Teenage Dream
Avara stretched her arms as she walked across campus, the warm afternoon breeze making her eyelids droop lazily. Her last class had ended early, and instead of heading straight home, she pulled out her phone, scrolling aimlessly through messages.
Then, a familiar name caught her attention.
The group chat was filled with gossip. This time, it was about Maiven and Adrielle.
"Grabe, totoo ba ‘to? Laging magkasama?"
"Hidalgo watched every game? Hindi lang yun, lagi pang malapit sa bench!"
"Baka naman talagang gusto lang niya ng volleyball?"
"Baka gusto lang niya si Maiven."
Avara snorted. Maiven and Adrielle? No way.
Her fingers moved before she could overthink it.
Avara: Uy, Maiven. Since when kayo ni Adrielle? 🤭
It took a few minutes before Maiven responded.
Maiven: Ha?
Avara grinned, kicking a small rock on the pavement as she walked.
Avara: Huwag mo akong "ha?" Alam mong pinag-uusapan kayo sa campus, ‘di ba? Ikaw naman, pabulong mo naman samin. "Yes, guys. We are secretly dating." Ganyan ba? 😏
This time, the reply came almost immediately.
Maiven: Seryoso ka ba diyan?
Avara blinked.
Something about the way Maiven responded made her pause. Normally, Maiven would laugh, roll her eyes, or fire back with her own sarcastic remark. But this? This was... flat. Uninterested.
Avara: Uy, joke lang, huwag seryosohin. 😆
Three dots appeared. Then disappeared. Then appeared again.
Finally, Maiven replied.
Maiven: Okay. Sorry busy lang.
Avara frowned. Since when does Maiven just say "I’m busy"? She shook off the weird feeling creeping up her spine. Baka nga busy lang talaga. Still, as she slipped her phone back into her pocket, she couldn’t shake off the feeling that something had shifted.
The day of the big game arrived. The gym was packed. Banners waved, students screamed, and the anticipation crackled in the air like a storm about to break. It was the championship match—Business versus Arts. The final battle.
Avara sat in the Arts section with Gio, surrounded by students who were amped up, ready to cheer their team to victory. She was never the type to get too caught up in sports, but with Maiven playing, she thought it might be an interesting match. Though, to be fair, she never missed Gio's games either.
She leaned back, arms crossed. Interesting, she told herself.
The game was about to start.
The Arts department struck first. Their star spiker, a powerhouse known for her aggressive plays, delivered a crosscourt kill that slammed into the floor before the Business blockers could react.
Point, Arts.
The crowd erupted in cheers, students jumping from their seats. Avara grinned, nudging Gio. "Told you. Arts has this."
But Business responded fast.
Maiven, sharp eyed and calm, adjusted her tempo. On the next play, she tricked the opposing blockers with a deceptive set—a perfect dump shot right into an empty spot on the court. The ball landed with a soft thud, untouched.
Point, Business.
Gio whistled. "She’s good."
Avara scoffed, feigning indifference. "Yeah, she plays all the time. Of course, she’s good."
Cali, libero, stood firm in the back row, anticipating every attack from Arts. She dove, popped up impossible saves, and made sure their plays flowed smoothly. Meanwhile, Jorge, one of the strongest spikers, worked alongside their ace hitter to break through the Arts department’s defense.
The first set continued in a fierce exchange, neither team letting the other take full control. Arts relied on sheer power, their spikes drilling through Business’ defense. But Maiven set Business’ counterattack with strategic precision, setting up plays that chipped away at Arts’ momentum.
The final point of the set came in a long rally, both teams refusing to let the ball hit the floor. But then Maiven made a split second decision—rather than setting up for a spike, she tipped the ball just over the net. The Arts blockers flinched, expecting a powerful hit, and failed to react in time.
Set 1: Business wins, 25-22.
Avara watched as Maiven jogged back to her team, expression unreadable. That was close.
Arts came back with a vengeance.
Their blockers, adjusting to Maiven’s tactics, began shutting down Business' hitters. The momentum shifted.
Jorge, who had been landing solid hits, found herself struggling against a well formed block. Even when Maiven tried adjusting the sets, the defense on the Arts’ side didn’t falter.
The turning point came when the Arts setter faked a set and went for a sneaky attack of her own—catching Business completely off guard.
Avara found herself jumping up with the rest of the Arts department, clapping in excitement. That was smooth.
Arts capitalized on their energy, closing out the set with a brutal quick attack straight through the middle.
Set 2: Arts wins, 25-19.
With the sets tied at one apiece, the real battle began.
This time, both teams played as if they were fighting for their lives.
The rallies stretched longer, the defense tightened, and every single point was a struggle.
Maiven started playing with more variation, switching her setting tempo, using unexpected back sets, and forcing the Arts blockers to keep guessing. On the other side, Arts’ spikers pushed their limits, slamming every hit with as much power as they could muster.
Cali was on fire, her reflexes keeping Business alive in crucial moments.
Then came the most intense rally of the set.
The ball shot back and forth across the net, both teams refusing to let it drop. The audience was on the edge of their seats, the cheers growing louder with each passing second.
Maiven suddenly sprinted forward, diving just in time to save a near impossible ball. She popped it up, barely keeping it alive.
Cali rushed in, setting it up for Jorge, who took a powerful swing.
Arts' blockers jumped.
The ball slammed into their hands then deflected straight down onto Arts’ side.
Point, Business.
The gym exploded in noise.
