(TAGALOGxENGLISH, BL)

Max and Ihsan had been together for more than a decade — ten years of laughter, late-night talks, tampuhan, and gentle forgiveness. Their love wasn’t perfect, but it was real. They argued over little things like who forgot to turn off the lights or who used the last of the coffee, yet they always found themselves laughing again a few minutes later.

Max was the loud one — expressive, passionate, the kind of husband who’d sing his feelings rather than talk about them. Ihsan, on the other hand, was calm and steady — the kind of person who could soothe Max’s chaos with just a smile. Together, they were a balance; music and silence, fire and peace.

Tonight, after a long day of taking care of their three kids, the house finally grew quiet. Max sat by the window, strumming his old guitar, the one that had survived years of gigs, travels, and serenades. His fingers danced across the strings, playing the familiar melody of “Buwan.”

“San,” he called softly, looking over his shoulder. “Remember this song?”

Ihsan appeared from the kitchen, drying his hands with a towel. “Paano ko naman makakalimutan ‘yan? ‘Yan ‘yung kinanta mo nung una mong niligawan ako. Wala ka pang gitara noon, kutsara’t tinidor lang gamit mo.”

Max laughed, that same deep, warm laugh that made Ihsan’s chest flutter even after all these years. “Eh, effective naman, diba? Na-hook ko ‘yung pinakamagandang lalaki sa barangay.”

Rolling his eyes but smiling anyway, Ihsan walked closer and sat beside him. “At ngayon, tatlo na ‘yung anak natin. Hindi mo pa rin ako tinantanan.”

Max set the guitar down and wrapped his arms around Ihsan’s waist, resting his chin on his shoulder. “Bakit ko naman tatan-tanan ‘yung taong ginawa kong kanta sa puso ko?” he whispered.

For a moment, there was only silence — the kind that didn’t feel empty, but full of peace. The kind of silence only two people deeply in love could share.

Then Max started humming again, softly this time, his voice brushing against Ihsan’s ear.

Ako’y sayo, ikaw ay akin…

Ihsan smiled, eyes closing as he leaned into Max’s embrace. After ten years, three kids, countless songs, and a lifetime of laughter — they were still the same two men who chose each other, and kept choosing each other, every single day.