Stalker X Stalker // Jhocey

Chapter 3

In the weeks that followed, Stacey recovered from her sprained ankle and returned to her jogging routine, but something had changed. She started to feel a growing sense of determination to understand why Jhoanna was so obsessed with her. Stacey decided to keep her distance, but at the same time, observe Jhoanna from afar. She informed her friends about her plan, and they all agreed to help.

One morning, Stacey decided to go jogging again, but this time she planned to meet Maloi, Sheena, and Aiah at a different park, one that Jhoanna didn't know about. As she prepared to leave, she noticed Jhoanna and her group lingering near her house, pretending to be casual but clearly waiting for her.

"Mga stalker talaga," Stacey muttered to herself as she took a different route out of her neighborhood.

As Stacey jogged to the new park, her friends were already there, waiting and ready to support her. They had decided to keep an eye on Jhoanna, using their phones to communicate and coordinate their movements. They were determined to turn the tables and make Jhoanna feel the unease that Stacey had been experiencing.

Meanwhile, Jhoanna was growing increasingly frustrated. She had noticed Stacey's change in behavior—how she had become more distant and cautious. It bothered her deeply, and she couldn't understand why Stacey was acting so weird. She confided in Mikha, Colet, and Gwen.

"Alam niyo, parang iba na si Stacey. She’s avoiding me. Ang weird niya lately," Jhoanna said, her voice filled with frustration.

"Maybe she’s just busy," Colet suggested, trying to calm her down.

"Or maybe she knows something," Mikha added, a hint of worry in her voice.

"Whatever it is, we need to find out," Jhoanna said, determined. "Tara, sundan natin siya."

As they arrived at the new park, Jhoanna's group was surprised to see Stacey and her friends already there. They tried to blend in, but it was clear that Stacey's group was aware of their presence. Stacey gave a subtle nod to her friends, signaling them to proceed with their plan.

Maloi, Sheena, and Aiah started jogging in different directions, creating a network that would allow them to keep an eye on Jhoanna and her friends from all angles. Stacey stayed on the main path, maintaining a steady pace but always aware of her surroundings.

Jhoanna, sensing that something was off, tried to keep her distance while still following Stacey. But it became increasingly difficult as Stacey’s friends seemed to be everywhere. The tables had indeed turned, and now it was Jhoanna who felt the discomfort of being watched.

"I don't like this, I feel like someones watching us," Gwen whispered to Jhoanna, her eyes darting around nervously.

"Oo nga, ang creepy," added Mikha, trying to hide her anxiety.

Jhoanna tried to remain calm, but the tension was getting to her. "Relax lang, they can’t know what we’re up to."

But Stacey’s plan was working perfectly. As they jogged, she occasionally glanced over her shoulder, giving Jhoanna the impression that she was onto them. It was a subtle game of cat and mouse, and Stacey was winning.

After a while, Stacey stopped by a bench to catch her breath. Jhoanna saw this as an opportunity and approached cautiously, trying to act casual.

"Hey, Staks," Jhoanna greeted her, forcing a smile. "Kamusta ka na?"

Stacey looked up, feigning surprise. "Oh, hi, Jho. I’m good, ikaw?"

"Okay lang. Parang iba na kasi yung route mo ngayon. San ka usually nagjog?"

"Just trying out new places," Stacey replied, keeping her tone light. "It’s nice to explore, di ba?"

Jhoanna nodded, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. The way Stacey and her friends were acting, it was as if they were playing a game that Jhoanna didn’t understand.

Meanwhile, Maloi, Sheena, and Aiah were observing from a distance, ready to step in if needed. They had agreed to stay close and watch Jhoanna’s every move.

After a few more awkward minutes, Jhoanna decided to leave. "Sige, Staks. See you around."

"Sure, Jho. Ingat ka," Stacey replied, her smile not quite reaching her eyes.

As Jhoanna walked away, she felt a knot of anxiety in her stomach. She knew something was off, but she couldn’t put her finger on it. It was as if Stacey had flipped the script, and now Jhoanna was the one feeling uneasy and unsure.

Back at the café after their jog, Stacey and her friends discussed their plan. "I think it’s working," Stacey said, her eyes gleaming with determination. "We just need to keep it up. Let her feel what it’s like."

Maloi nodded. "Tama. Basta, we’re here for you, Staku."

Sheena agreed. "Let’s keep an eye on her. Kung may ginagawa siyang hindi maganda, we’ll find out."

Aiah smiled. "And we’ll make sure she knows we’re watching."

As they clinked their glasses in a silent toast, Stacey felt a renewed sense of strength. The tables had turned, and now it was Jhoanna who had to watch her back. The once simple morning jogs had turned into a strategic game, and Stacey was ready to play her part.

Over the next few weeks, Jhoanna continued to feel the pressure. Everywhere she went, it seemed like Stacey or one of her friends was there, watching. The constant surveillance was driving her crazy, and she began to second-guess her every move.

One day, after a particularly tense encounter, Jhoanna confided in Mikha. "Hindi ko na kaya, Miks. Parang ako na yung nababaliw."

"Maybe it’s time to back off, Jho," Mikha suggested gently. "Maybe Stacey’s just not meant to be part of your life."

Jhoanna sighed, feeling the weight of Mikha’s words. "Siguro nga. I just wanted to be close to her."

But as Jhoanna retreated, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of loss. The game had turned, and she had lost. For Stacey, though, it was a victory—a reclaiming of her peace and a reminder that she and her friends could stand strong against any threat.