Business rode that momentum, closing out the set in extended points.
Set 3: Business wins, 27-25.
As the teams huddled before the fourth set, Avara leaned back, gaze distant.
She had seen Maiven play before. A lot.
Maiven had invited her, more times than she could count. "May game ako later. If wala kang ginagawa, manood ka." Most of the time, Avara had something else going on: deadlines, spontaneous hangouts, or just forgetting altogether. But when she did have time, she would go. She never really made a big deal out of it, never even told Maiven she was coming. She would just sit behind Maiven’s team, watching quietly.
That had always been enough.
But today, as she sat in the crowd, something gnawed at her. Because the whispers were getting louder, and this time, she noticed the difference.
Maiven never asked her to sit near the team’s bench. But Adrielle? She had been. At one of the past games, Avara had caught a glimpse of Maiven pointing at a seat near her, Adrielle settling in like she belonged there.
It had never mattered before.
So why did it feel like it did now?
She shook her head, pushing the thought away. What the hell am I even thinking?
If Arts wanted a chance to win, they needed this set.
They played like their lives depended on it.
Their blockers anticipated every play, shutting down Business’ spikers at the net. Their defense was tighter, their energy relentless.
Jorge tried to break through, but the Arts department wasn’t letting up. The turning point came when an unexpected quick attack from Arts caught Cali off guard—one of the rare times she couldn’t make a save.
Arts took the set with an ace, forcing the match to the deciding set.
Set 4: Arts wins, 25-21.
Everything came down to this.
The gym was at peak intensity. The chants and the screaming were deafening.
The final set was a race to fifteen points, and neither team gave an inch.
It was a war of endurance.
At 14-13, match point for Business, the entire crowd was holding their breath.
Arts served.
Cali dived, making a perfect receive. The ball went straight to Maiven.
She sprinted into position, eyes sharp, mind already calculating.
She set the ball.
Jorge leapt into the air, body twisting midair as she went for the kill.
Arts' blockers jumped.
The ball slammed down the sideline.
The referee’s whistle blew.
Game, Business.
For a split second, silence.
Then, an explosion of cheers.
Business’ team flooded the court, celebrating their victory.
Avara felt the weight of the match settle in her chest. It had been an incredible game.
Then, out of the corner of her eye, she spotted something.
Maiven, grinning widely turned to Adrielle. Without hesitation, she reached out for a double high five, laughing.
Avara blinked.
"That’s it. Wala nang makakapigil sa rumors na ‘to," Gio murmured.
Winning the championship had sent a wave of excitement through the entire business department. The celebrations, the after parties, the endless chatter about Maiven’s final set to Jorge and the way Adrielle had been spotted celebrating with the team. It all fueled the rumors. But Maiven and Adrielle? They ignored it. Neither confirmed nor denied anything. When asked directly, Maiven would just raise a brow and go, “Huh? Dami niyong oras ah.” Adrielle would give an uninterested shrug and change the subject.
But the euphoria didn’t last long.
Midterms week arrived like a storm, drowning out all remnants of victory.
The library was a battlefield. Students were crammed into every available table, their heads buried in books, laptops, and endless pages of notes.
At one of the tables, Maiven sat with Jorge, Cali, and Gali, all of them looking like they had been personally been attacked. Piles of reviewers were scattered in front of them, mixed with half empty coffee cups and energy drinks.
“I don’t get it,” Jorge groaned, dropping her head onto an open book. “Why do we even have to take these exams? We won the championship! Doesn’t that count for something?”
“Yeah,” Gali muttered, rubbing her eyes. “We gave this department glory. The least they could do is let us pass automatically.”
Cali didn’t even look up from her notes. “I feel like you guys are forgetting that we still have to graduate.”
“That’s future Jorge’s problem,” Jorge grumbled.
Adrielle, who had somehow been roped into this study group, sat across from them, flipping through her reviewer with the ease of someone who wasn’t drowning in academic despair.
“Do you guys really think winning a game exempts you from midterms?” she asked, arching a brow.
Jorge shot her a tired look. “We hoped it would.”
Adrielle snorted, turning back to her book. “Pathetic.”
Maiven smirked, throwing an energy drink toward Jorge. “Here. Maybe this will help you think of better arguments.”
Jorge caught it with a sigh. “At this point, I think I need a miracle.”
Cali glanced at her watch and groaned. “We’ve been here for six hours.”
“Six hours too long,” Gali muttered, stretching.
Maiven leaned back, cracking her neck. “And we’ve still got more to cover.”
Adrielle closed her book with a snap. “Then stop whining and focus.”
“Easy for you to say,” Jorge shot back. “You’re probably the only one here who’s actually ready.”
Adrielle shrugged. “It’s called preparation.”
Jorge groaned again, dramatically sliding down her chair. “I hate this. I hate everything.”
By the night before their first exam, the entire business department was running on caffeine and sheer desperation.
Maiven and Gali had taken over the common area in the library, surrounded by notebooks, flashcards, and empty coffee cups. Gali was lying on the couch, mumbling formulas under her breath.
Cali walked in, took one look at them, and sighed. “You guys look horrible.”
“Because we feel horrible,” Gali muttered.
“Sleep is a myth,” Maiven mumbled, highlighting a line in her notes.
Jorge stumbled in, holding an energy drink like it was a lifeline. “I think I just saw my soul leave my body.”
“I thought you sold that to the devil for better grades,” Cali said dryly.
