Chapter 31

Primrose

A yawn escaped from my lips as soon as I went inside the house.

"Is this for real?"

I looked at the three boys who gathered around Baron, staring at his phone. They were too focused that they failed to notice my presence.

That's new. Madalas na lumilingon si Loey sa pinto kapag pumapasok ako, pero ngayon ay nasa phone lang ni Baron ang atensyon niya. Kahit isa ay walang lumingon sa akin.

"Hindi ba't pinsan ni Primrose ang CEO ng Sakura?" tanong ni Matt.

My eyes blinked. "Is there something wrong?"

They all turned to me.

Loey stood and flashed his smile again. I also smiled at him before turning to Baron and Matt, asking for an answer.

Bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko nang sumulyap muna si Baron kay Loey na para bang nagtatanong kung okay lang bang sagutin ang tanong ko.

When Loey nodded, Baron handed me his phone to which I grabbed immediately.

"What the hell?" My lips parted as I read the article regarding the issue of Sakura Entertainment.

One of the female idols under Sakura Entertainment insulted a fan during her live on her social media account.

If it's another company, I would definitely not mind about the issue. Kaso pinsan ko ang CEO ng Sakura kaya naman hindi ko maiwasan na hindi mag-alala sa kanya. The issue damaged the reputation of the company and the girl group they're handling. My cousin was more workaholic than me. It's the reason why my uncle entrusted the company to him at such young age. Kahit nga gusto ko siyang i-trato noon na bunsong kapatid ay hindi ko magawa, mas mukha kasi ako iyong bunso lalo na mas matured talaga siya sa akin. This kind of situation would definitely drain his energy.

"I've never liked that girl from the start," Baron commented. "She's too full of herself. Look now what happened. I'm just glad that she's not under the Empire."

"True. That's too messy to handle. She just offended most of their fans," Matt agreed.

Loey glanced at me. Concern was evident in his deep eyes. I turned to him and just smiled. I appreciate his concern for me.

We all sat on the couch as we read the hate comments about the girl, her group, and Sakura Entertainment. Kung iisipin ay dapat hindi na kami nagbabasa lalo na't sobrang toxic lang naman ng mga nababasa namin. Still, I wanted to know the opinions of others regarding the issue.

I gritted my teeth. "It's funny how they are also attacking the group and the company."

Alam ko naman na may parte ang kompanya sa nangyari. I mean, they should have monitored their artist if they decided to do a live on their social media account. Kung papayagan din naman ay dapat hindi nakainom ang artist. That's one thing Ate Alice taught me before. Even though I don't want to be controlling over my artists, there were times I would need to control them so that they wouldn't do anything that could ruin their reputation and the company's reputation.

"Are you okay?" Loey asked me.

"Yes, I'm okay, why?"

He shrugged. "Well, it's your cousin's company."

"I'm worried, but I also trust him. As you have said, it's his company. I have mine to mind. I just really hope that if he needs some help, he can ask me. I'll gladly offer a hand."

Sometimes, I hate it when I care so much. Well, I already told Loey that I trust my cousin but I'm really worried knowing that there are even some antis who lurked around the building to wait not just for the girl and her group, but also for the CEO, which was only the Vice, to appear. God knows what those people could do if ever.

"So bakit ako?"

I looked at the man in the driver's seat before I put my phone back inside my bag.

"You're the only available person I know," I replied. "I don't want to go there alone, you see. But since everyone's busy except you, I don't have any choice but to drag you with me, Kuya Hendreich."

He scoffed, "Whenever I'm with you, it felt like I was talking to someone older than me."

"Alam mo, manahimik ka na lang diyan, Kuya. Edi sana hindi ka na sumama kung ayaw mo."

"May I remind you that you just barged into my unit, told me to get dress without even explaining where you would take me, and just left to wait in your car. Also, pinaalis mo iyong driver mo para ako ang mag-drive papunta sa Sakura."

I just rolled my eyes and rested my head on the window. I decided to visit my cousin. I want to know how he's doing and if he already has a solution to the issue. After all, he also helped me with the issues that my company faced before. He even taught me some things I need to remember when I was still adjusting to my responsibility as a CEO.

"Aren't you worried?" I asked.

Kuya Hendreich took a quick glance at me. "Why would I? It's not like Vern's my cousin. We're close, but that boy's too cold for me."

I giggled. My cousin was a bit cold and distant that it was hard for Kuya Hendreich to handle him. Plus, aside from me, Vern could talk to Kuya casually as if they're just the same age. Minsan nga ay matatawa na lang ako dahil kahit si Kuya Rence ay natatahimik dahil sa pinsan ko. Paano kaya magkakaroon ng girlfriend iyon sa personality niya? Should I be worried about his love life, too?

"Come on. She's part of that group. That girl's having a hard time now."

I sighed when he didn't answer. I sometimes wonder what on his mind. Out of respect, I just shut my mouth until we arrived at our destination.

Medyo traffic kaya halos isang oras din ang biyahe namin. I sent a message to Vern's secretary earlier so it was easy for me to enter the building.

