Chapter 6 (1/2)
Did you miss Miko’s emoticons? I did~ On the other hand… Jhing is
¹Bunso- The youngest sibling in the family.
²Nay- ”Nanay” means Mother while ”Nay” is Mom.
#BreakTheIceTheSequel
“Breaking ice for the second time around will be the hardest.”
-x-
Thank you for the editing opportunity. Unfortunately, the moment arrived where I must choose between life or death. To further save myself from any more damage- resigning is the best resort.
Because… I don’t want Melchizedek Jesus Crux to f.u.c.king read my novella.
Anyone else but him. Or else I'll die.
Jhing was really tempted to get that resignation letter on the top of her boss’ table the next day, but she was surprised to see no Miko in the lobby, his own cubicle, or even on the hallways.
That's why she was all smiles as she walks towards her chair.
MIKO IS ABSENT!
Yehey!
She’s hoping for him to get fired for being absent so Jhing can be hap- G.o.ds, what the h.e.l.l is she thinking? Act cool, Jhing. Just go with the flow, and get your goals intact.
Do not get distracted.
Jhing downloaded a big file on her computer. While waiting, she went to the pantry to get her coffee. She was so happy that she almost skipped her way but the two feet who was preparing to fly abruptly stopped when she saw… him.
He sat on a corner, a coffee tumbler on one hand while the other is typing something on his laptop.
Jhing didn’t know Miko was capable of wearing eyegla.s.ses… but who the h.e.l.l cares?!
Jhing ignored him and started making her coffee. While doing so, she felt a pair of eyes studying her every move. In the end, she couldn't take it anymore so she turned her head to Miko expecting that the man will look away the second she sets her eyes on him.
But lo and behold, Miko didn’t even blink.
He just stared at her.
He even raised his coffee.
And smiled.
Okaaayyy, the plan backfired.
ABORT MISSION.
Jhing looked away from Miko before running back to her cubicle. Is there an evil ghost chasing after her? Nope. But it indeed felt like it. Jhing can’t do this- no. She can't let that man read the novel.
The resignation letter… it was tempting to print it.
Good thing Miko was only working half-day. Before lunch, he was already nowhere to be found…. not that Jhing wanted to know why he wasn’t in his cubicle. It was just a coincidence that he was mentioned during their lunch conversation.
“He has a meeting with his client.”
“Client? I thought he's our ill.u.s.trator?”
“Is he not allowed to have his own client, girl?” July said while laughing. “He has his own business so maybe this work is only his past time or something. I heard he was recommended by the higher-ups ah.”
“He’s actually good, in fairness,” one of them added. ”I was peeking at his work. He draws quickly but it didn't mess up his art. I also love the cute color palettes.”
“He's also cute,” another one said which made Jhing almost coughed her food out.
“Guys,” she just called after drinking water, “Change topic.”
“Hmm, why?” A knowing smile on July’s lips. “Touchy subject?”
July wanted to know something, Jhing can feel it. She’s a writer after all. Writing and reading body language is an expertise of hers.
And nope.
July won’t have any answers or confirmation.
There's nothing to confirm anyway!
Jhing returned the smile. “He'll die from sneezing if you keep talking about him behind his back.”
“That's okay! I'll take care of him—”
“Says the pregnant one,” July laughed while caressing the stomach of their pregnant co-worker. “I'll report this to your husband.”
“I'm just appreciating the G.o.d’s work ah.”
It was a pain that Miko’s presence was near her - but a torture that even without him, he still managed to get into Jhing’s circle of life.
f.u.c.king s.h.i.+t.
The day became slower than usual, Jhing was bored out of her mind. She wanted to go home already because she was tempted to open her novella… but at the same time, too afraid of re-reading it again.
The struggle was real.
Jhing's day ended with a 'Thank you' from an author that received her ‘tip’ for the day.
The story is great but the chapter endings were a little stiff. There's something lacking. You should include boom factors in the last part of your chapters. A cliffhanger: write a revelation, a question, or an answer.
Cliffhanger is cruel yet an entertaining way to get your readers think about your story. They’ll be d.a.m.ned not to read the next chapter ASAP.
This is just a suggestion, you’re still free to change or keep whatever you think might work for your own story.
Jhing was hoping for her life to be the same way because it doesn't have any spice to lighten up her day. It's too stiff, and something's lacking.
The next day, Miko was present.
It was uncomfortable especially when it seemed like his looks are just getting younger than older. Was it because of his simple black s.h.i.+rt, khaki shorts, and boat shoes get up?
Maybe something else?
But who cares?!
Jhing was reading her Mother’s text while walking towards her cubicle- ‘baby, bunso¹ is shy so i have to ask u. u still have any money? need 1k for her subj. im sori about this.'
Jhing sat in her chair before replying, ‘Of course, Nay². I'll send it to you by break time or after work.’
A ‘bunso said thanks. eat properly so u wont get sick okay?' reply was enough for Jhing to smile.
But that smile quickly disappeared when she put her phone down on the table. Jhing didn’t notice the hot piping mug of coffee, her lips grimacing when her fingers accidentally touched it.
A hot coffee on her table?
She called July and asked her if it was hers which made the latter laughed at her question. “It's on your table, not mine.”
Jhing laughs too, “Thank you for the coffee.”
July looked at her in confusion before nodding.
While Jhing was drinking the coffee, she received another email from MJ Crux.
No Facebook? No problem! They have work email anyways, who cares if everyone else can read it! Bring it on!
My goodness.
May I read your novella now?
Jhing didn't reply. After a few minutes, Miko sent her an email by creating a new thread. This guy is all over her emails now ah!!!
Is the taste okay? :)
Wait.
Jhing almost choked on her coffee. She quickly turned his head away from the screen because she was so shocked that a bit of the drink escaped from her lips.
She stared at the mug of coffee, at the email- then turned to look at Miko who was looking at his own computer.
The f.u.c.k!?
July was her savior when she asked if she can take a sip of her coffee. Jhing replied with ”Go ahead. Just drink it empty, it's okay,” she then got her second 'Thank you' for the day.
Free coffee on her table?
Never again.
Work was going smoothly until lunch came. Jhing heard Miko standing up and yawning. Not that she really cared, but his voice was loud enough to be heard by everyone.
“Lunch out?”
Everyone looked at Miko…. except for Jhing who became magically interested in her keyholder.
“Your treat?” one of them asked.
“Awtsu.” Miko laughed. “I'm just new here and you already want to punish me? I haven't even had my salary yet, okay?”
“You're the one who invited us.”
“Whenever I invite you out to eat, it will always be PFY,” Miko said. ”Pay for yourself!”
“Cheapskate!” they laughed.
“I'm not a cheapskate,” said Miko. “I'm in need of money.”