I saw how Jiro squinted his eyes. Looking directly at me as if he is reading something.

I look down and bite my lower lip as I continue to feel his intense look af me.

"What? Wha- why? What are you talking about?" He ask stuttering.

I slowly lifted my head and look at him with worry in my eyes.

"I think it's for the best, for the both of us." I said, he look at me and once again squinted his eyes.

Then I heard him chuckle, "Hindi ko alam kung anong pumasok sa isip mo, pero what's with the sudden decision?" He said. I once again bite my lower lip and take a deep breath.

"Kasi.. we barely see each other. It feels like it's not... the same as before. And, I'm also failing my part of being your girlfriend." I said.

That's what I have been feeling all these weeks. I feel like I'm not being a girlfriend to him. I do check on him sometimes, but I feel like it's not enough.

I feel like I'm not enough.

I feel like he deserves better than that. He deserves better than just checking him if he is okay or if he ate already.

He deserves someone that is always at his side and not like me who barely see him in a month.

"Part? What part? What are you talking about? Failing? Failing as my girlfriend? Why? Do you think this relationship is a test for you to pass?" He ask and I slowly shake my head.

I sigh, "Pero I'm not being a girlfriend to you." I said looking down.

I hear him scoff, "Hindi ko maintindihan. What do you mean you're not being a girlfriend to me?! Ano ba sa tingin mo ang dapat ginagawa ng girlfriend? Laura ano bang pinagsasabi mo?!" I flinched as his voice raised. Almost screaming that I dont know if naririnig sa labas.

I felt my throat tighten up, para bang natutuyo ang lalamunan ko at nahihirapan ako huminga.

"You don't have to shout." I mumbled, and I saw how his expression changed. His brows dropped and his expression softened.

"Laura, I'm.. I'm sorry. Shit, I'm sorry." He said before moving closer to me and soon I felt my head lean on his chest as he caressed the back of my head.

"I'm sorry for shouting, nadala lang ako. Nangbibigla ka kasi, and I dont know what you're talking about. Hindi ko naiintindihan ang gusto mong iprating." He softly said as he caress my head. That's when I felt few tears stream down my cheeks.

I buried my face on his chest as I inhale his scent that I've been missing for the past weeks.

Kahit naman mag kita kami we cant do this. We can't just hug in public, Ali's idea is a great one.

"Its just, parang hindi ako nagpapaka girlfriend sayo. I feel like nagkukulang ako." I said, I hear him flick his tongue.

I felt both of his hands on my shoulders before he carefully push me away form his chest.

Using his right hand he cupped my left cheek.

"Laura, what do you mean? You are more than enough for me. At anong ibig mong sabihin na hindi ka nagpapa girlfriend? What do you think a girlfriend should do?" He ask, I sniff and take a deep breath before shrugging.

I hear chuckled, he then both cupped my cheeks.

"Do you think I am expecting you to do things with me? Kisses? Cuddles? And.. the thing? Laura no." He said smiling, I lowered my head feeling my cheeks heat up.

"I don't need that, Laura hindi yon ang habol ko," he paused and laugh.

"You, loving me, taking care of yourself for you. Checking on me, and reminding me to eat and take of myself is enough, kinikilig nga ako eh." He said chuckling. I can't help but to smile as well and end up both of us laughing.

"You're laughing, I'm sorry for making you cry awhile ago." He softly said and caress my left cheek.

"Promise me na hindi kana ulit mang bibigla ng ganito, okay?" He said and I slowly nod.

"Gusto pa kita makita sa TV. Sa runway, I'll be your biggest fan from afar, cause you know i can't go to your shows." He said and i chuckled before nodding.

"You'll see me in tv soon." I said and his brows furrowed.

"Really? I'm excited, makikinood ako sa kabit bahay namin." He said and I slowly nod.

"Pero sa runway, not sure pa eh." I said shaking my head. He chuckled and pinch my nose.

