January 02, 2020. Thursday. 11:30 AM
Cubao, Quezon City, The Philippines.
First day of work after the holiday.
Business as usual.
A normal day.
(In the office building of Metro E-Finance Corporation, Jesus Magno, or "Sus" as he is often called by his coworkers, is sitting at his desk, minding his own business as he usually does. He stares at his laptop's screen with a frustrated expression on his face.)
Sus: (internally) (sighs) When will things ever end?
(He worries as he attempts to complete a report he needs for a meeting this afternoon.)
Sus: (internally) Oof. It's almost lunch break and I'm still stuck here (worried). I knew this financial analyst stint's gonna kill me someday. (sarcastically)
(His boss, Maria Hernandez, the CEO of Metro, approaches and puts a hand on his right shoulder.)
Maria: (laughs) Hey, My Boy, are you good?
Sus: (blushes) Hi… Boss… Hello, Boss Maria.
Maria: (kidding) You look like you're about to pull all your hair out.
Sus: (sighs) Well. Good thing I didn't have a lot in the first place (faintly laughs).
(Maria smiles politely)
Sus: Yeah… I'm just having a rough morning, Boss. I can't seem to get a good grip on the report for your briefing later.
Maria: (laughs) Welcome to the world of finance. Not all posh, isn't it?
Sus: (weakly laughs) Not that I wanted to be posh anyway, Boss Maria. I just want to sleep.
Maria: (smiling) You are so adorable, My Boy. Don't forget our meeting later.
(Maria looks at Sus straight into his two eyes with a piercing yet somehow sparkling pair, stunning the 27-year-old young professional as he continues to cram for his deadlines.)
Sus: (internally) She is so… Oof… I can't focus. (worried)
(As they continue talking, Sus notices something strange.)
Sus: (internally) Huh?
(The room suddenly seems to be filled with voices he never heard before and it distracts him - a faint hum that seems to vibrate through everything.)
Faint Voice 1: Hello?
(The walls, the floor, the wood of his table, the plastic material or his keyboard, the screws in the foundation, distant chantings that echo around his ears.)
Faint Voice 2: Hi!
(He squints to think and then a high-pitched whine seems to get louder and louder as he thinks and notices more of it. As if he's hearing voices coming from a lot of people when there are literally no other human beings around except Sus and Maria.)
Sus: (internally) What's that?
(He listens closely. It's as if he can hear the electricity running through the cables around him, along with the vapors of coffee that evaporate from his mug.)
Faint Voice 1: (high-pitched and excited.) Zoom zoom zoom! Let's go, baby! Let's be everywhere!
Faint Voice 2: (low-pitched and slow) We. Are. Fresh. We. Are. Fresh.
Sus: (internally) What the hell is going on?
(He rubs his eyes and tries to focus on Maria, who is still explaining something to him.)
Maria: (continues.) …and we can present the results to the team later to show them the viability of my plan. Hey? (snaps her finger) You still with me, My Boy?
Sus: (nods) Yeah, sorry, boss! I'm just a bit distracted today. Will just smoke a stick and I should be back in balance.
Maria: (laughs) Oh, you and your cute little vices. That would've been hot in the 60's. Just try to stay focused, and we'll get through this, okay? You with me?
Sus: (shy yet determined) Yes, Boss Maria. Always. I'm always with you.
(As Maria walks away, Sus' attention goes back to the sounds he's been hearing. The peculiar voices that seemingly follow him wherever his ears point to. Distracting him from focusing on completing his task.)
Sus: (internally) Is this it? Am I finally crazy? (sarcastically) I mean, I knew this day would come but why do I have to be aware of it? Is this how this goes? Fuck… (disappointed)
Faint Voice 3: (eagerly) Moshi Moshi!
Faint Voice 4: (monotonously) Ni hao.
Sus: (internally) What am I actually listening to? I'm not even wearing headphones today! (annoyed) Anyway. I won't allow this to ruin my flow. I'm gonna finish this.
Unknown Voice: (whistles high and low pitch)
Sus: (internally) Wait… This one's familiar… (curious)
(Sus turns his back and sees his best friends, Kevin Chen, the VP of Sales, and Rachel Tuazon, the VP of Marketing, are on their way to invite him to join them to grab some food at the mall.)
Sus: (internally) I knew it sounded like Kevin's whistle!
Kevin: (whistles high pitch) Hey, brother!
Rachel: Yo, Sus! You wanna roll with us to the mall? We're thinking of getting gyudon today!
Sus: (hesitates) (to Rachel) Uh, I don't know, Rach. I'm not really feeling food right now.
Kevin: (laughs) (to Sus) Come on, Bro! You can't skip lunch. You'll waste away to nothing.
Rachel: (laughs) (to Sus and Kevin) Yeah, and it'll be a good time. We haven't all gone out for lunch since before the holiday. And your spidey-bro here misses you so much. Huhu. (kidding.)
Kevin: (excited) (to Sus) I mean, Bro? We have got to talk about ASM Beyond! I mean. Come on!
Sus: (sighs) (to Kevin) You know I can't say no to that. Let me just finish up this report. My fasting's almost done anyway. See you in a bit.
Rachel: (annoyed) (to Sus) Ugh! You know I feel guilty eating every time you mention your stupid intermittent fasting!
