Chapter 3

“Just give me a minute, please,” I groaned when someone kept on tapping me, my eyes still closed.

“Tumayo ka na riyan, babe. Baka mamaya si Ate na pumunta rito para gisingin ka,” ani Jesh.

Pilit akong tumayo’t umalis ng kama. I bit my lower lip as my body ached and my body felt heavy. Ate Nina asked me if I was okay before I went to the bathroom and took a shower. 

Halos umiyak na ako kagabi sa sobrang sakit ng buong katawan ko. 

We practiced a lot for the remaining stage performances that we have. We also practiced a new choreography as an intro to one of the performances that we’ll be doing this week.

Ngumiti ako nang maramdaman ang titig ni Ate Nina sa akin. She was in mom’s mode today. I couldn’t blame her. She warned me already that I shouldn’t push my body too much, especially when it has been tortured for weeks. That I should rest when I was told to. Of course, I didn’t listen. Tuwing tapos na ang praktis at wala na ibang dapat gawin ay nagpapaiwan ako sa practice room at madaling araw na halos nakakauwi.

I sighed when she didn’t take her eyes off me. “I’m fine, Ate. I just need some stretching,” I said.

“Are you sure?”

Tumango ako. Ayoko naman na mag-alala pa siya sa akin. I bit my lower lip to stop my whimper when I carried my backpack. 

AC giggled while looking at her phone. “They used my scene as a teaser!”

It has been days already and she couldn’t stop but be proud of how most of her scenes made it to the teasers.

“Yeah they used it pretty well,” Jesh said with a mocking tone, that AC didn’t seem to notice. Jesh then leaned closer to me to whisper. “The fans won’t be looking forward to her cuts anymore because they’ve already seen it, don’t you think?”

I rolled my eyes jokingly and nudged her on her shoulders with a laugh.

She pouted and shrugged. “I’m just saying.”

“I know but let’s not spoil her mood. Bihira lang iyan hindi magtaray sa umaga.”

“Sabagay. Sige na nga tutal sigurado naman akong ikaw mapapansin pa rin ng karamihan. Ikaw kaya halos pinapansin during the show!”

I just shook my head at her.

Ate Nina then pinched Jesh’s ears. “Go take a bath, Jesh. We’ll blame you if we’re late.”

“Okay! Wait ito na nga, e. Maliligo naman talaga ako. Gusto ko lang mahuli para walang magreklamo kapag matagal ako maligo.”

Natawa ako. “Magrereklamo pa rin kami. We’ll be late if you’re going to take a long shower. More pressure not just from us, but from our manager as well.”

She rolled her eyes before she went to the bathroom. Ate and I glanced at each other and laughed.

The girls got ready to go to the building today. They were excited because we will watch the show’s release later. We only have a photoshoot for the brand we were working with as a schedule. We just have to do that first then we’re going to watch the show with our manager and our staff.

I was also excited, but I didn’t know that the public’s reaction would be something our manager wanted

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“Oh my gosh!” Mica squealed. Her jaw dropped as she stared at her phone. We all stopped stretching and turned to her. She then faced us and her gaze stopped on me. “You now have four million followers, Ate Moira. In just a week you’ve gained two million followers on Instagram! There were also some articles congratulating you for it.”

My eyes widened. I quickly picked up my phone, which the others did, too. I opened it and went to my account. My notification was bombarded! I forgot that I turned off my notification bar because I don’t want to see it on my screen every time I’m using my phone.

I frowned when I also received tags from some clips. I got curious, and that's why I clicked on what caught my attention.

It was a clip where I acted cutely on and convinced Hendreich Lee to be my partner. The video was until we got teased when his ears got really red.

My heart skipped a beat as I scanned the comment section. They were all saying how the two of us looked good together and how the fans of Grand Knights accepted me. Some also commented that they agreed that the beautiful man Hendreich Lee should be paired with a beautiful girl, which is me.

I locked my phone and closed my eyes. Everything hasn’t sunk in yet. Should I be happy with that or what? I don’t know.

“Wow, you got yourself a big catch. Moira,” AC said in a mocking tone.

Hindi ko na siya pinansin pa at bumalik na lang sa ginagawa kanina. Napitingin ako kay Jesh na umikot ang mata at balak sanang sagutan pa si AC ngunit mabilis akong umiling sa kanya. Her hands balled into fist before she joined me as we reviewed the details of our parts in the dance.

Sinubukan kong tanggalin sa aking isipan ang mga nabasa patungkol sa amin ni Hendreich. I just don’t like that I’ve been recognized right now just because of him. It doesn’t feel right.

