“So ano po benefits na makukuha namin from Ate Ads signing” Shan says feeling more excited than Addison. Clover smacks Shan's head earning an “Aray” from her. “Bakit ikaw may benefits eh siya magtatrabaho” Clover says in retaliation. “It's totally fine… I guess access sa streams and games nila and of course you're free to accompany her here para din comfortable siya” Ms. K says, as she say this Shan and Mandy's smile grows.
“What made you change your mind?” Mackenzie asks, her voice low as she watches Addison sign the contract. They stand side-by-side in front of a buzzing audience, the flash of cameras lighting the room. Addison glances up, giving a small, confident smile. “Let’s just say… I’m ready to try something new,” she replies, voice steady but playful.
Ms. K steps forward with a gentle reminder. “A quick interview for the press,” she says, signaling the start of the media questions. “Ms. Arceta, a question from ABC News,” a reporter calls out. “Will you be venturing into other games?” Addison hesitates, her gaze shifting to Mackenzie beside her. “I’m still finding my way through COD, so… maybe not yet. But, who knows what I’ll learn from Mackenzie?” She laughs softly, glancing at her teammate for reassurance, their shared smile sparking a new wave of camera flashes.
Another reporter leans in, “What’s your role in the group, Ms. Arceta?”
Addison tilts her head thoughtfully. “Well… I’m not exactly sure,” she admits, smiling. “But I’m here to bring some fun—and maybe show young girls that if they want to try something new, they shouldn’t be afraid to jump in.” She ends with a confident look at the camera, her laughter warm and genuine, as the crowd falls just a bit more in love with her.
“Ms. Arceta, from Rappler Media,” a reporter stood up, voice cutting through the buzz of the press conference. “How do you feel about being used by ALAS Corp? Are you okay with being labeled as Mackenzie’s ‘new girl’?” The question landed sharply, tension filling the room. Addison’s eyes widened as she looked to Ms. K, who sat frozen, visibly caught off guard. Just as Addison opened her mouth, Mackenzie stepped forward, reaching for the mic with a calm but steady hand.
“Addison isn’t here to be anyone’s ‘new girl,’ and she’s certainly not here to be used,” Mackenzie said, voice firm, her eyes sweeping the room before settling on Addison. “She’s her own person, here because she inspires people and brings something incredible to this industry.” The room quieted, captivated by Mackenzie’s unwavering tone. “And to be clear, any relationship between us is ours to define. But let me make one thing clear—she’s not just anyone, and she deserves far more respect than to be treated like an object.” Mackenzie’s words hung in the air as she turned to Addison, who met her gaze with a soft, grateful smile, leaving the audience captivated by a moment of real, unscripted connection.
“Iba ka na talaga, Mackie boy,” Jhai teased, ruffling Mackie’s hair with a smirk. “Baka naman may feelings ka, na ayaw mong aminin sa amin?” Gab chimed in, his tone full of playful suspicion. “Oh, ano ba kayo,” Mackie shot back, cheeks warming as she defended herself, “we just met! We don’t even know each other that well yet.”
“Then why not get to know her?” Jhai nudged, raising an eyebrow. “You’ll be spending a lot of time with her anyway.”
The words lingered, leaving Mackie lost in thought as her friends watched, amused. Finally, she picked up her phone. Taking a breath, she dialed the number.
“Hey,” she says, “would you like to get some coffee?”
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...
