Shadows & Spotlight | Anthologies

Off Cam (1)

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Aftermath of the Grand Biniverse Concert.

Fluff

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The final night of the Grand Biniverse concert reaches its climactic conclusion as the massive flower prop descends gracefully onto the stage. The lights dim, casting a warm glow on the middle platform where the BINI members gather one last time. Slowly, the stage begins to lower, carrying the girls down to meet the awaiting staff beneath. The cheers of the audience still echo faintly in the background, the final song fading into a bittersweet memory.

As the platform settles, the staff erupts into applause. Maloi, unable to contain her excitement, turns around with wide eyes and throws her arms open. "Omg, tapos na yung Grand Biniverse!" she exclaims, pulling the group into an enthusiastic hug.

Jhoanna is quick to follow, wrapping her arms around everyone as giggles and laughter ripple through the circle. The exhaustion of three days melts away in the warmth of their embrace.

From the corner of the room, Direk Lauren strides toward them, a proud smile lighting up his face. "Congratulations, girls!" he calls out, jogging a little to join the huddle. The girls laugh as he squeezes in, enveloping them like a father welcoming his daughters.

"Grabe, natapos niyo ang tatlong araw na concert!" he says, his voice brimming with pride. "Anong feeling?"

Aiah, the eldest, speaks up first, her tone both tired and elated. "Nakakapagod pero ang saya," she replies, drawing nods and murmurs of agreement from the others.

The group hug eventually loosens, collapsing into a relaxed huddle. Conversations overlap, filling the space with lighthearted chatter. Mikha, the red-haired member, subtly steps closer to Aiah.

"Hi," Mikha whispers softly, her voice just loud enough for Aiah to hear.

Aiah turns her head, a gentle smile tugging at her lips. "Hello," she replies, her voice warm despite her fatigue.

The two drift slightly to the side, away from the bustling group. Mikha reaches out, brushing away stray paper leaves stuck to Aiah's outfit. Her movements are careful and deliberate, her fingers lingering a moment longer than necessary.

"Ayan, yung dalawa," Colet's teasing voice cuts through the noise, pulling Mikha and Aiah back to reality. "Pag sakanilang dalawa nakafocus yung camera, daming naghihiwayan eh!"

Stacey grins and chimes in, "Lowkey lowkey pa kayo nalalaman, eh halata naman na kayo kahit off-cam!"

The group bursts into laughter, and even Direk Lauren chuckles. "Layag na layag kayo ng tatlong araw ah," he teases, shaking his head fondly.

"Okay, tara na," he finally says, clapping his hands to regain their focus. "Let's get you guys prepared for the send-off!"

As the group begins to exit, Mikha instinctively reaches for Aiah's hand, intertwining their fingers. The gesture is subtle but intimate, unnoticed by most.

"How was the concert for you naman?" Mikha asks, her voice soft and curious.



Aiah squeezes her hand lightly. "Okay naman. It's so tiring, pero masaya," she replies. "Feel ko bagsak ako nito pag-uwi."

Mikha chuckles at her dramatic tone. "May dinner pa tayo later, ah," she reminds her.

Aiah sighs exaggeratedly, drawing another laugh from Mikha. "Can't you just cook for me later?" Aiah asks, flashing her best puppy eyes.

Mikha grins, shaking her head in amused defeat. "Alam mo talagang nakukuha mo 'ko diyan, ha."

Aiah laughs, tugging on Mikha's arm playfully. "What do you want for dinner ba?" Mikha asks as they walk side by side.

"Parang nagccrave ako ng fish and chips today," Aiah muses, her tone thoughtful.

Mikha nods. "Anything else when we get home?"

"Hmm... can we order bingsu?" Aiah suggests innocently.

Mikha sighs, feigning exasperation. "Bakit pa mag-oorder? Kaya ko naman gawin yun."

"Wow," Aiah says with a chuckle, clearly impressed.

Mikha ruffles Aiah's hair affectionately. "Oh, when we get back to my condo, I'll cook you anything you want, okay?"

"Okay," Aiah agrees with a small smile.

Behind them, Maloi leans toward Colet, her voice low. "Sa tingin mo ba, napapansin ng mga Blooms na may something sa kanila?"

Colet shrugs, her eyes fixed on the two ahead. "Ewan ko ba. Kaya nga natin sila pinaghihiwalay pag nasa on stage or may camera nearby," she replies. "Mahirap na pag nagka-issue."

Maloi chuckles, her gaze softening as she watches Mikha and Aiah. "Ang cute-cute pa naman nila," she mutters.

"Bawal nga tayo magjowa," she adds with a sly grin, "pero wala naman sinabi na bawal natin jowain isa't isa."

Colet stifles a laugh, playfully smacking Maloi's arm. "Hays, ikaw talaga."

"Tama naman, eh," Maloi insists, nodding toward Mikha and Aiah. "Tingnan mo nga yung dalawa oh."

Colet follows her gaze, observing the quiet intimacy between the two. "Lowkey or not naman sila, kitang kita mo naman sa mga mata nila na they long for each other," she says softly.

"As long as masaya sila," Colet concludes, her tone final but warm, "on the stage or off the camera."

The lights fade completely as the group steps out into the night, their laughter and camaraderie carrying them forward.