Mixed Emotions

"Felix seems a bit too clingy..." Phaya makes a remark as soon as the boy vanishes from his sight. "I can't remember your previous PA trolled you like this."

Reis gives Phaya a vague smile. "He is just doing his job, Phaya. You know how the world works these days."

"If you talk about security, you can just hire a bodyguard," says Phaya, before he halts on a spot. "Your safety is not his job scope, Reis..."

"He's my PA. Everything about me is included in his job scope," Reis crosses her hands, envelopes her body while taking some time to read the room. "Be honest, Phaya. I know something is bothering you–"

"He's too close. And, I can still remember how you hate someone being too casual with you. Especially, the skinship," says Phaya. "That's the reason why we broke up, right?"

Reis's face turns bleak. She sighs as she leans against the steel rails that divide the audience and the stage.

"What's in him that makes you consent to his touch? He's a man, like every man in this world," asks Phaya. His voice fills with emotion. "The last time I remember, you have fear of a skin ship with men."

"I don't know. I just feel safe around Felix. Like, I got a shield to hide myself," Reis's answer makes Phaya even more devastated.

"So, what makes that boy different to other men? To the extent that you trust him, even though you two just met?"

"Phaya, he is my personal assistant–"

"I heard it's your Por who recommended him..." Phaya's gaze turns dark. "You hate that man, yet you accept Felix, just like that."

Reis takes some time to answer Phaya's statement. Some parts of it are true, indeed. The fact that she hates Tan, but still accepts his recommendation.

"He's still my Por. No matter how much I hate him, I still respect him," says Reis. Her calm expression facade a deep wound inside her. She hides it from the world, but for someone who used to love this woman–once upon ago– she is a transparent sheet for Phaya.

"A father that despises his own daughter. How can you respect a man like that?" Phaya takes his place, leaning against the rail next to Reis. Their shoulders meet in between, bringing both of them back when they used to date each other.

"Blood is thicker than water..."

"Blood can kill the person. Fill it with venom, and you'll die in no time," Phaya takes a glance at Reis. "How long are you gonna suffer?"

"I think, we already stray away from the course, isn't it?" Reis dodges the question. She jerks a bit to the front, ready herself to continue their job for the day. As she turns her back from Phaya, the man grabs her hand tight, yanks it softly, making Reis turn around and face him.

"If Felix is the remedy for you, I wish nothing but the best..." says Phaya. "But, remember Reis... If there's anything, I'm always here for you."

Reis slowly draws a smile at the man. His sincere eyes are glistening under the aesthetic lightings from the stage. A pure and soft gaze from Phaya feels like a soft dewy morning that warms Reis's heart.

Anyone can fall for Phaya for this. He's a sensitive and caring man, a good nature in him. It's his strength, yet, a weakness for Reis. He's too kind to be dragged into a mess of her life.

That's why she let him go.

***

The changing room is calm, as most of the stylists already leave the room for lunch. Gi swings the door, trying to be discreet as much as he can, just in case his presence cause a trouble to anyone.

"Mr. President–" a man, in his early 20s stands immediately from the chair. Gi winces as he puts his finger onto his lips, asking the man not to make any noise. The man nods as he walks closer to Gi.

"Are you here for Luke?" asks the man.

"Yes. Where's he?" asks Gi.

"He's taking a nap. There..." the man points at a small space at the corner of the room, on the white sofa.

"How's his condition today, Eric?" asks Gi. Eric sighs as he checks on Luke from his spot.

"He's still having a fever the last time I check. But, he insists on coming for the dry rehearsal. You know him, Mr. President. He won't back off, even if he has to drag his legs around," Eric complains to Gi. He looks at the sleeping Luke, feeling sorrow.

"Never mind. Let me check on him," says Gi.

"I'll guard the door, just in case..." Eric excuses himself from the room, giving a room for Gi and Luke. Gi pats his shoulder as a grateful gesture for having such an understanding leader like Eric in Axiata.

As Eric leaves the room, Gi walks slowly at Luke, checking on the boy in silence. He puts his hand onto Luke's forearm, trying to take his temperature.

That's when Luke's eyes open.

"Mr. President–"

"Don't wake up. I just came to check on you. Then, I'll leave–"

Luke grabs Gi's hand tight. He slowly rises up, straightens his body so he can face Gi in a good manner.

"I'm sorry. I failed to take care of myself. I cause a trouble for everyone..."

"Luke, stop blaming yourself. You're a human, it's normal to get sick. Especially during the time like this..." Gi caresses Luke's hair softly. He dives into the boy's eyes, feeling heavy heartened.

Anyone who knows Luke must agree with Gi; he is a hardworking boy who never gives up and diligent. He practices at least twelve hours per day– singing, dancing and all the lessons that he has to take– and he never complains about it, even during the weakest state like this. Blaming him for not taking care of himself is a selfish act; knowing how much Luke had in his plate.

"Mr. President, I promise, I'll recover soon, before the world tour," Luke tries to make up for this silly matter, but he gets a shush from Gi.

"This is not something that you have to promise, Luke. Recovery takes time, so don't push yourself. Take a rest and tell me if you need anything," says Gi, his note fills in worry.

Luke hangs his head low. Gi is the best person he ever met in his life. He works for the man since he was a teen; from an average trainee to a worldwide idol, and not for once Gi puts a pressure on him, or his band mates. He gives them a freedom to live like a normal teen, and opportunity to expand and improve. He's a CEO with empathy.

That's make Luke fall in love with Gi. Even knowing all too well that this relationship won't be normal like anyone else. He loves Gi for his caring and understanding. And he is glad that the man accepts him with open arms.

Perhaps his emotions spikes up, Luke unconsciously drags Gi closee for a kiss, then retreats in blush. The man smiles, as he rubs Luke's cheek in care, giving him a kiss; full of love, on Luke's forehead. Both are soaking in emotions, as tears dwelling from Luke's eyes.

"Ah... I'm sorry!"

Both startled by a sight of Felix. The man freezes on his spot– in front of the door, taken aback by what he sees.

"Mr. President, I'm sorry, I was taking a break and I missed–"

"It's okay, Eric. It's not your fault when someone forgets their manners," Gi stands up from the sofa, fixing his stance before giving a sharp glare to Felix.

Even before both men start a duel, Reis and Phaya enter the room together.

"Miss Ratchana..." Eric bows his head a bit, which Reis accept it with a smile on her face. When she turns away from Eric, a sight of Luke and Gi– standing next to each other– makes her smile go even wider.

"Oh, how's going, Luke? Are you feeling okay today?" asks Reis. The boy nods as he scoots away from Gi. "Now that Felix is here, why don't we visit the controlling room?" Reis subtly asks. She winks at Luke, giving a sweet look. The boy turns pink.

"Sure..." Phaya leaves the room immediately. Felix frowns, looking at Gi and Luke with a guilt inside.

"It's fine. Your first time here, so there's nothing to be worry about..." Reis casually calms Felix.

"Mr. Parapat, I'm sorry..."

Reis chuckles as she pushes Felix out of the room.

"Next time, lock the door..." she leaves a remarks to the love birds, causing Luke to get all red even more and Gi gushes over it.