Cheffy's is one of the most expensive restaurants in the city, and Nina Dy decided to take out her whole office just because of one of our co-worker's birthday– Janet's. Janet is a quiet woman, with her glasses and chubby frame. She's always just around the corner being a wallpaper. And having all this attention on her birthday, I think, overwhelms her.
I just parked at the restaurant's lot, killing the engine, and stepping out of the car, the cold wind hits my face. I grab my gift for her–a mouse and a mouse pad– and head my way to the entrance.
The whole restaurant is designed intricately and is all white. With its expensive look and elegant aura.
I enter the restaurant and several people, all dressed up, are inside. I am in my favorite maroon suit myself, but I can't help but panic a little seeing the restaurant be a little bit crowded.
I go near the reception and say my name and they lead me to a table where I find Minnie, Nina, and our other co-workers. They greet me as I sit beside Minnie.
"I can't look at Nina the same knowing she might be putting the company at risk with all her spending. Like, does her husband not scold her?" Minnie whispers as soon as I sit.
"Rich people behavior, Minnie, rich people behavior," I respond.
Janet blushes as other co-workers greet her Happy Birthday. I stand up and give her the gift wrapped in pastel colors and she thanks me warmly.
When I turn, I am so surprised to see Kyan behind that I jolt a little.
"Jesus," I mutter.
"Apologies." He says, while sarcastically. He's in a black suit with a formal tie and all. His hair is, as usual, kept.
I roll my eyes and go back to my seat.
Every time I look at him, I can't help but remember what happened in the conference room.
I return to my seat when I find out Kyan's sitting across from me.
Great.
Nina stands up with her wineglass, filled to the brim with violet wine. "This evening, we're celebrating our dear Janet's birthday. Let us wish her a happy birthday and a long and healthy life!" And we all cheers.
The food arrives and Minnie starts drooling at this point. She gets a side-eye from Bob, our bald and arrogant co-worker beside her.
I take a bite off my steak and the flavors explode inside my mouth. I take a quick peak at Kyan and he's organizing his food in his plat. Guess someone doesn't want their food touching.
"So," Minnie says to Nina suddenly. "This is an expensive restaurant, Nina. It's impressive you were able to buy us all dinner."
Nina's eyes widen at the sudden statement, but then her expression turns smug. "I am the CEO of Dy Publishing after all." She boasts as she takes a sip of her wine. "Unlike my little brother here, I work hard, and it pays off."
I quickly look at Kyan who looks at Nina dully, but there's a hint of hurt. Hurt that's been building up that can be seen in his eyes. There's a lump in my throat, but by impulse, I end up saying.
"Well, Kyan actually works very hard, Mdm. Kruz."
When I say this, the other co-workers look at me surprisingly. It's not surprising how they know me and Kyan don't have the best relationship. From my peripheral vision, I can see Kyan looking at me rather confusingly.
"In fact, he was able to convince the CEOs of Penguin Publishing to have another collaboration with our publishing. And we know how difficult they are to converse with." I give her a faint smile and continue to slice my meat.
Nina clears her throat. She scoffs, "I'm surprised. But again, my job is harder, so a comparison isn't needed." her tone having a hint of defensiveness. I wasn't trying to compare.
I probably shouldn't say anything more before this turns into an argument. I know when to be careful with Nina; her attitude can be explosive.
Another co-worker strikes up a conversation with her and others about the stock market and I'm relieved that the conversation melted away swiftly. Minnie leans into me, "Didn't know you'd defend Kyan someday."
"I wasn't defending, I was only making her aware." I retort.
Ლ
Me: How's your family's business?
_joshy: Still going rough, but better and better each day.
Me: That's good.
I push my phone back into my pocket and I feel like my stomach is about to burst. I'm so full. The fancy lamposts in the restaurant's parking lot brush the ground with its yellow light.
Out of the blue, I hear footsteps behind me. I turn to see Kyan. I don't know what he wants. Is he mad? Does he have important news?
He's finally near me enough to speak to me. "Rodriguez,"
"Hi?" I say rather suspiciously.
He brings a white cloth bag with the restaurant's logo on it. He hands it to me and I have never been more perplexed in my entire life.
"Is this your sorry for tormenting me since I've been your co-worker? Gee, thanks. You're forgiven." I peek inside the bag and brighten out the wine bottle in it. I gasp.
"Didn't know I needed to apologize." He places his hands in his pockets.
"Kyan, this is expensive!" I shove the bag with the bottle back to him. "I can't take that."
"Isn't it rude to decline a gift?" He tells me. I suppose I should just take it.
"Okay, what is this for? If this is a bribe to clean the office, I'm really giving this back."
"Thank you for defending" – he slightly cringes at the word as though even he isn't sure if it's the right word– "me earlier. I'm not certain if you meant it, but, either way, it was a nice thing to say."
Heat pools in my chest and cheeks. Jeez, I must be blushing right now. Why am I blushing? Ugh, maybe I was defending him.
I stutter a little bit. "Oh," I reply. "Uhm, you're welcome, I guess. You should never let Nina talk that way about you."
"Eh, I'm kind of used to it. My whole family thinks that way of me." He says matter-of-factly.
"Well, you're the opposite." The moment those words come out of my mouth, I automatically regret it. What the hell, Theo!?!? Why are you saying these things? Stop it! But maybe I mean it. I do mean it.
The corners of his mouth curve into a suppressed smile. The sight of it moves something in my chest.
"Uh, thanks again," I utter, wanting to get away from him as soon as possible before I say more disgustingly nice words.
When I finally get inside my car and he walks away, I take some deep breaths. What was that? He's your rival!
There's this feeling inside my gut that makes me want to explore him. I don't fully know him, but in some insane way, I want to.
AHHHHHH. WHAT IS GOING ON?
I shoo my absurd thoughts away and look at the white bag.
Don't take everything personally, Theo.
This will pass.
YOU ARE READING
ANTAGONIST
Romance"THE MORE YOU HATE THE MORE YOU LOVE." If Theo's life was a novel, Kyan Dy would be his antagonist. It isn't surprising to know how much the two directors of Dy Publishing dislike each other. However, with corruption in the company sparki...
