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Chapter Text

Months ago, if you told Wonwoo, an ever career-driven man who doesn’t see a future of getting tied to someone, that he’ll actually end up standing in front of an officiate, with a cold band around his finger, he’d probably laughed at you.

Except that it actually happened. And not a single chuckle went out of his throat.

“By virtue of the powers vested in me by the laws of the Republic of the Philippines…”

Sa bawat bitaw ng salita ng judge, pilit na pinapalabas ito ni Wonwoo sa kabila niyang tenga. Siguro kung isang libo silang kinakasal sa mundo ngayon, siya lang ang hindi masaya. Oh, and maybe, this man in front of him, too.

He scanned the office, at halos bagot na ang ibang kasama nila. Pamilya lang din kasi nila ang witness nila. Gets naman. Kahit siya, hindi naman maeenganyo sa dalawang nagpakasal for legal purposes only.

“Let God be your guide every step of your way in this journey called married life.” The judge cleared his throat. “Uh, you may now seal your promises with a kiss.”

Kinuyom ni Wonwoo ang nanginginig niyang kamay. Pareho lang silang nakatanga ng asawa niya sa harap ng judge, at sabay na naghintay ang mga magulang nila sa kanilang dalawa.

Parang nasabi naman nila sa kanya na kinasal lang sila para sa papel, ano na naman bang trip nito? Parang pinagtutulungan talaga si Wonwoo ng mundo. Pero to be fair, idea niya naman ‘to. Siya naman ang may gustong magpakasal.

Wonwoo glanced at his now-husband, who was waiting for him, sporting a bored expression. Wonwoo ended up sighing, then stepping closer, before giving him a quick peck, and everyone started to cheer in the lamest tone he has ever heard.

Kadiri.

Kahit na uwing-uwi na siya, a photographer still forced the two of them to take a picture—for memories, he said. And then, everything’s done. The wedding’s finished, and the marriage has unfolded, with an unforeseeable future waiting ahead of them.

Ang bilis ng pangyayari. Parang nu’ng isang araw lang, nasa harap siya ng lamesa, may hawak na papel, at ineexplain kay Mingyu na kailangan nila magpakasal. He knew that the latter didn’t expect it, probably was just anticipating a normal business offer.

But life has its way of being unpredictable. And Wonwoo has his moves of being spontaneous.

Tinapik ng tatay ni Wonwoo ang likod niya. “Siguraduhin mong aayos business mo, ah.”

Wonwoo just nodded kasi syempre, siya na ‘to, oh. Papasok ba siya sa pagsubok na siya rin may gawa kung hindi naman siya magiging successful do’n? Siya lang pwede magpahirap sa sarili niya.

And that’s probably why he didn’t care much about pressure from his family anymore. Because he already set high expectations for himself. Kahit madisappoint man sila, okay lang, kasi disappointed na rin naman na si Wonwoo sa sarili niya.

Nagpaalam na si Wonwoo sa pamilya niya at pamilya ng asawa niya. Wala namang reception. Kasalang pangpapel lang talaga ang lahat. Sumakay na silang dalawa sa kotse para umuwi sa bago nilang designated na bahay.

It was quite funny how civil weddings are made, considering na marriage was initially recognized as a form of romantic coalition. But for Wonwoo, he only did it because his business was not falling apart, but maybe soon, in quite a few months, if wala pa siyang ginawa. So he had to make it a joint one with Mingyu, which was the most practical option left. Hindi kasi enough na partners lang sila in terms of business, it would work more if they are even in terms of legality… or, matrimony.

It’s not ideal, but kailangan ni Wonwoo ‘to for stability, for convenience. And besides, Mingyu would also benefit din for more profit. And it’s only for six months. After that, it’s over. They’d get divorced and go on with their lives as if they never got married at all.

Kaya rin walang grandiose celebration after the wedding. At civil wedding lang din ang pinili nila, imbes na sa simbahan, kasi bukod sa nagtitipid sila, kailangan lang naman nila ng papeles. Hindi na para maghabol sa blessing ni Lord.

And now, he’s stuck here in the faint motion of the car, with his husband driving, on the way to their house.

“So, we’re married,” Mingyu said, breaking the silence after being stuck up in some harsh tension for a while.

Umirap si Wonwoo, not attempting to hide his disdain. “Well, obviously.” 

“Sa dami ng tao na pwede akong ikasal, sa masungit pa talaga.”

Napahalukipkip si Wonwoo sa mga braso niya. “Excuse you. Wala lang akong choice sa’yo.”

“Shouldn’t you be grateful enough for me?” dagdag pa ni Mingyu, stressing the last word just to piss him more.

“We’re both getting something here, as far as I can remember.”

Right, hindi lang dagdag-kita ang makukuha ni Mingyu sa kasal nila. Mas mababawasan din kasi ang babayaran niya for his newly-built house if he got it under his and his husband’s name. They got insurance and taxes under their names, lowering the costs that he has to pay if it were his own. Kaya even if they only got married out of convenience, they still have to live together.

Truth be told, Wonwoo wouldn’t even be this pissed over Mingyu if he were decent enough. But the first time they met, Mingyu already got that grim expression as he sat on the opposite side of the table. 

“Just tell me if you don’t want to do this,” Wonwoo said to him the first time, and he repeatedly told him a few times after.

But Mingyu always just responded with, “Let’s just get away with it.”

So, it all got settled quickly. Wala namang panahon si Wonwoo para mag-inarte. Besides, it’s just for six months. Mabilis lang ‘yon. Isang season lang ng PBB ‘yon. Konting tulog lang at matatapos na rin lahat ng ‘to.

Still, Wonwoo wished at least it was with a guy who’d at least act as if he was pleased to see Wonwoo. ‘Di ‘yung parang asar lagi kapag bumubungad si Wonwoo. Or, worse, masaya nga ang mukha, pero mang-aasar lang din pala kay Wonwoo. Walang winner tonight, ika nga ni Ethel Booba.

But just for his business, for his dreams and success—he’d hold on.

Wonwoo was still planning to sleep further, but he already felt the car pulling over. Agad na niyang tinanggal ang seatbelt niya at lumabas. Ramdam naman niya na sumunod si Mingyu sa kanya mula sa likod.

The house was neat, but small. They already moved in the other day, fixed their things, and bought some items that could last them for weeks, at least. It’s all tolerable.

Except that it only had one bedroom. 

And one freaking bed.

“I’ll shower first,” paalam ni Mingyu.

Pero ramdam na rin ni Wonwoo ang sarili niyang paglalagkit. “I’ll go first.”

And expectedly, Mingyu gave him an annoyed expression. Gets naman, considering he asked first. But Wonwoo wanted to clean himself already, lalo na’t kanina pa siya nakacoat under the global warming, baka pumanaw na lang siya.

“Sabay na tayo,” anyaya ni Wonwoo na para bang wala lang ‘yon.

Mingyu gripped his towel tighter. “The hell did you just say?”

Natawa naman si Wonwoo dahil he took it so seriously, he could burst at that moment. “Why? What’s a little shower between newlyweds?”

Umirap si Mingyu at agad na tumakbo papunta sa loob ng banyo kaya napahalakhak na lang si Wonwoo. Para namang ‘di pa nakakita ng tite.

Pumunta na lang si Wonwoo sa kwarto, at napabuntong-hininga na lang siya nang makita niya ang maliit na kama. But since Mingyu already got to shower first, he decided to claim the bed instead. Bahala na siya matulog sa labas.

Napaupo muna siya sa sahig since he didn’t want to leave unwelcome dirt in the bed once na mahiga siya. And then he felt like crying. But it didn’t actually pour. They just stayed in his lids, sitting and wandering.

He didn’t want any of these. He didn’t want to be committed. He didn’t want to live with someone else. He didn’t want to get married.

But it was his only choice. It’s his only way to flourish.

Pero bakit kasi sa masungit pa na tinapatan ang pagkasungit niya? He should’ve offered it to someone else na mabait at may patience enough sa ugali ni Wonwoo, but no, he had to choose the one na mas nakakainis pa sa kanya.

And even then, si Mingyu lang kasi ang single sa lahat ng kasyoso niya. Wala talaga siyang choice.

Naputol lang ang pagmumuni-muni niya nang pumasok si Mingyu, nagpupunas pa ng basa niyang buhok. Nakatank top lang ito at gray na shorts. Sobrang kaswal ng pananamit.

Pero walang pake si Wonwoo.

Kinuha na niya ang twalya niya at tumayo.

“Akin ‘tong kama, do’n ka sa labas matulog. Nando’n na gamit mo.”

Before Mingyu could argue, iniwan na niya ito at nagpunta sa banyo para maligo. Napatigil pa siya saglit because the scent of Mingyu’s body wash greeted him like a welcoming neighbor. It was not too strong, but it was enticing.

Tinignan niya tuloy ang brand nito at napasinghap siya kasi damn, nakalimutan niyang mayaman nga pala ito. That would be him someday, but for now, he’d settle with his Hygienix.

Pagkalabas niya, to his surprise, nakahiga na nga si Mingyu sa sofa, kumakain ng ramen. Natakam tuloy siya. But then, Wonwoo momentarily forgot na despite living together, they had to do things alone. 

At hindi siya marunong magluto.

Hindi rin naman niya ikakabusog kung lulunukin niya ang sarili niyang pride. Kaya nag-order na lang siya sa Grab. And hindi na rin siya nagulat na walang pake ang asawa niyang busy manood ng TV.

Binuksan niya ang ref para mainom saglit ng tubig, pero napahinto siya nang makitang nakalabel lahat ng pagkain ni Mingyu. Almost all of the food inside, actually. Kulang na lang lagyan niya pa ng dilaw na “Caution” tape ang ref para wala na talagang umagaw ng laman niyan.

“Seriously?”

Napalingon si Mingyu sa kanya. “Why?” tanong nito, may laman pa ang bibig.

“We’re supposed to share over these.” Wonwoo pointed to the fully loaded refrigerator behind him.

Napangisi na lang si Mingyu. “You can’t even share the bed, ano ba naman kung angkinin ko muna ‘yung pagkain?”

This annoying asshole. 

Napasarado na lang tuloy si Wonwoo sa ref. Sakto naman na dumating na ang Grab order niya at padabog siyang pumunta ng kwarto.

Tarantado talaga ‘yang lalaking ‘yan! May balik talaga sa kanya ‘yan.

For now, he’d settle in the small corner of his room and eat the dry skin of his chicken wings. ‘Di na bale. Bukas, magtatrabaho na ulit sila. Hindi na ulit sila magkikita masyado sa bahay. Mababawasan na ang inis niya.

He took his phone out para magrant sa best friend niyang si Seungkwan na halos kaltukan siya the night na sinabi niyang ikakasal na siya. Nauna ka pa sa’kin, he pointed out. Pero ilang beses din naman kinlaro ni Wonwoo na para sa papel lang ‘yon.

seungkwan my bff

kelan honeymoon

Umirap si Wonwoo. Ni hindi nga niya matignan si Mingyu nang hindi siya nakakaramdam ng urge na talunin ‘to, honeymoon pa kaya. Gaga talaga ‘to.

You

baliw

kaya di ikaw witness ko e

seungkwan my bff

HAAHAHAHA TANGINA MO

sabihan mo ko pag masama ugali niyan ah

babangasan natin yan

Napangisi si Wonwoo. Kasi kahit ngayon pa lang, pwede nang bangasan ni Seungkwan si Mingyu sa sobrang sama ng ugali nito.

After eating out his stress and talking about some drama with his best friend, Wonwoo finally went out of his room, but the darkness finally swallowed the living room, and only the faint light of the television illuminated it. Nakanganga na si Mingyu, at medyo nahuhulog na sa sofa dahil sa sobrang laki niya.

Hindi naman siya kasya diyan.

But then, Wonwoo remembered that this was his own doing. Siya naman nagsabi na sa labas siya matulog, so bakit siya maaawa, ‘di ba? Tinapon niya na lang ang pinagkainan niya at uminom ng tubig. He brought his confidence as he walked towards his room, but then, midway, his steps faltered. Lumingon ulit siya kay Mingyu, na hanggang ngayon, hirap ipagsiksikan ang sarili sa maliit na sofa.

Bumuntong-hininga si Wonwoo.

Ano ba naman kung patulugin niya ang asawa niya kasama sa kama nila, ‘di ba?

He stood in front of him, threading the right words in his mind. Hanggang sa he let his actions do the speaking. He rocked Mingyu’s body until he was shaken enough to be awake. Dahan-dahan na nagdilat ng mata si Mingyu, may kunot pa ito sa noo.

“Tayo.”

Lalong lumalim ang kunot sa noo ni Mingyu. “What?”

Umirap si Wonwoo. “You heard me the first time. Tayo. Punta ka sa kwarto, doon ka matulog.”

“Oh, now you have enough conscience?” 

Lumunok si Wonwoo. Nag-iwas siya ng tingin.

“I’m not a monster. I know my boundaries,” mahina niyang sambit.

Tumalikod na siya at hindi na ulit hinintay si Mingyu magsalita. Hindi niya rin narinig ang yapak nito na nakasunod. Baka pinili na lang niyang matulog doon. 

Pero pagkahiga ni Wonwoo, bumukas ang pinto. Dala na ni Mingyu ang mga gamit niya. Humiga agad siya sa kama at nagbuntong-hininga. Ang laking ginhawa siguro para sa kanya ‘yan lalo na’t kanina niya pa pinagsisiksikan sarili niya sa sofa. 

Wonwoo could hear his heavy breathing, and it made his heart race. Not for those reasons. Sobrang lapit lang kasi niya, and it felt overwhelming for him. Kinuha niya ang spare pillow sa gilid niya at nilagay iyon sa gitna nilang dalawa.

“What are you doing?” Mingyu asked, his voice all husky.

“Barrier.”

Mingyu let out a chuckle, but this time, it sounded genuine. “Sometimes I think you’re a whole experiment to test my sanity. But unfortunately, you are real.”

Humarap si Wonwoo sa gilid niya, at medyo nauga siya nang maabutang nakatingin na rin pala si Mingyu sa kanya. Buti na lang may unan sa pagitan nila.

“I think that would be a fortunately.”

Mingyu flashed him a smile. And Wonwoo’s heart raced again. This time, it got mixed with those reasons. Bakit ba ang lapit niya kasi?

“Good night, Mr. Kim.”

Wonwoo rolled his eyes. Okay, joke lang. Inis pa rin pala siya sa kanya.

“It’s Mr. Jeon,” he corrected.

Mingyu hummed. “Not taking my last name?”

“As if,” Wonwoo responded firmly.

Ngumuso lang si Mingyu, pinipigilan ang ngiti. At nabawasan na rin ang tensyon sa mukha ni Wonwoo. Nagtitigan lang silang dalawa. At kahit na madilim ang kwarto, mas lumiwanag ang image ni Mingyu kay Wonwoo. Mas nakilala niya ito labas sa pag-aaway nilang dalawa.

“What should I call you then?” 

Wonwoo snickered. “What else? E ‘di pangalan ko.”

“Boring. That won’t agitate you enough.”

“Fuck off.”

Mingyu giggled. “Good night, mister ko.”

He had already turned his back, but before doing so, Wonwoo was able to slap his arm. And Wonwoo could still see his body visibly shaking from holding his laughter. 

Tangina talaga nito.

Tumalikod na rin si Wonwoo at huminga nang malalim.

Just six more months, and it’s over. 

Chapter Text

Wonwoo woke up, feeling the ache on the side of his waist from keeping his position still all night. But he was taken aback when he saw the other side of the bed empty. Akala niya tuloy nananaginip pa siya.

Pero bigla niyang naamoy ang sinangag mula sa labas. Napaupo tuloy siya dahil akala niya ay late na siya sa trabaho. He still had a lot of papers to work on despite being the boss.

Lumabas na siya ng kwarto, hawak-hawak ang twalya niya. Nandoon na sa lamesa si Mingyu, kumakain habang nanonood ng reels sa phone. Hindi naman nakatakas sa paningin ni Wonwoo ang isa pang pinggan sa harap nito, pero baka spare lang din niya for his own.

As if naman ipagluluto niya si Wonwoo.

Kaya naglakad na lang siya papuntang banyo, pero he was immediately stopped by a hand gripping his arm, pulling him back to his previous position.

“Kain ka muna,” sabi ni Mingyu habang nakatingin pa rin nang diretso sa phone.

Wonwoo crossed his arms, finding that invitation funny. “So, now you have a conscience, too?”

Finally, Mingyu looked up to meet his eyes. He slowly melted down the chewing and gave him a shrug in the end. Ganyan naman kasi talaga siya. Magulo.

“I’m not a monster, either.”

Inirapan na lang ulit siya ni Wonwoo at saka naupo sa harap niya. Bumalik na lang ulit si Mingyu sa panonood sa cellphone nito. And that’s how it went again for them. Tahimik na almusal.

Wonwoo didn’t know if this was better. Because it was kind of awkward, but at least he wouldn’t have to deal with his throat becoming sore from too much screaming. Pwede naman palang maging civil lang silang dalawa.

“By the way, I like my eggs deeply fried,” Wonwoo threw those words out easily, not minding if it sounded too demanding.

He swore, he really thought it would be better to act in peace with him. Malay ba niyang agad na napipikon ‘tong si Mingyu? Gaya na lang ngayon na masama na agad ang tingin sa kanya.

“Ikaw na nga nilutuan, ikaw pa nagrereklamo.”

Wonwoo shrugged, to which he received an eyeroll. “Kaya nga sinasabihan na kita para next time, alam mo na.”

“I won’t cook for you next time anymore,” Mingyu responded in his firm tone, and Wonwoo momentarily got scared because it sounded too real.

But he’s not a monster, ika nga niya. Hindi niya rin kakayanin ‘yan. Sa mukha pa ni Wonwoo? No, never.

Tumayo na ito para hugasan ang pinagkainan niya habang si Wonwoo, ninanamnam pa rin ang natitirang butil sa plato niya. Sayang din ‘to, ilang pawis din ang binuhos niya para diyan.

Ganyan yata talaga kapag gipit, talagang maappreciate mga maliliit na bagay na mahirap makuha. Fuck, kapag talaga umayos na business niya, papatusin niya ‘yang mga bagong newly Michelin-recognized restaurants na para bang isa siyang critic sa Ratatouille.

Bago pumunta ng banyo si Wonwoo para maligo, humarap siya kay Mingyu na hindi ulit nakatingin sa kanya. Busy ito magbanlaw ng hinugasan niyang kutsara.

“Mingyu.”

He still did not look up at him. “What?”

“Thanks for the meal.”

Wonwoo heard the clanking of the glasses and plates falling in the sink before he shut the door of the bathroom.

“Get out.”

“Dadaanan mo naman office ko, e. Come on.”

Napahilamos ng mukha si Mingyu. “You’re not even going to pay for the gas!”

Nilabas ni Wonwoo ang itim niyang wallet. “Magkano ba ‘yan?” Hindi sumagot si Mingyu. Humihinga lang ito nang mabilis. Tinago na lang ni Wonwoo ang wallet niya. “Tangina, parang sasabay lang, e.”

Mingyu gave him his usual glare. “Your words.”

Nagtaas ng kilay si Wonwoo. “And what are you going to do about it?”

Mingyu, his patience running in a thin line, managed to unlock the doors again. But Wonwoo failed to take the hint and comfortably savored the warmth of his seat instead.

“One last call.”

Gusto na lang matawa ni Wonwoo kasi kahit na anong tono pang gamitin ni Mingyu at kahit anong stretch niya pa sa muscle niya na halos nagpalabas na ng ugat sa braso niya, hindi pa rin siya maiintimidate.

Wonwoo held his own hand up, showing his dull, silver sing. “Ganyan ba dapat trato mo sa asawa mo?”

Mingyu chewed on his lower lip, and Wonwoo knew that was another sign of him getting annoyed. But Wonwoo was really serious about saving up. Kung madadaanan naman talaga ni Mingyu ‘yung office niya, wala namang nasayang do’n na gas. Babayaran naman niya siya, e. Akala mo talaga hindi boss na mayaman kung makaasta.

Hindi na sumagot pa si Mingyu, but Wonwoo heard the lock clicking, and that was enough of an answer. Maya-maya, naramdaman na lang niya na nagrereverse na ang sasakyan bago ito humarurot.

“Bakit ang tagal mo naliligo? Nagjajakol ka ba?” Wonwoo casually asked na para bang nagtatanong lang kung may kendi ba siya.

Bigla tuloy napapreno si Mingyu, but he immediately recovered. He blew out a few deep breaths, though, and massaged the sides of his head, as if pagod na agad siya sa araw na ‘to dahil kay Wonwoo. But Wonwoo was just asking. Simpleng tanong lang, e.

“You know, silence means yes, ‘di ba?” he asked, but it sounded more like he was riling him up more.

Mingyu let out an obvious grunt. “I do not, fucker.”

“Really?” Wonwoo leaned his head on his elbow. “Sobrang tagal mo lagi, e?”

Saktong inabutan sila ng red lights, so Mingyu had to press the brake. He took that as an opportunity to direct his glare at Wonwoo. “Sabayan mo ‘ko maligo para mapatunayan mo.”

Oh, so now he wanted that. Parang nu’ng unang araw na inoffer ‘yan ni Wonwoo, halos kumaripas na sa takbo si Mingyu. But maybe this was just his ego talking, at hindi niya pa rin naman papapasukin si Wonwoo sa banyo.

