gaby and sam
Gaby and Sam
delikado ako sa’yo
Ang bigat naman nito.
Nurse Sam adjusted the precarious pile of medical books as she felt her arms strain under the weight.
Doc Jess talaga, kahit hindi ko trabaho, lagi akong napapakiusapan. Still, she couldn’t bring herself to say no. Her coworkers had become like family in the chaotic hustle of hospital life, and lending a hand felt like second nature.
But as the sharp pain in her forearms began to creep in, Sam wondered if this was a bad idea
“Kailangan mo ng tulong?”
The voice startled Sam, and she instinctively looked to her right. Standing there was a short-haired woman in a gray hoodie and slacks, a mix of casual and effortlessly cool. Her sharp jawline and striking eyes seemed to catch the dim light of the hallway, and for a moment, Sam forgot the weight she was carrying. She was very, very…pretty? Handsome? Sam couldn’t decide.
“Miss?” the woman repeated, raising an eyebrow when Sam didn’t respond.
“Ah... um...” Sam stammered, her thoughts snapping back to the present. “Pwede ba? Salamat!” she said, her face breaking into a sheepish grin.
The woman seemed caught off guard by Sam’s easy agreement but quickly stepped forward to lift most of the books out of her hands. Sam let out a sigh of relief.
“Mukhang kanina ka pa nahihirapan ah,” the woman observed with a small smile, balancing the books with surprising ease.
“Oo nga eh,” Sam admitted, laughing awkwardly. “Pero salamat talaga. Akala ko maa-out of order na yung braso ko.”
The woman chuckled softly, but before either of them could say more, an awkward silence settled between them. Sam glanced at the elevator buttons, willing them to light up.
After a beat, the woman glanced at Sam, beads of sweat forming on her brow. “Ang tagal ng elevator, noh?”
Sam nodded, “Oo nga eh...”
Just then, one of the hospital maintenance workers hurried by, slapping a piece of paper onto the elevator doors.
Sam groaned as she read the hastily scrawled note:
ELEVATOR NOT WORKING. SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE.
“Ui, Kuya! Kailan pa toh maaayos?” Sam called after him, but the man disappeared down the hallway without a word.
“Hay naku, ang malas naman,” Sam muttered, shaking her head.
“Mag-stairs na lang tayo,” the woman offered.
Sam hesitated. She couldn’t ask this kind stranger to haul heavy books up eight flights of stairs. “Ah, hindi, okay lang—”
“Anong floor ka?” the woman interrupted, a determined look on her face.
“Uh... eight?” Sam whispered, cringing at how far away it sounded.
But instead of recoiling, the woman simply nodded. “Tara?”
Sam blinked, momentarily stunned. Ang bait naman neto... Saka ang ganda ng ngiti niya…Grabe, ang gwapo—ay, ang ganda rin? Ewan. Basta.
They began the climb, the woman walking slightly ahead of Sam to set the pace. By the fourth floor, Sam was gasping for air, her legs burning with each step.
Without a word, the stranger stopped, turned around, and took the remaining books from Sam’s arms.
“Huy!” Sam protested, though her tone lacked conviction.
“Halika na, ako na,” the woman said firmly, her lips quirking into a teasing smile. She turned and resumed climbing before Sam could argue further.
By the time they reached the eighth floor, Sam felt like collapsing. She pushed open the door to the residents’ quarters and quickly deposited the books on the nearest table.
“Grabe, nakarating rin tayo.” Sam let out a long exhale and turned to the woman. “Salamat talaga, ha. Ang laki ng tulong mo.”
The woman shrugged, brushing a hand across her forehead to wipe away the sweat.
Wracked with guilt, Sam immediately grabbed some tissues from the nearby table and stepped closer.
“Naku, sorry talaga! Inabala pa kita,” she said, dabbing at the woman’s face without thinking.
The woman froze, her eyes widening as Sam’s hand lingered.
Seeing her expression, Sam realized what she was doing. Hoy, Samantha! Anong ginagawa mo? Ano kayo close?!
Sam abruptly stepped back, her face turning crimson.
“Uh... sorry! Sobrang instinct lang, haha, ang awkward, sorry ulit!” Sam stammered, waving her hands as if to dispel the tension.
Just then, the door creaked open, and Doc Jessie stepped in.
“Ui, Sam! Naakyat mo na ba—” Jessie paused mid-sentence, her eyes landing on the woman beside Sam.
