Karera | [ Stacey x OC (F) ]

C14 - Donny

Third Person's POV

1:08 pm - BNU Field

It had been a month since the race, and life had settled into a surprising calm. Stacey and Aiah had patched things up, becoming friends after a heartfelt conversation that cleared the air. The tension that once lingered between them had vanished, replaced by an easy camaraderie.

Louise, on the other hand, was relieved. She had worked hard to rebuild trust with Stacey, and though their relationship had started fake, it was anything but now.

Louise and Stacey sat at a large table in the university's field of their favorite hangout spot, surrounded by their friends. Javi, Kai, and Colet were cracking jokes with Mikha, Jhoanna and Maloi, while Gwen and Sheena talked about an upcoming event. Stacey leaned against Louise’s shoulder casually, enjoying the light banter of the group.

But the peaceful vibe was short-lived.

"Stacey!" A familiar voice, loud and aggressive, cut through the chatter like a blade.

Louise's body immediately tensed as she recognized the voice. She shifted slightly, shielding Stacey instinctively as she spotted him storming toward them with his friends in tow. His face was twisted in anger, and it was clear that he wasn't just there for a casual chat.

Stacey straightened up, her expression hardening. "Ano na naman problema neto?" she muttered under her breath, glancing at Louise.

Louise, calm and unbothered as ever, raised an eyebrow as Donny approached. His eyes were locked on Stacey, but his attention flickered to Louise, clearly aware of the role she had played in keeping him at bay for the past few months.

"Ano nanaman gusto mo, Donny?" Louise's voice was cold, already preparing to put him in his place.

Donny crossed his arms, glaring at the two of them. "So lahat pala 'yan fake, huh? Pinaglaruan n'yo 'kong dalawa para tumigil ako? Ano? Sa tingin n'yo hindi ko malalaman?"

Louise tilted her head, unamused by his tantrum. "Took you long enough."
she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

The rest of the group fell quiet, sensing the tension rising. Stacey, for her part, looked ready to jump in, but Louise wasn't having it.

"Galit ka kasi ayaw ni Stacey makipag date sa'yo? And now you're throwing a fit because I'm involved?" Louise continued, standing up slowly.

"I get it, rejection sucks, Donny. But you've been acting like a child for months. Grow up."

Donny's face turned red, his fists clenching. "Iniisip mo siguro na mas better ako sa 'yo, 'no? Pretending to be her girlfriend para mapaalis ako sa paningin n'ya. But guess what? Hindi na ako maniniwala. This whole thing between you and Stacey is a joke."

Louise's eyes narrowed. "A joke? You really want to go there?"

She stepped forward, her presence immediately making Donny falter for just a second. Louise's calm, icy demeanor was a stark contrast to Donny's wild anger, and everyone at the table watched in anticipation.

"Ipapa mukha ko lang sa 'yo, Donny." Louise began, her voice low and dangerous. "Stacey didn't fake anything to push you away. I did it because you're a walking red flag that doesn't know how to take ‘no’ for an answer."