Pagising ko kinabukasan, ang unang bagay na tumakbo sa isip ko ay si Ash. I couldn’t help it. After the events of yesterday, everything felt like a dream come true. Hindi ko pa rin ganap matanggap na magkasama kami now, officially, as in boyfriend-girlfriend na. Yesterday was perfect, but today—today was just as good.I rubbed my eyes, stretching as I sat up in bed, and glanced at my phone. I was half-expecting a message from Ash, and I wasn’t disappointed.Good morning, Maya. I hope you slept well. How about we grab breakfast together later?I smiled at the simplicity of it. It wasn’t grand or overly romantic, but it was just right. It felt real.Good morning, Ash. I did, thanks. Breakfast sounds perfect. See you in a bit?A few minutes later, he replied.I’ll pick you up in 30. Don’t keep me waiting.I chuckled. That was Ash, playful and direct. I stood up from the bed and started getting ready. It was strange, but in the best way possible, I felt a little lighter. I had nothing to
Isang linggo na ang nakalipas mula nang maging official kami ni Ash, at honestly, I couldn’t remember the last time I’d felt this content. Parang ordinaryo lang, pero hindi—everyday with him felt special, in the simplest ways possible. Wala nang grand gestures, but it was in the little things—like how he'd always check on me in the morning or how we'd send each other random memes throughout the day. It was becoming a routine, and I was loving it.I woke up early this Saturday, the sunlight peeking through the blinds of my room, and reached for my phone. I smiled the moment I saw the message from Asher.Good morning, Maya. How’d you sleep?I couldn’t help but smile at his simple message. I replied quickly.Good morning! Slept well, thanks. How about you?I waited for his reply, savoring the few quiet minutes before my day officially began. Minsan lang akong maging morning person, but with him, I was looking forward to starting the day right. Parang natural lang na may taong magmamagand
It’s been a month since we officially became a couple, and things were starting to feel... right. Hindi ko alam kung anong magic meron kami ni Asher, pero araw-araw, it just felt like we were getting closer. Everything was falling into place, and kahit na medyo may mga moments of uncertainty, parang lahat ng obstacles na dumarating were just part of the process. Every day was better than the last, and I couldn't help but feel like I was exactly where I was supposed to be.Today was a typical Saturday, pero this time, I had a feeling it would be a bit different. Ash had hinted the night before na meron siyang plano for us today, and I was honestly curious kung anong meron. I wasn’t the type to get all hyped up over surprises, pero with him, I couldn’t help but feel a little excited.As I sat at my kitchen counter, sipping my coffee, I checked my phone for messages. True enough, there was a text from Ash. Good morning, Maya. I know you probably have no idea what’s going on, but trust m
A few more weeks had passed since that perfect day at the park. Ngayon, ang relationship namin ni Ash seemed to be falling into a natural rhythm. We’d settled into a comfortable routine—hanging out after work, texting in the mornings and before bed, random date nights, and sometimes, even doing nothing but sitting in silence, just enjoying each other’s company. I still couldn’t get over how easy everything was between us. Wala nang awkwardness, wala nang pretense. It was just… us.But today, there was a certain excitement in the air. Ash had been texting me all morning with hints about a surprise he had planned, and I was getting curious.I’ll pick you up at 7. Wear something nice, but not too fancy. We’re going somewhere special tonight.I smiled to myself while reading his message. I wasn’t used to this kind of attention, this kind of thoughtful planning. I used to think that love had to be dramatic and loud, full of grand gestures and endless declarations. But with Ash, everything
It was the weekend, and Ash had invited me to a birthday party hosted by one of his business associates, a prominent figure in the tech industry. He had casually mentioned it the week before, but I wasn’t expecting the level of formality involved. I had heard a lot about these high-society gatherings before—glittering events filled with executives, politicians, and other influential people. I wasn’t exactly comfortable in those circles, but I was excited to be spending the evening with Ash, who promised to keep me grounded in the chaos.“I promise, it won’t be that bad,” he assured me when I expressed my nerves earlier in the day. He had even gone so far as to pick out my outfit—an elegant navy blue gown with subtle silver embroidery that made me feel like I was stepping into a different world. Ash was already dressed in his usual impeccable style, looking every bit the CEO he was, but with a kind, warm smile that made him approachable despite the polished persona. “You look stunning
