A Night with the Vampire King

Chapter 5

THEY say that “time flies when you’re happy”. But in Kira's case, she doesn’t know why but she was not even happy yet she felt that time seem to speed up? Was she too engrossed to her one day leave? She slept for almost the whole day!

Now, her rest day was over. She will now return to her job. Just as she was entering her cubicle, she was welcomed by a big pile of paperwork. She sighed deeply and looked at the almost half-ruler high of papers. She felt too lazy to work, but she needs to because she really needs the money. She needs to work hard.

Then she remembers the letter she received from the bank yesterday. She quickly sat on her office chair and wipe her face with her both hands as she lets out a deep sigh.

Kira has been working for Royalty Corp. for over a year now. She was grateful that she got immediately accepted here after she was fired from her previous job. She didn't want to talk about it because she wasn’t on the mood to tell the story.

Focus, Kira. Focus on your work.

Kira wouldn't have left the monitor if her co-workers had not invited her to lunch. She looked at her watch, it’s already quarter to 12. That’s probably the reason why she felt hungry.

“How are you feeling Kirs, does your head still hurt?" asked May as they walked down the hallway to the elevator with their other co-workers.

"I feel better now than yesterday," Kira replied. They were approaching the elevator, and there seemed to be plenty of people waiting ahead. The two other elevators were occupied so May and Kira have decided to go in last since they still have an hour and a half for lunch.

May keeps telling a lot of stories to Kira and all she did was listen to her the entire time. She considers May as a friend since they had been working together for almost six months. May told her what happened in the office yesterday while she was gone. May told her that one of their boss's secretaries was expelled for no apparent reason. The speculation was that she was a spy from another company. Others believe that she stole an important file on her boss' laptop.

"Maybe that secretary was actually a spy. She wouldn't have stolen the file if she wasn't a spy, right? What would she do to the file anyways, eat it?” May commented as they both waited in the elevator. She nodded in agreement. She has a point.

“And gosh…” her friend sudden change of reaction made Kira look at her. “The boss is very handsome, don’t you think?" May uttered. "Unfortunately, you didn’t have a chance to meet him yesterday. Even though he looks angry, you will definitely drool over him,” May said with excitement.

Kira couldn't help but laugh in May. May had a big-time crush on their boss. As far as she remembers, his name was Raven King. Many say that he is really is handsome, like an angel who came down to earth. But despite the angelic look of his face, he has a devilish nature. He doesn’t get along with people very well and he’s not that approachable either. He tends to treat his employees coldly, and he had this piercing looks that would make you get goosebumps.  

The boss’ arrival yesterday was the topic of every conversation. Kira became very curious. Besides, she has been working for the company for over a year, yet she never had the chance to meet the big boss. Maybe it was just because she was in the office all the time or she would come home immediately after work. Additionally, she rarely spends time with her co-workers. She prefers to spend her free time with Ally, her cousin.  

"You know, I haven't seen the boss yet," Kira said as they waited for the elevator. May gave a surprised look because of that. She can’t help but smile at May’s reaction.

"What?! Are you sure?!" asked May with a little shock. She nodded as she looked at the LED screen at the side of the elevator door. They will have to wait a little more before they get on board the elevator.

"Haven’t you been working here for so long? As far as I know, you were already working before I got here," she said.

"Yeah, it's been a year. Though, I haven't had the chance to see him. Maybe he’s very busy and always stays on his office,”  She convinced her. Not to be able to meet her boss doesn’t really bother her at all. At least, she's just grateful that she got to work at his company. And that she was compensated well.

How can she see him in person? Many say that her boss spends a lot of time in his office – he had camped out there. He only leaves his office if there’s an emergency. All of his clients would personally go to his office if they want to talk to him. Surprisingly, no matter how weird and awkward these arrangements are, the boss’ still attracts so many investors.  In fact, it seems like every year they get extra pay every time the boss’ landed a good company. Well, she got to experience that, once.

