CHAPTER NINETEEN

TRECIA'S POV

"What's with the sudden dinner invitation, Myers?" I asked, trying to keep a straight face as I walked inside his apartment.

When I turned to him, I saw him shrugged. "Bakit? Bawal na bang magyayang kumain? Saka pumayag ka naman ah."

I just rolled my eyes and put my bag on the sofa before heading to the dining area. My eyes instantly glisten at the sight of the food. Macaroni cheese.

"Tara na. Kain na tayo," I heard him say before pulling a chair for me.

"Thanks." He nodded and sat on the chair across mine. As usual, Ivan led the prayer before we ate. Once done, I ate till my heart's content.

Napansin ko namang inabutan niya ako ng baso na may lamang Chardonnay. "Baka mabulunan ka." Mahina pa siyang natawa.

Inirapan ko lang naman siya saka tinanggap ang inumin. I took a sip and I ended up smiling and feeling satisfied. My favorites.

Naramdaman ko namang may nakatitig sa akin kaya agad ko siyang nilingon. Ivan automatically looked away and focused on his food.

I cleared my throat before speaking. "So... how's your first shooting?" I do remember being the one who guided him during the practices, I think that I have the right to know that part of his life.

Tumigil muna siya sa pagkain saka muling tumingin sa akin. "Ayos naman. Medyo hindi lang ako komportable kay Ms. Belinda." Halata ang pagiging asiwa niya nang banggitin ang pangalang iyon.

Correct answer, Myers. I couldn't help but chuckle. "And the scene three?" I looked at my glass as I asked. "Were you uncomfortable too?"

It took a little while before he answered me. "No. I was even happy. I got the chance to hug you after a very long time."

My breathing hitched. I just continued eating until I finished my food, keeping my silence.

Once done, Ivan took my plate and cleaned up the table. I thought the evening was over but Ivan insisted that I'll stay a little longer.

"Ayos lang ba kung—" He cleared his throat. "—kung mag-stay ka muna kahit saglit pa?" He looked away as he scratched his nape. "Unless, your boyfriend would get mad... or jealous."

I was having a hard time not laughing in front of him. "He's... busy," and non-existing.

Napatingin naman sa akin si Ivan saka halatang nagniningning ang mga mata. "So you'll be okay to stay here for a little longer? S-Seryoso, wala... wala akong gagawing masama."

Ivan's cheeks reddened. Ah... I didn't expect that I'd miss that reaction. "Sure. I have nothing else to do anyway." Except to post about my breakup with Jeffery. Napailing na lang ako saka muli siyang tiningnan. "What are we supposed to do?"

He took out a bag of my favorite chips from the cabinet and showed it to me. "Movie time."

I blinked numerous times before shaking my head. Dad wants me to date this guy in public for his movie's image. So what would happen if I pissed him off a little?

"Ba't ka umiling?" Muli akong napatingin sa kanya. Nakakunot ang noo ni Ivan habang naguguluhang nakatingin sa akin. "Ayaw mo ba?"

I took a deep breath before I headed first to the living room. "I need a stress-reliever. Make sure that I'll like the movie." I made sure to walk ahead of him, so he wouldn't be able to see me flash a smile because of him. This is not healthy for me, but I would want to piss off my dad. Yes. That's the only reason why I'm doing this.

I heard him chuckle before he sat beside me on the sofa—keeping a safe space between us. "Ako pa ba? Alam na alam ko ang magagandang pelikulang magugustuhan mo," nakangiti niya pang sabi.

I just rolled my eyes at him before facing the television. I kept my silence as I observed his movements. Medyo nagtataka ako sa pakikitungo sa akin ni Ivan. He seemed like he hated me before, but now... What are you planning, Myers?

"Ayan na. Manood ka na." I got back from reverie when I heard his voice. Muli akong napatingin sa screen ng television, only to see The Nun playing.

I raised an eyebrow and looked at him. I had to stop myself from letting out a laugh at his position. Ivan covered himself with a blanket as he held two throw pillows—one near his feet and the other was covering his face. Naka-indian sit pa siya kaya mas hirap akong magpigil ng tawa.

I was looking at him funny, and I guess he felt my stare cause he turned his head in my direction. "B-Bakit?"

I made sure to lose the emotions in my face. "What are you doing?"

"N-Nanonood." He even flinched when the sound effects popped.

I sighed and reached for the remote control. "We both know that you don't like horror movies, Myers. Don't force yourself."

I changed the movie and searched for an adventure one. "P-Pero gusto mo 'yun," I heard him say in a soft voice.

Napabuga naman ako ng hangin bago tumingin sa kanya. "Remember what we used to do when it comes to movie night?" I didn't want to bring up the past but it seemed fitting in the current situation. Ivan nodded at my question. "We meet halfway, Myers. We either watch adventure or action, maybe a bit of fantasy. We don't watch horror because you hate it. And we don't watch romcoms because I don't like them."

Ivan just stared at me, making me feel uncomfortable. I faced the television again and cleared my throat. Pinakiramdaman ko muli ang mga galaw niya. When I felt him face the television, I let out a sigh of relief.

We were both quiet as the movie progresses when I suddenly remembered something. I took my phone out and texted Jeffery about the breakup post. Once done, both of us posted the tweet at the same time.

I let out another sigh of relief. Finally, he's free. Jeffrey should definitely focus on Mhelanie now. Napangiti naman ako saka muling nanood. Now, the rest of the show is up to me. I just hope that I get this right.