"Kumain ka na?"

I searched for the familiar voice and my eyes landed to him. I smiled and nodded, I fixed my dress before standing up to give him a kiss on the cheek, and before I could even do that, he fixed my hair and beamed.

"Yes," simple kong sagot at tuluyan na siyang hinalikan sa pinge.

"You want popcorn?" I shook my head and fixed his navy blue casual suit. "Aren't you cold? Isn't this cardigan too thin? I told you to wear something warm," nag-aalala niyang saad. Tinignan ko ang soot kong color white cardigan and blue strapless dress and pouted. 

"It is warm," palusot ko kahit medyo malamig na nga. "And I didn't want to wear a sweater on this special event," I compressed my lips and reached for his hair, inayos ko 'yon, I don't want him to look gusgusin on his night. 

"You sure? You can have this," turo niya sa suit. Umiling ako at inayos na rin ang mga hikaw niya.. I'm sure this is something that people will remember him for, these chained earrings that is surely adding something to his charms. "Bakit ka ganiyan makatingin? Gwapong-gwapo ka naman ata sa akin Yrreverre," he laughed. I gave him a glare and jokingly slapped his cheeks. 

"You're so full of yourself," I sarcastically said. 

"Sige lang, tanggi ka lang po," nginitian niya ako nang napang-asar. "Sige na, take your seat, the film's about to start, lalabas na ako for our entrance, alright?" Tumango nalang ako at umupo sa upuan kong may-bond paper na nakasulat ang pangalan ko. 

Lizette Yrreverre

I smiled to myself, napapikit ako nang magpatak siya ng halik sa noo ko bago tuluyang lumabas. I puckered my lips and wandered my gape at the mini cinema. Premiere and awards night ngayon ng short film nila Light, it's a competition that involves their whole course, ang mananalo ay ilalaban sa regionals then nationals, four films ata ang involved dito and Light directed one of it.

I'm so proud of this man.. For making his name in this industry. Alam kong malayo ang mararating niya, and I hope that I'll be able to witness every step he makes 'til he reaches his ultimate goal and dream.

"The annual SFU-Film fest is about to start, we're about to witness four amazing films directed by four amazing and incredibly talented senior students from our very own Filmmaking department! Let's give it up for.. " The people inside the mini cinema, including me clapped for the following talented students.

"Ava Yap, Ivor Ferrer, Ruth Williams, and Lucius Sibal!" My smile almost reached my ear when I heard his name being called, agad akong pumalakpak at manghang-mangha silang tinignan, they walked on the small platform and bowed in sync. The MC continued to talk and interviewed the two girls before finally letting them take their seats. 

"Kinakabahan ako," bulong ni Light sa akin at hinawakan ang kamay ko. We already watched two films and so far.. No bias involved, it was good, the first one was a film about family and relative problems, the second was light romance that somehow showed the power of manipulation through words and being a relationship at a very young age.

I can say that really, these people who directed those films has future ahead of them. The cinematography is just.. Amazing. Pati na ang production, taking note pa na their budget wasn't that big and it's just a school contest, grabe talaga.

Pero para sa akin, Light's film will win this, 'yon ang pinaka maganda, 'yon ang the best.. Of course that's my boyfriend's work kaya para sa akin panalo na agad 'yon, for me that film will be the finest amng all for tonight. Tiwala ako sa kaniya.

"Why?" I asked and leaned on his arms. I felt how cold his hands are so I held it with two hands and squeezed it.

"Theirs are.. Good," puri niya sa mga gawa ng dalawang nauna. "I'm impressed," he blurted, truthfully. I chuckled and stared at the big screen. Even this is a competition, and if I don't know Light, and I just know him vaguely, I will think that he's full of himself, or if he's in a competition, siya 'yong tipong kalaban na mayabang at hindi titignan ang galing ng iba dahil sa paningin niya ay siya lang ang magaling, where in reality that's the very opposite of he really is.

Light see every potential a person has, he's not cancelling people's greatness just because he's in competition with them.. He knows how to believe in his works without disregarding other's talent. 

"Hmm.. You'll win this," panigurado ko at nginitian siya. 

"You're just saying that because I'm your boyfriend," he chuckled and dropped a kiss on my forehead. "But thank you, love, that made my heart slightly.. Calmer," tugon niya. 

