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"Sigurado ka na ba rito?" His voice was calm, but firm.
Nicky straightened her back. "Oo."
"‘Di kita pipigilan, pero Nicky…" He leaned forward slightly. "If ever you change your mind, don’t hesitate. You're a big part of what makes this show."
"I know." Her voice was steady, but beneath the table, her fists clenched to keep from trembling.
EP studied her for a long moment. He wasn’t stupid—he probably knew there was more to it than what she was saying.
But finally, he sighed. "Kung saan ka sasaya."
"Thank you, po, EP."
Seated in front of the well-lit vanity mirror, Kristin leaned back in her chair, casually scrolling through her phone as a hairstylist did her finishing touches.
Then, with zero warning, the dressing room door swung open and bigla nalang napalingon si Kristin
"Masyado ka naman excited makita ako ulit no?" came Nicky’s teasing voice.
“Hindi ka ba talaga marunong kumatok? Masyado mo namang sinasanay sarili mo nyan” Kristin replied, still scrolling, not bothering to look up.
"Asus, kunwari ka pang hindi mo ako ine-expect pero alam mong ganitong oras ako dumadaan. Sanayin mo na sarili mo Kris, araw-araw kitang hahanapin." Nicky smirked, stepping inside.
Kristin finally glanced at her, one brow arching. "Lakas na talaga ng tama ko sa’yo, no?"
"Paano kung may kahalikan ako rito tapos pasulpot-sulpot ka lang ng pasok? Hindi mo ba naisip ‘yun?" Kristin continued, eyes playful but challenging.
Nicky barely blinked. "Ang alin? Na ang lakas ng tama mo sa akin o ang hindi ko pagkatok sa pinto mo?" She smirked.
“Uggghh! Kung may kahalikan ako rito tapos bigla-bigla ka lang sumuslpot?!” Kristin groaned dramatically.
“First of all, hindi mangyayari ‘yun. Ang arte arte mo, impossible ‘yang standards mo.” Nicky said matter-of-factly.
“Second of all, kung mangyayari man ‘yun..matagal pa. Hindi pa ako ready for someone like you, kaya antayin mo ako. And lastly, ang bobo mo lang. May choice ka namang i-lock yung pinto, ba’t hindi mo gingagawa?” Nicky finished feeling satisfied.
Kristin narrowed her eyes and put her phone down on the table but before she could counter back Nicky added.
"Aminin mo na kasi, gusto mo ‘ko rito."
Kristin raised a brow. "Sa dressing room ko?"
Nicky leaned closer, voice dropping just a bit. "Sa tabi mo."
Kristin tilted her head, watching her. "Hmm… Kung sasabihin kong ‘oo,’ aalis ka na?"
Nicky’s smirk faltered—just for a second.
Kristin caught it.
That was the game. Finding the cracks.
"Aalis ako, oo." Nicky answered smoothly "Pero babalik pa rin sa’yo."
Kristin’s couldn’t help but just roll her eyes at Nicky’s replies.
“Akala mo siguro hindi ko nahahalata ‘yang mga “the moves” mo, no? Naku, Nix. Timbog ka na, kanina pa …‘Wag masyadong halata kasi hahhaha” Krisitin said shaking her head
“Eto na naman…nagdedelusyon na naman po siya hahaha” Nicky laughed, shaking her head.
Kristin smirked raising an eyebrow "Eh bakit ba andito ka ulit?"
“Trabaho kong ipaalam sa’yo kung may changes sa flow and script, Ikaw, lahat nalang ng ginagawa ko sa’yo, binigyan mo ng meaning. Tsk, tsk ”
Kristin did not answer flipping through the script and chuckled
"Hahahaha. Hay naku, Nicky, Nicky, Nicky…" She laughed, shaking her head.
