Ink of Foresight (Black Tint Trilogy #1)

Chapter 01 : Customer

Ink of Foresight 01

"Hariah, aalis na 'ko." I slightly tapped her shoulders for a goodbye.

She groaned softly and turned her back on me. Iniangat niya ang kumot at itinabon iyon sa kaniyang mukha. It was as if that blanket would be a signal that she doesn't want to be disturbed in sleeping.

I pursed my lips and nodded. "Pupunta na 'ko sa coffeeshop."

Napabangon agad siya sa narinig. I pouted and step down my foot that was still resting on the ladder.

Hariah and I are staying in one apartment near D2R—the coffee shop where we were both working. Ngayon ay hirap siyang gisingin dahil napuyat din kagabi sa shop. It's already seven in the morning, mga ganitong oras ay nasa shop na dapat kami.

I could only hear the sound of the aircon with soft purrs of Hariah. Sumisilip na ang araw sa katabing bintana at bahagyang tumatama ang sinag sa kaniyang mukha—isang dahilan kung bakit bahagyang nagising ang kaniyang diwa.

"Ang aga pa!" She yawned and brushed her eyes with her hands.

Umiling ako at inayos ang aking buhok na ngayon ay unti-unti nang natutuyo. Hariah looked at me all dressed up and prepared. Nagmadali kaagad siya sa pagbaba sa kama at agad na tumakbo sa banyo. I laughed.

"Dalian mo riyan, magpa-practice pa 'kong magluto sa shop!" I shouted outside the bathroom.

"Oo!" she shouted back and I heard the sound of the shower.

Lumabas ako ng kaniyang silid at dumiretso sa sala. I already prepared our breakfast. I have learned to cook different dishes since my first step here.

My plans for today is to practice a new dish. Tuna pasta is not a rare dish, but I haven't tried it since then. Iyon ang balak kong pag-aralan mamaya sa shop at ipatikim sa unang madadatnan kong customer. I need a true observation. Kung kay Hariah ako magtatanong ay baka papuri na naman ang aking matanggap at wala na ang tapat na opinyon.

I busied myself by searching the ingredients and watching YouTube tutorials while waiting for Hariah. Halos isang oras ang lumipas nang tuluyan siyang lumabas ng silid at dumiretso sa kusina.

I stood up and followed her. Nagsasandok na siya ng pagkain nang madatnan ko sa kusina. She then sat beside me and started eating.

"I am planning to add a new dish to our menu. Ayos lang kaya kay Samisha?" I started sharing my thoughts.

Hariah's eyes rounded. Sumimsim siya sa baso ng tubig habang pinapanood akong nakapangalumbaba sa lamesa. She tapped my hand below my chin and glared at me.

"Masama 'yan, mamalasin ka raw buong araw!" she hissed.

I let out a laugh and renewed my position. Tinanggal ko ang pagkakapangalumbaba sa lamesa at isinandal na lamang ang aking likuran sa sandalan ng upuan. She smiled and showed me her thumbs up.

"Mas okay!" She winked. "Iyong plano mo tungkol sa bagong dish. Ano 'yon? At saka papayag naman siguro si Misha. Tawagan natin mamaya."

"Talaga?" I asked, hopeful.

She smiled and nodded. Sa huli ay nagpatuloy siya sa pagkain habang ako ay bumalik sa aking silid upang masiguro ang mga gamit na dala. I brought my laptop with me since I'll be starting to type the first chapter of my new novel. I already finished my outline including the scenes. Iyon nga lang, hindi pa ako tapos sa pagkumpleto ng mga senaryo at mayroon pang iilang kulang. I guess I'll just write my first few chapters.

Nang natapos si Hariah ay lumabas na rin kami ng apartment at pumara ng tricycle. Since the D2R is not that far from our apartment, we only spent minutes before we finally got to the coffee shop.

Mayroon ng customer nang makapasok kami sa loob. The combination of vanilla and caramel invaded my nose the moment I stepped in. Katulad ng nakasanayan ay bukas na rin ang ikalawang palapag ng cofeeshop tuwing sumasapit ang alas-otso ng umaga.

The decoration of this coffee shop was first designed by Samisha—since she's the owner and the founder of this shop, all of her ideas were being applied and accepted. The whole shop was painted with a white and brown palette. Ang pinaka-dingding sa counter ay puno ng bricks at bato habang ang bungad naman ay mayroong salaming dingding sa bawat batong nakapagitna.

Even the stools were chosen in a white shade while the couch and the sofas were all browns. The floor was in a tile—designed as wooden-like furniture.

