Fate Meets Destiny

CHAPTER 19

Colet's Pov

"Great work, everyone! Anyone up for Xylo night? My treat," Chief Lauren said.

"Talaga, Chief? Treat mo?" Jho asked.

"Oo naman," Chief Lauren replied with a grin.

It’s Friday night. Sometimes, Chief Lauren or even Maloi treats us to dinner or drinks. It’s kind of become a team tradition—our way of relaxing and bonding after a long week.

"Hindi po ako sasama. I’ll go home, Chief," I said.

"Himala, nagba-backout si Colet sa beer night," Justin teased.

"I just want to rest early tonight. Treat ko na lang next time," I replied.

They all went to the bar—Xylo—while I headed home to my condo. I ordered food first, then changed into comfy clothes. My phone vibrated. It was a message from Jho, asking if I was okay.

Chat Conversation:
Me: Jho, I’m okay.
Jho: You want some snacks? I can drop by after we’re done here.
Me: Nag-order na ako ng food. Just have fun with the others. Paki-bantayan na rin si Maloi.
Jho: Concerned kay Maloi pero wala ka naman dito.
Me: Treat kita breakfast bukas.
Jho: Yes boss, babantayan ko siya.
Me: Ang bilis mo mag-yes pag libre talaga.
Jho: Syempre, libre mo eh.

I placed my phone on the table and took out five cans of beer from the fridge. I said I was tired, but here I am—about to drink alone.

After a few minutes, the food arrived. I brought everything to the balcony. I felt like drinking while watching the stars.

"Maloi is like a star—I can see her, but I can’t reach her," I whispered to myself.

I had already finished three cans of beer when the doorbell rang. I opened the door—only to find someone I didn’t expect.

It was Maloi.

Wait... that’s impossible. Am I already that drunk?

“Ouch,” I muttered as she pinched my shoulder.

Akala ko sumama siya kina Jho. I checked my phone—Jho had messaged me. Umalis si Maloi. So this is real. Nasa harap ko talaga siya.

"Umiinom ka? I thought you were resting," Maloi said.

She was still outside the door, but her eyes already spotted the beer cans on the balcony table. Lakas talaga ng mata niya.

"I was about to rest," I said.

She stepped inside my condo.

She’s been here before—back in college, when I got sick and Mikha asked her to take care of me. I remember being shocked when I found out they became stepsisters. Muntik pa nga akong magselos noon, thinking maybe Maloi liked Mikha.

Now we’re at the balcony, and she’s looking at me with that same stern expression.

Can a black hole just pull me in right now?

“Lately, ang tahimik mo,” Maloi said.

“Nagfo-focus lang talaga ako sa work,” I replied.

“Liar. Tatlong cans na ng beer ang nainom mo, Nicolette. Kilalang-kilala kita,” Maloi said.

Uh-oh. Full-name basis. Lagot ako.

Back in college, it was always me, Jho, Maloi, and Kaori.

FLASHBACK

“When will you confess to her?” Jho asked.

“Jho, get back to your table,” I said, trying to sound annoyed.