This chapter is dedicated to @trimavelasco . Thank you for your comments! I enjoyed reading them in the past chapters. :) Happy reading!

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December 24th. The date felt heavy, a stark reminder that while the rest of the world was gearing up for festivities and time with family, we at Pablo Roman Studio were drowning in the final rush before the holidays. My eyes strained as I zoomed in on the 3D render of the main terminal, meticulously adjusting the way the simulated sunlight cast soft shadows across the intricate wooden panels that paid homage to Balinese tradition. Bawat detalye ay kailangang maging perpekto, o hindi ito makakalusot sa mata ng project manager namin.

From across the room, I heard Ar. Maria's familiar, sharp voice. "Shan, as soon as you finish that simulation, send it to Claire for client approval. We need it before the end of the day."

"Got it, Ar. Maria," sagot ko, matatag ang boses ko sa kabila ng pagod na lumalamon sa akin. I glanced over at Claire, who was balancing her phone between her ear and shoulder while jotting down notes furiously. She caught my eye, gave me a quick thumbs-up, and mouthed, You've got this. It was a small gesture, but it lifted my spirits enough to push through the next few hours.

Ar. Asmara Widjaya and Ar. Liang Wei Tan were deep in conversation near the drafting table, their heads bent over blueprints. Ang tahimik na bulong ng kanilang mga boses ay pumuno sa silid, sumasama sa mahinang ugong ng mga bentilador ng kompyuter at ang kaluskos ng mga panulat sa papel. Hinangaan ko ang pokus ni Ar. Asmara—kung paano niya napanatili ang kanyang kalmadong ekspresyon habang kami ay lahat ay ubos na ang lakas ay hindi ko maintindihan.

"Shan, everything okay?" Daniel's voice pulled me back to reality. The sustainability consultant was standing next to Kenji Nakamura, their conversation about green materials briefly paused as Daniel checked in on me.

"Yeah, just making sure the light balance doesn't overpower the natural elements," I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. Daniel nodded approvingly before resuming his animated discussion with Kenji, who was gesturing so enthusiastically that I half-expected him to knock over a stack of papers.

"Nia, are we still on track for the vertical garden drainage alignment?" tawag ni Daniel, ang kanyang mga kilay ay nakakunot sa tindi ng paparating na deadline.

Ar. Nia Putri didn't even look up from her blueprints as she replied, "Already done, Daniel. I'm coordinating with Agus on the final plant selections this afternoon."

I allowed myself a small smile at the exchange. Ar. Nia's cool efficiency was something I admired, even envied at times. My phone buzzed on the desk, pulling my attention from the room. It was a message from Evelyn Cho, our cultural liaison: Final designs for the woven paneling are ready. Sending photos. Relief washed over me—Ms. Evelyn's updates were a reminder that we were moving forward, even if the pace was relentless.

"Shan," Ika Mulyani's voice cut through the haze. She walked over with a bundle of papers in her arms, her eyes glistening with excitement despite the hour. "I've got the new seating layouts for review. These should balance comfort and the Balinese aesthetic."

"Perfect timing, Ika," I said, taking the sketches from her hands and scanning them quickly. The intricate patterns spoke to her talent for fusing tradition with modern functionality, and for a moment, I forgot how tired I was.

Before I could say anything else, a shift in the room caught my attention. Easton James Parrino Galanza—East—strode in, his presence immediately altering the energy around us. His confident walk was tinged with urgency, a subtle reminder that even on Christmas Eve, the project ruled our lives.

I took a deep breath, refocusing on the sketches in my hands, trying to ignore the way my pulse quickened when I caught sight of him. This day was far from over.

As the clock struck 7:00 p.m., a collective cheer erupted through Pablo Roman Studio. The weight of the past few weeks lifted in an instant as everyone realized: we had done it. The final designs and reports were sent, checked, and confirmed, meeting the deadline just in time. Umurong ako mula sa aking mesa, ang puso ko'y kumakalabog sa halo ng pagod at ginhawa. Sa paligid ko, nagtatawanan ang mga kasama ko at nagbabatian ng palakpak sa likod, isang bihirang sandali ng pagdiriwang sa isang propesyon na mas kilala sa presyon kaysa sa papuri.

Architect Pablo Roman stepped into the main area, his sharp eyes softened by an expression I hadn't seen often—a broad, genuine smile. The room quieted as he looked over the team. His gaze lingered, taking in the weary but triumphant faces.

"I'm proud of you all," he said, his deep voice resonating through the studio. A wave of disbelief passed through the team. Architect Pablo wasn't known for overt praise, let alone showing this kind of warmth. I exchanged a stunned glance with Apinya, who raised her eyebrows as if to say, Did that really just happen?

"And," he continued, a hint of amusement breaking through his usually stern demeanor, "if any of you don't have plans for tonight, I'd like to invite you over for Christmas Eve dinner at my home."

