure Wynona that it was never going to be the case. He wanted to tell him the truth… how much he wanted to come home that day, but he couldn’t. Gusto niyang sabihin lahat ‘yon para mawala ang kung anong bagabag sa utak ni Wynona pero alam niyang baka mas makagulo lang rin ito.

Kaya imbes na magsalita, marahan niyang hinila palapit sakaniya si Wynona at hinalikan ang noo nito.

He buried his face in the crook of Wynona’s neck while still caressing the older’s back.

“I’m sorry, baby,” Miguel then kissed the latter’s shoulder blades, “I’m sorry for not coming home.”

Wynona sobbed harder. His lips were still quivering, and his throat was hurting as he was trying to silence himself, not wanting to look like a crybaby in front of Miguel.

“Akala.. akala ko.. ayaw mo na samin kaya di ka umuwi.”

Wynona was about to wipe his tears, but Miguel beat him into doing it. He carefully wiped the older’s tears only to softly kiss his cheeks right after.

“I was.. na.. namimiss ka ni baby,” Wynona then stared at Miguel, small pout on his lips, “You know our baby loves your smell.”

Oh. Fuck.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

Literally, no thoughts… just one hell of a fucking emotion as Miguel felt how his stomach flipped as he met those longing eyes of his beauty.

“Oh, yeah?” Miguel grinned, “Kawawa si baby po, no?” lambing niya.

And Miguel swore he could’ve melted when Wynona pouted as he nodded his head.

“Kawawa rin ang Mama,” he whispered, kissing the tip of Wynona’s nose, “Kawawa ang dalawa kong baby po.”

Wynona choked on his own tears, whimpering as tears slipped out of his eyes. He then scooted even closer to the taller and buried his face on Miguel’s chest, inhaling his scent.

It’s the… well.. the pregnancy hormones.

They spend the next hours with just Miguel, trying to soothe Wynona into relaxing, eventually resting, and falling asleep.

“Baby, you’re not sleepy?” tanong ni Miguel.

Anong oras na rin kasi pero parang wala pang balak matulog si Wynona.

Tinitigan siya ni Miguel at umiling lang ito.

Miguel couldn’t help but let out a small laugh nang makitang sobrang namumungay na ang mata ni Wynona dahil sa antok.

“Sleep na po tayo, hm?” marahang hinaplos ni Miguel ang pisngi nito, “You’re so sleepy oh.”

Wynona just stared at the younger, his eyebrows twitching, as if judging Miguel.

“Aalis ka siguro, no! Kaya gusto mo ko mag sleep.” he said, feeling betrayed.

Miguel let out a small smile. Oh, he’s definitely amused seeing this side of Wynona, who seemed as if he’d burst out in tears kung kakalas siya sa yakap.

“Yakap mo po ko mahigpit para di ako makaalis.” aniya.

Wynona shot him a death glare but still did as he was told, wrapping his arms around Miguel’s body, burying his face on the taller’s chest.

“Goodnight, baby. I’ll wake you up tomorrow morning, hm.”

Chapter Text

Naging mas magaan ang mga nagdaang araw para kay Miguel at Wynona.

Well… simula ‘non ay hindi na umalis si Miguel sa condo. He just had Sebastian bring some of his clothes dahil siya sana ang gagawa pero nagbago rin ang isip nang dahil sa sama ng tingin sakaniya ni Wynona.

Para na nga siyang house husband sabi ng tropa niya. Paano ba naman, hindi na rin umaalis para sa trabaho. Ever since the night Wynona cried, he started working from home and having meetings through Zoom instead at kung kailangan talaga siya sa opisina palagi niyang sinisigurado na mauuna siyang umuwi kay Wynona.

“Uy, tol. Salamat.”

Miguel stepped aside to let Sebastian and Jihoon in.

He asked them a favor: to bring his clothes and his work laptop because Wynona doesn’t want him out of sight.

Sebastian looked around, “Tangina. Bigatin pala ‘tong chicks mo, tol.”

Mabilis naman siyang siniko ni Jihoon at pinanlakihan ng mata, “Your words, Seb, please.” saway niya sa boyfriend.  

The older man let out a tight-lipped smile, saying sorry to his boyfriend, who just shook his head.

The couple was about to sit on the blue couch but stopped midway when the door opened, revealing a feline-eyed guy wearing a black silk pajama, looking as if he had just woken up as he was still scratching his eyes.

Of course, it’s Wynona

Mariin siyang tinignan ni Sebastian, akala mo eh hinuhusgahan ito. He just wanted to make sure that his best friend is in safe hands. Ay, Malabo na pala ata sa safe, pamangkin nga pala ‘to ni Presidente, he thought.

All of them gasped when Wynona lost his balance, almost dropping straight on the floor if it weren’t for Sebastian, who fortunately caught him in his arms, extremely worried for the latter.

“Putangina,” he cursed out, “Anong nararamdaman mo, hm?” maagap at nag-aalalang tanong ni Sebastian.

The eldest Choi did not even realize how he was holding his breath until Miguel carefully took Wynona from his arms, immediately wrapping his arms around Miguel, burying his face on the taller’s shoulder, whimpering.

“Na.. nahihilo ako, Miguel,” naiiyak nitong sabi, “I feel like vomiting.” aniya.

Inalalayan ni Miguel si Wynona hanggang sa banyo, patuloy na hinahaplos ang likod nito habang naiiyak. The feeling of his stomach flipping and wanting to vomit but can't was there, and it’s so so frustrating.

Naiiyak si Wynona.

Naiinis siya.

He felt hopeless.

Wynona sucked in a deep breath before staring at Miguel, lips tugging downwards, his shoulder deliberately went down, “Your friends?” he asked, his voice small in embarrassment.

“They went home, Ma.”

And Wynona felt the burning lump in his throat, making him feel weak, making him feel like a total burden to every single one next to him.

He hates how he’s losing control of his own emotions — how he did not want to do this but still did because it felt as if he wouldn’t be able to sleep if he didn’t, how he knows not wanting Miguel to go home is completely childish, but he couldn’t care less because he craves for his presence and how he knows he’s not like this and shouldn’t be but can’t stop at hindi niya mapunto kung bakit.

Nakakahiya. Nakakainis.

Mariin pero naga-alala siyang tinignan ni Miguel, na para bang alam niya kung ano ang mga posibleng bagay na bumabagabag dito kaya mabilis niyang ipinulupot ang braso sa liit ng beywang ni Wynona at hinalikan ang noo nito habang patuloy na hinahaplos ang likod, letting him cry his heart out.

“I.. I did not even get to say hi… nakakahi—”

“Shhh…”

Miguel started peppering his face with kisses as he placed both his hands on the side of Wynona’s waist, caressing it up and down, trying to comfort the latter as he let out a whimper because of the tears in his eyes.

“Don’t think about it,” he place another kiss on the tip of his nose, “Maiintindihan nila ‘yon.” malumanay nitong sabi.

Wynona bit his lower lip, trying so hard to calm his already fucked up emotions, but to his dismay… he just, you know, couldn’t. A loud sob came out of Wynona’s mouth, making him even more embarrassed, so he lowered his head, not wanting to meet Miguel’s gaze.

“U.. uwi ka na…”

“Hm? Ano po?”

“Uwi ka nalang,” si Wynona, his voice almost fading, “I.. pinapahirapan lang... kita dito.”

Miguel did not say anything.

Nakakunot ang noo habang naga-alalang nakatingin kay Wynona. Tangina. He doesn’t know why, but it feels as if someone punched him right in the gut… because he can’t do anything to make Wynona feel better.

“Dito lang ako, okay?” he then let out a small smile as he placed his hand on Wyn’s left cheek, “Sakin ka palaging magsasabi, hm?”

He just looked at Wynona one more time before carrying him in his arms, which made the latter yelped in surprise, dahan-dahan nitong hiniga si Wyn sa kama.

“Rest up, okay? Maghanda lang akong breakfast.”

Hindi na hinintay ni Miguel na makasagot ito at mabilis nang lumabas sakanilang kwarto.

Yeah.

They’re sleeping in the same room.

They were in the same room, in the same bed, with their bodies pressed against each other as if it would help them sleep better.

At ano nga uli silang dalawa?

Ano nga ulit ‘tong meron sila?

Miguel tried so hard to shrug those thoughts off his head, wanting to focus on Wynona. He just stopped for a while when he heard his phone dinging.

Sebastian:

Tol, musta si Wynona?

Bakit nahimatay?

Medyo payat pala siya. Wala ba sinasabi doctor tungkol diyan?

Oh normal ba ‘yan

Nagpa-check na kayo, diba?

Miguel’s forehead creased because of the messages of his friend.

Miguel:

May regular check-up naman siya

After that day, Miguel became even more hesitant to just leave Wynona’s side. Hindi na rin siya nakapag hintay sa susunod na appointment ni Wynona at napagdesisyunan na magpatingin na ulit dahil sa sobrang paga-alala niya.

Wynona’s now thirteen weeks pregnant.

His stomach is slightly protruding. Hindi pa rin ganon kalahata but if you’re Miguel who always wraps his arms around Wynona’s waist, mararamdaman mo ang pagbabago.

“Oh, saan ka pupunta?”

Wynona is all dressed up, wearing slightly bigger black denim pants and a loose white dress shirt that shows his collarbones.

“Uhm… Event?”

Mas lalong kumunot ang noo ni Miguel dahil don.

Anong event? Eh, allergic ‘to sa tao.

“For work? Ihahatid na kita.”

And Wynona, who’s still rummaging through his box of chocolates and picking which one to bring, shook his head, not even glancing at Miguel.

“No need,” iling niya, “Nasa baba na si Santino. Kasama ko siya.”

Miguel’s so so ready to protest pero hindi niya na nagawa dahil lumabas na ng pinto si Wynona.

He just flopped down on the blue sofa, washing his face in barehands out of frustration, cursing Santino in his mind. Namumuro na talaga.

Sa totoo lang, hindi naman talaga dapat sasama si Wynona kay Santino. Tinatamad siya.

Eh, anong magagawa niya? Kulang nalang murahin siya ng kaibigan nung nagpahiwatig siyang ayaw niya ng sumama. Tsk. Di man lang naawa sa buntis.

“Beh, ang tagal mo.” reklamo ni Santino.

Wynona didn’t say anything and just fastened his seatbelt, already losing his saved-up energy just by Santino’s remarks.

“Sabi ko mag-ayos na kanina pa eh. Kuntento ka talagang late ka lagi?”

Wynona rolled his eyes.

“Akala mo siguro cool kapag late.”

Wynona snapped his head towards the driver’s seat and glared at Santino. Napipikon na.

Ayaw niya ng maingay. Una sa lahat, ayaw niya ngang sumama ngayon. Tapos ngayong nandito siya kung ano-ano pa sasabihin sakaniya nito, please lang, huh.

“Dami mong reklamo. Bayad ba ko dito, ha?” he widened his eyes, “Hindi, diba? So, shut up.”

Wynona ran his fingers through his hair, fishing his phone out of his small bag, which also contained a small compact mirror and the medicine kit that Miguel had bought for him.

He scanned the messages through his phone and saw quite a few.

Tito Wilfredo:

Anak, magpahinga ka naman.

‘Yan bang kumpanya niyo eh hindi ko hinahayaang mag-leave? Hindi ‘yan pwede

Tita Melanie:

Hi, Wyn. Sana makabisita ka dito sa birthday ko. Ang tagal na rin simula nung huli kitang nakita

Seokmin:

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Ngayon na ‘yon, diba?

Moment of truth ni Santino.

Tangina. Loser siya kamo

Nag sponsor ng school event para lang makipag kilala sa crush niya

And he stopped when he finally found his name.

Miguel:

Ma

Watch what you eat, okay?

Wag naman puro matamis. At kung mag-chocolate, inom naman po ng maraming tubig. Kakagaling lang ng ubo mo

Kung papasundo ka text ka lang

He immediately typed in a response for the younger.

Wynona:

Hello

No worries! Hatid naman ako pauwi ni Santino

Magpahinga ka lang diyan

Nang makarating sila sa school ay agad naman silang dinaluhan ng principal at iilang mga teachers.

“Sir, salamat ‘ho sa pagpunta.”

“Hindi ‘ho namin ineexpect ang malaking donasyon na inabot niyo.”

“Maayos, kumpleto at maganda na ‘ho ang computer lab ng school na ‘to dahil sa pinaabot niyong tulong.”

Fucking hell?

Wynona couldn’t help but look at his friend weirdly upon hearing those words from other people—down bad talaga ‘to.

What do you mean he donated a money so big it funded a computer lab in a public school?

Hinatid sila sa isang mesa at halatang kumpara sa iba eh mas maganda at mas magarbo ang disenyo kung nasaan sila nakaupo maging si Santino ay napakamot nalang ng ulo nang mapansin ‘yon.

“Now, where’s your crush?” Wynona looked around, “At paano kung hindi pala siya a-attend?” he giggled.

“Ginawang mandatory ang pagpunta sa event na ‘to.”

Wynona’s jaw dropped.

Sunod-sunod na ang panghuhusga sakaniyang kaibigan.

“You’re so fucking— manipulative.”

