Between Lights and Shadows

Chapter 2 - Intensified

Vikir's POV

I just got home and started preparing for Mr. Martinez's party later. My thoughts drifted to Zia. After we exchanged names, she excused herself immediately due to some urgent work, so we didn't really get to converse much. 'I guess, see you never?' I thought, since after this party, I'd be heading back to Manila for the shootings of my new project.

Lumipas ang oras nang bumukas ang pinto sa aking kwarto "Vik! mag prepare ka na medyo malayo pa byahe natin pa punta dun" bungad ni Rece sakin.

I just nodded and headed straight to the bathroom for a bath. As I soaked in the warm water, my thoughts kept drifting to the person I was so eager to see. Questions swirled in my mind: how should I approach her? What if she doesn't want to see me anymore? It had been three years since we last spoke, and those memories were a mix of sweetness and sorrow.

During those years, I tried so hard to forget her, but every time I started to meet someone new, I couldn't stop thinking about her. That's why I haven't pursued any relationships. I didn't want to hurt anyone else because of my unresolved feelings.

I hate myself for it. Am I the only one suffering like this? 

I stepped out of the bath, the steam swirling around me as I grabbed a towel and dried off. My mind was still racing, but I needed to focus. Tonight was important.

I chose a simple suit from my closet: a crisp white shirt, dark navy trousers, and a matching jacket. As I buttoned up the shirt and slipped on the trousers, I felt a sense of calm. I put on the jacket, and laced up my polished black shoes.

A quick glance in the mirror confirmed that I was ready. Beneath the composed exterior, my thoughts were still on the woman I was eager to see. This suit was my armor, and I hoped it would give me the confidence I needed.

Pag labas ko ng kwarta ay agad naman akong sinalubong ni Rece "Pota kala ko kung sino ah, may pinopormahan ka ba dude?" tanong nya habang naka ngisi.

Hindi ko na pinansin ang kanyang komento at agad na naglakad "Tara na dami mong ebas"

"Okay boss!" sabay saludo.

30 minutes na ata kaming bumabyahe ngayon at ayoko din namang matulog baka pag dating ko dun ay mag-iba pa mukha ko. 

Naka tingin lang ako sa bintana nang biglang nag salita si Rece "Nga pala nandun pala si Luisa, anong plano mo kung magkita kayo dun?"

"Tanga magkikita at magkikita talaga kami dun" sabi ko.

"Okay relax dude! galet agad eh no. Ikaw tanga!" ganti naman niya.

Ganito na talaga kami ni Rece normal na sa amin mag bangayan, siguro pag ibang tao yung maka kita ay mapagkakamalan talaga kaming nag aaway.

"I also plan to approach her later" I said, staring ahead.

"HUH!? seriously dude! dika parin pala naka move on kay luisa?" tumingin siya sakin at bakas sa mukha nya ang gulat.

"Dude relax! tumingin ka sa daan kung ayaw mo mamatay tayong dalawa dito"  

"But dude its been years siya parin pala?" now looking straight ahead.

"She is, always has been" I said in a low tone.

He scoffed and laughed. "Grabe'ng pag-ibig yan, dude!"

"But dude, are you really sure about talking to her later? I mean, she's also very famous now. A very famous singer. Parang kahapon lang, in our college days, di naman siya kumakanta or show any interest in music. But look at her now." he said, amazement evident in his voice.