The energy was infectious, and for a moment, I let myself get lost in the celebration. Then, suddenly, the emcee's voice broke through the noise, announcing, "Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for a toast! Please welcome Architect Carlo Mariano to say a few words!"

The crowd's applause grew louder as Ar. Carlo, our boss and mentor, stepped up to the microphone. I felt a flutter of anticipation in my chest, the kind that always came when he spoke. He had a way of commanding attention, his charisma filling the room.

"Happy One Year of Service to all our Junior Architects in Eco Arc Design!" aniya, ang boses niya ay puno ng sigla. Nakita ko ang ngiti sa kanyang mukha habang tinitingnan ang mga Junior Architect na nakapaligid sa kanya. My heart swelled with gratitude for being part of such an amazing team. This past year had been a whirlwind of challenges and triumphs, and I was grateful for every moment.

Nang makita kong tumingin siya sa akin, parang nakaramdam ako ng isang halo-halong saya at kaba. Alam kong hindi lang ako ang nakatayo sa likod ng mga nagawa namin. Si Ar. Carlo ay may malasakit sa amin at talagang pinahalagahan ang mga pagsisikap namin.

"Gusto kong pasalamatan lahat ng Junior Architects natin. Shan, Pam, Jazhmin, Christine, Neil, Joshua, Christian, and Vinze," patuloy niya, ang tono niya ay puno ng paggalang at pagpapahalaga. "You are the reason why we were able to overcome the challenges of the past year. In every project you worked on, in every idea you shared, each of these has been significant. It is not easy to be a Junior Architect in a company full of ambition and high standards, but you have shown your dedication and talent."

His words felt like a dagger to my heart. It was as if each sentence wrapped around me with gratitude and inspiration. Along with the other Junior Architects, I felt a great sense of pride.

"My wish for you guys," he said, "is to continue your hard work and creativity. New challenges will come, pero alam kong kayang-kaya ninyo 'yan. Don't be afraid to dream, and always remain open to opportunities. The future is in your hands, and I am proud to be part of your journey."

The applause once again reached his words. The smiles on each of our faces seemed to express unity and hope. His message felt like it infused us with new energy, and behind all of it, I could feel the mix of fear and excitement swirling in my heart. In those moments, I knew that all the hard work was paying off, and every challenge was taking us to a higher level.

But suddenly, my attention returned to Ar. Carlo as he addressed everyone, "Now, I want to highlight someone who truly shone in our journey." My heart raced as he looked around. "Let's call Shannon Gueia Vergara Pertierra!"

My breath caught in my throat. The room erupted into applause, and I felt heat rise to my cheeks. All eyes were on me, and in that moment, I felt both proud and vulnerable. I had poured my heart and soul into my work, but recognition was something I had never taken lightly.

Nagsimula akong tumayo, at parang nag-umpisa ang mga binti kong manginig. I made my way to the front, heart pounding as I climbed onto the stage. It felt surreal to be in the spotlight, the glow of the lights making me acutely aware of every gaze directed my way. I could hear the supportive cheers of my colleagues, their smiles encouraging me.

Architect Carlo continued, "Shan has consistently demonstrated outstanding performance. Her commitment to our projects and her ability to lead her team has been commendable. We couldn't have asked for a better Job Captain!"

His words washed over me like a warm wave. It was moments like this that made the late nights and stressful deadlines worth it. I glanced around the room, catching sight of my colleagues beaming with pride.

But as I stood there, I felt a mix of emotions swirling inside me. I was proud of what I had accomplished, but I couldn't shake the anxiety gnawing at the back of my mind. I thought of East, the man who had once meant so much to me, and how his unexpected presence had turned my world upside down moments ago.

"Shan, would you like to say a few words?" Ar. Carlo prompted, pulling me back to the present.

I took a deep breath, my heart racing. "Uh, wow, thank you, Tek Carlo," I managed to say, my voice steady despite the whirlwind of feelings inside me. "I'm truly honored. Being part of Eco Arc Design has been a dream come true. I'm grateful for the support of my colleagues and the opportunity to work alongside such talented individuals. Together, we've tackled challenges, celebrated victories, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for us."