"Its okay, I know someday. I'll be so proud of you, kung pwede lang na ipagsigawan ko na girlfriend ko, I'll do it. Pero bawal, and that's fine." He said and we both laughed.

We became silent for a moment before he slowly pull my hear closer to his and connect our forehead.

"Promise me you're going to take care of you while you're in your shoots. Promise me hindi ka magpapakagutom at papabayaan ang sarili mo. Namamayat kana, ha?" He said and I look at my stomach.

I pout, "But it's called diet. Hindi naman masyado ako namamayat." I said and he chuckled.

"I know, pero 'wag naman masyado. Magkakasakit ka niyan, and I don't want that." He said and I slowly nod.

"Yes sir, I won't." I joked and we both laugh.

I cleared my throat, "Now my turn, promise me the same things. 'Wag ka rin magpapakagutom, always take care of yourself. 'Wag magpapakapuyat, I heard that kasama ka daw sa Quiz Bee ng Science. You're smart already, don't stress too much about it." I said and he chuckled. He slowly nod.

"And you're work, always take care while on your work. Remember you have once got into a fight. Kapag may mga nag-aaway, stay away okay?" I said and he bursted into laughter before moving away from my face.

"Yes maam, grabe naman, mas nag-aalala ka pa kaysa kay lola about that. Ang tagal na nun." He said and I nod.

We were smiling at each other when suddenly a familliar sound of motorcycle bombered the outside of the van.

"I know this sound." Jiro mumbled and I nod before crouching down even more.

I nod, "Yes, I know that's Ali' parents." I said and his eyes widened.

"Shit, si maam Elazar?" He ask and nod.

I hear his mom and dad said something while me and Jiro are there hiding.

"Anong gagawin natin? Tara labas na tayo sa likod." He said and i shake my head.

"We can't, makikilala ako." I said and flicked his tongue.

Then suddenly the door at the driver seat opened.

"Sit down you two. Jiro bababa ka sa computer shop, Laura ihahatid kita sa bahay niyo." Ali said as she closed the door, me and Jiro look at each other before both shrugging. We sit down in the middle seat, the engine started and Ali immediately drive off.

"Maalam ba talaga siya magmaneho?" Jiro mumbled and I immediately slap his arm.

I know kahit anong bulong ni Jiro ay maririnig siya ni Ali. Ali have a good hearing skills.

Medyo napapabilis ang pag mamaneho ni Ali. And I must admit, maski ako ay kinakabahan at nag-aalala. Pero baka it's part of the plan para hindi kami gaano masundan.

Sana lang konting ingat, Ali.

"Ready Jiro, malapit na, hindi na kami magtatagal. Kailangan mo agad bumaba." Ali said from the front. Jiro nod and stand up and walk towards the door.

"Here," Jiro immediately opened the door the moment Ali stepped on the break.

"Bye," Jiro said before closing the door.

And in an instant Ali once again stepped on the gas.

"Laura tingnan mo nga if ever na may nakasunod sa atin." Ali said and I stand up and look at our back.

"Ahm.. there's a truck behind us." I said and I saw from the rear mirror that her brows furrowed.

She look at her side mirror,

"Ay hanep, delivery truck haha." She said and continued to drive.

Kahit sobrang magkalayo ang computer shop na pinagtatrabahuhan ni Jiro at bahay namin, mabilis lang na nakapag drive si Ali.

"Wait, mamaya ka bumaba." I was about to open the door when she stopped me.

She open her window and look at the back, even me look around.

She nod, "Okay, clear, labas na. Ingat!" She said and I nod, I opened the door and about to step out when I remember to thank her.

"Thanks Ali," I said and she just nod. I went out and close the door before running towards the gate and immediately closing it.

I run to the front door and look back at Ali, but sadly she already left.

"Saan kayo galing?" I gasped as lola suddenly speak from behind. I immediately turn ay her direction and smiled.

