Player 1 | MIKHAIAH AU

Part 7

“What’s with the sudden coffee date? Missing me already?” Dior teases, settling into the chair across from Mackenzie. The café is warm and dimly lit, the gentle hum of conversation around them contrasting with the tension at their table. Mackenzie sighs, wrapping her hands around her cup as if absorbing its warmth. “Nah, just needed a breather… things are getting a bit intense at work,” she admits, taking a slow sip. Dior raises an eyebrow, a slight smirk playing on her lips. “Why? Not having fun with her?” A flicker of something crosses Mackenzie’s face, but her lips curl into a smile. “Actually, I am. I’m excited for what’s coming up, the days we’ll be spending together,” she says, and for a moment, she’s lost in the thought.

Dior leans in, searching Mackenzie’s eyes. “But it’s all for work… right? Just work?”  Mackenzie’s gaze drops, her smile fading slightly as she stirs her coffee. “Oh… of course,” she murmurs, but the hesitation lingers, unspoken words filling the space between them.

“Ate Ads, I swear I saw Mackenzie here! Her hair’s bright red—I’m *sure* it’s her,” Mandy whispered excitedly, tugging Addison up the stairs of the bustling café. Addison sighed, but a small smile crept onto her face as she followed Mandy, her steps quickening to keep up. "Calm down, you’re always seeing her around," Addison chuckled.  They reached the second floor, and there, across the room, sat Mackenzie, leaning in toward another girl, laughter filling the cozy space between them. Their heads were close, body language relaxed and familiar, as though they were sharing some private joke. Addison’s heart tightened for a moment, but she quickly pushed it aside, glancing at Mandy. “Looks like she’s busy right now,” she murmured, gently guiding her back toward the stairs. “Why don’t you just catch her tomorrow?”

But just as Addison turned, Mackenzie’s eyes drifted over, her gaze catching a familiar silhouette. “Wait… is that Mandy?” she whispered, half-standing to get a better look. Before she could fully rise, a group of excited girls swarmed her and her companion, their eyes wide with excitement. “Oh my gosh, Mackie and Dior in one frame—could we get a picture, please?” one girl squealed, camera at the ready. “Of course!” Dior laughed, standing and draping an arm around Mackenzie, the two of them smiling as the girls captured the moment.

The morning sun poured through the studio windows as the team gathered, it was their first official stream together since Addison signed on. Gab sat shyly next to Shan, glancing over with a tentative smile. "Hi, Shan," she said, a little too softly. Shan grinned, leaning in playfully. "Hi, bebe—ay, I mean, Gab pala." She laughed, teasingly nudging her friend. "Cheer me on mamaya, ha?" Gab grinned, settling in at her setup.
Addison stood, making her way to leave. “I’ll go, then.”
But Mackenzie quickly turned to her. “Sit next to me?” she asked, her tone softer than usual, as she offered the chair beside her own setup. Addison hesitated, glancing around, before finally sitting back down near Clover instead. “Maybe I’ll just watch for now,” she murmured. Clover noticed her hesitation and placed a comforting hand on hers. “You good?” she asked quietly, and Addison nodded with a small smile.
The stream started, and fans flooded in instantly, spamming the chat with familiar usernames and an outpouring of support. “Ang dami na agad nag hahanap sayo, Ate Ads,” Shan chuckled, reading through the comments scrolling by.
“LQ ang MaDdi ko, huhuhu,” “Mekaya Lu—” “Layag kasi DiCkie(Dior and Mackie) kagabi!” The chat raced with all the shipping wars and inside jokes. Some comments even urged, “Manuyo ka na, Mackie!”

Mackenzie’s focus wavered, her gaze flickering from her screen to where Addison was sitting, clearly distracted. Determined to change the vibe, she leaned into the mic. “Uh, guys, I want you to meet Shan and Mandy.” She gestured toward the couch with a grin, hoping to steer attention away from herself and Addison. “Gusto niyo ba sila mapanood maglaro?” she offered, standing up and handing her phone to Mandy, who immediately ducked out of reach.
“Luh, bakit ako?” Mandy laughed, scooting away. Shan perked up, jumping into the moment. “Ako na lang! I wanna play with bebe,” she teased, plopping herself down next to Gab.

Mackenzie glanced back at Addison, her heart pounding just a little faster. “Uhm… may I sit next to you?” she asked, her voice dropping as she looked at Addison, who was engrossed in the stream monitor. Addison sighed, knowing the buzz it would create. “Magkakagulo lang yan sila…” she murmured, a subtle smile flickering on her lips as the chat erupted with anticipation.