The employees we passed by greeted us with a slight bow, which we also did the same. This wasn't my first time here since I always come here with my parents when I was young. May mga panahon na sa Sakura ako iniiwan para makipaglaro kay Vern, lalo na kapag may mga dapat asikasuhin ang mga magulang namin.

"You look like shit," Kuya commented as soon as we entered the office.

"Kuya!" I glared at him.

He raised both of his hands as he went to the chair in front of my cousin. I looked at Vern and frowned as I observed him. It looks like a monkey just sat on his back and searched for lice in his hair. He didn't even bother to comb it.

"Wow. Hindi ka umuwi, ano?" I asked as I stood beside him and combed his bangs away from his eyes. Gosh, I want to clip his bangs!

The two buttons of his polo were open. He lazily looked at me and grabbed my hand that's on his hair. He played with it as he shut his eyes.

"You two look more like a couple than cousins. I'll just wait outside." Kuya Hendreich stood and acted as if he's disgusted looking at us.

I mouthed him 'thanks' before he left the office.

Vern's office was bigger than mine, he even has indoor plants. Just like mine, there's a center table and couch in the center of the office, not far from his desk.

I sat comfortably on the couch. Vern groaned before he followed and sat beside me. A sigh escaped from his lips as he leaned back.

"I'm fine," he said without looking at me.

"Talaga? You already have dark circles under your eyes, you know."

He let out a low chuckle. "Blame that girl who made this mess."

"It's your artist, so I believe she has a name."

This guy could really be rude sometimes. Mabait naman sina tita at tito, pero bakit ganito ang anak nila? Mabait din naman ako. I wonder kung kanino siya nagmana. Well, he's only two years younger than me, but since he's taller and the way he talks made him look mature. He always has this serious face on him and he always speaks in a monotone, well, except when he's with his family. Para siyang batang Dredleigh actually. Kaso medyo approachable naman si Dred, itong pinsan ko? Baka kahit gustuhin mo siyang lapitan ay hindi mo magawa.

"I know. So, what brings you here?" he asked as his head landed on my shoulder. He needs to slouch a bit so his head would be comfortable.

This is what I love about my cousin. There will always be a time where he would act at his age. Surely, he's still a baby with big responsibilities. I've heard from his mother that he decided to be home-schooled so that he could still make time for the company. To be honest, I was shocked before when I learned that he already took the position even though he's still studying. Of course, no one really doubted his capabilities. Besides, no one wanted to offend my uncle. Not trusting Vern means they're also not trusting my uncle.

"I just want to check if you're still alive."

"Such a sweet cousin as always," he said. "Don't worry. I'll talk with the PR team again regarding the matter. Though, I also need to talk to the girls."

"Hmm. Isa ang nagkamali pero lahat ay damay. You're going to make them do a public apology?"

He nodded. "But I think that wouldn't help that much."

"Why don't you give them a break? Then announce it to the public so that they could reflect on their actions. You need to hide them for a moment until the issue dies down."

Saglit siyang natahimik tila ba iniisip nang mabuti ang sinabi ko. I let him wander to whatever his thoughts were.

I quickly grab my phone out of my bag as it vibrated. When I opened it and saw who texted me, my lips turned into a smile.

From: Loey

Sorry hindi kita nasamahan, ha? I'll make it up to you after everything's done. Pasabi kay Kuya Hendreich na alagaan kang mabuti. See you at home!

I bit my lips before putting my phone back in my bag. I didn't bother to reply. Sanay naman si Loey na bihira lang ako magreply sa mga text niya. And I'm sure he just took a quick break just to send me that message.

"I'm glad you have a husband by your side."

"Hmm?"

"Look at you. You're trying to stop yourself from smiling after you read the message he sent you," he pointed out.

"Why don't you find yourself a wife then," I replied.

Naramdaman kong gumaan ang balikat ko kaya napatingin naman ako sa kay Vern na biglang umupo nang tuwid.

"Come on. I'm still young to settle down. Besides, I already have my company and my studies."

"I'm still young to settle down," I mimicked. "You're too cold. Maybe you need someone to warm you up."

I frowned when his lips parted and stared at me.

"What?"

"That doesn't sound right, Primrose."

Instantly, my hand flew on his shoulder. "Hey! I mean, you need someone to melt that frozen heart of yours or something like that. My god, Vern, you and your mind!"

"What? Kasalanan ko pa talaga?"

I pouted. Kung nandito si Kuya Hendreich baka tumatawa na iyon. Pero wala naman masama sa sinabi ko, 'di ba? Sadyang mabilis lang utak nitong pinsan ko!

He chuckled a bit before he stood. "You should go back to the Empire now. Don't worry about me, okay?"

Kinulit ko muna siya na kailangan niya rin magpahinga. Nang sabihin niyang uuwi na siya ay doon ako nagpaalam. Seriously, mas fresh at batang tingnan si Kuya Hendreich ngayon kaysa kay Vern.