“Gaby? Anong ginagawa mo dito?” she asked, surprised.
Sam’s jaw dropped. “Magkakilala kayo?”
“Oo, radiologist natin yan noh,” Jessie said.
Radiologist? Doctor? Dito sa hospital? Pinabuhat ko ang isang doctor…? Sam’s thoughts were spiraling.
Gaby offered a small smile, scratching the back of her neck. “Ah... tinulungan ko lang si—uh—Sam sa mga libro niya.”
“Wow, pinabuhat mo yung rad-resident natin? Lakas mo ah,” Jessie teased, turning towards Sam.
Sam wanted the floor to swallow her whole.
“Okay lang ‘yun. Masaya naman ako tumulong,” Gaby said, before Sam could blurt out some awkward apology. Although, she could feel Gaby’s gaze lingering on her for just a second too long.
“Anyway, una na ako. Nice meeting you, Sam,” Gaby said, giving her a small wave before disappearing out the door.
Sam stood there, shell-shocked, as Jessie smirked beside her. “Parang namumula ka, Nurse Sam?” Jessie teased, poking her cheek.
But Sam said nothing. In a daze, she just left the room leaving Jessie standing there, amused.
Back at the nurse’s station, Sam couldn’t stop replaying the encounter in her mind. Bakit ba kasi nasira yung elevator?
…kailan ko kaya siya makikita ulit?
Sam sighed. She can’t believe she made such a bad impression with a person who potentially could be the love of her life…
Ano?! Love of your life? Kailangan mo nang inumin gamot mo Sam.
She barely knows her.
All she really knows is that Gaby’s the kind of person who helps strangers without expecting anything in return. That she can apparently lift heavy objects with ease. And that she is probably the most handsome and beautiful person she’s ever seen. Oh, and that smile…what Sam would do to be the reason behind that…
What Sam didn’t know was that somewhere in the stairwell, Doc Gaby was smiling to herself, already hoping to bump into the clumsy nurse again.
*****
*****
It’s been a couple of days since Sam first met Gaby. For reasons she couldn’t explain, their paths seemed to cross more often than ever. In the lobby, the cafeteria, or even at the parking lot—Gaby was everywhere, and Sam couldn’t decide if it was pure coincidence or some cosmic joke.
Every time she passed by the radiology office on her way to the lab, Sam found herself sneaking glances at the small window, hoping to catch a glimpse of Gaby. She had been building up the courage to talk to her again—not just to properly thank her for helping out with the books that day, but maybe... just maybe... to ask her out for coffee.
But she never got past her pacing thoughts.
Until…
*Thud*
Sam’s daydreaming was abruptly interrupted as her forehead collided with something—or someone.
"Aray," Sam muttered, rubbing the sore spot.
“Okay ka lang?” a familiar voice drifted to her ears, pulling her thoughts into sharper focus.
She looked up and froze. Standing before her, smiling with a mixture of concern and amusement, was Doc Gaby.
Naku, doc ang delikado mo naman, Sam thought. Isa pang ngiti mo, mai-inlove na talaga ako sa’yo...
“Hi, Doc,” she said, smiling back without thinking. Gaby seemed to draw out that kind of reaction from her—a smile that came so easily, it was almost automatic.
“Haven’t seen you in a while ah,” Gaby said casually, hands in her scrub pockets.
Sam fought back a laugh, “Nagkita kaya tayo kanina sa caf, Doc.
“Ah, oo nga pala,” Gaby chuckled softly.
Sam felt her chest grow lighter at the sound of Gaby’s laugh—her smile widening even more.
“Bakit?” Gaby asked, tilting her head slightly.
“Ah, wala. Ang cute mo lang pag naka-ngiti ka,” Sam blurted out before she could stop herself.
Gaby blinked, taken aback. For a moment, she didn’t know how to respond. No one’s called her cute before.
“Um… thanks?” she said, a slight blush creeping up her cheeks.
Sam’s own cheeks burned. Putik, ang ingay ng bibig ko!
She scrambled for a subject change. “Kumain ka na ba, Doc?”
“Wala pa eh,” Gaby replied, still looking at her like she couldn’t quite figure her out.
“Tara, kain tayo!” Sam said impulsively.
“Saan?”
Minutes later, they were seated in a small carinderia just outside the hospital.
