Chapter 24

Primrose

Uncle Reylan flinched in his seat when I slammed the door upon entering his office. He then frowned.

"Why did you approve the request of that producer who wanted the SBG to be in the same show as the three former members?" I asked.

He gestured to his secretary to leave us, same with Ate Alice who glanced at me and let out a small sigh before walking out of the office.

"Sit down first, dear."

Tiningnan ko siya nang masama bago umupo. Tahimik naman na umupo rin si tito sa sofa katabi ng akin. Maingat siyang tumingin sa akin na para bang tinitimbang muna ang mood ko bago magsalita.

"You see, we've been restricting them to have interaction with each other, Primrose. It prompted them to build a wall so high to keep each other out as if they didn't share good memories together... that the only thing they can remember is that which broke them apart. Besides, you also know why the three left, right? As a fan of SBG, you're also aware that it made a huge impact on them emotionally," he said softly. "Your uncle's not here anymore. You're now the new CEO, which means, you can remove the rule your uncle created to separate them."

My heart sank a bit as I remembered why my uncle restricted the boys to interact with them. Kuya Kane, Liam, and Tripp defied him when they were still our artists. The company, well, specifically my uncle, mistreated them. He said that the three were not as popular as the other members, so why not give them just a few lines?

Isa pa, kahit sa concerts nila ay hindi gaano binibigyan ng solo performance ang tatlo, hindi kagaya ng iba. Kahit sa mga endorsement at kung anu-ano pa ay wala rin halos ibinigay sa kanila.

The three noticed how unfair it was, that's why they complained and even told their fans about it using their social media accounts.

Instead of solving the issue, the former CEO claimed that they were rebelling against the company, that they were ungrateful for what the company has done for them. That's why when they were told to issue a public apology for the commotion they did, the three decided to end their contract with the company.

I don't know if they have another reason for leaving though. We never talked about their experience in the company during my relationship with Liam anyway.

"What if SBG doesn't want to participate in this show? Just like what you said, the departure of the three made a huge impact on them, and until now, just like me, they're not yet ready to face Liam, Kuya Kane, and Tripp," I replied.

He looked at me in the eyes. "If not now, when will you guys be ready?"

The nine boys became quiet. Even Loey who happily entered my office earlier was now staring at the ceiling blankly. The only person who has already recovered from my announcement was Dredleigh, though he became much more serious as he nodded slowly, glancing at his members and then to me.

"So, you want us to be in that show together with Kuya Kane, Liam and Tripp?" he asked in a deep voice.

Tumango ako bilang sagot. "Marami kayong fans na naging emosyonal sa reunion ng tatlo sa show na iyon, so now mas maraming may gusto na kahit bilang special mentor lang ay makasama kayo roon. That's why the producer thought it's also a good idea, mainly to attract more viewers, but as exposure for you guys."

Saglit akong sumulyap kay Leigh na binigyan ako ng isang tango. Ngumiti rin siya na para bang tama lang ang naging desisyon ko sa pagtanggap ng show na ito para sa kanila.

Matagal ko itong pinag-isipan. Noong nakaraan pa ay may nagsasabing baka kailangan lang namin harapin ang nakaraan, kaya naman naisip ko na baka nga ito ang kailangan ng lahat.

Just like what my uncle asked, if not now, then when?

It can be that the more we delay, the more the wounds will hurt, and the deeper the scar will be. Well, it took me a lot of courage to think that way. I'll be lying to myself if I say that I don't want to prolong this anymore. I could always avoid them like how I used to, and I'll gladly do so, but this is no longer just about me. There's SBG, and maybe about Loey and me in the future.

"Okay."

Everyone turned to Kuya Eros. He avoided the questioning eyes of the other members and instead, he looked at me blankly.

"We'll do it," he said, not even blinking an eye. He heaved a deep sigh, clasping his hands and placing them on his lap. "If it's what the fans wanted, then we will grant their wish. As you have said, it's still an exposure for us."

There's a pregnant silence after that. I know that like me, he's also trying to convince himself that it's alright as long as it would benefit them. What about what they may feel during the shooting for the show? It makes me wonder.

Never have I imagined that I'll be worried about the feelings of others towards the three more than my own.

It's a good thing that Baron clapped, catching our attention as he jumped on his seat and waved his phone, "Since we're done with the business talk, can we order some pizza? I'm badly craving for it!" He turned to me, a wide smile plastered on his lips. "Please, Miss President? Ilang araw na kaming diet. Pwedeng cheat day muna?"

Natawa naman ako, pero alam kong ginagawa niya lang ito para pagaanin ang loob ng lahat. Kaagad siyang tumawag para magpa-deliver ng pizza sa opisina. Marami ang mga iyon kaya nagbigay din sila sa iba pang empleyado, at hinayaan na ko na lang kahit tapos na ang lunch time.

Kuya Eros was also back to being childish as he tried to be clingy with Nate. My eyes landed on the man who just smiled quietly, and then my eyes caught how Dred was examining Loey's expression.

I blinked when the guy who brought light and happiness to my life turned to me. Finally, he smiled widely, throwing away the sad face he's wearing earlier. I did the same.

"Hey! I know you two are married, but can you please those bedroom looks for each other later? We're still here," Baron teased.

Loey grabbed the throw pillow and threw it to Baron who just groaned, especially when he almost dropped the pizza he's holding.

