0ne4them0ney-2f0rtheshow

[0ne4them0ney-2f0rtheshow]

helo

hai!!

[0ne4them0ney-2f0rtheshow]

hellaurrr

test only!

[0ne4them0ney-2f0rtheshow]

she was never religious. she was never the type of person who kneels and prays to God fervently. but now? she found herself inside the church, praying to God that whatever hardships she's been going through will be worth it.

it's her third year in melbourne but it seems like things are not working out for her. she even doubted herself kung para sa kaniya ba talaga 'to o kung tama ba na umalis siya sa Pilipinas where her life would be comfortable.

she never thought that she'll cry this hard, buti na lang dalawa lang sila sa loob ng simbahan. she found comfort with this unknown person, kasi nandiyan siya and didn't even bother looking back at her. just the presence of this person gave her comfort, knowing that she's not alone. maybe this is God saying that i'll never be alone in this journey. she said to herself.

she saw this person stood up and she immediately looked down, as if praying. this person gave her a handkerchief. she accepted it and saw this person leave the church.

the handkerchief was with a handwritten note, "god doesn't give the hardest battles to his toughest soldiers." she then saw the handkerchief with an embroidered initials: KM.

[0ne4them0ney-2f0rtheshow]

lifeline extras: going back to spain, part 2.

DK didn't say anything. The both of them were just sitting at the couch, looking at the window, while Natasha's head on his shoulders.

"Uhm... okay lang ba... na ano... ikaw na magsabi kay Cho nito? I just... don't want another meltdown. Lalo na magwo-worry anak ko. The walls are thin."

He held his bestfriend's hands for assurance, and said, "Okay, Natasha. Nandito lang kami para sa'yo ha? I know na there are problems where you had to keep it all to yourself pero don't ever forget na we're here for you, okay?" Nat smiled at her bestfriend and nods.

Nang makaalis na sila sa condo ni Nat, DK called Seungcheol immediately at kwinento kung ano ang nangyari.

Seungcheol: I didn't know... DK: And it's okay. She doesn't want us to know din naman. Ngayon na alam na natin, what do we do now?

Seungcheol thought of something and told DK. Hindi sure si DK kung tama ba na ganon ang gagawin nila pero, hey, there's no harm in trying, right?

Pagka-uwi ni Natasha, evident naman na umiyak siya. She looked for her daughter but it was Seungcheol who welcomed him. "Hi."

He hugged her tightly, and said, "Hindi ko sasabihin na okay lang 'yan but we'll get through it, okay? Mahal kita, Nat."

"Thank you, babe. Pero si Nym?"

"Hiniram ni Mama. It's just the two of us for the night, baby. Ano gusto mong gawin?"

"More hugs?" Seungcheol smiled at her and nods.

Habang nakahiga sila, Seungcheol asked Natasha, "Babe, what if I go with you?"

"Mhmm? Saan?"

"Spain."

Nanlata naman si Natasha at umiling, "No, no, no. Okay lang, Cho. Promise."

He held his wife's hand as tight as possible, and looked her in the eye, "I'll be with you all throughout. I promise."

"I don't think that's a good idea, Cho." Memories of the past came back on her head, na para bang hindi nanaman siya makahinga. Seungcheol then hugged her, "Baby, please? Let's try it again. Wala namang masama in trying again, right?"

"Cho... I don't want to disappoint you even more. Paano pag nandon na tayo, tapos ganon ulit nangyari? No, I don't think–"

"Natasha, look at me." He cupped her face and said, "You are different now. Hindi na ikaw 'yung dati. Okay?"

She nods and calms down a bit. "Paano kung–"

"Hindi 'yan. Promise. Let's give it a try, mhmm?" After a long pause, she nods. "Paano 'yun? I wasn't able to book–"

"Si DK na bahala."

On the other side, DK called his friends and told them about what's going to happen.

tatlonghari gc Minghao: Sama ako, DK. Gyu: Wait ah. Balikan ko kayo in 20 minutes. Kailan ulit to? DK: In two months. Sama mo si Bee? Gyu: Oo sana. Wait, kausapin ko lang. Minghao: Wala akong isasama ha. Tsaka na. Hahaha DK: Sila Shua kaya? Minghao: Ako na magsasabi. Pero, you think this is a good idea? DK: I hope so. Si Cho na nagsabi eh. Minghao: Natatakot ako pero at the same time kinakabahan. This is either gonna break her or make her, no? DK: Oo, pre. Gyu: Okay, g na daw si Bee. DK: Ayusin niyo na mga leave niyo ha. Pakita niyo na lang yung invitation. Minghao: Sige, sabihan ko na lang din sila Han. Thank you for this, DK. DK: Anything for Nat. Hay. Kung nakita niyo lang talaga. Nanlumo din ako eh. Minghao: Baka di ko kayanin.

Fast forward: 2 months

Hindi na nila sinama si Nymeria, after all, business trip pa din naman ito. Seungcheol, the good man he is, hindi umaalis sa mata niya si Natasha, who looks nervous, naka-ilang tubig na ata ang inom. They landed na din sa Spain.

"Love, minessage ko na sila Mama na we're here. You can do this, okay?" Natasha tried to smile and nods.

