(KARINA)

"Please Mom and Mommy. Let's help Winter's company. We have the means to assist them," I pleaded with Mom and Mommy in their office, feeling desperate to offer assistance upon learning about the challenges they were facing.

"Then you'll approach Winter? And put yourself in harm's way. We're also begging you to stop chasing that woman," Mommy replied, her tone filled with concern.

"I'm not chasing her. And it's been 6 years since we broke up. I just want to help her as a friend and colleague in this business endeavor. It's strictly business. I promise I won't approach her. Also, I've upgraded the ring that Professor Kyungsoo gave me to protect me from Winter, addressing the issues it had before," I explained, knowing Mommy would be the toughest to convince.

"Yes, you have that ring, but didn't it cause problems before? There's no certainty with that," Mommy said firmly.

"Yes, Mommy, but you saw that it was safe the last time Winter and I were in close proximity. I just want to help Winter, I promise not to meddle in the venture or collaboration that will take place. Just let us help them," I continued bargaining.

In the end, I managed to persuade them, albeit with some difficulty.

Six years since that day...

"Karina, Maghiwalay na tayo."

The most painful words I've ever heard.

I tried to fight for us even after we broke up, and I fought for a year after our breakup, but I couldn't force her anymore, no matter what I did. Also, even though may paraan na we could be together ay ayaw niya.

"Karina, Please maawa ka. Huwag na tayo magkita pa."

Nothing's changed. Siya pa rin, si Winter pa rin, so super happy ako na makita siya ulit. So, I grabbed the chance nung nalaman ko yung issue sa company ni Tita Tiffany. I wanted to help them, pero deep inside, gusto ko rin makita si Winter. Kahit super against sina Mommy at Mom sa gusto ko, I tried naman to move on, pero iba talaga si Winter. Hinahanap-hanap ko pa rin siya.

Walang naman nagbago kay Winter. Baby face pa rin siya but more confident na siya now, even if ang laki ng pressure na hinahandle niya. She's wearing glasses na ba? Nagka-problem na ba siya sa eyesight? Pero bagay sa kanya, lalo na with her blonde bob hair, and she looks super hot in her office attire, yung blue trousers and long-sleeve polo na neatly tucked in.

Then napatingin ako doon sa babaeng katabi niya. Like sobrang asikaso niya kay Winter.

For now, I can't read minds anymore, but I'm observant. It seems like she's into Winter based on her actions. I wonder if Winter feels the same way about her. From what I've observed, Winter seems to treat her like anyone else.

"Thank you all for joining this crucial meeting. As you're aware, Youngtech Company is facing significant challenges with our automatic car recalls, and we're at a critical juncture in our company's history," panimula ni tita Tiffany sa meeting.

Super happy ako na tinanggap nila yung offer namin to help bring back the public trust in their products. Kasi, they made the jump na into car manufacturing, while kami, we've been handling whole scale machinery not just here sa country natin but also abroad. So, it makes sense and maganda din if we venture into car manufacturing. Plus, we're in an era na super advanced na ang technology, right? So, what if we start na on fulfilling the dream of making flying cars? It doesn't seem so far-fetched anymore because of the tech advantage.

"Indeed, the situation is dire. However, I believe our collaboration presents a unique opportunity for both our companies. Zepolmech has been pioneering machinery technology but we see potential in merging our expertise to revolutionize transportation," sagot ni Mom, 'yung usual calm and collected vibe niya.

Kahit na may personal issues sina Mom at Mommy sa collaboration na 'to, business is business, diba? May mga bagay na kailangang i-separate, lalo na kung may potensyal na mag-grow yung business.

"Alright, so first things first. Alam natin na ang bigat ng sitwasyon, lalo na sa recall issue ng Youngtech. Pero ang goal natin ngayon ay to mapag-usapan ang possible collaboration natin na hindi lang mag-aaddress ng current challenges, but also magdadala satin sa cutting edge ng automotive innovation with flying car technology," ang pasok ko sa meeting, trying to set the tone para maging focused tayo sa objective.

"We appreciate Zepolmech's willingness to engage with us during this critical time," sagot ni Miss Jang, with her usual professional demeanor.

"Before we get ahead of ourselves, we need to address the elephant in the room. Winter, you're the one behind the automatic car project that put Youngtech in this sticky situation. Paano namin masisigurado na hindi mauulit 'to sa bagong venture natin?" sabi ni Yeonjun, 'yung parang skeptic pero cautious na vibe niya.

"I totally get where you're coming from, Mr. Yeojun. And I gotta own up to the whole auto car mess, no doubt about it. But here's the thing, the lessons we learned from that?  We've pinpointed the flaws in our testing processes, and now we're putting in some hardcore new protocols. The flying car project? It's gonna learn from all that, making sure we go above and beyond in safety and performance. I'm talking advanced AI-driven piloting systems, integrated safety measures that adapt and evolve, and designs that scream sustainable aviation,"  Sinasabi ni Winter 'to habang pinapakita 'yung mga designs and simulations sa holographic display. Ang mga tao sa room, slowly from being skeptical, nagiging impressed.