Jorge waved a hand. “Apparently, even the devil doesn’t want me.”
Adrielle stepped in, looking far more composed than any of them and everyone looked up.
She glanced around, unimpressed. “None of you have slept, have you?”
“Nope,” Maiven said without looking up.
Adrielle sighed. “You’re all going to regret this tomorrow.”
Jorge dramatically threw herself onto the couch. “We regret everything.”
Adrielle just shook her head. “Idiots.”
The first day of midterms felt like the beginning of an apocalypse. The campus was flooded with students flipping through notes while walking, chugging caffeine like their lives depended on it, and whispering last minute facts to themselves.
Inside the exam hall, Maiven tapped her pen against the desk, glancing at the front where Adrielle sat calm, composed, and already flipping through the test booklet like it was a light novel.
Meanwhile, Jorge slumped dramatically beside her.
“We’re so dead,” she muttered under her breath.
“Shut up,” Maiven hissed, elbowing her.
“Dead,” Jorge whispered again, eyes blank.
The proctor called for them to begin, and silence fell over the room.
Three grueling hours later, the bell rang.
Jorge groaned as they stepped out of the hall. “One down. Too many to go.”
“We suffered,” she declared. “We survived,” Maiven corrected, rolling her shoulders.
“I thrived,” Adrielle said smoothly, shouldering her bag.
Jorge turned to her, horrified. “Of course you did.”
Gali, looking like she had just returned from war, muttered, “We need food. Now.”
Cali let out a long sigh. “I think I blacked out halfway through the essay portion.”
“We all did,” Maiven deadpanned.
They agreed to grab food but only for a short break. There were still more battles ahead.
By the second day, exhaustion clung to them like a second skin.
The library had become their second home, their table cluttered with notebooks, calculators, and half empty coffee cups.
Jorge had her head down, mumbling formulas in her sleep.
Cali poked her with a pen. “Is she... studying in her dreams?”
Maiven yawned, rubbing her temples. “We should wake her up.”
“No,” Gali deadpanned. “Let her suffer.”
Adrielle, who somehow looked well rested, shut her book with a soft thud. “You should all manage your time better.”
Jorge suddenly lifted her head, eyes bloodshot. “Oh, I’m sorry, Adrielle, but some of us aren’t secretly built like AI robots!”
Adrielle smirked. “Not my problem.”
Maiven sighed and tossed Jorge an energy drink. “Drink this and shut up.”
By the third day, their sanity was hanging by a thread.
Cali was lying flat on the library table, face down. “I give up.”
Jorge had her arms crossed, glaring at her open textbook. “I swear, I wrote three different answers for one question and still don’t know which was right.”
Maiven groaned. “I read the same paragraph five times and understood nothing.”
Adrielle took a sip of her coffee, looking as put together as ever. “You all should have started earlier.”
Jorge turned to her. “Adrielle. I will throw this book at you.”
Adrielle smirked. “Go ahead. You need the practice anyway.”
Gali slammed her pen down. “We need a break.”
They all nodded in agreement.
By the fourth day, even the cafeteria felt like a battlefield. Their group took over a table, their food mostly untouched as they buried themselves in notes.
“I hate numbers,” Gali muttered, stabbing her fries with a fork.
“You’re a business major,” Adrielle pointed out.
“And?” Gali shot back.
Jorge groaned, shoving her book aside. “If I fail, I’m running away and starting a new life in the mountains.”
Cali exhaled. “Tell me when. I’ll join you.”
Adrielle smirked. “At this rate, you’ll need to pool your remaining brain cells to even figure out where the mountains are.”
Maiven chuckled as Jorge gave her a tired glare. “Not funny, Adrielle.”
Adrielle merely took another sip of her coffee. “It’s hilarious.” Maiven shook her head, suppressing a grin.
They had one more day left. Just one.
By the fifth day, they were barely functional.
As they walked into the exam hall, Jorge grabbed Maiven’s sleeve. “If I don’t make it out alive, tell my parents I love them.”
“Shut up and focus,” Maiven grumbled, dragging her inside.
For the next three hours, the only sounds in the hall were pens scratching against paper and the occasional sighs of despair.
When the final bell rang, an eerie silence filled the room.
Then—
“It’s over,” Gali whispered, as if she couldn’t believe it.
Jorge dramatically fell to her knees outside the hall. “We are free!”
Adrielle, of course, remained composed. “It was just an exam.”
Jorge turned to her, horrified. “Just an exam? Just? An? Exam?”
Maiven sighed, stretching. “Come on, let’s go eat. I don’t care about anything else right now.”
Finally, after five days of absolute hell, they were free.
With midterms finally behind them, Maiven, Jorge, Cali, Gali, and Adrielle trudged toward the cafeteria like battle worn soldiers, exhausted but victorious. The entire campus buzzed with students either celebrating or recovering, the air thick with post exam relief.
Jorge, ever the drama queen, groaned as she all but collapsed onto a chair. “Food. I need food before I pass out.”
“Not before I do,” Gali muttered, rubbing her temples. Her eyes were bloodshot, a clear sign of sleepless nights spent cramming.
“Who said you two get to pass out first?” Cali huffed. “I deserve priority. I had to sit through five days of hell while listening to you guys complain about the same three topics over and over.”
Adrielle merely hummed, unbothered as always. “Maybe if you all studied ahead, you wouldn’t be this miserable.”
Jorge let out an exaggerated gasp. “Look at her, throwing shade when we just barely survived!”
