Chapter 12
It had been days since they admitted to each other that their feelings never really faded. Days of stolen moments, late-night calls, and quiet confessions. But neither of them had asked the big question yet—what now?
Celine didn’t know if she was ready for an answer, but she knew one thing: she wanted Arianne close.
And now, here they were.
Arianne had ended up staying over at Celine’s house. It wasn’t planned, but after everything—after finally letting themselves fall back into each other’s orbit—it felt natural. They spent the night tangled in soft whispers and warm embraces, no longer burdened by the weight of uncertainty.
The morning light streamed through the window, casting a golden glow over the room. Celine stirred first, her eyes fluttering open to find herself nestled against Arianne’s shoulder. She didn’t move right away. Instead, she let herself enjoy the feeling—the slow and steady rise and fall of Arianne’s breathing, the warmth of her skin, the familiar scent that Celine had memorized long ago.
A small smile tugged at her lips. This. This was home.
Arianne shifted slightly, her fingers unconsciously tightening around Celine’s arm as if even in her sleep, she didn’t want to let go. Slowly, her eyes fluttered open, still heavy with sleep. She blinked a few times before her gaze landed on Celine.
A slow, lazy smile spread across her face. "Good morning."
Her voice was soft, still laced with the emotions of last night. Celine’s heart squeezed at the sight. How many mornings had she wished for this? How many times had she imagined waking up next to Arianne again, being the first thing she saw when she opened her eyes?
Celine didn’t hesitate. She lifted her head slightly, tilting her chin up, intending to press a soft kiss to Arianne’s lips.
But before she could, Arianne blocked her mouth with her palm.
“Mahal, kadiri. Di pa ko nagto-toothbrush.”
Celine blinked in surprise before bursting into laughter, her body shaking as she buried her face in Arianne’s shoulder. “Grabe ka naman!” she wheezed between giggles.
Arianne smirked, lowering her hand. "What? Gusto mo ba talaga ako halikan nang may morning breath?"
Celine pouted playfully. "E ano naman? Love is love."
Arianne chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from Celine’s face. "Ganyan mo ko kamahal?"
Celine hummed, her eyes twinkling. "Mahal na mahal."
Arianne’s teasing expression softened. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the warmth between them stretching into something deeper, something real. It was quiet, intimate, filled with a kind of love that never really left.
Then suddenly—
Celine’s phone rang.
The moment shattered as Celine groaned, rolling onto her back and grabbing her phone from the nightstand. She squinted at the screen. It was her manager.
Arianne, still lying on her side, watched Celine with quiet curiosity as she answered the call.
"Hello?" Celine mumbled, voice still thick with sleep.
Her manager’s voice came through loud and clear. "Celine, may change sa schedule. Kailangan mong bumalik sa set mas maaga than expected. May kailangan pang i-reshoot for continuity."
Celine sat up slightly, running a hand through her hair. "Gaano kaaga?"
"Today. Sa hapon ang call time mo."
Celine sighed. "Okay, sige. I'll be there."
When she hung up, she glanced at Arianne, who had been silently observing her the whole time.
"You should go," Arianne said softly, a small smile on her lips, but there was something in her eyes—something Celine recognized immediately.
Disappointment.
Celine exhaled through her nose. "Ari..."
Arianne shook her head, still smiling. "Okay lang, mahal. I know this is your job. I know how important this is."
Celine frowned, hating the way her heart clenched. She reached for Arianne’s hand, squeezing it. "I’ll make it up to you."
Arianne tilted her head slightly, feigning thoughtfulness. "Hmm… ice cream date?"
Celine smirked. "Gusto mo lang ng ice cream, no?"
Arianne grinned. "Well, it’s a good excuse para magkasama tayo ulit, di ba?"
Celine rolled her eyes fondly. "Ikaw talaga."
Arianne pulled her back down onto the bed, wrapping her arms around her in a loose hug. "Sige na, I won’t make it hard for you. Pero dapat talaga may ice cream date tayong dalawa, ha?"
