Chapter 25
In Jaime’s condo, Skylar stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the straps of her black, skin-tight crop top. She matched it with high-waisted leather shorts, her long legs accentuated by the heels she was about to put on.
She was effortlessly stunning. And Jamie hated it.
Jamie, sitting on the edge of the table, folded her arms and let out an exaggerated sigh. "Babe, too much skin," she pouted, her lips slightly pushing forward.
Skylar caught Jamie’s reflection in the mirror and smirked. "Need to, babe. It’s part of the shoot."
Jamie huffed. "It’s not fair. Why do you get to look that good and make everyone suffer?"
Skylar turned around, walking up to Jamie with slow, deliberate steps. She placed her hands on Jamie’s thighs, leaning in close. Their faces were barely inches apart. "So, you’re suffering?" she whispered, teasing.
Jamie gulped. "Obviously."
Instead of answering, Skylar tilted her head slightly and kissed Jamie—slow, deep, intoxicating. “Part lang to ng Job, okay?”
Jamie’s arms immediately wrapped around Skylar’s waist, pulling her in until their bodies were flush against each other. As the kiss deepened, Jamie’s hands started to wander, slipping under Skylar’s top, fingers grazing warm skin. Skylar shivered at the touch but suddenly pulled away, grabbing Jamie’s hands before they could go any further.
Skylar smirked. "I need to go."
Jamie groaned, "Skylar, don’t do this to me."
Skylar winked, stepping back just enough so Jamie’s hands naturally fell away. "I'll make it up to you later." She turned around, grabbing her coat, leaving Jamie sitting there—frustrated, longing, and completely at her mercy.
Jamie exhaled sharply, running a hand through her hair. "You're going to kill me one day."
Skylar blew her a kiss as she walked out. "You love it."
And Jamie did.
While Jamie was left sulking over Skylar’s teasing exit, another pair in the another condo was caught in their own quiet storm.
Sasha was sprawled out on the couch, scrolling through her phone, but her mind wasn’t on social media. Every few seconds, she glanced toward Gale, who was standing by the window, sipping on her iced coffee like she wasn’t being watched.
Gale had always been effortlessly cool—too cool, actually. She never let things get to her, never showed more emotion than necessary. But Sasha had been around her long enough to notice the little cracks in her demeanor.
A pair of arms wrapped around her waist from behind, and she felt Sasha’s chin rest on her shoulder.
“Anong problema, bebe?” Sasha murmured, her voice soft and warm against Gale’s ear.
Gale smiled a little, shaking her head. “Nothing.”
Sasha pouted against her skin, tightening her hold. “Liar. I know when something’s on your mind.”
Gale exhaled deeply, tilting her head slightly toward Sasha. “Bebe, what if…”
Sasha hummed, waiting. “What if what?”
Gale hesitated for a moment, carefully choosing her words. “What if Mavis and Celine won’t end up together? Alam mo ‘yun… love team sila, people ship them, pero what if isa sa kanila may nararamdaman pero ‘yung isa may iba nang mahal?”
Sasha pulled back slightly and blinked. “Ha?” She tilted her head, thinking. “Sino naman?”
Gale gave her a knowing look.
Sasha’s eyes widened a little, then narrowed in thought. “If may mahuhulog, siguro si ate Mavis ‘yon… I mean, I know she likes Celine. Alam mo naman ‘yun, diba?”
Gale didn’t respond right away. She just stared at Sasha, absorbing her words. It wasn’t a secret that Mavis was close to Celine, but the way Sasha said it—so sure—made her uneasy. Gale was only asking because she was worried about Celine and Arianne, but she couldn’t bring herself to tell Sasha the truth. It wasn’t her story to tell.
Instead, she turned the question around. “Bebe, paano kung tayo naman?”
Sasha raised a brow. “Anong tayo?”
Gale turned to face her fully now, their bodies close. “Paano natin ipo-public ‘to?”
Sasha’s expression softened. “Gusto mo na ba?”
Gale hesitated. “I mean… hindi ko naman sinasabing ngayon, pero…” She sighed, running a hand through her hair. “Paano kung dumating din tayo sa point na kailangan nating mamili—career or ‘to?”
Sasha cupped Gale’s face gently. “Alam mo, hindi kita pipilitin, pero gusto ko lang malaman mo… kahit anong piliin mo, nasa likod mo lang ako.”
Gale exhaled, leaning into her touch. “Ikaw talaga…”
Sasha smirked. “Mahal mo kasi ako.”