The silence was palpable, broken only by a few surprised gasps. I caught my breath, not sure I had heard him correctly. Ar. Pablo, the man whose standards were as towering as the buildings he designed, was inviting us over for a holiday dinner?

He must have noticed our shock because he chuckled softly. "Of course, anyone with family commitments or other plans, please, go enjoy your holidays. But for those of you who are free, I insist."

A murmur of excitement and gratitude rippled through the room. One by one, people began to gather their things, exchanging farewells with promises of relaxation and well-deserved rest.

I glanced around to see who would be staying.Asmara leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms with a small smile that said he wasn't going anywhere. Nia was organizing her papers, but I could see the spark of curiosity in her eyes. Kenji, who had been animatedly chatting with East, gave me a quick nod when he noticed my gaze. East, for his part, looked relieved and even a little eager—a rare sight that warmed me more than I cared to admit.

Sina Apinya at Liang Wei ay tahimik na nag-uusap ngunit napangiti nang sabay nang mapagtanto nilang pareho silang pupunta. Tumango si Kuya Marco na may ngiti. "Looks like I'm in," he said, eyes twinkling.

It felt surreal as we gathered our things and followed Architect Pablo out of the studio. I walked beside East, the anticipation of an unexpected evening filling the air.

"This should be interesting," East said, his voice low enough for only me to hear. His eyes met mine, the weight of our shared exhaustion replaced by a glimmer of excitement.

"Yeah," I replied softly, a smile pulling at my lips. I could already feel the shift from a day of relentless pressure to a night that promised camaraderie, warmth, and the comfort of being with people who understood each other better than anyone else.

***

Architect Pablo Roman's home was nothing short of breathtaking. As we arrived and stepped out of our cars, a collective sense of awe rippled through the group. The house stood tall and majestic against the backdrop of the starlit sky, its design a seamless blend of modern luxury and traditional Balinese architecture. Ang harapan ay pinailaw ng malambot at mainit na ilaw na nagbigay-diin sa masalimuot na ukit sa mga pintuan at sa mga pader na gawa sa natural na bato, na kumikislap nang bahagya sa pagdapo ng liwanag.

My eyes were drawn to the peaked roof, a nod to the classic Balinese alang-alang style, intricately layered and extending gracefully over the entryway. The entrance itself was flanked by large, carved wooden doors depicting scenes of nature and folklore, each panel an artwork in its own right. The scent of frangipani and incense lingered in the evening air, an aromatic reminder of the island's spiritual roots.

"Wow," hininga ni Apinya, nakanganga. Inabot niya ang malamig at makinis na bato ng pader na pinakamalapit sa kanya, na parang kailangan ng katiyakan na totoo ito. Tumango si Nia sa tahimik na pagsang-ayon, ang kanyang mga mata ay tinitingnan ang ari-arian gamit ang matalas na mata ng isang landscape architect na nauunawaan ang maingat na paglalagay ng luntiang mga halaman na pumapaligid sa bahay.

Kenji let out a low whistle. "This is what I call living art," he said, taking in the open-air pavilion that extended from the main structure, its polished teak beams supporting a roof lined with bamboo. The sounds of a nearby water feature—a cascading stone fountain—added a soothing undercurrent to the atmosphere.

Tumawa si Kuya Marco, may bahid ng paghanga sa kanyang tinig. "I suppose this is what happens when you're not only an architect but an artist at heart."

As we moved closer, the carved doors were pulled open by Asmara, who had arrived a moment before us and was already chatting with East in the entryway. Asmara's expression held a knowing smile as she watched our reactions. Having visited here numerous times, she seemed amused by our astonishment.

East, standing just beside her, met my gaze and offered a small smile, his eyes soft with understanding. This was clearly familiar territory for him, and there was a comfort in seeing him so at ease.

"Come on in, everyone," Asmara called out, her tone inviting. The warm glow from inside spilled out onto the front path, casting golden light on the stone pavers beneath our feet. As we stepped over the threshold, the interior opened up in a way that made me stop for a moment just to take it all in. The living space was open-concept, filled with artisan furniture made of dark wood and woven rattan. High ceilings with exposed beams added a sense of grandeur, while the textured stone walls and flowing white curtains kept it grounded, intimate.

Large, open windows framed views of a private garden that featured a mix of native plants and decorative stone statues, their forms partially obscured by the gentle swaying of tropical leaves. The indoor-outdoor design made it feel as though we were still under the night sky, surrounded by the island itself.

"Help yourselves, make yourselves comfortable," Architect Pablo said as he walked in from an adjoining room. He was dressed more casually than I'd ever seen him, a relaxed smile on his face as he gestured to the expansive seating area where pillows and soft throws added comfort.

