Work Text:
It’s been a busy month.
After the network teased about the drama project involving a few of the Kapuso Collab 2.0 housemates, I’ve been busy preparing, attending workshops, and meeting the casts, writers, and directors while simultaneously doing brand deals and advertisements.
I love it. It’s my dream to achieve this booming career, but I wouldn’t deny that it’s also physically exhausting. Sometimes I’d wake up at 4 in the morning, then end my day at 12 midnight.
Gone were the days when I casually got to enjoy dining out with my friends, going to the mall with my family, and just simply having fun outside of work.
It’s already May 16, and in a few days another endorsement will be publicly announced. And, the lock-in taping for the drama we’ve been preparing for will also finally commence. But tonight, I’ll focus on planning for tomorrow.
Kuya Jess and I were packing out for the day when he reminded me about Carmelle’s concert happening tomorrow.
Right.
Finally.
Something genuinely for myself.
“Anong plan mo bukas, Caprice? Sunduin na ba kita?” he asked while making sure that all our things were inside the duffel bag we use for our everyday schedules.
“May iba pa po ba akong schedule bukas?” I asked, making sure that tomorrow was completely mine.
“Wala tayo bukas, pero utos nina Boss na samahan pa rin kita…” He tapped on his phone, probably trying to contact our driver so we can finally head out.
“Hala!”
He suddenly shrieked, startling me.
“Omg, Caprice, may extra ka ba nu’ng ticket? Wala kasing na-provide sa akin—wait, no, I’ll ask around,” he said, almost rapping, as he violently tapped on his phone.
“Meron pa po ako. Don’t worry po,” I assured him.
Weeks before, Carmelle went live and told her fans that I bought personal tickets for her concert, showing me off as her friend who supports her.
Of course I always will.
Back then I bought five SVIP tickets for me and my family instead of relying on the “free” ticket that her management could’ve provided for us.
This is Carmelle—the DIVA we’re talking about. Of course I’ll support her with my own money.
“Sure ka ha? Kasi pwede naman ako magtanong-tanong pa. Baka mag-kulang ‘yang hawak mo.”
“Sure na sure po, Kuya,” I smiled at him to ease his concern. “I-abot ko nalang po sa inyo bukas.”
“O sige. Pero ayun nga, anong plan natin for tomorrow?”
“Dahil sa bahay naman po ako manggagaling, sabay-sabay na po siguro kami nila Daddy.”
I thought about how to make everything easy and hassle-free tomorrow. It would be better if he and I came straight from our homes instead of him picking me up while my family drove in a separate car.
Sayang sa gas.
Ang mahal pa naman.
“Sa tapat ng venue nalang po tayo magkita. Sa skydome po, tama?”
He nodded to my question.
Then our driver messaged that he was ready to pick us up, now patiently waiting in front of the network’s building.
Let’s have fun tomorrow.
—
When I got back home, it was almost 5 in the afternoon. I quickly took a bath and dressed casually before heading downstairs to find something to snack on. My mom spotted me from the living area.
“Cap, kumusta?”
A classic conversation opener.
“Hi mommy,” I side-hugged her before taking my usual seat at the dining table.
“Ayos lang po. Medyo pagod, mommy. May quick meeting ulit kami kanina para roon sa teleserye.”
I grabbed two slices of Gardenia bread and spread a Nutella filling in between them before getting a can of Coke from the refrigerator and returning to my seat.
“How did it go, ‘nak?” She finished polishing the vase that she was holding before sitting beside me, still holding onto the damp cloth that she used to clean it.
I took a bite from my sandwich before answering her question.
“Okay naman po. May mga dinadagdag pa raw po na scenes tapos ilang reminders lang before kami mag-start po ng lock-in.”
She nodded along to my story and got up to get herself a glass of water.
“Bukas pala, paanong gagawin natin?” She drank from her glass before heading straight to the sink to wash both the used cloth clean and her hands.
“Gusto niyo pa rin po bang sumama, mommy?”
“Oo naman, may tickets pa naman sayo diba? Ikaw ba gusto mo pa rin ba kaming isama ni Daddy mo?”
“Opo naman, mommy. Para mag-enjoy din kayo.”
I took another bite from my sandwich before finally opening my can of soda.
“Sabi ko po kay Kuya Jess kanina na sasabay nalang ako sa inyo ni Daddy. ‘Yung bagong sasakyan nalang po ang gamitin natin, okay lang po ba?”
After rinsing everything at the sink, she pulled out a kitchen towel then dried her hands.
