Chapter 30
Flashback —
Chapter 13
The backstage was buzzing with excitement. Their performance slot was still a couple of hours away, and the girls of LUMINA sat in their dressing room, chatting and stretching.
The door opened, and Celine walked in carrying multiple paper bags filled with drinks and snacks.
“Wow, ang daming food!” Maeve commented, stretching her legs while eyeing the bags.
Sasha grinned and teased, “Grabe, Celine! Nagpapalakas ka ba sa amin?”
Celine just chuckled, brushing her hair behind her ear. “Para hindi kayo magutom,” she said casually.
Mavis, sitting on the floor and fixing her shoelaces, looked up and smiled. “Uy, ang thoughtful mo naman.”
But Maeve noticed something.
As Sasha reached for one of the drinks — a Choco Barley Frappe — Celine quickly snatched it before anyone else could touch it. Her movements were smooth, casual, but too fast for it to be coincidence.
Maeve’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly.
Celine kneeled down, offering the Choco Barley Frappe directly to Arianne.
“Drink this, mahal. We’ll talk later.”
Arianne froze for half a second. Her breath hitched, eyes flickering toward Maeve — checking if anyone had caught that.
But Maeve simply smiled.
Pretending not to notice.
Choco Barley.
Arianne’s favorite.
Celine knew.
Maeve shook her head slightly, masking her realization with a small chuckle.
Arianne’s hands trembled faintly as she took the drink, murmuring, “Thanks, Celine…”
Celine just gave her that soft smile — one that wasn’t for fans, wasn’t for cameras.
Something more intimate.
Something only meant for one person.
Maeve’s mind started putting all the puzzle pieces together.
Hours later, after their powerful stage performance, the adrenaline was still high. The MC came back onto the stage as the girls stood in line, catching their breath.
“Wow! That was incredible! Let’s give another round of applause for LUMINA!”
The audience roared, lightsticks waving wildly.
Maeve took the mic, still panting but grinning ear-to-ear. “It’s always a pleasure performing in front of all of you! You give us so much energy. We love you!”
The screams grew louder.
Mavis stepped forward. “Thank you for always supporting us! We hope you enjoyed tonight’s stage!”
Then it was Sasha’s turn.
But before she could even speak —
The LED screen behind them suddenly flashed a close-up of two members.
Maeve and Arianne.
The arena exploded into excited shrieks.
The camera lingered on them a little longer than expected.
Maeve quickly glanced at Celine, who was standing discreetly in the crowd with the staff.
Just for a second —
Celine’s smile faltered.
Maeve’s heart almost laughed.
Gotcha.
Without missing a beat, Maeve tilted her head to rest gently on Arianne’s shoulder, her expression playful, but her eyes were sharp — still watching Celine.
And Celine?
Her eyes darkened.
Her jaw clenched.
Maeve smirked.
Everything clicked.
###
Chapter 14
The hotel function room was filled with soft jazz music, the clinking of glasses, and the steady murmur of conversation.
Celine sat at the end of the long table, politely listening to the director, her manager, and Mavis’ manager talk endlessly about the upcoming premiere night.
They discussed strategies, media appearances, and the fanservice they expected from her and Mavis as a love team.
Celine’s eyes kept drifting toward her phone.
9:36 PM.
She tapped the screen anxiously.
She’d promised Arianne she’d be home by 10 PM.
She’d promised.
Laughter echoed around her. Glasses of wine and whiskey clinked.
But her own glass sat untouched.
Mavis noticed.
Leaning back in her chair, Mavis swirled the whiskey lazily in her glass and raised an eyebrow.
“Celine, don’t be such a killjoy. Just one shot.”
Celine forced a smile, polite but distant.
“I can’t. I have dinner plans.”
Mavis pouted dramatically, tilting her head with a teasing smile.
“With who? Your manager? Your dog?”
Everyone at the table laughed.
But Mavis’s eyes… they were studying her.
Celine kept glancing at her phone.
Mavis wasn’t stupid.
She could tell.
Celine was updating someone. Constantly checking, constantly worried about time.
Mavis didn’t know who that someone was — but she could feel it.
And it stung. Because from the moment they first paired up as a love team, she already liked Celine.
She tried to drown that feeling in work, in professionalism.
