Date Disaster 

    BEFORE heading home, we decided to go on a drive-thru at Burger King. We ordered a king feast for 2 with medium drinks & sides. For the sides, we both decided to order one bucket of fries. Then, for the drinks, we both ordered a Sprite.

A smile appeared on my lips when I noticed Croisx cutting the burger into two slices. He handed me the half slice of Whopper Jr. and a slice of Flamed-grilled cheeseburger.

"Thank you," nagpasalamat ako at nagsimulang kumain. 

We're eating inside my Porsche while the car is moving on its own. I activated the self-driving button earlier since I don't want to make waste by eating with one hand.

He smiled back. "Does your foot still hurt?" he asked, concern is evident in his voice.

I shook my head. "I don't feel the pain I felt earlier."

He took a sigh of relief. "Good. But we still need to apply a cold compress to reduce the swelling and inflammation in your ligaments." He sounded like a doctor.

I nodded, grinning. "Okay!" I chirped in understanding.

My eyes flew to the dashboard of the car. I took out my phone from the centre dash when it vibrated, indicating that someone had sent me a message.

From: Denver

"You have another shoot next week, pero this week ay vacant ang schedule mo. Benj sent me a message kanina at mukhang kasama ka sa Bench Fashion show next month."

My eyes widened, and I couldn't help but squealed in happiness after reading my handler's message. Croisx caressed my arm, calming me.

My eyes laid on him. "I'm going to walk in the Bench Fashion Show!" I announced with a wide smile plastered on my lips.

My eyes broadened, and I was so fascinated by what he did next.

He kissed me. 

It was just a simple peck on the lips before he pulled away, smiling at me. Hinawi niya ang buhok ko papunta sa likod ng tenga ko habang nakatingin sa akin. I remained quiet as I was still dazed by his sudden move.

"Congratulations, babe. I am happy that you're slowly achieving your dreams. I have known that you are meant for bigger things. I hope for your career to skyrocket in projects and collaboration." He smiles, warm and sincere.

My heart went into havoc after hearing him.

When Saturday arrived, I went home to my parent's house in Forbes. We are at the pool side, having lunch with my family. Himala nga at kompleto kami ngayon. Nandito sina ate Kelsea at kuya Reeve, kasama ang napakacute na si Killian.

I couldn't help but smile when I noticed Dad refilling Mom's plate with rice. On the other hand, Kuya Reeve was making sure that ate Kelsea had a bite of her food before feeding their son, Killian. Nang matapos subuan si Killian ay doon naman susubo ng pagkain si Kuya Reeve.

My eyes flew to Dad once again and caught him serving Mom's glass. Then, he proceeded to refill Kryptone's glass, too.

How sweet. I really love seeing a woman being treated well by her man.

"Khriz, do you want more rice?" Dad notices me looking in their direction.

I nodded, smiling. "One scoop lang, Dad." He nodded and smiled at me.

When the lunch ended, dumiretso ako sa aking kwarto para maligo. Then, after taking a shower, I went down to the living room where my parents were waiting for me. Si Kryptone ay nasa tabi ni Mommy, naglalaro sa nintendo switch niya. Sina kuya Reeve at ate Kelsea ay mukhang pinapatulog na si Killian.

"Come on, sit in front of me." Mom commanded and gestured the couch in front of her.

"What is this all about, Mom?" Tanong ko pagkaupo na pagkaupo ko.

I leaned back on the couch and rested my arms on the couch's arm.

I couldn't help but compliment how beautiful my Mom is. She doesn't have any make up on aside from pink lipstick, but her beauty is overflowing. She's only wearing a simple above-the-knee yellow sheath dress with her lower bun hair.

Palaging blooming si Mommy panigurado dahil sagana sa dilig.

Mom is already in her 50s, but she still looks like in her 40s. Her skin is smooth and fair because she has Filipino-Spanish Blood, while Dad is Fil-Am. They have a seven-year age gap, but they look like they are the same age or so.

I no longer wonder why the elusive and powerful Kristoff Altamirano is head over heels for Katarina Zobel-Altamirano. 