“Oo sige. Sabihin mo kay Daddy mo mamaya.” She walked her way towards the trash bin beside the kitchen door and threw away the used tissue.
“Tayong tatlo lang ba? Wala ka bang isasabay?” she asked then sat beside me again.
“Hindi ko pa po nakakausap si Tala eh. Pero aayain ko siyang sumabay nalang.” I played with the ring tab of my soda can, low-key feeling my mom staring at me.
“Nasa iyo rin ba ‘yung ticket niya? Hindi kasama mama niya?”
“Nasabi ko naman na may ticket pa ako…may isa pa since kay Kuya Jess na ‘yung isa. Inalok ko na rin sakanya dati nu’ng last time na nagka-usap kami dahil hindi naman daw pupunta sina Tita at mag-isa lang niya. Hindi lang ako sure pa kung ‘yug akin ang gagamitin niya.”
When I first bought the tickets, I made sure to tell Tala that I bought my own. At first, I was unsure if the management would even secure me a ticket for the concert since we’re still from different networks despite the collab.
When Tala heard the news, she immediately asked me why I even bothered, saying that I would probably be given reserved VIP tickets anyway if I just confirmed my attendance to Carmelle’s team.
But when she heard my reason—that I wanted to support her best friend from my own hard-earned money, and that I was planning to bring my parents along to the concert—she became elated too.
Or maybe I was also a bit unsure if I’d be free on the day.
I wouldn’t want the reserved ticket to go to waste.
“I-message ko po siya mamaya tapos sabihan ko po kayo mamayang dinner.”
My mom started smiling, crescents forming in her eyes.
“O sige, i-update mo kami agad at kung may sasabay pa na iba…ang saya nu’n, double date tayo!” she clapped her hands childishly before heading back towards the living area.
I just shook my head at her antics.
What a reminder that my parents were also still very young and very much still in love.
I really hoped they would enjoy tomorrow.
5:46 PM
Text message with Tala ⭐️
Talaaa hello
Hi, Capcap!
How are you, cap?
Okay naman, ikaw?
Medyo na-busy lang
Oo nga eh, puro workshop lately
I miss you cappp
I miss you Tala
Nga pala bukas hindi talaga sasama sina tita?
Gusto mo bang sumabay nalang sa akin bukas?
Di na raw talaga
Inaasar nga ako lalabas daw sila nina kuya bukas
Magb-bonding na naman sila nang wala ako
Replied to: Gusto mo bang…
Hala totoo ba? Hindi ba nakakahiya kina chef 😭😭
Nag-offer na rin si miggy boy sakin kanina magkasama kami
Pero nahiya rin ako kasi out of the way siya eh
Ipagd-drive lang din siya ni tita bing tapos uuwi rin
Sakin hindi naman out of the way
Sabay ka naaa
Kesa mag-grab ka pa
Sabay ka na ha sinabi ko na kay Daddy 😄
Sige sige, sabihin mo kay chef ipag-luluto ko nalang ulit siya ng better ng fried rice
Thank you Capcap! 🤍
Anong oras pala?
Dinner tayo before pumunta?
Around 4:30, nandiyan na kami
Sure, Cap!
Replied to: Around 4:30…
Nasa abs-cbn pa ako, pero pauwi na rin 🥲
Okay!
Sinundo ka ni kuya mo?
No eh, sinabay lang kaming dalawa ni miggy ni marc
May plan pa yata sila later
Oh okay, ingat Talaa
Thank you Capcap!
I’ll see you tomorrow oki?
Missyouuu 🤍
See you, Tala! 🫶
End of conversation
So tomorrow it is.
After a while I went downstairs, towards the living area to wait for Daddy to come home from work to tell him about tomorrow’s plans.
The whole family stayed there to chat until it was time for bed.
When I went back to my room, I checked my phone and saw a message from Tala which was sent almost two hours ago saying she got home safely.
I didn’t miss the chance to heart-react her message before getting myself ready for bed.
I was definitely excited for tomorrow.
My alarm rang at 9 a.m.
I started my day with a good stretch and my morning cleanse before heading to the living area, where I found my younger brother—Cibo, watching an animated show on TV.
The phone I brought downstairs lit up as I sat down on the couch.
9:41 AM
Text message with Tala ⭐️
Good morning Capcap!
Good morning Talaa
Anong isusuot mo mamaya?
Hindi kasi ako makapagdecide eh
Mag-white daw si eli at miggy
Kakainisss ang corny
Hahaha ikakasal ba ulit sila?
