Chapter 10
The Start of Shooting Day
The first official day of filming for Celine and Mavis’ movie had arrived.
Celine stepped onto the set, her usual calm facade in place, though she could feel the weight of expectations pressing down on her. The director, producers, and the entire crew were watching closely, waiting for her and Mavis to bring their characters to life.
Mavis was already there, casually flipping through the script with her usual composed demeanor. She glanced up when Celine approached and smirked.
"Ready?" she asked.
Celine sighed. "Always."
The Scene: A Romantic Setup
The first scene they were filming was the meet-cute moment—where Mavis’ character saves Celine’s character from the rain. The set was beautifully designed, rain machines pouring down in a controlled drizzle, their costumes slightly damp to give the scene a realistic touch.
As they rehearsed, the director gave final instructions. "Mavis, after you pull her under the awning, I want a soft, intimate moment. You’ll gently tuck Celine’s hair behind her ear. Hold that moment, let the tension build before we cut."
Mavis nodded, though Celine could sense her nervousness. This was her first big movie, after all.
"Rolling… and… action!"
The cameras started rolling, and Mavis played her part well, pulling Celine under the awning with urgency. Their eyes met, rain dripping from their hair, breaths slightly uneven.
Slowly, Mavis reached up, her fingers brushing against Celine’s temple as she tucked a wet strand of hair behind her ear.
Celine held her gaze, heart steady, fully immersed in the scene—until the director suddenly cut in.
"Wait, wait! Something’s missing."
The crew exchanged glances. Mavis blinked in confusion. "Ano pong mali, Direk?"
The director tapped her chin thoughtfully. "It needs more impact. The tension is there, but let’s push it a bit more." She looked at them intently. "What if you kiss?"
The set fell silent for a moment.
Mavis immediately straightened. "Pero wala po yun sa script, Direk."
The director simply nodded but smiled. "I know. But think about it—unang pasok, may tension agad. Then… boom! Perfect."
Mavis let out a small chuckle, shaking her head. "Direk, ang bilis naman yata. Kakakita pa lang nila sa isa’t isa, kiss agad?"
The director shrugged. "Love stories are about feelings, not logic. Sometimes, a moment just happens."
Celine, who had been quietly listening, smirked. "Mukhang gusto mo ng eksena na papasabugin ang social media agad, Direk."
The director laughed. "Of course! Pero seryoso, let’s try a version where Mavis hesitates—then Celine, ikaw ang mag-guide sa kanya." She turned to Mavis. "Since first time mo sa on-screen kiss, Celine, you help her, okay?"
Mavis groaned, rubbing her temple. "Nakaka-pressure naman ‘to."
Celine nudged her playfully. "Relax ka lang. Huwag mo masyadong isipin, or else halatang pilit."
Mavis gave her a deadpan look. "Easy for you to say. Ikaw may experience, ako wala."
Celine just smirked. "Then, let's make it natural."
The director clapped her hands. "Alright, reset the scene! Let’s see how this goes."
As the crew prepared for the next take, Celine glanced at Mavis and whispered, "Just follow my lead."
Mavis took a deep breath, bracing herself.
The cameras started rolling again.
—-
"And… action!"
For the fourth time, the scene played out. Mavis pulled Celine under the awning, the rain pouring down around them. Their breaths mingled, eyes locked in the dimly lit alley. Slowly, hesitantly, Mavis leaned in—
Only for her to pull away too early again.
Mavis groaned, covering her face. "Direk, sorry po. Nahihiya kasi ako."
Some of the crew chuckled, and even Celine let out a small smirk. "Kung gusto mo, ako na lang mag-initiate?" she teased.
Mavis shot her a look. The director, clearly trying to be patient, took a deep breath. "Ganito na lang. I’ll give you a signal. If you hear a clap, that means you can break the kiss. Hangga’t walang clap, don’t move. Maintain the moment, okay?"
Mavis nodded hesitantly.
Celine, watching her, could tell how nervous she was. It was a first for her, after all. Unlike Mavis, Celine had done a few on-screen kisses before. She understood the pressure, the awkwardness, the fear of making it look unnatural.
She placed a hand on Mavis’ shoulder, squeezing it lightly. "Hey, don’t focus on the people watching. It’s just you and me in this scene, okay?"