Mom asked the maid to bring tea and dessert to the living room. When it arrives, Mom passes me a mug with her favorite tea in it. The smell of chamomile filled my nostrils, making me send a feeble smile to her way.

"Anyway, maiba lang ako, sweetie. What do you think about dating?"

Tila nabingi ako sa tanong ni Mommy. I blinked twice and asked her to repeat the question.

"Dating, Khrizanta. What do you think about dating? Charles Gokongwei looks like a real gentleman. Moreover, he came from a prominent family. He's only three years older than you, Darling." Nakangiting ani Mommy.

Unti-unti kong ibinaba ang hawak na tasa saka hilaw na ngumiti. "Mommy, we already talked about this, right? I don't want a boyfriend, Mom. I'm focusing on my career," I stated.

"I'm just wondering if you're interested.  .  . You're at the right age to get a serious relationship. You're turning 25 soon. Don't you think it's about time for you na may maipakilala ka sa amin?"

"Mommy, binubugaw mo ba ako?!"

Daddy gave me a grimace expression. "Khrizanta, watch your languange! Sumasakit ang ulo ko sa inyong dalawa," sabi ni Daddy habang palipat-lipat ang kanyang tingin sa amin ni Mommy.

I manoeuvre to my seat, facing Dad, and asked. "Anong ulo ang masakit sayo, Dad? 'Yong sa taas o 'yong nasa ibaba?"

Dad's nose flared with my response. "Sa lahat ng pwedeng makuha ni Khrizanta, 'yong bunganga mo talaga, babe!" he complained. 

Napahagikgik ako. I may look like Daddy, but I got my behavior from Mom. Hindi na ako magtataka kung bakit may mga puting buhok na siya sa buhok, dalawa ba naman ang kailangan niyang amuhin.

Nevertheless, my father is still one of the most good-looking men I have ever seen. He looks like a missing twin of Brad Pitt.

Nang makabawi, sumeryoso na ako. I took a sigh. "You're asking me to date Charles Gokongwei," I muttered, looking at Mom.

Tumango si Mommy. "Exactly! It's just a date, Darling. We're not asking you to marry him. Just one date, Khrizanta."

Humugot ako nang isang malalim na hininga saka napainom sa inumin ko. Ang mga mata ni Mommy ay puno ng pag-asa na papayag ako. Nang lumingon ako sa mga ibang kasama namin sa living room ay lumaylay ang balikat ko.

My sister was giving me a sympathetic smile. I know she can relate to this situation of mine. Noong college kasi siya, Mom always set her up on blind dates with the son of her friends. Bilang masunurin na anak, she obeyed. But in the end, wala naman siyang nagiging boyfriend sa kanila. They just dated for once at hindi na naulit pa. Kaya nang nalaman ni Mommy na may manliligaw si ate ay nagpakain siya ng bongga for a celebration.

Ngayon, ako naman ang target ni Mommy.

Humugot ulit ako nang malalim na hininga bago tumango, sumusuko na.

"Just one date, Mom," I declared. "One date with him," I emphasized the last word.

She squealed and nodded. "Okay! I'll inform him about this!" she says excitedly.

Another day passed. I started preparing for the 'date'. Kanina pa ako naligo at nakapagbihis, make up na lang ang kailangan kong gawin.

Even though it was a 'force date', I still needed to look presentable. So, I wore a white with blue graphic cap sleeves bodycon mini dress and a black peep toe stiletto. Wala akong accessories na suot bukod sa aking hikaw.

All of the make up products, I'll use where in the table. I already applied skincare on my face, and I was about to proceed with the foundation when my phone abruptly vibrated.

I picked it up, hindi ako makapaniwala sa pangalan nang taong tumatawag sa akin. I thought he didn't like calls, yet he's calling me right now. It's not even a normal call.

Croisx Silvestre is requesting a Facetime with me!

I swiped the call to the left, and his face immediately crowded the screen. He was wearing a cobalt blue hoodie, and his headphones were cling to his neck. Of course, his specs are present in his attire.

"H-Hi, babe!" he greeted me with a wave.

A wide smile appeared on my lips as I waved back.

"I thought you hate calls?! Why are you calling me now?" I asked teasingly as I started applying foundation to my face.