Liang Wei, who had been unusually quiet, let out a deep sigh of appreciation. "This is a masterpiece, Tek Pablo," he said, the respectful term rolling off his tongue with genuine admiration.

I found myself sharing a glance with Kuya Marco, who raised an eyebrow as if to say, We should take notes. The room was filled with an air of camaraderie, a rare, serene moment shared with colleagues who had become more like family. It felt like the perfect way to close out one chapter of relentless work and celebrate not just the holiday, but each other.

Dinner at Ar. Pablo's house was both lively and unexpectedly personal. The long dining table was set with an array of beautifully plated dishes, showcasing traditional Balinese fare with hints of Western influence. The room buzzed with the sound of laughter and the clinking of glasses as everyone recounted funny stories from past projects and shared inside jokes that only those in the field could truly appreciate.

Napansin ko si East na nakaupo sa dulo ng mesa, may bahagyang ngiti sa mga sulok ng kanyang bibig habang nakikinig ngunit hindi sumasali. He'd always been that way—quiet, observant, only letting his guard down when we were alone. I caught his eye for a brief moment, and he gave me a small nod before turning his gaze back to his plate, swirling his fork absentmindedly.

Nagbago ang atmospera nang humilig si Ar. Pablo sa kanyang upuan, may ningning ng kalokohan sa kanyang mga mata. "You know, Shan," he said, raising an eyebrow, "you're quite popular among our clients."

A wave of heat rushed to my face as everyone turned to look at me. "What do you mean, Tek Pablo?" I said, trying to play it off with a laugh.

"Oh, you know exactly what I mean," sagot niya, tumatawa. "I've had clients—more than a few, actually—comment on how impressive you are. And not just your work, although that's part of it. They're captivated by the way you carry yourself. The blonde hair, the way you speak with authority and charm. It's... amusing, to say the least."

A chorus of oohs and teasing laughter filled the room. Asmara smirked and raised her glass in my direction. "Looks like you're the star of the show tonight, Shan."

Nararamdaman kong lalong namumula ang pisngi ko, pansamantalang nawala ang mga salita sa akin. Bago ako makasagot, sumingit si Apinya, kumikislap ang mga mata. "And to answer your question, Tek Pablo, Shan's been single for ages! Isn't that right, Shan?"

The room erupted again, with voices overlapping as everyone playfully speculated and teased. I managed a smile, my pulse quickening as I glanced at East. His expression was hard to read, but he reached for his glass and took a long drink, his fair skin betraying him as a subtle flush crept up his neck and onto his face.

Ar. Pablo leaned forward, eyes twinkling with mischief. "Well, Shan, it's good that you're unattached," he said, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. "A few clients have asked for your number, hoping to take you out on a date. I could set something up if you're interested."

My heart pounded, a nervous laugh bubbling up. "I'll think about it, Tek Pablo," I managed to say, looking down at my plate to avoid the sea of curious eyes.

Nagkaroon ng sandaling katahimikan, sinundan ng mas maraming tawanan at magaan na usapan, ngunit hindi ko maalis ang pakiramdam na may nagmamasid sa akin. Tumingala ako sa tamang oras upang makita si East na inubos ang natitirang laman ng kanyang inumin, ang kanyang mukha ay halatang namumula na. He set his glass down with a little more force than usual and reached for the bottle to pour himself another.

Kenji noticed too and raised an eyebrow. "Whoa, East, easy there. The night's still young," he said, half-joking.

East forced a smile but didn't respond, taking another sip instead. My chest tightened as I watched him. This wasn't like him; he was always composed, rarely letting emotions show in public. I wanted to reach out, to say something, but the moment passed as the conversation shifted and the room filled with noise once more.

Yet, I couldn't help but feel that beneath the laughter and the teasing, there was an unspoken tension that only the two of us could feel—a current that made the room seem smaller and the space between us vast.

The chatter from the dining room had grown distant by the time I stepped into the hallway. The muted hum of laughter and clinking glasses echoed faintly behind me, a sharp contrast to the quiet around the restroom. I took a deep breath, trying to clear my head from the whirlwind of emotions stirred up at dinner.

But as soon as I opened the door and stepped out, my heart skipped a beat. East was there, leaning casually against the wall, arms folded and eyes locked onto mine. The hallway's dim lighting cast shadows across his face, emphasizing the sharp line of his jaw and the intensity in his eyes. It was the way he looked at me when it was just the two of us, a gaze that once felt like home.

"East?" nasabi ko, ang boses ko halos bulong na lang, halo ng gulat at pagkalito na pumipigil sa dibdib ko.

Before I could say another word, he pushed himself off the wall and closed the space between us in one fluid motion. His breath carried the scent of alcohol, but his movements were deliberate, almost sober. Without hesitation, he reached out and pulled me close, his hands firm around my waist as he captured my lips with his.

