Archive of Our Own

DAY 1

Andreau was sweating, but it wasn’t because of the tropical heat.

Nakatayo siya sa tabi ng sliding glass doors ng Canopy Villa nila, nakatingin sa makapal na greenery na nagtatago sa kanila mula sa labas. Planado niya ang trip na 'to down to the last second. Four days, three nights. Isang celebration for both of them, especially for his girlfriend na gusto niyang i-spoil. Zade deserved it. After the absolute purgatory of her thesis defense and graduation—Cum Laude, paalala niya sa sarili with a fierce swell of pride—she needed to breathe again.

And fuck, kailangan din niya 'to. Katatapos lang niya ng kanyang comeback film: isang grueling family drama na umubos sa kanya emotionally and physically. He needed this sanctuary. He needed her.

But nothing in his meticulous spreadsheets and color-coded itineraries could have prepared him for the sight of Zade stepping out of the bathroom.

“Babe?” she called out.

Lumingon si Andreau. Kalahati pa lang naiinom sa baso ng tubig sa kamay niya. Sasabihan na sana niya si Zade na bilisan dahil gusto niyang ipakita ang private beach.

Hindi nabitawan ni Andreau ang baso. Pero 'yung sikmura niya, parang bumagsak.

Zade stood near the foot of the bed, clutching a white cover-up like a shield. She hadn’t put it on yet.

She was wearing red.

A deep crimson one-piece clung to her skin like it had been painted on. It was a stark departure from the Zade he knew—'yung Zade na laging naka-oversized shirts at protective rash guards kapag nasa beach. This was absolute violence. The swimsuit was cut criminally high on the hips, elongating legs he already worshipped. The plunging neckline showcased the soft, heavy swell of her breasts that made his mouth go dry.

“O-okay lang ba ‘to?” nag-aalangan nitong tanong. She looked down at herself and bit her lip. "Masyado bang...revealing? I don't know, I just...after that hell of a thesis, gusto ko lang mag-ayos. Para maiba naman. Pangit ba?"

Nakalimutan na ni Andreau kung paano magsalita.

"Francisco? Huy!"

He blinked, forcing himself to inhale. Dali-dali niyang ipinatong ang baso sa pinakamalapit na mesa.

He cleared his throat. "Babe."

Tinawid niya ang kwarto in three long strides, invading her personal space hanggang sa halos magdikit na ang mga dibdib nila.

“Ano nga?” Zade looked up at him nervously. “Pwede naman akong magpalit kung masagwa. Just tell me kung pangit—”

"Anong pangit?" He shook his head. His eyes moved over her — collarbones, cleavage, the dip of her waist. "Zades, you look dangerous."

Zade flushed. The warm pink spread down to her chest. "OA ng dangerous mo ah!" "OA naman ng dangerous! Seryoso nga kasi. Does it look bad?"

"It looks like I'm never letting you leave this villa." His hands found her waist. "Seryoso ako. If we go out there, I’m going to end up fighting anyone who looks at you."

"Oh…so buti pala gumastos ka for a private beach then." She looked up at him through her lashes.

“Yeah." His thumbs rubbed heavy circles into her hip bones. He could feel the taut edge of the swimsuit against his skin. “Buti na lang talaga."

He kissed her then—not a sweet, congratulatory peck, but a hard, possessive claim. He devoured her mouth. The mint of her toothpaste, the sweetness underneath. Nang maghiwalay sila, they were both panting.

"Let's go," pigil na pigil ang boses niya. "Baka mamayang dinner na tayo makalabas dito if we stay a minute longer."

Tila matinding parusa sa kanya ang paglalakad nila papunta sa secluded cove. Ang higpit ng hawak niya sa kamay ni Zade habang binabagtas nila ang daan. With every step, the red fabric shifted—her ass, the brush of her bare thighs. He was hard. Painfully hard. His board shorts felt like a vice gripping his cock.

They reached the spot—a small alcove shielded by looming limestone cliffs and thick trees. The white sand was pristine, and the crashing waves drowned out his ragged breathing.

"Oh my god Andreau, ang ganda rito!" Zade gasped, letting go of his hand to step toward the water.

He didn't let her get far.

He caught her wrist. He spun her around, backed her up until her spine hit the rough bark of a tree. The thick canopy blocked the sun, casting them in cool shadow.

"You're so beautiful." He pressed his body flush against hers. “This swimsuit…whose idea was this? Yours?"

“Hmmm…yeah. But Mars and Kesh helped me choose. Malay ko ba sa pagpili ng swimsuit.”

“So sinasadya mong piliin ‘yung siguradong ikakabaliw ko?”

Zade smirked. “Basta ang sabi nila deserve mo rin daw ng surprise since you paid for this trip. Are you surprised?”

“Yes. So much.”

Andreau crushed his lips to hers again, this time with zero restraint. His hands roamed, tracing everything the swimsuit left bare. He gripped her waist, then slid his hands down to cup her ass, his fingers digging into the soft flesh that spilled out of the high-cut leg holes.

"Ang lambot," ungol niya laban sa bibig nito. "Grabe, ang lambot mo."

Zade whimpered. Her arms wound around his neck and her fingers tangled in his hair. She pressed closer, seeking friction. That small, needy shift broke something in him.

“Nagustuhan mo ba?” tanong ni Zade.

Andreau spun her around to face the tree, her palms hitting the bark. He moved in behind her until his chest pressed flush to her back. His cock, still straining against his shorts, pressed into the cleft of her ass.

"Fuck." His forehead dropped to her shoulder. "Ramdam mo 'yan?"

He ground his hips forward. The rough friction of his shorts against her smooth swimsuit hit him hard and low.

"Andreau." Her head fell back against his shoulder. "Yes… I feel it."

"Para sa 'yo 'yan." He breathed it against her ear, low enough that only she could hear. "Tigas na tigas ako sa 'yo, baby. Kanina pa. Took everything in me not to haul you back to our bed earlier."

Zade let out a soft ngh and rolled her hips back, grinding against him. “So kaya mo ako hinila rito? To show me how much you liked it?”

“Of course. Thank you for the surprise, baby. Now let me show my thanks properly.”

Andreau gripped her hips and held her in place as he established a rhythm. He pushed his hips forward, dragging his cock along her cleft, putting pressure right where he knew she needed it, then pulled back.

"Ah!" Her knees buckled. "G-grabe ka naman mag-thank you."

"Only for my baby." Andreau's hand moved around to her front and cupped her breast. He squeezed. His thumb found the hardened peak through the thin red fabric. “Tangina, dito pa lang nabaliw mo na ako.”

He humped her in earnest now. He couldn't stop himself. The visual—her bent over, that narrow red strip of fabric against her ass, her bare skin—he was going to see it for days.

"Ang bango mo," he murmured against her neck.

"Andreau, please…more pa," she begged, pushing back against him.

"You like that?" He gritted his teeth and snapped his hips forward harder. "Gusto mong ikaskas ko 'tong tite ko sa 'yo? Ha?"

"Yes…please!"

He was close to snapping. The layers of fabric were too much. He needed skin—needed to see her.

Andreau stopped, his chest heaving as he pulled back just an inch.

"Baby." He had to start over. "Do you trust me?"

“H-ha?”

“I want to do something. If you’re uncomfortable, just say so.”

“A-ano ‘yon?”

Andreau swallowed hard. It was a fantasy he’d harbored for months, a filthy little urge he’d been too terrified to voice during their usual sessions in bed. He wasn't sure if suggesting it out here was crossing a line, but he couldn't help it. The jungle, the heat of her skin, the desperation clawing at his gut—he wanted to devour her, wanted to make her feel good.

“Ca…can I fuck your thighs?”

Andreau’s heart hammered against his ribs as Zade bowed her head against the bark. He fully braced himself for her to push him away, to tell him he was being too much.

But then she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. “A-are you sure na tayo lang dalawa nandito?”

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Andreau. He hadn't expected that.

Sinilip niya ang paligid. They were about a hundred meters away from the main resort, tago sa mga bangin at makakapal na puno. Walang tao. Just the sand, the trees, at ang tunog ng mga alon. His pulse was roaring in his ears.

“Y-yeah. Tayo lang. Are you sure, Zades?”

Lumingon si Zade over her shoulder, her eyes wide and dark. “Y-yes. Please. Try natin.”

Fuck. If that wasn't the hottest thing he’d ever heard.

His hand slid down her stomach, reaching the crotch of her swimsuit. With trembling fingers, he hooked the narrow strip of red fabric between her legs.

“Zades, let me know if you want to stop, okay?” he warned, his voice thick. “Kasi 'pag tinuloy ko ‘to, hindi na ako titigil.”

"Don't stop." Her hips twitched against him. "Please, Andreau."

Isang ungol ang kumawala sa kanya. Hinila niya ang fabric sa gilid, exposing her completely sa humid air ng isla.

Basang-basa ito. So wet that her slick was already glistening on her inner thighs.

"Shit, baby." He couldn't stop looking at her. "Ganito ka kaagad kabasa? With just some kissing and rubbing? Sobrang gusto mo na?"

Hindi sumagot si Zade. She just rolled her hips back, blindly searching for him.

Nagmamadaling binaba ni Andreau ang board shorts at boxers, just enough to free his cock. It sprang out — heavy, thick, throbbing. Tumutulo na ang pre-cum sa dulo.

Alam niyang hindi niya pwedeng ipasok. Wala silang condom, and he wasn't going to risk triggering her anxiety, lalo na't kaka-celebrate lang nito ng graduation. But he could get close. So fucking close.

Idiniin niya ulit ang dibdib niya sa likod ni Zade, reaching around to hold her wet lips open with two fingers. Gamit ang balakang niya, he guided himself forward hanggang sa tumama ang ulo ng tite niya right against her slick slit.

"Oh god." The dense trees swallowed the sound.

Inayos ni Andreau ang pwesto niya. His hands gripped her bare thighs. "Squeeze your legs together for me. Ganyan... that's it, baby."

Pinagdikit ni Zade ang mga hita niya. He slid between them, guiding her legs tighter around his shaft hanggang sa ma-lock siya sa pwesto dahil sa pressure. The sensitive head of his cock rubbed directly against her swollen clit sa bawat upward thrust niya.

He pulled back—then drove forward.

“Oh my god—” singhap ni Zade, bumaon ang mga kuko nito sa bark ng puno.

Andreau hissed. His eyes rolled back as the smooth, wet friction gripped him. It was overwhelming. His pace picked up without his permission, his hips snapping forward.

"Sikipan mo pa." His voice was rough. His hand slid up and gripped her through the swimsuit to pinch her nipple. "Hita mo pa lang 'to, baby. Paano pa kaya pag nasa loob mo na ako?"