Sam felt a little embarrassed. Of all places to take Doc Gaby, she had brought her here. But Gaby didn’t seem to mind. In fact, she looked genuinely content, even delighted, as she took another bite of her meal.
“Gutom ka ata, Doc,” Sam teased, noticing how fast Gaby was eating.
“Sorry,” Gaby chuckled, swallowing her food. “Mahilig lang talaga ako sa lutong-bahay.”
Sam smiled to herself. Noted.
“Mukha nga, parang sumigla ka bigla,” Sam said, watching Gaby with fond amusement.
“Bakit? Mukha ba akong pagod masyado?” Gaby asked.
“Hmm… slight lang,” Sam teased.
“Buhay doctor,” Gaby shrugged, taking another bite with her fork. “Ganun talaga.”
“Alam ko na!” Sam’s eyes lit up as she almost stood from her seat, causing the small table to wobble. “Baka kailangan mo lang ng power hug!”
Gaby stared at her, clearly baffled.
“You knoww, yung kay Laida at Miggy—‘yung sa movie nila!” Sam said, her voice rising in excitement, as Gaby just continues to stare at her.
“Hindi mo pa ba yun napapanood??” Sam gasped, dramatically placing a hand on her chest as if personally offended.
Gaby shook her head slowly.
“Oh my god, so ito yun doc…”
As Sam animatedly launched into an explanation of the movie, Gaby found herself staring.
Who is this woman? Gaby thought. Normally, she avoided overly talkative people. Gusto niya ng tahimik. But now, in a crowded carinderia with a pretty girl across from her, talking loudly about an old movie she’d never seen, Gaby felt more at peace than ever.
Somehow, Sam’s energy didn’t feel draining. Instead, it felt like light—something she didn’t know she’d been craving until now.
“…so yun ang context ng power hug,” Sam finished, waving her hands for emphasis.
“Uh… okay?” Gaby said, unsure of what to say.
Sam grinned, “Alam mo, ipapakita ko na lang.”
Before Gaby could protest, Sam stood up and gestured for her to do the same. Gaby hesitated, looking around. The other customers were starting to glance at them curiously.
“Halika na, Doc!” Sam insisted.
Sighing in surrender, Gaby stood up.
Sam clapped her hands together. “Okay, eto na. Para kay Doc Gaby, isang napakalaking power hug!”
Without waiting, Sam threw her arms around Gaby, pulling her into a tight embrace.
Gaby froze for a split second, caught off guard. But then, something surprising happened.
She relaxed.
Slowly, tentatively, Gaby’s arms found their way around Sam, pulling her closer. Her cheek pressed lightly against Sam’s shoulder. She couldn’t remember the last time someone had hugged her like this—warm, genuine, and without hesitation.
Sam was about to let go, but she felt Gaby’s grip tighten ever so slightly. Mukhang kailangan talaga toh ni Doc, she thought, her heart softening.
“Thank you, Sam,” Gaby finally said as they pulled back. Her voice was quiet, but her smile—the one that Sam already adored—was brighter than ever. “Fully charged na ako.”
Shit.
Wala na.
Tapos na ang pila.
Sam thought, staring at Gaby as if she’d hung the stars.
*****
*****
It all started with leftovers.
Sam had been cooking her own lunch one quiet evening, the kind of night where the kitchen felt more like a refuge than a chore. She’d miscalculated—made too much food for herself—and instead of storing it in the fridge, she thought of Gaby. Magugustuhan niya toh, Sam thought, remembering Gaby’s love for home-cooked meals. Without overthinking, she packed the extra food into a neat container, scribbled a note, and left it in Gaby’s office the next morning.
That small act quickly became a habit. Their hospital schedules were relentless, the hours unforgiving, but Sam found ways to bridge the gap when they couldn’t see each other.
On especially busy days, she’d sneak into Gaby’s office, leaving containers of food paired with playful notes.
"Sana magustuhan mo. Ginawa ko 'yan kanina para may dessert ka na kasing sweet ng ngiti mo :)”
"Bicol Express for today! May extrang siling labyu pa diyan…ay labuyo pala :P”
"Busy today so wala munang power hug :( Sana ok lang muna tong sumang yakap. Eat well, bebe!”
Sam’s gestures were small but intentional. She’d pack dishes that she knew Gaby liked, adding little touches that made her think of home.
