CHAPTER 05

(CHAPTER 05)

    KIYUMI WAS SITTING on the couch, scrolling through her phone, habang pinapakinggan ang kanta ni Chris Walker na ‘How do you heal a broken heart’. She was like 10 years old when she first heard this song and she would always cry when it’s played, and no one, not even herself, understood why. 

At ngayon ay muli niya itong narinig sa pang afternoon na show sa TV. Nakakatawa na habang pinapakinggan niya ang kantang ito ay kusang bumalik sa isip niya ang lahat ng ala-ala nila ni Wynter at Yvonne. Even when she closed her eyes, there’s an image of their faces and once again, she came to realize that she shouldn't trust them. The place they spent together leaves a thousand memories in her mind. When she crosses those places, she remembers their time together in the past. 

Kiyumi snapped back to reality when her phone vibrated. She opened it and saw a chat from Syren, asking her to hang out. Syren said she’s in the mood to go shopping today, she also put the time when it is, 2 hours from now at the mall near the favorite restaurant of Kiyumi. 

Kiyumi just reacted to Syren’s message and put down her phone. She stood up and went to her bedroom to get her clothes and things ready. 

The truth is Kiyumi wasn't really sure if she would go meet up with Syren. Two weeks had passed when Kiyumi caught Wynter and Yvonne cheating on her, and she never had a time to talk to Syren again. She was so busy at work and didn't have the time to go out with her friend Syren. Nagkikita sila sa company pero hindi na nakakapag-usap katulad ng dati. 

Kiyumi sighed, lumipas na ang isang oras ay hindi pa rin siya gumagalaw mula sa pagkakahiga niya sa kama. And then suddenly, her phone rang. 

She get her phone and answered Syren’s call. 

“Oh ano? Paalis na ako ng condo.” rinig ni Kiyumi mula sa kabilang linya. 

“Ang aga naman.” turan ni Kiyumi. 

Ngumiwi si Syren mula sa kabilang linya at tumaas pa ang kilay nito. 

“Anong maaga ka jan? 30 minutes na lang talaga teh!” wala pa rin talagang pinag-bago si Syren, maingay pa rin ito kahit sa phone call. “Don’t tell me, you aren't ready yet?” malakas na tanong ni Syren. 

“Yeah, Kakabangon ko lang.” sagot ni Kiyumi. 

“Anoooo? Kaloka ka teh! O sige, daanan kita jan. Maligo ka na, baka ako pa magpapaligo sayo?” walang kasing ingay na ani Syren. 

Kiyumi just shrugged it off and let her be. But of course, as a caring and loving friend, Kiyumi sent a message to Syren before going to the bathroom to take a bath. Sinabi ni Kiyumi na sa mall na lamang sila mag kita. 

***

Nasa mall na sila ngayon at kanya-kanya na ng pili ng mga damit na gusto nila, who cares? Libre naman daw ito sabi ni Syren. 

Kiyumi laughed when she remembered what happened earlier. Kilig na kilig kasi si Syren dahil nakita nito ang kanyang idol na si Solace Misty, the famous model not just in the Philippines, but also in the other country. Sa sobrang saya ni Syren ay sinabi nitong libre na niya si Kiyumi sa lahat ng damit, o gamit na magugustuhan nito. 

Yun nga lang, hindi pala ito ang manlilibre. Kundi ang kapatid nitong lalaki na nagmamay-ari ng Shopping Zone. 

“Uyy ano? Tapos ka na? I’m craving for milk tea na kasi eh,” biglang sulpot ni Syren mula sa kung saan. 

“Hmm… yeah,” sagot ni Kiyumi. 

Syren looked at Kiyumi's basket and winced when she saw the clothes Kiyumi had chosen. “Anong mga ‘to?” di makapaniwala na tanong ni Syren.

Nagtatakang tiningnan ni Kiyumi ang basket niya. “Mga damit, bulag ka na rin?” Kiyumi sarcastically asked. 

“Hindi. Haysss, Nevermind. Ako na nga ang mamimili para sayo, Manang..” pang-aasar ni Syren sa kaibigan. 

