BADA LEE as Your Deranged Stalker

n i n e t e e n

"Alright, I guess we're done for today's shoot! You look so mesmerizingly enchanting, Ms. Bada Lee!" I gave the photogrpher my sweetest smile after his compliment. "Anyway, you might wanna go to your dressing room for awhile? Mr. Samuel is already waiting for you. Sa dressing room mo nalang natin e-d-discuss ang themed photoshoot n'yo for Enchb." I only give him a nod tsaka naglakad na papunta sa dressing room ko.

I'm scheduled for an upcoming photoshoot with Enchb, a British clothing company.

They've handpicked me and two others to be featured in the promotion of their new collection slated for release next month. It's a trio consisting of me, Vidal, who boasts a dual identity as an influencer and a model, and Samuel, a TikTok sensation renowned for his dance moves. I've known Vidal already, and Samuel is new to me.

As I pushed open the door to my dressing room, I was taken aback by the unexpected sight of a guy kissing Vidal.

Their sexual embrace came to an abrupt halt when they became aware of my presence. I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of disrespect. After all, this was my private dressing room, and it was rather audacious of them to engage in such a display of affection here.

The expression on the man's face when he realized my entrance conveyed his surprise, almost as if he hadn't even noticed Vidal's presence in the room anymore.

"Wow, you must be, Bada Lee?" tuwang-tuwa na bati sakin ng lalake. He extended his hand for a shake hand and I oblige.

"Hi! Bada!" Si Vidal. "It's been such a long time!" She approached me and to my surprise, instead of the usual greeting, she leans in and plant a kiss on my lips. I was completely taken aback! Unsure of how to react. This unexpected gesture left me feeling quite uneasy, and it brought forth memories of Kathreen, naked and vulnerable under me.

I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt, as if I were betraying Kathreen by allowing the kiss to happen.

It's quite astonishing to realize that this is the way me and Vidal used to greet each other. In fact, we went far beyond that. However, oddly, I don't feel at ease with another woman touching me now.

"Oh wow, you're gay?" The guy's blunt question left no room for ambiguity. It's safe to say that if he had been physically present in my basement, I could have been tempted to express my displeasure directly, even going so far as to forcefully insert glass shards into his mouth to ensure he understood my strong dislike for him.

Bigla siyang hinampas sa balikat ni Vidal. "Hoy, dahan-dahan ka nga sa pananalita mo!"

I fake a smile at them, "Hi! And you must be, Samuel?" Samuel proudly nod at me.  "Nice meeting you, Samuel" I say, faking a smile as always.

"Nice to meet you too!" bago paman siya magsalita ulit ay pumasok sa room ang photographer namin, accompanied by two elegantly dressed women, both seemingly in their mid-40s.

As our photographer introduced his companions, it became clear that they held the positions of CEO and COO within the brand. They had made a special visit to meet with me personally because of my social media presence that had been gaining significant attention.

They were genuinely surprised that I had accepted their offer to become the new face of their clothing brand.

I just found out that this Samuel guy is the brand's established model along with Vidal, and I had been just chosen as their latest addition.

We gathered for a short meeting for the photoshoot's concept and some time later, we were given permission to head back home.

"Aalis ka na agad, Bada? I haven't seen you in awhile tapos uuwi ka kaagad?" nasa hallway kami ni Vidal, papunta sa parking area ng building. Nakapamulsa ako habang naglalakad, nakasunod naman siya sa akin.

"Hey?" with an abrupt motion, she grab my arm, compelling me to turn my gaze toward her. She then pressed her body closely against mine, and in a seductive manner, she delicately traced her fingers along my collar. "Don't you miss me?"

No, obviously.

"I need to go, Vidal." I response, trying to be patient with her. Pasalamat siya, wala akong interes sa kanya to be my next victim.

"But I miss you," she insist.

Sinubukan niya akong halikan sa labi pero wala sa isip na natulak ko siya nang malakas!

Tumama ang likod niya sa dingding at napa-impit siya ng sigaw.

Huli na para ma-realized ko ang ginawa ko.

Shit!

"Aray naman!" inis na sabi niya. "Bahala ka na nga sa buhay mo! Buysit 'to!" tsaka nag walk-out.

Habang ako ay naiwang mag-isa at nasapo ang noo. Napa-iling-iling ako sa 'di ko maintindihang dahilan.

Kathreen has been increasingly hindering me from doing the things that seem normal for me, creating a sense of frustration and unease.

I checked my wrist watch, it's already 9:04pm.

Kumain na kaya siya? Hindi nga pala ako nakapag-grocery kahapon, malamang walang pagkain sa refrigerator. For sure hindi pa siya nag-d-dinner.

Bibili nalang ako ng bibimbap and tteokbokki for her then.

>>>

As I reached the door and poised to slide the key into the doorknob...

an avalanche of anxiety swept over me...

threatening to consume my every thought.

I stood frozen in that moment, like a statue with my heart galloping at a breakneck pace!

My eyes fixated on the doorknob of the main door...

which I discovered
was slightly open.