The Endearing Prince and The Charming Princess

"I have always been wanting to go places. But there are things that restricts me," ani Yumie.

Nasa isang bar sila ng mga oras na iyon but this one is somewhat calmer than the usual bar na pinupuntahan ni Zeek. Galing sila maghapong pag-gagala. Zeek did show him places around Beijing. He grew up here. He knows the place so well. It's also as if Zeek had shown her everything from his childhood. And Yumie can't help it but to share some of her childhood to Zeek. Not totally all but a little bit. Yung mga bagay lang na naalala niyang masaya.

"Honestly, if I didn't know your profile I would think that you're somewhat from a well off fam. You act like one," komento ni Zeek.

Yumie smile. Hindi na siya nagkomento baka ano pa masabi niya kay Zeek. She looked away as if looking for someone around. Napasunod ng lingon si Zeek sa tinitignan niya.

"What are you looking for?" anito.

"This bar is different from your usual. It's more classy and hindi masyadong maingay. Mukhang wala kang mai-tatable ngayon," ani Yumie.

Pangiwing ngumiti si Zeek. "I don't feel like having one today. Besides, I have you!" anito na hindi man lang inalis ang tingin sa kaniya.

Yumie gave a sarcastic grin. "If you think that I'll flirt with you, dream on, Mr. Callejos. Wala kang appeal sakin."

Si Zeek naman ang napatanga. That was direct. Yumie didn't even buckle in saying that. As far as he knows, wala pang nakatanggi sa charm niya. Any girl would swoon over with just his flirtatious smile. But kay Yumie tila nahihirapan siya. Honestly he's been thinking na nagpapakipot lang talaga ito but everytime he tried to flirt her, obvious na dinededma nito iyon or tinatarayan siya. Ni hindi man lang sakyan.

"That's too direct, Ms. Arguellez! You're hurting my ego,"arte ni Zeek.

"That's the problem. You're ego. Masyado kang bilib sa sarili mo that kahit siguro posteng nakapalda eh akala mo mahuhulog sayo. But let me tell you, Mr. Zeekcarias Callejos. There are still girls like me who prefer humble men. It's just that ako pa lang ang nakikilala mo." She doesn't want to sound rude. But since they are on a trip as a friend, gustong samantalahin ni Yumie ang pagkakataon niya to tell Zeek what she really want to say regarding sa ego nito. Kapag nakabalik sila sa trabaho, she will have to be the obedient employee ulit.

"I am not egoistic! You have to take that back!" Nakaramdam siya ng inis sa dalaga. How dare her tell it to him! He is her boss. Kahit ano pa ang sitwasyon nila ngayon, wala itong karapatang pagsalitaan siya ng ganun. He felt slapped in the face.

Tumawa lang si Yumie. "You can ignore it or take it. I just want to tell you my point of view para hindi mo na ko tinatangkaang landiin."

"Let me clear things up! Hindi mo ba naisip na ikaw lang ang nag-iisip na I am flirting with you?"

"Deny all you want. I am not buying it. I know what I saw and feel."

"Wow! Ikaw pala itong narcissistic. What? You really believe na you're that charming? And you think may gusto ako sayo?" argumento ni Zeek.

"Isn't it obvious?" sarcastic na turan ni Yumie.

Zeek flared up in disbelief. Nagpupuyos ang dibdib sa pagkapikon. But he couldn't be mad at Yumie. He just wanted to win this argument over. Hindi pwedeng tapakan ni Yumie ang ego niya.

"Ok. Let's make a bet then," ani Zeek.

Yumie raised his one eyebrow and waited for Zeek's proposal.

"We will treat each other as normal as possible. Let it our starting point if view. Consider me as not your boss and you are not my assistant. Platonic as it can be. Nothing too special. And whoever gets to admit that either one of us is charming indeed is the winner," ani Zeek.

Yumie chuckle. "Why do I have to proove myself? Besides, my first impression to you is that you are narcissistic and domineering. And first impression lasts."

"You are blinded by your impression on me. Hindi mo alam anong first impression ko sayo. To me, you are not someone to take seriously. You look like a nagger and could grow old like Mrs. Ersao. A grumpy one."

Nanlaki naman ang mata ni Yumie in disbelief. Siya naman ang napatanga. "How dare you?!"

"Take my bet, then. Proove me I'm wrong," Zeek smiled teasingly.

Zeek was provoking her na magpakita ng totoong ugali. And she can show it. Hindi importante sa kaniya ang impression nito. For once, wala naman siyang pakialam ano ang isipin nito sa kaniya. But this time, she has to proove that she is likeable. Ayaw niyang malamangan ng isang Callejos.

"Fine! Challenge accepted," aniya.

Malapad ang naging ngiti ni Zeek as he drink his glass of rum bottoms up. Yumie sip on her mojito glass as well.