Chapter Text
Athy slipped quietly into Javi’s apartment.
The hallway was silent, the soft hum of the air conditioner the only sound. She had been here a dozen times before, but tonight felt different—more dangerous, somehow.
Their relationship was no longer just an innocent crush; it had become something deeper, more profound, yet secret.
Javi stood by the kitchen counter, stirring a cup of tea, her back to the door. She was unaware of Athy’s presence until the door clicked shut softly behind her.
I never thought this would feel like... home.
Athy whispered.
Javi turned around, and when their eyes met, the weight of their situation was momentarily forgotten.
"You're late." Javi smiling softly.
Athy stepped forward, closing the distance between them.
The apartment was dim, the only light coming from a lamp by the couch. Javi’s features looked softer in the low light, her eyes a mixture of warmth and concern.
"I had to sneak past the paparazzi." Athy playfully smiled.
Javi chuckled, though the sound was strained. She placed the cup of tea on the counter and took Athy’s hand, pulling her closer.
"I’m just glad nandito ka na."
Athy smiled, but there was an edge to her expression—a mixture of guilt and longing.
This wasn’t supposed to be how things went. They weren’t supposed to be hiding, weren’t supposed to keep their love locked away behind closed doors.
"I wish we didn’t have to keep doing this... hiding." Athy chose her words carefully as to not make Javi feel guilty or bad about their stupid situation.
Javi looked away and sighed. "I know. But we don’t have a choice. Not yet."
The spotlights were blinding, and the screams of fans echoed through the avenue outside the Regal Theater.
Banners with faces of the two hottest love teams in the industry waved proudly in the crowd.
On one side, Javienne Robles and her rumored boyfriend and onscreen partner, Warren Garcia, stood poised, flashing perfect smiles as cameras clicked in rapid succession. O n the other, Athena Arceta and her partner, Shohei Morishita, gracefully posed for their network’s segment, their chemistry carefully choreographed for the headlines.
Despite their polished exteriors, both actresses shared one thought as they adjusted their expressions for the cameras: I can’t wait for this to be over.
-----
Javienne Robles, known as Javi to close friends, held onto Warren’s arm, her smile tight and practiced. The diamond ring glimmered on her finger—a prop to sell the narrative her management had crafted. Warren leaned in, whispering a joke meant to make them look like a picture-perfect couple. Javi chuckled softly for the cameras, her mind elsewhere.
Her gaze flickered past Warren’s shoulder to the other end of the red carpet, where Athena Arceta stood in an elegant black gown, exuding effortless confidence. Unlike Javi, Athy had no public charade to maintain. She stood at a polite distance from Shohei, her aloofness a stark contrast to Javi’s fabricated warmth.
Inside the theater lobby, the two love teams were ushered into their seats by their respective handlers. As fate would have it, their seats were side by side, a coincidence that neither actress seemed to mind. It was their first time meeting face-to-face, though they were well aware of each other’s existence.
Seryn Sevilleja, the star of the night and a close friend of both, lit up as she spotted them. She approached with open arms.
“Athy! Javi! Oh my gosh! You both look stunning!” Seryn greeted, pulling them into a brief hug.“Congratulations, Seryn,” Athy said warmly. Her genuine smile contrasted sharply with the indifference she usually reserved for public appearances.
Javi nodded. “Pinaghirapan mo 'to, and it really shows. The trailers are amazing.”
“Thank you! And look at this—a crossover between the two networks. The world is healing na ba? Grabe! The fans are going to lose their minds.” Seryn laughed, her voice light, though she knew the tension brewing outside the theater among the fandoms.
The actresses exchanged a knowing glance, the smallest flicker of mutual understanding passing between them. Both were painfully aware of how their names were constantly pitted against each other by their respective fanbases. But neither seemed interested in the rivalry.
------
The premiere began, and the theater lights dimmed. Javi stole a glance at Athy during the first few scenes, intrigued by her calm demeanor. There was something refreshing about the way Athy carried herself—so unaffected by the noise of fame.
Meanwhile, Athy, ever observant, noticed how Javi's jaw tightened whenever Warren reached for her hand or leaned in too close. Her curiosity piqued, but she kept her thoughts to herself, focusing instead on the movie.
