Aya still couldn't type out what she wanted to say after Jayvee made the first move by chatting with her, and the young man understood this.
Private message (Lyca and Aya):
Lyca:
"Hey! So, sis, are you still floating until now? Hahaha"
Aya:
"I'm fine, sis. By the way, Jayvee messaged me but I don't know what to reply to him at this moment."
Lyca:
"Yeah, he told me too, he also messaged me, but don't worry—just let him be, I already defended you and he understands you."
Lyca:
"And Wow! He's really sweet huh hahaha."
Aya:
"Haha alright sis, I need to go back to work now, I'll chat with you later."
Aya simply continued and forced herself to focus on her work, worried that she might accidentally type the wrong thing in the report she was typing.
Meanwhile, inside a small studio at Gavin's house, the echo of the guitar and the beat of the drums still lingered. They had just finished practicing for the band, and now Jake was sprawled on the sofa while Gavin was busy fixing the cables and sound of the amplifier. The room smelled of music sheets, the air conditioner made the atmosphere cool, and this had become the comfortable hangout spot for the two of them—best friends since childhood.
While playing with a guitar pick between his fingers, Gavin couldn't help but ask. Since last night, he hadn't been able to stop thinking about Jake's IG post—a post that quickly became the talk of the fans.
Conversation:
Gavin (sits down, looking serious):
"Jake, I need to ask you something about that post you made yesterday."
Jake (grinning, tossing a drumstick in the air):
"Which one? The jam clip, or the one that's got everyone going crazy?"
Gavin (crosses arms):
"You know what I'm talking about. The one about your ex. Tell me, were you really sure about putting that out there?"
Jake (shrugs, still lying back):
"Why not? It's just a caption and a picture, man. People overreact all the time. That's social media for you."
Gavin (leans forward, firm tone):
"Don't act like it's nothing. You knew your fans would react. So what's the real reason? What were you trying to do?"
Jake (sits up slowly, grin fading):
"Maybe… I wanted her to see it. Maybe I wanted them all to. Or maybe… I just wanted everyone to know I still care."
Gavin (shakes his head):
"That's reckless, Jake. You're mixing your private life with your public image. You sure you're ready for that kind of mess?"
Jake (sighs, running a hand through his hair):
"I wasn't thinking that far. I just… I wanted to feel something real again, even if it meant stirring everything up."
Narrator:
The studio fell silent. The only sound was the faint hum of the amplifier. Gavin saw the heaviness in his friend's eyes—this wasn't just for show or clout. Jake was clearly reaching for something… even if it might hurt him in the end.
Meanwhile, thousands of miles away from Seattle, it was just an ordinary night for Janine in the Philippines. Sitting at her desk with a mug of coffee in hand, she couldn't focus on reviewing her notes while her laptop and phone were open. As always, she was tuned in to updates from the fandom—the Jakefanatics group chat, always keeping an eye on every move and update in Jake's life.
But tonight, the topic was different. Jake's controversial post about his ex was trending in the feed. The timeline was flooded with reactions, theories, and comments. Some were thrilled; others were worried. And of course, it didn't escape the sharp eyes of those naturally observant.
Narrator:
For Janine, this wasn't just a simple post. It was as if there was a hidden message between the words and the picture. And because she was in love with him, she was used to searching for patterns and clues even in the simplest things, as long as they were about Jake.
Scene (Janine scrolling through social media):
Janine (murmurs to herself):
"Hmm… why does it seem like Jake is hinting at something here? This isn't just any caption, especially with that picture of him and Hershey… it feels like it means something."
While reading fan comments:
Fan 1 (comment):
"Omg maybe Jake is getting back with his Ex??😭 #JakeAndEx"
Fan 2 (comment):
"That's just a random post, their breakup was almost six months ago."
Fan 3 (comment):
"Who knows, maybe it's just a clue for his next cover song!"
Narrator:
Janine smiled, but she wasn't just an ordinary fan who was simply amused. She had a gut feeling there was a deeper reason behind that post. In her mind, a new "case" had started—not as an official job, but as a fan and a detective who never wanted to miss any detail, especially when it came to Jake.