Mag-shirt lang siguro ako ng black tapos pants
Simple lang, hindi naman ako ang magco-concert eh hahaha
Hindi tayo sureeee
Capcap baka magpa-sample si lite doon ng hev abi 😆
Sige mag-black nalang din ako
Sana waaag, imessage ko na siya agad
Aalis talaga ako ng venue hahaha
Joke
🤣🤣
Kami ni eli ang bunot nun sure ako
Nako talaga
Kakain na ako ng breakfast, ikaw din Cap
Papalakpakan ko nalang kayo
Magb-breakfast na rin kami
See you mamaya Tala
See you later, Capcappp!
End of conversation
After the conversation ended, I found myself smiling at the screen.
I couldn't be more excited for later.
I half lay on our couch until Mommy called us for breakfast. The morning passed by quickly,and before we knew it, we were already preparing for the evening.
Daddy and Mommy each wore a simple plain polo shirt in different colors—white and red, respectively—paired with denim pants for Daddy and a black plain mini skirt for Mommy.
Meanwhile, I went for a plain black shirt and basic green trousers. I also wore the black glasses everyone gush about. I accessorized my bag with a keychain from Thailand and the LEGO keychain I made at the CKMG.
At four o’clock, I messaged Tala that we were already on the way. We were earlier than the time we agreed on, so I assured her to take her time. We could wait.
When we arrived at her building, I got off at the lobby to wait for her. The guard recognized me and immediately let me in, even asking me if I wanted to go upstairs to Tala’s unit, but I turned it down and told him I’d just wait for her at the receiving area.
A few minutes later, she stepped out of the elevator wearing a cap, a black shirt underneath her classic black leather jacket, and blue denim pants. I didn’t also fail to notice the eye glasses similar to mine that she tucked in her shirt’s collar. I got up from my seat to greet her.
Naturally, we hugged.
“Hi, Capcap,” she greeted enthusiastically, though concern was also evident in her voice. “Sorry, kanina pa ba kayo? Nakakahiya kina chef.”
Instinctively, our hands slipped from each other’s arms until they found each other again—now connected hand-in-hand—together, between us.
She looked outside the building—trying to catch a sight of my parents.
“Hindi, okay lang. Nandoon lang sila sa loob ng kotse, sa harap,” I assured her, my thumbs absentmindedly circling over her hands.
A smile slowly formed on her face.
“Tara na? Pa-saan tayo?”
Right.
She didn’t know where we were going yet.
“Uhm, kain muna tayo sa Quezon Ave bago tayo magpunta sa venue. Tara?”
She nodded before hooking her left arm around my right arm and waving goodbye to the guard at the front door.
“Kuya, alis muna po kami!”
We walked towards the car, and I opened the backdoor for the both of us, letting her get in first. By the time I settled into the seat beside her, she had already greeted my parents.
“I’m sorry chef, tita. Kanina pa po ba kayo naghihintay?”
“Okay lang, Krystal. Don’t worry. Earlier yata kami sa call time niyo ni Cap eh,” Mommy answered, trying to ease her worries. Daddy also flashed a smile from the rearview mirror.
We went to Cibo to have dinner, deciding to have some Italian cuisine tonight—not too heavy, not too light—and it was only fifteen minutes away from the venue.
At dinner, we tried catching up on everything we missed to update each other about over the past month, filling in the little spaces left behind to reestablish the warmth and familiarity of each other for tonight.
Even after our meet-and-greet became such a huge topic online, we kept seeing each other privately, away from the public eye, whenever time permits.
Keeping our promise of “walang ingay, tayo lang.”
We usually hung out over dinner, after our work schedules, sometimes with our friends, at our restaurants, or at each other’s homes.
Not because we were eager to hide from everyone.
And not because we disliked the public knowing,
But more because there was a genuine happiness in having something this real—something free from bias, something consistent with and without camera—that I got to know and experience.
It was almost 6:30 when we arrived at the venue.
The music blasted off from every direction as both Tala and I were dropped off at the artist entrance, where I was supposed to meet my manager.
My parents would be following right after once they found a proper parking space at the basement of the nearby mall, of course with their respective tickets.
I spotted Kuya Jess looking down at his phone before he noticed us walking towards him.
Some fans who had been camping outside started clamoring when they saw us, their phones already raised to capture our arrival. I glanced beside me, making sure that Tala wasn’t being pulled away or cornered by autograph requests or video greetings.
The marshalls behind my manager quickly became alert when a few fans started screaming for our attention.
Noticing the sudden change and increase in the crowd around us, I quickly fished out the Kuya Jess’ ticket before placing my hand against Tala’s back, guiding her forward and keeping her beside me.
