Sorry for all the errors! Enjoy reading. Comments are highly appreciated. Have a great day. ♥️

#TCS30: One Fine Day (Or Was It?)

He stood up and smiled at me genuinely. He looked at me in the eyes directly. That's how I was so sure that he was staring at me before leaving. He walked to the exit of the restaurant and I shrugged my shoulders.

Wait...

I thought silently. Napatayo ako sa naisip ko dahil sa nangyari. And there... it's happening.

I was about to go there when one guard blocked his way. He stopped with a confused expression which made me more curious. I walked to them. I noticed that one of the waiters also went to them, and one waiter followed me.

"Ma'am, you haven't pay po." Magalang na sabi sa 'kin 'nung waiter kaya sinenyasan ko s'ya ng saglit lang. I'm not running away from this, I just wanted to know what's going on with the guy.

"Sir, kailangan n'yo po magbayad bago umalis." The security guard informed the guy. I reached to where they are. Sobrang naguguluhan pa rin 'yung lalaki. Nakakunot ang noo n'ya tapos sobrang inosente n'yang tingnan.

"Bayad?" Mahinang tanong n'ya.

"Opo, sir." Sagot ng guard.

Luckily the people who work in here are nice and approachable, they did not create a scene and told the guy politely.

"Pa'no magbayad, ano 'yung bayad?" I pressed my lips tightly because I almost chuckled by what he asked. Is he serious? He looked so serious.

Naguguluhan s'ya tiningnan 'nung waiter at 'nung guard. The guard even scratched his head because of the question.

Inalalayan nila 'yun guy patungo sa counter. "Would you like to pay in card or in cash?" The cashier lady questioned gently.

The innocent man creased his forehead and looked at me hesitantly. He sighed and then grabbed his bag and we were all jaw dropped and shocked when he suddenly took out a shiny thing.

"Pwede 'to sa bayad?" He inquired innocently and gave the gold bar at the cashier.

We were all silent and the cashier lady was stoned on the spot.

Seryoso?

Natawa ako nang mahina.

"Ito oh." Maamong sabi n'ya at saka pilit na inabot 'yung gold bar. "Kulang pa po ba?" Mahinang sabi n'ya at saka naglabas na naman ng isa. The staff around us could not even get a hold of themselves because of him!

I shook my head lightly and stepped up to fix the situation.

I held the guy's hand. If this scene was animated the top of his head would be full of question marks when I slowly put down his hand and returned the gold bars inside his bag. How did even the gold bars passed the security at entrance of the mall?

"Here," I started softly and offered my card to the cashier. "For his orders and mine." I added and the lady went back to reality to accept my card and processed the payment.

She handed back my card which made me surprised.

She can see me?

I mean, if I don't get their attention or spoke, they would have looked for me even though I am standing still in front of them.

How on earth?

"Thank you, Ma'am, and Sir. Have a great night!" Masayang sabi nila.

It's not only her! Lahat sila! They could see and notice me! Nervous, I bowed my head, and unconsiouly held the guy's wrist to drag him out of the restaurant. My heart was beating so fast because of happiness.

Ganun pala 'yun... The feeling of being noticed without doing anything.

I smiled from ear to ear. Maybe this is the start?

I hopped joyfully when someone suddenly approached me. "Ma'am would you like to smell our perfumes?" My eyes widened with surprise.

Eh?

Ehhh?

"You are talking to me?" Hindi makapaniwang sabi ko. The person nodded delightfully. "Yes ma'am, would you like to try some?"

"How about you, Sir?"

Bigla akong napalingon sa likod ko 'nung sinabi 'yun 'nung nag-aalok. The innocent looking guy smiled at me awkwardly and scratched the back of his head and suddenly looked down, which made me follow his gaze.

I saw my hand holding his wrist and that's when I realized why he is here. I immediately removed it and smiled at him awkwardly. "Sorry, I didn't mean to..." Nag-aalinlangang sabi ko sa kan'ya.

"Salamat kanina." He replied and bowed at me in 90 degrees, I was taken aback and also the perfume person.

"It's okay." I told him and patted his shoulder, he returned to his uptight way of standing. Hinila ko na lang s'ya para magpatuloy maglakad. I also declined the perfume advertisement.

