Chapter 2

Nakatitig lang si Federico sa umiilaw na caller ID ng telepono niya. His thumb hovered over the green icon with a mix of utter disbelief and sheer amusement. "Is she serious? Tumawag talaga siya ulit?"

Across the massive desk, Rafa didn't just look amused—halatang-halata na sobrang nag-e-enjoy ito. The pure exhaustion from a grueling three-hour budget briefing seemed to evaporate from his posture instantly. Agad na iginawad ni Rafa ang kamay nito, gesturing aggressively toward the phone. His eyes were gleaming with a mischievous spark na madalas na ikinapupuyat ng buong Press Secretary team tuwing may public appearance ang Pangulo.

"Answer it, Fed," utos ni Rafa, lowering his voice into an eager, conspiratorial whisper. "Put it on speaker. Gusto kong marinig kung paano mag-panic ang isang mamamayan dahil sa bank account habang nasa Malacañang."

Inirapan lang ni Federico ang Pangulo, pero hindi rin naman niya napigilang mapangiti. He swiped the green icon and tapped the speaker button before placing the phone right in the middle of the desk.

"Good afternoon, Malacañang records and inquiries section. This is Federico Davino," he said smoothly, effortlessly switching into his polished, professional government tone.

Isang mabilis na static ang narinig sa kabilang linya, followed immediately by a sharp, horrified gasp na halos yumugyog sa buong high-ceilinged office.

"Oh my God. Federico?" hysterical na sigaw ni Jarima sa kabilang linya. Unfiltered, raw, at halos wala nang pakialam sa decorum. "Jusko, ikaw talaga 'yan? Sabi kasi ng receptionist ire-transfer daw niya ako sa official na humahawak ng public concerns! Hindi ko naman alam na ikaw agad 'yung sasagot!"

Napatakip agad ng bibig si Federico para lang pigilan ang nagbabadyang tawa. Beside him, Rafa threw his head back, letting out a completely silent, breathless laugh habang hawak-hawak ang sariling tiyan sa sobrang tuwa.

"Yes, Jarima, it's me," sagot ni Federico, trying his absolute best to keep his tone steady. "Is everything okay? Don't tell me na-block ka na nang tuluyan ng bangko mo?"

"Hindi lang na-block, Federico! I think they want me dead!" sagot ni Jarima sa kabilang linya. Matinding ingay ng busina at usok ng kalsada ang maririnig sa background, confirming na nakatayo ito sa tabi ng main road sa ilalim ng tanghaling tapat. "Pumunta ako sa main branch nila! The teller looked at my account, typed something for two minutes, and then calmly told me na flagged daw 'yung account ko for 'suspicious activity' dahil sa glitch ng server upgrade nila!"

"A systemic glitch?" ulit ni Federico, leaning over the desk.

"Yes! A glitch! Tapos alam mo ba kung kailan pa daw maaayos?!" Hindi man lang siya naghintay ng sagot. "Three to five business days! Three to five! My landlord is literally going to evict me by 3 pm! Makikita mo na lang ako bukas sa balita, nakatira na sa karton sa tabi ng Pasig River!"

Hawak-hawak na ni Rafa ang mukha niya habang alog nang alog ang mga balikat sa tawa. He reached out, tapping the edge of the phone with a long finger, quietly mouthing to Federico: Ask her about the landlord.

Mabilis na tinampal ni Federico ang kamay ng Pangulo. "Calm down, Jarima. Pinaliwanag mo ba sa landlord mo 'yung nangyari?"

"Federico, my landlord eats tenants for breakfast," reklamo ni Jarima, her voice dropping into a dramatic whisper. "Sinabi ko na sa kanya! Ang sabi lang sa 'kin, 'Business is business, Hija. Kapag wala pang transfer ng 3 pm, mag-impake ka na.' I am literally standing outside a convenience store eating a split-second decision waffle dahil hindi ko man lang makuha 'yung pera ko para bumili ng maayos na tanghalian!"

Biglang tumahimik ang paligid sa loob ng malaking silid. Federico’s amused expression slowly softened into something warmer, laced with real sympathy. Narinig niya ang tunay na takot at pagod sa boses ni Jarima sa kabila ng magulo nitong kuwento. Hindi lang ito basta nag-o-overreact, talagang ginigipit ito ng pagkakataon.

"Where are you right now?" tanong ni Federico, his voice naturally softening into a tone na sobrang protective at nakakapagpakalma.