"Andreau, ano ba…" Her body trembled against his.

“Why? I’m only telling the truth, Zades. You think about it too, 'di ba? Tayo lang naman nandito.”

“Shit, baby,” She pushed back to meet his thrusts, chasing the friction. “More pa please.”

“Fuck, that’s so hot,” he said, his thrusts getting faster, harder. The visual of his thick cock sliding between her pale, slick thighs, right beneath that swimsuit, was the hottest fucking thing he’d ever seen. “Tell me how it feels, baby.”

"Ang sarap." Her head tossed side to side. "Fuck, I'm so close—"

“Cum for me, baby.” She convulsed and moaned his name as her orgasm ripped through her. Naramdaman ni Andreau ang bawat spasm laban sa tite niya. The heat radiated off her skin in waves. He kept grinding against her, riding out her climax until she sagged against the tree, spent.

"Turn around," he said, his voice ragged.

Zade turned slowly. Her face was flushed, her hair messy, her lips swollen. She looked ravished. Her heavy-lidded eyes fell to his erection—standing proud, angry, slick with her against his thigh.

Without a single word, lumuhod ito sa buhangin.

"Zades?" Andreau’s breath hitched.

Tumingala ito sa kanya. Her eyes were dark with heavy lust. "You didn't finish."

She reached out. Her hand wrapped around the base of his shaft. The contrast made his knees weak. She didn't stroke him. She just held him and watched him twitch in her grip.

"Can I?" Andreau couldn't hold back a groan. "Fuck, baby. Don't just look."

She started to stroke him, tentative at first, then found a steady rhythm.

"Yeah, that's it." His head fell back. He stared up at the canopy. "Just like that."

"Am I doing it right, baby?" She squeezed tighter as she pumped her hand."Masarap ba?"

"You have no idea." His hips were chasing her hand now. "Tangina, Zades. Ang sarap ng kamay mo."

He reached down and tangled his hand in her hair — not to push, just to anchor himself. The pleasure was building. His hips jerked into her grip, chasing more friction, desperate to end the ache.

"Talk to me," he begged, looking down at her. "Tell me how much you want it."

"I love it when you get like this." Her thumb rubbed over the weeping head of his cock and spread the slickness. "Sobrang bastos mo. I love seeing you lose control."

"It's all you." His pace was picking up. His hand covered hers and guided her faster, harder. "Ikaw lang nakakagawa nito sa 'kin. Fuck, I'm close."

"Cum for me, Andreau." She looked straight into his eyes. "Dito. Sa boobs ko. Since you wouldn't stop staring at them."

That did it. The thought of marking her, of claiming that pristine red swimsuit, of spilling himself all over the curves he’d been obsessing over all morning—tuluyan nang nawasak ang control niya.

"Zades…fuck!" His whole body locked up as he came.

Hinila niya ang kamay niya at inasinta ito. Hot, thick ropes of cum spurted across her chest. He came incredibly hard, his legs shaking, emptying himself until he was trembling with the force of it. Zade didn't flinch. Pinanood lang nito ang nangyayari, fascinated, her chest rising and falling beneath his mess.

When he finally stopped twitching, the only sound was the crash of the waves. Andreau leaned against the tree, trying to catch his breath.

Tumingin siya pababa kay Zade. His cum was streaked thick across the top of her swimsuit at sa balat nito.

"Sorry." Post-nut clarity hit him. "Baby, sorry. Nadumihan ko 'yung—"

Umiling si Zade. She leaned forward, at bago pa ma-process ni Andreau ang nangyayari, she licked him clean.

"Putangina." His knees gave out. He slid down the rough tree trunk until he was sitting in the sand, then pulled her into his lap.

He buried his face in her neck and held her tight. He was overwhelmed by how much he loved this woman.

"Incredible. Sobrang hot mo. I can’t believe you’re mine."

He didn't care about the mess. He pulled her into a kiss that tasted of salt and sweat and everything else. When they finally pulled apart, they were both laughing. Their foreheads rested against each other.

"Fuck." His arms wrapped around her waist as he pulled her up to her feet. "You're going to kill me, Zades. I swear to God."

"I can't believe we just did that." Zade looked around the secluded trees. "Sa labas pa talaga, Andreau."

She rested her forehead against his chest. Her eyes dropped to her messy cleavage, then came back up to his face, a mischievous smile on her lips.

"Happy graduation to me?" she teased.

Andreau laughed. He traced the line of her jaw with his thumb. "And happy premiere to me."

“Happy celebration to us.”

He chuckled, kissing the tip of her nose as he reached down to fix his shorts. “I really need to learn some self-control around you. We’re here for four days, Zades. Kung ganyan ang isusuot mo palagi, baka hindi na tayo makalabas ng villa.”

Zade laughed, wrapping her arms loosely around his neck. "Oh baby… this is just the first surprise." Her eyes were bright. His stomach swooped.

“What do you mean?”

“Four days nga tayo rito…do you think isang swimsuit lang ang dala ko?”

Hindi pa nakaka-recover si Andreau, pero parang nanghina ulit ang mga tuhod niya. “W-what?”

“Just wait for the next few days, babe. You’ll see.”

The kayak was a terrible idea.

At least, 'yan ang na-realize ni Andreau exactly five minutes after they pushed off from the shore. His shoulders were already burning—a lingering, satisfying ache from pinning Zade against a rough tree two hours ago—and his brain was still hijacked by the memory of her tongue slowly cleaning his cock.

"Babe, seryoso, umiikot lang tayo!" Zade groaned from the front and dropped her paddle across her lap in defeat. Every time she tried to steer, the kayak just drifted in a slow, humiliating circle.

Andreau bit back a laugh. He dug his paddle into the water to stop them from spinning. “Kasi nga hindi tayo sabay, Zades. Sabi ko sabay tayo sa stroke, 'di ba?”

"Madaling sabihin 'yan kapag nasa likod ka!" Lumingon ito para samaan siya ng tingin. May mga strands ng basang buhok na nakadikit sa pisngi niya. Sa ilalim ng manipis na fabric ng rash guard nito, he could make out that red swimsuit. “Ikaw kaya dito sa harap. Feeling ko pabigat lang ako eh.”

He grinned, leaning forward to nudge her waist with his knee. “Ayaw mo kasi makinig sa instructions.”

“Wow, sorry po, direk,” ganti nito sabay irap, pero nakangiti pa rin.

“Fine,” he chuckled, shaking his head. “Switch tayo. Ako sa harap.”

Zade narrowed her eyes at him. “Seryoso? Hindi ka maiinis?”

“Hindi nga. Promise.” Tinaas niya ang isang kamay in surrender. “Halika na, captain. Dahan-dahan lang tayo baka tumaob 'to.”

It took them an awkward minute para magpalit ng pwesto. Tumatawa silang dalawa. Kumiling nang malala ang kayak pakaliwa habang gumagapang si Zade sa ibabaw niya. As she settled into the back seat, her bare thighs brushed against his hips. The contact hit him low. It was a sharp reminder of how she'd felt wrapped around him.

By the time she was situated behind him, she was still giggling. She had no idea what she was doing to his heart rate.

“Okay,” she announced, tapping her paddle against the side of the boat. “Ako na bahala. Sumunod ka na lang sa pacing ko.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

They started paddling again.

This time, the kayak moved straighter. Sinundan ni Andreau ang rhythm nito. In-adjust niya ang sariling strokes para sumabay sa paddle ni Zade sa likod. Left. Right. Pause. Left. Right.

It was quieter now.

No more bickering, just the soft dip of their paddles into the clear water. The limestone cliffs around them rose high and still, parang binabalot sila ng buong isla. The world felt smaller here. More contained.

“Uy,” Zade said softly after a while. “Ang ganda.”

Andreau glanced up.

The lagoon opened wider ahead of them—the water shifting from bright turquoise to a deeper, calmer blue. The late afternoon sunlight filtered through the gaps in the cliffs, hitting the surface in scattered patches of gold.

“Yeah,” he agreed.

Pero hindi ang view ang tinitingnan niya.

He turned his head to catch her reflection in the still water beside them. Her shoulders were relaxed now, the earlier frustration gone. Ganito siya kapag wala siyang iniisip. No deadlines. No pressure. No thesis hanging over her head.

“Babe,” Zade said, her voice cutting through the quiet. “Stop muna tayo.”

Andreau didn’t ask why. He planted his paddle flat against the water and used his core to kill their momentum. The kayak drifted to a gentle halt.

For a moment, neither of them moved.

Zade exhaled a long, slow breath behind him. “Grabe,” she murmured. “Parang ngayon ko lang ulit naramdaman na wala akong iniisip. As in zero.”

Andreau felt something in his chest tighten—a tight, protective feeling that had nothing to do with lust. He leaned his paddle across his lap and twisted his torso so he could look at her properly.

“Wala talaga?” he asked.

Umiling ito, a small, then let out a disbelieving laugh. “Wala. Walang defense, walang revisions. Nakakapanibago.” Tumingala ito sa nagtataasang cliffs, then back down at the water.

He studied her face. May bakas pa rin ng pagod sa ilalim ng mga mata nito, the kind of bone-deep fatigue na hindi nawawala overnight. But the anxious weight that had been crushing her for months was gone.

“Deserve mo ’yan,” Andreau said. “You’ve been running on fumes for months, Zades. Ngayon ka lang ulit nakahinga nang maayos.”

She went still. Her fingers traced the wet edge of the kayak. “Ikaw talaga,” she muttered, though there was no bite in it. “Ang daling sabihin sa 'yo. Eh ikaw nga, sunod-sunod 'yung taping tapos may promos pa. Hindi ka rin naman nagpapahinga.”

Andreau let out a quiet huff. “That’s different.”

“How?”

He didn’t answer right away. He didn't know how to explain that the grueling hours on set, the endless meetings, the emotional drain of the job—it was all manageable because he knew he was coming home to her. She was his anchor.

Instead, he dipped his fingers into the cool water and watched the ripples spread out from his touch. “I like what I do,” sabi niya. “Kahit nakakapagod, okay lang.”

Zade tilted her head. “Eh ako? Hindi ko ba gusto ’yung ginagawa ko?”

“You do,” he said immediately. “Pero masyado mong pinupush ang sarili mo minsan.”

She didn’t argue.

Andreau raised an eyebrow, surprised. “Wala kang rebut?”

"Meron sana." A self-deprecating smile tugged at her lips. "Pero pagod na akong makipag-argue. Tsaka... baka tama ka rin."

That caught him off guard. Zade Pascual, admitting he was right? Voluntarily?

