The next day, while Aya was busy at work, she couldn't help but replay everything that happened at the mall yesterday in her mind. The thrill of Jayvee's simple gentlemanly gestures lingered, along with the teasing from their friends—especially Janine, whose jokes Aya didn't know whether to take seriously or just laugh off.
Suddenly, her phone buzzed.
[Messenger Notification: Lyca sent you a message]
Aya quickly opened it and read the simple greeting.
Lyca:
"Hi Aya, how are you? 😊 Are you still busy?"
Aya:
"Hi Ate sis! Yeah, a little busy at work hehe. How about you?"
Lyca:
"I'm good. I actually want to tell you something, but maybe it's better if we talk over a call when you're free."
Aya paused for a moment while typing her reply. Even if she was busy, her curiosity was piqued.
Aya:
"Sure Ate, we can talk after work. 😅"
Lyca:
"Perfect! Don't worry, it's not heavy. But I promise, it's important. 😉"
After reading that, Aya couldn't stay still. What important thing could Lyca want to tell her? And why did it sound so excited?
Narrator:
As Aya's thoughts swirled, curiosity wrapped around her like a blanket. She had no idea that the simple "important thing" Lyca mentioned had to do with someone who once made her heart skip a beat—Jake.
After a long day at work, Aya lay on her bed with the lights off. Only the soft glow from a lampshade lit the room. Holding her phone, she scrolled through the fandom group chat when suddenly, a Messenger call rang.
[Lyca is calling…]
Aya bit her lip before answering.
Aya:
"Hello, Ate Lyca?"
Lyca:
"Hi Aya! Have you rested yet? I said I'd call when you're free."
Aya:
"Yeah, I just finished showering. So… what's this important thing you want to tell me?"
Lyca was quiet for a moment before answering.
Lyca:
"Are you ready? Don't freak out, girl… but next week, Jake is coming back to the Philippines."
Aya almost jumped out of her skin.
Aya:
"What?! Seriously?!"
Lyca:
"Yes. But… this is a secret for now. Don't tell anyone, especially the fandom. Tita Carol wants this to be a surprise."
Time seemed to stop for Aya. She didn't know whether to feel excited or nervous.
Aya:
"Wow, that's so thrilling hahaha… I really didn't expect this."
Lyca:
"Good. And yes girl, this isn't a dream or a prank—it's serious news."
Aya:
"Okay Ate sis, I won't make a fuss, I promise. You know me, I'm quiet haha."
Lyca:
"Thanks! I knew I could trust you. Now get ready and look your best hahaha."
After a few more minutes of chatting, they said their goodbyes. When Aya ended the call…
Lyca's POV (sighing)
"Aya, sorry… I can't tell you everything yet. The truth is, Tita Carol has a bigger plan—your blind meet-up with Jake. The right time will come, Aya. For now, I'll carry this secret for both of us."
Narrator:
Aya stared at the ceiling, stunned by Lyca's news. She didn't know how to feel—old wounds from past posts involving Jake mingled with a swirl of emotions.
"Jake… is coming back… to the Philippines…"
Lyca's words echoed in her mind. After countless hours and days waiting for his new cover songs or posts, this news came out of nowhere.
"But why me? Why am I the only one Lyca told? And why does it have to be a secret from the fandom? So curious…"
She held her chest, feeling her heart race. Should she be happy or nervous? So many questions remained unanswered.
"What if I see him in person? How will I react? And… am I ready?"
(She answered herself silently.)
"Well Aya, Sis Lyca did say to prepare and look good… this is the moment you've been waiting for."
While Aya was lost in thought, she didn't realize a bigger plan was unfolding behind the scenes, full of secrets she had yet to discover.
Just two days and Jake would fly back to the Philippines. But the fandom didn't know yet—even Jayvee, his cousin, was clueless. Jake would first go to Leyte to be with family and rest. After two weeks, he'd return to Manila to work on his new album.
Meanwhile, the fandom's Ate-Mom, Admin Rose, suddenly made her presence known in the JakeFanatics group chat.
