A year had passed since the Tamang Panahon. A year had passed since Maine and Alden started working together, not the split screen type of together, but together together. And with each passing day that passed ever since October 24, 2015, they knew each other more and more.
And with each day that passed, they still remained the way they are. Though they became the very best friends, they are still just a loveteam. No labels, no commitment, no anything. And it bothers the hell out of Maine.
Kung siya lang ang tatanungin, matagal na siyang ready. Kung pwede nga lang, siya na yung pumuntang Laguna para manligaw. She is in love with Richard Reyes Faulkerson Jr., she is sure of that. And she feels that Alden deeply cares for her and has feelings for her, so why hasn't he made a move yet?
For the three months, Maine gives hints and clues to Alden that she's ready to take their working relationship into a personal one. She gives subtle hints like her parents wanted to see him, or he's always welcome whenever he wanted to visit her in Bulacan. Pero mukhang manhid ata itong si Alden.
Even her siblings are starting to question whether Alden really likes her. Though it's obvious whenever the two are together, they just can't seem to know the answer as to why Alden hasn't made a move yet.
She was starting to worry, of course. That somehow, someday, her love for him would be unrequited. What if kaya hindi talaga pumupunta si Alden sa Bulacan kasi ayaw niya. What if kaya hindi pa nanliligaw sakanya si Alden kasi ayaw naman talaga ni Alden na maging girlfriend siya, na hanggang friendship lang ang kaya niyang ibigay?
What if may iba pala talagang nililigawan si Alden? Maine dreadfully thought to herself. But shook the thoughts away immediately. Pero what if yun nga ang scenario? Kaya hindi nanliligaw sayo si Alden kasi may nililigawan na siya?
"Meng, we're out in fifteen," someone said which broke through Maine's reverie.
"Okay po," she answered back and slapped herself as if saying hoy gising.
It was her and Alden's third movie's premier night. And just like the usual, she'll be walking the red carpet with her leading man. Sana sa real life, leading man din kita. Maine could only sigh as she started to collect her thoughts. She needed a clear head when she walk out of that door.
And just as she was about to stand up from where she was sitting and ready herself, her phone beeped indicating a new message. She glanced at the screen and a small smile played her lips the moment she saw the name of the sender.
From: RJ ❤️
Menggay!!!! Congratulations on your third movie! I'm proud of you, always. And gaya nga ng sinabi ko, I'll always be your #1 fan ❤️😘
"May pa heart and kisses ka pa diyan, eh ni hindi ka nga nanliligaw," she mumbled to herself as she sat up from her chair and walked towards the door, not bothering on composing a reply to his message kasi baka kung ano pa mareply niya.
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Everything went smoothly. Their red carpet was a success. Many of their fans came to support them which had put a big smile on their faces. Maine had forgotten her earlier dilemma and just focused on the agenda on hand.
And she was doing a great job at pretending that the looks Alden are giving her are looks of love until one question ruined it all.
"Alden! Alden! Balita is nagkakamabutihan ulit kayo ni Julie?"
Maine could only just look at Alden after hearing that question. This was expected, of course. Alden and Julie are working together in SPS. Hindi malayong maging magkaibigan ulit sila. But Maine can't help the jealousy bubbling inside her as she pictures Alden and Julie having fun at their rehearsals.