Gale rolled her eyes but smiled. “Feelingera.”
Sasha leaned in, their noses brushing. “Bebe, I’m serious. Whatever happens, we figure it out together, okay?”
Gale nodded, wrapping her arms around Sasha’s waist. “Okay.”
Sasha grinned and pulled Gale in for a slow, deep kiss, letting their worries fade—at least for now.
###
Celine sighed, rolling her shoulders as she prepared herself to face the camera. The flashing lights, the crew bustling around, the stylists adjusting their outfits—it was routine at this point. But no matter how many times she and Mavis did these photoshoots together, there was always this lingering weight in her chest.
Mavis, on the other hand, was her usual self—smiling, laughing, full of energy. She was always like this, effortlessly playing the part of the perfect on-screen partner.
The first set of photos was formal. Their outfits were sleek and elegant—Celine in a tailored white suit, Mavis in a sophisticated black dress. They looked like a power couple.
“Alright, let’s go for something sweet now,” the photographer instructed. “Closer, make it feel intimate.”
Mavis, without hesitation, reached for Celine’s waist and pulled her in. Celine stiffened slightly at the unexpected proximity, but she quickly recovered, adjusting her expression into something softer, more affectionate.
Mavis tilted her head, smiling at her. “Relax ka lang, forte ko to.” She teased, the word rolling off her tongue smoothly.
Celine’s lips parted slightly, but she didn’t say anything. She just played along, letting Mavis take the lead.
Click. Click. Click.
The shots looked perfect—like a real couple in love.
Another Set
For the next concept, the photographer had a new idea. “One of you should sit, the other should stand. We want contrast but still intimate.”
Celine took the seat, her long legs crossed elegantly, while Mavis stood beside her, one hand resting on Celine’s shoulder. The positioning emphasized their features—Celine’s sharp, refined elegance against Mavis’s soft but confident glow.
The photographer nodded approvingly. “Gorgeous. Now, let’s add some chemistry.”
Mavis chuckled, already sensing where this was going.
“We want something playful. Celine, look shocked. Mavis, tease her. Make it look natural,” the photographer instructed. “Gawan niyo ng posing, go!”
Mavis let out a laugh, then, without warning, sat right on Celine’s lap.
Celine’s eyes widened slightly—whether it was from the sudden weight or the sheer boldness of the move, she wasn’t sure. Mavis, always one for theatrics, leaned in, closing the space between them. Their faces were mere inches apart now.
Mavis tilted her head as if she was about to kiss Celine.
Click. Click. Click.
“Perfect!” the photographer exclaimed.
Celine swallowed hard, maintaining her composure. She could already hear the buzz on social media once these photos dropped.
Mavis smirked, whispering so only Celine could hear, “Nagulat ka ba?”
Celine exhaled through her nose, forcing a small smile. “You wish.”
But deep down, her thoughts were elsewhere—wondering if Arianne had seen this. Wondering how she would feel.
The photoshoot wrapped up smoothly, with the production team buzzing around, checking the shots and preparing to wrap things up. Celine exhaled, running a hand through her hair as she stepped away from the lights. She should be used to this by now—the cameras, the staged chemistry, the fan service—but today, something felt off.
She wasn’t in the mood.
Mavis, who had been effortlessly charming throughout the shoot, noticed the subtle shift in Celine’s energy. She wasn’t as talkative, her smiles didn’t reach her eyes, and she kept checking her phone—probably looking for something, or someone.
Instead of letting Celine disappear into her own world, Mavis casually linked their arms together, pulling her toward a quieter corner of the studio.
“Tara, kape?” Mavis suggested, nodding toward the lounge area where a coffee machine sat in the corner.
Celine blinked, about to protest, but Mavis was already dragging her along. “Kahit ayaw mo, sumama ka na. Mukha kang kailangan mo ng pampagising,” she teased.
Celine sighed but allowed herself to be pulled. When they reached the lounge, Mavis gestured for her to sit while she prepared two cups of coffee.
Mavis plopped down on the chair across from her, sliding one cup toward Celine. “Ayan, inumin mo ‘yan. Pampatanggal ng bad vibes.”
Celine stared at her for a moment before letting out a soft chuckle. “Libre mo ba to? Anong meron?”
Mavis grinned. “Kasi alam kong may topak ka today.”
Celine smirked, stirring her coffee. “Wala akong topak.”