By the end of the screening, the applause was thunderous. As the crowd began to disperse, Seryn approached them once more, insisting they join her for a small gathering at a nearby lounge.
“Only if you promise it’s low-key,” Athy quipped.
Javi chuckled for real this time, the first genuine laugh of her evening. “It actually low-key sounds perfect.”
And just like that, the first thread of connection between them was quietly sewn, unnoticed by the flashing cameras or the prying eyes of the industry.
The night deepened, and they settled onto the couch, the conversation flowing between them like a gentle stream. Javi had always been the one who wore her feelings openly, but tonight, there was a quiet restraint to her. Athena could see it in her eyes—the sadness of knowing their love could never be fully free.
Athy leaned her head on Javi’s shoulder, her fingers tracing the outline of Javi’s hand.
"What would it be like... if we could be open about this? If we didn’t have to worry about the press, the fans, the networks?" Athy quietly asked.
Javi’s gaze darkened at the thought. She didn’t want to think about it, not now, not when they were so close. The truth was, it was too dangerous. Their careers, their lives—they were all tied to their public personas, and letting the world know about them would risk everything.
Javi could only murmur, "I never thought I could want something so much and still have to pretend it doesn’t exist."
Athy sighed deeply, pulling away slightly to look at Javi.
"I feel like I’m losing you, kahit nandito ka naman."
Javi reached out, cupping Athy’s face in her hands.
"You’re not losing me. I’m right here. Pero we have to protect what we have, even if it means keeping it a secret."
Athy closed her eyes at Javi’s touch, but a pang of doubt lingered.
"You were never mine to lose," she thought to herself. They were playing with fire, and there was no way to tell how it would end.
The lounge was a far cry from the chaos of the red carpet. Nestled in a discreet corner of the city, it offered a reprieve from the flashing cameras and relentless public scrutiny. Seryn had rented the entire space for a private celebration, inviting only a select few from the industry—close friends and colleagues she trusted.
Javienne arrived with Warren, who was already chatting up producers near the bar. She used his distraction as an excuse to slip away and find Seryn. Across the room, Athena lingered near the snack table, nibbling on a canapé while Shohei entertained a group of fans who had somehow managed to sneak in.
Seryn, ever the mediator, was quick to notice her two friends standing on opposite sides of the room. She grinned mischievously and made her way to Javi.
“Hoy, mukhang kailangan mo ng rescue,” Seryn teased, linking arms with her.Javi exhaled, a relieved smile crossing her face. "Buti naman napansin mo. Ren's trying to network his way into another big project.”
Seryn chuckled, glancing toward Athy. “Alam mo, halika. There’s someone you should finally meet.”
-----Athena was scrolling through her phone when Seryn and Javi approached. Seryn tapped her shoulder lightly, earning a small startle from the actress.
“Don’t tell me you’re hiding here,” Seryn said.
Athy smirked, slipping her phone into her clutch. “I’m not hiding. I’m avoiding.”
“Luh, pareho lang yun eh,” Seryn replied, rolling her eyes before gesturing to Javi. “Athena, meet Javienne Robles. Javi, meet Athena Arceta.”
Both actresses exchanged polite nods. Up close, Javi noticed how striking Athy’s sharp features were—her dark eyes held an intensity that felt both intimidating and magnetic.
“I’ve heard a lot about you,” Javi said, offering a hand.
“Same here,” Athy replied, shaking it firmly. “Though most of what I hear is from our lovely fan wars.”
Javi winced. “Sinabi mo pa. Some of the things they come up with…”
“Ridiculous, right?” Athy said, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Honestly, I don’t understand the obsession with comparing us.”
“Me neither,” Javi agreed, finding it easy to laugh with Athy.
Seryn watched the exchange with satisfaction. She even thought she is not needed right there anymore.
Ano to, sahig? She thought.
“See? I knew you’d get along. Now, mingle. Marami pa akong babatiing guests. Enjoy, girls.” She patted both their shoulders before slipping away, leaving them alone.
-----The conversation started slow, each woman testing the waters.