"Wow." The tension in his shoulders eased. "Record 'to ah. Gusto mo ipa-frame ko 'yang sinabi mo?"

She reached forward and smacked his shoulder. “Loko”

He just grinned, letting the warm, golden feeling settle deep in his chest.

They fell into a comfortable silence after that. No rush to move. No need to fill the space with empty words. After a while, Zade leaned forward—just enough that her chin almost brushed the back of his shoulder. He could smell the coconut of her sunscreen mixed with the faint, musky scent of their earlier sex.

“Thank you,” she said.

Andreau stilled. “For what?”

"For this." Her hand gestured at the water, the cliffs, the quiet isolation of the lagoon.

His grip tightened on the edge of the kayak. He could’ve said of course, or anything for you. But none of those felt enough to carry what he was feeling.

He turned his head and caught her profile from the corner of his eye. She wasn’t looking at him. She was looking ahead, peaceful, unguarded.

"Pagod ka pa rin?" He defaulted to something smaller, something he could handle.

She thought about it, her brow furrowing. “Hindi na masyado. Parang...nabawasan.”

“Good.”

Zade nudged his shoulder lightly with her chin. “Arte mo bigla, ha.”

He scoffed. The heavy moment broke into something familiar and warm. “Ikaw nga ang dramatic dyan.”

“Excuse me, ako pa?”

“Yeah. ‘Wala akong iniisip.’ ‘Thank you,’” he mimicked, earning another sharp smack to his arm.

“E ‘di wag na akong mag-thank you next time,” she shot back.

“Joke lang.” “Gusto ko ’yon.”

She went quiet again. Then, softer this time, almost teasing, “Alam ko.”

Andreau shook his head with a helpless smile. He picked up his paddle again, his muscles protesting at the effort.

“Tara,” he said, looking out at the mouth of the lagoon. “Baka abutan tayo ng dilim dito.”

“Okay, captain,” she said, settling back into position behind him.

He huffed a laugh and dug his paddle into the water, feeling the immediate resistance of the current. He waited a beat, listening for the splash of her blade, and then matched her rhythm, pulling them forward together.

The private dining pavilion was set on a wooden deck overlooking the ocean, illuminated by the glow of tiki torches and warm fairy lights. Andreau was used to this kind of romantic aesthetic sa romcom projects niya, but sitting across from Zade right now, it felt entirely real. Hindi ito scripted.

Natawa rin siya kasi hindi nila sinasadyang mag-terno ngayong gabi.

Andreau took a sip of his wine, his eyes bright with amusement as he looked at her. Naka-mustard yellow button own lang siya with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Si Zade naman, by coincidence, lumabas ng banyo kanina wearing a flowy, pale yellow sundress that left her shoulders completely bare.

Bare, and glowing a very distinct shade of pink. Halatang nababad sa dagat kanina.

"I told you to reapply the sunscreen." Inabot niya ang ilong nito and tapped the tip. "Ayan, nagmukha ka tuloy kamatis."

Zade swatted his hand away, though she was smiling. "Grabe siya sa kamatis. Ang kapal ng nilagay ko kanina, 'no! Sadyang matapang lang talaga ang araw dito." Hinawakan niya ang collarbone niya, feeling self-conscious. "Pangit ba? Sobrang pula ko ba tingnan?"

"Hindi." His gaze dropped to the curve of her neck, then came back up. "You look cute. Parang lagi kang nagba-blush."

Inirapan lang siya ni Zade bago kumuha ng fork para pagdiskitahan ang grilled seafood sa harap niya. But instead of eating, she rested her chin on her hand. Her eyes locked onto his face.

Andreau shifted in his seat. Hyper-aware siya sa titig nito. "What?" tanong niya, wiping the corner of his mouth with a napkin. "May dumi ba ako sa mukha?"

"Wala," she hummed, tilting her head. "Napansin ko lang...mas naging moreno ka."

He chuckled and leaned back in his chair. "Half day pa lang tayo rito, Zades. Hindi naman siguro ako umitim agad."

"Hindi nga, I mean it in a good way." Her eyes traced the line of his jaw down to his collar.   "Bagay sa 'yo. You look...I don't know. Glowing? Ang pogi mong tingnan sa ilalim ng lights."

Parang lumaktaw ng isang tibok ang puso ni Andreau. Even after all this time, a simple compliment from her could still wreck his composure. Hindi siya sanay. "Binobola mo na naman ako para hindi ko mapansin 'yang sunburn mo."

"I'm stating a fact, Francisco." She grinned and finally took a bite of her food.

Before Andreau could answer, his phone buzzed against the wooden table. He picked it up and glanced at the screen.

"Si Mars." He opened the message. "Nagmessage sa group chat. 'Buhay pa ba kayo diyan? Baka nakalimutan niyo na kami ah.'"

Natawa si Zade at sumandal sa table para maki-usyoso sa screen. "Replyan mo. Sabihin mo busy tayo."

“Busy doing what, Zades?” hirit niya.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Zade. “Sa dinner!! Ano ba wag ka ngang bastos dyan baka kung ano pa isipin ni Mars!”

Tawang-tawa naman siya sa naging reaction nito. "Let's send them a picture." Binuksan niya ang camera app. “Para hindi na nila tayo istorbohin.”

He stood up, leaning over the table to close the distance between them. Zade immediately leaned into his space, pressing her sunburned cheek against his jaw. She flashed a bright, genuine smile, while Andreau offered a contented smirk to the camera. He snapped the photo. The warm yellow of their outfits popped against the dark ocean.

He hit send, then tossed the phone face down on the table. "Ayan. That should keep them busy for a while."

"Airdrop mo sa 'kin later 'yan ah. We look cute there." Zade settled back into her chair. Uminom siya ng iced tea. Her eyes turned thoughtful as she looked at him. The playful banter earlier seemed to settle into something more intimate.

"Speaking of busy." Her voice dropped a fraction. "About the next few days..."

Andreau gave her his full attention, resting his forearms on the table. "What about them? May gusto ka bang baguhin sa itinerary? We can skip the island hopping tomorrow if you're too tired—"

"No, hindi 'yon." She bit her lower lip. The nervous habit always drew Andreau's eyes to her mouth. "May naisip lang ako. Dahil sa...sa sinabi mo kanina."

Andreau's mind flashed back — the canopy of trees, the red swimsuit, the slick heat of her thighs clamped around his cock. "Which part?" His voice dropped lower without his choosing.

Zade flushed, and this time, it had nothing to do with the sun. "Yung...nung sinabi mo na, paano pa kaya pag nasa loob na kita."

Andreau almost choked. He set his fork down, his pulse picking up. He'd said that in the heat of the moment—out of his mind, barely thinking—and he hadn't expected her to surface it over dinner.

Tinitigan niya ito, reading the slight hesitation sa mga mata nito. They were in a beautiful, secluded villa. The timing was perfect. It was the best environment for a milestone like that.

"Are you thinking about it?" Andreau asked, keeping his tone level, making sure she felt safe. "Kasi if you are... Zades, I want you to know na hinding-hindi kita minamadali. Yes, the place is perfect, and yes, I want you. God, I always want you. But are you really ready for that?"

Huminga nang malalim si Zade. Bumagsak ang balikat niya, parang may nabawas na bigat sa dibdib. She reached across the table and held his wrist.

"Honestly?" bulong nito. Her thumb started stroking his pulse point. "I am thinking about it. Pero...right now? Mas na-a-arouse ako sa idea ng foreplay natin. Sa mga ginagawa natin ngayon."

Andreau flipped his hand over and laced his fingers through hers. "Yeah?"

She nodded with a shy but confident smile on her lips. "Ang dami kasi nating pwedeng gawin, Andreau. I like the teasing. I like that we're exploring without the pressure of actually...you know, going all the way. Parang mas na-e-enjoy ko 'yung unti-unti. The anticipation. Is that weird? Na mas gusto ko 'yung outercourse muna?"

Andreau felt a rush of affection. He squeezed her hand, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. "Hindi naman, Zades;"

"Talaga?"

"Talaga." His eyes darkened as he looked at her. "If you want to spend the next four days just doing foreplay, I am yours."

Zade’s breath hitched, her eyes going wide at his words. Andreau smirked — then caught himself. He reached up to rub the back of his neck. "Uh. One more thing. Just so you know..." He cleared his throat. His eyes flicked away from hers for a split second. "I did bring condoms. In my bag."

Zade blinked, then her jaw dropped. "Seryoso? Nagdala ka talaga?"

"Laging handa," mabilis niyang sagot. "Better to have them and not need them, right?" He reached for his wine to hide his face. "Plus, ayaw ko namang maghanap pa sa resort kung kailan kailangan na. Baka ma-Reddit pa tayo."

Zade burst out laughing, finally letting go of his hand to cover her mouth. "You and your mind, Francisco."

"Of course. Only for you." He set his glass down.

Andreau lifted her hand to his mouth and pressed a slow kiss to the inside of her wrist.

DAY 2

Being well-behaved was proving to be the hardest acting job of Andreau's entire career.

The private yacht was gliding smoothly through the emerald waters of Bacuit Bay. It was a picture-perfect Palawan afternoon, ero feeling ni Andreau, he was fighting for his fucking life.. Naka-lounge sila sa padded sun deck sa harap mismo ng yate. Zade was wearing a sleek, black two-piece bikini sa ilalim ng unbuttoned oversized linen shirt, at nakapatong lang ang mahahabang legs niya across Andreau’s lap.

Because they had company—a boat captain and their cheerful tour guide, Kuya Rey, who were stationed just a few meters away—they had to keep things PG. O at least, si Andreau lang 'yung sumusubok. Si Zade, apparently, had other plans.

"Babe, may naiwan ka." Her eyes had that glint. The knowing one.

Napalunok si Andreau. May SPF 50 pa rin sa mga kamay niya. He was massaging sunscreen onto her thighs, his thumbs pressing into the soft flesh he had been obsessing over since yesterday. "Saan?"

"Dito," bulong ni Zade. And then she slightly shifted her hips, enough so that the high cut of her black bikini bottom rode up, exposing more skin. She tapped a spot dangerously close sa hita niya. "Baka masunog ako, baby. You know how sensitive my skin is."

Andreau's jaw clenched so hard his teeth ached. He leaned in under the cover of fixing his sunglasses and lowered his voice to a whisper. "Zades, behave. Kuya Rey is literally right there."

"I'm just asking for lotion," panunukso nito, halatang pinipigilang matawa.

"I remember our conversation last night, babe," he warned, his thumb brushing close to the edge of her bikini. "Puro foreplay, 'di ba? Kung tayong dalawa lang dito, I swear to God, I'd show you exactly what kind of foreplay I can do."

