Captured by the Master of Ceremony (Adinvicem #1)

Chapter 1

"Standby na po kayo. The event will start soon," said one of the committee members. I grabbed the microphone and the program. Kinalabit ko na rin ang partner kong si Peter. He's vocalizing and warming up his voice. 

He was very calm, hindi tulad ko na matinding kalabog ng dibdib ang nararamdaman. Nilingon niya ako matapos ayusin ang suot na coat. He gave me a thumbs up, sinisiguradong ayos lang ako.

Okay, let's chill and have fun," ani Peter bago kunin ang microphone sa table. We did a high five before entering the stage.

Kahit ilang beses na akong naka-tungtong sa entablado, hindi ko mapigilan ang makaramdam ng kaba.

The event flows smoothly with us being the emcee. Peter and I usually complement one other, so our tandem was ideal. We bid a proper closing for our service and enjoy the rest of the event.

"Okay lang ba? Am I doing great earlier?" tanong ko. Peter casually tap my shoulders. Nginitian niya ako ng malawak habang pinupunasan ang pawis.

When I accomplish something, everyone's attention is what I like the most. I was always in need of validation for everything. Kada tapos ng event ay pasasalamat at token of appreciation ang natatanggap namin. Nakasanayan ko na ang mga compliments after the event. Kaya naman gusto ko ay nalalaman agad ang sasabihin ng iba.

"Ano nga, Peterson!" pamimilit ko. Ibinato ko pa ang hawak na panyo sa kaniya.

Peter was teasing me, I swear. Tahimik siyang nakangiti at hindi man lang ako sinasagot. Alam na alam niya na hindi ako mapapakali hanggang hindi ko naririnig ang palagi niyang sinasambit.

"As always, Miss Lucia Isla Rodriguez, you are magnificent." puri niya saakin. Hearing his compliments about me fills me with relief throughout my entire body. Nakahinga ako ng maluwag.

Iyon lang. Iyon lang naman ang gusto kong marinig. It was a moment of relief.

"You jerk. Alam mo talaga kung paano ako i-susugarcoat 'no?"

I needed that confirmation. Without knowing I did well, my mind wouldn't be at ease. Kaya nasasabi ko rin na si Peter pa lang ang kayang I-handle ang ganitong side ko. Overthinking was very hard for me, kaya kinaiinisan ko rin ang pang aasar minsan ni Peter, but yeah, calling it a perfect partner, I am able to bring out my best. 

"It's a fact, Miss Ma'am. Anyways pupunta na ako sa Department namin for the preparations sa Literary competition, see you." We part ways outside the covered court. Dumiretso na rin ako sa department namin for the same reason. 

Peter is studying Business Administration. Competitive in every way. Ang department nila ang pinaka maraming enrolled students. Isa rin sa nangunguna sa mga competition inside and outside the institution. Varsity player siya ng takraw at matinik sa babae. That's why I'm calling him names, like jerk.

Siguradong magpapacute lang 'yon sa mga freshman. Kaya naman dinumog ang booth nila. Ang unfair para sa ibang departments na kinulang sa visuals.