“PERSONALITY is a unique blend of traits and qualities that shape who we are as individuals. Analyzing these distinctive characteristics can offer valuable insights into ourselves.”

While most individuals possessed a deep self-awareness, some, like Senthie Salvador, struggled to comprehend their own essence, occasionally pondering the profound question of their true identity.

 ***

Senthie’s expression was devoid of emotion when she remarked calmly, “Are you bored or something? Do you crave attention? You must have plenty of time on your hands since you always waste it here, sir.”

Being in the VIP room gave her the freedom to be blunt. Once her patience wore thin, her sharp tongue knew no bounds. At this moment, she exuded apathy and insensitivity, a demeanor that could persist indefinitely. However, it wasn’t only a lack of patience that could trigger this side of her. It could happen during consecutive sleepless nights, periods of being uninspired or lacking motivation, when emotionally drained, or even without any apparent cause. It was a facet of herself she struggled to fathom.

Senthie could understand others well but remained perplexed by her own identity. She often questioned if she was merely playing a role or if this was her true self, even entertaining the possibility of a personality disorder. She simply didn’t know.

Jimhuesh smirked. “Yes, I’m always bored, and I find you interesting. I’m quite skilled at managing my time, so being here is indeed my way of using up my spare moments. . . . And I’m eager to find out if it’s worth it.”

“Interesting, huh? Do you like me? Because I don’t like you.”

“Nonsense,” he snorted, crossing his arms over his chest. He then posed a sudden question, “Did you forge your identity?”

She huffed, unsurprised by his inquiry. She remained calm and indifferent. “Nonsense. How did you even come up with that?”

“Don’t deny it. I know your real name is Rinana Gomez,” he argued, his gaze unwavering as he locked eyes with her.

“You must be incredibly bored if you’re playing detective now, sir. Are you going to accuse me of being a serial killer next? That would be quite the spectacle, sir.”

He chuckled. “You’re genuinely intriguing. I’m even more curious about your past. But you can’t deny that your real name was Rinana Gomez. You’ve either fabricated your identity or changed your name, and I will soon uncover the truth.” Leaning in slightly, Jimhuesh narrowed his eyes at her. “However, let me make one thing clear: if it’s the former, you won’t get away with it. I won’t tolerate any fraudulent activities.”

Senthie huffed, folding her arms. “So, you think I’m a fraud?”

“Aren’t you?”

“I’m not a fraud. Senthie Salvador is my name,” she stated firmly, emphasizing each syllable.

He closed the distance between them, coming within two feet of her. “Really? Then tell me, who is Rinana Gomez?”

Senthie maintained her silence, her gaze locked with Jimhuesh’s, but he showed no signs of backing down, moving even closer to her. “I won’t stop digging into your past unless you tell me the truth.”

“If I tell you, will you promise to stay out of my sight forever?” she challenged.

He leaned back, bursting into laughter. He placed his hands on his hips and took a step back. His expression grew serious when he refocused on her. “Deal, but on one condition.”

“What is it?”

He smirked. “You have to answer me over dinner.”

Senthie raised an eyebrow. “I’ll ask you once again, do you like me?”

Jimhuesh let out an exasperated sigh. “I’ll answer you once again, that’s nonsense.”

She shrugged. “You were practically pressuring me into going to dinner with you.”

“I’m not forcing you, Ms. Salvador. It’s entirely your choice.”

“Why does it have to be over dinner? Can’t we just end this here and now?”

“No, it must be over dinner. Take it or leave it,” he responded firmly.

Senthie sighed in exasperation. “Fine.”

“Good. Then wait for my text. Dinner might be this week.”

Jimhuesh turned away from her, reaching for the door. However, just before opening it, he glanced over his shoulder. “And do dress nicely,” he advised, then promptly opened the door and stepped out of the VIP room, Senthie followed suit.

“Oh, Sen? She’s in the VIP-- oh, there she is!” Cecilia exclaimed upon spotting Senthie behind Jimhuesh. “Oh, sir, how was--” Her sentence remained unfinished as she watched Jimhuesh briskly walk away without a backward glance.

“What happened, bes?” Cecilia inquired as Senthie approached the counter. When Senthie simply shook her head, offering no response, Cecilia added, “What in the world did you talk about that made both of your faces look like that?”

Senthie sat on the counter-bench and let out a sigh. “I’ll tell you later. Just not now, okay?”

Cecilia nodded. “By the way, Kenzo is--” She looked across the counter but didn’t find him. “Where did he go?”

“What do you think you’re doing?” a voice chimed in from a distance, and it was Jimhuesh.

“Kenzo!” Cecilia called out, causing Senthie to turn her gaze toward the store exit.

“You know this man, Ms. Ramos?” Jimhuesh’s voice carried clearly to their ears.

Senthie quickly rose from her seat and hastened towards them. Upon reaching their side, she gently tugged Kenzo’s arm and asked him, “What’s happening?”