“Do you like events like these?” Javi asked, gesturing around the room.
Athy shook her head, her expression candid. “Not really. I’m not much of a social butterfly.”
Javi smiled knowingly. “I get that. If it weren’t for Seryn, I’d be home right now with a book.”
“You read?” Athy asked, her interest piqued.
“Kapag may time lang. What about you?”
“Sometimes. Mostly art books or scripts. I prefer painting when I have free time,” Athy said, her tone softening.
Javi tilted her head. “You paint? That’s interesting.”
“More like a hobby than anything else,” Athy admitted. “It helps me tune out the noise.”
Javi nodded, understanding the sentiment. “I wish I had something like that. These days, it feels like everything I do is for someone else.”
There was a pause, and for a moment, Athy considered asking Javi to elaborate. But the vulnerability in her voice stopped her. Instead, she said, “You could always try. Something for yourself, I mean. Even if it’s small.”
Javi smiled, the simplicity of Athy’s suggestion oddly comforting. “Maybe I will.”
-----Across the room, Warren caught sight of Javi and began walking toward her. Athy noticed him first, her gaze sharpening.
“Looks like your boyfriend is looking for you,” she said, her voice tinged with curiosity.
Javi’s expression tightened, the word “boyfriend” ringing hollow in her ears. She forced a smile. “He’s not really—” She stopped herself, unsure why she almost confessed the truth to someone she barely knew.
Athy raised an eyebrow but didn’t press. “You should probably go before he starts wondering.”
Javi hesitated but nodded. “It was nice meeting you, Athena.”
“Likewise, Javienne,” Athy said, her lips curling into a faint smile.
As Javi walked away, Athy watched her retreating figure with a mix of curiosity and intrigue. For someone who was the face of a picture-perfect romance, Javienne Robles seemed to carry a weight that no amount of spotlight could hide.
And in that fleeting interaction, Athy couldn’t shake the feeling that this wouldn’t be their last conversation.
------
The afterparty wound down as guests began to trickle out. Javienne stayed close to Warren, who, true to form, was busy networking with anyone willing to listen. She barely noticed his words anymore, her mind drifting back to her brief exchange with Athena.
There was something about her. The quiet confidence, the way she seemed unaffected by the chaos of fame—it was unlike anyone Javi had met in their shared industry. She found herself replaying their conversation, trying to pinpoint why it had left such a strange impression.
Meanwhile, Athena leaned against the bar, sipping a glass of water as Shohei hovered nearby, still engrossed in his phone. She glanced toward Javi, who seemed lost in thought even as Warren introduced her to yet another producer.
Athy smirked to herself. Must be exhausting, pretending all the time.
"Athy..."
Athena looked at Javi who just woke up from her sleep. She woke up an hour earlier before the sun totally rises as of course, she needs to go back to her flat and pretend she did not go somewhere last night.
"Hmm?" She hummed while she's putting her things inside of her handbag.
"Make sure nobody sees you leave." Javi slowly said it.
Athy stopped what she was doing and looked at Javi with a little bit of disbelief. But as the most understanding person that she is, she gets it. Totally.
So she only nodded silently and went near Javi's closet. She scanned every part of the cabinet and found her hoodie that she have never seen in her place since it has lived with Javi's closet for a few months now.
"Don't worry. I'll take the road less travelled by. And if a friend sees me, I'll tell them I just went our for a run."
Athy never looked into Javi's eyes again after that. She casually took her car keys and left Javi's apartment, hiding with her hoodies and a face mask she thinks is suffocating to wear. Like what they have.
Seryn appeared beside Athena, a knowing smile on her face.
“You’re staring,” she teased, nudging her lightly.Athena blinked, breaking her gaze. “No, I’m not.”
Seryn raised an eyebrow. “Sure, you’re not. You know, you two are more alike than you think.”
Athy scoffed. “Me and Javienne Robles? I doubt that.”
“Think about it,” Seryn said, leaning against the bar. “You both have the same level of fame, the same annoying love team pressure, and the same indifference to fandom drama. Your birthday is almost the same kung hindi mo naitatanong. Tropahin niyo kaya ang isa't-isa? If you actually talked, you’d probably hit it off.”
