Chapter 14
The taping era of Before Midnight was officially over. The long days under the scorching lights, the endless script rehearsals, and the demanding schedules had finally come to an end. Now, all that was left was preparing for the grand premiere night.
For Celine, this meant interviews, press conferences, and last-minute promotions.
For Arianne, it was an equally hectic time—preparing for Lumina’s comeback, finalizing choreography, and back-to-back rehearsals.
Despite their busy schedules, Celine and Arianne were still going strong. Their hidden relationship remained intact, their love as deep as ever. But even the strongest relationships weren’t immune to the weight of time and distance.
Arianne knew Celine loved her. She never doubted that.
But lately… there was a feeling she couldn’t shake off.
It wasn’t anger. It wasn’t disappointment.
It was something quieter. Softer. But it still stung.
Tampo.
Because in the past few weeks, their planned dates—moments that were just supposed to be theirs—kept getting postponed or canceled.
*flashback*
The Museum Date
Arianne had been looking forward to this day for weeks. The National Museum. A peaceful afternoon just the two of them, away from the flashing cameras and suffocating expectations.
She arrived first, waiting near the entrance, her cap pulled low to hide her face.
Celine was supposed to meet her in fifteen minutes.
But fifteen minutes became thirty.
Then an hour.
Arianne checked her phone just as it vibrated. Celine’s name lit up on the screen.
Celine:Mahal… I’m so sorry. I can’t make it. Direk wants us to reshoot a scene. Hindi raw maganda ‘yung lighting sa last take.
Arianne’s fingers tightened around her phone.
Arianne:Okay, naiintindihan ko. Good luck sa reshoot mo.
She sent the message quickly, her chest feeling a little heavy.
A second later, another text came.
Celine:Promise, babawi ako. Next time talaga, no more work interruptions.
Arianne forced a small smile. Yeah… Next time.
She sighed, looking at the museum entrance once more before turning away.
The Movie Date
It was supposed to be a simple movie night. No disguises, no sneaking around—just them, curled up on Arianne’s couch, sharing popcorn and laughing at bad scenes.
Arianne had set everything up.
The movie was ready to play.
She had even prepared Celine’s favorite snacks.
But when she checked the time… Celine was already an hour late.
She texted her. No reply.
She called. No answer.
Finally, at 11:30 PM, Celine arrived.
"Ari…" Celine’s voice was tired as she stepped into the condo, setting her bag down. "I’m so sorry, mahal. The team had a last-minute dinner, and I couldn’t just leave early—"
Arianne, who had been sitting on the couch, simply stood up and walked past her, heading straight to her bedroom.
Celine followed, her heart sinking. "Ari, wait—"
"You must be full," Arianne said, her voice quiet but sharp. "Since you just had dinner with them."
Celine exhaled, feeling the weight of her guilt. She slowly wrapped her arms around Arianne from behind, resting her chin on her shoulder. "Mahal… I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to be this late."
Arianne let out a small sigh before leaning into her touch."Next time… I won’t wait anymore, okay?"
Celine tightened her hold. "Next time, I’ll be early. Promise."
The Picnic Date
The one Arianne had been looking forward to the most.
A perfect morning, a quiet spot at the park, and just them.
She had prepared the picnic herself—packed sandwiches, fresh fruit, and even baked cookies for Celine.
But just when she was about to leave…
Her phone rang.
Celine:Mahal… I—
Arianne closed her eyes. "Don’t tell me…"
Celine hesitated before sighing. "Manager called. Mavis and I have to do a last-minute live fan-service event. We can’t say no."
Arianne stared at the picnic basket in her hands. The effort. The time. The excitement.
All of it… gone.
But what hurt most wasn’t the cancellation.
It was the fact that Mavis always seemed to come first.
Arianne forced a smile."Gets ko naman. It’s your job."
Celine groaned in frustration. "Mahal… I swear, I hate this. I hate missing out on time with you."
Arianne sighed, hugging the picnic basket. "It’s okay, Celine. Just… do your thing."
After hanging up, she sat down in the living room, her heart feeling heavier than before.
But then—
Her phone lit up with a new message.
Maeve:Hey. Wala kang gagawin ngayon, diba? Tara, drive tayo somewhere.
Arianne looked at the untouched picnic basket and exhaled. "At least someone’s free."
*end of flashback*
Arianne understood Celine. She really did.
She knew Celine wasn’t doing this on purpose. She knew work was work.
And she knew that Celine loved her.
But even knowing all that…
Tampo didn’t need a logical reason to exist. It just did.
And lately, every time one of their dates was canceled… Maeve was always the one who showed up.
Arianne wasn’t mad.
