Hey, Dan! I turned around to where the voice was coming from.

Hey! Long time! I smiled.

My friend sat on the chair in front of me and we started talking.

Why are you here?  I asked.  Di ba you're usually at RS?

Not today.  I'm going to work late pa naman e.  So dito na lang ako sa Fort.

So how are you?

I'm good, good.

And?  How are you and--I'm sorry--I forgot the name.

We're, he paused a bit then said, somewhere.

Exclusively dating? Or just no formal talk?

We're exclusively dating, pero we haven't really talked about us.

That's good progress na ah.  The last time I had a chance to talk to you, you weren't even exclusive.

Onga e.  Tagal na nun ah.  Seven, eight months ago?

Is there a need to rush?

Hmm. I guess wala naman.

Anyway, I'll go ahead na. Still got work.

Sige, sige.

See you around.

When I stepped out of Fort Strip, the sun was up.  Perfectly bright, not too hot after days of rain, drizzle, and cloud.  There was a feeling of lightness everywhere, as if the worst was over, the weekend's coming, and whatever storm the coming days would bring, there will always be this day--caught between rains and storms--when the parking space seemed luminous; the sky was azure, and there was a gentle, soft breeze in the air.  There were leaves falling from the trees lined along the sidewalk, scattered and windswept.  There were ladies chattering, laughing; you see a friend you haven't seen for a long time.  One fine day.  It might not be the right time, but it's a good time to fall in love.