“Talaga?” Mavis raised an eyebrow. “Kanina pa kita tinitingnan, wala kaba sa mood?”
Celine averted her gaze, taking a sip of her coffee. “Pagod lang.”
Mavis studied Celine’s expression, her eyes scanning for any sign that she had successfully lifted the heavy mood. Celine was still quiet, her fingers absently tapping the side of her coffee cup. Mavis sighed dramatically, leaning back in her chair.
"Okay, since tahimik ka today, may kwento ako,” Mavis declared, her lips curving into a mischievous smirk.
Celine arched an eyebrow.
Mavis ignored her and clapped her hands together. “So, listen, this happened nung bago pa lang Lumina—yung mga early mall shows namin.”
Celine hummed in acknowledgment but didn’t say anything, so Mavis continued, undeterred.
"May mall show kami noon, tapos sobrang daming tao. Alam mo naman, pa-humble ako, hindi ako sanay sa sobrang daming fans." She smirked, clearly exaggerating.
Celine rolled her eyes, but the corners of her lips twitched slightly.
"Eh ‘di siyempre, may backstage entrance kami para dun kami dadaan bago mag-perform. So ako, chill lang, dala ko bag ko, lakad-lakad papunta backstage. Eh di lumapit ako sa guard, sabi ko, ‘Kuya, performer po ako, papasok na ako.’"
Mavis paused for dramatic effect before raising her hands in mock imitation of the guard. "'Sino ka daw?'"
Celine blinked, and then, despite herself, let out a small chuckle. “Hindi ka nakilala?”
"Girl, hindi!" Mavis exclaimed, her eyes wide with exaggerated offense. "Akala niya siguro fan lang akong nagkakalat dun!"
Celine smirked, shaking her head. "Paano naman? Eh mukha ka naman talagang pasaway."
"Hoy, excuse me! Di ba nga, sabi ko, ‘Kuya, performer po ako. Kasama po ako sa Lumina.’ Tapos alam mo ba anong sagot sa’kin?"
Celine shook her head. "Ano?"
Mavis clenched her fist and dramatically mimicked the guard’s deep voice, "'Hindi pwede, ma’am. Dito lang ang daanan ng performers.'"
Celine’s lips parted in amusement, and Mavis immediately leaned forward, eyes gleaming as she continued.
"Tapos sabi ko, ‘Eh kuya, performer nga ako!’ Alam mo bang tinignan niya lang ako mula ulo hanggang paa? Tapos parang gusto niyang matawa?!" Mavis placed a hand on her chest, feigning heartbreak.
Celine chuckled, covering her mouth. “Oh my God, anong ginawa mo?”
Mavis huffed, crossing her arms. “Eh di pinakita ko yung ID and gatepass ko. Jusko to si manong guard, di porket maliit ako’"
At that, Celine burst out laughing. Her shoulders shook as she imagined the scene—Mavis, arms crossed, fuming, while the confused security guard tried to figure out if she was serious or just another persistent fan.
Mavis grinned, proud of herself for getting a genuine laugh out of Celine. “Eh ang gago, ayaw pa rin akong papasukin! Tapos buti na lang dumaan si Sasha, nakita niya ako, at siya pa ang nag-explain sa guard. Sabi niya, ‘Kuya, totoo po, kasama namin ‘yan. Wala lang talagang height!’”
Celine laughed harder, wiping the corner of her eye. "Sasha really had to mention that, huh?"
"Hay naku, wala talagang awa ‘yung Sasha na ‘yan! Pero ang pinaka-malupit? Alam mo bang nung nasa stage na kami, tinuro ako ng guard kay Sasha at tinanong, ‘Sure po kayo kasama ‘yan?’"
Celine nearly choked on her coffee from laughing. She covered her face with her hands, shaking her head. “Seryoso?!”
"Seryoso, girl! At since sobrang kulit ni Sasha, sumagot siya ng, ‘Hmm… medyo.’"
That did it—Celine doubled over, laughing so hard that she had to clutch the table for support. Mavis beamed, watching her. For a moment, she didn’t say anything, just letting Celine enjoy the ridiculousness of the story.
When Celine finally calmed down, wiping her eyes, she let out a deep breath. “Mavis… ikaw na talaga. Paano mo kinakaya sarili mo?”
Mavis shrugged playfully. “Gifted ako, eh.”
Celine smirked, shaking her head. “Gifted ka sa kalokohan.”
