Karera | [ Stacey x OC (F) ]

Special Chapter

Louise's POV (Flashback)

The living room was a mess— a scene straight out of a birthday party. Stacey was asleep beside me, her head leaning on my shoulder, her soft breathing almost drowned out by Maloi's off-key humming into the karaoke mic habang nakapikit. Tulog na ata 'to.

Javi and Kai were sprawled on the floor, humihilik na malakas, and Sheena and Jhoanna were in similar states of drunken slumber. Mikha, true to form, was sleeping peacefully na parang walang nangyaring party.

Across the room, Aiah sat quietly, habang iniikot yung basong hawak n'ya. Her posture was calm, but her eyes told a different story. They seemed heavy, almost tired, and I couldn't shake the memory of what I saw earlier— the way she wiped her tears as Fons and Javi comforted her on the balcony. It had been eating at me all night. 

As Colet suddenly stood, rubbing her temples, she broke the silence. "Kape guys? Gusto n'yo?"

Fons nodded, standing as well. "Tulungan na kita." he offered, and the two of them left for the kitchen. 

Gwen stretched before excusing herself, muttering something about needing the restroom. That left Aiah and me sitting in the awkward stillness of the room, surrounded by the symphony of our friends' snores. 

I turned to look at her, and she caught my gaze, her face immediately softening with a small, tired smile. It was the kind of smile that felt forced, as if she were trying to reassure me before I even said anything. 

"What happened?" I asked, breaking the silence. 

Her brow furrowed slightly, but her smile didn't waver. "What do you mean?"

"Aiah…" I sighed. "I saw you earlier with Fons and Javi on the balcony. There's something wrong, isn't there?"

She hesitated, her fingers tracing the rim of her glass. Then, as if dismissing the question, she shook her head. "It's nothing, Lou. I'm fine. Really."

Her voice was steady, but the way she avoided my eyes said otherwise. 

I glanced at Stacey, who was still fast asleep beside me. Gently, inayos ko yung higa n'ya so she'd be more comfortable, tucking a pillow under her head. Before standing up, I couldn't resist leaning down to kiss her forehead. It was a quiet, tender moment, and for a second, everything felt okay. 

But when I straightened up, I noticed Aiah was watching me. Her expression was unreadable— something between admiration and sadness. 

I met her gaze, my heart tightening with concern. "Let's talk outside." I said firmly, motioning toward the balcony. Without waiting for a response, I walked toward the door, knowing she would follow. 

The cool night air greeted me as I stepped out, and soon enough, I heard her footsteps behind me. I leaned against the railing, staring out at the city lights before turning to face her. 

"So," I said, keeping my tone soft but direct. "What's wrong? I'm all ears, Ai."

She stood there, looking conflicted. Her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her sweater, and her eyes darted everywhere except to me. Finally, she let out a sigh, biting her lower lip as if trying to hold something back. 

"Ai, talk to me." I urged, stepping closer. 

She looked up at me then, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Her walls were crumbling right in front of me, and I could tell she was seconds away from breaking. My chest tightened.