A/N: My daily update spree was broken yesterday. Moving forward, I'd be slowing down in posting updates. Baka every other day or every two/three days.

We're nearing the endgame, and I'd want other readers to catch up with the latest chapter. Ayaw ko ring ma-burnout lalo't 10 chapters na lang ang natitira (at hindi ko pa naisusulat). I hope y'all could understand. :))

FABIENNE

TODAY'S A very special day for me and my theater family. Ngayon na kasi ang cast reveal ng modern adaptation ng Romeo and Juliet na ipe-perform namin sa October. There had been leaks in the past few weeks, pero wala pang official confirmation. Dahil sa resurging popularity ko sa campus, may mga nagtsismis na baka ako raw ang gaganap sa lead female role. Congratulations sa kanila!

It had been a week since the blind item incident. Ilang beses din akong pumunta sa Guidance and Counseling Center para ilabas ang trauma na pinagdaanan ko. Dr. Grace Carreon was a good counselor. I wished na agad akong pumunta ro'n para gumaan ang pakiramdam ko at naibsan ang sakit ng puso ko. Pero masyado rin kasing magulo ang isip ko noon. Ngayon lang ako nagkaroon ng clarity.

Magically, parang bumalik na sa normal ang lahat. Parang wala man ngang nangyari. Ah, teka! Meron palang changes. Patuloy ang pagtanggap ko ng words of support and encouragement mula sa ilang fans ko. Meron ding iba na nag-sorry dahil sa masasakit na salitang ibinato nila sa 'kin. Hindi ako mahilig magtanim ng galit kaya I quickly forgave them.

Even my ex-boyfriend apologized to me publicly and promised to be a better man. I heard from Castiel na hindi pumabor sa expulsion ang grievance committee. Two-week suspension at community service lang ang ibinigay na parusa. Was I disappointed? Of course! Pero ano ba'ng magagawa ko sa desisyon ng university officials? Honestly, I didn't want to think about it anymore. Nagpa-flashback sa 'kin ang dalawang mapapait na araw sa buhay ko. Gusto kong mag-focus sa kasalukuyan at sa hinaharap.

But I swore, if that man—wait, he didn't deserve to be called a man—if that trash ever bothered me again, makatitikim talaga siya sa 'kin. Hindi lang expulsion ang aabutin niya.

Okay, enough of him! Dapat good vibes lang ngayong araw. Let's talk about the man.

The campus media's attention shifted from me to Priam after his emergency press briefing. Controversial kasi ang d-in-eclare niyang crackdown sa fake accounts na nagpapakalat ng unverified info a.k.a. tsismis. May debate pa nga sa CampuSite kung tama ba ang ginawa niya o galaw 'yon ng isang diktador. Even The Herald published an editorial article questioning his move.

I somewhat pitied him. He's trying to do his best para hindi na maulit ang ginawang paninira sa 'kin, pero hindi 'yon masyadong appreciated ng ilang estudyante. He admitted to me that attracting the media's attention was intentional para mawala na sa 'kin ang focus ng lahat at matuon na sa kanya. In other words, he willingly made himself the target.

We're kinda official now in the eyes of the student body. He might not have said the exact words, but his response to the reporter—Isn't it obvious?—was almost a confirmation. Nagpatuloy ang paglabas namin tuwing lunch at after class, but Castiel added more scenes for us to play at: sa library para sabay na mag-review sa exams namin at sa labas ng auditorium kung saan hinihintay ako ng Priam every after rehearsal.

I looked myself in the mirror of the dressing room. Ch-in-eck ko kung may loose strands ba ako ng buhok o tama ang pagkakalagay ng makeup ko. Hindi ko naiwasang kabahan. Dinig ko ang bawat pagkabog ng puso ko na tila gustong kumawala. Hindi pa kami magpe-perform ngayong hapon pero damang-dama ko na ang stress at pressure.