“We talked,” Athy replied, taking another sip of her water. “She’s… fine.”
Seryn laughed. “That’s the highest compliment I’ve heard you give in months.”
Before Athy could retort, a commotion erupted near the entrance. One of the sneaky fans who had managed to infiltrate the event had crossed a boundary, attempting to grab a picture with Javi and Warren. Security quickly stepped in, but not before the fan’s outburst drew everyone’s attention.
“Bakit mo ba dini-date yan, Javi?” the fan shouted, struggling against the guards. “You deserve better than this fake setup!”
The room fell silent. All eyes turned to Javi, who froze, her mask of poise cracking for just a moment. Warren, ever the actor, laughed it off, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
“Die-hard fans, huh?” he quipped, steering her toward the exit.
But Javi’s expression lingered in Athena’s mind. There was something raw and unguarded in that brief moment, something that tugged at Athy’s curiosity.
Outside the lounge, Javienne finally broke free from Warren’s grip as they waited for their car.
“That was humiliating,” she muttered, crossing her arms.Warren shrugged. “It’s just part of the job. Don’t take it so seriously.”
“Part of the job,” Javi echoed, her voice laced with bitterness. “Right.”
Before Warren could respond, the car pulled up, and Javi climbed in without another word.
A week later, the press leaked photos of them, taken during one of their secret meetings. The articles were everywhere, the headlines full of speculation. Javi’s manager immediately demanded she deny the rumors.
It was only a matter of time before Javi’s image would be publicly questioned. But in the privacy of her apartment, she was forced to face the truth: she had to lie.
Athy was sitting on the couch, her arms crossed, as Javi stood near the window, typing out a statement on her phone. The tension in the room was palpable.
Javi quietly typing,
"The rumors are false. Athena and I are just friends. We’re both focused on our careers, and anything beyond that is fabricated."
Athy didn’t look at her, didn’t even move. She stared straight ahead, her mind racing. This was what they had always known would happen—the public wouldn’t allow them to be anything more than what the tabloids wanted them to be. But still, it hurt.
"So... that’s it? After everything, we’re just... friends?" Athy's voice was trembling.
Javi hesitated, her fingers still hovering over the screen. She knew that no matter what, she couldn’t risk her career for something so personal. The lie was the only way to protect them both.
"Hindi ito madali, Athy. Alam mo 'yan." Javi answered softly.
Athy stood up, frustration bubbling up inside her.
"I know you’re scared, but this isn’t just about our careers, Javi. It’s about us. And I’m tired of hiding." Athy angrily said.
She stormed to the door, but before she could leave, Javi caught her arm, pulling her back.
"Please, don’t go. Hindi rin naman madali 'to para sa akin eh. But we have to think about the bigger picture. If we expose this now, it could ruin everything."
Athy closed her eyes, her breath shallow as she tried to fight back the tears.
Athy's voice is already as broken as she is right now. "I don’t want to be hidden anymore, Javi."
Javi gently wiped a tear from her cheek, her own emotions breaking free.
"I don't want us to be hidden if you only knew. But this world... it’s not ready for us yet. Please, trust me."
The aftermath of the party was all over social media. Clips of the event, including the fan’s outburst, had gone viral. Speculations about Javi and Warren’s relationship flooded the comments.
Athena scrolled through the headlines as she sat on her balcony, sipping her morning coffee. Most of them focused on the clash between the two love teams, with fans dissecting every interaction for signs of tension or superiority.
She sighed, putting her phone down. The industry thrived on creating drama where none existed, and this was just another day in the spectacle of showbiz.
Her thoughts wandered back to Javi. For someone so deeply entrenched in the facade, she seemed to be unraveling at the edges. Athena couldn’t help but wonder how long Javi could keep it together.
A few days later, Athy and Javi crossed paths again sooner than expected, this time at a charity gala organized by a mutual sponsor. Their respective love teams were there, of course, but the event had a more subdued atmosphere compared to the flashy premiere.
During a break in the program, Athena found herself on the terrace, enjoying the quiet. To her surprise, Javi joined her moments later, looking frazzled.
“Needed an escape too?” Javi asked, leaning against the railing.
