#OLASweetNemesis

Chapter 17
First Time

"Were you forced?" Keno asked while he followed me closely behind.

"No."

"You agreed on your own accord, then?" sunod niyang tanong at dahil sa haba ng mga binti niya ay agad niya akong naabutan.

"Yes, I did," I replied.

"I thought you didn't like blind dates?"

"Well, I just thought maybe it wasn't that bad." I shrugged my shoulders and slowed down, walking across the lobby. "The Tans are very kind. I also want to meet the artist behind the painting I bought during the charity event."

"So you only agreed to meet him because he's the artist of the painting?" paninigurado niya.

"Yes, I guess? And, well, I think it's time for me to find someone to love. I want someone who would see me eye-to-eye, without any limitations or inhibitions," I said with a mild taste of bitterness in my mouth. "Malay natin, 'di ba? Maybe he's the one I'm looking for."

Natahimik si Keno. Hindi na nasundan ang tanong niya. Ayaw ko na rin sanang magpatuloy pa ang pag-uusap namin. However, a part of me was seeking an answer to a question I was hesitant to ask. May gusto akong malaman. May gusto akong madinig muka sa kanya.

"What do you think, Keno?" I bravely asked as I craned my neck to look at him. "Do you think I made the right decision?"

Keno's silence stretched until we reached his car. Hindi ko na inulit ang tanong ko dahil baka wala lang talaga siyang interes na sagutin 'yon. Baka kung ano pa ang isipin niya sa pagkuha ko ng opinyon niya.

Agad akong pumasok sa sasakyan at sumunod naman siya. Keno seemed to be a bit lost in his deep thoughts. It had been more than a minute since he got inside, yet he didn't bother buckling his seatbelt or starting the car until he broke his silence.

"You're right," he said.

I swallowed hard and froze in my seat when I finally heard his answer. My whole body went numb.

"Maybe you'll finally find the man you are looking for in him."

It wasn't the ideal answer I wanted to hear. I wanted him to disagree, but I guess it was better that way. His honesty closed off any misleading actions or words that fueled my false hopes and delusions.

Upon hearing those words, it felt as though he was telling me that I should find someone else to love because he could never return the same feelings. It was enough to confirm that he didn't feel the same way as I did. Mas okay na 'yon kaysa direstahan.

"I thought so..." sabi ko na lang at saka nagsumikap na ngumiti.

We didn't talk for the rest of the ride back home, and I carried on for the rest of the week until the day had finally come.

Tita Selena arranged the blind date for me and her son. Magkikita kami agad ng anak niya kinabukasan pagbalik nito ng Pilipinas. Because I was meeting their only son, I made efforts to look presentable. I even went to a spa to get pampered and get my nails done.

I saw Nikko's pictures on the internet. Tita Selena shared all the links to his social media. Naka-private 'yon lahat kaya ang profile picture niya lang ang nakita ko. He has a public account on Instagram, but the entire feed is dedicated to his art. Ni isang picture na may mukha niya ay wala akong nakita.

Nikko resembled both his parents. He got his eyebrows, nose, and lips from his father, while his slightly narrowed almond-shaped eyes reminded me of Tita Selena. His skin tone was fairer than most men I knew who had tanned skin. He looked like a Korean idol or an A-list Chinese actor.

Nakaabang si Daddy sa living room nang nakababa ako galing kwarto. Bakas ang saya sa mga ngiti niya.

"I'm so happy that you've finally opened your doors to meeting someone who's deserving of you," Daddy said, not hiding his satisfaction. "Akala ko nagbibiro lang si Selena no'ng sinabi niya sa aking pumayag kang makipagkita sa anak niya."

"I see no harm in meeting her son. Tita Selena has been nothing but good to me, Dad."

Tumango-tango si Dad. "Yes, the Tans are really kind," he agreed. "I hope this is the start of a good foundation between our families and, of course, our companies."

"I'm not meeting him for business, Dad," I made it clear.

"It goes along the way, Hari," he said. "Kapag nagkamabutihan kayo ni Nikko, everything else will follow."

Tahimik ako sa sasakyan habang papunta sa Shangri-la kung saan kami magkikita ni Nikko. Hindi ako natutuwa na laging isinisingit ni Daddy ang kompanya. I didn't want the Tans to think that I had a hidden agenda for meeting their son. Well, honestly, there is, pero hindi katulad ng gustong mangyari si Daddy.

"Are you sure you still wanna go and meet him?" Keno asked out of the blue.

Huminto ang sasakyan dahil sa red light. Malapit na kami sa Shang. Tita Selena told her son had already arrived. She also gave me his contact details, so I could reach out to him via iMessage.

"Of course," I said, and I brought my phone out to send Nikko a message.

"You don't seem like you are."

"I just didn't have a good morning."

I copied and pasted Nikko's number into my contacts. I also saved it para mas mapadali sa akin bago ko siya minessage.

To: Nikko Tan
Hi! This is Hariette Dela Vega. I heard you're there already. Malapit na ako sa Shang.

