"Promise me we will see each other again, okay?" I said as I press his hands on my left cheeks.

Zach nod and smiled, "Of course I will Sofia, we will see each other again. And by that time, we can finally be together, happier and free to express our real feelings." Zach softly said before slowly leaning closer to my face.

I close my eyes and lean closer and closer. Just waiting for the signal..

'Come on! Just scream that word!' I internally scream as I wait for them to shout the word cut.

"Cut!" I immediately push myself away from Zach and take a deep breath, literally from my lungs. Holding my chest, panting and sweats started forming on my forehead.

"Good job everyone! Give the two around of applause!" Our director said. I slightly smile before I saw my make up artists run towards me and wipe my sweats away.

"Ang galing-galing mo talaga Laura! Iba ka talaga! Pak na pak! Dama na dama namin yung mga salita!" One of my make up artists said. I smiled at her before reaching for a tissue and wiping the space between my lips and nose.

"Ang gwapo talaga ni Zach 'no? Parang may lahi!" I heard my hair stylist said. We walk towards the tents and I sat down my foldable chair.

"Laura! I love you na! Ang galing mo! That was incredible! Kapag na-release na ang film na 'to! I'm pretty sure you're gaining more and more recognition!" Ms. Ava exclaimed as she hugged me tight, startling me a bit.

She pull away and cupped both of my cheeks, a wide smile plastered on her face. Her eyes almost balling out stars.

"She's gonna be a star people! Just wait!" She screamed catching the attention of others, but making me embarrassed.

'Ms. Ava that's too early to say.'

Ms. Ava looked at me, "Sweetie, nasa bank account mo na ang pera. Mayaman ka nanaman." She said making me grin. That's so embarrassing!

I know that, ang hirap kaya ng ginawa ko! I have a boyfriend for Pete's sake pero I really did that!? Lean closer and almost kiss him?! Of course I should be paid!

Gosh, what would be Jiro's reaction if he ever watch that film?! He will probably be disappointed! Kahit naman sino! If they see their girlfriend or boyfriend leaning closer to other person! They will be sad, disappointed, and mad!

Just like me! Kung ako ang makakakita kay Jiro na may kasama na ibang babae, I would go nuts! Cause that's normal! Na magselos, diba?

"Hey, Laura?" I snap out of my thoughts as Zach's soft voice called me. I look at him and slightly raised both of my eyebrows and smiled.

"Yes?" I asked, he look down and scratch the back of his head before looking up back at me. Our eyes met and he smiled as well as his eyes.

I slightly squinted my eyes, "Yes? You're gonna say something?" I asked,

He chuckled, "Till when are you going to stay here in Manila?" He asks. I slightly tilted my head and look at Ms. Ava.

Her eyes widened and look at Zach, then me, and back at Zach.

"Ahm Zach, she's gonna stay here for two more days, why?" Ms. Ava replied, my eyes widened and look at Ms. Ava then at Zach.

When I look at Zach he is smiling widely.

"Great, uhm.. can I ask you for a coffee tomorrow?" He ask, my brows furrowed and look at Ms. Ava.

Ms. Ava looked at me, she looked so panicked and nervous. Why?

"Sure Zach, free naman si Laura bukas." Ms. Ava said looking at him. My eyes widened and look at Zach.

"Sure, where should I pick you up tomorrow?" Zach asks, me and Ms. Ava looked at each other.

Shit, I should answer this time.

"Sa company namin, 3pm. I'm free after that." I hesitantly said.

Zach nods, "Okay then, 3pm tomorrow. See you." He said before facing his back at us. When he is already meters away I immediately grab Ms. Ava's arm.

"Ms. what was that?! That's a date right?! Of course it's a date?! But why would I go on a date with him?!" I whispered shout, still keeping an eye on Zach incase he look back at me.

"Eh Laura, there's nothing wrong with it. And besides, it's good for your career. He is famous, and you're still in that process. Once the public saw you together, you'll get more recognized." She said and my eyes widened.

"But I have a boyfriend. Jiro is waiting for me in Tagkawayan. Why would I go on a date with another guy when I already have a boyfriend?" I once again whispered shout. I probably sound stupid by now.

I heard Ms. Ava slightly chuckled, "Laura, going on a date with Zach doesn't mean you two are already in a relationship. It's just a friendly date of course. And if the public see you two, then let's say you two are just good friends, right? Wala naman sigurong kasama don?" She said, napangiwi ang lagi ko ng bahagya bago utay-utay tumango.

"Diba? Wala naman masama don?" She ask this time a smile on her face. I once again nod.

"Good, now change to your clothes, and let's get you home. It's 9pm in the evening." She said and islowly nod before standing up. My stylist that already have my clothes, assisting me to the other tent where I will change my clothes.

After few minutes of staying in that small cubicle in that tent I finally went out. My stylist and Ms. Ava already have my bags. We bid a goodbye to the team before entering my van.

