Mágoa | SB19 Josh [SB19 Series #4]

7

Grace's POV

The conference room at SM Mall of Asia was filled with so many people. There were people from the media, cosplayers, and online game enthusiasts who were gathered for One Up TV's launching on the new online and mobile games.

The excitment was palpable.

I was a nervous wreck. My game, well, my team's game, was going to be introduced to the Philippine market today. I was scared that it would not be received well. Yu Gi Oh: Cross Duel was my baby. It was the game that I've developed for years. I wanted it to do so well, that it would pass the expectations that I've built up on my head.

The program started and I sat in the corner of the backstage, reviewing on what I was going to say just in case they ask me about the game.

I scanned my note cards, memorizing every detail. I bit my lip in concentration. I had to get this right.

"-Santos of SB19!" the host said. I heard a lot of screams.

I craned my neck to see their celebrity guest. I've heard that he was a gamer and had joined a team for a local e-sport tournament. Whoever their guest may be, he sure must be famous judging on the screams emanating from around the stage.

I craned my neck some more but I was too short. I just gave up and went back to reviewing my note cards.

"Ms. Cohen? You're almost up," April, one of the organizers, informed me.

I nodded at her. She led me towards the stage where I was introduced as Yu Gi Oh's developer. I was so nervous that my palms were sweating. I frantically wiped my palms on my jeans and tried practicing on how to smile. I smiled widely at the host as soon as my name was called. I gathered all the courage I could muster. I need to do well for Konami.

"It was a long fight trying to perfect this game, but it was all worth it. I hope you will enjoy playing Yu Gi Oh: Cross Duel as much as we did. Thank you so much for this awesome oppportunity, One Up TV! I hope we will have another opportunity to attend an event such as this in the future," I finished.

My speech was met with cheers and before I know it, I was off the stage.

Whew! Thank God!

"What are you doing here?" a sharp voice broke through my relieved thoughts.

I spun around.

I shouldn't have spun around.

Fudge. Fudge. Fudge. Fudge. Fudge.

Josh was there. Fuming. Smoke was about to come out of his ears.

"Hi," I meekly greeted him.

Josh grabbed my elbow and dragged me to a corner. He looked like he was acting so hard not to scream at me.

"What are you doing here? We're not supposed to see each other before the ten years apart were over. What happened?" he hissed at me.

I winced at Josh's question. As much as I want to tell him that I never wanted to go back to the Philippines, yet, I can't. I have to.

Hindi naman siya ang walang sweldo kung di ako uuwi.

"It's for work. I didn't come here to see you," I said, shooting daggers at him.

Josh's grip on me slackened. He sighed. "Really?" was the only thing he said.

"Yes. I'm the developer of Yu Gi Oh. In case you weren't listening."

"Congrats?" Josh replied sarcastically.

I glared at him. This guy was being mean. He could have said his congratulations sincerely. That was the least that he could do after eight years of not seeing each other.