A Spicy Situation

. . .

The two teams went home that instance. They all packed their clothes for a beach celebration. By evening, Jin provided 10 private jets for the whole party and at 10 PM they took off to Kalibo International Airport. After landing, everyone went on a cruise ship provided by ZA International; every venture was shared by the two companies. Even the employees rode different airplanes together without being ZA's or CF&H's employees. Everyone felt like an employee for both.

They booked a hotel owned by another company, for the reason that staying in their own hotels will surely faze the staff with all its higher ups gathering in one place.

Every staff was given their own private room as they entered a five-star hotel that showcased a beachfront scenery. By 12 o'clock in the midnight, everyone was already settled in their quarters, but as they all lay in bed, the chat rooms erupted with countless messages.

Glenda Florentino: Omg. Are they sharing the same room!?

Hazel Tan: What? You mean... Miss Lin and Mister Young!?

Denise Fitzgerald: I don't think so. It's a bit too early. I think.

Rina Furukawa: They've known each other for years and they are in a relationship now so it should be fine. Come on. Don't ruin our fantasies geez.

Jessie Lucero: Did they really book the same room tho?

Meanwhile...

"Here's your luggage," Jin said, "Don't stay up late."

"Yeah, you too."

They entered their separate rooms and went to bed early, as they have agreed on.

* * *

When morning came, with the sun lining its rays into the horizon to bless the sea with its fervent glow, everyone went out of their rooms just in time to greet this picturesque setting.

The sea shimmered in mellow waves, with the seagulls hovering overhead, and colorful fish swimming in the clear water.

Some tourists were trudging along the clean beach, admiring countless sandcastles made by the local artists. Most of the employees enjoyed taking photos while some enjoyed the recreational activities. There were banana boats, jet skis and even parasailing made available.

As their employees made some fun for themselves, Zeirenne and Jin lounged on the floating restaurant where she went on her usual eating spree.

There were countless dishes served and Zeirenne, who surely knows how to enjoy food, feasted on the local dishes.

"WOAH!" she marveled as Jin watched her eating, "You have to try this! Oh wait. Hmm nevermind. It's kinda spicy."

She was about to shove the spoon inside her mouth, but Jin grabbed her hand to spoon-fed himself with a burning mouthful. He grimaced.

"Here, have some water," she offered.

"I'm good. It's bearable."

Some of the employees watching the two were all surprised. Miss Lin was acting coy, and Mister Young was no better.

When did their cold-hearted CEO even had the ability to express so much emotions in his eyes? Everyone could see it, the realness in his stares. Everyone but her.

In a sudden attempt to add more food on her mountainous amount of sea cuisines, Zeirenne found herself bumping into another man. She rarely bumps into someone, unless they can conceal their presence well.

Looking up, Miura Takumi was right in front of her.

She maintained a normal face, like how someone should act when they bump into some else—apologetic. Deep inside, her mind was smirking. "So you're finally here. I see."

But in that moment, she had to act accordingly, "Opps. I'm so sorry. Are you alright Mister?"

Jin noticed the situation and he stood up to separate her from him.

Without saying anything, Miura Takumi displayed a smirk on his face. It was terrifying enough to make Zeirenne smile. She was not a masochist. But she sure do love playing with fire.

Miura Takumi walked away without a single word.

On another table, Dylan who was there as a tourist and not as Assistant Wang was sitting nonchalantly. He observed everything, indicting every move Miura Takumi ever did. His walk, his posture, his clothes—everything. He made sure to recognize this formidable enemy from a distance.

Zeirenne and Jin eyed each other with the same question in mind: Why is Miura Takumi here?

To keep things casual, they shrugged this incident off and went back to finishing their meals. After Zeirenne finished her abundant meal, she was in the middle of downing her water when a waitress approached their table.

"Congratulations Ma'am. You won our exclusive dinner for two," the waitress said.

"I won a dinner for two? When?" she asked, eyeing Jin suspiciously. He also had his eyebrows furrowed.

"Yes Ma'am, you're the first one to complete our challenge."

"Challenge? What challenge?"

The waitress took out a poster.

FINISH OUR EXTREMELY SPICY MEGA FOOD PLATTER IN 15 MINUTES TO WIN AN EXCLUSIVE DINNER FOR TWO!

The employees surrounding them snickered. Their CEO surely does not disappoint, "You finished everything in fifteen minutes, " Jin whispered, "Congratulations."

Zeirenne brought her gaze up, "That's great then!" she marveled, "Can I eat alone though?"

Jin glared at her and she just raised her arms with a "what?"

The waitress handed her two red tickets for the exclusive dinner, "You can use this within seven days," she said.

"Then can I use one tonight, and use another one tomorrow?"

The waitress tucked some hair behind her ears, confused by Zeirenne's serious expression and the way Jin glared at her.

"It's a romantic dinner for two so... it would preferably work if you go as a couple."

"Oh we're not a cou-" Zeirenne's reflexive response was cut short (this statement became kind of a reflex after years of being mistaken as couples).

Jin who gave off a different aura reminded her of their "pretend relationship."

"OHHH. Righttt. Ahahaah thank you. We are indeed a couple. Haha."

The waitress only bobbed her head with a smile before leaving the two complicated lovers alone.

"Alright I'm sorry. I'm not used to acting with you. Okay?" she said in defense, "Here, take this as my peace offering."

He took the red invitation from her hand with a smile, "I'd gladly accept your invitation then."

"Apology," she corrected.

. . .