Santino just shrugged his shoulders at sinabihan si Wynona na tumahik dahil magsisimula na ang event dahil sila nalang naman ang hinihintay.

Sinubukan naman talagang makinig ni Santino lalo na’t naririnig niyang binabanggit ang pangalan niya ng principal.

Ang kaso lang, listening became a difficult task when his eyes finally landed on him— his fucking world, Alei Yoon.

He was just standing in the corner, almost out of the quadrangle where the event was, yet he still managed to catch Santino’s attention. Tangina. Ang ganda.

“Yan ba siya?” Wynona whispered, “Ayan ba?”

Mabilis naman siyang siniko ni Santino para palayuin sakaniya. Mahirap na, no. Baka akalain pa ni Alei ay may relasyon sila.

“Buntis ako huy wag mo kong sinisiko siko.”

It’s as if Santino did not hear a thing that he just said as he rose to his feet, straightening his plain black shirt na akala mo eh pumorma talaga siya kahit maong pants lang naman ang kapareha nito.

Santino felt as if his world was finally putting its missing pieces together with every step he was taking, moving closer to Alei Yoon— the man he’d been watching for years.

Tangina. Ito na.

Corny talaga, ‘tol. Aminado naman siya don. Talagang baliw na baliw siya kay Alei.

Hindi niya alam. Ilang taon na rin naman simula nung naisipan niyang pasundan si Alei— trabaho hanggang sa makauwi ito ng bahay.

“Hi, good evening.”

He stopped. Dumbfounded.

He probably looked like a loser when he checked if there was someone behind him, but when he saw none, he redirected his gaze to Alei Yoon, who was smiling at him, his eyes soft and glowing.

“Yes, sir, you,” mahinang tawa nito, “Do you need something? Restroom, perhaps?”

Mahinhin pa rin.

He’s exactly how he remembered him back in college.

Maganda. Malumanay. Hindi makabasag pinggan.

Tangina. A dream.

A fucking dream.

To be this close to Alei Yoon, the man he has liked for years now, is something that he doesn’t even know will happen, so forgive him if he looks like an idiot and can’t think straight for his own good.

“Uh, no,” scratching his nape, “I was just… just looking around.”

Alei pursed his lips, stares lingering at the guest before shrugging his shoulders and nodding his head before turning his back against Santino.

“But hey—”

Alei raised his brows bago ito muling nagbaling ng atensyon sa binata.

“We have.. a store in Alabang. A furniture shop,” he cleared his throat, “I gave this to some of your co-teachers so if ever that you need something feel free to reach out, I’ll hook you up with some great deals.”

Oh. Fucking right.

As if there’s someone who’s really buying those furnitures that his father owns.

Alei’s eyes beamed in excitement as he accepted the card, “Thanks. Timely lang kailangan ko ng bagong cabinet.”

Santino smiled in triumph upon hearing that from the older. Paanong hindi? He just got a confirmation that he would see him again.

At least, something’s finally happening.

Alei looked at the card, carefully putting it into his pocket, before smiling at the man in front of him.

“Santino?” he asked, hesitant, as if trying to remember the name that he just read from the card.

And the younger nodded his head.

“Great. Aasahan ko ‘yang discount, ha?”

Mayabang na tumango sakaniya ang binata dahilan kung bakit bigla siyang natawa.

With the sweetest smile on his face, Alei Yoon turned his back on the younger man and walked straight towards the parking lot.

Oh, he’s fucking done for the night.

He went home to his condo unit, letting out an exasperated sigh, going straight to his refrigerator to get a bottle of beer.

“Andito ka na agad?” his bestfriend, Evo, asked.

Alei let out a tight-lipped smile, winking at his friend as he flopped down on the brown sofa he had bought on Facebook.

“Gago ka. Nagpunta na dito yung may ari nitong condo,” binato siya ng dalawang envelope ng kaibigan, “Tubig at kuryente mo rin hindi pa bayad,” and another envelope, “Tsaka yung sasakyan mo. Tanginang ‘yan.”

Alei took a sip of his beer, tossing the envelopes to the side along with the disconnection notice of his cable and internet— tangina buti nahabol niya kanina kundi badtrip siya ngayon.

“Baka dapat mo na talagang i-let go ‘yang sasakyan mo para medyo gumaan gaan bayarin mo.”

“Ano ko hibang?” maarteng hiyaw niya, “Ako nalang ang magiging bayaran!”

Napaikot nalang ang mata ni Evo dahil sa kaibigan atsaka kinuha ang mga envelope na ibinato niya dito at isa-isang binuksan, inaalam kung ano ang pwede niyang bayaran para hindi malubog ang kaibigan ngayong buwan.

“Huling beses na ‘to, Lei. Matuto ka naman.” iling niya.

Alei ran his fingers through his hair, crossing his legs, before looking at his best friend with a smile of success and a visible glee in his eyes.

“I met Santino Choi earlier,” he beamed, only to lose his smile right after, “Tangina. Fucking knew it. Siya yung sumusunod sunod sakin.”

Alei rose to his feet, unbuttoning the first three buttons of his loose polo, and stared at his reflection in the full-length mirror mounted on his living room wall.

“Fucking loser.”

It was… two or maybe three years ago when he found out that someone had been following him around.

Mula umaga papasok sa trabaho hanggang sa makauwi siya sa condo. Tangina. Nasubaybayan na ata nung nagmamanmam sakaniya kung paano siya umuwing durog galing inuman hanggang sa bumangon na parang walang nangyari.

Of course, he was scared at first. He was thinking of reporting it to the police, and he was so determined to finally make the report… not until he saw the man who’d been tailing him around talking to a familiar-looking guy.

Santino Choi.

He knew that guy.

Ang daming kwento tungkol sa lalakeng ‘yon nung college siya, sakto graduating siya ‘non kaya walang panahon makipag-halubilo pero hindi ibig sabihin ‘non wala na siyang alam sa kung anong nangyayari sa paligid.

That man’s filthy rich.

Tangina kahit ata di na ‘yon magtrabaho mabubuhay siya nito.

“Natatandaan mo si Santino Choi?” tanong niya sa kaibigan.

Evo raised his brows, his eyes fixed on his phone, “Yung poging legma?” he asked.

“Oo. Yun.”

His friend just nodded his head. Sino bang di makakakilala ‘ron? Eh, laman ng balita ang pamilya nila.

“Pinapasundan niya ko.”

Evo’s forehead creased, “Tangina— ganda?” biro nito.

Isang buwan na.

Dalawang buwan simula nang mapagtanto niyang may sumusunod sakaniya at isang buwan nang si Santino Choi mismo ang nasa loob ng sasakyan.

“Seryoso ako, Evo. Kahit saan ako magpunta, nakasunod siya.”

Evo put his phone down. No— not because he was worried for his friend but because he was confused— why is Alei not alarmed?

“You know, pwede natin ‘yang ireport ku—”

“What— no!” he screamed out, “No no no. Don’t tell anyone about this, okay?”

“Huh? A.. anong balak mo?”

Alei Yoon looked at the stack of unpaid bills on top of his coffee table before letting out a small smile.

“I’ll put his fucking obsession into good use.”

Without a doubt, Alei Yoon is a smart and beautiful man— so beautiful that you wouldn’t dare think he’s swimming in debt because of his bad spending habits.

“Alam mo ‘yang sinasabi mong plano mo? Kabaliwan ‘yan. What made you think you can go against Santino Choi?” Evo looked at his friend in disbelief, “Gusto mo bang mapatapon sa pacific ocean?”

Alei looked at his friend. Ang OA niya lang talaga, he thought.

“Anong sinasabi mo? I won’t go against Santino Choi,” he then snapped his hips as he looked at his friend, crossing his arms, “Sasambahin ko nga siya eh, bayaran niya lang yung mga utang ko.” he said, chuckling.

Evo just shook his head in disbelief, obviously nervous about what Alei was plotting in his mind— he’d been talking about it for years now— how he only needed the perfect timing to officially meet Santino Choi, marry him, and swim with all their dirty money.

Kaya sa loob nang mga taong ‘yun, mga panahong pinapasundan siya ng binata, sinigurado niya lalo lang ‘tong mababaliw sakaniya.

“Nakita ko may thirty thousand ka pa sa banko mo, i-send mo sakin ‘yan. Ipambabayad ko nang credit card at renta mo.”

Alei looked at him as if he said something so weird.

“No! May paggagamitan ako nang perang ‘yon.”

Evo, tired with all of his friend’s antic, “Tangina. Ano na namang kagagahan ‘yan?” he asked.

With a proud smile on his face, “A fucking cabinet,” he then shrugged his shoulders, “One that will fucking change my life forever.”

Chapter Text

“Tangina ka, Kim! Ang bagal mong kumilos!”

Miguel Kim Jr., clenched both of his fist as he listened to Sergio Choi who’s furious on the other line.

“Nag-iisip ka pa ba? Tangina!” a loud crashing sound was heard on the background, “Buryong buryo na ako dito. Ang tagal ko nang hindi nakikita ang mga anak ko!”

The senator just leaned against his swivel chair immediately shifting in his seat as the door opened, revealing his wife that aged beautifully, Yngrid Kim.

“Sergio, may mga kinakausap pa kong tao. Babalitaan nalang kita.”

Multiple curses from the old Choi was heard.

“Aba! Dapat lang. Tangina. Kung kelangan ubusin ang pamilya ng Wilfredo na ‘yan, gawin mo!”

Miguel Kim Jr. ended the call, shaking his head before letting out a smirk— knowing damn well that Sergio Choi wouldn’t be able to stay true to his words, hindi kung kailan may alas sakaniya ang mga Herrera.

Tanga lang talaga ‘tong mga Herrera ayaw hawakan sa leeg si Sergio Choi, he thought.

“Migo, a.. ano ‘tong mga naririnig ko?” Yngrid’s voice is shaking in worry, “Si Miguel, ang anak ko, anong nangyayari?”

The senator clenched his jaw upon remembering the problem that he’s currently facing right now— hanggang ngayon hindi niya pa nasusukat kung gaano ito kalala dahil wala pa siyang naririnig mula sa mga Herrera.

To be fucking sure, he’s getting his son tailed around for security.

“Alam na ba ng mga Herrera?”

He rolled his eyes.

“Malamang, Yngrid! Anak ‘yon ni Angelique Herrera— importanteng importante para kay Wilfredo.”

Yngrid’s eyes widened in surprise upon hearing the fact, finally knowing the weight of what was currently happening.

“Si.. si Miguel… baka kung anong mangyari sa anak ko.”

Miguel Kim Jr. would like to think that he has the upper hand with what he knows, but he wanted to make sure— he’s playing with two powerful people, one he knows that would be able to make the life of his and his family a living hell.

———

Unfortunately, Miguel needs to report on-site for a board meeting.

Saglit lang naman kaya pumayag na rin siya, basta makakauwi siya bago makarating sa bahay si Wynona.

When he was finally done with the meeting, now walking with less worry in his mind— he stopped.

That feeling.

He furrowed his brows.

Tangina.

May sumusunod sakaniya and he knows it’s not his father’s men.

Imbes na umuwi, napagdesisyunan niyang pumunta na muna sa condo ng kaniyang kaibigan.

Tangina.

He couldn’t help but let out multiple curses when he looked at the rearview mirror only to confirm that the two black SUVs parked at the building earlier is still following him.

Walang ibang nasa isip niya ngayon kundi si Wynona… at ang magiging anak nilang dalawa.

“Oh. Andito ka na naman?” bungad sakaniya ng kaibigan, “Nasan asawa mong hilaw? Himala naiwan mo.” he said, mapang-asar ang ngiti.

Miguel did not even spare him a glance as he just went straight towards his friend’s living room, sitting as if he owned the place.

He looked around, his breath getting heavy. He then fixed his gaze on his best friend, who had no idea about the million thoughts running through his mind.

Tangina.

Di nga pala sa Diyos.

Pwedeng tanggap niya ang kamatayan pero hindi ibig sabihin ‘non wala ng pangamba… hindi para sakaniya kundi para kay Wynona at ang magiging anak nila.

“Natatandaan mo ba yung kasunduan namin ni Wynona?”

“Alin?” Sebastian raised his brows, “Yung ikaw ang magpapalaki sa bata at pagtapos niyang manganak sibat na siya, yun ba?”

Miguel nodded his head.

“G pa ba yun, tol?” Sebastian flopped on the seat across Miguel, “Eh, tangina parang mas posible na yung kasal kesa sa kasunduang ‘yon.”

Miguel pressed his lips together, not saying anything.

He sighed.

And sighed again.

“Kung sakali,” he then stared at his bestfriend, “Kung may mangyari sakin, Sebastian, kaya mo bang kunin kay Wynona at palakihin ang anak ko?”

The thought shattered Miguel, slowly, as if putting the pieces back together only for it to be broken again so it would be more hurtful— ganon kasakit isipin na posibleng maging mag-isa si Wynona kasama ang anak nila.

Sebastian was so so ready to let out a snarky remark but stopped midway— a familiar churn in his stomach, his fingers visibly shook and his expression darkened.

“Tangina ka. Anong nangyari?”

And Sebastian knew after Miguel answered… he knew how serious this was— kung paano ito hindi makukuha sa isang andiyan na ‘yan, matatanggap rin nila. No, this is different.

