5. In a relationship

I stared blankly at my computer screen, the fluorescent office lights overhead seeming to hum in sync with the monotony of my thoughts. It had been two weeks since I'd started my first "real" job, and the excitement of being a newly-minted adult had worn off faster than I'd expected.

As I sipped my lukewarm coffee, I couldn't help but think about how different this was from what I'd envisioned. I'd always thought that being a working adult would be liberating, empowering - the ultimate symbol of independence. But the reality was far from glamorous.

My days were filled with endless meetings, tedious paperwork, and the constant pressure to meet deadlines. My creativity was stifled, my free time was nonexistent, and my social life had been reduced to awkward small talk with coworkers around the watercooler.I felt like I was losing myself in the process, like I was just another cog in the corporate machine.

Where was the passion, the excitement, the sense of purpose I'd once felt? I couldn't help but wonder: was this really what I'd worked so hard for? Was this really what being an adult was all about?

My superior handed me the papers I'd worked tirelessly on for days, her expression stern. "Revised this," she said curtly. I took the papers, trying not to show my frustration. As an Account Payable Analyst at a prestigious accounting firm in Bonifacio Global City, I'd grown accustomed to her demanding nature.

"Okay, Ma'am," I replied politely, despite feeling a surge of annoyance. She had a reputation for being short-tempered, and I'd often found myself on the receiving end of her criticism.

My coworker, who'd been with the company for a year, whispered to me as I walked back to my desk. "Init na naman ng ulo," she said, shaking her head.

She was one of the few people brave enough to stand up to our superior. I raised an eyebrow, curious. "Baka may dalaw?" I asked, wondering if our superior's bad mood was due to personal issues.

My coworker chuckled and teased, "Wala lang love life kaya ganiyan." I couldn't help but laugh along with her. But when she asked if I was single, I surprised her by revealing I was in a relationship.

Her eyes widened in shock, and she exclaimed, "Ah so 'yung lalaking sumusundo sa 'yo lagi is your boyfriend?" I nodded, and she looked stunned.

"Gagi, kala ko kuya mo," she said, making me raise an eyebrow.

Did Jarred and I really look like siblings? Most of our friends thought we made a great couple.

My coworker wouldn't let up, teasing me about my boyfriend. "Potential crush pa naman siya," she said with a grin. I shrugged her off, trying to focus on my work. She was a bit eccentric, but her humor was entertaining.

But she just kept going. "Mas bagay kayong dalawa," she said, and I looked at her in confusion. "I'm Kiraz, Jarred and I went to high school together," she explained. I nodded, still unsure where she was going with this.

"Okay??" I said, trying to wrap up the conversation.

But Kiraz just smiled mischievously. "Cold mo naman, pero swerte ka, mahilig ako sa cold. Kaya you are my friend now," she said, and I couldn't help but laugh at her quirky charm.

I typed out a text to Jarred, my frustration and exhaustion evident in my words. "I'm tired na." It was our lunch break, but I had no appetite. All I wanted was to see him.

Miss ko na bebe ko eh.

Jarred's response was immediate. "Have you eaten your lunch, babe?"

Though our careers took us to different corners of the world - him shaping young minds in a Special Education classroom, and me navigating the corporate landscape in an office - our love remained the constant that bridged the gap. We made every effort to steal away moments together, our bond growing stronger with each passing day

I confessed my lack of appetite, and Jarred's concern was palpable. "Why? Eat your lunch na." He probed, sensing that something was amiss. I revealed my superior's behavior, and Jarred swiftly offered a solution.

"Let's have lunch together, I'll pick you up."A smile spread across my face as I read his message. Jarred had a way of calming my frustrations, of making me feel seen and heard. I typed out a response, my heart filled with gratitude.

"Alright, love."

I'm so glad you're here," I said, exhaling a sigh of relief as Jarred sat down beside me.

"Of course, I wouldn't miss our lunch break for the world," he replied, smiling as he wrapped his arm around me.I leaned into him, feeling a sense of comfort wash over me.

"Today has been a nightmare. My superior is breathing down my neck, and I have a ton of paperwork to get through."Jarred listened attentively, his expression sympathetic.