Sus: (laughing faintly) (to Rachel) What? I want my clothes to fit.
(As they walk their way to Gateway Mall, Sus continues to feel that the sounds are getting different yet louder and more distracting as he travels. He tries to focus on the conversation with his coworkers, but he finds himself constantly straining to hear the strange noises that seem to be coming from all around him. Like his ears were attuned to a frequency that no one else could hear.)
Faint Voice 4, 5, and 6: (very eager) We are yummy. Bitey bitey bite!
Sus: (internally) Dammit. I'm really losing it. Seems like Kev and Rach aren't hearing these… things.
Rachel: (continues curiously) …and then Lisa was saying she heard that the new VP of HR is coming from a search engine company.
Kevin: (laughs) Oh man, that's gonna be interesting. HR's been on a lot of fire lately as we kept expanding.
Rachel: (excitedly) Yo, did you guys hear about this "Verse Killer" on the news this morning?
Kevin: (skeptically) Is it even real or just some hyped-up distractions? Either way, people in our bible study group's getting worried.
Rachel: (eagerly) I think it's totally real. This serial killer targets people who are active in Catholic churches. This person uses Bible verses as markings in the crime scenes. Some sort of clues, I guess. So creepy!
Sus: (alarmed yet hazy) That's… wild.
Rachel: (nodding) Yeah, it's been all over the news. I heard that Boss Maria knows one of the victims.
(They arrive at the Japanese-inspired restaurant and take a seat at a table. As they look over the menu, Sus finds himself unable to concentrate on the food options. The sounds and voices are becoming even harder to bear, and he can feel a headache starting to form behind his eyes.)
Rachel: (to Sus) You okay, Sus? You're not looking so hot.
Sus: (winces) Yeah, I've got this really annoying headache. (making an excuse) Hey, uhm, you guys have fun, okay? I just… I just need to go back to my desk for a bit.
Kevin: (worried) (to Sus) You need me to come with you, bro? We can just have lunch another time.
Rachel: (side-eyeing) Though we've kind of already walked all our way here…
Kevin: (squints his eye at Rachel) Rach… (whistles low pitch)
Rachel: (looks up) Kidding! (turns to Sus) Let's go, buddy. We'll take you to HR, There's got to be some meds there.
Sus: (to Rachel and Kevin) Hey, no. Don't worry. This is just a minor glitch. Maybe. I can handle this. Let's Cubao Expo tomorrow.
Kevin: (to Sus) Alright, bro. I'll pray for you. Listen to that prayer recording I sent you! (whistles)
Sus: (to Kevin) (laughs faintly) Haha. You have to stop sending me those things, Kev. See you later.
(Sus makes his way back to the office and collapses onto his couch, trying to block out the noise that seems to be coming from every direction. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, hoping to find some relief. But as he lies there, the sounds continue to pound in his head, making it impossible to escape. He can't ignore the feeling that something isn't right, and he wonders if what he's feeling has anything to do with it.)
Faint Voice 5: (shouting) Hey! Hey! Listen! Careful!
Sus: (internally) Oh boy. What the hell's happening to me today? I don't really want to quit smoking yet.
(As Sus lies on the couch, trying to deflect the overwhelming noises, he becomes aware of a presence in the room. He opens his eyes to see a figure standing in the doorway, watching him intently.)
Unknown 1: (concerned) Hey, man. You okay?
Sus: (sits up) Yeah, I just have this annoying headache. Hey.
Unknown 1: (nods) I know how you feel. These deadlines are indeed deadly.
Sus: (groans) Tell me about it. (shakes head) It's Chris, right?
Chris: (nods) Whoa. You remembered it this time. (smiling) Perhaps you need more of those headaches (kidding)
Sus: (laughs) Haha. Maybe I do.
(As Sus and Chris continue talking, other employees of Metro start to arrive for the meeting with Maria. Among them are Sarah Fei, the Director of Product Development, Emma Jones, the Director of Customer Support, and Lisa David, VP of Operations. As they gather around the conference table, Sus can't ignore the whispers and furtive glances between some of his coworkers. He still feels like something isn't right.)
Sus: (internally) Oof. Seems like everyone attending's either a VP or a Director. Why am I even here, Boss Maria? I'm just a manager. (realizing something) Oh, wait. I think Chris's also a…
(He looks around)
Sus: (to Chris) Chris? (internally) Where did he go?
(Just before the meeting starts, Kevin and Rachel enter the meeting room. Sus starts to feel even more nervous as he realizes he is the only one who isn't in a top-management position attending this gathering.)
Maria: (to the group) Okay, everyone. Let's get started on the report for the new app. I need everyone's focus and attention here and now.
(As Sus tries to focus on Maria's presentation, the sounds keep hammering his brain, making it almost impossible to concentrate and comprehend the words she utters. Sweat beads on his forehead and he can feel his heart racing as he struggles to block out the noise.)
Faint Voice 4 and 5: (whispering) Listen to us. Listen to us.
Sus: (internally) (worried) Ack. Why now, Jesus? Why now? What's happening to your brain?
(He finds himself almost ripping the papers in front of him, trying to find some relief. But no matter what he does, the voices seem to be getting louder and more overwhelming. He starts to feel like he's losing his mind, and he is clueless about what's causing his unbearable pain.)
