Infinity

7

As the weeks went by, Finilene and I officially became boyfriend and girlfriend. Our relationship felt like a fresh start, full of excitement and joy. Ang mga maliliit na bagay, tulad ng paghawak sa kamay at pagbabahagi ng malalambing na halik, ay naging espesyal sa kanilang sariling paraan.

One afternoon, habang naglalakad kami sa boardwalk sa tabi ng dagat, tinapik ni Finilene ang aking braso at ngumiti. “Alam mo, may gusto akong tawag sa’yo,” sabi niya, ang tingin niya’y nakatingin sa dagat habang ang hangin ay malumanay na humahaplos sa kanyang buhok.

“What’s that?” tanong ko, curious tungkol sa nickname na naiisip niya para sa akin.

“Mikey,” sagot niya, ang boses niya’y puno ng saya. “Kasi, para sa akin, ikaw ang aking Milky Way.”

I smiled at the affectionate nickname she chose for me. “Mikey? Why that?”

She laughed softly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Because, to me, you’re the one who lights up my dark nights—parang Milky Way. Kaya ‘Mikey’ ang nickname mo.”

I felt a warmth from her words, as if her love was wrapped around me. “That’s a beautiful nickname. Thanks, Fin.”

We walked hand in hand, each step feeling lighter. The stars in the sky began to twinkle as the surroundings grew darker. Sa bawat pagkakataon na tumitingin ako sa kanya, parang nasa akin na ang buong uniberso.

“You know, your nickname is really special,” I said, taking a deep breath as I gazed at the stars. “Kasi, honestly, you’re the most amazing thing that’s ever happened to me.”

“Wow, you’re so sweet,” she replied, her cheeks flushing slightly. “Pero alam mo? I’m really happy we’re together. Mikey and Fin—it sounds perfect.”

As the evening settled around us, I couldn’t help but think that this was just the beginning of something wonderful. With Finilene by my side, every moment felt like a new adventure, and every day was a step closer to the future we had always dreamed of.