"Kaya naman pala lumabas ka. I almost thought that you're there because you have a date, not because I asked you to accompany me," I teased Kuya Hendreich.

"Anong gusto mong gawin ko sa labas? Tumambay lang? Buti nga may nakasama ako, eh."

"Okay, whatever you say, Kuya."

Of course, he said it himself that the girl under the Sakura is just his friend, though he admitted that he admires her. Ewan ko ba rito kay Kuya Hendreich. Matanda naman na siya at kaya niya ng alagaan ang sarili niya. Actually, he's already at the age to settle down but he doesn't have a plan yet.

He just dropped me off at the Empire building and told me that he'll just ask his manager to bring the car back later. Hinayaan ko na lang siya dahil biglaan lang naman ang pagsama niya sa akin kanina.

I went straight to the practice room and watched the ten young trainees as they did their dance routine. I sighed at the sight. Hinahabol na nila halos ang kanilang hininga habang naliligo na sila sa kanilang pawis. I know that some went straight here after school. They couldn't even rest for a second, especially that we have to be strict with them in order to have the best result for their upcoming debut and their showcase.

As much as I want to tell them to take a break, I promised Uncle Reylan that I wouldn't interfere with how the trainers trained them. All I could do was watch.

"Oh, Primrose!"

"Hi, Baron!"

He stopped in front of me and glanced at the boys inside the room before glancing back at me. "What happened to your visit?"

"It's okay. I guess he'll survive," I replied.

Our head turned to the boys when we heard them clap, a signal that they're done. Their dance teacher talked to them before we stepped inside.

"They're ready, Miss President," their teacher said.

"Thank you."

The boys stopped talking to Baron as they greeted me when I walked to them. Lahat sila ay nakangiti kahit na hanggang ngayon ay hinihingal pa rin silang lahat. Ilang oras ba naman na practice, tapos mamaya may lesson pa sila.

Seriously, I wonder how a person could do a lot of stuff in just a day. It's too overwhelming. We have a counseling session for everyone to make sure that they're mentally healthy. Still, I feel like it's not enough. Lalo na kung kahit break nila ay may mga nababasa sila sa social media.

Mabuti na nga lang na may mga ibang artist na hindi mahilig mag sa social media or wala talagang account like Matt. He doesn't have any Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram accounts. He wanted to stay away from the toxicity it could bring to him.

"You did a good job, guys!" I said.

"Thank you po."

"Soon when you're successful, please don't be like Baron. He's the type of idol we couldn't control when it comes to spoiling his album or his group's album," I joked, which is also a bit true.

Baron laughed. "Grabe ka naman, Prim. Iyon kaya iyong fun part sa ginagawa namin. Gusto rin naman ng fans, eh."

I rolled my eyes. For sure napagalitan na naman iyan ni Uncle Larry dahil sobrang spoilers ang binibigay niya sa mga fans. We do give spoilers if they have an upcoming album, but Baron doesn't hold back when giving one. He sang the first verse of his song during his live on his social media without giving us notice before. Kahit nga comeback mismo ng SBG, siya ang madalas mang-spoil to the point na tatawa na lang si Kuya Eros dahil hindi niya mapigilan si Baron.

We talked to the trainees a bit before we left them. They still need to attend their vocal lesson. Most of them are young. Fifteen years old ang pinakabunso sa kanila kaya gusto ko talagang maging maayos ang debut nila at maging handa sila sa papasukin nila.

"Why don't you visit Loey? Nasa studio lang siya ngayon," Baron said.

I glanced at him. "I still have things to do. Maybe I'll drop by later. Alam ko naman magiging busy siya sa shooting ulit kasama si Karlin."

I want to roll my eyes while mentioning the girl's name. I'm not sorry but I really don't like her. Ate Alice would agree with me. She's too spoiled and she always acts like the boss to the employees most of the time.

"Thank you, Baron," sabi ko nang makarating kami sa harap ng opisina ko.

"No worries. Bye, Miss President!"

Ngumiti ako sa kanya. Ito iyong isa sa maganda tuwing nakikita ko sila rito sa building. Kapag alam nilang pabalik na ako sa opisina at wala silang ginagawa ay hinahatid nila ako pabalik.

When I went inside my office, I frowned. "Na-miss mo ako kaagad?"

Vern looked at me as he crossed his legs and hand. I strolled towards him and sat next to him.

Ilang oras ba akong nasa practice room? Ang bilis naman nito makarating dito parang kanina lang nasa kompanya niya ako.

"You want me to take a rest, right?"

"Well, yeah?"

He inhaled deeply. "Then let me ask you a favor."

I listened to his suggestion and told my cousin that I'll think about it. I also need to talk to Kuya Hendreich about it.

"Are you sure you want to handle it like that?" I asked.

Vern nodded. "We need something to divert their attention, Prim."

I sighed. Hindi ko gusto ang idea na gagawa ka ng bagong isyu para lang mawala ang atensyon ng tao sa isa. But then again, it would surely help. After all, the public wanted something to talk about. They do love tea so much.

*****