BADA LEE as Your Deranged Stalker

t w e n t y s i x

"Talaga bang okay lang na kasama ako? Pwede naman sigurong hindi, diba?" As we strolled down the elegant hotel hallway, Kathreen's soft, warmth hand is in mine. We were making our way to the prestigious EnchB party, a celebration for the triumphant unveiling of EnchB's latest collection.

The CEO's invitation had been a precious opportunity, permitting us to bring one special guest to the event and I couldn't think of anyone else to bring but Kathreen.

For this evening, I meticulously selected a special dress for her. I purchased an elegant black mini dress with a timeless silhouette, sleeveless, adorned with a subtly plunging V-neckline with intricate gold lace detail. I got the dress with a set of black diamond buckle sandals and as the pièce de résistance, I arranged for a special makeup artist to work on her.

As I looked at Kathreen, I couldn't help but be deeply impressed by the makeup artist's artistry. Kathreen's appearance was nothing short of breathtaking; her radiance and poise were unmatched. Tonight, I admit, she looked absolutely and undeniably gorgeous.

"Bada? Okay lang ba talaga suot ko?" tanong niya at ramdam kong hindi talaga siya mapakali.

"Hays. Hindi ko talaga expected to, Bada! Tska, omg! Talaga ba, isasama mo 'ko sa party ng EnchB? Paano kung may mga paparazzi tapos mak—" Driven by a surge of frustration, I found myself unable to tolerate her anymore.

My vexation reached a tipping point, and in that moment, I impulsively pressed her against the wall. With determination, I placed one hand firmly beside her and with each heartbeat, our faces drew nearer, until they were just a mere inch apart.

Gazing deeply into her eyes, I felt a whirlwind of emotions swirling within.

"Can't you stop? You're being really bothersome and it's making me want to rip your dress at this very moment!" I uttered.

In response to my words, Kathreen emitted a soft gasp, her eyes locking onto my lips as if drawn by an invisible force. In that very moment, an unexpected surge of anxiety washed over me, my heart racing as our intense connection left me just as captivated by her lips.

I found myself wavering on the precipice of a tender, impromptu kiss when, suddenly, both of us were jolted by an unforeseen announcement echoing from the convention hall.

Swiftly, I reclaimed her hand, our fingers entwined, we forged ahead, making our way through the grand doors of the hotel's convention hall.

"Woah!" nakamaang ang bibig na nabigkas na lamang ni Kathreen matapos kaming makapasok sa loob.

The convention hall has been transformed into a luxurious haven of fashion. The grand entrance welcomes guests with a red carpet, lined with oversized EnchB-branded posters showcasing the latest collection's stunning designs. The expansive hall is bathed in soft, ambient lighting, setting the stage for the evening's glamour.

The EnchB color palette takes center stage, with shades of rich, deep purples and gold accents adorning every corner of the hall. EnchB's iconic logo is elegantly incorporated into the decor.

Tables are impeccably dressed in white linen cloths with gold embroidery, featuring centerpieces of fresh flowers and golden candelabras. EnchB mannequins elegantly display key pieces from the new collection throughout the venue.

The guest list is a blend of fashion industry luminaries, celebrities, fashion bloggers, and influencers.

While the host was speaking at the center of the stage, Kathreen and I were making our way to our assigned table. Samuel and Vidal were already seated there, and as expected, they had also invited some people to this event.

I pull a chair, intending to have her take a seat. Yet, within an instant, I discerned a sudden stillness in her demeanor.

Her gaze was fixed, almost magnetically, upon Samuel, and the fear etched into her eyes was impossible to miss. In the midst of this charged atmosphere, Samuel wore an expression of bewilderment as he cast an inquisitive glance my way.

Abruptly, Samuel blurted out, "girlfriend mo, Bada?" with a tone that lacked all civility.

Rather than dignifying his question with a response, I found myself transfixed by the emotional turmoil that seemed to engulf Kathreen right before my eyes.

Concerned and puzzled, I asked, "What's wrong?"

Samuel, meanwhile, seized the opportunity to inject an air of familiarity into the situation, exclaiming, "wow! Such a small world!" A broad, knowing grin spread across his face. "In fairness, you look stunning, Kathreen! Long time no see!"

Feeling perplexed by Samuel's evident recognition of Kathreen, I turned to him and posed the question, "Do you know her?"

Before Samuel could offer an explanation, my attention was seized by the sight of tears streaming down Kathreen's cheeks, a visual testament to the complex emotions that had suddenly overwhelmed her.

Wait, why is she crying all of a sudden?

I reached for Kathreen's hand but I was taken aback when I felt her trembling.

"Didn't she tell you, Bada?" Samuel asked with a sly grin and I furrowed my brow. "She's my ex-girlfriend, and, didn't you know? I have her nu—"

"Stop it!" At last, Kathreen managed to find her voice, though her trembling persisted. Her distress was unmistakable, and it cast a heavy cloud of concern over me. A sense of foreboding gripped me.

Without granting Samuel the chance to utter another word, I swiftly guided Kathreen out of the convention hall.

In the background, I could hear an EnchB staff member urgently calling my name, presumably in response to the host's announcement, but I paid it no mind. My sole focus is ensuring Kathreen's swift retreat from the discomforting situation within those walls. Seeing her in such distress was more than I could bear.

As we stepped into the elevator, the atmosphere was heavy with unspoken tension. I reached out and pressed the button for the ground floor.

"Ba-Bada," Kathreen's voice quivered with a mix of anxiety and regret, "hindi pa tapos ang party 'diba, kakasimula pa lang? I-I'm sorry if I reacted that way. Hindi ko lang kase inasahan na makikita ko si—"

I cut her off, "Don't bother."

Her concern remained evident as she continued, "I-if you like, we can go back. Ayokong masayang ang gabing 'to dahil lang sa'kin. Mukhang tinawag ka pa ata ng host kani—"

I turned to face her, my grip on her hand tight, my expression weary. "Let's just go home. I'm exhausted," I uttered, my words laced with weariness. Kathreen fell silent, her eyes reflecting a mixture of emotions.

After a while, as the elevator descended, the only sound was the soft, stifled sobs from Kathreen behind me, a poignant testament to the complex and emotional turmoil that had unfolded during the moment.