Faint Voice 2 and 3: This is dangerous. This. Is. Danger.
Sus: (internally) (confused) Dammit. It's like everything in this office is trying to talk to me while everyone's already talking. Argh. Shut. Up!
(As Maria continues her presentation, Sus tries to focus on her words, but the sounds stack up against each other making everything he hears unrecognizable. He can feel his head throbbing and his vision starting to blur. He tries to think if his unhealthy habits have anything to do with it.)
Sus: (internally) Is this from smoking? I haven't even had a stick yet for the day.
Maria: (to the group) As you all know, we've been monitoring the situation in China closely. There have been a growing number of reports of a potential pandemic spreading through the country, and we need to make sure that our business is prepared for any potential disruptions.
Faint Voice 3: It's happening!
Sarah: (nodding) Yes, this could have serious implications for our supply chain too. We need to consider alternative sourcing strategies to make sure we complete the project.
Faint Voice 1: It's happening.
Lisa: (agreeing with Sarah) And if there are lockdowns, it could seriously impact our operations, as our equipment is mostly here on our site. We need to consider how we'll continue delivering deadlines securely, even remotely.
Sarah: (to Lisa) I'll have the cloud team look into this. Security should be a priority.
Kevin: (to Sarah) Not to mention our sales. We might miss target revenues with delays in production, Ms. Sarah. We need to explore shifts in our marketing strategy in order to adapt to the changing conditions. (to Rachel) You getting my vibe, Rach?
Rachel: (to Kevin) (eager) Way ahead of you, Kev. Good thing our campaigns collected a hefty amount of user info beyond their demographics. Their behaviors will be a big help to predict their next moves. I'll make campaign recos!
Faint Voice 2: It's happening.
Emma: (to everyone) And of course, even if we hit our target launch and get the active users we're expecting, we'll have to make sure support is ready even in remote.
Sarah: (in response) That's why we need to come up with a contingency plan to ensure that we hit the main target regardless of what happens.
Faint Voice 4: It. Is. Happening.
(Sarah proceeds to present the group with a list of the next steps for creating a business continuity plan. As she speaks, Sus finds it increasingly difficult to focus, his head screaming with the effort to block out the overwhelming sounds. Suddenly, Maria speaks up.)
Maria: (slowly looks around the room) (stops at Sus) I have an idea.
Sus: (internally) Huh?
Kevin: (cheerful) Here goes the boss! (whistles low pitch)
Rachel: (seconding) Woot!
Sarah: (side-eyes) What's that, Ms. Hernandez?
Maria: (points at Sus) Sus, you're one of the few people here to have real-world experience in business continuity planning.
Sus: (internally) (wondering) Kevin and Rachel are really avid fans of our boss. Ms. Sarah on the other hand…
Maria: (continues) …what you did for the publisher you worked with before was top-notch.
Sus: (internally) (continues to wonder) It's like top management is always split between Ms. Maria and Ms. Sarah's factions.
Maria: (continuing to explain) …making them continue to operate while managing pure chaos. Do you think you can come up with one for Metro?
Sus: (internally) (surprised) Oh shit. What did she say?
Maria: (clarifying) My boy, can you hear me?
Sus: (struggling to focus and shocked) Oh! Y-yes. Of course. Yes, Boss Maria. I actually have some drafts.
Rachel: (teasing) So this is why you didn't eat today, huh?
Sus: (internally) Oh boy. I'm really gonna faint. You are not helping, Rach! (nervous)
Sarah: (to Maria) (doubtful) Uh… Ms. Hernandez? Are we sure we want middle management to make the strategy? Shouldn't they be more on the tactical front of things?
Sus: (internally) (eyes wide open) …
Kevin: (to Sarah) Pardon me, Ms. Sarah. I understand your sentiment, but perhaps we should hear out our Financial Analyst's insights first? It wouldn't really hurt, wouldn't it? (looks at Sus and winks) Go ahead, bro! Light 'em up.
Sus: (internally) (touched) At least I have this guy behind me. I don't really know what I'll do without you, Kevin.
(Despite the pain, Sus manages to show the team some of his drafts for the business continuity plan, promising to have a complete version ready by the next day. As he speaks, his voice cracks, and he can feel himself starting to lose control of his senses. But he refuses to let what he's feeling get in the way of his work, determined to make valuable contributions to his boss.)
Sus: (to the group) …and by reallocating our events budget to digital media and our the one for travel to boost cloud security, we might be able to sustainably operate without having to inject additional funding. (voice shaking) Our numbers should still be balanced by the end of the year. Hitting productivity and profitability targets.
Kevin: (to everyone) See? See?! And that's him with a headache. Imagine that tomorrow, when he feels better. Good job, bro!
Rachel: (continuing) Have faith in Sus! Haha. (teasing)
Sarah: (nodding) Impressive perspectives, Mr. Magno. I hope you can articulate that further when you complete the plans.
Maria: (commending Sus) Amazing as always, My Boy.
Sus: (internally) Wew. Okay. That went better than expected.
(As the meeting ends and everyone claps and cheers for him, Sus finds it increasingly difficult to stand. He feels his vision start to fade, and he knows he's on the verge of fainting. Just as he's about to lose consciousness, he hears someone say...)