Maiven rolled her eyes, nudging Jorge toward the food counter. “Less complaining, more eating.”
As they lined up, Maiven’s eyes instinctively swept the room. It was an old habit, one she wasn’t sure she had fully shaken off.
Then, she spotted her.
Avara was already seated at a nearby table, looking perfectly at ease, done with her exams as well. She was laughing at something Gio said, her eyes crinkling at the corners, her posture relaxed completely untouched by the post exam exhaustion that had everyone else in ruins.
For a second, Maiven felt something—something old and familiar, like a muscle memory that hadn’t quite faded.
Then—
Jorge elbowed her. “You’re staring.”
Maiven scoffed, shaking off whatever that feeling was. “Shut up.”
They grabbed their food and settled at their usual table, immediately falling into comfortable conversation complaining about the exams, comparing answers, and debating whether their professor was evil or just misunderstood.
A few minutes later, Sab and Lei arrived, looking well rested in a way that made the others glare at them on sight.
“You guys look like hell,” Sab greeted, sliding into a chair beside Gali.
“Because we went through hell,” Cali groaned, stabbing at her food like it had personally wronged her.
Lei smirked. “I still don’t get why you’re all so dramatic. Midterms lang yan.”
Jorge clutched her chest like she’d been shot. “Lang?! This is academic warfare, Lei. We were on the frontlines. You don’t know what we’ve seen.”
“Just say you didn’t study,” Maiven deadpanned, taking a bite of her sandwich.
Jorge ignored her, pulling out her phone. “Anyway, I’m texting Spencer. She should join us.”
A few minutes later, Spencer arrived, standing hesitantly by the entrance before spotting Jorge waving her over.
“Guys, this is Spencer,” Jorge introduced as she reached the table. “She’s in Fine Arts exchange student, insanely talented, and somehow tolerates me.”
Spencer offered a small, polite smile, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Hi. Nice to meet you all.”
There was a natural shyness to her, but she didn’t seem uncomfortable.
Gali’s eyes lit up in recognition. “You’re the one who always sketches in the library, right?”
Spencer nodded. “Yeah, that’s me.”
Cali leaned forward. “I’ve seen your work. You’re really good.”
A soft pink dusted Spencer’s cheeks. “Thank you.”
It didn’t take long before she blended in. The group had a way of making people feel included, even without trying too hard.
Maiven, ever observant, noticed how Jorge subtly made sure Spencer was comfortable. Engaging her in conversation, checking if she needed anything. It was natural, effortless.
Somewhere between finishing their food and trying to ignore the impending doom of waiting for their grades, the conversation took a turn.
Gali groaned, leaning back in her chair. “We need a real break. Not just a study break like an actual break from life.”
Cali snapped her fingers. “Beach trip.”
Maiven grinned. “I like the way you think.”
Jorge’s eyes widened in excitement. “Oh my God, let’s do it. Let’s just run away to the beach. No responsibilities, no worries just sand, sun, and food.”
Gali nodded eagerly. “Tama! Walang isipin, just vibes.”
“Count me in,” Maiven said, already pulling out her phone to check for possible locations.
“Same,” Cali added. “We deserve this.”
Then, as if on cue, all eyes turned to Adrielle.
Adrielle, who had been quietly sipping her coffee, blinked at the sudden attention. “What?”
“You’re coming with us,” Jorge declared.
Adrielle raised an eyebrow. “No, I’m not.”
“Yes, you are.”
“No.”
“Yes.”
Cali leaned forward. “We’re all going. You’re the only one missing.”
Adrielle gave them a flat look, clearly unimpressed. “I have work to do.”
“Work can wait,” Gali argued. “You need a break, too.”
Adrielle just stared at them, unimpressed, as if she was waiting for them to give up.
But they didn’t. Instead, they turned to Maiven. Maiven, catching on, sighed and leaned toward Adrielle, voice light but persuasive. “Adrielle, come on. It won’t kill you to have a little fun.”
A pause.
Adrielle exhaled slowly, rubbing her temples. Then—
“Fine,” she muttered.
For a second, no one reacted.
Then—
“YES!” Jorge fist-pumped the air.
Gali clapped dramatically. “Ladies and gentlemen, we did it!”
Cali grinned. “Beach trip with Adrielle included? This is history in the making.”
Maiven smirked, watching as Adrielle tried and failed to hide the small amused smile tugging at her lips.
Adrielle shook her head, crossing her arms. “You’re all too dramatic.”
“You love us,” Jorge shot back, slinging an arm around Maiven.
“I tolerate you,” Adrielle corrected, but she was already pulling out her phone probably rearranging her schedule to fit in the spontaneous trip.
Maiven chuckled. “Let’s go before anyone changes their mind.”
With that, they left the cafeteria, excitement bubbling between them, the weight of midterms finally lifting as anticipation for the beach trip set in.
And from her spot at the other table, Avara saw all of it.
She absentmindedly twirled her straw in her drink, gaze flickering from Maiven to the rest of the group. It was a strange feeling watching them like this, as if she were an outsider looking in.
She hadn’t even known Maiven was friends with an exchange student.
She hadn’t even known Maiven had invited Adrielle to sit near the volleyball team’s bench during games.
And she hadn’t even realized, until now, just how much Maiven’s world had grown without her.
The van rumbled to life as Jorge grinned from the driver’s seat, cracking her knuckles like she was about to embark on a grand adventure. The sun had barely risen, casting a soft, golden hue over Manila as they pulled out of the city, the streets still half asleep.
