Grabe, it's already midterm week. Time really flies when you're drowning in review materials and endless exams.

It's been a whole week since I last saw Kirvie — our schedules have been packed with back-to-back study sessions — pero kahit ganun, lagi pa rin siya nagbibigay update sa akin kung nasaan at ano ang ginagawa niya.

But honestly, miss na miss ko na siya.

"Hayst!" I sighed deeply, my frustration escaping in a heavy breath.

"Ang lalim 'nun ah?" Xyra teased from beside me, clearly amused by my dramatics.

"Miss ko na siya," I admitted, my voice soft and sincere.

"Wala akong narinig," she said, her tone dripping with mock bitterness.

"Told you, jowaan mo na yung isa niyang friend," I shot back with a playful smirk.

Her face scrunched in disgust. "Hindi ako katulad mo, tirador ng mga mas bata," she retorted, clearly bitter about her own single status.

"Bitter ka lang," I laughed, and we both burst out laughing together.

Seriously, it's just a one-year age difference, di ba?

She stood up, and we both headed out of my room. Today was exhausting — exams back to back since morning, tapos may pa-three-hour review pa later. I was craving something sweet to lift my spirits, so instead of hanging out sa cafeteria, we left the school campus and went straight to the nearest Dunkin.

Honestly, we deserved this. Plus, I missed eating donuts so much.

"Let's hang out this Friday, since that's our last exam na," Xyra suggested enthusiastically.

I nodded. "Sino nagsabi?" I asked.

"Inah," she replied with a grin. "Deserve ko na rin ng pahinga."

"Pahinga sa biceps niya," I teased. "Sa mundong nakakapagod sa biceps niya ang pahinga!"

She immediately made a disgusted face—si Xyra talaga, bitter kasi wala siyang jowa.

While sipping my drink, my phone rang. Kinuha ko agad at tiningnan kung sino.

It's my mom.

Xyra glanced at me expectantly. I sighed deeply before deciding to pick up.

"Mom," I greeted.

"[You'll go home later tonight,]" she stated plainly. "[Walang kasama ang kapatid mo, aalis kami ni Daddy mo.]"

"Okay po," I answered reluctantly.

I really don't want to go home now. I hate it there sometimes, but I don't have a choice. Besides, they can't bring my brother with them because he has classes, and I know he wouldn’t agree to leave school just to travel with our parents.

"Ano sabi?" Xyra asked after I ended the call.

"I'm going home later tonight," I said.

"Ohh..." she nodded slowly, understanding the weight behind my words.

My phone rang again, and I smiled brightly this time when I saw who it was.

"Hi babe," I greeted happily.

"[I missed you,]" he replied warmly.

I chuckled. "I missed you too. How's the exam?"

"[Nah, basic stuff,]" he bragged sweetly. "[How about yours?]"

"Same, basic," I mimicked playfully.

Laughed I heard on his end. "[Let's date after midterms, hmm?]"

My eyes widened and I nearly choked on my drink. Xyra poked my forehead teasingly, clearly jealous.

"I can't wait, baby," I said, feeling the flutter in my chest. "I'm so excited na."

"[Uh-huh?]" he teased. "[Where are you right now? I want to see you, babe.]"

"Ahm, we're here sa Dunkin," I answered. "I'm with Xyra, eating."

"[Okay, take care,]" he said simply. "[I'm here in the library, reviewing.]"

"Who's with you?" I asked, voice a little louder than I meant.

"[Don't worry, I'm alone,]" he assured me.

"Are you sure? I’ll come over, wait for me," I insisted, already grabbing my things.

"[Hmm, I'm waiting,]" he muttered quietly. "[See you, I love you.]"

After finishing our orders, Xyra and I left Dunkin and headed back to school. We made a beeline for the library — she wanted to nap, and I just wanted to see Kirvie.

As soon as I walked in, I spotted Kirvie. True to his word, he was there alone, scribbling notes on his yellow pad.

I stepped closer, but he didn't notice me right away, so focused was he on his work.

"Ehem," I cleared my throat softly.

He looked up, eyes widening a bit when he saw me.

"Baby," he exclaimed in surprise, pulling me into a tight hug without a word. "I missed you so much, babe."

I smiled warmly. "I missed you too."

"It's been a week since I last saw you," he said, almost like stating a fact.

