Chapter Text
Direk Lauren, the CEO of Star Magic a talent agency under ABS CBN, stood by the glass window of his office, looking out at the bustling city below. The hum of Quezon City's busy streets echoed faintly, but inside the sleek, modern meeting room, everything was quiet. Aiah Quiin Arceta and Jhoanna Calista Robles sat across from him, their expressions composed, though both could feel the weight of the moment. It was a meeting that could change the trajectory of their careers—and their lives.
Direk Lauren turned to face them, a calm but confident smile on his lips.
“Girls,” he began, his voice smooth but firm, “May malaking project ako para sainyong dalawa. ABS-CBN and Star Magic are setting new standards in the industry, and I want you to be part of it.”
He paused, letting the tension build.
“We’re putting you together in one film.”
Aiah’s brow furrowed slightly, and Jhoanna’s grip on her purse tightened, but neither of them showed any outward signs of alarm. They knew better than to reveal their true feelings in front of the CEO.
“The film is called The Ones We Once Loved ,” Direk Lauren continued, "inspired by Ben & Ben’s song with the same title. It's a story about two best friends, almost lovers, who reunite after years apart."
"You two will play the leads.”
The words hung in the air, and both actresses took a deep breath.
They had never worked together before, and the thought of sharing a film as co-leads was unexpected—especially given their history. They were stars now, rising rapidly in the industry, but the rivalry between them was something only their close circle of friends knew.
Direk Lauren seemed oblivious to their shared history.
“This film is going to the Metro Manila Film Festival 2025."
"Magsisimula yung filming in September 2024, just a month from now. I’ve also chosen Colette Vergara to direct this project. I trust her vision, and she’ll bring something fresh and powerful to the table.”
“I want you both to build a relationship before then. Your on-screen chemistry will be essential. I’m counting on you to not only deliver an exceptional performance but also help raise awareness for the LGBTQ+ community through this film. With both of you being the most prominent actresses of 2024, your involvement in this project can bring much-needed attention to their advocacy."
Aiah and Jhoanna exchanged a fleeting glance, but neither dared to speak.
Both of them knew the weight of the situation: this film was not just a professional opportunity; it was a chance to shape the narrative, to be the faces of something bigger than themselves.
“The success of this film, and your portrayal of these characters, will resonate beyond the silver screen,” Direk Lauren added, his eyes serious.
“I believe in you both. This is a win-win situation, especially for the LGBTQ+ community, and I have no doubt it will set new standards in the industry.”
The room was silent for a moment. Aiah spoke first, her voice steady but with an edge of uncertainty.
“Okay po, Direk,” she replied, her tone polite but distant. “We’ll do our very best.”
Jhoanna nodded, her expression unreadable. “Noted po, Direk. Gagawin po namin yung pelikula.”
Direk Lauren smiled, clearly pleased with their response.
“Good. I’ll leave the details to you both, but remember, the key is the relationship. Build it. Off-screen, on-screen—kahit anong mangyari.”
The meeting concluded, and the two actresses stood up to leave, their faces masks of professionalism.
As they exited the room, they shared another brief, almost imperceptible look—one that no one else could have deciphered, but to them, it spoke volumes.
As soon as the door to the meeting room closed, Jhoanna wasted no time. She grabbed Aiah’s wrist and yanked her into an empty meeting room down the hall.
The door slammed shut with a force that echoed through the empty hallway, and the silence that followed was thick with tension.
“Hindi ko kayang gawin ‘to,” Jhoanna spat, her voice low but seething with frustration.
“Bakit tayo? Bakit ikaw pa?”
Her grip tightened around Aiah’s arm, eyes blazing with fury.
Aiah yanked her wrist away, taking a step back.
“Hindi ko rin ‘to gusto, Jhoanna," Aiah shot back, her voice steady but laced with annoyance.
“Pero what can we do? Inabot na tayo ng ganitong pagkakataon. Hindi ba’t ikaw din ang may ambisyon?”
Jhoanna’s jaw clenched.
“Ambisyon? Huwag mong gawing dahilan ‘yan. Alam mo naman na hindi ko kayang magpanggap na kaibigan kita. Hindi mo kayang panindigan ‘to. Hindi mo kayang maging tapat. Laging ikaw na lang ang nangunguna, Aiah.”
Aiah’s eyes narrowed, her voice cold.
“At what now, ikaw lang ang may karapatang mag succeed?! If you don’t want to do the film, pwede kang umalis, Jhoanna. Wala akong pakealam.”
Jhoanna took a step forward, her tone dark and challenging.
“Pwede ba, Aiah? Hindi mo kayang patagilid na magtulungan, hindi mo kayang magpakumbaba kahit isang saglit!”
The air between them thickened with every word, their breaths quickening as the tension became almost unbearable. Their faces were inches apart, the heat of their anger palpable.
“No one can stop me, Jhoanna. Hindi ako natatakot sayo, at hindi ako natatakot mag succeed alone.” Aiah’s voice was low, sharp, and full of unspoken venom.
Jhoanna’s lips curled into a sneer. “But if what you mean is for us to work together—don’t make it personal. Hindi ko kailangan ng pabor.”
Her fists clenched so tightly that her knuckles turned white.
Aiah’s expression hardened, the air between them charged with an unspoken challenge.
“No one can stop me. Hindi ko kayang magpanggap na ikaw ang kasama ko sa film!”
The silence that followed was deafening, as both women stood motionless, neither willing to give an inch.
Finally, with a sharp exhale, Jhoanna spun on her heel, her frustration boiling over but directed inward. Without a word, she stormed out, leaving Aiah alone in the stillness of the room.
The door clicked shut behind Jhoanna, and Aiah stood there, seething. The rivalry was far from over—and it was clear now: the real battle would never be won on camera.