Dear Mark,

You warned me about that Baguio trip.

You told me to be careful, to think twice, to choose myself, but I was unstoppable.

Not because I didn’t want to listen to you, but because I once believed in Martin and the guilt would have eaten me alive if I didn’t show up.

I stayed at your place the night before my trip.

It was the best feeling. I have always felt safe there.

I can’t even explain the kind of comfort you give.

It is that strange mix of familiarity and warmth that makes me want to keep coming back.

Your place felt like home before I even knew it.

And you, the kind of man who always cares,

who is always ready to give everything,

who makes me feel chosen in the quietest ways.

I love that about you.

I love you for that.

You trusted me and I never wanted to break that trust.

You booked me a Grab to the bus station.

For the first time, I didn’t want to turn around when we said goodbye.

Because I knew if I did, I would run back to you.

I felt so sad, my love.

All I could think was: Mark, come with me instead.

Even during the trip, it was still you on my mind.

Grabe ka, Mr. Maraya.

What kind of droga do you have?

Because you were slowly becoming someone I could never lose.

I became distant with Martin.

I couldn’t let him touch me because I already felt like I was yours.

Yours only.

And when I told you what he did to me that night,

I heard the anger and frustration in your voice.

I was scared to tell you.

Scared you would blame me.

Scared you would leave.

I wanted to go home so badly,

but you know me,

people pleaser even when I am breaking inside.

You told me you would come get me.

I said it was impossible and that I would be fine.

Pero putek, you were already booked on the way to Baguio.

I even scolded you for it, but deep down,

all I wanted was for you to come.

Please my love, save me. I need you.

That was the truth.

I thought you wouldn’t push through.

But the next morning, I woke up early and messaged you,

and damn, I was excited.

I couldn’t contain the happiness.

I wanted to ditch Martin and spend the whole day with you.

And that is exactly what happened.

I waited for you.

And the moment I saw your back,

you looking around for me,

I felt like a high school girl again.

Every kind of kilig shot up inside my bones.

You know that feeling when you are a kid and your favorite person comes home.

That was it.

That was you.

I felt like a local in Baguio,

ready to take you everywhere.

Even now, writing this,

I can still feel that exact moment in my chest.

I missed you.

We did everything together that day.

I never felt that kind of happiness with anyone before.

You were everything I wanted.

We even had our own rings with our names engraved.

I could cry just remembering that.

Grabe ka magmahal, Maraya.

Sobra.

I want you only mine.

And if life allowed it,