Celine snuggled into her warmth, pressing her forehead against Arianne’s collarbone. "Promise."
And just like that, they let the morning stretch a little longer, holding onto this moment before the real world pulled them apart again.
Celine let herself stay in Arianne’s arms for a few more minutes, basking in the warmth, the quiet comfort that only Arianne could give her. But reality was persistent, tugging her back into the demands of her job.
With a sigh, she reluctantly pulled away. “Kailangan ko na talagang mag-ayos.”
Arianne watched as Celine got out of bed, stretching slightly before making her way to the bathroom. The soft morning light framed her silhouette, making Arianne’s breath catch for a second. She had missed seeing Celine like this—barefaced, relaxed, moving with the ease of someone who didn’t have to be ‘Celine the Actress’ for a moment.
Celine turned back to her, tilting her head. “Don’t look at me like that,” she teased, a knowing smile playing on her lips.
Arianne smirked, leaning on her elbow. “Paano?”
“Like you’re about to say something cheesy.”
Arianne shrugged, grinning. “Mahal kita, ayun lang naman.”
Celine rolled her eyes but bit back a smile as she turned on her heel and walked into the bathroom. “Kadiri ka,” she mumbled before closing the door.
Arianne chuckled, flopping back onto the bed. Her gaze drifted around Celine’s room, taking in the little details—the books stacked near the nightstand, a few framed photos on the desk, a small stuffed toy that looked suspiciously well-loved sitting on the shelf. Nothing had changed, yet everything felt different.
The sound of the shower running filled the room, and Arianne sighed, running a hand through her hair. Her phone was buzzing with messages, but she ignored them. Right now, nothing else mattered except this moment.
Fifteen minutes later, the bathroom door opened, and a rush of warm steam escaped into the room.
Celine stepped out, rubbing her damp hair with a towel. She had changed into a fitted white top and high-waisted jeans, looking effortlessly stunning despite not trying.
Arianne whistled lowly. “Grabe, kailangan mo bang magmukhang ganyan kahit papunta ka lang sa trabaho?”
Celine rolled her eyes but smirked as she tossed the towel onto the chair. “Ikaw kaya, ang ganda mo kahit bagong gising.”
Arianne grinned. “Siyempre.”
As Celine moved around the room, gathering her things—phone, bag, a jacket just in case—Arianne simply watched her. There was something oddly comforting about seeing Celine like this, moving naturally, completely at ease despite the rush. It reminded her of all the mornings they had before—when things were simple, when they had nothing but time.
But now, time was a luxury.
“Just update me when you get there,” Arianne finally said, her voice soft but firm.
Celine glanced at her briefly before nodding. “I will.”
Arianne pushed herself up from the bed, following Celine to the door. As much as she wanted to ask her to stay just a little longer, she knew she couldn’t.
Celine turned back to face her, a playful glint in her eyes. “Parang ayaw mo pa akong paalisin.”
Arianne shrugged, leaning against the doorframe. “Hindi ko naman itinatanggi.”
Celine chuckled, stepping closer. She reached up, cupping Arianne’s face with both hands before pulling her in for a soft kiss. It wasn’t rushed, nor was it filled with desperation—it was slow, lingering, and full of unspoken promises.
When they pulled away, Celine rested her forehead against Arianne’s for a moment. “I’ll be back later.”
Arianne hummed, her hands finding Celine’s waist. “Sana ngayon na.”
Celine laughed before finally stepping away, grabbing her bag. “See you later, mahal.”
Arianne watched as Celine walked out the door, leaving behind the lingering warmth of her presence.
And for the first time in a long while, Arianne felt like she had something to look forward to again.
Celine arrived on set just in time. As soon as she stepped out of the car, she was immediately met with the bustling energy of production—crew members adjusting lights, fixing the set, reviewing scripts. The director was already in deep discussion with the cinematographer, and some of the other cast members were scattered around, either rehearsing their lines or getting their makeup done.