"Sa may San Miguel area. Malapit lang sa coffee shop kanina," halos mawalan na ng lakas na buntong-hininga ni Jarima. "Naisip ko kasi, baka may portal order or official helpline process 'yung government para sa bank complaint assistance. Sinubukan ko lang ulit tumawag sa hotline niyo kasi wala na talaga akong maisip na ibang gagawin. Pasensya ka na ulit, Federico. Abala na naman ako sa trabaho mo."

Tumingin si Federico kay Rafa. The President’s playful smirk had faded slightly, replaced by a subtle, observant focus habang pinapanood ang reaksyon ng kaibigan.

"You're not a distraction, Jarima," Federico said gently, his eyes holding a distinct warmth. "Look, give me twenty minutes. Don't eat any more questionable waffles. Ako na ang bahalang gumawa ng paraan para sa 'yo."

"Ha? Paano? Huwag mo nang abalahin sarili mo—"

"Just trust me," Federico interrupted softly. "Stay where you are. Babalikan kita agad."

"...Okay. Thank you, Federico. Hulog ka ng langit."

"Anytime," bulong nito bago pinindot ang screen para tapusin ang tawag.

Ang katahimikang sumunod sa loob ng silid ay napakabigat. Federico stared at his phone for a moment before looking up at the President.

Rafa was leaning back in his executive chair, arms crossed over his chest. Hindi mabasa ang mukha nito pero ang mata nito ay napakataimtim na nakatitig sa kaibigan.

"You're really going to help her," pahayag ni Rafa. It wasn't a question; it was a clear observation.

"I have a contact at the Bangko Sentral," paliwanag agad ni Federico habang tumatayo at isinasaayos ang buttons ng kanyang suit jacket. "A quick call to their consumer protection desk can expedite her bank's internal review within the hour. Pasok naman 'to sa standard consumer grievance handling protocol."

Napatango nang mabagal si Rafa, letting out a short, quiet hum. "Consumer grievance handling. Right."

"What?" kunot-noong tanong ni Federico habang kinukuha ang kanyang tablet.

"Nothing," Rafa replied smoothly, though a subtle, unreadable flick of emotion passed through his eyes. Pinapanood niya ang kanyang pinakamatalik na kaibigan—a man who was usually calm, calculated, at kailanman ay hindi nagpapasok ng personal na buhay sa oras ng trabaho openly bend his entire schedule para lang sa babaeng tatlong oras pa lang nitong nakikilala. "Love at first sight?"

Natigil si Federico, his fingers tightening slightly around his tablet. Hindi siya nagkaila. Instead, a genuine, fond smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "She's... real, Rafa. Walang pretensions. She didn't care about my title, at talagang lumalaban lang siya para makatawid sa araw na 'to. That's rare around here."

Hindi agad nakasagot si Rafa. Staring at Federico, naramdaman niya ang matinding katapatan sa boses ng kaibigan. A strange, unfamiliar sensation flared in the dark corners of Rafa's chest—hindi basta selos, kundi isang mabilis at matalim na pakiramdam ng pangungulila. Federico could simply walk out of Malacañang right now, meet her at a park, buy her a decent meal, and be her savior.

Habang siya? Rafa was completely trapped inside a gilded cage of security protocols, cabinet schedules, at napakaraming expectations ng buong bansa. He couldn't just walk out to buy a woman a warm lunch.

"Go ahead," Rafa finally said, forcing his voice back into its light, dry tone. "Fix her bank account, Romeo. Siguraduhin mo lang na nakabalik ka na rito bago mag 2 pm para sa Security Council."

Natawa lang si Federico habang patungo sa pintuan. "Thanks, Mr. President."

Nang lumapat ang p***o at tuluyang maiwan nang mag-isa si Rafa sa napakalaking silid, dahan-dahan itong nagpakawala ng isang malalim na buntong-hininga. Nakatitig lang siya sa bakanteng pwesto sa mesa kung saan nakapatong ang telepono ni Federico kanina.

Jarima Carvajal.

Tumayo si Rafa, adjusting the cuffs of his crisp white dress shirt. Lumakad siya at lumapit sa floor-to-ceiling glass window na nakaharap sa malawak na hardin ng Palasyo. The city stretched out beyond the perimeter gates—maingay, magulo, at walang kaalam-alam sa taong nakatitig sa kanila mula sa itaas.

