Travis
We are currently backstage, waiting for our names to be called so that both my love team partner, Jessica, and I can go up on stage. But while I was listening to the host, I was surprised when Jessica suddenly approached me and adjusted my jacket slightly.
“There’s no need for you to do that. There’s no camera focused on us,” I commented to her, glancing around.
She smirked. “But I want to. After all, this is our last mall tour for the show. I don’t even know if I’ll get to work with you again.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “The showbiz industry is small. I’m sure we’ll have another chance to work together, but maybe in different roles.”
She genuinely smiled at me. “That’s true. But I also want to thank you for being a good friend to me and for keeping my secret. I feel comfortable and safe knowing that you’re my partner for my first lead role.”
I patted her head. “No worries.”
As she said, it was indeed our last mall tour for our concluded TV series. So, I couldn’t blame her if she got emotional.
“I know that you’ve been waiting for the two of them already. Now, let’s all welcome TJ Vernon and Jessica Dominguez!”
Finally, our names were called, and we quickly held hands as we went up on stage. Even before we started, we were greeted with loud cheers from the crowd. Automatically, we smiled and waved back warmly. After greeting them, a familiar and gentle song began to play. It served as the theme song for our concluded TV series, so we started singing it.
We held each other tightly as we continued to sing. Afterwards, we went down to the stage to shake hands with our fans. I maintained my practiced smile. Then my eyes focused on a familiar figure standing out amidst the crowd.
I tightened my grip on the microphone and immediately averted my gaze. I couldn’t let my performance be ruined because of my personal feelings.
Without hesitation, I pulled Jessica closer. This caused our bodies to be pressed against each other and our faces to come even closer.
She had a wide smile, but I could see the confusion in her face due to what I had done. However, I didn’t pay much attention to it anymore. Instead, I pressed our foreheads together while singing, and gently caressed her cheek. As a result, the surrounding crowd cheered even louder.
After our performance, we returned to the front of the stage. We turned around and took our seats to take a picture with all the fans behind us. After a few moments, the rest of the cast of the TV series joined us, and we expressed our gratitude to everyone who attended and supported us.
As the event came to an end, we quickly said our goodbyes and headed straight to the backstage area. We were greeted by Jessica’s manager, Madam Aya.
“The two of you need to hurry. You have a scheduled interview on E-Showbiz News by five pm,” she reminded us.
I looked down at my watch. It was already three-thirty pm. Fortunately, the studio where the interview would take place was not too far from the mall where the tour was held. However, it was likely to be congested with traffic at this time.
Jessica and I decided that she would just ride with me in my car. Her manager and our personal assistants followed us as well.
“Our schedule is so hectic today. I haven’t even had a chance to recover from the mall tour, and now we have an immediate interview. And in the evening, there’s a victory party.” Jessica sighed deeply as we got inside the car.
“It can’t be helped. Aren’t you used to it?” I asked her.
She massaged her temples. “I’m used to it, but it just so happens that today is also my anniversary with Randy.”
I nodded while keeping my attention on the road. “Don’t worry. I’m sure he will understand.”
“Yeah. He always does. After all the events, I’ll make it up to him,” she said with determination.
I remained silent and continued driving. After a while, we arrived at the building of the TV network where the interview would take place. We went straight to the dressing room to get ready. While the stylists were busy around me, I found myself staring blankly at the mirror in front of me.
I still couldn’t get Tiffany out of my mind, even after seeing her amidst the crowd earlier. Although I couldn’t fully gaze at her, I could still sense the sadness in her eyes. Honestly, I didn’t expect her to show up after what happened between us in Baguio a few days ago.
I had been preparing for this day for a long time. So, I couldn’t let my guard down just because I saw her again.
Even as we finished getting ready and headed to Studio 17, Tiffany was still occupying my thoughts. I couldn’t help but feel guilty for leaving her in Baguio that day. Afterward, I received a sermon from Migz and Jela. Even now, they are not acknowledging me.