“Ano na naman!” Nicky frowned
"Ewan ko sa’yo. Eto rin ‘yung original script na binigay mo kanina, eh. Hahaha! Naka-ilang balik ka pa rito, may ‘alterations’ pa ha? Tapos ang ending, original script lang pala susundin?" Kristin grinned, patting Nicky’s shoulder. "Masyado ka namang halata. Keep it subtle naman next time."
Nicky did not answer as she read the paper with hand pretending that she was reading it again but deep down she was trying to compose herself and thinking of a counter back
"Baka gusto niyong lumabas muna ako? Nakaka-istorbo yata ako rito. Diyos ko, hindi na matigil-tigil ‘tong mga bangayan niyo." The hairstylist butt in, scratching her head.
Kristin turned back to Nicky, smirking. "Oh? Ba’t natahimik ka? Ganyan na ganyan ang gusto ko, eh. Ma-effort." She winked. "Nice one, Nix."
Before Nicky could respond, a knock came, and the door swung open.
It was Queenie.
"Hi… Sorry to interrupt." Queenie said with a soft smile.
"Hi, Nix." She greeted Nicky, motioning for a hug.
"Hi, Mama Ogs." She greeted the hairstylist.
Then, she turned to Kristin with a knowing smirk. "Hi, Tin. Ang fresh naman n’yan, parang hindi late nakauwi."
Kristin groaned. "Hahaha, shhh ka nalang. Ang importante, hindi late nagising."
"Hahaha, ewan ko sa’yo, Tin. Eto, I brought soup in case may hangover ka pa." Queenie said, handing her a container.
Kristin beamed. "Wow, napaka-thoughtful naman ng partner kong ‘to. Masyado mo akong ini-spoil, ha. Pag nasanay ako, naku, naku."
Nicky coughed—loud enough to grab their attention.
Queenie and Kristin exchanged amused glances.
But before anyone could speak, a PA’s voice called from outside—
"Ten minutes before live, hosts to standby!"
Kristin and Queenie shared a knowing look.
Nicky stepped back, mask of cool composure back in place. Then, without another word, she turned and left.
Kristin watched her go, smirking.
"Mga ka-sporties, welcome to the season finale of The Starters! I’m Queenie Arceta!"
"At ako naman si Kristin Robles! And just like all of you, hindi rin ako makapaniwala na matatapos na agad ang season na ‘to! Three seasons… just like that?"
Kristin turned to Queenie with a smirk, tapping her cue cards on the table.
"Parang kailan lang, Tin, nung nag-viral ‘yung episode natin, debating about sino talaga ang face ng Philippine volleyball, ‘di ba?"
Kristin laughed, shaking her head—this wasn’t even in the script. "Hahaha, oo nga! Which, by the way, earned us some serious backlash from the volleyball community!"
"Safe to say, that was one of your most memorable moments this season, no?" Queenie grinned.
Inside the control room, Nicky sat in her usual chair, one elbow propped up on the table. Her headset buzzed with multiple voices—directors calling shots, floor managers updating cues—but her attention? Locked on the script they were not following.
Then, her voice came through their earpieces, just as the shot switched to Queenie alone.
"Kris, baka nakalimutan mo—wala ‘yan sa script! Just stick to the script, for god’s sake." Nicky rolled her eyes.
"Relax ka lang d’yan, boss. Just watch and enjoy the show" Kristin teased, smirking.
"’Pag ‘yan na-bash na naman kayo, ewan ko na lang talaga" Nicky muttered.
"Alam mo, gusto ko rin ‘yung mga tipong protective… kaso ikaw, medyo napa-overprotective ka yata. Chill ka nga, I got this." Kristin's voice came through the earpiece just as the shot cut back to her.
Kristin leaned back, grinning. "Shoutout nga pala sa pinaka-mabait naming producer… Nicky! Nagpapa-shoutout kasi siya, mga ka-sporties, hahaha. Nicky’s my biggest fan—palagi akong pinapagalitan off-cam, pero kita n’yo naman, ‘di niya ako matiis! Kaway ka naman d’yan, producer naming mahal!"
She pointed to the control room, her grin widening.