Zade giggled. The sound hit him low. "Sayang. But I guess I can wait until we get back to the villa."

"Putangina." Mabilis niyang pinunasan ang kamay sa towel bago pa siya makagawa ng kalokohang makakapag-aresto sa kanila for public indecency. He shifted his hips and tried to ignore the heavy, throbbing ache against his board shorts.

Zade noticed. She sat up, crossed her legs, and handed him his fresh buko juice. Her teasing smile softened into something warm.

"I'm having so much fun, babe." The sea breeze caught her hair and pulled it across her face. "Thank you for this. Really."

"Anything for you," Andreau smiled, taking the drink. He reached out, his knuckles brushing against her sun-warmed cheek, careful of the sunburn. "You deserve it."

“We deserve this kasi.”

“Fine, you’re right. We’re having fun here.”

"If you think this trip is fun, wait until Hong Kong," Zade beamed, her eyes crinkling. "I already have our itinerary planned for my birthday. And wait until you see the outfits I bought. Baka himatayin ka."

"If they're anything like that red swimsuit yesterday, I should probably update my life insurance," Andreau chuckled.

"Sira!" Pabiro siya nitong pinalo sa tuhod. "But seriously, I'm so excited. And right after HK, premiere night na ng movie mo! I can't wait to see you on the big screen again, Andreau. I'm so proud of you. I know how hard you worked on this film."

Andreau looked at her. She was glowing — full of life, excited about everything ahead of them. But as she listed their milestones, a heavy ache settled in his chest.

Hong Kong. The movie premiere. And then...New York.

In just a few short months, Zade would be packing her bags to migrate to the US. The reality of it had been there for months, a quiet thing he'd learned to live around, but looking at her now, so close he could count her eyelashes, the impending suddenly felt too real.

"Hoy,” basag ni Zade. Her smile faltered slightly nang mapansin ang pagbabago ng mood niya. Inabot nito ang kamay niya, smoothly intertwining her fingers with his. "Ba't biglang nag-iba timpla mo? May nasabi ba 'ko?"

Andreau sighed, his thumb stroking the back of her hand. Hindi niya gustong sirain ang mood, but he also couldn't hide things from her anymore.

"Wala. Naisip ko lang...ilang buwan na lang."

Zade tilted her head. "Ilang buwan na lang bago ano?"

"Bago ka umalis pa-New York." He said it like he was admitting something. "I'm excited for Hong Kong and the premiere, Zades. I really am. Pero...fuck. I'm just trying to make every single moment count right now. Kasi pag nandun ka na...sobrang mami-miss kita."

Zade’s expression softened. She gave his hand a comforting squeeze. "Andreau, ihahatid mo naman ako doon 'di ba? Magkasama pa rin tayo sa unang weeks ko doon."

"Yeah, for a few weeks. Tapos babalik din ako rito."

"Oo, pero susunod ka rin naman sa 'kin ah." Her thumb traced slow circles on his skin. She said it like she'd already worked through it. Like it was simple.  "After six to eight months, susunod ka for your MFA. Six to eight months lang tayong LDR, babe. Mabilis lang 'yon. Then we’ll be together again."

She made it sound so easy. So logical.

Andreau stared at her, something pulling tight in his gut. Bakit parang ang dali lang sa kanya? Her outlook was so positive, so forward-looking, while he felt like he was already mourning the separation. Was he the only one terrified? The only one who felt like an ocean between them was unbearable?

Tangina, nag-o-overthink na naman ako, he told himself, forcing a tight smile. He didn't want to burden her with his separation anxiety when she was supposed to be celebrating.

"I know," he agreed reluctantly. "Anim na buwan. Mabilis lang."

Zade studied his face for a moment. She moved closer, ignoring the fact that they were on a boat with an audience, and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Hey. Look at me," she whispered straight against his jawline.

He met her eyes, finding only overwhelming steadiness gazing back.

"New York is just a place. It doesn't change this. It doesn't change us," pag-assure nito, soft but certain. "Kahit nasa kabilang dulo ako ng mundo, sa 'yo pa rin ako. Okay?"

Andreau’s chest tightened. He leaned forward and pressed a long, tender kiss to her forehead. He breathed her in—coconut sunscreen, salt, sea air on her skin. "Sa 'kin ka lang, ha?"

"Sa 'yo lang," she promised, her lips brushing against his. "And we still have months before I leave. Let's not waste them being sad. We have a whole private villa waiting for us later, remember?"

The wicked glint was back in her eyes, and Andreau couldn't help the low, helpless chuckle that escaped him. The heavy weight in his chest lifted just enough for him to breathe. 

"Scheherazade….you’re a menace."

"Well, I have my moments," sabi niya. 

Andreau shook his head, a helpless smile on his face. Inilabas niya ang phone niya mula sa waterproof bag. "Come here. Let's take a picture pang-update kina Mars."

Smiling, Zade leaned in and pressed her cheek against his. Andreau held the phone up, capturing the bright blue sky, the towering limestone cliffs, and the two of them—sun-kissed, smiling, and in love. He snapped a few selfies, kissing her temple in the last one.

"Kuya Rey!" tawag ni Andreau. Tumayo siya at kinawayan ang tour guide nila. "Pwede po bang magpa-picture?"

"Naku, oo naman sir!" Kuya Rey beamed as he took the phone. "Sige, dyan kayo sa may unahan para kita 'yung Big Lagoon sa likod."

Lumipat sila sa edge ng sun deck. Zade wrapped her arm around his waist and leaned her head against his shoulder. Andreau wrapped his arm around her—but instead of resting his hand on her hip, his palm slid down.

His fingers gripped the bare, soft flesh of her upper thigh, right below the edge of her bikini bottom. His thumb pressed right where she had teased him earlier.

Napasinghap si Zade. Her eyes shot up to look at him in surprise.

Andreau just offered a perfect smile to the camera. His thumb was secretly stroking her bare skin in a slow, possessive rhythm. It was a silent, filthy promise ng gagawin niya sa kanya the very second na mapag-isa na silang dalawa.

"Smile po!" sigaw ni Kuya Rey. "One, two, three!"

Zade smiled brightly for the camera, her cheeks visibly flushed. Andreau felt her fingers tighten against his waist. He knew he had her exactly where he wanted.

Pagbaba nila sa mainland docks, tirik na tirik na ang tanghali over El Nido.

The rest of the morning was a blur of swimming sa crystal-clear waters of Bacuit Bay—trying their best na hindi masyadong maghipuan kapag nakatingin ang crew, but taking full advantage of the water whenever they weren't. Right now, Andreau was operating on a dangerous mix of adrenaline, saltwater, and pure devotion.

"Wait here," sabi ni Andreau kay Zade as they stepped off the docks. "May kukunin lang ako."

Zade was in loose linen shorts and an oversized white button-down worn open over her black bikini. She raised an eyebrow. "Saan ka pupunta? Akala ko ba magla-lunch na tayo?"

"Five minutes." He pressed a quick kiss to her temple, then jogged off down the dusty street.

When he returned less than ten minutes later, Zade's jaw dropped. Andreau pulled up to the curb on a rented black Yamaha scooter. He looked smug. He killed the engine and kicked the stand down, flashing her a grin. He was wearing a dark blue sleeveless shirt that showed off his arms, paired with his white board shorts.

"Hop on." Inihagis niya ang spare helmet dito.

Zade caught it and stared at the bike in disbelief. "Andreau…where the hell did you get that?”

"Kina Kuya Rey din." He took the helmet back from her and strapped it on her himself. "Mas madali tayong makakaikot. Plus, I like having you hold onto me. Tara na, gutom na ako."

Nag-lunch sila sa Ver De El Nido, a vibrant, open-air spot na ilang linggo na ring naka-plano sa itinerary ni Andreau. The food was incredible, pero as expected, hindi nagtagal ang pagiging incognito niya. Halfway through their meal, nilapitan na siya ng ilang tourists at locals who recognized him.

Andreau handled it with his usual professional grace—polite and practiced ease. He smiled, shook hands, and agreed to a few quick photos. Pero 'yung focus niya, as always, remained tethered to Zade.

Something warm settled in his chest. Naalala niya kung paano sila last year, noong bago at fragile pa ang relationship. Back then, Zade would practically shrink away from the cameras. She'd even volunteer to be the photographer just to escape the frame. She used to look so overwhelmed, parang laging natatakot na makaabala sa mundo niya.

Pero ngayon? She looked comfortable. Hindi siya nagtatago, pero hindi niya rin ipinagpipilitan ang sarili niya sa spotlight. When a fan asked kung gusto niya sumali sa picture, Zade just smiled warmly and shook her head.

"Kayo na lang po, okay lang ako dito," sabi nito, perfectly polite pero firm sa boundaries niya. She let him have his world, but she stayed his anchor.

After a few more customers got their photos, the crowd dispersed, leaving them in peace.

"Okay ka lang?" Her hand reached across the table to steal a piece of his grilled squid.

"Yeah." Andreau nodded and stole it back before he popped it into his mouth.

After paying the bill, they walked back to where the motorcycle was parked. The afternoon heat was thick and humid, but Andreau didn't notice. He swung his leg over the seat. He settled his weight, then turned to look at Zade as she adjusted her helmet.

"Cute mo." His eyes crinkled.

Natigilan si Zade, halos manigas ang mga kamay sa strap. Kumunot ang noo nito, halatang nalilito. "Bakit na naman?"

Andreau chuckled as he started the engine. "Basta, ang cute mo kanina. 'Yung pag-decline mo sa pictures. Kunwari shy type ka pa."

Inirapan lang siya ni Zade bago sumampa sa upuan sa likod niya. Her arms wrapped around his waist, hands finding bare skin where his shirt rode up. Then, without warning, she pinched a hard section of his abs.

"Aray!" Andreau flinched, laughing out loud.

"Ewan ko sa 'yo, Francisco!" she yelled over the sound of the engine, though he could hear the smile in her voice. 

The ride to Hama Coffee was short but perfect. Zade’s arms were locked tightly around his waist, her chest pressed flush against his back. Sa tuwing natatapat siya sa kahit maliit na lubak, lalong humihigpit ang kapit ni Zade sa kanya. Andreau, being the siraulo that he was, found himself taking the rougher paths on purpose just to feel her holding on to him.

Hama Coffee was Zade’s pick—a minimalist, aesthetic cafe that smelled of roasted beans and sea salt. They ordered at the counter, and when the barista called out their drinks, Zade started laughing.