Nasa hotel room na sila, they had the whole day to themselves. But it seems like Natasha doesn't even wanna come out of the room. "Tara, kain muna tayo, babe."

"Okay lang ako, Cho! Busog pa man din ako. You can go out naman." She smiled at him.

"Lah, iwan mo ko? Samahan mo na ko, please?" Nagpa-cute naman si Seungcheol kay Natasha, which by the way, worked!

"Hay, Cho. Okay."

While walking outside, Seungcheol can't help but admire his wife's eyes. Hindi talaga mapag-kaila na Natasha loves Spain. Hindi man sabihin, pero it is evident in her eyes na she's loving what she's seeing right now.

"Okay, dito na tayo."

As soon as they walk in inside the restaurant, nakita agad ni Natasha ang mga kaibigan niya. She held Seungcheol's hand and stopped him, "Anong meron? Anong nangyayari?"

Tinulak lang siya ni Seungcheol papunta sa mga kaibigan niya and said, "Surprise, my love!"

Bago pa man makarating doon sa table, Natasha turned around at hindi na napigilan na umiyak. DK, Minghao, Mingyu, Joshua and Jeonghan immediately ran towards her and hugged her.

"Sabi ko naman sa'yo, diba? Nandito lang kami para sa'yo." DK said.

They can't help but also cry. Natasha's post-Spain era was the hardest thing that's ever happened to her. Witness naman sila doon. And now, after almost a decade, here they are, helping her to heal.

Because after all, tao lang din naman si Natasha. Nakita naman nila na she did her best to make up for what happened in the past. And to see her, go here, despite her fears, is already a sign that she's trying. And for them, that's enough.

[0ne4them0ney-2f0rtheshow]

my other baby got hurt!

*boogsh*

DK to Seungcheol: Cho hehe saan ka?

Seungcheol: Hosp. Bakit? Nyare?

DK: Wala naman! Napatanong lang sige, bye!

"Huy, lagot ka. Nandito daw si Cho!" DK said to Natasha.

"Gagi, wala 'yun dito. 'Di naman ako bata, peds surg 'yun."

"Kasi naman eh, binuhat mo pa 'yun, alam mo naman na mabigat! Ayan tuloy!"

A doctor was approaching them and they sat in silent. "Good afternoon, Mrs... Natasha Choi. I'm Dr. Ramos, let's see. Ano po nangyari, Ma'am?"

"I was trying to help lang naman kaso nalaglag, napaupo ako at naitukod ko 'yung kamay ko then I heard a popping sound..." DK made a tsk sound.

"Let's check po, Ma'am." He tried moving Natasha's hand pero umaaray na ito. "Ah!"

"Okay po. I'll just call po our attending to check po. I'll be right back."

They waited in silence kasi alam ni Nat na papagalitan lang siya ulit ni DK. "Uy ah, 'wag mo muna sabihin kay Cho!"

"Oo na! Magugulat na lang siya pag-uwi!"

"Ako na mag-eexplain!"

"Ikaw talaga, teh!"

On the other hand, yung intern na nagcheck kay Natasha, found Dr. Wen. "Hi, Doc. May patient po, ortho. I suspect a mild fracture on the wrist po."

"Let's see... Choi?" Binasa ni Jun habang tinitignan ang findings. Pero, tumalikod naman si Seungcheol who was behind him, "Bakit?"

"Ay, hindi ikaw. Patient ko. Choi din surname."

"Baka kamag-anak ko pala 'yan ah."

"Sus. Tara, Doc Ramos."

Sinundan lang ng tingin ni Seungcheol si Jun, at naaninag niya si DK. "What—"

Naglakad ng mabilis si Seungcheol at inopen ang curtain, he saw his wife and his friend. "Nat?! Anong nangyari?!"

"You tell him. Sabi mo diba, tsk!" DK said.

"Okay, Daddy Cho. Kalmahan po muna natin. I've seen your xrays naman na. Doc Ramos, findings please."

"I suspect po a mild fracture on the wrist."

"And what do we do with it?"

"Plaster cast po for three weeks."

"Good." Jun informed them of what to do and what not to do and some other medicine that she needs to take.

"Andiyan naman si Seungcheol to take care of you. Iwas muna sa buhat ng mabigat, okay?"

"Thanks, Jun."

When Jun left, yumuko si Natasha. DK left the two of them alone.

"So?"

"Sorry po."

"Hay nako, ang isa ko pang baby. Uwi na kita. Papaalam lang ako." Seungcheol kissed Natasha's forehead and went to find DK and to sort out the discharge papers.

Nagpaalam na si DK and told Natasha that everything's gonna be handled by him muna.

On the way home, naalala ni Natasha si Nymeria. "Oh my gosh, makikita ako ni Nym!"

"And...?"

"Wala naman. We'll see. First time niya ata makakita ng may ganito sa kamay."

"Mhmm, explain na lang natin, okay? Nat, please please call me agad kapag may ganiyan. I'm glad nothing serious pero... atakihin ata ako sa kaba."

"Sorry, love. I don't want you to worry. I'm okay, promise!" She tried lifting her forearm pero masakit pa din, so Seungcheol made a tsk sound. "Kulit talaga ng panganay ko."