"Single pa ‘yan, mga ka-sporties… pila-pila lang, hahaha!"
Laughter erupted across the studio.
From her corner, Nicky sighed dramatically before grabbing the mic connected to the control room.
"Nakakatawa ‘yun, Kris? Biggest fan mo, mukha mo. Sa dami ng bloopers at cut mo this season dahil sa mga sablay mong one-liners at impromptu ad-libs, I don't think so. Baka biggest headache ko, pwede."
Kristin clutched her chest in mock offense. "See? Ganyan ‘to palagi! Ayaw pa umamin, puro paninira!"
Queenie nudged her with an amused grin. "Focus na, Tin. Teleprompter, please."
And just like that, the show went on, but the smirk never left Kristin’s face.
"Commercial break in five… four… three…"
CUT.
The moment the live feed transitioned to ads, Kristin leaned back in her chair, pulling out her earpiece before stretching her arms overhead.
"Ayos ba, Nix?" she called out with a grin, looking toward the control booth.
Nicky stood with her arms crossed. "‘Pag nag-overtime tayo at bumagsak ang finale ratings, sa’yo ko talaga isisisi ‘ta mo."
Kristin just laughed, unfazed as always.
She slumped back into her chair, massaging her temple. "Queen, sakit ng ulo ko."
"Eh paano namang hindi? Ang likot-likot mo kasi" Queenie replied, handing her a bottle of water before brushing Kristin’s hands aside to massage her temples herself.
"Awww, thanks, Queen. You’re the sweetest. Muah!" Kristin teased, tilting her head up to look at Queenie.
Then, from the control room, Nicky’s voice crackled through their earpieces.
"Kris, masyado kayong PDA. Hindi pa tapos ang show."
Kristin rolled her eyes, locking onto one of the cameras where she knew Nicky could see her.
"Bakit, Nix? Isa ka na rin ba sa mga shippers ng tandem namin ni Queenie?" she teased, smirking.
Nicky’s response was instant. "Shippers? Ano kayo, love team? Mga sports anchor kayo, huy. Tumigil kayo, hindi bagay."
Kristin chuckled, shaking her head. "Hay naku, Nix. Kung naiinggit ka, sabihin mo lang."
"No, I’m good. Ako rin lang naman ang hahanapin mo after ng show."
Nicky smirked.
Kristin opened her mouth for a comeback, but before she could, Queenie suddenly leaned in, tucking a stray strand of hair behind Kristin’s ear.
"Wag ka na kasing malikot, Tin" she murmured before settling back into her chair, unbothered.
Kristin froze—just for half a second—before laughing it off, an easy, genuine laugh.
Nicky?
She gripped the edge of the console before leaning back, exhaling sharply.
She knew this was their thing. On-cam, off-cam—Kristin and Queenie just had this chemistry.
But for some reason, it really wasn’t funny this time.
"Three… two… one… back on air."
The energy in the room shifted as they dove into the final segment.
Kristin cleared her throat, her usual playful demeanor carrying something just a little heavier beneath the surface.
"Three seasons. Grabe. Parang kailan lang nagsimula ‘to sa isang simpleng pilot, tapos ngayon, we’re here—closing another amazing chapter."
Queenie nodded, smiling. "And siyempre, hindi lang tayo ang dahilan kung bakit naging successful ang show na ‘to. Sa lahat ng crew, producers, writers, at siyempre, sa inyong mga nanonood—thank you."
The camera panned across the production team, showing glimpses of the people behind the scenes.
For a brief moment, Nicky was on-screen.
She barely looked up.
Kristin’s gaze flickered toward her direction.
Then, deliberately, she added—her tone too calm, too pointed, to be casual—
"At siyempre…" she paused, eyes still lingering where Nicky was. "May mga tao tayong hindi natin alam kung paano pasasalamatan ng buo… pero sana, alam nila kung gaano sila kaimportante."
The words hung in the air.
Nicky felt them.
And yet, she didn’t react.