“Or just tell me if you wanna jerk meㅡ”

“Oh, shut up.”

Mingyu smirked, satisfied enough that he was able to get back on him. Umirap na lang si Wonwoo at tinuon ang atensyon sa daan. They really were somehow meant to deal with each other with the way how annoying they were.

The ride fell down into silence. The mere buzz of the radio kept the atmosphere alive. Halos dikit na dikit din si Wonwoo sa pinto kaya malayo siya kay Mingyu, at tahimik naman ang mga kamay ni Mingyu na nakahawak sa manibela. It’s almost as if they barely know each other.

Umayos na ng upo si Wonwoo nang matanaw niyang malapit na sila sa building niya.

“Daan ka sa may left tapos liko ka niyan sa—”

“I know.”

Napasandal na lang si Wonwoo ng braso niya sa bintana. “Sungit.”

“Because you’re pissing me off,” sagot nito, ang mata ay diretso pa rin sa daan. Pero minsan, nagtatagpo ang tingin nila tuwing napapadako ito sa kabilang rear mirror.

“I’m not even pissing you off on purpose,” Wonwoo calmly said, kasi totoo naman. Hindi naman niya kasalanan na madalas siyang maasar.

Mingyu let out a sigh that sounded like he had kept it in his chest for a while now. “Everything about you pisses me off.”

“You also chose this, just to remind you. No one forced you to marry me.”

Nakita ni Wonwoo kung paanong mas humigpit ang hawak ni Mingyu sa manibela. It was perhaps a sensitive topic, a low blow. But maybe it needed to be discussed.

“No one did. But I was caged in guilt.”

Wonwoo watched Mingyu in the reflection, and he saw his throat bobbing. Gustong maawa ni Wonwoo, but still, he did not want to carry someone else’s made-up burden. He has his own to pull.

“So? Doesn’t mean you can put the blame all on me,” Wonwoo answered, his teeth gritting together.

Pag-angat ng tingin ni Wonwoo, may mabilis na truck na paparating. Nanlaki ang mata niya at hinawakan niya ang hita ni Mingyu. 

“Stop! May truck!”

Agad na nagpreno si Mingyu, at pareho silang napatalsik nang kaunti paharap dahil sa pwersa. Although there is a searing difference of a palm that was now in front of Wonwoo’s chest, trying to cover it from the sudden force.

Mingyu frustratingly brushed his hair up, and Wonwoo had to breathe twice as long as he usually did. They both took time to process that small moment of a near-death experience. 

Away-away pa kasi. Muntik pa tuloy silang mamatay.

“God, matototoo pa yata ‘yung ‘till death do us part’,” hinihingal na sambit ni Mingyu.

Wonwoo immediately flipped his head to glare at him. “Shut up.” Inayos niya ang seatbelt niya. “I didn’t go through hell to marry you just to die without getting my fruits.”

Binalot na lang ulit sila ng katahimikan habang tanging tunog lang ng makina ang umuugoy. Napabuntong-hininga na naman si Mingyu na parang pagod na pagod na kahit kasisimula pa lang ng araw.

“I’m sorry.”

Wonwoo made sure his face was glued on the other side kasi ayaw niyang makita ang mukha nito. Baka kung makita niyang flat lang ang expression nito, maoffend pa siya. O kung sincere man, baka tumiklop pa.

“Just… drive,” Wonwoo said in his faint voice. He felt too drained from the event.

The ride indeed went smoother when the argument died down and their voices fell into hush. Nakakuyom na lang ang kamao ni Wonwoo sa hita niya, pero hindi naman siya galit. Nirereplay niya lang ang away nila kanina sa utak niya, at nag-iisip ng dialogue kung saan mas mananalo siya.

But then he felt the motion halted, and he realized na nasa building na sila ng office niya. He quickly unfastened his seatbelt and grabbed his unnecessary suitcase. 

“Thanks for the ride,” mabilis niyang sabi bago nagjog palayo. Iwas na iwas lang talaga sa kanya na para bang may sakit si Mingyu.

And then everything just went back to its awkward state again. Parang sa isang daan nilang away, this one felt a bit heavier. And it was barely the tip of the iceberg yet. Pero siguro, one of these days, mapag-uusapan din nila ‘yan without trying to jump on each other’s throats.

For now, they would argue like the married couple that they are.

Nang makapasok na siya sa elevator, naramdaman niya ang pagvibrate sa bulsa niya. He whipped his phone out and tapped the screen just to see whose message got sent in.

Mingyu Kim

just chat me if you’re going to pay for the gas on the way home too

Kumunot pa ang noo ni Wonwoo nu’ng una niyang nabasa ‘yung chat, kasi what the fuck is he talking about? 

Until it sank in. Napakagat ng labi si Wonwoo, stifling the annoying growing smile on his lips. He shouldn’t be satisfied with him. He shouldn’t even be allowed to feel a small joy over him. 

But it’s just quite ridiculous. Ang hirap hindi matawa.

Gaano ba kahirap sabihin na sumabay na lang din si Wonwoo pauwi? Para namang ‘di asawa.

Wonwoo already had his pajamas on, at tapos na rin siya magskincare. Kahit na hindi pa sobrang laki ng return na napupunta sa kanya, syempre dapat maayos pa rin ang mukha niya kasi he believes that his face is his greatest asset.

Isasara na sana niya ang pinto sa kwarto, pero napansin niyang nasa sofa pa si Mingyu. Nakasalamin ito, sobrang performative. His culture is not his costume. At nagttype sa laptop nito habang may movie na nagpplay sa TV. Aksayado talaga sa kuryente.

Pinuntahan ito ni Wonwoo at tumabi sa maliit na sofa. Their thighs clashed against each other because of the minimal proximity, but no one flinched when they felt it. 

Nag-angat ng tingin si Mingyu mula sa laptop niya. “What are you doing here?”

“Nanonood ng movie. ‘Di mo naman pinapanood, e.”

Mingyu gently massaged the bridge of his nose, and Wonwoo followed the intricate movement of his hands that seemed more fascinating than the show playing in front of them.

“Background music ko ‘yan,” Mingyu said after exhaling a sigh before bringing his attention back to his laptop.

“Lugi ako sa hatian ng kuryente, ‘di ka marunong magtipid,” Wonwoo replied, and his teasing tone escaped again.

He watched his husband roll his eyes at him yet again. “But you’re gonna watch, anyway.”

Wonwoo just shrugged because that’s the point. He made himself comfortable in the small space of the sofa, his legs all folded. Naririnig niya rin ang malakas na tunog ng keyboard ni Mingyu, but he decided not to point it out because it’s work after all. He just attempted to mind the film itself.

But among all the noises in the room—the purifier, the clock ticking, the keyboard, the speaker—something has been bothering Wonwoo. 

And it’s the constant loud yawns of Mingyu.

“Matulog ka na nga,” puna tuloy ni Wonwoo sa kanya dahil halata na rin sa namumulang mata nito na inaantok na siya.

Umiling lang si Mingyu. So workaholic. “I need to finish these.”

“Kaya ka nga pumapasok sa office, para tapusin do’n lahat. Kapag sa bahay, dapat nagpapahinga na lang. Kasi this is supposedly your sanctuary, your space to rest. And you shouldn’t hinder yourself from taking a break…” Wonwoo’s voice slowly faded when he realized he had been talking too much.

Pero imbes na mainis, nakangiti lang nang maliit si Mingyu, leaning his head on his hand, with his elbow resting on the arm of the couch. Napaiwas na lang ng tingin si Wonwoo sa hiya at saka binalik ang atensyon sa TV.

“So, that’s how you do it? But isn’t that taking less effort? Tignan mo na lang lagay ng business mo.”

“Natin,” Wonwoo corrected. 

Mingyu hummed. “But my point still stands.”

“It’s not worth it na ubusin sarili mo just to get everything you want,” Wonwoo answered in his low voice because admitting that was embarrassing for him.

Wonwoo felt a finger flicking his chin up, and then he met Mingyu’s soft gaze that seemed so unlike him. Napalunok si Wonwoo, pero hindi siya nag-iwas ng tingin.

“This is rich coming from a person who married someone just to save his business,” Mingyu murmured, his voice low too.

Tinabig ni Wonwoo ang kamay ni Mingyu kaya natawa na lang ang huli.

Kung anu-ano pinagsasasabi ng isa ‘to. But to be fair, kung anu-ano rin naman kasi ang pinagsasasabi ni Wonwoo. But the situations compared were obviously contrasting. Iba naman ‘yung nagpipigil ng antok sa wala na talagang choice para buhayin sarili niya.

Wonwoo did not dare to respond anymore, so he ended up gluing his eyes on the screen instead. He could feel his eyes sting, probably from the forming exhaustion. Inaantok na rin tuloy siya.

He heard the laptop being shut beside him, and he felt the temporary rising of the sofa as Mingyu shifted his body to a better position. Nakita niya sa peripheral vision niya na nanood na rin ito sa TV, nakasandal pa ang braso sa ulunan ng sofa.

“I’m so sleepy,” bulong nito, na halata rin namang pinaparinig sa kanya.

Napabuntong-hininga si Wonwoo dahil hindi niya mawari kung ano ba talagang gusto niya. “Matulog ka na nga kasi.”

“You’re still watching, e. It’s rude to leave you alone when I’m the one who set the movie up.”

Wonwoo gave him his slitted eyes, but Mingyu already had his eyes shut. Kinuha ni Wonwoo ang remote at saka pinatay na ang TV. Ginawa pa siyang dahilan, e.

“Tara na.”

He nudged Mingyu, but he was already deep asleep. And normally, he would accuse him of faking it, pero mukhang bagsak na talaga siya. Napabuntong-hininga na naman si Wonwoo.

Bakit ba pinapahirapan siya lagi ng asawa niya?

Kinuha niya ang mga hita nito at nilagay sa braso niya, saka niya binuhat ang buong katawan nito. Nakumpirma naman niya na tulog na ito dahil hindi man lang natinag si Mingyu sa ginawa niya.

Tangina, ang bigat. Halos nag-uunahan na sa pagtulo ang pawis ni Wonwoo sa noo. Alam niyang malaki si Mingyu, pero hindi naman niya inexpect na sobrang bigat pala talaga niya. Congrats siguro dahil sulit ang pagbabayad ni Mingyu sa gym dahil dumagdag sa weight niya ang muscles niya. Nabilib na nga rin si Wonwoo sa sarili niya na nabuhat niya pa ito hanggang kwarto at nailapag sa kama nang hindi binabagsak.

Mingyu was already snoring when he got placed in the bed, at kahit sa pagtulog, ang ingay pa rin ng bunganga niya. But Wonwoo only pursed his lips as he watched him sleep.

Ang amo pala ng mukha nito.

Parang hindi batak makipag-away kay Wonwoo, e. Sobrang graceful ng mukha. Ang tangos pa ng ilong. At ang kinis ng moreno niyang balat. Ang lambot tignan ng labi niyang bumubuga ng maliliit na hilik sa bawat segundo.

Still, he’s so conventionally attractive. That face that makes everyone collectively swoon.

Aaminin naman ni Wonwoo, pogi naman siya. Pero pangit kasi ugali, e. And unfortunately, his face does not make up for it.

It does not. No, it does not.

Wonwoo replayed those words in his head while he continuously stared at Mingyu’s undeniably pretty face. He tried to fight the battles of temptation that were winning over him. But he ultimately failed. His hand moved to its own accord, tracing the trail from his nose down to his chin. Mingyu did not flinch at all, so Wonwoo did not feel the need to be scared.

“If you weren’t so annoying, my hubby,” Wonwoo let the word sound sarcastic, but his heart still raced fast when he realized that he was not even supposed to argue over anyone. Ano bang pinapatunayan niya? Why did he suddenly let out a sarcastic call sign?

Inayos ni Wonwoo ang unan sa pagitan nila at saka nahiga nang diretso. Lalong bumibilis ang tibok ng puso niya sa bawat paghinga niya. Hindi niya alam kung bakit siya umakto nang gano’n, at mas lalo naman kung bakit niya nasabi ‘yun.

Sana all baliw! Baliw ka talaga, Wonwoo Jeon!

Wonwoo shut his eyes as tight as he could. He tried to drown all the passing thoughts like a quick-running train in his mind. He breathed in and out, trying to regulate his body.

Few more months before the divorce. Just a few more months.

Chapter Text

Wonwoo could already hear Mingyu shouting his name from outside, pero pumunta muna siyang ref para kumuha ng tubig. Fortunately enough, mas naibsan naman ang beef between them two, at wala na ring mga label ‘yung pagkain nila. It’s all conjugal now.

“Wonwoo Jeon-Kim!”

Wonwoo flipped his finger towards the back kahit na ‘di naman makikita ‘to ni Mingyu kasi nasa labas na siya. “Fuck off!”

He heard him laugh over that. Ragebaiter final boss talaga.

After hydrating himself, pumunta na si Wonwoo sa labas at sumakay na sa kotse. Sumunod naman si Mingyu. Pupunta kasi sila sa pamilya ni Mingyu… just for a catch-up. Actually, saling-pusa lang talaga si Wonwoo. But Mingyu tagged him along kasi kawawa naman daw siya. Sus.

Nu’ng una, wala namang pake si Wonwoo. Ano naman ngayon, ‘di ba? Nakita naman na niya parents niya nu’ng kasal. Pero pagkarating sa bahay nila, parang gusto na lang niya magreverse walk sa kaba for no logical reasons. Parang ayaw niya biglang mapahiya.

“Let’s go,” sabi ni Mingyu matapos ipark ang sasakyan. Pero nang mapansin niyang ‘di pa umaalis si Wonwoo, kumunot bigla ang noo nito. “What’s wrong?”

Nag-iwas ng tingin si Wonwoo. “Baka palayasin ako.”

Mas lumalim ang kunot ni Mingyu. “What are you talking about?” Wonwoo just shrugged, so Mingyu ended up sighing. Siya na mismo ang nag-unclasp ng seatbelt ni Wonwoo. “Baba na. Ano pa bang magagawa nila? Nagpakasal ka na sa’kin.”

Wonwoo rolled his eyes at him, at bigla na lang nawala ang kaba niya. Napalitan na ulit ng inis. Sobrang taas talaga ng tingin nito sa sarili niya.

Lumabas na sila ng kotse, at parang tuta na naliligaw si Wonwoo kung makasunod mula sa likod ni Mingyu. Pagpasok nila ng bahay, bumungad ang mga picture frames sa kanila. Napahinto pa si Wonwoo para tignan ito. Tumingala siya para mag-umpisa sa taas.

Merong baby picture ni Mingyu. Mukhang wala pang muwang. Sana lagi na lang siya ganyan na mukhang inosente.

Meron ding mga from elementary days. ‘Yung halatang napilitan magpapicture. Tapos graduation. May nakasabit pang medal sa gilid. Achiever pala talaga siya ever since.

And then, there were also high school pictures. Medyo nag-iiba na ang anyo ni Mingyu, at mas lalong nagmumukha na sa kung ano man ang mukha niya ngayon. Sobrang binata.

Napadpad ang mata ni Wonwoo sa isang frame. May hawak na diploma si Mingyu, graduate na sa college. Naniningkit ang mga mata. Ang lawak ng ngiti… at ang ganda.

Napakuyom si Wonwoo sa kamao niya, at saka tumalikod. He didn’t want to stare too long. Thoughts might enter in his mind, uninvited. 

He should be spending lesser time with him dahil baka malason na ang utak niya over him. Pero paano naman kaya ‘yun, e mag-asawa sila?

“Tapos mo na akong ijudge?” nakabusangot na tanong ni Mingyu, na kanina pa pala naghihintay sa kanya. He even got his arms crossed.

Tumango na lang si Wonwoo. Naglakad na sila papuntang dining room, and Wonwoo might have hallucinated Mingyu putting his palm behind his back. Pero parang imposible naman. Guni-guni lang siguro niya.

Hindi agad sila napansin ng nanay ni Mingyu, kaya tumikhim pa ito para makuha ang atensyon niya. “Mom, I’m with Wonwoo.”

Finally, humarap na ito sa kanila, at nanlaki pa ang mata niya nang makita niya sila. Dumiretso agad ito kay Mingyu para yakapin siya, at nandoon lang si Wonwoo sa gilid, nakatayo, pinapanood sila. Nagkamustahan pa sila ng anak niya, at hindi na alam ni Wonwoo ang gagawin. Sobrang awkward niya lang talagang tao, bakit ba siya pinanganak na ganyan?

But his mom seemed to notice him afterwards dahil dumiretso ito sa kanya. “Hi, iho.” Nakipagbesuhan ito sa kanya at naamoy ni Wonwoo ang fabcon nito. Nasa lahi na yata nila ang pagiging mabango. “Kain muna kayo, dali! Sakto, nagluto ako.”

Wonwoo glanced at Mingyu dahil ayaw naman niyang mauna. But Mingyu pointed the chair at him para maupo na siya, so he obliged. 

“Where’s dad?”

Sinandukan si Wonwoo ng nanay ni Mingyu ng kanin, at medyo natouch naman siya roon kasi kaya naman niyang gawin ‘yan, but she was nice enough to do that for him. “Nasa trabaho,” sagot nito kay Mingyu.

Dumaldal pa ang nanay niya sa kanila nang maupo ito sa harap nila, just asking how’s life in their current house. She didn’t make it too awkward na they only got together kasi kailangan nila for financial purposes, so Wonwoo eventually became comfortable. Buti naman. Wonwoo already had to deal with Mingyu na araw-araw sinasabi ‘yun, enough na ‘yun.

Until she suddenly asked, “Tinatanong din ng tatay mo minsan, anak. Kamusta na ba raw ang joint business niyo?”

Sabay pa na huminto si Mingyu at Wonwoo sa pagsubo. Nagkatinginan pa sila. To be fair, maayos naman ang business nila. Sadyang ‘di lang nila inaasahan ‘yung tanong.

Wonwoo cleared his throat to speak. “Okay naman po. We are expecting greater returns, thankfully.” Pero ‘di pa talaga sila a hundred percent sure over that. Malalaman pa lang nila once they hold their meeting. Still, what’s bad about being optimistic, ‘di ba?

“Aw, that’s nice!” Napapapalakpak ang nanay ni Mingyu. “At least everything’s going well, right?”

Mingyu let out a short chuckle, but it sounded too sarcastic. Napaside eye ulit si Wonwoo. Gago talaga nito.

Biglang nagring ang cellphone ni tita? Bakit? Sino ba si Wonwoo para tawaging tita ‘yan? Oo, asawa siya. Pero ‘di naman sila gano’n kaclose ni Mingyu para maki-tita.

Mingyu’s mom excused herself to answer the call. Naiwan tuloy si Wonwoo at Mingyu sa lamesa. Hindi naman sila nagkailangan kasi ginagawa naman nila ito sa bahay, kumakain nang sabay na sila lang dalawa. Hindi na bago ‘to.

Wonwoo eyed the sweet and sour pork sa gilid, pero nahihiya na siyang kumuha. He just silently sat there, prim and proper. Pinanood niya lang na magsandok si Mingyu ng sarili nitong ulam. Pero maya-maya, biglang nasa harap na lang niya ang platong may sweet and sour pork.

Nagtaas ng kilay si Wonwoo. “What?”

“Kuha ka na. Kanina mo pa minamata, e.”

Napansin pa pala niya. 

Pero umiling na lang si Wonwoo dahil nahihiya na talaga siya. But then, matigas din si Mingyu kaya hindi niya binaba ‘yung plato.

“Just get some, ‘wag ka nang mahiya,” Mingyu said, his voice a bit too softer than how it usually sounded.

Dahil parang nahypnotize si Wonwoo sa tonong ginamit niya, napakuha na tuloy siya ng ulam. “Thanks,” mahinang sambit niya because he was too embarrassed over that encounter.

Mingyu gave him a tipped smile, and Wonwoo hated how it looked too genuine.

“Kuha pa kayo, ah!” 

Biglang napalingon si Wonwoo sa gilid at nagulat pa siya dahil nakabalik na pala ang nanay ni Mingyu. Aatakihin talaga siya rito sa bahay nila kapag nagtagal pa siya. Binabaliw siya pareho ng mag-ina.

“Anak, kuha ka nga munang tubig.”

Medyo nagdabog pa si Mingyu dahil saktong susubo na siya, do’n pa siya nautusan. Pero sumunod din naman siya. Syempre, nanay na niya ‘yan, e. Kaya silang dalawa na lang tuloy ng nanay ni Mingyu ang naiwan sa dining room. Mas lalong gustong tumakas ni Wonwoo, baka sabihan siya ng masasamang words.

Pero lumapit lang ito sa kanya at sinuklay ang buhok niya gamit ang daliri niya. “Mabait naman ba si Mingyu sa’yo?”

Hindi. Pero ngumiti na lang si Wonwoo. “Opo… medyo.”

Natawa naman ang nanay nito sa kanya. Lumawak tuloy ang ngiti ni Wonwoo. Ang gaan-gaan talaga kausap ng nanay ni Mingyu, bakit kapag ‘yung anak, parang sasabog na siya?

“Kung may kailangan ka man o ano, ‘wag kang mahiyang magsabi sa’min, okay? Hindi niyo man mahal ang isa’t isa, pero mag-asawa pa rin kayo, which means…” Mingyu’s mom paused, at hindi alam ni Wonwoo kung guessing game ba ‘to, at pupunan niya ba ‘yun. Pero nagsalita na ulit ito. “Pamilya ka na rin namin.”