Why was I too nervous? Maliban sa campus student publications namin, invited din sa cast reveal ang ilang local media na ipi-feature kami sa kanilang newspapers, magazines at TV reports. The university wanted to promote our play and reach as many audience as possible kaya talagang todo ang kanilang marketing. Ganito rin ang ginawa namin no'ng Mulan kaya talagang dinagsa ang play dates namin. I was already expecting that I would be interviewed later by one or two local reporters.

"FAB!"

My heart almost skipped a beat when Belle jumped from behind me and held me by my shoulders. Napahawak ako sa aking dibdib, napapikit at napahinga nang malalim. Muntik na akong atakihin do'n, ah!

"BELLE!" I looked at her reflection in the mirror. "Gusto mo yata akong patayin sa gulat, eh!"

"I'm sorry!" She wrapped her arms around my neck and hugged me from behind. "Masyado kasing seryoso ang tingin mo riyan kaya naisipan kong istorbohin ka muna. Just relax, okay? Hindi ito ang first time na gagawin mo 'to."

I wished relaxing was that easy. Sadya talagang ninenerbyos ako bago ang isang performance o event. Pero kapag nandoon na ako, siguradong mawawala ang lahat ng kabang naramdaman ko.

Humiwalay na siya sa 'kin at tumayo sa likuran ko. She looked at me from head to toe. "Ang ganda talaga ng costume mo! Patikim pa lang 'to, pero paniguradong mae-excite ang lahat na mapanood ang scenes kung saan suot mo 'yan."

Napatingin din ako sa aking suot sa salamin. For today's cast reveal, I wore a golden gown that sparkled. Dahil modern take 'to ng Romeo and Juliet, hindi masyadong makaluma ang dating. 'Yong tipong nakikita mo tuwing may prom or party. We needed to look our best dahil paniguradong kukuhanan kami ng photos at videos habang rumarampa sa stage mamaya. Most pressure was on me and my partner because we're playing the lead roles.

Napahaplos ako mula dibdib pababa. Saktong-sakto ang sukat sa 'kin ng costume designer. Hindi masikip sa dibdib o baywang kaya maayos pa rin ang paghinga ko. I would be comfortable performing while wearing this costume. Nakaapekto rin kasi minsan kapag hindi swak ang suot. I remember no'ng Mulan, kinailangang ipa-resize ang isa kong costume dahil sa sobrang sikip. Parang kinailangan ko pang magpigil-hininga para makapag-act.

"I'm sure na excited na rin si Mr. President na makitang suot mo 'yan!" sabi ni Belle. "Teka, makaa-attend ba siya ngayon?"

I frowned and shook my head. "Meron silang meeting sa student council. Tungkol daw sa Freedom of Information bill. Urgent kaya hindi niya pwedeng i-delay o postpone."

"Ano ba 'yan?! Isa 'to sa big achievements mo sa 'yong theater career 'tapos hindi ka sisiputin ng jowa mo?"

"Kung wala siyang meeting, sigurado akong pupunta siya rito," depensa ko kay Priam. Hindi ko naman kailangang i-explain ang kanyang side, but I felt like I needed to clear up any misunderstanding on Belle's part. "He has already wished me good luck. That's enough for me. Ang importante'y supportive siya rito sa passion ko."

"But still—"

"Can't he afford to excuse himself for a while?"

Belle and I turned to the guy seated next to me. Katatapos lang niyang malagyan ng makeup. Colin brought his A-game today with his purple coat and tie. Sobrang fresh at kinis ng mukha niya. He's like a Greek marble statue that was brought to life. Makeup works wonders talaga.

"If I were him, I'd make time for my First Lady," he added, glancing at me through the mirror. "Hindi gano'n katagal ang cast reveal event natin. He could have at least delayed his meeting for about an hour or two. Wala naman masyadong mawawala sa kanya."

I forced a smile. "It's not an issue for me kung unahin niya ang kanyang student council duties. Ayaw ko ring maistorbo ang trabaho niya dahil sa 'kin."

