JACKSON’S POV
While preparing breakfast, I heard Zaniyah exclaim, "Ay, pusa!" gulat ni Zaniyah habang may hawak na bag
"Oh, sorry, Akala ko kasi tulog ka pa kaya pumasok na ako. I didn't mean to startle you. I'm really sorry," she added. I didn't pay much attention and continued cooking. She went over to the sofa and placed her bags there. "Your condo is really nice," she commented as she explored the entire place. I still didn't acknowledge her much as I was busy with cooking, but occasionally I glanced at her to see what she was up to.
Lumapit na ito sa akin at tinignan ‘yong niluluto ko, "Marunong ka pala magluto?" tanong niya habang tinitignan niya ako.
"Anong tingin mo sa akin, umaasa lang sa online delivery?" mahinahon kong sabi pero may inis na tono.
Pumunta ako sa lababo para maghugas ng kamay, "Hindi naman, sa mukha mo lang." pabiro niyang sabi
I gave her a pointed look and rolled my eyes. I let out a sigh. She flashed a small smile, and despite myself, I couldn't help but smile back.
Seeing her chuckle at my reaction, I couldn't help but feel a mix of amusement and slight embarrassment. It seemed like she had a knack for catching me off guard. "I'm just kidding, Sir Jackson. I'm sure you have some cooking skills up your sleeve too," she said, her tone light and playful. It was clear she was trying to lighten the mood after my initial, slightly annoyed look.
I shot her a sidelong glance, and she held my gaze as she continued speaking. Meanwhile, I continued to stir the fried rice, my focus divided between our conversation and the cooking. "Oh, bakit may nasabi ba ako?" I asked, genuinely puzzled by her comment.
She maintained her gaze on me, and her expression seemed to hint at something more, something related to our past conversation. "Ahh... gets ko na, sorry," she finally said, as if realizing that I was trying to recall what she was referring to.
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "So, anong sasabihin mo sa akin?" I inquired, my tone slightly teasing. It was clear that there was more to this exchange than met the eye.
"Ahm, sorry talaga Jackson, hindi kasi talaga ako sanay," she admitted, her tone sincere and apologetic.
I paused for a moment, processing her words. It dawned on me that she was apologizing for her earlier informal comment and our playful banter. It seemed she was genuinely concerned about crossing a professional boundary.
"Kailangan mo masanay, gusto ko casual lang," I replied, my tone softening. I realized that my insistence on being addressed casually might have caught her off guard. In a way, it was a reminder of the line I wanted to blur between our formal professional roles and the more relaxed interactions we had been having.
As Mark and the rest of the staff arrived, it was clear that it was time to shift our focus to the upcoming rehearsal. I put aside my cooking and redirected my attention to the task at hand. With instruments and equipment in tow, we were all getting ready to head to the studio. Amidst the organized chaos, Zaniyah's presence stood out to me. She was effortlessly engaged in conversations with some of the staff, her warm smile and friendly demeanor making her an integral part of the group.
"Oh, nandiyan na pala kayo. Tara nagluto ako ng pagkain." I greeted them with a smile, thinking they might enjoy the food I prepared.
"Baunin mo nalang ‘yan Jackson, kailangan 8:30 am nandon na tayo sa studio," Mark replied as he continued to sort through their equipment.
I felt a bit disheartened that my efforts might go to waste. "Maaga pa naman," I said, a tinge of disappointment in my voice as I watched them preoccupied with their tasks.
While I watched them, Zaniyah's voice suddenly broke through the slight melancholy. "Ah, oo nga po medyo maaga pa naman, need din po natin kumain para medyo may energy tayo mamaya," she cheerfully interjected, her words bringing a spark of positivity to the situation.
I couldn't help but smile at her input. She had a way of looking at things that was both practical and optimistic. It was a refreshing perspective. "Actually, tama si Zaniyah kailangan muna natin kumain" sabi ni Ate Sab isa sa staff
Zaniyah's ability to contribute to the conversation in such a positive way didn't go unnoticed by the others either. They nodded in agreement, appreciating her input. It was moments like these that made me realize how much her presence had impacted our dynamic.
As we made our way to the studio, I found myself engaging in conversation with Zaniyah once again. Her presence was comforting, and her easygoing nature made it easy for me to open up. I realized that despite the busy schedule and the pressure of rehearsals, these interactions were something I looked forward to.
Upon reaching the studio, the focus shifted entirely to the rehearsal. With instruments set up and microphones adjusted, I got into the groove of things. The music began, and I lost myself in the melody and lyrics. Every now and then, I caught Zaniyah's attentive gaze, her tablet in hand to jot down any notes or observations.
With each note, I found myself immersed in the process, forgetting about the world outside the studio. The music became my solace, my escape from the demands of reality. In that moment, I was truly alive, pouring my heart and soul into every chord and lyric.
Amidst the harmonious chaos, I occasionally noticed Zaniyah's attentive gaze. Her tablet in hand, she diligently took notes and made observations, a quiet yet constant presence in the background. It was reassuring to know that someone was keeping track of the details, ensuring that everything was on track.
After the intense rehearsal session, we finally wrapped up. As I wiped away the sweat from my brow, Zaniyah approached me with a genuine smile. "Infairness ha, magaling ka talaga."
I couldn't help but chuckle at her candid remark. "Syempre," I replied with a playful grin, feeling a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction from the successful rehearsal.
Zaniyah's presence seemed to bring a lightness to the atmosphere, easing the tension that often accompanied such intense creative sessions. Her appreciation was both uplifting and genuine, reminding me that our hard work was paying off.
"Kailangan mo rin ng rest after that," she added, her concern evident in her voice.
"Ahm... Hindi biro 'yung mga oras na 'to, pero worth it naman," I said, genuinely grateful for her understanding.