KABANATA 05:

Meet Sunshine Grin!

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❝ Maybe someone would include your name in the list of nuisances. When I see you, it feels like hot water and ice are desperately trying to fight against each other. How come I must see your face once more? Why do you continue to show up, too? There seems to be no end to the way you crackle and crash with each other, almost like a storm that never stops.❞ — from the hues of the sunshine

༄彡፨֍༄彡፨༄彡፨֍

NAG-INAT MUNA ako nang makabangon sa kama. Medyo hininihikab pa ako I was shocked when I heard the alarm clock near me. I reached out my hand para hampasin 'to para tumigil.

'It's time for a huge day!' I whispered to myself and smiled tsaka ako bumangon sa kwarto. Bukod pa rito, umupo muna ako saglit, ipinikit ang mga mata ko, at pagkatapos ay nagdasal upang ipahayag ang aking pasasalamat sa araw na 'to. Sobrang halaga talaga nito. At 'di ko kailanman kalimutan ang tungkol dito.

Whatever occurred, I would always return to him, no matter how many obstacles I faced in life. The fact that I'm still standing here is proof that God enabled me to conquer every obstacle in life. Sure, life is more difficult, minsan 'di mo na alam ang gagawin mo dahil sa dami ng pinagdadaanan mo and don't just deal with everything by yourself.

Isama mo rin siya sa lahat ng worries mo, dahil lagi siyang nag-iintay sa'yo. When it seems like nothing's going your way, keep in mind that God never abandons you. Therefore, before you begin your day, take the time to express gratitude, as this will make you feel more optimistic.

I hurried under my bed to get ready for my vlog day, carefully took the bag, lowered the zipper, and grabbed my camera. It goes without saying that I frequently use this in my vlogs. The camera is a DSLR. I purchased a Canon Rebel EOS SL3 for the brand. Halos gamit-gamit ko na rin 'to because of my shoots of my vlogs most of the time.

Tsaka magandang klase 'to. It has an APS-C sensor. Tapos 'yung Max video resolution naman niya'y 4K(inc. 1.7x crop) The lens mount is EF/EF-S, and the frame rates are 24, 25, 25 fps (4K), 60, 50, and 30 fps (FULL HD). The screen is a 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen with 1040k dots. Next is Dual Pixel CMOS AF autofocus, which has a beginner user level. Maganda rin ang specifications niya actually.

Lumabas si Lovelyn ng kwarto at napataas na lang ng kilay nang napansin niyang nag-iimpake ako. Then she smiled at me later at binati niya ako, "Good morning! Ate, ang aga mo yata. Eh, wala ka namang pasok 'di' ba?"

I approached her, nodded, and grinned at her. "Oo. Pero kasi vlog day ko ngayon," bulong ko sa kanya.

Doing it was something I truly enjoyed. I felt a surge of excitement, and my eyes glowed as though the stars were aligning within me. It seems as though they are glistening endlessly, and words cannot express how delighted I am this very moment. I'm having fun acting on camera in my vlogs, especially the cosplay and makeup content in the videos I upload to YouTube.

Inayos ko na 'yung Metz Flash Gun ko, pati na rin 'yung Manfrotto Pro Tripod, saka 'yung Fish Eye Lens, Lastly, my camera holster bag. Kapag talagang nag-vlog ka, mayroon ka dapat lahat ng kailangan mo. Tumingin ako sa paligid, ngunit walang maingay. Ito ang oras na dapat nandito si Halley, 'di' ba? Asan na ba 'yon?

At makalipas ang ilang minuto, bara-bara na binuksan ni Lovelyn ang kwarto ni Halley.

Hinugot na lang niya ang buong lakas niya at huminga ng malalim. Napahawak na lang ako sa tainga I started laughing at them. Alam ko na kung ano'ng mangyayari dito! Lovelyn took a step forward and could see how well Halley was sleeping at the moment. Parang puyat na puyat kakapanood ng anime, ah? Take a look at the CD that was all over her bed. 

After a moment, Lovely finally yelled to wake Halley. "Halley Levana! Gigising ka ba o gigising!? Ikaw nga 'tong nagpangako na sasama 'di' ba? Pa-espesyal ka r'yan, teh?"

Halley experienced an unexpected shock. Her heart was racing so hard that she felt like everything was straining against her as she was abruptly compelled to wake up.