“Pinapasundan ako ni Presidente.”

———

Wynona stretched his arms, sending the last file that he reviewed. With a small smile on his face, he closed his laptop and grabbed his bag.

Nagmaneho siya papunta sa Quezon City para bisitahin ang kaniyang tita Melanie, hindi kasi ‘to nakapunta sa mismong araw ng birthday kaya naman napagdesisyunan niyang ngayon nalang pumunta, maluwag naman ang araw niya.

Until now, no one knows that he’s pregnant—not his Tita Melanie and most especially no one in the Herrera’s.

Nang makarating siya sa bahay ng tiyahin ay mabilis siyang pumarada sa bakanteng lote sa gilid ng bahay nito.

He was humming a familiar song, quite excited to finally see his aunt, who had taken care of him back in college.

Closing the door of his car, he was about to walk straight toward the house of his tita, he stopped when he saw an eerily familiar figure— one that made his heart started beating against his chest in an erratic pace.

He couldn’t even breathe.

“D.. dad?”

Nanginginig ang kaniyang mga kamay at may luhang nagbabadyang pumatak sakaniyang mga mata pero bago pa man niya masigurong ama niya nga ang lalakeng nakita ay tumalikod at naglakad na ‘to palayo.

Wynona was about to follow the man but stopped when a pair of hands held him by the arms.

“Wyn? P.. pupunta ka pala,” ang tita Melanie niya, “Hindi ka nagsabi man lang edi sana nakapag-luto ako kahit papano.”

His mind’s too clouded.

He could still feel the loud beating of his chest.

Then, he looked around— gone.

“I.. I thought,” natataranta, “Tita, I thought.. I thought I saw Dad.” his voice broke.

Wynona couldn’t think straight ni hindi niya napansin ang marahang haplos ni Melanie sakaniyang braso, nakatingin sakaniya na para bang naiintindihan niya ‘to— na masakit ngang mawalan except that’s not what he’s feeling right now.

“Miss na miss mo na siguro ang papa mo, no, Wyn?” marahan niyang sabi.

The whole time that he was there he couldn’t even think properly; he couldn’t even respond to his Aunt’s questions at palaging kailangan pang ulitin ang mga tanong sakaniya para lang maintindihan niya ‘to.

He couldn’t help but think of that figure… that seemed like his father.

No. no. no.

His father died in a car accident years and years ago.

Hanggang sa makauwi nang condo, yun pa rin ang nasa isip ni Wynona— kung hindi man yun ang kaniyang ama, sana nakita niya pa rin, yung mas malapit… just so he could memorize his face once again.

“Mahal na mahal kita, anak,” his father let out a small smile, “Kahit na.. ano pang sabihin nang iba, ikaw ang higit na importante sakin, Wynona.”

His father kept telling him that he was his number one priority—that he was doing everything to ensure that he would always be safe and away from danger.

Mahal siya ng Daddy niya, that’s one thing that he’s sure of.

“Ma…”

Wynona was pulled out of his thoughts when he heard that voice.

Marahan siyang napangiti lalo na nang hawakan ni Miguel ang kaniyang beywang at lumapit nang husto para sa isang halik, “You seem tired, hm? Kumain ka na ba? Ipaghahanda kita.”

“Hwag na. Ang dami kong nakain kila Tita. I just.. I want to sleep…”

He took a cold shower, hoping that would lessen the thought that’s been bothering him the whole day. He would like to think that this feeling would just pass by and be forgotten the next morning because he hates this… grieving.

He lay down next to Miguel, who was typing away from his laptop, and immediately closed it to tend to Wynona, putting the mattress over his chest, combing the strands of his hair with a small smile.

“Kamusta araw mo?” he asked.

Tangina.

If you’d tell the Miguel Kim, III., that he’d be baby-talking all day with someone— he’d probably laugh at you and roll his eyes because that’s just not him. He’s been with countless of girls and guys from senior high school to college but none of them broke his cool and typical maangas ako persona.

But now… with Wynona.

Wala eh. Hindi niya rin alam pero lahat talaga nag-iba. Mula sa kumbaga routine na niya gaya nang pag-inom kapag may magandang nangyari, pagyo-yosi kapag badtrip siya at ang kumama nang kung sino-sino kasi wala tangina feeling niya gwapo siya at kaya niyang kunin lahat. Unknowingly, he stopped doing all of that.

He stared at Wynona and admired his long lashes, his skin that felt so soft against his, and how his overall features screamed beauty, defined and graceful.

“Sana yung anak natin.. kamukha mo,” he said, out of nowhere, “Maganda.”

Mabilis na napatingin sakaniya si Wynona as if he said something so weird, hindi tuloy nito mapigilang matawa.

“Hey, ma naman,” Miguel wrapped his arms around Wynona’s waist, pulling him close as he buried his face in the crook of the latter’s neck, “Pinagtatawanan ako.”

Wynona rolled his eyes but still placed his hand on Miguel’s back, caressing it up and down.

“Ayaw mong kamukha mo?”

“Hm, pwede rin. Pero mas gusto ko kung kamukha mo.”

Wynona didn’t say anything after.

Slowly, he just wrapped his arms around Miguel’s neck, wanting to be closer to him if that was even possible— their body pressed tight, cheek to cheek, and their breath fanning against each other’s skin, but still… it’s not enough for Wynona.

“You’ve been gone for too long today, baby.”

Fuck.

Miguel stilled.

Eyes wide as those words took him by surprise. Baby. That’s the very first time Wynona called him that.

“Hmm,” hinaplos ni Miguel ang gilid ng beywang nito, “Tagal po?” aniya, malumanay at malambing.

Wynona hummed in reponse, feeling his chest thightened just by remembering how he was away from Miguel for too long today. Ang OA niya talaga, he thought.

With every shift of emotions, the first thing he’d do is look for Miguel and hope for his presence—he doesn’t know why… but it just never fails to make him feel better.

“Sa Wednesday, pupunta akong Cebu. Siguro ilang araw rin ako—“

Natigilan si Miguel nang dahil sa biglang paghigpit ng kapit sakaniya ni Wynona na para bang ayaw nitong ituloy ang kung anumang sasabihin niya.

“Hmmm…”

Wynona whimpered; his lips formed into a big pout, and his eyes glistened. He shook his head vigorously as if rejecting the thought in his mind.

Ayan na ata ang defense mechanism niya sa tuwing makakaramdam ng kahit na anong lungkot sa buhay— ang magpa-baby kay Miguel.

“No.” Wynona said, firm.

“Ano po?”

“No.”

“I need words, Ma.”

“Stay.”

Tangina.

One word.

Stay. One word and it’s enough to shake Miguel’s whole being— more than enough for the million thoughts to disturb him, coming in like a storm and lingering just so it could stay from within.

“Hay, baby ko,” Miguel kissed Wynona’s neck, “You’re so… so cute.” he breathed out.

Pero hindi nagpatinag si Wynona. Hindi siya madadaan sa ganyan ni Miguel.

The older, still with a pout on his lips, hovered on top of his baby daddy resting his head on Miguel’s chest while shaking his head, “Here ka lang.” aniya sa maliit na boses.

Wala talagang awa si Wynona, Miguel thought.

Napabuntong hininga nalang si Miguel. Importante ang lakad na ‘yon, hindi rin pwedeng wala siya dahil doon naka-assign ang mga project managers at engineer na nagkaron ng problema sa mga kliyente kaya kailangan nilang makasiguro na ang mismong project ay walang aberya.

“I have to be there…”

Wynona let out a stubborn groan atsaka mas siniksik ang mukha sa dibdib ni Miguel kaya sigurado siyang namumula na ang ilong niya. Kung pede lang sigurong idikit ang sarili sa binata, ginawa niya na, kahapon pa.

“N… no,” he shook his head, “Pano ka i-hug ni baby pag layo ka?” his voice innocent and sad.

And Miguel just… can’t answer that.

Ang tagal ring sinubukang aluin ni Miguel si Wynona lalo na’t ayaw nitong matulog dahil iiwanan raw siya nito ng walang paalam.

Miguel saw how sleepy Wynona was and how he was also trying to fight the urge to sleep, clutching onto the hem of his shirt as he scooted closer to the taller.

“Sama ka nalang sakin, baby ko.”

That’s the only possible solution that Miguel could think of, and Wynona, whose eyes were begging to be closed, nodded his head.

Kaya ngayon, nasa Cebu silang dalawa.

Miguel who’s already busy trying to check his schedules at tinitignan ang mga oras kung kailan siya pwedeng makabalik sa tinutuluyan nilang hotel para makamusta si Wynona. But of course, Wynona kept assuring Miguel that he’d be fine in their hotel room since he needed to get some things done for work as well.

Honestly, hindi inaasahan ni Miguel na talagang sasama sakaniya si Wynona papuntang Cebu. Ang akala niya ay pag naka-usap niya ‘to kinabukasan ay magbabago ang isip pero hindi.

Miguel:

Hello

Meeting lang with a client

Saglit lang po. I’ll see you later, okay?

Wynona was too tired to reply, so he locked his phone and lay down on the bed. He just finished reviewing the training goal and agreement that will be sent to the new hires—he already approved the draft that was sent to him by a training supervisor.

Napabalikwas siya sa kama at hindi niya napigilang mapatingin sakaniyang tiyan, it was slightly protruding.

Fourteen weeks.

So far, so good. Aside from the mood swings and his cravings, wala naman siyang ibang nararamdaman na kakaiba at kung meron man, alam niyang andiyan naman si Miguel para sakaniya.

Seokmin:

Kamusta Cebu?

Gumala-gala ka diyan ha baka nakakulong ka kang sa kwarto

He just typed in a quick reply for his friend.

Wynona:

Duh. I have work

Seokmin:

Oh

May trabaho ka pala eh

Ano ginagawa mo diyan?

Wynona just rolled his eyes and put his phone on the side table.

Honestly, hindi niya rin alam.

He’s not dumb. He noticed how he’s getting a bit more clingy towards Miguel na para bang hindi siya makakahinga kapag malayo siya dito. Arte.

Saan siya dinala ng kaartehan niya? Dito, sa Cebu. Kaya ayan, bored na bored siya.

Sinend sakaniya ni Miguel ang kopya ng schedule niya para daw alam ni Wynona kung kailan siya aalis maging ang oras ng uwi nito. Sus. Siguro ayaw niya lang tawagan siya nang tawagan kaya binagay ang schedule, he thought.

Rolling his eyes, he hopped off the bed and decided to take a shower— even drying his hair as he dolled up a bit, thinking really hard about what to wear.

Hindi niya rin alam kung bakit… he just feel like… dressing up.

He looked at his face through his reflection on the vanity table. He let out a small smile and was completely satisfied with how he looked.

But then, his gaze lingered at his tiny bump.

Kagaya nga nang sabi ni Miguel, kung hindi ikaw siya na palaging nakapulupot ang braso sa beywang ni Wynona— hindi mo mamamalayan na may konting pagbabago sa katawan nito. His curves is still visible and his stomach slightly protruding but still very much sexy.

In the end, Wynona decided to wear a white square pants and a white loose cropped shirt that’s slightly showing his stomach and got his collarbones in full-on display.

He stared at his reflection in the mirror, smiling.

Wynona:

Hello

Alis ako

I’ll look around lang

After sending that message to Miguel, he finally went out of his room and followed Seokmin’s advice to stroll around the area tutal wala naman siyang ginagawa might as well discover new things.

It’s around 8PM.

There’s a lot of people strolling around. Some were taking photos, some were just talking and some were just full-on flirting with a stranger they just met. Familiar.

Wynona ran his fingers through his hair. He decided to go inside a coffee shop that they saw on the way, he settled for a strawberry milkshake and a slice of chocolate moist cake.

He’s too busy devouring his sweets when he receives messages from Miguel, who’s probably back in the hotel room.

Miguel:

Wala ka pa rin

Where are you?

Wynona let out a small laugh as he typed in a quick reply for the man.

Wynona:

Nanlalalake ;)

Miguel:

You’re pregnant

Wynona:

Your point?

Pumanget ba ko?

Hindi, diba? Thank you very much.

Miguel:

Tangina.

Wynona.

He just chuckled, locking his phone, as he devoured his moist chocolate cake, even letting out a slight hum after every bite. He’d probably order another one later.

He’s so busy with his food that he does not even notice the countless messages that he’s receiving from Miguel, hindi pa nakuntento at tumatawag na rin at nang mapansin niya ‘to, he was about to decline the call.

“Hindi ka sumasagot sa tawag.”

Biting his lower lips, he looked up and met Miguel’s burning gaze at him so he let out a small smile and waved his hands as if it would make everything better.

“Uwi na tayo,” mariin niyang sabi atsaka pumasada nang tingin sa paligid, “May kasama ka ba?” he challengingly asked.

Wynona’s forehead creased because of that question. Anong kasama? Baliw talaga ‘tong si Miguel kung minsan, he thought.

He just shrugged his shoulders and grabbed his fork again but halted when Miguel held his arms, making him stand up, “Uwi na tayo.” mariin nitong sabi.