"Panganay?!"

"Ikaw, panganay ko!"

"Why! I'm your wife! Anong panganay!"

"Para kang anak ko eh. Tignan mo, may cast pa." Seungcheol laughed at the confused Natasha. "For short po, you're my other baby."

"Hala, may iba pa ba!"

"Si Nymeria!"

"Ah, gets! Hayup 'to. Pag ako nagpa-baby sa'yo, baka di ka na makapasok sa work."

"Try me then."

"Mamaya. Sa bahay!"

Pag-uwi, Natasha was welcomed by Nymeria. But Nymeria was shocked at the sight of her mom with a plaster cast. "Mama..."

Niyakap ni Nymeria ang legs ni Seungcheol at tinuro 'yung kamay ni Natasha. She even made this expression: 🫢

"Dada, is Mama hurt?"

Seungcheol knelt and kissed Nymeria, "Yes, my love. Mama's hurt. So, be careful with holding her hand ha? Masakit pa kasi eh."

Natasha knelt too and told her daughter that she's fine. Pero Nymeria cupped her Mama's face and kissed her. She then hugged her and said, "Mama..."

(Reference ng reaction ni Nymeria)

Bubuhatin na sana ni Natasha si Nym pero she looked at Seungcheol as if asking her to help her carry their daughter. Seungcheol smiled at the sight of his daughter tearing up dahil nasaktan ang mama niya.

"Alright, come here, Nym."

Binuhat ni Cho si Nymeria at they all stood up. His other hand made its way on Natasha's waist and pulled her closer. He kissed her on the forehead and whispered, "Naiyak pa si Nym. Tsk!"

"Mama, I'll be your doctor! I will take care of you!"

Natasha kissed her daughter and said, "Okay, my little doctor."

Natasha whispered back to Cho, "Sorry, next time na ko magpapa-baby. My little doctor will take care of me na daw."

Seungcheol smiled at his wife and his daughter. Never a dull moment in this household and he's loving it.

[0ne4them0ney-2f0rtheshow]

Bonnie was walking towards the field where her friend, Eunwoo, is right now. Pag-upo niya, someone sat beside her. Unfortunately, it was Seungcheol.

"Ano nanaman ba 'yun, Cho?"

Seungcheol smiled at her and said, "Alam mo bang kinikilig ako pag tinatawag mo kong Cho?"

Bonnie raised her brows, "Okay?" She opened her snack box, which her friend, Ji, gave her this lunch time, since alam nga ni Ji na today's the inter-collegiate game ng college nila Eunwoo with College of Science football team.

"Bat ka ba nandito nanaman... lagot ka na talaga sa boyfriend ko."

"Tsk! Anyway—"

Seungcheol's friends, the brunch buddies, called Seungcheol to come back. "Bumalik ka na don! Hanap ka na ng friends mo!"

"Wala akong kiss?"

"Sumosobra ka na ah. Yan oh, hingi ka sa mga nakatingin sa'yo ngayon." He turned around to see if there are people watching him, and truth be told, almost all of the girls arouns him are looking at him.

"Go back na, Cho. You went here with your friends and not with me." She sternly said.

"Okay, Bonnie." He ruffled her hair which earned a grunt from her.

On the other hand, curious na sila Natasha as to who's the girl Seungcheol was talking to.

"Kilala niyo?" Nat asked her friends. "Yup, that's Bonnie." Joshua replied.

"Hala si girl, selos nanaman! Umamin ka na kasi!" DK said. Natasha rolled her eyes, "Baliw. Hayaan mo na. Kung saan siya masaya."

"That's so martyr. Di mo ko mapapaganiyan." Jeonghan said. "Nako, ako din! Joshua smirks. "Pero ano ba, friends nga lang daw sila."

"Weh?"

"May friends ba na di tayo pinapakilala..." Mingyu said. "Oy, Cho! Balik ka nga dito!"

Pagbalik ni Seungcheol, Mingyu asked him to introduce them to Bonnie. "Ayaw."

"Luh?"

What they didn't know is that Hao is already sitting beside Bonnie. "Hi, Bonnie. I'm Hao, Seungcheol's friend."

Bonnie awkwardly waves at him, "Hi...?"

"Do you wanna join us?"

"Buti ka pa inaya mo ko. Hahaha, kidding. Okay na ko dito."

"Ayt, Ma'am."

Bumalik si Hao sa mga kaibigan niya and said, "Sabi niya, buti pa daw ako inaya ko siya. Tsk, Cho."

"What.. Eh she likes being alone kaya. Ano pa sabi?"

"Hahaha, okay lang naman daw siya don."

"See!"

They smirked at their friend na defensive. Kaya naman hinayaan na nila si Seungcheol at nanood na ng laro. The game was getting intense, and when Eunwoo was able to score a goal, Bonnie cheered and screamed his name.

"That's my boy! Let's goooooo!!!"

Eunwoo winked at Bonnie who shoots a flying kiss in return. Umupo na ang fans ng team ni Eunwoo, and Bonnie opened her phone and takes a photo of her friend.

Tinignan naman ni Joshua at Jeonghan ang reaksyon ng kanilang kaibigan. He was stoic, and emotionless. "Talo pa ata tayo." Cho said.

