“I wanted to follow you back and interact with you that time you know. It’s just that they told me to be careful.” Ann said as they entered their room.

 

“Hey, I know. I was just teasing.”

 

“Still, I want to clear things up.”

 

“Okay, okay. I got it.”

 

“I rarely interact with anyone there. So I thought responding to you might seem odd.” Ann explained further as they start to fix their things and prepare for the night. 

 

“Hmm..” Mich nodded getting where she’s coming from.

 

“Soooo, I actually got your attention from the start?” Mich asked playfully. ”Right, I never doubted my charm anyway.” Mich giggled not even waiting for Ann’s reply.

 

“Oh my god. Don’t you FIND IT SO ANNOYING when someone SHOWS OFF?!” Ann remarked, each word dripping with sass.

 

Mich chuckled, she found herself enchanted by Ann's witty sarcasm. There was something captivating about the way Ann tease with words, and Mich couldn't quite figure out why she adored it so much. It was as if this unique charm had a special place in Mich's heart.

 

Reflecting on her feelings, Mich wondered if there was more to her affection than just enjoying Ann's humor. Was there a deeper connection that drew her to Ann's complexity? It felt like an unspoken bond, a magnetic force pulling her closer to the mystery that Ann embodied.

 

In this moment, Mich considered the possibility that her feelings for Ann went beyond specific traits. Perhaps, instead of overthinking, she needed to accept a simple truth – she loved everything about Ann, embracing not only her physical beauty. From her quirks to her charms to her captivating personality, and maybe that's what made Ann so irresistibly special in her eyes.

 

“Okay madam, give me back my AirPod. We need to charge it.”

 

“Oh, here.” Ann handed it.

 

“The fans are asking why we are sharing when you have yours.” Mich stated and giggle again.

 

"Because when we’re apart, the music stops." Ann explained. “Tell them so that I know when you are trying to run away. They got the real nickname for you, Dora. You literally suddenly disappear sometimes!”

 

“It was just one timeee, I went to the comfort room.” Mich whine.

 

“You didn’t tell me.”

 

“So clingy.”

 

“Says the one who doesn’t want to go inside the museum without me.”

 

“Says the one who doesn’t want to start eating without me.” Mich copied.

 

“Send me my pictures.”

 

“Woah, how did you even know you have one from me?”

 

“You always take my pictures.” Ann confidently replied.

 

“You don’t even give me credits!”

 

“I gave you! I even called you daddy!”

 

“That’s only once in a lifetime, you posted like almost 5 now!”

 

“Let them think and investigate. It’s more fun.” Ann gave Mich a mischievous smile.

 

“This woman.” Mich whispered smiling. Unbeknown to her she actually surrendered to what Ann wants that easily. 

 

After some hours..

 

“Hiiii”

 

"Hiii babe! Is that Ms. Philippines?" Lin, Ann's closest friend, exclaimed with excitement as Mich unexpectedly appeared on the screen as Ann the cam.

 

“Huh? Yeah, she’s kind of busy right now.” Ann moved the phone to show Mich more.

 

Mich's attention was caught by it, prompting her to approach Ann with an enthusiastic "Hiiii!" As she greeted Lin.

 

Ann was surprised by Mich's sudden burst of energy giving her a suspicious look, thinking, "Why is she suddenly so bubbly and hyper? I thought she was tired?"

 

"Hi! Ms. Philippines!"

 

"Oh, please call me Mich or Michelle; I think Ms. Philippines is too formal." Mich replied with a chuckle.

 

"Oh, okay. Then it's Lin for me. I followed you on Instagram. Love the evening gown! It's iconic!"

 

"I'm gonna follow back! Thank you! I was so flattered to hear that."

 

"If you have a chance, visit Thailand. I would love to meet you in person."

 

"Yeah, I mean, it's just a 2-3 hours flight. It's not that far. I would love to meet you in person as well. Maybe you could show me around," Mich winked on her last sentence causing them to both giggle.

 

“Did she just flirted with Lin?” Ann couldn’t help but observe.

 

"Uh, excuse me, what am I? Your cellphone stand?" Ann moved her phone purposely to hide Mich from the frame. "I thought you called me to ask how I am?!"

 

"What are you talking about? I called because I got a news that you were roommates with Ms. Philippines." Lin teased as she and Mich laughed again. 

 

Ann just rolled her eyes. "How dare you!" She exclaimed, feeling a sense of betrayal. Mich laughed, finding the entire situation utterly adorable.

 

"Don't too much. I might need to find a good food later to improve her mood."  Mich leaned closer to Ann wanting to go back on the frame, still smiling.

 

"Oh, so you've already experienced her princess attitude? Good luck, Michelle." Lin continued.

 

“Hey! What princess attitude are you talking about!?” Ann wanted to rebut but Mich spoke again.

 

"No worries, I can handle her just fine." Mich responded confidently. It holds some truth; you can witness Ann as a strong, independent woman on her role as the country's representative. But behind the scenes, she's someone who appreciates being taken care of. Given that Mich's love language is acts of service, Ann often finds herself receiving the princess treatment.