She took a deep breath, pushing aside the warmth that still lingered from her morning with Arianne. Right now, she had to focus.
Celine barely had a moment to breathe after arriving on set when a warm cup of coffee was suddenly in front of her.
"Para sa'yo," Mavis said, holding out the cup with a small smile.
Celine blinked, surprised but grateful. "Oh? Thanks, I really need this." She took the cup, feeling the warmth seep into her fingers. The first sip was perfect—just the right amount of bitterness and heat to wake her up properly.
Celine let out a soft laugh before pulling out her phone from her pocket. She quickly typed out a message:
Celine:Nandito na ako. I’ll update you later.
She hit send before taking another sip of her coffee.
Mavis, who had been quietly observing her, narrowed her eyes. "Wow,big smile, huh"
Celine glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. "Ha?"
Mavis crossed her arms, leaning slightly toward her. "Happy?"
Celine hesitated for a second before forcing a casual shrug. "Kompleto tulog ko, kaya siguro."
Mavis hummed, unconvinced. "Hmm, ganun ba?"
Celine nodded, taking another sip of her coffee and avoiding Mavis’ knowing gaze.
Just then, one of the staff members passed by, handing them their revised call sheet.
"Schedule update. May changes sa sequence, kaya standby kayo after ng next scene," the staff informed them.
Mavis took the paper, scanning it briefly before glancing at Celine. "Mukhang mahaba-habang taping ‘to."
The assistant director called them to the set, signaling that the next scene was about to start. Celine and Mavis quickly finished their drinks before heading over.
As they took their positions, the director clapped his hands together. "Alright, this is a lighthearted but intimate scene. Chemistry niyo ulit ang aasahan ko dito. Ready?"
Mavis smirked at Celine. "Kayang-kaya natin ‘to."
Celine rolled her eyes playfully. "Basta wag kang nenerbyusin ha."
The staff chuckled in the background, while Mavis placed a hand dramatically on her chest. "Grabe ka naman! Hindi mo ba alam? Dala-dala ko ang buong emosyon ng pelikula natin!"
Celine stifled a laugh before focusing as the scene started.
SCENE
As the cameras rolled, Celine and Mavis stood face to face, their characters caught in a moment of tension and unspoken feelings.
Mavis took a deep breath, tilting her head as she stared into Celine’s eyes. "So, sino ang unang umamin?"
Celine smirked. "Eh sino ba ang unang umamin sa nararamdaman niya?"
Mavis scoffed. "Obviously ikaw!"
Celine raised a brow. "Excuse me? Ikaw kaya! Ikaw yung unang nagpakita ng motibo."
Mavis gasped dramatically. "Wow! Saan galing ‘yang confidence mo? Baka nakakalimutan mong ikaw ‘tong una kong nahuli na nakatitig sa’kin!"
Celine rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "Hindi kita tinititigan, iniisip ko lang kung paano kita iiwasan."
Mavis smirked, stepping closer. "Oh? Then bakit hanggang ngayon hindi mo ako naiwasan?"
Celine opened her mouth to respond, but the director suddenly called out:
"Cut! Perfect! One take lang, ang ganda ng banter niyo!"
The crew burst into applause, and Mavis turned to Celine with a triumphant smile.
"What? Good job ba?" she asked, her voice a mix of excitement and uncertainty.
Celine, still catching her breath from their playful banter, glanced at Mavis and smirked. "Hmm... sakto lang."
Mavis gasped, dramatically clutching her chest. "Grabe ka naman! Dapat sinusuportahan mo ako!"
Celine chuckled, shaking her head. "Joke lang, you did great. One take lang tayo, ‘di ba?"
Mavis grinned, visibly relieved. "Akala ko hindi mo ako papurihan, eh!"
Celine rolled her eyes.
As they drove to the next location, the van hummed with quiet conversations and the occasional laughter from the staff. Celine leaned back against her seat, stretching her legs while scrolling through her phone.
A notification popped up.