If he were truly my boyfriend, maybe he would make a sacrifice. But he wasn't. I wouldn't be surprised kung ipi-prioritize ni Priam ang kanyang duties bilang student council officer. Kahit ako nga, sinabi ko kay Castiel sa unang meeting namin na kung ipit ako sa theater at sa First Lady duties ko, mas pipiliin ko ang theater.

"Still, he should at least make an effort para ipadama sa 'yo kung gaano ka-special ang araw na 'to," Colin went on. "Not everyone gets the chance to play the lead role and be the star of tonight's cast reveal."

"Oo nga!" hirit ni Belle sabay siko sa 'kin. "Gusto mo bang i-drag ko siya mula USC office papunta rito? Sinabi ko na sa 'yo, walang student council-student council dito. Kung gusto mong nandito siya, gagawin ko."

I scratched my cheek. "Ayaw ko namang pilitin siya lalo na kung may iba siyang ginagawa. Hayaan na lang natin si Priam. For sure na magkikita kami after nitong event. Baka do'n siya babawi sa 'kin."

Naputol ang usapan namin nang pumasok ang matandang direktor. May nakabalabal na purple scarf sa leeg niya at nakasuot siya ng coat and tie. "O ano, ready na ba kayo?"

Nagsitayo kaming lahat para batiin siya. Unang nagawi ang tingin niya sa 'kin. Lumawak ang kanyang ngiti, kita na nga ang gilagid, at nilapitan ako nang naka-outstretch ang kanyang mga kamay.

"Fab! You look so fabulous!" sabi ni Direk. Hinawakan niya ako sa magkabilang balikat at paulit-ulit akong tiningnan mula ulo hanggang paa. "I'm a hundred percent sure that you'll catch everyone's attention in the audience. Sa ganda mong 'yan, imposibleng hindi ka mag-standout sa cast!"

"T-Thank you, sir," nahihiya kong tugon. I tucked some strands of my hair behind my left ear.

"So ano? Pupunta ba ang boyfriend mo?"

"Eh?" Napatingin ako kay direk, napakurap pa ang aking mga mata. "B-Boyfriend?"

"Yes, the USC president! Isn't he your boyfriend?"

My eyes glanced at Belle who showed me a peace sign. Hindi ko ipinagkalat kahit kanino rito sa theater na boyfriend ko si Priam. Kusa nilang nalaman dahil sa post ng tsismosong campus media. The director also wasn't supposed to know that because he's not in the CampuSite nor did he ask me kung may jowa na ba ako. So the only way para malaman niya ang status ng aking love life ay kung may nagkuwento sa kanya. At alam ko na kung sino ang salarin.

"Busy po siya today kaya hindi siya makaa-attend," sagot ko.

"Hay, naku!" Napapalatak ang direktor. "When your special someone can't be there for you in your moments of triumph, you might reconsider your relationship with that person. He's the USC president so he must be very, very busy. But he can make time for you, only if he wants to."

Nginitian ko na lang siya. Hindi kasi nila naintindihan ang sitwasyon namin kaya madali para sa kanila ang magsalita.

"Alam mo, mas bagay kayo ni Colin," komento ni Direk, sunod naman niyang nilapitan ang co-star ko. Ngumiti naman 'to sa kanya. "Pareho kayong may chemistry on stage kaya hindi na ako magtataka kung pati sa totoong buhay, maganda rin ang magiging chemistry n'yo sakaling maging kayo. It's not unusual. May mga artistang magka-love team na from reel, nagiging real ang kanilang relationship."

Tumango ang ilan sa mga kasama namin sa backstage. Maging ang hairdresser at makeup artist, naki-sang-ayon na rin. Wait, wait, wait! Were they seriously trying to ship me with Colin?

