Plea

NASA kalagitnaan ng paglalakad si Kira nang naisipan niya na tawagan na ang matalik na kaibigan.

Usually, Marta answers her call promptly after five rings, but somehow... she's not answering her call. It's weird.

Kira dialled her several times but Marta's not responding. Kira then concluded that maybe Marta's busy or she's in another country.

Kira sat on the waiting shed where buses usually picks up commuters.

Kira sighed as she silently spaces out and she wanted to reflect on something. Why did she even agree on having a tattoo that'll serve as her engagement ring?

Matagal na niyang binaon sa limot ang trahedyang nangyari pero, paano niya kakalimutan ang bagay na iyon kung mayroon pa rin siyang naiwan na alaala?

Napatampal sa sariling nuo si Kira, "Yeah, that's right. I'm also at fault for not removing it." Saad niya sa sarili. She's also the one who decided not to remove the tattoo just in case Ricci wants to be with her and won't mind what her parents said to him.

But no. Ricci's a coward. He made her look so hopeless and helpless that day. People pitied her and all she could do was to smile to hide everything and convince herself that he'll be back.

"Stupid me..." Bulong niya muli sa sarili at napakuyom ang kamao.

"Yea, you actually look one right now."

Napagulantang si Kira nang may nagsalita at binusinahan siya. Napatingin siya sa harap niya at nakita niya si Chaun na mayroon minamanehong big bike.

Nahihiyang ngumiti si Kira at kinawayan ang katrabaho. "Oh, nandyan ka pala, Chaun." She akwardly greeted him.

Bumaba si Chaun sa big bike at nilapitan siya habang hawak ang helmet. "Your tagalog's improving, huh? Nawawala na yung akward mong accent." Natatawang nitong saad.

Mahinang natawa si Kira at napangiti, "I guess, Filipino's influenced me well." Sagot niya dito.

"Oh, before I forget." May dinukot si Chaun sa bulsa ng leather jacket niya at inabot ito sa kanya.

Isa iyong puting envelope na ipinagtataka ni Kira kung ano ang laman.

Kinuha iyon ni Kira at kaagad na binuksan. Tila nanlaki ang mga mata niya sa nakita.

"What's this? Para saan itong pera?" Kira asked at him cluelessly.

"Your monthly pay."

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Kira dahil sa sinabi nito. Her salary's unexpected, but if you compare it to her salary when she's in Italy, it's a bit far... but, who is she to demand more?

This is enough for her to make a living for this month!

"This is great, Chaun! I can finally break free from eating unhealthy cup noodles!" She exclaimed and because of her bliss, she kept on jumping like a banshee and Chaun can't do anything but laugh at her.

"Okay, okay. Stop jumping like a banshee." Anito.

Ngumiti si Kira at lumapit kay Chaun, "Since you're my first friend inside the studio, would you like to have a drink with me?" Kira asked.

Napakunot nuo si Chaun, "Isn't it a bit inappropriate to have a drink with a man? Plus, mas mabuti kung iipunin mo nalang yung ipanlilibre mo."

Kira rolled her eyes. "No, it's not and it's fine. It'll be inappropriate with a person with bad intentions. You're someone I trust, Chaun."

"Halos mag-iisang linggo palang tayo magkakilala, yet here you are... You already trust me." Natatawang wika nito, "You're quite something, Kira."

Umiling si Kira, "No, you're wrong. I'm unique."

Tila natigilan ang binata sa sinabi niya at napakunot nuo naman si Kira. May sinabi ba siyang mali?

"Is there something wrong?" Kira asked.

Chaun snapped back into his senses, "No, It's just that..."

Kira was ready to hear what he would say. But, he suddenly pinched her cheeks out of nowhere.

Kira blew her hair up, "That hurts you know?"

"Yea, I know." Naglakad si Chaun pabalik sa big bike nito at kinuha ang isa pang helmet at inabot sa kanya, "I know a place who offers drinks and food."