Pamilya ka na rin namin. Wow, that’s so nice. That’s so fucking nice.

Biglang nawala ‘yung discouragement sa katawan ni Wonwoo at ang pagddown niya sa sarili niya na isa lang siyang kaawa-awang tao for them na pinakasalan ni Mingyu for the benefits. Tao pa rin pala turing sa kanya. Hindi naman pala siya basta benefits lang.

And even if he denied it, naramdaman niya rin naman ‘yon kay Mingyu, lalo na nu’ng napansin pa niyang gusto niya ng sweet and sour pork kanina. Maybe he’s not much of a charity case in his eyes. Hindi naman pala siya gano’n kagalit din kay Wonwoo, medyo lang. But not to an extent na he’d be too evil. And that oddly felt nice.

Napangiti muli si Wonwoo, this time, his teeth were slowly showing. Nakita niyang pabalik na si Mingyu sa lamesa, so Wonwoo looked at his mom’s eyes. “Thank you, tita.”

“Company meeting today.”

Sinamaan ng tingin ni Mingyu si Wonwoo, pero nagtaas lang ng kilay ang huli because he was just merely reminding him. Sobrang forgetful kasi ni Mingyu for someone na supposedly responsible. Ganyan na ganyan lang pet peeve niya. Buti na lang nandiyan si Wonwoo to remind him for some matters, lalo na sa business nilang dalawa.

“You have said that line eight times today already,” Mingyu said with his teeth gritted. At isang ulit pa siguro ni Wonwoo ay bubuga na ito ng apoy.

“OA mo, mga tatlo pa lang.”

Mingyu heaved a frustrated sigh. “You know that I’m also technically a co-boss there, right?”

Okay, now that pisses off Wonwoo.

Mingyu didn’t have to constantly shove down his throat that he was basically nothing without him. Tama naman. Walang-wala ang business ni Wonwoo kung hindi niya ito ginawang joint with him, at kung hindi niya ito pinakasalan pa. Wala na siguro ito into existence kung hindi niya sinundan ang desisyon na ‘yon.

But he’s right. Kung wala nga si Mingyu, wala na rin ang pangarap niya. Maybe that’s why it pisses off Wonwoo. Because he’s right and he didn’t want him to be.

Hindi na lang umimik si Wonwoo out of inis. Nagspray na lang siya ng pabango at saka dumiretso sa sasakyan niya. Magsasarili na lang muna siya ngayon kaysa sumabay sa isa.

Makakatipid na sana siya ng gas, oh. Tanginang pride ‘yan.

“We’re not gonna save some gas today?”

Napairap na lang si Wonwoo nang marinig niya ang boses sa likod. Hinarap niya ito habang pinapaikot ang maliit na susi sa kamay niya. Bahala siya magdrive diyan, basta siya magddrive din sa kotse niya.

Mingyu only looked at him blankly. He was still styling his hair na para bang runway ang pupuntahan niya at hindi meeting. He didn’t have to do much for a formal event. Pogi naman na siya, ano pa bang pinapatunayan ng gagong ‘to? Hindi naman ‘yon ang criteria ng pagiging boss.

“No.” Wonwoo cleared his throat when his eyes drifted to his chest. “And close your fucking buttons.”

Bumaba ang tingin ni Mingyu sa dibdib niyang exposed dahil hindi pa nakabutones ang polo shirt niya. Natawa siya nang mahina, at mas lalong nag-init dugo ni Wonwoo nang marinig iyon. Everything he does heats his blood up.

“Do it for me, my husband.”

Wonwoo could feel the tiniest strings of patience in his head break. Konting asar pa talaga at sasabog na siya. Isang salita pa tungkol sa pagiging mag-asawa, at paaagahin na niya ang divorce.

“May kamay ka naman, ‘di ba?”

It was Mingyu’s turn to roll his eyes as if he had any right to do that. “Can’t you see? I’m fixing my hair.”

Dahil wala namang choice si Wonwoo at gusto na lang niya umarangkada papalayo, nilapitan na lang niya ito. Sinabit niya ang carabiner niya sa hoop ng belt ng pants niya.

Wonwoo lifted his hand to gently tug on his collar and let the buttons meet the holes on the other side. He carefully tread it until he was sure enough that his chest won’t blind everyone he passes by anymore. Parang walang hiya talaga, e. 

Wonwoo was about to pull his hand away, but Mingyu already got hold of it, pulling him back, letting him stay in his position. Napaangat ng tingin si Wonwoo at napapigil siya ng hininga nang makita niya ang mata ni Mingyu, nakatitig lang sa kanya. 

Ang lapit. Sobrang lapit. Nakakainis.

Halos maramdaman na niya ang buga ng hangin ni Mingyu. Naamoy na naman niya ang body wash nito, pati na rin ang sobrang OA na perfume, halatang panlalaki. Kumunot ang noo ni Wonwoo, forcing himself to act strong.

“What?” Wonwoo asked, but his voice got drowned out by his mere breath.

“Magtipid ka sa gas.” Wonwoo followed the way Mingyu's tongue swiped across his own lips. It was an unconscious action, pero medyo nanghina roon si Wonwoo. “Sabay na tayo.”

Wonwoo pursed his lips and waited for Mingyu to move away, but he merely stared at him kaya mas lalong naguluhan ang sistema ni Wonwoo. Nakaawang ang labi nito, na parang pati siya ay naguguluhan din. Sa huli, si Wonwoo na lang mismo ang nagtulak sa kanya. 

“Fine. But, bilisan mo na kasi malelate na tayo.”

Mingyu swiftly pressed his key, and the car hummed its usual sound. “I know. And also, thanks.”

Wonwoo got even more confused. Not because of the sole reason for the gratitude, but because he was actually thanking him. And that sounded weird.

“For… this,” Mingyu said, pointing at his polo, and an annoying smile crept on his lips.

Wonwoo always got the urge to wipe that out.

“Whatever,” sabi na lang ni Wonwoo bago tumalikod at sumakay sa kotse ni Mingyu, taking up the passenger seat because it has now always been reserved for him.

After the exhausting meeting, not because there were too many disagreements thrown, but because Mingyu was being unbelievably annoying under the table, Wonwoo had to take a break in his own office. He had to lock it down just to ensure na walang makakapasok.

Hinilot niya ang sentido niya. Tangina talaga ni Mingyu Kim.

Wonwoo was out there sharing his reports, and Mingyu had the guts to play footsies? Maybe it’s not even footsies because that word oddly sounded intimate. More like… binibinyagan lang nito ang makintab niyang leather shoes. That sounded more like it.

Because when Mingyu was doing it, he didn’t even look like he was pleased. He looked smug that he was annoying Wonwoo.

Despite that, may napala naman sila. Their shareholders came to terms with the agreement. And according to the forecast, Wonwoo would gain thrice his usual returns. Mukhang may nakukuha naman pala talaga siya sa pagpapakasal niya rito sa lalaking ‘to. 

Aba, dapat lang! He’s not sticking for a month now with him for nothing! 

After savoring his peace for not even half an hour yet, may kumakatok na agad sa pintuan niya. At alam na niya agad kung sino. Ganyan na ganyan lang din ‘yan kumatok sa bahay.

Tumayo na si Wonwoo para buksan ang pinto, pero napatigil siya kasi hindi si Mingyu ang bumungad. Medyo napahiya siya roon. Over sa assume naman.

“Sir Wonwoo, please check the reports na lang po if okay na,” his secretary said, handing the piles of papers sa kanya.

Kinuha ito ni Wonwoo at narealize niyang mukhang kailangan na niya bumalik sa gym, o baka masyado lang mabigat ang mga ‘to. “Thanks. I’ll update you once I have checked them.”

Nagpasalamat na lang ang secretary niya at iniwan na lang din ni Wonwoo ang mga papel sa mesa. Lumabas na muna siya saglit para bumalik sa mundo ng stress, and he’s not proven wrong when he spotted Mingyu, all smiley, talking to one of his employees. And a twink at that.

May type pala ‘to, ah.

Napairap na lang si Wonwoo kahit na ang traydor niyang paa ay dinadala na siya patungo sa kanya. Mas lumakas na rin sa pandinig niya ang usapan nila at mas luminaw kung gaano sinusubukan hawakan ng empleyado niya si Mingyu.

How professional. Dito pa talaga sa kumpanya niya.

Mingyu stood up straight when he felt Wonwoo’s hand snaking up on his nape. Napataas ito ng kilay, probably because he did not anticipate his presence.

“What is my husband doing?” Wonwoo asked, his tone low, but inquisitive.

The employee let out an awkward laugh, scratching his head and apologizing before leaving. Agad naman na tinanggal ni Wonwoo ang kamay niya sa batok ni Mingyu dahil parang bigla siyang napaso.

“Tinakot mo naman ‘yon,” natatawang puna ni Mingyu kahit na wala namang nakakatawa para kay Wonwoo.

Wonwoo glared at him. “If you’re going to flirt, at least don’t do it inside my company.”

“Our,” Mingyu corrected, but it sounded like he was just annoying him yet again.

“Whatever. Just act professional.”

Mingyu let out a sarcastic gush. “Akala ko pa naman nagseselos ka talaga.”

“Ang kapal ng mukha mo,” iritadong sambit ni Wonwoo dahil kuha na naman ni Mingyu ang pika niya.

Ngumisi lang si Mingyu, pero bigla siyang napaayos ng tayo nang may maalala siya bigla. “Let’s get dinner later pala. I got a discount coupon.”

Mingyu handed out the printed coupon to him. Before Wonwoo could feel the matte texture of the paper, the rough skin came in contact with him first. But he quickly snatched the coupon to avoid the heating feeling that was building up when his finger brushed against it.

Binasa ni Wonwoo ang nasa coupon.

50% off for married couples. 

Wonwoo’s mouth slopped into a grin, and Mingyu beside him smiled widely when he saw his reaction.

“A good deal, ‘no? We should try it! Sulitin na ‘tong kasal!” Mingyu stretched his hands in joy. “117 days before divorce!”

And out of all the offensive words that went out of Mingyu’s mouth, this one made Wonwoo laugh. After hours of making his blood boil, this time, he was joyed.

“God, no wonder it’s discounted.”

Napapangiwi na rin si Wonwoo nu’ng sumipsip siya sa soup. Sobrang weird talaga ng pagkain ng mayayaman.

Don’t get him wrong. He aspires to be rich. He grew up wanting to swim in pools of money. Pangarap nga niyang kumain sa mga ganitong high-end restaurants! Pero lumaki pa rin siya sa pagkaing simple lang, syempre. Naranasan din naman ni Wonwoo na sumaya sa simpleng Jollibee.

Hindi tulad nitong kakaserve lang sa kanila na parang hindi man lang aabot sa lalamunan nila sa sobrang konti ng serving. Tapos ‘di man lang bumawi sa lasa.

Hiniwa na lang niya ang steak, at kahit ilang hagod na ng kutsilyo ang ginawa niya, hindi pa rin ito mahati-hati. Natawa na tuloy si Mingyu habang pinapanood siya kaya sinamaan niya ito ng tingin.

“Ikaw nagsuggest dito, ‘wag mo ‘kong tawanan.”

Pero hindi pa rin huminto kakatawa si Mingyu. Instead, he just grabbed the plate from him. “Akin na nga.”

Napanguso na lang si Wonwoo habang pinapanood na maghiwa si Mingyu. Hindi na lang niya pinansin ang paglabas ng ugat nito sa braso niya, pero ano bang magagawa niya? Talagang lumilitaw sila, e. Napakaborta, parang tarantado.

Binalik na ni Mingyu ang plato kay Wonwoo, pero nang tikman na ni Wonwoo ang nahiwang steak, hindi talaga masarap. “We should’ve just stayed at home,” mahinang sabi tuloy niya.

“Yeah,” Mingyu agreed, at nagulat pa si Wonwoo dahil their minds finally met in concurrence. “You would’ve loved what I cooked more.”

Wonwoo hummed, accepting the painful truth he wanted to deny. “It’s more tolerable.”

“More than tolerable,” Mingyu corrected him again when Wonwoo thought there was nothing wrong in what he said, anyway.

But Wonwoo only shrugged in response. Maybe because there’s a far more real truth than the one he chooses to believe in.

After surviving the distasteful dinner and fighting over the shares of the bill, Mingyu and Wonwoo finally got out of the hell disguised as a restaurant. 

Napasandal na lang si Wonwoo pagkasakay nila sa kotse. He gently closed his eyes. Lagkit na lagkit na siya sa haba ng araw niya ngayon. Gusto na lang niyang mahiga at matulog.

Naramdaman niyang lumakas ang hangin na nakatapat sa kanya at pagdilat niya, tinaasan pala ni Mingyu ‘yung temperature.

Pero agad din na binaba ni Wonwoo ‘yon. Kumunot tuloy ang noo ni Mingyu.

“Sayang sa gas,” sagot agad ni Wonwoo.

Mingyu let out a chuckle, finding his words ridiculous. Wonwoo almost got offended, but he’s already used to that teasing sound, anyway. 

Mingyu got his hand on the knob of the built-in air conditioner and flipped it to increase the breeze. Wonwoo immediately felt the quick swish of air hitting his skin.

He tenderly looked at Wonwoo. “Gas lang ‘yon. Asawa kita.”

Napangiwi si Wonwoo. Pinagsasasabi nito? “Oh, fuck off.” Pero nauga naman talaga siya sa loob-loob.

“What?” Mingyu even had the nerve to laugh after dropping a casual phrase like that. “I’m serious. You look so out of it already.”

Wonwoo massaged the sides of his forehead again. “Just tired.” He cleared his throat. “And just stop saying those things again.”

“Yeah? But you can call me ‘hubby’?”

Napatingin si Wonwoo sa kanya. Wala na ang ngiti sa labi ni Mingyu. Parang huminto ang ginagalawang mundo ni Wonwoo. Parang gustong kumawala ng puso niyang malakas ang tibok ngayon.

“You heard it?!”

Mingyu casually whistled as he finally drove away. Bumigat ang hininga ni Wonwoo. He wished to have this kind of calmness right now, pero ngayon, gusto na lang niya magpalamon sa hiya.

Tangina, nagtutulog-tulugan lang pala ‘yung gago. Nabiktima na naman siya ng panloloko nito.

“Don’t worry. I’m not gonna tease you about it… at least, for now.” Sinandal ni Mingyu ang siko niya sa baba ng bintana. “But what made you say it?”

Nag-iwas ng tingin si Wonwoo at umayos ng upo. “Shut up.” Ayaw na niyang balikan. Ayaw niyang alalahanin.

Not that he even knew why. It just came out of his mouth. Maybe it was the reality slowly sinking in. Malay ba niya. 

“Pero kasi, Mr. Jeon-Kim, it’s the truth. Mag-asawa naman talaga tayo.”

Oh, God. May variety pa talaga siya ng itatawag sa kanya. He should’ve stopped with the “asawa ko”, but I guess he’d go on until the day of divorce.

Right. They’d divorced after all. Tiisin na lang ni Wonwoo lahat ng ‘to.

Just to not give him any more satisfaction, tumahimik na lang si Wonwoo. Nakarating naman sila sa bahay nila nang walang pinagtatalunan, at wala ring near-death experience, thank God! 

But it was only a brief moment of luck because when Wonwoo flicked the switch up, a light did not spread across the room. The darkness remained still, and only the loud croaks of the insects outside could be heard.

Pagkapark ni Mingyu nang kotse, doon lang napansin ni Wonwoo na wala ring ilaw sa labas. At unti-unti na niyang napagtagpi lahat.

Out of all the days pa talaga, ngayong gabi pa nawalan ng kuryente.

“Fuck it,” Wonwoo whispered in frustration. 

Wonwoo could hear the clanking of the keys, and he already knew Mingyu was nearby. Nagtanggal na ng coat si Wonwoo dahil mas lumala ang pakiramdam niya nang pagkalagkit sa init. Pati polo niya ay binuksan na niya sa sobrang init.

Napahinto tuloy sa paglalakad si Mingyu nang abutan niyang halos maghubad na si Wonwoo.

“No way…”

Wonwoo gave him a deadpanned look. “Yeah, no way. Walang kuryente.”

Mingyu rolled his eyes and grunted. Gets naman. Pareho na silang mainit ang ulo sa mainit na panahon. Niluwagan na rin ni Mingyu ang necktie niya at saka hinatak ito para alisin. Wonwoo pursed his lips as he watched him undo his inner shirt and completely take it off.

“Init, fuck,” inis na sambit ni Mingyu habang sinusuklay ang mamasa-masa niyang buhok dahil sa pawis.

Napaupo si Mingyu sa sahig, sa tapat ng pintuan para may hangin. Tahimik na tumabi si Wonwoo sa kanya. Pinagkrus niya ang mga hita niya at huminga nang malalim.

“Alam mo, ang yaman-yaman mo, pero wala kang generator,” sabi ni Wonwoo, nagsisimula na naman sa pang-aatake.

Mingyu threw him a menacing look. “Kita mong naghahati na nga lang tayo sa insurance at tax, gusto mo pang bumili ako ng generator.”

That elicited a laugh from Wonwoo. Napasandal na siya sa pader at nararamdaman na niya ang unti-unting pag-usbong ng antok sa katawan niya.

“Are you sleepy?” Mingyu asked, his voice now groggy. 

Dahan-dahan na tumango si Wonwoo. Dinilat niya ang mata niya at nilingon si Mingyu. Nakatingin na ito agad sa kanya, pumupungay na rin ang mata sa antok.

“I wish you were kinder to me,” Wonwoo whispered. He could feel his strength slipping away as his drowsiness embraced him more.

Napangiti si Mingyu nang maliit. It didn’t look too sarcastic or teasing. It looked more like an agreement. But Wonwoo did try being kind to him. Siya lang ‘tong masama agad, so of course, he’s going to return the same energy.

“I’m not mad at you,” Mingyu softly replied.

“Just pissed off?”

Mingyu nodded. “Just pissed off,” he repeated. “I just didn’t know I’d end up here. Married. Committed.”

Wonwoo rolled his eyes at him. “You’re always acting like I forced you here.”

“You did not. But our situations practically got us tied up, and it’s annoying.” Mingyu brushed his hair up. “Like I know na you’re also helping me, but I just didn’t expect to get married. Not like this.”

“You expected to get married to a pretty woman with two kids and a pet dog, in a huge mansion, and not to a random guy who needs his business to grow, in a small house like this?”

Mingyu looked at him in his usual annoyed look, like a mask he conveniently wears when Wonwoo pushes his button. “I don’t like girls. And I don’t care about the mansion.” Mingyu buried his face in his hands, so his next words came in a muffled sound. “And you’re pretty, too.”

Kumunot ang noo ni Wonwoo. “What?”

Wonwoo clearly heard him, though. But he wasn’t sure if it meant the same words he was thinking. Or maybe it was just one of his jokes that he easily throws around. Maybe it didn’t mean as much.

But Mingyu shook his head despite it remaining buried in his palms. Napairap na lang si Wonwoo dahil sa tingin niya inaasar lang siya nito.

“But that’s not the point,” Mingyu said, finally having the courage to lift his head. Namumula lang nga siya ngayon. Wonwoo thought that it was because of the heat. “I just want to marry someone I truly love.”

“Well, you can still do it once when you get a divorce.

Mingyu flashed him a small smile. “I know. Kaya nga I’m counting the days.”

“And changing my contact name to the days left before the divorce day.”

Natawa si Mingyu. “Yeah.”

They both finally fell into silence, but it didn’t feel too awkward. It felt like a quick whiff of air after being deprived of it. It was a breather, a comforting one. Despite being side by side, for two people who disliked each other due to circumstances, that moment felt warm.

“I didn’t want this, too, you know. To get married,” panimula ni Wonwoo because he felt like he also owed an explanation to Mingyu. “I want to become successful first, or even if I do, I just couldn’t picture myself marrying someone. I’m always the type to imagine I’d be the rich ninong na favorite ng mga inaanak ko.”

Both of them chuckled at that phrase. But it was true. Ayaw talaga ni Wonwoo ikasal. Gusto lang niya maging mayaman at masaya. ‘Yung stable lang sa buhay. Because he’s seen marriages, more of them fail, and some lead to broken souls. 

But with a stable, successful life? You’ll never experience sorrow.

“And it’s ironic that I ended up in one just to salvage my business. Katawa-tawa talaga lahat ng ‘to.”

Mingyu leaned against the wall, and Wonwoo watched the way the small light from the moon hit his face. Despite the presence of night in time, Mingyu still looked so golden. So beautiful in that tone. Wonwoo hated to admit that.

“But you can go back to being business-focused once this all ends,” Mingyu’s voice was low when he spoke, but it’s because its volume wasn’t that loud enough to begin with, either. It was slow and soft, so directed to Wonwoo.

Wonwoo gave him an uptight smile. “Right.”

“But for now, maybe we should be kinder to each other?” Mingyu offered, a genuine smile hanging on his lips.

That didn’t sound like a bad idea. Kasi nga naman, silang dalawa na lang ang magtutulungan. Ano ba naman kung magbati na muna sila? Not even just as husbands, but as proper business partners, Ano ba naman kung mag-usap muna sila nang hindi sinusubukang atakihin ang isa, ‘di ba? 

