“I’m sorry for just showing up like this,” Mackenzie said, glancing around the small but charming apartment. “I got your address from the info you left with Ms. K.” Addison’s eyes widened as she tried to tidy up the scattered books and pillows on the couch. “Oh! No, it’s totally fine. I just… wish I’d known so I could have made you something or… I don’t know, straightened up a little.”
Mackenzie chuckled softly, her gaze lingering on the cozy disarray. “Really, don’t worry,” she reassured, flashing a warm smile. “Your place feels so inviting. It’s… very you.” Addison stilled for a moment, feeling her cheeks warm under Mackenzie’s easy gaze.
"Ah, bakit ka nga pala nandito? May kailangan ka?" Clover finally broke the silence, cutting through the charged air between the two. Mackenzie snapped out of it, smiling and extending her hand. "Oh, hi! I'm Mackenzie, but please call me Mackie. I don’t think we’ve met before." Clover eyed Mackenzie’s hand for a beat before giving it a firm shake. "Clover. Friend ni Addison," she said, casting a pointed look at Addison. "So, bakit nga ulit nandito?"
Mackenzie cleared her throat, her confidence wavering. "Oh, uh, I’m here to ask you out on a date," she said, looking directly at Addison. Shan's eyes widened, her words spilling out before she could catch herself. "Huh? Date agad?"
Mackenzie’s cheeks flushed. "I mean—a business date! I wanted to discuss my manager’s offer," she corrected, rubbing her neck sheepishly. Addison let out a soft laugh, both amused and surprised. "Oh, uhm, sure. Sige, we can talk. Just give me a minute." She excused herself, slipping into her room to collect herself.
As soon as the door closed, Mandy leaned in, whispering without taking her eyes off Mackenzie, "Kasama kami, ‘teh?" Addison smirked as she disappeared behind the door, whispering back, "Pasalubongan ko na lang kayo, ‘teh. Kalma.”
“So… about the offer.” Mackenzie’s voice softened as she leaned in, testing the waters. They sat in a dimly lit, upscale steakhouse Mackenzie had insisted on, the quiet clinking of silverware around them creating an air of exclusivity. Addison glanced up with a shy smile, her cheeks tinged a soft pink. “I know last time must’ve been a lot,” she began, fingers fiddling with her fork. “What? No way!” Mackenzie replied, a spark of warmth in her eyes. “I told you, I had the best time.” She smiled, radiating admiration that made Addison’s heart skip, but Addison’s gaze drifted back to her plate. “Maybe,” Addison murmured, voice barely above a whisper. “But I don’t think you’d want that for the long run… plus, I don’t think your fans like me much.” Her words hung in the air, heavy with doubt. Mackenzie’s brows furrowed as she caught the worry flickering in Addison’s eyes. “Why would you say that? Did something happen?”
Addison hesitated, letting out a quiet sigh before meeting Mackenzie’s gaze. “One of your fans... she cornered me at the grocery store, chest to chest, and practically yelled at me to let you go so she could take my place.” Her voice shook slightly, the memory still raw.
For a moment, Mackenzie was silent, her jaw tightening, but her eyes softened as she reached across the table, letting her fingers brush against Addison’s. “Addi, that’s not everyone. And that’s definitely not me.”
YOU ARE READING
Player 1 | MIKHAIAH AU
FanfictionWhen a world-famous eSports champion pairs up with a clueless newbie for a livestream, sparks fly-but not the kind you'd expect. As Mikha patiently guides Aiah through game fails, fans can't get enough of their chemistry, pushing Mikha's management...
