Addicted Love (VALENTINE SERIES #1)

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 Ae 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 Mira 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."

Chia's eyes softened with sympathy as she looked at me. "Kenzie, you need to fix this. You're both just hurting. Don't you see it? You still keep looking at each other from afar."