Chapter 43

Loey

I wiped the sweats on my forehead, groaning as I sat on the floor. I watched Kaito as he fixed Dredleigh’s postures for Dred’s part in the choreography. 

The others also reviewed their parts when my head snapped at Kuya Eros who sat beside me, catching his breath.

“You can all take a break,” he said to the members.

We’ve been practicing for hours already and my body ached so much. The members listened to our leader, sitting on the floor while Leigh and Baron laid down.

My mind suddenly went to Primrose. She didn’t tell us more about the suspect earlier, but everyone in the group seemed like they were thinking the same person I was thinking. Still, there’s a part of me that wanted to deny it. I don’t want to doubt someone. 

We all wanted to ask her, but she dismissed us because we all need to get ready for work after breakfast. She was also in a hurry when she received a call from Kuya Rence.

Our heads turned to Nate who suddenly let out a deep sigh for the third time already. He has been gloomy since we got here in the practice room.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

He scratched his head and bit his lower lip. “I just remembered what happened earlier. It was a total mess. We just wanted to expose ourselves in the public, especially Loey to show those people that we’re not affected by the situation. We were supposed to just walk through the lobby for those who were outside to see that we could continue our schedules regardless of what’s happening. But, I didn’t expect them to be so wild. Seeing how they tried to enter the building not minding that they might harm someone scared the hell out of me. It’s not normal. We all know that.”

Napatango ako sa sinabi niya, ganoon din ang iba. Halos magtulakan ang iba para lang makapasok sa Empire kanina nang makita nila kami, lalo na ako na mainit sa mga mata nila.

It wasn’t normal. It was also dangerous for them and for us.

We quickly went our way to the practice after seeing how the guards were struggling to control the people outside. Even the staff helped the guards to control the people while our manager assisted us to our practice room. 

As much as Primrose didn't want us to worry about her, We also didn't want her to worry about us.

"You can also see that the employees are scared to even go outside. Most of them eat in the cafeteria instead of going out. They also couldn't just go out for a walk or buy coffee outside because of the possibility that the fans will try to stop them to ask questions," said Dredleigh. 

"Guess it's time for our caferia's coffee to shine," I joked.

They just gave a faint laugh.

Baron pulled his hair up and groaned. "I'm fucking tired thinking about everything. It's more exhausting than our practice."

We nodded our heads again. Who wouldn't get exhausted about it? I know that we're bound to get attention from the public, but not in a way that could be harmful to us and the people around us.

Natahimik kaming lahat habang sinusubukan kumalma sa mga nangyayari at dahil na rin sa pagod. Humiga ako sa sahig at ipinikit ang aking mga mata. Gusto ko na lang matapos ang lahat. Gusto ko lang naman maging masaya at payapa kasama si Primrose pero bakit ang daming sagabal? 

I feel like I’m only hurting Primrose. That I’m the one putting her in a dangerous position.

I shook the thoughts away before I threw a glance at Kaito who stood and fixed his jogging pants. He gave a nod at our leader. “Shall we continue?”

Nagkatinginan kaming lahat bago tumayo. We stretched a bit again before we prepared ourselves for the routine. Nagsimulang magbilang si Kaito nang may biglang padabog na kumatok sa pintuan. Lahat kami ay napahinto’t napalingon sa tatlong pumasok.

Kuya Eurix was scratching his head while Kuya Yeshua was glaring at him, probably scolding Kuya Eurix. I’m sure he was the one who knocked loudly and ended up getting scolded by the oldest member of the Grand Knights. 

My head turned to Kuya Shawn who wrapped his arms around my shoulder with a smile, flashing his dimples. “Hey there, lover boy.”

I chuckled. “Hi, Kuya Shawn.” I faced the other two and greeted them with a smile. Our members did the same while Baron quickly stood beside Kuya Eurix to look at the plastic bag that was full of snacks and drinks Kuya was carrying. Dredleigh hurriedly helped Kuya Yeshua with the other one, which earned him a smile.

“That’s from Primrose. She said that you might need something to energize yourself with the practice. She still has meetings to attend to so she couldn’t give those herself. We three volunteered since we still have time in our hands,” said Kuya Eurix, handing the plastic bag to Baron.

We all picked our snacks and drinks before giving thanks to the three members of Grand Knights. 

Kuya Eurix then went to me and gave me a light pat on the shoulder. “Be strong, okay? We’re all in the entertainment industry, so we better get used to the messy situations.”

I nodded, smiling a little bit. “Yes, Kuya. But, I’m thinking about Primrose.”

He let out a deep sigh before glancing at Kuya Yeshua who was just staring at us. 

Kuya Yeshua shrugged. “I believe that we all are anxious about Primrose. However, we saw her doing her best to control what’s happening and she's trying to think of a solution to the problem. She was in a tight spot because the other higher-ups were pressuring her since it might also damage a lot of things in the company. Still, I assure you, she can do it. She matured a lot, you know. Now, we just need to cheer her up. One of the best things is to just do our job as an artist under the Empire.”