Kaagad na tinanggap ni Kira ang helmet at binigyan ng nagtatakang tingin si Chaun.

"What's with that look?" Pagtatanong ni Chaun sa kanya.

"It's not expensive there, right?" Pagtatanong ni Kira. "I'm just making sure."

Natawa si Chaun at sumakay sa big bike nito at naglahad ng kamay, "It's not expensive. Let's go?"

Tumango si Kira at tinanggap ang kamay nito para alalayan siya sa pagsakay.

"Hold on."

Where is she supposed to hold on? Kira was about to ask him when he suddenly started to drive really fast and Kira almost lost her soul.

Napakapit siya sa beywang nito at tumili, "Chaun!" Sigaw niya at narinig niya lang halakhak nito bago bagalan ang pagmamaneho.

TINANGGAL ni Kira ang helmet at napatingin sa lugar na tinutukoy ni Chaun.

Since her father is chinese, she's been into places like this several times. And she's been friends with her father's colleagues daughters, they often hangout in a place like this.

A hotpot restaurant is the best companion for drinking beer.

"Mukhang pamilyar ka sa lugar. Have you been in a place like this before?"

Honestly speaking, she wants to say yes. But the place itself is really familiar. Hindi man ito yung lugar na pinupuntahan niya, pero parang palagi na siyang bumibisita o dumadaan sa lugar na ito. Since she pretended that she completely grew up in Italy, she needs to lie.

Umiling siya, "No, I haven't. So, I'm looking forward on seeing the place and what they offer as well."

"Okay, well then. Let's head inside." Anito at kinuha ang helmet na hawak niya.

Sabay silang pumasok sa loob at sumalubong sa kanila ang grupo ng magkakatrabaho, magbabarkada at mga magkasintahan.

Mukhang sikat at maraming customer ang lugar.

Humanap nalang sila kaagad ng bakanteng upuan, at nang may nahanap sila ay kaagad na nila itong nilapitan at doon may nakita na si Kira na menu.

Kira was about to open the menu when she remembered something.

"Chaun, don't order anything that's expensive, okay?"

Chaun was a bit amused by her action. "Woah, so bossy, huh? Never changes." Natatawang saad nito

Kira gave him a puzzled look. "Huh? Never changes? What do you mean?" She said, confused.

"As a fellow photographer, you're bossy. Photographer's are sometimes called bossy. So, yeah, never changes."

Napatango si Kira. "Oh, is that so?"

Bumalik sa pagkatingin si Kira at Chaun sa menu, she knew what she wants to order since she's been eating into places like these when she was young. And, according to her mama, way back in the country they used to live --- before living in Italy --- they usually visit hotpot places.

"Kira," pagtawag ni Chaun sa kanya at nilapit ang menu para makita niya, "I would highly recommend this hotpot combination for two." He recommended.

Gustong tumawa ni Kira ng malakas dahil pinakilala pa nito kung ano ang hotpot at kung paano kumain ng hotpot at kung anong mayroon sa hotpot. Little did he know that Kira grew up eating food like this, even if her father was a multi-millionaire.

"How would it cost?" Kira asked.

"Probably," Chaun looked at the menu, "one thousand or something? Kasama na ang beverage na kukunin natin."

Kira looked around trying to see if there's a banner saying anything about a coupon. "Do they have a coupon for discount? I've seen hotpot places that has one."

Kinuha ni Chaun ang wallet niya at naglabas ng dalawang coupon at malaki ang ma-leless sa babayaran nila dahil do'n. And it even comes with a free drink!

Iwinagayway nito ang coupon, "I guess this is your luck day, Ms. Choumenti." Natatawang saad nito sa kanya.

Natawa si Kira at kinuha ang coupon na iwinagayway nito, nagtawag na siya bg server para kunin ang order nila at binigay niya na rin ang coupon ni Chaun.

Nilagay na ng server ang mga in-order nila kanina at nag-serve na rin ito ng beer na in-order nilang dalawa.

