Leni and Risa sat on the couch in their cozy living room, sipping coffee and enjoying a lazy Sunday morning. The sunlight streaming through the window highlighted the warmth in their eyes as they gazed at each other.
Leni set her cup down and took her girlfriend's hand, her expression turning serious. "Pangga.. I need to talk to you about something," she said, her voice gentle but tinged with a hint of apology.
Risa's eyes narrowed slightly, her curiosity piqued. "Yes? What is it?" she asked, her voice soft and inquiring.
Leni took a deep breath before speaking. "I have a business trip coming up. Mawawala ako for a week.."
The younger woman's expression changed, a hint of disappointment crossing her face. She looked at Leni with a mix of surprise and concern. "A week?" she repeated, her voice laced with a touch of sadness.
Leni nodded, her eyes locked on Risa's. "Yes, I'm sorry. I'll be working non-stop, but I'll try to call and video call you whenever I can. Mmh?"
Risa's face softened, and she squeezed Leni's hand. "It's okay, I understand.."
Leni smiled, relief washing over her. She pulled Risa into a warm hug. "I'll miss you, more than you know."
As the morning turned into noon, Leni and Risa decided to cook lunch together in the kitchen. As they chopped vegetables and stirred the pot, Leni couldn't seem to stop mentioning her upcoming business trip.
"I'm going to have to pack some extra clothes for my business trip," Leni said, putting a few shirts into her bag.
Risa raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement on her face. "Sinabi mo na saakin 'yan, 'ga.." she said, trying to hide a smile.
The older woman chuckled and continued to pack. "I know, I know. Hindi lang ako mapakali. I'll be gone for a week.. I'll miss you, you know."
Risa playfully rolled her eyes. "You're going to be busy with work, wala kang time para isipin pa 'ko.."
Leni grinned and wrapped her arms around Risa's waist. "Of course, I'll think of you.. I'll miss our breakfasts, lunches, and dinners together."
Risa laughed and nudged Leni playfully. "Alam mo, 'ga? You're just trying to guilt trip me into missing you more," she said, smiling.
Leni smiled back, her eyes sparkling with affection. "Medyo lang.." she admitted.
As the afternoon wore on, Leni continued to mention her business trip, despite Risa's earlier teasing and playful remarks. Risa started to feel a bit irritated, her patience wearing thin.
"I'm going to have to get up early.." Leni said, checking her watch for what felt like the hundredth time.
The younger woman sighed, her expression turning slightly exasperated. "Pangga.. we've talked about this already. Huwag mo na ipaalala pa.." she said, trying to keep her tone light.
Leni didn't seem to notice her girlfriend's subtle hint, and continued to chat about her trip. "I'll be staying in a hotel in the city, and I have a meeting scheduled for the first day.."
Risa's eyes rolled slightly, and she interrupted Leni. "Pangga, I get it. You're going on a business trip. You've told me all the details already," she said, her voice tinged with a hint of frustration.
The older woman finally noticed Risa's tone and stopped talking, looking at her with a sheepish expression. "Sorry, I guess I'm just a bit nervous about leaving you. First time pa naman nating magkakalayo.."
Risa's irritation melted away, replaced by affection and understanding. "I know, 'ga. I'm going to miss you too. Mabilis lang ang one week.."
**********
In the evening, Risa stood in the kitchen, her arms crossed and a scowl on her face. Leni was still rambling on about her business trip, and Risa had enough.
"..tapos kailangan kong i-check 'yung team everyday.." Leni was saying, but Risa tuned her out.
Risa let out a deep sigh and began setting the table, her movements a bit more forceful than necessary. She could feel Leni's eyes on her, but she refused to look up. She could feel her irritation simmering just below the surface, and she wasn't sure she could keep it contained.
Leni noticed her girlfriend's mood and walked over to Risa and wrapped her arms around her waist, trying to pull her close. "Pangga.. are you mad?" she said, her voice gentle.
Risa shrugged her off, still not looking up. "No," she muttered, her tone unconvincing.
Leni chuckled and kissed the back of Risa's neck. "You're definitely mad," she said, her voice teasing.
"Do'n ka na nga!"
Leni let out a warm chuckle as she wrapped her arms around Risa's waist, pulling her close while Risa was setting the table for their dinner. Risa, still pouting about the impending week-long separation due to Leni's business trip.
"'Wag ka na magalit.. nagbibiro lang eh."
Risa rolled her eyes and slightly nudged Leni behind her. "Kasi naman.. inuulit-ulit mo pa 'yang business trip mo. Oo, alam ko, okay? Oo na, I know you'll be gone for a week. Huwag mo na ulitin."
Leni chuckled and pulled Risa back into a gentle hug. "Sorry, sorry. I just can't help but feel a little anxious about leaving you behind, 'ga.." She whispered the words into Risa's ear, her breath sending shivers down Risa's spine.
Risa's expression softened, and she leaned into Leni's embrace. "It's just.. I'm going to miss you," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I'll be fine. I'll keep busy tapos.. bibilangin ko 'yung araw hanggang makabalik ka na.."
The older woman smiled. "I'll bring you back something special, promise?" she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Risa's eyes lit up, and she smiled. "What is it?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
Leni just grinned mischievously. "It's a surprise. You'll just have to wait and see."
As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, the tension and anxiety about the impending separation seemed to melt away. They knew that no matter what, their love would endure, even across distance and time.
__________________
hello :>
