Keeping Up With The Engineers

|| Carlo

"Okay guys, since our discussion today was just about the foundation, the meeting is adjourned."

"Foundation or you don't have any ideas?" Lawreign sarcastically questioned.

"Fucking hell Lawreign, I feel disturbed for the whole meeting because of you!" Axis shouted at her annoyingly.

"Don't you worry Ax." Lawreign answered calmly and did a three-finger salute. "I shall go along with your messy plans."

"That's right. I sent all the plans in the drive. You can edit those there."

"I know." Lawreign grabbed her bag and approached Maryl, I think it's important since she had to whisper.

Axis packed his things and talked to Adriano about what is typewritten on his laptop. I stood up and was about to exit when I bumped into Maryl and Lawreign on our way out.

"Do you guys want to discuss something? I'll just get some coffee." Lawreign smirked and left us alone together.

I'm not gonna lie, Maryl looks like an elegant mess right now. Maybe because of what happened last night that greatly affected her mood?

I can see the hickeys I left on her. Fuck.

But again, I'm not gonna lie, it compliments on her pale fair skin.

"H-hi. How are you?" I asked

"Pretty good, thank you. And you?" she answered in class, but I can feel the awkwardness around.

My heart is beating fast, I can feel myself trembling.

"I didn't expect you to be here, but it's all good hehe." I answered awkwardly.

She looked at me intensely, which made me feel more awkward. I feel like I'm gonna burst with these butterflies in my stomach.

She smirked. "I'm looking forward to working with you in the laboratory, Mr. Fulgenzio. Don't worry, I don't have plans on flirting with you anyways."

Oh.

My.

God.

Stop teasing me like that if you don't have any plans.

I wanted to sigh deeply but fuuuck, I don't wanna lose my cool.

But I think I already lost it though.

"O-oh yeah. I'm looking forward to working with you in the labora---"

"To my future nieces and nephews; on behalf of your mother and father, I apologize. Auntie Lawreign disturbed the mood and therefore, you cannot be given birth." Lawreign interrupted the conversation then sipped her hot coffee.

Me and Maryl both starred blankly at her.

"What? I'm innocent!" she reacted with her fake puppy eyes and mocking innocent vibe.

Maryl clicked with her tongue "That's just hunger speaking. We shall get our Korean BBQ already." and dragged Lawreign out of the scene with a powerful walk that females usually do when wearing high heels.

I gazed until her silhouette disappear.

No wonder why the woman from last night looked so familiar...

... it was Maryl.

I bothered to search on iG of whoever that angel was, and I thought she was a literal angel that came down from heaven for I couldn't find her. I never knew it was someone I already know.

God, my head is spinning.

I'm uncertain if this is from workload stress or just confusion.

I walked slowly in the hallway, thinking or overthinking about things, especially what will gonna happen next. The meeting just finished, and I noticed a lot of flaws Axis discussed. I mean, he talked about those we discussed days ago, but I was hoping that Reign would polish those flaws for him. The next meeting is to be scheduled, and I am looking forward to some changes, but the spy cameras are a great way to start this plan.

I sighed deeply as I take my steps in the parking lot, thinking of the next move I would do, not only in this plan but also with her. I didn't expect Maryl's growth, she looks like a ray of sunshine to me.

God, I feel so conflicted... so confused. Should I fill the void?

I brushed my hair with my fingers and bumped my head onto the wall.

Ugh, why am I like this?

-----

|| Maryl

Lawreign approached and whispered in my ear. "Hey, I'm craving for some Korean BBQ."

"Me too, shall we?" I agreed.

"Where? The one in front of this headquarters?"

"Yeah. That one is good. You haven't tried there, have you?"

Reign took a few steps away from me and gave me a serious look. "This is why I asked you."

"Good thing I didn't have breakfast. So let's go?"

"Me too. And yeah, good thing that you also need some Korean BBQ fix today. Let's gooo." Reign agreed.

We both stood up and were about to be on our way when we bumped into 'him'.

"Do you guys want to discuss something? I'll just get some coffee." Lawreign smirked and left us behind.

May she remember to give me a cup of coffee as well.

"H-hi. How are you?" he asked.

Oh right, I'm with this guy.

I looked at him and answered "Pretty good, thank you. And you?" I put my hands on the side and pinched my thigh for me to pull myself together.

Ah shoots, this is awkward.