Kira opened both canned beer and gave the other one to Chaun. She raised her hand while holding her canned beer gesturing for a toast.

Both of them ate like a pig and they probably would look like siblings if someone happen to see them in the moment. Parehong-pareho sila sa bawat kilos, miski ang pag-inom ng alak.

"Mukhang hindi lang yata dalawa ang coupon na nasa wallet mo, Chaun." Panimula ni Kira, "Napaghahalataang kuripot, ha." Natatawang dagdag niya at tumungga sa beer niya.

Chaun drank some from his beer, he sighed. "I actually visit this place often." sagot ni Chaun sa kanya. "Anong masama sa pagiging kuripot, huh? It's a great way to save money!" He added, laughing.

"My ma –" Kira stopped when she realized that she was about to mention her mother.

"Your?"

Umiling si Kira. "Ayokong sabihin baka ma-offend ka. But, I think it'll also offend me in a good way." Natatawang saad niya.

"Oh, I know what you mean." Chaun smiled, "Is is the stereotype issue again? Yung, kuripot ang mga intsik?" natatawang tanong nito sa kanya.

Walang nagawa si Kira kundo tumango at ngumiti. "Yes, my friend actually told me about it."

Natawa muli si Chaun, "For me, as a part chinese, it's true that I'm what you call 'kuripot'."

Nagtawanan silang dalawa at napaisip si Kira na wala namang mali sa sinabi ni Chaun dahil siya rin naman na half-chinese at filipino ay kuripot.

Kira took a taste from some of the food prepared when she suddenly got curious about something.

Binaba ni Kira ang inumin niya at sinimulabg kunin ang atensyon ni Chaun. "Puwede ko ba malaman kung ano ang trabaho ng kapatid ni Sir Aiden? I'm curious." Kira asked and looked at him in a curious manner while waiting for him to answer.

Nagtatakang tinignan siya ni Chaun. "Akala ko alam mo na?" Nagtatakang saad nito, "Aiden's brother was on our shoot yesterday, he's the doctor who greeted you." dagdag pa nito.

Doctor Aivan? He's Sir Aiden's brother?

Napatampal ng nuo si Kira nang maalala niya na Marceau ang apelyido ng doktor at ang pangalan ng studio mismo ay mula sa surname ng magkapatid.

But, they don't look like they're brother. They look like – friends.

Kumunot ang nuo ni Kira at tila parang ngayon niya lang mismo narinig ang sinabi ni Chaun.

"Wait, did you just addressed Sir Aiden as Aiden?" Nagtatakang saad ni Kira sa kaibigan.

Mahinang natawa si Chaun at tumango. "I know what you'll be asking next." Anito, "My relationship with the Marceau siblings is not that quite big but – I'm their childhood friend, to be exact, I grew up with them." Paliwanag ni Chaun at tinuon muli ang atensyon sa pag kain.

Does that mean, he also know Iris? If the three of them were childhood friends – hindi nalalayo ang pag-asang magkaibigan din sila ni Iris?

Napatango-tango si Kira at ngumiti, "Is that so. Thanks for acknowledging me."

Chaun suddenly sighed out of nowhere, "But, I want you to keep it a secret. Ikaw lang ang nakakaalam ng relasyon ko sa magkapatid. They are superiors, and I am far from them."

Kira looked at Chaun thoroughly and she can tell that he's saying the truth. If he meant by superiors, it only means that they are linked to the top class that means – they might know her parents!

Kira sighed and gave him her pinky – for pinky swearing. "I pinky promise."

Nagtatakang tinignan siya ni Chaun at mahinang natawa, "Are you silly? Mukha tayong isip bata. Just tell me you'll keep my secret and –"

Umiling-iling si Kira, "Sorry, Chaun. But, it may look childish to you but in this way," she grabbed his left hand and intertwined both of their pinky fingers, "you can rest assure that I'll keep your promise."