But she wasn’t fine, either.
And she wasn’t sure if Celine even noticed.
And tonight was supposed to be perfect.
Arianne had spent hours cooking Celine’s favorite dishes. She wanted this night to feel special—just the two of them, eating together without any distractions.
She had even dressed up.
A simple yet elegant dress that she rarely wore, her hair styled just enough to make her look effortlessly beautiful.
She took a picture of the table—the warm dishes still steaming, the candles flickering softly in the dim light. Then, she sent it to Celine with a message:
📷 Eat well later ❤️
She smiled, imagining Celine’s reaction.
Tonight… it was just supposed to be them.
Meanwhile, at the Meeting
Celine kept checking the time on her phone.
She wanted this meeting to end quickly so she could go home to Arianne. She had promised.
But the director, her manager, and even Mavis’ manager kept talking.
They were discussing the upcoming premiere night—what to say, how to act, what the fans expect from her and Mavis as a love team.
And while discussing… they were drinking.
Glasses of wine and whiskey clinked against the table. The atmosphere was light, casual, filled with laughter.
But Celine wasn’t drinking.
She refused.
She had a promise to keep.
Mavis noticed.
Mavis raised an eyebrow, swirling the whiskey in her glass. “Celine, don’t be such a killjoy. Just one shot.”
Celine shook her head, forcing a small smile. “I can’t. I have dinner plans.”
Mavis pouted dramatically. “With who? Your manager? Your dog?”
Celine chuckled, shaking her head. “Basta, I just can’t.”
But then—
Mavis leaned in closer, her voice turning soft. “Are you feeling sick?”
Celine tensed.
“No. I just don’t want to drink.”
Mavis, who was already a little tipsy, suddenly closed the space between them, resting her forehead against Celine’s shoulder.
Celine flinched.
“You’re tipsy na,” Celine murmured, gently placing a hand on Mavis’ back to steady her. “Umuwi ka na, Mavis.”
Mavis laughed, her breath warm against Celine’s skin. “No, I’m not.” She lifted her head, her face too close, too intimate.“Are you sure you don’t want to drink with me?”
Celine clenched her jaw, glancing at her phone again. 10:00 PM.
Shit.
She exhaled, frustrated. “Mavis… I really need to go.”
But the meeting dragged on.
And when it finally ended…
Everyone at the table was drunk—except Celine.
She rubbed her temples and sighed deeply. Then, she glanced at Mavis, who was barely standing properly.
“Shit naman, Mavis…”
Celine had no choice. She helped Mavis into her car and drove her home.
All the while, her mind was somewhere else.
Somewhere Arianne was waiting.
At Arianne’s Condo
Arianne kept looking at the clock.
9:00 PM.
9:30 PM.
10:00 PM.
Still no Celine.
Her fingers hesitated over her phone, wanting to send a message. But she stopped herself.
What if she’s on her way?
What if she’s just a little late?
Arianne sighed and stood up, gathering the plates to put them in the fridge. She wasn’t angry. She just felt… disappointed.
But just before she could put everything away—
She stopped herself.
She wanted to believe that Celine would come.
Even if she was already three hours late.
She returned to the table and sat down, resting her chin on her hand, staring at the food that had gone cold.
She glanced at the door.
You promised, Celine…
Eventually, her eyelids grew heavy.
And without realizing it… she fell asleep.
Celine drove fast.
Her hands were tight on the wheel, her heartbeat racing as she approached Arianne’s condo.
She knew.
She knew she was late again.
And this time… she had no excuse.
When she reached Arianne’s door, she quickly unlocked it and stepped inside.
And then she froze.
There, sitting at the dining table, was Arianne.
Wearing a dress.
Looking beautiful.
Asleep.
Celine swallowed the lump in her throat.
Her chest ached.
She took slow steps toward the table, her heart breaking at the sight of the untouched food, the melted ice in the glasses, and the small flickering candle that was barely alive.
She knelt beside Arianne, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.
"Mahal…" she whispered softly.
Arianne stirred, her eyes fluttering open.
And for a second, she looked confused—before realization set in.
Her gaze slowly moved to the clock. 1:00 AM.
Celine saw the disappointment in her eyes.
Arianne didn’t say anything.
And somehow, that hurt more than if she had yelled at her.
Celine forced a small smile. "Sorry… I got held up. Meeting took too long."
Arianne’s lips parted as if she wanted to say something… but instead, she just sighed.
She looked at the food.
Cold.
Everything was cold.
Celine bit her lip."Can I still eat? Kasama ka?"**
Arianne looked at her for a moment. Then, she gave a small, tired smile.