"Calm down, you got this.. Proud na proud ako sa'yo," I said before his film officially started. The whole auditorium observed silence when the known ray of light logo appeared on the big screen, it's Lumity Films that made me smile in a bigger manner. A girl walking in an empty and narrow alley appeared on the screen, she's wearing a hoodie.

"They said.. The world is round.. They said.. The world is meant for peace.. Or is it really?" The girl narrated.. Ngayon ko palang mapapanood ang short film na 'to but I know the gist. It's a Sci-Fi film that shows how imbalance the world really is. And ignoring the fact that my boyfriend is the director of this film.. It's amusing.

It's something that's done like.. Professionally, sigurado akong maraming green screen ang ginamit and I can really see how great the camera work and cinematography is.. And when the film ended, my mouth was just ajar, tinignan ko si Light na ang thumb ay hawak ang ibabang labi, I smacked his arm and looked at him with disbelief.

"Bakit?" He furrowed his brows and looked at me. "Wasn't it that good? May mali ba?"

"What's that ending?! Oh my gosh! Bakit bitin?!" Gigil kong bulong. Tinignan ko ang itsura ng mga tao sa cinema and even it's dark there, the reflection of the light coming from the screen made it possible for me to see their reactions, just like me, their lips are parted and their faces are confused!

"'Yon na 'yon," he shrugged.

"Really? You need to tell me the ending, that's.. That's not an ending.. That's a cliff hanger!" Reklamo ko pa nang isang beses. It's just like a trailer! Or a book one of a trilogy, parang ang bitin-bitin! It's great.. Super great to be noted, pero grabe talaga ang bitin!

The film ended with just the main lead's piercing stare while wearing the hoodie and the line of, 'The world is unfair.. And through the balance of chaos we live.. And the system is the one to blame.. Or is it really?'

Tinawanan nalang niya ako at sabi niya sa susunod niya na sa akin ikukwento kung ano talaga ang ending, but for now I should focus daw muna sa event and sa next film, last film ay 'yong kay Ms. Ruth, close friend niya ata 'yon. The whole film, I was just distracted by the thought of Light's entry.

I might lose my sanity if hindi niya sasabihin sa akin ang kwento no'n. And by that.. I knew well that my boyfriend's gonna win, it's just that good of a short movie! Hindi ko na nga namalayan na awarding na pala. It's the awarding portion already, may mga nanalo na ng best actress and editing stuffs.

Pero ni-isa wala pang napapanalunahan sila Light, I was biting my lips and holding his hands tightly as the MC announce the second to the last award, the best in cinematography. It's like the wind blew danger because my hands felt cold. I bit the insides of my cheek hardly as my heart doubled its beat. I'm really praying that they'll win. 

"And the best in cinematography award goes to.. " My gaze pinned at the front and watched the shuffling pictures of the movies posters. I pouted when Ruth's film showed, but Light let go of my hand to clap, tinignan ko siya at mukhang masaya naman talaga siya kahit wala pang nakukuha ang film nila sa tatlong major recognitions.

I scowled. Tinignan ko siya na mukha namang masaya talaga siya habang nagsasalita si Ruth sa harap, she's giving her speech. Hindi ko na siya tinignan dahil parang ako ang contestant and I'm the one who lost. Pero ayos lang, may isa pa naman. I trust in Tomorrow's Not Promised, or Light's film entry.

Tinignan niya ako at nginitian, but when he saw me scowling, his smile expired. "Why? Is there something wrong?" 

"Hindi pa natatawag 'yong inyo," reklamo ko at ngumuso. His gaze went down to my lips and sighed.

"Stop pouting, I want to kiss you," mahina niyang sabi. "It's alright, I know we did our best and, just being here is a privilege already, kung sino mang mananalo, deserve nila 'yon. They'll win because they deserve it as much as we think our film deserves it.. Stop scowling na," natatawa niyang sabi at hinalikan ako sa noo. 

"I'm proud of you either way," I crossed my arms over my chest and sat properly.

"And lastly, for this year's Film Festival grand winner," I held my breath as they look at their envelope. Parang ako naman ang mananalo kung maka-react ako. "Again, the winning film will be given the chance to represent our prestigious Saint Fiacre University-LC regionally and nationally!" I blew my cheeks, hinawakan ko ang kamay ni Light at nginitian siya, he doesn't seem to be bothered.. At all.

"Kinakabahan ako," it was me this time, I heard him chuckle and as a response he just held my hand tightly.