"I didn't expect you to be here, but it's all good hehe." he answered awkwardly.

God I really feel awkward, and he feels awkward, so I must not lose my cool.

Do something to combat this Maryl Juneaux.

I looked at him intensely and grinned sweetly. "I'm looking forward to working with you in the laboratory, Mr. Fulgenzio. Don't worry, I don't have plans on flirting with you anyways."

I know that was kinda shitty but I noticed him tremble. He's easy to make him weak with eyes? I should have known.

And I didn't know I can make someone like him tremble? I should have known.

Disgusting.

He stuttered "O-oh yeah. I'm looking forward to working with you in the labora---"

We both stared blankly at her.

"What? I'm innocent!" she reacted with her mocking innocent vibe.

I clicked my tongue. "Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. That's just hunger speaking. We shall get our Korean BBQ already." and pulled her out of the scene. I pulled her until we reached the elevator and I pushed the down button.

"Heck, I thought you'd get me some coffee as well." I jokingly told Reign.

"Oh, you actually want some?" she asked and sipped her coffee. "I was worried for you might spill it on Montecarlo, I'd lose a chance to have a nephew or niece slash godchild."

I twitched my eyebrows. "Why the fuck would I?"

"Well, that's a possibility for you to do."

The elevator opened and we entered. Reign pressed the ground floor button while sipping her coffee.

I sighed deeply.

We went to the Korean BBQ place we were talking about earlier and ordered pork and beef set for lunch. I was expecting a queue but we happened to be the last customers to take the vacant spot.

While we were waiting for us to be served, someone called on Reign's phone. She answered and waved at the camera. She even did a peace sign.

"Who's that?" I asked and Reign showed me the screen. She placed her phone on the side of the table so both of us could be seen. She has a phone stand to support her phone for it.

"You shameless fools, you're having Korean BBQ without me?"

It was Nathalie or Tally for short. Our favorite supermodel. She's currently at school for her modeling rehearsals.

"I thought you need to lose some weight for the Annual AXU Fashion Show?" I asked.

"Oh yeah, right." she answered. "Why do I have to give samgyupsal up in times like thiiis?! God I'm craving right noooow."

"I don't know as well Tal." Reign answered. "Blame your metabolism."

"Luh." Tally pouted.

"So, what made you call?" Reign asked.

"I want to invite you guys to my birthday party next Saturday. It is set to be held at our private lounge."

-----

|| Axis

I wore a casual cocktail look for this night. I'm not used to mixing casual and cocktail attire, but this is what my friend requested for her birthday so I just went along with it. She'd provide food for us anyways.

I fixed my hair, wore the antiqued leather oxford shoes from Amadeo Testoni that was gifted to me by my future wife. I already told her that she doesn't need to give me something like this, but she insisted. What can I do?

After I wore my watch, I heard a rung from my phone that was in my pocket. Of course, I checked who it was before answering.

Speaking of future wife, she was calling.

"Hello Austin, are you going to Tally's birthday? I'm having a fever eh." she weakly answered.

"Yes babe. She's expecting me so I have to." I responded.

"Alright then. Take care ah? I love you. Even if you don't bring anything for me, it's alright haha." she reminded me although it was clear from her voice that she doesn't have the energy to do anything.

"No no, you're sick so I have to visit you thereafter. I love you too."

"You're choice. I love you more." and she dropped the call.

Sigh, my wife is so sweet.

I went downstairs and quickly went to the gate, for I know there are people who were waiting for me outside: Laweign and Maryl.

When I got out, I greeted them immediately for they Lawreign parked her BMW right in front of our house. I haven't gotten my license yet so I have to go with them. Lawreign wore a pink jumpsuit and white pumps, and Maryl was sporting a khaki-colored long polo that somehow looks like a dress for its length was just below the knee, I couldn't describe it well but yeah. She also wore a black slim belt around her waist, and a brown laced bootie if my descriptions were right.

"What took you so long?" Lawreign, laying her back on her car, complained.

"My wife called. I prioritize her first." I replied

"Wife your face. Where's the marriage certificate?" she mocked.

Maryl interrupted. "Hey guys, we might run late for EDSA could be congested tonight."

"Blame Axis for being a turtle. He just beat women when it comes to slowness, but I doubt that it's congested tonight." Lawreign complained.