Chris: (to Sus) Good job, man. That was tight. Let's have a stick?
Sus: (internally) (surprised) Wh-what? Was he in the meeting? Oof. This headache's really getting me.
Chris: (to Sus) Sus?
(As Sus slowly thinks of finding his way out of the conference room, he tries to maintain his focus on finishing the plans before the end of his shift. However, he struggles as he is tempted to have a smoke break.)
Sus: (to Chris) (scratching head) H-hey, Chris. I think I need to start working on these things first. Let's meet around after an hour?
Chris: (to Sus) You really are gonna save us, aren't you, Jesus? (kidding) Alright! See you at the rooftop.
(As he works, he can hear the whispers of his coworkers around him. Chris and Sarah are having a discussion about recent news headlines.)
Sus: (internally) …roughly twenty-three million U.S. dollars plus estimated inflation…
Chris: (to Sarah) Is the pandemic really for real? Or maybe just some media hype?
Sarah: (to Chris) Are you kidding me? Why are you still talking about this? This is a serious threat to our lives.
Chris: (to Sarah) I don't know. I'm just wondering if we're O.A. and there's no evidence to support it yet. Might be just a bunch of fear-mongering.
Sarah: (to Chris) That's not true. Reports are coming in from all over the world. We need to be prepared for the worst.
Kevin: (to Sarah) Speaking of threats, have you heard about the Verse Killer?
Lisa: (to Kevin) Yeah, I've heard about it. It's bothersome. The killer uses Bible verses and leaves them as clues. Like, there's this one case where they used Isaiah 44:6.
Sarah: The what now?
Lisa: The verse says "God is our only savior". So the Verse Killer tied the victim upside down, slowly cutting each part of her body inch by inch during the whole night. Repeating the words of the verse. The victim was a lecturer and a mom who had 3 kids in ICPS Cubao. Everything was caught on video.
Chris: Yeah. I saw that on Youtube, she was screaming "God is our only savior" in the first 2 minutes, then she just cried and screamed, "Where are you?!"
Rachel: And the Verse Killer kept saying "I'm not your god, so I can't really save you. Sorry!". Very sick!
Kevin: (to Rachel) I know, right? It's like something out of a horror movie. The police said they found around 120 pieces of the victim. They even found one of her ears inside her mouth! I'll pray for her later.
Lisa: (to Kevin) The fuck. Do they have any leads on who it could be?
Kevin: (to Lisa) Not that I've heard. It's like the killer is a ghost.
Maria: (overhearing the conversations) Guys and girls, can we focus on work, please? (she laughs awkwardly) We have a business to run.
(The group bowed and acted like they didn't know anything)
Chris: (whispers to Sarah) I heard Ms. Maria used to work with the lector before she moved to Metro.
Sarah: (smirks) Oh well. Lisa, let's go back to our area. Kevin and Rachel, aren't you guys located elsewhere?
Rachel and Kevin: … (side-eyes)
Sus: (internally) Wew. Finally. Everyone's gone. Some… Silence…
(As Sus finishes up his presentation, he feels a sense of accomplishment. Despite the challenges he's facing, he's really driven to succeed and make the most of every opportunity that comes his way.)
Sus: (internally) …last check. Okay. I think this should do. If ever, I can still edit this doc on the cloud.
Faint Voice 3: (calmly) Hey, listen, please.
(Just as he hits the "send" button, Maria walks over to his desk.)
Maria: (to Sus) Great job on the plans, Sus. You really came through for us.
Sus: (to Maria) Thanks, Boss Maria. I'm just doing my best.
Maria: (to Sus) Well, your best is more than good enough. We're counting on you to help us weather this pandemic storm.
Sus: (to Maria) (stuttering) Y-yes. Yes, Boss!
(As Maria walks away, Sus felt proud. He knows that he has the skills and drive to succeed, and he's trying hard to make the most of every opportunity that comes his way.)
Sus: (internally) Okay. That went… okay. Oof.
(But as he packs up his things and heads home for the night, he still gets the feeling that something is off. The sounds in his head are getting louder and more overwhelming, and he feels that something big or different is about to happen. He just doesn't know what it is yet.)
Faint Voice 6: (shouting) Hey! Hey! Listen to us!
Sus: (internally) Mother f… when will this shit stop?
(As Sus walks through the streets of Cubao, the voices he seems to be the only one hearing are getting even more active and more overwhelming. Slowly, he's starting to feel like he's losing his mind.)
Faint Voice 7: (breathing heavily) Did. You. Know?
Faint Voice 8: This is better than that. Oi.
Sus: (internally) I can't go home like this. Maybe I should get a Rhum Coke or something in TxF? Sucks that Kev's got a church thing today.
(Paused for a thought.)
Sus: (internally) Well, he doesn't really drink anyway. That guy's so straight. Ugh. I need one.
(In a moment of desperation, Sus heads to Today x Future or "TxF" to the regulars. A small hidden bar known for its good music, drinks, and occasionally, even visual arts. People from all walks of life hang out there to find a place where they can freely express themselves.)
Faint Voice 7: Hey. Hey. Where are you going?
Sus: (internally) This place is really always gonna be home for me.
(Sus has been a follower of TxF for years, and he knows that he can always count on the music and atmosphere to lift his spirits. Ed, the friendly bartender, greets Sus immediately.)