Arianne:Wala akong schedule today, so… dito ulit ako tulog ha?😉
Celine bit back a smile, quickly typing her response.
Celine:kahit dyan kapa tumira.
Arianne’s reply came almost instantly.
Arianne:PABOR
Celine exhaled a small laugh, shaking her head. She glanced out the window, her mood visibly lighter.
Mavis, sitting beside her, noticed the shift in Celine’s expression.
"Hmm, sino ‘yan?" she teased, trying to peek at Celine’s phone.
Celine quickly locked her screen and leaned back against her seat, her expression neutral. "Si mama."
Mavis raised a brow, amused. "Talaga? Tell her I said hi."
Celine just shook her head, a small smirk forming on her lips.
Mavis, not letting it go, tilted her head curiously. "Anyway, do you want to meet my fam?"
Celine blinked at the sudden question. "Ha? why?"
Mavis shrugged, looking out the window. "Wala lang. Gusto ko lang malaman kung game ka."
Celine hesitated for a second before answering, "Siguro… after natin ma-shoot lahat ng scenes. Kung hindi na tayo busy."
Mavis hummed in thought, then grinned. "Sige, tatandaan ko ‘yan. Baka kasi umatras ka, eh."
Celine rolled her eyes but chuckled. "Tingnan natin."
As the van slowed down upon arriving at the next filming location, Celine exhaled deeply, sneaking one last glance at her phone before tucking it into her pocket.
###
Celine sighed as she packed up her things, exhaustion settling deep in her bones. It had been a long day, and all she could think about was finally getting home.
Mavis stretched beside her, yawning. “Grabe, buti natapos na rin.”
Celine let out a tired chuckle. “Yup, I can rest na”
Mavis patted her shoulder. “Ingat ka sa pagmamaneho.”
Celine nodded, giving a small wave as she walked toward her car. “See you tomorrow.”
As soon as she got inside, she leaned her head against the headrest, taking a deep breath before finally starting the engine. The drive home was quiet, the city lights passing by in a blur. She couldn’t wait to collapse into bed—but more than that, she couldn’t wait to see Arianne.
Arianne sat across from Celine’s grandmother in the living room, watching as the older woman sipped her tea. The television was playing some old teleserye in the background, but neither of them was paying much attention.
Celine’s grandmother squinted slightly, as if trying to remember something. “Ano nga ba ulit ‘yung trabaho niya… Basta ano eh… Lagi niyang sinasabi may shooting siya.”
Arianne smiled, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. “Actress po si Celine, Lola.”
The old woman nodded slowly. “Ah, oo nga pala… artista.” She let out a small laugh. Arianne just smiled, not minding it at all. She had always found Celine’s grandmother endearing.
Then, out of nowhere, the older woman’s face turned more serious. She placed her cup down on the table and looked at Arianne. “Alam mo, Arianne, lagi yang si Celine umaalis. Ang daming ginagawa sa buhay. Pero pag-uwi n’yan dito, alam mo kung anong madalas niyang ginagawa?”
Arianne tilted her head. “Ano po?”
Celine’s grandmother exhaled, her voice turning softer. “Lagi siyang umiiyak sa gabi.”
Arianne’s chest tightened at that. “Talaga po?”
The old woman nodded, her gaze distant as if recalling countless nights of seeing Celine break down. “Akalain mo bang yung apo ko, ang lakas-lakas sa harap ng iba, pero pag nandito na sa bahay, humihikbi nang tahimik sa kwarto niya?”
Arianne’s heart clenched.
Celine… crying alone at night.
Even when they weren’t talking, even when she thought Celine had moved on, she had been hurting all this time.
Celine’s grandmother glanced at Arianne with a small smile. “Alam mo, apo, ang saya ko na andito ka ulit.”
Arianne’s chest tightened at the warmth in her voice. She placed her cup down and looked at the older woman. “Na-miss ko rin po kayo, Lola.”
The old woman chuckled. “Talaga? Eh bakit ang tagal mong nawala?”
