Aya thought it was enough to feel giddy just by watching Jake Reyes's Saturday covers. But the deeper she went into the fandom, the more her world began to change—including the people around her.
In a simple group chat, she found new friends—fellow fangirls who felt the same thrill whenever they heard Jake's voice.
Slowly, she grew closer to Lyca, Anna, Mica, Maureen, and Krystel. Even Admin Rose and Co-Admin Janine, who once seemed unreachable, eventually became approachable. They started chatting with her during long days and late nights of shared fangirling.
But amidst all the laughter, butterflies, and bonding, one dream stayed the same for each of them—to be noticed by Jake Reyes.
---
It's Saturday again. Another morning of waiting for the YouTube premiere of Jake's latest cover. He uploads a new song or cover every Saturday.
Even if Aya has work, she never lets it get in the way. Despite being busy at her office job as a fresh Business Management graduate, she always keeps a tab open on her desktop—for Jake Reyes's YouTube channel.
Aya lives a simple life. She's the eldest of two siblings. She lives in Quezon City with her parents, in a rent-to-own house. They also have a home in the province—Leyte, where her father is originally from.
But Jake?
He's far away. Living in Seattle, Washington.
With his mom, five siblings, and his stepfather—a former soldier who has already passed away. Jake's three older brothers now live in Leyte with families of their own.
Even if they come from different worlds, for Aya, Jake's voice has become part of her everyday life.
But today isn't just any Saturday.
Because today, Jake is releasing a cover of "No One Else Comes Close."
That's why the whole fandom is on a different level of excitement and giddiness. I mean, who wouldn't be wrecked by those lyrics—especially when sung by Jake Reyes?
---
Scene: GC (Group Chat) Updates
Lyca: "WAAAAHHHHHHH 😭😭😭 Why that song of all songs, huhuhu"
Krystel: "I swear, I was just trying to relax, and now I wanna cry HAHAHA"
Anna: "That moment when you really believe the song is for you… even when you know it's not 😂"
Mica: "Why does it hurt so good to hear his version? 🥹"
Maureen: "Guys, let's just be real. We, the 'Jakefanatics,' are the true 'No One Else Comes Close' to Jake. 😂😭"
Aya: "OMG... it's like he was thinking of me while singing that 😭💔❤️"
Admin Rose: "You guys are too much. Behave yourselves, or someone's gonna get jealous. LOL!"
Co-Admin Janine:
"Who's getting jealous, Mommy? haha The fluttered in our heart is real today!😭😭🥰"
It was chaos. Pure joy. Fangirl madness. That's how the GC looked when everyone got hit with Jake's voice at the same time.
---
Scene: Office Mode
While Aya quietly typed her reports, she snuck a glance at the YouTube tab.
She paused, took a deep breath, and said,
"Why do I feel more nervous now than during our finals back in college?"
As the video started playing, the intro of the song filled her ears. Mellow. Warm. Every line, heartfelt. With each word Jake sang, time seemed to stop.
"You touched my heart in a way I'm always dreaming of…" 🎶🎵
Boom!
Giddiness overload.
Aya was already drowning in her own fantasy.
---
Scene: YouTube Comments
After the video, as usual, Aya left a comment:
"Jake, your voice just ruined me—in the best way possible. This song hits differently because of you. You're amazing. Thank you for always reminding us how it feels to fall in love. ❤️ #JakefanaticsForever"
She's been a loyal commenter for three months now. Always watching. Always present. Jake would often react with a heart to comments, but he rarely replied. And even just one simple reply—that was Aya's ultimate dream.
But today, a miracle happened
---
Hours passed...
Aya was packing up at work, ready to head home, when a notification popped up:
"Jake Reyes replied to your comment."
She froze.
Stared at the screen.
Is this real?
She quickly opened YouTube.
And there it was.