The older just rolled his eyes and followed Miguel. Walang nagsasalita sakanilang dalawa hanggang sa makarating sila sa hotel, he tried to initiate and start a conversation but Miguel’s giving him dry answers kaya pati siya ay napikon na rin at nanahimik nalang.

Miguel was about to go straight to their room pero mabilis siyang naharang ni Wynona, nakapameywang pa.

Pinasadahan siya nang tingin ni Miguel mula ulo hanggang paa, as if taking in not only his features but also his clothes and how it shows parts of his skin that a stranger should not see— kasi dapat sakaniya lang, kay Miguel lang.

“You went out… looking like that.” he said, dragging his sentence.

And those words did something to Wynona.

These days, he’s been really insecure about his body, especially with the slight changes that he’s noticed whenever he’s looking at his reflection in the mirror… Miguel… he just somehow confirmed that he looks… probably… worst?

Miguel’s eyes stopped at Wynona’s stomach, peeking through his loose-cropped shirt. This made Wynona’s skin crawl, so he tugged the hem, hoping that it would cover his body, feeling embarrassed.

“I.. you.. I know, okay? Y.. you don’t have to rub it in,” Wynona’s voice broke, “I know I don’t look good. I know my body changed but—”

Wynona didn’t even get to finish his sentence as Miguel slipped his hands inside his shirt, carefully and slowly caressing the side of the older’s waist while looking at him with those burning eyes.

“Have you seen yourself, Wynona?” he asked, tone so aggressive it almost hurt Wynona.

Wynona looked up at him. His eyes were shaking, and his confidence was down to the brim. He wanted nothing but to hide and cover himself, feeling embarrassed and disgusted for thinking he could pull off such a look.

“Tangina,” Miguel breathed out, “Yung mukha mo,” marahang haplos sa pisngi niya, “Itong katawan mo,” at marahang pagtaas baba ng kaniyang kamay sa gilid ng beywang, “At ikaw. Ikaw mismo.”

Miguel took in a sharp breath, pressing their foreheads together as he finally placed both hands on the side of Wynona’s waist, caressing it up and down… slow and sensual.

“Ayoko—” Miguel almost cursed under his breath, “Hindi ko gustong may ibang nakakakita nang dapat akin lang.”

Wynona looked at Miguel, staring right back at him.

He was about to say something but stopped when he felt those familiar lips eagerly dancing with his. He held onto the hem of Miguel’s shirt, pulling him closer as he kissed and learned the rhythm of Miguel’s unadulterated wants and needs.

“Tangina.” Miguel groans.

Ipinulupot ni Miguel ang isang braso sa beywang ni Wynona para mas mailapit ang mainit nitong katawan sakaniya.

He slipped his hands inside Wynona’s shirt, caressing his stomach up to his perked-up nipples, playing— Wynona whimpered when he felt Miguel caress his back down to his ass only to lift him before settling on the sofa, Miguel making Wynona straddle him while staring at him in awe.

Tangina. Ganda.

“Ah,” Wynona shut his eyes tight as he fet Miguel’s hard-on, “M.. Miguel.. baby.”

Miguel’s dick twitched.

It made him feel a lot of things seeing Wynona’s fucked out face, panting as his chest heaved up and down as if he wanted Miguel.

Tangina.

Hindi naman ‘to ang unang beses, kaya nga sila may anak eh. But it just felt different this time, maybe because he got to know Wynona better and was able to memorize his body, his curves, and whether the touch would bother him or lead him to want more.

“Kung kaya mong layuan si Wynona, layuan mo. Ipalaglag ang bata kung kaya pa.”

Lalong humigpit ang hawak ni Miguel sa beywang ni Wynona nang maalala ang sinabi sakanya ng ama nung huli niya ‘tong makita.

Leave Wynona? Tangina. Never.

Miguel rolled his head back upon hearing Wynona let out a high-pitched moan as he started to grind against his hard-on, trying to chase the pleasure.

It just awoken a whole different wants and needs in Miguel.

Wynona rolled his eyes, intertwining his fingers with Miguel as he continued to work his hips up, grinding on Miguel’s cock, letting out a soft moan every now and then— obviously aching for more.

“M.. Migu.. baby, please…”

Mariing tinitigan ni Miguel ang lalake sa ibabaw niya, hindi mapigilang mapamura dahil sa itsura ni Wynona. Gago, sino bang hindi? Si Wynona ‘to. Maganda. Maingay. Bigay na bigay.

Miguel gulped down, admiring Wynona, his hands playing with the soft of the older’s skin until he reached his thighs.

“Sigurado ka?” he asked, his voice deep and dangerous.

Wynona cried a yes while nodding vigorously, rolling his hips to make Miguel feel how much he wanted this.

They spend the whole night filling their rooms with moans, pants, heavy breaths, and aching for pleasure as if nothing could completely satisfy their hunger to be one.

They went for— they lost count of how many rounds after Wynona came for the fourth time, leaving his body trembling with how overstimulated he was. He begged and cried for Miguel to fill him to the brim, spill his cum inside him while tears were streaming down his face because of pleasure as he got drunk with the smell of sex.

Miguel made sure to clean Wynona before he drifted off to sleep. It’s obvious that the older was so tired and aching everywhere as he kept on whimpering with every little movement that he was making, hindi tuloy maiwasang mainis ni Miguel sa sarili.

He gave Wynona a sponge bath and changed him into a new set of pajamas. After he took a bath, he lay next to him with his arms protectively wrapped around the small of Wynona’s waist.

Wynona grunted when the sunlight hit him right on his face, which made Miguel chuckle. The younger was about to stand up to pull the curtains all the way down, but Wynona stopped him by scooting closer and burying his face on the taller’s chest, still with his eyes closed.

“H.. hurts… everywhere.” Wynona whispered.

Mabilis na hinalikan ni Miguel ang noo ni Wynona, “Sorry, I’m sorry, baby.” he said, almost chanting the words like a prayer.

Wynona just hummed, placing his soft hands on Miguel’s cheeks without even looking at the taller because his face is still buried on the latter’s chest.

“I have to go to a meeting today, hm? I’ll try to be really quick,” Miguel chucked when Wynona shot him a glare, “Uuwi po ako agad para makalibot tayo, okay?”

Wynona, who’s still blaming the pregnancy hormones for everything, pouted as he looked at Miguel.

“Wag ka na work kaya, ako nalang mag work for us.”

And Miguel’s laughed echoed through their room kaya mabilis na hinampas ni Wynona ang kaniyang dibdib dahil sa hiya.

“Hay, ang baby ko,” he kissed Wyn’s forehead, “Babalik po ako agad, okay?” he said, assuring the older.

They spend the next few hours cuddling and telling random stories to one another— maging si Miguel ay ayaw na ring bumangon pero panay na ang tawag sakaniya ng secretary.

Sa huli, Wynona let him go, but not without the constant reminders that he needed to go home as soon as he was done because their baby would miss his daddy’s smell.

He tried his best to distract himself, opening the agreements from each department, trying to coordinate with his secretary for an adjustment in his schedule, and even trying to call his best friend, Seokmin.

Looking at the time, he let out a deep sigh when he saw that it was getting late, but there were still no signs of Miguel.

No texts. No calls. Nothing.

This is not usual.

It’s because Miguel always bombards him with repeated texts telling him to take his supplements and microwave the food he left in their dining— even reminding him of small things such as drinking lots of water and to stop snacking on too much sweets.

With an exasperated sigh, Wynona opened the television and grabbed his phone. He was about to call Santino to keep himself entertained, but he dropped his phone as the news flashed through the screen.

Magandang gabi

Sinasabing ang anak ng senator na si Miguel Kim, III., ay nawawala at kinuha diumano nang hindi pa nakikilalang grupo

Kung makikita sa kuha ng CCTV, papasok sa isang kilalang hotel sa Cebu ang binata nang namataang sinusundan ng tatlong di kilalang lalake

Makikitang sinubukang manlaban ng binata ngunit natangay pa rin ito nang dumating ang iba pang mga kasabwat

Sa ngayon, sinusubukan naming kuhanin ang pahayag ng senador na si Miguel Kim Jr., ang ama ng biktima.

Wynona felt his world shattering— the burning lump in his throat forming as fast as his heart beating against his chest; he tried to grab his phone on the floor only to collapse a second after because his knees weakened with the thought of Miguel in danger.

“Oh.. oh my.. No… no.. no…”

Chapter Text

Isang buwan.

Tangina.

One long dreading month since he last saw Miguel.

Walang ibang ginawa si Wynona kundi ang bumalik ng Cebu kada Biyernes para umuwi lang rin nang Lunes— hoping that Miguel would be there, in the shared hotel room where they spent all of their unsaid thoughts with. He even made it to a point to reserve the room even if he wasn’t there just so if Miguel came back… he would know where to go.

Sebastian:

Papunta na kami ni Jihoon

The very first week— that’s when it sank in that Miguel’s really missing— that he won’t be coming home. And well, Wynona, lost it. Literally.

And that’s where Sebastian came in, filling the promise that he made to Miguel like a true brother.

He made sure that Wynona was well taken care of. Going as far as cleaning his condo unit, stacking his fridge with groceries, setting up appointments for Wynona, and memorizing the supplements he had to take just so he could remind the younger every now and then.

Seokmin:

Hi

Daan ako sayo mamaya ha?

Nag-bake ako cookies. May cake rin, idadaan ko sayo

Kumain ka na ba?

Wynona’s a mess.

Isang buwan na walang Miguel.

Hindi na siya nakakapasok nang trabaho. Hindi nakakakain ng maayos at hindi naaalagaan ang sarili.

It’s as if his soul went missing with Miguel too and only the latter’s presence could make him come back.

“Lugaw lang ‘yan, Wyn,” Sebastian pushed the bowl toward him, “Ubusin mo yan.” he said.

Jihoon looked at him, his expression softened, his heart also aching for Wynona. Ang bigat.

“Love, ayusin ko mga gamot niya to make sure we got everything,” hinaplos ni Jihoon ang braso ng boyfriend, “Ikaw na munang bahala dito, ha?”

Sebastian just stared at Wynona, who seemed out of it. He was staring at the bowl, not moving; he didn’t want to.

“Ano, Wyn?” Sebastian tapped his fingers on the table getting the younger’s attention, “Kakain ka o susubuan pa kita?” hamon niya.

Miguel is his brother.

Tangina. Kaya galit na galit siya nang malamang nawawala ang kaibigan— he immediately hired someone to further investigate pero parang walang nangyayari, parang walang usad at maging siya… nababaliw na.

Sometimes whenever worry is clouding his mind, he couldn’t help but think— paano kung sabihin niya kay Wynona na malaki ang posibilidad na tiyuhin niya ang may pakana nang lahat?

“Kung may mangyaring masama sakin, Seb. Promise me. Tangina. Promise me not to tell Wynona that it might be his family.”

“Gago?”

“I.. I don’t want him to think na kasalanan niya. Kaya Seb, please.”

Sebastian ran his fingers through his hair, slowly getting frustrated because thirty minutes had passed, but Wynona hadn’t touched his food yet.

“K.. kuya,”

Wynona looked up, his eyes glistening, a tear slipping almost immediately as he searched for Sebastian’s eyes, begging.

“W.. wala pa bang.. wala pa bang—”

And just like any other day, he broke down.

He cried.

The Wynona who never cried in front of everyone? The Wynona who doesn’t want people to see how vulnerable he was? Gone . Long gone.

He couldn’t even think of himself. Hell! He sometimes forgets that he’s pregnant because all he can think of is Miguel… desperately hoping for his presence and for him to be okay.

Napasinghap si Sebastian nang makita ang grabeng pag-iyak ni Wynona. Tangina talaga.

Dahan-dahan siyang lumapit dito at hinaplos ang likod ni Wynona, caressing his back in circular motion as he looked at him with soft worried eyes.

“Wala pang balita, Wyn,” malumanay nitong sabi, “Pero diba sabi ko naman sayo? Hindi ko yun papabayaan, kapatid ko yun, kaibigan ko. Tangina. Gagawin ko lahat para sa taong ‘yon.”

“May mga taong naghahanap sakaniya sa Cebu. Meron rin dito sa buong Maynila. Mga tao ko maging nang ama niya.”

“We’re desperately searching for him. We are doing our best to find him, okay?”

Sebastian’s chest tightened as if he was also trying to convince himself and denying all the negative thoughts in his mind.

“Si Miguel ‘yon. Palagi niyang kinakaya ang lahat,” he took in a sharp breath, “Kaya, Wyn, tayo rin ha? Para kay Miguel.”

Wynona sobbed.

And sobbed harder.

He knows that Sebastian has a point.

Miguel’s a strong man. He knows he’d find his way back home… and hopefully, to him, with their little family.

“Ba.. babalikan kami ni Miguel?” Wynona looked at the older.

It wasn’t a question.

It was a desperate plea.

He wanted something to hold onto—something to keep him sane, and Sebastian sensed it. So he smiled, and even if he was unsure, he nodded his head.

“Babalikan kayo ni Miguel.”

Even with tears still streaming down his face, Wynona nodded his head, finally grabbing the spoon and moving the bowl closer to him.

Sebastian couldn’t help but let out a small smile when Wynona finally took a bite of his food. That’s right, sunshine. I’ll bring Miguel back to you, he thought.