"That sounds incredibly stressful. Can't your superior see that you're already overwhelmed?"I shook my head.

"She doesn't care. All she's concerned about is meeting deadlines and making a good impression on the higher-ups."Jarred pulled me closer, his voice soft.

"You're doing great, despite all the stress. Remember, it's just a job - it doesn't define your worth."I smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude toward him.

"Thanks, love. Just talking to you makes me feel better."He smiled back, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Anytime, my love. Now, let's grab some lunch and forget about your superior for a while."

As we started our lunch, Jarred turned to me with a thoughtful expression. "Baby, have you given any more thought to our future plans?"I nodded, a smile spreading across my face.

"Actually, I have. I was thinking that maybe we could start saving up for a house."Jarred's eyes lit up.

"I'm really looking forward to our future together," he said, snuggling closer to me.

"Me too," I replied, wrapping my arms around him.

"I've been thinking a lot about what I want in life, and I keep coming back to the same things: a happy family, a successful career, and a lifetime of adventures with you."

"That sounds perfect to me," I said, smiling. "I want all of those things too. And I've been thinking about what kind of adventures we can have together."

"Oh yeah? Like what?" Jarred asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Well, I've always wanted to travel the world," I said. "I want to see all the famous landmarks, try all the different foods, and experience all the different cultures."

"That sounds amazing," Jarred said. "I'm definitely up for that. Where do you want to go first?"

"Hmm, hirap mag decide," I said. "Maybe Japan?

"Japan sounds like a great choice," Jarred said. "Pwede tayo sa, Tokyo, Kyoto, and all the other famous cities. And we can try all the delicious foods, like sushi and ramen."

"I'm getting excited just thinking about it," I said, laughing.

"Ako din," Jarred said, smiling. "We'll make it happen, I promise. And who knows, maybe one day we'll even have a little one to take with us on our adventures."

"I'd love that," I said. "But only if they promise not to embarrass us in public."Jarred chuckled.

"Deal! And speaking of embarrassing, I have a confession to make."

"What is it?" I asked, curious."I've been practicing my dad jokes for when we have kids," Jarred said, grinning mischievously.I groaned.

"Luh???? nagiging corny na siya."Jarred laughed.

"Hey, someone's got to keep the dad joke tradition alive! And I'm just getting started. Want to hear one?"I hesitated for a moment before nodding.

"Okay, pero pag 'yan napaka corny, I'm blaming you for ruining our romantic moment."

Jarred cleared his throat. "Here goes: Why did the mushroom go to the party?"

"I don't know, why?" I asked, playing along.

"Because he was a fun-gi!" Jarred exclaimed, bursting into laughter.I rolled my eyes good-naturedly.

"That's so corny."Jarred grinned.

"Hey, I told you I've been practicing! And don't worry, I'll keep working on my joking skills."I smiled, feeling grateful for Jarred's silly sense of humor.

"I'm looking forward to it."As we sat there, laughing and joking together, I knew that our future was going to be filled with love, laughter, and adventure.

Our dates were always a masterclass in simplicity, yet oozing with romance. We'd sit together, hands intertwined, and dream up our future. Every plan, every aspiration, every hope was woven together with the thread of our love.

In a world where grand gestures and public displays of affection often stole the spotlight, our love story unfolded with quiet elegance. We didn't need expensive restaurants or lavish gifts to prove our devotion. Instead, our hands crafted tokens of love - a heartfelt poem, a tender song, a handmade trinket that spoke directly to the soul.

Some might have mistaken our understated love for boredom, but they couldn't have been more wrong. Our connection ran deep, a rich tapestry of shared moments, laughter, and tears. We chose practicality over pretence, our love guided by principle rather than public perception.

In his eyes, I saw a love that didn't demand proof. He never made me feel like I had to surrender my body to validate my emotions. He didn't reduce me to mere obligation, a means to fulfill his needs. Instead, he offered me a sanctuary of acceptance, a space to be vulnerable, to be me. When my hormones raged like a tempest, he stood by me, a steadfast anchor. He let me be emotional, never trying to calm the storm or dictate how I should feel. He simply weathered it with me, his presence a reminder that I wasn't alone.

