After Jayvee left, Aya stood in front of her house gate, feeling the weight of her thoughts. Every smile and movement Jake made on stage earlier kept replaying in her mind. She couldn't shake the feeling—like she was caught between excitement and longing, and also the embarrassment of what happened earlier.
Aya's POV:
"I shouldn't let what Janine did affect me. I have no right to feel this way. I'm just one of Jake's fans, after all."
As Aya stood in front of the gate, lost in thought, the door suddenly opened, and Angela, Aya's younger sister, 22, a college student, stepped outside.
Angela (excited):
"Aya! Finally, you're home! Mom's been waiting for you, you know?"
Aya (softly, distracted, barely looking at Angela):
"Hmm… yeah… I'm home."
Angela (noticing Aya seemed distant):
"You okay? You seem… not really here."
Aya (trying to shake it off, forcing a smile):
"I'm fine… just tired, that's all."
Their mother, Dhalia, 54, calm and caring, also appeared at the door. She noticed Aya approaching and entering the house.
Mom Dhalia (smiling warmly):
"Aya, dear, you're finally here! You took your time. Come in, dinner's almost ready."
Aya (almost whispering, still distracted):
"Hi, Mom…"
Mom Dhalia (concerned, hugging Aya):
"You seem tired… or is something on your mind? What's going on?"
Aya (softly, thinking):
"Nothing… just… a long day, Mom."
Narrator:
As Aya stepped inside, she felt the warmth and comfort of her family. Yet, she couldn't get the earlier events out of her mind—the smiles, the gazes, and every thrilling moment with Jake. It felt like her world earlier had revolved entirely around him, and even now at home, she couldn't shake the heavy feeling from Janine's staged antics.
[One Week Later]
A week had passed since the chaos on stage, but Janine still couldn't move on. Even in her thoughts, she was giddy over what she did to Jake, mixed with jealousy whenever she remembered Aya had been with Jake before she went on stage. In their group chat, Janine felt like she wanted to let Aya know she "had a chance," even though no one supported her plan.
Meanwhile, Jayvee, quiet but playful, continued teasing Janine relentlessly, while Mami Admin Rose remained the peacemaker and guardian of order in the chat.
Scene: Group Chat
Janine:
"Hmm… so guys, did you see Jake's post last night? Seems like he liked the little scene I did on stage last week. 😏"
Mica:
"Really, Janine? Where? It's just pictures and his thanks to the sponsors."
Maureen:
"Janine… seriously? Haha, maybe you're imagining things. 😂"
Anna:
"Oh Janine… you're really giddy about this, huh."
Janine:
"Of course! I'm the luckiest fan of all! 😍"
Jayvee:
"Hahaha, yeah right, Janine. Are you sure? Or maybe you're still dreaming?"
Janine:
"Jayvee! Don't contradict me, please! 😤 I feel like Jake's starting to notice me too, since he let me kiss him… And Aya… I feel like she's the one dreaming while awake. 🙄"
Jayvee:
"Hahaha, Janine… try not assuming things. But hey, it's fun seeing you excited. 😏"
Mami Admin Rose:
"Okay, okay, let's calm down. Don't fight, guys. You're all friends here, right? 😅"
Janine:
"Mommy Rose! I'm not fighting, I'm just… expressing my feelings! 😤"
Jayvee:
"Expressing your feelings… in public! Hahaha, okay Janine, noted. 😆"
Narrator:
Despite the teasing and bickering, Mami Admin Rose's simple reminders made them laugh and feel at ease. In the end, even with jealousy and assumptions, they all felt like friends—a happy group enjoying Jake's world and their fandom together.
One morning at the recording studio, Jake sat quietly in front of the piano. He was thinking about his new song for the album, "Ang Pag-ibig Ko Sa'yo", adjusting the chords and lyrics. Each note carried his feelings for Aya—but he couldn't express them directly.
Scene: Jake Composing
Jake paused, looked at his phone, scrolling through Aya's Instagram. He almost wanted to message her, but hesitated.
Jake (inner thought):
"Okay… just say it. But how do I say it? I can't… What is this… I'm just… speechless."
His mind spun with ideas on how to express himself, but every attempt seemed to fail. Just then, a staff member tapped him on the shoulder.
Staff (holding Jake's snack):
"That girl is really lucky, Sir. Haha, you should court her—don't delay, or someone else might get ahead of you. Such a waste otherwise."
Meanwhile, Jayvee, quiet but observant, opened a chat with Aya, smiling as he typed.
Scene: Jayvee's Message
Jayvee:
"Hey Aya! How's your day? 😊"
Aya:
"Hi Jayvee! Busy at work, but okay. You?"
Jayvee:
"Same… but I was thinking, maybe we could have dinner later? Just us. You know… talk and relax a bit."
Aya (smiling, blushing slightly):
"Dinner? Hmm… sure, why not. Sounds fun!"