Everyone was worried for Miguel.

And Santino’s going insane because of Wynona.

Tangina. Ang hirap pala mag-alaga ng pasaway, he thought.

Palitan sila ni Seokmin kung sinong sisilip dito gabi-gabi. Well, sa umaga, palagi ‘tong dinadalhan nang kapatid niya ng pagkain kasi kung pati ‘yon kailangan niyang gawin baka mauna pa siyang maiyak kay Wynona.

Seokmin:

Ako na kay Wyn tonight

Bukas ka nalang

Santino:

Ge

Dalhan mo ko banana cake

Thank you kiss ka sakin

Seokmin:

The fuck

Kadiri?

Santino let out a small laugh because of Seokmin’s response.

He decided to stop by their furniture shop in Alabang. He asked for the lazy boy to be delivered to Wynona’s condo unit para magamit ‘to ng kaibigan; he figured that his friend, who’s jobless for a month now, needed a comfortable chair since he was also bitching about his aching back.

He was filling out the information needed for delivery when his phone dinged. Mapipikon na sana siya kay Seokmin, but he faltered. It was coming from an unknown number.

+63 961 721 4400:

Hi. This is Alei. I don’t know if you still remember tho

Nasa Alabang ako trying to shop for a furniture

Is the discount still up? :)

Timely.

Putangina.

Kung kailan ka talaga mukhang gago dun pa may magpapakita sayong importanteng tao eh. Kupal ng tadhana minsan tangina.

Running his fingers through his hair, he stood up and stared at his reflection in the mirror, trying to fix his hair like an elementary student who will finally see his crush in the upper level after the Christmas break.

He then looked around the office. In the far corner, there’s a balikbayan box. What’s in it, you ask? Cold fucking cash.

Mabilis niyang kinuha ang puting tela sa ilalim at isa-isang tinakpan ang mga kahon na nasa gilid. Alam niyang hindi naman siguro sila papasok dito pero maigi na yung sigurado.

Without any second thought in his mind, he sent a text to his father.

Santino:

Dad

Furniture shop. Sales rep. Now.

Thanks!

An hour has passed since the last message he got from Alei. Two sales reps arrived at the store—well, at least they had to pretend to be one—the furniture shop had been cleaned, and the furniture had been labeled to avoid any confusion.

His father always told him that this furniture shop was not a playground; it was a place solely for him and his brother.

Pero may pake ba si Santino? Wala. Takot ba siyang magalit ang ama niya? Medyo pero medyo wala rin siyang pake.

His back is leisurely pressed against the swivel chair, his feet resting on top of the table. He is glancing at the office that can pass as the national museum, as it stores paintings from various national artists.

His phone dinged.

And a smile made its way on his lips.

Alei:

Hi! I’m here

Wala ka pala sa store niyo? Sayang

Tangina. Kung alam lang ni Alei kung gaano niya katagal hinintay ‘to, he’d probably think he’s crazy.

Looking at his reflection in the mirror for the last time, he went out of the office. Agad niyang nakita ang isang sales rep na nasa register at ang isa naman ay kinakausap si Alei na may malawak na ngiti.

“So, this? Available for installment, you said?” ani Alei, nakaturo sa isang puting cabinet.

“Yes, sir.”

Alei nodded as he continued walking around, the sales rep still following him. Medyo napipikon na dahil mukhang wala si Santino.

Tangina. Ang mahal mahal nang grab papunta dito tapos olats pala, he thought.

“Hey, you guys can take your break. Ako na bahala dito.”

Mabilis pa sa alas kuwatro ang paglingon ni Alei nang marinig ang boses na ‘yon, biting his lower lip, nagpipigil nang ngiti.

Tumango naman ang dalawang sales rep na hindi niya alam kung saan nakuha nang ama niya at lumabas na muna ng store.

“Akala ko wala ka dito.” Alei said, pretending to be neutral about it. As if.

Santino let out a small smile, shrugging his shoulders, “Nasaktuhan.” he said.

Alei Yoon nodded his head, turning his back against Santino as he started walking around the store. He looked around, checking the labels, the three doors that said stockroom, and the floor that was squeaky clean as if no one had stepped foot in it for months.

Tangina. This store is a front. A fucking facade of their illegal businesses.

And  Alei, as cunning as ever, smiled with that thought. Money. More money. Endless Money. Yan lang ang tumatakbo sa isip niya.

“San— i’m sorry,” Alei halted, as if thinking, “Santino, right?” he asked.

“At your service.”

Dapat lang.

“I’m thinking of getting this one,” he pointed at the two door cabinet, “Or just this mirror.” he then pointed at the full-length mirror shaped into a soft pink cloud.

Santino nodded his head, pursing his lips as he stared at Alei, watching his every move—how his fingers tried to grasp the texture of the wood, how he smiled as he opened the drawer of one cabinet, and how his brows raised as he looked at the item's price tag.

“You look around, okay? I’ll get someone to arrange things for you.” malumanay nitong sabi sakaniya.

The two sales reps earlier entered the shop again, assisting Alei and making sure that he had everything he needed—even offering to buy him coffee or a quick snack and closing the store just so they could focus on him.

And oh Alei fucking thrives in it.

It’s as if he was in his element. In his rightful place.

Pakiramdam niya ito ang buhay na dapat sakaniya, pinagsisilbihan at hindi nahihirapan.

“Thank you po,” Rea, the sales rep, looked at the form that he filled out, “Idedeliver nalang ‘ho namin sa address na ‘to.”

“Where should I pay?”

Tanginang cabinet ‘yan. Sixteen thousand only because he got it discounted already, pag nakita ni Evo ang bank statement niya for sure magwawala na naman yun.

“Ay! Okay na ‘ho, sir. Hindi na ‘ho kailangang bayaran, bilin po samin ni boss.”

Alei’s lips pursed into a thin line, celebrating from within— a confirmation that whatever this game he’s trying to play, he’s undoubtedly the winner.

“Nasan siya?” he looked around, “Umalis na ba?”

And as if on cue, Santino walked toward his direction letting out a small smile when their eyes met.

Gwapo. Tangina. Lugi pa ba siya?

He doesn’t know how a man with a face like this could act like a loser when in love.

Kung siya ang tatanungin? Kung may milyones siya, mawawalan siya ng pake sa maraming bagay lalo na sa tao. Naghihirap ka? Tangina anong pakeelam ko, that’s how he thinks.

Because Alei Yoon despite of his angelic face is cunning and dangerous.

“Are you busy?” Santino asked, scratching his nape, “Uhm.. Dinner?”

Alei badly wanted to roll his eyes because despite Santino’s having a face of a God, he sometimes looked like a loser who was always embarrassed to the point that he was unable to speak in front of his crush.

“Sure! My treat.” ani Alei.

Kapal ng mukha manlibre, feeling may pera . But well, he needed to pretend for a little more time for everything to go according to plan. He would love to think that every money spent on Santino is an investment because soon, he’d be swimming in his money.

Worries? Non-existent. Money? Countless.

Hayop. Buti nalang wala masiyadong mamahalin na restaurant sa mall na ‘to dahil hindi alam ni Alei kung makaka-survive pa siya sa mga susunod na araw kung mauubos ang pera niya ngayon.

“Alei, fastfood is fine with me.” ani Santino.

Aba dapat lang.

“Are you sure?” he asked, faux concerned could be heard in his voice, “Lipat tayo ibang mall gusto mo?”

Santino let out a small smile. There! Tangina. Pogi. Luluhuran.

This is why he thought of this plan— kasi puta wala namang downside— may pera na siya, may pogi pa siyang kakasamahin. Who would say no to that? No one.

“No, i’m fine with anywhere naman.”

Sige. Fine with anywhere naman pala eh.

Alei grabbed him by the arms, walking through always jam-packed Jollibee. He couldn’t help but let out a knowing grin when he saw Santino anxiously looking around— probably surprised by all the people in line.

“First time mo mag jollibee?”

“No?”

“You’re not sure.”

“No, Alei. This is not my first time here.”

He just nodded his head, shrugging his shoulders, but his expression remained amused, which made Santino cocked a brow.

“Oo na, naniniwala na,” malumanay na sabi nito, “Yun oh,” he pointed at one table, “Dun tayo.” he said.

Nagtataka aman siyang tinignan ni Santino nang makitang may dalawang tao pang nakaupo ‘ron, “Occupied pa.” he mumbled.

“Tayo ka na sa gilid para pag-alis nila, makaupo ka na agad.”

“Pero andon pa—”

“Just.. go there, okay?”

Santino exhaled through his nose. He was obviously not used to following orders, but he still went toward the table, even letting out an awkward smile to the old lady, who glanced at him as if already familiar with what he was about to do.

“Oh, pogi. Sakto patapos na kami,” the old lady grabbed their things, “Maupo ka na rito.”

Bahagyang ngumiti si Santino sa dalawang matanda, nahihiya pa rin. He looked around and saw that there were still many people in line and people just standing as if waiting for those who were still eating to finish. Is that the norm here? Parang nakakahiya naman. Parang abala sa mga kumakain pa.

As he was waiting for Alei, he decided to check on his friend first.

Santino:

Wyn, kumain ka na?

He rolled his eyes when almost ten minutes has passed and he got no response from his friend.

Santino:

Saan ka na, Seok?

Na kay Wyn ka na ba? Hindi nagrereply eh

Seokmin:

Oo nandito na ko

Mag-init lang ako food for us. Nagluto si Jihoon bago sila umalis ni Kuya mo

Itinago na ni Santino ang kaniyang phone nang makitang parating na si Alei na may kasunod na dalawang fastfood crew at inilapag ang kanilang order sa mesa.

Alei got them four pieces of chicken, two ice cream sundaes, two spaghetti, and two pieces of peach mango pie. The older man clapped his hands as he arranged the food for both of them, handing Santino the spoon and fork.

“Oh, ayan,” Alei let out a warm smile, “Mata-try mo na rin ang Jollibee.” he said, with a teasing look on his face.

Santino just rolled his eyes, grinning as he traced Alei's glowing expression as he continued to tease him. Ang ganda.

They talked for about an hour as they ate, hindi pinapansin ang mga tao na tinuturo ang table nila dahil mukha nga namang patapos na sila kumain.

“Alei, I think we have to go,” Santino whispered, “I think they’re also waiting for us to finish.”

The older then looked at the girl standing just next to their table, making it obvious that she wanted them to go already while ogling at Santino.

Alei rolled his eyes, “Dedma.”

Clearing his throat, he shifted in his seat, immediately regretting what he said. Tangina. Demure nga pala siya dapat kay Santino.

When they were done talking, they finally decided to walk out of Jollibee. Pinilit na ni Santino ang kasama dahil hindi niya kinakaya ang tingin sakaniya ng mga customers na naghihintay para sa bakanteng upuan.

“Thank you for the… uh,” Alei looked down before staring back at Santino, “For the cabinet and stuff. I should’ve paid kahit sa delivery fee lang. And yeah, salamat rin sa paghatid.”

Santino looked at Alei from head to toe—and no, it wasn’t because he was observing or judging—he looked and memorized to take everything in—that he was finally talking to the man he had admired and loved for years.

Somehow, Alei knew there was something in those eyes— something that he did not want to name and would love to just bury back in his mind. Ayaw niyang intindihin. Ayaw niyang bigyan ng pansin dahil alam niya kung anong pakay niya at hindi kasama ‘ron ang pagmamahal.

“Ayos lang. Just.. just hit me up again whenever you need something.”

Alei nodded his head, letting out a small smile.

That.

That smile.

That fucking smile that highlighted his soft features that went so well with his ash blonde hair, swaying with the wind as the length already reached his shoulders and his eyes that sparked under the moon.

Up until now and even years and years ago, Alei has always been the definition of beauty for Santino. Siya lang. Walang iba.

This is not even love. This is devotion.

Alei clenched his fist before waving his hand at Santino, turning his back. But before he could even take another step forward, he halted when he heard the younger man speak.

“Don’t you remember me?”

Oh God.

Fucking finally.

His lips curving into a grin of victory, everything is finally falling into its rightful place— and soon, hindi na siya maghihirap at nasa kaniya na ang lahat.

Santino traced the confusion in Alei’s face, already regretting the words that he blurted out. Gago. Nabigla niya ata.

Ang dami niyang nararamdaman para kay Alei. Hindi niya alam kung gusto nita lang ‘to, mahal niya ba o gusto niya nang patuyuan ng sariling altar— or maybe he’s feeling all those three combined. Ganon katindi. Ganon kalakas ang tama niya.

“What do you mean?” Alei asked, “Of course, I remember you. The event. Ang laki mong sponspor. Paano kita makakalimutan?”

That did something to Santino.

Oo nga naman. Paano siya maaalala ni Alei?

He was just a random student who happened to go to the same university as him— ni wala nga silang nabuong pag-uusap sa isang buong taon na nasa iisang lugar sila.

But Santino? Santino remembered everything.

Alam niya kung anong oras nasa terminal ng tricycle si Alei, alam niya kung ano ang paborito niyang packed juice at alam niya kung sino-sino ang mga kaibigan magingn ang madalas nitong mga kasama.

He memorized everything about Alei like a prayer.