So, Wonwoo nodded slowly, gauging. “Fine.”

Mingyu burst into laughter, but not because he was teasing Wonwoo. He just found everything ridiculous and embarrassing. And Wonwoo understood that sentiment kasi pati siya, natawa na rin bigla. Pareho silang naliligo sa pawis, nakaupo sa sahig, at tumatawa sa isa’t isa na parang tanga.

See, this was even better than eating at that disgusting restaurant.

Amidst laughing too much that they could feel their stomachs ache, sumindi na bigla ang ilaw sa bahay nila, pati na rin ang sa labas. Napakurap-kurap pa si Wonwoo dahil need pa mag-adapt ng mata niya sa biglaang change of brightness.

“Jusko, nagkailaw na rin!” Mingyu exclaimed before stretching his arms and back out, nangawit sa kakaupo nang matagal.

Tumayo na si Wonwoo at kinuha ang twalya. Pero nanlaki ang mata ni Mingyu sa bilis ng aksyon nito.

“You’re gonna go first?” tanong nito.

Wonwoo tilted his head. Malamang. Kaya nga kinuha na niya ‘yung twalya niya, ‘di ba? 

“Ako muna. Mas pawis ako sa’yo, oh.” Mingyu pointed at his chest drowning in sweat, at napaiwas na lang agad ng tingin si Wonwoo. Gago, ang laki talaga, e.

“Akala ko ba treat each other with kindness? E ‘di mauna na ako?” sagot pabalik ni Wonwoo dahil kanina pa talaga siya lagkit na lagkit at hindi na niya kayang makipagsagutan.

Sinampay ni Mingyu ‘yung twalya nito sa balikat niya. “Let’s just save water.”

Naningkit ang mata ni Wonwoo. “What?”

Mingyu gave him a sly smile, and Wonwoo immediately felt an impending doom. 

“Let’s shower together.”

Chapter Text

“Bobo nito. ‘Di na lang tumakbo.”

Wonwoo rolled his eyes and gathered all his strength not to kick Mingyu off the sofa.

Today, as bosses of their business, they chose to stay at home and let the lower management handle its intricacies. Not that it was at any grave stake. Mabuti naman ang lagay ng pera nila. At sadyang wala naman talaga silang dapat gawin.

They just rather spend their time at home than feel the aching pain of their backs from sitting too much in their swivel chairs.

Which is funny enough for Wonwoo. Because before, he’d rather stay there, locked in his office, trying to prove something. But now that there wasn’t anything to do, he appreciated the need to rest.

Thanks also to Mingyu, who practically pulled him back and convinced him to rest. Which is funny ulit, considering na lagi siyang kumakayod bigla kapag gabi na sa bahay.

Now, nasa sofa lang sila, nanonood ng horror movie na pinagtalunan pa nila kung ‘yan ba ang papanoorin. Nabobored na rin si Wonwoo because he’s not really that much of a scaredy-cat when it comes to the genre. But Mingyu was the opposite. Kanina pa ito tili nang tili, at reklamo nang reklamo sa kabobohan ng characters. Wonwoo couldn’t count the times he had roll his eyes already. E ‘di sana siya na lang bumida diyan sa pelikula.

Nang biglang magkajumpscare, mas nagulat pa si Wonwoo nu’ng biglang sumandal si Mingyu sa kanya, takot na takot. Tinignan niya tuloy ito, nagtataka kasi akala niya ba, ang bobo ng bida, bakit bigla siyang napapasandal diyan?

“Napa’no ka?” kunot-noong tanong ni Wonwoo, pero umiling lang si Mingyu. “Tignan mo, natatakot ka rin pala. Tapos gusto mo pa horror movie ang panoorin.”

Umayos na sa pagkakaupo si Mingyu, pero nakadikit pa rin ang braso niya kay Wonwoo, ‘di tulad kanina na nasa magkabilang-dulo sila ng sofa. “Sumandal lang sa’yo, natatakot na?”

Wonwoo looked at him, sneering. “E, bakit pala?”

“Sandal-asawa.”

Tinignan lang ni Wonwoo si Mingyu, hinihintay na bawiin niya ‘to. But he didn’t. Mingyu merely stared back, lips pursed, no plans to take it back.

But then he heaved a sigh. “Fine, sandal-business partner.”

Wonwoo then erupted into laughter. He brought his eyes back to the screen, at naramdaman niyang mas umusog si Mingyu sa kanya, but this time, he didn’t point it out. Wonwoo just let him sink his body lower beside him. 

Kinuyom ni Wonwoo ang palad niya. He fought the greatest urge to touch him. He wanted to caress his hair, slide his palm down his silks, but his hand stayed on his thighs, closed and fisted. Hindi naman sa mali na hawakan siya. Hindi lang kasi dapat. Business partners lang naman sila, sabi nga niya. Kaya kahit anong gawin ni Wonwoo, parang may malisya.

Wonwoo peeked at Mingyu, whose eyes were drooping lower. 

Pero baka meron nga talaga.

Nag-iwas na lang siya ng tingin. ‘Yon ang mali. ‘Yon ang dahilan na dapat gamitin kung bakit hindi niya pwedeng hawakan si Mingyu. Mali. Mag-asawa sila, pero wala naman talaga siyang karapatan. 

Wonwoo hated how he suddenly got this random spurt of urge to be clingy. But he’s just a human being. He wanted to touch and be touched. Hindi naman siya habang-buhay mabubulok lang para sa trabaho.

But really? Kay Mingyu niya pa talaga mararamdaman ang urge na ‘yan?

So, Wonwoo just sat there and watched the film silently, letting the noise pass by his ear to another. Hanggang sa narinig niya ang pagkalam ng tiyan niya, kaya napatanong na siya, “What should we eat for lunch?”

Napaayos ng upo si Mingyu nang maaalalang wala pa nga silang kakainin. They both got too engrossed in watching a movie, but Wonwoo thought he got too busy fighting the running thoughts about Mingyu in his head instead. 

“Right. I haven’t cooked anything yet.” Nilingon ni Mingyu si Wonwoo na nakanguso sa kanya. “Should we order?”

Napalitan ng simangot ang nguso ni Wonwoo. “Ayaw. Magluto ka.”

Umirap si Mingyu at tumango. Wala rin naman siyang choice. Wonwoo would actually throw some tantrums if ‘di luto ni Mingyu ang kakainin. Unless wala ng choice, it’s the only option to takeout na lang.

It’s healthier, Wonwoo would always argue. Kasi totoo naman. Mas nakakatipid din sila. At fine, mas masarap din naman kasi ‘yung luto ni Mingyu.

And he likes watching Mingyu cook. For some reason… ang pogi lang kasi niya kapag nagluluto. When he gets serious suddenly, and his muscles flex again from cutting or sauteing too much, parang gustong bumula ng bibig ni Wonwoo. It has the same effect as kids watching Cocomelon kapag pinapanood niyang magluto si Mingyu, gano’n siya nakakaadik.

But Wonwoo wouldn’t admit that. Kahit mamatay pa si Mingyu. 

Pinatay na ni Wonwoo ang TV nang tumayo na si Mingyu para magluto. Wonwoo followed his steps, but he also eventually went to the side of the counter, merely standing there, habang hinahanda ni Mingyu ang mga sangkap.

Not that there were any grand. Kanin… itlog… hotdog…

“Ano ‘yan? Almusal?” sarkastikong tanong ni Wonwoo.

Mingyu threw him a glare. “Magtipid, sabi mo, ‘di ba?”

Right. Now, Wonwoo just has to bear with a fucking hotsilog.

Hindi pa rin umalis si Wonwoo sa posisyon niya at pinanood lang si Mingyu na maghiwa ng bawang. Maya-maya, medyo naguilty siya sa pagiging demanding. Like what he said before, he's not a monster. He’s not that evil. Besides, he’s genuinely trying to be kinder to Mingyu as they had talked about. Trying.

Nabawasan naman na ang sigawan nila, and even if they throw sarcastic banters, they’re not really that case na below the belt anymore. There were just simple jokes and all. Mas mandalas na rin nila iconsider ang isa’t isa kasi. It’s more of how their tasks at home ay biglang naging para sa dalawang tao na. 

Kapag nagluluto, para sa dalawa. Kapag kumukuha ng pinggan, dalawa. Kapag nag-ggrocery, hindi lang para sa isa. Kapag matutulog, may espasyo dapat para sa isa. Kapag manonood ng TV, hindi dapat magsisimula agad hangga’t ‘di nakaupo ang dalawa sa sofa.

The house was full of casual, nonsense arguments, but it has always been so full of consideration. It has become a house for two, not because of the taxes and insurance, but because of those homing in.

“Do you need any help?” 

Nag-angat ng tingin si Mingyu. A gentle smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Wonwoo’s heart unknowingly pounded again, so he looked away. Ano bang nangyayari sa kanya at parang naaapektuhan siya sa bawat kilos ni Mingyu? 

“Papunas ng pawis ko.”

Tangina, kaya pala ngumiti.

Kumuha ng paper towel si Wonwoo at lumapit kay Mingyu. Dahan-dahan niyang dinampi ito sa noo niya. Napapikit si Mingyu habang pinupunasan niya ang pawis nito.

‘Yan na naman. Ang lapit na naman. Hindi na naman makahinga si Wonwoo.

Huminto na si Wonwoo nang matapos niyang punasan ang pawis nito, pero hindi siya agad lumayo. Tinitigan niya muna si Mingyu. Kaso nagdilat agad ito ng mata kaya nagkasalubong ang tingin nila.

Bumilis lalo ang tibok ng puso ni Wonwoo. Baka mang-aasar na naman siya. Dapat talaga bumalik na siya sa pwesto niya kanina pa, e.

Pero napakurap-kurap lang si Mingyu. Dinilaan niya ang labi niya, at sinundan ni Wonwoo ng tingin ang dila niya. Pero agad din na tumingin sa baba si Mingyu para mag-iwas ng tingin, and Wonwoo took that as a cue to walk away. Mahirap na. 

“Just call me if you need something,” sabi na lang ni Wonwoo habang nagpupunas ng sarili niyang pawis ngayon dahil bigla na lang nag-init ang katawan niya. Sobrang init ba talaga sa bahay nila?

He heard Mingyu chuckle, and it sounded more pleasing than annoying. Parang may nauga tuloy sa sistema ni Wonwoo. “You won’t be of any help, at alam nating pareho ‘yon.”

“Whatever,” Wonwoo replied, rolling his eyes at him, while Mingyu remained laughing.

Naupo na si Wonwoo sa tapat ng dining table. Napahawak siya sa dibdib niya.

Baka gutom lang ‘to. Right. That’s it.

Normally, he couldn’t handle close proximities because they’re awkward, and not because he finds the person too pretty. Not because their shower gel inhabits his nose and he wants to keep savoring the scent. Not because he’d like to stare at their eyes longer, but too afraid his lips would betray him.

It’s still awkward, but it’s not just that anymore. His heartbeat has become erratic, and it’s all because of him now. Not from anger or annoyance, but from something else. Fuck, anong something else?

Hindi pwede. Business partner lang sila, parang gago. Magdidivorce na sila, for fuck’s sake! Siya, madadala bigla sa biceps? Sa sarap ng luto? Sa ngiti? Maliii.

Pero wala, e. Hindi humihinto ang kabog ng dibdib niya kapag iniisip niya siya.

Ika nga ng mga bagets, baka he’s cooked. No, he’s just famished. ‘Yun lang ‘yun.

But when he looked back and he saw Mingyu’s wide back, his muscles contracting again and his wide thighs fighting for their lives in between those shorts, maybe he was cooked.

Fuck it. It’s just ninety-six days before divorce, anyway.

“Kain na, Jeon-Kim!”

Napairap si Wonwoo bago nag-ayos ng upo. One thing wouldn’t change between all these: Mingyu will always have the ability to annoy him.

Mingyu placed the bowl of rice and the plate of dishes neatly adjacent to each other. Wonwoo fixed the positions of their plates for better spacing. Pagkatapos, they prayed and started to scoop their own food.

Wonwoo paused midway when he was about to bite into the egg. Deeply fried. Like how he wanted it. Mingyu remembered. 

Nag-angat siya ng tingin kay Mingyu na nakatingin lang sa kanya. So, Wonwoo finally chewed on his first bite, and he immediately hummed in satisfaction. That fried rice was so good! Okay fine, pati na rin ‘yung itlog at hotdog. Wonwoo didn’t know if he was just hungry, pero iba kasi talaga magluto si Mingyu.

“Is it good?” Mingyu asked. Hindi pa pala siya kumakain hanggang ngayon. Naghihintay pa pala ng validation.

“Can you even fuck up a hotsilog?” Wonwoo asked, his cheeks stuffed with food.

Mingyu finally broke into a smile. “Right. So, it’s good.”

Umiling si Wonwoo kahit “oo” naman ang sagot niya. Kumuha na ng pagkain si Mingyu. Pinagsalin naman siya ni Wonwoo ng tubig. It’s the least thing he could do.

Pati na rin ang paghugas ng pinggan.

Kaya pagkatapos kumain, si Wonwoo na ang nakatoka sa lababo. Siya na ang naghugas ng pinaglutuan, ng pinggan, baso, kutsaraㅡlahat na. Pero nandoon lang si Mingyu sa tabi ng counter, kung saan siya nakatayo kanina, pinapanood siya.

“You don’t need any help?” tanong nito sa kanya, nakahalukipkip pa ang mga braso.

Umiling lang si Wonwoo. “Kaya ko na ‘to.”

“Strong and independent as always, huh?”

Wonwoo panned his face at him. “Shut up and go somewhere else.”

Mingyu went nearer, his face inches away from him, just to repeat all the words the same. Para lang inisin si Wonwoo. But Wonwoo only looked at him, his mouth pursed, but a smile formed. As mischievous as he could get, he swiped a line of bubbles across Mingyu’s cheek.

Napangiti lang si Mingyu imbes na mainis. Sinawsaw niya ang daliri niya sa dishwashing soap at saka nilagyan din ng bula ang baba ni Wonwoo. Both of them laughed at their silly antics. Parang mga bata, akala mo ‘di mga magtetrentang businessmen, oh.

“Punasan mo ‘yan,” Wonwoo sternly said.

Agad namang sumunod si Mingyu. Dahan-dahan niyang pinunasan ang bula gamit ang daliri niya. Takot din pala ‘tong isang ‘to, e. Under naman pala sa asawa.

“Ligo na tayo niyan?” Mingyu softly asked.

And ever since that night na nawalan ng kuryente, they never stopped taking showers together, except when one really has to go first, but as much as possible, they do it in pairs. Pero totoong shower lang! Mas malaki rin kasi ang natipid nila dahil dumoble ang bawas ng bill. Kaya sabay na sila laging naliligo. But ligo lang talaga, nothing else.

Hindi rin naman nila nasisilipan ang isa’t isa. Not that they planned to. Pero sa pwesto kasi nila sa loob ng shower, nakaback-to-back sila sa isa’t isa just so they could still be comfortable with washing themselves without the fear of getting gawked at. At dahil malakas naman ang pressure ng shower, nahuhugasan naman silang pareho. Convenient, ganyan naman talaga nabuo ang kontrata nila.

“Yeah, sunod na lang ako.”

“Dalhin ko na twalya mo, ha?”

Napa-inhale na lang si Wonwoo. “Ang kulit. Oo nga.”

Natawa si Mingyu bago niya pinisil ang pisngi ni Wonwoo. “Gagalit agad si mister, e. Sunod ka na lang, ah.”

Naglakad nang papalayo si Mingyu at hindi alam ni Wonwoo kung anong gusto niyang maramdaman. Para kang nagblender ng ampalaya at durian. Nag-uunahan sa lasa, ‘di alam kung anong mangingibabaw.

Kasi hindi niya alam kung matutuwa ba siya o maiinis siya kay Mingyu.

“Do you want to use my shower gel?”

Nakapikit pa rin si Wonwoo dahil tumutulo na ang bula mula sa pagkakashampoo niya ng buhok niya. Nasa likod niya lang si Mingyu na nagsasabon na ng katawan, nakaharap sa kabilang banda.

Wonwoo turned the shower on, but not too much, just enough to drop drizzles on top of his face and get rid of the bubbles blocking his sight.

“Hey, I was asking you!” Mingyu’s loud voice echoed across the small space.

Wonwoo brushed his hair up with his hands. “Sure. Patakan mo ‘ko sa likod.”

Tumayo lang si Wonwoo do’n habang nakapikit, naghihintay sa shower gel. Ang tagal naman nito. Nangangawit na siya at parang mabubulag na rin sa shampoo niyang ayaw tumigil kakabula.

And then he felt the cold, slippery texture sliding down his back, now paired with a rough palm spreading the gel out. Wonwoo let out a hum because that felt so good.

Hanggang sa napadilat siya dahil may naalala siya. “Hey! I didn’t ask you to spread it!”

Mingyu let out a snicker that sounded like a suppressed laugh. “Just helping,” he answered in a sing-song tone.

Napamura na lang si Wonwoo sa utak niya. Does that mean he saw Wonwoo’s ass? And why does it even matter? Pwet lang naman ‘yon. Meron din siyang gano’n.

But Wonwoo just hated it. 

He hated how warm these all felt. How undeniably comforting all these were, like a quick embrace after an exhausting workday.

So domestic… for a married couple who were bound to get a divorce.

“You know, one day, you’re gonna end up fucking me,” Wonwoo casually said dahil sa palagian nilang pagsabay sa pagligo.

But Mingyu merely chuckled. “Gusto mo?”

“No, gusto mo.”

Wonwoo watched Mingyu shake his head from the reflection of the tiled walls. Napangisi na lang din si Wonwoo dahil he successfully pissed him off again. Not much, not like before, but enough to know that Mingyu did not like that.

They then went back to their own business, cleaning themselves without facing each other. Even then, Wonwoo could smell Mingyu’s shower gel throughout the room. Kahit yata huminga lang siya, ang lakas pa rin ng amoy. But it’s not bad, not stinky. Just empowering, but it smelled nice.

He’s basically marked by Mingyu through his scent. Not in a Twilight way, pero dahil lang sa amoy nito lagi na ngayo’y nakakakapit na rin sa katawan ni Wonwoo. Kahit hindi kumilos si Wonwoo, maaamoy niya ‘yung shower gel nito at maaalala niya si Mingyu, e. Napakapahamak talaga ng shower gel na ‘yan, bakit kasi ‘di na lang siya mag-Safeguard?

“Mister ko.”

Wonwoo turned the shower off to hear him better. “What?”

Mingyu gave him a short laugh because he did not argue with the callsign. “I’ll go first.”

Tumango lang si Wonwoo. Ano naman ngayon? Gusto niya ba siya pa magpunas sa kanya?

After Mingyu left the room, Wonwoo immediately felt the emptiness behind him. Syempre. Ang laking tao ni Mingyu, e.

He grabbed his towel and wiped the droplets dripping down on his face and body before fitting himself inside his typical night clothes, that being silky pajamas that he found comforting. At amoy na amoy pa rn niya ang shower gel ni Mingyu sa sarili niya. Ayos.

Nagskincare muna siya saglit, while he’s at it, bago lumabas ng banyo. Naabutan niyang nakahiga na si Mingyu, topless, at may laptop sa hita.

“Working again, huh?”

Humarap si Mingyu sa kanya at ngumuso. “Yeah. Just reviewing the data.”

Tumabi si Wonwoo sa kanya. Sinilip nito ang screen at inusog naman ni Mingyu ang laptop papalapit sa kanya. Wonwoo thought it was from their business because he was being too generous about the information, pero ibang kumpanya niya pala ito.

“It looks fine. It doesn’t even fluctuate until the end of the year,” Wonwoo said, pointing at the almost straight lines of the graph.

Mingyu sighed, shaking his head. “Hindi nga nagffluctuate, but it’s not peaking. Not doing its best.”

“But when you peak, you fall. You rise too much because you’re bound to fall. Kaya being stable is also fine.”

Mingyu looked at him, so Wonwoo nodded just to reassure him. “You think?”

Wonwoo shrugged. “I guess?” Tinapik niya ang hita nito. “Stop working. Let’s sleep.”

“You know you can sleep while I work, right?” Mingyu slowly said, and Wonwoo couldn’t decipher what that tone meant.

Maybe it was teasing. Or mad because he’s being intrusive. Or just… seeking validation.

“Ang taas ng brightness mo. ‘Di ako makatulog,” is what Wonwoo chose to say instead.

Mingyu smiled, the wrinkles around his eyes appearing. Wonwoo pursed his lips to stop himself from feeling too much. But his lips couldn’t reach his heart, which wouldn’t stop pounding. 

Why does he smile so beautifully? Nakakainis. Everything about him was annoying.

Tinabi na ni Mingyu ang laptop sa gilid at umayos na rin ng pwesto sa paghiga. Like usual, nakaharang pa rin ang unan sa pagitan nila. But this time, they found the courage to face each other.

“It’s an unproductive day,” Wonwoo blurted out.

Mingyu’s lips curved upwards again. Wonwoo found it annoying that he’s been finding so many reasons to be happy. “We took a rest. That alone is productive.”

“Whatever, workaholic.”

Mingyu shifted his position, trying to get more comfortable. Minsan kasi nagkakaback cramps siya kapag mali ang posisyon niya, at talagang kay Wonwoo niya pa ipapahilot ‘to.

