Jump Then Fall

long story short (6)

Bongbong was glancing at Leni all throughout the dinner. They're initially going to sit beside each other, but she occupied the seat across him.

It's fine, he thought. He can just stare and watch her from that angle.

She drank her water and unconsciously met his eyes. She choked.

"Okay ka lang, Maam?" Chiz asked, worried.

She managed to give a thumbs up while trying to recover. "Sorry. Sorry."

"Huwag ka na muna uminom ng tubig, baka lalo kang maubo." Bongbong advised.

She just nodded, avoiding his eyes.

Earlier when he told her that he "liked" her and that he "wants" her, she was completely blown away. She stared at him with her most confused expression. She didn't know how to respond to his straightforwardness. He just smirked at her and walked away like nothing happened. Ending was, she arrived at the dinner table with her crimson face and awkward self.

"Dadating po pala yung mga kandidata natin para sa Miss Kasanggayahan. Inimbitahan ko sila ngayon para naman personal nyo silang makita at makausap. Konting wine at kwentuhan lang." Chiz brought up.

Leni nodded, trying to act normal, "Trending daw yung Miss Kasanggayahan kasi ang laki ng premyo saka ang daming sumali."

Chiz nodded, "Oo maam. Actually, may nga kandidata na nag compete na internationally."

"Wow!" Leni beamed, "Na excited tuloy ako makita sila."

"For sure mas excited si Mr. President!" Chiz jested, looking at Bongbong, "Alam kong gustong-gusto mo yung mga ganitong pagkakataon, Sir. Madaming magaganda dun sigurado."

"Pass na 'ko dyan. May girlfriend na 'ko eh." He sipped his water while staring at Leni.

But Leni wasn't even looking at him, so she didn't catch that.

Chiz laughed, clapping. "Sa wakas! May nagpatibok din ng puso ni Bongbong Marcos! Pakilala mo naman saakin sir."

Bongbong smirked, "Kilala mo na sya."

Girlfriend???! May girlfriend na pala sya, bakit nya pa 'ko sinabihan na he like me kanina??? Babaero talaga 'to kahit kailan! Leni thought. She knew he's just making fun of her, and the next time he's gonna flirt with her, she's just gonna ignore him. It's decided.

Chiz stood up, "Ay ito na pala yung magaganda nating mga kandidata!"

Leni turned around and stood up as well to welcome the ladies.

"Oh my god!"

"VP Leni! Hello po!"

"Atty. Leni! Oh my god!"

"Idol ko po kayo, Atty.!"

"Ang ganda nyo po sa personal!"

"Binoto ko po kayo!"

The ladies were over the moon the moment they saw Leni there. Almost all of them asked for a selfie with her which she agreed to. She's happy to see them as well. But what surprised the ladies was the presence of Bongbong Marcos. They weren't informed that he's gonna be there as well. Chiz's staff lead them to the small pavilion where they setup a long table, wine, and charcuterie.

"Ladies, gusto kong ipakilala sainyo ng personal ang ating Pangulo Ferdinand Marcos, Jr." Chiz announced.

They clapped.

Bongbong just smiled at them. He's in front with Chiz and Leni.

"And syempre, kilala nyo na sya, ang ating former Vice President, Atty. Leni Robredo." Chiz followed.