The passing of days was rather quick and Avi's foot has finally healed. Naglalakad na nga siya ngayon sa hallway papuntang lobby kung saan magkikita sila ni George, inihatid siya ng mommy niya ngayon, gusto kasi nitong makasiguro na okay siya at pwede na talaga siyang pumasok. Dumaan uli sila sa clinic kung saan siya kumuha ng x-ray just to be sure. As Avi walks, a pair of arms looped through her neck, pulling her to the side.

"Welcome back bestie!" Masayang sabi ni George. "Ilang araw ka lang nawala pero grabe 'yung impact mo sakin."

"Baliw," natatawang sabi niya. "Ang dami mong mga kaibigan na pwede mong kausapin habang wala ako."

"Iba ka pa rin e, they don't know me like you do," Gi let go of her and walked beside her.

"Oo na," she playfully rolled her eyes. "Daan muna tayong clinic bago tayo umakyat sa classroom, pinapabigay kasi ni mommy 'to kay doc," itinaas niya ang kanang kamay na may hawak na paperbag.

"Sweet naman ni tita, ako ba wala?" Pabiro niyang binunggo si Avi.

"Syempre mawawalan ka ba?" Rolling her eyes, she reached inside the paperbag, handing a small box that has four cupcakes inside. "Mag-send ka kay mommy ng picture niyan mamaya ha."

"Grabe, the best talaga si tita!" George happily took the box of cupcakes, grinning widely as if she won the lottery.

Shaking her head while chuckling, Avi looked straight ahead as they approached the clinic. Balling her hand into a fist, she raised it and began to knock on the door three times before entering. Sumilip muna si Avi sa loob para tignan kung may ibang tao but to her surprise, the clinic was empty. Nandoon na ang mga gamit ni Rindy, but she was nowhere to be found, wala rin ang clinic nurse o kung sino man.

"Walang tao," she faced George. "Balik nalang kaya tayo mamaya?"

"Hindi ka na pwedeng bumalik mamaya, wala ka nang oras. Marami ka pang exams na sasagutan."

"Oo nga pala," Avi merely sighs to herself. Bakit pa kasi nadulas pa siya, ilang araw tuloy ang nasayang niya. "Iwan ko nalang kaya sa table niya?"

"Buti pa, tapos lagyan mo nalang ng note para kapag makita niya alam niya kung kanino galing."

She nodded as she pushes the door so that they could enter. George went to sit down on the sofa whilst Avi went towards the table. She carefully placed the paperbag there, pulling out a notepad and a pen from her bag. She went to write, "Hi, Doc Rindy! Here's a small thank you gift from me and my mom, we hope you like it! ♡ Avi."

As she finishes, she first placed her belongings back on her bag before tearing the one piece of note from her notepad. Inilagay niya ang ang sulat sa loob ng paperbag at akmang aalis na sana nang mahahip ng mata niya ang kwintas na nakasabit sa isang ballpen na nakalagay sa pencil case. It was a golden heart shaped necklace, it wasn't that shiny but it would surely catch your eye. The necklace has engraved characters and intricate details, halatang antique at one of a kind ito. Avi's mind was urging her to pick it up and examine it but she went against it. Hindi naman sa kanya ang kwintas at lalong wala siyang permiso para hawakan ito. She turned her back as her business was done, kung tatagal pa siya baka hawakan niya lang ito. She and George went out of the clinic and walked towards the stairs.

Avi's mind still pictured the necklace. Bakit naman iiwan ni Rindy 'yun basta-basta? Pano kung manakaw 'yun? Shaking her head, she thought of her exams instead. Ang dami niyang sasagutan, isang exam nalang dapat ang sasagutan niya kung hindi siya absent ng tatlong araw.

"Babalik ka pa pala, kala ko pa naman wala ka nang balak," Bianca's irritating voice caused Avi's thoughts to burst like a bubble. This girl and her pure existence is like fire as Avi was burning with annoyance.

"Ikaw ba wala kang balak manahimik? Sabagay, sabi nga nila maingay ang lata kapag walang laman."

George's jaw dropped at what she heard and Bianca looked stunned but she hid it quickly. That was a surprise, Avi does clap back but she usually say subtle words. But hearing her now? That wasn't her. George was proud, Bianca was still surprised because this was novel.

