匚乇ㄥ乇丂ㄒ丨几乇

PROLOUGE

PRESENT YEAR

Dylan Rodriguez POV:

I'm looking down, both eyes pierced down the floor as I breathe so heavily. I've been trying to calm the unusual beating of my heart ever since I took a step inside the gallery where the interview is going to be held.

I admit I'm still not getting used to this kind of situation wherein too many eyes are drawn on me. I always felt uncomfortable about it, seeing such unfamiliar faces that looked at me deeply like they've known me for years. It's kind of suffocating. Sometimes, I just want to get out and wish to be pulled out of the picture and just run away...but I can't...I can't do such a thing right now.

Because...I promised her. "No more running."

"Attention everybody! We are going live now!" staff from the tv show shouted to inform the mass. We're a few meters away from each other and I didn't even catch a glimpse of him but because of his loud voice I could hear it from where I'm standing, no more megaphone needed.

A few minutes ago, a female staff member dragged me here on stand by beside this long silky maroon curtain, informing me that the show will about start in a few minutes.

"In 3...2..1... and Live!" It's starting, said by my subconscious. Hoping for this day to end at warp speed, he added and I couldn't agree more.

There was music blaring indicating that the show's finally started. Then a woman's voice was heard throughout the area, speaking so lively.

"This is Lizzy's Talkshow and NOW! we're live at the most famous art gallery in the country with our very special guest, no other than...Mr. Dylan Rodriguez!" said the TV show host and the crowd started applauding. Cheering from the bottom of their lungs.

Why did I even agree to this? My subconscious threw a question at the back of my mind. That made me also question why I am here. How did I end up here anyway?

I finally lifted my head high disregarding the questions. Questioning it won't help. I just have to deal with it, I thought. I shake my hands from both sides as I try to loosen up the tension and frustration that has been attached to me since this morning. Then started curling my lips forming an awkward smile that I've been practicing last night hoping they may conceal the nervousness from the inside.

I closed my eyes for the last time and thought of all the reminders she said. Calm down, calm down. I repeated in my thoughts like a mantra. The moment I opened up my eyes again it's just like a miracle the tensions just flew away. My messy mind has calmed, at peace at last. Felt even more relieved when I saw the ribbon tied up in my right wrist. Her red ribbon.

"Please...let's all calm down dahil hindi ko na ito papapatagalin pa." says the host. "Let us all welcome, Mr. Dylan Rodriguez!!!"

Applause rang in my ears.

That was my cue para pumasok sa eksena kaya't lumakad na ako palapit sa host. Despite my knees slightly shaking I took all my courage to open up the curtain and enter the said spotlight. Keeping my pace as impassive as I could showing everybody inside the room that I'm not bothered by this alien feeling.

The crowd, they're roaring upon their delight, so as the host as we locked our eyes and she was extending her arms to my direction. Welcoming me with her warm gaze.

They pretty set up the wide lobby just like in the studios aired on televisions. A blue two-seater couch was prepared, beside is a table with a white marble vase packed with red roses, a center table in front, then a one-seater couch the same color blue that I assume for the host. Cameramen were positioned in front and there are three of them in total or maybe four? I don't know. On the corner was a spotlight with a person-in-charge on stand by. Some personnel from the show are standing beside the cameramen but I haven't figured out who they were and what their specified tasks are in the show. Behind them are the audience with their placards and stuff. I even saw my name in one of them bearing the phrase "We love you, Dylan!"