Seriously, ang dami niyang nakain ngayon, ah! Kanina pa siya may hawak na isang slice at ang bilis mapalitan. Hinayaan ko na lang, ilang araw na rin namang puro light food lang ang kinakain niya as part of his diet, especially for a photo shoot he did just recently.

"Primrose, can I take a week break?" Nate asked suddenly.

I tilted my head. "Yeah, sure. You just need to first finish your schedules with deadlines, then we'll clear your calendar afterward. And I'm a bit surprised. It's the first you asked for a break."

They do have day-offs, which is only a day, and it's so rare for them to ask for a weeklong break. Their schedule has always been hectic, so even though they wanted to rest, they couldn't unless their schedule was cleared.

He shrugged. "I badly need to relax. Sunod-sunod ang schedules noong nakaraan, eh. Tapos ito pang bago kasama iyong tatlo..." saglit siyang natahimik bago magsalita muli. "Kailangan na akong ma-miss ng fans para mas mahalin nila ang isang Nathan Wu."

"Masama yata talagang sumasama ka kay Baron, kita mo naging ganyan na ang inosenteng bunso namin," ani Kuya Eros.

"Walang akong kasalanan diyan, lider! Ako na naman nakita mo," si Baron na ngayon ay nakanguso, para bang inaapi siya.

I couldn't help but shake my head and giggle. While they're laughing and teasing Baron again, I spotted Kaito, raising his hand.

"Yes, Kai?"

The guys stopped, waiting for him to speak.

He scratched the back of his head, "Is it possible for us to take a week break as a whole?"

I nodded. "The Grand Knights did that before, so it's possible for you guys, too."

Tiningnan ko sila nang mabuti. Ilang buwan na rin pala silang busy. Ngumiti ako, "Gusto niyo ba?"

Sabay-sabay silang tumango na lalong nagpangiti sa akin. Siguro nga pagktapos nitong lahat, oras na para makapag-relax naman sila. Hindi ko alam kung ano talaga ang haharapin namin sa susunod na araw, pero sana maging maayos ang lahat.

"Loey!" I screamed, glaring at him as I slapped him on his shoulder.

He caught my hand, laughing hysterically as he saw my reaction.

"Ano ba! Lagi kang nanggugulat!" reklamo ko.

Sino ba kasing hindi magugulat, eh bigla siyang sumulpot paglabas ko sa opisina? Medyo madilim na dahil late na, at bukod sa guard sa baba ay dapat ako na lang ang tao rito..

"You're such a workaholic, Prim. Ate Alice told me you're not yet home since you decided to work overtime. So, I also come to the conclusion that I should fetch you, my dear wife," he smiled proudly. "I didn't know you'll work this late."

It's almost midnight now. I fixed SBG's schedule along with the other groups, and I was also planning my gift for the artists in our company.

I rolled my eyes, "You scared the hell out of me! You should have went inside my office, not waited here outside just to scare me as soon as I walked out."

Natawa naman siya sa sinabi ko bago kinuha ang sling bag at folder na dala ko. "Hindi ko na kasalanan na mabilis kang magulat at matakot," aniya bago naunang maglakad.

Umirap muna ako bago sumunod sa kanya. Ang bilis pa naman niyang maglakad. Perks of having long legs, huh? He walks too fast! Thankfully, he noticed that I was struggling to catch up with him so he slowed down a bit.

"Kumain ka na ba?" tanong niya habang nasa elevator kami.

"Malamang. Anong oras na kaya," sagot ko.

He laughed, "Right. Still, hobby mo kayang hindi kumain kapag tutok ka sa trabaho mo."

"And, hobby mong sermonan ako kapag nalipasan ako, so kumakain na po ako, okay? Besides, I'd rather choose to eat than hear your preaches about being healthy and being privileged to have food blah blah blah."

My eyes rolled as he laughed again. Lahat yata ng sabihin ko ay tinatawanan niya. Comedian na ba ako sa paningin niya? Whatever.

Hindi ko naramdaman ang pagod dahil maraming kwento si Loey, na akala mo ay wala siya sa opisina ko kanina. Habang nasa biyahe, naramdaman kong nanahimik siya sa tabi ko, at nang sulyapan ko siya'y nakatitig na siya sa labas.

When I heard him sigh, I couldn't help but ask, "Is something bothering you?"

He turned to me, locking his eyes on mine. "I'm just wondering if you're okay now. I mean, nagkita kayo noong nakaraan lang, then now, may project kami kasama sila."

Loey was obviously being careful with his words, and that gesture made me smile. I looked away for a while before turning my gaze to him. "Why wouldn't I be okay when I have you guys?" His face lit up because of that, and I continued, "I wasn't able to tell you before but, thank you so much, Loey. Thank you for being there for me that night."

He smiled at that and whistled as he looked away.

I don't want to ruin the mood again, but it's bothering me so I faced him again.

"Loey."

"Hmm?"

"Ikaw, okay ka lang ba?"

He stiffened in his seat upon hearing my question, before he shrugged his shoulders, and he replied without looking at me. "To be honest? I don't know, Prim." Then he faced me, smiling a little bit. "I also have you guys. So, I think I'm fine."

I nodded at that, and without thinking, my hand moved to hold his. Just like what he always does whenever I'm nervous or I'm not in a good mood, I gave his hand a gentle squeeze to assure him that I am here to support him.

At least, we're not alone when the wound gets reopened, because we have each other.

When I removed my hand, he leaned forward, patting me on my head with a chuckle. "Thank you."

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