Meanwhile, Gaby found herself looking forward to these moments more than she wanted to admit. The little notes Sam left weren’t just sweet—they made her feel cared for. She couldn’t help but smile, even if it meant enduring teasing from her friends.
“Busog ka na ba, Gabs?” Celine asked one afternoon, grinning as Gaby opened another one of Sam’s lunches.
“Busog na 'yan siya… busog sa pagmamahal ng bebe niya,” Mackie quipped, earning laughter from the group.
Gaby rolled her eyes but didn’t protest, her cheeks betraying her with a flush of red. Sam had started calling her pet names in her notes, and recently, even in person. It was the kind of thing that would normally make her cringe. But with Sam, it didn’t bother her. In fact, she liked it.
Bakit nga ba okay lang? she wondered.
Long lines at restaurants didn’t seem so bad when Sam was around. Evening traffic felt less frustrating when they were stuck together, trading stories about their days. Sam had this way of making even the most mundane moments feel…lighter. Happier.
But Gaby wasn’t naive. She felt it—the pull of something unspoken that lingered between them. Yet she couldn’t name it.
Ano ba si Sam sa buhay ko? Kaibigan? She’d had friends before, of course. She knew how to navigate those relationships.
But Sam? Sam was different. Sam was so much…more.
It was on an ordinary day when everything finally clicked.
Sam was talking about something—a funny story involving one of her patients—but Gaby wasn’t really listening. Not because she wasn’t interested, but because she was too focused on Sam herself.
The way Sam’s hands moved animatedly as she spoke, the slight bounce in her step, the way her laughter came easily even after a grueling day.
“Ay, sorry, daldal ba ako masyado?” Sam asked suddenly, stopping mid-sentence with an apologetic smile.
“Medyo… pero okay lang… cute naman eh.”
The words slipped out before Gaby could stop them. As soon as they left her lips, she froze, her heart pounding. Saan galing ‘yon?
Sam’s cheeks flushed instantly, her usual confidence giving way to a bashful smile. “Ah… cute pala ha?” she said, her voice teasing but soft, almost shy.
Gaby couldn’t bring herself to look away. Her gaze lingered on Sam, and for the first time, she let herself notice the details she’d ignored before. The way Sam’s eyes crinkled at the corners when she smiled. The way her hair always seemed to fall perfectly, even in the chaos of hospital shifts. The way she looked at Gaby, like she was the only person in the world who mattered…
…
…
Oh.
…
Oh.
*****
*****
"Oh, bebe, tumawag ka?" Sam said as she stepped into Gaby's office. Her tone was playful but the moment her eyes landed on Gaby, she knew something was off.
Gaby stood by her desk, her hands fidgeting, her gaze downcast. Her usually calm and composed face was clouded with an emotion Sam couldn’t quite read—nervousness? Embarrassment?
Sam's playful smile immediately faded. “Okay ka lang? May problema ba?"
Concern laced her voice as she stepped closer, her brow furrowing. Seeing Gaby like this sent a pang of worry through her chest.
Gaby looked up abruptly, realizing the anxiety she must’ve shown. “Uh, wala, okay lang ako!" she said, her voice a little too high, her words too rushed.
Sam didn’t buy it. Her brow arched skeptically as she crossed her arms. "Sure ka ba? Ang weird mo eh. Hindi ako sanay na ganyan ka…”
Gaby tried to muster a convincing smile, though it was shaky at best. "Uh, ano kasi... gusto ko lang mag-thank you sa food kanina."
Sam let out a relieved sigh, rolling her eyes slightly. "Yun lang ba? Akala ko naman kung ano na. Huwag mo akong ginaganyan doc, madali akong kabahan!”
But Gaby didn’t respond right away. She shifted her weight, her hands still fidgeting, her eyes darting anywhere but Sam’s.
"May sasabihin ka pa ba?" Sam pressed gently, tilting her head in curiosity.
Gaby inhaled sharply, as if steeling herself. "Uh, Sam... gusto ko rin kasing sabihin na…"
"Na?" Sam prompted, leaning closer.
“Nagustuhan ko talaga ‘yung food mo," Gaby started, her voice faltering slightly, "pero… may iba sana akong gusto…"
Sam’s face lit up. "Oh? Ano yun? Sabihin mo lang, paglulutuan kita! Kahit ano doc, basta ikaw," she teased, flashing her signature playful grin.
