We finally locked in the actors and actresses for the project—and of course, one of them was obviously Emilliano. The other was Maive.
Filming wouldn't begin until next month. We didn't immediately post the full cast list, but I did share an update on my page about the adaptation, especially since the podcast episode had already been released. As expected, the comments were flooded with love and support. Some were excited, some nervous—many felt both at once.
I didn't want to spoil them too much, so I left the comments unanswered for now. I just wanted them to trust me. Because truly, they won't be disappointed.
Oh—and it's been two weeks since he gave me his phone. I still don't know what I'm supposed to do with it or why he gave it to me in the first place, so I decided to just keep it in the drawer next to my bed here in the studio. Ever since the project started, I haven't gone home. I haven't had the energy. The studio's closer to the locations we'll be using for the shoot next month anyway.
All I've done this past month is write, edit, and call bookstores interested in selling my books. I haven't even gone out—I've just been so busy. Thankfully, I have kind friends who come visit me instead.
Catherine handed me a shot, which I immediately took. This month has been incredibly stressful, but somehow… filled with blessings. More opportunities than I know what to do with. And I'm not complaining.
"Just a few more days and I'll be locked into shooting with this guy," Catherine said with a shake of her head, pointing at Aries, who was now frowning.
"You say that like you're sick of seeing me? You used to have a crush on me—" Aries barely finished before Catherine clamped a hand over his mouth.
"Past is past! Move on already!" she said, cheeks flushing red. I couldn't tell if it was the alcohol or the embarrassment.
I just sighed and took another shot. I'm always the third wheel when I'm with these two.
After an hour or so, Cath and I were both knocked out, while Aries—barely tipsy—carried her out like a proper gentleman. I just shook my head when she initially resisted before finally letting him lift her.
"Take care hic you guys," I called out, waving my hand in the air.
I couldn't walk them out anymore—everything was spinning. But being the responsible adult I still am, I forced myself up to clean the mess we left. I was blinking away sleep and burping through each step as I cleaned. I even managed to wash everything, trying to stay awake every time I nearly fell asleep standing.
I hate the smell of alcohol when I'm trying to sleep—hate waking up to it even more. So I try to clean up while I still can.
After all the tidying, I finally collapsed onto my bed. Thank God it's king-sized. Any smaller and I might've hit the floor. My eyes were already shut when I suddenly heard a phone ringing—a loud, unfamiliar ringtone, like a fire truck siren.
I groaned. The sound was ridiculous.
Annoyed, I got up and tried to trace where it was coming from. My eyes landed on the drawer. I leaned closer—yep, it was coming from there. I opened it, and there it was: Emilliano's phone, ringing and flashing wildly.
Unregistered Number is calling…
I stared at the screen, debating whether I should answer. Before I could make up my mind, the ringing stopped. I sighed and set the phone beside me on the bed, then flopped back down.
But just as I was drifting off again—it rang.
Frustrated, I stomped once on the floor before grabbing the phone and answering it.
"Hello hic?" I tried to sound calm, though deep down I was so irritated.
"Are you drunk?"
My eyes narrowed as I peeked at the screen again, then brought the phone back to my ear.
"Huh? Nooo hic." My eyes scrunched up as I let out a hiccup.
"Prove it. Burp again."
I could hear the smirk in his voice.
"Why? hic Who even are you, huh?! hic" I snapped.
"It's me… Natoy… and I love you soooo much," he teased, almost sounding like Anjo—but more annoying.
"Wow. Really? hic Fine. I'm hanging up now—"
"Whoa, whoa. Chill, Naure," he cut me off.
Naure? Wait a second. Only one overly confident guy calls me that…
"…Emilliano? hic" I asked, squinting.
I heard a soft laugh on the other end. "Finally," he said. "You recognized me."
I frowned. "How did you hic even get my number? hic"
"What? You're seriously drunk. That's my phone you're holding, woman."
I frowned again—then it clicked. Oh. Right. It's his phone.
"Well, good thing you hic remember it's yours. When are you even planning to take it back?! hic" I said, feigning annoyance.
"You really can't handle alcohol well, Naure, and yet you're still drinking." I could almost see him shaking his head through the line.
"Then hic why won't you answer hic my question, Emilliano hic?" I huffed.
He laughed softly.
Oh no. He laughed. He actually laughed.
"Emilliano hic? Hmm, sounds good. My name just makes everything better."
I groaned and ran a hand through my hair. "Can you just hic let me sleep already? hic" My voice was getting softer. The sound of him was making my head spin more than the alcohol.
"Wait—wait," he said quickly.
I sighed and shut my eyes tight. As much as I wanted to end the call, something told me not to. Maybe… maybe he was calling because he still wasn't used to sleeping somewhere unfamiliar. Maybe he just needed a familiar voice tonight.
"What is it?" I asked, shifting under the covers.
"You accepted me, right?" he asked. There was a hint of hesitation in his tone. "I mean… I am Emillio Aceves. I'm not exactly easy to reject."
Still arrogant, as always.
"Oh, sure," I muttered. "You were so good that no one else even got the chance to compete for my Emillio's spot," I added, flatly stating the truth.
"Exactly," he said, clearly pleased. "Only I can play Emillio. No one else."
"Really?" I said. "What makes you so sure? Aside from what you just said… are you saying you are the real-life Emillio?"
"I read the book, Naure," he replied. "And there's a line in there that felt… familiar."
My brow furrowed. "Hmm?"
"Wherever I am, whoever I'm with…"
I smiled, barely realizing I was already slipping into sleep.
He remembered.