Addicted Love

Faye's POV 03

03

I sat in the auditorium, my heart racing as I scanned the crowd. Ae usually brightened my day with a playful pick-up line or a teasing smile, but today was different. She didn't even glance my way, and it stung more than I expected.

What had changed?

I couldn't wrap my head around it. I looked over at Ae, who was laughing with Juliana, her ex. The sight twisted something deep inside me. Watching them together felt like a punch to the gut, a stark reminder of what I had lost.

I clenched my fists in my lap, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

"Why is she avoiding me?" I whispered to myself, the words heavy with confusion. I wanted to confront her, to demand an explanation for this sudden coldness, but the thought of facing her made my stomach churn.

As I scanned the room, I noticed Triz across the way, grinning like a fool at her phone. I didn't care about that right now. I needed a way to talk to Ae. I reached for one of the USC members nearby, my cold expression making her flinch.

"Go tell Amira and her cousin to come here. I'll explain their task," I said, my tone firm. She nodded quickly, a mix of shock and fear on her face.

I knew I had an intimidating aura when I was upset, but I didn't care. This was the only way I could talk to Ae, and I needed to get her attention somehow.

So this is called pangungulila?

I watched as the USC member approached Ae, relaying my message. I could see Ae's reluctance in her body language, she shook her head, clearly not wanting to come over.

A surge of jealousy twisted in my gut as I noticed Juliana step in closer, taking Ae's hand in hers.

They walked toward me, and I felt a heat rise in my chest. What was it about the way Juliana held her hand that made me feel so protective? I didn't want to see Ae with her ex, especially not when I was feeling so vulnerable.

As they reached my spot, I forced myself to maintain a calm expression, though inside, I was a storm of conflicting emotions. Ae's eyes flickered to mine, and I could see a hint of apprehension mixed with something else I couldn't quite place.

"Good afternoon po, Miss Sanchez. Sabi po kasi nung USC member na i-ask daw po namin kayo regarding sa task namin. Since hindi po nila kami pinabunot kung saang group kami."

I didn't even glance at Juliana as she approached. I could feel Triz smirking beside me, clearly amused by my stony demeanor.

She whispered something about a "jellyfish" nearby, and I rolled my eyes, trying to ignore her teasing. Just because she was decent at Tagalog didn't mean she could get away with mocking me in front of Ae.

I let Triz explain whatever she wanted, not wanting to give her any attention.

A moment later, one of my friends joined us, bringing another Valentine along. They asked Juliana what her problem was, but honestly, I didn't care about her feelings.

I ignored the conversation entirely and decided to walk away, purposefully brushing past Juliana and Ae. I felt their hands separate as I made my way through, the distance between them now palpable.

When I arrived at the office, I didn't even notice Chia had been following me. She suddenly came up to me, concern evident on her face.

"Kenzie, did you and Amira have a fight? It seems like she's been ignoring you," she asked bluntly.

I sighed, knowing I had to explain what happened.

"I turned her down last night, Chia. She sang for me at the resto-bar, but... someone was following me. I had to do it. I didn't want Ae to get caught up in my situation."