"Sige. Initin mo na lang."
Celine felt the weight of guilt press against her chest.
Arianne wasn’t mad.
But she wasn’t happy either.
And somehow… that hurt the most.
The quiet clinking of utensils filled the air as they ate.
It wasn’t comfortable silence.
It wasn’t peaceful silence.
It was heavy.
Celine forced herself to eat, but every bite tasted like regret.
The food was delicious—even reheated, Arianne’s cooking was always good. But she could barely taste it.
She glanced at Arianne, who was eating quietly, her expression unreadable.
Celine’s chest tightened.
She wanted to say something.
She needed to say something.
But she didn’t know where to start.
Then—
Arianne broke the silence first.
"How's work?"
Her voice was soft. Gentle.
Like she was genuinely asking.
Celine looked up—her lips parting, but no words came out immediately.
Then, she forced a small smile. "It’s… exhausting."
Arianne just nodded.
She reached out, her fingers gently rubbing Celine’s hand. A simple touch. A silent way of saying "I understand."
And that made Celine feel even worse.
She had no right to be comforted.
Not when she was the reason Arianne was sitting here, eating food that had gone cold because she had waited hours for her.
Not when she was the one who kept breaking promises.
Not when she had done this so many times.
Celine felt sick with guilt.
She put down her fork and took a deep breath. "Arianne…"
Arianne looked up, her eyes soft but tired.
Celine swallowed the lump in her throat.
Then, she whispered, "I’m sorry."
She saw the way Arianne’s eyes slightly widened—like she didn’t expect Celine to say it right now.
But before Arianne could say anything—
Celine’s voice cracked. "I keep doing this to you… and you never get mad."
Arianne’s grip on her hand tightened slightly, but she didn’t say anything yet.
Celine clenched her jaw, blinking fast as her eyes burned.
"You always just… understand. Even when you shouldn’t have to. Even when I don’t deserve it."**
The guilt—it was too much.
Celine’s vision blurred, and before she could stop it, a tear fell onto the table.
Arianne’s eyes softened, and she quickly shifted her chair closer.
"Hey…" she whispered, gently wiping the tear away with her thumb. "Why are you crying?"
Celine shook her head.
"Because…" She inhaled shakily. "I love you."
Arianne froze.
It wasn’t like she didn’t know.
She knew Celine loved her.
But hearing it like this?
Hearing it in a voice so broken, so desperate, so guilty?
Celine wiped her own tears, frustrated with herself."I love you, but I keep making you wait. I keep making you second to everything else."
Arianne stared at her.
Then, she smiled softly. "Mahal… it’s your work. I understand that."
Celine’s heart squeezed.
Because that was the problem.
Arianne always understood.
And Celine knew—one day, maybe she won’t anymore.
Arianne cupped her cheek, her touch warm, grounding.
"I just miss you."
Celine closed her eyes, leaning into the touch.
"I miss you too," she whispered.
Arianne chuckled lightly. "Then stop crying."
Celine sniffled and let out a small laugh. "I hate that I made you wait."
Arianne smiled, brushing her thumb over Celine’s cheek again. "Then don’t make me wait next time."
Celine nodded immediately.
"I won’t."
And for the first time in a while…
Celine meant it more than anything.
The weight of their conversation settled between them, but this time, it wasn’t heavy.
It was warm.
Arianne’s touch lingered on Celine’s cheek, her thumb gently stroking her skin. She wasn’t mad. She wasn’t demanding apologies. She just wanted Celine.
Celine exhaled shakily, still processing everything, but Arianne suddenly grinned.
"You know… crying makes you look like a kid," Arianne teased, wiping the last of Celine’s tears.
Celine snorted, rolling her eyes. "Whatever."
Arianne chuckled, but then she tilted her head slightly.Studying her.
And then, softer this time, she murmured, "I love you too."
Celine froze.
She didn’t know why, but hearing it like that—so simple, so sure—sent warmth rushing through her chest.
She exhaled, her lips twitching into a small smile. "Say it again."
Arianne raised an eyebrow. "I love you?"
"Mmm."
Arianne laughed, shaking her head. "See? Baby ka talaga ka eh”
But Celine just looked at her—really looked at her. The way the dim lights made Arianne’s skin glow, the way her hair fell slightly over her face, the way her lips were just barely curved into a teasing smile.
Celine reached out, brushing Arianne’s hair behind her ear."I love you," she whispered back.
Arianne didn’t say anything this time.
And when their lips met, it was slow.
Not rushed.
Not desperate.
Just them.
Celine sighed into the kiss, melting immediately. She shifted closer, her hands sliding up Arianne’s arms, feeling the warmth of her skin.