Maiven, riding shotgun, had her arms crossed, eyes drooping. "This is too early for human existence."
"Don’t start," Jorge snickered, maneuvering through the quiet streets. "You agreed to this."
"I agreed to the beach not waking up at the crack of dawn for a road trip," Maiven grumbled, leaning against the window.
From the back, Cali yawned. "At least we're getting out of the city. La Union, here we come!"
Lei, sprawled out beside her, raised a brow. "You sound way too excited for someone who barely got any sleep."
Cali smirked. "Excitement outweighs exhaustion babe. Beach mode activated."
Adrielle, sitting near the middle, adjusted her sunglasses, scrolling through her phone. "You all sound like hyper kids on a field trip."
Jorge glanced at the rearview mirror, smirking. "Sabi ko nga, parang field trip to, eh! Complete with the ‘cool teacher’—me, obviously."
Sab snorted. "You? Cool? Saang dimension?"
"Hoy!" Jorge feigned offense. "I’m the designated driver! Show some respect!"
"Respect is earned," Spencer quipped softly, glancing up from her sit.
Gali, half asleep against the window, let out a groan and rested her head on Sab's shoulder. "Less talking, more driving. We have four more hours of this."
The van was stocked with essentials: snacks, bottled water, a massive speaker that Jorge insisted on bringing for "good vibes," and an unnecessary amount of chips.
As the sun slowly ascended, their energy levels started picking up. The different phones were connected to the bluetooth, leading to a chaotic mix of songs from throwback OPM hits to hype road trip anthems. At one point, Ligaya by Eraserheads played, and everyone even Adrielle, who claimed she was too tired was humming along.
By the time they hit the highways leading to the north, the sleepy atmosphere had vanished, replaced by light banter and the occasional stop for restroom breaks and coffee refills.
Jorge, now fully in her element, glanced at the GPS. "Alright, another hour and we're in La Union. Ready na ba kayo?"
"Ready as I’ll ever be," Maiven muttered, stretching.
Adrielle, now slightly more awake, leaned back against her seat. "You better not drive like a maniac just because we’re near."
"Relax, ma’am. Safety first," Jorge shot back, grinning.
Sab sighed dramatically. "I just want to get there so I can nap by the shore. That’s my priority."
Lei smirked. "And here I thought you’d be first in the water."
Sab shrugged. "Beach first, nap first. Swimming later."
Gali shook her head. "You're not even going to spend time with me alone?"
Sab shrugged and said, "Aww... You're such a baby. Come here, love."
By late morning, they finally arrived at the coast. The moment they stepped out of the van, the salty breeze hit them, carrying the scent of the ocean. The sun was bright but not unbearable, and the sight of the waves rolling onto the shore was enough to wake up even the sleepiest among them.
"Finally," Maiven exhaled, stretching her arms. "Worth it."
"Masarap yung hangin," Spencer commented, taking in the view.
Jorge clapped her hands together. "Alright, folks! We booked a beachfront house for the night. Let’s settle in, then hit the beach."
The house was perfect, modern yet cozy, with a large deck overlooking the ocean. It had enough rooms to keep things comfortable, though there was already an unspoken agreement that some of them would just crash on the couches or out on the balcony.
Adrielle surveyed the place with approval. "Good choice."
"Of course. Only the best for my esteemed passengers," Jorge said proudly.
"Let’s just hope you don’t snore like a dying animal," Cali muttered.
Jorge gasped. "I do not snore."
"Yes, you do," Maiven and Gali chorused.
After settling into their beachfront house, the group decided to have lunch at the resort’s open air restaurant, where the sea breeze made everything feel even more relaxing. The restaurant was a charming mix of rustic and modern, with wooden tables under large white umbrellas, facing the waves. The moment they sat down, Jorge leaned back, stretching. "Now this is the life."
Gali scanned the menu. "Do we go full seafood feast?"
Sab nodded enthusiastically. "If we don’t, then why are we even in La Union?"
Cali smirked. "Someone’s excited."
"We all are," Maiven said, closing the menu. "Let’s just get a mix of everything."
Adrielle, sipping on fresh buko juice, nodded approvingly. "Agreed. The faster we order, the faster we eat."
Soon, the table was filled with plates of grilled squid, buttered shrimp, sinigang na salmon, crispy tawilis, and bowls of garlic rice. They ate like they had been starving for days, midterms had drained them, and now, they were making up for all the missed meals.
Jorge groaned in satisfaction after taking a bite of the shrimp. "Okay, I might never leave this place."
Lei chuckled. "You say that every time we take a trip."
"And yet, I still mean it every time."
Spencer, who had been quiet, smiled. "I get it. This is… nice."
Maiven noticed how Spencer seemed more at ease now, blending into the group naturally. "Told you. You should join us more often."
Spencer’s eyes flickered toward Jorge before she gave a small nod. "Maybe I will."
With their stomachs full, they spent the next few hours making the most out of their beach day.
Cali and Maiven instantly started a volleyball game, dragging Gali into it. Sab and Lei took turns taking photos and videos of the match, occasionally yelling out dramatic sports commentary.
"You call that a spike?!" Sab teased as Maiven missed a shot.
Maiven scoffed, picking up the ball. "Try playing instead of running your mouth, Sab."
Sab laughed. "I will! After I finish capturing all your best moments."