Jake Reyes:
"Thank you so much, Arianna! Your words mean a lot. Stay safe always and God bless!" 🙏💙
---
Scene: JakeFanatics GC
Aya: "GUYSSSSSSSSSSSSSS AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Help me pls! 😭😭😭😭😭😭"
Lyca: "GIRL WHAT HAPPENED 😂 CALM DOWN WHY?! 😭"
Aya: "JAKE REPLIED TO ME. THIS IS NOT A DRILL 😭😭😭😭😭"
Krystel: "HUH?!?! SPILL IT!!! SCREENSHOT PLS!!"
Aya: [sent screenshot]
Anna: "OH. MY. GAAAAAD. IT'S LEGIT GUYSSSSS 😭😭😭"
Maureen: "You totally deserve this, girl! You've been consistent for months! Are you two a thing now? Haha!"
Mica: "Promise, even if we go wild here in the GC, we're all so proud of you ❤️"
Lyca: "Aaayy we are SO happy for you girl! Congrats! Someone's probably crying from jealousy now haha."
---
Narrator:
Even with the butterflies shooting through Aya's chest, she noticed something change in the air. Some people went quiet. Some didn't react. Those who used to vibe with her in the GC suddenly went silent.
No one said anything outright, but she could feel it... a little jealousy. Maybe envy. But she carried on.
Because no matter who the "main character" of the night was, her five closest friends stayed solid.
Mica, Maureen, Krystel, Anna, and Lyca—never changed. Never bitter. Never jealous. They were the kind of friends who got more excited than you did when it was you who got noticed.
---
That night, when Aya got home, had dinner, changed into her pajamas, and went to her room, she still couldn't stop thinking about Jake's reply.
Aya's monologue (as she lies on her bed, staring at her phone):
"I don't know what that reply really means... but oh my god, I was trying so hard not to scream from excitement earlier."
"Maybe it was just random… but… what if it wasn't?"
a voice in her head replied.
She played Jake's song again.
Eyes closed. Smiling. Still swooning.
---
In a fandom, it's not just the artist who builds the connection—it's the fellow fans too. With every "I felt that too," the bond grows stronger.
And from one simple comment that got noticed, a new chapter began for Aya.
Not just as a fan.
But as someone with a dream.
With real friends.
And with a reason to fall in love with the feeling, all over again.
---
One day, on Aya's day off, she was lying on her bed, replying to some work emails on her laptop when a sudden message popped up from Lyca.
Lyca (PM):
"Girl, I have something to tell you… but please don't freak out."
Aya:
"What is it? 👀"
Lyca:
"I have access to Jake… and to Tita Carol—yes, Jake's mom! The other fans don't know this. But since you and Janine are the only OG singles left… maybe I can connect you. IF you're up for it."
Aya:
"W-wait? Is that real, Sis? 😳"
Lyca:
"Yeah, it's through IG. Admin Rose is connected too, and I've been a fan for a long time—Tita Carol already knows me. But of course, don't share this with anyone. It's a Solid 5 secret."
Narrator:
Aya didn't say yes right away. She got nervous. She was shy. She didn't want people thinking she was being a suck-up. But deep down, she felt something—a mix of anxiety and excitement.
Lyca:
"Don't worry. I won't throw you under the bus. I just want to help you. You deserve it."
---
Narrator:
As Jake continued his regular Saturday uploads, Aya became more and more active in the fandom. Even while typing at work, Jake's channel stayed open in a tab.
Aya (whispering):
"I may not know him personally… but he really has a different kind of effect."
In her heart, this wasn't just simple fangirling anymore. Something was coming. Something deeper.
And little did she know… the coming days would only make her heart even more confused.
---
Author's Note:
You really thought Aya's journey would stop at fangirling?
Oh you have no idea what's next.
In the blink of an eye… the whole dynamic of Jakefanatics might change.
So hang on. Because sometimes, with kilig… comes a bit of jealousy.
To be continued...
Next Chapter: Closer than Expected