"Oh ano? Ngayon tatahimik ka diyan?" With a scoff, Avi turned her back and entered their classroom.

"Matakot ka na, hanggang mamaya na 'yang galit ni Avi. Kapag kinaladkad ka ng sabunot niyan di ko pipigilan ha, you asked for it," sarcastically winking, George even laughed and followed her friend inside. But will Avi ever do those things? Gi wasn't sure, may chance siguro. Hindi niya pa naman nakikita magalit ng sobra ang kaibigan. Today was a sight for her, it was refreshing like a newly squeezed lemon.

⊱ ──── {.⋅ ۵♡۵ ⋅.} ──── ⊰

It was a long day for Avi. Sunod-sunod ang exams na sinagutan niya na dapat isa lang kada araw, this was the result for being absent for days. She's catching up for what she missed. Kakatapos niya lang magsagot ng exam at hinihintay niya lang na dumating ang bago nilang teacher na pumalit kay Ms. Almeda na pumasok sa classroom. She was the only one left and George was patiently waiting for her outside. Kanina pa kasi tapos ang exams nila, pero dahil nga kailangan niyang sagutan lahat, she's left all alone. Pinapauwi niya na nga si Gi kaso ang sabi naman nito masyado pang maaga para umuwi, mas gusto rin talaga nito na sabay sila ng kaibigan.

Avi's head turned as the door opens. She was met by a bright smile of the woman she and Gi met on the park.

"Good morning, sorry kung medyo natagalan ako. Pinatawag pa kasi ako sa office," she gently sets her laptop on the table.

"Hindi naman po ako naghintay ng matagal," Avi assures.

"That's nice to know, how's your foot by the way? I heard what happened, okay ka na ba talaga?" She asked with genuine concern.

"Okay na po, otherwise di po ako makakapasok," Avi merely laughs causing her teacher to smile.

"Naghihintay pala 'yung friend mo sa labas, nagulat nga ako nandito pa siya. Sabi niya sakin hinihintay ka niya, ang cute niyo," tumawa siya at kasabay noon ang halos pagkawala ng mga mata nita. She stops and composes herself but the friendliness was still there. "It's nice to see you again pala. The world is really small kasi we saw each other again."

"Oo nga po, kahit nga po si Gi di makapaniwala na magkikita po uli tayong tatlo tapos dito pa po talaga sa school."

"Kahit ako rin naman, imagine we only know ourselves as strangers then we'll get familiar all of a sudden," smiling with a sigh, her hand lands on the table, remembering the exam. "Ay hala! I forgot about your exam and I also forgot to introduce myself. Buti nalang tayong dalawa or else that would be embarrassing," chuckling, she went to clear her throat. "I'm Anaya Cortez, do call me Ms. Ana or rather Ms. Cortez."

"How about Ms. Naya?" Avi blurted out all of a sudden.

Tumaas ang kilay ng guro niya pero ngumiti rin ito agad. "Yeah no, I don't like it when people call me Naya."

"Bakit naman po? I think it's cute," as the name slips out of her mouth, the memory of her aunt and dad's talk echoed through her mind. Erase the thought, Avi.

"It reminds me of my late mother, lalo ko lang siyang mami-miss whenever someone calls me Naya. I get emotional," her voice saddens.

"I understand po, Ms. Ana," with those words Ana finally wore the bright smile she had earlier.

"Enough chitchat, nandito pala ako para sa exam mo," she takes a piece of paper that she places on Avi's table. "You have forty minutes to answer the exam and while you do, I'll do my work here. Hindi naman na siguro kita kailangan bantayan, wala ka namang cheat mate at wala ka rin naman yatang kodigo, siguro?"

With a laugh, Avi started to write her name on the paper. "Wala po, huhulaan ko nalang po 'tong exam, wala pang twenty minutes tapos na ko."

"Ayusin mo naman, magpanggap ka nalang kapag di mo na kaya," Ana jokes.

"Copy po ma'am!" Avi released one last laugh before she focused on her exam.