Unexpectedly, Nikko replied within a minute. Ni hindi ko pa nabibitiwan ang phone ko pagka-message ko sa kanya.

From: Nikko Tan
No rush. Take your time.

I pursed my lips and tilted my head as I read his reply. It was very formal. I suddenly felt like attending a business meeting rather than a potential date.

"You can just wait for me in the lobby," sabi ko kay Keno nang makarating na kami sa Shangri-la. "I'll message you once we're done with our lunch date."

"Lunch date," he repeated.

"Yes."

Keno exhaled sharply as he put on a straight face. "I'll come with you."

"Ha? Huwag na. You can just wait for me here."
"You're meeting this man for the first time, and you expect me to let you go alone?" medyo iritableng tanong niya. "Sasama ako."

I squeezed my eyes shut and took a deep breath before fixing my gaze back on Keno. "Okay. You can come inside the restaurant. But make sure you'll keep a proper distance. Ayaw kong mailang siya dahil may nakadikit na bodyguard sa amin."

In the end, talo pa rin ako. Ayaw ko na lang humaba ang pagtatalo naming dalawa dahil kanina pa nandoon si Nikko. I told him I was already near our meeting place. I didn't want to make him wait any longer.

"Reservation for Nikko Tan," I told the receptionist at the entrance to Canton Road.

"Oh, right this way, ma'am! " With a bright smile, the receptionist led the way to a private room. Kumatok muna ito sa pinto bago buksan.

"Thank you." Nginitian ko pabalik ang receptionist na agad ding umalis bago binalingan si Keno. "Dito ka na lang sa labas maghintay."

"Papasok ako," Keno simply said, adamant about entering the room with me.

"This is a private meeting."

"And I'm your bodyguard."

"But—"

Naputol ang sasabihin ko kay Keno nang lumaki ang awang ng pintuan. I snapped my head to look at the man standing by the door.

Nikko Tan was in a casual style, a huge difference from my past blind dates, who were all in suits and looking so formal. He wore a plain white undershirt over cream outerwear with raglan sleeves and a corduroy collar. His pants were also in a natural shade. And on top of his good-boy style, he was wearing specs.

"Good afternoon, uhm, Hariette?" Nikko hesitantly greeted me as he glanced at Keno. "Sorry. I was wondering kung bakit hindi ka pa pumapasok."

Umayos ako ng tayo at ngumiti sa kanya. "Uhm, good afternoon. Sorry about that. I was just giving a few reminders to my bodyguard."

"No worries. You can take your time. I'll be waiting inside once you're done," he quickly said, being very considerate.

I shook my head. "Actually, tapos na. Can I come in?"

"Of course!" A genuine smile flashed in his face. He then stepped aside to let me in.

Naramdaman kong nakasunod sa akin ang walang hiyang Keno. Talagang hindi siya nagpaiwan sa labas ng private room. Si Nikko pa ang nagsarado ng pintuan para sa kanya. He then quickly ran to my side and pulled out a chair for me.

I smiled. "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

I pursed my lips, not used to the attentiveness that he was showing. I could see that he was also a gentleman by nature. It reminded me of someone, but Nikko is more gentle.

When I was finally settled and comfortable in my seat, agad din siyang naupo sa harapan ko. We were dining at a medium-sized round table—something you would usually see in Chinese restaurants. Mayroon itong apat na upuan.

"I haven't ordered yet. I don't know if you like Chinese food, but here's the menu. You can order any dish you like or you're familiar with," he said.

"I'm not picky with food, and I like Chinese cuisines," sabi ko. "Order what you'd recommend me to try."

Dahil siya ang may lahing Chinese, I think he would know the best dishes to order. I had been to Beijing and Shanghai before. I liked the foods they served at popular local restaurants. Kaya sigurado akong wala akong magiging problema.

Nikko pressed on the service button para maka-order na kami. The waiter went inside the private room at mabilis na binanggit ni Nikko ang mga pagkain na napili. They told us to wait 15–30 minutes for our food to be served. He thanked the waiter and even almost helped him collect the menu boards.

"Excuse me."

Habang umiinom ng tubig, napaangat ako ng tingin kay Nikko. He was looking at Keno, calling his attention.

"Do you want to join us for lunch?" aya niya kay Keno. "I ordered enough food for three."

I couldn't help but be amazed at how he could naturally be so kind and considerate. It was obvious that the Tans raised him to be polite and well-mannered. Talagang nasa pamilya na ata talaga nila ang pagiging mabuti.

"No, thank you," Keno replied as soon as he was asked.

Napakunot ang noo ko dahil sa tono niya. Nilingon ko siya't sinimangutan. Mas lalo lang akong nainis sa kanya dahil nakuha niya pang magtaas ng kilay sa akin. Why does he have to be rude?

"Sorry about my bodyguard's attitude. He's just too strict and uptight. I hope you understand," nahihiya kong paghingi ng pasensya.