Kira and May were still waiting for the elevator. The approaching employees caught her attention. One person seems to be in a hurry - he was balancing a huge pile of folders on his hands. Others seem busy talking to each other, while the rest stands quietly in the corner. May and Kira were already in the front of the line as the people began to multiply.

While waiting, she and the rest of the crowd noticed a group of men walking towards their direction.

He was walking along with other men who were a bit older than him. Kira's vision was not a perfect 20-20 but it was enough to know that the man who caught her attention had something to show off. His strong physique symbolizes masculinity.  He wore a gray, three-piece suit that matches the color of his skin. His hair was tamed properly in the right direction. Kira noticed that the crowd behind her started to murmur. It was obvious in their voices that they were all swooning. It was there that she noticed that most of her companions were composed of women and only a few were men. Some women were plainly swooning over the man in the gray suit while others chose to hide their emotion.

Well, she couldn't blame the girls. The guy definitely had strong s*x appeal. As they were heading in their direction, the murmur eased slightly. Her friend, May, wonder the cause of the commotion.

"What’s with the noise?" May asked her. She just shrugged. May looked around, to know what the fuss was all about. Her eyes were fixed in the source of the commotion. Her curious face was immediately replaced by sudden panic.

"Oh my gosh!" May exclaimed. She said it in a very loud voice the caught the people’s attention. She covered her mouth quickly. Kira laughed for a moment after seeing her friend's reaction.

May seems so surprised—her eyes grew wide and she was covering her mouth with both hands. Kira looked at where’s she was looking. The man whom she was watching earlier was coming in their direction. The man screams power as he walks, regal and splendid. She couldn't help but marvel at his sight.

She scowled as the men approached them. It seemed as if she suddenly became acquainted with the man’s physique, the shape of his face, the ... She paused in thought and examined the man carefully. But her jaw nearly dropped when she recognized him. She suddenly went into panic mode.

What the fudge? That's him! What is he doing here?!

"Kirs! It's him! It’s the boss!" said May excitedly. She pulled Kira’s arm with excitement. In addition to that, she was hitting Kira’s arm continuously. She felt her arm hurt because of that, but her attention was focused on the man who was approaching.

She noticed that he was frowning – there’s a tiny wrinkle on his forehead. He was playing with an object on his finger. Kira found out that it was the silver ring on his index finger then he keeps twisting incessantly. But she returned examining the man's face. He had the most perfect face she had ever seen. He had a jawline for days. She couldn't help but admire his astounding features. He's really handsome. Is this really the guy he was with last night?

The man looked around as if looking for something. However, she was surprised when the man gazed in their direction. Their eyes immediately met each other. Her heart was beating faster as if she couldn’t breathe. She didn't know for how long they were staring at each other until she finally came to a realization.

He was staring at me! No way! It’s not possible!

She immediately turned her gazed away and she felt nervous. She needs to hide! He might have recognized her already! She looked impatiently at the elevator and the LED above its door. Why is it taking so long? One more floor to go! So when she heard the ding sound of the elevator doors, she didn't waste her time and immediately enters.

She was the first one to enter the elevator. The others were just standing where they were, apparently not planning to ride the elevator because of the man, their boss. Only a few went inside, including her friend May who was holding back her excitement. She didn't hesitate to press the elevator button that goes to the ground floor; she didn't care about the other riders. She needs to get out of there fast! All she had in mind at that time was to hide.

But he already saw me!

Even so! Maybe neither of them had a perfect 20-20 vision. Or maybe he didn’t even recognize me.  Maybe… maybe. Arghhh! She screamed silently in frustration. He musn’t know that I am working here. What if he finds out and tells the boss that something happened to them? Maybe her boss will expel her knowing that, she gave in easily to him! Oh my gosh. This is not the right time to be unemployed! She has so many debts to pay!

She could now freely breathe as the elevator door closed. She reached for her chest, her heart still beating really fast.

Goodness, what is he doing here in the first place?! Is he an investor or what?

He couldn't help but wonder. Can he remember her? What happened to them? I hope not. Because she can’t face the guy knowing that something happened to them. She bit her lips.