Answering her exam just took her thirty minutes, hindi naman ito gaanong mahirap dahil nag-aral naman siya, though may mga numbers na hinulaan niya pa rin dahil wala siyang clue. Once she reviewed all of her answers, except those she guessed, tumayo siya mula sa kinauupuan niya at lumapit kay Ana na abala mag-type sa laptop. Ana notices Avi handing in her paper that caused her head to raise.

"All answered na po," nakangiting sabi ni Avi sabay abot ng papel. "Sinunod ko po 'yung advice niyo kanina."

Natawa naman si Ana. "Ikaw talaga!" Shaking her head, she went to look at Avi's paper, reading her whole name. "Avrielle Nayileah Castillo. What a unique name you have. I assume your nickname is Avi?"

"Mali po," she jested.

"Eh ano? Is it Leah?"

"Joke lang po, yes po, Avi po. Kasunod sa nickname ng dad ko, Ali siya then Avi naman po ako."

Kumunot ang noo ni Ana sa narinig. "Did you say Ali? Like Alastair Castillo?"

This time, it was Avi's brow that furrowed. "You know my dad?"

"No wonder you have features of him," Ana grins widely. "We used to be workmates until I moved to Spain."

"Wait, really? He never mentioned you." This was definitely a surprise, she was not even expecting that. Biruin mo nga naman, may connection pala talaga sila.

"It was a long time ago e," Ana scratched the side of her neck. "We were quite close tapos nawalan kami ng contact since I moved to Spain."

"Dad would be thrilled to know that you're here, sigurado akong he still remembers you. I can give you his number."

Ana shaked her head. "Huwag na, I dont want to be a bother. If we'll meet then we'll meet, ganon nalang," she smiled. "But it was nice knowing his child. Medyo hawig mo siya, pero siguro mas nakuha mo ang genes ng mom mo, ano?"

"Debate po 'yan, madalas rin silang mag-away kung sinong kamukha ko," Avi chuckled.

Nodding, Ana returned her eyes on the screen. "Your time is already up, pwede ka nang umuwi. I'll make sure to check your paper nalang."

"Okay po, thank you, ma'am!"

"You're welcome, ingat kayo ng kaibigan mo."

"Kayo rin po," slinging her bag onto her shoulder, Avi waved goodbye to Ana who did the same as well.

Lumabas na siya ng classroom para kitain si George at naabutan niya itong may kausap na babae, ang president ng student council na si Alice, and from the looks of it, the two are flirting with each other. She distanced herself to avoid garnering attention, moment ni Gi 'to ayaw niyang istorbohin. Dahan-dahang naglakad si Avi papunta sa gilid ng classroom kung saan hagdanan na ang katabi, dito niyo nalang hihintayin si Gi kapag tapos na silang mag-usap ni Alice. As she stands there, she felt her phone vibrating from her pocket, she took it and saw a message from Rindy.

As Avi reads the message she can't help but to laugh at it. Kasabay ng pagtawa niya ay ang pagtapik sa braso niya na dahilan para lumingon siya.

"Tawang tawa ka teh ha, sino 'yan?"

"Si Doc," sabi niya sabay hulog ng phone sa bulsa niya. "She said thank you sa binigay ni mom kanina."

"Friends na pala kayo?"

"Hindi naman, moots lang sa ig."

"What's her username?"

"Oh bakit muna?"

"Wala curious lang," Gi shrugged. "Sorry for making you wait, Alice was talking too much kasi," she sounded frustrated which made Avi lift a brow.

"You two looked flirting earlier, what happened?"

Gi sighed, linking arms with Avi to pull her to walk. "She was flirting her way to me. Gusto niya kasi akong kunin na photog sa Sabado dun sa b-ball game ng school natin at ng rival school. Sabi ko I can't kasi may commitments nga ako pero she was really persistent that I was frustrated. Nilandi pa ko para mapasabi ako ng oo, kala niya yata easy to get ako- huy!" Nagulat siya nang biglang tumigil sila sa paglalakad. "Oh, bakit?"

"Di mo kinuha 'yun? Pwede na 'yung story para sa school paper, sayang naman."

Gi scoffed. "Hindi 'yun sayang, Avs. Huwag kang manghinayang dun. Mas magiging sayang 'yung interview natin sa tita mo kapag hindi natin itinuloy."