Janine (thinking aloud):
"If this really is just a simple post, then why now? Hmm… interesting. Time to dig deeper."
Narrator:
And that's where Janine's detective mode investigation began—a search not only about one post but also about the people behind it. Between fandom theories and viral discussions, she would begin to piece together the puzzle… even if they were continents apart.
On Saturday afternoon, Jake trended again. This time, not because of his cryptic IG post, but because of his new upload on his channel: a heartfelt cover of the song "Umiiyak ang Puso" by April Regino. His voice was cool yet strong, filled with emotion, and it quickly won the hearts of thousands of fans.
Narrator:
From the very first minute of the song, everyone could feel that this wasn't just a cover. Each line carried depth, and for fans who were always attentive, it only strengthened their suspicion that every post and every note Jake sang had hidden emotions.
JAKEFANATICS GC:
Maureen:
"Wow! His voice is so beautiful! I cried listening to this!"
Anna:
"Could it be that he's trying to say something? The song is so sad…"
Mica:
"Guys, do you remember his IG post about his ex? It feels connected, doesn't it?"
Co-admin Janine:
"Classic song + Jake's voice = masterpiece! And Confirmed! If you were mine, you'd never cry! 😭"
Mica:
"Janine, you're so overacting and dramatic again! Hahaha."
Admin Rose:
"There you go again, calm down Girls! What matters is Jake is still single in public until he announces otherwise, okay? Just enjoy every song he covers."
Lyca:
"True, Guys! Super beautiful, have emotional and Jake's voice really hooks anyone."
Maureen:
"Aya, it's okay, we know you're heartbroken over Jake, this will pass."
Aya:
"Yeah, I'm fine. I guess this is just what it really feels like to be a fangirl."
Because of all the assumptions, Janine's suspicions that Jake might really be back together with his ex, Hershey, seemed confirmed. But deep inside, Janine knew she wasn't the only one feeling sad—she knew Aya shared the same pain.
Janine's POV:
"Well, at least I'm not the only one. You too, Aya. Now that it's confirmed Jake and Hershey are back together, it's a tie!"
Amid the noise about Jake's new cover, the Jakefanatics group chat suddenly became more alive. Everyone thought their Saturday would just be about online fangirling, but one member of the GC had a surprise.
Group chat scene:
Jayvee (Jake's cousin):
"Oh by the way guys, let's have a meet-up tomorrow for those who are free and interested. Sunday at Mall Atrium, 3 PM. Just bonding."
Mike:
"Let's go, beautiful ladies!"
Anna:
"Yesss! I've been wanting to meet you all in person."
Maureen:
"Count me in! I'm free tomorrow."
Mica:
"Same here! I'm excited."
Krystel:
"I'm game for that! At least we won't just be noisy in the GC, hahaha."
Janine:
"I'll go too. So I can hang out and meet the new fans here."
Maureen:
"Aya, how about you? Please come, okay?"
Aya (with a low-energy answer):
"Alright, I'll be there."
Admin Rose:
"Sorry, guys! You know my place and situation, I'd have to cross by boat haha, but enjoy!"
Lyca (in Hong Kong):
"Huhu 😭 I'm too far away, but I promise when I'm back on vacation, I'll join our bonding!"
Jayvee:
"No worries! We'll livestream it so you're updated even if you're not here. What's important is that we get to meet up. 😎"
Narrator:
The group quickly planned a simple meet-up. It wasn't an official fan meeting with Jake, but for them, it was still special. It was their chance to get even closer, their hearts bound together by one fandom.
Author's Note:
Chapter 8 ended with the plan for a fandom meet-up, but remember—not everything that happens can be seen online. 😉 While the Jakefanatics are busy with their Sunday bo
nding, a quiet conversation will open up a new secret. What could it be? And what effect will it have on the fandom? Stay tuned for the next chapter…
To be continued…
Chapter 9: A Secret Whisper