Gaby bit her lip, her heart racing in her chest. "Hindi kasi… ikaw kasi…"
Sam blinked, confused. "Ha? Ano ‘yun?"
Gaby squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, summoning every ounce of courage she had. "Ikaw ‘yung gusto ko… este, ang ibig kong sabihin… may gusto ako sa’yo."
She paused, groaning softly in frustration. "Shit, ang hirap pala nito, noh…"
Sam stood there, momentarily stunned. The room felt heavier with the weight of Gaby’s confession, but her lips were already curving into the brightest, widest smile.
"Gaby…seryoso ka ba?" Sam whispered.
Before Gaby could respond, Sam crossed the room in a flash and flung herself into Gaby’s arms. Her laughter bubbled up as she wrapped her arms around Gaby’s neck, pulling her close.
And then, without hesitation, Sam kissed her.
Gaby froze for the briefest second, her brain short-circuiting as Sam’s lips pressed against hers. But the hesitation quickly melted away as she kissed Sam back, her hands finding their way to Sam’s waist. It was clumsy, rushed, and filled with so much raw emotion that it left them both breathless.
"Wait, sorry…" Sam murmured, pulling back slightly. Her cheeks were flushed, and her grin was sheepish. "Nadala ata ako. Pwede ba ‘to? Ayaw ko naman madaliin ka—"
Gaby silenced her with another kiss, this one softer but just as electrifying. It didn’t take long for them to fall back into the same rhythm, their bodies pressed close, their hearts beating in sync.
For Gaby, it felt surreal. Nasa langit na ata ko…
…but heaven didn’t last long as the door suddenly burst open.
“Shit, sorry!"
They sprang apart like teenagers caught by a parent, their faces mirroring the same wide-eyed panic.
Celine was standing at the doorway trying—and failing—to suppress a knowing smirk.
"Lock niyo kasi sa susunod," she said before shutting the door again, her laughter echoing faintly down the hall.
For a moment, silence hung in the room. Sam’s face was a deep shade of red, and Gaby knew hers wasn’t any better.
“Uh…" Sam broke the silence. "Free ka ba mamaya doc?"
Gaby chuckled softly, shaking her head in disbelief. Her heart still raced, but her lips curved into the same warm smile that Sam had fallen for.
Gaby simply nodded as she couldn't help but think: Ang saya palang umamin.
*****
*****
Ang competitive pala neto...
Sam wasn't expecting this. Sure, Gaby was capable and focused, but seeing her competitive side in full force was something else entirely. The surgery department’s Christmas party was in full swing and Sam was having fun spending the holidays with her friends, though, the day was exponentially better because Gaby was by her side.
Initially, Sam had to practically beg her to join the parlor games. Gaby had raised an eyebrow at her, clearly skeptical, but Sam refused to take no for an answer.
And to her surprise, once Gaby agreed, she dove in completely. She wasn’t just participating—she was winning. One game after another, Gaby’s laser-sharp focus and determination left everyone, including Sam, in awe.
Ang intense niya ha. Despite her usual calm demeanor, Gaby’s competitive spirit shone through, her brows furrowed, her lips pressed in concentration. Sam found it both amusing and, well… ridiculously attractive.
"Ang daya naman, ba’t yung radio pa nananalo?" Doc Jessie joked from the sidelines.
Sam laughed nervously, glancing around. People were starting to notice. Gaby had been spending more time at their party than her own department’s celebration just a few feet away. Some of the hospital staff exchanged knowing glances, a few even daring to smirk.
But Gaby didn’t care. Her sharp gaze scanned the area, daring anyone to make a comment. Sam could almost hear her thoughts, “Sige, subukan niyo."
“Oh, next game na nga!” Nurse Sav says into the microphone, “By pair toh ah!”
Sam’s eyes lit up. "Ui, sali tayo dito!" she said enthusiastically, grabbing Gaby’s arm before she could object.
"Sam—" Gaby began to protest, but Sam cut her off with a grin.
“Tara na, favorite ko toh!”
The next game required pairs to stand on a piece of paper that would be folded smaller and smaller after every round.
Their paper was now the size of a handkerchief, and Sam’s mind raced. "Paano tayo magkakasya dito?" she muttered under her breath.
When the music stopped, Sam panicked. She barely had time to think before she felt Gaby’s arms wrap around her.