Meanwhile, Jorge and Spencer walked along the shoreline, their footprints disappearing with each wave. Jorge was animatedly talking about something, hands moving as she spoke, while Spencer listened with an amused smile.
Adrielle, on the other hand, sat on the lounge chair under the umbrella, sipping another fresh buko juice while scrolling on her phone. Every now and then, she glanced up, watching the others with a small, unreadable smile.
"You’re enjoying this," Lei said, plopping down beside her.
Adrielle lifted a brow. "And if I am?"
Lei smirked. "Nothing. Just nice to see you actually relaxing instead of drowning in work."
Adrielle rolled her eyes but didn’t deny it.
The salty sea breeze mixed with the mouthwatering aroma of grilled meat as the group fell into an easy rhythm, each person slipping into their roles for the night. The sun had already set, the sky now a deep navy dotted with stars, and the sound of waves crashing against the shore added to the laid-back, carefree atmosphere.
"Ssssss…" The pork belly sizzled on the grill, the scent making Maiven’s stomach rumble. She nudged Gali with her elbow. “Hoy, stop staring at the food like it’s your long lost love.”
“I am in love,” Gali deadpanned, flipping the skewers of isaw. “With this barbecue.”
Cali laughed, brushing another layer of marinade onto the chicken. "If you burn it, you'll end the relationship very quickly."
Maiven smirked, fanning the flames. “Honestly, I trust this fire more than I trust you two in the kitchen.”
Gali scoffed. “Excuse me? Who cooked sinigang last time we stayed in Jorge's condo?”
Maiven raised a brow. “Gali. You forgot the sampalok.”
Cali burst out laughing. “Sinigang na walang asim?”
Gali groaned. “Fine! But this barbecue is my redemption arc, okay?”
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Sab was dramatically tossing vegetables into a bowl for their ensalada. “I can’t believe I’m stuck with the boring job.”
Lei, stirring a pot of buttery corn, barely glanced up. “You volunteered for this.”
Sab huffed. “I thought cooking would be fun. Turns out, chopping onions hurts my soul.”
Lei smirked. “Baby ka nga pala. Gusto mo ako na?”
“Gusto ko na matapos ‘to,” Sab muttered, blinking away onion-induced tears.
Lei laughed before taking a sip from her glass of juice. “Think of it this way, without us, they’d only be eating barbecue.”
Sab perked up. “You’re right. We are the reason this meal is balanced. We are the real MVPs.”
“Sure,” Lei teased, rolling her eyes.
Outside, Jorge was busy stacking firewood, her brows furrowed in deep concentration. Spencer sat beside her, watching as she fumbled with the lighter.
“I swear this worked earlier,” Jorge muttered, flicking it uselessly.
Spencer smirked. “Need help?”
“I got it,” Jorge said, determined. But after five more failed attempts, she sighed dramatically and handed her the lighter. “Okay, maybe you try.”
Spencer took it, adjusting the firewood slightly before striking the lighter. Within seconds, a small flame caught, flickering to life.
Jorge stared. “What the—”
Spencer grinned. “Easy, right?”
Jorge placed a hand over her chest, looking betrayed. “So you’re better at this than me. This hurts.”
Spencer chuckled. “You’ll live.”
As the others finished preparing the food, Adrielle worked quietly on setting up the long wooden table, placing plates and utensils neatly in place. Spencer joined her after helping Jorge with the bonfire.
“You’re surprisingly good at this,” Spencer remarked, lining up the glasses.
Adrielle raised an eyebrow. “You expected me to be bad at setting a table?”
Spencer chuckled. “I just assumed you were more of a sit back and let others do it type.”
Adrielle smirked. “I can be full of surprises.”
Spencer tilted her head. “Like saying yes to this trip?”
Adrielle sighed, glancing at the group laughing around the grill. “They weren’t going to stop asking.”
Spencer smiled knowingly. “And you didn’t really want to say no.”
Adrielle rolled her eyes. “Don’t overanalyze it.”
Spencer just chuckled.
Once everything was ready, they all gathered around the table. The food was a glorious spread: grilled pork belly, isaw, chicken inasal, buttered corn, ensalada, and heaps of rice. The bonfire crackled warmly nearby, casting a golden glow over their faces.
Jorge took the first bite and immediately groaned. “Okay, Gali, I take it back. You did redeem yourself.”
“Told you,” Gali said smugly, stuffing her face with barbecue.
Cali pointed her fork at Jorge. “That’s our hard work too, you know.”
Sab, chewing on ensalada, grinned. “And don’t forget the MVPs who made this meal balanced.”
“Dramatic,” Maiven muttered, rolling her eyes playfully.
As they ate, the speaker played Kolohe Kai’s Ehu Girl in the background, the soft strumming of the ukulele blending perfectly with the cool beach breeze. The mood was light, the food delicious, and the company even better.
Jorge, feeling the music, started swaying in her seat, a teasing grin already forming.
“Don’t,” Adrielle warned, narrowing her eyes. She could already tell where this was going.
Jorge ignored her completely, standing up and stretching dramatically. “Come on, Maiven. One dance?”
Maiven raised a brow. “Pass.”
Jorge scoffed, then suddenly turned to Adrielle with a wicked smirk. “Then Adrielle, how about you?”
“No.” Adrielle didn’t even hesitate.
“Maiven, dance with her,” Jorge said, nudging Maiven’s shoulder. “Come on, volleyball MVP and business prodigy? Iconic duo.”