Mavis leaned forward, her smirk softening into a small, genuine smile. “Pero, at least, napatawa kita.”
Celine met her gaze, her expression thoughtful before she gave a small nod. “Oo nga.”
Mavis tapped the table. “Mission accomplished.”
For the first time that day, Celine felt the weight on her chest ease just a little. She wasn’t sure how Mavis always managed to do it, but she was grateful.
The streets were still lively despite the evening creeping in, the neon glow of signs and streetlights reflecting on the pavement. The cool breeze brushed against her skin, but instead of the usual comfort it brought, it only made the hollow space in her chest feel more noticeable.
She sighed.
she caught sight of a small shop on the corner of the street—a store selling various bottles, flasks, and tumblers. Her steps slowed, her gaze instinctively landing on the display.
She hadn’t planned to stop, but her feet moved on their own, drawing her toward the storefront.
Mavis frowned. "Uy, Celine? Saan ka pupunta?"
"Wait lang," Celine muttered as she stepped inside.
The store was cozy, shelves neatly arranged with all kinds of tumblers—different sizes, colors, and styles. Her eyes scanned through them until she spotted one in particular. It was a sleek, matte black tumbler—large enough to hold a generous amount of water.
Her fingers brushed against it, and before she could even think about it, her mind instantly went to her.
Arianne.
Celine bit the inside of her cheek.
Arianne was always training, always pushing herself past her limits. And because of that, she always carried a tumbler around, hydrating in between rehearsals. But her old tumbler—Celine had noticed—was starting to look worn out. A few dents, scratches here and there.
A new one would be better.
She picked it up, testing its weight in her hand. It felt sturdy. Perfect.
A small smile ghosted her lips as she imagined Arianne using it—bringing it to training, sipping from it absentmindedly, maybe even glancing at it and remembering her.
Celine exhaled through her nose, shaking her head lightly. Ang tanga mo minsan, Celine.
Mavis suddenly appeared beside her, eyeing the tumbler. "Para kanino ‘yan?"
Celine didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she turned and grabbed another one—this time, a navy blue tumbler for herself.
Mavis just grinned, eyes twinkling. "Dalawa? Baka naman malunod kana sa tubig niyan."
As they stepped out of the store, Celine held the bag a little tighter.
Maybe she wouldn’t say anything when she gave it to Arianne. No explanation, no reason. Just a simple, "Sa’yo na ‘to."
That would be enough. Right?
###
The practice room was eerily quiet except for the low hum of the air conditioning. Maeve and Arianne had arrived first, their bags casually tossed in the corner as they waited for the others to show up.
Maeve was leaning against the mirror, scrolling through her phone, while Arianne stretched her legs out on the wooden floor, lazily leaning back on her hands.
“Antagal nila,” Maeve muttered, exhaling as she locked her phone. “Ano ba ‘tong si Sasha, mukhang may ‘morning routine’ muna kay Gale bago pumasok.” She smirked.
Arianne scoffed, shaking her head. “Hayaan mo na. She needs ‘motivation’ para sa training.”
Maeve chuckled. “Eh tayo? Wala bang motivation?”
Arianne smirked. “Baliw”
“Wow.” Maeve placed a hand on her chest, pretending to be offended. “Cold, Arianne. Ang cold mo talaga.”
Arianne just laughed.
With nothing much to do before practice officially started, Maeve suddenly had an idea. She unlocked her phone, opened her Instagram, and clicked on the story feature. Flipping to the front camera, she positioned herself in front of the massive mirror of the dance hall and pressed record.
“Yo! Good morning, everyone! First ones in the practice room, as always!” Maeve grinned, angling her phone to capture the empty space behind her. “Where is everyone? Psh, late na sila! Tsk, tsk.”
She turned slightly, making sure to capture Arianne in the background.
And then—
BURRRPPP.
A loud burp echoed through the room.
Maeve’s eyes widened before bursting into laughter, nearly dropping her phone. “OH MY GOD! ARI!”
Arianne, realizing what had just happened, let out a horrified gasp. “Tangina—NIRECORD MO!?”
Maeve was laughing so hard she could barely breathe. “YES! YES, I DID!” She clutched her stomach, shaking.
Arianne’s face turned red—not from embarrassment, but from determination.
“MAEVE. DELETE IT.”
“AYOKO!” Maeve cackled and turned to run.