"Uy, ano—" Sam gasped as Gaby lifted her effortlessly, holding her close. Sam’s feet dangled in the air, her hands instinctively clutching Gaby’s shoulders, as Gaby stood on the small paper.
The crowd erupted into cheers and laughter.
Sam’s cheeks burned. If they weren’t surrounded by so many people, she might have kissed Gaby right then and there.
Instead, in a daze, she said: "Doc, I do."
Gaby’s eyes widened for a moment, her eyebrows shooting up in surprise. But then, she broke into the most radiant smile Sam had ever seen.
The crowd caught on, giggling and teasing the pair.
“Uy, Sam! Kailan ang kasal?” someone called out, followed by more laughter.
Sam’s heart raced. Shit, malakas ba pagkasabi ko? she thought, her mind scrambling.
But Gaby’s smile didn’t falter. In fact, it softened, and her eyes shone with something Sam couldn’t quite place—but whatever it was, it made her feel like she’d just won the lottery.
Bahala na, Sam thought, her own lips curling into a smile as she looked back at Gaby.
*****
*****
Sam shivered, her thin jacket doing little against the cool night breeze. The soft hum of the ocean filled the air, mingling with the faint music and laughter from the party in the background. A small bonfire flickered before her, its warm glow barely reaching her chilled skin.
Gaby sat close, her eyes darting between Sam and the flames.
“Malamig ba?” Gaby whispered, her voice low but laced with concern. Without waiting for a reply, she reached for Sam’s hands, enclosing them in her own.
Sam’s breath hitched at the sudden warmth of Gaby’s touch. Her thumbs gently rubbed circles over Sam’s cold fingers.
“Grabe ka,” Sam muttered with a teasing smile. "Ikaw na nga gumawa nung bonfire…”
Gaby glanced at her, a small grin tugging at the corners of her lips. "Hindi ko kayang makita kang nilalamig. Mukha kang kawawa."
“Wow, ang sweet naman—pero ouch,” Sam shot back, feigning offense.
Gaby chuckled softly, bringing Sam’s hands closer to her face. With delicate care, she blew on them, her warm breath sending shivers up Sam’s spine.
Sam didn’t miss the faint blush creeping up Gaby’s cheeks as she avoided eye contact.
After a few moments, Gaby’s expression shifted, her hands reluctantly letting go of Sam’s. Sam frowned, sensing something in Gaby’s demeanor.
“Bakit?” Sam asked softly, tilting her head to meet Gaby’s gaze.
Gaby sighed, the sound heavy and uncertain. “Sam,” she began, her voice hesitant, “alam kong bago pa tayo...pero may sasabihin sana ako sa’yo.”
Sam’s heart raced. Her mind went into overdrive, imagining every worst-case scenario. Hala ito na ba yun? Did I do something wrong?
She gulped, mustering the courage to respond. “Okay... ano yun?”
Gaby let out a small laugh, the sound light but tinged with nervousness. It put Sam slightly at ease but didn’t completely erase her anxiety.
“Look,” Gaby continued, her eyes fixed on the fire, “ayokong matakot ka or ma-overwhelm, pero...”
Sam leaned forward slightly, her breath hitching. "Pero ano?"
“Nararamdaman ko kasi na...” Gaby trailed off, finally turning to face Sam. Her dark eyes reflected the flickering flames, filled with a mix of vulnerability and hope.
“Na?” Sam prompted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Gaby’s lips curled into a soft, genuine smile, one that made Sam’s chest tighten.
“Nahuhulog na ata ako sa’yo, Sam,” Gaby said, her voice trembling slightly, as if she’d just handed Sam her heart.
“I think…I think I could really love you…”
Sam froze, her mouth opening slightly in surprise.
For a moment, the only sounds were the crackling fire and the distant crash of waves.
“Ako rin,” Sam replied softly.
“Talaga?” Gaby asked, her vulnerability laid bare in that single word. Her tone tugged at Sam’s heart, threatening to break it entirely.
Sam nodded, a warm smile spreading across her lips. Without hesitation, she shifted closer, leaning in to plant a soft kiss on Gaby’s cheek.
Gaby exhaled sharply, her lips parting in relief and joy.
Sam settled comfortably against her, leaning her head on Gaby’s shoulder as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
And underneath the stars, with the soft crackle of the fire in front of them, Gaby kissed Sam’s forehead as she whispered,
“Delikado ako sa’yo, Sam.”