Chapter 3

Primrose

Loey wasn't joking when he suggested that he'll court me first. Hindi ako naniwala na seryoso talaga siya roon, hanggang sa umuwi na lang si ate Alice na may dalang chocolates galing kay Loey, sabi niya na nagbibigay din daw ng hint si Loey sa management na he's courting someone. Baka raw sa susunod gumawa na siya ng paraan para ma-date ako.

Well, he told uncle that it's better if we'll go through the courtship stage to get to know each other. Isa pa, sinabi niyang mas maniniwala ang iba kapag ngayon pa lang ay napapansin nilang may babae na sa buhay niya, kaya bago pa ako maka-angal ay agad na pumayag si uncle Reylan.

It was overwhelming, to be honest.

"Mr. Larry will visit the SBG later according to his secretary," ate Alice said.

Mabilis na kumunot ang aking noo dahil sa sinabi niya. Ang alam ko ay bihira lang siyang bumisita sa mga artists kahit nasa iisang building lang naman sila.

"I have a bad feeling about it," I replied, leaning against the sofa. "I guess it's also time for me to visit the company, my uncle, and the group of my future husband."

The corner of her lips rose, which made me roll my eyes. Noong mga nakaraang araw din ay sinasabi niya sa akin na baka magkatuluyan na talaga kami ni Loey. Like, hello? Kahit pa-paano naman ay nasa katinuan pa ako. Ayokong umasa.

I may be a fangirl, but I'm also the future President of one of the famous entertainment companies, though only those in the industry will know about my existence.

Mabilis akong tumayo upang magbihis at mag ayos. I wore a fitted pink shirt and black pants. Hinayaan ko lang na nakalugay ang mahaba't kulay kape kong buhok. I didn't wear any makeup, since I have fair skin, but I'll look pale if I won't apply anything on my face, that's why I just applied lip gloss.

"Pagdating natin sa Empire Building, kailangan kong magpasa ng report, I'll leave Mr. Reylan's secretary with you later. You need him lalo na may mga ibang hindi ka kilala kaya baka paalisin ka," ate Alice explained.

I nodded, "Don't worry about me. There's a private elevator, right? Isa pa, hindi naman siguro pakalat-kalat lang ang mga empleyado roon. Well, makikilala rin naman nila ako balang araw."

It's a good thing that there's a private elevator for the President and the Vice along with their secretaries. At least, hindi ko kailangan magpatay malisya sa mga taong titingin sa akin na may pagtataka sa kanilang mukha kung sino ako.

"Ms. Foster." A guy who is the same age as ate Alice greeted me politely.

"Hello, Mr. Reyes," I greeted back.

Nagpaalam sa akin si ate Alice bago ako sumunod sa secretary ni uncle Reylan.

"The President is on his way now. Supposedly, hindi dapat nagp-praktis ang SBG ngayon dahil baka hindi pa matuloy ang kanilang comeback, but they insisted," he explained.

I heaved a deep sigh, "Mukhang masesermonan sila, huh?"

Habang naglalakad ay tahimik lang ako nagmamasid, at hindi nakatakas sa aking mga mata ang mga empleyadong napapasulyap sa akin. I just ignored their gaze as I walked confidently. I can't blame them dahil lagi akong tago tuwing dinadala sa building na ito, pero alam naman nila may anak si daddy. Iyon nga lang ay hindi nila kilala except sa mga higher-ups. I may be strangers to the others, but soon, they'll know who I am in this company.

The building has thirty huge floors. Nasa ika-limang palapag kami kung nasaan ang practice room ng SBG. Before we could even enter the room a loud voice stopped us from entering.

"I don't care kung anong gagawin niyo, just calm your fans down! They're ruining the company and the board were all unhappy. If you don't do anything about it, I swear I'll destroy your career!" He roared like a lion, "Baka hindi pa matuloy iyang comeback niyo kapag hindi tumigil ang fans niyo!"

Tuluyan akong pumasok at nakitang nakayuko ang miyembro ng SBG sa harap ng isang may edad na lalaki. The man was wearing a black suit. There's power and authority with the way he stood there, just like my dad. Kaso alam ko naman na ang kapangyarihan niya ngayon ay hiram lamang! He should stop acting like he owned the company.

"They have a PR manager, as far as I remember. So why are you pressuring them? Please be reminded that they are our boy group, not the PR team."

The arrogance on his face faded when his eyes landed on me, while the members raised their heads and their face lit up as soon as they saw me.

I walked towards them and stood in front of the CEO, "How are you, Uncle Larry?"

He forced a smile and hugged me, "Primrose! What brings you here?"

"Well, it's still my father's company, Uncle. Plus it will be mine soon," I smiled reminding him that I'm still the heiress of E Entertainment.

My eyes caught how Loey smirked as If he's proud of me. Damn this heart of mine! Why is it beating so fast? Bakit ba kasi naging fan nila ko? Geez.

Hearing how uncle cleared his throat pulled my attention back to him, "Well, you're right, but, why here in the practice room of our artist? I think the first place you should drop by is my office, right?"

"Well, I've heard from my secretary that you'll be here," I replied "Besides, I have a request to make."