Everyone was shook not because si Winter ang may kasalanan sa problematic automatic cars, but because of the level ng improvement at innovation na dala niya. Her idea was so ahead of its time that their initial doubt turned into excitement. She also presented a plan on how to implement damage control.

Kailangan lang niya ng finance para ma-materialize yun, and that's where I come in to help her.

I couldn't help but smile as I looked at her, seeing how confident she had become. At first, laging kabado at mahiyain siya, but now she exuded confidence.

Pero si Yeonjun naman, ang dami niyang tanong. Reliable naman siya, pero sobra na talaga yung mga tanong niya kay Winter. So, I just tapped my fingers on the table while listening and nagspeaking para matigil na yung nonsense na mga tanong ni Yeonjun.

"I know we're all still reeling from the automatic car fiasco of Youngtech, pero let's not dwell on the past. Instead, let's focus on the future – on how we can turn this setback into an opportunity. Here's my plan for damage control now that Zopelmech is handling Youngtech.

Una sa lahat, kailangan nating maging transparent. We'll issue a public statement acknowledging the issues with automatic cars at i-assure ang mga customers na we're taking decisive action to rectify the situation. Transparency builds trust, and we need that now more than ever.

Next, we'll implement a comprehensive recall and repair program. We'll reach out to affected customers, offering free repairs and replacements for any faulty components. We'll also streamline our customer service channels para siguraduhing mabilis at maayos ang tulong para sa mga naapektuhan.

But it doesn't stop there. We'll also ramp up our quality assurance processes. Magco-conduct tayo ng thorough testing at inspections sa bawat stage ng production para mahuli ang mga potential issues bago pa maging problema. Ang commitment natin sa kalidad at safety ay

At sa huli, we'll invest in research and development para siguraduhing na ang ating mga future products – kasama na ang flying car – ay ma-meet ang highest standards of safety and reliability. We'll learn from our mistakes at gagamitin natin ang kaalaman na 'yon para mag-innovate at mag-improve.

With this plan in place, I'm confident that we can regain the trust of our customers and emerge stronger than ever. At with the support of our partners sa Zepolmech, I have no doubt na we'll revolutionize transportation and pave the way for a brighter future," ang salita ko habang nakatingin kay Winter.

*****

"Thanks Chairwoman Seulgi, President Irene, and Vice President Karina for this collaboration and venture. You can rest assured that we won't waste the chance you've given us," Tita Tiffany said as she shook hands to officially kickstart the venture and collaboration between our companies.

I smiled as I shook hands with Tita Tiffany, Tita Taeyeon, and Chaewon. I maintained a professional demeanor as I shook hands with Miss Wonyoung Jang.

So, like, nung tinangka kong lapitan si Winter, biglang umatras siya ng mga more than 5 feet tapos Mommy and them stopped me, and like, they pulled me away. Even Tita Tiffany and Tita Taeyeon kept Winter away. But I didn't give up and like, I reached out for Winter's hand. I showed her it was okay to come closer to me. Iba yung tingin nila mommy kasi sabi ko nga hindi ako magmemeddle. Sorry Mommy, stubborn yung daughter mo. Nakalapit ako kay Winter, and her hand was so cold pero ang soft. Hindi pa rin pala nagbabago yung texture ng hand niya. After so many years, I finally held her hand again.

"Let's have a good partnership, Engr. Winter Frost Lopez," ang full smile ko sa kanya.

"Sure thing, let's make it work and thank you, Engr. Karina Isabella Lopez," ang sabi niya na kalmado at professional. Mabilis niyang inalis yung kamay niya sa pagkakahawak ko. I feel like I'm a stranger to her. The way she's acting now is as if we've gone back to the beginning, when she treated me with nonchalance.

So I was just watching them leave the meeting room, and Wonyoung was all over Winter, inviting him out, and Winter just went along with it.

I just looked at them leaving, and Wonyoung had this big smile on her face, and Winter even smirked at something she said. Like, I'm not jealous or anything. Like, why would I be jealous? Then Chaewon approached me.

"I hope okay lang sa'yo yung venture na 'to, Rina," she said with concern.

"Yes, Chae. I'm fine doing this venture and collaboration na para bang walang pinagsamahan," I replied.

(WINTER)

"Nakita mo ba yung nangyari?" tanong ni Chaewon habang pumasok sa opisina habang busy ako sa pagche-check ng computer ko, trying to finish my tasks.

"Anong nangyari?" tanong ko, hindi pa rin nawawala ang atensyon ko sa trabaho.

