MasukThe First "Boyfriend"It was Sunday morning.The sun shone brighter than it had in the past few days.But for Maeve...Her smile was even brighter.Ever since she and Keiv officially became a couple, everything seemed lighter. They weren't always together because of their own responsibilities, but a simple "Good morning" when she woke up was enough. A simple "Have you eaten yet?" and "Take care." was enough to make her entire day.Today...There was something she wanted to do.Something she wanted to tell her parents.Sitting in the small living room of her unit, she tapped the video call button.A few seconds later...Her mother's familiar face appeared on the screen."Sweetheart!"Then her father peeked into the frame from behind her."Oh! Why do you look so happy today?"Maeve laughed."It's nothing.""Liar."The couple answered in unison.Maeve scratched the back of her head."Oh no...""Was it that obvious?""Of course!"Aling Cora laughed."I'm your mother.""I always know when
The "Yes" Worth Saving ForSeveral days passed after they confessed their feelings to each other.They no longer hid their smiles.There was no longer any need to pretend that nothing had changed.Whenever they crossed paths on campus...Their greetings came naturally.Walking side by side became natural.Even Bea's constant teasing became part of their routine."Oh, wow.""Why are you five steps apart?""Are you really a couple, or is he your bodyguard?"Keiv could only scratch the back of his neck awkwardly.Meanwhile, Maeve laughed."Would you keep your voice down?""I'm just excited!" Bea replied."It's not every day I get to watch a real-life love story."The two of them could only shake their heads.But even though they already belonged to each other in their hearts...Something was still missing.And Keiv knew exactly what it was.That evening...Keiv sat quietly at the small table inside his condominium unit.A calculator rested in his hand.Beside it lay the envelope containi
One Table, Two HeartsIt was Sunday.At last, the day had come when they no longer had to worry about event proposals, committee meetings, rehearsals, stage designs, or reports waiting to be submitted. After nearly two weeks of nonstop preparation for Buwan ng Wika, the entire Bulacan State University finally seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.And for the first time...Neither Maeve nor Keiv had an alarm to chase.Maeve slept in longer than usual. When she woke up, it was already almost nine in the morning. She stared at the ceiling with a gentle smile."I don't have to rush today..." she whispered.She stayed in bed for a few more minutes before finally getting up. She decided to go out for a while. She wanted to enjoy a cup of hot coffee and read a book. Just one day with nothing to worry about.Meanwhile...In the neighboring unit...Keiv sat quietly on the sofa, holding a mug of black coffee.He wasn't used to this kind of silence either.Back then...His Sundays had always been
The entire Bulacan State University campus came alive early that morning.Not because there was an exam.Nor because of a surprise quiz.But because the day everyone had been waiting for had finally arrived.Buwan ng Wika.From the university's main gate alone, colorful banderitas fluttered on both sides of the pathway. Students walked proudly in Barong Tagalog, Filipiñana, Maria Clara, and modern Filipino-inspired attire. The quadrangle was filled with elaborate booths from every college, showcasing exhibits on Philippine history, literature, culture, and indigenous arts.The atmosphere was vibrant.A kundiman echoed from the main stage.A group of students practiced the tinikling dance nearby.Teachers smiled as they took photos of their students.The entire university felt like one grand festival.And in the middle of it all...Maeve was busier than anyone."Let's check the registration table again!""Everything's ready!""Where are the certificates?""They're backstage already!""
CHAPTER 18: The First Time He Admitted It to Himself The entire unit was still shrouded in darkness when Keiv slowly opened his eyes at first, he couldn't make out the ceiling above him. Nor could he immediately remember why his head felt so heavy. He closed his eyes again for a moment. A dull ache throbbed against his temples. "...Beer." He muttered softly as memories from the previous night slowly returned—the bowl of Ginataang Pakbet, their long conversation, his refrigerator filled with nothing but bottled water, and the two cans of beer they had shared. He let out a quiet sigh. "You're really terrible at drinking Keiv..." he laughed at himself. He was about to get up when he felt an unfamiliar weight beside him on the bed. He turned his head and froze. Maeve was fast asleep. She was lying on her side, hugging a small throw pillow. A few loose strands of hair covered her forehead. One of her hands dangled over the edge of the bed, and the only sound filling the room was her
A Bowl of Ginataang PakbetThe condominium was unusually quiet that evening.After a long day of preparing for the upcoming Buwan ng Wika celebration, the students gradually returned to their respective units. The once lively hallway was now filled only with the soft hum of the air conditioner and the occasional footsteps of residents heading home.As soon as Maeve entered the unit, she noticed a white sheet of paper slipped underneath the door.She frowned."What's this?"She picked it up and read it.NOTICEDear Residents,We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by the temporary arrangement of sharing units among some tenants. At the moment, there are still no available vacant units. We kindly ask for your patience and understanding while we work to resolve the situation.Thank you.— ManagementMaeve let out a sigh."So... it's going to take even longer."She scratched the back of her head."Oh well..."She carefully pinned the notice onto the small corkboard beside the







