No Longer

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Tristan called me the next day. He told me to meet him later. It was still 5 am in the morning, but I already have to go.

I went to Justin's room to check on him. He's still sleeping soundly. I just put a note in his bedside table saying;

"I need to meet a friend kaya nauna na ako. Just meet me in the studio later. Have a nice day❤️"

Antok pa ako nang dumating sa office ni Tristan dito sa SME building. He's already dressed for the whole today.

"Good morning, Aerielle," he greeted.

"Good morning din," I greeted back.

"I guess you already have a hunch about what we're gonna discuss," he started.

Well, when he called me earlier, I already know why. I'm not blind.

"Is this about those pictures?" I asked. He nodded.

"If you're thinking that I'd beg you to stay away from Justin, you're wrong. Alam kong mahalaga ka sa kanya. I can clearly see that. But his career is important to him, too. I just need you to do me a favor," sabi nya. He always have this alpha male aura in him but he's always been friendly. But today, he is very serious.

"What is it?"

"I just need you two to lie low a bit. Avoid going out together, especially to places that have lots of people. And you will be assigned to Dyronne from now on. I hope that's okay with you," he explained.

"I understand."

I really do. And it's not like Justin and I are in a relationship anyway. We're just two people... flirting? being clingy to each other?

"Okay, that's all. Kumain ka muna, for sure hindi ka pa nag-aalmusal," he offered bread and coffee but I declined.

"Sa studio na lang muna ako. Practice ng U mamayang 8 diba? Do'n na 'ko maghihintay," paalam ko at dumiretso na sa studio.

It was so quiet since I'm the only here. I opened my phone to play some music. 2Mi's latest song filled the room. It's been a while since I tried to dance. Wala pa namang tao so...

Oh my god~
She took me to the sky🎶

My body automatically followed the rhythm. I was just jamming with my head at first, but as the song plays, I found myself dancing.

Oh my god~
She showed me all the stars🎶

It's been years. I enjoyed it so I danced more. I played different songs, and randomly make choreographies. I was so immensed with the music that I didn't realize someone is watching me.

"You dance so well," Justin said with a smile.

I looked away blushing. It's the first time someone saw me dancing, except for my grandma and Sheena. My grandma used to teach me jazz dance. But she passed too soon even before I got the chance to present in front of a crowd. After she died, I never danced again except for one time when Sheena forced me to.

"You're blushing," he teased.

"Ang aga mo," pag-iiba ko ng topic.

"Thank God, I'm early. I had the chance to see you dance so gracefully."

"Kanina ka pa?"

"Just on time to see you dance to Touch. You're even better than me," he complimented.

"Ewan ko sa'yo. Anong oras na ba at wala pa sina Tim at Dy?"

"It's still 7 am. Maya-maya pa yung mga 'yon."

"By the way, Tristan talked to me. Si Dyronne daw muna aayusan ko starting today," sabi ko.

"Is this because of the pictures?" he asked.

"Yeah. Ewan ko ba diyan sa fans mo. I know you're handsome and all that pero hindi naman kita aagawin sa kanila. Saka napaka-fake news, 'di naman kita boyfriend. Pakialam ko sa'yo," I hissed.

"Don't mind them. Paano mo naman ako aagawin sa kanila eh sa'yo naman na ako," hirit nya at kumindat pa.

"Tss."

"Sungit naman nito."

He suddenly pulled me and caged me his arms. He ruffled my hair. I can feel his heart beating loudly.

We stayed like that for some moment until we saw people slowly arriving one by one.

"Practice well."

"Of course," he kissed my forehead before letting me go.

"Kainggit naman," someone said.

I raised an eyebrow. Sino naman 'to?

"I'm Yuan," he offered his hand.

"Aerielle," I said and shook hands with him.

"Ikaw yung girlfriend ni Justin?" I shrugged.

"Oh. MU? Dating? Flirting?"

"Why do you care?"

"Maldita naman nito," he looks amused. I rolled my eyes.

"Look, I'm harmless. I'm Justin's friend. I'm just curious so I asked," he said with a defeated tone.

"Alam mo kuya, wala kang mapapala sa'kin."

"Just a piece of advice, showbusiness is such a crazy place. Fans are obsessed. I hope you're ready for the worst."

"Ano bang point mo?"

"Justin is a superstar. I know you already know what I'm saying," he said. I just nodded.

Tinawag na ako sa set dahil need raw ng retouch ni Dyronne. They're filming a special video for their fans.

🍑🍒

After they finish filming the special video, may guesting pa sila sa isang radio show. Hindi na ako sumama. Hindi na rin naman ako kailangan do'n.

I went home alone. Kuya Ares isn't home yet. I texted Sheena to come. And she did.

"Hi, love. Kumusta? You look tensed," sabi nya.

We're here in the living room. Pinatay ko ang tv dahil sayang lang sa kuryente.

"I'm okay. Just thinking."

"Justin?" she asked meaningfully. I remain silent.

"What happened?"

"His manager talked to me. He didn't asked me to leave him or what but why does it feel like that's what I should do?"

"Do you like Justin that much that you're thinking deeply about this?" she asked.

I like him? Well, I do. But do I trust him enough? I don't know.
I don't know if he feels the same way. I can feel that he likes me but he never said it in words.

🍑🍒

sorry for the lame update. i'm not feeling really well lately. but i'll make sure to make it up in the coming chapters. love lots💜💚