"How can I repay you?" Tanong n'ya habang naglalakad kami.

"No need." Sambit ko sa kan'ya.

"But—" I could see that he is uncomfortable with the situation.

"Maybe when you have a cash instead of gold?" Natatawa kong sabi sa kan'ya.

"Bakit kailangan magbayad? Bakit bawal 'yung ginto? Ano 'yung ginamit mong pangbayad?" He asked continuously with a soothing voice. I've never heard a voice so... just so... pure even though it is deep. I mean, he calms every nerve in my body.

The thrill of someone noticing me without even trying suddenly became... smooth and peaceful.

"Wala kang card? You only have gold... gold bars?" Alinlangan kong tugon sa kan'ya, he nodded his head like a kid, fast and multiple nods. Cute!

"How about money?"

He shook his head quickly.

I was supposed to ask him why he don't know such things when suddenly a phone rang. I quickly grabbed my phone from my back pocket. Baka kasi si Justice or si Rebel. They might be looking for me.

But I was wrong, it wasn't mine that rang. It was his.

I could not understand what he was saying. It was a different language. But I could see that his expression suddenly became down and pitiful. But in the end, he heaved a sigh, and waved at me.

"Paalam!" Sabi n'ya at saka kumaway at tumakbo papalayo sa akin. I also waved at him as he slowly ran away from me. I just stood in there while looking at his back.

Nang hindi ko na s'ya makita umalis na lang ako at saka nagpatuloy na maglakad. I saw a woman who's offering some papers to the people who are passing by so I smiled cheerfully and walked in front of her, even stopped in front of her.

I was hoping...

Hoping that she will give me one, although I wasn't declaring my presence.

But... disappointment spread to my system when she suddenly walked away to distribute it to other people... except me.

Fool, Miracle.

Such a fool.

Maybe, it was just luck when they noticed you.

Bagsak ang balikat na naglakad na lang ako dahil balik na naman ako sa dati. Invisible. Pero okay lang. Sanay na naman ako. Lagi namang ganito. Kahit pa mga kapatid ko.

"Ate!" Napalingon ako ng mabosesan ko kung sino 'yung tumawag sa 'kin.

"Law..." Mahinang bulong ko at saka mabilis na tumakbo si Law papunta sa 'kin.

"Where's Justice and Rebel?" He asked when he noticed that they are nowhere to be seen. I shrugged my shoulders and smiled faintly at him.

"As usual."

"Tsk! Those irresponsible—" I covered his mouth because of the next things he would say.

"It's okay." Natatawang sabi ko.

"Ate..."

"Let's go!" I clung my arms to his and dragged him out of the mall. He called our siblings and informed them that we will meet at the parking lot.

When we got there, the three of them are already there.

"Justice, Rebel, Fate!" Masayang tawag ko, syempre para mapansin nila na nandito rin ako kasama si Law.

"Ate!" Kaagad akong tinakbo ni Justice at Rebel. They both locked me in their arms.

"Sorry, sorry, sorry talaga Ate!" They told me apologetically.

I broke the hug and tousled their hair. "It's all good."

"It's not—"

Pinutol ko na sasabihin ni Justice. "Momo and Dada might be looking for all of you so now, go." I told them. Dradramahan pa ako ni Justice at saka ni Rebel. Hindi ko naman sila sinisisi, kaya ayoko ng ganito eh.

I know that they care so much for me and I did not want them to feel guilty all the time when something like this—something inevitable happened. Hindi man nila sabihin, I know that they are envious of Law. Because Law could see me effortlessly, unlike them.

Kaya nga nalulungkot ako lagi. Momo, Justice, Rebel and Fate... they are always like this when it comes to me. I hate it. I hate that they are suffering like this because of me. Kaya as far as I could, I'd always cut them off because I don't want them being like this.

"Bye, Ate! I love you!" Malambing na sabi ni Fate at saka ako niyakap ng sobrang higpit. Bunso namin pero konti na lang mas matangkad na sa 'kin. Manang-mana kay Dada.

"I love you, bunso." I hugged her tightly too and kissed her cheeks.

