Sweet Nemesis

Chapter 19

#OLASweetNemesis

Chapter 19
Standards

"Is there something bothering you, Hari?" Kuya Xavi's voice pulled me out of reverie. I pushed my gaze up at him. He had a concerned look on his face.

"Nothing, Kuya..." I hesitantly said and fixed my posture, straightening my back as I sat in front of him.

"Are you sure?" He raised a brow. "You can tell me anything. Kung may problema ka, I'd love to hear them."

I pursed my lips. He sounded so inviting that I almost allowed myself to confide in him. I clenched my fist hard and gently bit my tongue to stop myself.

Compared to his struggles, I felt like these matters of love were so trivial. I didn't want to bother or stress him out because of this. Madami siyang problemang kinakaharap na mas kailangan niyang pagtuunan ng pansin.

"Don't worry, Kuya. I'm just mapping my schedule in Thailand internally," palusot ko.

"Oh, right. I remembered your presentation. That's next week already. Ayos na ba lahat ng mga kailangan mo?" Kuya Xavi went back to his business mode.

"Yes. The flight, transfers, and rooms are already booked. Set na ang schedule ko with Ms. Ayutthaya at inayos na rin namin ang proposal," sagot ko.

"Great. Keno's coming with you, right?" he asked.

"Yeah..." bigo kong sabi. "He booked his own room and tickets."

Kuya Xavi raised a brow. "Why does it seem like you're not happy to have his company on your business trip? Is there something wrong?"

"Well, I was just wondering..." I licked my lips and heaved a sigh. "Is it really impossible for me to fire Keno?"

My cousin was vividly taken aback by my question. His brows furrowed, and deep lines appeared on his forehead. "What's wrong?" he asked. "I thought you two were already on good terms. May ginawa ba siyang hindi mo gusto?"

Well... I think he's still in love with his ex-girlfriend, and I don't like that. But I won't admit it.

"Nothing..." I stuttered and smiled nervously. "I was just thinking..."

"Thinking of how to make me fire him?" he probed.

"Of course not, Kuya!" I denied it when it was really my intention.

"I thought you liked him?" sunod niyang tanong na nagpatigil sa akin. Kuya Xavi was so nonchalant about bringing it up. "Ang sabi ni Knoa sa akin, mukhang nagkaka-developan na kayo. He told me you like Keno."

Damn you, Kuya Knoa!

"And you believe him, Kuya?" I forced a laugh out despite the nervousness taking over.

"Why wouldn't I? You know how dense I can be, and Knoa's usually the one who notices such things," he said. "He was also serious when he told me about your hidden feelings."

I swear, I'm gonna kill him! Kanino niya pa kaya pinagkalat ang nalalaman niya? He wasn't wasn't even sure, pero bakit parang ang dami ng nakakaalam? Bakit parang ang dami niyang pinagsabihan?

"Alam mo namang baliw siya minsan, 'di ba, Kuya? He's surely just trying to annoy me. Don't listen to him."

Humalukipkip ako at umirap. I tried hard not to act so annoyed. My fingers were crossed, hoping he wouldn't notice I was lying.

"I actually also didn't believe him at first, Hari. But after mulling about it, I realized he wasn't playing or lying," he seriously said. "Alam mong magkasundo kaming dalawa ni Knoa when it comes to ensuring your safety and well-being. We honestly think no one is good enough for you to be your lover or husband, but Keno will do. With him, we can always make sure you are safe and being taken care of well."