"Aristeia," I heard Hariah whispered behind me.

Saglit ko siyang nilingon bago dumiretso sa staff room. Our morning shift staffs were already in the room when I arrived. Iyong iba ay naghahanda na para sa pakikipagpalitan sa mga night shift. We simply greeted each other before I went to my locker.

I put down my stuff and wear an apron with a hairnet securing my hair. Nang hinarap ko si Hariah na nasa katabing locker ay naka-sulyap na siya sa bintana ng silid. It was as if she was waiting for someone outside.

"Aalis ako mamaya, Teia. May kikitain lang saglit," she announced when she finally glanced at me.

"Oh? Anong oras?"

Sumulyap siyang muli sa labas bago ako binalingan. "Mga tanghalian. Uuwi rin ako bago mag gabi."

Tumango-tango ako. Well, Hariah has been hanging out with a guy these past few days. Hindi ko nga lang kilala dahil ang naabutan ko lang palagi ay ang sasakyan ng kaniyang kasama na palagi siyang sinusundo rito.

I shrugged my thoughts and eyed her seriously. "Hope nga pala ang itawag mo sa akin kapag nasa harapan tayo ng ibang tao. You forgot my words," I whispered and chuckled.

Her eyes rounded. Agad siyang tumango nang paulit-ulit. "Oo nga pala! Nakalimutan ko, sorry."

"Ayos lang. Sige, sa kitchen na 'ko," I informed her before going to the kitchen.

Si Hariah ay dumiretso na sa counter habang ako ay sinimulan ang pagluluto. Just like the video tutorial I've watched, I followed the instructions and started chopping the ingredients. I then started to stir the garlic and onion before preparing the tuna flakes. The pasta is also cooking in boiled water.

I started serving it when I finished cooking. Though I'm not that confident about the outcome since It was my first time cooking this kind of recipe, I still managed to face the counter for a free taste and critique.

"Bango 'yan, ah?" si Hariah na unang nakapansin sa aking iniluto. "Patikim!"

"Later." I smiled at her sweetly before looking at the customers.

The first customer who will approach me will have a free taste of my recipe. I'll also ask for feedback for my own improvement. Kapag nagustuhan ay kakausapin ko si Samisha at ipagpapaalam ang plano na magdagdag ng recipe sa menu.

Kasabay ng aking pag-iwas ng tingin kay Hariah ay ang pagbukas ng glass door at pagpasok ng customer. My eyes rounded with my heart started beating nervously. Though I am nervous deep inside, I still managed to flash a welcoming smile on the customer.

Iyon nga lang, naramdaman ko ang panginginig ng aking labi nang mamataan kung sino ang pumasok. With his usual formal clothes and attractive features, Mr. Unknown Gray approached the counter.

His long sleeve top is not gray this time. It is now a white button-down and tucked inside jeans. Ang kaniyang coat ay nakasabit sa kaniyang balikat habang ang buhok ay pormal at nasa malinis na ayos.

I cleared my throat and composed myself. Nang makabawi ay matamis akong ngumiti at saka inunahan siya sa pagsasalita.

"Good morning, Sir! One cup of latte macchiato." I smiled at him while mentioning his order.

His lips were apart when he blinked his eyes thrice—a sign that his supposed words were cut and caught mid-air. Sa huli ay tumango siya at itinaas ang gilid ng kaniyang labi para sa isang ngiti.

"Yes, please," his cold-baritone voice resounded.

I puckered my lips and ordered Hariah. Tumango siya at sinimulan ang pag-aayos sa order ni Mr. Unknown Gray.

"Since you are my first customer for this day, I'll give you a free taste of my promo."

Mr. Unknown Gray nodded, looking so curious and interested at the same time. Mas lalo siyang lumapit sa counter at isinandal sa ibabaw ang kaniyang dalawang kamay. I blinked consecutively and steps backward.

I could feel my lips quivering in awkwardness especially when I noticed the distance between us. Halos makita ko ang kakinisan ng kaniyang kutis—lalo ng kaniyang mukha na walang ni-isang bakas ng tigyawat o dumi roon. Even his tiny stubbles were evident on his chin and snout.

"What's your promo, Ms... Hope?"

My lips were slightly agape. I cleared my throat and nodded my head continuously.

"I cooked a dish," I shared.

"Uh-hmm, what about it?"

The heat started conquering my cheeks as I started explaining. Meanwhile, Mr. Unknown Gray looked curious—tila naghihintay at interesado sa aking gustong sabihin.