Chaun froze on what she did and he somehow looked like he just saw a ghost.

Pinakawalan ni Kira ang kamay nito at pinaningkitan ng mata ang binata, "Ayos ka lang ba? You look like someone who's about to pass out. Don't pass out, I can't drive a big bike." Natatawang wika ni Kira sa binata na kalaunan ay bumalik na sa huwisyo.

People around her kept on acting weird lately, maybe her life in Italy was way different from here. Sabagay, iba ang tao sa Italya at Pilipinas.

Suddenly, Kira was notified from the sound of her phone. It only means that someone had messaged her or something.

Kira grabbed her phone while she's drinking her beer. But, she got herself suddenly coughing really bad due to shock.

It was a message from her ex-fiance – Ricci.

Napapikit ng mariin si Kira at kaagad na blinock ang number nito at binura ang number. Kaagad niyang binalik ang cellphone noya at ininom ang alak na para bang tubig lang.

Nang makita niya na ubos na ang alak sa lamesa nila, kaagad siyang nagtawag ng waiter para dalhan pa sila ng tatlong lata ng alak.

"Who messaged you that made you really furious?" Pagtatanong ni Chaun sa kanya.

Napatingin siya sa binata at bumuntong hininga, "Is it okay if I'll say it you?"

Tumango si Chaun, "Of course, I'm fine with it. As long as you don't find it uncomfortable."

Kira started of with a deep sigh. "I want to start the conversation with a question, " She started, "What will you do if someone who wounded you very bad... suddenly showed up and wanted to clear things out as if nothing happened in the past?"

"I don't know how to answer your question, because I'm not in the position and I have no idea about the story itself. I don't want you to think of something that can negatively affect on how you'll think about the matter." Deretsong sagot nito sa kanya. "May I know the story behind, if it's fine."

Kira looked at Chaun and she knew that he's someone she can trust, bukod pa kay Marta at Georges na nakakaalam ng buong pangyayari.

Dumating ang in-order niyang alak at kaagad na sumagot sa tanong ng binata. "I hope this would stay between the two of us."

"Just like how you promised earlier, I'll do the same."

Kira blew a deep breath and she drank the whole can of beer before starting. It startled Chaun, clearly, because it's not like a girl suddenly chugged the whole can of beer within just a second.

"I was almost married." Kira started. "Pero hindi natuloy ang kasal dahil hindi ako sinipot ng mapapangasawa ko. He left me there, standing in the eyes of people who pity me and with the words of people judging me. I don't know the reason why he did that, and I don't intend to clearly know about every detail."

Suddenly, Kira was startled when a lone tear escaped fr her eyes. She can't stop but to give a forceful laugh while her tears kept on falling.

"Mga luha mo ang pruweba na mahal mo talaga yung lalaki." Saad ni Chaun, "But, if you did love him, why didn't you try to be with him? There must be a reason why he did that... atleast."

"I can't." Kira started, "I have to obey my parents. And in order to do that, I have to follow what they say. They threatened my ex-fiance, and it's the main reason why he left without saying anything." she added.

Inabot ni Chaun sa kanya ang panyo nito, kaagad namang tinanggap iyon ni Kira at pinamunas ng luha.

"Your parents are that cruel?"

Tumango si Kira, "Yes. If they don't like the person I'm dating, they'll do everything... they'll do everything that'll break us apart." Kira stated, "They arranged me into a marriage with different guys, those were the guys they wanted for me, but I ditched every single meeting they have held for me." she added and gave him a weak smile.

"It must have been that tough, huh?" Mahinang wika nito, "Okay lang ba na malaman ko kung bakit nila ginagawa sa'yo 'yon? I mean, there must be a reason."

Mahinang natawa si Kira at tumungga sa alak niya, "There is no particular reason." Aniya, "but they always just tell me that... that they don't want to do the same mistake twice."

AS what Kira had expected. Mayroong almusal na nakahanda para sa kanya, even though it's not been too long since that mystery person started giving her meals, it started to get weird for her.