He tsked. "What are you doing?" he asked instead.

I glance at him as I apply press powder. "I'm meeting with someone today. I'm doing my make up!" Tinapat ko ang camera sa mga make up na nasa lamesa bago inilipat paharap sa akin.

"Pretty," he praised me.

My nose scrunched. "You haven't seen the result yet!"

Isang malapad na ngiti ang kumawala sa kanyang labi. My eyes gleam in awe when his dimple shows from smiling.

"Are you going to watch me until I finish?"

"Hmm. . ." he hums as an answer, smiling as he watches me.

Bahagyang humaba ang nguso ko. Hindi na ako nagsalita at nagpatuloy na lang sa paglalagay ng kolorete sa aking mukha.

I let him watch me do my make up. He kept complimenting me every time I do something on my face. Hindi ko tuloy maiwasan ang hindi mapailing at matawa dahil sa mga pinagsasabi niya.

Until I finished the process, he didn't end the call. I grabbed the phone with my right hand before I stood up from my chair, grabbing my baguette bag.

"It's been twenty minutes, and you're still gazing at me! You end the call," I commanded, but after a minute, the call was still going.

I heard him chuckle when I frowned.

"I thought you need to go? End the call, or should I?" Nakataas ang kilay na tanong ko. He told me earlier that he was going somewhere with his parents, but until now, the call is still ongoing.

"Y-You," he answered sheepishly as the smile on his face didn't subside.

Napailing ako. "Alright. Sayonara!" I smiled as I bid my goodbye. I ended the call. The last thing I saw was him waving at me.

After the face time with Croisx, I didn't waste time anymore and headed to where the date was located. I took a deep sigh when I finally parked my car in front of Zuriel Lés Arómes. The familiar staff of the restaurant greeted me and held the double glass doors for me.

"Thank you," I smiled at the staff.

My eyes roamed around the place. No doubt, Zuriel Lés Arómes is indeed a very popular and high-class restaurant in the country. Iilan lamang ang mga taong kumakain sa buong floor at karamihan pa ay mga magkasintahan. Paniguradong mas marami ang kumakain sa ibang floor.

Tumango siya at ngumiti sa akin. "Welcome to Zuriel's, Miss Khriz. May reservation po ba kayo?"

"I don't have. But I'm meeting someone here tonight. His name is Charles Gokongwei. Can you please check his name on the system?"

Tumango siya. "Alright, Miss. Wait a second po."

Lumapit siya sa pwesto kung saan nakadisplay ang dalawang computer. She manoeuvres the computer, and after ten seconds, she came back with a positive aura.

"Sir Charles already booked a reservation for two. This way, Miss Khriz." She gestured the way.

"Oh. Thanks," I muttered, smiling at her.

Iginiya niya ako sa isang pang dalawahang table. A tall, chinito, fair-skinned man was sitting across the table. He's wearing a maroon silk shirt with leather cufflinks and black trousers. Mabilis kaming lumapit doon at saktong napalingon sa direksyon ko si Charles.

"Hey, Mr. Gokongwei," I greeted.

"You look stunning. . ." Aniya habang nakatulala sa akin. Tumikhim ako dahilan upang tumayo siya at pinaghila ako ng upuan. "Please, have a seat."

My eyebrow arched in his movement. He's a Gentleman.

"Thank you," I smiled at his gesture.

"Just call me when you need something, Miss Khriz, Sir Charles. Just push the button on the table, and I'll be here," The staff muttered and smiled genuinely.

I nodded. "I will. Thank you."

Tumango ito bago naglakad paalis. Naupo ako ng maayos, paharap sa kanya. When we're already facing each other, I saw how his eyes secretly travel to my face down my body. I smirked intrusively. He looked timid, so I think napilitan lang siya sa date na 'to.

"So. . ." I trailed off as I crossed my legs under the table. "Nice meeting you again."

He cleared his throat before nodding and extending his hand to me. "It's nice to meet you, Khriz."

I accepted his hand. "You too." I shook his hand with a small smile. "Should we order?"

Tumango siya. "Sure."

