"You can do it, Doc!"
My lips automatically formed a smile after reading that sticky notes on the lid of the tupperware inside my bag. Paulo is indeed true to his words because he was consistent with taking good care of me. He was always packing food for me with cheesy notes to cheer me up. He was making sure that I eat on time despite how busy he is. Most importantly, he's always rooting for me as how I root for him too.
We become each other's support system.
We become each other's shoulder to lean on.
We become each other's strength.
"Sana lahat inspired magtrabaho!" One of my colleague uttered from behind. Today's Monday, as usual, I was on my duty in the hospital. Corny and cheesy but this actually works with me. Parang hindi ako napapagod knowing na may Paulo na sasalubong sa akin pag-uwi ko.
Fortunately, maaga ako pinalabas sa trabaho nang araw naa 'yun dahil exam day sa ISU. Instead of heading to the university, dumiretso ako sa bahay para magluto at kumain. Pagkatapos, nagluto ako ng panibagong pagkain para ipadala kay Paulo. I smiled as I wrote a note.
'I love you.'
When I finished everything, I immediately headed to the university. I already reviewed for days so I literally supressed myself from scanning my notes again. It somehow felt like it will go wrong if I overdo everything.
Thankfully, examination ended well. When Friday came, I wasn't that surprised when I received a message from Pau saying that he was in front of my university, waiting for me.
"Where are we going?" I asked. Worried that we might ended up separating again because we are spotted somewhere.
He crouched. Closing the space between us. "Seatbelt miss." Bulong niya at saka isinuot sa akin 'yun before giving me a quick kiss. Ngingiti-ngiti siyang nagsimulang mag-drive. Wala akong ginawa kun'di ang ngumiti rin at i-enjoy ang pagkakataon. We are too busy but nevermind... we have our own world.
"I love you." He uttered out of nowhere and held my left arm to give it a kiss. "I love you so much."
Even I am weirded out, ngumiti ako at saka nag-reply ng "I love you too."
In no time, we reached a deserted sea side. Meters from we parked the car is a tent with full of fairy lights on the entrance and leaves of trees above. May bunton din ng mga kahoy na mukhang gagamitin para sa bonfire. "Love?" Naiiyak na tanong ko kay Paulo at humarap sa kanya.
Ngumiti siya sa akin at saka ako niyakap. I looked up at him and he gave me a kiss on my forehead. "You deserved it for doing great." Sagot niya at saka ako muling hinalikan sa noo. "Mahal kita, Joy. Mahal na mahal kita. Habang nabubuhay ako, ikaw lang ang mamahalin ko."
"What's with you? Bakit ka nagpapaiyak?" Natatawang saad ko at saka pinunasan ang luha ko. Tumawa rin siya at saka ako hinila papasok sa loob ng tent. He sat behind me and pulled me to sit between his legs while staring in the middle of nowhere. The sand of crashing waves added with the vibes. Minutes later, he stood up lit the fire.