The director turned to me. "Curious lang ako. Ano ba'ng nagustuhan mo sa USC president na 'yon? I don't know him very well, but Belle showed me pictures of you together. No offense, Fab? Pero wala akong makitang chemistry sa inyong dalawa. Kung nag-apply siya rito sa theater, never ko siyang kukunin na lead co-star mo."

Paano ko ba sasabihin . . .

"Sorry, but he looks so serious and dark while you look so joyful and light. Parang hindi tugma ang energies n'yo," patuloy ni Direk. "'Tapos hindi pa niya magawang mag-attend sa isa sa important events ng kanyang girlfriend. Red flag na 'yan, Fab. Baka sa premiere, hindi rin siya makapunta dahil sobrang busy, ah? Naku, kapag ganyan, humanap ka ng iba. Nandyan naman si—"

"Priam is . . . !" biglang bulalas ko kaya natigil si Direk at napatingin ang lahat sa 'kin. Yumuko ako para iwasan ang kanilang mga tingin. I didn't know why, but I felt like I needed to defend him. "Priam is caring and protective of me. In my darkest moments, he was there. When the world turned on me and I felt abandoned because of the blind item, he was there. What I'm saying is . . . Don't be fooled by his appearance. He's way better than what anyone could think of him. People's opinion of him don't do him any justice."

Natahimik sa backstage, nakatutok pa rin sa 'kin ang tingin ng karamihan. Did I overdo it? Masyado ba akong maraming sinabi na hindi naman kailangan?

"Well," the director sighed. "You know him better than us. You must have seen something in him na hindi namin nakikita. If you're happy with him, then I wish you two the best."

I thought I did. "T-Thank you, sir."

Pumalpak nang dalawang beses ang direktor at iginala ang mga mata sa cast. "The program will start in ten minutes. This is just a cast reveal, but I want everyone to give their best performance. Kapag tinawag ang pangalan at ang role n'yo, rumampa kayo sa stage with elegance and poise, okay? Iwasan n'yong matapilok. Kapag nadapa kayo, makatitikim kayo ng flying pamaypay mamaya sa 'kin. Understood?"

"Yes, sir!"

"Stage manager! Let's get everyone in their positions! You know the arrangement, right? Make sure na tama ang pasok ng mga actor, ha? Kapag may mali, makatitikim ka sa 'kin. Ayaw kong mapahiya sa Culture and the Arts director. Nasa front row pa naman siya."

"Akong bahala, sir! Guys, form into two lines gaya ng napag-usapan natin . . ."

Pumila na kami, nakahiwalay ang babae't lalaki, at umalis na ng backstage. Pumuwesto kaming babae sa left wing ng stage habang nasa right wing naman ang mga lalaki. Nakatago kami sa panels at kurtina kaya hindi kami kita agad ng mga audience.

I peeked through the slit in the curtains. Puno ang labinlimang rows ng audience area. Nasa unahan ang VIPs gaya ng director ng Center for Culture and the Arts na si Cecilio Almario, director ng Office of University Relations na si Ursula Rosario, at dean ng College of Arts and Sciences na si Annabelle Sarmiento. Kasama rin do'n ang members ng local media na may naka-set up na camera sa ibaba ng stage at ang ilang College Student Council officers.

Nasa second row naman ang members ng campus media mula sa iba't ibang college publications. Umaaligid sa gilid ang kanilang photojournalists na mukhang naiinip na sa kahihintay kung kailan kami lalabas.

Mula third row hanggang dulo ang mga estudyanteng inimbitahan na manood. Karamihan sa kanila'y classmates o blockmates namin na walang gagawin after class.

Alam ko namang wala siya pero pilit ko pa ring hinanap si Priam. Their meeting must still be ongoing. Don't worry, hindi ako magtatampo sa kanya.

"Umaasa ka bang hahabol siya?" tanong ni Belle na nasa likuran ko.

Umiling ako. "Alam kong mas uunahin niya ang meeting at mas urgent ang kanilang pag-uusapan kaysa rito."