Jayvee:
"Great! I'll pick you up after work. Promise, nothing fancy—just good food and good company."
Aya:
"Okay, see you then!"
At the same time in the studio, Jake looked at his phone. He had planned to send Aya flowers, but then he saw Jayvee's post on Instagram—seemingly confirming Aya had already responded to him.
Jake (inner thought):
"Wait… they're together? How come I didn't know? The effect is so strong… I should've sent the flowers… but I'm… speechless. I don't even know how to start."
Narrator:
And so Jake's mind began to spiral, lost in his own fears and shy moments. Jayvee had beaten him to showing Aya his feelings, and Janine still relentlessly sought Jake's attention. The three hearts slowly started building tension, while Aya, innocent and quiet about her emotions, remained the center of two hopeful hearts.
Janine (suddenly appearing at the studio):
"Hi Jake! Are you heading home? Come on, let's eat out."
Jake (pretending to be busy):
"Ah, um, sorry Janine, I'm not done here yet… and I already ate too."
Janine:
"Ah, I see. Then I'll just wait for you."
Jake didn't respond further. He didn't want to directly reject Janine; to him, she was just a fan or a friend showing kindness.
By 7 PM, Jayvee greeted Aya outside the restaurant. The ambiance was quiet and simple—perfect for their conversation. Aya felt a little nervous—not because of the restaurant, but because of Jayvee's calm presence.
Scene: Dinner Table
They sat down and ordered. Silence filled the table for a moment as they observed their surroundings.
Jayvee (smiling, trying to break the tension):
"So… how's your week been? Busy with work and all?"
Aya (shrugging, trying to relax):
"Yeah… pretty normal. Just… you know, usual stuff."
Jayvee (leaning slightly, playful tone):
"Usual stuff, huh? But I think I noticed something… a little distracted lately. Care to share?"
Aya (blushing, slightly avoiding eye contact):
"Hmm… nothing really. Just… a lot on my mind, I guess."
Jayvee (smiling warmly, soft):
"You know, it's okay if you're not ready to talk about it yet… I just wanted to spend time with you. No pressure, really."
Aya (curious, tilting her head):
"Spending time with me… huh? Why?"
Jayvee (laughing lightly, then becoming serious):
"Because… I enjoy it. And well… if you're not ready to hear this, it's fine. I can wait. I can really wait for you."
Aya (slightly stunned, inner thought):
"Wait… what? He's… serious? But he's also so smooth with words. Huh, what is this feeling?"
Jayvee (gently, almost whispering):
"I just want you to know… I like you, Aya. But I'm not rushing anything. If you need time, I'll give it. Promise."
Aya (softly, still processing):
"I… I didn't expect that. Sorry, you know how it is now, but thank you, Jayvee… I still appreciate it."
With every word, Aya felt his sincerity—but a mix of nervousness remained. Her heart was slowly confused—not just because of the courtship, but because of Jake's silence in another world and Jayvee's upfront honesty.
Aya (inner thought):
"Jake… I know he doesn't care about me but Jayvee… he's clear about his feelings for me. But how do I feel about Jake…"
Meanwhile, elsewhere, Janine continued her persistent pursuit of Jake. Knowing Jake's feelings for Aya, he couldn't act on Janine's advances. Yet with each of her antics, he noticed her, felt a little sorry, and knew he had to be careful.
Scene: Restaurant with Janine
Janine approached Jake at the restaurant, ordering food. She could hardly contain showing her interest, while Jake remained quiet and controlled.
Janine (smiling mischievously, approaching):
"Jake… I feel like you like me too. Don't deny it. 😏"
Jake (half-smiling, controlled):
"Janine… are you serious? You know I'm not ready. I can only offer friendship, okay?"
Janine (pouting, playful but persistent):
"Just friends? Hmmm… you always pay attention to me. That must mean something, right?"
Jake (sighing, soft laugh):
"Attention? Maybe… because you're just too persistent. That's all. Nothing else."
Janine (tilting head, teasing):
"Too persistent, huh? Hahaha… I like that. But secretly, you enjoy it, don't you?"
Jake (shaking his head, firm):
"No, Janine. Seriously. I just enjoy our friendship, that's it. I don't want to give the wrong impression."
Janine (smiling, softer but still teasing):
"Hahaha… okay, I get it. But I won't give up that easily!"
Narrator:
Even as Janine continued to show interest, Jake made it clear he only saw her as a friend. Despite all the playful moments, their dinner ended simply, full of smiles, light teasing, and mutual understanding as friends.
Author's Note:
"Jayvee feels like Aya has already responded to him, but she hasn't. Jake still hasn't confessed and thinks something is happening between Jayvee and Aya.
Aya , meanwhile, is confused about Jake, and Janine still hoping for Jake. What happens next?
Stay tuned for the next chapter—more thrills, jealousy, and misunderstandings!"
To be continued…
Chapter 13 – Misunderstood Feelings