Not on-cam. Not now.
Queenie, ever the professional, smoothly picked up the transition. "And with that, officially, that’s a wrap! Once again, I’m Queenie Arceta—"
"And I’m Kristin Robles—" Kristin chimed in.
"This has been The Starters—where sports and debates collide! See you all next season!"
The final "CUT!" had barely echoed when the studio erupted into cheers.
The credits rolled.
The cameras shut off.
Kristin exhaled, her shoulders relaxing as she exchanged high-fives and side-hugs with the crew. The energy was infectious—everyone buzzing from another successful season. Camera operators patted each other on the back, writers animatedly discussed their favorite moments, and the tech crew finally loosened up after weeks of last-minute stress.
Then—
A hand on her shoulder.
"Congrats, rule-breaker" Nicky said, smirking.
Kristin grinned. "See? I told you I got this. Hindi ko hahayaang pangit ang finale episode ko, no."
Nicky rolled her eyes. "Oo na, jusko. Para matahimik lang kaluluwa mo—good job."
Kristin opened her mouth for another quip, but before she could—
Nicky pulled her into a quick, tight hug.
It caught Kristin off guard.
Nicky wasn’t a hugger. At least, not with her.
"Oh my god, Nix? I’m finally seeing your soft side? After three seasons?!" Kristin teased, trying to shake off the strange feeling creeping into her chest.
Nicky chuckled. "Oo. Kasi di natin alam kelan ka mamamatay, so…"
Kristin gasped, smacking her arm.
Before she could retaliate, Queenie suddenly appeared, arms wide.
"NICKY!!! Congrats sa’yo! Thank you for your patience… like really… you know what I mean, hehe."
Nicky laughed and hugged Queenie next. "Oo naman, ikaw pa?"
Kristin watched as Nicky ruffled Queenie’s hair—something she always did.
But for some reason, this time, it felt… different.
Before she could overthink it, the rest of the team pulled them into full celebration mode. Someone brought out drinks, music blasted through the speakers, and soon, The Starters family was in party mode.
The season had ended.
Inside the function room reserved for the wrap-up celebration, people were drinking, laughing, and reliving the best and funniest moments of the past season. Queenie was already three shots in, dramatically reenacting an on-air blooper that had everyone in stitches.
"Sinusumpa ko na lahat ng heels sa mundo. Kung kailan last episode na dun pa muntik ma-subsob”
Kristin laughed, clinking her beer against another writer’s drink before taking a sip.
It was fun. It should be fun.
And yet—there was an odd pull at the back of her mind.
She hadn’t seen Nicky since the show wrapped up.
At first, she didn’t notice it. Akala niya, busy lang ‘to sa production rundown or taking care of some last-minute work things. But as the night stretched on and people kept looking for her—
"Si Nicky? Wala pa ba siya rito?"
"Akala ko sumunod na after ng show? Andito naman si EP, ah?"
"Kanina ko pa ‘di nakikita si Ma’am Nicks?"
It became harder to ignore.
It wasn’t until the middle of the celebration that the executive producer finally spoke up.
Kristin’s grip on her beer tightened. Something’s off.
"Guys, before I forgot—may announcement lang ako."
The chatter quieted down. All eyes turned toward the executive producer
"First of all, congrats sa ating lahat. Another season in the books, and we killed it….Kris and Queen, you always nail it!" A round of cheers erupted, but the EP raised a hand, signaling that he wasn’t done.
“Second…and this calls for celebration because we are renewed for another season! So, enjoy this time and enjoy your well-deserved breaks kasi we’re going on a ride for the fourth season na naman this time” The room erupted with even more loud cheers and clinks with their drinks
EP paused for a moment and smiled at everyone celebrating and he coughed to get everyone’s attention before he continued
"Lastly…”
He let out a big sigh before finally saying it
“Lastly…I just wanna honor Nicks, our napakagaling na producer for making this show work together and 3 seasons with her was just….amazing. Hands down to that woman. But…”
The room feel completely silent waiting for the next words to come out from EP
“But…we’re saying goodbye to someone tonight. Nicky officially stepped down as producer, effectively and immediately. Pero don’t worry, we have our new producer na and I’m sure she’ll do great din" EP forced a smile on his face while looking at the crew with a down look in their faces
Kristin froze.
