Can't find way out ASHA

Pointers

I had to deliver the plans for our big project to Jino’s office. Lord, give me strength!

I approached Jino’s office, clutching the plans like a lifeline. When I opened the door, there he was—Mr. Chinito himself, looking so focused and handsome. Parang tumalon sa K-drama scene na ang CEO ay may crush sa quirky employee, except sa version na 'to, hindi niya ako papansinin dahil galit nga sya.

“U-uh, hi, Sir Jino! I have the, um, plans for the new p-project?” I managed to stammer as I entered. Why am I so awkward?

Jino barely glanced up, his tone as cool as a winter breeze. “Leave them on the desk.”

I gulped. Ang lamig naman nito! “Okay po,” I mumbled, feeling like I was about to crumble into a million pieces. I tried to make my exit, but no—my mouth decided to act up. “I—uh—wanted to say... I’m sorry about earlier. I didn’t mean to—”

“It’s fine, Asha. Just... focus on your work next time.” Jino barely looked up, his gaze as frosty as his tone. Wala nang kahit ngiti?

I mumbled a quick “Okay po” and made my escape, feeling like the saddest character in a Wattpad novel. Lord, bakit parang na-reject na ako sa isang drama scene?

And of course, as soon as I stepped out, I bumped into Kyle, who was leaning against the wall with the smuggest grin on his face. Seriously?

“Hey, Asha!” Kyle greeted, looking way too amused. “You look like someone stole your lunch money.”

“Pfft, ‘pake mo!” I snapped back. “Anong pakialam mo?" Baka gusto mo na lang akong i-reto kay Jino, baka makatulong ka kahit konti sa’kin!

Kyle raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. “Oh, you’re in a great mood today. Jino didn’t give you that dreamy smile of his?”

I rolled my eyes. “I’m just... tired, okay?”

Kyle, not missing a beat, leaned closer with a teasing glint in his eyes. “Sure, tired. Or maybe you’re heartbroken because you’re trying too hard to impress someone who’s, let’s just say, immune to your... charms?”

“Immune?!” I was ready to explode. “Hindi ka nakakatulong!”

Kyle chuckled. “Well, maybe if you stop drooling over Jino for two seconds, you might realize there’s someone else around who could—”

“Ugh, Kuya!” I cut him off, stomping my foot in frustration. “If you’re just here to tease me, baka gusto mo ikaw na lang mag-check ng plans with iyong cousin?”

Kyle threw his hands up in mock surrender. “Okay, okay, I’ll stop. But seriously, Asha, you’re fun to tease. You get all flustered and red. It’s cute.”

“Ano?! Cute mo mukha mo!” I grumbled, feeling my cheeks heat up. “I just want to go home and cry na lang.”

Kyle smirked. “Fine, fine. I’ll leave you alone. But seriously, you should loosen up, Asha. You're too tense. Maybe you should take me out for coffee sometime. I’ll give you some pointers on how to impress Jino.”

“Pointers from you? Hala, no thanks,” I shot back with a sarcastic laugh. “The last thing I need is advice from you.”

Kyle chuckled. “Hey, it’s your loss. But if you change your mind...”

I rolled my eyes, but a smile was tugging at my lips despite my annoyance. Kyle’s antics were a welcome distraction, kahit na nakakainis siya.

“Goodbye, Kyle,” I said, shooing him away with a wave of my hand.

“Fine, fine. See you around, Asha!” He grinned before walking off, leaving me with a mix of frustration and, surprisingly, a small smile. Sana hindi na ako magpaka-awkward kay Mr. Chinito.

Sitting back at my desk, I let out a deep sigh. Bakit ba ang hirap mahalin ni Jino? I shook my head, half-laughing at myself. Maybe tomorrow, things would be different. Or maybe, I’d just stop being so awkward around him. Pero sana nga mag-chill na si Mr. Chinito.

For now, I resolved to take Kyle’s advice. I needed to loosen up a bit. At least I had a good laugh today—even if it was at my own expense. Sana may happy ending to kahit papaano!