He frowned, "Speak."

I tilted my head to the SBG, "Don't cancel their comeback and let me make an arrangement for them. I believe you'll grant me my request, if not, I'll just go straight to uncles and aunties, which are the board of directors."

I may not have that full power yet, but I won't let him reject my request. Alam ko naman na takot pa rin siya kahit pa-paano sa board, kaya nga ngayon ay kumikilos na ulit siya, eh.

"They're my friends, uncle. I met them in one of the events I attended for the company and yes, they know about me and my position," I said when he looked at us in confusion. "So, yes, I want to help them as a friend. Isa pa, isipin mo na lang na hindi ka na mapapatawag ng board para lang magreklamo. E Entertainment's stock price is already dropping. We can't delay the SBG's comeback, as well as the other shows."

He stood there in silence, considering. There are awarding and events na invited ako, but my identity there is just a simple relative to one of the CEO, kaya para hindi rin siya magtaka kung bakit biglang gusto kong tulungan ang SBG, kailangan kong sabihin na doon ko sila nakilala. Well, nakikita ko rin naman talaga sila noon pa pero hindi malapitan.

Isa pa, nararamdaman na halos ng lahat ang problemang kinakaharap ng kompanya, kaya kahit na gusto niyang masira ang kung sino man sa mga artist namin, hindi niya agad magagawa lalo na't maprepressure siya ng board of directors. He won't take risk. Dito nalang nanggagaling ang kanyang pera.

Uncle sighed, "Okay, do what you want! Just make sure everything will be okay." He took a quick glance at the SBG before storming out of the practice room.

When uncle left the room, the guys behind me burst out laughing, well, except for one person... Dredleigh the serious guy. Kahit naman ganyan din iyan, isa siya sa pinakamaraming fans dahil sa boses niya at hilig niya sa pagluluto. Lahat ay gusto matikman ang pagkain na luto ni Dred, including me.

"Idol na kita, Primrose!" Baron laughed.

Humarap ako sakanila kung saan lahat sila ay nakatingin sa akin habang si Nate ay naka-akbay kay Loey at umiiling.

"Our Primrose is cool," he exclaimed, giving me a thumbs up.

I wanted to ignore the 'our' word but my heart started to race. It's a nice feeling actually. They said before that I'm the muse of SBG since they still don't have girlfriends yet, so as the future wife of Loey, why not take the position daw? So, yep, I just let them do what they want.

I'm not cool. I can guarantee that I can help them and the other artists, but there's a limit. Alam kong ito lang ang magagawa ko sakanila dahil sa susunod ay baka gamitin na ni uncle Larry ang posisyon niya, kasi kahit hindi ko man aminin, mas may karapatan pa rin siya ngayon kaysa sa akin. That's why I still need to take my position!

Shrugging my shoulders, I faced Loey this time. Wrong move! Lalo talaga akong nagmumukhang maliit dahil sa tangkad niya! He's actually six feet, while I'm just a five freaking flat. Si Baron lang ata ang malapit sa height ko, eh.

He was staring at me with the smirk on his face. Kumunot naman ang aking noo at bago pa ako makapagsalita ay agad na pumasok si ate Alice sa practice room.

She walked towards me and handed some papers, "The CEO asked me to bring you these papers." I nodded and accepted it. "Those are the variety shows that wanted SBG to participate. May mga dramas din diyan kung saan napili ang miyembro ng SBG, pero kailangan pa rin nilang i-secure iyong deal na iyan."

The SBG gathered around me, looking at the papers I'm holding. Agad ko naman iyon tinago sa aking likod at tiningnan silang lahat.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

They stood properly and shook their heads. The corner of my lips suddenly curved upward, "Don't worry, nasa mabuting kamay ang schedules niyo."

Ate Alice giggled, "Kayang pakalmahin ni Primrose ang mga fans niyo, I swear. Alam ko naman na pipiliin niya iyong best para sa inyo, eh."

"Ako pa ba?" I winked.

"Then, please take care of us!" Matt said in a high-tone. Tuwing nagsasalita siya ay pataas na akala mo ay bumibirit siya. Ganyan ba talaga lahat ng matataas ang boses?

"Alam ko siya lang mag a-ayos ng mga schedules natin, huh? Hindi naman natin siya manager o yaya para alagaan tayo," seryosong saad naman ni Dred.

The guys looked at each other before they burst out laughing.

Dred glared at them because they're really laughing out loud as if Dred just cracked a joke. My eyes caught Loey who was laughing and at the same time, clapping his hands. Mababaw lang talaga yata kaligayahan nitong mapapangasawa ko.

"Why are you laughing?" Dred asked, totally confused.

Loey stood beside him as he tapped Dred's shoulder, "Why are you being so serious, Dred?" He said, still laughing. "Hindi naman niya tayo aalagaan literally, just our schedule which is like taking care of us," then he turned to me and winked. "Well, baka ako alagaan niya sa future."

Everyone cheered at Loey's remark, even Dred was smiling! My heartbeat started to accelerate as Loey stared at me. Ano bang trip niya? It's not like he really likes me or whatsoever.