Arianne lowered her gaze, guilt settling in her chest. “Pasensya na po… madami lang pong nangyari.”
Celine’s grandmother hummed in understanding before reaching out to pat Arianne’s hand gently. “Basta, apo, wag ka na ulit mawawala, ha?”
Arianne stilled.
The words, though spoken softly, carried so much weight.
She swallowed, nodding firmly as she held the old woman’s hand. “Hindi na po, Lola.”
Celine’s grandmother smiled, her eyes crinkling with warmth. “Mabuti naman. Alam mo kasi, kahit hindi sinasabi ni Celine, ramdam ko eh.”
Arianne furrowed her brows. “Ramdam niyo po?”
The old woman nodded, sighing softly. “Hindi niya lang pinapakita, pero nung nawala ka… malungkot siya.” She tapped her fingers against her cup. “Lagi siyang lumalabas, laging abala, pero pag-uwi dito…” She trailed off before shaking her head. “Tahimik na umiiyak sa kwarto niya.”
Celine’s grandmother watched her carefully before speaking again, her voice filled with something both gentle and knowing. “Kaya, apo… kung nandito ka na ulit, sana… wag ka na ulit mawawala.”
Arianne looked up, her eyes filled with quiet determination.
“Hindi na po, Lola.”
And this time, she meant it.
As soon as Celine stepped inside, exhaustion clung to her body like a second skin, but it quickly melted away when she saw the scene before her.
Arianne and her grandmother sat together on the couch, their laughter filling the room like a melody of its own. Arianne had her phone in hand, playing an old song while she sang softly.
Celine paused at the doorway, her lips curving into a smile as she watched Arianne sing to her grandmother.
“Pagdating ng araw
Ang 'yong buhok
Ay puputi na rin…”
Her grandmother beamed, gently swaying to the tune. “Ang ganda ng boses mo, apo! Dapat ikaw na lang yung kumanta sa TV!”
Arianne laughed, shaking her head. Celine smirked, setting her bag down before walking closer. “Ehem.”
Arianne turned her head slightly, confused.
Then—
“Sabay tayong mangangarap
Ng nakaraan sa 'tin…”
Arianne’s eyes widened. “Celine?”
Celine grinned but didn’t stop singing. She moved toward them, voice steady yet filled with warmth.
Arianne blinked, clearly caught off guard, but something in her softened. Her lips curled into a smile as she picked up where Celine left off.
“Ang nakalipas
Ay ibabalik natin, ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh…”
Their voices blended together, perfectly in sync, just like they used to be.
“Ipapaalala ko sa'yo
Ang aking pangako
Na ang pag-ibig ko’y laging sa’yo
Kahit maputi na ang buhok ko.”
The last note lingered in the air, wrapping around them like a promise—one neither of them dared to speak out loud but both understood deep in their hearts.
Celine’s grandmother clapped her hands together.Arianne chuckled, cheeks slightly flushed, while Celine smirked. “Pang-serenade ba, ‘La?”
The old woman nodded enthusiastically.
Celine and Arianne shared a look.
Arianne was the first to break away, clearing her throat as she grabbed a pillow and hugged it. “Naku, Lola, baka mapagalitan ako ng director niyan. Huwag mo siyang purihin sa kanta, baka mag-resign sa pag-arte at maging singer na lang.”
Celine scoffed, plopping down on the couch beside her. “Ang OA ha, mas magaling ka parin, PPOP Idol nga diba?”
Arianne nudged her with her elbow.
Their grandmother watched them with fond eyes. It was in moments like these that she was reminded—this love, whatever form it took now, had never really left.
She reached out, patting both of their hands. “Ang saya niyong panoorin”
Celine exhaled, glancing at Arianne beside her.
###
Celine lay on her side, scrolling through her phone, while Arianne was on her back beside her, the dim light from their screens casting a soft glow in the dark room. Their shoulders brushed slightly, a quiet comfort in the shared space.
Arianne let out a soft sigh, her thumb mindlessly scrolling through messages. “Hmm… LUMINA GC is active again.”
