Secretly Yours

CXLI

INT. COFFEE SHOP - AFTERNOON

1:19 p.m.

Celeste smiled and waved at Mikey when he entered the coffee shop.

Celeste
Hi! I hope you don't mind na nag-order na ako. I was hungry na kasi, I didn't have breakfast.

Mikey
You didn't have breakfast?

Celeste nodded slowly.

Celeste
Yes. I couldn't eat kanina.
I was nervous for today.

Mikey
I see.

Celeste
Can I ask pala?
Why did you suddenly want us to meet?

Mikey
Hindi ba nasabi ni Miss Sara sa email?

Celeste
I guess she did but I was too nervous, I forgot na rin 'yong content. All I remember is nag-a-ask ka raw ng place and time to meet.

Mikey
Ah . . . I asked to meet so we could talk properly about your post. To be honest, I intentionally didn't react to it online tapos sakto pa na it suddenly blew up. Ayaw ko na dagdagan. So I decided to meet with you para mapag-usapan 'yon.

Celeste
Sorry . . .

Mikey
Why are you apologizing?

Celeste
I didn't really think that through. I guess nadala rin ako ng excitement or certain hype. I saw kasi on my For You na your fans are doing that oplan thing and I figured maybe I could hop and shoot my shot. Somehow I felt brave kaya ayun, I was just . . . trying out my luck. Kasi, it's also been 5 years.

Mikey
Celeste, 5 years ago sa set, that's just me also looking out for a colleague since nasabi mo nga na kabado ka kasi it's your first big project. I remember mine, too. Kabado din ako no'n so I do get where you were that time that's why I was being nice.

Celeste
I know. Aware naman ako doon but I just couldn't help it. You were so nice and I, somehow, developed these feelings. I hope you're not mad. Gusto ko lang talaga mag-try and act on it after 5 years.

Mikey heaved a breath, nodding.

Mikey
I'm not mad.

Celeste
Really?

Mikey
Yes. That's actually brave of you.

Celeste
Thank you.

Mikey
Pero that's all there is. I don't know how to react do'n sa five years na sinasabi mo, but I'm grateful—

Celeste
Please don't thank me!
Mas awkward sa feeling.

Mikey
Actually, hindi ko rin masabi 'yan. It's also so awkward on my end.

Celeste
Pero promise you're not mad?

Mikey
I'm not. Gusto ko rin talaga makipagkita to tell you na I'm going to release a statement about this since it blew up so big and para matigil na rin 'yong oplan na ginawa ng fans ko. I'm actually in a relationship. I wouldn't care at all if I'm not, but I hope you understand I'm also looking out for my girlfriend.

Celeste
HALA!

Mikey
Shh . . . don't tell anyone.

Celeste
I'm sorry! I didn't know?

Mikey
It's fine. Only a few knows.
We're keeping it very private.

Celeste
What are you gonna say sa statement mo pala?

Mikey
I'm going to thank them, I'll shortly address your post, and I will include na I'm contented with my relationship status kaya they can stop 'yong oplan nila.

Celeste
You're not going to say you have a girlfriend?

Mikey
Soon.
I expect you could also keep it a secret?

Celeste
Oo naman.

Mikey
Hmm . . . I might need a leverage.

Celeste
No need na, Mikey.
This is already so embarrassing for me.
I didn't know you have a girlfriend.

Mikey
Then promise I can take your word for it?

Celeste
Yes.
Sorry ulit.

Mikey
It's fine.

Mikey smiled, extending his hand towards her.

Mikey
We're still friends.

Celeste
Really?

Mikey
Yup.

Celeste accepted his hand.

Celeste
Thank you.

Mikey
And if they're going to pair us up again sa project, I'd like you to know na walang problem sa 'kin 'yon.

Celeste
Talaga?

Mikey
Yup. I'd accept if I like the premise.

Celeste
Really? How about your girl—

Celeste was interrupted when his phone rang.

Mikey
Sorry, I have to take her call.
Quick lang.

Celeste
Sure, sure!

[Phone Call]

Robin 👒

1:32 p.m.

Mikey
Hello, love?

Robin
Love . . .

Mikey
O? Why do you sound like that?

Robin
'Yong statement mo.

Mikey
Bakit?

Robin
P'wede mo ba i-delay kaunti?