Napabuntong-hininga na lamang si Kiyumi at walang nagawa nang hilain ni Syren ang cart niya. 

“Here, bagay sayo to.” biglang sumulpot si Symeon, ang nakababatang kapatid ni Syren, and the owner of this shopping zone. 

‘I like the dress but it’s too showy for my taste.’ 

Kiyumi couldn't say what she wanted to say.

Napansin naman ni Symeon ang reaction ni Kiyumi sa dress na pinakita niya, kaya naman agad niya itong hinagis sa basket na ngayo’y bitbit ni Syren. 

“Nice catch!” Natatawang ani Syren at kumindat pa sa kapatid. 

Nilagyan ni Syren at Symeon ang cart ni Kiyumi ng iba’t-ibang uri ng dress, tops, skirts, and highwaist jeans. Sasawayin na sana sila ni Kiyumi pero pinigilan siya ng mga ito, libre naman daw kaya hayaan na lang sila. Wala ng nagawa si Kiyumi kundi ang mapailing sa kakulitan ng magkapatid. 

‘Pagtulungan daw ba ako,’ ani Kiyumi sa isip niya. 

Habang busy ang dalawa sa pamimili ay namulsa si Kiyumi at naglalakad-lakad sa loob ng shopping zone. 

Habang nakatingin sa iba’t-ibang mga naka display ay hindi namalayan ni Kiyumi na umabot na pala siya sa children’s area. She just sighed and watched those happy couples buying things for their baby. Napangiti pa siya nang may mahagip siyang magshota sa gilid na pumipili ng damit, tila hindi ito nagkakasundo. Yung lalaki kasi gusto yung unisex na damit, while the girl wants the girly one. 

But Kiyumi’s smile faded when she saw something that shattered her world into tiny pieces. Natabunan kasi ang magsyotang tinitingnan niya, at ang may kagagawan nun ay walang iba kundi ang mga taong kilalang-kilala niya, si Wynter at Yvonne. 

Her heart sank, and she felt like her world was crumbling around her. She wanted to approach them but her feet felt like lead and her mind was racing with so many emotions. 

Do you know what hurts the most? Seeing the person she loves being with someone she loved the most, looking at her like she’s the most precious person in the world. Treating her the way she begged to be treated. 

Kiyumi wiped the tears that flowed from her eyes, they were still falling continuously. Tumalikod siya at naglakad pabalik kina Syren at Symeon, buti na lang ay nakita niyang busy pa rin ang mga ito sa pamimili ng mga damit kaya pumunta muna siya sa comfort room. 

She cried her heart out. She didn't care if anyone came in and heard her crying. Nang kumalma na siya at wala ng mailabas na luha ang mga mata niya ay naghilamos muna siya bago lumabas. 

Outside, you can see the strong, calm, and happy woman, ni-hindi mo makikita na durog na durog na ito sa loob. Iyon ang talent niya sa loob ng dalawang linggo matapos malaman na niloloko siya ni Wynter at ng best friend niyang si Yvonne, pretend good, act good. 

This is not the first time she saw them together, at wala siyang karapatang magalit o magwala, after all she’s just an ex-girlfriend. Wala naman na sana sa kanya iyon, kasi sa loob ng dalawang linggo ay sobrang workaholic na niya. Wala na nga siyang pakialam sa sarili niya eh, minsan na rin siyang muntik mahimatay dahil sa pagod at puyat. Napapabayaan niya na rin ang sarili pagdating sa pagkain. Mabuti at anjan si Syren, kahit busy ito ay hindi nito nakakalimutang yayain si Kiyumi na kumain. 

Paglabas ni Kiyumi ay nandun na sa counter si Syren, mukhang hinihintay siya. 

“San ka galing? Kanina ka pa namin hinahanap.” Syren asked her worriedly. 

Pilit na ngumiti si Kiyumi upang itago ang nararamdaman niya. But Syren seems to know her pretty well. 

“Are you okay?” bakas sa mga mata ni Syren ang pag-aalala sa kanya. 

“Oo naman. Bakit?” Nakangiting tanong ni Kiyumi. 

“Wala naman. Bigla ka kasing nawala,” sagot ni Syren. 