Celine groaned. “Oh no, what are they talking about this time?”
Arianne bit back a smile as she read the latest messages. “Guess.”
Celine squinted at her suspiciously. “If it’s about me again—”
Arianne chuckled, shaking her head. “Not just you… you and Mavis.”
Celine immediately dropped her phone on the bed. “What?”
Arianne turned the screen toward her, showing the endless messages from their group chat.
— Maeve: Mavis and Celine’s chemistry is insane. No wonder people are starting to ship them.
— Sasha: TAMAAA did you see their scene earlier? The tension??
— Maeve: I swear if I didn’t know better, I’d think they were actually dating.
Celine groaned louder, burying her face in her pillow. “Why do they keep doing this?!”
Arianne laughed, amused at her reaction. “Di naman maipagkakaila, I mean… you do have chemistry.”
Celine shot her a glare. “You’re supposed to be on my side.”
Arianne raised her hands in surrender. “I’m just saying. Can’t blame them for seeing what they see.”
Celine sighed dramatically. “This is why I don’t check the GC often.”
Arianne smirked, scrolling further. “Oh, and guess what?”
Celine didn’t like the way she said that. “…What now?”
Arianne tapped the screen, then turned the phone toward her again.
— Maeve: But you know what’s even crazier? I saw something today…
— Mavis: ?? Spill!
— Maeve: Sasha and Gale. Holding hands.
— Mavis: NO WAY
— Maeve: I’m serious! It wasn’t even for a scene. They were just standing there, holding hands.
Arianne’s laughter bubbled up as she read the messages out loud. “Sasha and Gale? That’s unexpected.”
Celine leaned in slightly, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret. "You know, I also I saw them kissing."
Arianne's eyes widened. "No way."
Celine nodded, grinning. "As in, legit. Sasha and Gale. Smack on the lips."
Arianne let out a surprised laugh. "Wow. I didn't see that coming." She shook her head, amused. "So while people are out there shipping us with other people, sila pala talaga may something?"
Celine chuckled, but then she noticed how Arianne’s laughter softened, her phone slowly slipping from her fingers onto the bed. The next thing she knew, Arianne was wrapping her arms around her, resting her chin on Celine’s shoulder.
Celine blinked, then smiled. "Nag-o-overthink ka, no?"
Arianne didn't answer right away. She just looked at Celine, her expression unreadable. It wasn’t about Sasha and Gale. It was about them. What would happen if LUMINA found out that she and Celine were... a thing again? And then there was Mavis—she wasn’t blind. Mavis had been acting differently, and a part of Arianne couldn’t shake the feeling that she liked Celine.
And Celine?
Celine had always been the only girl Arianne loved. The only girl who ever made her feel this way.
Celine cupped Arianne’s face gently, tilting her chin up so their eyes met. “Arianne, listen to me.” Her voice was soft, firm. “Ikaw lang.”
Arianne swallowed, her fingers tightening on Celine’s back.
“I don’t care about what they say, kung sino gusto nilang i-ship sa ‘kin,” Celine continued, her thumb brushing lightly against Arianne’s cheek. “Wala akong pakialam sa kahit sino.”
She leaned in, pressing a kiss to Arianne’s forehead. “Ikaw lang ang mahal ko.”
Arianne closed her eyes, exhaling slowly as she melted into the warmth of Celine’s touch. “You better mean that,” she murmured.
Celine chuckled, pressing another kiss, this time on Arianne’s nose. “I do. And I’ll keep saying it until you stop overthinking.”
Arianne smiled, pulling Celine closer, burying her face in the crook of her neck. “Pfft. Okay, okay. Fine. I believe you.”
Celine grinned, wrapping her arms around Arianne, holding her tight. “Good. Now, let’s get some sleep before LUMINA finds a new reason to give me a headache tomorrow.”
Arianne giggled, her worries fading just a little. “Goodnight, love.”
Celine kissed the top of her head. “Goodnight, mahal.”