"Sa bahay lang po ni Ali, may pinag-usapan lang po kami." I said and lola just nod.

I walk towards her and hug her. I pull away and smiled before going towards the fridge and grab the pitcher and a glass.

"Kakain ka pa?" Lola ask, I look at her while drinking water. I put down the glass and wipe the side of my lips.

I slowly shake my head, "No na po, hindi na po. I'm fine." I said and lola slowly nod.

Nagpa-alam na ako at umakyat na. I already took a shower and did my night routine that contains the skin care.

But there's something that I removed from the list. Talking with mom, we still do talk sometimes. But I told her that I'll be the one calling her. And if I didn't call her means that I'm tired or busy.

And now I'm just tired.

I'm in a break to strict diet now. I can't do much exercises since I feel extra tired mentally and physically.

__

[Laura! Nakita ka namin sa TV! Hoy gagi ang ganda mo! Putres ka!] Even my make up artist bursted into laughter as Gwen's voice bombered the group call.

[Oo nga! Naol! Tilian kami sa classroom eh!] Ali said and I chuckled even the make up artists.

[Yes, lalo na si Ali. Akala nga namin maririnig siya sa faculty. Kung maka sigaw eh eh.] Lory said. I stand up from my seat since the stylist told me to.

[Busy ka ba? May gagawin ka?] Lory said and I slowly nod.

[Sige, end call na. May klase na rin kami maya-maya. Bye Laura! Goodluck!] Ali said while waving, I smiled and waved back at them.

Just as I ended the call. My manager slowly took away my phone away from hand.

"Tara na? Naghihintay na ang leading man mo." She said, I slightly smile and nod.

"Okay, let's go guys! The shooting will start in few minutes." Miss Ava said and we went out the dressing room.

I accepted the offer of being the leading lady in a short film. Just 3 weeks ago I signed the contract. I have met the leading man before.

And I must say, he's nice. He's a model too, but from a different company, I forgot the company but I remember his name.

Zachary Vilema

He seems nice, and good looking. He have a good smile and stuffs. I think we can work on things. As long as he don't act weird or something.

Cause if he really did do something suspicious. I don't care if who he is cause I'm going to talk to the company.

But for now he's fine, he's good.

"Laura, glad you're here! Zach, she's here!" I heard the director said. I smiled at them and saw Zach walking towards my direction.

"Hi Luara, nice seeing you once again." He said before shaking our hands.

"Yes, glad to see you too nice again, Zach." I said giving him a smile.

"So.. you have read your lines already right?" The director said and nod.

I didn't just read it, I already memorized it.

"Okay, we'll start to shoot in 5 minutes."

---

"Pwede bang tumigil kana sa kakasunod sa 'kin?! Hindi na nakakatuwa!" Inis kong turan habang nakakunot ang noo ko.

Natigilan si Zach, bago ito humagikhik, "Ikaw naman, 'wag mo naman ako itaboy." Pabiro nitong turan, napa-irap ako at napabuntong hininga bago naglakad papalayo.

"CUT!"

Napahinga ako ng maluwag at napangiti ng maluwag. Agad napalapit sa akin ang aking mga make up stylists, pinupunasan at pinapaypayan ako ng pawis.

"Ang galing-galing mo Laura! Iba la talaga! Yung pag irap mo, ramdam na ramdam namin!" Ani ng make up artists. Napangiti ako bago napalingon sa gawi ni Zach.

Maski siya ay inaasikaso ng kaniyang mga make-up artists. Pinapaypayan at pinupunasan.

"Ang gwapo ni Zach 'no? Nakita ko na siya dati sa poster, mas gwapo pa pala siya sa personal." Ani ng make up artists.

Napangiti ako pero ang biglang magtagpo ng paningin namin ni Zach ay agad akong naglayo ng tingin.

"Ilang oras pa daw po ang shooting?" Tanong ko, I dont really know if the same thing that happens in shooting is the same thing that happens in shooting a film.

