Kamala's POV
One word to describe this feeling...
Impressed.
It's overwhelming, really. Every renowned chef I've ever heard of is here—local legends, international stars, you name it. But what strikes me most is the absence of actors, actresses, and business tycoons. This party, it seems, is a sanctuary exclusively for chefs, a gathering of culinary minds.
"I'd like you all to meet Angela Tingson. She's an amazing chef I had the pleasure of meeting just a few weeks ago." The words caught me off guard as a group of people approached with Hachiro leading them. I quickly straightened up, feeling the weight of their gaze.
Tumabi sakin si Hachiro. I couldn't help but notice that our outfits were a perfect match. Bakit nga ba? I felt my cheeks flush as I realized that even his undershirt and tie mirrored the color of my dress.
Hindi ko tuloy maiwasang isipin...
Did he choose this dress for me to match his? Kahit isipin ko kasi ng mabuti, the more certain I became that this wasn't a coincidence. Sobra naman kung ganon. Saka siya ang nagbigay ng dress so hindi coincidence lang 'to. I'm not naive enough to dismiss it as such.
But what are his intentions? Why go to such lengths?
...and this too.
"Really? Ohh. She's being acknowledged by the great Hachiro Jimenez, so we can assume she has great talent, huh?" tinignan ako ng isang sikat na chef. Awkward akong ngumiti dahil hindi ko alam kung anong sasabihin sa statement niyang yun. I mean... Hindi naman ako ganon ka'great'. I just cook with all my heart for my customers.
"Wow. Your restaurant must be famous. What's its name?" tanong ng isa pang chef. I glanced at Hachiro, who was smiling confidently at them, as if he knew exactly what they were thinking. What is he up to? I wondered, feeling a twinge of unease. Hindi ganon kasikat ang restaurant ko, though I am proud of what it has achieved.
I looked at the chef who asked, taking a small breath before answering. "The name of my restaurant is Fine Dine Restaurant. It's not as famous as you might be expecting, but we serve our customers exactly what their money's worth." As the words left my mouth, I felt a flicker of doubt. Did I say the right thing? Tumingin ako sa iba pang chef na mga nagkatinginan pagkatapos kong sumagot. Pati si Hachiro tinignan ko, I saw him chuckling softly.
Agad akong namula dahil sa naging reaction niya. Gusto ko sana siyang tanungin anong nakakatawa, but the people around us seemed entertained by his laugh.
"That's right." His arm wrapped warmly around my shoulder, pulling me closer. "That's one of its best qualities. Not to mention the respect they have for their customers. Not so famous yet but commendable." kita sa mukha niya ang pagiging proud na parang sarili niyang restaurant ang ibinibida niya sa mga kaibigan niya.
A wave of shyness washed over me. Why is he complimenting my restaurant so much? Kailan lang nung nagsimula siyang kumain doon pero sobra naman kung bigyan niya ng papuri. It feels strange—flattering, but strange.
"Is that so? I see. We'd like to visit your restaurant someday, Miss Tingson." the chef replied, though his smile seemed more polite than sincere. His attention quickly shifted back to Hachiro. "So, how's business, Mr. Jimenez?" pagtatanong ng isang chef na kita sa tindig nito ang pagiging elegante kahit nasa mid-50's na ito.
Saka na sila nag-usap tungkol sa hindi ko masyado maintindihang topic. Tinignan ko ulit yung lalaki. Now, he seemed genuinely engaged, but was it because Hachiro was speaking? Pssh. Of course, sino bang magkakainteres sa maliit at hindi kilalang restaurant? Syempre dun sila sa kilala ang alam nilang may quality.
BINABASA MO ANG
Under The Same Sky (ON-GOING)
Romance--- In two different worlds, they walk separate paths, each carrying the weight of their own heartbreak. Two souls, once whole, now shattered, longing for something they've lost but can't quite name. In their solitude, they gaze at the same sky, a s...