But tonight…
The alcohol gave her permission to be reckless.
Mavis, pretending to sway a little, closed the space between them. She leaned her forehead on Celine’s shoulder.
Celine stiffened instantly.
“You’re tipsy na,” Celine muttered, gently placing a hand on Mavis’s back to steady her. “Umuwi ka na, Mavis.”
Mavis giggled softly, her breath warm against Celine’s neck.
“No, I’m not…”
She lifted her head.
Her face was too close — their noses barely inches apart.
Her gaze was soft… longing.
“Are you sure you don’t want to drink with me?”
Celine’s jaw clenched.
9:58 PM.
She exhaled heavily, frustrated.
“Mavis… I really need to go.”
But the meeting dragged on and on.
Mavis’s manager asked more questions.
The director proposed more PR angles.
By the time it finally ended, it was past 11 PM.
Celine rubbed her temples, exhausted and worried.
She missed Arianne’s texts.
Missed their dinner.
She stood up to leave, but then she saw Mavis — wobbling slightly, clinging onto the table.
“Shit naman, Mavis…” Celine muttered under her breath.
Everyone else was too drunk to help.
With a sigh, she walked over, gently wrapping Mavis’s arm around her shoulder.
“C’mon. I’ll take you home.”
Mavis nodded, her head resting on Celine’s shoulder again as they walked toward the parking lot.
“You’re too good to me,” Mavis mumbled, acting drunk — but her eyes were sharp when Celine wasn’t looking.
Celine helped her into the passenger seat and closed the door with a soft sigh.
Then, as she started the engine and focused on the road —
Mavis turned her head toward the window and smiled.
A small, secret smile.
One full of hope… and quiet heartbreak.
Because tonight, she confirmed it.
Celine was rushing home to someone else.
And she hated that it hurt so much.
###
Chapter 15
The grand lights of the premiere night illuminated the entire venue, casting a dazzling glow over the red carpet. Fans screamed from behind barricades, holding banners with Celine and Mavis’ names. The cameras flashed relentlessly. The energy was electric — a night meant for celebration.
But for Arianne, it was beginning to feel suffocating.
She watched from a distance as reporters surrounded Celine and Mavis, the media practically eating up their chemistry.
“Celine! Mavis! You two have been gaining a lot of attention as a love team. Can you share with us how close you’ve become behind the scenes?”
Mavis let out a soft giggle, that familiar playful glint in her eyes.
“Sobrang close na namin ni Celine,” she teased, turning to Celine with a lingering gaze that almost dared her to react.
Celine stiffened.
“Oh? How close exactly?” the reporter prodded, grinning.
And then — Mavis leaned her head on Celine’s shoulder, her smile widening as if savoring the moment.
“To the point na hinatid niya ako pauwi kasi tipsy… No, I mean, since the day we had a meeting para mag-prepare sa premiere night, we all got drunk so ayun… medyo tipsy ako nung isang gabi.”
A small collective gasp and laughter rippled through the press.
But Mavis wasn’t saying that for the fans.
She was watching. Waiting.
Hoping to see who would flinch.
Who Celine would protect.
Arianne’s heart clenched — but she didn’t move. Didn’t react. She had perfected the art of staying composed in public.
But Maeve noticed.
She caught the subtle shift — the way Arianne’s posture straightened, the chill in her expression.
“You okay?” Maeve murmured, leaning in just enough for only Arianne to hear.
Arianne inhaled slowly, forcing calm into her voice.
“Yeah.”
But Maeve wasn’t convinced.
Because she knew. She knew everything about Celine and Arianne.
A few minutes later, Arianne excused herself.
Maeve’s eyes followed her as she disappeared toward the valet area.
Arianne stood there, arms crossed tightly, her back to the building, head slightly bowed.
Inside, Mavis watched her leave.
She followed shortly after, stepping outside — but couldn’t see her.
As she turned to head back in, she froze.
A familiar voice drifted from around the corner.
“I wanted to check on you,” Celine’s soft voice admitted. “You left all of a sudden.”
“What did you expect me to do?” Arianne’s voice cracked just slightly — dry and bitter, masking hurt with sarcasm.
“Arianne, it wasn’t—”
“You drove her home,” Arianne cut in, firm but heartbreakingly quiet.