"Isn't he gorgeous?" said May who was beside her, Kira glared at her. May put out a wide smile on her face and is noticeably thrilled.

She frowned as she heard May’s excited shriek.  She felt a little calmer now. That is a good sign, it may not be possible for them to meet again, right? He may actually be one of the company's investors and he will probably leave soon. She convinced herself. That's right.

"Gosh, I can't believe I saw him for two consecutive days - yesterday and today.  Ihhh. We might be destined for each other," May continued.

Kira was more intrigued at what May had to say. Who is she referring to? She immediately remembered the man. There she had the idea. Don't tell me, that man is her crush? No way?!

"Who are you referring to, May?" She asked her to be sure. May smiled back at her. But before she could answer, the elevator door opened. May failed to give her an answer as they have reached the ground floor. Her friend is still smiling and she was left there wondering.

"May, wait…" she called her as she noticed that her friend is on a cloud nine as they exited the building. May held her in the arm.

"Kirs, kinikilig* ako**," Her friend said.                 

She rolled her eyes. Yeah, obviously. She wanted to say to her.

"Why?" she asked. They were already walking to the company's premises. Thankfully there is a mall near where they work so at least they have a place to eat. It wasn't too far, maybe half a kilometer away. The company’s canteen is full and they couldn’t find any vacant seats for both of them.

"Duh? It’s because I saw my crush again. The reasons why I got up early to work and why I’m still alive in this world," said May in a dreamy voice. Kira couldn't help but laugh. This is one of her favorite things about May. She’s crazy and fun to be with.

"Don't you laugh!" said May while striking her in the arm again, her usual move whenever she teased her. She felt a little soreness in her arm. She gave her a bad look but she just smiled. They both climb the overpass. When they got to the top, they were both gasping.

"You’re too exaggerated. You seemed like our boss–" Kira didn’t finish her next sentence when she realized something. She stopped walking. She blinked for how many times before she understood what she was saying. Boss. She didn't know why it came out of her mouth. One by one, she recalls what happened earlier.

May had developed a huge crush on their boss because according to her, he's naturally handsome. But she, on the other hand, haven’t seen the big boss yet. But while they were waiting in the elevator earlier, she saw a man, and almost everyone was talking about him. And at the same time, May kept talking about seeing her crush at that same moment. She finally realized who the man was.

Kira swallowed upon that last thought. That guy is their boss, who is also May's crush and the reason why May is swooning the entire time?!  She swallowed hard.

That man… That man is his boss!

No Way! It’s not possibleeeeeee!

“Kira!?" she suddenly came back to reverie after someone had hit her arm. She looked at May. She was waving her hand in front of her, to make sure if she’s back in her senses.

"Did we see the big boss earlier?" she asked her with a startled expression. May scowled and started to wonder in disbelief. But she nodded, nodding in response to her question.

Kira felt blown away by the wind. His hands were suddenly sweating. Her heart was beating fast again. No ... No... Oh my god!

She convinced herself earlier that she and that man would never cross-paths again for she suspected him to be an investor! But all along, they belong in the same building?! They're breathing the same air! And that he's her boss! The famous big boss!

She muttered different curses and continued walking. She’s fidgeting. May asked if there’s something wrong with her, but she couldn't answer it. She didn't know what to do. She kept biting her lip and cursed whenever she thought of the man. When they got off the overpass and if May hadn't stopped her on time, she would have almost fallen into the ditch. Gosh? What's going on with her?

"Hey, girl! What's wrong with you?" May asked her again. She turned at her, raising her eyebrow, making a questioning look. Kira was about to respond when she suddenly felt an arm on her shoulders. She turned her attention to the person responsible. The person on the other side was smiling widely making her eyes look smaller than it already is. May just glared at his presence.  

"Take your arm off my shoulder Noel if you don't want me to cut it into half it right now," May said in a threatening voice while giving Noel a deadly stare. So Noel did not only put his arms unto Kira’s but also to May’s. Kira smiled secretly.

 “Huh, you can pretend that you don’t like it .." Noel said as he removed his arm over May’s shoulder. He then went near May.

