"It's your birthday tomorrow, what's your plan?" Sam asked while I'm cooking us dinner, I stopped dancing on the song playing out of the speaker and face him. 

"Well... me and my boyfriend will be having a date." I replied and he slowly nod while typing on his laptop. 

"On the evening?" he asked and I nod again as a response, 

"Uuwi kapa ba? Or are you spending the night somewhere else?" he asked, I squinted my eyes and cross my arms. 

"Of course uuwi ako, it's just a date not something else." I replied and I heard him chuckle before nodding. 

When I'm done cooking, he put his things away on the table and prepared for dinner. We eat silently just like how usual nights to us except if there's really something for us to talk. After eating, while he's washing the dishes, I take the shower and change into pajamas before heading to bed. 

As the sun rises the next morning, I excitedly start the day. It feels odd and new to be this happy on my birthday. I also have received messages from my friends and my brother. Sam even prepared a good breakfast for us that brought a small smile on my face. 

"Happy birthday again, enjoy your day." Sam said when we parted ways inside the campus. Some students are greeting me too and as much as I don't know any of them, it's surprising that they know it's my birthday, probably because they saw it on social media and my friends tagged me on some posts. 

I'm glad that I only have 2 classes for today, by 2pm I'm ready to go. But knowing Inin's class ends around 4pm, I decided to head home first. I didn't bother asking Sam to take me at our unit cause I know he have his other business, I just took a taxi to get home. 

I spend the rest of afternoon watching a movie, I even ordered a small cake for myself to snack on while watching the movie. Around 3:30pm, I decided to get changed and head to PUP to fetch Inin. 

"Inin andito na si Lory!" One of his friend shouted while walking towards me together with his other friend. 

"Sandali lang miss, nautusan pa kasi si Inin." Mauro said showing a smile, I slowly nod and wait there while Mauro and their other friend named Josiah. 

"Lory!!" Pare-pareho kaming tatlo na napatingin sa gawi ni Inin na tumatakbo papalapit sa amin, dala-dala ang bag niya at malaking eco bag. 

"Tagal mo naman," Mauro said, reaching for Inin's back pack. 

"If I am your girlfriend, maiinis na ako sa 'yo." Josiah said which made me giggle, 

Inin leaned closer to him and stick his tongue out, "Eh kaso nga hindi kita girlfriend." he said before walking pass by his friend and walking towards me to give me a hug. 

"Happy birthday, Lory, grabe 20 kana." he said behind my ears, I rolled my eyes before pinching his nipple which made him step backward and laugh. 

"Grabe kana talaga boss, mapanakit ka." he said while slightly massaging the part I pinched. 

He faced his friends, "Paano ba 'yan mga panget, adios!" he said before reaching for my hand and started walking away to his friends. 

"Ang sungit talaga ng Josiah na 'yon." I said while we're inside the taxi, heading to a restaurant. 

He chuckled, "Paano na mi-miss 'yong girlfriend niya-- ay ex na pala." he said before chuckling again which made me chuckle as well. 

"That's sad, baka kaka-break lang nila." I said looking outside the window, 

He hum, "Hindi rin, pero mukhang tragic, saka masakit daw sabi niya. Mukha lang 'yon masungit  pero umiyak 'yon noong nalasing." he said, bursting out laughing. I shake my head as I chuckle on how loud his laugh is. 

When the taxi stopped in front of a restaurant, my lips parted seeing that it's an expensive one. 

"You look tensed, bakit?" Inin asked while we're entering the place, 

I swallowed the lump in my throat, "Are you sure we're gonna eat here? Mahal dito, Inin." I whispered and he smiled at me. 

"It's a place you're used to, Lory. Pinag-ipunan ko talaga 'to." he said before pulling me towards a table he reserved for us. 

"I know you're worries sa price pero I got this." he said while we're looking through the menu. I don't want him to spend that much on me. I know tito is working so hard for him and he's working so hard too for himself then he'll be spending the money for me? 

"I'll have a steak and pesto pasta." I said, it might be still expensive but if I order something that seems less, he will sense that I'm ordering the least expensive ones and might end up ordering for more. 

He slowly nods, "Ako miss... tempura, baby back ribs and... lasagna, then two tiramisu cake for dessert." he said and the waitress nod. She repeat our order before leaving us two. 

"I haven't mentioned pa pala, you look so nice! Super!" I exclaimed, he's wearing grey polo shirt,  black pants together with a belt and sneakers. Plus his hair is fringed up, giving him a neat and old money look. 

"Uy, salamat! Buti nagustuhan mo, kaya talaga ako nahuli kanina kila Mau at Sean ay dahil nag-ayos pa ako sa banyo. Sinabi ko lang na intusuan ako kahit hindi." he said which made me giggle and nod. 

