Part 11

Despite their hectic schedules, Colet and Maloi found ways to stay connected. Their conversations had become a daily routine—sometimes through texts, other times through voice calls late at night when work had finally settled down.

Maloi was back in the recording studio, pouring her energy into songwriting, and Colet was buried in business operations, managing deals and logistics. But no matter how busy they got, they always made time.

One evening, Colet was reviewing trade reports in her office when her phone buzzed with an incoming video call. She raised a brow, smirking when she saw Maloi's name. She immediately answered.

Maloi appeared on the screen, sitting cross-legged in the studio, her guitar resting on her lap. "Hey, stranger," she greeted with a tired but happy smile. "You free?"

Colet leaned back in her chair. "For you? Always."

Maloi chuckled. "Smooth, Vergara. Really smooth."

Colet smirked. "I try."

Maloi adjusted the camera, giving Colet a quick glimpse of her surroundings—microphones, a grand piano, stacks of handwritten lyrics on the table. "I just finished recording a demo, and I wanted to take a break," Maloi admitted. "And, well... I thought of calling you."

Colet raised a brow. "I must be special then."

"You are," Maloi said casually before realizing what she just admitted. She cleared her throat, suddenly flustered. "I mean—you know, you're my favorite businesswoman to bother."

Colet chuckled at Maloi's attempt to backtrack but decided to let her off the hook. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, jumping between work, music, and little jokes that made Maloi laugh and Colet smile more than she realized.

By the time they ended the call, Maloi felt more energized, and Colet, despite her long workday, felt lighter.

As she placed her phone down, Colet shook her head, exhaling softly.

This woman is really making her way into my life.

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The morning air was crisp as Colet jogged through the park, her usual routine when she needed to clear her mind. With her wireless earbuds in and music playing, she focused on her breathing and the rhythmic pounding of her feet against the pavement.

After a solid run, she slowed to a walk, rolling her shoulders. Nearby, she spotted a coffee shop—one she had passed many times but never actually visited. Feeling the need for a caffeine boost, she decided to stop by, sweat and all.

Maloi, on the other hand, had been in the recording studio all morning, working on melodies and lyrics. But after hours of focusing, her brain felt fried. She needed a break.

She grabbed her phone and wallet, deciding to step out for coffee at a shop near the studio. The place had become one of her go-to spots, quiet enough for her to think but lively enough to feel refreshed.

As she entered, she pulled her cap lower over her eyes, not wanting to attract too much attention. She made her way to the counter, scanning the menu.

That's when she heard the door chime behind her—followed by an unmistakable voice ordering.

"Black coffee, no sugar."

Maloi blinked, recognizing the tone immediately. She turned her head, and there she was—Colet. Dressed in a fitted jogging outfit, slightly sweaty from her workout, looking effortlessly cool.

Colet, still focused on her order, didn't notice Maloi right away.

Maloi, unable to help herself, smirked. "Didn't peg you as a park jogger, Vergara."

Colet's head snapped toward the familiar voice. She blinked in surprise, then let out a small chuckle. "Maloi?"

"In the flesh," Maloi said, grinning. "Didn't think I'd run into you here."

Colet eyed her. "Same. What are you doing here?"

"Studio's nearby. Needed a caffeine break," Maloi explained. She gave Colet a playful once-over. "And you? Out here being all... athletic?"

Colet smirked. "Gotta stay in shape. Business can't run itself."

Maloi shook her head, amused. "Even when you're sweaty, you still talk like a CEO."

Colet tilted her head, intrigued. "And what do I sound like, exactly?"

Maloi leaned in slightly, her voice teasing. "Like someone who needs to sit down and have coffee with me."

Colet raised an eyebrow but didn't decline. Instead, she nodded toward an empty table. "Alright, let's sit."

Maloi grinned. "Now that's the spirit."

As they settled in, coffee cups in hand, the unexpected run-in turned into yet another effortless conversation. And for a brief moment, both of them forgot about their busy schedules, simply enjoying each other's company in a cozy coffee shop.

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As they sat down at the small corner table, Colet took a sip of her black coffee, savoring the warmth. Maloi, on the other hand, had her usual caramel latte, swirling it absentmindedly as she watched Colet from across the table.

That's when she noticed—Colet was still a little sweaty from her jog, a light sheen on her forehead and neck.

Without thinking much about it, Maloi reached into her bag and pulled out a small cloth towel. "Here," she said, leaning forward as she gently dabbed at Colet's forehead. "You're still sweaty. Don't want you catching a cold."