"Seryoso ka ba dyan?" She pointed at the steaming ceramic cup as they sat down at a corner table. She took a long sip of her iced caramel latte. Condensation slid down the glass. "Ang init-init sa labas, nag-hot flat white ka?"

"Masarap eh." Andreau took a sip, and the liquid burnt his tongue. He didn't wince, though. "It brings out the notes of the espresso better."

"Dami mong alam. Sabihin mo nagpapanggap ka lang na hindi naiinitan," asar ni Zade. Kinuha niya ang phone mula sa bag niya. "I have to take a photo of this and post it on the Internet. Iba-bash kita sa Dreausters mo, ‘yung idol nila kung anu-anong ino-order sa beach cafe!"

Andreau smiled, leaning in close as she snapped a few selfies of them. After finishing their drinks, nag-drop by si Andreau sa counter para kausapin ang cafe owner about the espresso machine the cafe used. He was planning to buy one for his birthday, at nagustuhan niya ang aesthetic nitong Rancillo espresso machine. 

Mga ilang minuto rin silang nag-usap about coffee and stuff—the owner even asked for a picture with him and Zade—bago sila lapitan ng ibang customers for photos. This time, pumayag na si Zade na sumama sa ilang photos. May isa pa ngang nagpa-solo picture sa kanya, much to her surprise.

"Nasa Reddit na tayo mamaya, for sure," Zade whispered as they walked out of the cafe. "'Spotted: Andreau Cortez drinking hot coffee in 35-degree weather with his kamatis girlfriend.'"

"Maganda naman ang girlfriend ko kahit mukhang kamatis," Andreau shrugged. Bago pa siya makadukot ng susi sa bulsa, hinila ni Zade ang braso niya papunta sa ilalim ng isang awning. Binuksan nito ang crossbody bag niya at naglabas ng sunscreen.

"O, anong gagawin mo dyan?"

"Magre-reapply ka."

"Zades, naglagay na ako kanina—"

"Andreau, ang init-init. Baka magbalat 'yang mukha mo. Gusto mo bang matulad sa ‘kin na mukhang kamatis?" she scolded as she squeezed a dollop of white cream onto her fingertips.

Bago ito maglagay, napansin ni Andreau ang bahagyang pagtingin ng mga mata ni Zade pakaliwa at pakanan. Sinilip nito ang kalsada, ang mga nakaparadang tricycle, at pati ang bintana ng cafe. She was looking for phones.

It was a subtle movement, pero nahuli 'yon ni Andreau. He knew what it was about. 'Yung viral video nung graduation niya last year—their kiss someone had caught on camera—had made her extra careful.

When she seemed satisfied, she stepped into his space. Her soft hands cupped his jaw as she rubbed sunscreen onto his cheeks, his nose, his forehead. Andreau melted into her touch. Napapikit na lang siya, ang mga kamay niya ay kusa ring dumapo sa bewang ni Zade. He leaned in a bit to smell her—kahit na-arawan na, ang bango pa rin nito.

"Ayan." She wiped her hands on a tissue. "Okay na."

Binuksan ni Andreau ang mga mata niya. A slow smirk spread across his face. Naalala niya 'yung hirit ni Zade sa yacht kanina. Time for payback.

"You missed a spot." His voice dropped lower.

Kumunot ang noo ni Zade habang tinititigan ang mukha niya. "Where? Wala naman ah. Na-blend ko nang maayos."

"Here." Andreau pouted and tapped his index finger against his lips.

Zade stared at him for a second bago napabuntong-hininga at napatingala sa langit. "Ang landi mo bwisit ka!"

"I'm just saying, baka ma-sunburn 'yung lips ko." He tightened his grip on her waist and pulled her flush against him.

Ewan ko sa 'yo," she muttered, but she was smiling.

Zade leaned up on her tiptoes and pressed a slow kiss to his mouth. Lasang caramel at malamig na gatas—a perfect contrast sa mapait na espresso na nananatili pa sa dila ni Andreau. He could get used to this kind of "reapplication" every ten minutes.

They spent the next hour walking through the narrow streets, ducking into various souvenir shops. Andreau, operating on boyfriend instincts, tried to buy everything Zade even glanced at.

"Babe, ang ganda nitong woven bag, 'no?" she pointed out.

"I'll buy it." He reached for his wallet.

"Hala, wag! Tinitingnan ko lang!" She swatted his arm. "Keychains lang bibilhin ko para kina Mars, tapos hopia sa Baker's Hill pagbalik natin sa Puerto Princesa. 'Yun lang."

"Are you sure? You don't want the bag? How about that sundress earlier?”

"Andreau, stop," tawa nito habang hinihila siya palayo sa mga damit. "Wag mo akong masyadong i-spoil. Matatambak lang 'yan."

But Andreau couldn't help it. While Zade was busy picking out wooden keychains, his eyes caught a jewelry display near the counter. He walked over. His gaze locked onto a pair of simple South Sea pearl earrings. They were exactly right for her.

Ten minutes later, he stood behind her in front of a small, dusty mirror in the corner of the shop. He brushed her dark hair over her shoulder so she could fit the earrings.

"Andreau, ang mahal nito." She was watching herself in the mirror. The pearls caught the light.

"This looks good on you." His chin rested on her shoulder. His eyes met hers in the mirror. "Happy graduation gift."

Zade smiled and reached up to touch the pearl on her right earlobe. "Thank you. Ang ganda talaga."

He was still looking at her in the mirror—the pearl at her ear, the way the afternoon light caught her face—nang bigla siyang may naalala.

"Naalala mo ba 'yung Coron?" he asked.

Zade blinked, then met his eyes in the mirror. A smile pulled at the corner of her mouth. "Andreau. Almost three years ago na ‘yon, ah."

"I know." He didn't look away. "But do you still remember?"

"Ah." The familiar, playful lilt was back. "'Yung nagpapa-cute ka pa sa 'kin no'n?"

Andreau groaned and buried his face in the crook of her neck. "Zades naman..."

Zade laughed and leaned back against his chest.  "Of course I remember. I was actually really happy na you initiated that Twenty Questions thing sa beach. Akala ko matutulog lang ako sa isla the whole day habang nagte-taping kayo."

"Na-enjoy mo nga eh," Andreau mumbled against her skin. "Kung anu-ano tinanong mo sa 'kin."

"Hoy, ikaw nga 'tong fishing!" She turned her head to look at him. "Akala mo sobrang slick mo sa question mong, 'If I'm not an actor, would you go out with me?'"

"I was just curious!" he defended, his cheeks warm.

"Oo, curious ka kasi crush na crush mo na ako no'n, in denial ka lang!" she gloated, her eyes bright with triumph.

"Oo na, crush na kita no'n, just stop gloating." He grumbled it. But his arms wrapped tighter around her waist.

"Naku napakapikunin pa rin ni Pogi," she giggled, reaching up to poke his cheek.

Andreau sighed, accepting his defeat. Gustong-gusto niya kapag inaasar siya nito tungkol sa nakaraan nila. It was proof of how far they had come—mula sa mga tentative at unspoken feelings hanggang sa ganito na sila—standing in a souvenir shop, magkayakap na parang wala nang bukas.

"Andreau?" tawag ni Zade. Nawala 'yung teasing tone niya, napalitan ng isang boses na mas malambot at mas seryoso.

"Hmm?"

"Umamin ka nga." Zade turned around in his arms to face him. She looked up at him, scanning his face. "Nung sinabi kong...yes, I think you're worth the shot. Kinilig ka ba no'n?"

Napalunok si Andreau. Umiwas siya ng tingin. He pretended to be very interested in the display of woven placemats behind her.  His heart was hammering against his ribs, making it hard to maintain his cool facade.

"Hoy, babe naman eh!" Zade whined, tugging at the collar of his sleeveless shirt. "Parang ewan 'to, ikaw ang nag-open ng topic na 'to!"

With a heavy, defeated sigh, Andreau looked back down at her. The playful annoyance on her face melted the second she saw the emotion in his eyes.

"Kinilig?" He said it quietly. His thumb found her jaw, just below the new earring. Zade's breath hitched.

"Sobra," he said. His thumb paused at her jaw. "Zades, I'd spent the whole day trying to figure out how to talk to you without scaring you off. Then you just...said that. Out of nowhere." He let out a short, quiet exhale. "Alam mo ‘yung feeling na parang nanalo ka sa lotto? Gano’n. And then I thought, tangina, I am so screwed."

Zade stared at him with her mouth parted. A blush crept across her cheeks and down her neck. She swallowed hard, her eyes bright. 

"Ang baho mo," she whispered, using their favorite insult to cover up how affected she was. "Pasalamat ka pogi ka."

Andreau threw his head back and laughed, a loud joyous sound that echoed through the small souvenir shop. He pulled her into his chest, burying his face in her hair, and held on.

Feeling niya, nanalo na naman siya sa lotto ngayong araw.

Plano pa sana nilang mag-ikot sa kabilang side ng bayan, but as they walked out of the souvenir shop, Zade paused and looked up at the sky. The bright, blinding blue from earlier had been swallowed by thick, bruised clouds rolling in from the sea. Lumakas na rin ang hangin. May amoy na ng papasok na ulan.

"Babe, parang uulan," pansin ni Zade, her brow furrowing as she shielded her eyes. "Ang dilim na bigla."

Andreau followed her gaze, cursing the unpredictable island weather. "Yeah, we need to head back. Mahihirapan tayong tumawid pabalik sa resort kapag tumaas ang alon."

Nagmamadali silang bumalik sa rental shop para isauli 'yung motor. Just as Andreau handed the keys back at lumingon kay Zade, the sky finally broke.

Hindi ito nagsimula bilang ambon. It was an immediate, torrential tropical downpour.

Isang malaking patak ang tumama sa dulo ng ilong ni Zade. Napasinghap ito, her shoulders jumping in surprise before a bright, ringing laugh tore from her throat. "Hala! Grabe, ang lakas agad!"

Andreau didn't look at the sky. He barely registered the rain.

He only registered her.

Her face lit up. The rain plastered her dark hair to her cheeks, and her laugh cut clean through the storm.

"Tara!" Andreau yelled over the rain, acting on instinct.

He grabbed her hand. Their fingers interlocked. He pulled her into a run. They sprinted toward the docks, past puddles and tourists scrambling for cover. Zade laughed the whole way. Her hand gripped his just as hard.

Nang marating nila ang docks, nandoon na si Kuya Rey. Sumisigaw siya laban sa hangin habang tinutulungan ang captain na itali ang tarp sa ibabaw ng seating area.

"Sir Andreau! Ma'am Zade!" kaway ni Kuya Rey. "Wait lang po ng five minutes! Inaayos lang namin 'yung trapal para hindi kayo mabasa sa byahe!"

