Travis
Three days have passed since we’ve been staying here in Baguio. I am currently drinking coffee and reading the newspaper when I heard a sound coming from a camera. I looked up and caught Tiffany holding her camera pointed in my direction.
“What do you think you’re doing this time?” I asked.
She lowered the camera and looked at her shot before raising her gaze to me.
“I’m going to update your official page. With the caption, I’m hotter than coffee.” She smirked.
I gave her an annoyed look. “Do whatever it is that pleases you, but not to the extent of ruining my reputation. Do I look like someone who would put such a caption?” I shook my head.
“I can’t believe Miguel entrusted you with my official social media accounts.” I sarcastically smiled at her.
She approached me and sat on the stool next to me at the mini bar. “I overheard some gossip.” She changed the topic, leaning closer.
“I’m not interested.” I refocused my attention on reading. After years in the industry, I’ve grown tired of hearing rumors.
“Jessica apparently has a boyfriend now,” she said.
I was taken aback and surprised, turning to look at her. “How did you know about it?”
As far as I knew, only a few of us were aware of that. Even her own manager didn’t know about it. She was prohibited from having a boyfriend for at least four years, especially since she was just starting in the industry.
She had a wide grin on her face. “So, it’s true.”
I realized she was just testing me! I stared at her intensely. “Don’t you dare tell anything about it to even a single soul,” I warned her firmly.
“I’m not like that.” She shrugged. “But to be fair, she’s really sweet to you during your press conferences and mall tours. I mean, between the two of you, she’s the one who’s clingy. That’s why at first, I thought she had a crush on you.”
I let out a deep sigh. “It’s because she’s just starting, unlike me. It’s her first lead role, after all.”
She nodded in understanding. “Oh, I see. Just when I thought that she’s actually into you. And then, you two frequently trend on social media. Fans are even expecting the two of you to have a movie together.”
“Too bad. I don’t like having the same partner. That’s why I don’t really have an official love team.” I flipped the page of the newspaper I was holding. “We can still work together, though, but with different roles.”
“Ah, I see,” she said.
I glanced at her discreetly. I couldn’t help but smile because curiosity was evident on her face.
“We are celebrities, that’s why. So, welcome to the showbiz world where what you see is a lie and what we deny is the truth.”
Her lips twitched, and her face suddenly contorted.
“Your world is really chaotic.” She focused her attention on the camera she was holding, looking through the photos.
“Anyway, I’ll just post your picture for now. But can I also post this one?” she asked.
I reached for my cup of coffee, about to take a sip, when I glanced at the photo she was showing me on her camera.
But I almost dropped the cup when I saw the picture.
“What the hell? When did you take that?” I exclaimed.
She grinned at me as she got out of her seat.
“Secret!” She stuck her tongue out at me.
I put down the newspaper and stood up from my seat as well.
“No! You won’t post that one! Especially not without my permission!”
If I’m not mistaken, she just took that photo earlier. I was wrapped in a towel while drying my hair. The distance of the shot was quite far, which is probably why I didn’t notice her taking the picture.
“Do you know how thirsty the fans are for these kinds of pictures? They’ll definitely go crazy if they see this!”
I walked closer to her, about to snatch her camera, when she quickly ran away.
“Damn, woman!” I chased after her.
She continued running with laughter. But finally, when I reached the end of the camera, she lost her balance as her leg hit the edge of the bed, causing her to fall on top of it. Since we were both holding the camera, I was pulled down as well.
I quickly managed to support myself with my hands on either side of her. But I was taken aback when I realized how close our faces were to each other, causing my heart to go wild as if time had numbed its beats.
It’s been a long time since I’ve felt so comfortable and relaxed whenever she’s near me. As if we hadn’t been separated from each other for a very long time.
But no matter how much I want to be with her right now, I know that I still don’t deserve her. That’s why I need to work even harder.
As I was lost in staring at her, my eyebrows furrowed when she suddenly closed her eyes and pouted her lips. I avoided laughing at her actions.
I took advantage of that moment and quickly grabbed her camera, which was on the other side of the bed, and deleted the photo she took earlier.