She rapidly blinked a few times and kicked her legs away from the rabbits she was holding at nagmadali siyang bumangon at halos matumba na siya sa kama niya and I began to laugh even more. Inirap-irapan siya ni Lovelyn matapos.

You could actually feel at home in our dorm from here. However, let me clarify that this dorm was a high class dorm, meaning it had luxurious accommodations and was well-equipped, primarily because my parents were concerned about the atmosphere I was living in at ngayong mahihiwalay na ako sa kanila, siniguro nila ang sitwasyon ko at nilagay ako sa ligtas na lugar na malayo sa panganib.

It's a huge place. And living in a place like this is obviously difficult, particularly for students who must live in a high-class dorm like this.

Marami ka talagang iisiping bayarin, lalo na kung magpapatuloy ka sa isang high end na apartment katulad nito, kasama na ro'n ang ibang services na kailangan mong bayaran. Pati na rin ang maintenance ng bahay.

Iba ang college life, lalo kung magsasarili ka pa. Isa pa sa mga naging tanging problema ko rito dahil nga working student ako, kailangan kong pagkasyahin ang pera ko para sa pagkain, kuryente at tubig. Kaya't kailangan kong makasiguro lagi na nakakapasa ako.

And check out this bohemian look. Bohemian interior design is still becoming more and more popular, much like the mid-century style like this. Now is the ideal moment to discover your bohemian side because so many retailers are following suit.

A free-spirited aesthetic that blends various cultures and artistic expressions into an eclectic style that thinks beyond the box is what bohemian design is all about. Nature is emphasized in a relaxed bohemian setting. Bright colors and striking patterns are typical for accent pieces and furniture, though.

Kasama ko lang naman sila rito, bukod kay Halley ang mga kaibigan ko ang kasama ko rito sa dorm. Sina Lovelyn nga pala, 'yung kaninang nagbubunganga, isa siyang nursing student. Sumunod naman si Cana, she's enrolled in an education bachelor's degree program. She plays the piano well! At sumunod si Lirisha, na isang fashion designer student. 

Basta ang alam ko, magkakabit-kabit na kaming lima at mahirap na kaming paghiwalayin. Ganun yata kami ka-close sa isa't-isa. Hahaha!

Halley became irritated at napahawak na lang siya sa buong mukha niya. Napapikit naman siya as she sighed and began to gently rub her eyes, which had dark circles that were visible. "Pasensya na, 'di na ako tao, sa kakaintindi sa pamapahirap na buhay na 'yan sa CAD! Hahaha, damay mo na 'yung workshop at seminar, tangina talaga! Napakasaya ng college!" 

Hirap na hirap na nga siya sa CAD, ang dami pa niyang kailangang gawin. She has reportedly been extremely busy despite her internships, attending workshops and seminars, and gaining practical experience and networking with industry professionals. Kaya naman pala aburido siya.

"Problema mo 'yan, Interior Designer." Lovelyn rolled her eyes at nginisian niya si Halley.

"Bait mong nurse," She rolled back her eyes on Lovelyn.

Pumagitna na ako sa kanilang dalawa, "Hoy, tama na nga 'yan!" suway ko sa kanilang pareho at napailing na lang. 'Di talaga mabubuo ang araw kundi nila aasarin si Halley, 'no? Pinandilatan ko na silang pareho and I mimicked, 'Paguuntugin ko kayong dalawa, sige!' At napalunok na lang sila nang nakisali na ako sa paligsahan nila ng tarayan. Alam nilang wala silang ubra laban sa'kin. 

Halley's face was filled with surprise and her eyes widened before she swiftly grabbed my bag and gave me a quick look., "Ay mag-vlog tayo? Come on! I can't wait to start filming!" She gave a hand clap at kitang-kita na umaabot na ang ngiti niya sa kanyang mata, you could practically see how radiant she is, almost like the sun at nagtatalon pa.

Tumango-tango ako and I returned the smile, feeling as excited as she did, saying, "Wait for me, I'll go and change my clothes!"

"Ay bilisan mo, mahal na prinsesa! Hihintayin kita sa labas,"paalala niya pa sa'kin.