As I walked back into the office, my coworker greeted me with a cheerful "Sana all may ka lunch date" She was still beaming with her signature bright smile and bubbly personality.I raised an eyebrow, playing along.

"Is that not allowed?" I asked with a hint of sarcasm. She burst out laughing and playfully nudged me.

She sighed, her expression turning slightly wistful. "Bitter lang ako. My proposal got rejected... again."My curiosity piqued, I asked, "Anong connect nun sa date ko?" She looked at me, surprised.

"This isn't about work, it's about..."

She took a deep breath. "I proposed to someone three times, and he rejected me each time."My expression softened in sympathy. She quickly added, "Don't pity me. I'm used to his rejections."

Then, out of nowhere, she dropped a bombshell. "At least he didn't reject me when I applied to work at his company."My jaw dropped.

"You mean...?"She panicked, realizing what she had just revealed.

"No, no, no! I'm not dating the CEO! That's impossible! He said I'm not his type..."She rapidly fired off explanations, then hastily excused herself, leaving me stunned and speechless.

As I stepped out of the office building, the warm sun on my skin was a welcome respite from the chaos of the day. I couldn't wait to leave the stress of work behind and unwind.The conversation with my coworker still lingered in my mind. Her unexpected confession about proposing to the CEO had left me reeling.

I couldn't help but wonder what had really gone down between them.I shook my head, pushing the thoughts aside. It wasn't my business, and I had my own problems to worry about.

As I walked home, the evening air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the sound of children's laughter. It was moments like these that reminded me of the beauty in everyday life.I opened the door to my apartment, kicked off my shoes, and let out a deep sigh.

Finally, I was home.I spent the next hour soaking in a warm bath, letting the tension melt away.

I sent a quick message to Jarred, letting him know I was home. "I am home na," I typed, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.

Jarred's response came almost immediately, and it made me smile. "Get rest, I know you are tired, love," he said, his words filled with concern and affection.

I felt grateful for his thoughtfulness and loving nature. I began my daily night routine, feeling more relaxed and at ease knowing that Jarred was thinking of me.

As I lay in bed afterwards, I felt my eyelids growing heavy.It had been a long day, but as I drifted off to sleep, I knew that tomorrow would bring new challenges and opportunities. And I was ready to face them head-on.

I woke up to the sound of my alarm blaring in my ear. I groggily reached over to turn it off and sat up in bed, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. It was just another typical Monday morning, and I had a long day ahead of me.

After getting dressed and ready for work, I headed to the kitchen to grab a quick breakfast before heading out the door. I lived alone in my cozy apartment, but I always looked forward to seeing my boyfriend, Jarred, after work.

The traffic was terrible, as usual, but I didn't let it get to me. I listened to music and sang along, getting myself pumped up for the day ahead.

When I arrived at the office, I was greeted by my coworkers, who were all chatting and laughing. We exchanged morning pleasantries, and then I headed to my desk to start my workday.

The day flew by in a blur of meetings and deadlines. Before I knew it, it was time to head home and get ready for my date with Jarred.

We had planned a romantic dinner at a new restaurant in town, and I was excited to try it out. I spent a bit of time getting ready, trying on different outfits and doing my hair and makeup.

When Jarred arrived at my doorstep, he looked handsome as always, and we exchanged sweet kisses before heading out to dinner. The restaurant was cozy and intimate, with soft music playing in the background. We were shown to our table, and we spent the next few hours enjoying a delicious meal and each other's company.

As the night drew to a close, Jarred walked me back to my condo and gave me a sweet goodnight kiss. "I love you," he said, looking into my eyes.

"I love you too," I replied, feeling my heart swell with emotion.

The rest of the week flew by in a similar blur of work and dates with Jarred. We went to the movies, tried out a new coffee shop, and even took a weekend trip to the beach.

Before I knew it, Christmas was just around the corner. The office was decorated with lights and a tree, and everyone was in a festive mood.