"Okay lang 'yan. Next week, arki na kalaban."

When the game ended, Seungcheol's friends stayed for awhile para magchismisan at ubusin ang inorder nilang pagkain. Bonnie, on the other hand, was waiting for Eunwoo.

Nilapitan siya ni Seungcheol ulit, "Hello again, Seungcheol."

"Di ka pa uwi?"

"Waiting na lang. Why?"

"Hatid na kita?"

"Uy, thanks pero may maghahatid na sakin."

"Sino?"

Sakto, Eunwoo arrived. "Wow, may pa-wet look pa. By the way, Seungcheol, Eunwoo. Eunwoo, Seungcheol."

Kita naman ng mga kaibigan nila na Seungcheol's not really moving. "Sige na, Cho. Una na kami."

Binulungan ni Joshua si Jeonghan, "Napaka-obvious."

[0ne4them0ney-2f0rtheshow]

one of those days!

Weekend — meaning, Seungcheol's day off. Sakto din, his brunch buddies friends plus Seungkwan and Jun, are free today kaya naman they decided to play some online games. They were talking through Discord when they saw Nymeria walking behind Seungcheol and kept on hugging Seungcheol.

Nymeria: Dada! Hello, ninong Shua!

Joshua: Hello, my inaanak! I miss you!

Mingyu: Paano ako?

Nymeria: Hewow, tito Gyu! Tita Bee?

Mingyu: Outside pa si tita!

Nymeria: Tito kwannie! Hewow!

Seungkwan: Hi, Nym!

Seungcheol: Nak, go to Mama muna. Dada will play with your ninongs first.

Nymeria nods and hugs Seungcheol before leaving the room. Habang naglalaro sila, bigla na lang narinig ni Seungcheol na tumatakbo si Nymeria papasok crying, "Mama, I don't wanna shower!"

Behind her is Natasha who's laughing at her daughter while trying to get a hold of her, pero nagtatago siya kay Seungcheol. She even hugged her Dad, "Dada, I don't wanna shower!"

"Nymeria, you have to go to shower!" Seungcheol said habang naglalaro with Nymeria trying to get on his lap while Natasha's trying to get her.

"Cho, bigay mo sakin si Nymeria. Anak, lika na. Quick bath lang."

"Noooooo! I don't want to! Dadaaaaaa! I wanna stay here! Dadaaa!!"

"Nak, you can comeback here after you take a shower!"

(Reference below kung paano si Nymeria kay Cho.)

Tumatawa na ang mga kaibigan ni Seungcheol sa discord at nakikita nilang sinasakal na ni Nymeria si Seungcheol.

"Cho."

"Wait lang, Nat. Nak, aray! Aray! A-a-ahh!"

Nymeria kept on crying dahil ayaw niya nga maligo. Then Joshua said, "Nymeria, ninong Shua will—"

"Joshua. 'Wag. Nymeria, I'm gonna count 1 to 10, if you won't take a bath, you won't have a play date with Kkuma again later."

And just like that, Nymeria cried even more. Tinignan ni Seungcheol si Natasha who's face is getting sour. "Lagot si Daddy Cho." Sabi ni Jun.

Nymeria's still clinging onto Seungcheol's neck, then Seungcheol excused himself from everyone.

Binuhat ni Seungcheol si Nymeria and said, "Anak, which is better, you smell like a flower or a poop?"

"Seungcheol!"

Pinunasan ni Nymeria ang luha niya and answered her dad, "Flower, Dada."

"Okay, if you want to smell like a flower, you have to take a bath. I'll play with you after you take a bath, is that okay?"

Nymeria stopped crying and nods, "Okay."

Natasha then rolled her eyes at Seungcheol, and sighed. "Tara na, Nymeria."

"Daya mo. Kanina ko pa bina-bribe 'yan."

"Wala eh, daddy's girl." Seungcheol then kissed Natasha before they went out of his gaming room.

Pag-upo niya, nakalimutan niya na naka-on pala ang mic niya, at inasar naman siya ni Minghao. "Mana sa'yo anak mo, Cho. Pareho kayong hindu naliligo."

"Gago ka ah!"

DK laughed at them and said, "Hay, kita ko asar na asar na si Natasha eh. Nakahanap ng katapat si ate mo Nat!"

[0ne4them0ney-2f0rtheshow]

his girls.

Having four sisters growing up, sanay na si Seungcheol sa mga 'girl talk' or 'girl stuff'. He even became their muse when his sisters were learning how to put on make up. Siguro kaya din naging close sila ni Natasha noon. He made her feel welcome and even introduced her to his sisters so she won't feel alone everytime their friend group hangs out in their house.

Now that they have a daughter, Seungcheol is happy that Natasha found someone who can be her best friend.

Seungcheol knew the sacrifices Natasha had to make when Nymeria was born. She had to sacrifice her own time, among others.

One evening, he saw Natasha and Nymeria sleeping inside their family room with Encanto still playing in the television. His heart was filled with joy with the sight of his girls having their own precious time together.