Last year niya na kasi ngayon, though marami na siyang nadala na pride sa SFU, I know deep down.. He wants this for his team that had his back for two years now.. Last SFU-Film fest niya na rin 'to.. So I'm really praying that he'll get this. 

"And this year's Film fest winner is.. None other than.. " My breathing hitched as my heart clench and fasten its beating pace. I bit my lower lip and balled my right hand. I believe in him.. I do.. So I know it'll be his film.. But beads on my hands started to form as I watch the MC's lips move.

"Is.. Rainbow's End directed by Ivor Ferrer!" My hand loosened its hold on Light's hand and automatically he let go of my hands to clap for the winner.

"Nice one, Ferrer!" He shouted and clapped. My shoulders dropped but I had no choice but to clap for other's victory.. As long as he's happy, 'yon ang nasa-isip ko ngayon. I stared at him but there was no traces of disappointment in his eyes of his posture. 

The event ended with smiles on their faces, we had a picture taking moment outside, sa may tarpaulin, Light's team was consoling each other at tinitignan ko lang silang gawin 'yon, nginingitian ko lang lahat sila dahil kahit malungkot, wala akong narinig ni-isa sa kanila na nilait ang mga winners, and with that, I knew that triumph was theirs.

Dahil kung ako ang nasa pwesto nila, I'll probably be sad and question it.. Because even one award.. Even a single award wala silang nakuha! 

"Everyone, you did well," Light started, nasa parking lot na kami, since gabi na, they're all heading home dahil bukas pa ata ang celebration. "Thank you for trusting me with this film, thank you for all your efforts, we might have not won tonight, but I know deep inside, that just being here and leading this team is already a victory for me, makatrabaho ko lang kayong lahat ay isang malaking achievement sa akin," he smiled.

"Anyway, this is my last year as a student here at SFU, and I am very overwhelmed and grateful that I had the chance to work with each and everyone of you, I'm already telling you guys my speech for tomorrow because I don't want to spread drama tomorrow sa celebration party," natatawa niyang sabi na naging dahilan ng pagtawa ng iba. But most are already crying, I would do the same if I were in there shoes.

"I hope our film made you proud in anyway possible for it made me joyful," he stopped and looked around. "I don't want you guys to go home tonight with a heavy heart, it's just an award and our film is a great film with or without it, kasi alam kong ginawa niyo ang lahat niyo para sa production na 'to, salamat!" He exclaimed and inhaled deeply. 

"Salamat at pinagkatiwalaan niyo ako! You guys are great and I hope.. We'll get the chance to work with each other in the future, outside school premises, I'm rooting for everyone's success, sana next year ikaw, Melanie sumali ka sa Film fest!" Tukoy niya sa assistant director niya. "You'll do eight times better than my performance, I just know it, basta imbitahan niyo ako!" Biro niya at pilit na ngumiti.

I saw Melanie crying but she can't contain her laughter. "Hindi, ikaw lods ko, ikaw ang best!" She laughed more and wiped her tear with the back of her hand.

"I doubt that! All of you will become something better. Everyone here will become more," he assured. "Oh sige na, see you tomorrow! Walang mawawala ah! Pack up na!" May mga nagsalita pa but my gape is just pinned on him.

I'm amazed how well he handled their lost.. I'm amazed how he implemented sportsmanship within his team. Proud na proud ako sa lalaking 'to.. He's just a man of his dreams.. A man of acceptance and he knows how to take falls. 

Malungkot akong naglakad papasok sa kotse niya, he's still smiling 'til we settled inside of his car. Nakanguso lang akong tinignan siyang i-start ang engine ng kotse niya. I waited for him to talk but I know he won't.. I know he'll just stay silent and pretend as if it's nothing to him.

"You good?" Tanong ko habang hinihila ang seatbelt para isuot, he looked at me and smiled.

"Oo naman," tango niya. "Gano'n talaga e," he shrugged and smile sadly. I pursed my lips and sighed.

"You know you can be honest with me right?"

"I'm genuinely happy for them," tinitigan ko lang siya, mata sa mata at ganoon din ang ginawa niya.

"I'm asking if you're okay not if you're happy with their win."

"Oo naman.. " Paninigurado niya. "Nang hihinayang lang," he chuckled. I gave him a reassuring smile and let go of my seatbelt. Even with just the yellow street light as our only source of gleam, I knew well that he's not that okay about it.