Maiven shook her head, laughing. “Ikaw na lang.”
But Jorge was relentless. She grabbed Maiven’s wrist and dramatically pulled her up. “Guys, sayang naman yung song! Dance with Adrielle!”
Adrielle sighed, shaking her head as she took a sip from her drink. “You’re ridiculous.”
Jorge turned to Spencer instead. “Spence, save me from rejection.”
Spencer smirked. “Depends. Are you a good dancer?”
“No,” Adrielle interjected flatly before Jorge could even answer.
Jorge gasped, clutching her chest. “Wow. The betrayal.”
After eating, they moved to sit around the bonfire, the night air cooler now. Jorge grabbed her phone and started taking random selfies with everyone, much to their groaning protest.
“Enough na, Jorge!” Lei laughed, covering her face.
“One more! This is for memories, guys.”
Maiven chuckled, shaking her head. “You’re unbelievable.”
As Kolohe Kai continued playing, Sab stretched out her legs, sighing. “This is perfect.”
Cali smiled, looking around at their group. “We needed this.”
Adrielle, watching the fire, nodded slightly. “Yeah. We did.”
Maiven glanced at her, a small smile playing on her lips. “See? You’re enjoying it.”
Adrielle sighed. “I hate that you’re right.”
Everyone cheered, making Adrielle groan.
Jorge grinned. “Admit it. Best decision ever.”
Adrielle shook her head but couldn’t hide the small smile forming.
Tonight, there were no exams, no stress just good food, great company, and the sound of the waves under a starry sky.
The flames crackled, casting a warm glow over the group as they sat in a loose circle around the bonfire. Jorge had just connected her phone to the speaker, letting the soft strums of Kolohe Kai set the relaxed beach vibe. Everyone was full from the barbecue feast, the salty breeze cooling their sunkissed skin.
Then, after a few chill songs, the intro to "Teenage Dream" played, and instantly, chaos erupted.
“Oh my god, this song!” Sab gasped, nudging Lei.
“Game na to,” Gali declared, sitting up straight.
Cali grinned. “Sino unang pipiyok?”
Jorge cackled, “Easy! Si Maiven.”
Maiven scoffed, grabbing a marshmallow. “Excuse me?! May golden voice ako.”
“Golden ba talaga?” Adrielle teased, an amused smirk playing on her lips.
Spencer chuckled beside her, watching the group with fascination.
The first verse started, and Lei and Sab sang dramatically, harmonizing way too well for something that was supposed to be fun. Gali joined in, her voice slightly too deep for the pitch, while Jorge belted out like she was in a concert.
Then came the chorus.
"YOU—MAKE—ME—FEEL LIKE I’M LIVIN’ A—"
And that’s when Maiven, with all the confidence in the world, went for it.
“TEEENAAAAAGE DREEEAAAAM—”
It was loud.
It was passionate.
It was… absolutely off-key.
Everyone burst out laughing.
“ANO ‘YUN?!” Cali wheezed.
“Hindi to ‘Teenage Dream’—parang ‘Teenage Nightmare!’” Gali choked between laughs.
Jorge pretended to wipe a tear. “I felt that. Deep in my soul.”
Maiven dramatically clutched her chest. “Grabe kayo. You just don’t appreciate my artistic interpretation.”
Adrielle, who had been quietly enjoying the show, shook her head, chuckling. “If that’s artistic, I fear for the music industry.”
Spencer was laughing beside her, trying to cover her smile with her hand. “It was… powerful.”
Maiven grinned. “Exactly. At least someone recognizes talent.”
Jorge snorted. “Talent daw.”
They continued through the song, singing even louder, completely embracing the off key notes and missed lyrics. By the last chorus, everyone was yelling the lyrics at the top of their lungs, voices blending with the crashing waves.
As the final notes faded, they collapsed into laughter, the energy buzzing between them.
“Okay, okay,” Cali gasped, still catching her breath. “Sino next sa singing contest?”
Jorge wiggled her brows. “Adrielle, ikaw naman.”
Adrielle smirked. “Not happening.”
Spencer shook her head with a smile. “Maybe next time.”
Maiven stretched her arms. “Fine, fine. Next time na yung grand performance ko.”
Gali clapped her shoulder. “Next time na yung voice lessons mo.”
Everyone laughed, the warmth of the bonfire matching the warmth in their chests. The night was still young, and with this group, the fun was just getting started.
As the chaotic energy from their off key singing faded, the warmth of the fire and the steady sound of the waves lulled the group into a quieter state. The laughter softened into hushed conversations, and the exhaustion from the early road trip, midterms, and the long day at the beach began creeping in.
Sab was the first to stretch, groaning. “Okay, I’m tapping out. I need sleep.”
Lei yawned beside her. “Same. Ang saya, pero my body is giving up.”
“Grabe, Lei,” Gali teased. “Akala mo naman nagsurf ka kanina.”
Lei glared at her. “Excuse me, napagod ako sa kakaluto, no?”
Jorge snorted. “Yeah, yeah. Go sleep, chef.”
Sab and Lei rolled their eyes but smiled, waving lazily as they got up, heading inside to their shared room.
Jorge stretched next, cracking her neck. “Alright, mga bes, I love y’all, pero I love my bed more.” She stood up, ruffling Maiven’s hair as she passed. “Don’t stay up too late, ha. Huwag niyo kami takutin na may horror story.”
Cali smirked. “No promises.”