The cheers from the crowd filled me with warmth, and I couldn't help but smile. This was my family—my work family—who had been with me through thick and thin.

As I wrapped up my speech, I felt a rush of gratitude wash over me. Ang sandaling ito ay espesyal, isang pagkilala sa aking pagsusumikap at dedikasyon. Ngunit sa kabila ng kasiyahan, hindi ko maalis ang pakiramdam ng tensyon na tila nakasunod sa akin, a reminder of East and the unresolved feelings that lingered between us.

Pagkatapos kong bumalik sa aking upuan, ang palakpakan ay patuloy pa ring umaabot sa aking mga tainga. I returned to my seat, heart still racing, as I glanced over at East. I knew that the night was far from over, and somehow, I sensed that this was just the beginning of a night filled with emotions I would have to navigate.

Habang abala ang lahat sa inuman at pagkain, may halong excitement sa hangin, at napansin kong may kakaibang kinang sa mga mata ni Ar. Carlo nang tumayo siyang muli. Bigla namang tumahimik ang usapan, at lahat ng mata'y nakatuon sa kanya. May kakaibang kumpiyansa sa kanyang tindig habang nagsimula siyang magsalita, "Ladies and gentlemen, I have something significant to share that could change the course of our careers."

The lights dimmed, and the projector screen behind him lit up with a slideshow of breathtaking images. The first was of an eco-resort nestled in Bali's lush landscape, its modern structures blending perfectly with the natural environment. I was instantly captivated. This wasn't just any project; it was a project designed by Architect Pablo Roman himself—a name known for revolutionizing Southeast Asian architecture with his commitment to sustainability and harmony with nature.

Nagpatuloy si Ar. Carlo, ipinapakita ang sunod-sunod na magagandang proyekto—mula sa sustainable resorts hanggang sa mga open-air community spaces na tila humihinga ng buhay at kultura. "Architect Pablo Roman," he said with admiration, "isn't just an architect. He's a visionary. His designs have redefined sustainable architecture, emphasizing harmony with nature and community integration."

My heart raced as he reached the final slide and dropped the news we hadn't anticipated. "Architect Pablo is currently hiring Licensed Architects from Asia to join his firm in Bali, specifically to contribute to his latest project—a new airport in Bali that has been in the construction phase for the last four years and is nearing completion."

There was a hushed murmur throughout the room. Para sa karamihan sa amin, ang makapagtrabaho sa firm ni Architect Pablo ay tila isang pangarap. Tumingin ako kay Ar. Jaron, at nakita ko ang ambisyong nagliliyab sa kanyang mga mata. He had often spoken about wanting to work under Architect Pablo's mentorship, how it was his dream to be part of a project that embodied the essence of Southeast Asia. In fact, I was rooting for him myself. Architect Jaron was the most qualified candidate among us, his portfolio and dedication so well-aligned with the kind of work Architect Pablo's firm was known for. I couldn't imagine anyone more fitting for the role than him.

Nang bumalik ang katahimikan, nagpatuloy si Ar. Carlo, "Now, Architect Pablo is looking for experienced Licensed Architects, but he has also extended an invitation to Junior Architects who are still in their apprenticeship. It's a unique opportunity for emerging talents to work with one of the industry's most respected firms."

My heart pounded as he looked around the room, a hint of excitement in his gaze. I thought, without a doubt, that he would announce Architect Jaron's name. I even started clapping in my mind, imagining the proud look on Architect Jaron's face. Pero laking gulat ko nang tumingin si Architect Carlo sa akin.

"After careful consideration," ani niya, puno ng pagmamalaki ang boses, "I am thrilled to announce that I'm sending one of our best Junior Architects to work with Architect Pablo Roman in Bali. Shannon Pertierra, I believe you have what it takes to take on this challenge!"

Kailangan ko ng sandali para iproseso ang narinig ko. Napatitig ako sa kanya, tulalang-tulala, habang pumapalakpak ang mga kasamahan ko. Ako? Seryoso ba siya? Out of everyone here, me?

I glanced over at Architect Jaron, who was clapping along with everyone else, though his face registered the faintest look of disappointment. Napalunok ako, dama ang halo-halong emosyon. This was an opportunity beyond anything I could've imagined, yet I couldn't help but feel that this was Architect Jaron's dream, too.