Mavis exhaled slowly, nodding. "Okay… I’ll do my best."
The director clapped her hands. "Alright, reset! Let’s go for Take 5!"
The cameras rolled once more.
"And… action!"
The rain poured around them, the soft patter filling the silent tension between their characters. Mavis pulled Celine under the awning, her grip lingering on Celine’s wrist. Their gazes met—hesitant yet magnetic, filled with unspoken emotions.
Mavis slowly leaned in. This time, her movements were steadier, more natural. Celine could still feel her nervousness, but at least she wasn’t hesitating too much.
Their lips met.
For a second, Mavis held still. It was soft—too soft, like she was about to pull away again.
Celine wasn’t having it.
Before Mavis could break the kiss, Celine reached up, her fingers curling around the fabric of Mavis’ clothes as she pulled her closer—deepening the moment.
Mavis tensed for half a second before finally giving in.
The tension in her shoulders melted, and she responded properly, letting the scene flow naturally between them.
No cut.
No awkward break.
Just the two of them, lost in the moment.
The crew held their breath, watching as the scene played out exactly as the director had envisioned.
Then—clap!
Mavis pulled away instantly, her face slightly flushed as she blinked at Celine.
"That—"
"Cut!" the director’s voice rang through the set, followed by a round of relieved laughter and applause.
"That was perfect! Finally! That’s the energy I want!" the director praised, looking extremely satisfied. "You both nailed it. That’s how you create chemistry on screen!"
Mavis exhaled deeply, running a hand through her hair. "Akala ko magkakamali na naman ako," she muttered.
Celine smirked, crossing her arms. "Almost did. Kaya hinila na lang kita."
Mavis scoffed, nudging Celine lightly. "Hmph. Sabihin mo na lang na gusto mong pahabain ‘yung eksena."
Celine chuckled. "If that’s what you want to believe."
The director clapped her hands together. "Alright, moving on to the next scene! Good job, everyone!"
As the crew began setting up for the next shot, Celine caught a glimpse of something—or rather, someone.
Arianne.
She was standing just outside the set, watching. Her expression was unreadable, but Celine felt something stir inside her chest.
But before Celine could react, Arianne turned away and walked off.
And just like that—Celine felt the weight of the scene linger in a different way.
Celine exhaled as the crew moved around, preparing for the next scene. Mavis was still trying to shake off her nerves, stretching her arms and taking deep breaths. The director was giving last-minute instructions to the cinematographer. Everything was running smoothly.
But Celine? Her mind wasn’t on set anymore.
She turned her head slightly, eyes scanning the edges of the filming area. Arianne was gone.
Was she really there, or was Celine just imagining things?
"Celine?"
She blinked and turned to Mavis, who was looking at her curiously.
"Hmm?"
"Parang lumipad ‘yung utak mo. Okay ka lang?" Mavis asked, tilting her head slightly.
Celine forced a small smirk. "Yeah. Just thinking about the next scene."
Mavis didn’t look convinced, but she let it go.
A crew member called for them, signaling that they had to get ready for the next shot.
As Celine walked to her mark, she slipped her phone out of her pocket and quickly checked her notifications. No messages. No missed calls. Nothing from Arianne.
But that didn't mean she wasn’t here.
And for some reason, that thought sat heavily in Celine’s chest.
Backstage—
Arianne walked down the hallway, her mind spinning.
She wasn’t supposed to be here.
Sir Kevin had told her to lie low—to avoid being involved in unnecessary rumors. Yet, she found herself coming to the set, thinking she could handle seeing Celine with Mavis.
She thought she was prepared.
But watching them kiss—even if it was just acting—still felt like a punch to the gut.
She rubbed her temple, sighing as she entered Lumina’s dressing room. The other girls were already there, scrolling through their phones or chatting among themselves.
Maeve looked up. "Where did you go?"
Arianne forced a smile, sitting down. "Nowhere. Just walked around."
Maeve narrowed her eyes slightly, but before she could say anything, her phone vibrated. She checked it, and her lips curled up into a smirk.
"Oh? Mavis and Celine are trending again."
Arianne stiffened.
Maeve turned her phone toward Arianne, showing a clip of the kiss scene. Fans were already making edits, commenting about their undeniable chemistry. Some were excited about the movie. Others were shipping them.
And of course—some were comparing them.