“I’m just curious… do you really not see yourself getting married? Or at least, falling in love with someone?”

Wonwoo rolled his eyes. “I fall in love. I just don’t like marriage.”

“Really? You already fell?”

Wonwoo paused to ponder. He did… kind of. Back in his college days. Nagkajowa na rin naman siya. Naranasan na niyang maging botomesa.

But love just seemed so broad and deep. What does it really mean to fall in love?

Wonwoo always perceived falling in love as something so magnificently special. He always saw it as feeling something explosive within, something that crashes your emotions carefully. Love, for him, was a burning fire that helped you survive.

And he didn’t know if he had ever experienced that yet. Sa jowa niya dati? Hindi naman ganyan kaspecial ‘yung naramdaman niya, e.

So maybe he hadn’t fallen in love yet. But he’s just a human. A seeking man. He wanted to experience that love, too.

Just not getting committed for a lifetime. Or not until he was sure he was committed to himself completely yet. 

“Not as much.”

Mingyu’s lips turned into a lopsided smile. “Pashowbiz naman.”

Biglang nainis si Wonwoo. Seryoso na nga siya, e. “Kasi gano’n naman talaga,” inis na sagot ni Wonwoo sa kanya. Lagi na lang talaga may rebut sa sagot niya.

“You’ll fall in love with the right person soon, too,” Mingyu sincerely replied, smiling gently at him.

And Wonwoo’s heart started to beat heavily against his ribcage once again, begging to come out. It wanted to escape, wanted to find space to properly explode. But it also did not feel that grand. It felt more… soothing on its side.

Hindi masyadong nakakabaliw. Hindi masyadong nakakabulag o nakakasilaw.

Nakakasira ng sistema, pero nagpapakalma. Nangpipiga ng puso, pero nagpapatuloy sa pagdaloy nang tama.

Wonwoo didn’t have a name for this foreign feeling, but he stuck this on Mingyu’s imaginary nameplate on his chest like a label made for him.

Chapter Text

Wonwoo ignored the short jolt he felt every time his pinky finger touched the bareness of the back of Mingyu’s hand. He tried to pull his hand farther away, but it ended up to no avail.

Huminto si Mingyu sa pagtulak sa cart at sa paglalakad na rin kaya Wonwoo almost bumped his face against his huge back. Mingyu let out an “oops, sorry”, but Wonwoo only shot him a glare. Bakit ba kasi ang laki-laki nito? 

Mingyu got his hand on the box of noodle sticks in front of him. “Should we cook pasta?” 

“We?”

Kumunot ang noo ni Mingyu. “Yeah?”

But Wonwoo doesn’t cook. All he does is watch Mingyu do his own thing habang chinichismis niya ‘to sa mga work nila. And Mingyu was gracious enough to indulge his stories kahit na busy siya magluto.

Maybe it really is a “we” task.

Pinilig ni Wonwoo ang ulo niya. “Yeah, I think we should.”

Kinuha na ni Mingyu ang box at tinulak ulit ang cart. Tinignan ni Wonwoo ang listahan niya sa notes app niya, at lahat naman ay nakuha na nila. 

Actually, wala rin naman silang napala sa listahan na ‘yan. Kunwari pang for “tipid” purposes. Napakuha rin naman sila ng kung anu-anong pagkain. It’s a necessity naman, they both convinced themselves. Pero parang hindi naman nila kailangan ng isang box ng beer at isang pack ng Buldak ramen.

“May kulang pa ba?” Lumapit si Mingyu para silipin ang phone niya. Naamoy na naman ni Wonwoo ang pinaghalong pabango at shower gel nito. Ang lapit ulit. Nakakainis.

Kaya nilayo na lang ni Wonwoo ang hawak niya sa phone niya, but Mingyu thought that he was teasing him, kaya hinawakan tuloy ni Mingyu ang kamay ni Wonwoo to put the phone in place. Parang napapaso na naman si Wonwoo.

“Hey,” Wonwoo warned, but it came off too soft. Nilayo na niya ulit ang phone. “Wala na ngang kulang. Magbayad na tayo.”

Mingyu nodded, but his body took a pause. “Ginamit mo shower gel ko?”

Napaiwas ng tingin si Wonwoo. Pero hinabol ni Mingyu ang direksyon ng mukha niya.

Amputa, ang lakas ng pang-amoy. Parang aso.

Natawa si Mingyu sa reaksyon ni Wonwoo, at parang gusto na lang magpabaril ni Wonwoo on the spot. “You did use it.”

“Why? Bawal ba?” Wonwoo pushed back the forming lump in his throat and tried so hard to sound like it was nothing.

To be fair, gusto lang kasi ulit maamoy ni Wonwoo ulit ‘yung shower gel mismo sa katawan niya. Iba kasi ‘yung pagkabango. ‘Yung pag naglalakad lang siya, sumusunod sa hangin ‘yung amoy ng gel. ‘Yung amoy ni Mingyu. It’s weird, but he just liked the long-lasting scent. 

“‘Di naman… I actually like the smell on you,” Mingyu said slowly before clearing his throat and looking away.

Wonwoo shrugged, but he could feel his cheeks heating. Parang tanga talaga. “Thanks. Dahil sa’yo naman ‘yon.” Nagtaas ng kilay si Mingyu, so Wonwoo immediately spoke to clear himself. “Dahil sa gel mo, I mean.”

Mingyu chuckled, and Wonwoo now could feel his whole body’s temperature rising dahil lang Mingyu was laughing because of him. Sana bumalik na lang si Mingyu sa pagsisigaw sa kanya at pangbabato ng masasamang words, ‘di ‘yung ganyan na kalmado, mabait, at… malambing. 

“Right, my gel,” pailing-iling na sabi ni Mingyu before eventually pushing the cart off. Sumunod lang si Wonwoo sa kanya sa gilid kahit na gusto niyang ipalupot ang mga kamay niya sa leeg ni Mingyu dahil sa pinaghalong asar at emosyon na hindi niya maintindihan.

From their stances, mukha na naman silang mag-asawa. They are, technically. But it’s only under the law.

Not the married couple who do domestic things together. Hindi ‘yung nag-gogrocery nang ganito katagal, ganito ka-soft with each other. Ni hindi nga sila masyadong nag-away ngayon. Mas marami pang natanong si Mingyu kung gusto ba ni Wonwoo ‘yung kinukuha niya, kaysa sabihin na ayaw niyang ikasal sa kanya. And that alone is an achievement. 

Everything about them really was starting to shift. And it’s not looking good for Wonwoo na may sistemang unti-unti nang nilalamon ni Mingyu.

They got their goods paid, got it packed, and left the grocery store. Pareho na lang nila bitbit ‘yung paper bags ngayon, pero mas marami ang kay Mingyu. Give na ni Wonwoo ‘yan. Pakinabangan naman niya ang malalaking braso niyan.

“Saan mo gusto kumain?” Mingyu softly asked.

Ngumuso si Wonwoo, pretending to think. But he already had an answer. And Mingyu knew that, too, prompting him to grunt.

“I can’t cook anymore!”

Natawa si Wonwoo dahil wala pa nga siyang sinasabi. Pero tama naman. He wanted to eat whatever Mingyu could prepare for him. But also, Wonwoo was not cruel enough to suggest that.

“Pizza?”

Ngumiti si Mingyu. “Okay. Shakey’s?”

Tumango si Wonwoo. “Fine.” He stopped on track and let out a small jump. “Ay, gusto ko Hawaiian!”

Dahan-dahan na rin na napahinto si Mingyu sa pagtutulak ng cart. “Right… I don’t eat pineapples.”

Wonwoo snickered. “Boring.”

“You’re boring,” Mingyu corrected.

At nagtalo na naman sila over Hawaiian pizza. Pero pagdating sa Shakey’s, they ended up compromising and buying two boxes, one Manager’s Choice and one Hawaiian.

It was a night to have fun, to let out his stress. Not that there was much, anyway.

Mingyu gently sprayed his perfume on his collar, then carefully tugged the sleeves of his shirt. He brushed his hair with his palm, letting its volume fall flat.

Lumabas na si Mingyu ng banyo at naabutan si Wonwoo sa sofa, naka-dekwatro at nanonood. Mingyu shook his car keys to enable a sound, and to his prediction, lumingon naman si Wonwoo sa kanya.

“I’m gonna go out.”

Kumunot ang noo ni Wonwoo. “E ‘di umalis ka.” Mingyu then turned his heel, but Wonwoo spoke again. “Saan ka pupunta?”

Mingyu almost chuckled upon hearing that. Wonwoo always acts like he’s not interested in his shenanigans, pero kung umasta, parang totoong asawa na talaga ni Mingyu. And Mingyu did find that amusing. Gusto rin naman talaga niya nalalaman mga ganap ni Mingyu sa buhay.

“Just some bar.”

Tumango si Wonwoo at tumalikod. “Get home safe.”

Oh, how badly Mingyu wanted to walk to him and pinch his cheek. 

Pero ngumiti na lang siya sa sarili niya at sumakay sa kotse niya para magpunta sa bar. He was just invited by his friend. And he didn’t like the idea of caging himself, anyway, kaya pumayag na lang din siya.

Pero habang nagmamaneho, hindi pa rin mawala ang ngiti sa labi ni Mingyu. He swiped his lips with his thumb. 

He can’t wait to go home and make his husband mad with his antics again. Parang hindi buo ang araw niya kapag hindi niya napapairap si Wonwoo sa inis at hindi siya napapasimangot kapag kumagat si Wonwoo pabalik.

Pero hindi naman ganito dapat talaga ang mangyari.

The first time he met Wonwoo, he looked so timid. ‘Di parang leon, tulad ngayon, na handang umatake lagi. He was just sitting, prim and proper, envelope lying in front of him.

“Hi, Mr. Kim, take a seat,” he offered, a polite smile on his face.

Naupo naman si Mingyu. He figured that this was any other ordinary business offer, so he didn’t feel the need to take too much of his time. Hindi na nga niya masyadong naiintindihan ang sinasabi nitong Mr. Jeon sa business niya.

He was too occupied thinking about how he could pay the enormous amount of taxes and insurance that his house requires. Kailangan niya maghanap ng kahati. Hindi naman niya magawang iparenta kasi he also needed to live there. He really had to give up his personal space to lessen his expenses. 

“And also, Mr. Kim. This offer means we have to get married.”

A static blared inside Mingyu’s ear. Parang nabingi siya bigla. Tinignan niya pa si Wonwoo dahil baka nagjojoke lang ito. Pero seryoso siya, walang expression ang mukha, but his legs wouldn’t stop shaking. He’s probably nervous about dropping those words.

Mingyu faked a smile after breathing out. “For what?”

Wonwoo reflected his action, and it looked quite mocking, kaya naoffend si Mingyu. Tinatarantado ba siya nito. “Look, Mr. Kim. I was explaining everything to you kanina, and whenever I asked you, you said na it was clear enough for you.”

Okay, may point naman. ‘Di naman talaga masyadong nakikinig si Mingyu. Pero hindi niya naman kasalanan ‘yon. Si Wonwoo ang nanghihingi ng favor, e.

“It’s just for six months. For stability…” And then he went on and on, but Mingyu could barely grasp it aside sa fact na kailangan niya ‘to para mapadali ang pagiging joint ng business nila.

Wonwoo was bold. Mingyu did not expect that from him. He was so firm about what he wanted. May nakatalo na yata sa kanya sa pagiging workaholic.

Habang tumatagal, bigla niyang naalala ang alalahanin niya sa bahay niya. Right. It would be perfect to ask Wonwoo to pay half his expenses as his spouse. Somehow, this marriage would be two-sided. Napakagenius niya talaga sa part na ‘yon, hell yeah.

“Fine,” Mingyu cut him off. “Let’s get married.”

Wonwoo offered his hand. “Great. Let’s work on our business from hereon.” Tinanggap na lang ni Mingyu ang kamay niya at nakipagshake hands sa kanya. “And also, I want some nice rings.”

Tangina, si Mingyu pa ang bibili? Kupal talaga ‘to, ah.

Ngumiti ulit si Mingyu, inis na inis na sa kausap niya. “You buy it since you basically proposed to me, Mr. Jeon.”

Mas humigpit ang hawak ni Wonwoo sa kamay ni Mingyu. His teeth were obviously gritted against each other. “Fine,” he said firmly, para bang wala na siyang choice.

Luckily enough, they don’t act like they have imaginary knives in their hands anymore that could easily slit each other’s throats. Mas civil naman na sila ngayon sa bahay. Or maybe… even more than civil.

Basta mag-asawa sa papel. Mag-asawa na magdidivorce. Mag-asawa na walang ginawa kung hindi mag-away. At mag-asawa na minsan nagkakasundo, nagguguluhan ng sistema.

Nu’ng una, gusto lang naman talagang inaasar ni Mingyu si Wonwoo. He was genuine about disliking him and his kind of stupid idea because he didn’t want to get married yet. But eventually, he learned to know more about him. And… he’s really not that bad as a person.

He was so much better. To the point na naeenjoy na ni Mingyu tumira kasama siya, considering that he initially didn’t like sharing his own privacy and personal space.

But sometimes, he’s just really confusing. 

Wonwoo would get mad in the morning, but then later on, Mingyu would find him staring at him, tapos iiwas ng tingin. Or sometimes, Wonwoo would reach for his hand, but also eventually pull it away. It’s always as if he wanted something from Mingyu, but was just too hesitant to do so.

Kaya naguguluhan si Mingyu. Kasi ano ba talagang gusto niya?

It’s honestly so dangerous for Mingyu, too. Because the more na ginagawa ni Wonwoo mga ‘yon, the more he invests deeper in him, like he’s a fascinating stock that one rarely spots. 

Mingyu would unconsciously sell himself out to him to seek more reactions. And when he does get one, he’d be so delighted. Kasi ang cute-cute niya. Tapos may kung anong gugulo sa sikmura ni Mingyu. Tapos mababaliw na naman siya dahil kay Wonwoo.

Wonwoo was confusing, but his effect on Mingyu confuses the latter more.

After parking his car, pumasok na si Mingyu sa loob ng bar. Maingay, as expected. Halo-halo ang amoy. Puro usok na rin mula sa mga vapers ng taon. 

Gusto na lang niya umuwi.

Pero dumiretso pa rin si Mingyu sa kaibigan niya na busy makihalibulo sa kung sino man. Soonyoung was a frequent goer in this bar. Kilala na nito halos lahat ng tumatambay dito. But he did not initially meet him there. Naging magkaklase rin kasi sila dati.

“Soons!” Niyakap ni Mingyu si Soons pagkatapos bumati, at ramdam naman niya ang braso nito na bumalot sa kanya pabalik.

Soons beamed when he got to see Mingyu’s face better under the rave lights. “Kamusta buhay may asawa?”

Mingyu rolled his eyes, and Soons laughed at him.

Isa rin kasi siya sa mga nakakaalam nang totoo na hindi naman talaga sila kinasal ni Wonwoo dahil mahal nila ang isa’t isa. Actually, isa siya sa mga nakakaalam na kasal na pala siya, to begin with. So many people didn’t know, not that there was any need to announce it publicly kasi.

“Kasama mo sa bahay, ‘di ba?” Tumango si Mingyu. Inabutan siya ni Soons ng baso ng cocktail at sumisim siya agad doon. “‘Di pa rin ba kayo nagkakasundo?”

“Nagkakasundo naman.” Sana nga hindi na lang. Para hindi na nalalagutan nang hininga si Mingyu kapag nahuhuli niyang natutulala si Wonwoo sa kanya. At mas lalo naman kapag ngumingiti. It’s not a rare sight, pero mas madalas kasi mainis si Wonwoo. So when he does smile, Mingyu always gets taken aback.

“E, bakit ‘di ka masaya?”

Bakit nga ba?

Before, alam na agad ni Mingyu ang isasagot niya sa script niya. Kasi ‘di naman niya gustong makasal sa ganitong paraan. Kasi gusto niyang makasal sa taong mahal niya talaga. Kasi gusto niya ‘yung ‘di kinasal dahil sa negosyo lang.

Pero ngayon, hindi rin alam ni Mingyu bakit ‘di siya masaya.

Baka kasi lumilipas ang oras at malapit nang matapos ang deal nila. Baka kasi ilang araw na lang at ang hinihintay niyang divorce ay paparating na. Baka kasi kapag nakikita niya si Wonwoo, imbes na mainis, mas natutuwa na siya. Baka kasi kapag kasama niya siya, kahit na nakakagulo ng sistema at nakakasira ng ulo, mas nararamdaman pa rin ni Mingyu ‘yung pagiging payapa.

‘Yung pagdulas niya ng daliri niya sa ilong ni Mingyu at pagsabi ng “hubby”. ‘Yung pagsuot niya ng damit ni Mingyu. ‘Yung paglalagay niya ng shower gel niya. ‘Yung pagsama niya sa kanya sa pagluluto. ‘Yung pagsisilip niya ng tingin tuwing nasa meeting sila. ‘Yung kung paanong halatang nagpipigil lang siya sa tuwing gusto niyang hawakan si Mingyu.

Alam niya lahat ‘yan. Binaliw siya lahat niyan.

Pero tangina. Iba talaga. Parang kaya niyang paikutin ulo ni Mingyu, pero at the same time, siya rin ‘yung nakakapagpagaan ng loob niya kapag nakikita niya siya, knowing he’s there. Knowing he’s not alone.

And maybe that’s why he wasn’t happy. Because he didn’t want it to end yet, when he had barely figured out everything he was feeling.

Napalagok tuloy siya ng cocktail. Tanginang ‘yan.

Tinapik ni Soons ang likod ni Mingyu. “Pre, puntahan ko na kakilala ko, ah. Enjoy ka lang dito!” 

Tumango lang si Mingyu at kumuha pa ng drinks sa gilid. Pagkatapos ay tumayo lang siya sa pader, nagmamasid. Bigla siyang naoverwhelm sa gulo ng bar at sa gulo ng nararamdaman niya. Parang halo-halo sa dami ng nangyayari, kulang na lang lagyan na ng yelo.

Mingyu carefully poured the bitter alcohol down his throat, observing the people around him. If this were years ago, his ass would’ve been up on the stage, twerking his butt and all. He would’ve been talking to some strangers right now, trying to string connections like the social butterfly that he was.

But for now, he’d rather sit in the corner and wonder when he has to wait until he could leave. He silently sipped on his drink until he felt a presence beside him.

“Hi. What are you doing all alone here?”

Napalingon si Mingyu at ngumiti out of respect. “Just letting the time pass.”

“Aw, you should be having more fun.” The guy stretched his hand out. “I’m Cheol, by the way.”

Tinanggap naman ni Mingyu ‘yung kamay niya kahit na unti-unti na siyang nawawalan ng mood. Gusto na lang talaga niya umuwi.

“I’m Mingyu,” tipid niyang sagot bago ngumiti nang pilit.

“So, why are you alone? Did someone leave you… or?”

Umiling si Mingyu. Sumimsim muna siya sa baso niya bago nagsalita. “I just went alone. There’s nothing wrong with going to a bar on your own.”

Cheol chuckled, and his eyes crinkled along. “Of course, there isn’t. But you look like you’d do better when you have company.”

Nagtaas ng kilay si Mingyu. “And who could that be?”

Cheol took a step closer. His hand grasped the chain of Mingyu’s silver necklace. It stayed there, wriggling his fingers around it. Mingyu felt like he was sinning, though. Parang nakakapaso. Wala naman siyang jowa, e. So why did it feel wrong for his necklace to be touched like that when it was a harmless move?

“That would be me,” Cheol answered, his voice breathy and low.

Mingyu clutched his ring resting in his finger, na para bang bato ‘to at kapag sinubo niya ay maliligtas na siya dahil magiging siyang si Darna. He kept on holding it and whispering lines of hope, wishing this would all end. Wishing Cheol would just magically leave him alone and disappear like a bubble getting popped.

And then it hit him. He rubbed his ring again. This was why it felt wrong.

Biglang nagring ang phone niya at agad niyang tinulak si Cheol papalayo. He was able to exhale when he saw the contact name.

d-54 b4 divorce! 🎊 calling…

Ayan na nga ang tagapagligtas niya.

Mingyu brought his phone to his ear. “Hey.”

“Go home.”

Biglang nanlamig ang buong katawan ni Mingyu. Wonwoo often uses that tone, and Mingyu doesn’t always get intimidated over it. But right now, parang gusto na lang niya tumakbo papunta sa kotse niya. Parang ito pa papatay sa kanya, e.

Mingyu glanced at Cheol na nakataas na ang kilay sa kanya. Sinenyasan niya ito ng “wait” bago niya ibinaling ang atensyon niya sa phone.

“Why?” bulong ni Mingyu.

“The bed’s so empty. I can’t sleep.”

Mingyu could feel the lump forming in his throat. He clutched his chest like it could stop his heart that wouldn’t stop racing so fast.

Tangina, gusto magpauwi dahil ‘di siya makatulog? Ano siya? Sleeping pill?

But it’s so crazy. How Mingyu was the only reason he couldn’t do so. And Mingyu’s presence would put him to sleep once he’s back home. That’s how much effect he has on Wonwoo. 

“Sino ba ‘yan?” Cheol dared to ask, and Mingyu felt like he took a step in the pool of danger kasi sure siyang narinig ni Wonwoo ‘yon.

