Definitely Out of his League | published under Ukiyoto Publishing

23rd League: Invited

23rd League: Invited

NAKATINGIN LANG si Iris sa kaniyang phone at masayang pinagmamasdan ang mga uploaded photo ni Trixie. The preloved goods she gave her were sold out in an instant. Masaya siya dahil muli ay natulungan niya si Trixie sa problema nito.

Kasama niyang kumakain sa cafeteria si Ryland na kanina pang walang imik. She eyed him, trying to figure out what seemed to be his problem.

"Ryland, are you okay?" tanong niya sa kasama.

"Uhh... Y-Yes, I'm fine," sagot ni Ryland.

"Para kasing ang lalim ng iniisip mo," Iris stated worriedly.

"I'm okay, don't mind me. N-Nagkaroon lang ng minor problem sa company but everything's under control now," he replied, reassuring her with a smile.

"Gano'n ba? Mabuti naman."

"How about you, Iris? Anong pinagkakaabalahan mo these past few days?" tanong ni Ryland.

"Hmm... Wala naman," Iris answered without looking at him.

And once again, Iris lied to his face. Hindi alam ni Iris kung paano sasabihin kay Ryland na tumanggap siya ng isa pang manliligaw. She really wanted to, she just didn't know how to do so. She wanted to keep honest in front of him pero nararamdaman niyang magkakaroon ng gulo once she told him.

Ayaw niyang maging dahilan ng kahit anong hindi pagkakaunawaan. And most of all, she didn't want to lose Ryland. She was more than certain he'd leave her once he found out about Travis.

"How's everything going sa debut mo? Is there anything I can do to help?" tanong ni Ryland.

"No, everything's under control, too. Hands on si Mom sa pag-aayos ng lahat. In fact, one of the exclusive designers from Heather V will be visiting us sa mansion later para asikasuhin na ang lineup ng outfits ko for my debut," sagot ni Iris.

"Really? That's nice to hear. Just tell me if you need any help. A-Ako pa rin naman ang escort mo, 'di ba?" Seryosong tinitigan ni Ryland ang dalaga.

"Yes, Ryland. Why? Are you sure you're okay?" ani Iris. Pansin niya na tila hindi mapalagay ang binata kanina pa.

"I-I'm, okay, yes..." tugon ng binata. Hindi kumbinsido si Iris pero hinayaan na lang niya.

ALEX AND Yuri were scanning the outfit designs that the Heather V designer handed to Iris. Nagpumilit ang mga kaibigan ng dalaga na sumama sa mansion with her when they learned she would be choosing her gowns and dresses.

Elerie was just standing in front of the victory wall where Iris's medals and certificates were hanging. Natulala ang dalaga sa labis na paghanga.

"Guys, I need your opinions but please make sure it'd follow my perspective. I want to keep myself simple yet elegant," Iris told her Alex and Yuri before approaching Elerie.

"My goodness, Iris. I wasn't able to see this the last time we were here. Ang dami mong achievements, I couldn't get any prouder," natutuwang sabi ni Elerie.

"Thanks. Kulang pa nga 'yan. 'Yong iba, nasa room ko," mayabang na wika ni Iris.

"Talaga, kulang pa ang mga 'yan? Nasa room mo ang iba? Alam mo, Iris, bakit 'di ka rin maglagay sa kitchen n'yo para naman wherever you look at, makikita mo ang achievements mo. Mas nakaka-motivate 'yon!" suhestyon ni Elerie.

"Elerie, with that, it's as if you are implying that I should also put some inside the comfort room para meron every corner of this mansion," inis na utas ni Iris sa kaibigan.

"Wow, Iris, ang brilliant mo talaga! Magandang idea nga 'yan!" Elerie said.

"Elerie, would you zip your mouth for a moment? Thanks," nakairap na wika ni Iris bago nilayasan ang kaibigan niya.