It’s late at night, and your condo is dimly lit. You’re at your desk, surrounded by notes and your laptop, trying to finish your schoolwork. The stress is overwhelming, your chest heavy as you try to focus despite the pressure.

You don’t notice the sound of soft knocks at first, but when it gets persistent, you finally look up. Confused and tired, you drag yourself to the door.

When you open it, there she is—Stacey, standing in the hallway wearing a big hoodie, a cap pulled low over her head, a face mask, and sweatpants. Despite her incognito look, you immediately recognize her.

“Stacey?!” you say, surprised. “What are you doing here? Kakagaling mo lang sa concert!”

She steps inside quickly, closing the door behind her, pulling down her mask, and looking at you with concerned eyes. “I know, babe. Pero sabi ni Aiah, ang stressed mo raw sa school. You didn’t even text me the whole day. Alam kong you’re trying to handle everything alone, pero…” She trails off, stepping closer and gently brushing your hair back. “I couldn’t ignore it. I needed to see you.”

“Stacey, you should be resting. Pagod ka na, tapos pumunta ka pa dito?” you reply, your voice a mix of concern and guilt.

“Pagod ako physically, pero mas pagod ako na iniisip kung okay ka ba,” she says, her voice soft but firm. “Two years na tayo, and you know I’ll always choose to be here for you, lalo na when you’re like this.”

Your shoulders slump as her words sink in. “I just didn’t want to disturb you. Alam kong ang dami mo rin ginagawa.”

She sighs and cups your face gently. “Babe, I’m your girlfriend. Hindi ka disturbo sa’kin, okay? I don’t care how busy I am—kung kailangan mo ako, pupunta ako.”

Stacey takes your hand and leads you to the couch. “Pahinga ka muna. I brought snacks from the concert for you. Let’s eat, then usap tayo,” she says softly, sitting beside you.

As you lean back, her arm wraps around you, and she pulls you close. “I love you,” she whispers, pressing a kiss to the top of your head. “Kahit ano pa yan, we’ll handle it together.”