"Pwede na pala kayong maglapit ni Karina?" tanong niya ulit.

Napahinto ako sa ginagawa at tumingin kay Chaewon.

"Wala namang kasiguraduhan, Chae. Ayoko mag-compromise. May tendency na pwede ko pa rin madrain energy niya. Besides, moved on na ako kay Karina. Strictly business lang kami," sabi ko na tingin sa ring na suot ko sa hintuturo ko.

After kong mapatingin doon ay nagpatuloy ako sa work ko pero lumapit si Chaewon sa akin.

"Totoo bang tapos ka na sa kanya o nagpapanggap ka lang at nagpapaka-abala ka lang ng sobra sa work?" tanong niya, her face inches away from mine.

Bago ko siya ma-push sa mukha ay napansin ko ang hickey sa leeg niya.

"Ano yan sa leeg mo? Nagiging girl ka na ba?" biglang tanong ko, steering the conversation sa ibang direksyon with a hint of amusement.

Nilingon niya ang leeg niya, annoyed na hindi niya ito masyadong na-cover.

"," bulong niya.

"Is this who you've become since you and Yunjin broke up?" tanong ko, leaning back in my chair, watching her.

"Uyy!! 2 year na rin simula nung mag-break kami ni Yunjin at masaya na siya sa relationship niya at magpapakasal na rin. Friends na lang talaga kami and na fall out of love siya sa akin. Tinanggap ko na yun. Nakakalungkot na ako na lang ang natitirang single sa circle ng mga kaibigan namin. Si Yunjin, nagse-settle down na daw, si Yeji, ikakasal na din at masayang buntis. Samantalang ako, still soul searching," exagerrated niyang tap sa table ko but alam ko nahurt siya ng nakipaghiwalay si Yunjin sa kanya.

"So, ang soul searching mo ba'y tungkol lang sa mga one night stands o casual hookups? Tama ba ako?" Ang biro ko.

"Hindi, hindi. Nalasing lang ako kagabi, na-overwhelm. Sobrang pa-flirt niya, at ang ganda pa niya. Kaya siguro noon crush ko siya," paliwanag niya.

"Who?" I inquired.

"Minju."

Natawa ako ng bahagya. Naalala ko yung inaya ako ni Minju na itry namin magdate.

"So ano na ganap niyo?"

"Like, I don't even know pa pero after last night, hindi ko na siya ma-forget. Sobrang intense nung nangyari sa amin. Nakakaaddict. Yung ride niya sa akin last night parang dinala niya ako sa outer space. Grabe yung experience, like how she gave me blowjo—"

Before she could continue yung sinasabi niya, I stood up to place my finger on her lips kasi hindi na tumitigil si Chaewon sa pagkakwento. Baka nga mag-share pa siya ng full details ng nangyari sa kanila ni Minju, pati na yung mga positions na tinry nila.

"Sige na gets ko na. So anong gagawin mo?" Ang bitaw ko sa pagkakahawak ng labi niya.

"Liligawan siya. Mukhang na love at first yata ako sa kanya. Gusto ko sa akin lang magriride maybe habang buhay. Para mas grabe yung tama ko kay Minju ngayon kaysa dati," ang seryosong sabi ni Chaewon.

"By the way, next week na pala yung kasal nila Ryujin at Yeji," ang biglang segway na sabi ni Chaewon.

Tama, naisip ko rin na best friend din ni Karina si Ryujin, kaya kahit anong gawin ko, magkikita pa rin kami ni Karina kahit na umiiwas ako.

"Theme park wedding pala motif nung dalawa doon," ang paalala ni Chaewon.

Oo kasi sa amusement park sila nagkakilala at matchmaker si Karina. Naalala ko pa nagrent as birthday gift pa si Rina ng buong amusement park dahil nasabi ko na gusto ko pumunta doon.

January 5, 2024...

"Alam mo sobra na ito, Baby," ang sabi ko, naglalakad kami papuntang sa kotse ko kasi ice-celebrate namin with friends yung 20th birthday namin ni Chae sa Enchanted Kingdom bago mag-start yung second sem. Sabi ko kay Karina, ok na yung celebration namin sa bahay noong sa new year. Natanggap ko naman na yung greatest gift na hinihiling ko at siya nga yun. Contented naman ako sa lahat ng mayroon ako. Nabanggit ko lang, parang masaya mag-EK kasi kapag may field trip doon ay hindi ako sumasama. Wala na akong nagawa kasi inayos na lahat ni Rina at nirent niya buong EK kasi nakita niya sa TikTok na maraming tao at mahaba ang pila. Kasama nila Elle, Ning, Chaewon, Yunjin, at Yeji. Ayun, nakapagsunduan na lang daw na g silang lahat. Advance celebration na rin ng 1st monthsary namin as a couple.