Dahan-dahan niyang itinap ang mga daliri sa salamin habang isang biglaang ideya ang nagsimulang mag-ugat sa isip niya.

"Why should Federico have all the fun?" bulong niya sa sarili, a slow, dangerous grin spreading across his face.

Pagkaraan ng apatnapung minuto, Jarima was sitting on a concrete bench sa ilalim ng lilim ng isang malaking puno sa may gilid ng parke. Kumakalam na ang tiyan niya pero sobrang tindi ng kaba niya para makaramdam ng gutom.

Nang biglang nag-vibrate ang telepono niya.

Halos mapatalon siya mula sa bench, answering the call without even checking the screen. "Federico?"

"Good afternoon, ma'am," isang hindi pamilyar, sobrang lalim at malamig na boses ng lalaki ang sumagot sa kabilang linya.

Napatitig si Jarima sa screen. Unknown number. Mabilis niyang ibinalik ang phone sa tainga niya, her eyebrows knitting together in total confusion. "Ah, hello po? Sino po ito?"

"This is the Office of the President," the voice replied, smooth as velvet, dripping with an effortless authority na awtomatikong nagpatuwid sa upo ni Jarima. "I am calling regarding your escalated banking grievance."

Halos lumabas ang puso ni Jarima sa dibdib niya. Jusko po, panibagong government official na naman?

"Ah! Yes po!" nauutal niyang sagot habang hawak ang phone gamit ang dalawang kamay. "Naku, sir, kinausap ko na po si Federico kanina—si Mr. Davino po! Sabi niya po inaayos na niya—"

"Mr. Davino is currently tied up in an urgent senior briefing," pagsisinungaling ng lalaki, though a faint, teasing warmth hummed beneath his heavy words. "I was assigned to personally oversee the immediate resolution of your case. I believe your name is Jarima Carvajal?"

"Opo! Opo, ako po!" mabilis na tango ni Jarima kahit wala namang nakakakita sa kanya, her voice trembling slightly. "Sir, pasensya na po talaga kung na-escalate pa sa inyo! Ayaw ko lang po talaga mapalayas ng landlord ko!"

A low, soft chuckle vibrated through the speaker. Isa iyong tunog na napakalalim at napakasarap pakinggan na biglang nagdulot ng panlalamig sa likod ni Jarima.

"There's no need to apologize, Miss Carvajal. The Bangko Sentral has already intervened. Your bank's regional director personally processed your account override five minutes ago. Your funds are fully cleared, and your transfer to your landlord has been successfully posted."

Napahinto sa paghinga si Jarima.

Mabilis niyang binuksan ang kanyang banking app gamit ang kabilang kamay. Gone was the glaring red banner. Sa halip, isang peaceful green checkmark ang sumalubong sa kanya.

TRANSACTION SUCCESSFUL

"Oh my God," napasinghap si Jarima, her eyes instantly brimming with tears of relief. Napatawa siya nang patagilid bago tuluyang sumandal sa sementadong upuan. "Gumana... Gumana na! Sir, maraming-maraming salamat po! Hulog po kayo ng langit!"

"Just doing my civic duty," the man replied smoothly. "Though I must admit, your 'President President' incident created quite a stir in our department."

Awtomatikong nag-init ang buong mukha ni Jarima sa sobrang hiya. Napahawak siya sa sariling noo, groaning softly in public. "Sir! Please, nakikiusap ako sa inyo, kalimutan niyo na 'yung sinabi ko! Hiyang-hiya na talaga ako kay Federico at sa inyong lahat diyan!"

"Why should we forget it?" tanong ng lalaki. His tone subtly shifted—hindi na katulad ng isang seryosong opisyal, kundi parang isang taong sobrang lakas ng loob na nang-aasar lang. "It's not every day a citizen brightens up a boring Monday in government. You're practically a legend in the office now, Jarima."

Lumiit ang kanyang mga mata, her natural, feisty side popping up through her humiliation. "Sir, pinaglalaruan niyo ba ako? Government official ba talaga kayo o professional mang-aasar?"

Tahimik ang kabilang linya sa loob ng dalawang segundo.

Biglang napasinghap sa gulat si Jarima dahil sa kaniyang nasabi, clapping her hand over her mouth. Tanga mo talaga, Jarima! Baka mataas na opisyal 'yan ng bansa! Baka ipakulong ka niyan!