 

As Mich and Lin continued to tease Ann, her annoyance simmered beneath the surface, yet she couldn't deny the joy bubbling within her. Despite the playful banter, it warmed Ann's heart to witness her best friend and Mich getting along so well. The room filled with laughter, creating a lively atmosphere. And deep down, Ann cherished the bond forming between two important people in her life.

 

The following morning unfolded with Mich rising at the brisk hour of 7am, they do not have any activity until 1pm and Ann is still sleeping. Mich needed to talk to her handler about some important things so she head outside right after a bath.

 

After her discussion with the handler, Mich returned to their shared suite, expecting to find a serene ambiance. But Instead, she encountered a whirlwind of activity. Ann, oblivious to Mich's presence, was engrossed in a fervent search around the table near the window as she does her makeup.

 

“Where is it?!” Ann's voice reverberated with a sense of urgency, a departure from her usual composed demeanor. Mirrors scattered, makeup palettes strewn, the room painted a chaotic tableau.

 

Observing Ann's state, Mich deduced that this was more than a routine search for cosmetics. Ann's agitation, the unease etched on her face, echoed the sentiment of a moment Mich had witnessed before. It was a mirror image of a previous instance, a haunting déjà vu.

 

 

[Flashback]

 

It was the morning before their closed-door interview when Mich received a call from Ann’s handler.

 

“Hello?”

 

“Hey, Mich. Bert here.” Mich couldn't help but feel a bit surprised, communication from Ann's staff directly to her was a rarity, and she wondered how they got her number.

 

“I got your number from Emanuel.” Bert's admission was accompanied by a noticeable hesitation. The fact that they sought her contact from her handler suggested that this might be more than a casual conversation.

 

“Yeah? Everything okay?”

 

Ann's handler hesitated, carefully considering his words. From his observations, he genuinely believed that Mich's presence could provide the comfort and support Ann needed in this particular moment.

 

“Could you, like, pass by here for a while? Maybe have some breakfast with us? Ann is kind of all over the place right now.”

 

Mich's heart raced as she processed Bert's request. The casual nature of the invitation to breakfast masked the underlying worry about Ann's state. It was evident that something was amiss, and Mich's mind started to race with various scenarios. Without a second thought, she assured Bert that she would be there soon, her concern mirroring the urgency in his voice.

 

“Oh, where are you guys?”

 

“We're at her room.”

 

“Okay, I’ll be there.”

 

[End of Flashback]

 

 

As Mich watch, her mind flickered back to that analogous scenario, contemplating the parallels. She approached Ann with a calm demeanor, offering a gentle presence in the midst of the unfolding chaos.

 

“Hey.. what are you looking for?” Mich's voice carried a soothing cadence, a subtle assurance that they could navigate through whatever turmoil Ann was experiencing. 

 

Ann’s face, initially tense, softened as she recognized Mich’s familiar presence.

 

Ann took a deep breath, as if something pushing on her shoulders had lifted. “My lash extension, I just put it somewhere here.” She pouted unconsciously. “It’s the 3rd time I have put one on but I couldn’t get it right.”

 

Without hesitation, Mich joined the quest, her calm demeanor contrasting the room’s disarray. “Okay, let me help you find it and sort it out.” Mich began methodically searching, gently organizing the scattered items. 

 

Ann’s gaze fixated on Mich, a mixture of bewilderment and admiration in her eyes. “How could she do this?” she pondered silently. In the perplexing whirlwind of emotions, Ann found herself marveling at Mich’s ability to bring a sense of calm and stability with just her presence.

 

The turmoil that her boyfriend injected into her thoughts found a momentary solace. This morning, they engaged in a heated argument triggered by fans allegedly targeting him. 

 

Ann, though often seen as composed on cameras, is a sensitive person who cares deeply for those around her.

 

What began as a seemingly simple disagreement evolved into a more intense pointing of their relationship's flaws. The situation escalated when her boyfriend hinted at creating a public scene that could negatively impact both of them.

 

Their relationship, already going through a rough patch, faced heightened challenges. Her boyfriend's absence during a crucial competition for Ann starkly highlighted the difficulties they were dealing with.

 

Uncertain about the inexplicable phenomenon, Ann couldn’t quite articulate how Mich had this transformative effect on her. It was as if, in the mere moments of feeling Mich’s presence, her internal chaos settled, and the cadence of her own normalcy was restored. A wave of relief washed over her, and an unfamiliar ease settled within her.

 

As Mich shifted through the makeup bag, Mich spotted the elusive lash extension. “Here it is.” She presented it to Ann with a reassuring smile, a silent acknowledgment of the relief that this small victory brought.

 

With the lash extension in hand, Mich guided Ann to the chair as she sat on the edge of the table, “Come here..” her approach both calming and deliberate. “Now, let’s make sure it’s perfect.” Mich skillfully assisted Ann in wearing the lash extension, carefully making sure that the glue won’t get inside Ann’s eyes. 

 

“So pretty.” Mich commented once it was done.

 

“Thank you.” Ann said almost a whisper. It may not show but she was flattered.

 

“Okay, tell me what else you need. Have you done your highlights?”