[Monopoly Invite🎲]

Karina:
[Guys, I didn't create a group chat. I just searched for this one.]
[Before the second semester starts, Winter and I planning to go to Enchanted Kingdom for another birthday celebration ng kambal. Couple dates and bonding, anyone up for it?]

Yunjin:
[Chaewon and I are in.]
[when is it?]

Chaewon:
[dami naman namin birthday celebration ni Wintot]
[anyway G kami ni Yunjin]

Ningning:
[ G ako]

Elle:
[laguna yan, right? G rin me.]

Yeji:
[paano naman ako?]
[feeling ko seventh wheel ako sa tatlong couples, baka ma-out of place ako]

Elle:
[3 couples?]

Ning:
[Yeji, hindi kami couple ni Elle.]
[ayaw niya so friend lang kami kay hindi ka maOOP]

Karina:
[nope, Yeji may ipapakilala ako sayo]

Ryujin Domingo added to the group.

Ryujin:
[@Karina]
[Hi, what's up in here?]

Karina:
[Isn't your schedule available for the date I mentioned?]

Ryujin:
[I'm available.]

Yeji:
[hoy! Karina siya ba ipapakilala mo sa akin?]
[better make sure you're not introducing just anyone to me 🙄😒]

Ryujin:
[I'm not just anyone, miss, and I can be your only one.]

Chaewon:
[HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA DIBA JOWANG JOWA KA NA, YEJI? YAAN NA!!! HAHAHAHAHA TSAKA POGING TYPINGS. DIBA GANYAN BET MO?]

Yeji:
[HOYYYY!! KAILAN KO SINABI NA JOWANG-JOWA NA AKO?]

Ryujin:
[Also Miss Yeji, Yes I'm a Civil Engineering student, but don't worry, I won't build any walls between us. In fact, I'm here to bridge the gap between our worlds. So care to join me in constructing something amazing?😉]
[sent a photo]

Yunjin:
[Yeji approve sa akin. Sama ka na para mas masaya birthday yung birthday nila Chae and Win.]

Chaewon:
[TANGINA ANG SMOOTH BAKA SIYA NA YUNG PALITADA SA MAGASPANG MONG LOVE LIFE HAHAHAHA]

Ningning:
[hindi basta basta nakikipagkaibigan yan si Rina.]

Giselle:
[para maganda pasok ng new year mo at hindi ka na jowang-jowa]

Yeji:
[SINO BA KASI NAGSABI JOWANG-JOWA NA AKO?]
[sasama na ako]

Winter:
[@Ryujin, may monopoly go ka?]

Chaewon:
[WINTOT!! HINDI KA PA BA TAPOS SA MONOPOLY GO AGENDA MO?"]

Winter:
[galit ka ba?]
[nakacaps lock chat mo]
[nagtatanong lang ako]
[kaya nga nabuo yung gc na ito para sa monopoly go]

"By the way, baby may dala kang excess na damit kasi sabi ni Chaewon may mga rides na mababasa tayo and syempre for pawis na rin. May dala rin akong fan diyan para hindi mainit kahit alam kong pahapon na tayo magiistart," ang bukas ko sa pintuan ng car ko.

"Yes."

*****

"Hoy!! Space shuttle na tayo!!" ang sigaw ni Chaewon.

"Hoy huwag yan. Warm up muna tayo," ang sagot ko.

"Duwag ka lang," pangaasar ni Chaewon.

"Tignan natin mamaya kung sino susuka."

Tapos si Yeji mukha na love at first sight doon sa friend ni Rina na si Ryujin.

"Hi! Finally, we've met. Rina was right; you're beautiful in person, even more beautiful than I expected. I also brought something for you—a flower. Since Rina mentioned you're a bookworm, I asked my sister for a recommendation for book lovers. Instead of books, I decided to give you this custom book embosser with your name on it, as I'm not yet sure about your current reads," ang abot ni Ryujin sa isang box.

Napapangiti si Yeji dahil siya ang laging nagbibigay. Bagamat nagbibigay din kami ng regalo sa kanya, siyempre mula sa isang estranghero na hindi niya talaga kilala, naglaan ng oras para alamin ang gusto niya.

"Thanks, Ryujin. Wala akong mabibigay sayo ngayon."

"That's okay lang kahit wala. Siguro, yung time mo na lang 'yung ibigay mo sa akin, to better na magkakilala tayo."

Tapos, si Yunjin, binubugaw na si Yeji kay Ryujin kasi laging third wheel sa kanila si Chaewon para hindi daw sad yung baby pa nila na isa na maliban sa akin. Sinagot na rin kasi ni Yunjin si Chaewon.

"Diba super ganda niya and she's also kind and caring. I feel vibes from you that make me think you're worthy to be our friend. Please take care of her. You're approved by us," ang tulak ni Yunjin kay Yeji kay Ryujin.

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