Karera | [ Stacey x OC (F) ]

C24 - Date

Third Person's POV

After the tense meeting and the relief of the canceled engagement, Louise turned to Stacey with a bright smile as they walked out of Razon's Company. Taking a breath, she suggested, "How about we go on a date to celebrate? Something casual, just to unwind after all that drama a while ago."

Stacey's face lit up, a bit of color returning to her cheeks after the intense meeting. "I'd love that. Saan naman tayo pupunta?"

They made their way to Louise's car, settling in before Louise turned to her again. "Any ideas on where to eat?"

Stacey thought for a moment, then grinned. "Street food tayo. Nag crave ako sa simpleng pagkain, you know? None of that fancy stuff.

Louise chuckled, clearly amused and pleased. "That's unexpected from you, but how about pumunta tayo sa Ugbo Street? I heard na the best ang street foods don at maraming pag pipilian."

7:09 pm - Tondo Manila

As they drove to Tondo, Manila, they talked about everything except the engagement, choosing instead to focus on lighter topics. Louise parked the car, and as they stepped out into the bustling street filled with the delicious aroma of grilled food, Stacey's eyes sparkled with curiosity.

"Ready for an adventure?" Louise asked, taking her hand and leading her through the various stalls.

They started with the classics, grabbing a couple of skewers of isaw and dugo. Louise handed one to Stacey, who hesitated for a second, eyeing it suspiciously. "Sure ka ba talaga dito?" she laughed, raising an eyebrow.

Louise nodded, laughing. "Trust me, you'll love it. Besides, it's all part of the experience!"

Stacey took a cautious bite, chewing thoughtfully before nodding in surprise. "Okay, not bad! Masarap pala."

Louise grinned, obviously pleased. "See? I knew you'd like it. Now you're officially a street food pro."

They continued exploring, trying various delicacies like kwek-kwek, sisig, and shakes. With each new snack, Louise would tease Stacey, encouraging her to try things she hadn't before.

Partway through their culinary adventure, Stacey pulled out her phone and started a video call with their friends, Jhoanna and Sheena. The two answered almost immediately, their faces lighting up on the screen.

"Nasaan kayong dalawa?" Jhoanna asked, noticing the bustling street behind them.

"Street food date, sa Ugbo." Stacey replied, holding up a stick of isaw for emphasis. "At pinakain sakin ni Louise yung isaw and dugo!"

Jhoanna and Sheena's eyes widened, and they both burst out laughing. "Sa wakas! Naka kain ka rin n'yan!" Sheena teased. "Si Louise lang pala ang kailangan para lang maka kain ka n'yan."

Louise leaned in to the camera, winking. "You know, I think we’ve converted her. She actually liked it."

Jhoanna groaned, "Ano ba 'yan! Nag crave tuloy kaming dalawa sa street foods. Swerte n'yo na nand'yan kayo."

The four of them chatted for a few more minutes, laughing and sharing their little street food adventures before ending the call. Louise put her phone away, and she and Stacey continued to roam the street, eating their fill and savoring the simplicity of the moment.