Napahawak si Kira sa ulo niyang masakit. Umuwi siyang lasing kagabi, and she's thankful that she was with Chaun.

Kiniha lang ni Kira ang almusal na nakahanda at balak niya nalang baunin at doon nalang sa studio kakainin.

Hindi kasi siya puwedeng malate dahil importanteng photoshoot ang gagawin nila ngayon sa studio. Bagong launch ng designs ng isang sikat na fashion line company iyon.

But, Kira hopes that she can do well despite of her massive headache that will definitely kill her and it'll cause a ruckus inside the studio, especially, she's doing her photoshoot with her boss.

Automatic na nagbukas ang glass door ng kumpanya at kaagad na nagpunta si Kira sa studio kung saan kitang-kita niya na ang paghahandang ginagawa ng mga katrabaho niya.

Nakita niya na papalapit ang boss niya, kaya kaagad na siyang pumirmi para batiin ang bukod tanging boss niya. "Good morning —" Nabigla nalang siya nang hablutin nito ang paperbag ng almusal niya.

"Go to your work. I'll just take my breakfast."

Nabigla si Kira sa nangyari. That was her breakfast and she haven't ate anything, she didn't even had the time to drink her tea.

This is a very great day to start work, huh?

Lumapit si Kira sa puwesto kung saan dapat siya maghahanda kasama ang mga katrabaho niya at kinuha niya ang camera niya at sinimula na i-set up ang gamit niya.

"Hey, how's your headache?" Maligayang singit ni Chaun sa kalagitnaan ng pag-aayos niya.

Kira sighed. "You had to ask." Masungit na saad niya at pahinto-hinto sa kilos dahil sa sakit ng ulo niya.

Drinking was a bad idea after all.

Narinig niya ang mahinang tawa ni Chaun at nabigla si Kira nang abutan siya ng isang food bar at gamot, mayroon na rin itong kasamang mineral water.

Napatingin si Kira sa binata at ngumiti ito ng pagka-lapad lapad. "Take the food bar first then you go drink the medicine before we start the photoshoot," Chaun leaned in and whispered, "you don't want to see a mad dragon to fire you, right?"

Tumango-tango si Kira at kinuha ang inaabot sa kanya ng kaibigan. Hindi kasi alam ni Kira ang rason kung bakit kinuha ng boss niya ang almusal niya. Hindi naman siya ang P.A nito para basta nalang kunin iyon.

Take note, she's a professional photograper, not a slave. Kailangan niya lang tiisin itong ugali ng boss niya, marami siyang nakuha na benepisyo sa kumpanya at kung wala iyon – baka patay na siya dahil sa gutom.

TATLONG oras ang tinagal ng photoshoot.

Kira survived from the photoshoot and she was thankful that she haven't heard any kind of tantrums from her boss.

The medicine and food bar helped her to keep up from the photoshoot itself.

"Thank you everyone for your hardwork!" Anunsiyo ni Sir Aiden.

Kira started stretching her arms and she drank a cup of water to atleast ease her tiredness.

"Ms. Chiumenti and Chaun." Nabigla siya nang tawagin siya ng boss niya.

Kaagad niyang binaba ang cup niya at napalingon sa boss niya, "Yes, Sir Aiden?" Aniya.

Hindi ito magbibigay ng kahit anong klase ng eye contact, basta nakatingin lang ito sa cellphone nito na para bang may kausap.

"Both of you will accompany me in a event. Famous photographers will be there and I want both of you to wear anything related to the theme and the venue. I'll send the theme to joth of your emails." Paliwanag ni Sir Aiden, "Both of you can go out early and be ready. Iwan niyo na sa kanila ang mga aayusin. I want both of you to be presentable, huwag niyo ako ipapahiya. The event will be by six in the evening sharp." Pagkatapos nitong magsalita, kaagad itong lumabas sa studio at doon naman naisipang lumapit ni Kira kay Chaun.