Pinutol ni Ar. Carlo ang mga iniisip ko. "Shan," ani niya, diretsong tumingin sa akin, "this is your chance to work on an international project and learn from one of the best in the industry. I have full confidence in your abilities."

His words ignited something within me—a blend of pride and purpose. This was my moment to represent Eco Arc Design on a global stage, to show everything I'd worked for, yet the weight of it made my heart race. Could I really do this? Could I live up to the legacy of someone like Architect Pablo?

As my friends surrounded me with enthusiastic congratulations, I felt a wave of gratitude. I looked at each of them—Pamela, Vinze, Neil, Joshua, Christian, Jazhmin, Christine—and realized how much they had shaped my journey. We'd faced every challenge together, learned, grown, and now, they were cheering me on as I took this unexpected leap.

My heart swelled with gratitude and determination. This wasn't just a step forward for me; it was for everyone who had been part of my journey. Tumitig ako kay Ar. Carlo, at bagaman may kaunting takot, lumakas ang loob ko. This was a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and I would make sure it counted.

With a deep breath, I embraced the challenge. This was my moment, and I was ready to take it on with everything I had.

Hindi pa nga ako nakaka-recover sa announcement ni Ar. Carlo, pero ito na naman siya with yet another surprise. I was still in shock, trying to process everything. Bali? Architect Pablo Roman's team? This was already surreal, overwhelming, and exciting all at once. I thought, okay, this is it—the big moment.

Pero hindi pa pala tapos si Ar. Carlo.

"Let me also introduce someone who will be closely working with our chosen architect in Bali," sabi niya, at nakita ko ang pamilyar na ngiti sa mukha niya. "Everyone, meet Engineer Easton James Parrino Galanza," sabi ni Ar. Carlo, "but you can call him Engineer East. He's a licensed Filipino Aircraft Maintenance Engineer working in Bali who has been working closely with Pablo Roman Studio for the past year."

Parang tumigil ang mundo ko. Tama ba ang narinig ko?

Alam ko naman ang trabaho niya, kaya nga nagtataka ako kung bakit siya nandito. Matagal ko naman nang alam na Aircraft Maintenance Technician siya, pero ngayon ko lang nalaman na licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer na siya. At mas lalong hindi ko naman akalain na gano'n kaliit ang mundo para magkrus ulit ang landas namin sa mga oras na 'to.

At sa Bali na pala siya nagtatrabaho?

Habang naglalakad siya papunta sa unahan, naalala ko agad lahat—every laugh, every conversation, lahat ng moments namin na halos naging kami pero hindi natuloy. He was my almost, the one I thought I'd left behind in the past.

Now, here he was, standing in front of me again. Right at this moment, when I just thought I was starting a new chapter. That's when everything made sense. Kaya pala nandito si East kasama si Architect Carlo. Para siyang biglang pumasok ulit sa buhay ko—at hindi lang basta ulit makikita, kundi magiging katrabaho ko pa sa isa sa pinakamalaking proyekto ng career ko. A career that had no space for unresolved emotions or lingering pasts.

As he glanced in my direction and gave a polite nod, I managed a small, uncertain smile in return, feeling the weight of our shared history. He looked just as I remembered, calm and confident, and yet there was that unspoken history between us. Could we actually work together? Could I really set aside everything that was left unsaid?

"Shan, Engr. Easton will be your primary point of contact on-site in Bali," tuloy pa ni Ar. Carlo, clueless sa lahat ng iniisip ko. "He's been deeply involved in the technical side of the airport project, and I have no doubt you'll work well together."

Ngumiti ako, hoping it looked confident. Pero sa totoo lang, hindi ko talaga alam ang nararamdaman ko. I had always pictured working with the best in the industry, but never in my wildest dreams did I imagine East being part of it.

As our eyes met again, I knew this was going to be more than just my career. This was about facing my past in the most unexpected way.

_____

a/n: Hi, Lasters! Thank you for giving this story a chance! I hope you enjoyed the first few chapters. Anyway, what are your thoughts about the first few chapters? Feel free to vote and comment! Chapters 3-4 will be posted tomorrow evening. ;)