Thank you so much, Lavinia. You're a true friend," Serenity expressed her gratitude before deciding to wait for Candy, who had yet to return from the washroom, but Lavinia told her that Candy will be fine. Upon Candy's return, she was surprised to find Serenity wasn't there, her seat empty. "I tried to stop her, but she went home without a word," Lavinia lied, aware of the disappointment in Candy's eyes. Tencho arrived shortly thereafter, his authoritative presence commanding the attention of the room. "Where is Serenity?" he inquired, his brows furrowed in confusion. "Oh, she left, she felt bored and didn't enjoy it at all," she explained. Tencho's expression darkened, he was very disappointed. Surveying the abundance of almost untouched food on the table, he remarked, "You ordered a lot. What a waste." Lavinia, feeling the weight of her deception, attempted to shift the blame. "Serenity was the one who ordered. She left without touching anything," she explained. Tencho began his disappointment with Serenity.
The elevator doors slid open with a soft 'ding,' and Serenity stepped out. And her gaze swept the lobby, it fell upon a familiar face standing in the corner - Alex. A sense of surprise sparked in her eyes as she approached him. "Hey Alex, what are you doing here?" she inquired curiously. A warm smile graced Alex's lips as he turned to face her. "I'm waiting for you. I didn't expect you to come down so early," he remarked, his tone filled with genuine delight. Serenity's brows furrowed slightly as she processed his words. "Wait...you would actually wait for me even if it were late?" she questioned, a hint of disbelief lingering in her voice. Alex's expression softened, his eyes meeting hers with earnestness. "Of course. It doesn't matter the time. I really want to hang out with you. I hope that's okay with you," he said, his sincerity evident in his gaze. As Serenity looked at Alex, a faint blush painted her cheeks. She couldn't deny the attraction she felt towards him. His handsome features and charming personality had always intrigued her. And now, finding herself in this unexpected situation, a mix of excitement and apprehension swirled within her.
This moment was significant for Serenity. She had never been on a date with Alex before, and the thought of it both thrilled and conflicted her. Despite her genuine interest in getting to know him better, the shadow of her boyfriend loomed in her mind, a reminder of the commitment she was bound to. But with her boyfriend out of town, a rare opportunity presented itself. The chance to spend time with Alex, to explore a side of him she had yet to discover, tugged at her heart. Could she allow herself to go with him? As she was thinking, she remembered how she first met him.
Flashback
Serenity, Lavinia, and Candy, on their first step into the vibrant and alluring Paradise club. Instantly, they were met with the warm greeting of their (manager) Tencho. His gaze lingered on Serenity for a moment longer, a spark of interest igniting in his eyes. Lavinia, ever perceptive, couldn't help but notice the subtle way Tencho's attention seemed to gravitate towards Serenity. Her insecurity to Serenity just started since then. Before the club was about to start, while they were sitting on the couch, suddenly, a commotion erupted in the corner of the room, drawing their curious gazes. Their fellow female talents, from different countries, were gathered around someone in the center, a sense of excitement in the air. "What are they doing?" Candy's voice cut through the silence, curiosity lacing her words. Lavinia pondered for a moment, "Maybe there's someone famous among them, that's why they're so thrilled." Leo and Mel approached them with welcoming smiles. Leo's eyes lit up as he addressed the trio, "The three of you are the new talents here, Filipino, right?" Candy, intrigued, responded in kind, "Yes, we are. And you, Filipino?" She asked back, Leo introduced himself enthusiastically, "Oh yes, my name is Leo, I'm just a waiter here," and Mel did the same. As the conversation flowed, they mentioned that they have one more friend and his name is Alex. "Where is he?" Lavinia asked curiously. "He was there," Leo replied as he pointed out, that he was the center of attention, surrounded by a group of admiring women.
Lavinia couldn't contain her curiosity, "Why are all those girls gathered around him?" Leo explained, "It's his charm. Alex is incredibly handsome, half-Filipino and half-Japanese, though he looks more Japanese." Excitement bubbled within Lavinia and Candy, eager to meet this mysterious and enchanting man. However, before they could fully delve into the topic, Tencho called for a meeting, ushering the talents to the waiting room for some important announcements. Before he starts the meeting, he introduces the newcomers, Serenity, Lavinia and Candy. They all welcomed them. After he introduced them, his voice changed with a sense of gravity, Tencho addressed the group, emphasizing the prohibition against falling in love with the staff. He warned of severe penalties, both monetary and in terms to send home to their country for those who dared to break the rule. The atmosphere grew tense as Tencho specifically mentioned the girls' lingering interest in Alex, sternly forbidding any romantic entanglements. "Falling in love with the staff is forbidden," Tencho declared. One of the talents suddenly blurted out. "Tencho, we just want to see Alex closely, that's all," One of them said. "We will try our best not to fall in love with him, but it's hard!" one of them jokes as the girls' giggles. After the meeting, Serenity, Lavinia, and Candy were keen to catch a glimpse of Alex. Lavinia approached Mel, eager to know more about him. "Where is Alex? He didn't show up to us yet?" Lavinia asked interestedly.
"He is in the kitchen, doing some stuff, but I will introduce him to you before our work begins," Mel promised. As they eagerly awaited, the other talents were in the dressing room changing clothes and the others were wearing make-up. Soon enough, Mel and Leo arrived with Alex in tow, his presence causing a stir of nervous excitement among the three. They saw him coming in. "Oh no, I think that's him," Lavinia blurted out. Candy couldn't contain her awe, "He's so handsome!" Alex greeted them warmly, his charming smile captivating each of them. "My name is Alex," he introduced himself, his voice smooth and melodic. Serenity, Lavinia, and Candy felt a flutter of butterflies in their stomachs as they exchanged smiles with Alex. When Alex and Serenity's eyes met, they both stuck their eyes to each other. As Alex stood before her, a sense of longing stirred within Serenity. A part of her hesitated, a voice of caution whispering in her ear, reminding her of the loyalty she owed to her boyfriend that she met on her first time in Japan in another club. Candy interrupted them. "Ehem, how are you Alex," she asked with a sweet smile. He suddenly turned his gaze to her. "I'm fine, welcome to Paradise club," he smiled.
FLASHBACK ENDED