"I'm a newly employed photographer here. Why am I the one chosen?" Pagtatanong ni Kira kay Chaun na imbitado din sa nasabing event.

"Silly," Chaun chuckled, "hindi ba dapat masaya ka kasi kahit newly employed ka, kasali ka sa mga event na katulad doon? That's for exposure also."

Natigilan si Kira sa narinig niya. Exposure? She doesn't want or need to be exposed! 'Yun ang magiging madaling paraan para matunton siya ng magulang niya, at malamang sa malamang ay mayroon siyang makakasalimuha na kilala siya o kilala niya dahil sikat siyang photographer nuong nasa Italya siya. Hindi nalalayo ang posibilidad na mangyari iyon.

Kira cleared her throat and laughed akwardly, "Paano kapag hindi ako pupunta? Will Sir Aiden fire me?" Pagtata kng ni Kira.

Tumango si Chaun, "There is a possibility he would do that." Sagot nito.

Kira packed her things up. "Well, I have to get ready then." Panimula niya, "Puwedeng sabay na tayo papunta?" Kira asked at Chaun.

"If it's fine with you to ride a big bike, then it's fine."

Tumango si Kira at ngumiti, "Of course it would be, thank you." Saad niya at sinabit ang bag sa balikat, "I'll get going, see you later." Paalam niya at mas mabilis pa sa alas-kuwatro ang pagalabas niya sa kumpanya.

She's required to attend and she only have a few hours to get ready for it. She doesn't even have anything to wear for that event.

She wants to throw bad words at her boss for making such things very fast!

HALOS takpan na ni Kira ang mga braso niya dahil sa lamig nang makababa siya sa big bike ng binata. Mali pala ang desisyon na ginawa niya na sumakay sa big bike ni Chaun habang nakasuot ng halter neck cocktail dress na below the knee.

Inayos ni Kira ang buhok niya na naka elegant bun at pinalitan ni Kira ang suot niyang sneakers, pinalit niya ang kakabili lang nila na puting pumps na nabili lang niya sa murang halaga.

"Kumapit ka muna sa braso ko, baka bigla kang plumakda d'yan." Natatawang saad nito sa kanya.

Kaagad na kumapit si Kira at dahan-dahang naglakad papunta sa entrance ng nasabing event.

Hihintayin kasi nilang dalawa ang boss nilang walang modo sa harap ng entrance ng event, at ang ibig sabihin no'n ay kahit malate ito ng tatlong oras dapat ay hindi sila magrereklamo.

Nabigla nalang silang dalawa ni Chaun nang mayroong nagparadang dalawang kotse sa harap nila.

Napahawak si Kira sa dibdib niya para tignan kung buhay pa ba siya. Nagulat siya dahil do'n, akala niya ay magbabanggaan ang dalawang kotse sa harap niya.

"Ah, I knew it." Bulong ni Chaun at ginulo pa ang buhok nito.

He knew what?

Bumukas ang pintuan ng isang kotse at gayun din sa kabila. Nabigla si Kira nang makita ang magkapatid.

It was Sir Aiden and Doc Aivan, nakita ni Kira kung paano tumigin ang boss niya sa doktor.

Bumunting hininga si Kira at tumingin kay Chaun, "May reunion ba kayo o wala?" Pabulong niyang tanong sa binata.

Umiling si Chaun at mahinang natawa, "I think Aivan was invited too. After all, he's also a Marceau."

Akmang magtatanong pa sana siya kay Chaun nang makita niya na papalapit na ang boss niya.

"Good evening, Sir Aiden." Bati niya at si Chaun naman sinenyasan lang ang magkapatid.

Hindi siya binati pabalik ng boss niya at nagdire-diretso lang ito papasok ng venue.

Walang nagawa si Kira kung 'di bumuntong hininga at sumunod nalang sa boss niya habang naka-alalay pa rin kay Chaun.