GC Conversation (JakeFanatics Official GC)
Admin Rose:
"Hello JakeFanatics fam! 📢 Exciting news! We have a gathering event in two weeks! 🎉 It'll be at Ayala Malls Manila Bay. Prepare, because this event is special. 😉"
Anna:
"OMG!! 😱 This is exciting! But why so sudden? Is there a surprise?"
Maureen:
"Mami Admin, don't leave us hanging! What's going on?!"
Krystel:
"Wow, 2 weeks to prepare! But is this legit? Special guest?"
Jayvee:
"Wait, hold on… I'm Jake's cousin but why do I know nothing? 🤨 Admin, spill it!"
Admin Rose:
"Hahaha! 🤫 Sorry Jayvee. It's a surprise. I won't give full details yet. Just mark your calendars, guys!"
Mica:
"Ahhh I'm squealing. I feel like something's really happening!"
Janine:
"Hmm… I'm sure this involves Jake. It's obvious. 👀 I feel like he's coming back, we just don't know yet."
Aya:
"Janine, maybe you're overthinking 😅 But I admit… I'm super curious too."
Janine:
"If it's true, I hope it really is! The first time I see Jake, I'll hug him immediately… 😍"
Anna:
"If it's Jake… oh my god, I might lose my voice from kilig. 😂"
Admin Rose:
"Hahaha! Trust me, it's worth the wait guys! See you at Ayala Malls Manila Bay in 2 weeks! 💙"
Narrator:
The GC exploded with guesses and speculations. Everyone was excited. But Aya, knowing the secret from Lyca, felt even more intrigued—she knew the surprise event was because Jake was suddenly coming back to the Philippines.
Janine's suspicions only deepened. Something big was coming at the gathering.
[Sunday Afternoon @ Tacloban]
As the plane landed at Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport, Jake was immediately greeted by the warm, familiar air of home. Finally, he felt he was truly back. Carrying his things, he was accompanied by his Mom, Tita Carol, and his older sisters—Ate Rochelle and Ate Liza—who held Zavier, Liza's five-year-old son.
Walking out of the arrivals area, Jake felt a special joy.
"The Philippines really has its own scent…"
He whispered to himself, watching the familiar scenery and his family's happy faces.
Jake's POV:
"Finally… I'm home. I've waited so long for this. Nothing beats this feeling—being with my family is complete again."
Scene – Outside the Airport
Outside, three men were waiting, visibly happy—Kuya Francis, Kuya Rico, and Kuya Jimboy.
Kuya Francis:
"Hey! The international star is here! We thought you wouldn't come back!"
Jake: (laughing and hugging him)
"C'mon, Kuya! Of course, I'll always come back. This is my second home."
Kuya Rico:
"Whoa, Jake! You're looking slim. But you look more like a star now!"
Ate Rochelle: (rolling eyes)
"Stop teasing him, or his ego will grow bigger."
Zavier: (running to Jake with a tiny backpack)
"Tito Jake! I made so many drawings for you on the plane!"
Jake: (lifting the kid, smiling wide)
"Wow! You worked on these while traveling? That's awesome, buddy! I can't wait to see them."
Ate Liza: (smiling while adjusting Zavier's things)
"I told you, you are the first person he'll look for when we land. He missed you, and he didn't forget you just because you weren't seated together."
Jake: (stroking his nephew's head)
"And I didn't forget you either, Zavier. I missed you too."
Tita Carol: (smiling, holding Jake's arm)
"Son, it really feels complete having you home with us. Family feels whole."
Jake:
"Yeah, Mom. I really needed this. I missed being with all of you."
Kuya Jimboy:
"Alright, enough drama. Jake's starving. Let's head home before the food gets cold."
Tita Carol: (proud smile)
"Of course, his homecoming must be special."
Narrator:
Amid hugs and laughter, the warmth of family surrounded Jake. In that simple welcome, he wanted nothing more than to stay in that moment—away from the spotlight, close to family.
Little did he know, a bigger surprise awaited him in Manila.
After two weeks of a quiet stay in Leyte, Jake returned to Manila. A special setup awaited for the blind meet-up—a cozy, date-like restaurant. Aya had no idea about the plan, so she was slightly confused as she entered.
