Rumors started circulating when pictures of June and his co-actress were seen on Facebook. People started talking about how they look good together and if it is possible they were in a secret relationship already.

The news eventually reached the little barkada of Mae and June. They were celebrating the promotion of Tristan at work when they heard it. At first, they didn't believe the rumor. After all, they knew that Mae and June were still together but after seeing the photos that have circulated online, they didn't know what to believe in anymore.

"Mae, would you like to explain this?" Monica straightforwardly asked.

"That's nothing. They needed to do that to make the pairing attention worthy and besides, June said it was temporary." Mae nonchalantly said. It was as if she already expected this interrogation to happen. June wasn't there with them to explain his side and Mae felt like it was her duty to defend him.

"Are you sure that there's nothing going on between them?" Monica asked again. She was having doubts with June ever since he started to go MIA on their barkada meetings.

"I'm positive Mons. Don't think too much, okay?" Mae answered and gave Monica a smile. Monica nodded even though she's not convinced with Mae's answer.

"Mons, whom do you believe more? Those malicious paparazzi or me?" Monica was taken aback with Mae's question. Mae had a point. They have known each other for years now and believing her would be the better choice. But why is it that she couldn't fully believe her?

"Of course I believe you."

"June talked to me about this even before their shoot has begun." Mae continued to explain even if Monica didn't ask her to do so. Words started to pour out from her mouth and before she knew it, she told Monica everything.

"They needed to promote him as someone who is available. His team up with Paulina was a part of the plan as well. She's one of the hottest stars right now and if their love team could work, it would be good for June's career. I got mad at him for that. He was putting me on the sidelines because he needed to look good in front of the people. I think he forgot that he needed to look good in front of me as well." Mae said and she walked straight towards the bar.

It was almost midnight when June arrived at the place where the barkada was celebrating. A lot of them where already drunk, including Mae. Monica tried to stop Mae from drinking too much but she was too stubborn. She kept on pushing Monica away and tears kept on falling from her eyes every time she gulped down a drink from the bartender.

"Mae! Why are you so drunk?" June asked as he approached Mae who is seated in one of the stools near the bartender. Mae looked up at him and laughed.

"Oh. You're here! Shouldn't you be with Paulina right now?" Shock was understatement to describe how June felt when Mae dropped the million dollar question. He didn't know that the news would travel this fast. He was just about to talk to Mae regarding this. That Mae shouldn't believe whatever the news was saying. But it seemed like he was too late. Mae was now hurting because of him.

"Mae, listen to me. There's nothing going on with me and Paulina. It's you that I love."

"Okay."

"Okay? So you believe me?" June can't help but ask.

"Tell them about us then I will believe you." Mae said and before June could even react, she already collapsed.

***

Definition of Terms:

barkada - group of close friends