"So tomorrow morning, 7:30am, you will be presenting that hair shampoo brand sa morning tv news. It will probably take a prism 2 hours. So by 10pm, you will go back to the company. Have a meeting with the CEO and other models, dahil baka makasama ka sa runway na gaganapin I few month." I heard Ms. Ava talk, I just hum as I lean my head on my chair rest. My eyes close and in the verge of falling asleep in the middle of the road.

Heck I've been staying up late like this for the past days. Gladly tapos na ang shooting. And I must say, it was fun. Of course, it's my first time shooting one. I remember back in 6th grade, me and Ali were in a group for a project. We filmed a short film that time and we won as the best short film. In which that short film is as played on our graduation. I remember Ali was so embarrassed that time. Even I was! I was one of the actress in that film, and the editor as well.

"Laura, hey, andito na tayo sa bahay niyo. Wake up hun." I slowly open my eyes as I heard Ms. Ava's soft voice waking me up. Without anything in my head, I went out my van and went straight in the house.

Just like what usually happen, as I was about to take the first step of the stairs my dad called me.

"Your mom sent a Balikbayan Box, won't you check it first?" My dad said, at least he is not going to scold me again.

I slightly massage my temples. "I'll check on that tomorrow." I said before going up to my room. Doing my stuffs and throwing myself to bed.

I woke up around 4:50 in the morning. I took a shower and did my make up. It was just 5:45am when I finished. I went down and saw the box still in the living room.

With the help of the maids I managed to open the big box, that contains an iPad, shoes, heels, perfumes, accessories, and bags.

My favorite is the iPad. I'm not a very materialistic person, so I don't really ask for stuffs. Even I want something I don't really ask for it. But if they buy me anything that I like, I'm so happy about it.

I return to my room, the maids trailing behind me with my stuffs. As they put down the boxes of shoes and bags I went to my bed with my new iPad.

"Should I just open it or film it?" I ask myself. I remember Ali would post unboxing videos on her YouTube channel which Tobi and Gwen use to tease her.

I take a deep breath before going towards my working table. Setting up my phone with my phone stand. I look at myself on the mirror before pressing the record button.

"Hey guys! It's me, Laura Kassandra, this will be my first YouTube video here on my channel. So please do click the subscribe button, the like button, and share button!"

I hurriedly run downstairs of the house. I rush to the dining table and saw the foods already set up. But heck, I don't have time to eat here.

It took me almost an hour  to shoot that unboxing video! I didn't know it was that hard!

"Ate, can you please pack a sandwich for me. Thanks." I said while making myself a fruit shake. Just as I finish doing one. I grab the small ziplock back with a sandwich inside before rushing out of the house.

I told my driver that we are going to different company, gladly he know the route. What also worries me is baka may traffic on the way there. Since it's my first time going to that studio.

I arrived around 7am. My stylist immediately push me down the chair and started fixing my hair and make up.

"Kaloka ka Laura, bakit parang masyado kang rush." Ms. Ava said, I slightly smile before looking in front.

"I got a new iPad. I tried to film an unboxing video. But I think it didn't go well." I said.

"Oh? Balak mo mag start ng YouTube channel? That's a good idea, extra income." She said and I slightly nod.

"Can you please judge my videos. It's in my phone. You know the password." I said and Ms. Ava nod. While I'm having my hair and make up, a staff handed me a script. It's the script I'll be saying in the shoot. This shall be easy.

I didn't get to hear her opinion about the videos. Just right after my make up is done I immediately got called to the studio.

It's another new experience to me. I get to meet newscasters who I just see on our TV screen before, but now I'm standing right next to them. Endorsing the shampoo brand. It's a little hard and I'm getting nervous since it's my first time live on a TV.

Does that mean if my friends are ever watching right now they see me talk like that?! They will probably tease me about it.

Around 9:30am we leave the building and drive to the company. From 9:30-10:00am, we were just talking inside the make up room. Ms. Ava watching the video  clips and giving me advices regarding the editing. But she said it was fine.

"Let's go," she said, my brows furrowed and look at the two make up artists.

"Where?" I confusedly ask while slowly standing up from the chair.

"Meeting, you are having a meeting with the CEO. About the runway modeling. Who knows, baka ikaw ang pinakabata na makasama sa runway model." She said and my eyes widened.

"Runway!? Seryoso?! Oh my, as in, in front of a crowd?!" I asked panicking. Ms. Ava laughed at me..

"Hindi pa sure, that's why kasama ka sa meeting na 'yon. Will see if they will consider your good works these past few months." She said before holding me by my wrist and leaving the make up room.

As we enter the meeting room, I can't help but to look small to myself. Those are my seniors. These beautiful ladies sitting beside me ate my seniors who have  been modeling for years. Why am I here?! I'm not supposed to be here!

"Good morning everyone, since we are now complete. We will start the meeting, but before that, let's congratulate our youngest star, miss Laura Milendez for her successful shooting of her first short film." The whole meeting room clapped they hands, making me shy so much to the point I can feel my cheeks burning.

"So as we all know, our friend, HnM, is having their yearly runway modeling. And you 4 have been modeling to that runway for years." Our CEO said pointing at my 4 seniors.