"Sige po, Kuya!" Andreau shouted back.

He pulled Zade toward the nearest shelter—a small, abandoned corrugated tin shed just off the edge of the pier. They ducked inside, the shade cutting the light down to almost nothing. The rain hammered against the tin roof.

Sila lang dalawa. Walang Kuya Rey, walang ibang turista.

Andreau stopped running, pero hindi pa rin niya binibitawan ang kamay ni Zade.

They stood there, chests heaving. Zade was still giggling. She wiped the rainwater from her eyes with her free hand.

"Grabe." She looked out at the gray sheet of rain. "Wala man lang warning."

"Island weather," Andreau murmured.

His voice sounded rougher than he intended. He finally looked down at her, and his brain—yet again—short-circuited.

They were standing close. Way too close. The shed was tiny, forcing them into a tight, intimate space. Pero hindi 'yon ang problema. Ang problema ay kung anong ginawa ng ulan sa suot ni Zade.

Zade's oversized white linen shirt was soaked. The fabric had turned translucent. It clung to her skin like a second layer. Sa ilalim, the stark black of her bikini top was on full display—the soft weight of her breasts pushed against the wet linen. The fabric followed the dip of her waist, the flat plane of her stomach.

Napalunok nang malalim si Andreau. His mouth felt bone dry kahit sobrang taas ng humidity. His own dark blue shirt was plastered to his chest, but he couldn't care less about himself.

A wet strand of hair was stuck to Zade’s cheek, curling near the corner of her mouth.

Without thinking, Andreau reached out. He brushed the wet hair away, his knuckles grazing her cold, damp cheek. He meant to pull his hand back. To be a gentleman. To remember they were in public.

But his fingers lingered. His thumb traced the line of her jaw, then settled at the pulse point of her neck. Zade froze. Her laughter died. She didn't pull away — she just looked up at him, her eyes dark and heavy.

This was a terrible idea. Being alone. This close. Her looking like this.

He could still feel the phantom sensation of her mouth on him kaninang umaga. And their agreement about just "foreplay" echoed mockingly in his head. He was a man hanging by a very thin, frayed thread.

I'm going to do something stupid, he realized. I'm going to back her up against this tin wall and finish what she started.

A sudden gust of wind blew into the shed. Zade shivered, her shoulders trembling. "Ang lamig..." she whispered.

But instead of stepping back, instead of wrapping her arms around herself, she stepped forward. Her wet front pressed against his chest.

Andreau's hands came up and settled on her waist. "Okay ka lang?" His voice was a murmur. "You're freezing."

Zade didn't speak. She just looked up at him, her dark eyes heavy and dilated, and gave a small, slow nod.

That tiny nod wrecked him.

"Baby..." he breathed.

At the exact same second, parang tumigil ang oras para sa kanilang dalawa. Alam nila kung anong ibig sabihin ng tawag na ‘yon. The teasing was over.

Kusa na lang gumalaw ang mga kamay ni Andreau. Bumaba ang mga ito sa bewang ni Zade, his grip already possessive. Walang kwenta ang suot nitong linen shorts—it offered zero barrier. Ramdam na ramdam ni Andreau ang init ng balat ni Zade radiating through the soaked fabric. His thumbs rested right at the edge of her hipbones, hinahaplos ang manipis na parte ng balat doon na walang takip.

Inilapat naman ni Zade ang mga palad niya sa dibdib ni Andreau. Her fingers curled into his wet shirt, parang doon humahanap ng lakas.

The rain faded to a dull roar. All he could hear was their breathing.

Lumapit si Andreau. Hindi na niya napigilan ang sarili niya. Napababa ang tingin niya sa mga labi nito—it was parted, and he knew Zade wasn't pulling away. She even tilted her head up. Nakapikit na ito, and he could feel her warm breath hitting his mouth. He was just a millimeter away. Isang galaw na lang, and he was going to—

"Sir Andreau! Ma'am Zade!"

Kuya Rey’s booming voice cut through the rain. "Okay na po! Pwede na tayong sumakay!"

Andreau jerked back, his chest heaving as if he had just run a marathon. Zade’s eyes flew open, wide and dazed, her pupils black.

They were both panting, staring at each other, the ghost of the almost-kiss burning between them.

Zade cleared her throat, taking a small, unsteady step back. She crossed her arms over her chest, shy, her cheeks flushed dark.

"We should..." Hindi mapakali ang boses nito. "We should go back."

Nakatitig lang si Andreau sa bibig niya. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, trying to rein back the urge na hilahin ulit ito palapit. His blood was roaring in his ears.

"...Yeah," he rasped.

Pero wala sa kanilang gumagalaw. Nananatili lang silang nakatayo doon sa loob ng madilim na shed, the rain pouring down around them. Paralyzed silang dalawa by the sheer weight of how much they wanted each other. Andreau knew that the moment they stepped out of this shed, the countdown to their return to the villa would begin—and he wasn't sure if his restraint would survive the boat ride back.

DAY 3

For a guy who had meticulously planned a four-day luxury itinerary down to the exact minute, Andreau Cortez really didn't factor in his own immune system.

He woke up on the morning of their third day feeling like he had been run over by a small truck. Mahapdi ang lalamunan niya, mabigat ang ulo, at may nanunuot na kirot sa bawat buto ng katawan niya. He let out a miserable, stuffy sneeze that echoed in the quiet villa.

Beside him, the bed shifted. Zade blinked her eyes open, her dark hair a messy halo against the white pillows. "Babe? Okay ka lang?"

"Okay lang," Andreau mumbled, his voice raspy and thick. He tried to pull her closer, seeking her warmth, but a shiver wracked his body.

Bumangon si Zade. Mabilis na nawala ang bakas ng antok sa mukha niya. She pressed the back of her cool hand against his forehead, her brow furrowing in instant concern. "Andreau, ang init mo. You have a fever."

"Wala 'to." Kontra niya. Sinikap niyang bumangon, kahit parang jelly ang mga braso niya. "May couples massage tayo today. Tapos 'yung private picnic sa Entalula—"

"Wala tayong pupuntahan." Zade's tone left zero room for argument. Her hands went flat on his shoulders and pushed him back down against the mattress. "Dito ka lang. I'm calling the front desk to cancel the spa and order room service. Gusto mo ng lugaw? O chicken soup?"

Andreau wanted to argue. He had spent hundreds of thousands of pesos on this trip. But Zade was already tying her hair into a messy bun. She reached for the villa phone, all determination, and his protests died.

God, he loved it when she took charge.

Thirty minutes later, Andreau was propped up against a mountain of pillows, a thick duvet pulled up to his chest. 'Yung aircon, hininaan na nila, at 'yung floor-to-ceiling curtains were drawn back just enough para papasukin 'yung natural Palawan sunlight into the room.

Zade walked in carrying a tray with a steaming bowl of chicken soup, a glass of water, and some paracetamol she had requested from the resort clinic. She set the tray on the bedside table and sat sideways on the edge of the mattress, facing him.

"Kain na, babe." Hinipan niya muna ang isang kutsarang sabaw bago iniabot kay Andreau.

Andreau opened his mouth and let her feed him. The warm broth felt heavenly sa mahapdi niyang lalamunan. Pero walang-wala ito sa kilig na sumasabog sa loob niya.

He was a famous actor. He had personal assistants and managers who catered to his every need whenever he felt under the weather on set. But this? Having Zade Pascual—his brilliant, beautiful girlfriend—fussing over him, chine-check ang temperature niya, at hininihipan ang sabaw niya? Ang korny man, pero ang saya lang niya.

"Sorry, Zades," he murmured after swallowing. "I ruined our last full day. Sayang 'yung picnic."

Zade rolled her eyes and scooped up another spoonful. "Wag ka ngang mag-sorry dyan." "Wag ka ngang mag-sorry dyan. Sobrang saya ko na kahapon sa yacht. Besides, hindi naman nakakagulat na nagkasakit ka. Naulanan tayo kahapon, tapos pag-uwi natin dito bagsak na tayo agad sa pagod."

Andreau frowned, sniffing. "It was just a little rain."

A teasing smile spread across Zade's face. "Kahit na. Eh paano, you were so horny these past few days. Pagod na pagod 'yang katawan mo, Francisco. Ayan tuloy, bumigay immune system mo."

Nasamid si Andreau sa tawa, which quickly turned into a cough. Tinakpan niya ang bibig gamit ang siko. "Grabe siya. Kasalanan ko bang ang hot mo sa lahat ng suot mong bikini? You were a walking temptation, Zades. I am just a weak, mortal man."

"Weak mortal man ka dyan." Zade giggled and handed him a tissue. "Uminom ka na nga ng gamot. Ang dami mong rason."

He took the paracetamol with water. Once the tray was pushed aside, sumandal si Andreau pabalik sa pillows. The stubborn side of him was flaring up again.

"Give me a few hours," he tried to negotiate, his voice still thick. "Pagpawisan lang ako, okay na 'to by lunch. We can still make it to the Entalula picnic."

Zade gave him the look. The one that usually meant he was treading on very thin ice. "Hindi tayo pupunta ng Entalula. You're burning up, Andreau."

"Sayang 'yung setup, babe," he whined softly, reaching out from under the duvet to tug at her hand. "Plus, I know you packed that white bikini specifically for that. Sayang naman kung hindi ko makikita." He wiggled his eyebrows, trying to be charming despite his stuffy nose and fever-flushed cheeks.

Zade crossed her arms over her chest, immune to his sick-puppy eyes. "Andreau Francis, umayos ka."

Andreau’s mouth clicked shut. He sank a little deeper into the pillows with a stupid, smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Putangina, Strict Zade was doing terrible, wonderful things to his heart. Bakit mas lalo siyang nai-in love dito ngayong sinisita siya nito?

Napabuntong-hininga si Zade at mabilis na lumambot ang tingin sa kanya. She reached out to brush a stray lock of hair away from his sweaty forehead. "Look, magpahinga ka na lang the whole day. Sleep it off. If your fever breaks by late afternoon, we can push through with the private dinner tonight. Doon mo na lang ako tingnan. Deal?"

"Deal." A slow, mischievous smile spread across his face. He shifted against the pillows. His arm wrapped around her waist to pull her down against his side. He knew he should just shut up and sleep, but he couldn't resist pushing his luck. "But on one condition."

Zade narrowed her eyes at him. "Anong condition?"

"Can you wear the white bikini for dinner?"

Zade stared at him, her mouth dropping open in sheer disbelief before she smacked his chest. "Andreau, oh my god! You are insatiable. May sakit ka na nga, 'yan pa rin nasa isip mo? I can't believe you are this horny, grabe!"