"Sure ka ba? Pero malaking project rin 'yun."

"Mas malaking project 'tong ginagawa natin," siniko niya ang kaibigan. "Isipin mo ha, kelan ka magkakaroon ng opportunity na ganito? Very rare, once in a blue moon lang. Kaya huwag mong isipin 'yun, Avs. Alam ko ang ginagawa ko."

"Worried lang ako syempre."

Gi playfully rolled her eyes, tugging onto her friend's arm to pull her. "Baliw, you don't need to be worried about anything. Ikaw na rin nagsabi, the two of us will be benefiting from what we're doing. Lahat ng 'to magiging worth it, wala pa sa kalahati ng mga ino-offer sakin."

"Oo na nga!" Avi jokingly punched Gi's side. Lumingkis na muli siya sa kaibigan niya. "Nakilala ko na pala si Ms. Cortez, weird fact lang kasi she and dad used to be workmates."

"No, really?" Gi gasped in surprise.

Avi went to tell her the whole thing as they walked. Per usual, Gi's reaction was like an excited child, which she could not contain and all Avi could do was laugh. Her best friend was an adorable individual, she was lucky.

⊱ ──── {.⋅ ۵♡۵ ⋅.} ──── ⊰

"Grabe Gi! Nandito rin sa Tagaytay si Doc!" Avi mentions as she abruptly sits up from the bed. "May gig daw siya and for the long weekend na rin."

Gi who was chewing on a potato chip and looking at the laid out view on the balcony of their room turns to her. "Seryoso ba? Sabagay weekend getaway naman talaga ang Baguio at Tagaytay sa mga long weekend."

"Ang coincidental lang kaya nagulat ako," tumayo si Avi mula sa kama at lumapit kay Gi para kumuha ng ilang piraso ng chips.

"Magulat ka rin kung si Ms. Cortez nandito rin," pabirong sabi nito.

"Pano naman natin malalaman if nandito siya?"

"We can just bump onto her," Gi shrugs. "Ano? Possible 'yun."

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Avi habang nakatingin sa kaibigan. "That would be very weird."

"Imagine if we meet them at the same location and at the same time. Parang sasabog ang universe non."

"First of all grabe na ang gan'yang coincidence, second, you're right, sasabog ang universe if that really happens," with a laugh, she turned her head as the door of their room was carefully pushed open, peeking from there was Regina who has a grin on her lips.

"Hi girls, hindi naman siguro ako nakakagulo sa inyo. Are you settled already?" She asks.

"Okay na okay po kami tita! Thank you sa free snacks sa kwarto namin, para tuloy kaming nasa hotel," Gi even showed the bag of chips she already opened.

"Hala kinain mo?" Gulat na sabi ni Regina that caused the girl to have the same expression.

"Bakit po? Dapat po ba hindi?" Napasinghap siya. "Hala, expired na po ba 'to?"

"Binibiro lang kita," tumawa si Regina. "Bago lahat 'yan, para sa inyo talaga."

"Si tita talaga!" Gi stomped her foot and pouted her lips.

Avi was just laughing as she watched her aunt and friend. Ilang beses pa lang silang nagkakasama pero magkasundo na ang mga ito, she couldn't be happier. Para tuloy siyang nanonood ng live picture habang tinitignan niya ang mga ito. Then again, the phone call that she wasn't suppose to hear flashes on her mind again. Sinubukan niya naman itong kalimutan pero hindi talaga ito mawala sa isipan niya. Curiosity was eating her alive, she wanted to ask her aunt but at the same time she can't as the interview was on the line. She notices Regina's eyes were on her, she met her aunt's eyes, giving her a small smile, allowing all the thoughts to fade away.

"Just let me know kung kelan niyo na balak simulan ang interview para makapag-prepare ako. Aalis kasi ako mamayang gabi so you only have me until the afternoon," Regina leans on the doorway, crossing her arms.

"Pwede po bang ngayon na para may time po kayong magpahinga bago kayo umalis mamaya?" Tanong ni Avi.

"Sure," ngumiti si Regina at hinawakan na ang doorknob ng puntuan. "I'll meet you at the living room," pahabol niya bago tuluyang isara ang pinto.