"Guys, stand by na kayo," bulong ng stage manager na dumaan sa gilid namin. "Remember your arrangement. We will start na raw in two minutes. Stand by na kayo, please! Ayaw kong mabato ng mahiwagang pamaypay ni Direk."

Tuluyan nang dumilim sa auditorium, halos wala akong makita maliban sa shadowy figures ng mga katabi ko. Then biglang bumukas ang isang spotlight na nakatutok sa sentro ng stage. Nagkaroon na rin ng kaunting liwanag sa wings.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we present to you the cast of Elysian University's modern take on the classic Romeo and Juliet!"

"Go!" senyas ng stage manager sa babaeng nasa pinakaunahan.

Dahil ako ang lead star, ako ang pinakahuling ipakikilala. Papaunahin muna ang minor roles at supporting characters. I smiled and cheered for each actor na tinawag, hoping na mawala ang kanilang kaba at maging confident sila sa pagrampa. Belle's turn eventually came and I was left alone in our wing.

Napatingin ako sa kabilang wing. Si Colin na lang din ang natira do'n. Dahil babae ang last na tinawag, siya na ang susunod na tatawagin.

"Let us all meet our play's Romeo—Colin Duran!"

Pagkalabas ni Colin mula sa right wing, tinutukan agad siya ng spotlight at sinundan ang lakad niya. Napuno ng sigawan at hiyawan sa auditorium. Walang tigil din ang flash na inilabas ng cameras habang kinukuhanan siya ng retrato. Pumuwesto siya sa gitna ng stage kung saan may isang space pa na natitira.

"And last but definitely not the least . . ."

Sandali kong ipinikit ang aking mga mata at huminga nang malalim.

"Let us all welcome our Juliet—Fabienne Lucero!"

I opened my eyes and stepped out of the wing. Biglang itinutok ang spotlight sa 'kin kaya saglit na nanliit ang mga mata ko. I walked across the stage slowly, taking in the attention that everyone was giving me. Hindi ko na marinig ang sinasabi ng announcer dahil sa sobrang lakas ng sigawan at palakpakan.

Tumingin ako sa audience. May ilang sumigaw ng "We love you, Fab!" May iba namang nagtaas ng tarpaulin na may pangalan at picture ko. Kumaway ako sa kanila at ipinakita ang pinakamalawak na ngiti na kaya ng labi ko. Parang may fans club na tuloy ako.

Pumuwesto na ako sa tabi ni Colin, hindi pa rin tumitigil ang hiyawan at pagkuha ng mga retrato sa 'kin at sa mga kasama ko sa stage. Bumalik na ang ilaw sa auditorium para makita ang buong cast. Hinawakan ni Colin ang kamay ko, at hinawakan ko naman ang kamay ng katabi kong actress.

"Now let's hear from our actors and actresses!"

Nagkaroon ng question and answer portion kung saan tinanong kami isa-isa kung ano'ng feeling namin sa gagampanan naming roles. After that segment, pinababa ako sa stage at ipinaharap sa isang naka-set up na video camera. May isa pang photographer na lumapit sa 'kin at walang tigil akong kinuhanan ng retrato. I tried to remain calm as the flashes hit my eyes.

"So what preparations did you do for the role of Juliet?"

"I read the original play by William Shakespeare so I would have an idea on what he intended the character to be. Then I went to read the script and applied what I learned in my previous reading. Kahit na modern take 'to ng sikat na play, I still want to retain the spirit and essence of the character."

"How's working with Romeo?"

"Colin is a very accommodating co-actor. He's always trying his best para hindi ako maging uncomfortable sa eksena namin. With his charm and caring attitude, our scenes always go smoothly."

Habang patuloy akong sumasagot sa mga tanong, napansin kong lumingon sa likuran ang mga estudyanteng nasa audience area. Na-curious din ako kaya pasulyap-sulyap ako ro'n.

"Oh, we have a special guest!" sabi ng announcer. "We would like to acknowledge the presence of our University Student Council President Priam Torres and other officers who just entered the auditorium."