My head snapped at the person who went inside the room and clapped. Our manager has that huge and irritating smile on her face.

She reached for my cheek and caressed it softly. “Finally, Moira. You did great catching the attention of many. Even your group’s name is now in the spotlight. Many are searching for you and your group!” Ate Nerissa then looked at everyone. “You can rest after an hour. Even the CEO is happy with the result of your guesting in that show. He’ll let you go home earlier than usual. Good job, girls.”

Mariin kong ipinikit ang mga mata habang naririnig ang masayang pagkanta ni Ate sa bagong kanta naman bago umalis. Jesh and Ate Nina glanced at me worriedly while the other three glared at me. I shrugged before I went to the monitor in the room and played the rehearsal we shot earlier.

Everyone is happy? Well, I can’t say that I’m happy. Even three of my members weren’t happy with the fact that I stole their spotlight, again. That the public’s eyes were on me.

Gumawa na naman ako ng ingay. Ingay na ikinatuwa ng iba pero hindi ko naman gusto.

Ano kayang reaksyon ni Hendreich at ng E Entertainment?

He didn’t need me to gain followers. He already has a lot. I’m sure that his company doesn’t want to use someone for hype. Their artists were already in the trending list every freaking day! If not Grand Knights or SBG, the girls were, and even their rookies.

“Don’t let it bother you,” Ate Nina said when she approached me. “To be honest, you two do look good together. Still, if it makes you uncomfortable, just ignore it.”

I only gave a small smile and told them that I’ll go to the restroom.

She also thinks that Hendreich and I look good together. I felt my cheeks heat. It’s not that I’m uncomfortable with that. I’m uncomfortable that I was dragging Hendreich’s name. That I was riding on his coattails just like what Ate Nerissa wanted me to do.

Pumunta akong rooftop upang magpahangin saglit. 

Usually, I don’t take breaks because I hate wasting my time. I have to improve my dancing skill. However, I couldn’t seem to find my mood to practice. Looking back, there were a lot of scandals circulating on Grand Knights. Mostly because of the chaos they brought in some broadcasts. They do have dating scandals but it was also them who exposed them. The scandal wouldn’t last for too long and would be made as a joke.

Kaya nga kung may gusto man sumira sa pangalan ng grupo o kahit sa ibang miyembro ay mabilis ang atake nila pabalik. As far as I remember, they also filed lawsuits for malicious comments.

I was looking down because I didn’t know that I'd bump into someone. Luckily, he caught me by my arms.

“Easy there,” he said.

My head snapped at the playful voice and saw one of the palest guys I ever saw in this industry. His red lips broke into a smile before he carefully released me. I  cleared my throat and composed myself.

I smiled back and bowed a little. “Hi, Kuya Hendreich. Sorry.”

He chuckled. “You can just call me Hendreich. Besides, you already did. Mas sanay na yata ako na walang kuya.”

“Is that okay?”

“Of course! Again, I’m already used to it,” he shrugged. “Just please don’t think that I’m flirting with you, okay? I mean, you know what Shawn said last time.”

Kumurap ako bago tumango. 

I almost forgot about that. 

We stayed there in awkward silence. I looked down and played with my fingers. Why am I even staying here anyway? I was supposed to go back to the practice room. Iwanan ko na ba siya?

Bago pa man ako makapagsalita ay mabilis niya akong naunahan. “Just massage it daily. Kung masakit pa rin katawan mo, ask for a checkup. Don’t forget to stretch it. Also, try to shower in lukewarm water.” I stared at him and it made him chuckle. Hendreich licked his lower lip. “I noticed that you’ve been stretching and squeezing your arms. Oh, wait…” he got something out from his bag, “This is a massaging oil. Apply this then massage the part that aches before bed. It might help. I used that one since my trainee days”

“Thank you,” I replied, accepting it.

“Anyway, I should go now. I just delivered something to that cold Vern. Seriously, that serious secret CEO of yours should get a life,” he said.

So he knows our secret CEO? Were they close that he came here personally?

I only smiled at him before we went to the elevator. Sa ibang floor may mga pumasok na mga empleyado. I hate the way they looked at us. As if he was here for me.

Mr. Vern’s office was on the last floor. Nasa kabilang side iyon ng hagdan papuntang rooftop kaya naman sa hallway kami nagkita dahil pareho kaming patungo sa elevator. It’s not like he was here for me but what can I do, right? They already made a story in their mind.

I bit my lips when Hendreich put distance between us and didn’t talk to me when there were people with us. When I left, I just took a glance at him. He gave me a smile and a small nod. I did the same.