Psh, parang siya pa yata ang excited kesa sa'kin! Ako kaya 'yung mag-vlog aba! Dumiretso ako sa kwarto ko at dahan-dahan akong pumunta sa cabinet koMy dogs, who were sleeping, were suddenly awakened and began licking my legs and wagging their tails to express their love for me. Lumuhod ako saglit at isa-isa kong hinimas ang noo nila and I smiled at them.

༄┤֍☽_____♚_____‡☽༆

BINUKSAN KO na ang cabinet ko at isa-isa kong inurong ang mga hanger para makapili na ako ng susuotin ko. I chose to wear a white blouse inside and a basic white cardigan. After that, I wore my white rubber shoes and tan khaki pants. I then picked up my pink Gucci sling bag. I then applied minimal makeup and styled my hair in a cute, messy bun. Subsequently, I put on my black facemask at the camera. It's my vlog day today. I should have a great time today.

Matapos no'n ay nagmadali na ako pumunta sa labas. We're going to use Halley's car. The vehicle was a grey Toyota Fortuner. To prepare the vlog, I set up my camera and all the necessary equipment. Pumunta na sa harap si Halley upang siya na ang mag-drive. Lagi ko na siyang kasama sa tuwing nag-vlog ako.

Halley held on her chin at napansin niya ang outfit ko and she smiled at me, "Bihis na bihis ka naman ha, Ms. Sunshine Grin!" She complimented me and her hazel eyes were focused on mine and she was smiling at me from head to toe. 'Di ako sanay sa bansag niyang 'yan.

Kaya naman napabuntong hininga na lang ako dahil sa mga sinabi niya. Buti na lang at walang tao sa paligid at walang nakakarinig sa mga sinasabi niya!

Napatingin na lang ako ng ilang saglit sa paligid, saka ko siniko si Halley dahil sa bunganga niya at umirap ako sa kanya, "Magtigil ka nga r'yan! Baka may makarinig sa'yo. Sinasabi ko talaga Halley, nako ka!" Alam ko naman na walang filter ang bibig niya, pero bawas-bawasan niya! I think I'll be in a lot of trouble because she speaks so loudly.

"Joke lang naman!" natawang sabi ni Halley sa'kin, kaya inirapan ko siya.

"Bahala ka nga d'yan, maglalaro lang ako." sabi ko na lang sa kanya

I put on my headphones at binuksan ko ang cellphone ko.It's the game to which I became addicted. Gate Elysium, The Quest of Justice was the name of the game. Because the Red Kingdom was attempting to overthrow the Blue Kingdom, the game is set in the Kingdom of Ruins. The realm was once in balance, but when the Red Kingdom attempted to take over the entire realm, everything fell into disarray.

And Vesper Nellie, a cyborg, is my favorite character. Because everyone is terrified of her dark abilities, which have been waiting to be unleashed, the kingdom is keeping her. She now looks for the ruins' power to seal her evil abilities.

Additionally, I'm a member of the PH team for this game called #WALANGBABAGSAKPH and isa ako sa kabilang ng B Class players. I had already begun to personalize my character nang bigla nag-pop up ang chatbox namin. 

HeadmasterHQ_: @hariin0020 one game? tara? Tinitira nila 'yung tore!

hariin0020: ay saglit! Mag-customize lang ako ng character!

I have no idea who he is, basta mataas ang level niya. He plays professionally! When I was a single player, he killed me in an instant, which irritated me! Beginner pa lang ako no'n sa paglaro ng MMORPG 'no!

Kaya nagpataas ako ng level and I take on all the quests, and I put a lot of effort into joining their team.

I repositioned Nellie and shifted the buttons ng matapos ko siyang i-customize, and the red knights have already begun to move kaya naman itinutok ko 'yung equipment ni Nellie sa kanilaand shot them all using the energy magic. At nang papalapit ako gamit si Nellie sa tore nila, nagulat na lang ako nang may sumaksak sa character ko.

"No!" Napahiya ako, "Takti naman! Nasa likod pala ng tore 'yun! Hindi ko naman nakita." 

"Sumugod ka kaagad? Damn! Tell me if you need assistance! You're already a B Class and we need your strength."

And yes, we're playing a game, so I have to wear my headphones because he's in the microphone.

Expected na rin 'to. Dahil sa halos A Class at S class na ang mga nakakalaro ko so it was anticipated na malalakas na ang kalaban namin, madalas, mga international pa at sa spain pa server nila. However, it's a good fight.