Luckily, the marshals were also quick to control the crowd as we disappeared inside.
With Tala steadying her hold, securely clinging to my right arm.
For a moment, everything became quiet until the loud screams from inside the venue echoed through the hall again. We walked through a dark pathway, my hand eventually finding Tala’s as Kuya Jess continued pulling us toward somewhere we’re supposed to be.
Then we entered the backstage where the artist lounge is located. Catching a sight of the Diva before her show started.
No fans were allowed there, yet the place was still quite crowded as it was filled with the Star Magic and Star Music staff walking back and forth, rushing around to fix last-minute concerns.
Tala greeted almost everyone from their network that we bumped into.
“Hi po!”
She even introduced me to some of them—probably staff members she was especially close with—few of them even asked for photos.
Once we reached a calmer area, our hands slowly slipped away from each other’s hold. Our strides became shorter now and unhurried.
We turned into a more private corner before spotting Carmelle’s manager. Tala immediately shrieked in excitement.
“Ata Yeng!”
She half-ran towards the woman before wrapping her in a hug.
When I reached them, I greeted her as well. She hugged me back and asked how am I doing.
“Wifeee!!”
Even without turning around and seeing who that was, we already knew who it was based from the pitch and tone alone.
Wearing a sparkling white dress, long hair extensions, and high heeled boots—like the performer that she naturally was—stood Carmelle. She hugged me first, tightly, then shoved herself to Tala’s arms.
Carmelle had also been incredibly busy for the past month. She had just returned from her international gigs before diving straight into concert rehearsals, so this was probably the first time in a while that they had seen each other again.
“I miss you, Congrats Lite!”
“Oh baka naman umiyak ka pa diyan, bakla ka!”
While the two continued teasing each other, some of the male housemates slowly started reappearing around the area.
Heath…
Marco…
Inigo…
Carmelle’s team was kind enough to let us start inside one of the spare rooms where all the present housemates had gathered.
Obviously, I slid into the seat beside Tala.
“Sina Eli, wala pa?” Carmelle asked her question to Tala.
“Wala pang update kung nandito na, pero papunta na ‘yun,” Tala leaned back against the couch, slightly tilting her head towards me.
“Sinundo siya ni Migorts,” she added, wiggling her eyebrows teasingly as she exposed her two other friends.
“Wow, nagsalita!” Exclaimed Carmelle pointing at us two.
I just laughed at them as they continued teasing each other. Sometimes, I also joined their conversation.
Soon, Anton also arrived from his own dressing room which ignited more teasing. We bonded for a bit, asking how each other were, until a group of media staff suddenly barged into the room to take photos of us.
And throughout all of it–I stayed beside Tala.
After a while, Carmelle was told to standby, so we were finally sent inside the venue.
Kuya Jess was once again guiding us, with another housemate’s manager walking ahead of him. Tala, who was in front of me, followed just behind him.
I placed my hands on her back—not pushing, just more on steadying. I quickened my pace when she drifted further ahead, and slowed down when she suddenly stopped, not caring whether the housemates were still behind us or not anymore.
The pre-show performance had already started when we stepped out from behind the black curtain. The screams grew louder as the audience finally saw us entering the venue for Carmelle’s concert.
Some began chanting our names, the ships, while others tried their best to get our attention. A few fans were already familiar faces, the ones who always showed up during guesting events, and fan meets.
We waved our hands occasionally while one of the staff at the forefront checked our tickets.
Occupied by the lots of things that happened around me, I was surprised when all of a sudden, Tala was standing in front of me.
Her body was facing me but her head was turned sideways toward the stage.
I held my breath for a moment, surprised at how small the distance between our faces suddenly felt, until she moved again and walked towards my manager.
Then I noticed Tala and Kuya Jess struggling to communicate—almost shouting over the noise. I was about to join in their conversation when a staff member from PBB caught our attention and talked to us.
Now I could barely hear what they were saying…
“…ticket?… seat?…”
“…front…tabi ni…”
“...doon…wait…”
Kuya Jess walked ahead to check something with the seats, then came back and whispered again to Tala.
“si Capcap?” I heard Tala ask.
“…sa tabi…” Kuya Jess answered.
I frowned slightly at how vague his reply was.
Sinong katabi ko?
We moved towards our seats, greeting some of the artists that were already seated in front.
Being a Sparkle Artist in a Star Music show felt overwhelming. All of the artists there were from different network—artists that I had never seen and met before but know through their names. It felt humbling, constantly deciding whether to greet first or wait to be greeted, unsure whether approaching would be seen as a form of respect or trying too hard.