“We went to the same school.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah,” he let out a small mocking laugh, “Not the same batch though. Kaya siguro hindi mo matandaan, graduating ka na kasi ‘non.”

“At ikaw, ba’t mo naaalala?”

That sounded like a fucking challenge to Santino.

He looked at Alei straight in the eye, accepting whatever the outcome might be.

“Gusto kita,” he breathed out, “Pitong taon na.”

He saw the evident shock on Alei’s face when he said those words, but aside from that, his expression remained unreadable, almost stoic.

“Ano naman?”

Hayop. There. That was a risk.

“What?”

Parang pinipiga ang dibdib ni Alei.

No, not because of Santino’s confession but because of how he was challenging his words— kasi tangina anong gagawin niya pag biglang sumuko? But he needed to do this. Para humigpit ang hawak niya sa leeg nito. Para hindi makawala. Para makasiguro siyang kanya si Santino.

“Ang sabi ko, ano naman ngayon?”

Santino’s jaw clenched, and along with the cold harsh wind, his fingers curled into a fist, breathing heavily as he felt his chest tightened with the cold response from Alei.

“I want you to date me.”

Fucking finally.

Santino does not know where he got his confidence, but he looked at Alei as if the older man owed him an answer in his favor, as if saying no was forbidden.

Alei Yoon’s forehead creased, gulping down as he put the loose strand of his hair on the back of his ears, staring right back at Santino, not backing down.

“I don’t date people I just—”

“Liligawan kita.”

A breath caught up in Alei’s throat. Tanginang ‘to. May yabang rin talaga eh, he thought.

Nagpakawala ng isang malalim na buntong hininga si Alei at mahinang ngumiti sa lalakeng nasa harap niya.

“Do whatever you want,” his voice cold, “I do not say yes easily, Santino. So,” he then took a step forward leaning toward the younger, “Earn it.” he said, voice challenging the man who’s looking at him with as much intensity.

Bago pa man muling makapagsalita si Santino ay naglakad na papalayo si Alei. And the younger? he stayed in the same position for almost thirty minutes, feeling his heart beating painfully against his chest because of emotions that he couldn’t even name.

Santino washed his face with his bare hands when he was finally out of his train of thoughts. He went inside his car and drove away, but not before sending a message to Alei Yoon.

Santino:

I’ll get your yes

That’s for sure

Alei:

Uh huh?

Good luck.

Nagpakawala nang isang malawak na ngiti si Santino. Tangina. Nakakabaliw.

He was about to start the engine but he stopped— raising his brows when a message notification from his father came up.

Dad:

Anak

I’m home

Uwi ka naman. Kailan ka hindi busy? Magsabay kayo ni Kuya mo at ni Jihoon

Namiss ko kayo

He let out a small smile, feeling the peace seeping through his system, knowing that his father was finally in the country—that he was just now a few minutes drive away from him and his brother.

Santino decided to go to Wynona’s place first dahil wala na rin naman siyang ibang gagawin at hindi pa rin pagod might as well visit his friend who’s probably dehydrated from crying too much.

Kung titignan mo, parang ginagago lang ni Santino ang kung anumang sitwasyon ang mayroon si Wynona ngayon. But that’s only because he does not want his friend to worry even more, he’s making sure that his men were looking for that man. Hindi dahil kay Miguel kundi para kay Wynona.

“Asan na si Wyn?” he asked as he walked inside the place and saw Seokmin sitting on the blue sofa, munching a slice of cake, “Wow ha. Ano pinunta mo dito, chill night?”

Seokmin rolled his eyes which made Santino chuckle. Sarap talaga asarin.

Santino knocked when he reached Wynona’s room; he carefully turned and opened the door only to stop and stare at his friend’s figure, who was curled up on his bed, knees pressed tight against his chest. His shoulders were shaking, and a hard sob could be heard every second.

Alam niyang hirap na hirap na si Wynona.

At tangina. Gusto nalang ni Santino halughugin ang buong bansa para lang mahanap na ‘yang si Miguel dahil natatakot siya. Natatakot siyang baka bumigay si Wynona.

Wynona’s falling apart.

And the same goes for the Kim family.

Araw-araw iyak at pagmamakaawa ang ginagawa ni Yngrid Kim sakaniyang asawa para dagdagan ang mga taong naghahanap sakanilang anak.

Believe it or not, Miguel Kim Jr is falling apart too.

This is his son.

And even if he failed in more ways than one, Miguel is his only child. At mahal niya ang anak niya.

“Wala.. Migo, wala pa.. bang balita?”

Napabalikwas si Miguel Kim Jr. nang marining ang nanginginig na boses nang kaniyang asawa, mabilis na tinago ang mga larawan na iniwan sakaniyang opisina nung nakaraang araw.

“Ang.. ang anak ko,” Yngrid’s knees weakened, almost dropping to the floor if it weren’t for her husband who immediately hugged her waist, “Iuwi mo na ang anak ko, please, please.”

Migo clenched both of his fists, his chest tightened with the weight of it all, thinking about his son— and how he was braving the constant hit, slap, and punch against the filthy hands of Wilfredo Herrera’s men. Tangina.

His heart broke.

The disgust to himself intensified.

Feeling smaller and smaller.

Kung may mabigat lang ako pangalan. Hindi maghihirap nang ganto ang anak ko, he thought.

But Migo Kim might not have a strong, powerful connection, but he is smart. Oh so fucking smart.

Letting out multiple curses in his mind, he grabbed the useful photos that his private investigator had taken and drove toward the one person who could take down Wilfredo Herrera.

Sergio fucking Choi.

Tangina.

Does Wilfredo Herrera rules the country? No. Does Sergio Choi rules half of it? Almost.

Paanong mahuhuli ang kilalang drug lord kung milyon milyon ang utang sakaniya nang Director General ng PDEA. Sila mismo, ang PDEA, ang unang depensa ni Sergio.

“Mga anak lang daw ‘ho ni bossing ang inaasahan niyang bisita ngay—”

“Papasukin mo ko.”

Two other men walked in their direction to stop him from entering the place. Luckily, it was the main security of Sergio Choi kaya nakilala siya.

“Si senador ‘yan,” rumadyo ito at tumango sa isang kasamahan, “Papasukin.”

Nang makagarahe ay halos patakbo na ‘tong pumasok sa loob nang bahay ni Sergio Choi.

“Nasa opisina ‘ho si boss.”

Tumango siya sa isang security at mabilis na binaybay ang kahabaan nang bahay ng mga Choi hanggang sa makarating ito sa opisina ni Sergio.

They weren’t friends; Migo’s sure of that. But they weren’t exactly just acquaintances.

The both of them knew the benefit of having each other.

“May kailangan ako sayo.”

Sergio furrowed his brows, both his feet resting on top of his table while his back was pressed against his swivel chair.

“Tangina ayos ah,” he laughed, “Wala man lang kamustahan.”

Sergio closed his eyes, tapping his finger against the armrest. Walang pakeelam sa kung anuman ang kailangan sakaniya ni Migo.

“Ay oo nga pala,” he snapped his fingers, “Ilipat mo sa pangalan ni Jihoon ang binayad saking lupa sa La Union. Gusto ko malinis na malinis.”

Migo Kim clenched both of his fists when he saw how unbothered Sergio Kim was as if he had no plans to hear the reason why he was standing in front of him.

Putangina talaga nito.

So he did what he does best.

If Sergio Choi does not want to help him, he’d fucking give him a reason to.

He slammed the several photos on top of Sergio Choi’s table, which made him let out multiple curses; he sat properly and grabbed the images, his lips pursing into a thin line.

Migo smiled.

Bullseye.

He saw Sergio Choi’s expression soften, his entire demeanor changing into something similar to longing and almost… sadness.

Papaanong hindi? Kamukhang kamukha ni Angelique Herrera yung bata.

“Palagay ko si Wilfredo ang nagpakuha sa anak ko.”

“He.. he has a relationship with Wynona,” he lied, “And Wynona’s pregnant. Siguro’y dahil sa inis o galit tangina hindi ko alam pero sigurado akong sila ang kumuha kay Miguel.”

Sergio put down the photos and looked at Migo with absolute danger in his eyes.

“Tangina ka. Bakit mo sinasabi sakin ‘to?”

Migo pointed at the photo.

“Wynona Herrera Jeon,” he stared back at Sergio Choi with challenging gaze, “Anak ni Angelique Herrera.”

He saw it.

He saw everything.

How just like any other time Angelique is mentioned— Sergio Choi faltered, trembled and broke visibly.

He looked at the photos again, he balled his fist and swallowed the burning lump in his throat.

“Kamusta siya?”

Tangina.

Migo Kim sighed in relief.

“Kamusta ang anak ko?” Sergio Choi’s voice trembled in anxiousness, “Putangina. Nasaan ang anak ko?” he stood up, slamming his hand against the table, demanding for an immediate answer.

All it took was one look.

One look and Sergio Choi knew that boy who was the spitting image of the girl he loved most was his.

Wynona. That’s the name he told Angelique about— that is the name of Sergio Choi’s mother.

“He’s pregnant and alone,” Migo gulps down, “Miguel went missing when he was in Cebu. Kaya ang anak mo? Kahit na may sakit at nahihirapan, pabalik-balik sa Cebu para hanapin si Miguel.”

“You know how hard all of this was for Wynona? He’s a workaholic but took almost a month off from work. Kasi hindi makapag-isip at halos hindi makalabas nang baha—“

Migo stopped.

Sergio Choi grabbed his phone, his hand on his waist while waiting for the other line to answer.

“Kitain si Migo. He’ll give you orders.”

He ended the call. Just like that.

Sergio Choi then looked at Migo straight in the eye.

“Hanapin mo si Miguel para sa anak ko. Use my power, use my name and influence. I don’t fucking care!”

Sergio Choi then took a step forward pointing at Migo disrespectfully.

“Bring back Miguel to my son. Immediately.”

Chapter Text

“Pwede ba kong sumama sayo?”

Sergio looked at her, his brows furrowing but his expression softened when he saw how his girlfriend is looking at him.

“Kung pwede lang,” he took in a deep breath, “Isasama kita. Eh, alam mo naman diba? Magagalit ang mga kapatid mo. Mahirap na.”

Angelique exhaled, crossing her arms.

“Bakit ba.. takot na takot ka kila Kuya?”

Sergio slowly wrapped his arms around her waist, “Hindi naman sa takot,” he then placed a soft kiss on her temple, “Gusto ko lang sana na magustuhan rin nila ko, pamilya mo yun eh.”

Her lips pursed into a thin line, a breath caught up in her throat especially when she saw Sergio’s expression.

They’ve been dating for a lot of years now, ever since college hanggang ngayon na may kanya-kanyang trabaho na silang dalawa.

Angelique Herrera. A girl who screamed beauty and elegance— protected and loved everywhere she goes.

She’s the only girl in their family, so it’s understandable that her brothers are very protective of her. She’s someone who always tries to see the good in people, someone who speaks softly, and a girl who has everything but always dreams simply.

Then, here comes Sergio Choi, a tall man with defined features—a pointed nose, dark eyebrows, expressive deep eyes, and a tone of voice that always seems precise and dangerous.

Unlike Angelique Herrera, who grew up in luxury and calmness of life, it was the total opposite for Sergio Choi as he came from the heart of Tondo, braving the gunshot that could be heard every now and then, bungalows as drug dens and people who kill people for a living.

If Angelique Herrera is refined, luxury and calmness. Sergio Choi is messy, danger and rush.

Magkaibang mundo ang ginagalawan nilang dalawa kaya ni minsan hindi sumagi sa isip ni Sergio na magkakaroon siya ng pag-asa sa isang babaeng kagaya ni Angelique.

“Kamusta na pala si Samantha?” nag-aalalang tanong ni Angelique, “Bisitahin natin minsan. Namimiss ko na si Sebseb.”

Natawa nang bahagya si Sergio dahil don. Sobrang malapit kasi si Angelique sa anak ng matalik niyang kaibigan, si Samantha.

“Oo bisitahin natin tapos pag bumisita tayo,” he then kissed her cheeks, “Tuktukan mo ‘yon ha?” he said, making his voice small as he scooted closer to his girlfriend.

Angelique let out soft laugh as she shook her head but still placed her hands on Sergio’s head, caressing his hair every now and then.

“Hey, don’t be like that to Sam. Always be there for her lalo na may Sebastian siya.”

“Tangina yun nga problema eh. May anak na panay habol pa rin sa gago niyang ex. Kung pede ko lang talagang ipapa–”

“Baby…”

Sergio took in a deep breath, halting his words as he tried to calm himself. Marahan niyang kinuha ang dalawang kamay ni Angelique at hinalikan ito ng dalawang beses.

“Pasensya,” he breathed out, “Pakiramdam ko lang.. gago siya. Ginagago niya si Samantha. Isa pa, naaawa ako kay Sebastian. Lalo na pag hinahanap niya ang gago niyang ama.”

Angelique rested her head on Sergio’s shoulder, smiling.

This is why she loves Sergio Choi.

When he loves, he loves so much.

He loves like everything is a devotion. He loves like a prayer and he loves like its the sole purpose of his being.

Ang buong akala ni Angelique ganon si Sergio sa lahat— not knowing that the same man he thought was kind could kill a man in a blink of an eye.