And then Wonwoo’s voice echoed in his ear. “Sino ‘yon?” ‘Yon na nga.

Umiling si Mingyu kay Cheol. He took a step back and turned away from him so that he could focus on Wonwoo and rant to him without Cheol hearing any of it. “This guy’s hitting on me, and I can’t sneak out.”

There was a moment of silence after, at akala ni Mingyu, pinatayan na siya ng tawag. But then Wonwoo spoke. “IG username?”

Lumingon pabalik si Mingyu at nilapitan ulit si Cheol. “Hey, what’s your IG again?”

“Ah, it’s cheolchoi.”

“Got it, wait lang ulit.” Mingyu pointed to his phone again, and Cheol just waved his hand to dismiss him.

Nilapit ni Mingyu ang bibig niya sa speaker. Tila gumagawa na siya ng krimen. Parang nakikipagtransaction lang ng shabu.

“Cheolchoi daw.”

At bigla na lang nagbuzz ‘yung phone. Namatay na ang tawag. Akala niya nawalan ng signal ito, pero nang nagdial ulit siya, hindi na sumasagot si Wonwoo. Kumunot tuloy noo ni Mingyu.

Makikipaglandian pa yata ‘to kay Cheol. Hiningi pa IG, e. Ayos din. Dapat si Wonwoo na lang nagpunta sa bar.

Humarap na lang si Mingyu kay Cheol, pero nagtaka lalo ang una nang iba na ang tingin ng huli. Parang takot na at ‘di maipinta ang mukha.

“What’s wrong?” kunot-noong tanong ni Mingyu.

Cheol awkwardly burst out laughing. “I didn’t know you were married. Sorry, dude.”

Bigla na lang ito umalis. Napatingin tuloy si Mingyu sa singsing niya. Nakita niya ba ‘to? Paano naman niya nalamang kasal na siya?

Mingyu felt a vibration in his pocket, so he took his phone out. Biglang napadako ang kamay ni Mingyu sa bibig niya, and everything started to make sense.

d-54 b4 divorce! 🎊

done.

uwi.

Oh, he’s Mad mad.

Napalagok si Mingyu ng isang baso ng whiskey. But it wasn’t enough. He was feeling the heat in his body. Nanghingi pa siya ng isang baso ng tequila bago siya lumabas ng bar.

Why is Wonwoo making him feel all these unexplainable things? Why is he making him feel hot, literally?

Hindi na rin alam ni Mingyu kung paano siya nakapagdrive papuntang bahay nang buhay. Basta ang alam lang niya ay nararamdaman na niya ang tibok ng puso niya sa lalamunan niya. Halos nanginginig na rin ang mga kamay niya na nakahawak sa manibela. 

Kulang na lang, mabangga na siya ng tricycle ng malunggay pandesal seller. Gano’n siya ka-out of it. Pero, he held on. He wanted to go home and see Wonwoo’s usual disappointed face. Tapos raratratin na naman siya nito ng mga akusasyon.

Pagkabukas niya ng pinto, bumungad agad si Wonwoo na mukhang lalabas din ng bahay. Mingyu scanned his body, and Wonwoo was only wearing one of his usual silk pajamas. But this one, it was just short shorts.

“Where are you going?” Mingyu asked, his voice deeper.

Umirap si Wonwoo. Pinaglaruan niya ang susi niya sa palad niya. “Susunduin ka. ‘Di ka sumasagot, e.”

“I was driving.”

It was Wonwoo’s turn to scan Mingyu’s body. But it was just quick. “Whatever.” Tumalikod na siya at naglakad papuntang kusina.

Sumunod si Mingyu sa kanya, pero kalaunan ay huminto rin siya sa paglalakad. Pinanood ni Mingyu na kumuha ito ng baso ng tubig at saka siya uminom. Nakatalikod na ito sa kanya.

So, Mingyu took that as an opportunity to cage him in between his bulky arms. He felt Wonwoo flinch, but he immediately turned around, facing Mingyu with his now flushed face.

Mingyu rested his forehead on Wonwoo’s shoulder. Umangat ang kamay ni Wonwoo, pero hindi para hawakan si Mingyu. More like, it was for defense. Still, Mingyu stayed in his position.

“What did you tell Cheol?”

Wonwoo snickered in annoyance. “First name basis na ngayon?”

Nag-angat ng tingin si Mingyu. His eyes were hooded from a mix of drowsiness and slight intoxication. He saw Wonwoo swallow when their eyes met.

Unang nag-iwas ng tingin si Wonwoo. “Sabi ko, may asawa ka na.”

Mingyu hummed. “At sino ‘yon?”

Wonwoo glared at him. Mingyu perfectly set the trap up. It’s a ragebait. It’s supposed to be a form of teasing. But it ended up sounding like a battle of possessiveness.

And Wonwoo fell into it, deep, not free from any saving.

“Ako.” Wonwoo licked his lips. “Kasal ka na sa’kin na asawa mo.”

Mingyu gently flicked Wonwoo’s chin up because he kept looking away. “Right. So, why are you still jealous?”

“I am not jealous,” Wonwoo firmly answered, his teeth gritting again.

Mingyu knew that this was a sign of him getting pissed. Pero hindi alam ni Mingyu kung saan naiinis si Wonwoo. Kung sa pang-aakusa ba ni Mingyu, o dahil alam niyang tama siya.

Mingyu glided his finger down from his chin to his neck. “You literally had to message Cheol.”

“‘Di nga ako nagseselos!”

Wonwoo was breathing heavily, his chest rising in anger. But Mingyu couldn’t help but feel more heated at the sight. His chest was literally almost peeking dahil konting butones lang ng silk shirt niya ang nakasara. Pero idinako ulit ni Mingyu ang mata niya sa mata ni Wonwoo, at humihinga pa rin ito nang mabigat.

So, Mingyu swiftly lifted him, and Wonwoo yelped in surprise. Pinatong siya ni Mingyu sa counter, dahan-dahan at maingat. Wonwoo instinctively shut his thighs, but Mingyu forcefully opened them with his leg with ease. He placed himself between them.

Pinatong ni Mingyu ang magkabila niyang kamay sa tabi ni Wonwoo. Mas bumilis ang paghinga ni Wonwoo, at kahit si Mingyu, ramdam niyang mas umiikot na ang sistema niya ngayon. Tinitigan niya si Wonwoo na nakatingin lang din sa kanya pabalik, kagat-kagat ang sariling labi.

Mingyu had a dangerous thought, wondering what it would be like planting his lips against his. But he buried it down in his brain, reminding himself na mag-asawa lang sila sa papel. Wala siyang karapatan gawin ‘yon, at wala ring logical na rason for that. 

Instead, he held onto Wonwoo’s bare thighs. He gripped onto them gently, ensuring he wouldn’t bruise them, and he watched Wonwoo’s mouth go slightly agape. “And what were you thinking, going out in these clothes?”

Hinawakan ni Wonwoo ang kamay ni Mingyu na nakahawak sa hita niya at saka tinabig ito papalayo. “Toxic husband, are we?”

Mingyu bent down to inch his face closer. He watched the way Wonwoo's throat bobbed. “I just thought these were only for your husband to see.”

“Good. Now you know how I feel.” Hinawakan ulit ni Wonwoo ang kamay ni Mingyu at pinakita ito sa kanya. “See? That’s your ring. When someone flirts with you, show them this and tell them you’re married.”

Mingyu smiled, wider and wider each second that passed by. And then he burst into laughter. 

Fuck, bakit ang cute-cute ng asawa niya?

Biglang nawala lahat ng init niya sa katawan kahit na kulang na lang ay ihain na ni Wonwoo ang sarili niya sa mesa sa sobrang sabotaging ng damit niya for Mingyu. And all the tension between them added to the heat, too.

But now, with Wonwoo throwing daggers and pouting, gusto na lang matulog ni Mingyu sa tabi niya.

And maybe, Mingyu really doesn’t get pissed at Wonwoo anymore. He made him feel all sorts of emotions, and all of them led to his heart pumping a ludicrous amount of blood, leaving him feeling that he was about to explode every time he got in touch with him.

Sana nga experiment na lang si Wonwoo. Pero sobrang totoo niya. Sobrang tao. At dahil sa kanya, mas naramdaman niyang maging tao. Mas nabuhay siya sa labas ng trabaho niya.

At dahil din sa kanya, nagpapatuloy siya. 

Dumadagdag ang rason kung bakit gusto niyang gumising nang maaga. Para makita kung paano matulog si Wonwoo nang nakanganga, o kaya para magawan niya ito ng almusal.

Mas sumasaya ang biyahe papuntang trabaho. Kasi naiisip na agad niyang umuwi. Tapos nandoon na agad si Wonwoo, bagong ligo, nasa sofa, nanonood. At tatabihan niya ito, at saka sila magtatalo sa palabas na para bang may podcast sila kahit na wala naman.

Si Wonwoo na ang nagiging rason sa pagtibok ng puso niya, pati na rin sa paggulo ng sistema niya.

Mingyu leaned his forehead again on the crook of Wonwoo’s shoulder. “God, you’re making me crazy.”

He felt Wonwoo’s slim legs slowly closing in, caging him more. “You’re drunk,” he murmured.

Nag-angat ng tingin si Mingyu. He’s not. “That’s not what you’re supposed to say.”

Wonwoo sighed. He knows. Mingyu looked up, expecting so much from him. Pero nag-iwas na lang ng tingin si Wonwoo nang hindi niya kayanin ang titig ni Mingyu.

“You’re making me crazy, too,” bulong ulit ni Wonwoo.

Mingyu could feel himself exploding from then and there. Limang salita lang, pero parang may nagliyab sa loob ni Mingyu. How the hell can Wonwoo do this to him? Is this one of those close-proximity theories that states how two people together get pulled when they’re entrapped in the same space? Kasi parang it’s working. It’s slowly starting to make sense.

Why was Wonwoo now making him feel all these things when it used to be just annoyance he felt toward him? And why was Wonwoo looking like he was so affected by everything that Mingyu does? Why was he going crazy, too?

Wonwoo cleared his throat. “Wash up now and let’s sleep.” He tapped his cheek, and Mingyu finally let him go.

Habang naliligo, hindi na naman mawala sa isip ni Mingyu si Wonwoo. Not for those reasons. But because his possessive behavior just wouldn’t stop pestering him.

Bakit siya aakto nang ganoon? Alam ba niyang fifty-four days na lang bago sila maghiwalay? Bakit ba pinapahirapan niya pa si Mingyu?

His confused look kanina, but his cheeks were so red from getting too flustered… fuck, ang cute. Napasandal si Mingyu ng noo niya sa pader at hinayaan na tumulo ang malamig na tubig sa likod niya. Mababaliw na talaga siya.

Pero sa tagal niya kakamuni-muni, siguradong makakakuha na naman siya ng allegations na nagjajakol siya. Jusko, mas kaya niya pang gawin ‘yon sa office niya kaysa sa bahay out of hiya.

Hindi na siya nag-atubili na magsuot pa ng damit, syempre shorts meron. Pero topless na lang ulit. Nasanay na rin naman si Wonwoo sa kanya. At ganito rin kasi siya komportable kapag natutulog.

Akala niya ay aabutan niyang tulog na si Wonwoo pagpasok sa kwarto, pero nagsscroll pa ‘to sa phone niya. Rinig niya pa sa Tiktok ang, “Beez in the trap, b-beezㅡGoin’ back to Honolulu, just to get thatㅡano ba ‘yan ang bilis magscroll!

Humiga na si Mingyu sa tabi ni Wonwoo, at binaba naman na ni Wonwoo ang phone niya sa side table nang makitang nandyan na siya. 

Sinandal ni Mingyu ang ulo niya sa sarili niyang braso. Nakatingin lang siya kay Wonwoo, habang ang isa ay nakatulala sa kisame.

“Stop staring,” sita tuloy nito sa kanya.

“Can I remove the barrier?” 

Nanlaki ang mata ni Wonwoo sa kanya. Cute na naman, ano ba ‘yan. Kaya pa palang lumaki ‘yung mga mata ng chinito. Lagi lang kasi lumiliit ‘yung sa kanya kapag tumatawa siya, e.

Finally, humarap na si Wonwoo sa kanya. “For what?”

“I just want to,” Mingyu answered groggily.

Hindi na nagtangkang mag-iwas ng tingin si Mingyu. Hindi rin umiwas si Wonwoo. Nakatitig lang sila sa isa’t isa, tinitigan ang repleksyon nila sa kanilang mga mata.

“Alisin mo na,” mahinang sambit ni Wonwoo.

Mingyu slowly lifted the pillow and moved it to his side. He wriggled closer to Wonwoo, and the latter only watched him do it. Una, nakatingin pa ito sa mukha niya, hanggang sa bumaba ang tingin niya sa dibdib nito.

Kumunot ang noo ni Wonwoo. “I don’t like facing your boobs.”

Humalakhak si Mingyu. Wonwoo just perfectly knew how to ruin the mood and the tension built. 

“Okay, talikod ka,” Mingyu gently said, tapping his thigh.

Sumunod naman si Wonwoo without any complaints, at maski si Mingyu ay nagulat. Now that they’re not facing each other, mas komportable na sila sa paghinga. Hindi na parang hinahabol sila ng aso sa bilis ng tibok ng puso nila.

But Mingyu’s heart raced fast once again when he dared to place his hand on Wonwoo’s waist and rested his chin on top of his shoulder. Naramdaman niyang napatigil si Wonwoo.

“What’s wrong?” 

‘Di ko rin alam, Mingyu thought. Pero alam niyang meron. Pero ayaw niya ring alamin kung ano. Basta may mali. At hindi niya alam kung paano itama ito kasi baka hindi naman ‘to ‘yung totoo nilang gusto.

Mingyu hummed and shut his eyes. “Nothing. This is me being your husband.”

Even with back turned, alam niyang inirapan na siya ni Wonwoo. “I would never get a clingy husband.”

“But you just married one,” Mingyu said, his eyes remaining shut, but his smile reaching the corners of it.

“Yeah.” Wonwoo shifted to make himself more comfortable, but he didn’t push Mingyu away, who was clinging to his body. “I married you.”

Baka nga mas gusto na lang ni Mingyu ‘yung mali.

Chapter Text

“Forty-eight days before divorce!”

Mingyu watched Wonwoo roll his eyes at him na para bang ito na ang “good morning” niya sa kanya tuwing umaga. Nasanay na lang din sila sa isa’t isa. Being annoying was probably innate in them already, and so they just have to live with it. And besides, hindi rin naman talaga buo ang araw ni Mingyu kapag ‘di siya naiirapan ni Wonwoo.

At hindi rin maintindihan ni Mingyu kung bakit parang meron siyang sudden burst of energy ngayong umaga. Yes, he’s usually the type to be optimistic, but not the type to feel na everything is going to turn out perfect. He figured na maybe it’s because he was bound to have a major company meeting, and he was so excited to talk about his plans. Sa mga empleyado niya, pati na rin kay Wonwoo pag-uwi niya.

Pumunta na si Mingyu sa banyo para magshave, but he genuinely sucked at it. Minsan, nasusugatan niya pa ang sarili niya, parang tanga lang. So, he tried calling for help, instead.

“Mister ko!”

Umupo na lang si Mingyu sa countertop ng banyo at namag-asa kahit na baka mura lang naman talaga ang abutin niya. Naghintay pa siya ng ilang segundo at akala niya, hindi na siya pupuntahan nito. Gets naman. Purgang-purga na lang talaga ‘to sa kung anu-anong pagtawag sa kanya ni Mingyu. But ang plain kasi ng ‘Wonwoo’. Para naman siyang others, e asawa niya nga ‘yan.

But Wonwoo actually showed up, not even after a minute, in the bathroom, sporting his exasperated look. Mingyu beamed upon seeing him. Umayos ito ng upo mula sa countertop at inabot sa kanya ang razor. Iritado namang kinuha ‘yon ni Wonwoo.

If Mingyu were only a puppy, his tail would be wagging from too much joy by now. 

“Wala ka bang kamay?” 

Ah, that question again. For months of staying with Wonwoo, he remained unchanged.

Inabot na rin ni Mingyu ang shaving cream sa kanya. Syempre, bago kunin ‘yon ni Wonwoo, inirapan muna niya ulit si Mingyu.

“Para kang bata,” inis na sabi nito.

But Mingyu knew better than to be pissed off. “Mas malinis ka lang magshave. Look.” Hinawakan niya ang baba ni Wonwoo. “Ang smooth, oh.”

Wonwoo rolled his eyes and knocked his hand off his chin. “Bobo ka lang magshave.”

“Exactly.” Mingyu smiled, and Wonwoo took a pause. “Kaya nga nandyan ka, ‘di ba?”

Hindi na lang umimik si Wonwoo at unti-unti na rin nawala ang kunot sa noo niya. Dahan-dahan na lang niyang pinadulas ang blade sa baba ni Mingyu, ang isa niyang kamay ay nakaantabay sa pisngi niya. 

Mingyu wanted to laugh at how serious Wonwoo was. Nakaawang pa ang bibig nito habang inaahitan siya. But he couldn’t let out a chuckle because he knew masesermunan na naman siya nito na baka masugatan siya. So, he ended up squeezing his waist instead every time he felt the urge to laugh.

Kaso, ayon. Nainis pa rin si Wonwoo. 

Huminto siya sa pag-aahit at pumaywang. “Kulit, ah.”

Mingyu finally let out his suppressed giggles. “Ang seryoso mo kasi!”

“Tapusin na natin, dali.”

“Wait.” Naghabol ng hininga si Mingyu bago tumawa ulit. “Sorry, wait lang talaga.”

Wonwoo threw a glare. “Hubby.”

And Mingyu quickly shut his mouth. 

Alam niyang normal lang na gamitin ni Wonwoo ang callsign na ‘yan sa kanya to shut him up. Almost as if it’s on par with the intimidating tone he always uses, but this one makes Mingyu fold. Sobrang tiklop talaga. Dobleng tupi pa.

Kaya nanahimik na lang si Mingyu at tumingin nang diretso kay Wonwoo. His hands, however, stayed on the sides of Wonwoo’s waist, caressing it up and down. Hindi naman natitinag si Wonwoo dahil natapos din nito nang matiwasay ang pag-aahit sa kanya. He really had just gotten used to Mingyu’s subtle touches. Still, Mingyu wondered when Wonwoo would actually initiate it.

Kasi naghihintay siya.

Wonwoo slightly pulled away and examined Mingyu’s newly shaved face. Pinadulas pa nito ang daliri nito sa baba niya.

“Done.”

Mingyu gently squeezed his waist again. “Do I look good?”

Wonwoo threw him a glance, and Mingyu did not expect him to stare longer. “You look fine,” sabi nito, nagkikibit-balikat pa bago nag-iwas ng tingin.

“But do I look good?” 

Inangat ulit ni Wonwoo ang tingin niya sa mga mata ni Mingyu. Napaawang ang bibig ng huli. How could… Wonwoo always look so breathtaking?

The staredown was much longer than the previous one, and it felt heavier. Wonwoo was practically closing his fists again, and Mingyu couldn’t count the number of times he had licked his own lips. Napakurap-kurap si Wonwoo at siya na ang unang nag-iwas ng tingin. Dahan-dahan na rin na bumaba ang kamay ni Mingyu sa bewang niya hanggang sa tuluyan na lang niya inalis ito.

And then Mingyu was hit by a recurring vicious thought like a swift kick on his stomach.

Gusto niyang halikan si Wonwoo.

But that’s so wrong. And so odd. Like a sore thumb sticking out. Wala naman sila. Wala naman siyang sapat na rason para halikan siya. Hindi naman porket mag-asawa sila, pwede na.

Tangina, magtetrenta na, gumugusto pa ng situationship. Ang labo, boi.

“You always look good.” Wonwoo cleared his throat before tapping Mingyu’s bare thigh. “Ligo na. Anong hinihintay mo diyan, pasko?”

And Wonwoo’s crabby words brought Mingyu back to reality. He was the reason why he was out of it, anyway.

“So… I guess, it’s settled? Meeting’s adjourned!”

Mingyu dismissed everyone with a big smile plastered on his face. Kinuha na agad niya ang phone niya sa bulsa niya at nagpaalam na maaga siyang uuwi ngayon sa asawa niya.

And even when he was driving, he couldn't help but whistle. Excited na siyang ideliver sa kanya ang magandang balita niya from his work. Kahit pa na naninikip na ang dibdib niya sa suit niya, at lusaw na ang foundation sa mukha niya, nangingibabaw pa rin ang saya.

Kaya pagkauwi niya pa lang ng bahay, dumiretso na agad siya kay Wonwoo. Nagttype ito sa laptop, tutok na tutok. Wow, ang sarap niya diyan. But Mingyu shook his head and brought his focus back on.

“Wonwoo.”

Agad na napaangat ng tingin si Wonwoo because Mingyu rarely calls him by his name. Ang dami niya ba namang callsign sa kanya na para bang totoo silang mag-asawa at ang tagal na ng pinagsamahan nila. 

“Hm?” tanong ni Wonwoo, and even the way his glasses were barely holding on in the bridge of his nose was cute for Mingyu.

“Mag-impake ka na.”

Kumunot ang noo ni Wonwoo. Mingyu wanted to erase those creases. “What the hell are you saying?”

“I’m bringing you with me,” Mingyu slowly answered, a smile forming on his lips.