Halley had already parked the car when I abruptly told the team via the message box that I needed to do my vlogs, and fortunately they understood. I genuinely developed a positive friendship with them at mahalaga 'yon, 'di' ba? With my enthusiasm, agad kong tinapak 'yung sapatos ko at tumakbo sa likod para kunin ang mga gamit ko.

"Magdahan-dahan ka nga diyan babae! 'Pag ikaw talagang matalisod d'yan ha, Eteri!" sabi ni Halley sabay suway sa'kin. 

"Sanay akong masaktan." irap ko sa kanya at ngisi ko na lang sa kanya, "Proven and tested na 'to."

"Luh! Wala naman akong binabanggit! Sinabi ko bang marupok ka pa rin kay Eng. Sasaki ha, aber?" tanong na lang ni Halley at napakagat na lang ako sa labi ko sa mga sinabi niya.

Naglakad ako papunta kay Halley and rolled my eyes while slowly crossing my arms at 'di ko maiwasang hindi mairita. Sana may araw man lang na 'di ko marinig kay Steele. Pati pangalan niya! Sana lang hindi ko na makita 'yung lalaking 'yon kasi baka makabuga na talaga siya ng apoy sinasabi ko sa inyo. Akala mo napakadali ang engineering para tumatambay siya sa bar o kahit sa'n ako magpunta! Bwisit!

"No comment," Inis kong sinabi

"Teh, maitanong ko nga lang ha? " tanong ni Halley at sinabayan niya akong maglakad, "So why don't you give it a try? 'Yung sinabi sa'yo ni Steele? You always wanted to start your own makeup business and work as a professional makeup artist, didn't you?"

"Ayoko," seryoso kong sagot at umiling na lang ako.

'Di naman sa masama akong tao. If he wants, I can support his sister. However, why would they pick someone with Vitiligo all over her face if they were looking for a model? I completely don't understand that part.

It's true that popularity has the ability to transform people. Kapag nasiyahan ka sa katanyagan, maaari mong mapansin ang mga pagbabago sa iyong sarili. Makikita mo na lalaki na ang ulo mo at magiging mayabang ka na rin. Dahil 'yon sa kasikatan and the fact that you were admired by others would make you feel more entitled. And that's not what I want to do. I don't want my popularity to change who I am.

This is what I wanted, so I'm just doing my makeup vlogs. I don't need other people's approval; I just want to enjoy what I'm doing. Since that's what I want to do, I don't need to justify myself to others.

And, okay? I don't want to be associated with Steele. After all, he abandoned me kaya ayokong gawin. Iyon lang!

Huminga na lang ako ng malalim at tumingin sa kanya, "May iba namang paraan para matupad ko pangarap ko, Halley. Kahit 'di galing kay Steele, gagawa ako ng paraan para sa pangarap ko."

I didn't really say this out loud. Tanging mga kaibigan ko lang at mga magulang ko ang may alam tungkol dito. Mas mabuti na rin na ilan lang ang nakakaalam sa pangarap mong gustong gawin, it's more peaceful when fewer people know.

Because my tita would definitely make fun of me if she found out. Making other people's lives miserable, including mine, is what brings her joy. Since she has a high opinion of herself. Because she constantly thinks about herself and feels entitled dahil gusto niyang siya lang ang pinupuri ng iba but doesn't the fact that I have Vitiligo make her worse enough to make me feel inferior to her all the time?

Ayoko nang magpaka-negative na lang dahil sa mga iniisip ko tungkol sa tita ko. I shook my head and deleted those thoughts since they were suddenly bothering me due to the ones I was thinking at the time.

We must be extremely careful about what we say to ourselves because what we tell ourselves matters a lot.

Hinampas ko si Halley and gave a quick smile, "Ano ka ba! 'Di dahil sa kadramahan ko kung bakit tayo naparito, 'di' ba? Obviously, my vlog day led us to visit the mall! So, please kuhanan mo na ako!" I gestured with my hands para ako'y sundan ni Halley.

"Ay, eto na nga! Teka!" Inayos ni Halley 'yung tripod ko at camera ko and we started filming my vlog after she put it on live. Pumunta naman kami sa make-up section, at Maybelline brand ang mga 'to. 

I move closer to the camera and wave joyfully, feeling as though the wind is gently blowing through every part of me until the calm has fully settled in.