Arianne bolted after her. “PUTANGINA MAEVE—"
Maeve weaved through the dance hall, still recording. “LIVEEE FOOTAGE OF ARIANNE CHASING ME FOR HER LEGENDARY BURP—”
“IBIGAY MO ‘YANG PHONE MO—”
“NEVEEEEER!”
Maeve barely dodged as Arianne lunged at her. She sprinted towards the center of the room, her laughter mixing with Arianne’s frustrated growls.
Just as Arianne was about to corner Maeve, the door swung open.
Mavis entered first, adjusting her hoodie, still looking energized from their earlier photoshoot. “Hoy, ano ba ‘tong—”
And then, behind her—
Celine.
Arianne had just wrapped her arms around Maeve, trying to wrestle the phone from her grip when she felt it—a presence.
She stilled.
Maeve, still laughing, slowed down, her eyes flickering toward the entrance.
Mavis was already watching with a raised eyebrow, but it was Celine’s reaction that made Arianne’s breath hitch.
Celine had stopped mid-step.
Her eyes locked onto them, and in an instant, the slight ease she had from earlier disappeared. Her expression shifted—her brows drawing together, her lips pressing into a thin line.
Maeve noticed the change, sensing the sudden tension crackling in the air.
Arianne had already untangled herself, stepping away from Maeve as if she had been caught doing something she wasn’t supposed to.
Celine’s gaze flickered from Maeve to Arianne. She didn’t say anything, but the weight of her stare said enough.
Arianne swallowed.
Mavis, sensing the shift in mood, let out an exaggerated sigh and clapped her hands. “Okay, ano na? Ganto ba kayo pag walang tao?”
Celine finally moved, walking past them without another word.
Arianne exhaled sharply, turning to Maeve, who only smirked.
"Yari ka." Maeve whispered teasingly.
Arianne bit the inside of her cheek. Yeah. Yari nga ako. But not for Mavis. Celine.
Celine stood near the door, watching as Mavis, Maeve, and Arianne settled into the practice room. She knew she should leave—she had no reason to stay.
She forced a small smile, nodding toward them. “Aalis na ako.”
Mavis, already stretching her arms, waved her off. “Sige, ingat.”
Maeve barely acknowledged her, still too busy recovering from Arianne’s earlier chase.
And Arianne?
Arianne just looked at her.
It wasn’t a long stare—wasn’t even filled with anything dramatic or obvious. But Celine saw it. The way Arianne’s fingers twitched slightly, the way her posture straightened as if stopping herself from moving closer.
Celine smiled.
A small, restrained smile.
Then she turned and stepped outside.
The door shut behind her, cutting off the faint sounds of their conversation. Celine stood there for a moment, her fingers tightening around the strap of her bag.
She sighed.
She had held it together inside, pretending that nothing affected her. That seeing Arianne playfully running around with Maeve meant nothing. That it didn’t gnaw at her chest, making her feel like an outsider in Arianne’s world.
But the moment the door closed, it all came crashing down.
She pulled out her phone, staring at the empty screen.
She could walk away—just head home and pretend she didn’t care. But she did care. Too much.
Her fingers moved before she could stop herself.
Celine:Uuwi na ako.
She stared at the message, hesitating for a second.
Then, without thinking too hard, she typed again.
Celine:Enjoy.
She hit send.
And immediately regretted it.
Not because it was too much, but because it wasn’t enough. It wasn’t what she really wanted to say.
She wanted to say, "I don’t like seeing you that comfortable with someone else."
She wanted to say, "I wanted to stay, but I didn’t know if I could handle it."
She wanted to say, "Did you even notice that I was hurting?"
But instead, all she sent was Enjoy.
Celine sighed, slipping her phone back into her pocket.
She walked away, her footsteps echoing in the quiet hallway.
And as she left the building, she wondered if Arianne would even realize that behind that one word—there was a storm of emotions she could never fully say.
The moment Celine stepped into her house, she felt the weight of the day crash down on her. The silence greeted her first, cold and unwelcoming, a stark contrast to the noise she had just left behind at the practice room.
She walked straight to her room, dropping her bag onto the chair by the window. Her eyes landed on the two tumblers she had bought earlier—one for her, one for Arianne.
A small, bitter chuckle escaped her lips.
What was she even thinking when she bought those? That Arianne would be touched? That it would mean something?
Celine ran a hand through her hair, shaking her head. It was stupid. All of it.
She turned away, leaving the tumblers untouched on the table, and stepped back outside her room.
