Karera | [ Stacey x OC (F) ]

C20 - Paris

Third Person's POV

1:09 pm - BNU

Three weeks had passed since Louise asked Stacey if she could court her, and things had been comfortable between them, though they still called themselves "friends." Of course, their friends weren't fooled for a second. Stacey's close-knit group—Mikha, Maloi, Jhoanna, and Sheena were fully aware that Louise was courting Stacey. Meanwhile, Javi, Kai, Colet, and Gwen constantly teased Louise about how whipped she seemed to be.

The sun was high above the university field where they had been filming for the past month. Today was the last day of filming, and the excitement was palpable.

The film project had started with Jhoanna and Kai as the supposed leads, but Jhoanna, not one for acting, quickly backed out, allowing Louise and Stacey to step into the roles. Their chemistry on-screen was undeniable, and the rest of the crew agreed that no one else could have pulled off the dynamic like they did.

As they wrapped up the final scene, the crew clapped and congratulated each other for the successful shoot. Louise wiped the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand, looking toward Stacey, who was talking with Mikha and Maloi. Stacey caught her eye, smiled, and winked. Louise chuckled to herself, shaking her head.

She was just about to head over when her phone rang in her pocket. Glancing at the screen, she saw it was Mark.

"Yo, Mark. What's up?" Louise answered, keeping an eye on her friends in the distance.

"Oy Lou! May gaganaping private racing event sa Paris next week." Mark's voice came through with excitement. "And nasa list ka."

Louise's eyebrows shot up. "Wait, what? Paris? Next week?"

"Yep. It's a private track, and it's gonna be huge. Send ko sa 'yo yung details, but you'll be racing alongside some of the best, including—" Mark paused for dramatic effect, "—Aiah Arceta, Javier Mendoza, Stacey Sevilleja, Mikha Lim… Cyan Klein and iba pang racers."

Louise froze for a second. "Cyan? As in my cousin Cyan? From New Zealand?"

"The one and only. Champion for, like, four consecutive years now in thier country." Mark confirmed, his tone amused. "Oh, and guess who's on the guest list? Chie Filomeno."

Louise blinked, processing the information. "Chie? As in Chie Filomeno? The actress?"

"Yup. Your childhood bestie. You know, the one you've never mentioned to anyone except to your friends."

Louise ran a hand through her hair, a little stunned but also amused. "I haven't talked to her in years. Naaalala pa kaya ako non?"

Markie laughed. "Well, malalaman natin 'yan soon. I'll send you all the details."

Louise nodded, though Mark couldn't see it. "Alright, thanks. Send it over, I'll check it out."

After hanging up, Louise jogged over to her friends, who were already lounging under the shade of a tree, sipping on some cold drinks. Stacey looked up as she approached, smiling brightly.

"Parang may nakuha kang balita ah." Stacey teased, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

"I do, actually." Louise grinned, catching her breath. "Mark just called. Merong private racing na gaganapin sa Paris next week, and guess who's on the list?"