Seduction in Spotlight (Hiraeth 3:Hermes and Mox)

Capter 26

"Ano ba?! Ayusin niyo 'yan! Ilang linggong practice nagkakamali pa rin!" Gigil na sermon ni Ginger sa mga back up dancer.

After the controversy, the team became serious. The confidence of their team for the sureball win vanished. Lahat naging seryoso na tuwing practice, they even made changes para mas lalong pabonggahin.

"Ang lights! Dapat palaging nakatutok kay Miss Hermes. Hindi pwedeng mauna o mahuli." Galit at pagod na sermon ng assistant director.

This is what she wants, a fair game. May mga bulag pa ring mga fans or they're just loyal to stick on BNJMN E and they're still supporting. Pero ang iba ay lumipat na sa Rain E to support them. Mas lamang na ng fanbase si Zhein.

This is a hell week for her. Tomorrow is the competition. She felt dizzy and tired but there's no time for rest. No one comforted her because the Benjamin knows that it was her fault and also they're busy on more important things, like finding Ate Hera and guarding the unconscious Kuya Magnus.

"Break muna, pagod na si Hermes." A familiar voice said.

Nang mag-angat siya ng tingin ay gumaan ang pakiramdam niya ng makita si Kuya Heazen niya. She's sitting on the floor so Kuha Heazen have to scoop her to carry her.

"We're still not yet done polishing." Pagod na sabi niya.

"Hindi mo naman 'yan kailangan para patunayan ang sarili mo." Kuya Heazen frowned.

She just give him a small smile. They wouldn't understand. She just don't want to be seen, to be seen only a pretty face or a nepo baby. She wants to be appreciated, she wants to express herself. But at the sake of Mox' feelings?

Her heart ached remembering Mox. Everynight na lang siyang nag-cry. She missed him so much. She wanted to abandon this competition and just elope with him but ayaw niyang masayang lahat. She already hurt Mox, kung titigil pa siya, mauuwi lang sa wala.

"Si bayaw—este si ano, pinapadalhan pa rin ako ng lumpia." Kuya Heazen said while pouting.

Malungkot lang siyang napangiti. Kung kalian nagustuhan na ni Kuya Heazen si Mox, saka naman sila naghiwalay.

"That's good to hear." Tipid na sagot na lang niya.

"Gusto mong kumain? May baon ako, nasa kotse nga lang. Sabi ni bayaw---este ni ano, siya pa ang gumawa n'on."

Napanguso siya at tipid na tumango. Eating his homemade food feels like he's just near. Nakontento na kasi siyang suot-suot ang mga hoodie at shirt nito gabi-gabi.

Mox is on Italy, he's back on his business man mode. Wala na silang contact sa isa't-isa. She's too ashamed to contact him. So, kinontento na lag niya ang self sa pag-backread ng convo nila.

Pagkarating nila sa kotse nito, ay binaba siya sa passenger seat. Kinuha nito ang paper bag sa backseat at binigay sa kanya. She excitedly open it, so eager to eat the food made by Mox pero pag-bukas niya ay agad siyang napatakip ng bibig para pigilan ang sarili sa pagsuka.

"Hala, hindi pa 'yan panis!" Agad na depensa ni Kuya Heazen at inilayo sa kanya ang lunchbox.

She was teary eyed while still covering her mouth. Dumistansya naman si Kuya Heazen sa kanya at tinikman ang lumpia.

"Hindi naman panis. O allergic ka lang sa ex mo? Este sa lumpia?" She doesn't know if he's teasing or not but hindi na siya nakisakay kasi si felt sick.

Napapikit siya dahil nakaramdam ng dizziness. Why now? She has to practice! Bukas na ang competition, she have to be the best.

"Naku! May nilagay ka sigurong potion na bawal sa mga nanakit sa 'yo kasi nasusuka n'ong inamoy!" Kuya Heazen's word is quite unclear dahil nasa loob na siya ng nakasaradong kotse habang nanatili ito sa labas, kunot ang noo.