I rolled my eyes and stuck my tongue out to him, "As if."

We really don't have feelings for each other, right? Magpapakasal man kami, pero para iyon sa posisyon ko at makalaya sila sa kamay ni tito. Hindi naman siguro namin kailangan umaktong sweet sa isa't isa. I'm just trying to be friendly here, lalo na hahawakan ko rin sila.

And yep, aaminin ko na gusto kong kiligin sa inaakto't sinasabi niya pero hindi maaari!

"As if," Baron laughed as he mimicked me. Then he winced when Loey punched his shoulder, jokingly. "What? Pursue her first, dude, bago ka bumanat sa mga ganyan."

"Oo nga naman. Nagpapa-alaga ka agad, hindi ka pa nga sinasagot," pagsang-ayon ni kuya Eros.

Loey pouted, "In the end, magpapakasal pa rin naman kami."

I just rolled my eyes, reminding myself that we're just marrying each other for our own benefit. Hindi dapat ako magpadala sa pakikitungo nila na para bang magiging totoong magkarelasyon kami ni Loey! Pero ano ba itong panliligaw na ginagawa niya? Kailangan ko ba talaga siyang sagutin? Ang gulo!

I don't know how we ended up having dinner together with the SBG. Ang alam ko lang kanina ay nasa practice room kami, ngayon naman ay andito't masayang kumakain kami sa isang VIP room ng isang restaurant.

"Hey, I heard your fans are all waiting for your update on your social media account," Matt said to kuya Jinmin.

Kuya Jinmin shrugged, "Let them be. For sure they're calling out the attention of our company, again, regarding the cancellation of our free concert."

Kahit na may mga ibang isyu na lumabas, hanggang ngayon talaga ay hindi pa rin nagpapatigil ang mga fans nila sa pagtawag sa E Entertainment sa mga social media accounts, lalo na wala pa silang naririnig mula sa SBG dahil sa pagpapatigil ni uncle Larry sa mga schedules nila.

I sipped my water, "I'll arrange two variety shows for the group. Give them a hint that you'll be having a comeback next month, which will make them assume that you're too busy for the preparation that's why the concert was canceled."

I turned to Baron, "Plus, Baron's talented when it comes to spoiling their comeback."

Baron chuckled, "I know right."

Ngumisi ako.

Naisip kong wala namang masama kung iyon ang palalabasin namin sa mga fans nila, lalo na't sila rin naman ang matutuwa sa balitang iyon. It's been a year already since their last comeback, besides, magkakaroon ng mga promotional shows for them, and hello to more contents, indeed.

Ate Alice nudged me using her elbow, "You really know what to do. I'm so proud of you, Prim!"

"Sobrang bait ko ba para mawitness in person kung paano mag handle ng isyu ang aming future CEO?" Baron asked, dramatically.

"Hey, stop it! 'Di bagay sa iyo," reklamo ko.

He chuckled before he continued to eat. Kanina pa kami kumakain pero para bang hindi nabubusog itong mga kasama namin ni ate Alice. Ewan ko nga kung bakit parang close na talaga ako sakanila kahit ilang beses ko palang talaga sila nakakasama.

My eyes caught Dred who was busy eating, "Masarap ba?"

He blinked his eyes as he turned to me and flashed a smile, which is more alive than his voice, "Yeah," Dred answered, shyly. "In fact, the food here really suits my taste."

I was glad that he liked the food here in the restaurant. I was actually surprised that they've never been here before, ito kaya iyong paborito kong kinakainan! Lalo na kapag masyadong busy si ate Alice at wala akong ganang kumain sa bahay ay dito ako pumupunta.

Someone tapped me on my shoulder, "Can I have your number, Primrose? Well, in case of emergency."

Others were stunned like me. I mean, Nate, the youngest is not the type of person who will ask for someone's number. Silang dalawa ni Dred ang magandang magsama dahil pareho sila mahiyain at bihira lang kumausap ng tao na hindi SBG member.

Nate stared at me, still holding his phone. Agad ko rin naman itong kinuha at nilagay ang aking numero.

"Thank you!" he smiled.

Kahit na nagtataka ay inalis ko nalang ito sa aking isip. Baka naman kailanganin din talaga nila ako, mas mabuti na may isang member na nakakaalam sa number ko, 'di ba?

"Thank you, Ate Alice! Thank you, Primrose!"

I waved my hands at the eight boys, wearing their face mask inside the van. Unlike kanina na nakayuko sila at para bang pinagbagsakan ng langit at lupa, ngayon sa makikita ang ngiti sakanilang mga mukha. It's like they already have the freedom!

Hanggang sa makauwi kami ni ate Alice ay hindi na nawala ang ngiti sa aking labi, kahit nga si ate tuwing tinitingnan ako ay napapangiti rin siya. I was scared about the set up that me and Loey have, but I wanted to be strong for myself.

I felt my phone vibrate on the table beside my bed. I reached for it and saw that I received a message from an unregistered number.

From: Unregistered number

Thank you for today, Primrose. Goodnight and dream of me ;)

-Your future husband, Loey.

*******