When his sister, Carina, is in town, the three of them made sure that Nymeria's included. From the baking lessons Carina did for Nymeria to making friendship bracelets. His daughter even made one for him that says, "Nym ♡ Dada". To which he wears every day and even brags to his colleagues at the hospital that it was his daughter who made this for him.

This morning, he woke up before his girls and made breakfast. He even asked his friends, Mingyu and Joshua, for the know-hows!

"'Wag mo patagalin masyado sa pan, baka masunog. Kawawa naman inaanak ko!" Joshua said.

"Cho, I get that you're still learning pero... pancake lang naman 'to, inabot na tayo ng dalawang oras." Mingyu said while Bee's laughing on the background, "Cho! Okay lang 'yan! Learning how to cook takes time!"

After cooking, he went upstairs to wake up his wife, and Nymeria. When they went down, they saw pancakes and eggs.

Nymeria clapped and asked her father, "Dada, you cooked?" Seungcheol nods.

"Aww, nag-try na siya." Natasha teased her husband.

"Try lang naman." Seungcheol smiled.

He is nervous for their reaction. But behold, Nymeria loved the pancakes and eggs that she even asked for more. Same goes with Natasha who even clapped for Cho.

"Sarap, Cho! Naubos ni Nym 'yung food niya. Very good kayo both." Natasha stood up to collect the plates and kissed Seungcheol on his cheeks, and she whispered, "You did great, babe." She went to Nymeria naman and kissed her head, "Very good ang baby Nym namin. Naubos mo ang breakfast. Thank your Dada, okay?" Nymeria nods and went towards her father and hugged him, "Thank you, Dada!"

After cleaning the table, Nymeria went out with manang, leaving Seungcheol and Natasha alone.

Bigla na lang binuhat ni Seungcheol si Natasha and placed her on the counter-top. "What the fuck?! Baliw ka ba!"

"Akala ko you love it when I manhandle you?"

"Gago, hindi naman dito!"

"Eh diba we did it here—"

"Kanina, ang bait mo. Ngayon, hindi?!"

"Kidding lang. I missed you." Seungcheol buried his head on his wife's neck. In return, Natasha ruffles his hair, "Mhmmm, what's up, baby?"

"Wala naman."

"Mhmm, you're doing great, Cho. Promise."

"But I don't think it's enough."

"Cho, parenting is never enough. We're still learning, okay? Don't be too hard on yourself."

"Thanks, love."

"Anong oras daw babalik sila Manang?"

"Depende kapag pagod na si Kkuma at Nym. Why?"

"May alam akong stress reliever—" Natasha winks at him.

Seungcheol knew what she meant kaya naman he carried her and went upstairs immediately. This earned a squeal from Natasha, "Careful!"

Before doing it, Natasha cupped her husband's face and said, "I love you, Seungcheol. Sobra."

[0ne4them0ney-2f0rtheshow]

girl dad.

Seungcheol never thought in his life that he'll have a family of his own. If you told him this ages ago, he would've just shrugged it off and call it bullshit. But now? He can't live without his wife and his daughter.

He's a fool for his daughter. Sure, he had some struggles when they had her. He kinda missed his younger self, but his wife, Natasha, made him realize that while he's out there doing some things (like riding motorcycles, playing online games!), he's missing out a lot with his daughter.

"Alam mo, Seungcheol, both of us... We never had a great childhood. I was never close with my dad. Sure, alam ko na mahal nila ako. But at some point, I wanted to be a daddy's girl, you know. I hope you'll realize na Nymeria's growing up... natututo na din 'yan makakilala ng tao. She knows me as her Mama. She knows you as her Dada. But she kept on looking for you, Cho. Don't turn her fondness into resentment."

That hit him. He, too, never had a great childhood. His father made sure of it. Oo, bumabawi na ngayon ang ama niya pero it still stings him that he's always out with his friends' families, rather than his own.

Now that he's got the family of his own, he wanted to be always there for his child. This beautiful girl, Nymeria Saint, is now growing up. Natasha is doing a wonderful job as mother and Seungcheol wanted to do the best for them.

Later this evening, Nymeria knocked inside her parents' room. Natasha's finalizing some papers for her work while Seungcheol's watching random movies on Disney+. When they heard someone knock, Seungcheol told the person behind the door to come in.

"Dada..."

Kinabahan naman si Seungcheol sa tono ng boses ng kaniyang anak. He immediately ran towards her and carried her, "Hi, my love. Ano 'yun? What happened?"

"Promise me po 'wag ka magagalit!" Natasha smirked at her daughter and at the expression of her husband.

"Promise, baby." He pinky-swears with her. He saw the relief in his daughter's face.

"So... can I play with kuya Chi..." Seungcheol raised his brows and looked at her daughter with a confused face.

"Pwede naman. Bakit naman hindi? Kaso Kuya Chi's studying kasi may school siya."

"Weekend po, Dada!" Nymeria showed his father her most beautiful eyes, which Seungcheol smiled. It reminded him of his wife kapag may kailangan.

"We'll ask your tito, okay? Pero bakit ka kinakabahan? Do you want to tell me something?"

"Dada, I like Kuya Chi."

And it only took five words for his world to shatter. "What?"

Kinabahan naman si Nymeria with the tone that her father used, "Oh no, Mama.. Dada, are you mad?"