Maryl gave her a 'tsk' and entered the car near the driver's side, Lawreign and I followed suit, with her being the driver. I sat at the back. The roads weren't congested with traffic, and I must compliment Lawreign's driving skills for being smooth. And even if it's rush hour, the possibility of having traffic jams is little to none thanks to the improvised transportation system. We arrived at the Underwood HQ's private lounge 10 minutes before the scheduled time.

Nathalie, in her yellow summer dress, was waiting for us by the entrance and greeted us.

"Hi Maryl, Axis, Reign!"

Happy birthday Nathalie!" and we had a group hug.

"So glad you made it!"

"Of course!" Maryl answered enthusiastically. "We can't say no to our favorite supermodel!"

"Come come. I'll take you to your seats." Nathalie offered us the seat located at the centermost of the lounge, so we can clearly see the visitors. This place is illuminated with city lights, lights from outside, even from the string lights inside the venue. This function room is surrounded by windows and a rooftop garden.

"Wait here. I'll go get some snacks and refreshments." Nathalie notified us.

For our seating position; Reign is located at my right, Maryl is seated at my left. And because I'm a gossip guy, my eyes wandered around the place while waiting for food and drinks. I'm also a judgemental person, slight.

"Look at them Maryl. There are reasons why I didn't choose them." I pointed to the group a few distances away from us. In that group were some of our friends; Justyne, Jinyoung, Jordan and others.

"Justyne is such a party animal and has lunatic tendencies. I can't trust her."

"Judgemental." Lawreign uttered in a mocking tone. "Just because she party animal doesn't mean she's lunatic."

"Justyne is a nice gal actually, maybe because you haven't her fully?" Maryl answered. "I mean she may be possessive at times but doesn't define her fully."

"Yeah. She's pretty good in handling the student council actually." Lawreign agreed.

"You didn't even choose Nathalie." Maryl worriedly mentioned.

"Nope, too immature. Also, she's an electrical engineering major, right? Useless. We already have one in our team" I bluntly responded.

"The audacity. You're currently in her birthday party." Maryl glared and gave me a sermon.

"Should we kick him out and tell Nathalie?" Lawreign asked Maryl with such a plan.

"I'm just kidding guys. I'm still looking forward for the food." I answered in defense "But I might choose Jinyoung."

Maryl twitched her eyebrows and gave me a suspecting glare. "Because his sister is your girlfriend?"

"It's not like that, Maryl. I just think he'll be great in your team."

"Oh, so you're into the chaotic engineering department, Austin Xil?" Lawreign questioned. "Are you using your brain or what?"

"Yeah. We all know that Adriano and Jinyoung are rivals." Maryl agreed with her. "It is expected that we would have a hard time to focus, just because those two would bicker at each other. Everything will suddenly burn into flames."

"Okay, so Carlo can be the fire extinguisher then." I suggested

"You added another type of gasoline, the fire will spread easily." Maryl disagreed.

"Okay, so why do they seem chaotic exactly?" I confusingly asked. "Adriano is handled by the physics department, Carlo by computer and electronics department, and Jinyoung for information technology! What was exactly the issue here?"

"Okay, Jinyoung and Adriano are rivals in every robotics competition, it reaches Japan and Italy even. We all know that Ian doesn't give a damn, but Jinyoung is an overly competitive type. He may seem chill, but he isn't." Lawreign explained.

"Okay, but what about the issue between Jinyoung and Carlo?" I annoyingly asked.

"I guess it's better for you to know about the Jinyoung - Adriano issue for now. Just see it for yourself."

"Oh so is this the Engineering version of Keeping Up With Kardasians?"

"Correction. Keeping Up With The Engineers." Maryl answered with a class.

"That sounds like a good segment. Gossips for men." Lawreign agreed.

"What 'gossips for men'?" Nathalie asked with three glasses of orange juice with straw, sandwiches, and cookies on the tray she's holding, and she placed those on the coffee table in front of us. She sat beside Lawreign.

Maryl took a glass of orange juice and took a sip, and placed it out of the tray after. "ni Austin Xil was oblivious of those three's issue."

"Wait, who's three?" Nathalie asked confusingly.

"Ian, Carlo at Jinyoung." Lawreign replied.

"Poor Axis, you're too outdated." Nathalie teased.

"Alright, alright guys, I'm sorry!" I answered in defeat.

"Pffft, I hope this will be your lesson not to focus on your relationship too much, hm?" Lawreign reminded and the three chuckled.

_____

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