"Hi everyone! Here is my vlog, And welcome! My name is Eteri, also called Sunshine Grin. Moreover, we'll be experimenting with makeup products in this mall on day 329. Ayan! Kung nakikita niyo man 'to..." sumunod si Halley sa'kin habang kinukuhan niya ako."Are you looking forward to seeing what kind of makeup today? Tara! Samahan niyo ako!"

This is what I typically include in my vlogs, though. It was something I truly enjoyed doing, and I always love creating content about makeup. And also, making vlogs like this gives me a sense of freedom.

I didn't really care about fame. It's more like I don't care about it. Simple lang naman talaga ang gusto kong mangyari. My only goal is to create my vlogs in a calm manner while remaining anonymous. Nobody needs to know Sunshine Grin's identity. I just want to let people know that I'm content with my life.

Just a happy girl trying to hide her vitiligo behind makeup. And none of those things are important after that. 

I simply didn't want my appearance to let many people down. Would they even love me if they knew what kind of face I have? Most likely not. Ayoko nang mag-iisip ng ganito! Napakamot na lang ako sa buhok ko and it feels like my frustration is mounting; something seems to be breaking me, and the quiet in my head seems to have grown louder. It feels like the burden I've been carrying has caused me more problems than it has already.

The only reason I have enough confidence is because of Halley and my friends. Kaya ko namantalaga ginagawa ang mga bagay na 'to. They're the reason I'm courageous in pursuing my goals. Nagsimula na akong maglakad at pumunta doon sa make up section and it makes me laugh to see how lovely those blushes are.

My focus shifted to the blush and I reached for it, but I nearly lost my balance when I noticed a tall man standing in front of me. He was taken aback by my sudden movement and swiftly placed his hand on my back to catch me.

"Are you alright?"He sighed, and there was a hint of worry in his voice.

"Thanks to you, I'm fine," I answered. 

Napatingin ako ro'n sa lalaki Besides that, he was very tall. You know, that's some height! Interestingly, he received some attention. Napahawak na lang ako sa bibig ko at naramdaman kong halos mamula ako. Kahiya! Kinikilig ba ako sa kanya?

Napatingin ulit ako ro'n sa lalaki and his brown shirt hair is curly and dumpy; it appears soft and moves slowly through the air as though the sun is reflecting off of him. He has round asian eyes and short, warm-tanned hair. He had a well-built body and tanned skin.

On the left side of his black oversized shirt was a design with three white stripes, at may mga silver na singsing din siyang suot-suot and on his right hand he wears a silver watch. He's dressed in white Adidas rubber shoes and black pants.

He's almost completely perfect, almost like the masterpiece he's capable of being. If he were truly that good, he would be one of those pieces of art that I could stare at forever.

Binaba niya ang face mask niyaand his subsequent response was a laugh, mukhang pinagtitripan ako, ah! Dahan-dahan siyang lumapit and now there was my fucking ex in front of me! Steele, ikaw na naman!

"Hanggang kailan mo ako titigan ng malagkit ha, Eteri? Pogi ko ba?" tanong ni Steele and followed it with a smirk.

All I could see was a flush on my face at hinigit ko ang buong lakas ko at tinulak ko na lang siya ng malakas palayo sa'kin. "Ano ka, ha? Aso!? Epal ka rin, 'no! Nanadya ka talagang bwisitin ako, eh!" 

Napakagat na lang ako sa labi ko at 'di ko mapigilan na mainis sa mga kaepalan talaga na ginagawa niya sa'kin! If this is how he wants to play pwes, hinding-hindi ako papayag sa mga gusto niya! I withdraw my statement. 'Di ko sinabing gwapo siya, okay!? No, I didn't!

I would never say something like that! Bakit ba kasi kung nasa'n ako, nando'n siya!? Kailangan ba talaga magkrus ang landas namin, ha!? Ginulo ko na lang ang buhok ko sa inis. This is really annoying!

P.P.S. I recently inspired the game LOA, which is the most well-known game I am aware of. Pero iniba ko lang ang ibang details niya however, nothing had changed. I had to set it up that way in order to avoid copyright issues. I hope that's clear to everyone.

P. P. S. @LORAINEJD mention kita dahil madaming nabago, given that you used Eteri as a cameo in UC, this will be important para makita mo ang mga new details ng novel.