Arianne tilted her head slightly, deepening the kiss.
Celine felt Arianne’s fingers lightly trace the back of her neck before threading into her hair, pulling her in.
Heat pooled in Celine’s stomach.
She missed this. Missed her.
The soft hum that left Arianne’s lips when Celine bit down lightly sent a shiver down Celine’s spine.
And before she knew it, Arianne was pulling her up from the chair, their bodies pressing against each other.
Celine let herself be led— hands gripping Arianne’s waist, lips never parting as Arianne guided them toward the bedroom.
The moment the door shut behind them, Arianne pushed Celine against it, lips moving hungrily against hers.
Celine gasped, gripping Arianne’s hips tighter.
"You always make me wait," Arianne murmured against her lips, her fingers tracing the hem of Celine’s shirt. "Not this time."
Celine’s breath hitched.
She nodded.
"Not this time," she whispered back.
Arianne pulled Celine to the bed, and this time—there was no distance between them.
No missed dates.
No unspoken feelings.
Just them, tangled together, making up for lost time.
The room was bathed in soft shadows, the shadow of the bedside lamp casting a golden hue over Arianne’s skin. The city outside was still alive—muted car horns, the occasional gust of wind against the windows—but inside, it was peaceful. Just the sound of their steady breathing, intertwined.
Celine stirred, her eyes fluttering open.
She blinked, adjusting to the darkness, feeling the warmth pressed against her.
Arianne.
She was curled up beside her, one arm loosely draped over Celine’s waist, her face relaxed in sleep. So soft. So vulnerable. So hers.
Celine exhaled, her fingers moving instinctively. Slowly, she traced light circles on Arianne’s back, feeling the steady rise and fall of her breathing.
Her heart clenched.
She had been failing her.
All those missed dates. All those nights Arianne waited. All those times Celine promised—and broke them anyway.
And yet, Arianne still held her like this.
Like nothing had changed.
Like she still believed in Celine.
Celine bit her lip, feeling the guilt settle in her chest. She didn’t deserve this kind of patience.
She didn’t deserve her.
Lost in thought, her fingers continued moving, **absently drawing along Arianne’s skin—**until Arianne shifted.
A small hum escaped Arianne’s lips, her brows furrowing slightly before her eyes fluttered open, hazy with sleep.
She squinted up at Celine, then sighed. "Stop thinking so much."
Celine blinked. "I’m not—"
Arianne groaned, burying her face against Celine’s chest. "Liar."
Celine chuckled softly, her fingers threading through Arianne’s hair. "I just… I don’t know. I feel bad."
Arianne sighed again, this time softer. "You always do."
Celine swallowed. "Because I always mess up."
At that, Arianne lifted her head, blinking slowly at Celine.
Then, she smiled. Sleepy. Gentle. Loving.
"And yet… I’m still here."
Celine felt something in her chest tighten.
Arianne tucked a strand of hair behind Celine’s ear. "You’re not perfect, mahal. I know that. But I also know how hard you try."
Celine didn’t know what to say. How could she still be so forgiving?
She reached out, cupping Arianne’s face.
"I don’t deserve you."
Arianne rolled her eyes, but her smile stayed. "Too bad. You’re stuck with me."
Arianne murmured, her voice hushed but teasing, "Siguro ginayuma mo ko no?"
Celine blinked. Then, she burst out laughing.
Arianne grumbled, swatting weakly at her. "Totoo naman! Kahit ilang beses mo akong paasahin sa date, kahit ilang beses mo akong iwan sa condo nang gutom—mahal pa rin kita. Hindi ba ‘yan epekto ng gayuma?"
Celine, still grinning, tilted Arianne’s chin up and pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead.
Then, with all the smugness in the world, she whispered, "Anong gayuma? Kahit buhusan kita ng isang kilong asin ngayon, walang talab ‘yan—mahal mo lang talaga ako."
Arianne scoffed, rolling her eyes, but the way she melted in Celine’s arms said otherwise.
Celine chuckled again, pulling Arianne impossibly closer, "Sorry ulit, mahal."
Arianne sighed, a small smile tugging at her lips.
Celine smirked, brushing her nose against Arianne’s temple. "Bukas, next week, next month—habang buhay, babawi ako."
Arianne didn’t reply. She just smiled.
Celine let out a small laugh, then, before she could think too much, she pulled Arianne closer.
No words. Just warmth.
Arianne sighed against her, relaxing.
And for the first time in a while, Celine let herself feel it.
The happiness. The comfort.
The love.
She kissed the top of Arianne’s head, whispered a quiet, "Goodnight," and finally, finally, let herself sleep.