Adrielle and Spencer were still sitting across from them, quiet but comfortable. Spencer seemed lost in thought, staring at the embers of the fire, while Adrielle slowly sipped from her drink, seemingly in no rush to move.
Gali, who had been watching them both, smirked knowingly. “Alright. I think that’s my cue to go, too.” She gave a lazy salute before following Jorge inside, disappearing into the house.
Silence settled over the remaining four. The night breeze was cooler now, carrying the scent of the sea.
Spencer was the next to move, brushing off the sand from her hands as she stood. “I think I’ll turn in, too.” She gave Adrielle a small nod. “Goodnight.”
Adrielle glanced at her, something unreadable in her gaze before she simply replied, “Goodnight.”
Spencer walked away, leaving only Adrielle, Maiven, and Cali by the fire.
For a moment, no one spoke. The crackling of the flames filled the quiet, the light flickering against their faces. Then Adrielle exhaled, standing up as well. “I’ll head in, too.”
Maiven raised a brow. “Wow. Didn’t think you’d call it a night this early.”
Adrielle smirked. “We had a long day. And unlike you, I actually need sleep.”
Cali chuckled. “You mean unlike Maiven, who’ll probably sit here until sunrise?”
Maiven scoffed. “Wow, slander.”
Adrielle only shook her head, a small smirk still on her lips. Without another word, she turned and walked back inside, leaving only the two of them.
The embers glowed faintly, casting a soft orange hue on Maiven and Cali as they sat in comfortable silence. The rest of the group had already retreated to their rooms, exhaustion finally catching up with them after a long day. But Maiven and Cali stayed, letting the crackling fire and the sound of the waves fill the quiet.
Cali leaned back, stretching her arms above her head before exhaling. “You good?”
Maiven smirked at the casual check-in. “Why wouldn't I be?”
Cali raised a brow. “Hmm, let’s see. Midterms just ended, you butchered Teenage Dream, and you’ve been suspiciously quiet since everyone went inside.”
Maiven scoffed. “Wow. You really won’t let me live that off key moment down, huh?”
Cali grinned. “Nope.”
Maiven rolled her eyes but chuckled anyway. “In my defense, I was just feeling the song. Emotions over technique.”
Cali snorted. “Yeah? Well, your emotions were off key as hell.”
They both laughed, the teasing light and familiar. Maiven ran a hand through her hair before exhaling, letting her shoulders relax.
“I’m fine,” she admitted, her tone sincere. “Tired, but fine.”
Cali nodded before casually adding, “Adrielle’s been a good influence on you, huh?”
Maiven tilted her head, slightly amused. “Where did that come from?”
Cali shrugged. “Just an observation. You’re different these days. More... I don’t know. Present?”
Maiven thought about it for a moment. “Yeah, I guess she has been. Adrielle’s just… she’s solid. She doesn’t let me slack off, calls me out when I need it. But she also lets me be, you know? No pressure. No expectations.”
Cali hummed, tapping her fingers lightly against her knee. Then, with a smirk, she asked, “So, there’s really nothing between you two? Given that she kind of—” she paused, as if debating whether to continue. “Well, you know. Looks like Avara.”
Maiven huffed a small laugh, shaking her head. “You’re not the first to say that. But no, it’s nothing like that.”
Cali raised an eyebrow, waiting.
“Avara and Adrielle may look similar, but they’re completely different,” Maiven explained, her tone steady. “Avara is spontaneous, unpredictable much like the wind. She pulls you into her world and never looks back. Adrielle, on the other hand, is steady. She’s intense but controlled. With her, you always know where you stand.”
Cali nodded, thinking. “So, if Avara’s like the wind, ano si Adrielle?”
Maiven thought for a second before answering, “Like the ocean. Calm most of the time, but powerful when she needs to be.”
Cali let out a small laugh. “Damn, that’s deep.”
Maiven chuckled. “I have my moments.”
Cali studied her for a moment before grinning. “I think you’re getting better.”
Maiven shot her a look. “Better?”
Cali nodded. “Yeah. A few months ago, you would've been—" she gestured vaguely. "You know. Stuck."
Maiven smirked. “Wow. Such faith in me.”
Cali laughed. “I’m serious. You don’t seem as weighed down as before. So tell me, how’s Avara?”
Maiven blinked at the sudden shift in topic. For a second, she considered her answer carefully before shrugging. “I don’t know. I haven’t really thought about her lately.”
Cali raised an eyebrow. “Really?”
“Yeah,” Maiven admitted, leaning back on her hands. “I mean, I’ve just been busy training, games, midterms. I barely had time to breathe, let alone think about her.”
Cali let out a low whistle. “That’s… new.”
Maiven exhaled. “I guess it is.”
Cali watched her for a beat before speaking again. “Does it feel weird?”
“What?”
“Not thinking about her.”
Maiven considered that for a moment, gazing at the fire. “No, actually. It doesn’t.” She let the words settle, realizing how true they were. “It just feels… normal. Like, this is how things are supposed to be.”
Cali nodded, a small smile forming on her lips. “That’s good.”
A comfortable silence settled between them again, the fire slowly dimming into glowing embers.
On the long table where they ate, Maiven’s phone sat unattended, the screen lighting up for a few seconds before fading again. The notification list was long, filled with numerous missed calls and a growing number of messages from Avara.
Each one unread.
Each one unnoticed.
And for the first time, Maiven wasn’t rushing to check.
The night carried on, the waves rolling in and out, steady as ever.