“You never told me,” Arianne continued. Her voice was steady, but her eyes glistened as she tilted her head slightly.
“You didn’t even mention it. And then I find out like this? In front of everyone?”
“It wasn’t like that—”
“Then what was it like?”
“I had no choice. Everyone was drunk. I was the only one sober. I just wanted to make sure she got home safe, and then I—”
“You promised me, Celine.”
“You promised we’d have dinner that night. I waited for you.” Arianne’s voice wavered, her composure cracking just enough to show the pain. “I stayed up, hoping you’d come, even when I knew I was being stupid for believing it.”
“Arianne…” Celine stepped forward, reaching out —
Suddenly, from the corner of her eye, Maeve spotted someone approaching.
Sasha.
Maeve quickly straightened and called out, “Sash!”
The girl stopped mid-step.
Maeve forced a smile.
“Pwede mo ba ko samahan sa CR? Bigla kasing sumakit yung tiyan ko eh”
Sasha blinked, confused but nodded, turning back.
Maeve exhaled. She couldn’t risk this scene being seen by anyone else.
When Arianne returned to the main hall, Maeve noticed immediately. “Wait”, she stopped Sasha “okay na pala”
As the movie played…
A soft sob broke the silence.
Maeve gently reached over, her hand brushing Arianne’s.
“You okay?” she whispered.
Arianne blinked back tears and forced a small smile.
“Yeah.”
Maeve didn’t push.
But inside… she wanted to warn her.
She wanted to tell her: Be careful. Celine will always have parts of her world you can’t touch.
But she couldn’t stop her.
She could only sit beside her…
And silently hurt with her.
###
Chapter 16
Maeve knew something was off. Arianne was quieter than usual, her smiles more forced, her laughter just a little too delayed. The aftermath of the premiere night still lingered in her eyes — even if she tried to hide it. Maeve wanted to ask her out for fresh air or coffee, just to cheer her up. But out of respect for whatever was between Arianne and Celine, she held back.
Instead, she asked the whole group out.
Luckily, Arianne agreed.
As they sat around, Sasha noticed Arianne’s drifting attention and quickly jumped in.
"Anyway! Back to the comeback — our stylist said we’ll be wearing all-black ensembles for the MV shoot. Arianne, you’re gonna love it."
Arianne blinked, pulled out of her thoughts. "Oh?"
Sasha grinned. "Sleek and powerful. Very ‘no-nonsense leader’ vibes."
Arianne chuckled softly, forcing herself back to the present. She wouldn’t drown in thoughts of Celine tonight. Not again.
Later that night, under the soft streetlights near their dorm entrance, they all began to part ways. Maeve turned to them, adjusting the strap of her bag.
"Alright, I’m heading off," she said casually — but then she surprised everyone by pulling Arianne into a hug.
Arianne blinked but slowly wrapped her arms around her. Maeve wasn’t usually this affectionate.
"Take care, okay?" Maeve whispered quietly enough that only Arianne could hear.
Arianne smiled gently. "You too."
From the side, Sasha gasped dramatically. "Luh! Bakit si Arianne lang may hug?" she whined, crossing her arms. "Wala man lang sa amin?"
Maeve rolled her eyes. "Kayo kasi, di niyo deserve."
Sasha clutched her chest. "Grabe ka. Ang sakit nun."
They all laughed, but Maeve’s gaze lingered on Arianne a moment longer. Please, be okay, she thought.
—
Mavis was walking through the hallway, heading toward their practice room when she heard voices from a room slightly ajar. Curiosity got the better of her. She took a step closer.
Inside —
"Celine… baka may makakita," Arianne whispered shakily.
"Edi may makakita," Celine shot back stubbornly, arms still wrapped around Arianne’s waist.
There was a beat of silence.
"Gusto mo ba si Maeve ang makita nilang nakayakap sayo?"
Maeve, who had unintentionally overheard the conversation, covered her mouth to stifle a laugh. So this is how Celine gets jealous? She smiled softly and slowly closed the door, shaking her head. Haay… these two. Hindi nag-iingat.
—
Meanwhile…
Mavis was looking for the rest of her members — Sasha, Maeve, and Arianne. Just as she reached the door where she thought they might be, she heard another voice inside.