Jarred and I had planned a special Christmas celebration, complete with a trip in bataan. I couldn't wait to spend the holiday with him and make some special memories.

As I sat at my desk on the last day of work before the Christmas break, I felt grateful for the wonderful year I had had. I had a loving boyfriend, a great job, and amazing friends. What more could I ask for?

Kiraz asked me, "Sa'n ka sa Pasko?"

I replied, "Pa-Bataan kami ni Jarred"

She nodded, then pouted and said, "Sana all!!!"

I couldn't help but laugh at her dramatic expression. I was getting used to Kiraz's quirky personality, and I had to admit, I was starting to enjoy her company.

I packed up my things and headed home, feeling excited for the holiday ahead. I couldn't wait to see Jarred and celebrate Christmas together.

I busied myself packing for our Christmas getaway, when my phone buzzed with an incoming message from Jarred. "I am on my way, Love."

My heart skipped a beat at the promise of his arrival, and the excitement that came with it.Six months of hard work had flown by, and we'd decided to reward ourselves with a festive Christmas break in Bataan.

The thought of spending the holiday with Jarred filled me with joy, and I couldn't wait to explore this new destination together.Just as I was carefully folding my clothes, another message from Jarred popped up on my screen. "Anyways I prepared a list of nice spots and must-try foods in Bataan."

I couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm, his love for planning and organizing our adventures together.I continued packing, my hands moving with renewed energy as I envisioned the memories we'd create in Bataan. This trip marked a milestone for us - our first vacation together - and I was determined to make it unforgettable.

As I zipped up my luggage, a thrill of anticipation coursed through my veins. The next few days promised to be a delightful blur of laughter, discovery, and togetherness. And with Jarred by my side, I knew that every moment would be infused with love and magic.

Just as I was about to call Jarred to ask where he was, he pulled up in his car, a bright smile spreading across his face. "Hey, beautiful!" he exclaimed, jumping out to help me with my luggage.

I grinned, feeling a rush of excitement as he assisted me into the passenger seat. "Hey, handsome," I replied, playfully rolling my eyes.As we hit the road, bound for the airport, I reached for the music player and started our favorite playlist.

The melodies filled the car, and we both began to sing along, our voices blending in perfect harmony."All I'm asking, could it possibly be you and me?" I crooned, my eyes locking onto Jarred's as he drove.

He smiled, his gaze flicking to mine before returning to the road. "So if you'd still go, I'll understand," he sang, his deep voice complementing my own.

I continued the lyrics, our voices dancing together. "Would you give me something just to hold on to?" The music wove a spell around us, transporting us to a world where only we existed.

Singing was our thing - our special bond that brought us closer with every note. We'd belt out tunes in the living room, in our bedrooms, at restaurants, cafes, or even in the car. Music was our love language, a way to express the emotions that words alone couldn't convey.As we drove, the music swirling around us, I felt Jarred's hand reach for mine. Our fingers intertwined, and I knew in that moment, we were exactly where we were meant to be - together, with our love song playing in the background.

As we stepped into our hotel room, I couldn't contain my excitement. "Bab, ang ganda!" I squealed, my eyes scanning the cozy space.

We'd be calling this place home for the next three days, and I couldn't wait to explore every nook and cranny.The room was perfect - two single beds, a balcony with a breathtaking view, a television, a plush sofa, and a small coffee table for two. It was intimate, yet respectful of my boundaries.

Jarred smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You like it?" he asked, his voice low and husky.

I flung my arms around his neck, pulling him close. "I love it," I exclaimed, planting a kiss on his cheek.

"Thank you, and I love you."His arms wrapped around me, holding me tight.

"I'm glad you love it, and I love you more," he whispered, his breath sending shivers down my spine.As we pulled back, I settled onto one of the beds, feeling grateful for Jarred's thoughtfulness. He'd deliberately booked a room with two beds, respecting my principle of preserving my body until marriage. He knew it wasn't easy, but he was willing to fight the temptation, and I adored him for it.

"Sa'n tayo unang pupunta?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.Jarred's eyes sparkled.

"Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar."I gasped, my excitement soaring.

