March 30, 2024 — 12:05 AM
Katipunan, Quezon City
The drive back was slow, but neither of them minded.
Matthew kept one hand on the wheel and the other resting lightly on the center console. Angel leaned against the window, legs curled under her, the faint city lights reflecting softly across her face. Jazz still played from the car speakers—subtle, quiet, like the final notes of a long day exhaling.
Outside, Quezon City pulsed on, but inside the vehicle, it felt like the rest of the world had hit pause.
"Turn right at the next," Angel murmured. "Blue gate with the ceramic tile number plate. That's me."
Matthew slowed as instructed, pulling gently into the narrow street. Her townhouse stood in a quiet row of well-kept homes, modest and tidy, tucked just off the main road.
When the engine cut, a gentle stillness settled in the air.
"Thanks for tonight," Angel said, unbuckling her seatbelt.
He smiled. "I should be the one saying that."