“Hmmm. I’m okay, let’s go?” Tumango na lamang si Syren kahit gusto niya pang kausapin si Kiyumi. 

After getting their things, bumaba na sila sa ground floor para kumain ng lunch, natagalan pa sila dahil sa walang katapusang chika ni Syren. 

“It’s okay to cry… It’s okay to be sad, it’s okay to feel unloved, it’s okay to have a broken heart. Because if you don’t feel all that sadness, loneliness, girl, you’ll never know what real love means.” Syren sincerely remarks. 

Pagkatapos nilang mag usap ay nagpaalam na sila sa isa’t-isa. Sinabi nga rin pala ni Syren na nakita niya sina Yvonne at Wynter kanina sa store kaya siya nag-aalala sa biglaang pagkawala ni Kiyumi kanina. 

***

As soon as Kiyumi entered her condo, she immediately sat down on the floor. Natulala na lamang siya habang umiiyak. 

‘Ang sakit pala no? Ang sakit magmahal ng taong may iba ng minamahal, at ang mas masakit pa ay ang ibang tao na iyon ay ang taong mahalaga rin sayo.’

Kiyumi wiped her tears away and got up. Dinala niya sa kwarto ang paper bags ng pinamili niya at isa-isang sinukat ang mga ito. The dress that Symeon picked for her got her attention. It’s like a temptress dress, it’s backless and has a long slit. Its color is light purple, simple yet elegant. But she can’t deny the fact that it’s so attractive. 

Kiyumi stared her reflection into the mirror, when for a sudden, an idea came to her mind. 

‘For once, I will be selfish.’ she smirked and removed the clothes on her. 

 ***

 Kiyumi’s workmates warmly greeted her as she entered the venue, which was located within their company. She had been one of the organizers of this party, and she was pleasantly surprised by the stunning transformation of the space. From the elegant carpets to the fresh flowers adorning the tables, every detail reflected the party’s gold and purple theme. The surroundings were decked out in gold and purple, with the only touch of color provided by a long light purple carpet. As Kiyumi looked around, a smile of satisfaction crossed her face, and she couldn't help but feel that the fatigue she had experienced for this event was completely worth it. 

Natawa si Kiyumi nang may bigla siyang naisip. Kung hindi niya alam na ang event na ito ay welcome back party para sa boss nila ay iisipin niyang para ito sa babae. Isang party para sa babae. Sino ba naman kasi ang nakaisip na kulay purple at gold ang theme? Gayung lalaki ang CEO nila. 

For this special event, Kiyumi wore the dress that Symeon picked for her, the light purple one. Which beautifully showcased her well-toned cleavage and revealing her shapely white thighs. She completed her looks with red high heels that had a subtle design. Her hair was styled in a messy bun, which, despite its casual appearance, exuded a unique charm. 

“You look great, Yumi. You’re shining in that outfit,” namamanghang papuri ni Syren sa kaibigan. 

“Thank you, Sy. You look great as well.” Kiyumi praised Syren back. 

“Ay totoo ba yan?” Natatawang tanong ni Syren. “Hindi ako sanay sa papuri, lalo na kung galing sayo.” Syren teased Kiyumi. 

They both chuckled. “Hanap tayo drinks,” anyaya ni Syren. “Mag lasing tayo.” Kumindat pa ito kay Kiyumi. 

“Tsk! alam mo kung hindi lang kita kilala? Baka iisipin kong may masama kang binabalak sa akin.” tugon ni Kiyumi. 

Napahawak si Syren sa dibdib niya at nanlalaki pa ang mga mata. “Ay wow! Grabeng trust issue yan teh!” 

Bago pa makasagot si Kiyumi ay biglang lumapit sa kanila si Yvonne, na ikinagulat nila pareho. 

“You look good now.” Yvonne said with a smile, but Kiyumi and Syren can feel her bitterness. 

Kiyumi secretly clenched her fist and tried to calm herself down. “You look…” sinadya niyang bitinin ang sasabihin niya. “You look good as well, no wonder why Wynter is head over heels in love with you.” Kiyumi exclaimed mischievously, noticing a blush creeping up Yvonne’s cheeks. “I hope he’s here also, para naman makita niya kung sino ang mas maganda sa ating dalawa.” Kiyumi savagely remarks, causing Syren to burst into laughter. 