Napatawa si Andreau, though it immediately triggered a mild cough. "Sinusulit ko lang, babe. When would be the next time na makakapunta tayo sa beach na tayo lang?" He reached up, his thumb gently brushing against her cheek. "And honestly...I just really love seeing you confident in your skin."

He meant every word. For the past year, Andreau had watched her drown in thesis revisions, recover from appendicitis, and hide her beautiful body behind oversized hoodies and sweatpants while running on three hours of sleep and iced coffee. Seeing her here in El Nido—glowing, sun-kissed, and unapologetically sexy—was a privilege he didn't take for granted.

Zade's eyes flicked down. She was fighting a smile, though her blush gave her away. "Weh? Gusto mo lang maka-chansing eh."

"Hindi naman," Andreau laughed, his voice raspy but warm. "I mean, that’s a great bonus. But I rarely see you like this, Zades."

Zade bit her lower lip, and a shy, pleased smile broke through her strict nurse facade. She traced a random pattern on his collarbone. "Well...sayang nga naman 'yung white bikini kung 'di ko isusuot..."

Andreau groaned, his head falling back against the headboard. His imagination supplied the visual—stark white fabric contrasting against her fresh Palawan tan, hugging those heavy curves he’d been obsessed with for the past forty-eight hours. "Fuck. I think you're right. My sex drive definitely caused my fever. I can't shake off the visual of you in that white bikini now. Paano ako makakatulog nito?"

“Andreauuu!" suway ni Zade, pulang-pula ang mukha. She playfully pinched his side. "Tigil-tigilan mo na nga 'yan. May sakit ka na! Nako, sinasabi ko sa 'yo, pag-uwi talaga natin ng Manila, hindi tayo pwede mag-ano. Banned ka muna. Kailangan mong magpahinga."

Hindi man lang natinag si Andreau. He looked at her, a smug smirk on his lips. He knew her too well. "Naks." His voice was a low, teasing rasp. "Kaya mo?"

Zade opened her mouth to fire back a retort.

Nothing came out.

She closed her mouth. She opened it again. Still nothing.

Andreau watched in delight as the silence in the villa stretched out. He could practically see the gears turning in her head as the realization hit her: she probably couldn't survive a sex ban with him either.

His smirk widened into a full-blown, triumphant grin. His chest swelled with boyfriend pride.

"Can you just sleep???" Zade huffed and buried her face into the crook of his neck to hide her embarrassment.

Andreau's chest rumbled with a deep laugh. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her flush against his side. "See? You're just as horny for me as I'm horny for you, baby. Parehas lang tayo."

"Magtigil ka na diyan. Wag mo akong itulad sa ‘yo," she mumbled against his skin, though she made no move to pull away.

"Opo, Doctor Pascual."

He turned his head, pressing a kiss to her bare shoulder. Then he pulled the duvet up to cover them both, letting the steady, comforting rhythm of her breathing lull him into a fever-fueled sleep.

Iba talaga kapag motivated ang isang Andreau Cortez. He was a man who built an entire career on pure willpower, at inapply niya ang same focus na 'yon sa immune system niya.

By the time room service arrived with Zade’s afternoon merienda, ang lagnat ni Andreau, himalang nawala na. Lumabas siya ng banyo freshly showered, medyo scratchy pa rin ang lalamunan  pero ang temperature niya, back to normal na. Zade had stared at him in disbelief over her plate of pancit canton, pero a deal was a deal. She had no choice kundi i-honor ang hiling niya.

Now, sitting across from her at their private dinner, Andreau felt like he had just won the lottery for the nth time.

Zade had arranged the setup herself—a secluded, candlelit table set on a platform right at the edge of the beach, far away from the main resort. The only sounds were the crashing of the waves and the soft clinking of their silverware.

But Andreau was barely paying attention to the food or the ambiance. His eyes were glued to Zade. She was wearing a flowing brown wrap dress that tied at her waist. The V-neckline was deep enough to reveal the white strings of her bikini top, and the slit of the dress occasionally parted in the ocean breeze to show a flash of the high-cut white bottoms against her sun-kissed thighs.

It was absolute torture. It was perfect.

"Pssst, ‘yang mga mata mo, Francisco. Kumain ka muna dyan," Zade teased as she took a sip of her wine. The candlelight flickered in her dark eyes. "Iba talaga ang motivation mo para gumaling, 'no? Gusto mo lang maka-chansing eh."

Andreau laughed, leaning back in his chair and swirling the water in his glass. "I am a man of focus, Zades. Sayang ang chance. And for the record, you look incredible. Sulit ang pagpapawis ko kanina."

"Loko ka." She giggled and shook her head. "Pero buti na lang talaga bumaba ang lagnat mo. I was ready to cancel this."

"I wouldn't let you." He smiled and reached across the table to briefly touch her hand.

They fell into an easy, comfortable rhythm, talking about the food, the photos they had taken earlier, and the quiet beauty of the secluded cove. But as the dinner progressed and the plates were cleared away for dessert, Andreau noticed a subtle shift.

Biglang nag-dip ang energy ni Zade. Her bright, teasing smiles faded into something softer. More distant. Hinihimas niya lang ang rim ng wine glass gamit ang index finger. Her gaze stayed on the dark waves instead of him.

Agad na na-trigger ang protective instincts ni Andreau. "Babe?" he called softly. "What's wrong? Masakit ba ulit ulo mo?"

It took her a while to respond. Naka-focus pa rin ang mga mata niya sa tubig. Her chest rose and fell in a slow, heavy breath.

"Parang..." Halos pabulong na ang boses niya. "Parang ayoko muna umuwi."

Bumigat ang puso ni Andreau. He felt the same way. If he could buy this island and keep her here forever, malayo sa ingay ng mundo, he would do it in a heartbeat.

"I just remembered our convo sa yacht yesterday." She turned her head to look at him. Her eyes were already shining. "I knew you were somehow hurt with what I said, babe. Don't lie—huling-huli kita. Nakita ko 'yung mukha mo."

Andreau offered a small, helpless smile. Of course, she had noticed. He could never hide anything from her, no matter how hard he tried to put up a brave front.

"Gusto ko lang naman maging positive sa mga bagay-bagay." Steady ang boses niya. Her fingers tightened around the stem of her wine glass. "After being so stressed these past few months with the thesis, the embassy, the graduation...I just wanted to look forward to the good things. Pero ang bigat pa rin pala."

She let go of the glass. Her hands dropped to her lap as the first tear spilled over her lashes.

"Ayoko ng nararamdaman ko na parang may countdown," Zade sobbed, and Andreau’s chest cracked open at the sound. "I just realized ang dami ko pang gustong gawin dito. Kasama sina Mars, kasama 'yung barkada... kasama ka. I can't believe I only have a few months left before everything changes. Ngayon lang siya nagsi-sink in sa 'kin, Andreau. Ngayon lang talaga."

Parang huminto ang mundo ni Andreau. He wasn't alone. Kahapon, halos mabaliw siya sa isiping siya lang ang malungkot sa pag-alis nito. Feeling niya ang selfish-selfish niya kasi habang si Zade ay excited na makasama ang mommy niya, siya naman ay binibilang na ang bawat minutong mawawala ito sa kanya. Pero he was wrong. She was just as terrified, just as heartbroken as he was.

"Zades..."

He didn't think twice. He pushed his chair back, rounded the small table, and went straight to her. He dropped to one knee right there on the wooden deck.

"Hey," he whispered, taking her hands away from her face. "Baby, look at me."

Zade sniffled, keeping her head bowed. "Ano ba 'yan." A wet, self-deprecating laugh escaped her. "Ang pangit-pangit ko pag umiiyak eh.”

"That’s not true," Andreau said. His thumbs wiped the tears from her cheeks. "You're always beautiful. Zades, look at me."

She lifted her head slowly. Her eyes were red-rimmed, all her careful composure gone.

Andreau exhaled a long breath. He let his forehead rest against hers. Nararamdaman niya ang panginginig ni Zade.

"I’m scared, Andreau."Her voice broke. "Paano pag nandoon na ko? Paano pag sobrang layo ko na?"

Ipinikit ni Andreau ang mga mata niya, breathing through the ache in his throat. “God, Zades...I’m terrified too." His voice was thick with something he usually kept buried. "Kung alam mo lang."

Zade pulled back just enough to look at him, her eyes shimmering and dark with unshed tears. “What? Pero nung nasa yacht tayo... you were so cool about it. Sabi mo pa mabilis lang ang six months."

Andreau let out a hollow, self-deprecating laugh. "Because I was faking it. I couldn't be the one to panic. I thought I had to be the anchor, look like I was ready."

He reached up, his large hands framing her face, his thumbs gently wiping the fresh tears from her cheeks. The physical contact was the only thing keeping him grounded.

"But when you said it was only a few months... All I could think was, 'How am I supposed to wake up every morning for six months without you beside me?' I didn't think I could survive that."

Tinitigan niya ito, framing her features with a possessiveness that he couldn't hide even if he tried.

"You’re the strong one in this relationship, Zades. I’m scared to death of being that far away from you, but I’ll endure it because I know how much you’ve waited for this. Matagal niyong hinintay ni Tita George ‘to,” he vowed, his voice breaking just a fraction. "But listen to me, babe. Sabi mo nga, New York is just a place. It’s not where your world ends. I’m where you belong. And I am coming for you."

"Do you mean it?"

"Every word," Andreau confirmed. "Six months, eight months, a year? Whatever it takes, susunod ako sa ‘yo. I’m not leaving you alone on the other side of the world, okay? Just wait for me, Zades. Because I’m not stopping until we're together again."

“Promise mo ‘yan ha?”

Andreau said nothing. He simply stood and pulled her into his arms, holding her tight. Zade clung to him, face buried in his neck. He stroked her hair and pressed a soft kiss to her temple, his own eyes stinging as they stood together in the dark.

In his head, hindi na ito basta countdown para maghiwalay. It was just a countdown until their next chapter in New York starts. But for now, he just wanted to hold her like he’s never letting go.

Ang bigat pa rin ng atmosphere after dinner. Parang nakabitin pa rin sa pagitan nila ang lahat ng iniyak nila kanina—'yung takot sa New York, 'yung kaba sa LDR. That kind of vulnerability doesn't just go away. Bumaon na siya sa buto nila, and it morphed into this desperate need to be close. Just close.

They walked back to their private villa in a silence that was anything but empty. The moment the heavy wooden door clicked shut, humarap sa kanya si Zade. Medyo namumugto pa yung mata niya, mapula pa sa paligid, pero ang tingin niya? Tangina, napalakas ang tibok ng puso ni Andreau. Wala na ang lungkot. Napalitan na ng isang tahimik pero determinadong init.

