Jump Then Fall

VI. Kulay Rosas ang Medyas

The internet broke... again.

Leni and Bongbong's meeting at the Palace and in Naga has brought different opinions and memes across different social media platforms.

They carry a different kind of chemistry and nostalgia.

And of course, there's a lot of call for them to unite, building a "grand coalition" to prevent another Duterte Presidency.

"People are... talking... calling." Leni uttered. They're staying in Bahay Pangulo for the night.

"Hmm." Bongbong muttered, reading his briefers for tomorrow.

Leni sighed as she stood by the window, staring out into the darkness. She unconsciously touched her ring finger.

It's bare now.

Bongbong noticed it every time.

"Say something." She said, without turning.

Outside, the palace grounds were calm, but the world beyond its gates was beginning to roar again.

Another storm. Another election cycle.

He leaned back in his chair, "About which part?"

"The part where half the country wants us to run together," she said. "Or the part where the other half thinks we've been secretly plotting it all along."

He gave a small, tired smile. "Politics loves a conspiracy."

She turned around, "But you didn't deny it."

"Because I didn't create it." He looked at her.

"That's not the same as shutting it down." She subtly rolled her eyes.

Silence fell.

Bongbong stood and walked toward her slowly.

"Len," he said gently, "a coalition isn't the worst idea."

"So gusto mo." Her expression was blank.

"I want stability after my term," he replied calmly. "The country is tired of constant political war. Imagine what it would mean if the two biggest rivals in modern politics ay nag trabaho ng magkasama."

She let out a short sarcastic laugh, "You mean imagine what it would mean if I ran with the sitting president who used to be my opponent."

"You know that's not what I mean." He uttered.

"Yun ang sasabihin ng mga tao, Bong!" she shot back. "They'll say I compromised. That I surrendered. That everything I stood for suddenly became negotiable because I fell in love with you."

Silence fell. The words hung heavy in the room.

"You think that's what this is?" he asked quietly.

"I think politics is cruel. Magulo. Delikado." she sighed.

He nodded slowly. "Which is exactly why I want something real at the end of it. Stability."

She frowned. "Anong ibig mong sabihin?"

He looked at her eyes. "Marriage."

Her shoulders tensed immediately. "Sinabi ko naman sayo—"

"After my term," he clarified quickly. "Not tomorrow. Not during the presidency. After."

She shook her head, already retreating, "Bong naman."

"I'm serious," he said. "Four years, Leni. Four years of hiding, of separate houses, separate schedules, pretending we're still enemies when the cameras are on."