"I am planning to add that dish to our menu, but I am still practicing. Gumawa ako ng deal sa sarili ko kanina. Ang sabi ko, ipapatikim ko ang aking iniluto sa unang customer ko para sa araw na ito. And that's you..." I stopped when embarrassment started flowing in my veins.

"Really?" His lips rose for a gentle smile.

I smiled back hesitantly. "Ayos lang ba?"

Agad siyang tumango habang nanatili ang ngiti sa labi. "Sure."

"And one thing!" agad na sambit ko nang may maalala, "Paki-sabi ang opinyon mo at kung may kulang sa lasa."

"Alright, I will."

I bit my lower lip when his eyes stayed on me. Naputol lamang iyon nang dumating na ang kaniyang in-order. He glanced at me once more before I raised my pointing finger towards his usual table.

"Dadalhin ko roon 'yong pagkain. Iyon ang lamesa mo, 'di ba?"

Sinulyapan niya ang aking itinuro—ang kaniyang puwesto na katapat lamang ng akin. He then nodded his head and smiled.

"Don't worry, wala iyang lason," agad na agap kong nang nanatili siyang nakatayo sa harapan ng counter.

He pursed his lips and chuckled hoarsely. "I know."

Agad akong pumasok sa kitchen matapos ng aming pag-uusap ni Mr. Uknown Gray. I then got the pasta I cooked and added a sandwich for a topping. Nang matapos ay lumabas na 'ko ng kitchen at dinala ang tray ng pagkain sa kaniyang lamesa.

"Hi!" I waved my hand a bit as I finally placed the tray on his table.

Ang kaniyang MacBook ay nakapatong doon katabi ang kaniyang cellphone at ang cup ng kape. Even the cases of his gadgets are all covered by gray! Talagang bagay sa kaniya ang pangalan na aking ibinigay.

"Take a seat, join me," sambit niya nang mapansing nanatili akong nakatayo sa tabi ng kaniyang lamesa.

I took a deep breath and sat in front of him nervously. Napansin ko ang pagtatagal muli ng kaniyang tingin sa akin matapos masulyapan ang pagkain. I noticed how his jaw slightly protruded as he glanced at the pasta once.

Kinabahan kaagad ako dahil doon. Why does he look angry at the pasta? He seems like he's not liking everything or something is bothering him.

Nang umangat ang kaniyang tingin sa akin ay bahagyang kumalma ang kaniyang mukha. He let out a sigh and held the fork. Ipinaikot niya iyon sa pasta at pormal na iginalaw.

"T-Tuna pasta with a sandwich, uh..."

He nodded his head. "Can I ask you something?" he asked gradually.

Tumango ako. "Puwede."

"Why did you choose to cook tuna pasta?"

he asked that question formally—as if I am in the middle of an interview with a terror boss and owner.

"I had a dream and saw that pasta. Na-curious ako kaya ko sinubukang lutuin. Bakit?"

Truthfully, my dreams at night are kinda weird. Nitong nakaraan ay napanaginipan ko ang pasta. And I don't know why. So just to fulfill my curiosity, I just searched videos and steps to cook that dish.

"Is that so?" bulong niya, halong mag-isang linya ang kilay dahil sa pagsasalubong.

I nodded hesitantly. "Bakit?"

"How long do you remember?" he asked. Now, in a serious voice.

Hindi kaagad ako nakasagot dahil doon. I let out a gasp as I stared at him and observed his features. Nang bahagyang nakaramdam ng kirot sa ulo ay umiwas ako ng tingin at pumikit nang mariin.

"Are you okay?" he asked concernedly.

Narinig ko ang tunog ng kaniyang upuan, hudyat na siya ay tumayo. I then felt his hand touched my arm. Napamulat ako ng mata nang bahagyang kumalma. Bumungad agad sa aking paningin ang kaniyang mukha na nakabaling sa akin. He's now in front of me with eyes filled with gentleness and worry.

"Ayos lang. Medyo sumakit lang 'yong ulo ko." I sighed and leaned on the backrest.

"Are you sure?" he asked once again.

I smiled and nodded.

Tumagal pa ang kaniyang tingin sa akin bago siya dumiretso ng tayo at bumalik sa kaniyang upuan. His eyes were dark—as if in deep thoughts and realization. Napabalik lamang siya sa kaniyang huwisyo nang ilahad ko ang pagkain.

"You may start now, Mister."

His forehead creased when he glanced at me but in the end, he just nodded and started putting a spoonful of food inside his mouth.