Seungcheol smiled and hugged his daughter, "No, baby. Nagulat lang si Dada."

"So, okay lang po?"

"Mhmmm..."

"Mama told me to tell it to you po! Sabi ni Mama, if Dada allows me to have a crush, then it's ok! Kuya Chi is nice!"

Seungcheol looked at his wife as if he's saying something and rolled his eyes at her. "Okay lang naman magka-crush, baby. Basta hindi muna pwede magboyfriend!"

"Mama told me it's fine!" Nymeria pouts at her father. Parehong-pareho sila ni Nat, god. Ganitong-ganito si Natasha kapag di nakukuha 'yung gusto. Lord, help me.

"Sige, I will allow you to have a boyfriend kapag naging 18 ka na." Nymeria's face brightened up at kumalas sa buhat ng kaniyang ama. She immediately went to her mom and high-fived her. "Thank you, Mama!"

She then immediately left her parents' room at hindi pa isinara ang pinto. On the other hand, Seungcheol's still kneeling and was left in shock. Tinatawanan lang siya ni Natasha. "Kaya pa, Cho?"

She took a photo of Seungcheol kneeling with a defeated expression. "Hahahahahaha, buti na lang five years old pa lang si Nymeria. May 13 years ka pa."

He closed the door at habang pabalik sa higaan nila, his arms were on his waist. Hindi niya aakalain na this day will come. His baby girl, asking him to allow her to have a crush to someone?!

"Alam mo, Natasha, pakana mo lahat. Puro "Mama told me"! Sinasadya mo ata eh!"

"Babe, would you rather have her keep secrets from you or tell you these things?" Natasha made a tsk sound. Totoo naman, Seungcheol wanted his daughter to feel that he's okay with her growing up. Ang sa kaniya lang, ang aga naman!

"Ewan ko sa'yo. Kailan mo pa alam 'yan?"

"Secret! I'm her bestfriend! I cannot tell you that 'no!"

"Daya."

"Sorry, baby. Kaya nga I told your daughter to tell it to you so we can talk about it! Cute, I'll arrange a play date with Chi. Call ko lang si–"

"Sasama ako."

"Nope!" Natasha made an "X" sign with her arms. "Diba may basketball game kayo sa hospital? We'll be fine, ano ka ba!" Nat's really teasing him, which by the way, really works.

"Love, alam mo, malapit na ko maiyak."

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Kidding! Of course, you can join us! But let her play with Chi ha!"

"Ugh. Hindi ko mahindi-an anak ko. She's using the same method like yours. Beautiful eyes, really, Nat? Really? And pouting? Tinuro mo 'no?"

"She saw me siguro asking you for something last week... Hahahaha, she asked me kanina eh."

"Ano sabi?"

"Do you think if I do this (pout), Dada will allow me?"

"Kids really learn easily. Nako, Natasha Choi." He sighs deeply.

Natasha scoots over beside her husband and hugs him, "Thank you for being so cool with it, love. My dad never was."

Seungcheol kissed her and replied, "And thank you for being her bestfriend, baby. My mom wanted to be one pero my sisters are scared that my mom will snitch them to dad eh. Kaya it never happened."

He then hugged her tight, "You never had a girl bestfriend, and I'm glad you have one now."

[0ne4them0ney-2f0rtheshow]

for the future: bonita, the one that got away.

Seungcheol found himself staring outside Bonnie's house. He can't move. He can't even cry. He had the chance to choose her, but he didn't. He had to save his friend.

Hindi naman tanga si Bonnie. He knows that Seungcheol has always been outside her house. Kaya naman, she knows that this is the time to face him, it's now or never. It's all over the news, his marriage with his bestfriend. Masakit, but she can't be selfish. She knows that Seungcheol loves his bestfriend so much that he's willing to take sacrifices for her.

Bonnie then knocked on his car window, "Lakas talaga ng trip mo, 'no? Kala mo ba di ko alam na lagi kang nandito?" She laughs, but he knows it's a fake one. "Bumaba ka na diyan."

She invited him inside her house, he knows every part of this house. He was there when she bought this, and she chose this because Seungcheol told him, "Bon, this house screams BONNIE. Gets ba?"

"Oo nga eh. Pag-isipan ko."

"Sus, pag-iisipan pa! Bilhin mo na!"

"Tsaka na, dami ko pang titignan sa sinend nung broker eh."

"Ah basta, sure ako ito pipiliin mo."

"Wow ah. Paano ka nakasisigurado, ha?"

"Bonnie, we've been friends since college, nasa last year na ko ng residency, so please. I know you."

Now that it has been announced that he's going to marry Natasha, Bonnie knows him all too well. Alam niya na there's something going on between the two of them, but both of them doesn't even know what to do about it.

"Kumain ka na?"

"Hindi pa. Kakatapos lang ng duty."

"Kain ka muna. Nandito kanina sila Ji."

"Okay lang, Bon. Di rin naman ako magtatagal."

Ah, oo nga pala. She said to herself.

"Sige, ba't ka ba nandito? Di kita tinataboy ah. Congrats pala." She genuinely smiled at him, after all, she's his friend.