"Damn, people are already saying they like this ship better than the old ones." Maeve chuckled. "You seeing this, Arianne?"
Arianne clenched her jaw.
"Yeah. I see it."
Arianne tried to ignore the lingering ache in her chest as she stared at Maeve’s phone screen. The comments were endless—fans were quick to shower Mavis and Celine with praise, their chemistry already being hyped up after just a single scene.
Arianne let out a slow breath, forcing herself to look away.
"Okay ka lang?" Maeve asked, lowering her phone. Her usual playful smirk was still there, but her tone was softer this time.
"Of course," Arianne replied, leaning back on the couch. "Wala namang dahilan para hindi ako maging okay, ‘di ba?"
Maeve tilted her head, studying Arianne. "Hmm. Kung ikaw ang magsasabi niyan, Arianne, medyo mahirap paniwalaan."
Arianne let out a short laugh. "And what exactly do you think is bothering me?"
Maeve shrugged, tossing her phone onto the table. "I don’t know. Maybe the fact that you sat through an entire meeting about lying low, pero andito ka ngayon, watching your ex kiss someone else."
Arianne tensed, her expression unreadable. "Ex?"
Maeve smirked. "Oh? Mali ba ako?"
Arianne clicked her tongue, rolling her eyes. "You’re overthinking it."
"Am I?" Maeve raised an eyebrow. "Kasi Arianne, if it was really nothing, bakit ka umalis kanina nung nakita mo ‘yung kiss? Hindi ka man lang nakatapos ng scene."
Arianne let out a slow breath. She had always known Maeve was observant, but it was still frustrating how easily she could read between the lines.
"Hindi ako umalis dahil sa kanila," Arianne said, her voice measured. "Umalis ako kasi… wala naman akong dahilan para nandun."
Maeve hummed in amusement. "Right. And yet, you were there."
Arianne didn’t respond. Instead, she picked up a water bottle from the table and took a sip, as if that could wash away the conversation.
Maeve leaned forward, resting her chin on her palm. "You know, Arianne, I could help you out if you want."
Arianne raised an eyebrow. "Help me? With what?"
Maeve grinned. "With whatever it is you’re feeling right now."
Arianne scoffed. "And what exactly are you implying?"
Maeve leaned in closer. "Simple lang. You want to ignore whatever’s happening between Celine and Mavis, right? Then let's make sure people focus on something else."
Arianne narrowed her eyes. "And by ‘something else’… you mean you?"
Maeve winked. "Tama ka diyan, superstar."
Arianne’s grip tightened on the water bottle as she exhaled sharply. "Maeve, stop."
Maeve smirked, tilting her head. "Stop what?"
Arianne turned to face her fully, her expression calm but her eyes sharp. "I’m not Celine’s ex. Don’t say things like that."
Maeve hummed, as if considering her words. "Hmm… then what exactly were you two?"
Arianne didn’t answer right away. Instead, she placed the water bottle down, her fingers tapping against the table. "It doesn’t matter."
"Oh, it does." Maeve leaned in, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Kasi kung talagang wala lang, bakit ka defensive?"
Arianne scoffed. "I’m not defensive."
"Oh, you are." Maeve grinned. "And you’re bad at hiding it, by the way."
Arianne rolled her eyes, choosing to ignore the comment. "Just don’t talk about it, okay? It’s not something that needs to be discussed."
"Fine, fine." Maeve raised her hands in surrender, but the teasing glint in her eyes never disappeared. "Pero Arianne… kung ayaw mong pag-usapan, baka dapat iwasan mo na rin ang mga tingin mo kay Celine."
Arianne frowned. "Ano nanaman?"
Maeve chuckled. "Oh, nothing. Just that whenever she’s in the room, parang ikaw yung first na nakakahalata."
Arianne didn’t respond, instead choosing to run a hand through her hair.
Maeve leaned back against the couch, a knowing smirk still on her lips. "So? Ano na? Lalabas ka pa ba to ‘coincidentally’ see her again?"
Arianne shot her a look. "I have better things to do."
"Sure you do." Maeve laughed, picking up her phone again. "Anyway, good luck with that whole not caring thing. Mukhang mahirap yata ‘yon."
Arianne didn’t respond. Instead, she picked up her phone and stood up, heading for the door.
