They both calmed down. Phul was somewhat relieved. She knew it was all a misunderstanding. But nothing good ever comes out of dragging out a misunderstanding further. She was not in a mental state to be the one to ask Zax about it or try and clear the misunderstanding, but she was so glad that Zax was the one who pursued her, and told her everything then and there.
What a contradiction, to think just a few minutes ago she was wishing Zax would leave her alone and stop following her, and now she was glad he didn't leave her alone. It's really difficult to understand the human mind, isn't it?
"Well, I mean, shouldn't you go back to the company then?" Phul asked, forcing an awkward smile, trying to ease the tension.
"Imagine you getting fired after only a few weeks of working there." She laughed.
Zax saw her laughing. He was relieved too. Everything he had dreaded for had come true just a few moments ago, but he was thankful that they were both mature enough to handle the situation and tell each other what was in their minds. Yes, misunderstandings ought to be cleared. This isn't some teen romance novel where you can drag out a misunderstanding and hope it'll magically be cleared when you kiss. No, this is life, and you need to make an effort to keep the relationship healthy, he thought.
"You're right, I should probably get going." He said, and brushed his fingers through his hair, and pat his own face. He then looked at Phul, "Are you going to be alright though?"
"Yeah, of course! I'll be fine as long as you keep your promise. Go now, we can talk about the details later." She insisted.
Zax gave her a fond smile. He was probably thinking something like, "She's so precious." and that just somehow translated to his expression.
"Oh, and-" Phul suddenly remembered, "I'll treat you to someplace nice today, seems like we have a lot to catch up on."
Zax giggled a bit, "Did you get paid?"
Phul was a bit embarassed, "It's not like I treat you only on days I get paid, hmpf!"
He laughed, and put his hand on her head, "Sure, sure. Just send me the time and place and I'll be there. I get off work at 5."
Phul nodded, "See you."
"Yeah, Phul. See you." Zax said, and left.
Phul then went to the nearby water tap in the park, and washed her face. She looked at the sky. She was so engrossed with her emotions back when she left Golden Meteor Entertainment that she seemed to have completely missed the bright blue sky overhead. She sighed, then took a long breath. Ah, the sweet smell of jasmines. She seemed to have not noticed the beautiful scent that was surrounding them both at the park too. Ah the things we miss when we are engulfed by the dark bubble of sadness.
While going back, Zax sighed too. Finally, Phul knew about his job that he'd been meaning to tell her about for so long. It was almost as if a weight had been lifted off his chest. He walked back into the company, fortunately it was his lunch break at that time, so he was able to get back to his desk on time, although he did skip lunch.
Ah, he'd forgotten after all that happened today. Today he was supposed to photograph TARA for the promo posters. But it was different this time. Now he wouldn't have to feel so guilty about seeing them anymore.
He and the photography team went to the set. They were already there, in their extravagant costumes and elaborate makeup. Golden Meteor Entertainment really was taking no chances with their debut, seems like they really really REALLY believed in TARA.
The shoot began. Zax was more at ease this time around, and could give clearer directions to the members, and could capture their individualistic charm points very well. Even the senior photographer looked at him work and said, "You seem...different today."
He just smiled, "I hope it's a good different." and continued taking the shots. The solo shots of Nayan, Vega and Rio was done in what seemed to be a flash. The girls monitored the pictures too, and were pretty satisfied too. The director was happy with their individual shots too. It usually took three or four retakes to get the perfect shot, but today they got it in one. Wonder why that is.
"Okay, we'll take 45 off, then we'll get started on the group shots." The director shouted, and everyone was glad to get a small break. Nayan, Vega and Rio went to get their costumes and makeup changed. The photography team stayed behind looking and selecting the best shots.
Zax was on fire today. There was nothing holding him back now. He could give this shoot his all, and he was determined to make this photoshoot one of the best he's ever taken. He was determined to impress the director and the senior photographer, and most of all, TARA. He didn't know why. He just felt he had to show them that he wasn't that far behind while they improved like monsters. He was on fire, he felt he could crush the world with his bare hands today.
Growl.
His stomach growled, loud. Some around him heard that and were a little taken aback, and giggled. He was embarassed. Maybe the crushing of the world will have to wait, he hadn't had lunch after all.
He leaned back on a chair and mumbled to himself, "I won't make it back on time if I go to the cafeteria now."
Something brushed on his head. It was chocolate-filled bread. Oh, there was something else, banana milk, and fruit jellies? He was surprised. He stood straight in his chair, and there was Vega, holding snacks.
She sat beside him. "Take these.
"He was surprised. "...What?"
"Just take them. You're hungry, aren't you? Your stomach really roared back there."
He turned bright red, he was so flustered. Vega put the snacks on his hand.
He was unsure of what to do, but was hungry, so opened the bread and chomped. It was sweet, he didn't like sweet things, but it was better than nothing.
"I saw you bolt out of the cafeteria after Phul during lunch today." Vega said, causally.
Cough. cough.
"You saw that?" Zax exclaimed, trying to not lose his composure.
"The legal team told us that they were meeting Phul today. I was so excited--" Vega said, looking down. She had a sort of a melancholic look in her eyes, what was hurting her, Zax wondered.
"But apparently she had told them she'd only come if we wouldn't come across her."
"Ha." She let out a laugh, but it was a sad laugh, perhaps a laugh with spite.
"I wonder why she hates us so much. She'd have done the same thing if it was her in my place." She rambled.
Zax said nothing, he just listened, while he nibbled on the snacks she brought him.
"But I couldn't not see her, you know. It's been such a long time. And so I tried sneaking a peek. She looked so thin, and her eyes, they seemed so tired and lackluster, I wonder if she's eating well."
He still said nothing. Vega locked eyes with him for a moment, and giggled, "Well, at least you are."
They both stayed silent for a while. Then Vega spoke again.
"You're working different today, everybody's noticed."
"Is that so?" Zax asked, wiping his mouth. he had finished the bread and was moving onto the banana milk.
"Well it's a good different", Vega immediately said, not wanting to offend him or anything.
"Previously the way you worked felt like, hm, like something was holding you back." she continued, "But today it seems you've broken free, from whatever that was."
Zax was thinking how spot on her observation was. Vega was very aware of what went on around her, and could make quick decisions, good trait for a celebrity, he thought.
Vega sighed. "You never talk that much to us, do you? You talk to the other staffs just fine, but you act differently towards me, Nayan and Rio."
"Ah, sorry, I didn't mean to do that." Zax actually hadn't noticed that was the case. But it made sense. He didn't see the girls of TARA as co-workers. With or without Phul, TARA was still the group that had made an impact in his life at one time. If it hadn't been for TARA's music when they were still underground artists, Zax's life would have been very different. He had been a long time fan of TARA. Maybe that was the reason he couldn't see the girls of TARA as co-workers. Even while he photographed them, even when they met in the company hallways, or even if they could have causal conversations like these, they were his idols, he respected them. Zax was always and will always be a TARA fan, no matter where they go or what they become.
As Vega rambled on about unimportant things, he suddenly got a revelation.
"Wait a minute." He thought to himself.
"Do I love Phul, or am I just a fan?"