"Fine… pero may isang condition," Celine’s playful voice said.
"Ano na naman?" Arianne asked with suspicion.
"Kiss muna."
Mavis’s eyes widened.
"No!" Arianne’s voice came quickly. "May makakakita!"
"Tayong dalawa lang dito," Celine teased.
"Celine—"
"Mahal, dali na—"
"Celine. No."
"Celine. Yes."
Mavis bit her lip
"Ayan na!"
These two! Seriously?!
Just then, two staff members came walking toward the door. Mavis panicked and quickly knocked. She opened the door slowly —
And saw Arianne pushing Celine’s face away while Celine pouted in defeat.
Mavis blinked.
"…Am I interrupting something?"
"Nope," Arianne answered way too fast.
"Actually, yes—" Celine began, but Arianne immediately stepped on her foot.
Celine yelped in pain.
Arianne shot her a sharp look.
"Fine. Wala," Celine grumbled.
Mavis raised a brow but didn’t press.
"Alright… our coach is looking for you, Arianne."
"Got it," Arianne nodded quickly.
Mavis gave Celine a knowing look and a polite smile before walking off with the staff.
Her heart was pounding.
Celine and Arianne, huh…?
She’s the one Celine loves? The one she protects? The one she chooses…?
Mavis pressed a hand to her chest, letting out a breathless pain.
Wow… lucky girl.
###
Chapter 17
The event finally ended. Fans roared with excitement as the hosts wrapped up, and artists slowly began making their way backstage.
Celine stepped off the stage, grabbing a bottle of water from a staff member. She downed it in one go, trying to cool down both her body and her nerves.
Mavis, still riding the high of their performance, nudged her with a wide grin. "We killed it out there, right?"
Celine smirked. "Yeah. We did."
Mavis winked teasingly. "Told you... bagay ka sa ganito. Imagine if we had more dance scenes together?"
Maeve, standing nearby, immediately noticed the subtle flicker in Arianne’s eyes at Mavis’s comment. She bit back a smile. So... Arianne heard that, huh?
Instead of reacting, Maeve smoothly handed a bottle of water to Arianne.
Arianne, still catching her breath, smiled and took it. “Thanks.”
Maeve chuckled lightly. “Grabe, ang lakas ng sigawan kanina. Hindi ka ba nabulag sa ilaw o nahilo sa lakas ng bass?”
Arianne let out a soft laugh, twisting the cap open. “A little. Pero sanay na.”
Maeve tilted her head, studying her. Then, with a playful spark in her eyes, she added, “That was fun, though. Maybe we should dance together next time.”
She said it just loud enough for Celine to hear.
Maeve didn’t even have to look. She could already feel Celine’s eyes burning holes into her back.
Three… two… one...
Right on cue—
“Arianne.”
Celine’s voice rang out, a little too loud, making both Arianne and Maeve glance up.
Arianne blinked in surprise. “Celine—”
Celine tilted her head, her tone dripping with casual sweetness. “Sa Timog ka, ‘di ba?”
Arianne blinked, caught off guard. “Uh... oo?”
Celine smiled, still syrupy sweet. “Sabay ka na sa’kin.”
Maeve raised an eyebrow. “Why?” she asked, playing innocent.
Celine met Maeve’s gaze with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Malapit ako don,” she said smoothly before looking back at Arianne. “Pwede ka sumabay sa’kin, right, Arianne?”
Arianne swallowed, feeling Celine’s presence right beside her — warm, steady, but definitely territorial.
“A-ahh... yeah...” Arianne nodded quickly, flustered. “Of course.”
Maeve chuckled softly to herself, shaking her head like she finally confirmed something. “Sige, sige. Enjoy the ride then,” she teased, glancing between the two.
As Celine took Arianne’s bag for her without another word, Maeve turned away, laughing to herself.
Alright, Celine… relax. She’s yours, she thought. But damn, ang cute mo mag-selos.
###
Chapter 18
Mavis, completely unaware of the storm brewing in Celine’s head, clasped her hands together eagerly.
"Since we have some free time... why don’t we go for a walk? Fans will love it if they see us out together. We can grab coffee or something."
Celine hesitated for half a second.
Her mind was elsewhere — or more specifically, on someone else.