"It suits you so good but your usual style na pants and shirts also looks good on you." I said and he smiled, 

"Siyempre, binagayan kita, alangan naman ang ganda-ganda mo tapos ako mukhang alalay sa tabi mo." he said and my brows furrowed, "Hindi ah, para kang sira." I said and he giggled. We continue talking and talking that it went to different topics until the food came. I have been here before and their steak never disappoints me. Inin also looks like he's enjoying the food. 

While we're eating, a waitress place a cake on our table and the staffs started singing a happy birthday to me which made me surprised while Inin is taking a video of me, a wide smile printed on his lips. 

"Inin... wow, you asked them for this?" I asked and he nods before stop recording and handing me a gift. 

"Happy birthday and happy valentines, Lory. I love you so much." he softly said and it feels like his words just squeezed my heart because it feels so flattering. 

When the song finished, I blew my candle and the waitress clapped their hands. I opened Inin's gift for me and I gasp when I saw a glass painted picture of us, a Pandora bracelet and a perfume inside the box. 

"Inin! Oh my Gosh!! Thank you so much!! Wow! Inin..." I look at him with lips parted, still cannot believe that he bought me all of this. 

"You didn't have to." I said and he smiled, "But I want to, you always gives me gifts or something. And I appreciate everything of it. But I also want to give you gifts, gaya nga ng sabi ko, pinag-ipunan ko 'yan." he softly said and I slightly pouted before standing up from my seat and walking towards him to give him a hug. 

"Thank you Inin, you're making me feel like the most precious person in the world." I said behind his ears, tearing up a bit. 

He caress my back, "Cause you are, Lory. You're the most precious girl in the world, in my world." he said and I pull away from the hug before planting a kiss on his forehead. 

We continue eating while talking and enjoying the music of the small orchestra in the restaurant. Once we finished all the foods on the table, Inin asked for the bill. While Inin is getting the money from his wallet, I peak on the bill, gosh, 2,500 pesos. 

Once Inin paid the bill, we head out the restaurant and went to a cinema to watch a movie that I have been wanting to watch but I've been busy to school that's why I can't find a good timing. Around 11pm, the movie ended, he said we should get ourselves home cause he don't want me to be up this late. 

"Happy birthday," he said while standing next to the taxi, I smiled and pecked his lips.

"Thank you, Happy Valentines." I said and he smiled, "Happy Valentines, I love you." he said and I caress his cheeks, "I love you." I said before heading inside the building. 

With sleepy eyes, I entered our unit. I closed the door behind me and made sure I locked it.

My brows furrowed seeing a box of came on the table and some take out foods. 

Did he... prepared this for me? 

I walk towards the couch and saw Sam sleeping on the couch. I sigh and feel bad for him so I went to our bedroom and grab him a blanket. But as I place the blanket on him, his eyes shot open and sat on the couch which startled me. 

"You're home, kakauwi mo lang?" he ask while fixing his messy hair. 

 I nod, "Yes," I shortly replied and he nod before standing up. "You're tired, you should sleep na. I'll just fix the table." he said before walking pass by me. I bit my lower lip and nod before walking towards the bedroom. 

"Congratulations for finishing your first year!" Sam exclaimed, I gave him a smile and pat his shoulder. 

"Thanks," I replied, "So what's your plan for summer? Are you gonna stay here in Manila or Tagkawayan?" he ask and I shrug, 

"Depends on him." I whispered since my parents and his parents are just beside us. 

His brows furrowed, "Inin?" he whispered and I nod, 

"If he's gonna stay here, then I'll stay, if he's not, then I'm going to Tagkawayan." I replied and he nods. 

After the event in our school, our families decided for us to have dinner together. And just like how our usual dinner together. They always ask how's me and Sam doing. And of course the question about marriage won't be missing. And Sam would always reply the same thing over and over to them. 

"Once me and Lory finished studying and whenever she's ready." he replied and I nod, supporting what he said. 

Actually there will be no marriage, the only man I'll be married to is to Inin and that's it. 

After the dinner with our families, me and Sam head back at the unit. I immediately get changed into pajamas and jump on the bed after. 

"Hey! Sorry hindi ako naka-attend ng awarding niyo, nag celebrate kasi kami eh." I said in a call with Inin. 

[Sus, okay lang 'yon, ano ka ba? Naiintindihan ko naman saka andito naman si papa. Kinwento ko nga na may award ka rin, tuwang-tuwa sa papa sa ating dalawa.] he replied which brought a smile on my face. Buti pa si tito Ray at ang daddy ko natuwa sa akin, si mom parang pumunta lang talaga para makipag dinner kila tita Julieta. 

"Inaantok kana ba?" I softly ask him, 

[Medyo, pero kausap kita eh. Kaya walang antok-antok.] he said and I smiled once again. 

"I actually have a question to you." I said and he hum, 

[Ano 'yon?] he asked, 

I slightly fix my position on the bed, "Saan ka magbabakasyon? I mean diba wala na kayong pasok? Uuwi ka ba ng Tagkawayan?" I asked him, 

[Ah, hindi, magtatrabaho na ako ng full time sa fast food, malaki rin kasi ang kinikita ko doon.] he said and I slowly nod. 

