Player 1 | MIKHAIAH AU

Part 29

Mackenzie knocked on the heavy wooden door. It creaked open, revealing Direk Lawrence, the director of ALAS Company, with a welcoming smile. “Mackenzie, I’m glad you could make it. Please, come in,” he said, gesturing her inside.

“Good evening po, Sir,” Mackenzie greeted politely as she stepped into the sleek, modern office. “What’s so important po ba? The call sounded urgent.” 

“It’s nothing really… just a few updates,” Direk Lawrence replied, walking towards his desk and motioning for her to follow. 
“Updates saan po?” Mackenzie asked, a hint of confusion crossing her face as she trailed behind. 

Direk Lawrence sat down in his leather chair, his posture confident. “Well, first of all, may US tour kayo. You’ll be playing a few games with international gamers, building connections and expanding your reach,” he began, clasping his hands together. “When you get back, training for the eSports competition will start immediately. Till the end of the year, Mackie, you’re fully booked!” 
Mackenzie’s face lit up with excitement, but a flicker of confusion remained in her eyes. “That sounds amazing, Sir! Pero… couldn’t this have waited?” 
Direk Lawrence’s expression shifted slightly, his smile fading. “Well… actually, there’s more. Why don’t you sit down?” He gestured to the chair across from him. 

Nervously, Mackenzie took a seat, her hands fidgeting slightly in her lap. “More po?”  Direk Lawrence leaned back, his tone growing serious. “Mackie, I’m making some changes… with your partner.” 

“Changes?” she echoed, sitting up straighter. “Ok naman po si Jhai. I doubt si Gab papalitan niyo. Kaya naman pong pag-igihan pa ni Jhai.” Her tone was defensive, her loyalty evident. 

Direk Lawrence shook his head, a small sigh escaping him as he pours Mackie a drink. “It’s not Jhai… It’s Addison.”  The room seemed to go still as Mackenzie froze in her seat, her heart dropping. 

“Saan daw pumunta si Mackie?” Mandy asked as Addison stepped into their apartment, setting her bag down. “Oh... I’m not sure. Parang may emergency ata sa company,” Addison replied casually, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. 

“Ate Ads… kwento naman!” Shan teased, leaning over the kitchen counter with a knowing smirk. “Hay nako, wala kayong nadinig kanina ha,” Addison said, her cheeks flushing slightly as she tried to play it cool. 

“Uhm, girls, can you leave me and Addison muna?” Clover’s voice cut in, calm but serious. 

“Ahhh, Shan, tara! Mag-ice cream tayo. Mukhang gutom ka eh,” Mandy said quickly, grabbing Shan by the arm and rushing her toward the door, both giggling. 

“Bakit ang seryoso mo?” Addison asked, nudging Clover playfully as they were left alone.  “Tara, usap tayo. Tagal na rin na tayo lang,” Clover said, taking Addison’s hand and leading her to the couch. 

“Aw, naglalambing naman pala ang bestie ko. Oh, sige na nga,” Addison said with a laugh, letting herself get pulled along. 

As they sat down, Clover’s tone shifted. “Are you happy?” she asked, her voice soft but earnest. 

“Ang seryoso mo na naman,” Addison said, tilting her head with a curious smile. “Syempre naman, lalo na’t okay tayong lahat.” 

“That’s good,” Clover replied, a small, sincere smile tugging at her lips. “I’m happy na masaya ka.” 
Addison leaned closer, narrowing her eyes at Clover. “Huy, okay ka lang ba? Bakit parang ang bigat mo magsalita? Namimiss mo lang ata ako, eh.” 
“Hay nako, hindi noh,” Clover retorted, rolling her eyes but unable to hide her grin. “Buti nga hindi ka umuuwi ng ilang araw. Napahinga mata ko.” 

“Ang mean mo talaga!” Addison said with a laugh, lightly shoving Clover as their playful banter melted the earlier tension.

“Ads,” Clover began softly, her tone steady but warm. “I’m here if you ever need anything. If she ever hurts you… just come home.” Her sincerity was evident in her voice, her eyes locking onto Addison’s with quiet determination.

Addison felt a wave of gratitude wash over her, a small, heartfelt smile forming on her lips. Without hesitation, she stepped forward and hugged Clover tightly. “I know,” she whispered, her voice filled with warmth. “And I’m always so grateful for you.”

“Mackie?” Sab called softly as she unlocked the dorm door, the faint sound of keys turning catching her attention. She froze when she saw Mackenzie lying on the floor, clutching the keys in her hand. “Anong ginagawa mo dyan sa lapag?” she asked, stepping closer. 
Mackenzie blinked, groggy, and smiled up at her. “Jhai!” she called out weakly, her voice slurred. 

Sab hurriedly rushed over to Mackenzie’s side. “Uy, Twiny,” Mackie mumbled, pulling Sab into a half-hug, her movements uncoordinated. 

“Wait, Mackie, uminom ka ba? Amoy ka alak,” Sab said, raising an eyebrow as she caught the strong smell of alcohol on Mackenzie’s breath. 

“Anyare dyan?” Jhai asked, rushing to Sab’s side with a look of concern. “Jhai-jhai ko,” Mackenzie giggled, pinching Jhai’s cheek playfully as they helped her to her feet. “Jhai, akala ko na-realize na nila na di ka magaling,” Mackenzie slurred, flopping onto the bed with a laugh. 

“Ano daw?” Jhai asked, confused by Mackie’s words. Sab gently shook Mackie’s shoulders, trying to keep her alert. “Huy, Mackenzie! Ano ba nangyayari sayo? Saan ka ba nanggaling?” 

“Wala na, Sab. Defeat,” Mackenzie said, throwing her hands up dramatically, her voice breaking as tears welled up in her eyes. “I just... I can't anymore.”