Player 1 | MIKHAIAH AU

Part 27

Addison sat quietly beside Mackenzie, carefully dabbing her forehead with a warm sponge. Mackenzie stirred, her eyes fluttering open to meet Addison’s focused expression. A sleepy smile spread across her lips. “Hello, beautiful,” she murmured, her voice soft and teasing. Addison didn’t respond, her movements steady and deliberate as she wiped Mackenzie’s neck.

“Luh, cold treatment kahit warm bath? That’s harsh,” Mackenzie quipped, her tone light despite the fatigue in her voice. 

“You should rest, Mackie,” Addison said softly, her voice carrying a calm firmness as she stood to leave. 

Mackenzie reached out, gently tugging on Addison’s hand. “Stay here… I need you para gumaling,” she said, her voice low and pleading, her eyes locking onto Addison’s.

Addison sighed, shaking her head. “Mackie, mabibinat ka nyan. Just sleep, okay?” 

Mackenzie’s expression shifted, a shadow of disappointment crossing her face. “What did I do wrong ba? Parang hindi ka happy sa akin na naman,” she said quietly, her tone vulnerable. 

Addison hesitated, then sat down on the edge of the bed, her eyes softening as she took Mackenzie’s hand. “You shouldn’t have pushed through with the stream when you were already feeling bad,” she said, her thumb brushing lightly over Mackenzie’s fingers. 

Mackenzie gave a sheepish grin. “But I’m fine, Addi. Honestly, nalusaw lang ata ako lalo nung dumating ka,” she said, trying to lighten the mood. 

Addison’s lips tightened, her patience fraying. She moved to stand again, but Mackenzie quickly wrapped her arms around Addison’s waist, pulling her back. “Sorry, bad joke. I didn’t want you to worry. I felt like I owed it to Dior, too,” she admitted, her voice soft and sincere now. 

Addison sighed, finally relaxing into Mackenzie’s hold. “I understand. I know how important your work is, that’s why I didn’t say anything earlier,” she said gently. “But it’s a good thing Princess was there to notice. What if she hadn’t messaged me?” 

“Yeah, Princess can be smart… sometimes,” Mackenzie said, flashing a weak grin. 

Addison rolled her eyes, a small laugh escaping as she lightly smacked Mackenzie’s arm. “Uto. Matulog ka na.”

"I want you to be here when I wake up," Mackenzie said, her voice soft but with a playful pout, trying to act cute. 

"Boss?" Jhai interjected, grinning ear to ear, clearly amused by Mackie's antics. 
"Boss?" Mackenzie mimicked, raising an eyebrow in mock offense (malupiton summoned). "Uy, boss,… andyan yung actual na boss" Jhai teased further, and the two of them burst into laughter. 

Addison, watching the exchange with mild confusion, tilted her head. "Andito si Mrs. K? Bakit daw?" she asked, her tone laced with concern. She couldn’t help but worry if Mackenzie might be dragged into work again despite still needing to rest. 

Jhai scratched the back of her neck, her grin faltering just slightly. "Uh, may kasama actually," she said, hesitating as though unsure how to continue. 

Before Addison could press for details, a muffled shout echoed from outside. It was unmistakably Sab, her voice sharp as she berated someone. 

"Wait, Sab’s out there?" Addison asked, her brows furrowing. 
"Yeah, iniwan ko sila ni Gabbo dun," Jhai admitted, her teasing grin returning. "Pero baka traumatized na ‘yun pagbalik." 

From the hallway, another yell from Sab reached their ears, and Jhai leaned casually against the doorframe. "Guess we’ll find out kung buhay pa si Gab," she said, smirking.