"Oh, okay okay, that's all I want to ask. I have to go na kasi inaantok na ako." I said and he hum once again, 

[Sige sige, malapit na pala mag alas doze, goodnight Lory, congratulations ulit.] he said and I smiled, 

"Thank you, congratulations din, goodnight." I said before ending the call. 

Just as I ended it, Sam entered the bedroom after coming out of the bathroom. 

"You were talking to him?" he ask and I nod, 

"He'll be working here in Manila for the whole summer. That means I will stay here." I said and he slowly nods. 

"Okay, then I'll be staying here then." he said and I nod before putting my phone away and went to sleep. 

For the whole summer, around every 3 days, I would go to Inin's work and eat there to also check on him. And every time he would see me, he's always smiling and he looks like he is also talking about me to his co-workers cause they know that I am his girlfriend. 

But also sometimes, when Sam and my parents check up on us, we're forced to go on dates just to take pictures and send it to them. I make sure no one from Inin's work place sees us together. 

If Inin is in his day-off which he barely goes on one, we would always spend the day out and on a date. It has been a routine that I was able to keep up on. Nakakagulat na hindi siya nakakasawa. As long as it's for Inin or about Inin, I'm willing to do it. He's someone who makes me feel special, makes me feel like I am important and I am the most precious person. I don't know what would happen to me if I loose him. Cringe, isn't?

"You two went shopping together?" Sam asked when he just got home from hanging out with his friends. 

I look up at him and nod, "Well yes, why do you sound upset?" I asked him, 

He shakes his head, "I'm not upset, just... I just thought we will be shopping for school supplies together." he said and my brows furrowed, 

"Oh, well pwede naman kitang samahan." I offered but he shakes his head, 

"No, it's fine, I'll be okay by myself." he said and I nod, he's upset, I know he is. 

A week  later and school started once again, the two months school break feels so quick but I did enjoyed specially I spent most of my time doing things I want and with Inin. 

At first it was stressing of course, I am once again adjusting on my classes and other school works. But as the half of the semester finished, I was able to manage everything on my hand. I don't cram on school works anymore. I even joined some few competitions I didn't know I'll be joining. I'm trying to improve my social skills. It's hard specially I get annoy easily on some people but I am doing a good thing. 

Sam would come home late sometimes and he's reeking alcohol. He would say he went out  partying with his friends and I can't blame him. He's 3rd year college and have his own life to live. He doesn't have to always look after me. I'm not a kid. 

That's when I try to drink with my friends. The only difference is that we drink at their apartment and not on clubs. 

"Tangina kayo, bakit Rebisco na ang pulutan natin?!" Gwen exclaimed which made us three burst out laughing. 

"Si Tobi kasi inubos 'yong manok!" Jax shouted, I am running out of breath already but it felt so good. 

"Masarap kasi!" Tobi defended and Gwen playfully pull Tobi's hair. 

"Siraulo ka! Hindi ako magpupulutan ng biscuit!" Gwen said before crossing her arms. I said I'll be ordering us foods so we don't have to eat biscuits anymore. 

And as time passes by, it has been one of the things that makes me happy and relaxed. I don't see anything bad about it. Others even go out on bars surrounded by strangers who may have bad intentions to them. While me and my friends only drink at their apartment and end up sleeping together on the living room. 

Paminsan-minsan ay nagkakasabay kami na dumadating ni Sam sa harap ng pinto ng unit ng gabing-gabi. Napapatawa nalang kami kapag nangyayari 'yon. 

"Out with friends?" He ask while pouring a glass of water for us. 

I chuckled, "In with friends, hindi kami lumalabas. Just in their apartment." I said and he hum. 

"Time is passing by so fast," he said and my brows furrowed. 

"What do you mean?" I asked, 

He lean on the kitchen counter and a bitter chuckle escaped his lips, "I don't know what to do in the future. I'll be in 4th year soon, you'll be in 3rd, then 4th, then we're both done studying. Paano na natin sasabihin sa magulang natin na hindi matutuloy ang kasal?" he ask and I squinted my eyes before taking a sip of my water. 

"Well... I might elope with Inin." I said and he looked at me confused. 

"No, I have another plan." he said and my brows furrowed. 

"What? Don't tell me you'll be a rebellious son?" I asked and chuckled before shaking his head, 

We both look like messed up right now, he look so drunk and I can feel I am drunk too. 

"What if I tell you that I have a girlfriend?" he ask and my eyes widened, 

"Wait, you have?! Congrats!!" I exclaimed and he chuckled, 

"We're not yet official, still in talking stage." he said and I slowly nod, 

"I'll be happy of course," I said and stand up from the kitchen island and walk towards him to place the glass beside him. 

"I'm glad that we both have our ways to escape this arranged marriage." I said and smile at him, 

He look up at the ceiling and sigh, "I'm glad I found someone else to put my attention to. I won't be hurt anymore when you talk about your boyfriend."