The following morning after Jake's birthday, the Jakefanatics group chat was buzzing with talk about what everyone had witnessed last night. Almost everyone had seen every move Hershey made toward Jake, which instantly sparked suspicions among some members—wondering if the two had rekindled their relationship.
At the same time, they also noticed Aya and Jayvee's interactions during the party, which fueled more speculations about the two of them. Inside the GC, Janine was at the forefront, expressing her suspicions and frustrations, while Jayvee remained silent and unbothered. Aya, on the other hand, wasn't even opening the chat—she just let the flood of notifications pile up, unsure how to face her friends after she had stormed out of Jake's party the night before.
GC Conversation
Anna:
"Good morning, guys! How's everyone waking up today?"
Janine:
"What's so good about this morning? 😭 I still can't get over last night at Jake's birthday… Hershey was clinging to Jake like she was the official girlfriend 😤💔 And Aya with Jayvee… I don't even know, but it felt like there's something between them too. Wish I had someone, ugh! 😒"
Maureen:
"Janine, don't jump to conclusions too fast… but yeah, I get what you're feeling 😔."
Mica:
"Maureen's right, maybe we're just overthinking. Still, I understand—it stings a little 😢."
Alex:
"Janine, you're always the dramatic one haha! But honestly, last night was pretty interesting 😅."
Mike:
"Relax, maybe there's an explanation for everything 😅."
Jayvee: (Quiet, reading through the GC without saying a word 😎)
While everyone kept chatting, Janine couldn't help but stew in her jealousy and bitterness. Some assumed that Jake and Hershey were back together, while others speculated that Aya and Jayvee might secretly be in a relationship too. On the other hand, Jayvee remained completely silent, unsure how to respond. Misunderstood feelings clouded the entire GC—everyone with their own interpretation of what they had seen.
But as the Jakefanatics continued buzzing about Jake, Hershey, Aya, and Jayvee—Aya's phone suddenly rang. She didn't recognize the number at first, but when she answered, a sweet familiar voice greeted her.
Scene – Phone Call with Aunt Daisy
Tita Daisy:
"Aya? Hello, sweetheart, it's your Tita Daisy. How are you over there?"
Aya:
(Her face instantly lit up, the tension in her chest easing just at the sound of recognition.)
"Tita Daisy! It's been so long since we last talked. I'm doing okay—how about you?"
Tita Daisy:
"I'm fine, dear, just busy as always. That's actually why I called. I need a favor… I need someone to manage our farm in Baguio. I'll be leaving for Seattle soon to focus on a new business, and Chloe's there too so I can look after her. Aya, I know you can handle this."
Aya:
(She froze for a moment, shocked by the offer—but deep down, she felt like it was a sign of a new beginning.)
"Really, Tita? You thought of me for this?"
Tita Daisy:
"Of course, sweetheart. I trust you. And honestly, it'll be better for you to live in the province—fresh air, a fresh start. Think about it, okay?"
After the call, Aya immediately went to her mother to tell her what had happened. But to her surprise, her mom already knew about Aunt Daisy's plan.
Mom Dhalia:
"Aya, your Tita Daisy and I have been talking about this for a while. That's also why I agreed to rent out this house here in Quezon City. Maybe this really is the best thing for us, anak. New environment, new life."
Aya:
(She wrapped her arms around her mom, her heart heavy yet relieved. She knew leaving everything behind would be hard, but deep down, it felt like the right decision.)
"Yes, Ma. Maybe this is the answer… the way to finally forget… everything."
Mom Dhalia:
"Forget? Forget what, anak?"
Aya:
"Oh, haha nothing, Ma. Just the stress at work."
Mom Dhalia:
"Alright, come on now! Let's prepare dinner."
Aya scratched her head with an awkward smile, reminded once again that she never really opened up to her mom—especially about matters of the heart.
Scene – Office / Workplace
The next day, Aya entered her office early with her resignation letter in hand. Every step felt heavier than the last, but she forced herself to stay strong. She handed the envelope over to HR.