“Ilang araw ka nga sa ibang bansa?”

Sergio looked at his girlfriend, his heart swelling just by seeing how her lips tugged downwards with the thought of them not being together for awhile.

Tangina. Kung pwede lang talagang isama eh.

“Baka isang linggo.”

Angelique tsk-ed but nodded her head, “Always message me?” aniya, marahan ang tanong.

“Sus, mahal ko. Pwede ba namang hindi?”

She ran her fingers through her hair, shrugging her shoulders as she looked at her boyfriend with challenging gaze.

“Huy, wag mo naman ako tignan ng ganyan. Titigasan ako sige.”

“Oh my—” she slapped Sergio’s chest, “Hell! Kadiri ka.” she exclaimed.

Sergio Choi let out a booming laugh but still caged Angelique’s small frame with his body, burying his face in the crook of her neck, taking in her soft floral scent.

Iginiya niya ito sa full-length mirror sakaniyang living room. With his chin placed on Angelique’s neck and his hands making their way to the small of her waist as he caressed it up and down, he couldn’t help but let out a small smile.

“Look, my love,” he looked at their reflection, “You look so so beautiful. Tangina. Walang kakupas kupas.” he breathed out.

Angelique rolled her eyes as if that would hide the flush in her cheeks because of Sergio’s words.

“Sana pag nagka-anak tayong dalawa kamukha mo,” he smiled, “Yung kuhang kuha sana ang ganda mo.”

She just shook his head in disbelief, “You’re.. you’re crazy, baby.”

Sergio just stared at his girlfriend’s reflection, his smile grew wider when Angelique faced his direction, intertwing their fingers as she looked at him.

“Huling… huling alis mo na?” she asked, biting her lower lip.

Sergio let out such a warm smile.

He took in Angelique’s features— making sure to memorize every nook of it from her expressive hazel eyes, pointed nose, and soft pinkish lips.

She’s working in a public school as a high school teacher. Simple. Tiresome but fulfilling.

And Sergio? He’s not employed, at least not in papers.

Siya lang naman ang supplier ng party drugs sa buong Poblacion. And when he got the hang of it, he hired more people and started to take over all of Alabang at dahil sa pinaghalong tapang at talino, he started smuggling small time party drugs to other countries as well.

The surprise? Angelique knew all of this.

She was scared. She was nervous. However, she’s too far gone in love to run away and just forget.

“Oo, mahal,” Sergio nodded his head, “Huling alis ko na ‘to.”

Nakabuo na silang dalawa ng plano.

Si Sergio na iiwan ang negosyong pinaghirapan simula nung bata pa siya kapalit ang mas payapang buhay kasama ang taong mahal niya.

Hindi magiging madali pero alam niyang kakayanin nila. Ano bang hindi niya kaya? Wala. Lalo na kung para kay Angelique.

Mayroon siyang nabiling lupa sa Bicol. Malapit sa dagat. Isang oras na byahe papuntang siyudad at sa magandang unibersidad. Kung bubuo sila ng pamilya, maganda ang lugar na ‘yon. Tahimik at malayo sa mga taong alam ang madilim niyang kahapon.

“Pag-uwi ko, susubukan kong kausapin ang kapatid mo–”

“Baka kung anong gawin sayo ni Kuya.”

Sergio let out a tight-lipped smile atsaka marahang hinaplos ang pisngi ni Angelique.

“At naiintindihan ko,” marahan nitong sabi, “Kasi kung ako rin, ganon ang magiging reaksyon ko. Gusto.. gusto lang nila nang mabuting tao para sayo.”

Angelique glared at him, her lips forming into a pout as she shook her head not accepting Sergio’s words.

“What do you mean? Mabuti ka naman!”

Sergio laughed, “Oh, baby. I’m only good to you, believe me.” he said, shaking his head.

Gwapo.

Instead of saying that word, Angelique rolled her eyes and just hugged her boyfriend burying her face against Sergio’s chest, inhaling his scent.

It was a random Monday morning.

Wala na si Sergio sa bansa. But of course, he’s messaging Angelique nonstop, making sure that she’s occupied whenever she has the free time so she doesn’t get bored.

Paanong makakatakbo palayo si Angelique kay Sergio Choi? He treats her like she is the ruler of his world— kung anong sabihin ni Angelique, yun ang masusunod. Kung anong gusto ni Angelique, agad niyang ibibigay.

And Sergio Choi is always willing to drop every single thing that he’s doing if Angelique Herrera needs him.

Angelique let out a small smile. She’s excited for Sergio to come home. She has important news to tell him, one that she knows will change their lives for the better—one that will only strengthen their love for each other.

She was just combing her hair while humming her favorite song when a soft knock was heard.

“Ma’am, pinapatawag ‘ho kayo ni Sir Wilfredo. Nasa opisina ‘ho siya.”

Angelique stopped.

She shrugged her shoulders and immediately walked out of her room para puntahan ang kaniyang kapatid.

Wilfredo Herrera—the smart one who always aimed for nothing but the best—is thinking of running as a senator next year, and his whole family has been nothing but supportive of the idea.

As she opened the door, she was about to walk straight toward her brother to give him a hug but stopped when Wilfredo Herrera threw tons of photos, papers and result of some sort in her direction.

“Tangina, Angelique! Hindi ka na talaga nag-isip?”

She flinched.

Her father never screamed at her.

Her mother always talks to her softly.

And her brothers… love her so much.

So she flinched.

And she was scared.

She looked at the papers scattered on the floor, squinting her eyes as she read the name of the hospital that she went to last week, and next to a photo was her ultrasound.

Nine weeks pregnant.

When she first took the pregnancy test on her own and saw the result, she felt nothing but happiness— ni hindi siya kinabahan o natakot dahil alam niyang maging si Sergio ay matutuwa kapag nalamang magkaka-anak na silang dalawa.

She was so so happy and excited.

So this, she did not expect this kind of reaction, especially not from her brother, whom she looked up to.

“Angelique,” he sighed, “Wala akong ibang hiningi sayo. Ang gusto ko lang… maayos ka. Kagaya nang bilin ng magulang natin pero tangina ano ‘to?”

“Pagtapos nang lahat, ha?” he screamed out.

“Tangina! Buong buhay ka naming minahal at inalagaan ng sobra sobra tapos ano?” Wilfredo took a step forward, “Magpapabuntis ka lang sa putanginang kriminal na ‘yon?”

“Nag-iisip ka ba!?”

Angelique’s shoulders visibly trembled, and tears started to pool down her eyes— the joy that she was feeling was long gone and was replaced by anxiety and fear.

Wilfredo’s expression softened when he saw how Angelique lowered her head and how her fingers were shaking.

“Ano, pinilit ka ba?” Wilfredo asked, “Tangina. Ginagago ka ba niyang Sergio Choi na ‘yan? Sabihin mo lang.”

His tone was dangerous.

It was as if he was ready to destroy.

Mabilis na nag-angat nang tingin si Angelique sa kapatid at mabilis na umiling, naiiyak pa rin.

“K.. Kuya, alam mong may.. may relasyon kami ni Sergio. Mahal ko siya. Alam kong papanindi—”

“At anong mangyayari sa pangalan natin?” he screamed out, “Hindi ka ba nahihiya? Kriminal ‘yon, Angelique.”

“Putangina. Ewan ko ba sayo, ba’t nagkaganyan ka. Mahal ka naman namin ah,” his tone got softer, “Kulang ba, Gel? Kasi, fuck, hindi ko maintindihan kung ba’t napunta ka sa lalakeng ‘yan.”

“Mahal niya ko…”

Wilfredo looked at his sister; his expression remained stoic. It’s as if his mind’s already closed, denying any of his sister’s words.

“Kakausapin ko si Attorney,” Wilfredo spat out, “Baka pwedeng kasuhan nang rape ‘yan.”

Angelique’s eyes widened kaya mabilis niyang hinabol ang kapatid na akmang lalabas na ng opisina. She held onto his arms, gripping on his sleeves as she desperately shook her head, whimpering as she cried.

“No, no, no,” she begged, “Please, Kuya. No. Don’t.. don’t destroy Sergio like that. I love him, please, please.”

Wilfredo stared at his sister, clenching his jaw. He’s trying so hard not to say anything more that would hurt his sister, but his face says it all— how disappointed he is and how he does not want anything but to destroy that fucking man.

“Anong kaya mong gawin, Angelique?”

He straightened his back, looking at his younger sister with a challenging gaze.

Herrera. Pangalan na matagal nang kilala— they came from a long line of doctors, attorneys, and politicians. They were always known to stand with the masses, with their countless charity works and platforms helping many people.

Hindi hahayaan ni Wilfredo Herrera na matapos ang impluwensiya nang kanilang pamilya dahil dito. Hindi ngayon. Hindi kailanman.

“An.. anything, Kuya. Anything.. just… just promise me you won’t do anything to Sergio.”

At pagtapos nang pag-uusap na ‘yon, walang sabi-sabing dinumog ng kanilang mga kasambahay ang kaniyang kwarto para kuhanin ang kaniyang phone o kahit na anong bagay na magagamit niya para magkaroon ng komunikasyon kay Sergio Choi.

“Erase Sergio Choi in your life and we are good.”

Angelique took in a deep breath, tears streaming down her face as she stared out the window— nasa byahe sila papunta sa kung saan man, hindi niya na inalam ang buong detalye dahil hindi rin naman siya makakapag-desisyun.

Alam niyang sa mga susunod na araw, buwan o baka sa buong buhay niya ay wala na siyang karapatang maging malayo o bumuo ng desisyon para sa sarili.

She gave the full authority to her brother in exchange of Sergio Choi’s freedom.

For the past months, she lived like a criminal in hiding. Magugulat nalang siyang may susundo sakaniya para sabihing kailangan niyang lumipat sa ibang lugar and somehow it sparked hope in her system— that maybe, just maybe, her Sergio hasn’t given up on her yet— that he was still trying to look for her.

Angelique Herrera wanted to be found.

She doesn’t know how but she wanted to be searched and looked for by Sergio.

And for once, she became selfish and hoped that Sergio would use everything in his power to find her— so they could be together, run away from all of this and be a happy family elsewhere. Tangina. Kahit malabo. Kahit mahirap.

“Angelique…”

Lipat na naman.

She just arrived in Laguna from Palawan.

And now, she’s looking at her older brother, sitting calmly in her living room with a straight expression and his fingers tapping against the armrest.

“This is Danilo Jeon,” he glanced at the man standing beside him, “Your husband.”

Angelique’s eyes widened in surprise, she rose to her feet and stood right in front of her brother.

“Bakit?” she asked, her tone high and angry, “Ano na naman ‘to?” she gritted.

But Wilfredo remained unbothered.

“Ano?” his forehead creased, “Papalakihin mong bastardo ang pamangkin ko?” he asked, calmly.

Angelique Herrera eyed the stranger standing in the corner who seemed confused.

He looked… okay.

“He was a pediatrician. His father was a surgeon, and his mother was a loving housewife,” Wilfredo looked at her straight in the eye “Matinong tao galing sa matinong pamilya, Angelique.”

He let out a small smile— one that made Angelique sick to her stomach.

“Binili ko para sayo.”

Angelique clenched her fists until her knuckles turned paper white, trying so hard to stop her tears from falling.

No, it’s not because of Sergio or her current situation—but because of everything her brother is doing. She never expected him to go this far just so he could protect his name, influence, and power.

She was… disappointed.

“Kuya, ple.. please.”

Wilfredo wasn’t even fazed anymore.

“Wala pa ring may alam na buntis ka. Lahat nang ‘to ay solusyon sa mga maaaring problema,” Wilfredo sighed, “Maganda na’t sigurado.”

He rose to his feet, not even glancing at his sister. He then stopped just right in front of the stranger, eyeing him from head to toe.

“Do not touch her.” he said, a warning.

Hndi pa rin tanggap ni Angelique ang kung anuman ang nangyari at nangyayari sakaniya. Hanggang ngayon, umaasa pa rin siyang mahahanap siya ni Sergio at matatakasan niya ang lahat nang ‘to.

Kamusta na kaya siya?

Her chest tightened, a breath caught in her lungs, and a familiar burn in her throat made its presence known once again, accompanied by the thought of Sergio slowly forgetting her existence and the love they shared.

Kaya niya ba?

Kakayanin niya ba kung makalimutan nalang ni Sergio kung anong meron sila?

“Pag ganito, namimiss ko si Mama.”

Angelique looked at him.

They were sitting under the night skies, their hands intertwined. Her head was placed on Sergio’s chest, and his arms were wrapped around her body.

“Ganda yun si Mama. Kilabot ng Tondo,” he let out a small laugh, “Ganda kasi pero maangas. Mabait rin sakin sobra.”

Sergio Choi looked at the night skies, hoping that one twinkling star was her mother. It was unlikely because even her own mother did not believe in such a thing.

“Wala kasi kaming.. pera ‘non,” his voice sounded weak, “Kung may pera lang ako nung panahong yun siguro… andito pa siya. Sana nakilala mo siya.”

Angelique squeezed his hand, she shifted in her position and kissed Sergio’s jaw.

“She must be really amazing.”

“Sobra.”

“What’s her name, hm?”