"WHAT?!"
The word came out before she could stop herself.
Her heart plunged to her stomach.
"Ha? Bakit? Kailan pa ‘to?" Queenie asked, looking around in confusion.
"She sent her resignation months ago pa…hindi pwedeng ma approve resignation niya at that kasi wala pang replacement" the EP said simply.
“She wanted to explore other things daw and I hope we could also be supportive to her as she pursue whatever that path may be. Anyway, Season 4 will have a new producer—si Shamcey and you’ll meet her very soon."
But Kristin wasn’t listening anymore.
She was stuck on the words: "Nicky officially stepped down."
Kristin felt something clench in her chest.
She should be ecstatic. They wrapped another season successfully, they had a solid team, and they were celebrating in style.
But all she could think about was Nicky.
Her phone was in her hand every five minutes.
Between drinks, between conversations, between laughter—she kept checking.
Kristin: Hoy, Nicky! saan ka?
Kristin: You just left?! Just like that?"
Kristin: Matagal mo na ba ‘tong plinano. Gago ka
No reply.
She tried calling.
Ring.
Ring.
Ring.
"The number you have dialed is either unattended or out of the cover—"
"Tangina." Kristin hissed under her breath, cutting the call.
Queenie noticed, nudging her. "‘Di pa rin sumasagot si Nicky?"
Kristin didn’t answer.
Because she didn’t know what to say. She’s angry and confused. She wanted to demand answers. She has the right to, kahit pa laging nag babangayan ‘yan, they’re bond is something else that only they can understand.
“So, ito na talaga ‘yun?” Gab finally broke the silence, leaning against the table.
Nicky let out a short chuckle, taking a sip of her drink. “Yup… Ano pa bang gusto mong marinig? Nag-resign na ‘ko, wala nang babalikan.”
“Nix, alam mo namang hindi ‘yan ‘yung tinatanong ko.” Gab groaned, rubbing his face.
Mara, ever the calm presence, tilted her head at Nicky. “Masaya ka ba?”
Nicky paused.
That was a dangerous question.
She put on her usual half-smirk, a mask she’d perfected over the years. “Malamang, masaya. Less stress, less work, less—”
“Less Kristin?” Mara finished, raising an eyebrow.
Nicky’s grip on her bottle tightened, but she forced a dry chuckle. “Mmm… pero this time, hindi na less. No Kristin na talaga.”
Gab scoffed, leaning back in his seat. “Alam mo namang pwede mo na lang aminin sa kanya, ‘di ba? Ba’t pa kailangan mag-resign talaga?”
Nicky let out an exaggerated sigh. “You don’t understand… First of all, hindi ko sinadya, and I don’t like that I’m catching feelings—or that I’ve already been feeling something for her. Kahit sabihin ko pa sa kanya, and even if she does feel the same—which is never going to happen, by the way—hindi rin pwede. Nasa workplace policy namin ‘yan. So if ever I wanted to pursue a relationship with her, sooner or later, I’d have to step down din.”
She paused, taking another sip of her drink.
“And hindi naman ako kasing-martyr ng iba d’yan na kayang harapin, literally, ang pinagdadaanan nila. I just can’t. It would be impossible.”
Mara smirked. “Grabe ka naman mag-assume na she doesn’t feel the same. Sa tagal n’yo nang magkasama as workmates, some of those banters must have been real na rin—sige, kahit half-meant na lang. If someone did that to me, mafa-fall din ako eventually, beh. Ang rupok-rupok ko pa naman.”
“Tangina talaga ‘yang ganyang klaseng mga tao. Mga pa-fall! Pwe.” Gab mocked, making a face.