“Why baby? You don’t like it when I put my arms on other’s shoulders—ouch! OUCH!”

He didn’t finish what he was going to say when May grabbed his ear. He bent over as he tried to remove May's hand from his ear. But May didn't let go easily and tightened her grip further.

"FYI Mr. Delmundo! I don't like to be touched by someone like you! And don't call me a baby! Asshole!” She was so furious and then she marches out. He glanced at Noel, who was now smiling following May's shadow while holding his swollen ear. Then, he turned his gaze to Kira. Kira smiled at him as well.

"Oh, my..." was the only word that came from his mouth. He followed May after that.

THEIR lunch had just ended and they’re going back to work. As they approach the company, Kira suddenly felt nervous again.

"Hey Kira, we just had our lunch, why are you pale?" Noel asked him as they were coming down the skywalk. She swallowed. She gazed at the building's entrance, employees were coming in, some were rushing and others were walking at a slow pace. She was hesitating whether to enter or not.

"I’m okay," she replied to Noel. He gave a concerned looked at Kira and returned her gazed at May who gave her a sullen glance. May was walking ahead of them while she and Noel followed her. Noel caught up with May eventually and they started arguing. The fight did not catch Kira’s attention for she was thinking other things.

She seemed to get more and more tired as they entered the building. The two of them are a bit far from her now but instead of chasing them, she was walking slowly like a zombie.

That man was her boss.

The one whom he had s*x with.

The man who helped her forget all her problems.

The man who…

"KIRA!"

She lifted his gaze at the sudden call. From afar, she could see that Noel and May were waiting for her. They are already in front of the elevator and are waiting for it to open. She ran to chase it. Maybe this is not the right time to focus on that guy. If they meet again, so be it. She would think about it next time. Suddenly, she thought about what she had left behind in her office. There’s a lot of things that she needs to finish.

She started walking towards the two. But she was in the middle of walking when she noticed something with her eyes.

Suddenly, the adjacent elevator behind them opened, the ones reserved for the important people in the company. She paused and peeked to see the passengers of the said elevator. The older men she saw earlier were out there, along with two men in black suits. Her eyes widened when she recognized the two men. The two of them stood there to guard the aged men.

Kira had only one thing in mind at the time; if they are here, then the boss must be here too! And just in time, the man who she doesn’t want to see at that time came out of the elevator.

The boss of the company.

He smiled at his companions while talking to them but he kept a neutral expression when he looked away. He turned his gaze to her direction, but he looks different this time. Yes, she was fascinated earlier with his appearance, now that she knew that she was his boss, she was feeling nervous! She felt that he was watching her. They say that he has this daggering stares that could pierce your entire soul. At that very moment, Kira could feel the hairs on her arms and nape rising probably because of his gaze.

The elevator in front of May and Noel opened right on time. Although Kira's leg was hurting, she was able to get into the elevator immediately. She is secretly grateful that few people were on board. She needs to reach her office! She needs to hide as soon as possible!

She glanced at Noel and May who were staring at her. She gestured for them to hurry as they enter the elevator. The last thing she wanted now was to face her boss. When everyone finally got out, Kira was left on the elevator.

And she never expected what happened next. She saw her boss about to enter the same elevator she was in! Because of the panic, she pressed on the elevator button, not knowing where it would take her because the only thing in her mind at that moment was to escape from his boss who seems to be planning of following her! 

The elevator door was about to close, and she almost stopped breathing. And when she thought she could escape, she's totally wrong. Just before the elevator door finally closed, her boss was already inside. She was left in awe.

What just happened?

“Trying to escape from me, my lady?" he asked in a deep baritone voice.  

Kira gulped nervously knowing that she’s trapped and she had nowhere to go to.

___

Tagalog Words Meaning:

Kinikilig* (Kilig). Noun or adj. – As an adjective,kilig means, "Of a person: exhilarated by an exciting or romantic experience; thrilled, elated, gratified," or "Causing or expressing a rush of excitement or exhilaration; thrilling, enthralling… (Rappler, 2016)

Ako** – referring to yourself.