Player 1 | MIKHAIAH AU

Part 4

“Uhm Ms. K though I really appreciate the offer po… I'm sorry but I'd have to decline po” Addison says holding Ms. K’s hand. “Ha? Bakit Ate Addison?” Shan says moving to Addison's side. “Oo nga teh baka naman dapat pag isipan mo muna” Mandy says through her teeth as she smiles at Ms. K. “Your friend's right Addison take your time to think about it, this is a really good opportunity” Ms. K says smiling at her. “Ah kami po bahala kausapin lang po namin toh” Shan says pointing at Addison and smiling at Gab.

“It was really nice getting to play with you” Mackenzie says holding the door as the girls go out. “I had fun din… the watchers were a bit intense pero you made me feel calm naman… so thank you talaga” Addison says as they walk towards the exit of the building, side by side. The rest of the walk was calm and peaceful with their arms brushing a little every once and a while. From behind them their friends were witnessing what they saw as a love story in the making. “Ang cute nilang dalawa” Shan whispers to the group. “Para silang may sariling mundo noh” Gab says her lips forming a smile.

“Any word from Ms. Arceta yet?” The Director’s gaze was sharp as it swept over the ALAS team seated before him. A low murmur filled the room, and everyone’s attention shifted to the screen showing clips of Addison and Mackenzie’s livestream, now playing on loop. For over two weeks, their unexpected chemistry had taken the internet by storm, drawing millions of views and endless fan chatter. Investors and stockholders were buzzing with excitement; this was more than just a gaming duo—it was a phenomenon. The stakes were high, and everyone in that room knew this could be the breakthrough that would propel ALAS to new heights in entertainment. “Uhm we're still waiting on her response sir but we are hopeful po” Ms. K says her voice a bit shaky with nervousness.

The director let's out a sigh, looking over to Mackenzie he says “Why don't you give it a try convincing her… you seem to like, don't you?” Mr. Lawrence the director says. “Shouldn't we let her be? If she wants to live a silent peaceful life” Mackenzie says standing up and looking far through the window. “Mackenzie eto na naman ba tayo??…You either convince her to join you or this group disbands.” the director says with a stern voice and look.

“Dude how will you convince her?” Jhai asks Mackenzie holding her nape. “Why do you need her ba? We can be a duo” Dior says, Dior is a friend of a group another gamer under the company though she mostly streams entertainment games like Roblox or roleplay games. “Sus the fans already made rumors about you two… di naman bumenta” Gab says her words sharp but true. “Paano naman kasi sila naniniwala eh you keep moving away from me” Dior says like a kid throwing a tantrum. “You're too clingy, I don't want you to fall for me for real” Mackenzie says with a disgusted look on her face. “As if” Dior says rolling her eyes at Mackenzie, though she acts this way everyone else around them notices her stolen glances and smooth moves when on livestream with Mackenzie. No one dares to ask tho, knowing both of them aren't open about talking about it.

“Ate Addison, come on—grab this chance already,” Shan urged, her voice rising with excitement as she nudged Addison. It had been 2 weeks since the offer came in, but Shan and Mandy hadn’t stopped trying to convince her for a moment. Addison sighed, burying her face in her pillow. “You guys know I hate being the center of attention,” she mumbled, her voice muffled.
Shan huffed, still arguing like a child, “Ate Ads, think about us! This is my chance to get close to bebe, and Ate Mandy with Mackenzie!” Addison peeked up, a puzzled look on her face. “Wait, and what about me?”
“Oh, um… baka may magalit,” Shan replied, shooting a sly glance toward the doorway.

A voice cut in from the shadows—Clover, leaning against the wall with crossed arms. “You know, you really shouldn’t push her if she doesn’t want to do it.”
Mandy rolled her eyes, brushing past Clover to take Addison’s arm. “Ate Ads, think about it. It’s an amazing chance… and you might actually get to learn how to play,” she teased, her voice playful yet hopeful. The room buzzed with their excitement and a little tension as they tried to pull Addison toward a decision she wasn’t sure about, each friend revealing their own hopes for what this could bring. When…

“May tao ata sa labas” Addison says as they hear the doorbell. “You guys expecting anyone?” Clover says as they all head out to open the door. Addison being ahead of everyone else opens the door to be greeted by a bouquet of red roses covering someone. “Oh uhmm Hi” Addison says meeting the persons gaze.