Napatingin nalang si Kira sa papalayong bulto ng boss niya at ng kapatid nito. They both look like they're in bad terms.

Nang makapasok sila sa loob tila napanganga si Kira nang makita ang event. It's an exhibition! Famous photographers with their masterpiece will be seen here.

Bumitaw sa pagkakahawak si Kira kay Chaun at nang may nakita silang server na may dala-dalang inumin ay kaagad na kumuha si Kira at binigay ang isa pa kay Chaun.

Kira froze when she suddenly saw something reckless that would probably reveal something about her.

She saw that one of her famous photo was displayed. She's been ignoring her former boss' emails and it would probably because of the photo she took that was quite popular to the eyes.

"I'll just look around." Paalam ni Kira kay Chaun.

Tumango ito, "Go ahead and take your time."

Dahan-dahang naglakad si Kira papunta sa naka-exhibit na litrato.

She entitled the photo 'Hypnotized'. Iisa lang naman ang rason kung bakit niya kinuha ang litrato na iyon at kung bakit iya pinangalanan na 'Hypnotized' iyon.

Napatingin nalang si Kira sa papalayong bulto ng boss niya at ng kapatid nito. They both look like they're in bad terms.

Nang makapasok sila sa loob tila napanganga si Kira nang makita ang event. It's an exhibition! Famous photographers with their masterpiece will be seen here.

Bumitaw sa pagkakahawak si Kira kay Chaun at nang may nakita silang server na may dala-dalang inumin ay kaagad na kumuha si Kira at binigay ang isa pa kay Chaun.

Kira froze when she suddenly saw something reckless that would probably reveal something about her.

She saw that one of her famous photo was displayed. She's been ignoring her former boss' emails and it would probably because of the photo she took that was quite popular to the eyes.

"I'll just look around." Paalam ni Kira kay Chaun.

Tumango ito, "Go ahead and take your time."

Dahan-dahang naglakad si Kira papunta sa naka-exhibit na litrato.

She entitled the photo 'Hypnotized'. Iisa lang naman ang rason kung bakit niya kinuha ang litrato na iyon at kung bakit iya pinangalanan na 'Hypnotized' iyon.

Litrato iyon ng malawak na dagat.

Kira went on a cruise when she was in Italy and she had a chance to see the beautiful view of the sea, it hypnotizes her whenever she sees it. It somehow gives her hint about something.

But at the same time, she's scared to be in deep sea.

Napatingin siya ss information na nasa gilid ng litrato, nandoon nakalagay ang impormasyon ng kumuha ng litrato and she's thankful that they used her codename.

It was Kite. She's know to be Ms. Kite.

"Every photo has a meaning, right? And it depends on the perspective of the viewer."

Nabigla siya nang naabutan niyang nasa tabi niya na pala si Aivan.

Kira nodded, "Yes, photography can be photography as art and as communication." Sang-ayon ni Kira sa doktor.

"Well then," anito, "puwede ko ba malaman kung ano ang nakikita mo sa litrato na ito?"

He is seriously asking her on what is her view in her own masterpiece. Hindi naman alam ni Aivan na siya ang kumuha nito at mas mabuti na rin na manatili iyon sa ganoong paraan.

"Hmm," Kira hummed, "The photographer who took this might have seen something special from the sea. Or maybe, she had something to deal with the sea. As a fellow photographer, I might take the same scenery like her if I have something to do with the sea." sagot ni Kira.

Napansin ni Kira ang pagtingin nito sa kanya na parang gusto pa siyang tanungin nito na para bang mayroon itong gustong marinig sa kanya.

"What do you think about the sea, Aivan?" Pagtatanong ni Kira dito.

Nag-iwas ng tingin si Aivan at sumimsim sa hawak nitong champagne. "I'll just excuse myself, Kira." paalam ni Aivan sa kanya. Tumango si Kira at doon na umalis si Aivan.