Tala naturally made her way to them, shaking their hands with some and exchanging cheek kisses with others.
I stayed where I was, offering polite smiles, small waves, or slight bows—anything that felt respectful enough to acknowledge them properly.
When Tala returned to my side, she held my hand, grounding me, as if sensing that I felt sightly out of place.
“Are you okay, Cap?”
We moved near the vacant seats beside Marco. I nodded, assuring her that I was fine.
She smiled at me and held my gaze, but it didn’t last long when someone called her name from the other side before we were able to sit down.
She walked ahead and I wasn’t sure whether to follow—first, I didn’t know exactly where our seats were, if we’re even gonna sit next to each other; second, I wasn’t sure which side she preferred from the two remaining seats behind us, if these were our correct seats; and third…maybe I just didn’t want to leave her side.
Before I could decide, she was already walking back to me. Relieved, I finally sat down, at the far end side, skipping a vacant seat for Tala in a row full of housemates.
Why? I wasn’t sure either.
I could’ve easily slipped in beside Marco so Tala could sit closer from where she just came from.
But maybe, I also just wanted to have a rest.
From the pressure of overthinking shipping, toxic fan wars, and assumptions—of why I didn/t sit next to X, why I chose to sit next to Y, whether sitting next to Z was the management’s strategy for the hype of an upcoming project.
I wasn’t really the type to think about those things.
All I wanted was to focus on my craft, on the projects I was offered and trusted with—to perform well and give justice to my character I’m representing.
But sometimes, it gets tiring—constantly filtering I feel in the moment, restricting myself just to avoid the nonsense noise.
So that time I chose what my heart wanted.
Because my safest place was always beside Tala.
My arm naturally went around Tala’s shoulder as soon as she sat beside me, asking her curiously who caught her attention earlier. I also told her how Kolette Madelo—the Gen 11 third big placer recognized me and greeted me earlier.
“Excited ka na?”
She nodded.
Me too.
The next pre-show act started, and several digital media accounts began requesting for photos that they could post for artists' attendance checks. Some asked us to pose from afar, while others went directly in front of us, which eventually made the fans become quite comfortable asking for video greetings and photos for both personal and official accounts.
It was overstimulating, I could say.
People from every direction were catching our attention here and there, different cameras, DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and smartphones—yet Tala would guide me through all of it every single time.
She would call for my attention whenever someone would try to talk to me for too long, especially since a long line of media teams were already waiting for group photos with all of the other housemates present.
In the end, Tala just settled her hand on mine instead of the frequent taps on my shoulder.
Firm and stable.
Unbothered by whether it would be caught in the photos or not.
It was almost the start of the show when the requests died down. I felt Tala rummaging her bag so I asked her what she was looking for.
She didn’t answer.
Instead, I saw her pull out a film camera, smiling.
“Picture kita, Cap”
“Huh, nakakahiya…”
“Dali na.” She moved slightly farther away, obviously trying to find a better angle despite the uncomfortable position.
She was firm with her request so even though I was shy, I smiled towards her.
Not to the camera lens, to her.
“Ikaw naman,” I said, trying to grab the camera from her.
“Nope, done na,” she smiled proudly, teeth showing before quickly shoving the camera back her bag.
Then she faced the stage again, still smiling to herself after successfully outsmarting me.
Yeah, “done.” I’m done.
The show finally started.
Miguel and Eliza had already arrived and were now seated in their respective seats, slightly farther from us than I expected.
When Carmelle finally came out the stage, everyone screamed at the top of their lungs. But among all the voices, Tala’s and Eliza’s stood out the most.
“Best friend ko ‘yan!!”
“Ang galing, wooah!”
“Sa akin lahat ‘yan?!”
“Lite, you’re the best!”
For a while the screaming settled down as Carmelle greeted the audience and introduced herself properly to the crowd. She acknowledged and thanked the fans, the management, and her entire team.
Tala suddenly wrapped her arms around mine and lightly shook me.
“Ang galing galing ni Lite ‘no?”
I nodded in agreement.
“Diva talaga. Deserve na deserve niya ‘to,” I answered in awe.
I held her hand steady on my arm before giving it a light squeeze.
Like clockwork, her hand slowly slipped downwards until our fingers intertwined.
My heart jumped at the contact.
No one reacted. Not one of us.
That’s the way it is—I mean, no one would even notice.
Everyone was too busy watching the performance happening in front of us.
And it’s not like this was something wrong.