"Mag-ingat ka lagi ah? I love you, Mira. Okay?" Law told me while his huge hands are resting at the top of my head.

I pouted at him. "It's Ate not Mira."

He chuckled and hugged me and kissed the top of my head. "Thank you, Law. Always. Ate loves you."

"Isang tawag mo lang, Ate andyan ako kaagad lagi, okay?" Paalala ni Justice. "Always take care, Ate. Keep away from danger. I love you." The ever sweet Justice hugged me with both arms and kissed my head multiple times.

"You too, Just. Take care. And take care of Erina for me, okay?"

"You can count on me!" He replied with thumbs up.

"Ate, always here for you okay? I love you." Maikling sabi naman ni Rebel at saka ginulo ang buhok ko. Siniko ko s'ya sa t'yan.

"Ack!"

"Love you, dating bunso." Natatawang sabi ko sa kan'ya.

They proceeded in one car and I went to mine. Nagdrive akong solo papunta sa sariling condo. While the four of them are going back to the island today. Kaya naman gano'n na lang magpaalam ang mga 'yon.

Ilang linggo rin kasi kaming hindi magkikita-kita.

I'm alone now. Independently living here in the city. Unlike those four who are with Momo and Dada.

I have a mission. And I wanted to find a cure to my presence and aura.

Ayoko na kasing palagi na lang gano'n ang pamilya ko dahil sa 'kin...

I arrived at my own condo unit. I went to shower and after that, I blobbed on my bed. Tomorrow, I will go to the interview for some jobs and hopefully train myself to be seen and noticed.

Nagpatuyo muna ako ng buhok 'nung biglang tumunog ang phone ko.

Dada calling...

I answered it and put him on loud speaker and continued drying my hair.

"Ate." He greeted.

"Hello, Dada." I replied while smiling.

"Are you at your condo?"

"Yeah, I arrived safely po."

"Great."

"The triplets and bunso? Are they on the way there po?"

"Ask your Momo."

"Huh?"

"I'm away. Wala ako sa isla, si Momo mo lang nando'n. Pretty sure, she's waiting for the triplets and Fate."

"Oh, asan ka po?"

"Secret." Natawa ako kay Dada. Isang tawag ko lang naman kay Justice nalocate na kaagad no'n kung nasan si Dada.

"'Wag ka pong mambabae, Dada. Isusumbong kita kay Momo." I mentioned while chuckling.

"Me?" Hindi makapaniwalang sabi n'ya. "Loyal ako sa Momo mo, Ate. Baka makapatay 'yon, nako. Selosa pa naman 'yon." Natatawang biro n'ya.

"Ang alam namin Dada, ikaw po ang seloso."

"Wow, grabe ka Ate." I could imagine Dada looking at me unbelievably with a mischievous smile on his face. "Kung alam mo lang pa'no magselos 'yang Momo mo."

"Joke lang po, Dada. Bakit ka po napatawag?"

"Just checking on you. I'll contact you once I get a hold of Light and see if the triplets and Fate arrive safely in the island." Mahaba haba rin byahe ng mga 'yon sa helicopter.

"Thanks, Dada."

"I love you, Ate."

"I love you too, Dada. Always take care po okay?"

"Ikaw rin, Ate. Now take a rest."

Dada ended the call and I finished drying my hair with the towel. Dada and Momo are used to calling me Ate, even my Titas and Titos are like that back then. I am the eldest and the first born maybe that's why.

I prepared going to sleep and closed my eyes. Dream land was before me when I remembered what happened earlier before drifting off to sleep.

I could not even ask his name...

***

The next day...

I woke up early the next day to prepare for an interview for the job I applied for. Hopefully, it will work out since, I am still a student. Bakasyon naman ngayon kaya siguro naman okay lang.

I'm already dressed and almost done. I will attend three interviews for today. Ngumiti ako sa sarili ko salamin.

"You got this, Miracle!" I said while smiling brightly. Law, Justice, Rebel and Fate are probably cheering for me too, also Dada and Momo. With their support, I know even though, I might be rejected, I know they'll continue to be proud of me.

I went to the fridge and opened it. I was disappointed when I saw it was completely empty. I forgot doing groceries. I'll do it later after the job interviews.