Her feet led her to the kitchen, where she reached for a glass and filled it with water. She was about to take a sip when her gaze flickered to the side—the alcohol cabinet.
A single bottle of whiskey stood there, almost calling to her.
She knew she shouldn’t.
She had promised.
Arianne told her not to do anything stupid again.
And inviting Jaime over? That would be stupid. She knew how nights with Jaime ended—chaotic, reckless, and out of control. It wasn’t Jaime’s fault; they were just too much alike. When they drank together, everything blurred into impulsive decisions and regrets.
Celine exhaled deeply, gripping the edge of the counter.
Then, as if her body moved on its own, she reached for the bottle.
She unscrewed the cap and poured herself a glass. Just one, she told herself. Just enough to take the edge off.
But as she sat at the kitchen table, staring at the golden liquid in her glass, the quietness of the house started to suffocate her. The absence of her grandmother, who was probably enjoying her time at the rest house, only made the loneliness more apparent.
Celine grabbed her speaker from the counter and connected it to her phone.
Music filled the space—loud, heavy beats that drowned out the silence.
She took a sip. Then another.
Before she knew it, the glass was empty.
She poured herself another.
The first few drinks burned her throat, but eventually, the warmth settled in, numbing everything. The ache in her chest. The frustration in her head. The things she wanted to say but couldn’t.
Her phone vibrated on the table.
She didn’t check it. Instead, she turned it off completely.
She didn’t want to hear from anyone. Not Jaime, not Gale, not even Arianne.
Because if Arianne wasn’t going to chase after her—if Arianne wasn’t going to ask why she left, why she was upset—then what was the point?
So Celine drowned herself in whiskey and music, letting the night swallow her whole.
The hours had blurred together, the dim lighting of the kitchen casting long shadows as the bottle of whiskey sat nearly empty in front of Celine. Only one glass left.
She poured the last of it into her glass, watching the amber liquid swirl before taking a slow sip. The warmth burned down her throat, but at this point, she barely felt it.
She set the empty bottle down and stared at it for a moment, blinking slowly before muttering, “What? Sinong umubos nito?”
Then, she laughed—soft at first, then louder, her voice echoing in the quiet house. “Ako lang naman ‘yung tao dito, ‘di ba?” she murmured, shaking her head in amusement.
Her head felt heavy, her vision slightly unfocused as she pushed back her chair and stood up, swaying a little.
“Hmm…” she hummed to herself as her gaze landed on another unopened bottle of whiskey in the cabinet.
She reached for the bottle, fingers fumbling with the cap, when suddenly, a firm grip stopped her.
“Enough.”
The music, the haze, the drunken bliss—everything came to a screeching halt the moment Celine heard that voice.
Arianne.
She turned slowly, her balance shaky, and met Arianne’s gaze—sharp with anger, but laced with worry.
Arianne let out a sigh, glancing at the loud speaker on the table before walking over and shutting it off. The silence that followed felt deafening.
Celine chuckled, leaning against the counter for support. “Oh? Ikaw pala ‘yan… How’s your day?” she asked, her tone teasing, her words slightly slurred.
Arianne crossed her arms, watching her carefully.
“Did you enjoy Maeve’s company?” Celine cut her off, smirking as she tilted her head.
Arianne’s brows furrowed in confusion. “Ano?”
Celine scoffed. “Come on, Ari… kanina sa practice room, you were laughing, running around with her. Ang saya niyo.” Her lips curled into a bitter smile. “Ang cute niyo nga eh.”
Arianne’s confusion turned into realization. She exhaled sharply, shaking her head. “Celine, lasing ka.”
“So what?” Celine shrugged, turning back toward the unopened bottle.
Just as she reached for the bottle again, Arianne grabbed it from her hands.
Celine blinked, processing what just happened. Then, she let out a breathy laugh. “Oh? You’re stopping me now?”
Arianne tightened her grip on the bottle. “What’s with you?” she asked, voice softer this time. “Anong meron, Celine?”
Celine let out another chuckle, though it sounded more like a sigh. She leaned back against the counter, her hands gripping the edge as she looked at Arianne through hazy eyes.
“Ayokong nagseselos ako.”
The confession hung in the air between them.
Arianne inhaled sharply, her fingers unconsciously tightening around the bottle in her hands.
So that was it.
Celine was jealous.