Basta ang alam ko ay madalas kaming matapos ng photo shoot ng 6pm.

"Hindi ko lang alam, Laura. Siguro hanggang 8pm." Sagot ng make up artist, nanlaki ang mata ko at napatingin as kaniya.

"Seryoso po?!" Gulat kong tanong, napasimangot ang make up artist at tumango.

"Yes Laura, bagong record mo ang mag stay sa harap ng camera hanggang 8pm. Kaya mo yan." She said before moving away. I watch as the three of them walk back towards the table.

I sigh, well this is tiring. The multiple takes and bloopers. Well it's mostly me and Zach who mess up our words.

But it's just both and his first time.

First time in the film industry. I found out that he started modeling when eh was 14, and now we are both 17.

And I still feel a little awkward around him. Despite the fact that we have dealt with more than 20 takes already.

"Hey," I flinch a little as I heard Zach's voice behind me. I turn around to see his smiling face.

"Oh, hey, why?" I awkwardly ask.

He smiled and shake his head a little, "Nothing, its just, 30 minutes breaks daw, so.. maybe we can talk? Know more about each other?" He said, I gulped not knowing what to reply.

Its normal right? We are co-workers so its normal to talkative and spend breaks with each other.

It's not cheating right? Right?

I nod, "Sure, where should we go?" I ask looking around.

"Hmm, cafeteria? Let's grab some food." He happily said. Nh nose scrunch up.

"Eh, I'm not a diet, I cant eat that much." I said, I saw how his brows furrowed before looking around, hid hands inside his front pockets.

Then he look back t me before smiling.

"Sus, dont worry about it. Now let's go and enjoy our rest." He said before walking away. I froze on my spot not knowing what to do.

I should follow right?

I saw him stopped walking and turn his head at me, he nod once.

"Let's go Laura, or do you want me to hold your hands?" He said, my eyes widened and I immediately shake my head before following him from behind.

Gosh this man, what's happening in his head?

Did he just casually said, almost scream that? Others could hear that. Others can see us since we are literally in the center.

"I have never checked the cafeteria yet, what does it look like?" I ask while we are walking through a hallway.

"Uhm, just room with a table full of foods." He said and I slowly nod.

We entered a room and that's where I saw what he is talking about. When suddenly I felt shivers down my spine.

This looks like those things that kpop idols have at their DVDs. Those cafeteria where they stay at while they wait for their shoot or something.

If Ali is here, I knows she will start imagining that she is one of the artists.

"I know you're one diet, so theres fruit, but there's also a chocolate fountain so why don't you try put some chocolate on your apples and banana?" He said while he is putting some sandwich and chicken on his plate.

I look around the table, there is a lot of food here. That's because the casta aren't the only one eating here.

The whole crew probably get their food here too.

Like what he said i grab a bowl and put some fruits inside. On a separate bowl I put some chocolate for me to dip the fruits.

"Marshmallows aren't that bad, so why don't you get some too?" He said, I look over the big bowl of marshmallows and bit my lower lip thinking if it's a good idea to have some.

"Come on, its yummy." He said before putting some on his bowl that is full of fruits and chocolate.

When he left I put a little on my bowl that have the chocolate before following him to the table.

"Bakit kakaunti ang tao dito?" I ask as I sit down across him.

He look at me and shrug, "They're probably busy with the next scenes." He said and I nod.

"So.. I don't want us to be awkward. So.. I study at UST, ikaw?" He ask, I took a bite of banana first and chew on it before answering.

"OLLA, it's a school in my home town. You probably dont know about it." I said while looking at him. He stared at me first before nodding.

"Hmm, heard about your hometown already. But not the school, why doby you just transfer here?" He asks, I sigh before stabbing an apple with my fork.

I sigh, "I get that question a lot, and it sometimes pisses me off." I said before taking the apple.

I hear him snorts, "Okay, easy there, I dont want to piss you off, I want us friends."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~•3•