“Always,” Athy replied, offering a small smile.
For a while, they stood in silence, the city lights stretching out before them. It was Javi who broke the quiet.
“Do you ever feel like you’re just… playing a part all the time?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Athy glanced at her, surprised by the vulnerability in her tone. “Sometimes. But I don’t let it take over.”
Javi nodded, as if absorbing the words. “Paano mo nagagawa yun? Not let it take over?”
Athy hesitated before answering. “I remind myself that none of this is permanent. The fame, the pressure—it’ll all fade eventually. What matters is what I’ll have left when it does.”
Javi looked at her, something unreadable in her expression. “You make it sound so easy.”
“It’s not,” Athy admitted.
“But it’s worth trying.”
It had been two weeks since the press incident. The tension between Athy and Javi had only grown worse. Though they exchanged occasional texts, the distance between them was impossible to ignore. The silence spoke volumes, and with each passing day, the space between them seemed to stretch wider. Both of them were fighting an inner battle: Javi, for her career and her public image; Athy, for the relationship that she couldn't let go of.
Athy sat in her favorite café, tucked in a corner with a cappuccino in front of her. The ambiance was warm, cozy, and familiar. Yet, nothing felt right without Javi by her side. Her phone buzzed on the table—another message from Javi.
Jav of my Life 💙
I’m sorry for everything. I just need some time to fix this. Please understand.
The unexpected terrace conversation at the gala left a lingering impression on both women. Though neither spoke about it openly, they couldn’t ignore the subtle shift in their perceptions of each other. What once was just a name on headlines or a face in rivalry suddenly became a person, layered and real.
Weeks later, Javi stepped into a quaint, tucked-away coffee shop in the heart of the city, eager for a moment of peace. It was one of the few places she could visit without being mobbed by fans or paparazzi. The warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped her as she approached the counter.
She was mid-order when a familiar voice interrupted.
“Flat white, extra shot.”
Javi turned, her brows lifting in surprise. “Athena?”
Athena glanced at her, equally startled. She gave a faint smile. “Javienne. Fancy meeting you here.”
“I could say the same,” Javi replied. “I didn’t think this would be your kind of place.”
Athena shrugged. “It’s quiet. Not many people recognize me here.”
The barista handed Javi her drink, and for a moment, they stood awkwardly. Finally, Athena gestured toward an empty table by the window.
“Upo tayo?”Javi hesitated but nodded. “Ah, sige.”
As they sipped their drinks, the conversation flowed more naturally than either had expected. They talked about everything but work—the books Javi had been reading, Athena’s art projects, and even their shared love for quiet spaces like this.
“You’re not what I expected,” Javi said at one point, her tone light but honest.
Athena raised an eyebrow. “What did you expect?”
Javi smiled, swirling her coffee. “I don’t know… maybe someone colder. You seem so detached from everything sometimes.”
Athena leaned back, a faint smirk on her lips. “And you’re not as put together as everyone thinks. I guess we’re both full of surprises.”
Javi laughed, and for the first time in a long while, it felt genuine.
Athy's heart clenched. She wanted to reply, wanted to tell Javi that she couldn't keep living like this—always waiting, always wondering if today would be the day they could finally be open with each other. But as much as she wanted to reach out, the pain ofbeing denied still stung.
I get it, Javi. But you don’t have to hide from me.
She hesitated before hitting send. The words felt too raw, too vulnerable. But she knew it was the only way to say what she was truly feeling.
Javi’s reply came quickly.
I wish things were different. But you have to know, I care about you more than anyone else.
I never wanted any of this, Athena. Sa dami ng nangyari, ikaw lang talaga yung gusto ko sa lahat ng 'yon.
Athy stared at the message for a long time, her fingers hovering over the keys. She wanted to believe it—wanted to feel like they could break free from this cage of secrets. But the truth was, they were still stuck in the same cycle, unable to escape the pressures of the world around them.
She put the phone down and looked out the window, watching the rain start to fall. For a moment, she closed her eyes, remembering the warmth of Javi’s touch, the way they would steal moments together. It felt like a lifetime ago.