Ed: (cheerfully) Hey Sus, how's it going?
Sus: Not great. I've been having these weird sounds in my head. Drives me nuts. Do you ever get that?
Ed: Hmm. Not really. Maybe you just miss having a strong drink? (kidding) You did miss the year-end party. It. Was. Wild.
Sus: (awkward and uncertain how to react) Oh… That. Yeah. I forgot. Hehe.
Ed: (to Sus) Anyway, let me make you a special one, on the house. It'll clear your head in no time. I'll make you a Kamikaze.
Sus: (to Ed) Thank you so much, Ed. You're a lifesaver, man.
(Sus thanks Ed and takes a seat at the bar, trying to focus on the music and the conversations around him.)
Sus: (internally) Ah. (seemingly relieved) This might just end all of these crazy voices.
(But as he sips his drink and nods his head to the beat. The sounds keep coming again. He starts feeling the pain and confusion again.)
Faint Voce 8: B Flat Minor Seven.
Faint Voice 9: One Hundred Ten.
(The sounds keep coming again. This time, seemingly telling him random facts. He starts to sweat and shake, feeling like he's losing control.)
Sus: (internally) Fucking… Agh. They're back! (annoyed and agitated) Maybe I should try to focus on other things? (wondering)
(Sus tries to listen to some conversations nearby. Apparently, they too are discussing the Verse Killer.)
Woman 1: (loudly) (to Woman 2) I heard that the killer is using Bible verses as clues. It's freaking me out.
Woman 2: (laughing) (to Woman 1) I don't believe it. It's all just a bunch of nonsense. People are just looking for someone to blame.
Woman 1: (sips a drink) This world is so crazy, I'm just gonna dance harder! Wooo! Baby Blue!
("Baby Blue" is an electronic music artist currently launching his EP at TxF. Though not his real name, artists like him often use monikers to give the art that they make a brand or distinction from their real identities.)
Woman 2: (dancing) That's it, girl! That's what we came here for! That's what this place is all about!
Woman 1: (indulging the music) Yeah, baby. Pleasures of life!
(Both the woman and her friend shout and chant the word BABY BLUE! BABY BLUE! BABY BLUE! repeatedly while dancing. Somehow weird and uncalled for. But still, more people dancing joined them to chant.)
Faint Voice 9: (to Sus) B minor flat seven
Faint Voice 10: One hundred ten.
Sus: (internally) (disappointed) I guess this isn't the best day to hang out here. There appears to be an event.
(Sus tries to tune out the conversation, but the words keep echoing in his head. He can't stop thinking that something is wrong, that he's missing something important.)
Sus: (internally) (surprised) But this boy, Baby Blue. He's really really good. I'll stream his work tomorrow.
(Suddenly, Sus realizes that he knows the notes, pitch, BPM, and everything about the tracks he's hearing. He's never had this level of musical awareness before, and it's both exhilarating and terrifying. He doesn't know how or why this is happening, but he knows that he can't go on like this.)
Sus: (internally) (wondering) Hmm. B minor flat seven? Why do I know that? Why am I even thinking of this right now? Dammit! I hate my life.
(He needs to find a way to stop the sounds and get his life back on track. Luckily, the set of Baby Blue ended, and there was a brief moment of silence as the next performer was setting up. This one had a drummer with him to accompany his slow electronic music set.)
Ed: (to another waiter) Hey. Can you check if Wax is setting up properly? Help his drummer too.
(The drummer was sound-checking her electronic drums so all Sus could hear were random beats. Tugs Tugs Tugs)
Faint Voice 9 and 10: Tugs! Tugs! Tugs!
Sus: (internally) (annoyed) Oh boy. Seriously, brain? Is this what happens when I use you? Fuck you.
(With a surge of deep frustration, Sus makes his way to the bathroom and struggles to prevent himself from collapsing.)
Sus: (internally) (exhausted) I can't…
(Inevitably, he falls. Lies there on the floor, struggling to catch his breath as the noise in his head continues. Still clueless as to what's really going on, he is still determined to find a way to stop the sounds and get his life back on track.)
Faint Voice 9 and 10: Tugs! Tugs!
Sus: (internally) Fuck you, brain. Really. Fuck you.
(Sus continues to lie on the floor of the bar's bathroom, struggling. It was like hearing a heart beating, only much louder and more intense. He could hear the beats pulsing through his entire body as if they were trying to tell him something. Causing him to sweat and writhe in agony.)
Faint Voice 9 and 10: Tugs! Tugs! Tugs!
Sus: (internally) Why am I still alive?
(Despite his best efforts, Sus couldn't seem to get a grip on the situation. He tried to focus on his breathing, tried to clear his mind, and push the sound away, but it was no use. It was like the beat had a life of its own, and it was determined to consume him.)
Faint Voice 9 and 10: Tugs! Tugs! Tugs!
Sus: (internally) C'mon, self. Someone may need to use the CR.
(Just when Sus thought he couldn't take it anymore, he heard a faint knocking at the bathroom door. At first, he couldn't be sure if it was real or just another hallucination, but as the knocking grew louder and more insistent, he realized it's real and someone might be trying to get his attention.)
Faint Voice 9 and 10: Tugs! Tugs! Tugs!