The night had started off so perfectly. After the tension with Victoria, I’d managed to shake off the discomfort and focused on enjoying the rest of the evening with Ash. We danced, we laughed, and I even felt a little bit more at home in the sea of well-dressed strangers. Ash was, as always, a calming presence beside me. But deep down, I couldn’t shake the feeling that tonight wasn’t over. Not yet.The soft murmur of conversations filled the large ballroom as we made our way through the crowd, Ash keeping a protective arm around me. We stopped to talk to a few more of his colleagues, and I was starting to feel more relaxed when, suddenly, the atmosphere shifted.I felt a chill that cut through the warmth of the room. I didn’t know why, but the air felt different, heavier. It wasn’t until I heard the high-pitched voice that I understood why.“Maya! What are you doing here?”Victoria.I didn’t even need to turn around to know it was her. The voice was unmistakable. I turned slowly, my
As we made our way out of the party, my heart still racing from the encounter with Victoria, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. It was over. Or so I thought. Ash’s hand was a steady comfort in mine, and we walked towards the car, the cold night air refreshing after the suffocating tension in the ballroom.“Thank you for having my back,” I murmured, looking up at him, feeling the weight of the evening slowly lift.“Always,” Ash replied, squeezing my hand gently. “I’m sorry you had to deal with her tonight.”I shrugged, trying to push away the feeling of frustration that still lingered. “I can handle her. It’s just… sometimes I wonder why she’s still in the picture. She doesn’t know when to back off.”Ash’s jaw tightened slightly, but he said nothing more as we reached the car. The driver opened the door for us, and we slid into the backseat. I leaned against Ash, taking comfort in his presence, letting myself relax as the car started moving through the quiet streets. But just as I
The past few days had been… complicated, to say the least. Ever since that party, Victoria had been like a persistent shadow, constantly lurking around, trying to get under my skin. I tried my best to ignore her—after all, I had Ash, and that was all that mattered. But Victoria seemed determined to make my life as difficult as possible. I had a feeling she wasn’t just trying to win Ash back. She was trying to prove something. And unfortunately, I was the target.It was late afternoon when I got the first message. Victoria: Are you sure you know what you're getting into, Maya? I just don't want you to be another one of Ash's distractions. You deserve more, you know. But, if you're okay with playing second fiddle, that's on you.I stared at the screen for a moment, trying to keep my cool. But the more I read it, the more I felt my blood boil. Second fiddle? Distraction? I had been nothing but genuine with Ash, and yet here she was, trying to undermine me at every turn.I thought about
One Year Later Maya adjusted the hem of her elegant yet comfortable white dress as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. It was a simple yet stunning piece—soft, flowing fabric that accentuated her curves without being too extravagant. She never imagined she’d wear something like this again, not after the last time she dared to believe in forever. But this time, everything felt different. This time, it was real. A soft knock on the door broke her thoughts. Ava peeked in, her hazel eyes shining with excitement. "Girl, ready ka na ba? Or are you still having your signature ‘Maya overthinking moment’?" Maya let out a soft laugh. "I’m ready." And for the first time in a long time, she truly was. Ava grinned, stepping fully into the room, holding a bouquet of white peonies—Maya’s favorite. "Good. Kasi hindi na makapaghintay si Ash sa labas. Para siyang batang binilhan ng bagong laruan. Halatang kabado pero sobrang excited." Maya’s heart swelled at the thought of him. Ash.