"Ubusin mo na 'yan para makapag-start na tayo," Avi slid her hand down on the bag of chips, taking a handful before pulling it out and walking away.

Mabilis namang inubos ni Gi ang chips na kinakain niya at sunod na kinuha niya ang mga equipment na gagamitin nila. They had to set up as quickly as possible since time was on the line and they had to hear what happened next.

Sitting down on her usual spot, Avi faced her aunt in her usual formal demeanor. Before speaking, she cleared her throat first, fixed her posture and lastly, mentally prepared the other questions she had in her mind.

"So in our last talk you mentioned having a fake date Johnny Benitez," Avi started.

"Yes," Regina nodded lightly, breathing a bit heavily as her mind began to see dark clouds of memories floating around as she begins to relive everything. "It was the management who had set me up on a date with him."

⊱ ──── {.⋅ ۵♡۵ ⋅.} ──── ⊰

Sitting in the middle of a busy and exclusive restaurant where in elite and people with money could only enter is where you'll find Regina. But was she alone? Of course not, she was with Ricky Salazar, one of Ali's set up dates with her, and boy she was not enjoying her time with him.

"Tapos ano nga bang nangyari?" Ricky scratched his chin as her looks up trying to remember the story he was telling to Regina.

"I don't know, ikaw ang nagku-kwento," Regina's voice was laid out flat and full of sarcasm. Kinuha niya na lamang ang wine glass na nasa harapan niya at ininom ito. At least the wine in this place is good, the food, average, and the company? Ha! THE WORST! She'd rather be dating someone who can't talk rather than this guy in front of her who keeps talking about himself.

Ni hindi nga yata siya nagsalita ngayong gabi, isang sentence palang yata ang nasasabi niya. Nakakapanis rin pala ng laway kapag sobrang tahimik. All Regina could do was to act and be happy about the said date, utos kasi ni Ali. Para lang naman ito sa paparazzi para umingay ang pangalan niya pati na rin ng kanyang ka-date. The whole ruse was working really well, paparazzi's and people are eating everything up. Mula sa una niyang date, she was always in the tabloids headlines, dahil rin doon marami siyang guestings sa mga shows. Fake dates do work.

Regina felt relieved as their fake date came to an end. Para kasing tatlong taon na siyang nakaupo sa harap ni Ricky at parang mamamatay na siya sa bawat oras na lumilipas. Lumabas na sila ng restaurant na pinili ni Ali at kasabay noon ay ang mga flash ng camera na nakakabulag. They're going to be in headlines again. Inihatid na ni Ricky si Regina sa kotse sa parking kung saan si Ali ang driver. He opened the back seat door, allowing the girl to enter. Bago niya ito isara, dumukwang muna siya para kausapin si Regina.

"Nag-enjoy ako tonight, di ko alam na good listener ka pala," he giggled which caused Regina's expression to turn sour. "Sana mag-date uli tayo, hindi na sana fake kung sakali."

All Regina could do was force a smile on her lips. This guy seriously thought he was a good date when he wasn't anywhere near good at all. "Goodnight Ricky," biglaang hinila ni Regina ang pinto ng kotse para sumara ito, at para rin maging dahilan kung bakit nagulat si Ricky.

Making sure that the door is locked and closed, Regina released her frustrations for tonight. "That guy is full of himself can you believe it? Hindi ako nagsalita buong gabi, lasang-lasa ko 'yung laway ko, Ali."

Mahinang natawa si Ali, he used the rearview mirror to meet Regina's eyes for a bried moment before he focused on the road. "I'm sorry, akala ko tahimik siya e, turns out he's hiding something beneath him."

"Okay lang," sumandal siya sa upuan at hinilot ang sentido. "Tapos naman na, hindi na uli kami magkikita. Isang date nalang at matatapos na ang lahat ng 'to, sana naman iba si Johnny."

"According to some rumours I heard, masaya daw ka-date si Johnny."

"I'll believe it when I get to experience it."

"I'm sure you'll like your date with him. He booked a yacht date for the two of you."

Regina abruptly leaned her body forward. "Ano? Bakit siya, bakit hindi ikaw? Akala ko ba ikaw may hawak ng mga date ko? Paano kung lunurin ako non sa gitna ng dagat?"