Sus: (internally) Fuck. I don't want to sleep here.
(With all the effort he could gather, Sus forced himself to his feet and stumbled over to the door. When he unlocked and swung it open, he was met with a familiar face and voice.)
Chris: Hey! You okay, man?
Sus: (confused) Chris?
Chris: We were all worried about you when you didn't show up. Are you okay?
Sus: (relieved) I… I don't know. I can't… I can't explain it. It's like this sound… It's messing me up.
Chris: Come on, man. Let's get you out of here. We'll figure this out. You got me, okay?
(Sus nodded, still trying to process what was happening. He knew he needed to get out of there, to find a place where the deafening sounds couldn't find him.)
Sus: (to Chris) Thanks, Chris. Appreciate this. What team are you again?
Chris: (to Sus) Anything for you, man.
(With Chris's help, Sus managed to get to his feet and stumble out of the comfort room. As they made their way out of the bar, Sus kept wondering what was happening to him.)
Chris: (to Sus) Stick?
Sus: (to Chris) (Nods) …
(They walked out of the bar through the many people dancing to the melodies and beats, nauseating Sus even more. Eventually getting to the smoking area where they found a gutter and sat there, pulling out their packs of cigarettes.)
Chris: (trying to find a lighter in his pocket) Man, that was a rough night.
Sus: (lighting his cigarette) Tell me about it. (huffs) I don't know what's going on with me lately.
Chris: (gives up trying to find a lighter) Can I get a?
Sus: (directs a flame to Chris) Thanks for coming to check on me, Chris.
Chris: (to Sus) No problem, man. I just hope you're okay.
(The two individuals took a few puffs in silence, enjoying the breeze of the night's cool air.)
Chris: (breaking the silence) So, what do you think about this whole pandemic thing?
Sus: (sighing) I don't know, man. It's hard to tell what's real and what's fake these days. (looks at Chris) How about you?
Chris: (casually) Honestly, I don't believe it. It's all just a scare tactic to control the population, I think.
Sus: (puffing once more) I don't know, man. Everyone seems pretty worried about it. Even Boss Maria. Might be worth considering too.
Chris: (shrugging) Eh, I guess we'll just have to wait and see. But either way, Metro will be fine. You made our solid contingency plan. You even finished it earlier than you're supposed to!
Sus: (nodding) Yeah, I just hope it doesn't have to come to that.
Chris: (curious) You heard of the Verse Killer?
Sus: (irking) Yeah, it's all anyone can talk about these days. It's like the ninety's all over again.
Chris: (agreeing) Definitely messed up. I have a theory though.
Sus: (intrigued) Oh yeah. What's that?
Chris: (whispering) I think it's someone with a grudge against the church. Maybe someone who was not treated well by priests or something.
Sus: (internally) Duh?? (sarcastically) Dude. That's so obvious. Who else would do that?
Sus: (to Chris) Sure, man. Definitely possible.
(The two men continued to discuss the Verse Killer and their thoughts on the case. They also talked about their coworkers at Metro, discussing their strengths and weaknesses.)
Chris: (to Sus) Have you noticed how Ms. Fei's always trying to one-up Maria?
Sus: (rolling his eyes) Sarah Fei? She's too uptight and annoying.
Chris: (agreeing) Quite. And what about the Big Boss, Maria? She's literally a total boss lady isn't she?
Sus: (eager) Yeah, she's definitely someone to look up to. Not just because she's so gorgeous. Did you know she became Metro's CEO at 26 and she's the one who gave the company the ticket to get the multi-billion valuation it has now?
Chris: (shrugs) To each their own, I guess. Wait, have you seen that anime with the purple giant robot? The one with high school kid pilots?
Sus: (nodding) Oh, for sure. That's our favorite. Me and Kevin. Thoughts on the ending?
Chris: (pausing to think) I don't know. On one hand, it was a really clever twist to make it all a dream. But on the other hand, it felt kind of cheap to me.
Sus: (nodding) Yeah, I can see where you're coming from. But I thought it was a really bold choice, and it made me think a lot about the meaning of the series as a whole.
Chris: (nodding) Yeah, I guess you're right. It definitely made me think, too.
Sus: (pauses to take another drag of his cigarette) But I think they're making sequels or prequels that may change that ending. You don't really know with these franchises anymore.
Chris: Right. (pauses to take one last drag of his own cigarette before stomping it out) Well, you wanna go back inside? It's quieter now. Maybe the set's over.
(Sus nods. As they went back inside the bar, it appears that the silence was caused by the absence of the next performer.)
Chris: (to a random stranger) Hey, what happened? No more sets?
Stranger 1: Yeah. I guess? It was supposed to be this guy with hardcore stuff. I really don't know where he went, but we need music here.
Chris: Hmm. Yeah. Definitely. Hey, Sus! Let's go.
Sus: (confused) Huh?
Chris: Sounds still making you dizzy?
Sus: So much.
Chris: Wear this.
(Chris hands over a pair of headphones to Sus)
Sus: (still confused) Uhm… Okay? So I'll wear this while we're here?
John: Just focus on what you're hearing. We're playing a set.
Sus: (shocked) What?! Are you serious?? Would they even…
(Before Sus finishes his sentence, Chris dragged him to the DJ booth and plugs in the pair of headphones. Queueing in the metronome.)
