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The day was calm, but inside the President's office, the air felt heavy. President Bongbong Marcos stood by the window, looking out at the city of Manila. He wasn't really seeing it, though. His mind was far away, lost in thoughts that had nothing to do with the work piling up on his desk.
A knock on the door brought him back.
"Come in," he said, trying to sound normal.
The door opened, and Vice President Sara Duterte walked in. She was strong, confident, and had a way of making everyone around her pay attention. Her eyes found Bongbong's, and she could see he was tired, even if he tried to hide it. They had shared this quiet moment many times before — just the two of them, away from the noise of politics.
"Bongbong," Sara said softly, letting go of the formal tone she usually used.
"Sara," he replied, acknowledging her as more than just his Vice President. She was standing across from him, but there was something between them — something more than work, something neither of them had spoken about.
They had always avoided this conversation. They were leaders, and their focus was supposed to be on the country, not on feelings. But here they were, both of them aware of the fire that had quietly grown between them. Bongbong had always thought love was something that could overwhelm you, like drowning in deep water. But with Sara, it wasn't like that. It was like fire — a warmth that could either comfort them or burn everything down.
"This isn't right," Bongbong said, almost to himself.
Sara moved closer, her footsteps soft. "When has it ever been right?" she asked.
The silence that followed felt heavy with things unsaid. Bongbong had always put duty first, and he believed love was something that could distract him from his responsibilities. But now, standing here with Sara, he wasn't so sure. Maybe love wasn't just something that could destroy. Maybe it was also something that could make them stronger.
"It's dangerous," he whispered.
Sara nodded. "Yes. But it's also something good, isn't it? Something that gives us peace in the middle of all this pressure."
Bongbong looked at her, really looked at her. She was more than just his Vice President. She had been there through every hard decision, every sleepless night. And she saw him as more than just the President — she saw him as Bongbong. Despite the risks, there was something warm about this feeling. Something safe.
But it wasn't simple.
"I've always believed that the country comes first," Bongbong said. His voice was stronger now. "I don't know how to balance that with... us."
Sara's face softened. "You don't have to choose. Love doesn't have to be something that ruins us. It can be something that helps us carry the load together."
He closed his eyes for a moment, letting her words sink in. He wanted to believe her. He wanted to believe that they could have both — love and duty — without losing either. But love, like fire, was unpredictable.
When he opened his eyes, he saw the determination in Sara's expression. They were both leaders, but right now, they were just two people trying to figure out what to do with the feelings they had for each other.
"I can't promise anything," Bongbong finally said, his voice quiet but firm.
Sara nodded. "I'm not asking for promises. Just let it be what it is. Whatever that might be."
He looked at her, and for the first time in a long while, he felt something warm inside. Maybe it wouldn't be easy. Maybe it was dangerous. But for now, it felt right.
"Okay," he whispered.
And in that moment, the fire between them didn't hurt. It warmed.