I looked at my wrist watch and saw that I still have some time to go to a café if I leave now. So, I decided to hurry and just grabbed my bag and blazer. I went out of my unit while fixing my shoes, when I bumped into wall.

"Ack!" Aww, ang sakit naman no'n.

Napahawak ako sa noo ko at saka tiningnan 'yung bumangga sa 'kin.

"Morning, Ate."

Napanganga ako sa nakita. "Dada!" I exclaimed happily and hugged him. I heard him chuckled.

"Where are you going?" He asked while I started to walk for the elevator, he followed closely.

"For breakfast po." The elevator arrived, pumasok kaming dalawa.

"Café?"

"Opo."

"After?"

"Job interviews." Nakangiti kong sabi. "How 'bout you Dada? What brings you here?" I added curiously.

"Empire called." He voiced out simply.

"Kayna Lola po?"

"Yeah, but it's still in the afternoon, so I decided to spend a day with you—but looks like you are busy."

I laughed lightly. "Wrong timing ka naman po, may problema po kayna Lola?"

"Probably an update or information, want to come with me to visit your grandparents?" Masaya akong tumango. Namiss ko rin si Lola at Lolo. Hindi rin kasi kami makabisita lagi sa kanila. Safety purposes. Delikado kasi talaga.

"I'll fetch you later after your interviews?"

"Sige po!" Excited na sabi ko kaya naman nayakap ko si Dada. Tumawa lang ito sa 'kin. Finally, gonna see Lola Nathalie and Lolo Philip! I missed both of them so much! Sana nando'n din si Lola Nadine at Lolo Bernard.

The elevator arrived to the first floor and Dada went out first causing some shrieks from the people who are waiting for the elevator.

"Hala, gwapo naman!"

"Blessing in the morning!"

"Wow."

Natawa ako 'nung si Dada lang mapansin nila. Hindi man lang ako tiningnan. I clung my arms at Dada's. Napa-iling iling na lang s'ya sa nakita at narinig.

"If your Momo's here, they are gonna get some deadly glares."

"I don't think so, maybe you'll be the one throwing those po." Natatawang sabi ko sa kan'ya kaya naman natigil si Dada sa paglalakad at saka ginulo ang buhok ko.

"Paborito mo talaga si Light. Tsk!"

"Hindi po ah, parehas kayo."

We just both laughed at each other and walked to the café just across the condo.

That condo is mine. Nakapangalan sa 'kin. Kahit hindi ako magtrabaho, I'd still earn. Pero iba naman pakay ko sa trabaho. I just wanted to become a normal person. Ni hindi nga alam ng mga empleyado na ako may ari 'nung condo na 'yon.

I even heard some of the staffs talking about that there's a ghost in the room where I am staying. If it was a normal circumstance, I'd think it was creepy, but yeah, I knew they were talking about me.

Nakikita nila ako paminsan minsan kapag gumagawa ako ng paraan para mapansin nila. Madalas parang hangin lang. That's why they are saying that the room's haunted.

After a few steps, we are already inside the café, Dada proceeded to the counter and I went to find a table for two.

Umupo ako ng may makita at ilang saglit lang din ay dumating na rin si Dada, dala 'yung inorder n'ya.

He placed my favourites in front of me. "Thank you, Dada." He smiled in return.

"You always need to be cautious and careful, Ate." He said and sipped from his coffee. I nodded because my mouth is full of sandwich.

"I'm still against this decision of yours, but your Momo trusts you, don't break it okay?"

"Yes, Dada. 'Wag ka po mag-alala lahat naman ng tinuro n'yo ni Momo lagi kong tinadandaan. 'Tsaka, Dada, I am the safest choice for this mission." I told him with assurance and calmly. I don't want him to feel uneasy about this.

"I have almost no presence at all. They would never notice me or pay attention to me. If had not volunteered, I'm pretty sure, it will be Law who will be doing this..." Napatungo ako.

"I don't want him to do this..." I added in almost a whisper.

Law have always been the Kuya to all of us. Although naturally playfully, he had to carry a huge burden on his own. Kahit naman ayaw ibigay ni Dada at Momo 'yung responsibilidad na 'yun, alam kong aakuin pa rin 'yun ni Law.