“There. Next time, don’t just go and take a picture without my permission.”
She opened her eyes wide and quickly looked at her camera. Her face resembled that of a sulking child.
“Killjoy! I should have made a backup,” she said, her face contorting.
I stood up, still smiling. “Fix yourself. We’re going somewhere.”
She looked up, excitement evident in her eyes. “Where to?”
“Just somewhere,” I replied.
I turned around and headed towards the cabinet to look for something to wear. There’s just a little over a week left before I return to the world of showbiz. That’s why I’m going to make the most of the remaining days of my vacation.
***
Tiffany
“Wow!”
We are now here at the Observation Deck at Mines View Park. It has an astonishing view that overlooks the mining town of Itogon and a glimpse of the Amburayan Valley. This place is picture-perfect, with the mountains serving as a picturesque natural backdrop.
We silently gazed at the breathtaking scenery in front of us while enjoying our strawberry taho. There are quite a lot of people around, so I was hesitant to leave my spot or turn around. I’ve been feeling uneasy since earlier, afraid that someone might recognize Travis.
I glanced at him discreetly. He was wearing shades and a cap, which looked a bit odd. He was also wrapped in a thick jacket. Hopefully, he wouldn’t be recognized by anyone here.
To be honest, I still have a question I wanted to ask him since Miguel mentioned it to me. It hasn’t left my mind ever since.
“I have a question.” I finally turned to face him.
“What is it? If you’re just going to catch some gossip, then forget it.” He slowly sipped his taho.
“Why haven’t you had a real kissing scene in any of your shows?” I asked without hesitation, causing him to choke a bit.
I quickly approached him. “Are you okay?” I handed him a tissue.
He turned to me sharply, and despite wearing shades, I could feel his sharp gaze.
“Where did that question come from?” he muttered under his breath.
I shrugged. “No particular reason. I just noticed.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Why? Have you been following all my shows?” he asked curiously.
I nodded repeatedly. “Of course! I’m your number one fan!” I whispered back to him.
He smirked and returned his gaze in front of us. I chuckled softly as he remained silent.
After a few moments, he turned around and said, “Let’s go.”
I couldn’t do anything as he started walking away. I made faces as I followed behind him.
We glanced at the souvenir shops in the area. Most of the shops sell woven items and knitted garments. I couldn’t resist buying a few things.
I thought he had no intention of answering my question. So, I was surprised when he suddenly spoke while I was busy shopping.
“It’s because I’m not comfortable with it. So, before accepting any project, I make sure to clarify my rules regarding those kinds of scenes.”
I furrowed my brow as I turned to him. “Are the producers okay with that? But you’re an actor. You won’t be able to avoid it forever as long as you’re in this industry. Besides, it’s one of the things that attract viewers and boost ratings.”
I was taken aback when I noticed how tightly he held the wooden coaster he picked up.
“Why? If you were a viewer, would you want to see me kissing another woman?” he pressed on.
That made me shut my mouth. I swallowed and stared at him.
If you were to ask me, of course, I wouldn’t want that. But I can understand because it’s part of his job as an actor.
“What if it’s necessary for the scene?” I persisted, ignoring the sudden pounding of my heart.
He sighed deeply before looking in my direction. “If they insist, I have no choice but to decline the project.”
My eyes widened at his response.
“Are you serious? But you’ve been dreaming of becoming a well-known actor for so long! Can you really let go of a project offered to you just for the sake of avoiding it?”
I was actually happy that he didn’t want to do that. But more than anyone else, I know how much he wants to enter and stay in the industry he’s currently in.
I was dumbfounded when he suddenly leaned in close to me. I felt like I was losing consciousness when he lightly traced his finger along the contour of my lips.
“It doesn’t matter anyway because I’ve already lost my greatest dream.”
Despite the unexplainable tension I felt, I couldn’t help but be surprised by what he said.
“Besides, it was just one other pair of lips that would touch mine.”
At that moment, he let go of my stunned lips and walked away without looking back. I was left staring into nothingness.
What did he mean by that?