Kenzo placed a hand on the back of his neck, looking a bit flustered. “I was just asking him what his business was with you.”

Sighing, Senthie decided to disregard his answer. Instead, she addressed Jimhuesh, saying, “I’m sorry about him, sir. Please leave.”

“I didn’t know you had a boyfriend, but it’s all right. I’ll take my leave now,” he replied before departing, casting a menacing glare at Kenzo on his way out.

“Are you okay?” Kenzo asked Senthie once Jimhuesh was out of earshot. “Was he hitting on you?”

“No, he wasn’t hitting on me, and I’m fine,” she replied, her face devoid of emotion.

“What happened?” Cecilia inquired, hurrying over to join them.

“Just ask Kenzo,” she responded with disinterest, leaving Cecilia and Kenzo to exchange their own conversation. She paid them little attention and returned to the counter, where she sighed audibly several times and rolled her eyes in exasperation.

“He’s as annoying as my brother,” she muttered to herself. “Maybe I should start calling him Walter the Second?”

Senthie took a deep breath and mustered a smile as Kenzo and Cecilia approached. “What’s up?”

They exchanged a few glances before responding to Senthie.

“Uh, I’ve already told Kenzo that the man earlier is the VP of GMC and . . .” Cecilia paused, directing a look at Kenzo as if signaling him to complete her sentence.

Kenzo took over, his hand resting on the back of his neck. “I’m sorry for butting in. I just . . . I just noticed how your mood changed, and I thought he had upset you or something.”

Both appeared taken aback when Senthie chuckled. Even she seemed surprised, she had anticipated Kenzo’s ability to brighten her mood but hadn’t expected it this time.

“Why are you laughing?” Cecilia asked.

“I’m sorry, bes, but please know that I wasn’t laughing at Ken. I just thought he looked adorable when he said that. It lightened up my mood in an instant,” she explained with a warm smile, casting a glance at Kenzo, whose face had turned as red as a tomato.

“Oh . . . Senthie thinks you looked adorable, Kenzo,” Cecilia teased, giving his back playful slaps that made him cough slightly.

He chuckled, though it seemed somewhat forced. He quickly turned serious as he grabbed Cecilia’s arm. “I think that’s enough, Ces. I’d suggest you stop hitting people, and most importantly, don’t do that to Sen.”

Senthie laughed, and Cecilia pouted as she withdrew her hand. “Fine! I’ll try to control my hand. But I can’t promise you anything.”

“That doesn’t sound convincing, bes,” Senthie remarked, shaking her head. “Anyway, what brings you here, Ken?”

He shrugged. “I just thought I should visit more often.”

“Or perhaps, you really meant to see Sen more often,” Cecilia chimed in with a knowing smile.

Senthie shot her a disapproving glare. “Would you please stop making him uncomfortable?”

“Don’t worry about it, Sen. She wasn’t wrong,” Kenzo admitted shyly. “By the way, I noticed you still haven’t found a part-timer . . .”

“Uh, yes, thanks to Sen’s high standards,” Cecilia replied, rolling her eyes.

Senthie sent another glare to her way, and Kenzo chuckled. “I could help. I’ll ask some of my friends if they know someone who needs a job.”

Cecilia’s eyes widened. “You have friends other than us?”

“Of course, he does! That’s so mean of you, bes,” Senthie scolded her before turning her attention back to Kenzo. “That would be nice of you, Ken. But it’s fine, I have a feeling that we will find a part-timer soon.”

Cecilia raised a skeptical eyebrow at Senthie and made a face. “Said the one who was just losing hope a while ago. I can’t believe how fast your feeling works, just like your mood.”

Senthie rolled her eyes. “Don’t mind her, Ken. By the way, are you staying here for a little longer?”

“I’d love to, but I have to meet up with your brother. He wants me to join him for lunch.”

“Why don’t you two just date?” Cecilia said, laughing. “We want some bromance!”

Kenzo’s face paled, and Senthie shot her a stern glare. “Stop talking nonsense, bes. You’re the only one who wants that.”

“I’m really sorry if I offended you, Ken. You know I was just joking, right?”

He nodded and smiled. “Yeah, of course, it’s okay. I was just surprised. Do you think other people would also think that way if two men are having lunch together?”

“Maybe some might think that way, but there would be others who might see it as nothing. It depends on how people’s minds work, actually,” Senthie replied honestly.

Cecilia chuckled. “Don’t worry, Ken. As long as you two don’t act too sweet with each other, no one will think that way.”

“She’s right. Don’t overthink it. It’s not worth the worry,” Senthie added.

He smiled. “I won’t. Thank you. I’ll head out now. Oh, before I forget, Rychicken’s Barbeque is on its way here to deliver the lunch I ordered for you both. Just enjoy it without reading too much into it.”