Habang naghahanda si Maya para sa dinner date nila ni Ash, hindi niya mapigilang makaramdam ng konting kaba. Sa bawat galaw niya—pagpili ng damit, pagsusuot ng makeup, at pagkumpuni ng buhok—may halong excitement at nerbyos. Matagal na rin siyang hindi masyadong lumalabas ng ganito. Ngunit si Ash? He was different. Iba ang dating niya—kalmado pero intense, matalino pero humble, at higit sa lahat, totoo. "Ava," tawag ni Maya habang nagsusuot ng simpleng pearl earrings. "Okay na ba ‘to? Hindi naman masyadong formal, ‘di ba?" Naglakad si Ava papunta sa kanya at sinuri siya mula ulo hanggang paa. "Girl, you look hot. Pero ‘yung tanong talaga, ready ka na ba?" Napatingin si Maya sa salamin. Sa isang banda, handa siyang harapin si Ash, handa siyang malaman kung saan talaga patungo ang kanilang relasyon. Pero sa kabilang banda, natatakot pa rin siya. What if hindi pa rin niya kayang pagkatiwalaan ang pag-ibig? "Hindi ko alam," aminado niyang sabi. "Pero malalaman ko mamaya." --
Maagang nagising si Maya kinabukasan, puno ng energy mula sa gabi nila ni Ash. Habang nagtitimpla ng kape, napatingin siya sa cellphone niya, nagbabasakaling may message mula kay Ash. Nang makita niyang may notification, isang ngiti ang gumuhit sa labi niya. Ash: Good morning, beautiful. Hope you have a great day ahead. Coffee na ba? Hindi napigilan ni Maya ang kilig habang mabilis na nag-reply. Maya: Of course, nauna pa nga yata ako sa’yo. Busy day ahead, pero worth it after last night. You? Agad namang nag-reply si Ash. Ash: Meetings as usual, but I’ll survive. By the way, I booked us dinner for Saturday. It’s a surprise.Napangiti si Maya. Isa na namang bagay na aabangan. ---Samantala, nasa opisina na si Ava, sinusubukang mag-focus sa trabaho. Pero sa totoo lang, nag-e-echo pa rin sa utak niya ang sinabi ni Julian kagabi. “I can’t ignore how I feel anymore.” “Ava, ano ba?” bulong niya sa sarili habang binabasa ang report sa harap niya. “Focus. Work first, emotions la
Sa pagsisimula ng umaga, abala si Maya sa pag-aayos ng kanyang apartment. Hindi niya maikakaila ang excitement na nararamdaman. Sa kabila ng pagiging abala sa trabaho, hindi niya mapigilang maglaan ng oras para sa nalalapit nilang date ni Ash ngayong gabi. “Relax, Maya,” bulong niya sa sarili habang inaayos ang mesa. “It’s just dinner. Nothing too fancy.” Pero sa totoo lang, hindi lang ‘just dinner’ ang tingin niya rito. Lahat ng moments nila ni Ash ay parang espesyal, parang laging may kakaibang magic. ---Sa kabilang banda, si Ash ay nasa NovaSpire, nagtatapos ng ilang importanteng meeting. Bagama’t focus siya sa trabaho, hindi maiwasang magpunta ang isip niya kay Maya. “Sir Ash,” tawag ng assistant niya. “The board wants to finalize the budget proposal for the new SoulLink update.” Napabuntong-hininga siya pero ngumiti. “I’ll look into it tomorrow. Make sure Julian and Ava are looped in for any revisions.” Habang palabas ng opisina, iniisip niya ang sinabi ni Ava tungko
Ang huni ng umaga ang gumising kay Maya. Bumangon siya mula sa kama, pinagmasdan ang sikat ng araw na tumatagos mula sa kurtina. Hindi na niya kailangan ng alarm clock sa mga ganitong araw; sapat na ang liwanag na pumuno sa kwarto niya at ang init na hatid nito sa kanyang puso. Ngunit ngayong araw na ito, may kakaiba siyang nararamdaman—hindi takot, hindi alinlangan, kundi pag-asa. Pag-asa na dala ng mga pagpiling ginawa niya nitong mga nakaraang buwan. Habang naghahanda, nakatanggap siya ng mensahe mula kay Ash. Ash: Good morning. See you later?Maya smiled at the simplicity of his text. Diretso, walang paliguy-ligoy, pero ramdam niya ang sincerity ng bawat salitang kanyang binibitawan. Maya: Good morning. I’ll see you later. Coffee’s on me this time.---Sa kabilang banda, si Ash naman ay nagmamadaling nagbibihis sa kanyang penthouse. Sa kabila ng abalang schedule bilang CEO ng NovaSpire, sinigurado niyang maglaan ng oras para kay Maya. Hindi na siya katulad ng dati—yung Ash
Maya sat quietly on the couch, staring out of the window. The soft, golden light of the late afternoon bathed the room, making the whole place feel warm and cozy. Sa kabila ng lahat ng nangyari, naramdaman niya na unti-unting bumabalik ang kanyang lakas. May mga sandali pa rin ng pagdududa, pero sa bawat araw na lumilipas, natututo siyang tanggapin ang mga pagkatalo at tagumpay. It wasn’t about perfection anymore—it was about finding peace with herself and the choices she made.It had been a few days since their dinner, and everything seemed to be slowly falling into place. Ash, despite his responsibilities at NovaSpire, had been nothing but present in her life. It was easy to see that he was as invested in their relationship as she was. And for once, Maya felt no hesitation, no fear of abandonment. Hindi na siya natatakot na baka siya'y iwan, hindi na siya natatakot na masaktan. Maybe it was because she finally believed in herself, and because she believed in him."Hey, are you okay?