Arianne swallowed, stepping closer. “Celine…”
But Celine just laughed again, shaking her head. “Ang labo ko ‘no? Ang selfish ko rin, ‘di ba?” She ran a hand through her hair, exhaling shakily. “I know, I know… Maeve is your friend, your member—pero ayoko, Ari.” She looked up, her gaze more vulnerable than before. “Ayokong may ibang taong sobrang lapit sa’yo. Ayokong may ibang taong nagpapatawa sa’yo.”
Arianne stared at her, stunned.
Celine’s emotions were raw, spilling out in a way they never had before.
Arianne took another step closer, her voice gentle. “Celine… Maeve is just my friend. Wala siyang ibang ibig sabihin sa’kin.”
Celine met her eyes, searching them for any sign of a lie. But Arianne had never been one to lie.
Still, Celine let out a bitter chuckle. “Maybe… pero hindi mo nakita yung nakita ko.”
Arianne exhaled, setting the bottle down on the counter. Without another word, she stepped forward and placed a hand on Celine’s wrist.
“Celine,” she said softly, her grip firm but comforting. “Alam kong hindi kita mapipigilan sa kahit anong gusto mong gawin, pero…” She sighed. “Ayokong ganito ka.”
Celine looked down at their hands, her heart pounding in her chest. She wanted to pull away. She wanted to push Arianne away.
But she didn’t.
Instead, she stayed still, letting herself feel the warmth of Arianne’s touch—the only thing grounding her in that moment.
Celine's breath was uneven, her vision blurred from both the alcohol and the weight of her own emotions. She gripped the counter behind her as if it were the only thing keeping her steady. Arianne stood in front of her, watching—waiting for her to speak.
Celine let out a shaky exhale, her fingers clenching. "Alam mo ba kung anong pinakakinaiinisan ko?" she started, her voice hoarse.
Arianne furrowed her brows. "Ano?"
Celine scoffed, shaking her head slightly. "Galit ako kasi kapag tayong dalawa lang, I feel safe. I feel like I have everything I need." She blinked, eyes heavy. "Pero pag nasa trabaho tayo? Pag andiyan yung ibang tao? Bigla akong nagiging outsider. Bigla akong nawawala sa mundo mo."
Arianne's chest tightened at Celine's words.
Celine looked up at her, a bitter smile playing on her lips. "Ang labo ko, ‘no? Ayokong maramdaman ‘to pero andito na eh. Arianne…" She bit her lips, her voice softer now. "You're mine, right?"
Arianne's breath hitched. She felt the weight of Celine’s words, the rawness behind them. Without hesitation, she nodded.
That was all Celine needed.
She reached out, her fingers grazing Arianne’s jaw before tilting her chin up slightly. Then, without another word, she leaned in, pressing her lips against Arianne’s.
Celine pulled back only slightly, her forehead almost touching Arianne’s. Her fingers trailed down to Arianne’s collarbone, her touch burning despite the alcohol numbing her senses.
"It’s mine, right?" Celine whispered, her lips brushing against Arianne’s skin.
Arianne didn't answer—she only stared, breath caught in her throat.
Celine smirked, her intoxicated mind spiraling into something more territorial. She dipped her head lower, placing a soft but lingering kiss on Arianne’s jaw.
"And this?"
Arianne’s hands twitched at her sides, but she still didn’t move away.
Celine’s lips trailed lower, pressing a gentle kiss against the side of Arianne’s neck, her warm breath making Arianne shiver.
"And this?"
Arianne swallowed hard, her hands instinctively resting on Celine’s waist, unsure whether to push her away or pull her closer. Celine was drunk—unfiltered, untamed, and fully showing the emotions she usually kept locked away.
Arianne understood her.
Celine had every right to feel jealous.
They were in a relationship.
Arianne inhaled deeply before finally stopping her, her hands gently gripping Celine’s shoulders. “Celine.”
Celine blinked, dazed, before Arianne reached up, cradling her face and fixing her gaze. "Tumingin ka sa’kin."
Celine’s glassy eyes met Arianne’s steady ones.
Then, before Celine could process what was happening, Arianne leaned in—this time, she was the one kissing Celine.
It was firm yet gentle, not as desperate as Celine’s, but just as meaningful.
Celine felt herself melt, her knees weakening. Her head was spinning, her body heavy, but she still followed Arianne’s lead. Her fingers curled around Arianne’s wrist as she kissed her back, sighing into the warmth that only Arianne could give her.
Arianne slowly pulled away, resting her forehead against Celine’s. "You don’t have to do that. Mapa-in or outside work.. I’m yours."