Yvonne was shaking with annoyance but tried to calm herself by putting on a fake smile on her face. 

“Enjoy the party.” Syren teased Yvonne sarcastically, and playfully tapped her arm before following Kiyumi who was casually walking in the middle of the carpet.

“Woooh! Ikaw ba yan?” Pang-aasar ni Syren kay Kiyumi nang makarating sila sa bakanteng table. 

Agad na napa-upo si Kiyumi dahil sa panlalambot ng binti niya. 

‘Kung alam mo lang Sy, kung paano ko pinalakas ang loob ko sa harap ng ahas na iyon.’

Mabilis na kinuha ni Kiyumi ang wine glass na nasa tray na bitbit ng waiter na dumaan sa table nila, parehong nagulat sina Syren at ang waiter sa ginawang iyon ni Kiyumi. She aggressively drank it, she can also feel the dryness of her throat. 

Syren chuckled. “Hoy! Chill hahaha.” 

***

The party started promptly at 7:00 PM, and the seats quickly filled up with a large crowd, some of them were reporters who wanted to get information about the CEO of this famous gaming company. The CEO of the Double H gaming company, no other than Almedel Hiroshi Huxton, the lowkey billionaire who just wants to hide his identity to everyone.

 Kiyumi, Syren, Yvonne and other new employees of Double H Company have never seen or even met the CEO of the company. Masyado kasi itong private, kahit sa newspapers, social media platforms, magazines, or sa TV news ay hindi pinapakita ang totoong itsura ni Almedel. Saktong pumasok silang magkakaibigan sa Double H Company ay nagbakasyon naman si Almedel sa Switzerland, kasama ang long time girlfriend nitong si Solace Misty Trigueros, the famous international model. 

Kiyumi couldn't stop smiling, her eyes almost disappearing due to the mischief happening among her acquaintances below. Compliments were exchanged left and right, creating a lively atmosphere. 

At 8:00 pm, she excused herself for a moment. The first hidden feature of her hairstyle was that it could be transformed into a high ponytail by simply removing a few pins. 

When she returned, she sported a fresh look just as the events were about to begin. No matter where she looked, the atmosphere was filled with flashes of cameras. After a few minutes, the host of the event stood up and walked to the front of the event, everyone settled into their seats, and Kiyumi also returned to her table with Syren, along with the other newbies in the company, and quietly listened to the host of the event. 

In the middle of listening, Kiyumi’s phone vibrated. Kinuha niya ito mula sa maliit niyang bag at tumayo upang sagutin ito. 

“San ka pupunta?” takang tanong ni Syren nang mapansin niyang tumayo si Kiyumi. 

“I need to answer this call. I’ll be back.” tugon ni Kiyumi at saka umalis. 

Lumabas si Kiyumi ng company at dumeretso sa garden na nasa likod ng building. Ngunit napahinto siya nang makita si Yvonne kasama si Wynter na naghahalikan. Parang pinako ang mga paa niya sa kinatatayuan niya, ang mga luha niya ay kusa ring nagbabagsakan na para bang pati ang mga ito ay tinatraydor siya. 

Matagal na silang wala ni Wynter, ngunit alam niya sa sarili niyang may nararamdaman pa rin siya para rito. 

Sa hindi inaasahang pagkakataon ay bigla na lamang bumuhos ang malakas na ulan, tila pati ang langit ay nakikiramay sa kalungkutan ni Kiyumi. 

Because of the pain that Kiyumi felt when she saw the two kissing, wala sa sariling tumakbo siya paalis ng garden. Hindi alintana ang malakas na ulan, wala siyang pakialam kahit nababasa na siya. 

Dahil sa pagtakbo at hindi tumitingin sa tinatakbuhan niya ay hindi niya napansin si Almedel, aksidente niya itong nabangga dahilan upang sabay silang matumba at saktong nahulog sa water fountain ng company. 

“Boss!” sigaw ng mga personal bodyguards ni Almedel.