“Wala lang kasi kayong personality. Boring. Hahaha.” Nicky shot back, shaking her head.
“Talaga? Tapos kapag ‘yung pa-fall na ‘yun ang na-fall, anong gagawin? Hahaha. Inamo, Nix, ewan ko sa’yo.” Gab laughed.
Nicky clicked her tongue, shaking her head as she peeled at the label on her beer bottle. “Tangina nga talaga. Hindi ko pala kaya powers niya. Sobrang bagay nila ni Queenie, eh. Wala akong laban. Kainis.”
Gab rolled his eyes. “Sus, hindi mo man lang talaga in-anticipate na aabot sa ganito? Hindi mo man lang ba kakausapin?”
Nicky sighed. “Kakausapin naman. Siguro ‘pag composed na ‘ko… Kaya patirahin mo muna ako rito sa apartment mo, Gab.”
Mara shook her head, taking a slow sip of her cocktail. “Para kang tanga, Nix. Kagagawan mo rin ‘yan.”
Nicky let out an exaggerated sigh. “Kaya gusto ko talaga kayo, eh. Napaka-supportive. Naiiyak ako sa pagka-simpatya n’yo.”
Mara and Gab exchanged a look before clinking their glasses against hers.
But even as Nicky tilted her head back to take another sip, the alcohol did nothing to dull the knot in her chest.
Kristin slumped on her couch, scrolling through her phone with a deep scowl on her face.
It had been days.
Days of no replies, no calls, no signs of life.
No Nicky.
"Gago ka talaga, Nicky" she muttered under her breath, thumb aggressively scrolling through her messages—still left on read when she realized it was Saturday and the opening games of UAAP collegiate volleyball.
With a frustrated sigh, she grabbed the remote and switched on the TV, trying to distract herself.
Almost instantly, her body relaxed into the cushions. Maybe this would help. Maybe volleyball—something she actually gave a damn about—would keep her mind off things.
The match was intense. NU was battling hard for the last point of the set with long rally going on and when they won the point the the entire arena erupted.
And during the short break, she watched absentmindedly—until the camera panned across the VIP section.
Alumni. Celebrities. Important people.
And right there, casually sitting, eyes fixed on her phone—Was Nicky.
Kristin bolted upright.
"Si Nicky ‘yun, ‘di ba?!" Her heart slammed against her ribs.
How the hell was she just sitting there? Unbothered? Like she hadn’t been ghosting the entire planet for days?!
Blood roared in her ears.
Kristin snatched her phone and dialed.
Mika.
Team manager of one of the pro volleyball teams. Someone who always had access.
Kristin: "Miks, favor"
Mika: "Ano na naman ‘to, Kris?"
Kristin: "Bigyan mo naman ako ng access d’yan sa MOA”
There was a pause.
Mika: "Girl, third set na, ngayon ka pa pupunta?"
Kristin: "Oo. Sige na. I wanna see it live"
Mika: "Sino niloloko mo, Kris. Pero, fine, I’ll see what I can do."
Kristin: "Ayun naman pala. Thanks, Miks"
She grabbed her jacket, her heart pounding as she bolted out the door.
Kristin arrived just in time for the fourth set. The crowd was a frenzy, but she barely noticed—her eyes were trained only on one person.
Nicky.
She sat beside Mika, arms crossed, leg bouncing impatiently. The game was a spectacle, but she barely registered any of it. Her eyes were restless, darting across the VIP section, scanning every row, every seat.
Mika noticed.
"Yung totoo, Kris, gusto mo ba talagang manood o may hinahanap ka lang?" He nudged her with his elbow, raising a brow.
Kristin didn’t answer right away.
Then, as casually as she could muster, she asked, "Miks, kilala mo ‘yung producer ng show namin?"
Mika gave her a look. “Si Nicky? Of course! Bakit?”
"Yeah. Nakita mo siya?"
Mika glanced around, then tilted his chin towards a section not too far from them.