It’s nature. We've done this before. It’s not a big deal, so why was I feeling that way?
The show continued with Carmelle singing “Pangarap Ko’y Tagumpay” when she suddenly pointed at Tala and Eliza, calling them to stand up together.
“Nandito ‘yung mga back-up dancers ko. Tayo kayo!”
It was a reference to an inside joke from when they acted as Carmelle’s back-up dancers during one of the weekly tasks inside PBB.
Tala released her hands from mine, and I immediately felt its absence.
She called Eliza over and hugged her sideways. They stood in front of me, closer to the stage where Carmelle was performing, singing directly to them.
They began dancing the same simple steps they used before, trying to stay in sync while watching each other closely to figure out when to change the move and what move to do.
“‘Di pa sabay, nagpractice ba kayo?” Carmelle called them out, making everyone in the arena laugh.
The two immediately hugged each other in embarrassment as Carmelle let them go and moved towards the other side of the stage.
After her second set, the second ment came. She once again went to our side and highlighted the presence of the housemates.
She asked the camera man to do a quick pan of the housemates seated at the front row.
“Palakpakan naman natin ang mga housemates…Wait bakit parang nakahiwalay naman ‘yung dalawa doon?”
She was referring to Miguel and Eliza seated in the other section. Cheers erupted.
“Ahh gano’n talaga? O sige nalang…ayan tapos si Cap—ay wait bakit magkatabi rin ‘yung dalawa, si Caprice tapos si Krystal?”
The crowd grew louder as the camera panned to us two.
“Anong meron naman dito na para bang napag-iiwanan ako—humanda kayo sa’kin mamaya,” she added a teasing note, clearly hinting at me and Tala sitting together. We could only laugh.
“Ay joke lang, andito pala si papa ko. Joke lang pa.”
She quickly backtracked as she was obviously pertaining to her performance with Anton later on.
“Kainis talaga ‘to si Lite,” I heard Tala mutter beside me.
“Grabe sigawan nila,” I pointed out.
“Kaya nga eh, nakakainis. Mamaya talaga ‘to sakin.”
I laughed softly at how visibly annoyed she was. Curious, I digged, “Bakit? Cute naman ah…”
She laid her eyes on me for a second before looking back at the stage.
“Baka awayin ka na naman.”
I just smiled, knowing that her first instinct was always to protect me.
“Okay lang, mababaw lang naman.”
So I placed my right hand over hers then left it there.
We went back to watching Carmelle interact with her fans, her family, and other housemates. Then, she strode in front of us again.
“Before ako magproceed sa next song, gusto ko lang ishout-out. Itong mga friends kong dancer talaga—tinuruan ko sila sa loob ng bahay ni Kuya. Tayo kayo, dali. Halika na ‘wag na kayong mahiya talaga,” as she introduced the two.
Tala once again stood up and waited for Eliza to come closer.
“Palakpakan naman natin sila, ‘di ba ang galing nila kanina?”
Eliza encircled her arm around Tala’s shoulder and shouted, “May TF ‘to!”
But Carmelle, of course, had other plans.
“Ano? Anong sabi mo? Love mo si Miguel?”
The crowd screamed. Eliza, who was flustered by the sudden teasing looked behind and saw me laughing.
“May TF?” Carmelle repeated.
The two nodded so then she replied, “Ay, ah sige! Kiss? Kiss nalang.”
But of course Carmelle wasn’t done yet.
“Pero sabi mo talaga kanina love mo si Miguel.”
The camera panned again to the two—Eliza still clinging onto Tala.
“Love niya si Caprice,” Eliza suddenly pointed to Tala, and of course Carmelle would repeat that for everyone to hear.
“Love mo si Caprice?”
Cheers erupted once again.
Tala neither confirmed nor denied. She simply shifted slightly away from Eliza so I could be seen on the big screen. I just waved at the camera and laughed at them.
Everyone’s attention was on us, but all I could really feel was her gaze on me.
She was looking at me, quietly checking my reaction—if it made me uncomfortable, or if the teasing was too much that it might affect my projects or brands.
I couldn’t really answer and tell her directly then so I just laughed everything off to somehow reassure her.
“Our kapuso big winner, Caprice! Palakpakan naman tayo diyan—o, diba, bigatin ang mga guests” Carmelle introduced me once again.
“Parehas sila ng salamin!” Eliza pointed out, causing another wave of cheers from the audience. I saw Tala pinching Eliza’s waist for adding fuel to the fire.
“Ay wow! Talaga nga naman ang bff ko, regalo ‘yan sayo? Joke~”
Carmelle left it at that.