Habang si Maya at Ash ay patuloy na nagsasama sa kanilang mga bagong hakbang sa buhay, may mga pagkakataon na ang mga simpleng bagay ay nagiging dahilan para magtulungan at magbukas ng mga pinto para sa mas malalim na koneksyon. Sa kabila ng kanilang mga takot, mga tanong, at mga hindi inaasahang sitwasyon, natutunan nilang tanggapin ang bawat isa, pati na rin ang kanilang mga imperpeksiyon.Isang linggo matapos ang kanilang getaway, umuwi sila sa kanilang mga routine. Ash, na balik sa NovaSpire at sa mga makukulit na meetings, at si Maya, na patuloy na abala sa kanyang mga proyekto sa kumpanya. Ngunit kahit abala, natutunan nilang makahanap ng oras para sa isa't isa. Ang isang simpleng dinner date ay naging ang pagkakataon nila upang magbalik-tanaw sa mga nangyari at planuhin ang mga susunod na hakbang."Alam mo, Ash, ang mga simpleng sandali na ito, kaya ko na ngayong tanggapin," sabi ni Maya, habang binabaybay nila ang kalsada patungo sa isang maliit na restaurant na paborito nilan
Ang mga araw ay patuloy na dumadaan at para kay Maya, natututo siyang tanggapin ang lahat ng aspeto ng kanyang buhay. Dati-rati, lagi siyang nagmamadali, laging abala sa mga plano at mga bagay na kailangang tapusin. Pero ngayon, natutunan niyang huminto sandali at maglaan ng oras para sa mga bagay na mahalaga—para kay Ash, para sa kanilang relasyon, at higit sa lahat, para sa kanyang sarili.Isang umaga, habang nag-aayos siya ng mga dokumento sa opisina, nakatanggap siya ng mensahe mula kay Ash. Ang simpleng mensaheng iyon, na nagsasabing "Good morning, Maya," ay nagbigay ng ngiti sa kanyang mukha. Hindi na siya nagmamadali, hindi na siya natatakot. Kasi alam niyang kahit anong mangyari, nandiyan si Ash upang samahan siya.Nakatagilid siya sa mesa, pinagmamasdan ang cellphone habang iniisip ang mga tanong na patuloy na bumabagabag sa kanya. "Paano ba talaga ito magiging?" tanong niya sa sarili. Marami siyang mga pangarap at plano, pero hindi niya kayang ipagpaliban ang mga bagay na na
Ang umaga ng araw na iyon ay puno ng mga pag-aalala. Habang umuupo si Maya sa kanyang desk, hindi maiwasang mag-isip tungkol sa mga susunod na hakbang. Ang trabaho, pamilya, at ang relasyon nila ni Ash ay nagiging mas kumplikado. Sa kabila ng lahat ng ito, may isang bagay na hindi kayang burahin ni Maya sa kanyang isipan—ang mga tanong tungkol sa hinaharap nila ni Ash.Nagdaang linggo, marami na silang napag-usapan ni Ash, mula sa mga plano para sa kumpanya hanggang sa mga personal nilang pangarap. Pero ang tanong ng "paano kung?" ay patuloy na bumangon sa bawat desisyon na ginagawa nila.Habang hawak ang kanyang cellphone, si Maya ay nag-aalangan kung tatawagan si Ash o hindi. Gusto niyang malaman kung ano ang naiisip nito, kung handa ba silang magtulungan sa mga bagong hamon. Ngunit bago siya nakapag-desisyon, tumunog ang telepono niya. Si Ash. “Good morning, Maya,” sabi ni Ash, ang boses nito ay malambing at maasahan. “Are you okay? I know you’ve got a lot on your plate lately.”M