HR Staff:
"Aya, are you sure about this? Such a waste, you're so good here. But if this is what's best for you, then we'll support you."
(Some of her coworkers approached, looking genuinely sad.)
Coworker 1:
"What? You're really resigning, Aya? This is so sad… the office will feel so empty without you."
Coworker 2:
"I get it though. Baguio… wow. That really is a fresh start."
Holding the resignation letter, Aya felt the weight of sadness—but she also knew this was the better path for her.
Aya's POV:
"Maybe this really is the best way… to run from all the pain, to let my heart forget everything that happened. Maybe I really need to leave the world that's chained me to Jake—so I can finally be free from this over a man I can never have."
After days of tying up loose ends at work, Aya felt the melancholy settling in. It wasn't just because Hershey had reappeared in Jake's life, but also because of the new direction she was about to take in Baguio. It was time to say goodbye—not just to her job, but also to the fandom that once brought her both joy and heartbreak.
Scene – Private Chat with Admins
Aya:
"Admins, I just want to thank you all for the support and the happy memories. But… I need to leave the fandom. My family and I are moving to Baguio, and I'll be helping with my aunt's business. I probably won't have time to keep up with things here. I'm really sorry."
Admin Rose:
"We understand, Aya. It's sad, but we're proud of you. Take care over there, okay?"
Ate Lyca:
"We really don't want to let you go yet, but if this is what's best, we'll support you. Good luck, Aya! We'll miss you so much."
Aya then said her goodbyes in the main GC as well.
Aya:
"Hello, guys. Uhm, thank you for everything. But I have to say goodbye. My family's moving to Baguio, and I'll be busy with my new job. I can't balance fandom life anymore. But I love you all and I'll miss you so much!"
Mica:
"This is so sad. We'll miss you too, Aya."
Krystel:
"You'll always have our support. Stay safe, Aya."
Maureen:
"Oh no… our squad won't be complete anymore."
Janine:
(still feisty, unwilling to let go)
"Oh, please. It's obvious there's another reason. Just admit it, Aya—you're leaving because of Jayvee, aren't you?"
(Arianna "Aya" left the group.)
The GC fell silent. No reply from Aya—she had really left. But just minutes later, another member said his goodbyes.
Jayvee:
"Guys, I'm sorry too. I also need to leave. Work will be crazy in the coming weeks, and I won't be able to join any fandom events anymore. Thanks for all the fun."
Mike:
"What? That was fast, bro. It's like a domino effect."
Alex:
"Yeah. First Aya, now Jayvee. What's going on here?"
Janine:
(quick to jump in)
"See? I knew it! That's why they're both leaving. There really is something between those two!"
But the truth was, that wasn't Jayvee's reason at all. He alone knew why he had joined the fandom in the first place—and why he was leaving now. At the center of it all, was Aya.
Scene – Private Talk: Lyca & Aya
After the fandom drama, Lyca met up with Aya for a serious talk.
Lyca:
(looking straight at her)
"Aya, just tell me honestly… is there any truth to what Janine's been saying? Are you and Jayvee together?"
Aya:
(shaking her head instantly, the heaviness in her chest evident)
"No, Ate Lyca. Jayvee isn't my boyfriend. We're just friends. Nothing more. I've never seen him that way."
Lyca:
(smiling knowingly)
"I figured as much. I could feel it… You still like Jake, don't you?"
Aya:
(sighing deeply, unable to deny it any longer)
"…Yes, Ate. It's still Jake."
And in that moment, Aya realized—no matter where she moved, no matter how far she ran, feelings weren't that easy to escape. Still, she had to try. Baguio would be the start of a new chapter in her life.
Author's Note:
"Crazy, right? 😂 So many speculations and rumors swirling in the fandom that the GC was practically drowning in it! But is there really something going on between Aya and Jayvee—or is it all just another false alarm? And what will Jake do once he finds out Aya has left the fandom?
Stay tuned for the next chapter!"
To be continued…
Chapter 16 – The Confrontation