My jaw almost dropped. Priam is here?!

Nahinto tuloy ako sa pagsagot at natuon ang atensyon sa aisle. May mga nakatayo at nakaharang na estudyante kaya hindi ko nakita ang pagpasok niya.

Makalipas ang ilang segundo, do'n ko na siya natanaw. He's wearing his signature purple coat with golden necktie. Deretso ang kanyang tindig at lakad. He had his hands behind him. Castiel was also here, limping hurriedly.

Nagpatuloy ang paglalakad ni Priam sa paanan ng stage kung saan ako nakatayo. Some students signalled at him at paulit-ulit akong itinuro.

I thought they had a meeting? Agad ba nilang tinapos? Or was that a lie to surprise me?

Nagkatapat kami at nagkatinginan. I lifted my head as my eyes blinked at him.

"For you," Priam said, revealing a bouquet of flowers that he was hiding. Napa-Ayie! ang ilang estudyante sa paligid namin.

My jaw dropped. My cheeks surely turned hot and red as I looked at the flowers. Kahit fake ang relationship namin, parang gusto kong kiligin. Naalala ko tuloy 'yong panaginip ko weeks ago. 'Yong pagkatapos ng performance ko, may biglang gwapong lalaki na lumapit sa 'kin at nag-abot ng bouquet? I didn't know that Priam would be playing that role here.

"Thank you!" Malugod kong tinanggap ang mga bulaklak. Photojournalists from college publications and the gossip reporters flocked to our area and repeatedly took pictures. Parang may sunod-sunod na kidlat dahil sa tila 'di matapos-tapos na flash sa 'min.

Nagawi ang tingin ko kay Castiel na ilang hakbang sa likuran ni Priam. He gave me a slow nod kaya tinanguhan ko rin siya. 'Tapos nabaling ang tingin ko sa likuran niya. There I saw a hooded figure smiling at me. Hindi ko na kinailangang hulaan kung sino 'yon kasi may naka-print na The Herald sa harap ng hoodie niya. Reynard must be keeping a close eye on us.

Natapos na ang interview at ang program kaya pinabalik na kami sa backstage. Hindi huminto ang pagti-tease sa 'kin ng mga kasama ko. Even Belle was surprised by what my pretend boyfriend did at tumaas pa nga ang tingin nito sa kanya.

After changing into my uniform again, lumabas na ako ng auditorium. Nakaabang sa labas si Priam, nakatingin sa marquee board habang nakapamulsa. May ilang estudyanteng umaaligid sa kanya at bumubulong sa likod niya.

"Priam?" I called his name. Dala-dala ko pa rin ang bouquet na ibinigay niya sa 'kin. Why was he still here?

He turned to me and our eyes met. "Let's go?"

"Saan? Teka, may date ba tayo today?"

"I'll walk you home."

Oh, right! This must be part of Castiel's script.

"Let's go!" I smiled at him.

Sabay naming nilakad ang hallway—siniguro kong magkapantay kami—at bumaba ng stairs. Kahit saan ako mapatingin, nililingon ako ng mga estudyanteng nakakasalubong namin. Maybe it's not because of me or Priam, but because of the bouquet that I was holding. Bihira kayang makakita ng estudyanteng may hawak na ganito.

"Sila ba 'yong First couple?"

"Sila nga! Ang USC president at ang First Lady niya na theater actress!"

"Wow, ah! May pabulaklak pang nalalaman."

"How romantic!"

I looked straight ahead and kept the smile across my lips.

"I have a question," nahihiya kong bulong kay Priam.

He looked sideways at me. "What is it?"

"Hindi ba considered na PDA ang pagbibigay ng flowers dito sa campus? Isn't this against our own pretend relationship rule and your own school rule?"

Dumeretso ang kanyang tingin. "I have also thought the same, that's why I was against the idea in the first place. But Cas insisted that I must do this to get attention. He had Sabrina review the Anti-PDA rule."