"But this year, I'm planning to add another one to you guys. And that would be Laura, hindi ba at napaka gandang bata ni Laura and she will be perfect for the runway, hindi ba?" I bite my lower lip trying to control my smile as I hear the other managers of my 4 seniors reply their 'yes' to our CEO.

"And miss Milendez, what can you say? Kaya ba? Of course kaya mo yan!" He said, I smiled looking around the room. To Ms. Ava, and my seniors and theiraknagers.

I bit my lower lip before slowly nodding. "Yes sir." I replied, our CEO called his hand.

"That's what I'm talking about! Kayang kaya niyo yan!"

The meeting didn't last longer that much anymore. I ate my lunch together with Ms. Ava and stylist, just like the usual. And after that, I took our my phone and started editing the video.

But around 2pm I received a message from an unknown number.

My brows furrowed, did someone just got my number?

I tap on the notification that leads me to the message, that followed by another one.

From Unknown:
Hey, you ready?

From Unknown:
3pm, I'll be picking you up.

My eyes widened and I immediately stood up from the chair.

"Ms. Ava, i have a date with Zach pa nga pala." I said panicking, I slip on to my soft slippers before running to the bathroom, washing my face and brushing my teeth. It even took me 15 minutes just doing those. When I went out my stylist and Ms. Ava are looking at me confusedly.

"Relax, 2:20pm palang. Sit down and I'll go get your clothes." She said and I nod. My stylist did my hair and make up. Ms. Ava handed me a white polo and a blue Korean sleeveless vest. A pencil skirt and a boots.

I slip on those and look at myself on the mirror.

"How do I look Ms. Ava?" I ask while looking at myself. Fixing the foods of the skirts.

"Nice as always. Now calm down and it's almost 3pm." She said and I nod. I sit down and saw another text from Zach saying he is on his way.

Around 3:03pm a staff called me saying someone is waiting at me by the receptionist. And I guess it's Zach already. And I'm not wrong. I saw him on blue polo, matching my vest. I bid goodbye to Ms. Ava before entering Zach's van.

Well this will be awkward.

"Wait, isn't this UST?" I ask as I went out the van. I hear Zach chuckle and nod.

"Yes, and this is the place me and my friends use to go whenever I'm free. Don't have any shoots or schedules." He said before staring to walk towards a stall. I followed him from behind as I look around.

This place actually looks nice, UST is Tobi's dream university and he would google places near UST. It's like he is so excited to study here.

"Hey, do you like coffee or other?" He ask, I look at him before looking up at the menu.

"I'd like.. caramel macchiato, shake." I said and he nod. He gave my order before ordering fries. When he paid for the food we picked a table and wait for our order.

"So.. this is my school, well not really mine. But.. I go here. Isn't it good?" He ask, i smiled and slowly nod.

"It is, my friend in Tagkawayan wants to attend college here." I said and he nod.

"Well, I can give him tips on how to pass an exam here. But I'm still clueless about the college entrance exam. How about you? Where are you planning to attend college?" He ask. I bit my lower lip and shrug.

"My dad will probably send me to Ateneo, since he have some friends who's kids study there." I said and he nod.

Our orders came and we started eating, and I find him a little talkative which is good so it won't be too awkward for us.

"Vilema! Good to see you here-... ohh, with a girl I see." My head snap up as I hear a voice from our side. I saw a tall man with glasses patting Zach's back.

"Ah yes, a friend." Zach said, I look at the guy, he smiled at me so he smiled back.

"She's a model, I worked with her with something these past few days. So why not a coffee right?" Zach said,

The guy nod, "By the way, Alexi Buencamino, Medicine department. Senior ni Zach." He introduced himself, offering his hands. I smiled and accept his hand.

"Laura Milendez," I said and he smiled.

"Oh, I'll go na Zach. Enjoy your little coffee.. date." He said. I hear Zach laugh but I just silently chuckled.

"He is my senior, he is close on graduating. I think a year or two pa. Pero he is famous here. He almost become a model, I understand why he denied. Being a doctor is hard!" He said making me chuckle a little. 

One thing I noticed about that guy, he is tall.

—

"Laura! Ano na bhie?! Limot mo na ba kami?! Sabihin mo lang iuuntog ka namin sa pader incase na nakalimot kana para ma-alala mo kami." Gwen said as she pull from hug. I slightly chuckle  before sitting down on my seat, I miss this chair!

"Halos isang lingo kang wala, don't worry I did my best to take notes." Ali said and I smiled at her.

Then I hear Gwen scoffed, "Naku! Wala ka naman maintindihan sa sulat ni Ali! Parang kinahig ng manok sulat niyan!" Gwen exclaimed making us burst into laughter.

"Ang bad naman." I said before laughing once again.

Ali scoffs, "Gaga, future doctor kasi! My  hand writing says a future doctor indeed!" Ali exclaimed and I saw Gwen roll her eyes.

When I suddenly felt a tap on my arm, I look at Lory and smiled at her.

"Yes?" I ask,

"I saw your.. boy the other day. Ahm, how do I say this. He's with, hindi ko siya sinisiraan okay? But he's with this girl, who is.. clinging on his arm."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~•3•