He might be the strongest and the person who holds the greatest authority among us, however, for me, he is still my baby brother. So, instead of giving this mission to Law. I volunteered to do this.

"I'm sorry..." Napa-iling ako kaagad sa narinig kay Dada.

I grew up and saw how Dada and Momo are blaming themselves because in our young age we had to experience cruel and tough things. Our youth was forever tainted because of the tragedies and the danger.

At least... I wanted to end this.

Nakakapagod nang magtago sa mga mahal namin sa buhay. Nakakapagod nang mabuhay na tumatakbo para sa kaligtasan. I don't want to prolong this agony.

Dada diverted the topic. Alam n'ya siguro nararamdaman ko kaya gano'n. We just talked about random things. Close kasi kami talagang pamilya. We are just open to each other. Minsan nga para lang kaming barkada. Pero malaki talaga respeto namin kayna Dada at Momo.

When we finished eating we cleaned the table and threw our garbage to the proper place. Palabas na sana kami 'nung biglang humara si Dada sa harap ko at saka tumigil paglalakad.

I tiptoed to see why he did that, I saw a guy at the entrance.

"Dada?"

"Can't you feel it?" He asked cautiously. Sobrang alerto ni Dada ngayon na para bang hinaharangan n'ya ako sa isang napakamapanganib na tao.

"Huh?"

"This is the first time I've felt such a strong and distinct aura." Mahinang sambit nito at saka diretsong tumitig sa lalaking nasa counter. I saw how the attendant on the counter looked nervous and how her hands are shaking.

"Wala naman, Dada?" Takhang sabi ko. I don't feel danger at all.

"Miracle." Nagulat ako sa biglang pagtawag ni Dada sa pangalan ko.

"I'm not kidding Dada." Dahil nga sa hina ng awra ko, mabilis ko maramdam ang mga taong mas malakas ang awra sa 'kin. I could feel danger from afar. But I don't know why Dada's acting like this.

"Let's go." Nagmamadaling sabi n'ya at saka ako hinawakan ng mahigpit at lumabas kami sa café.

Bago makalabas ay tumingin ako ro'n sa lalaking tinutukoy ni Dada na kakaiba ang aura. Nanliit ang mga mata ko nang tanawin ko 'yung taong 'yun.

Huh? He looks familiar.

Dada and I just walked quietly to go to the basement parking of the condo. While I was still trying to remember the guy. Because I swear, he looked like someone! But who?

"Take care, Ate. Good luck." Nawala ako sa kakaisip kung sino nga ba 'yung lalaki 'nung sabihin 'yun ni Dada. Napatingin ako sa paligid. Nasa harap na pala kami ng kotse ko.

"Salamat, Dada. Ingat ka po."

We separated ways and I drove to where my first interview is. Binura ko na lang sa isip ko kung sino man 'yung lalaking 'yun. Hindi naman ako nakaramdam ng kakaiba. Masyado lang sigurong nag-aalala si Dada.

I FINISHED THE first two interviews. I also took my lunch. Now, I'm waiting for the last one. I'm sitting on the waiting area. Marami rami kami ngayon dito hindi katulad do'n sa pinuntahan ko kanina na kakaunti lang.

I just fanned myself using the envelop because I feel hot, then somebody sat beside me.

"Hi!" Napatingin ako sa unahan dahil may bigla na lang lalaking nakasalamin ang kumausap sa 'kin. I pointed at myself with a creased forehead. He was standing in front of me since I sat here, and he never felt my presence at all.

I was just making sure, maybe it wasn't me.

"Yes, Miss?" Mas lalo akong naguluhan at nagtakha dahil sa naging kilos n'ya.

"Huh?" I was surprised and confused at the same time... he could see me?

He smiled and nodded at me. "Do you have any pen?"

I shook my head.

"Paper?" I shook my head again.

Woah, he is really talking to me! And he looked so awestruck. It feels like he was just using lame excuses just to converse with me. Weird. But at the same time amusing.

"How about your number?"

"EHH?"

My mouth formed into a small circle because of his question. Eh? As in, EH?

I was about to decline him, but a voice suddenly announced that the interview will start and two people will be called and will face the panel together.