"Sorry po! Joke lang po! Huwag niyo po ako ipa-subpoena!" mabilis niyang bawi sa kabilang linya.

Isang malakas na tawa ang narinig niya sa kabilang dulo ng linya—unfiltered, bright, and infectious. "I like you, Jarima. You have spirit."

Napalunok si Jarima, her heart pounding against her chest for a completely different reason now. The man’s voice was dangerously magnetic. It carried a strange weight, an undeniable gravity that commanded attention even while making fun of her.

"Sino po ba kasi kayo?" tanong niya nang mahinhin, her curiosity finally winning over her fear. "Kaibigan din po ba kayo ni Federico sa opisina?"

On the other end of the line, standing on a private, heavily guarded balcony overlooking the entire capital, Rafa leaned casually against the railing. Pinapanood niya ang mga sasakyan sa ibaba habang may isang napakadelikadong ngiti sa kanyang mga labi.

"Something like that," bulong ni Rafa.

"Anong position niyo po doon? Baka pwede ko po kayo padalhan ng thank you coffee o pastry bukas?" malambing na alok ni Jarima.

Rafa’s smile broadened. He tapped his fingers lazily against the cool metal railing. "You don't need to send anything. But if you really want to thank me..." He paused, letting the silence stretch long enough to make her breath catch. "...save this number. And answer when I call."

Kusa na lang natuyo ang lalamunan ni Jarima. "Sino po muna itatanong ko kapag tinawagan ko 'yung number na 'to?"

Rafa chuckled softly, his voice dropping into a low tone that sent a sudden shiver straight down her spine. "Just ask for Rafa."

"Rafa?" ulit nito, completely oblivious. "Kasamahan po kayo ni President Villareal?"

Rafa looked out at the skyline, taking a slow, deep breath.

"You could say that," bulong nito.

Bago pa man makapagtanong ulit si Jarima, heavy footsteps echoed across the grass right behind her.

"Jarima!"

Napalingon agad si Jarima.

Walking quickly toward her was Federico, hawak-hawak ang dalawang iced coffee at isang brown paper bag mula sa isang kilalang bakery. He looked slightly breathless, his tie subtly loosened, his eyes locking onto hers with visible relief and warm affection.

"Federico?" gulat na usal ni Jarima, the phone still pressed tightly against her ear.

On the line, narinig agad ni Rafa ang boses ng kaibigan sa background. The President’s casual posture instantly stiffened, his playful smile fading into something intensely focused, sharp, and competitive.

"Is that Davino?" mahinang tanong ni Rafa sa telepono.

"Ah, yes po, Sir Rafa," pabulong na sagot ni Jarima sa receiver habang pinapanood ang paglapit ni Federico. "Dumating na po si Federico. Ibababa ko na po 'to—"

"Don't tell him I called you," utos agad ni Rafa, dropping all playfulness from his tone. It carried a quiet, absolute authority that made Jarima’s hand freeze in mid-air.

Napatitig si Jarima sa wala, completely confused. "Po? Bakit po—"

"Just a small secret between us, Jarima," sambit ni Rafa, the teasing warmth returning to his voice just as fast as it had vanished. "Enjoy your lunch."

Biglang namatay ang linya.

Nakatitig lang si Jarima sa screen ng kanyang telepono sa matinding pagtataka, her mind spinning with a hundred unanswered questions. Sino ba talaga 'yung Rafa na 'yun?! At bakit ayaw niyang malaman ni Federico?

"Hey," Federico said warmly, stopping right in front of her bench. Inabot niya ang isa sa mga iced coffee habang may nakakahalinang ngiti sa mga labi. "Sorry I took so long. I had to sneak past security to get these pastries. Did your bank transfer go through?"

Tumingin si Jarima sa mainit at nakagagaan ng loob na mga mata ni Federico, then down at her phone where the mysterious "Rafa's" number was now saved.

"Ah... yes," pilit na sagot ni Jarima, her heart beating wildly inside her chest. "Gumana na, Federico. Thank you."

Federico sat down beside her on the bench, so close that his shoulder lightly brushed hers, completely unaware of the call that had just taken place.

And miles away inside Malacañang Palace, President Rafael Villareal slowly slid his phone into his pocket. Humarap siya sa kanyang secret service detail with a sharp, lethal smirk that spelled clear trouble for everyone in his inner circle.

The game had officially begun.