“Ah,” sabi na lang ni Wonwoo, saka umayos ng upo at bumalik sa pagttype.

Napanguso tuloy si Mingyu. Anong “ah”? Excited siyang yayain siya umalis tapos “ah”? Bigla tuloy bumaba ang loob ni Mingyu.

Pumunta siya sa harap ni Wonwoo at hinalukipkip ang mga braso. “Hey. We’re going to L.A.”

Wonwoo shot him a glare behind his thick lens. “I get it, okay. Pero bakit ako?”

“I told them that we should bring a family member, e.”

“And?” Wonwoo finally shut his laptop. “Mukha mo ba akong pamilya?”

Mingyu’s brows got knitted. “Yeah? You’re my spouse.”

Nakatingin lang si Wonwoo kay Mingyu, at hindi niya alam kung anong tumatakbo sa utak nito ngayon. But he saw Wonwoo licking his lips multiple times, bit it, and protruded it. He was stressed badly.

“Ayaw mo ba?” Mingyu slowly asked, afraid of rejection. Excited pa naman siya rito, pero parang ayaw naman ni Wonwoo. He knew na he didn’t really have a soft relationship with him, but he didn’t anticipate him actually hesitating. Kasi despite how many times they’ve fought, they really just like indulging each other.

Sira na tuloy ang fantasy niya na makapagquality time with his husband na walang ginawa kung hindi tarayan siya at times.

“Just pack my things,” Wonwoo suddenly said, and Mingyu finally got to breathe out.

Pero agad din na kumunot ang noo niya. “Ako pa mag-iimpake para sa’yo? Prinsesa ka ba?”

“It’s either that or I’m not going.”

Tangina talaga. Baka prinsesa niya nga.

“Fine,” Mingyu surrendered, rolling his eyes. “Saan ba maleta mo?”

“Passport, dala mo?”

Halos pumutok na ang ugat sa ulo ni Mingyu. “Oo nga! Ilang ulit pa ba?”

Wonwoo rolled his eyes at him. “Sobrang makakalimutin mo kaya. Last time, naiwan mo susi ng bahay natin sa loob mismo!”

Okay, fair enough. Pero mga pangsampung beses na kasing inuulit ni Wonwoo sa kanya, to the point na pinapakita na ni Mingyu isa-isa ‘yung mga dala niya para manahimik na siya.

Dumako ang tingin ni Mingyu sa kamay ni Wonwoo. “Ikaw ‘yung may nakalimutan.”

Kumunot ang noo ni Wonwoo. “Wala. Chineck ko na lahat.”

“Your ring,” Mingyu pointed out. “Ba’t ‘di mo suot?”

Napatingin na rin si Wonwoo sa kamay niya at napahawak sa daliri niya. Biglang nanlaki ang mga mata niya, biglang naalala na nawawala nga ang singsing niya.

Kinapa niya ang bulsa niya at bumuga ito ng hangin, nakahinga nang maluwag. Napailing-iling na lang din si Mingyu nang ilabas nito ang singsing.

Wonwoo slid the ring on his finger, placing it in its home. “Tinanggal ko lang kanina kasi sumasabit sa coat kapag nagbubutones ako.”

Mingyu’s lips tightened into a narrow line. “E ‘di sana nagpabutones ka sa’kin.”

Umirap na naman si Wonwoo. “Why are you getting so worked up? Suot ko na nga, oh.”

“You’re just so unfair.”

Tinignan siya ni Wonwoo, gulong-gulo na sa kanya. Pati si Mingyu gulong-gulo na rin sa sarili niya.

“Why?” Wonwoo softly asked.

“You can ask me to show my ring off, but I can’t even ask you to wear yours,” Mingyu said, barely audibly.

Nawala na ang kunot sa noo ni Wonwoo at nakita ni Mingyu na pasimple itong ngumiti. Nakuha pa talagang maging masaya. “I never said you can’t. And between the two of us, everyone flirts with you, ‘di sa’kin. You need your ring the most.”

Mingyu scoffed and rolled his eyes. “Kung alam mo lang how some of our clients and investors stare at you.” Naalala na naman niya ‘yung Mr. Wen na ‘yun na ngiting-ngiti kay Wonwoo. Kainis.

Wonwoo pursed his lips. “They don’t even need to see my ring to know I only have my eyes on you.”

Nauna nang maglakad si Wonwoo nang biglang umusad ang pila. How convenient. ‘Di pa tapos si Mingyu sa kanya, e.

Alam naman niya na he meant that literally, probably trying to say that Wonwoo only throws his daggers at him, but still, Mingyu could feel his breathing go rapid again. God, he hates Wonwoo so much. Bakit alam na alam nito kung paano siya baliwin kahit wala naman siyang ginagawa?

Pagkasakay sa eroplano, tinignan muna ni Wonwoo ang plane ticket niya. But Mingyu already got their seats memorized kaya hinawakan na lang niya ang kamay nito at hinila siya.

After fastening the seatbelt and boarding the plane, Mingyu immediately felt his drowsiness take over him. Maybe he really did need to learn to take some rest. Pinipigilan niya pa ito kasi he didn’t want to be a bad guest kay Wonwoo, pero now and then, naghehead bang na lang siya bigla kakapigil sa antok niya.

Hinawakan na tuloy ni Wonwoo ang ulo niya at isinandal ‘to sa balikat niya. “Tulog ka na. Mukha kang tanga diyan.”

“I wanna watch the movie, too,” Mingyu said with a pout on his face.

Wonwoo flicked his finger on Mingyu’s forehead. “Meron niyan sa bahay. You should rest now.”

“Wake me up if we’re already there.”

Wonwoo hummed in response. Mingyu let himself get pulled into his temporary unconsciousness, but he could still feel Wonwoo brushing his hair with his fingers until that warm feeling slowly faded away.

Nagising na lang si Mingyu nang may tumatapik sa balikat niya. Akala niya nasa stops pa lang sila, pero nanlaki ang mga mata niya nang hinihila na ng mga tao ang kanya-kanyang bagahe nila.

“We’re here,” Wonwoo answered his internal question.

Nag-unat muna si Mingyu nang balikat, and Wonwoo pulled his shirt down when it got stretched, too. Mingyu thanked him for that, and Wonwoo only gave him a tipped smile.

“Nakatulog ka ba?”

Tumango si Wonwoo, tinignan pa siya na para bang ang tanga ng tanong niya. “Syempre. Ilang oras na tayong lumilipad.”

Hinawakan ni Mingyu ‘yung balikat niya. “Your shoulder must be sore. I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine.” Pero kita naman na namumutla na ‘yung balikat ni Wonwoo dahil halos twelve hours siyang nakahiga roon. 

When almost all of the passengers passed by, tumayo na rin sila at bumaba. Nasa gilid naman ang bus papuntang terminal, so they stepped their feet in it. Standing nga lang sila, pero ‘di na bago ‘yan sa mga pinalaki sa LRT.

Sumandal si Mingyu sa pole kung saan sila nakahawak at sinilip niya si Wonwoo na nakatingin sa malayo. Minsan nacucurious din siya kung bakit ang lalim lagi nang iniisip nito. 

Minsan ba sumasagi man lang diyan na sana hindi na lang sila magdidivorce?

Everything went by in a blur after they got out of the airport. Mingyu was too occupied with his errand tomorrow, and also with thoughts about his husband. Buti na lang ay may guide sila for tourist destinations, but also for their accommodations. Mingyu was just here for business, though. 

But the worst part is, mukhang type pa siya ng guide nila. Twink ulit. Lapitin yata talaga siya ng mga ganito.

“Have fun, sir,” bati nito sa kanya, at hinimas-himas pa ang braso niya.

Mingyu glanced at Wonwoo na kanina pa nakabusangot. Nakatingin lang din ‘to sa braso niya na hawak ng tour guide. Napangisi na lang si Mingyu sa loob-loob because he probably was thinking na he used to do that, too. ‘Yan pala ‘yung ‘di nagseselos, e.

Pero ayaw naman niyang makipag-away sa asawa niya sa L.A. out of all the places, kaya tinaas na ni Mingyu ang kamay niya, pinapakita ang daliring may singsing. “I’m married,” he said before giving him a polite smile.

Nanlaki ang mata ng guide at inalis agad ang kamay sa braso ni Mingyu. “Oh, my bad!” Napakamot ito sa ulo bago nagword vomit ng impormasyon sa U.S. as a way of coping.

Nagthumbs up si Mingyu kay Wonwoo, nanghihingi ng approval, pero inirapan lang siya nito. Nginitian na nga, sinungitan pa.

He jogged to catch up on his pace. “Sinundan ko sinabi mo.”

“Congrats,” Wonwoo replied flatly.

Nagseselos nga.

“Stop sulking. Ikaw lang naman uuwian ko,” Mingyu whined.

Napangiwi si Wonwoo sa kanya. “Isa pa talaga, magbbook ako ng flight pauwi.”

Humalakhak na lang si Mingyu because he knew better than to get offended. But he was genuine when he said that. See. He’s so unfair. Bakit kapag siya ‘yung nagsasabi nang gano’n, pambabara na agad inaabot niya? Pero kapag si Wonwoo na nagsalita, natatahimik na lang si Mingyu. 

Ayos lang, alam naman ni Mingyu na nababaliw din sa kanya si Wonwoo. Pareho lang talaga silang nagbabaliwan.

Tumabi si Mingyu kay Wonwoo habang naglalakad, sinasadyang ibangga ang kamay niya sa kamay nito. And he saw how Wonwoo’s ears turned flushed red, but his face remained stoic. Mingyu wanted to smile widely, pareho nga lang talaga silang baliw.

Pagkarating nila sa hotel room, agad na nagdive si Mingyu sa kama. Isang kama lang ulit ang available. Pero ‘di na bago sa kanilang dalawa ‘yan. Sabay na nga silang naliligo, e. Ano ba naman ang magtabi sa isang kama?

Nagpagulong-gulong pa si Mingyu sa sheets. Parang bata umasta kahit kailan. But Wonwoo was there to indulge him, anyway. Siya na lang ang naglabas ng gamit nila sa maleta. 

But Mingyu couldn’t handle watching him do most of the things, so he stood up to help. Nakaupo na sila ngayong dalawa sa sahig, inaayos ang mga nakatupi nilang damit.

“Jetlag?” Wonwoo blurted out.

Mingyu nodded, and his head slowly found its way to Wonwoo’s shoulder again, like it was the only place it knew. 

Wonwoo lifted his hand to caress his cheek. But it was so quick. If Mingyu’s heart hadn’t raced fast enough over the touch, he wouldn’t even notice it. Parang mas mabilis pa mechanism ng puso niya kaysa sa utak niya.

“Bukas na ba meeting niyo?”

Mingyu hummed. He held out his palm, inviting. But Wonwoo did not take it. “Ikaw? Saan ka? Dito ka lang?” He brushed his fingers against his instead.

“I’ll probably stroll around,” sagot ni Wonwoo, nakatingin lang sa mga daliri nilang nagtatama.

“I wanna go with you.”

Mingyu felt a crash of electricity run through his veins when Wonwoo intentionally bumped his fingers against his palm. Napalunok siya. Their legs also got drawn closer, now bumping against each other. They were so close; no one bothered to move.

Wonwoo lifted his head to meet his eyes. “After ng meeting mo.”

Tumango si Mingyu. “Okay.”

“Okay,” Wonwoo repeated in his monotone voice.

They both laughed at that, and Mingyu didn’t want the moment to end. It was so simple, so mundane, but it was what made him feel alive.

Tumayo na siya para maligo, but Wonwoo stretched his arms, asking him to pull him up. Mingyu smiled upon seeing him kasi mukha siyang pusa na nagpapabuhat. Cute talaga, parang gago.

He held his hands and pulled him up. Their heads almost clashed against each other sa sobrang lapit nila. Agad na dumako ang mata ni Mingyu sa labi ni Wonwoo.

He really, really wants to kiss him so bad. Fuck, isang kiss lang. Tapos siya na bahala magmove on.

Pero agad din na lumayo si Mingyu, kinuha ang twalya, at pumasok sa loob ng CR. Napasandal siya sa pader, hawak-hawak ang dibdib niya.

Sobrang lala na ng tama niya kay Wonwoo.

Kahit anong lamig yata ng tubig sa America, hindi pa rin matatauhan enough si Mingyu. He wanted to drown himself more in his thoughts, ponder more. Pero he knew Wonwoo was waiting outside, so he quickly got out of the shower.

Pagkabukas niya ng pinto, nakatayo nga si Wonwoo, hawak-hawak ang damit niya. Nagtaas ito ng kilay, nagsusungit na naman. Mingyu’s lips were pursed, but it eventually curved as soon as Wonwoo got in the shower. 

Wala na nga yata siyang kawala.

Nahiga na lang siya sa kama, pero ayaw niya pang matulog. Hindi pa rin naman siya inaantok. Sobrang bilis pa rin ng tibok ng puso niya. Kapag pumikit siya, baka lalo lang maentertain ang anxious thoughts sa utak niya.

Mabuti na lang at mabilis lang din nakaligo si Wonwoo. Mingyu was able to heave a sigh when he felt the side of their bed sinking. Nasa tabi na niya agad si Wonwoo ngayon, kaharap siya, at walang unan na nakaharang.

“Bakit ‘di ka pa matulog?” Wonwoo asked, and Mingyu hated how it sounded too soft.

“Kinakabahan ako bukas.” It was partly true. He was confident, but he was intimidated by the prospect of foreign investors. Pero his heart was beating so fast right now, mostly because of Wonwoo.

Ngumuso si Wonwoo. “You’ll be fine. You were always able to convince our stakeholders back there. I’m pretty sure you can do it with ease here, too.”

Mingyu showed him a small smile. “You think?”

Wonwoo also smiled, his teeth showing and nose scrunching. Napigil na naman ni Mingyu ang hininga niya. “Oo nga.”

Umiling-iling si Mingyu because there were still doubts in his mind. Hopefully, he could really do it. He didn’t spend too much money to fly here just to go home with empty pockets. He had to win them, lalo na ngayon na hindi na lang siya ang naniniwala sa sarili niya. Nandiyan na rin si Wonwoo.

Mingyu reached to flatten the crease of Wonwoo’s silk top, but it was also just an excuse to get closer to him. Hindi naman lumayo si Wonwoo. Sinundan lang nito ang galaw ng kamay niya. At dahil sa sobrang lapit nila, naamoy ni Mingyu si Wonwoo.

Amoy shower gel niya.

Parang sinusubok talaga siya ng mundo.

“Mingyu.”

Mingyu looked at him. “Hm?”

“Kung ikakasal ka sa simbahan, saan mo gusto?”

Sinilip ulit ni Mingyu ‘yung mukha ni Wonwoo. He genuinely looked curious, his eyes wide like he wasn’t even tired from the hours-long flight. Pero gusto na naman magwala ng puso ni Mingyu dahil sa tanong. It probably didn’t even mean anything, but the fact that Wonwoo, a person who didn’t even like marriage, asked… parang gusto niyang bigyan ng meaning.

“My parents got married in San Agustin Church. It’s so beautiful, I saw the pictures.” Ngumiti si Mingyu. “Gusto ko rin ikasal do’n.”

Wonwoo hummed. “It must look so pretty.”

“It is.” Umayos ng posisyon si Mingyu para mas matignan niya nang maayos si Wonwoo na hindi rin inaalis ang tingin sa kanya. “Ikaw? Sa’n mo gusto? Just hypothetical.”

Wonwoo then frowned, and Mingyu chuckled. Right. Ayaw talaga niya. “Ayoko talaga. Pero kung maisipan ko man…” Wonwoo made some thinking noises. “Kung saan na lang gusto ng mapapangasawa ko.”

Lumawak ang ngiti ni Mingyu. “Sa San Agustin Church?”

Umirap si Wonwoo kahit na lumalaki rin ang ngiti niya. “Fuck off.”

And even with how crude his words were, Wonwoo was still looking at him so dearly. Maybe if Wonwoo and Mingyu had met in ordinary circumstances, he would’ve gotten more of these soft and calm interactions. Still, he wouldn’t trade any of it—the harsh arguments and casual eyerolls.

He’d still agree to his weird marriage proposal all the time.

Mingyu gently held Wonwoo’s finger, and he felt him slightly stiffen, probably shocked from the sudden touch. Pero hinawakan lang ni Mingyu ‘yung singsing. 

“What were you thinking when you bought these rings?” tanong ni Mingyu, at lahat na lang ay nabato na niya kay Wonwoo, ‘wag lang matulog.

Pero hindi pa naman siya sinisita ni Wonwoo. He was still indulging him. “I was planning to buy the cheapest ones, you know.” He grinned, parang may naalala bigla. “But I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if I’m going to wear a ring for six months tapos pangit naman.”

Bumaba ulit ang tingin ni Mingyu sa singsing nila bago siya tumingin sa mukha ni Wonwoo. “They’re really pretty.”

“Syempre ako namili,” Wonwoo proudly said, and Mingyu just shook his head to fake a disagreement. Tinapik ni Wonwoo ang pisngi niya. “Matulog ka na. Maaga ka pa bukas.”

Napamura pa si Mingyu sa sarili niya kasi momentarily niyang nakalimutan na may meeting nga pala siya. ‘Yun nga pala pinunta niya. Fuck, sobrang kain na kain na lang talaga ni Wonwoo ‘yung sistema niya.

“Wake me up if ‘di ako nagising sa alarm.”

Wonwoo rolled his eyes. “Sinong ‘di magigising sa alarm mo?” Mingyu just laughed because aware naman siyang pangit ‘yung alarm niya. But it’s effective. Nagigising naman siya.

Pero hindi pa rin pumikit si Mingyu. Ayaw niyang matulog. Ayaw niyang matapos ‘tong oras na ‘to. But Wonwoo grunted when he figured na hindi talaga siya titigil sa kakatingin sa kanya kaya tinakpan na mismo niya ang mga mata ni Mingyu gamit ‘yung kamay niya.

Inalis naman ni Mingyu ‘to habang tumatawa. “Oo na. Matutulog na.” He gave him a smile one last time. “Good night, Wonwoo Jeon-Kim.”

Umiling-iling si Wonwoo habang tumatalikod sa kanya. “Good night, hubby.”

Mingyu blew his worries away as his foreign investors turned their backs away from him. He sank deep into his chair when he heard the door shut, at parang lahat ng alalahanin niya ay nawala na na parang bula.

Bumuga ulit ng hangin si Mingyu. Finally, it’s done. Ang pinunta niya rito ay tapos na.

Akala niya pa ay hindi nila ito magugustuhan. One of the investors had his eyebrows raised the whole time, but then narealize ni Mingyu na fixed na pala ‘yon. Naalala niya bigla si Wonwoo na umiirap na lang bigla, pero hindi naman talaga naiinis sa kanya.

Mingyu just delivered his plans and forecast with full confidence, just as he does in his home country. Tao lang din naman ‘yang mga ‘yan. He just has to please them through his profile. And besides, his reports and presentations were well done. Bakit naman siya matatakot kung alam niyang maganda naman talaga takbo ng company niya?

So, fortunately enough, he did it. Mingyu bagged them. He was able to build more connections to make his company more stable. He’s now meant for greater things. Hindi na niya kailangan mamroblema sa negosyo niyang ‘to. 

He now picked his phone up, his hand bringing him to a place he was familiar with. He got his phone to his ear while it rang.

“Hello? Where are you?”

Rinig ni Mingyu ang ingay ng mga tao sa paligid mula sa phone. Pati ‘yung pagtapak ng sapatos ni Wonwoo dinig pa niya. May built-in mic ba ‘yon, bakit ang lakas?

“Pabalik na sa hotel. Ang daming tao.” Napahinto pa si Wonwoo sa pagsasalita, at nakarinig na lang si Mingyu ng “excuse me” kaya natawa siya. Ano na naman bang trippings ng asawa niya? “Sa mall lang ako galing,” dugtong ni Wonwoo na para bang narinig nito ang tanong ni Mingyu sa utak niya.

Mingyu merely hummed to acknowledge that. “Ayaw mo pumunta sa ibang lugar?”

“Not now. I’m already tired.” Mingyu could hear it evidently in his voice. It was unfortunate, but he didn’t want to press him further. If anything else, he’d like Wonwoo to take some more rest.

“Balik na rin akong hotel?”

“Ewan ko sa’yo. Hawak ko ba ‘yang paa mo?”

Mingyu chuckled. Sinasarkastiko na naman siya ng asawa niya. Pasalamat ‘to nauulol siya sa kanya ngayon kaya wala siyang marebut sa kanya.

“I’ll go back na. See you.”

Umoo si Wonwoo bago niya pinatayan ng tawag si Mingyu. Napakaayos din talaga kausap. 

Tinanggal na ni Mingyu ang coat niya at nag-elevator pababa. Pagkarating niya sa labas, ang dami ngang tao at sobrang ingay. Parang ang delikado rin pala dito sa States, akala niya sa Pinas lang gano’n.

As he strolled around, he passed by a small alcohol store. Bumili muna siya ng isang bote ng red wine. Mga dalawang minuto niya rin inisip kung kukunin ba niya, pero in the end, he ended up grabbing it.

He took a cab pabalik sa hotel. Sana all na lang talaga mabilis lang ang public transportation. Sa Pinas, sisisihin pa siya kapag traffic na para bang siya ang may-sala.