"Nandoon naman kami and Johnny is out of my hands. Siya ang masusunod sa date niyo."

"Paano ako? Don't I get a say in this date?"

"Hindi naman ikaw ang nag-reach out e, siya, kaya he gets a say in your date. Ang role mo lang ay sumipot sa date."

Ibinagsak ni Regina ang katawan niya sa upuan at pinagkrus ang mga braso. She released a rough air out of her nose. Sana lang talaga matapos na 'tong fake dates niya. Hindi niya na alam kung kakayanin niya pa.

Before Regina could even know it, her actual date with Johnny Benitez was today. With the help of Ali and her stylist she wore something simple, comfy, and appropriate for a yacht date, a yellow summer dress with sleeves and tiny floral prints all over. Kakababa niya lang mula sa unit niya at sasakay na siya sa kotse na ihahatid siya sa pier to meet up with Johnny. Regina enters the car and as expected, Ali was in the driver's seat. Umupo na siya sa likuran at agad na isinarado ang pintuan.

"Remember to smile later," paalala ni Ali sabay lingon sa kanya.

"I know," she rolled her eyes in annoyance. "Gusto ko nalang matapos na lahat ng 'to para makapag-focus ako sa mga projects ko ngayon."

"I'm wishing the same too, mahirap maging all around," Ali jokes as he started to drive.

As the drive goes on, Regina held a hand mirror while she looks at her reflection practicing some of her forced yet unnoticeable smiles for Johnny and the cameras later. Being with a nepo child would surely attract some crowd , lalo na't maingay ang pangalan ni Johnny ngayon. He starred in a film which he won as best supporting actor, marami rin ang projects niya at kung kani-kanino rin nali-link at nakikitang babae pero wala namang confirmation if he was in a relationship.

The drive to the pier was quick, before Regina could even allow everything to sink in, she was already here. Nakalabas na siya ng sasakyan at sa harapan niya ay isang matangkad na lalaki, moreno, matangos ang ilong, medyo makapal ang labi, nakasuot ng puting polo at khaki shorts habang may hawak na malaking bouquet ng bulaklak sa kamay. Oh, so this is the infamous Johnny Benitez.

"Valeria Valetin. It's nice to meet you, I'm Johnny Benitez," he went to give the bouquet to Regina. He still introduced himself, she guesses he's not as boastful as she expected.

"Yes, thank you," kinuha nalang ni Regina ang mga bulaklak kahit pa ayaw niya. This whole scene gives her deja vu, is Johnny another version of Louie? Maybe.

Napakamot ang lalaki sa batok. "Pasensya na kung binigyan kita ng flowers, hindi ko kasi alam kung anong gusto mo."

"Gusto kong umuwi na," was what she wanted to say, but instead Regina forced a smile out of her lips. "They're okay, thank you."

"Okay," ngumiti si Johnny sabay turo sa yacht na nasa likuran niya lang. "Hiniram ko pala 'to sa kaibigan ng daddy ko para sa date natin, masyado bang excessive? Sorry ha, sana tinanong muna kita kung anong gusto mo. Nag-panic kasi ako e tapos naisip ko nalang na magandang idea 'to."

Oh. Regina was surprised. He was asking, he was sorry, he was embarrassed? Not very much like Louie. She can hear how genuine he is, at least for now.

"Okay na, nandito na rin naman tayo and you've already exerted efforts for this," hindi naman talaga ito ang gusto niyang sabihin pero pinipigilan niya lang ang dila niya. Under pa rin ng management niya 'tong date and if she ever says something bad, malilintikan siya. Kaya nga tiniis niya ang mga nauna niyang date kahit pa those were pure torture.

"Tara sa itaas, you go first," Johnny gave her some space, allowing her to climb up the vessel.

A romantic set up greeted Regina as she climbed up. Isang table for two with wine and decorations that screams date. Not that she expected less, this was a scripted set up for the cameras that would surely be around sooner or later. Lumingon siya nang pasimple para makita si Ali na kasama ang dalawang tao na tingin niya manager or P.A ni Johnny. At least her friend was here.

"Valeria, sit down please," nagulat siya nang tawagin siya ni Johnny. The lad was holding a chair for her and the action almost made her lift a brow.

