It has been a quiet last couple of months.
Win made himself scarce and just drowned himself with work, spent time with his family and friends, if only to forget.
Bright was insistent the first few days after that episode. He bombarded Win with calls, text messages, flowers, and have been waiting on him at his condo, his office, anywhere possible.
But Win didn't want any of it, and didn't want to give in. While he knew that Bright will always have a soft and special place in his heart, he also knew that he deserved better than to be just an option, a second choice.
It wasn't easy, of course. Seven years with Bright was not something you can easily throw away and forget. All those memories, good and bad, cannot be erased in just a blink of an eye. Especially not with Win.
"Huy ahon," Julia broke Win's quiet reverie.
They were in her car driving their way to the beach house in Batangas to celebrate another year of Julia's birthday.
"Lalim mo na kasi," she said.
Win smiled at his friend. "Sira hindi. Pagod lang siguro." Win said.
Julia reached out to hold Win's hand. "We'll have fun, I promise."
Win found himself sitting in a circle once again for another game of Seven Minutes in Heaven. Somehow it has become a staple in Julia's parties, not that they minded.
While he was not as drunk as before, Win was still having fun, though not as loud. He couldn't help but remember meeting a certain someone through this game. Win just smiled at himself and at the memory.
"Metawin!!!" Everyone yelled his name, and Win found the tip of the bottle pointing straight at him.
What are the odds?
Win hurriedly scanned the room and tried to remember the people who were there. His heart was wishing to see someone else though.
Utang na loob tumigil ka na Metawin! He scolded himself.
"O tama na ang scanning badet," he heard Julia said as she started placing the blindfold over his eyes. Julia helped him stand up, and slowly started leading him to the closet.
But Win felt they already passed the closet, and they were walking towards someplace else.
"Huy, parang malapit lang yung closet from the circle ah." Win told Julia, who only giggled in reply.
They both stopped in front of what Win felt was a door, because he heard Julia turning a knob. She held Win's back and slowly led him to walk inside.
The cool breeze of the air conditioner welcomed Win as they went further inside. He could hear Parokya ni Edgar's Harana playing softly in the background.
"Jules anong pakulo 'to?" Win asked.
Julia giggled some more. "Birthday ko badet, pero ikaw ang may regalo."
Win felt Julia giving him a hug and a peck on his cheek. "Take off your blindfold as soon as I close the door okay? Be happy, you deserve it."
He then heard Julia walking away, gently closing the door behind her.
Win took a deep breath before he took off his blindfold. He kept his eyes closed for a few seconds before he slowly opened them.
The room was all red, and it was filled with nothing but Win's photographs.
They came in all sorts of sizes, some were hanging with string lights. Some were framed, sitting on the table that was at the center of the room. Some were poster-size, hanging on the wall. There was one placed on an easel.
Win couldn't remember having these photos taken, as most of them were either stolen or candid shots at random places—the beach, his office, 7-11, at a PNE concert. He was even photographed while he was sleeping.
But he knew in his heart who took them.
"Ang gwapo naman."
Win's heart skipped a thousand beats when he heard his voice. He slowly turned and saw Bright standing there, smiling at him. Oh how he missed him.
"Lakas maka-stalker feels ha," Win tried to joke as he looked around. God was he nervous. "Anong pa-eme 'to Vachirawit?"
Bright chuckled. "This is how I see you, Metawin. This is how beautiful you are in my eyes."
Win had to look down as he felt a blush creep on his ears and cheeks.
Bright slowly walked towards Win, smiling at him again when he was just a few breaths away from him.
"I'm sorry it took me so long to show these to you," he said. "I had to be sure I was ready."
Win raised a brow at him. "Ready for what?"
Bright tilted his head to one side, a gesture that really made Win melt inside.
"Ready for you. For us." He whispered.
Win bit his lower lip, trying so much to keep himself composed. Was he really hearing this right?
"Are you?"
Bright slowly nodded.
"It has always been you, Metawin. But like you, I was also afraid to lose the friendship, to lose you, if I went ahead and crossed that line. I'm sorry if I wasn't as brave then. But now, I'm ready. I'm ready to be real with you."
Win felt a tear roll down his cheek.
"Sigurado ka na ba?"
Instead of answering, Bright leaned in and kissed Win, a sweet and loving kiss that was long overdue.
"Ikaw nga, Metawin. Ikaw pala. At palaging ikaw lamang, pang habang buhay."
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