Player 1 | MIKHAIAH AU

Part 13

“Aba, pormadong-pormado tayo ah,” Jhai teased, leaning against the kitchen counter as Mackenzie walked in, a bouquet in one hand and a champagne bottle in the other. “Wala ka talagang ibang trabaho kundi mang-asar,” Mackenzie shot back, glaring at her before adjusting the flowers in her grip. “Saan punta mo?” Gab asked, barely looking up as she munched on a bag of chips. Mackenzie grinned, confidence radiating from her. “I’m finally gonna ask my date out.” “And who’s the lucky one?” Jhai asked, raising an eyebrow. “Si Addison,” Mackenzie said, her smile softening at the name.

“Hindi kaya tumakbo si Addison sayo,” Jhai said, giving Mackenzie an exaggerated look up and down. “Putangina, pre, ang init sa Pilipinas, naka-suit ka pa,” Gab chimed in, barely holding back a laugh. “Eh paano ba dapat?” Mackenzie muttered, setting a bouquet of flowers on the counter with a huff. “Ate Addison is super simple, malamang gusto niya simple rin,” Gab pointed out.  “Dude, loose the suit. Flowers and chocolates lang, parang lalasingin mo sa dala mo” Jhai teased, snickering as she leaned on the counter. 
“Okay, okay. How should I ask her, then?” Mackenzie said, running a hand through her hair. 

“Tara, pag-practicean mo ko,” Jhai offered, stepping up dramatically. 
“Baka masampal kita,” Mackenzie deadpanned, earning a laugh from Gab. 
“Just be direct, bro,” Gab said with a shrug. “Sabi nung naunahan,” Mackenzie shot back, rolling her eyes. She straightened her posture, cleared her throat, and turned to Jhai. “Okay, ganito: Will you be my date this Saturday?”

“I do,” Jhai replied, leaning in with puckered lips, sending Gab into a fit of laughter as Mackenzie shoved her away.

Driving to Addison’s apartment, Mackenzie gripped the steering wheel tightly, her mind racing as she practiced what to say. “Why am I even nervous about this?” she muttered under her breath, shaking her head. At a red light, her phone buzzed. It was a text from Dior: "I can't wait for this Saturday, I'll be wearing red." Mackenzie’s stomach twisted. She locked the screen without replying and continued on. When she finally arrived, she took a deep breath before knocking. “Mackie! Ikaw pala,” Shan greeted casually, stepping aside to let her in. “Good evening. Sorry sa late visit. Andyan ba si Addison?” Mackenzie asked, her voice steady despite the butterflies in her stomach. “Katokin mo sa kwarto. Puntahan ko pa si bebe eh,” Shan said with a grin, grabbing her bag and heading out the door. “Oh, okay…” Mackenzie murmured, now left standing alone in the unfamiliar silence of Addison’s living room. Slowly, she walked toward Addison’s door, stopping just short of knocking. She stood there, her hand hovering mid-air, heart pounding as doubt crept in.

Before she could knock the door knob twists, revealing Addison. “Oh, ano ginagawa mo dito?” Addison asked, her voice laced with confusion as she looked at Mackenzie standing stiffly outside. “Will you be my date this Saturday?” Mackenzie blurted out in a rushed, almost rap-like. Addison blinked, then softened, offering a warm smile. “Why don’t you come in muna, Mackenzie?” Mackenzie stepped inside, her eyes nervously darting around the room before settling near Addison’s bed. “Uhm, upo ka muna,” Addison said, sitting on the edge of the bed and patting the space beside her. Mackenzie hesitated, then sat close—maybe a little too close. Addison fidgeted, feeling the tension, and awkwardly offered, “Gusto mo ng juice? Kunan kita.” 

Mackenzie caught her arm gently, her hand slipping to hold Addison’s. “No, I’m okay… just stay here,” she said softly, her eyes searching Addison’s face.

“Mackie,” Addison said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “Hmm?” Mackenzie hummed, meeting her gaze with hopeful eyes. “Mackie… I… I already have a date this Saturday,” Addison admitted, her voice faltering. “Oh,” Mackenzie replied, pulling her hand back slowly.

“Oh,” Mackie said again, her voice faltering as her face shifted between surprise, confusion, and embarrassment.  “I’m sorry,” Addison murmured, sitting back down beside her. “No, no, don’t be. It’s totally okay,” Mackie replied quickly, standing up as if to shake off the awkwardness. She grabbed the flowers and chocolate she’d been holding and extended them toward Addison. “These are for you.” Before Addison could respond, Mackie was already stepping back. “It’s late. I should get going,” she said, her tone rushed and uncertain. “Mackenzie,” Addison called softly, concern threading through her voice. She reached out, gently pulling Mackie’s arm. “Sit down muna… Let’s talk.” Reluctantly, Mackie let herself be guided back to the bed, sitting stiffly beside Addison. “It’s fine, really. I’ll still see you there naman,” Mackie said, as if trying to convince herself more than Addison. “Mackie…” Addison started hesitantly, guilt written all over her face. “Clover asked me earlier lang…”