"You, and you." Nanlaki ang mga mata ko 'nung ituro ako 'nung parang nagpa-facilitate ng interviewee.

"Me?" She could see me? Kaya ba n'ya ako itinuro? WOAH! I am being treated like a normal person.

Ngumiti sa 'kin 'yung babae at saka tumango. She looked at me like I was shining in her eyes. I could feel her admiration... admiration for what? "Goodluck, Miss Ganda." She even told me when I passed by her before going inside.

Hindi ko na nilingon 'yung lalaking kasabay ko.

We silently went inside and the panel was browsing papers. Or more like looking at our resume.

There are three people. All old men.

Huminga ako ng malalim at saka inihanda ang sarili ko.

One of them looked up and focused his eyes on me. I saw how he smirked and how his jaw suddenly dropped.

Eh? What's happening?

Then the other two also looked up to look at me with the same reaction. Creepy! Bakit parang ang daming stars ng mga mata ng mga taong natingin sa 'kin ngayon? At saka! Is this serious? Nakikita talaga nila ako kahit wala akong ginagawa?

Imposible. Pero? Pero kasi...

"You are Mira Rivera?" I nodded silently and slowly— almost so amused to confirm that they could see me.

Oh my gosh!

OH MY GOSH!

This is not a dream, right?!

If I'm not being interviewed right now, I would jump and dance happily! I felt like crying because there are like five people who noticed me! I'm not invisible in their eyes! It brings a lot of energy and electricity in my body.

"And you are... Laurent Monteverde?" Kasabay ng pagtingin ng tatlong panel ay napalingon din ako sa katabi ko at gano'n na lang 'yung gulat ko 'nung mamukhaan ko s'ya.

He smiled shyly at me.

"Hi." He mouthed and bowed a little while looking at me. With that awkward yet charming smile of his.

"H-Hi." I replied absentmindedly.

It's him! It's him! Oh, my gosh.

The guy who was in the café earlier, and the guy who had gold bars! It's was him! The gold guy!

I kept myself from being loud and happy. Baka kasi mapalabas ako eh. Nakakatuwa lang kasi na iba 'tong interview ngayon. Hindi ako nababalewala. They are focusing on me too! I'm existing in their eyes!

I couldn't help but smile.

They are all smiling and looking so interested while I was speaking. However, the spring and blossom like atmosphere suddenly darkened when they started asking Gold.

"Hi, I'm Laurent Monteverde, I'm—" He could not even do a proper introduction when one of the panel interrupted with a seemingly whisper but made it loud enough for us to hear.

"Ay, hindi na nakinig ang HR na 'yan. Sinabing ang dapat pupunta sa interview ay mga babae, bakit may nakasulot dito?"

"I clearly instructed them not to bring young and conceited people. Tss!"

"I'm not conceited and I'm responsible and hardworking, Sir—"

"Huwag kang magsalita, hindi ka namin pinagsasalita!" I was taken aback when the people who seemed angelic interviewing me became the opposite. What is this?

"Your face is also not in the proper criteria." My mouth dropped because of what I heard from one of the panel.

Anong pinagsasabi nila?

I looked at him—the gold guy. He seemed relaxed and calm although these interviewers are clearly not doing their jobs properly. I also noticed how his face was god-like. Those long eyelashes, deep dark eyes that seemed an abyss, the pointed and perfectly sculptured nose that fits his face, the pinkish red lips and the fair skin without any pores at all! He... he looked... so... astonishing. Breathtakingly beautiful.

I mean, he's so attractive. I just did not really appreciate it the first time we met because all I noticed was how he felt like a child.

"I'm sorry? My face?" Maingat at mahinahong bigkas n'ya.

Oo nga! Ano bang meron sa mukha n'ya? Bukod sa pinagpala at halatang lamang na lamang sa mga interviews na 'to?

"Oo. Mukhang mayabang!" Syempre may ipagmamayabang kasi.

I wanted to interrupt at least because this is not proceeding properly and professionally but I saw how Gold secretly smirked, I was just... just... frozen on the spot? I just kept looking at him. And anticipating what he's gonna do next.

