9

We're finished watching the movie. I became emerged in my own thoughts that I did not understand the story at all.

Actually, it's okay because horror movies are not my cup of tea.

I ain't scared of that movie, I was more frightened by this guy's weird proposal.

He's now sitting in front of me. Staring intently as I stuff salad in my mouth like a glutton. I'm already a voracious eater myself, yet whenever I'm anxious, I tend to stress eat more. Done with big plates of tempura, sushi, and sashimi. I also consumed about six bowls of ramen and yakisoba. I definitely want to thank the chef of Arigato Bar and Restaurant for these delish meals. Arigato Gozaimasu!

"Where do you store all the foods that you eat? You appear so paper-thin." He looks entertained, shaking his head.

"I'm too stressed right now that's why I eat this much. I don't easily get fat anyway.", I say while chewing the greens inside my mouth.

"Why? Are you worried about something?", He annoys me, really.

I snort, "Do you really have to ask? I need to eat so I can think clearly. I got to answer that bizarre request."

"Hmm. Okay. Yes, I can wait for your answer. Go ahead and pig out. I'm pretty curious as to how much you can still gorge on. It's the first time I find eating so sexy.", He leans back, watching me as if I'm his fave movie or something. It's not just him, I notice the restaurant crew and the show's staff stare at me. Some smiling, some gawking. My face feels hot. Now I'm embarrassed. I should've controlled myself. Argh.

"I'm not crazy to sign that contract or a blank oath or whatever." I lay the fork I'm holding on my salad plate. It created a noise, much louder than the usual. My temper got the best of me, sorry.

Absolutely no one in her right mind will agree to that blank oath.

What if he asks for something I can never give? Money? Love? For Pete's sake, my virginity? No way!

*Start of flashback*

"Ash, that was your fifth concert. I thought you're ready to sing live. What happened?!" President Rogers slammed his fist on the office table.

"My rehearsals went smoothly. I don't know, it just occurred. I really thought everything will be fine." I tried to fight the tears from dropping on my cheeks but I'm too emotional right now, they won't stop falling.

"Damn your excuses! I'm so tired of this. How can you humiliate Kim and me so many times? I feel stupid that we gave you plenty of chances. You don't deserve it!" His voice cracked. He's furious. I know.

"President, please give me one last chance. You know that I can't lose this job, especially with mom's condition. Please allow me to prove myself." I cries. My mind's whirling with a lot of things. I don't even know how to do it.

"If you know that you can't lose your career, you would've given your all and not let fear consume you. I'm sorry, Ash. I think you've reached the end of the road." President Rogers shook his head in disappointment.

I slumped on the floor, feeling hopeless.

Like a protective mom, Manager Kim picked me up in her arms while defending me, "Hon, I've got an idea. Leave this to me."

President just appeared strong and strict on the outside but he's soft-hearted, especially when it came to his wife. He nodded in approval then walked away from us.

I can't let her down. That's all I know.

*End of flashback*

"We don't need to discuss this then." Tony rises up from his seat, about to leave.

"Waaaaaait," I stand up, "Maybe we can talk about it more. Just have some guidelines, that's all. I also need more time to think about it first."

"I'll help you decide," his eyes gleam with a challenge, "I've been meaning to do this since yesterday."

In a blink of an eye, he's beside me. He hugs my waist and leans down, claiming my lips. He kisses me gently but full of passion.

Light and soft, sweet and endearing that I can't help but respond to him. I slightly parted my mouth. He lets out a low moan and made our kiss deeper. His tongue slips into my mouth. I almost lost my balance in surprise.

I hear Joan's voice shouting sharp expletives in the background.