Maeve watched her go, shaking her head in amusement. "Right… not Celine’s ex. Sure."
Maeve leaned back against the couch, tapping her fingers against her thigh as she watched Arianne walk toward the door. She let out a small sigh, realizing she might’ve stepped out of line with all her teasing.
"Teka lang." Maeve called out before Arianne could leave.
Arianne paused but didn’t turn around. "Ano na naman?" Her tone was exasperated but lacked real annoyance.
Maeve stood up, grabbing her jacket. "Tara. Labas tayo, kain tayo sa labas."
Arianne raised an eyebrow as she finally turned to face Maeve. "Ha? Bakit?"
Maeve shrugged. "Gutom ako."
Arianne crossed her arms. "Gutom ka o gusto mo lang ayusin ‘yung sinabi mo kanina?"
Maeve grinned. "Both."
Arianne sighed, shaking her head. "Di mo naman kailangan—"
"I know," Maeve cut her off, walking ahead toward the door. "Pero gusto ko. So tara na bago pa magbago isip ko."
Arianne hesitated for a moment before finally relenting. "Fine. Pero ako ang pipili kung saan tayo kakain."
Maeve smirked. "Of course, princess."
Arianne rolled her eyes but didn’t argue. The two of them walked out together, the tension from earlier easing just a little.
Outside, the night was cool, and the streets weren’t too crowded. As they strolled in silence, Maeve glanced at Arianne and smiled slightly.
"Pasensya na kanina, ha?" Maeve said casually, shoving her hands in her pockets.
Arianne side-eyed her. "Bakit? Tinamaan ka ba ng konsensya?"
Maeve chuckled. "Medyo."
Arianne exhaled, a small smile ghosting her lips. "Okay lang. Sanay na ako sa asar mo."
"Good," Maeve grinned. "Kasi di pa ako tapos mang-asar sa ‘yo."
Arianne groaned, shoving her lightly as they continued walking.
Maeve casually sipped her iced coffee as they walked down the sidewalk, the city lights flickering in the distance. She glanced at Arianne, who was quietly checking her phone.
"So," Maeve started, breaking the silence. "Ano sa tingin mo? Ilang buwan tatagal ‘yang taping nina Celine at Mavis?"
Arianne barely reacted, still scrolling on her phone. "Depende. Siguro mga tatlong buwan kung walang delays."
As they walked along the quiet street, Maeve casually sipped her drink before speaking.
"Naalala ko ‘yung podcast natin dati," she started, glancing at Arianne with a knowing smirk. "Sinabi mo na may 'The One That Got Away' ka."
Arianne’s grip on her cup slightly tightened, but her face remained composed. "Hmm. Oo nga."
Maeve chuckled. "Pero ang vague mo doon. Wala man lang clue kung sino."
Arianne exhaled through her nose, looking straight ahead. "College sweetheart ko," she admitted, her voice calm but distant.
Maeve raised an eyebrow. "Talaga? Eh, nagkatuluyan ba kayo dati?"
Arianne gave a small smile, one that didn’t quite reach her eyes. "For a while. Pero minsan, kahit anong effort niyo, may mga bagay talagang hindi meant to last."
Maeve tilted her head, curiosity growing. "Huh. So, ano nang nangyari sa kanya? Nareach na ba niya ‘yung dream niya?"
Arianne’s heart clenched slightly at the question. Her college sweetheart had always dreamed of becoming an actor, of standing under the brightest lights, of making a name for herself in the industry.
And now, that dream had come true.
Arianne exhaled slowly before responding. "Oo."
Maeve observed her carefully. "So, kilala ko?" she teased, hoping to get more information.
Arianne simply took another sip of her drink and avoided Maeve’s gaze. "Malamang."
Maeve narrowed her eyes playfully, about to press further, but before she could speak, the faint sound of camera shutters clicking reached their ears.
They turned slightly and saw people taking pictures of them from a distance.
Maeve sighed, shaking her head. "Mukhang may bagong headline na naman tayo mamaya."
Arianne didn’t react right away. Instead, her thoughts drifted elsewhere.
Yes, Celine had already reached her dream. The dream she had talked about endlessly back in college, the dream she had worked so hard for.
And Arianne? She was proud of her.
She hid her thoughts behind a small shrug. "Sanay na ako."