But after a breath, she nodded. "Sure."
As Mavis excitedly turned to their managers to plan the short outing, Celine quickly slid her phone out of her pocket, her thumbs flying over the screen:
Just as she tucked her phone away, Mavis turned back to her, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Texting someone special?"
Celine kept her face unreadable, eyes hidden behind her sunglasses. "Just updating someone."
Mavis hummed, though the playful glint in her eyes dimmed slightly. "Must be important."
Celine didn’t answer.
Instead, she adjusted her cap and followed as they stepped out of the studio, their managers and staff trailing behind them.
Mavis linked her arm around Celine’s lightly, tugging her wrist with a soft smile. "Let’s get coffee. Make it look like a casual hangout."
But in her heart, it wasn’t just for show.
Haay, Celine... paano ba kita magiging akin?
Celine gave a small nod, but her mind was elsewhere.
At the coffee shop, Mavis placed their orders while Celine scanned the menu halfheartedly — one hand on her phone, refreshing her messages.
Still nothing from Arianne.
Mavis noticed.
She forced a smile, nudging Celine’s side. "Checking if your ‘someone special’ replied?"
Celine didn’t flinch. "Just deciding on my order."
"Right..." Mavis chuckled softly, but it didn’t reach her eyes.
She sat down across from Celine, watching the small smile that tugged on her lips when she finally saw a notification light up on her phone.
Mavis’s heart ached.
Ang sakit pala… makita na hindi ikaw yung dahilan ng ngiti nila.
But instead of saying anything, Mavis simply sipped her coffee, swallowing the lump in her throat.
And in that moment, she realized —
She could stand beside Celine a thousand times…
But Celine would always be looking for someone else.
###
Chapter 19
The Lumina podcast studio felt warm and intimate, the soft glow of the lights wrapping the room in a cozy atmosphere. A plush couch sat at the center, with a round coffee table between them and two high-quality microphones perfectly adjusted for a comfortable, candid conversation.
Mavis and Sasha sat across from the host, both looking relaxed — but beneath Mavis’s composed smile, her heart was quietly racing.
The host, known for her playful but insightful interviews, grinned brightly.
“Welcome to another episode of Lumina! Today, we’re joined by two very special guests — Sasha and Mavis! And we’re diving straight into something juicy: How do you know if you’re in love?”
The energy in the room shifted — light, teasing, but with a current of curiosity beneath it.
The host leaned in.
“Alright, real talk… Mavis, have you ever been in love?”
The question hung in the air.
Mavis swallowed softly, her fingers nervously toying with the hem of her sleeve.
Then, she gave a small nod.
“Yeah.”
Sasha blinked, her playful smirk turning into genuine surprise. “Ngayon?”
Mavis hesitated for the briefest moment. Her heart clenched — because the answer was both simple and impossibly complicated.
“…Yeah,” she finally admitted, a small smile tugging at her lips.
Sasha and the host exchanged a look, both leaning in with excitement.
“Oh? So sino?”
Mavis shook her head immediately, laughing a little too quickly.
“Ay, ‘wag niyo na akong i-reveal dito! Baka may manggulo.”
Sasha gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her heart.
“Omg! So confirmed — may someone na talaga?”
Mavis could only laugh, trying to brush it off.
“Ano ba! Baka kung ano na isipin ng mga tao.”
But the host wasn’t about to let it slide. Her voice softened, sincere.
“Pero, seryoso, Mavis… this person — alam niya ba?”
Mavis froze for a second. She looked down at her lap, lips pressed tightly together. Her mind was screaming with thoughts she couldn’t say out loud.
Celine… sana alam mo.
Pero imposible…
Your heart beats for someone else.
And worst of all?
It’s my friend.
My group member.
It’s Arianne.
She lifted her head slowly, her expression gentler than before — but her eyes held a quiet ache.
“Ewan ko…” she whispered. “Pero… kung pinapakinggan niya ‘to… sana alam niya.”
There was a soft pause.
Sasha didn’t tease this time. She only reached out, giving Mavis’s hand a small squeeze under the table.
And for a moment, Mavis allowed herself to close her eyes and wish —
Even if it hurt.
Even if it would never be returned.