Lumapit siya kay Bonnie, leaning his head on her head. He wrapped his arms around her waist. He closed his eyes, ang bilis ng kabog ng puso niya. "Bon..."

Bonnie didn't stop him. Deep down in her heart, gusto niyang piliin siya. Pero she knows what happened with Natasha and her family and what will happen to her. She's not that selfish. She knows that Seungcheol made the right choice.

He started kissing her and touching every bit of her body, trying to memorize each part of it. Bonnie can feel his tears falling down his face. Masakit din para sa kaniya, pero she needs to be strong. She needs him to know that she's going to be okay without him.

With every thrust inside her, he kept on begging Bonnie, "Bonnie, parang awa mo na. Pigilan mo ko. Angkinin mo ako."

Bonnie ignores him and positioned herself on top of her, she's giving him all of her tonight. "Tangina... baby.."

Kumirot ang puso ni Seungcheol. Bonnie never called him baby. Ngayon lang.

"Fucking hell, Bonnie! Please, Bonnie, fuck. Baby, please? Please... stop me."

Nararamdaman niya na sumisikip na si Bonnie, "Fuck, baby, please... Bonnie, please. Angkinin mo na ako. I'm begging you."

Bonnie came first, but Seungcheol? He knows he's close but he's trying not to finish it. Ayaw niyang matapos.

"Baby... Forget about me, mhmm?" She's close again. She moans his name, "Don't let the thought of me hinder the love you can give her. And your future family." She came again.

"Bonnie, I love you." He came inside her.

He laid on top of her and Bonnie caressed his face, "Thank you for loving me, Seungcheol. I'm proud of the man you became."

"It was all because of you, baby. Call me baby, please, Bon. Kahit ngayong gabi lang."

Bonnie sighed and smiled at him, "Okay, baby."

They did it again, for god knows how many. He kept on saying I love yous to her, but she didn't say it back.

She never said that she loves him, dahil alam niyang Seungcheol will drop everything for her. Okay na sa kaniya na kahit ngayong gabi lang, they felt like it was just the two of them, against the world.

She loved him from the start. She already fell for him the moment he accidentally kissed her, and she never regret falling for him.

As for him, Bonnie was his home. Yeah, he got confused with his feelings with Natasha back in college, but still, he knows deep inside that Bonnie is his home. He loved her so much that he'd rather stay as friends with her than lose her like his lovers. But he have to do this for Natasha. Or else, he'll lose his best friend.

Hindi niya alam na he will lose Bonnie this way.

"We'll be okay, Seungcheol. We will be."

[0ne4them0ney-2f0rtheshow]

lifeline extras: going back to spain.

Dear Architect Natasha Kim-Choi,

We are delighted to invite you to the International Festival of Architecture and Design, the premier international event showcasing the work of renowned architects, designers, and innovators from around the world.

This year, the festival takes place from May 1, 2024 to May 10, 2024.

We have been following your remarkable work in the field of Architecture with great admiration. Your creative approach and dedication in the field has been truly inspiring, and we believe your presence would be invaluable to the festival.

Please let us know if you are interested. We have reserved _ tickets for your firm.

We hope to hear from you soon!

------

DK was supposed to go to Natasha's office to congratulate her as the four of them, Natasha, DK, Mingyu and Minghao received the said e-mail. However, he received an e-mail from Natasha. It seems like she forgot to remove her friends in cc.

It states: "Thank you for the invitation and for your nice words. However, I will not be able to attend such festival for personal reasons. With that, I would like to still avail such tickets for the other architects and designers of our firm."

Nakita niya ang kaniyang kaibigan, from the glass window of her office, who's currently staring at the e-mail she just sent.

It's been almost 10 years since the Spain era ni Natasha. The era where everything went wrong. But ever since the day she got back, she's been trying to improve herself for the better. And this e-mail? Triggered some of the bad memories that has happened before.

DK then immediately messaged their group chat, the one without Natasha.

tatlonghari (aka no natasha gc) DK: Huy! Nabasa niyo 'yung e-mail? Mingyu: Gagi, oo! Putek, magrereply pa lang ako na i'll go, tapos ni-reject naman ni Natasha. Anyare? Hao: Ano pa nga ba... DK: Na-trigger ata, pre. Nakatitig lang ngayon sa screen ng laptop. Mga 20 minutes na. Hao: Spain ba naman. Mingyu: Shet, sabihan ba natin si Cho? DK: Wag muna siguro. Tangina, naaawa naman ako kay Natasha. Hao: Office pa ba kayo? Di ko maiwan si Chi. Umalis si Fan eh. DK: Oo, dito pa kami. Parang di nga ako nakikita eh. Mingyu: Mapapansin 'yan ni Cho. Pag nagmessage na lang sa'yo, DK, sabihin mo na lang. DK: Sige. Si Bee pala? Mingyu: Tulog pa, masama pakiramdam eh kaninang umaga pa. Hao: Wow, domestic. Mingyu: Ulol, mas domestic ka, binahay mo agad si Fan! Kailan mo papakasalan? Hao: Si DK muna :p DK: Tangina niyo? Lol Mingyu: HAHAHAHA gagalet! Anyway, brb na. Magluluto pa ko. Si Nat ah. Feel ko pupunta nanaman 'yan sa condo niya dati. Hao: Lah, kala ko binenta niya na 'yun? DK: Afaik, andun lahat ng drawings niya pre-Spain era eh. Diba, Gyu? Mingyu: Oo, gags... ang dami niya talagang Romanesque drawings, pati plates niya nung college, Spain-inspired talaga. Kaya kahit papano, alam ko galit pa din 'yan sa sarili niya for what happened eh. Hao: Tangina kasi eh. Hay, nakakainis naman talaga nangyari non, pero wala, that's her lesson... DK: Grabe 'no? Her dreams shattered because of that... Hao: True. Pangarap talaga niyan maging Architect sa Spain. Pero ang gaga, hay. Mingyu: Di niyo ba pansin? Never na siya nagdrawing or gumawa ng plano ulit ng Spain-inspired? Ang daming clients na gusto ng ganong style tapos binibigay sa ibang Architects sa firm. DK: Triggering talaga 'yung Spain sa kaniya, I would say.