One rainy afternoon, Javi found herself at a local art gallery, seeking inspiration for an upcoming project. She wandered through the quiet halls, admiring the intricate pieces on display, when a familiar figure caught her eye.
Athena stood in front of a large painting, her arms crossed as she studied the brushstrokes.
Javi approached cautiously. “Hi.”
Athena turned, surprised but not displeased. “Javienne. What brings you to a place like this?”
“Research,” Javi replied, gesturing to the art. “And you?”
“Just clearing my head,” Athena said, her gaze drifting back to the painting.
They strolled through the gallery together, their footsteps echoing softly in the quiet space. As they discussed the artwork, their conversation meandered into more personal topics.
“Lagi ka bang nandito?” Javi asked.
“Whenever I get the chance,” Athena said. “It’s nice to be somewhere peaceful for a change.”
Javi nodded. “Yeah, better than filming on a noisy set.”
“True,” Athena agreed. “What about you? What do you do when you’re not working?”
Javi thought for a moment. “Hmm, I like baking sometimes. It’s kind of therapeutic.”
Athena tilted her head, intrigued. “Baking? Weh?”
“Bakit? I don’t seem like someone who’d bake ba?” Javi said, feigning offense.
“Well, you don’t exactly give off ‘domestic’ vibes,” Athena teased.
“Grabe ka ha,” Javi retorted with a laugh. “What about you? What’s something unexpected about you?”
Athena shrugged. “I’m pretty boring. I guess... I like journaling. Not super exciting.”
“That’s not boring,” Javi said. “Actually, I can see that. You probably have one of those perfectly aesthetic journals, may fancy notes, tsaka dramatic and dreamy diaries.”
“Maybe,” Athena admitted with a grin. “I like to document special days.”
“Special days?” Javi said thoughtfully. “What’s the next special day for you?”
Athena smiled. “My birthday, I guess. January 27.”
Javi stopped in her tracks. “Wait, you’re a January baby?”
“Yep,” Athena said, glancing at her curiously. “Why?”
Javi grinned. “My birthday’s January 26. We’re practically birthday twins.”
Athena raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. She remembered Seryn telling her that she almost share the same birthday as her.
So Seryn's unbelievably right.
“Twins? I don’t think so.”
“Bakit naman hindi?” Javi asked.
“Well,” Athena said with a smirk, “I’m 24. How old are you?”
“21,” Javi replied casually—then froze. “Wait a second. You’re three years older than me?”
Athena grinned triumphantly. “That’s right, kid."
Javi groaned dramatically. “Oh, come on! 21 is not a kid!”
Athena smirked. “If you say so, kid.”
“Don’t call me that,” Javi grumbled, narrowing her eyes.
“Why not? It suits you,” Athena teased, clearly enjoying herself. “Little Javi, the baby Aquarius.”
Javi pointed an accusing finger at her. “Hindi porket ipinangalan ka sa Dyosa hindi na kita uurungan ha. I will fight you, Athena.”
“Uh-huh,” Athena said, brushing past her with a laugh. “What are you gonna do? Throw a tantrum?”
“I might!” Javi said, hurrying to catch up. “Pero seryoso, you’re not that much older. Three years is nothing.”
Athena hummed thoughtfully. “Maybe. But you’re still a kid to me.”
“Excuse me?” Javi said, narrowing her eyes.
“Sure you can go, kid,” Athena said, brushing past her with a laugh.
“Ah talaga ha. Idadagdag na kita sa listahan ko.” Javi said, chasing after her.
“What list?” Athena asked, glancing back at her.
“My list of annoying people I regret talking to,” Javi replied, but she was smiling.
Athena laughed. “Admit it—you’re enjoying this.”
Javi huffed but didn’t deny it.
By the time they reached the exit, the rain had stopped.
Days passed in silence. Javi had apologized, but the damage was done. Athy avoided her calls, her texts, after that conversation which the latter never replied. She tried to move on, to convince herself that maybe it was better this way. Maybe she was just dreaming of something that couldn’t be real.
But in the quiet of her room, the memory of Javi haunts her. And when she thought of their moments together—when she thought of their love—it was undeniable.
"I swear I don't love you... but I do."