Nang makabalik ako ay nagpatuloy na muli kaming lahat sa praktis, I didn’t mention to anyone that I bumped into Hendreich. Why would I? Besides, I don’t want any more judgment from the other members.

But I guess life wasn’t on my side today.

“Moira Arabella!” Our manager shouted when she entered the room, again.

Ate Nina quickly paused our song and we looked at Ate Nerissa who was busy scrolling on her tablet.

What now?

My hands got sweaty when she flashed a grin and then glanced at me. I hate that grin of hers. It’s always bad news… on my part at least.

She turned the tablet to us. We leaned forwards to see what she was happy about. My eyes widened. I felt my heartbeat stop for a moment. I trembled as I scrolled down the comment section.

Are they close? As in for real?

This is screaming visual couples! Oh my gosh!

Lucky girl. She’s not just pretty, but she also got the prettiest idol that was admired by many.

Huminga ako nang malalim nang maramdaman ang pananakit ng aking puso. I stepped backward. I felt my head spinning.

Who took the picture of me and Hendreich in the elevator and the hallway earlier?

AC scowled at me. “Now that explains why you went outside for too long. Wow, I underestimated your charm, Moi.”

“I…”

I pursed my lips tight. I couldn’t even find any words to defend myself anymore.

Ate Nerissa hugged me happily. She grabbed me by my cheeks and kissed my forehead. "Great job, Moi. I really can count on you when it comes to hyping your group." She then inhaled exaggeratedly. "I can smell the sweet aroma of your future. Flairies will now shine even more! Thanks to our visuals."

Pilit akong ngumiti sa kanya. Ayoko na sirain pa ang mood ng manidyer namin. 

She glanced at everyone. "Why don't you girls rest now? Let's go have dinner! I'll let you eat one meal to your liking."

Everyone cheered at that.

We were on strict diet because of some upcoming shows. Minsan nagiging maluwag naman si Ate Nerissa lalo na kapag masaya. Still, we make sure that we'll burn everything we eat.

Lahat kami ay napalingon nang tumabi sa amin sina Mr. Vern, ang aming secret CEO, at ang kanyang Vice-President na si Mr. Cedric.

Our CEO was younger than us while the Vice was two years older than me. Hanga ako sa kanila dahil halos ang bata pa nila para sa posisyon, lalo na si Mr. Vern. Still, he was strict and matured enough to handle Sakura Entertainment. To be honest, he was a bit intimidating with his cold aura.

They both slightly nod their heads to acknowledge our presence. Tumabi sila sa amin at mukhang maghihintay din ng kotse nila.

Mr. Cedric then glanced at me with a grin on his face. “Hi, Moira! So you and Hendreich are friends now?”

“Cedric.”

“What? Come on, Vern. I was just asking about their friendship. Besides, you know that their issues are very beneficial to the Flairies and the company.”

“I know. But Kuya Hendreich is still my cousin’s artist,” our CEO replied. He turned to me. “Still, I won’t stop you guys if it ever becomes serious.”

I was about to speak but our manager laughed and waved her hands. “Naku! Don’t worry, Mr. Vern. We only wanted the group to create hype by getting close to the artists under E Entertainment. Hindi naman namin sila gagamitin talaga, lalo na si Hendreich Lee. But…” She glanced at me. “I didn’t know that our Moira here would look for an opportunity that would make a noise on social media. Thankfully, Hendreich was so kind that he and his company were silent regarding the articles. It helped us even more.”

I balled my fist.

Kinausap ko lang naman si Hendreich dahil nakita ko! Bakit parang iba ang lumalabas sa kanila? Parang ako pa ang nag initiate na gamitin siya para lang mas umingay ang pangalan ko at ang grupo.

Our CEO stared at me with his lips pursed. “Twice scandals are enough. Primrose won’t appreciate it if her artist kept on appearing in headlines. I won’t scold you because as a CEO, I know that it’s also for the group. Indeed, you gained more attention. There were people searching for Flairies and Moira.”

Kinagat ko ang ibabang labi ko bago tumango.

“Come on, that’s okay. Just explain it to Primrose. Anyways, you did a great job, Moira!” Mr. Cedric gave me a thumbs-up.

Mabuti na lang dumating na ang sasakyan namin kasunod ang sa kanila. The entire ride, I was silent. Ate Nina and Jesh kept on checking on me but I told them that I was just tired, which was also true.

Everything’s exhausting.

But I vowed that I won’t let people see me as someone who uses others to gain fame. 

That one day, I would show them and let them recognize me for my talent.

They’ll discover the gem in me. Not just my pretty face.

ㅡㅡㅡㅡ