Sabi ko na nga ba. Si Castiel na naman ang nakaisip nito. Teka, saan na ba siya? Alam kong nasa auditorium siya kanina. Nauna na ba siya sa 'min?

"Sab said that giving flowers is not among the list of actions considered as public display of affection," he went on, pasulyap-sulyap sa 'kin. "So from a legal perspective, this is perfectly okay. We won't be summoned for any disciplinary action."

Mabuti naman kung gano'n. "May meeting ba talaga kayo today at humabol ka? O wala at sinadya mo akong s-in-urprise?"

"Sorry if we lied," he answered. Wala naman siyang dapat na ika-sorry. "Cas thought that it would be better if your reaction to the surprise was natural, so he made me tell you that I would not be available this afternoon."

At mukhang effective ang kanyang strategy dahil legit akong na-surprise.

"But we do have a meeting later about the Freedom of Information bill," he spoke in a serious tone. Nakarating na kami sa ground floor at palabas na ng Arts and Sciences building. "Val said that the bill may not pass the LEXECOM this Friday. The votes will be five against, four in favor. She managed to convince the only abstention to vote for the bill, but we still need one vote—Oh, sorry if I'm talking about campus politics."

"That's okay!" Hindi man ako totally nakare-relate sa sinasabi niya, na-appreciate ko na kahit paano'y nagse-share siya ng kanyang ginagawa sa student council. Ayaw kong ako lang ang nagse-share ng mga ganap sa theater.

Ilang weeks ko na ring nababasa ang tungkol sa Freedom of Information bill na 'yon. I read about it sa The Herald para kapag na-bring up ni Priam sa talks namin, alam ko kung ano ang sinasabi niya at meron akong ambag sa discussion. Ayaw kong tumatango lang ako habang nakikinig sa kanya.

"I don't understand." My eyes looked down. "Bakit ayaw ng ibang CSC chairpersons sa transparency? Hindi ba dapat ay suportahan nila 'yon?"

"I bet most of them are not really against the bill," he replied. "But they have to follow what the majority leader tells them. He's been obstructing every meaningful bill that we want to pass."

"Alaric . . ." I muttered the name. Sa unang tingin, lalo na no'ng nagkakilala kami sa team building, mukhang hindi naman siya kontrabida. But the more I heard from Priam and Castiel, the more my opinion toward him changed.

"If he orders them to vote for no, they will vote for no. Ganyan kahigpit at kalawak ang impluwesiya niya sa CSC. He's the most formidable opponent that we have to face in the student government."

And Alaric's going to challenge him in the next student council elections.

Ten minutes later, nakarating na kami sa dormitory building. I thought na iiwan na niya ako sa entrance, pero sumama siya sa 'kin sa loob. He was greeted by the lady at the concierge. Visitors were only allowed until eight o'clock kaya pwedeng-pwede pa siyang pumasok.

We got inside the elevator. Kaming dalawa lang ang nasa loob. Medyo awkward nga ang sitwasyon kasi walang nagsalita sa 'min. Mukhang naubusan na kami ng mapagkukuwentuhan.

Ding!

"I'll see you tomorrow," Priam said. "Great work today."

"See yah!" I replied bago ko siya niyakap sandali. He went stiff as if he didn't expect a hug. Wala namang estudyante sa corridor kaya hindi na namin kailangang umarte. But he's still with me and I was still acting as his First Lady. Normal lang para sa isang girlfriend na yakapin ang boyfriend niya, 'di ba?

I tapped my card key on the door's sensor at tuluyan na akong pumasok sa loob. I stared at the flowers, closed my eyes for a moment, and sniffed on them. May mga natanggap na akong bouquet of flowers before. But this one's special.

★ ★ ★

If you've enjoyed this update and you have some thoughts to share, let me know by tweeting with the hashtag #PlayTheQueenWP!

Special thanks to raze_dali and imthecentralorgan for the illustrations!