"Thank you," clearing her throat she went to sit down on the chair that Johnny had pulled out for her, once she was seated, sunod namang umupo si Johnny sa upuan na kaharap niya lang.

He was a bit sweaty, mukhang kabado rin ito. Malamang natatakot lang rin magkamali as the reporters would be here soon.

"Again, sorry if you think this is too grand," napakamot muli si Johnny sa batok niya. "I really wanted to give you a perfect date, ganito kasi ang mga nababasa ko sa magazines e."

"Syempre mas susundin mo ang nasa magazine kesa sa magtanong." That wasn't what she was about to say. She wanted to act demure and naïve but she failed. Kahit anong gawin niya lumalabas talaga ang sungay niya. "Sorry, I don't mean to sound rude," Regina wanted to kick her own ass. She'll get in so much trouble for this.

She was ready to apologize to him, but instead of looking offended, natawa lang ito sa sinabi niya. "Hindi mo kailangang mag-sorry kasi tama ka. Sana tinanong muna kita kung anong klaseng date ang gusto mo, hindi 'yung basta nalang akong sumusunod sa nababasa ko sa magazines."

What. Regina was dumbfounded. He was apologizing, and he even said that she was right? Mukhang iba nga siya kay Louie, though she shouldn't really be backing down her guard that easily.

"Okay?" Was what left her mouth. She was very much surprised to the core, hindi niya alam ang sasabihin niya.

Alam niya namang fake date lang ito but why does Johnny seemed so genuine? Like he cares about what her opinion is.

"Ayos ka lang ba Valeria? Gusto mo bang tawagin ko na 'yung manager mo para makauwi ka na? Siguro you feel uncomfortable about this whole situation, I'm sorry."

Blinking her eyes rapidly, she just looked at Johnny blankly. Was this hallucinations she was hearing? Natutulog pa rin ba siya sa kama niya?

"Why are you sorry?" Chuckling forcibly, she sets the flowers down on the table, meeting the lad's eyes with her own. "I know this is a fake date and all but why do you... Care? About what I think? Hindi ko maintindihan e, we're just doing this for show."

Johnny nodded his head. "I know this is a set-up date for the paparazzi's pero I wanted to impress you, really," tumaas ang kilay ni Regina. "I've been trying to get ahold of your manager for quite some time kasi gusto kitang makilala. Busy ka kaya madalas hindi ka available and since I didn't want to bother you and your work, I stopped for some time, not until your management offered a fake date between you and I, I had to grab the chance."

"Trying to get ahold of me? What for?"

Johnny looked below, he was murmuring some words that she can't make of. "Sorry, that was rude," tumingin ito muli sa kanya. Ang moreno nitong mga pisngi ay namumula habang nakatingin sa kanya. "Gusto kasi kitang makilala talaga. Crush kasi kita e."

"Crush mo ko?" Regina does not know if she'll laugh of not. Johnny sounded sincere, far from what Louie sounds like.

"Oo," sabi ni Johnny habang bahagyang tinakpan ang mukha niya. "Sana hindi awkward 'to para sa'yo, I'm not expecting you to like me back, really. Gusto lang talaga kitang makilala, makita, at makausap in person."

Regina felt her heart skipping a beat. Johnny's brown eyes stared into hers with a shine that she has never seen in anyone before. She can feel the heat in her cheeks rising the longer she stares at him. Damn, what was this feeling?

"Nasa harapan mo na ko, you're already talking to me," Regina averted her gaze away from him. The more she'll stare into him, the more she'll turn red and that wasn't good for the cameras.

"Ayos lang ba sa'yo kung mag-uusap tayo tungkol sa mga sarili natin? I'll say something about me then you'll say something about yourself, how does that sound? Kung okay lang naman?"

Muling tumingin si Regina kay Johnny. He didn't sounded pushy, he sounds friendly as a matter of fact, like a person you'd want to confide in with all the juiciest details of her life.

They started to talk to one another, telling things about themselves, stating facts and sharing laughters as well. Regina still has her guard up but Johnny was climbing up that brick wall with ease. She was comfortable with him even for a day. Confirmed, he was different from Louie. Johnny Benitez was a gentleman, always asking for her opinions first, listening to her, and even acknowledging her.