Kuya Shawn nodded. “Besides, we, the Grand Knights, are helping her settle things. Don’t worry too much. Focus on your performance and the things you need to do. SBG is affected by the situation, especially Loey. But, you have to prove that you are more than what the public is trying to label you. We all are grateful to our fans, but they can’t decide everything for us,” he said, giving me another pat on the shoulder. “Primrose appreciates you guys so much. She doesn’t want to be the reason for your career’s downfall. She doesn't want to ruin your reputation, Loey. So, just trust her. If it gets hard, I know she’ll come around and share the burden with all of you. And I assure you, Primrose knows that you are there for her. You're even here to practice to give a great performance as an idol. That despite everything, you’re not letting it stop you from what you want and need to do.”

The three members of Grand Knights gave us a lot of encouraging words, assuring us about Prim. They helped us to focus more on the practice. Kuya Eurix even helped us with the choreography by monitoring our practice for an hour before they left us in the room.

Unlike earlier, we were more relaxed. I have to admit that there were times when I would feel anxious, but I always remind myself about what Kuya Eurix, Kuya Yeshua, and Kuya Shawn said. 

There was also no time for us to feel down. Right now, we just have to focus on the upcoming event.

“Okay, that’s good! We’ll just adjust with the camera changes later. Sophie and Loey can rest,” Kuya Shin announced.

Finally!

Napasulyap ako kay Sophie na umiinom ng tubig habang hinahabol ang kanyang hininga. Nang mapatingin siya sa akin ay binigyan niya ako ng isang ngiti bago ibinalik ang bote ng tubig sa kanyang manidyer at lumapit sa akin.

“How’s Primrose?” she asked.

I smiled. “Much better, I guess? Though, she was busy for the past two days. We haven’t been seeing each other even though we’re living on the same roof. Still, I think she’s doing well, especially when the issue is slowly dying.”

Nang bumalik kami sa normal na schedule namin ay mas naging busy ang lahat. Kaya nga noong nakaraan ay Grand Knights ang nagbigay ng mga binili ni Primrose para sa amin. Huling breakfast na yata namin na magkakasama iyong sinabi niya sa amin na may suspect na siya sa informant. That’s been two days already. There were people still lurking outside the building, but it was less than the other days. 

Sophie sighed. "I'm glad to hear that. We haven't seen each other that much because of the schedule. Should I feel sorry that I was worried about her more than you?"

I shook my head. "It's fine. I feel the same, anyway."

"Primrose was the one who saved me. I was really grateful that she followed me on the rooftop. It changed a lot of things. Even the way I see myself in this industry," she paused for a bit and looked away. "She even defended me before. Primrose defended all of us. That's why she doesn't deserve to be criticized by the public. Who cares if there's a secret CEO? Who cares if she's married to an idol under the Empire? It's not like she committed a crime."

A chuckle escaped from my lips that I earned a glare from Sophie. I only shrugged and motioned her to look behind her. "Why don't you go talk to her now? I'm sure she also wants some girl talk."

Sophie turned around. Her eyes widened as she hurriedly ran towards Primrose. She jumped towards my wife who stumbled a bit because of the sudden hug from Sophie.

I only waved my hands to acknowledge Primrose's presence. She did the same and I left to give them time to talk for a moment. 

The way Primrose smiled widely at Sophie made me feel at ease. She's getting better each day. Although there were times when she frowns or looked hurt, she was still keeping her head up. It feels like I have to catch up with her.

"You two are doing better than what I expected," said Ate Alice when I sat next to her in the rest area. "I thought you and Primrose would break down or something."

"I thought you will also say that she's strong, Ate. The others have been telling us not to worry about Primrose."

She nodded. "You shouldn't. I can't agree with the others though. She's not that strong, but she's trying. To be honest, I really thought she'll avoid the situation by running away." Ate stared at where Primrose and Sophie were. "I was worried, too. But, when I saw how she was determined to fix the situation so it wouldn't bring damage to you, to her, and to the company, it made me realize that she's a grown-up now."

Nagpaalam sa akin si Ate Alice dahil kailangan niyang ayusin ang ibang schedule ni Primrose. 

Nang wala pa naman gagawin ay naisipan kong lumabas para magpahangin. Ilang oras din kaming nasa rehearsal room. As much as I love performing and practicing to give my best, I felt a little bit suffocated.

I stopped in my tracks when I was about to enter the area again. My eyebrows furrowed and I pressed my lips into a thin line.

Karlin was in front of the entrance. When noticed my presence, she smiled sweetly at me.

"What are you doing here?"

She laughed mockingly. "Can't I be here?" Karlin took a step forward, glaring at me. "You've changed, Loey. You can't do this to me, babe."

"Stop calling me that. We're over, Karlin. And please stop provoking Primrose!"

Karlin scoffed. "Primrose! What's with her aside from being the CEO of this company?"

Before I could even answer her, someone spoke behind Karlin.

"I'm also his wife."

****