Pinanood ko ang paggalaw ng kaniyang pisngi at panga sa tuwing siya ay ngumunguya. He looked so formal while eating, wala ni-isang kalat sa gilid ng kaniyang labi at maging ang paghawak sa tinidor ay iba sa aking paraan—only three of his fingers were used, unlike mine that almost invades the whole utensil.

"Ano?" I asked slowly while silently praying for a better taste.

Nag-angat siya ng tingin sa akin bago tumango.

"It tastes good. The pasta was well-cooked, even the veggies. Just a need improvement with the taste," he told me honestly.

"Uh, bakit? Matabang ba o maalat masiyado?"

He gave me a small smile. "Kulang lang sa kaunting alat. But I know you can do well. Congrats on your first attempt!"

My lips curled genuinely. Kahit na hindi maganda ang unang subok ay maayos namang nakitungo ang aking Mr. Unknown Gray. He's not offending, he even cheered me up!

"Thank you!" I smiled sincerely.

He hesitantly looked at me and scratched his brow. "Can I finish this?"

Nanlaki ang aking mga mata at agad na tumango. "Oo naman! Kaso, baka madalok ka kasi 'di ba, matabang?"

He chuckled and shook his head. "It still tastes better. Kaunting improvement lang naman ang kailangan mo. Overall, it is amazing for a first-timer like you."

I bit my lip and smiled. "Thank you... Pero kung iyan ang gusto mo, sige. Babalik na muna 'ko sa counter."

He smiled. "Okay."

In the end, I chose to busy myself with the other customers. Dumagsa rin noong sumapit ang hapon. Partikular sa oras ng break time ng mga kolehiyo ay hapon kaya nagsidagsaan ang mga estudyante at dito nagpalipas ng oras.

When the customers calm, I chose to work on my novel and sat in my usual place. Mr. Unknown Gray is here again. Kaninang mga ala-una ay umalis siya, ngunit hindi rin nagtagal ay bumalik dito.

I prepared my laptop and checked my outline. Inilipat ko rin dito ang kopya ng aking outline na nasa aking notepad noong una. Now, I'll be going to type a scene for my prelude. Iyon nga lang, hindi rin ako makapagsimula dahil sa ingay ng paligid at nakukulangan ako sa kasanayan.

I'd like to visit a place that has the same vibes as the setting of my first scene.

"Hope!" Napaangat ako ng ulo nang marinig ang boses ni Hariah.

She just got back from her date. Ngayon ay tuwang-tuwang lumapit sa akin habang iwinawagayway ang kaniyang cellphone. I looked at her curiously.

"Eight-hundred thousand followers ka na sa WriFic! I-regalo mo na sa mga readers mo 'yang bago mong novel," agad na sambit niya sa pabulong na boses pagkalapit pa lamang sa akin.

"Talaga?" I asked surprisingly.

I immediately check the site on my laptop and confirmed Hariah's news. I already gained eight-hundred thousand followers!

My smile widened. I would reach a million followers soon, malapit na iyon. I felt a tickling and fluttering object inside my chest—that made me admire my passion more. Isang dahilan kung bakit ako nabigyan na naman ng lakas ng loob upang magsulat pa ng maraming nobela at mabigay ng inspirasyon.

"Ano ba title n'on, The Fate in Hues? Ang ganda! Kailan mo i-pupublish?" Hariah asked me.

Hariah is the only one who knew my real identity as a writer. My pseudonym is "kleaneia". Siya lamang ang nakaka-alam na ako ang writer na iyon, lalo pa at mambabasa rin siya sa WriFic App at "kleaner" daw—my reader's fandom.

"Hindi ko alam, wala pa akong book cover."

Truthfully, all of my book covers were all from my readers. Ang mga pisikal na libro ko naman ay galing na sa mismong kompanya. I am having a hard time creating my own cover since I am not that skilled in terms of arts.

I don't even know why I labeled my male lead as an artist. Siguro ay dahil sa gusto ko rin maranasan ang pagiging magaling sa larangan ng sining at iyon ang aking isa sa paraan—ang mangarap sa pamamagitan ng pagsusulat.

"Ay, oo nga pala! Pagawa ka na lang kaya?" Hariah suggested.

"I volunteer." We both turned our heads in front of me when we both heard someone.

Nanlaki ang aking mga mata nang makita na si Mr. Unknown Gray iyong nagsalita. He is now looking at me—as if he was listening to the conversation since earlier.

"W-What?" I stuttered as I realized that he already knew my identity!

Mr. Unknown Gray smirked. "Happy, Eight-hundred thousand followers, Ms. Kleaneia."