Regina hasn't felt that for the time she was in this industry. This was a first. Johnny was the first who had ever let her feel and experience this kind of thing.

The date ended quickly than she had expected it to be. Medyo nalungkot nga siya nung sinundo na siya ni Ali pati ng mga kasama ni Johnny. Kakababa lang nila mula sa yacht at naglalakad si Johnny sa tabi ni Regina with a decent space between the two of them, one that Louie doesn't even do for her.

"Sana nag-enjoy ka, pasensya na uli kung medyo magarbo 'to sa tingin mo," Johnny says as he stops to where Regina's car service is.

"Nag-enjoy ako, thank you. It is a bit grand but I enjoyed it naman, you made it enjoyable so give yourself lots of credit."

Johnny flashed a huge smile. "Mukhang laman tayo ng mga balita bukas."

"Ano pa nga ba?" Playfully rolling her eyes, Regina reached for the door of the car but Johnny has beaten her to it.

"Ako na," he says, opening the door for her.

"Thank you, I really enjoyed today. Don't worry, magpapadala ako ng thank you gift sa'yo one of these days," akmang sasakay na sana siya sa sasakyan nang bigla namang magsalita ang binata na naging dahilan para tumigil siya.

"Actually Valeria, baka pwedeng magkita uli tayo?"

"Pwede naman, tawagan mo si Ali para mag-schedule uli."

"Hindi sana gan'yan," napakamot siya sa batok niya.

Regina looked at him with a lifted eyebrow. "Paanong hindi gan'yan?"

"Ayoko sana na may camera na involved, ayoko rin sana na fake at scripted date. Kung pwede sana totoo, gusto kitang yayain sa date na gusto mo, kahit saan pa, basta gusto mo."

Johnny's words had shocked Regina. She was frozen in her state, thinking of what to say to him. A date. She was still in the middle of a traumatic experience with that one. Louie had left a huge mark on her.

"Hindi mo naman ako kailangan bigyan ng sagot ngayon. Pag-isipan mo mabuti, Valeria. Nasa manager mo na 'yung number ko, text or call me if you have an answer. Kahit ano namang isagot mo sa akin hindi ako magagalit sa'yo," Johnny grinned, releasing a breath from his lips. "Pumasok ka na sa loob para makauwi ka na at magpahinga."

Johnny turned his back away from her while she was still there with her mind floating from the words he left. Tama nga. Ibang-iba siya kay Louie. Siguro nga dapat bigyan niya ng chance si Johnny.

⊱ ──── {.⋅ ۵♡۵ ⋅.} ──── ⊰

"That ends our interview for today," Regina quickly lifted her body off the sofa chair. "Masyadong mabilis no? Babawi ako bukas, importante lang talaga kasi ang meeting ko."

"Ayos lang po tita, mahaba rin naman po ang kwento niyo," tumayo na rin si Avi mula sa upuan ng may ngiti sa mga labi niya.

"Mas pahahabain ko pa bukas," Regina says. "Matulog kayo ng maaga ha, huwag niyo na akong hintayin, mamaya pa ako makakauwi."

"Copy po tita! Ingat po kayo," Avi waved goodbye together with George.

Tumango naman siya at kinuha na ang bag niyang nakatabi lamang sa maliit na end table sa may living area. Regina made a beeline towards the elevator which she rode without letting a minute pass by. Isa na naman kasing importanteng meeting tungkol sa pelikula ang meron siya kaya naman nagmamadali siya. As the elevator reaches the ground floor, she hurriedly brisked towards the entrance and as she does so, she bumps onto someone accidentally.

"Sorry!" Regina says with almost panic.

"Ayos lang, di naman ako nasaktan," the woman says to her, smiling to assure her that everything was clear.

Natulala si Regina nang bahagya sa babae. Those eyes looked rather familiar to her. "Miss, excuse me lang po-" her chance of asking a question went interrupted as she felt a tap on her shoulder making her turn.

It was the valet telling her that her driver was already outside the building and is waiting for her. Regina ignores him and turns her head to look for the woman, but she was gone like the wind. Shaking her head with a thought in her mind that it was only her imagination, she went outside to ride in her car. There were more important things to do than to think about someone she doesn't even know.