"Excuse me, Sir. But where did you finish your study?"

"At the University of..." And the three of them mentioned prestigious universities at the country.

"What are the qualifications they are looking for?" He continued to ask while sitting straight and looking so professional.

"Of course, the high grades from the initial test!"

"Intelligence and finances!"

"Excellent credentials!"

"Ah, looks like they never properly assessed and screened well-mannered people. How about here? Why did they hire you? Why would they hire you?" He asked in an innocent yet serious manner. I just kept looking at him without breaking contact. I followed his every move and I could see his innocence.

But, seriously speaking? I'm suppressing my laughter right now.

Especially when I slowly turned to the three panels answering his questions.

Wait, what? Sino nga ulit ang interviewer at interviewee?

While one of the was answering the question confidently, he suddenly stopped and, "Aba't! Sino ka para magtanong?!"

"Pftt." I couldn't help it. Kanina ko pa pinipigilang matawa!

The three old men were so intense answering his questions while he looked so naïve doing it.

"Anong ginagawa mo ha?!" Sabi pa ng isa.

"Conducting interview, too." WAIT, WHAT!?

Game over!

I laughed out loud because he freaking answered with a stoic and emotionless face! Woah, this Gold right here is on another level.

"WHAT!?" Sabay sabay na sigaw 'nung matatanda.

"Bakit mo ginagawa sa 'min 'yon ha?!" Galit na sigaw ng isa.

"Just seeing who can pass to be my interviewer."

Halos malaglag ang mga panga ko sa sobrang seryosong sagot n'ya. Oh, my gosh! This is unfolding so interestingly yet so funny at the same time!

"You—Youu!" Tatlo na silang tumayo ngayon, kaya naman kaagad akong tumayo sa kinauupuan ko habang natawa pa, at hinila palabas ng interview room 'tong si Gold.

"Hey, bakit?" Inosenteng tanong n'ya habang tumatakbo kami at talaga namang hinabol kami 'nung tatlo! Gosh! This is so hilarious! I was chuckling while holding his hand when I felt him hold my hands too.

Dumiretso kaming dalawa sa elevator. Luckily it opened immediately and we entered together. The three old men were still chasing us and I could see them desperately wanting to catch us, while the door was closing.

"Hahaha! That—that was so fun!" I uttered while chuckling when we finally escaped from there.

"How?" Kunot-noong tanong n'ya.

Hindi ba s'ya aware na nakakaloko 'yung ginawa n'ya at the same time sobrang nakakatawa? Akala ko talaga ipagtatanggol ko s'ya ro'n sa mga matatandang 'yon, hindi ko akalain na gano'n magiging resulta.

"You know? They will not accept you. Just give it up." I told him, still, laughing lightly. While he was still looking at me so confused why I'm laughing.

Goodness! It was because of you, Gold!

After that the elevator arrived at the lobby. We just both went out.

"Where are you going now?" He asked.

"Buying groceries. Why?" I retorted, being carefree about what just happened.

"Tara." Sabi n'ya at saka ako hinila. Napatingin ako sa kamay namin. Magkahawak pa rin pala. Hindi ko man lang napapansin.

Malapit lang 'yung grocery rito kaya naman hinihintay lang namin makatawid. Marami pang sasakyan eh. He is still holding my hands, and I was just silently looking at it.

"What's your name?" I absentmindedly inquired while looking at our hands that was clasped together.

"Alas." He retorted and I slowly looked up and met his dark attractive eyes. Para kang hinihila 'nung mga mata na 'yun. Sobrang dark na akala mo kulay itim na.

"Huh?"

As far as I know, I heard Laurent earlier.

"But it was... Laurent? Nickname?" He nodded. Then held my hand tightly and pulled me a little. Ah, tatawid na pala. While we were crossing the road. He looked at me with his cute innocent smile.

"Akakios Laurentius. Alas for short."

I smiled back at him. "Akakios it is." I said while we are now walking towards the huge supermarket.

"You?" He asked not really looking at me.

"Miracle..." I whispered.

"Huh?"

"Miracle Silhouette."

Tumingin s'ya sa akin at saka ngumiti, pati mga mata n'ya ngumingiti.

"Silhouette it is."

***