Colet blinked, caught completely off guard. She wasn't used to people fussing over her—let alone someone like Maloi, who did it so casually, as if it were second nature.

"You carry a towel with you?" Colet asked, her voice slightly amused.

Maloi shrugged, still focused on wiping away the sweat. "Yeah, I tend to have one with me. Studio gets hot sometimes, and I move around a lot when I work."

Colet held still, letting Maloi tend to her, though she was very aware of how close their faces were now. "You didn't have to do this," she murmured.

Maloi grinned. "I know. But I wanted to."

Colet exhaled through her nose, shaking her head. "You're something else, Ricalde."

Maloi winked. "I'll take that as a compliment."

She finished wiping off the sweat and sat back, satisfied. "There. Much better."

Colet, feeling an odd warmth that had nothing to do with her jog, took another sip of her coffee, eyes lingering on Maloi. "You're a little too good at taking care of people."

Maloi smirked. "And you're a little too good at acting like you don't need it."

Colet chuckled, shaking her head. "Fair enough."

As they continued talking, the unexpected closeness lingered between them.

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As Maloi and Colet continued talking, a few customers in the coffee shop started whispering among themselves. Some had recognized Maloi the moment she walked in, but now they were even more intrigued—because she wasn't alone.

A small group of fans sitting at a nearby table tried to discreetly take a few photos and videos. However, the lighting inside wasn't great, and they weren't exactly professional photographers. The result? Blurry footage of Maloi wiping the sweat off an unknown but undeniably attractive woman.

One of the fans whispered excitedly, "Who is she? Maloi looks so... comfortable with her."

Another chimed in, "I've never seen her this close with someone in public before. And wiping her sweat? That's kinda intimate."

Someone else squinted at their phone. "The video's too blurry to make out the woman's face. But she looks hot."

The small commotion didn't go unnoticed by Maloi, who was used to being recognized but not necessarily watched this closely. She glanced to the side and saw a few familiar excited expressions.

Colet noticed too. "You're being watched," she murmured, keeping her expression neutral.

Maloi sighed, leaning on her hand. "Yeah, I figured. Fans are sweet, but sometimes they get a little too curious."

Colet smirked. "I wonder what they're thinking."

Maloi chuckled, lowering her voice playfully. "Probably that I have a secret lover and I'm out on a date."

Colet raised an eyebrow. "And if they ask?"

Maloi tilted her head, grinning. "I'll let them keep guessing."

Colet shook her head in amusement. "You really enjoy teasing people, don't you?"

Maloi winked. "Maybe. But only when it's fun."

They both decided to ignore the growing attention, continuing their conversation like nothing happened. But little did they know, those blurry videos were already making their way to social media, sparking curiosity and wild speculation among Maloi's fans.

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After finishing their coffee and pastries, Colet stood up and made her way to the counter.

Maloi raised an eyebrow, watching her. "What are you up to?"

Colet didn't respond immediately, simply exchanging a few words with the barista before handing over her card. A few moments later, the barista passed her a neatly wrapped bag of assorted pastries.

Colet returned to the table and handed the bag to Maloi. "For you," she said simply.

Maloi blinked, surprised. "Wait—why?"

Colet shrugged. "You've been working all day. Figured you could use a snack for later."

Maloi stared at her for a second before breaking into a soft smile. "You really are something else, Vergara."

Colet smirked. "So I've been told."

Maloi took the bag, shaking her head with a grin. "Well, thank you. I won't say no to free pastries."

Colet glanced at the time. "Come on, I'll walk you back."

Maloi raised an eyebrow. "You sure? Don't you have work to get back to?"

Colet smirked. "I can spare a few more minutes."

With that, the two of them left the coffee shop, walking side by side down the street toward the recording studio. The sun was bright but not overwhelming, and the city buzzed with life around them.

As they reached the entrance of the studio, Maloi turned to Colet. "Guess this is where we part ways."

"For now," Colet added.

Maloi grinned, holding up the bag of pastries. "Thanks again for these. You're making it really hard not to like you, you know?"

Colet smirked. "That was the plan."

Maloi chuckled, shaking her head. "Go back to work before you make me fall for you, CEO."

Colet simply smirked before stepping back. "See you soon, Ricalde."

Maloi watched her walk away before exhaling, shaking her head with a smile.

"Damn it. She's really getting under my skin."

With a sigh—and a heart that was beating a little too fast—Maloi turned and headed back inside the studio, pastries in hand and thoughts of Colet lingering in her mind.