Teenage Dirtbag (Opposites Attract-JhoCey Spin-Off)

13

A week had passed since the café talk, and as Stacey stood in front of Jan's condo door, she couldn't help but feel the butterflies in her stomach. It had been years since their last real conversation, and here they were, about to have an intimate dinner, just the two of them. *Sana naman hindi ako magmukhang tanga tonight*, she thought, trying to shake off the nerves.

The door opened, revealing Jan with a soft, welcoming smile. He was dressed casually in a fitted black polo and jeans, his hair tousled in that effortless way models seemed to master. But it wasn't just the outfit that took Stacey's breath away—it was the fact that Jan looked... *happy*.

"Hi," he greeted, stepping aside to let her in. "I have something for you." From behind his back, he produced a single tulip, surrounded by lavenders and baby's breath.

Stacey blinked in surprise. *Tulip?! Of course tulip.* She smiled, the floral arrangement catching her off guard in the best way. "Wow, ikaw pala yung romantic type, ha?" she teased, reaching out to accept the flower.

Jan chuckled, his eyes glinting in the dimly lit condo. "Sabi ko nga eh, baka magulat ka," he replied with a wink.

The condo was warm, intimate, with the only real light coming from the candles scattered on the dining table. The scent of steak wafted through the air, and Stacey couldn't help but feel impressed. Jan, with his busy life as a model, had managed to prepare a full dinner for them.

"Ribeye steak," he said, gesturing to the table set for two. "And of course, red wine to go with it. I figured we could use a quiet night—no media, no prying eyes."

Stacey smiled, appreciating the thought. She was more than familiar with the frenzy that followed her friend Aiah and MJ, and she had no desire to be caught in the same spotlight. This—Jan's condo, a home-cooked meal, and no one else around—was exactly what she needed.

"Hmm, kaya pala niloko ako ng makeup artist kanina. Dapat pala kinaya ko yung pagdeny!" Stacey laughed softly, remembering the relentless teasing from her work team once they found out Jan was coming.

They sat down to dinner, the candlelight flickering between them. As they cut into the tender steak, the conversation began to flow naturally—filled with laughter and playful teasing.

"Akala ko dati, ano eh... hindi ka marunong magluto," Stacey teased, taking another bite of the perfectly cooked steak.

"Uy, excuse me ha," Jan raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair. "Nag-improve na ako. Hindi lang modeling ang alam ko."

Stacey burst out laughing, her fork clattering onto her plate. "Wow ha, sino nagturo sa'yo niyan? Magaling, ah!"

Jan smirked, but didn't answer right away. Instead, he refilled their wine glasses and leaned closer. "Eh kasi... may gusto akong pasayahin tonight," he said in a low voice, teasing but sincere.

Her laughter slowly died down as she took in his expression. *Iba na 'to*, she thought. The way he looked at her felt different, more intense, like he was really seeing her.

After they finished their meal, Jan suddenly stood up. Stacey's brow furrowed, unsure of what he was up to.

"Wait lang," he said, walking over to a small speaker on the counter. He scrolled through his phone, and soon, the familiar chords of *Easily* by Bruno Major filled the room.

"Don't you tell me that it wasn't meant to be, call it quits, call it destiny..."

Stacey's eyes widened as Jan walked back toward her, extending his hand. "Dance with me?" he asked, a small, almost shy smile on his face.

She raised an eyebrow but couldn't stop the smile tugging at her lips. "May romantic side ka pala, Jan," she teased, taking his hand as she stood up.

"Mas magugulat ka kay Guill and Nick. Sila ang mga coaches ko," Jan said with a chuckle, leading her to an open space in the living room where they could sway together.

"Coaches?" she repeated, laughing softly as they started dancing to the slow, melodic tune. "Paano 'yan, baka mag-expect na ako ng mga smooth moves from you every time we see each other."

Jan grinned. "Basta wag lang ako masyado pressure ha. Hindi naman ako pro."

The music flowed around them, creating an atmosphere that felt timeless. Their laughter softened into a quiet comfort as they swayed to the music. At some point, Jan's hand slid down to the small of Stacey's back, pulling her a little closer.

"Gustong gusto kita, Stacey," Jan whispered after a while, his voice soft but clear. His eyes were on hers, unwavering.

Stacey felt her heart skip a beat. His words settled over her like a warm blanket, filling her chest with an odd mixture of happiness and nervousness. She bit her lip before replying.

"Ako din, Jan. Gustong gusto din kita," she whispered back, her voice just as soft, just as sincere. Then, with a cheeky smile, she added, "Kahit maging nerd ka pa ulit."

Jan let out a soft laugh, and Stacey couldn't help but giggle along with him. Slowly, their foreheads touched, and for a brief moment, everything else faded away. The music, the dim lighting, the soft candle glow—it all melted into the background as they fell into a comfortable silence, swaying gently in each other's arms.

The song's final notes hung in the air, and neither of them moved to pull away. It was as if the world had paused just for them. Jan's breath was warm against her cheek, and Stacey felt the rhythm of his heartbeat matching hers.

"Alam mo, Stacey," Jan whispered against her forehead, his voice barely audible. "I've waited a long time for this."

Stacey smiled, closing her eyes as they continued to sway in perfect harmony. Neither of them needed to say anything more. They had all the time in the world.