(Tik Tik Tik Tik)
Sus: (internally) What the hell is happening?
(Everyone starts to notice them)
(Tik Tik Tik Tik)
Sus: (internally) (scared) Oh boy, Chris. What are you up to?
(Chris looks at Sus)
Chris: You hear that? Listen to their hearts, Sus.
(Tik Tik Tik Tik)
Sus: (internally) Hmm
(Sus first thought Chris was just being overly dramatic about it and just stared as his coworker was selecting the next track. Sus is starting to see the management of the bar walking towards them with a seemingly angry face.)
Sus: Chris… I really love this space. Don't make me banned here.
Chris: Listen to the beat of their hearts, Sus.
(Tik Tik Tik Tik)
Sus: (internally) I have no choice now, don't I? (breathes deeply)
(Trying to be calm, Sus closed his eyes and started to focus on a low-frequency sound that could be felt as much as it could be heard. From Tik Tik Tik Tik the sound slowly morphs into Tugs Tugs Tugs Tugs. Seemingly random at first, then eventually syncing somehow.)
Chris: How fast?
(Tugs Tugs Tugs Tugs)
Faint Voice 9 and 10: One, Two…
Sus: (confused) One? Two…?
(Tugs Tugs Tugs Tugs)
Faint Voice 9 and 10: It's one two five!
Sus: (surprised) It's one two five!
(Tugs Tugs Tugs Tugs)
Faint Voice 9 and 10: Press play! Track twenty eight!
(With the manager almost near them, Sus panicked. He typed 125 in the BPM toggle, chose track 28, and hit play.)
Chris: There we go. (Turns the filter knob counterclockwise very quickly)
(The sound suddenly starts to compress and muffle as if they were all being sucked by a black hole into another dimension.)
Sus: Whoa…
Chris: Let's go! (Turns the filter knob back.)
Sus: What… the…
(The chorus part of the song starts playing)
Stranger 2: Woooooooooo!
Stranger 3: LET'S GO!
(…and everyone on the dance floor started dancing in sync. Wildly. Not giving the bar's management enough space and time to go near Chris and Sus.)
Chris: (to Sus) Just listen to everyone and hear what you want to hear! Feel it, Sus!
Sus: (smiling as he finally felt a bit more balanced) Okay!
(Sus starts feeling the energy of the dancing crowd and shouting people all around him. He closed his eyes and let the sounds take over his mind, amazed at how he could seemingly understand the exact pitch or even frequencies of everything and choose melodies and beats to match the vibe of the whole place. As if he always knew exactly what next track would resonate with the audience.)
Faint Voice 9: Now pick a slow track.
(It was as if he had a sixth sense for music, and all he had to do was listen to what was around him to know exactly what buttons to push and what beats to hit. It's as if he can hear the heartbeat of everyone in the room, and he matches the timing of every beat and the pitch of every note for everyone.)
Sus: (to Chris): Dude, this is insane! I don't know how I'm doing this!
Chris: (smiling) Of course, man!
(Together, they launched into a new song, the music flowing effortlessly from the speakers as they moved to the beat. Sus couldn't believe how natural it felt as if he had been playing music all his life. He closed his eyes again and let the voices guide him, feeling the energy of the crowd and the music coursing through his veins.)
Faint Voice 10: Twist this knob. Increase volume by two.
Sus: (internally) I guess I'm just really crazy?
(As the song came to an end, the crowd erupted into cheers and applause. Sus opened his eyes and grinned, feeling a surge of pride and joy wash over him. He had never felt so alive and in sync with the world around him. It was a feeling he knew he would never forget.)
Chris: That was amazing, Sus! Haha.
Sus: Yeah! It's. I don't really understand, but it's refreshing!
(The next performer came to the booth. A skinny, tall guy who looked really confused as to why John and Sus were there.)
Skinny guy: Uh… Do you guys have extra cable?
Chris and Sus: (laughing hard) Bye!
(As they ran out of the bar, Sus and Chris couldn't stop laughing. They had just finished their set and it had been a huge success. The crowd was dancing and shouting and Sus had been able to play the perfect music to match the vibe of the whole place. The crowd was shouting "More!". But they knew they had to get out.)
Sus: Can you believe it? We actually pulled it off!
Chris: Yeah, we totally rocked that place! But we better get out of here. The manager's here.
Sus: Oof. Yeah. Haha. Let's go!
(As they ran out into the night, Sus couldn't help but feel a sense of exhilaration and freedom. He was living in the moment, completely in tune with the world around him.)
Sus: Dude, I still can't believe we did that!
Chris: I know, right? And in Cubao, of all places, Did you know that this neighborhood has a really deep history in terms of arts and economy and stuff?
Sus: No, I didn't, I just moved here for the cheap rent.
Chris: Well, Cubao is a major transportation hub in the Metro Manila region, with buses, jeepneys, and trains all converging here, It's also home to the Araneta Center, which has shopping malls, theaters, and restaurants. But it wasn't always like this.
(The two coworkers start to slow down their pace as they get farther from the bar. They walk around the streets of Cubao seemingly aimlessly.)
Sus: (reacting) What do you mean?