When Tala finally sat down, she sighed.
“Hay nako talaga.”
And all I could do was gently pat her arm to reassure her that everything was fine.
The show went on, and Carmelle had many guests to join her for her first solo concert. She had an amazing set of solo performances, duets with the invited artists, and finally, her top ship, Anton.
They performed a duet and even an acting skit. The fans went wilder than ever because of it, screaming and continuously teasing them.
“Kinikilig ako!”
“Magpakasal na kayo!”
“CarTon forever!”
“Walang bibitaw, walang aagaw!”
I subtly looked at the woman beside me.
It couldn’t be denied that KrysTon was also a known ship that gained attention during duo formations and the New Year’s Ball. And even though I wasn’t very active on social media, I was still aware of how exhausting ship wars were for Tala and Carmelle.
Although Tala never really ranted about it to me, I could feel it anyway.
One time, we were at Miguel’s house to shoot a video content for the both of them. During their break, I noticed her scrolling through X with her face down. I sat beside her and tried to sneak a glance at what she’s looking at.
There it was.
Fans pitting Tala and Carmelle against each other.
She turned off her phone and looked at me.
“Hi,” she smiled tightly.
“Okay ka lang?” I asked.
She nodded but it didn’t feel like a real yes.
Instead, she diverted the topic by joking, “Capcap, piliin mo luto ko ha!”
“Hmm,” I answered her. Without any assurance to myself that I would even know which dish she made and how it would be different from Miguel’s.
I side-eyed her, checking for her reaction. To see if she was either fine or uncomfortable at the scene in front of us. At the same time, it was also a habit I couldn't get rid of— I still couldn’t fully understand.
Maybe it was a way to steady myself.
‘Cause every time, something in my chest feels off. It was quiet but persistent—dormant. The kind of feeling I couldn’t properly name without making it bigger than it was. Because I knew I shouldn’t be feeling it.
Not jealousy—not exactly.
Just the awareness of being in between an area where I didn’t know where I stood, or what I was supposed to be doing in this kind of situation.
Along with thoughts I didn’t want to entertain—questions about him, about how people see them together, about things I told myself to stop overthinking.
And there was also a quieter thought that I never really touched…
that maybe I just wanted to be something, someone.
For her who deserved nothing but love.
Maybe it was all just maybe.
I stopped myself from thinking much further and snapped out of it.
I looked at her and all I could see was her genuine smile, fully focused on the acting performance unfolding on the stage. No bitterness, no pretension, just pure happiness for the things her best friend was achieving at the moment.
We locked eyes for a second.
She saw me looking at her, and she didn’t make a big deal out of it. Instead, leaned back, resting her arm around my chair before she flexed it in and placed her head on her palm.
“Hmm?”
She saw me watching her movements and decided to ask about it.
I just shook my head before leaning back as well, beside her, near to her.
The show ended.
Before we could stand, a fan asked the housemates to pass around their phone and greet the camera. When it reached us, Tala held it for the both of us, with me reminding her that I couldn’t hold it because of its brand.
“Sorry, bawal—bawal si Capcap.”
She was quick to retract her arm and instead called Miguel to take the phone away from my area.
“Tara?” She stood up and pulled me.
“Balik lang tayo Capcap doon sa backstage, paalam lang tapos uwi na,” she suggested and I nodded in agreement.
“Wait, tawagan ko lang sila mommy.”
I quickly messaged my parents that we’re heading back backstage and they could probably tag along with us.
“Punta raw sila dito, wait natin sila.”
Kuya Jess arranged something with the staff so my parents could enter.
When everything was finally settled, Tala reached for my arm and held it but I insisted on holding her hand.
It was easier that way. In a narrow, dark hallway, walking hand-in-hand made more sense than walking side by side which would be the case if she held onto my arm.
We followed behind the other housemates, with LizGuel walking in front of us.
After a while, we were greeted by the fans who were waiting outside the barriers.
Tala and I let go as I stopped briefly to sign a tarpaulin that said “Team Caprice Official.” I aso greeted the other fans waiting.
When I strutted back, I saw Tala with my parents, waiting for me instead of going ahead.
Back inside the dressing rooms, one of the media team of Star Magic requested for a quick TikTok video of Tala and I, which we agreed to instantly.
Inside the chaos of Carmelle’s dressing room were the housemates and her family.Everyone was still high from the moment and happy for Carmelle so it was hard for us to say our goodbyes.
I looked at Tala beside me.