"I remember you liking that historical fiction book," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "The one where the main character travels back in time for a mission... You fell in love with history and historical places because of that book. That's why I added Las Casas to our itinerary."

My heart swelled with love and gratitude. Jarred knew me so intimately, remembered every detail, every story, every rant. He always put me first, and it was moments like these that made me fall even deeper in love with him.

As we stepped into Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, I couldn't help but gasp in wonder. "Wow!" I breathed, my eyes drinking in the sights and sounds of a bygone era. The Philippines in the Spanish era was even more breathtaking than I'd imagined.The surroundings were serene, with elegant ancestral houses and lush greenery transporting me to a different time.

"Kulang nalang mag suot tayo ng baro't saya ay parang nasa year 1892 na tayo," I exclaimed, feeling as though I'd stepped into a historical novel.Jarred chuckled and squeezed my hand, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"We can do that, if you want," he teased, his right hand holding mine while the other carried my bag.

I laughed, feeling a little self-conscious. "I am just joking," I said, but Jarred just smiled and gently pinched my cheek.

As we strolled through the complex, I felt like I was walking on air. We explored the historical houses, marveling at the beautiful interiors.

"Para akong isang Binibini na naghihintay sa kaniyang Ginoo," I said, leaning against a window and soaking up the ambiance.

Jarred grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Stay like that, babe. You look great in that pose; I'll take your picture."I struck a pose, feeling like a true Binibini, and Jarred snapped away, capturing our special moments together. We took plenty of photos, each one a treasured memory of our time in this enchanting place.

As we explored Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, I was struck by the meticulous preservation of our country's history. The complex was a treasure trove of memories, with each ancestral house and cobblestone street whispering stories of the past.

We caught a small play, a poignant reenactment of Sisa searching for her children, a heart-wrenching scene from Dr. Rizal's iconic novel, 'Noli me Tangere'. The performances were captivating, transporting us to a bygone era.

But what truly stole the show was the food. Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar boasted an array of restaurants, each offering a unique culinary experience. We chose to dine at Cafe Del Rio, nestled in the picturesque Casa Santa Rita, with its al fresco seating by the serene Umagol River.

As we savored our dinner, I couldn't help but rave about the Beef Salpicao and Bagnet Kare-Kare. "This was the best kare-kare I ever tasted," I exclaimed, still savoring the flavors.

Jarred chuckled and gently reminded me to eat slowly. "Eat slowly, miloves." He took a tissue and tenderly wiped the side of my lips, his touch sending shivers down my spine.

"I enjoyed it a lot, thank you, babe," I said, smiling up at him. He patted my head, encouraging me to continue eating.

As we lingered over our meal, Jarred suddenly said, "Mama and Tita will love this place." I gazed at him with adoration, my heart swelling with love.

"Pati rin 'yung mga food, ma-e-enjoy ng mga kapatid mo at mga kapatid ko," I replied, envisioning our families gathered together, sharing laughter and stories.

Jarred smiled, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Next time, dadalhin natin sila dito." I nodded enthusiastically, already looking forward to our next adventure together.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, I turned to Jarred with a contented sigh."I'm so grateful for this trip, babe," I said, my eyes shining with happiness.

"Today was perfect."Jarred smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it, babe. I had an amazing time too."

We walked hand in hand back to our hotel room, the evening air filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers.As we changed into comfortable clothes, I turned to Jarred with a mischievous grin. "love, why don't we sleep in the same bed tonight? It'll be cozy."Jarred's expression turned serious, and he shook his head.

"I don't think that's a good idea, babe. We've talked about this before."I pouted, feeling a little disappointed.

"But why not? It's just sleeping."Jarred's eyes locked onto mine, his gaze burning with intensity.

"Because I want to respect your boundaries, and I don't want to tempt fate. We've made a commitment to wait, and I want to honor that."My heart swelled with love and admiration for Jarred's conviction.

"I love you for that," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.Jarred smiled, his eyes softening.

"I love you too, babe. More than anything."As we settled into our separate beds, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for this man who loved me with such honor and integrity. And I knew that our love would only continue to grow stronger with each passing day.