Ang halik ay biglaan at malalim, puno ng init. My body responded instinctively, heart pounding as his fingers tightened their hold. It was the kind of kiss that left no room for second thoughts, drawing out the kind of raw, physical connection that had always been effortless between us.

But then, as the moments stretched, something unexpected settled in my chest. I felt the thrill, the electric touch of attraction—but nothing more. No warmth blooming in my heart, no sense of longing or emotional pull.

My hands pressed lightly against his chest, signaling the end of the moment. He pulled back, breathing unevenly, eyes searching mine for a reaction I couldn't give him.

"Shan..." he started, voice hoarse, a mix of vulnerability and desperation in his tone. But I knew that path too well, where it would lead and how it would end. I wouldn't let it happen again.

"East," sabi ko, mas matatag ang boses ko kaysa sa inaasahan ko. "We can't do this. Not now. Not ever."

He took a step back, eyes clouded with surprise and something else I couldn't quite place—regret, maybe. His jaw clenched as he looked down, as if processing what just happened. I could see his struggle, the flicker of old emotions fighting their way through the haze of alcohol.

"I just...I can't let you go, Shan," he whispered finally, the vulnerability catching me off guard.

I swallowed hard, forcing the ache in my chest to stay buried. "You already did," I said softly, holding his gaze, letting the truth settle between us. "And I won't let you do it again."

Tumango siya nang dahan-dahan, unti-unting pumasok sa isip niya habang siya'y humakbang paatras, bumagsak ang kanyang mga balikat. Silence wrapped around us, the hallway seeming colder and emptier than before.

Without another word, I turned and walked back toward the dining room, leaving him behind. I didn't look back, but I could feel the weight of his stare long after I rejoined the others, the warmth of their conversation washing over me like a balm.

This time, I knew I was choosing myself.

Ang usapan sa paligid ng mesa ay lumipat sa mas magaan na kwentuhan habang tumatagal ang gabi. Pinilit kong makisali, tumatawa kasama nila nang ikwento ni Kuya Marco ang isang aberya sa isang nakaraang proyekto, tumango habang nagsasalita si Nia tungkol sa kanyang mga plano para sa isang sustainable garden sa kanilang bahay. But my mind was elsewhere, and I could feel the weight of East's gaze burning into me from across the table.

When he returned from the hallway, his expression had been unreadable, but now it was clear—he was watching me with an intensity that made my pulse race. I avoided looking at him, focusing on Architect Roman's booming laughter as he leaned back in his chair.

"So, Shan," Architect Pablo said, wiping a tear from his eye after laughing too hard, "have you thought about what we talked about earlier? The clients who are eager to meet you?"

The question caught me off guard, but I nodded, forcing a bright smile. "Yes, Tek Pablo. I think I'd like to give it a try."

Ilang tao ang lumingon sa akin, may halo ng gulat at kuryosidad sa kanilang mga mukha. East's eyes narrowed slightly, and though I didn't turn to meet them, I could feel the shift in his posture.

Lumawak ang ngiti ni Ar. Pablo. "Great! Any preferences? We've got quite a range of suitors."

I hesitated for only a moment, aware of East's unrelenting stare. "Someone around my age," I said lightly, "or maybe a year older. That would be nice."

The noise at the table returned as the others chimed in with suggestions and teasing comments, but East fell silent. I glanced at him quickly, just enough to catch the way his jaw tightened. He took a long sip from his glass, eyes dark and brooding.

I turned my focus back to the conversation, but my mind wandered, fingers nervously fidgeting with my phone under the table. It was 11:59 p.m., one minute until Christmas. I stared at the screen, waiting it to light up with Cam's name, a familiar ping, a comforting message: Merry Christmas, Shan.

But the seconds ticked by, and the silence was louder than anything in the room. Midnight struck, and a round of cheers erupted as everyone exchanged warm greetings and clinked their glasses.

"Merry Christmas, Shan!" Apinya said, squeezing my arm. I smiled back, the cheer only reaching the surface.

"Merry Christmas!" I echoed, raising my glass to hers, but my heart felt heavy. Cam's absence was a dull ache, a reminder that things weren't the same. Isang buwan na ang lumipas mula nang huli kaming mag-usap—noong araw na bumisita siya sa akin dito sa Bali. The last day I saw him, with that bittersweet smile and the words that left a hollow space in my chest. He needed time, space to move past what we'd confessed. I understood, I really did, but it didn't stop the longing, the sadness that now colored this moment.

A familiar silence fell over East. I could see him out of the corner of my eye, his fingers tapping the table slowly, the tension between us unspoken but palpable. But I pushed it away, choosing instead to hold onto the slivers of joy from those around me. The laughter, the clinks, the chatter—it was Christmas, after all. And though parts of my heart felt fractured, I was determined not to let them break me. Not tonight.

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a/n: What do you think will happen next? ;)