On the side, Tita Carol, Lyca, and Admin Rose watched quietly, ready to observe without being noticed.
Scene – Restaurant
Aya (POV):
"Wait… this place looks like… a date. Did I go to the wrong place? But this must be the one Lyca mentioned in the call…"
Adjusting in her seat, she looked around nervously, unsure of what exactly would happen.
Suddenly, a tall, handsome moreno young man appeared—Jake. Casual jacket, hands in pockets, walking toward Aya. Aya, in a simple mini dress with subtle makeup, caught his gaze.
Jake: (slightly surprised, smiling)
"Oh—hey. Uh… are you Aya?"
Aya looked at Jake, stammering, slightly blushing..
Aya:
"Y-Yes… I'm Aya. Why just us? I—I mean, why only us?"
They shared a moment of awkward yet curious eye contact..
Jake: (soft smile, scratching his head)
"Yeah… so this is… cozy. I wasn't expecting this, actually, I don't even know."
Aya: (smiling, looking around)
"Me neither… it really feels like a date place. Haha, but okay."
Narrator:
At a small table nearby, Tita Carol, Lyca, and Admin Rose quietly watched, smiling at the awkward yet sweet moment between Jake and Aya. They laughed whenever the two showed signs of kilig.
Scene – Awkward & Kilig Moment
Seated across a table with champagne and food, Jake smiled at Aya.
Jake:
"So… this is our first 'official' meet, huh?"
Aya: (smiling, shy)
"Yeah… first meet. And… kinda special, I guess."
Jake: (leaning slightly, hesitant)
"Special, yeah… I feel that too."
They paused, feeling a strange flutter in their hearts—not just excitement, but awkward and sweet kilig.
Narrator:
In that simple setup, a spark slowly started between them, setting the stage for bigger stories in the coming chapters. Tita Carol, Lyca, and Admin Rose smiled quietly, ready to guide the next chapter of their journey.
After the slightly awkward yet enjoyable dinner, a man in a security uniform approached.
Guard:
"Sir, Ma'am, the venue is ready. You may go now."
Jake: (standing, smiling)
"Alright… let's go."
Aya: (also standing, nervous but excited)
"Okay… thank you."
They walked toward the venue together, excitement building with every step.
Aya (POV):
"Ate Lyca really set this up so sweetly…"
She couldn't believe the sudden setup. She had no idea why Lyca called her to come early to the event.
At the venue stage, the energy of the crowd hit them immediately. Aya's friends—Maureen, Anna, Mica, Krystel, and Lyca—cheered and clapped in excitement.
Maureen:
"AYYYYYYY! OMG! We see Jake!"
Anna:
"Ayeee KILIGGGG! Aya, you're making all the moments haha!"
Mica:
"OMG eye candy overload! Hahaha!"
Krystel:
"Ate Lyca! I told you, your setup is special. 😍"
Lyca:
"Of course hahaha, Aya's frozen oh!"
Maureen: (cheering)
"You two, Jake and Aya, team JAYA!"
Meanwhile, Janine sat quietly, her jealousy barely hidden.
Janine (murmur, maldita):
"Hmph! Wow Aya… everyone's so excited for you two, as if you never forgot Jake."
Jayvee, on the other side, looked awkward, unsure whether to react or stay silent.
Jayvee's POV:
"It hurts bro! But I shouldn't lose to my feelings."
Mike: (tapping Jayvee)
"Bro, I know it hurts but just let it be. She likes Jake too. Just enjoy the moment."
Alex: (teasing)
"Mike's right. At least feel kilig a bit, bro haha."
Narrator:
Jake and Aya felt the crowd's excitement. They both sensed tension, kilig, and anticipation. Janine silently watched, her own jealousy hidden behind her calm facade.
Janine (POV, murmur):
"Should I just let this go? Hmph… we'll see. I might still find a way to show who really suits Jake… 😏"
Author's Note:
"When jealousy hits, it's sometimes unstoppable… Will Janine and Jayvee just let it be? What scenes will they create? A mix of tension, kilig, drama, and jealousy…
Stay tuned for the next chapter, guys!
To be continued…
Chapter 11 – Love Triangle