"Swim tayo?" tanong nito, paos pa rin ang boses.

Napalunok si Andreau. Biglang natuyo ang lalamunan niya. "Sige. Magbibihis lang ako."

Mabilis siyang nagpalit ng dark board shorts. Paglabas niya sa deck, mainit pa rin ang hangin ng gabi pero ang balat niya, parang kinukuryente. He was trying to steady his breathing nung narinig niyang bumukas ang sliding glass door.

Lumingon siya…and his brain just shut down.

Zade stood in the moonlight wearing a white two-piece bikini. It was stark against her sun-kissed skin. 'Yung mga tali, hapit na hapit sa mga curves na kabisadong-kabisado na niya, pero pakiramdam niya, ngayon niya lang ulit nakita nang ganito.

Tangina, he thought, his pulse thrumming in his ears. 'Yung sakit mula kaninang dinner, nandoon pa rin, pero nag-transform na into a sharp, aching urgency. He didn't just want her. He needed to be anchored to her. Para hindi siya tangayin ng kahit anong kaba.

“Zades.”

She didn't say a word. She just gave him a shy, small smile bago dahan-dahang lumusong sa tubig. The moment she submerged, the white fabric went sheer. Napasinghap si Andreau. He could see the dark peaks of her nipples, the shadow of her body. He looked—he couldn't not look—pero mabilis niyang hinanap ang mga mata nito. He needed the connection more than the view.

Dahan-dahan siyang bumaba sa pool, the water rising his chest until he reached her. His hands found her waist under the surface, drawing her toward the edge of the pool.

"Wow." His gaze was locked on her face. "Ang ganda mo, Zades. Sobra."

Sabi ko sa 'yo may surprise pa ako." She reached for his shoulders.

Andreau moved slowly. His hands slid from her waist upward and cupped her breasts over the wet fabric. He didn't squeeze. He just held her. He could feel the weight of her in his palms.

"Ang ganda mo," ulit niya, mas mahina na ngayon. He wasn't talking about the bikini. He was talking about the girl who was brave enough to cry with him and then look at him like this.

He ducked his head, his mouth closing over her breast through the wet fabric. 

"Andreau—" Napasandal ang ulo ni Zade sa edge ng pool.

He took his time. The wet fabric was a barrier he enjoyed—it made every sensation indirect and agonizing. He worked the cloth with his tongue until he felt her shift, then he pulled back, letting the cool air hit the soaked peak. He watched her shiver.

"Was that okay?" bulong niya. "Tell me if it's too much."

Umiling si Zade, her eyes glazed. "No. Move it. I want to feel you."

Nanginginig ang mga kamay ni Andreau habang hinahawi ang tela. He leaned in and took her into his mouth.

Zade gasped, her hips pressing forward. 

"Oh my god, Andreau," she gasped. “I want—I want to feel more of you.”

Tumigil muna si Andreau. He pulled back with a soft, wet pop. "Yeah? How do you want me, baby? I did my research, but I think I'm forgetting everything because you're looking at me like that."

Zade let out a breathless laugh, covering her face sa sobrang hiya. “You’re unbelievable! Nag-research ka pa talaga?”

“Of course, baby. I want to be good for you,” sabi niya, his voice low and steady habang dahan-dahang inaalis ang kamay nito sa mukha. He leaned back in, swirling his tongue over the sensitive peak.

"Talk to me, Zades," he coaxed against her skin. "Tell me what that feels like. Kasi ako, feeling ko mamamatay ako sa sarap just holding you. Tell me you like it."

"I love it." She sobbed quietly. "God, baby, it feels so good. Don't stop."

"I'm never stopping," he promised. "God, you're perfect. It’s not fair."

"Andreau..." She whimpered, her hips bucking against him. "Suck mo pa. Please."

The raw demand snapped the last thread of his composure.

"Putangina." Andreau moaned. He took her back into his mouth. The rhythmic, wet sounds echoed over the quiet water.

Zade went still. Her fingers tangled in his damp hair. “Baby…” She looked down at him, her eyes glazed. “Can you…I want to feel you. Please. Can you use your fingers?”

Tinitigan niya ito for a beat. His chest was heaving. "Yeah." He nodded. "Okay."

He lifted her out of the pool, dumudulas ang basang balat nito laban sa kanya, then marahan niya itong inihiga sa padded lounge chair. Lumuhod siya sa pagitan ng mga hita nito at nanginginig na hinawi ang mga tuhod niya. "Okay?"

Zade nodded, and he eased her bottoms off. Andreau didn't rush. Idiniin niya ang palad niya sa gitna nito, feeling her heat. His thumb found her clit and rubbed in slow circles.

"Just relax," he murmured. "I'm going to take care of you."

Zade shifted, a soft sound escaping her. "Andreau... please...More."

He coated his index finger and pressed the tip against her. He pushed in slowly. He stopped. Zade went rigid. A sharp breath. Her body closed around him.

Andreau stilled instantly. Whatever hunger had been driving him a second ago narrowed into something sharper, more protective. He started to pull back. "Masakit ba? Tell me."

"No!" Her hand found his wrist. "Just... give me a second. Don't move yet. Dyan muna. Please."

Andreau's jaw tightened. The restraint was killing him, but he wouldn't budge until she was ready. He leaned forward and brushed the wet hair from her eyes.

"Okay, baby," he whispered. "I'm right here. Breathe for me."

While his index finger stayed still inside her, his thumb went back to her clit. He moved steadily and watched her come back to herself.

“Okay ka lang?” tanong niya ulit.

“Y-yes. Move now. Please.”

Nang maramdaman niyang relaxed na ang katawan nito, Andreau pushed his finger deeper. Shallow and tentative lang ang bawat galaw niya, hyper-aware sa bawat twitch ng muscles ni Zade.

"Sarap?" A teasing smile tugged at his lips. “Sagad ko pa?”

"Yes," she breathed. "Please, Andreau. I want more."

“More? Kaya ba ng baby ko?” A lopsided smile appeared despite the intensity of the moment. “Isa pa nga lang, halos hindi ka na makahinga. Are you sure you can handle more?”

“Andreau, please…I want to cum. Stop teasing.”

"Hindi pa ba enough 'to?" He picked up the pace. His thumb never left her clit. "You're getting so wet, baby. I think one is enough for now, right?"

“Fuck…Andreau please, isa pa. I need to feel full. Baby, please.”

Andreau exhaled, shaky and defeated. He coated his middle finger and pressed it in beside the first, carefully.

"Tangina, Zades." His forehead dropped to her knee. He paused, letting her adjust. "You're so fucking hot. Sana dati pa natin ginawa 'to."

Andreau remembered the mechanics of what he'd read, but the reality was so much more overwhelming. He pushed his fingers deep and curled them. They pressed against the front wall.

Zade made a sound he'd never heard—a high, sharp cry that vibrated through his arm. Her whole body went rigid. Her legs pressed hard against his sides.

"Andreau! What—what was that?" She grabbed his wrist. Her knuckles went white. "Do that again. Exactly like that."

Andreau kept going with steady, hooked pressure. He leaned close to her ear. "I've got you, Zades. I'm right here holding you. Just let go."

"Fuck, Andreau...please, don't stop." Her voice was getting thinner. Her hips moved in time with his hand, chasing the sensation.

"Slowly, baby." His voice was thick. "Don't move too fast. Let my fingers do it for you. Just feel it."

He leaned down. His mouth found her breast again to anchor her. He kept the rhythm steady—mouth, thumb, fingers—until he felt the first tremors of her release.

"Andreau! Fuck," Zade cried out. "I'm close—!"

"Okay lang," he murmured against her skin. "I've got you. I'm not going anywhere."

She came apart quietly, a long, shaking exhale. Her whole body went tight, then melted into the cushions. He felt the pull of her against his fingers. Something intimate enough to blur his vision. He didn't move until her breathing leveled.

Andreau was close himself—had been for a while—but the sight of her looking so wrecked and peaceful was enough to keep him steady. He pressed his forehead to her hip, breathing through the ache in his own body.

Slowly, he eased his fingers back. Zade watched him, her eyes wide and soft, as Andreau brought his fingers to his mouth. He tasted her, his eyes never leaving hers.

"Fuck," singhap ni Zade, her face flushed.

He smiled. "Ang sarap mo talaga, baby. Always."

Zade laughed, reaching out to brush his wet hair back. "Next time," she whispered, "you can clean me up, too. To return the favor. Use that research of yours."

Andreau laughed, his head dropping back as he looked up to the sky. "Tangina, Zades. Don’t tease me. That's literally my favorite fantasy. I'll spend hours down there if you let me."

Zade pulled him up, and he collapsed onto the lounge chair beside her. He pulled her into his arms, their damp limbs tangling. Her head rested on his chest, and he draped his arm securely around her waist, pulling her flush against his side.

"Are you okay?" His fingers traced patterns on her hip.

Zade looked up at him, the moonlight catching her contented smile. "I'm more than okay." She touched his chest, her expression turning serious. "Andreau...about earlier. At dinner."

Andreau’s hand stilled. "Yeah?"

"I meant what I said," she whispered. "I'm terrified of New York. The distance, the countdown... it's scary. But I'm not terrified of us. Not anymore. I know we'll make it."

Andreau exhaled—a long breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. He cupped her cheek. His thumb traced her skin.

"We're going to figure it out, Zades." He meant it, and he wanted her to hear that he did. "I don't care how many flights I have to take. I'm not losing you. You're it for me. Alam mo naman 'yun, 'di ba?"

Zade’s eyes went bright. "I know. You're it for me, too."

Andreau smiled and leaned down. He pressed a soft kiss to her lips. "Good." His voice was a murmur. "Now, let's rest for a bit before we go back inside. We have a lot of research to catch up on tomorrow."

"Ewan ko sa 'yo! Napaka-bastos mo talaga." Zade laughed. She snuggled closer into his warmth. The night air was getting cooler, but the heat between them was a constant, steady hum.

"Andreau?" she called out softly after a moment of silence.

"Yeah?"

"Mahal kita. Sobra. Thank you for this trip."

Andreau tightened his hold. He pressed his face to her temple. Coconut, sea—the scent of her. "Mahal din kita, Zades. Kahit na binaliw mo ako rito sa El Nido...it was worth every second. We really need to come back here often."

Zade laughed and hid her face in his chest. He pulled her closer and listened to her breathing slow down. He didn't think about New York. He just thought about how lucky he was. Exactly where he wanted to be.

DAY 4