Nikko chuckled and shook his head. "No worries," he said. "Bodyguards are usually like that. Ganyan din 'yong sa akin noon before I got into college. They don't like to meddle or be involved with my personal schedules or commitments."

"So no'ng nag-college ka, your parents had your bodyguards removed?"

"Yes. They were offered new assignments," he answered, a smile still lingered on his lips. "Mom didn't like the idea of leaving me unguarded. Napilit lang din siya ni Papa at nang kagustuhan kong maging independent."

"You moved out of your house?" I asked, and he nodded right away.

My lips parted in amusement and slight disbelief to know how understanding the Tans were. Hindi ko alam kung dahil ba lalaki si Nikko kaya pinayagan siyang mamuhay agad mag-isa kahit na no'ng college pa lang siya. Even my cousins were allowed to live independently when they turned eighteen. May kanya-kanya na silang condo no'n.

I remembered being disappointed because I thought I would have the luxury of experiencing the same thing as my cousins. Kaya nga lang ay kabaliktaran ang nangyari sa akin. Because it was my first time being fully exposed to the outside world, my security was doubled or even tripled. Everyone's focus was on my safety.

"I lived in my condo when I entered college and studied business, but... I seemed to crave more. I wanted to stay away from the shadows of my parents. I wanted to pursue my passion for art, so I went to France," Nikko told me without any inhibition. "Mom was livid. She didn't want me far from home, but she eventually understood that it was for my own growth. It was for me to make a name for myself."

My chest tightened after hearing his story. His desire for independence hit closer to home. It felt so familiar. It was almost like I saw a glimpse of my reflection while staring at him.

Ang pinagkaiba nga lang namin ay nagtagumpay siya samantalang ako'y hindi pa rin umuusad. I was confined inside the walls that my family had put up for me. I couldn't just throw away and escape the responsibilities they dumped on me. Hindi ko pa rin kayang humakbang papalapit sa pangarap ko.

Don't get me wrong, though. I'm genuinely happy for Nikko. I know how it feels to crave freedom to achieve your dreams and live your passion; that's why, instead of envy, what I feel is happiness. I'm glad he was given a chance. I'm happy he succeeded. It was the first time I met him, but I was truly proud of him.

"Honestly, I thought people would just pass by my painting, but I was already satisfied at the thought of having my work displayed at the event filled with esteemed guests," sabi niya. "Kaya no'ng sinabi ni Mama na mayroong bumili ng painting ko, I was overjoyed. It was a huge pat in the back after I sacrificed a lot for my art. I was more determined to hone my skills and use them for the benefit of those in need. And then... she told me you were the one who bought the painting."

"Wait..." Napaayos ako ng upo. "You know who I am? Have we met before?"

The way he said that last sentence made me think he must have known me for a long time.

"No." He chuckled. "But my mother always tells me stories about you."

"Really?"

Nikko nodded. "Lagi niyang sinasabi na may gusto siyang i-reto sa akin. She said that you are smart, beautiful, and regal. Aside from that, you have a generous heart."

Napaawang ang mga labi ko. I had no idea that Tita Selena had been eyeing me for her son. Sa kwento ni Nikko ay mukhang matagal na akong nirereto sa kanya.

"Ahem!" Keno cleared his throat in the midst of our deep and serious conversation. It was strained that I knew it was forced. Parang gusto niyang mag-object sa mga sinabi ni Nikko.

I quickly glanced at him, and when he noticed me looking, he averted his eyes. Nakalimutan ko tuloy ang iniisip dahil sa panggugulo niya.

"Uhm, do you want some water?" muling pagmamagandang loob ni Nikko na kabaliktaran ng ipinapakita niya.

"No," he said, at parang mas lalo pa siyang nagpakita ng attitude.

"Okay..." Nikko hesitantly replied and awkwardly smiled.

Damn that Keno! Can't he be nice for once?

"So... You are open to this kind of setup? You are used to having blind dates?" I hurriedly initiated another conversation with Nikko to ease the tension and negative enegery that was beginning to envelope us.

"Oh, no, no! Don't get me wrong!" He shook his head, and I could see the slight panic in his eyes. Napaayos din siya ng upo. I found his reaction interesting.

That's how much I can affect him? Really?

"I don't like blind dates. In fact, I didn't entertain the idea of meeting you until now," paglilinaw niya.

Crossing my arms, I raised my eyebrow. "What made you change your mind, then?"

"When I learned that you were the one who bought my painting during the charity event, I knew I just had to meet you."

Nikko's honesty and openness piqued my interest. Hindi siya katulad ng mga nakilala ko sa mga past blind date na puro pagpapasikat lang ang alam gawin.

We continued talking about life. I also shared bits and pieces of my journey with him. Mabilis ko siyang nakapalagayan ng loob. Our deep and meaningful conversations somehow comforted me. I was happy to find someone who's on the same wavelength.

For the first time, I looked forward to meeting my blind date again for a proper date and get to know him more.