I sat beside him and placed the box of donuts in front of him. His eyes sparkled as he glanced over the treats.

"You don’t need to—"

"Just eat," I interrupted quickly.

This was one of our usual debates — he hated it when I bought things for him, especially food. Sometimes I’d buy for his siblings instead, and he never complained because he saw how happy they were receiving them.

We spent the next few hours reviewing together in the library until it hit three o’clock. Then we parted ways — he headed to his building and I to mine.

Our exam started immediately after, a hundred-item paper with a mix of multiple choice and essays. It was tough, but I managed to finish first, double checking every answer before handing it in.

"Xy, I'll go ahead," I whispered to her as I packed up.

She nodded without looking up. "Okay, take care," she called out.

After leaving the room and fixing my stuff, my phone beeped with a call from Mom. I ignored it and rushed to my car.

I drove straight home and caught my parents saying goodbye to my brother, who was busy playing with his Transformers toys.

Mom looked at me. "We'll be back after a month," she said.

I nodded. "Okay, I'll take care of my brother."

"I hope when I come back, you and your boyfriend will be broken up," she added sharply.

I smirked. "That's not going to happen, Mom."

"Try me, darling," she challenged. "He's not good for you. Has he contributed anything to our life? Wala, diba?"

"I don't care, Mommy! As long as we love each other," I snapped, clenching my teeth.

She stared at me with anger. "What has that boy done to you? For Pete's sake, Hailey, he's younger than you!"

"He's not a kid anymore, and besides, I'm only one year older than him," I countered firmly.

"Mark my words, Hailey. I don't want him for you," she warned.

"Whatever, Mom," I said, turning away and rushing upstairs.

I went into my room and quickly changed clothes. Thankfully, Manang kept my room spotless even if I rarely stayed here.

Lying on my bed, I heard the car engine roar as my parents drove away. I hoped they’d stay away for a long time — or maybe forever.

"Hailey, anak," Manang knocked gently on my door. "Come down na, sabayan mo ang kapatid mong kumain."

"Sige po," I replied and got up.

I found my younger brother being fed by our nanny. His face lit up when he saw me.

Manang served me food, insisting even though I offered to eat later. I let her, grateful for her care.

After eating, I played with my brother for a bit before heading back upstairs.

Just as I entered my room, my phone rang—it was Kirvie.

"Hi," I greeted with a smile.

He lay on his bed, books scattered around him, forehead creased in concentration but brightening when he saw me.

"Where are you?" he asked.

I made a small pout. "I'm at home."

He nodded and sighed. "Magre-review ka?"

"Yep," I answered, popping a snack into my mouth.

I shook my head with a smile. "Should I hang up so you can focus?"

He shook his head. "Are you sleepy?"

"Medyo," I admitted softly.

Suddenly, there was a gentle knock on my door.

I looked at Kirvie who had heard it too. I stood to open the door, and my brother walked in cradling his hotdog pillow.

"Why are you still awake, Hanz?" I asked gently.

"I can't sleep, Ate," he said. "I want to sleep here beside you."

I sighed but let him climb onto my bed, grabbing my phone still connected to Kirvie.

"Kuya Kirv!" Hanz’s eyes lit up.

"Hi, Hanz," Kirvie greeted warmly.

"I miss you, kuya," he pouted. "When will you come here?"

"Once I'm not busy anymore, okay?" Kirvie replied.

"We can go there, Ate. I will tell you," Hanz looked at me hopefully.

I immediately shook my head. That can't happen — if Mom found out, I’d be in trouble. Plus, my brother isn't used to small spaces like Kirvie's place.

"Why can't we go, Ate?" He looked sad.

"You need to sleep now. We can visit kuya some other time. He's busy, and you have school tomorrow," I explained patiently.

He pouted but glanced at my phone screen showing Kirvie's smiling face. I raised an eyebrow at his mischievous grin.

"Listen to your Ate, Hanz. I'll visit you soon, once I'm free," Kirvie said.

"Yehey!" Hanz clapped excitedly.

He laid down beside me. I turned back to Kirvie, who was still on the phone.

I caught his sharp intake of breath when he noticed I was sitting up comfortably.

"Wtf! Are you not f*cking wearing a bra?" he whispered teasingly over the call.

I blushed, rolling my eyes but secretly thrilled by his cheeky tone.