Chapter 2: Echoes of Rain

Summary:

Josh Santos didn’t expect his return to Manila to bring him face-to-face with the past he’d tried to bury. Yet, across the table at La Luna Studios sat Justin De Dios—the man he’d once loved and lost.

Author's Note:

• This is a JOSHTIN FANFICTION.
• All places, events, and names are purely products of the author's imagination.
• The story contains mature scenes, curse words, and other elements.
• Typographical errors may be present.
• Updates will be slow. 😊

The rhythmic beat of the windshield wipers grated on Josh's nerves. He'd been stewing in traffic, rain pouring relentlessly, as he made his way to the meeting. "Damn, weather! Why does it have to rain now?"

Stell, behind the wheel, chuckled. "It's just rain, Josh. It won't last all day."

Josh glanced at the overcast sky and sighed. It wasn't the traffic or the rain that bothered him. Returning to Manila stirred memories of Justin. The mere thought of that name felt like a dagger twisting in his chest. Damn, it had been so long. Why did it still hurt?

"Anyway," Stell interrupted his thoughts, "wait until you see the setup at La Luna! The whole complex is state-of-the-art, built just a couple of years ago. Their studios use cutting-edge equipment, and rumour has it their photographers and models are the best in the business."

"Really?" Josh raised an eyebrow. "And what about the owners? Did they agree to our terms?"

"Mostly," Stell replied, deftly maneuvering the car. They pulled up in front of La Luna's 12-story executive offices. Behind those doors lay the studios where the magic happened. "John Paulo Nase, the top-tier singer and composer, and his brother-in-law, the artistic director, were on board. Sharlene Nase handled the business side. When she passed away a year ago, neither of them wanted to take over. The company suffered until they accepted our offer instead of hiring an outsider."

"Nase? Didn't he take his wife's name?" Josh asked as they exited the car.

"The husband married into the family," Stell explained. "No one knows him; he mostly works from home. Some say it was a marriage of convenience, paying off debts to the Nase family. Others claim he's just an intensely private person."

They dashed into the building to escape the rain. Inside, a receptionist confirmed their appointment and directed them to the 10th floor. In the elevator, Josh fidgeted. He'd tried to avoid this meeting, insisting Stell could handle it. But Ken, his stubborn friend, believed La Luna was a prime acquisition. Ken wanted Josh—their top negotiator—to seal the deal.

As the elevator doors opened, Josh stepped into the executive floor's reception hall. He'd finish this negotiation this week, even if it meant pushing their terms forcefully.

Pablo Nase's office awaited them. He greeted them professionally, his handshake firm but with a hint of nervousness. "How do you do, Mr. Santos? We've been expecting you. I believe you know my brother-in-law."

Josh's surprise was evident. He turned to greet the man sitting across the desk. His breath caught. "Justin?"

"Josh."

Stell's astonished voice broke the silence. "You two know each other?"

And there, facing him, was Justin—the man who'd haunted Josh's thoughts for years. The pain surged anew, memories echoing like raindrops against the windowpane.

Josh clenched his jaw, suppressing the tempest of emotions that threatened to engulf him. Justin—the man who had once been everything—now sat across from him, cool and composed. The years hadn't dulled his boyish charm; if anything, he was more captivating at thirty-four than he had been at twenty-six.

"Ah! Here it is," Pablo said, breaking Josh's reverie. He glanced at the document on the desk. "Page 9, paragraph 3. The agreement stipulates that SuperiorSon will retain all La Luna employees, but it's binding for only one year."

Josh leaned forward, his gaze unwavering. "Mr. Nase, our interest in acquiring La Luna lies in its combined music and modelling industries. As you know, these sectors are absent from SuperiorSon Corporation's current portfolio. There's minimal redundancy, which means your competent and reliable employees needn't fear losing their jobs." His smile was tight. "However, SuperiorSon won't burden itself unnecessarily. A year allows us ample time to evaluate everyone and retain those who perform adequately."

Pablo hesitated, as if about to argue, then relented. "Well, I suppose that's fair."

Josh's attention shifted to Justin, who had taken the seat beside him. The secretary entered, serving coffee, juice, and water. Josh watched as Justin leaned down to sip his coffee. That slender neck, once marked by Josh's kisses, those elegant hands that had explored every inch of his body—it all flooded back.

He tore his gaze away. The desire Justin stirred was unwelcome. He'd convinced himself that he felt nothing for Justin anymore. But now, anger surged anew. Justin had no right to look this good, to evoke longing and memories Josh had buried deep.

-=-=-=-=-=-

Justin's calm beauty masked a storm within. Josh met his eyes, and the room seemed to shrink. The past collided with the present, and Josh's heart raced. Damn Justin and his damn allure. They were here for business, but the echoes of rain whispered secrets they both knew.

Struggling for control, Justin straightened in his seat and swallowed hard. The scent of Josh's cologne invaded his nostrils with every breath. He averted his gaze, staring fixedly at the wall ahead. His knuckles whitened as he gripped the chair's arms, inhaling deeply. He hadn't expected Josh's anger, the depth of it etched in those eyes.

Why? Justin wondered, taking another sip of coffee. What right did Josh have to be furious?

He pretended to listen to the conversation among the four of them, but the words blurred. His attention shifted to Josh. How could he forget Josh's masculine presence? In college, Josh had been enigmatic, mature yet vulnerable. That had drawn Justin in.

But vulnerability no longer existed. In its place stood cold steel, invincibility. Expensive suits and polished shoes replaced the jeans and sweatshirts Josh used to favor. Success had transformed Josh Cullen Santos, yet traces of the past lingered. Disturbingly so.

Pablo directed a comment Justin's way, and he flinched. When he saw Josh's smile, Justin forced himself to retreat from memories. He knew that smile—the one that appeared when Josh caught him daydreaming. Justin focused on the meeting. The sooner this merger was settled, the sooner he could escape Josh's presence.

They delved into the issues for the next couple of hours. Throughout it all, Justin was acutely aware of Josh beside him, just inches away. He couldn't sit still, silently praying for the meeting to end. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, it did.

"If you don't mind, Mr. Nase," Josh stood, glancing at Justin, "I'd like Stell to review the financials. Once that's done, he can go over the inventory figures with you. Meanwhile, I'll tour the facilities." Josh's gaze held a challenge. "You don't mind showing me around, do you, Justin?"

Justin's heart raced. The past and present collided, and he wondered if the echoes of rain would drown them both.