"Ayun oh. Sa kabilang section lang natin."
Kristin followed his gaze.
Her stomach flipped.
So she was really here.
And there—sitting comfortably, looking effortlessly cool, face illuminated by the screen of her phone—was Nicky.
Kristin clenched her jaw.
Days.
Days without a single word, without an explanation, and now—Nicky was just sitting there.
Like nothing happened. Like she hadn’t just vanished.
A thousand things burned in Kristin’s chest, but she forced herself to wait.
She sat still, let the game run its course, even though every second dragged on like an eternity.
Then—
The final whistle blew. The match was officially over.
And Kristin moved.
She cut through the crowd, her steps quick, her pulse a violent drumbeat in her ears.
And then, she was there.
Standing right in front of her.
Nicky looked up. Their eyes locked.
Kristin barely hesitated.
SLAP.
A sharp, resounding crack sliced through the post-game chatter.
The world seemed to pause. People around them gasped.
Nicky’s head snapped to the side, her cheek instantly reddening from the impact.
Slowly, she turned back, eyes wide.
"What the fuck, Kristin?!"
Kristin’s hands were shaking. "What the fuck, Nicky?" she threw back, voice unsteady with emotion.
Nicky blinked, still caught between shock and confusion.
Kristin’s voice rose.
"That’s for disappearing." Her voice shook—with anger, confusion, betrayal. "For leaving like we were nothing to you. Like what we had was nothing!" she gestured wildly, "Tapos makikita kita rito na parang wala lang nangyari?! Chill chill lang sa buhay, ganun?"
Her breath came fast. Too fast.
Nicky exhaled sharply, then scanned the growing crowd. Her jaw tensed.
"Kristin, not here."
Before Kristin could lash out more, Nicky grabbed her wrist.
"Tara."
Kristin wrenched back. "Ano?!"
“We’re talking. Pero hindi rito.”
Then, before she could argue—Nicky pulled her away.
The hallway was empty, but the air between them was thick with everything unsaid.
Kristin wrenched her wrist away the second they stopped walking.
"Talk." Her voice was sharp, her eyes burning into Nicky. "Ngayon na."
Nicky blinked, still stunned. "Ba’t mo ba ginawa ‘yun?" She let out a short, humorless laugh. "Ba’t ka ba galit na galit?"
Kristin clenched her fists. "Gago ka talaga,no? Ba’t naman hindi? Kasi you think I wouldn’t care?!"
Nicky’s jaw tightened. "And you shouldn’t."
Kristin scoffed, disbelief flashing across her face. “Bakit ba paladesisyn ka? Ano ba ‘yun, Nix? Ba’t naman pa bigla-bigla?” Kristin asked
Nicky exhaled. “I wanted to explore things, Kris. Siguro naman three season is enough to prove myself”
Kristin narrowed her eyes. “To prove yourself what? Na magaling ka? Tell you what, wala namang nagdududa sa’yo, Nix. . Pero ‘yung ginawa mong bigla ka nalang nag-resign without telling us—without telling me, only proved na you don’t care at all. ”
Her voice cracked as it rose. “You didn’t care about your job. You didn’t care about the people you worked with. You didn’t care about me.”
Nicky frowend “Easy for you to say….hindi mo naman alam ang dahilan”
Kristin scoffed “Then what is it? “
Nicky remained silent, not moving
“As your colleague, it showed, Nix.” Kristin’s voice softened, but only slightly. “It showed how little you cared. You let other people announce your resignation instead of doing it yourself. Grabe ka, you’ve been with us for almost 3 years. Didn’t it ever crosse your mind to have the decency na magpaalam ng maayos?”
Her throat tightened. “And as your friend…ganun-ganun na lang? Wala ka talagang planong sabihin sa’kin? I really hate you for that.”
Nicky’s expression shifted
“You know none of those things you said were true, Kris. “ Her voice was quiet but firm. “You know it. You know how I value my work and the people I worked with”
“Oh bakit nga? Ang simple lang ng tanong ko sa’yo, Nix.” Kristin demanded but her voice was gentler now. “From a friend to a friend—what was your reason? “
A moment of silence.