Before he left, she had a chance to take a proper look at his expression. It wasn't good at all. Mukhang hindi siya dapat nagtanong patungkol sa dagat.

Nakita ni Kira na nakikihalubilo si Chaun kasama ang boss nila sa isang grupo. She wants to go there but it would just make the situation akward because, after all! She's a newbie.

She took a sip from her champagne and she continued to look at around. She saw few photographs from some of her colleagues in Italy. It took her almost an hour and a half by admiring all of the photos. The photos were outstanding and she can see the message of each photo without even having the photographer itself explain about the photo.

"Kira? Is that you?"

Natigilan si Kira nang marinig niya ang boses na iyon. She doesn't want to hear that voice.

Without looking back and without uttering any word, Kira left like she doesn't hear anything.

Coming to this exhibition while hiding herself is a bad idea afterall.

Nagtungo si Kira sa garden ng venue. Doon niya naabutan si Aivan na mayroong hawak-hawak na bote ng wine. At nasa kalahati na ito.

Kaagad na kumapit si Kira dahil nag-aalala siya na baka mahirapan itong umuwi mamaya.

Lumapit si Kira at kinuha ang bote sa kamay nito, doon niya nakita na nakatulog na pala si Aivan dahil siguro sa dami ng wine na nainom nito.

Kira looked at the brand of the wine, and she knew it. From the smell of the wine, it is not just a wine — but, it is a hard one.

"Aivan," she tapped Aivan's shoulder for him to wake up, "Aivan, I think you should head back."

Ayaw nitong gumising at hindi naman alam ni Kira ang gagawin niya para dalhin ito sa kotse dahil una sa lahat ay hindi niya kaya itong buhatin.

Mas mabuti siguro na tawagin niya ang kapatid nito o kaya si Chaun para maiuwi na siya kaagad. It's inappropriate to leave him outside the event.

"Aivan, wait for me here. I'll call Sir Aiden to carry you out —"

Nabigla si Kira nang hilain siya nito pabalik at ito ang naging rason sa pag-upo niya sa tabi nito. Niyakap siya bigla ni Aivan na mas ikinabigla niya.

"Don't leave! Don't..."

Hindi nakapag-salita si Kira dahil sa mga salitang sinabi nito at halos walang kahit anong reaksyon ay nagproproseso sa utak niya.

Kumawala sa yakap si Aivan at tinignan siya ng maigi. Kira can see that his eyes' emotion changed. It's as if he's pleading...

"Tell me the truth, Kira..." He mumbled, "are you really not lying? Are you sure you're not Krisza? Because, I've been dying to know why do you look like her! Everything about you resembles her..."

Kira got confused. Who is Krisza?

"Aivan, you're drunk. Kaya siguro napagkakamalan mong ako si Krisza. No, I'm not her —"

"If you're not her, then why do you resemble her so much? Patay na si Krisza... Halos isang taon na ang nakakalipas..."

Umiling si Kira, "I'm sorry, Aivan. Hindi ako yung tao na sinasabi mo. I barely even know you." Mahinang saad niya, "I'm sorry, there must be a misunderstanding..."

"No...No..." Mahinang bulong nito, "I'm begging you... Don't lie to me anymore, Krisza. I know what I did wrong and I blame myself for your death. Please don't lie to me..."

Pagkasabi na pagkasabi ni Aivan sa mga salitang iyon ay kaagad siyang hinila nito at sinakop ang mga labi niya. Nanlaki ang mga mata niya sa nangyari, hindi alam ni Kira kung ano ang nangyayari.

Kira pushed Aivan and slapped him directly.

Tumayo si Kira at naglakad palabas ng hardin na luhaan. Natigilan si Kira nang makasalubong niya ang boss niya pati si Chaun. Chaun was about to reach her out an probably ask what's wrong, she immediately ran away as fast as she could.

Hindi niya alam kung bakit niya ginawa 'yun at kung bakit siya umiiyak.

All she wants to do is to rest and to crawl on her bed.