DK went back to his office room and waited for Natasha to come out of her office. She only smiled at the staff and went out. He followed her location, tama nga si Mingyu, she's currently on her way to her old condo. Nasa parking na sila. He saw Natasha went out of the car and he then messaged her, "Nat! Saan ka?"

He saw her open her phone, tumigil saglit para magreply. Pabura-bura ng message, but still, she replied, "Bahay na! Whyyyy"

"Wala, wala. May naiwan kasi ako sa office!"

"Nandoon pa ata 'yung secretary mo hahaha"

"Ayt. Btw, is everything okay?"

"Oo naman. :)"

She sighed and went inside the elevator. DK waited inside his car, and messaged their friends, "Yeah, nandito nga siya sa condo niya."

---

Ever since she got back from Spain, binaon na ni Natasha sa limot ang Spain, and everything that goes with it. It was one of the best things that's ever happened in her life, pero sinira lang din niya. Everything went down the drain when she trusted the wrong persons, she almost lost everything, her friends, her family and even her life.

Spain was her dream. The freedom, its gothic-style buildings, the life, everything. But Spain became her nightmare.

As soon as she stepped inside her condo unit, she was welcomed by her old self. She even saw her board na may note: "Spain, please come thru!" "Spain, baka naman! Ako na 'to!"

Bukod sa notes, naka-frame pa ang iba niyang plates na Spain-inspired.

She sat down on her sofa, nakatitig sa painting that her mom gave her when she received the news that she's going to Spain. Hindi niya namalayan na umiiyak na din siya. Her dreams that turned into nightmares.

Every now and then, she tries to go back to her condo, to try and see for herself kung naka-move on na ba talaga siya. Truth be told, hindi pa din talaga. Regrets are always coming back to her. Masakit.

She can't even mention this to her friends kasi alam niya na hindi maganda ang nangyari noon. It's been almost 10 years but the pain, regret, and fear of losing everyone is still there. Alam naman niya na it was her fault. Pero ang hirap lang din na wala siyang mapagsabihan tungkol dito.

She can't even say this to her therapist, fearing that she will just open something that shouldn't be opened and seen.

She's keeping all these to herself, she's trying to bury this part of herself.

Her phone rang and it was Seungcheol. She wiped her tears and gulped, then answered the phone, "Hi, love! Napatawag ka?"

"Love, tuloy pa ba tayo tonight? 8pm kasi 'yung dinner with the Ortegas. It's 7:30pm na din..."

"Oh my, sorry! I got caught up sa meeting. I'll see you there na lang, love."

"Okay lang. Ingat sa pagddrive, okay?"

"Ikaw din. I love you, Cho." She hung up the call.

Next time ulit? Sana sa susunod kaya ko na. She said to herself, everytime she goes out of this condo. She's trying but still, the ending? She tried.

Pagbukas ng pinto, she saw her friend, DK, who's sitting outside her unit. "Hi."

Namutla naman si Natasha, "Bakit..."

"How long have you been hiding this from us?"

He then hugged his friend, tightly. And just like that, Natasha broke down in his arms, "I'm sorry, DK. I'm sorry."

Pati si DK ay naluha din, "Shhh." Using her phone, he messaged his friend,

DK to Seungcheol: DK 'to. Pwede rain check muna si Nat? Seungcheol: Ha? Anong nangyari? DK: Ako, ako may problema. I just need a friend. Okay lang ba? Seungcheol: Okay, sige. Di ako naniniwala. Okay lang ba si Nat? DK: Honestly? I think she was never okay. Seungcheol: Nasan kayo? DK: Sinundan ko lang siya, nandito siya sa condo niya nung college. Seungcheol: Ano nangyari? DK: Ask mo na lang sila Hao or Mingyu. Just–wag susugod agad dito. I don't think she even wants someone to know this side of her. Seungcheol: Okay. Please, update mo ako. DK: I will.

He never saw Natasha cry like this. Kahit noong ikinasal siya kay Seungcheol, she never cried like this. And it pains him to know that while everyone moved on with their lives, Natasha's still stuck in the past. They never knew this side of her. Not until now.

Akala nila she healed from that past. It's clear that she never did. And no one knows about it.