Nicky felt cornered. She knew there was no way out and even if she dodge the question, Kristin knew her. Well enough.
“It’s because of you, Kris.”
Kristin stilled.
Nicky’s jaw tightened. “Lately, working with you has been a struggle for me.”
Kristin frowned. “Ha? Paano? Akala ko ba na-clear ko na sarili ko sa debrief—”
“Hindi ‘yun tungkol doon.” Nicky cut her off.
“Eh ano nga?” Kristin pressed, irritation creeping into her tone.
Nicky hesitated. She ran a hand through her hair, exhaling sharply. “I don’t even know how to say this without sounding ridiculous…”
She took a shaky breath.
“Nahulog na loob ko sa’yo, Kris.”
Kristin’s stilled from where she was standing
“Alam kong we had this unspoken agreement kung paano tayo sa isa’t-isa. And honestly, I didn’t mind—kasi I had no plans of falling.” Nicky let out a hollow chuckle. “Pero things happen. And if only kaya ko pang pigilan ang sarili ko na hindi mahulog sa’yo, ginawa ko na”
Kristin stared, her mind racing, trying to make sense of the words.
“’Yun lang?” she whispered, shaking her head. “Aalis ka na agad? At the expense of the job you love?”
Nicky let out a bitter laugh. “You don’t understand. I’m not like everyone else na kayang i-set aside ang nararamdaman nila para maging professional. I can’t just pretend I don’t feel this way.” Her voice wavered. “Ang lalim na ng nararamdaman ko, Kris. And what’s worse? Araw-araw kitang kaharap...literally, with Queenie.”
Kristin’s eyes widened slightly.
Nicky clenched her jaw. “It shouldn’t hurt, pero it does. You... with Queenie.”
Kristin let out a short, incredulous laugh. “At nagseselos ka kay Queenie?”
Nicky didn’t answer.
Kristin stared at her, then let out an exasperated sigh. “Ba’t di mo sinabi sa’kin the moment you realized it?”
Nicky exhaled, shaking her head. "Kasi this should be all for fun, Kris. Ikaw ‘yung tipong hindi basta-bastang nahuhulog and I can’t believe myself na I let myself fall. Kaya lumayo na ako agad bago pa maging mas mahirap."
Kristin inhaled sharply. Her chest ached.
"Tangina, Nix. You don’t get to decide that for me."
“Na ano?” Nicky frowned
“You don’t get to decide kung kanino, kailan, at paano ako mahuhulog.”
Nicky let out a shaky laugh, but there was no humor in it. “Kris…”
Kristin took another step closer.
"I, too, was already falling, Nix." Her voice broke. "I had no plans on telling you…and then you suddenly left."
Silence.
Then—Nicky exhaled sharply "But you were never supposed to."
Kristin let out a broken laugh. “Well, neither were you.”
A pause.
Then—Nicky looked at her, hesitant. “Si Queenie?”
Kristin rolled her eyes. “I can’t believe na isa ka rin sa mga delusionals?"
Nicky gave a small, breathless chuckle. “You can’t blame me, Kris. I see how you two are—on and off screen.”
Kristin sighed. “Of all people, ikaw pa talaga ang kailangan kong pagsabihan nito?” She shook her head. “Walang namamagitan sa amin ni Queenie.”
Softly—tentatively—Nicky reached out.
Kristin didn’t pull away.
“I’m sorry.” Nicky’s voice was barely above a whisper.
Kristin swallowed. “Sabihin mo lang na hindi mo ako gusto, and you don't mean everything, and I’ll walk away. Right now.”
Silence.
Then—Nicky exhaled, a tired, defeated smile forming on her lips.
“Tangina Kristin.” She let out a shaky laugh. “Sobrang hulog na hulog na nga kaya ako umalis, eh.”