A warmth spread through Angelique’s heart when she saw how Sergio Choi smiled so fondly as if remembering her mother.

“Wynona…”

A tear slipped out of Angelique’s eyes.

Hirap na hirap na siya.

“Angelique, anong gusto mong kainin?”

It was as if she was pulled out of her thoughts. She looked at Danila, who was standing in the kitchen, trying to check the raw ingredients that he had bought early in the morning today.

Just like Angelique thought the first time she saw him.

He was indeed… okay.

But he wasn’t Sergio Choi, so she did not pay her any attention.

Hindi siya makikipag bahay-bahayan dito.

Madaldal siya. Obviously trying to at least form any type of relationship with her.

Hindi niya alam kung paanong napapayag ng kaniyang kapatid ang isang doktor na samahan siya nang ganito, magpanggap at itapon ang pinag-aralan.

“Kahit na ano.. ayos lang.”

Danilo let out a small smile as he stared at Angelique’s white porcelain skin. Her legs were slightly showing, and her chest was exposed unknowingly because of her loose shirt.

Angelique saw it.

It made her skin crawl, so she sat properly and hugged herself. She stood up and stomped her way toward her own room, locking herself up as she felt more free that way.

Sergio, please, don’t forget me.

They’ve been together for years.

Ever since Sergio Choi met Angelique Herrera, he changed his way of life. As crazy as it may sound, he’s more than willing to leave everything behind to start a much more peaceful life with his girlfriend.

If he can, he’d catch the stars for Angelique.

If needed, he’d catch a bullet for her.

Maraming kayang gawin si Sergio para sa taong mahal at para mismo sa pagmamahal.

He never knew what love looked like until he met Angelique, who made her realize that life can be easy and worth living too— na hindi lahat kailangan ng pera, na totoo ngang masaya kapag may minamahal at kuntento ang pakiramdam kung payapa.

He knew something was wrong.

“Ang OA? Baka naman busy lang.” Samantha said, rolling her eyes.

He was ranting how Angelique just stopped messaging her when he was out of the country kaya napauwi siya nang maaga para makapag-usap sila ng personal at maayos kung may problema o kung may bumabagabag sa isip ni Angelique.

They were inseparable.

They are the type of couple that others would hate because they can’t seem to get enough of each other. Palaging magkasama. Palaging magkausap.

That’s why he knew.

He knew something was going on.

“Tangina! Nagtatrabaho ba talaga kayo?” he screamed out, “Tatlong buwan. Three fucking months and no leads yet? Hayop!”

He wasn’t in his right mind.

Para siyang pinipilipit araw-araw dahil wala si Angelique. Naga-alala siya. Hindi niya alam kung anong gagawin.

Is she okay? What happened? Did he do something wrong? Tangina. Para siyang nasusuka.

Sergio shifted in his position when one of his men ran towards him as he just ended the call with someone.

“Sa Palawan, boss. Hawig raw ‘ho ni Miss Angelique.”

And the next fucking day? He flew to Palawan only to be greeted by an empty home.

He confirmed that Angelique was there as he showed an old lady a picture of her— apat na araw lang daw ‘ron si Angelique nang biglang sunduin ng napakaraming sasakyan ito. Hindi rin naman daw nila natanong kung saan pupunta dahil palaging may bantay at hindi pwedeng lapitan maski ang bakuran nang tinutuluyan.

The move every after one lead just confirmed that they were really hiding Angelique from him.

Pagod. Lungkot at pangungulila ang nararamdaman ni Sergio Choi. Hindi na siya makapag-isip ng maayos at maging ang kaibigan niyang si Samantha ay sobrang naga-alala na sakaniya.

Instead of going home after the trip from Palawan, he decided to go straight to the Herrera’s.

They were living in a village with a high level of security.

Sergio Choi wouldn’t be able to enter the village if it weren’t for his men pointing the gun at the security guard’s head, threatening to shoot if they won’t allow him to enter, so with shaking hands and fear of not seeing tomorrow— he lifted the arm barrier.

Timely.

A sleek black car was just about to enter the Herrera Residences. He stood right in front of the vehicle, knowing that Wilfredo Herrera was inside.

Two men wearing a white polo were about to walk straight to Sergio, not until his men circled around him, ready to shoot any moment they made a move on Sergio.

“That’s fine.”

They all looked at the man who had just gotten out of the car. Wilfredo fucking Herrera.

All guns were now pointed at him.

The people passing by gasping and immediately running away from the scene, screaming for help or for police to come through.

“Si.. Si Angelique… nasan ‘ho si Angelique?”

Nanghihinang naglakad palapit si Sergio sa lalake.

Wilfredo looked at him with indifference. Clenching his jaw, as he clicked on his tongue while watching every single move of Sergio Choi.

“Putangina mo.” Wilfredo spat out.

That did nothing to Sergio.

He was fucking lifeless.

“Wala kang karapatang makasama ang kapatid ko,” Wilfredo grabbed him by his collar, “Tantanan mo si Angelique!”

He then kicked Sergio Choi right on his stomach, and because of the lack of energy and will to fight, his body immediately collapsed on the floor, which angered his men. They were so ready to attack, but Sergio lifted his right hand— a known signal not to interfere.

He whimpered.

He winced in pain as he accepted another kick from Wilfredo Herrera and another and another and another until he coughed up blood.

“Tangina mo! Sino ka para isiping pupwede ka sa kapatid ko?”

Sergio Choi has been really confident after getting everything that he’s dreamed of—money, influence, and power.

He’s a confident man who knows what he can do.

He’s a man that knows he, himself, is danger.

But not without Angelique.

Angelique is his sole purpose of living.

Angelique is his gift of life.

Angelique is the prayer that he has in mind.

Angelique is the hope in his chest.

So he did the unthinkable.

He used all of his remaining strength to stand up and walked toward Wilfredo Herrera only to drop to his knees, clutching onto his feet desperately as he looked up with tears streaming down his face and blood smeared through his chin down to his shirt.

“Please, please, naki.. nakikiusap ‘ho ako,” iyak niya, “Ibalik niyo ‘ho sakin si Angelique. Kahit.. kahit na ano gagawin ko. Kahit na ano.”

Si Sergio Choi.

Yung mayabang, maangas at walang sinisino ay umiiyak, nakaluhod habang walang humpay na nagmamakaawa para sa isang babae.

“Nakikiusap ‘ho ako.”

Wilfredo hissed, his emotions not faltering, but his mind was clouded by disgust and anger toward the man on his feet.

Instead of answering Sergio Choi’s desperate plea, he let out a mocking laugh. He left after giving a hard kick on the stomach, leaving Sergio Choi on the ground, begging and crying for Angelique Herrera to come back.

Chapter Text

Isang linggo na ang nakakalipas simula nang humingi at nagbigay ng tulong si Sergio Choi para mapahanap ang anak ni Migo.

It’s just that up until now, no leads are available yet and Migo’s extremely worried. He needs something. Kahit na ano. Kailangan niyang mapanatag na maayos pa ang anak niya.

“Boss! Nahanap na.”

“Hindi makapasok. Kulang sa tao!”

The men of Sergio Choi were pacing back and forth with the new information that they got and grabbing the photos, Migo cursed under his breath upon seeing his only son lying on the floor with his both hands tied with his polo smeared in blood.

Squinting his eyes, one photo that shows the side view of Wilfredo Herrera caught his attention.

And just like a father who wants nothing but to bring his son back in comfort and safety, he thought of something that might speed up the process.

“Siguradong ito ‘yon?”

His security nodded his head, double checking the unit number.

Migo then pressed the doorbell for a couple of times before it opened, revealing a young man who he knew is Wynona. Sa tagal ba naman niya ‘tong pinasundan simula nang malaman ang relasyon sa anak nakakasiguro siyang tamang tao ang kaharap niya.

“I am Migo Kim, Miguel’s father.”

That’s all it took for the distraught Wynona to let him in.

Wala pa rin siya sa wisyo.

Hindi pa rin kumakain kung hindi pipilitin at pagsasabihin, hindi nakakapasok ng trabaho at halos walang balak matulog at magpahinga.

“Hijo, hindi na ako magpapaligoy-ligoy pa,” Migo looked at him straight in the eye, “Naga-alala na ako sa anak ko, higit isang buwan na simula nung mawala siya.”

Napatikhim si Migo Kim habang mariin pa rin ang tingin sa batang lalakeng nakaupo sa harap niya, nakatulala at pinaglalaruan ang daliri.

“Kailangan ko nang tulong mo para mapabilis ang paghahanap kay Miguel.”

Those words caught Wynona’s attention, his eyes bore into Migo Kim as if trying to check if he was hearing him right.

Gusto niyang makatulong dahil gustong gusto niya nang makita si Miguel ulit pero hindi niya alam kung paano at kung talaga bang may kaya siyang gawin para mapabilis ang paghahanap dito.

“Hindi ko po alam kung paano ako—”

His words were caught in the air when Migo Kim handed him several photos.

Wynona felt the familiar burn in his throat when he saw photos of Miguel all bruised up, his shirt smeared with blood, and how it’s visible how much weight he’s lost, and then— one photo made his heart start beating so fast against his chest that it started to hurt physically.

A photo of Miguel on the ground, hands aggressively held tight by a rope and a man looking down at him except it wasn’t just anyone… it was his Tito, Wilfredo Herrera.

“Uh… I,” his fingers were shaking as he glanced at Migo Kim then back at the photos, “Oh my God!”

Migo Kim crossed his legs, acknowledging the victory when he saw how worry, fear, and anger mixed in the younger’s expression.

“Wilfredo Herrera,” panimula ni Migo, “Your Uncle, right? He’s the man beyond all of this.”

Mariing tinignan ni Migo ang batang lalake sakaniyang harap making sure to take advantage of his vulnerability.

“Matutulungan mo ba ang anak ko, hijo?”

Wynona clenched both of his fists, trying so hard to bite back a sob causing his shoulders to tremble visibly. He was about to say something but halted when he heard his door click open, revealing a Sebastian whose eyes were wide when he noticed Miguel Kim Jr., sitting in the living room.

“Ano hong gin— what the fuck!?”

Sebastian harshly grabbed the photos in Wynona’s hands. He then looked at Migo Kim with a challenging gaze, his hands shaking in so much frustration.

Akmang mas lalapit pa sana siya kay Migo ngunit bigla siyang natigilan nang maramdaman niya ang malamig na kamay ni Wynona sakanyang braso.

“Tangina, Wyn. You.. you’re pale.”

Before he could even reach Wynona’s upper body, the younger collapsed on the floor which made Sebastian scream in fear immediately dialing whoever only to give up and carry Wynona rushing him to the nearest hospital.

Of course, Sergio Choi found out about what happened kaya’t walang ano-anong pinatawag niya rin agad si Migo.

He’s fuming mad especially because he knows he wouldn’t be able to take care of his own son.

Laking gulat niya rin nang malamang magkakilala si Sebastian at Wynona, his eldest was probably somewhere in the hospital trying to get food and the prescribed medication for Wynona. Hindi rin alam nito na andito siya.

Sergio Choi peeked through Wynona’s room, clenching his jaw as he stared at his son whose eyes were closed.

Taking in a deep breath, his eyes bore to Migo Kim and before the latter could even defend himself, Sergio already grabbed him by the collar smashing his body against the cold hard wall.

“Tangina mo!”

He held onto his collar tighter, “You fucking went to my son? My son!?” he screamed out.

Migo started coughing and gasping for air as Sergio Choi just held him by the collar tighter but he knew better than to fight.

“Gago ka, sino ka ba, ha?” he asked, his voice mocking in anger.

Migo winced in pain when Sergio kicked him by the stomach pulling a good strand of his hair right after, staring at him face to face.

“Pinaglalaruan mo ba ang anak ko, Kim?” he asked.

Migo shut his eyes closed, shaking his head.

“H.. hindi sa ganon. Gusto ko lang–”

“Boss, parating na raw ‘ho si Sir Sebastian.”

Sergio Choi straightened his back, his hands were still shaking in so much anger.

It didn’t feel right.

Tangina. Banas na banas siya kay Migo.

He knew how smart this man was.

Oh. He’s definitely trying to use his son and he wouldn’t sit still. Tangina. Hindi siya papayag na gawing laruan ni Migo ang anak niya. Definitey not on his watch.

“Pasalamat ka,” Sergio looked at him, “Importante sa mga anak ko ang anak mo kundi matagal ng may bala sa ulo mo, Kim.” he said casually.

His men dragged Migo Kim’s weak body out of the hospital with Sergio following behind dahil ayaw niyang makita siya ng panganay dito.

His children still don’t have any idea about the newfound information. He wants to tell them when everything calmed down a little kaya tangina maging siya minamadali na rin ang paghahanap kay Miguel.

Bed rest. Avoid stress. Eat healthy.

Those are the reminders of his doctor and he was discharged after two days only because Sebastian insisted on staying a bit more to make sure that he was all better.

Mas lalo siyang tinutukan nang mga kaibigan pagtapos niyang ma-ospital and today is one of the rare days wherein he’s left alone because his friends, of course, have their own life and errands to tend to.

With every ounce of energy left in his body, he grabbed his car keys and drove toward the Herrera Residences.