“Are you okay? I noticed earlier while we were still at the mall that you seemed a bit anxious.”
I turned to Jessica and gave her a slight smile. “I’m fine. I’m just a bit tired, I guess. I only had a few hours of sleep.”
She gently tapped my shoulder. “I feel you on that. But don’t worry because after this, we’ll have a few weeks to rest,” she said, and her words suddenly filled me with energy.
“Yeah, I’m really looking forward to that,” I said with enthusiasm.
Before the program officially started, the staff gave us some instructions. Then we heard the host of the talk show, Ameera, begin to speak.
“Good afternoon, everyone! I’m delighted to introduce to you our guests for today. They’re one of the hottest love teams of this generation. Let’s all welcome TJ Vernon and Jessica Dominguez!”
We walked into the studio with smiles on our faces, and Jessica held onto my arm. As we took our seats, we greeted Ameera, the audience, and those watching from their homes.
“Good afternoon to both of you. I heard that you just came from a mall tour for your recently concluded TV series. How was it?” Ameera asked us.
Jessica looked at me, so I took the lead in responding. “I can say that it was successful. We are extremely grateful to the fans who continuously supported us even after the show ended.”
She applauded softly. “That’s great! Congratulations to both of you and everyone involved in Still Loving You Tomorrow. So, can we expect to see the two of you in a new project?”
“Actually, I already received an offer to play another lead role. But of course, it’s still a secret what it is and when it will start,” Jessica answered meaningfully.
I nodded in agreement. “Yeah. I, on the other hand, will be working on a movie. It’s a mystery-thriller. So, they should definitely watch out for that. However, shooting won’t begin until next year.”
Ameera gave us a mischievous look. “That’s great! So, here it is. Of course, we can’t ignore the most anticipated question from the fans for both of you.”
The audience suddenly burst into laughter as Jessica and I exchanged smiles.
“What’s the real score between the two of you? Are you dating, close friends, or just simply colleagues?” someone from the audience asked. I nodded at Jessica, signaling for her to answer the question first.
“We’re just friends. As much as possible, I want to be in a relationship with someone who doesn’t belong to the industry,” Jessica replied.
“Same here. I prefer to be with someone who’s not in showbiz as well,” I agreed.
Ameera smiled understandingly. Her face showed empathy. “Well, at least you’re good friends.”
“Yes, we are,” both Jessica and I answered in unison.
“But if the two of you are just good friends, we wonder if you have someone that you like already, or what’s the status of your love life right now?” Ameera added.
Jessica took the lead in answering once again. “Well, for now, my focus is on work, especially since I’m relatively new to the industry. I want to explore, enjoy, and seize every opportunity that comes my way.”
Ameera then turned to me. “How about you, TJ? You’ve been linked to several onscreen partners before, but you haven’t introduced anyone publicly.”
I let out a deep breath. “All I can say is that I’m happy right now, and I will continue to work harder so that I can become the kind of man who deserves the woman I’ll be with someday.”
Ameera sighed dreamily. “Wow, whoever that woman is, I can say she’s lucky.”
I tightened my grip on the microphone. “I hope that’s what she feels as well.”
Ameera glanced at the camera. “As much as I want to ask more questions, we no longer have time.” She stood up to retrieve a bundle of red roses and handed them to Jessica before returning to her seat and facing us. “Thank you for coming.”
At the end of the interview, we bid farewell to the fans before finally leaving the studio.
“You, huh? Keeping secrets from me,” Jessica said, playfully nudging me.
“What do you mean?” I asked, confused, as we walked back to the dressing room.
“Who was the woman you were referring to earlier? Do you have someone you like?” A mischievous smile played on her lips.
I laughed and hugged her gently. “You’ll meet her soon once everything that needs to be done has been settled.”
She giggled. “I feel excited already. I hope she knows that she’s the woman you’re talking about.”
At that moment, my heart was filled with both nervousness and hope.
“I hope so.”