It's not that he's not happy about the winning film's success, but he's sad about their film's loss. And that's totally okay and understandable. Umayos ako ng upo at humarap sa kaniya, I opened my arms and and waved my hand a bit to invite him.

"Come here, love, give me a hug," aya ko at patuloy lang siyang nginitian. He sighed and let go of his seatbelt to rush into my arms. I hugged him tightly and caressed his hair. "It's alright," I whispered. "I am very proud of you," paalala ko at hinalikan ang ulo niya.

Sometimes.. They need this too.. They're not always strong, hindi sila ang palaging magbibigay ng comfort sa atin, a relationship needs two to function. And as he become weak at some point, he can expect me to be the one who'll be strong for us.

"You did well, you did your best, Light," I continued to play with his hair as he bury his face on my neck. His back rose slowly and dropped. Patuloy ko lang tinatapik ang likod niya at niyayakap siya nang mahigpit. "Tell me whenever you're really," bulong ko. 

"H-Hindi ko man lang nasabi 'yong speech ko," mahina at malungkot niyang sabi. "Hindi mo man lang ako narinig mag salita," he sighed.

"There's more in the future," paninigurado ko. "And kahit walang speech, ayos pa rin naman 'yon e."

"Last year ko na 'yon, love," he said in a low voice. I pouted when I felt him slightly trembling on my shoulder, mas hinigpitan ko ang akap ko sa kaniya because I feel like he needs this.. He needs me. I kept quiet so I can hear his thoughts.. I love that he's being honest with me. "Last year ko na.. Then I lost.. " I felt his eyes closing on my skin as his voice slightly crack.

"I disappointed them.. I really failed them.. Sayang.. Sobrang sayang," I gulped. It's the first time I saw him like this. "It's my last year and I'd leave no legacy behind other than being the Mayor's son," nanghihina niyang sabi.

"No, love, no," I cupped his face and let him face me. I let my hand rake his hair and looked at him directly in the eye. "You did not disappoint anyone, only if you could see the people's amusement while watching the movie you directed.. You'd have no heart saying that you failed, because you didn't, you are great, okay?" Ngumiti ako and caressed his cheek with my thumb. 

"You did so well, and you'll even go beyond next time, and alam mo ikaw? You're so swapang! Puno na kaya ng name mo ang bulletin ng department niyo!" I joked and laughed, tumawa nalang din siya at umiling.

He cupped my face as well and kissed the tip of my nose. "Thank you, Lettie, I have so much love for you, so damn much," he said. I leaned and dropped a kiss on his lips and smiled as my response. 

I breathed heavily and stretched my feet as I watch the representative of Hong Kong perform her piece. I gulped multiple of times. It's not my first international competition but Miss Claudine advised me that there would be a scout here today. 

I'm currently in Japan, with Miss Claudine and no one else. It's the last week of September already, almost after a month since Light's birthday.. And the first time we.. Yeah.. And a week after the film fest. Lalong dumaloy ang kaba sa sistema ko nang marinig ko ang keys na malapit na matapos ang performance niya. 

She did saut de chat as her ending pose and I saw how heavy her breathig is, everyone in the auditorium clapped elegantly and watched the spot light disappear so Emily, or Hong Kong's representative can leave the stage peacefully. She tapped my shoulder and gave me a smile.

"Do well, I want to compete with you again," she confidently said and walked past me while wearing her white tutu and crystal detailing. I compressed my lips and felt the waxy feeling on my lips. The stage manager called me and I stood there, naturally as I go to my first position. 

Until the spot light finally opened and the orchestra started to play my piece's music, I danced. I let my body follow every rhythm that I hear, I knew well that my tempo is on point and that I'm doing every move graceful yet sharp. I tilted my head and followed the move of my hand and worked on my pained expression. In dancing, it's not just the dance moves that are important, but the emotions you put in your craft as well.

I danced with all my heart and not minding the eyes that's staring at me as I sway and move my body accordingly. The electricity that's staying at the tips of my fingers earlier travelled all throughout my body, making me perform and jump efficiently. When I turned i knew my black and ref tutu is giving more charisma, so for the last time I jumped and landed on my feet, I drew air softly and waited for the lights to softly close. 

"Miss Claudine!" I exclaimed while holding a glass trophy and a bouquet of flowers. I