Pinuntahan muna ni Mingyu ang mga empleyado niya. He permitted them to dine out under his courtesy. Syempre, masaya sila. Deserve din naman nila ng acknowledgement because Mingyu wouldn’t be able to do it alone without his workers helping him. Mingyu just told them na he’d eat with them once they’re back in the country.

But for now, he’d spend his victory in a small room with his husband.

Mingyu turned the knob on, and he wasn’t expecting to be greeted by Wonwoo, who was only wearing a bathrobe, slicing a steak in their bed. Nauna na pala siyang kumain.

Nag-angat ito ng tingin sa kanya. “Kain na.” Kung makapag-aya, parang wala lang. Parang ‘di sinisiraan ng bait si Mingyu.

Nilapag ni Mingyu ang briefcase niya sa paanan ng kama at tumabi kay Wonwoo. Pinanood niyang ngumuya ito.

“Hindi mo ako hinintay,” Mingyu said, a bit sulky, pouting.

But Wonwoo only laughed at his face. “Ang tagal mo kaya. Pero I already got your steak.” He pushed the plate of steak toward him, but Mingyu had his eyes fixated on Wonwoo’s dish.

He looked at the medium-rare steak curiously. “Masarap?” 

Tumango si Wonwoo. “Better than the one we got sa restaurant before.”

Natawa si Mingyu kasi naaalala na naman niya kung gaano katigas ‘yung steak do’n na kulang na lang pinanguya siya ng mouthpiece.

Kinuha ni Mingyu ang tinidor ni Wonwoo at ginamit ito para sumubo sa sarili niyang steak. Hindi naman umapila si Wonwoo. Naghintay lang siya ng reaction sa kanya.

“Wow…”

Wonwoo grinned. “It’s good, ‘no?”

Mingyu eagerly nodded. Probably one of the best steaks he’s ever had.

Nilapag niya ang tinidor sa plato nang maalala niyang bumili nga pala siya ng wine. Nilabas niya ito mula sa paper bag. Kinuha niya ‘yung dalawang wine glass sa side table nila at saka niya sinalinan ang mga ito.

“Ang random naman ng wine.”

Tinawanan siya ni Mingyu kasi medyo totoo naman. “Perfect kaya for the vibes.”

Inabot niya kay Wonwoo ‘yung isang wineglass. “Cheers?”

Wonwoo clinked his glass with his. “Cheers.”

Sabay silang sumipsip sa wine, ang mata nila ‘di naaalis sa isa’t isa. Biglang uminit na naman pakiramdam ni Mingyu. Imposibleng dahil sa alak lang ‘to.

“How did it go?” Wonwoo asked casually, a piece of steak still stuffed on his cheek.

But Mingyu beamed when he remembered how good it went. “I did it! Pumayag sila!”

Napangiti na rin si Wonwoo. At kayang titigan ni Mingyu ‘yung ngiti niyang ‘yan nang magdamag. “See? You can do it.”

Habang inuubos nila ang steak, nagrant lang nang nagrant si Mingyu tungkol sa nangyari sa meeting. Syempre, ‘di pwedeng ‘di mawala ang pangddown ni Wonwoo, his usual “para ka sigurong tanga kanina”, but he also flooded him with subtle praises of “you did well” and “you’re always good at what you’re doing”. He was responding to his every word, and Mingyu could see his sincere interest. Wonwoo was so genuine to him.

Wonwoo often threw words of affirmation as if they were nothing. It’s as if it has the same weight as the disses he always got. Pero it meant so much for Mingyu. He always held on to these because he knew he was being real. Wonwoo was really there, supporting him in his every milestone. 

They set the plates aside after eating and poured another set of wine in their glasses. Unti-unti na namang inantok si Mingyu, but his eyes did not want to shut close again. Gusto niya pang titigan si Wonwoo. Gusto niya pang sulitin ang gabing ‘to.

Especially when he’s like this.

Sumisilip na naman ang dibdib nito mula sa bathrobe niya. And Mingyu tried to look at his face, but it kept on peeking! When he did bring his eyes upwards, lalo lang siyang naeengganyo sa labi nitong pulang-pula ngayon dahil na rin sa wine. Namumula na rin ang pisngi niya.

And he’s just so… pretty. His husband was so pretty.

Tumungga ulit si Mingyu ng wine. Hindi na niya yata kaya ‘to.

“Are you drunk?” biglang tanong ni Wonwoo.

Hindi pa. Sana nga lasing na lang si Mingyu para hindi siya binabagabag ng sober thoughts niya. Sana hindi na lang totoo na ganito nararamdaman niya kay Wonwoo.

Umiling si Mingyu. “No.”

“You just look like you wanted to do something you might regret in the future,” Wonwoo languidly said, unintentionally twirling the ties of the robe with his fingers.

Napalunok si Mingyu. He knew exactly what that meant. He was caught. Or it was a different trap. But he was caught, regardless.

So, Mingyu let out a nervous laugh. “Stop projecting.”

“Damn.” Wonwoo bowed down and laughed. “Sorry.”

Fuck.

What does that even mean?

Lumunok si Mingyu. “Are you drunk?”

Umangat ang tingin ni Wonwoo sa kanya. Nanikip lalo ang dibdib ni Mingyu. He was looking at him the same way Mingyu knew how he was looking at Wonwoo.

Inangat ni Wonwoo ang baso at tinignan ang wine. “No.”

Mingyu wasn’t so sure about it, though. But he wanted to risk it. He wanted to finally act upon his thoughts that kept haunting him. 

“What was your exact vow nu’ng kinasal tayo?”

Wonwoo sneered. “Are you fucking joking?”

Mingyu’s jaw tightened. “I’m serious.” He clutched the sheets beside him, watching Wonwoo stare at him.

Wonwoo probably was anticipating him to take it back, but Mingyu was being serious. He didn’t want to do it if Wonwoo was just led by his unconscious thoughts. He didn’t want to finally take a bigger leap when he’s the only one going to suffer.

But Wonwoo spoke, too fast, like he was rapping. “Mingyu, I do take you to be my lawfully wedded husband. I promise this day forward to be your faithful husband, for better and for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, as long as I shall live.” Umiling si Mingyu, pero huminga nang malalim si Wonwoo. “Then I whispered that I didn’t actually mean everything.”

Oh, god. He did remember it.

Napahilamos na ng mukha si Mingyu. He could feel his body heating even more, and he didn’t think he could control himself anymore.

He wanted Wonwoo so badly.

Maybe he’d really just regret it in the future. 

But who cares? He’s still in the present.

“Mingyu, if you’re not going to do something, I’m—”

But Mingyu didn’t let him finish his sentence when he immediately hovered over him, supporting his weight with his own hand resting beside Wonwoo. His other hand cupped Wonwoo’s cheek, giving him easier access for his lips to crash against his. Sabay pa silang pumikit at nagpatianod sa anod ng labi nila.

The room was so quiet that Mingyu could clearly hear the sounds of their lips moving against each other. He could hear how loud his heart was beating in his throat. Everything was so noisy and chaotic in his mind.

But when Wonwoo reached for his hair to pull him closer, everything fell into a hush. It was so contrasting to their kiss that was driven by aggressiveness, as if it wasn’t the first time that they’re doing it. It felt like everything had fallen into the right place. And even if it was technically wrong, for a moment, it felt right.

Sobrang puno ng pangungulila. Parang ang tagal na nilang hinintay ‘to. Lalo na si Mingyu. 

He could feel Wonwoo’s tongue grind against his, so he quickly sucked on it, before touring his own inside Wonwoo’s mouth, exploring its corners like it’s his own to claim.

Sobrang sarap. Mingyu would probably get addicted and would seek more once this was over. Joke lang pala ‘yung siya na bahala magmove on. Hindi niya kakayanin.

Mingyu pulled away, allowing them both to catch their breath. He swiped his finger across Wonwoo’s lips, now swollen from kissing too hard. Sinandal niya ang noo niya sa noo ni Wonwoo at doon naghabol ng hininga.

He stared at Wonwoo’s flushed face, and he couldn’t stop praising him in his mind on how pretty he was. But his heart was still beating so fast. Gusto rin ni Wonwoo ‘to. Sumagot siya sa halik niya. Hinila niya siya. He wanted him, too, as much as he wanted him.

Parang lalong mababaliw si Mingyu.

Mingyu stole a quick peck on his lips once again, not wanting to forget how it tasted. “Let’s shower together.”

Inirapan siya ni Wonwoo. Still a brat. “Kakaligo ko lang, gago ka ba?”

Umangat ang gilid ng labi ni Mingyu. “Okay lang. Maliligo ka naman ulit.”

Kumunot ang noo ni Wonwoo, pero bago pa siya makapagreklamo, nasa braso na siya ni Mingyu, buhat-buhat papuntang paliguan. He could feel his arm muscles constricting from carrying a heavy weight, pero sa tingin niya kasi, magaan lang naman si Wonwoo. Wonwoo then immediately closed the gap between them by claiming his lips once again.

“I don’t think we’re going to save any water here,” Wonwoo pointed out.

Mingyu let out a short laugh. He pulled Wonwoo’s glasses away and carefully placed them on the countertop. “‘Di naman tayo ‘yung magbabayad ng bill.”

Wonwoo smiled before pressing his nose on Mingyu’s. “Are you really not drunk?”

“No,” natatawang sagot ni Mingyu. He found it cute yet again at how much disbelief Wonwoo was in because gets. Siya rin, ‘di makapaniwala. 

Wonwoo cupped his cheek, gently rubbing it with his cold palm. “So, you really just want me?” he asked, his eyes almost twinkling, and Mingyu couldn’t stop smiling.

“Just as you want me,” bulong ni Mingyu.

Their lips met again like a pair of magnets. Mingyu had to pull Wonwoo up in between his arms because his body was sliding down, kaya natawa silang pareho while in the middle of sucking each other’s lips. 

Mingyu didn’t want to pull his face away because he didn’t want this to end. It really felt like a trance he had to wake up from. But it’s so much better. It’s the reality. Wonwoo was in between his arms, holding his elbow, pulling him for more.

Hinawakan ni Mingyu ‘yung tali ng robe ni Wonwoo, and the latter pulled away from their kiss just to see what Mingyu was doing. He didn’t have to be told, however, what to do. Wonwoo just loosened himself from Mingyu’s hold.

After momentarily bringing Wonwoo down, Mingyu quickly took his own clothes off, and it’s so inconvenient na ang dami niya pang layers na suot. Dapat pwedeng shorts at sando lang talaga kapag nagmemeeting, e. 

Wonwoo did help him by removing his belt. Tapos sunod niyang tinanggal ang tali ng robe niya at hinayaan itong malaglag sa sahig. Wonwoo took the courage to bring his lips back to Mingyu’s, and Mingyu just countered it with equal desire. Si Mingyu na rin ang nagbukas ng pinto at nag-antabay kay Wonwoo na pumasok.

Binuksan na ni Mingyu ang shower at hinayaan na bumagsak sa kanila ang malamig na tubig. Pero wala naman silang balak maligo. Nasa leeg na lang bigla ni Wonwoo ang mga labi ni Mingyu, pinapatakan ito ng halik, hanggang sa umabot sa dibdib.

With eyes shut from the water dripping, Wonwoo arched his back, and he felt Mingyu’s teeth grazing his peaks. Mingyu saw how Wonwoo’s toes curled, and he knew how sensitive it must have felt for him, but Mingyu gripped him tighter to put him in place. His hand then skimmed higher until it stopped right on Wonwoo’s chest, massaging his mounds with his wide palms. Wonwoo mewled right in his ear.

Wonwoo was always noisy. But Mingyu did not expect him to be this loud. He was whimpering nonstop, his voice echoing across the shower room. Mingyu would be lying if he said that he didn’t like hearing it, anyway. Ang sarap sa tenga ng mga ungol niya. 

Halos tuloy-tuloy lang ang pagpatak ng tubig sa katawan nila, at kahit na pinahirapan nito ang paningin ni Mingyu, mas pinadali nito ang pagdulas ng kamay niya sa hita ni Wonwoo. Mingyu could feel the other’s arms snaking, wrapping it around his nape. Sinuportahan naman siya ni Mingyu sa paghawak nito sa bewang niya. 

Maya-maya ay kinuha na ni Mingyu ang shower gel niya. Eto na naman ‘tong pahamak na ‘to. He poured a small amount into his palm, then spread it around his fingers.

“I always love the smell of this.”

Napangiti si Mingyu. Of course he does. “You do?” Tumango si Wonwoo, at gustong-gusto na lang talaga siyang panggigilan ni Mingyu because he literally could tell by how much Wonwoo used the same gel every time. “I thought you just wanted it kasi you don’t have your own shower gel.”

“Yeah, but also, it smells like you.” Wonwoo smiled at him, and Mingyu felt everything lit up. Something squeezed his heart, and he wondered if he was really supposed to feel this way in the middle of having sex? Despite the fiery feeling, there’s still a mushy emotion somewhere in his heart.

Wonwoo was really making him feel everything at once.

When he got his fingers covered in the thick liquid of gel, he observed Wonwoo’s face as he slowly slid his index finger inside him. But Wonwoo barely made a reaction. He was just too busy reaching Mingyu’s lips again.

And then Mingyu added another. “Does it not hurt?”

Humigpit ang hawak ni Wonwoo kay Mingyu. “Not really.” Natawa pa si Mingyu kasi pinisil pa ulit ni Wonwoo ‘yung braso niya. He must really like them.

Mingyu slowly moved his fingers, but Wonwoo was just inhaling sharply. He wasn’t even shaking or at least, making a noise. But he’s still so tight. How can it not hurt yet?

So, Mingyu inserted another finger. This time, Wonwoo felt the cold metal surface of his ring inside him. He shuddered underneath Mingyu, but the latter left a peck on his nose to calm him down.

“‘Yan, masakit na, ‘no?”

Wonwoo threw him a glare. “Obviously.”

Mingyu let out a chuckle. “Sorry.” He dropped a few feathery kisses on his cheek again. “I’ll thrust them in, hm?”

Tumango lang si Wonwoo. Mingyu took his calm face as a cue to plunge his three fingers in and out of his tight entrance. Napapaigtad pa siya sa bawat pasok. And Mingyu figured out that it’s because of the silver band that’s hitting his bare skin.

“Fuck,” Wonwoo muttered, his eyes closed in pleasure.

Mingyu could stare at him all day. All flushed and wet like this. A masterpiece that Mingyu did with his hands.

Dumilat saglit si Wonwoo. “See… you really ended up fucking me.”

Mingyu hummed before sucking his neck gently, but deep enough to leave a mark. “You’re right…” He licked the piece of skin he sank his teeth into. “You’re always right.”

And because he was, Mingyu added his pinky finger. Four fingers inside him now. Wonwoo shrieked out loud and cursed at Mingyu when he recovered.

But Mingyu only kissed him again and said, “That’s not even half of what you’ll feel once I finally put this in.”

Another set of alarm blared across the room, at hindi na matandaan ni Wonwoo kung pang-ilang patay na rin niya ito.

Halos hindi na niya magalaw ang katawan niya dahil he still felt sore all over from everything that occurred last night. He did not even bother wearing a shirt anymore kaya nakataklob tuloy siya ng kumot ngayon.

He felt a nudge on his shoulder, so he looked back, squinting. Kahit na medyo blur pa ang vision niya, nakita niyang si Mingyu naman ang gumigising sa kanya. Nakataas pa ang buhok at nakahubad pa rin.

“Let’s get ready. Flight’s already leaving in five hours.”

Napaupo tuloy si Wonwoo sa gulat. “Five hours?!”

Tumango si Mingyu. “Get up now. Do’n na lang tayo mag-almusal.”

Right. Of course, Mingyu could move around easily, while Wonwoo has to bear the literal pain in his ass. Mukha pang pinapak ng lamok ‘yung dibdib at leeg niya. Ayos talaga.

“Fuck you,” biglang sabi ni Wonwoo.

Kumunot ang noo ni Mingyu. At mukhang offend na offend siya. “What did I do?”

“‘Di ako makakilos nang maayos.”

Tumawa si Mingyu, at halos gusto na siyang sakalin ni Wonwoo. Pero tinulungan naman niya ito at saka binuhat patayo.

Pinisil ni Mingyu ang pisngi niya. “It takes two to have sex, or whatever they say.”

Natawa na rin tuloy si Wonwoo dahil kahit na anong sumpa pa ang gawin niya, he ended up enjoying getting fucked last night, anyway. Halos hindi na nga niya makilala ang sarili niya sa lahat ng sinabi at ginawa niya.

And it’s so bizarre. Because these were not supposed to happen. Not with Mingyu out of all the people.

Pero baka they’re just horny adults who need to have some sex. It’s casual. Wala lang ‘yon. 

But it didn’t feel like it. Every touch felt so directed for him. Every kiss felt like it was supposed to land on his lips. Everything felt like it was meant to occur because of him.

He really just wanted him, ano pa bang isusugarcoat niya roon?

At parang pinalala lang tuloy ni Wonwoo ang sitwasyon sa utak niya. Hirap na hirap na nga siyang pangalanan ang nararamdaman niya, tapos biglang nakipagsex pa. E, bakit ba, masarap naman! But it’s not logical, or even rational. Napakatangang desisyon.

Mabuti na lang, they’re two decent adults who choose not to be awkward over it. But it’s literally a huge ass elephant waiting to be addressed in the room. Pero ayaw pang pag-usapan ni Wonwoo sa ngayon. Hindi niya pa kaya.

It’s so mind-boggling because akala niya mawawala na ang lahat ng buhol sa utak niya at ang bilis sa tibok ng puso niya kapag nangyari ‘to. But it’s really not just about these. Whatever he’s feeling with Mingyu goes beyond sex.

Fuck, it’s so over.

Parang marriage status nila. In months from now.

“I asked them to get me some pain relievers if you want some.” Mingyu paused, then he heaved a sigh. “Gusto mong paliguan kita?”

“God, no,” Wonwoo said firmly. At kahit na hirap siyang makatayo sa sakit ng balakang niya, sinikap niya pa rin na tumakbo papuntang shower. 

Narinig niya pang tumawa si Mingyu, pero mukha rin naman siyang genuine sa offer niya. But Wonwoo could literally still vividly picture what happened last night sa shower. Hindi na muna niya kayang makipagsabayan kay Mingyu sa paliguan. 

“Call me if you need any help!” sigaw ni Mingyu mula sa labas.

Nakapikit lang si Wonwoo habang naliligo buong oras na nasa loob siya. Napagamit pa siya ng libreng sabon ng hotel para lang hindi niya magamit ‘yung shower gel ni Mingyu. Lahat talaga ginawa niya maiwasan lang na bumalik sa utak niya lahat ng nangyari.

Pagkatapos nilang mag-ayos, sabay silang nag-impake. Nag-away pa sila kasi ayaw nang magkasya ng ilang damit ni Mingyu sa maleta niya, but as always, they ended up compromising and fitting some of his clothes in his luggage instead.

Ilan ulit din na pinaalalahanan ni Wonwoo si Mingyu dahil baka may maiwan siya. Hindi naman ‘to probinsya lang sa Pinas na pwede nilang dayuin gamit isang bus. Mahirap na.

The ride in the cab on the way to the airport was silent. Hindi naman sobrang awkward, but it was so obvious that something had shifted, at ramdam ni Wonwoo na dahil ‘yon sa nangyari kagabi. Dahil na rin sa walang may gustong pag-usapan ‘yung nangyari. Parang ‘di mga matatanda.

To be fair, wala naman talagang pag-uusapan.

Even in the plane, tahimik lang din sila. Mukhang madadala pa hanggang sa kabilang bansa ‘yung pagka-emotionally constipated nila.

Ayaw ni Wonwoo nang ganito, sa totoo lang. But every second passing by, it has always felt like he wanted to reach for him more. No matter how much Wonwoo pushed Mingyu away, he’d ended up getting the urge to seek him instead.

Pero ayaw niyang tanggapin. Dapat sex lang ‘yon. Dapat dala lang ng libog ‘yon. Bakit mas lumala nararamdaman niya kay Mingyu? Well, fuck it.

Taimtim lang si Wonwoo na nakatingin sa bintana. Hindi rin agad nakatulog si Mingyu sa biyahe. Nanonood lang ito ng movie habang ang mga kamay niya ay nakaratay sa gilid.

And Wonwoo wanted to hold it. Or at least touch it. Just a flick. 

Pasimple niyang sinundan ang singsing ni Mingyu gamit ang sarili niyang daliri. Nakita niyang napalingon saglit si Mingyu roon, pero bumalik din siya sa panonood.

Bumuntong-hininga si Wonwoo. Since when was he this clingy?

Aalisin na sana niya ang daliri niya palayo, pero kinuha ni Mingyu ang kamay niya at pinagsukbit ang mga daliri nila. Hindi siya tinignan nito, pero hinigpitan niya pa lalo ang hawak niya. Wonwoo immediately felt the familiar warmth it brought.

Napayuko si Wonwoo at ramdam niyang namumula na ang mukha niya. Kaya buong biyahe, hindi niya matignan-tignan ang katabi niya. Even then, Mingyu kept on glancing at him from time to time.

Pero kahit na hindi makatingin si Wonwoo, ‘yung kamay niya, buong biyahe, nakahawak lang din sa kamay ni Mingyu—intertwined like his hand was meant to fit his.