###
Chapter 20
Mavis walked along the quiet streets, her sunglasses, mask, and cap shielding her identity. She told herself she just needed air — that she only wanted to clear her mind.
But her steps slowed as she passed a small, tucked-away café. Her heart stilled.
She stopped, carefully peeking from behind a parked car.
There they were.
Celine and Arianne.
Sitting across from each other, laughing softly, their movements natural and in sync — as if they belonged in each other’s world without even trying.
Mavis felt that familiar pinch in her chest again, the kind that squeezed her heart tighter every time she tried to ignore it.
You knew this… but why does it still hurt like hell?
Without thinking, she pulled out her phone and snapped a photo of the scene — freezing that bittersweet moment she could never have for herself.
She was about to take another one, her hand trembling slightly, when —
Snatch!
Her phone was gone.
Mavis gasped and turned.
Maeve stood there, holding her phone with a sharp, unreadable expression.
“What are you trying to do, Mavis?” Maeve asked quietly, but there was weight in her tone.
Mavis’s breath caught in her throat. She grabbed her phone back quickly.
“None of your business, Maeve,” she muttered, turning to walk away.
But Maeve didn’t let her go that easily.
She followed, matching Mavis’s steps.
“Kahit ano pa binabalak mo… wag mo na ituloy.” Maeve’s voice was low, firm, protective — not just for Celine and Arianne, but for Mavis too.
Mavis didn’t answer. Her heart raced painfully fast, her steps quickening.
But before she could fully leave, she glanced back one more time…
There they were — Celine reaching across the table to fix a loose strand of Arianne’s hair, and Arianne smiling like she felt safe, like she was home.
Mavis bit her lip hard, forcing down the tears that threatened to fall.
You’ll never be part of that picture.
Maeve watched Mavis silently, her own heart heavy — knowing exactly what Mavis felt, but also knowing she couldn’t let Mavis spiral further.
###
Chapter 28
The night was heavy with silence, only the distant city noise humming in the background.
Mavis stood in front of Celine, her heart pounding so loud she could barely hear her own voice.
"Celine… mahal kita."
Celine closed her eyes, breathing deeply, trying to steady herself. Her heart twisted painfully for Mavis — but not in the way Mavis wanted.
She opened her eyes, her gaze firm, sharp, almost cutting.
"Mavis… magtira ka ng awa para sa sarili mo."
Mavis flinched. Her hands slowly dropped, her hope slipping with them.
But just as Celine turned around to leave —
Mavis lunged forward, wrapping her arms tightly around Celine from behind.
A desperate, trembling back hug. "Please… wag kang umalis… kahit ngayong gabi lang… ako naman, Celine… ako naman."
Celine bit her lip, holding back tears of her own. Her hands shook as she gently pried Mavis’s arms from her waist.
She turned around, meeting Mavis’s broken gaze with cold but pained eyes.
"I’m sorry, Mavis… pero hindi si Arianne."
And then she walked away — fast, without looking back, not knowing where she was going — only knowing she needed to get away from the suffocating weight of guilt and heartbreak.
Mavis stood frozen for a second, then…
Her breath hitched.
She crumbled to her knees.
Tears spilled uncontrollably.
She broke — sobbing, gasping, her body shaking.
She pressed her hands to her face but couldn’t stop the sound from escaping her lips — loud, aching cries echoing in the night.
Finally, barely breathing, she stumbled into her car.
She threw her phone onto the passenger seat, her mind blank.
And then, with trembling fingers, she grabbed it… Opened her gallery…
She stared at the photo she secretly took of Celine and Arianne — laughing, close, perfect together.
Before she could stop herself — her heart heavy, her mind clouded by pain — she posted the picture.
No caption.
She threw her phone to the side, breathing hard, tears still falling.
But after a minute… her eyes widened.
What did I just do?
Her hand shot out, grabbing her phone again, panic rising.
She deleted the post in a rush.
But…
Notifications popped up.
Someone had already taken a screenshot.
No… no, no, no…
She slammed her palm hard against the steering wheel, the sound of the horn blaring for a second.
"AAAAAHHHHHHH!!!"
Her scream filled the small space, her chest tightening until it hurt to breathe.
I know Celine didn’t love me… but I didn’t want to hurt her…
I’m not that kind of person…
But it was too late.
The damage was done.