Player 1 | MIKHAIAH AU

Part 15

*Very Long Update pambawi kasi late update kanina*

“I told you I’d be wearing red,” Dior says, sliding into Mackenzie’s car with a raised eyebrow. “And I told you black goes with everything,” Mackenzie replies, buckling her seatbelt. Her tone is light, but there’s a hint of weariness she can’t quite hide. 
It’s finally Saturday—the day everyone’s been looking forward to. But as they pull out of the driveway, Dior notices something off. “You don’t look too happy,” Dior says, her voice soft, eyes scanning Mackenzie’s face. 
Mackenzie shrugs, offering a faint smile. “I’m just not in the mood to socialize, siguro. Nothing personal.” Dior reaches over, resting a reassuring hand on Mackenzie’s arm. “Okay, let’s just leave early pag ubos na battery mo,” she says gently. Mackenzie glances at her, the small smile on her lips growing just a little more genuine. “Thanks.”

As they stepped out for valet parking, a sudden wave of camera flashes greeted them, nearly blinding the pair. “Dior, over here!” one photographer shouted. “Mackenzie, smile naman dyan!” another called, the crowd of paparazzi angling for the perfect shot. “This side naman, guys!” someone else yelled. Navigating the chaos, Mackenzie and Dior walked the red carpet with practiced grace. They barely made it a few steps before an interviewer stopped them. “Good evening to the hottest pair of the night! Hi, Dior! Hi, Mackenzie!” the interviewer greeted, her familiarity evident in her tone. “Hi, Arci! You look stunning,” Dior said warmly, looping her arm through Mackenzie’s. “And so do you, especially in that red dress. So, are you excited for the awards later?” Arci asked, her smile bright as she turned to Dior. “Of course! I’m really looking forward to Mackenzie’s speech mamaya,” Dior replied, her gaze lingering on Mackenzie with obvious pride. Arci nodded knowingly. “Well, we all know Mackenzie’s taking home the Top 1 Streamer award again,” she said with a grin. Mackenzie smiled shyly, her usual confidence tempered by the attention. “Quick question about your last stream, Mackie,” Arci added, leaning closer. “Sino daw ba talaga ang roommate mo noon?” she asked, her tone playful as she held the mic near Mackenzie. Mackenzie's lips twitching into a small, cryptic smile. “Secret,” she said simply, eliciting laughter from Arci as the cameras continued to flash.

“Addison, you look so beautiful!” a photographer shouted, drawing the attention of the crowd near where Mackenzie and Dior had just been standing. Arci, spotting the commotion, smiled and added, “It seems like Addison Arceta has arrived with… a date of her own.” Dior, sensing Mackenzie’s distraction, turned to her. “Let’s go sa loob na,” she suggested, her voice warm. 
But Mackenzie didn’t respond, her gaze fixed on someone in the crowd. She was entranced by a figure dressed in white, standing with an otherworldly grace. “Ang ganda niya…” Mackenzie whispered, her voice barely audible as she continued to watch, unaware that the mic was right next to her.

“Ate Ads, ang ganda mo!” Shan squealed, her excitement contagious. “You look so good, Ate Addison!” Jhai added, her smile wide and sincere. “Thanks, guys,” Addison replied, a warm smile crossing her face. “I was really nervous, but you all make me feel so comfortable.” “I told you, you look absolutely beautiful,” Clover said, her eyes full of admiration. “Hi, guys!” Dior called as she and Mackenzie joined the group. “Hi, D! Mackie boi, ready ka na ba for your speech?” Gab asked, forwarding a message from Ms. K. Mackenzie shrugged, a modest grin on her face. “I’ll just wing it. Hindi pa naman sure.” Before anyone could respond, a staff member approached. “Uhm, your table is ready po, please follow me.” As they walked toward the table, Dior stopped the staff member, glancing at the name tag beside Mackenzie’s seat. “Uhm, Ms. I think there’s been a switch. I’m Mackenzie’s date.” The staff member blinked in surprise. “Oh, I’m sorry, ma’am, pero you’ll still be on the same table naman.” She apologized, but the name tag remained unchanged.