“Sure ka na ba? P’wede pa naman siguro mag-extend. Ask ko kay Kuya Jess,” I asked her.
I was about to go out of the room to request a time extension to Kuya Jess when Tala held my hand to stop me.
“Okay lang talaga, Capcap. Sasabay na ako sayo, paalam lang tayo,” she assured me.
We made our way to Carmelle and hugged her tightly as we congratulated her for a successful show.
“Alis na rin kami, Lite. ‘Di na kami magtatagal ni Capcap,” Tala said.
I could only nod and say sorry.
“Hala bakit ang bilis naman, kain muna kayo dito oh, small celebration lang,” as she offered the buffet in the bigger room.
“Hindi na talaga, bff. Maaga pa kasi call-time ni Capcap bukas eh. Sasabay lang din ako sa kan’ya,” Tala reasoned.
“Eh ikaw ba—ahh sige sige,” Carmelle immediately lets go.
“Basta hang-out susunod ha?” she pointed at me, maybe with a little threat.
“Oo naman, next time,” I made promise.
“O sige, ingat kayo, si Chef Jorge ba kasama niyo?”
Dad took a peek at the door and waved at Carmelle.
“Ingat po kayo tito! Salamat po sa pagpunta!” She acknowledged.
“Alis na talaga kami, congratulations ulit Liteee~,” Tala kissed her cheek and I hugged her tight. Then we made our way out.
As we left, the guards immediately formed a circle to surround us.
“Dad sa’n po kayo nag-park?”
“Sa basement ng mall, lakad lang tayo kaunti,” He responded who was now walking behind us.
People even outside the venue premises recognized us.
Sometimes Tala would reach for my arm, sometimes I would reach for her hand. She would walk ahead of me, or I would walk ahead of her, guiding each other.
Sometimes I would also reach for her waist and guide her to walk faster when we’re lagging behind from my manager and family.
When we reached the road, a fan asked for a selfie using their Instax.
Immediately, Tala wrapped her arm around my shoulders, slipping down to my back as I took the shot.
In the basement, we stayed close. I walked ahead of her while she held my arm, all while talking to the fan who walked with us. When we were near the car I heard her call me.
“Capcap, wait—”
Her bracelet got stuck briefly on my bag.
“Hala sorry, sorry sumabit.”
“Okay na. Go inside, Cap,” she said.
We said our goodbyes to the remaining fans, as well to Kuya Jess, as we closed the car door.
“Okay ka lang?” I asked her almost immediately as soon as the door closed.
She nodded and smiled.
I asked her to scoot closer to me, as I adjusted the air condition settings. She obliged and clung her arm on mine. She took out her phone and I saw her message her mom that the concert was over and she was on the way home.
After that, she opened her X account and showed me the trending list.
#capkrys was trending at No. 1
We just laughed it off. She hid her phone inside her bag before resting her head on my shoulder.
When we reached her condo, she sat up straight and thanked us for fetching and driving her home. I also saw her brother waiting for her in the lobby, waving at us.
“Thank you po ulit chef, tita. Super super thank you po. Sana po nag-enjoy kayo.”
Then she turned to me, “Thank you, Capcap.”
She gave me a final hug and got out of the car. She faced us once again and held the door firm.
“Thank you po ulit,” she waved in front, looked at me and said, “Ingat ha?”
She waved her hand then shot a flying kiss before she pushed the car door closed.
I leaned back and looked out the window. We waited until she entered the building before we drove off.
“Nag-enjoy kayo, mommy?” I asked to the partner sitting in front.
“Hmm.” I saw her nod.
“Ikaw? Nag-enjoy ka? You look so happy.” She asked right back.
“Yes po, super,” I tightened my lips and held her gaze towards me. Assuring and grounding.
“I’m happy for you, Supercap.”
I locked with daddy’s eyes in the rear view mirror and smiled at him.
“You deserve that, work ka na naman bukas,” mommy reminded me.
“Yes po,” I answered softly.
The rest of the drive was quiet but full. It was not heavy and uncomfortable.
Because tonight I’m genuinely grateful and I feel secure.
For the person I’m becoming, for the support I’m getting from family, and the fans, for the relationship I built, especially with her.
And whatever this was between us—was all ours.
Genuine and pure intention.
Walang ingay, tayo lang.
Before I went to sleep, I recollected and replayed everything.
Every touch, every glance.
Every time we held eye contact to study, ground, reassure, and just be there for each other.
Every moment where words were not needed because we already know.
Because we both knew this wasn’t something loud.
But it was something understood, and we both treasure a lot.
And for now, that was enough.