Charles called the waiter and asked for the menu. Nang binigyan kami ng tig-isa, hindi na ako nag-aksaya ng panahon na pasadahan ang menu isa-isa. All the food listed in menu was delicious but in the end, I only ordered stir fry spaghetti and dim sum.

"Anything, Ma'am?" Tanong ng waiter at umiling naman ako.

"What about you, Sir?" tumingin ang waiter kay Charles na ikinalingon ko rin. To my surprise, Charles was already looking at me with an amused smile on his lips.

"What? Ngayon ka lang nakakita ng maganda?" I jested, which made him chuckled.

Tumango ito. "Yeah. You're pretty," pagsang-ayon niya sa sinabi ko.

A grin plastered on my lips. "I know, but the waiter is waiting for your orders. So, focus on the menu and not on my face, nǐ míngbái ma?"

His lips parted in amusement when I spoke in Mandarin. Nagkibit-balikat lamang ako. He immediately looked away and looked at the waiter. He stated his order precisely. "I would also like to order renaissance. That's all. Thanks," He thanked the waiter.

Nang makaalis ang waiter ay mabilis na humarap sa akin si Charles. "Would you mind if I asked you about your job?" he asked for permission.

"I'm a model."

The corner of his lips stretched upward. "Interesting. That's why you're familiar. I think I saw you on a magazine cover."

I tilted my head in amusement. "Oh, really? I hope it's not the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue you saw," I chuckled when he immediately blushed after hearing what I said.

Our conversation halted when the food we ordered arrived. We thanked the waiter in unison, making us laugh. Nagsimula kaming kumain habang nag-uusap. I found out that he studied at Stanford University with a degree of MBA.

Habang tumatagal kami sa pag-uusap ay narealize kong he's not a jerk like the other men. He's smart and just a little bit shy. Ang sabi nga niya ay pinilit lamang siya ng uncle niya sa date na 'to. Pareho lang pala kami na pinilit. 

"You have something in your face." His fingers were gesturing something in my face.

I quickly grab the napkin and wipe it. He shook his head and leaned over to wipe it instead.

"There you go—" pagharap niya sa akin ay tumama ang kanyang labi sa pisngi ko. We stared each other for a long time before he immediately sat back on his chair. Mabilis na kumalat ang pamumula sa mukha niya.

Awkwardness filled the air between us.

"I didn't mean to kiss you." He muttered apologetically.

I nodded. "I know. It was an accident— Croisx. . ." The last word comes out as a muffle when my eyes laid at the guy behind Charles.

Croisx was looking at me with pain in his eyes. His lips formed a thin line, and the intensity of his gaze made it difficult for me to maintain eye contact. Damn it! What he is doing here?

Gusto kong tumayo para lapitan siya pero natulos ako sa kinauupuan ko nang maramdaman ang kamay ni Charles sa akin. He was tapping my hand, getting my attention.

I glanced at him. "Are you okay? Did I offend you?" he asked, full of concern.

I frantically shook my head and immediately pushed my chair out of the table. Napalingon ako sa pwesto ni Croisx pero wala na siya doon. I saw him storming out of the restaurant! Fuck!

"I'm sorry, Charles. I need to go." I muttered and didn't wait for him to answer, and just stormed out of the restaurant, half running.

Habol ko ang hininga nang makarating ako sa labas, masakit ang paa ko dahil sa ginawang pagtakbo para lang mahabol si Croisx. I'm wearing a stilleto for fuck sake!

My eyes lit up when I spotted him in the distance. I marched towards him and tugged his arms to stop him from wearing a helmet.

"Why did you walk out?" I asked, panting.

Slowly, his eyes locked into mine.

His eyes don't have any emotion. "Why did you follow me?" he replied in an icy tone.

"What? You walked out, so I followed you." I replied in confusion.

His jaw clenched, and his eyes simmered with irritation.

"Go back. I don't want to ruin your date." He replied in a lethal tone, could kill me with its rhythm.

Hindi ko inaasahan ang magiging sagot niya kaya napaawang ang labi ko sa narinig. I swallowed the lump in my throat. I was about to speak to clarify things when he abruptly started the motorcycle, leaving me in a daze.

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