Chris: (explaining thoroughly) In the 50s, the Araneta family transformed Cubao into a commercial and transportation hub, They built the country's first modern shopping mall, Ali Mall, and established the Araneta Coliseum, which became a venue for major events and concerts. So it's kind of like the Times Square of the our region.
Sus: I had no idea this was built by a family, but what about the arts and culture you were saying?
Chris: Oh, Cubao has always been a hub for the arts, In the 1970s and 1980s, it was the center of the Philippine art scene, attracting artists, writers, and musicians to its bohemian atmosphere. Cubao Expo really became a hub for the creative types.
Faint Voice 11: (whispers) Psst. Be careful.
Sus: (internally) What?! Not again!
Faint Voice 11: (whispers) It's here! Be careful!
(As they walk around the dark streets of P. Tuazon Boulevard, Sus starts hearing faint voices again. This time, seemingly coming from the walls of the alley they are passing through. As if they were warning him about something or someone.)
Sus: (internally) Dammit. I thought the set fixed this.
Faint Voice 11: (whispers) Listen. You are not safe!
Chris: (continues to discuss more about Cubao's history) …and despite its modernization, Cubao has managed to retain its rich history and cultural identity. It's a vital piece of land, both economically and culturally, in the Philippines. This is a very interesting place, indeed. Did you know the word Cubao came from the word "kuba" too! Haha.
Sus: (responding politely) Hehe. That is interesting, Chris. Maybe we should take the other street?
(Before Sus finishes his sentence, a hooded figure came out of nowhere, blocking their way out of the street.)
Hooded Man: Well look at that. Who would've thought I'll find myself a yummy Sensitive tongiht?
Sus: (surprised and scared) Hey, sir… we're just passing by…
Faint Voice 11: (panicking) It's him!
Hooded Man: (smirking) For sure you are. He he. What are you? Sight? Sound?
Faint Voice 11: Don't let him touch you!
Sus: (shaking) Look, sir… We don't have to…
Hooded Man: (getting closer to Sus) Taste? Scent?
Faint Voice 11: Don't let him touch you!
Sus: (internally) Oh fuck. Now this. This day just keeps getting worse.
Hooded Man: (grabbing the wrist of Sus) Touch?
Sus: (to Hooded Man) Sir, we can give you our wallets if that's what you want.
Hooded Man: We?
Sus: (internally) What? Where's Chris?
(Curious, Sus tried to turn around and check on Chris but to his surprise. His body is not responding.)
Sus: (internally) What is happening? I… I can't move!
Faint Voice 11: Don't let him touch you!
Sus: Chris! Get help!
Hooded Man: Hmm. Crazy Sensitive, are we? Hehe. Don't worry. I'll end this fast.
Sus: (panicking) Are you the Verse Killer? Sir. I don't even go to church anymore.
Hooded Man: (laughing) You really should tune in to your Sensitive news. Haha. (takes Sus's other wrist) I guess there's no more time for that. You're mine now.
Faint Voice 11: Get out of here!
Sus: (internally) I'm… I… I can't… (whimpering)
(As Hooded Man holds both of Sus's hands, Sus starts to feel his body seemingly slowly drained of energy. It's as if he were spending the past hours just running and running, his consciousness starts to blur. Almost as if his whole body is numbing.)
Sus: (whispering) I can't… Feel…
Hooded Man: (snickering) Duh? I'm draining your Sensitive energy, man. How dull can you be?
Sus: (whimpering) What are you… Talking about?
Hooded Man: (annoyed) Eh? You know what? Just shut up. You'll die in a bit anyways. (holding Sus's hands tighter.) This is what you get for not tuning in to Sensitive News. Heh.
Sus: (internally) Oh boy… Anyway… I guess this is it. Finally… An ending. At least I don't have to present the report tomorrow anymore.
(As Sus starts to feel the last few drops of his energy slip out of his body. He started to accept that this may be his last moment alive. He closes his eyes and started to think about all the things he will not have to do anymore if he dies.)
Sus: (internally) I won't have to walk to work anymore. No more fasting. No more endless meetings. No more grocery shopping. It will just be peaceful. I guess this is okay.
Hooded Man: (looking at Sus) Hmm. I still wonder what type of Sensitive are you. Usually signs show by now.
Sus: (internally) (continues to imagine things he won't have to do when he dies) …No more laundry. No more bills. No more work…
(Sus pauses)
Sus: (internally) But that would mean no more coffee breaks with Kev and Rach too. No more comic books… Night outs… Movie trips. No more smoking…
Hooded Man: (smiling) Hehehe. You are making my night, Dude. You have so much!
Sus: I… Can't…
Hooded Man: It will be over soon…
Unknown: (whistles)
Sus: That sound!
Hooded Man: Wha…
(Before the Hooded Man finishes his sentence, a high pitched whistle echoes within the contained space of the dark alley where he locked-in Sus. A sound seeming bouncing left and right the walls of the street straight to the ears of everyone there.)
Hooded Man: Shit!
Unknown: Hey. That's a bad word, Sense-Stealer!
(Though still weak, Sus starts feeling his body again. Somehow somewhat regaining control as the Hooded Man loosens his grip of Sus.)
Sus: (turns around) (surprised) Kevin?
Kevin: (smiling) Hey, bro! You never told me you're a Sensitive. (whistles)