Part 12

Back in the recording studio, Maloi placed the bag of pastries on the table, opening it to take a peek. The warm, buttery aroma filled the room, making her stomach rumble.

"Damn, Colet really knows how to pick 'em."

She grabbed one of the pastries and took a bite, humming in satisfaction. But as much as she loved food, she knew she wouldn't be able to finish all of them by herself.

That's when an idea popped into her head.

She grabbed the bag and made her way next door to Sheena's dance studio. The music was blasting when she walked in, and she saw Sheena in the middle of a routine, effortlessly moving to the beat. A few other dancers were with her, but they all paused when they noticed Maloi.

Sheena turned, slightly out of breath but grinning. "Well, well, well. What brings the great Maloi Ricalde to my humble studio?"

Maloi smirked, holding up the bag. "Brought you something."

Sheena's eyes lit up. "Is that—wait, is that from that coffee shop at the end of the street?"

Maloi nodded. "Freshly baked. Thought you'd want some."

Sheena practically skipped over, peeking inside the bag before taking one. "Damn, Maloi, you're really spoiling me today." She took a bite and let out a satisfied groan. "This is so good."

One of the dancers teased, "I didn't know Maloi was this generous."

Sheena smirked, glancing at Maloi. "Must be in a good mood today. What's the occasion?"

Maloi shrugged, playing it cool. "No occasion. Just had extra."

Sheena narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Extra? From where?"

Maloi avoided her gaze, suddenly busying herself with opening a pastry for herself. "A friend got them for me."

Sheena raised an eyebrow. "A friend?"

Maloi took a bite. "Yes, a friend."

Sheena wasn't buying it. "A friend who buys you pastries? That's suspicious."

Maloi rolled her eyes. "Just eat your food, Sheena."

Sheena smirked, taking another bite. "Fine. But you're telling me everything later."

Maloi just laughed, shaking her head. She knew Sheena wouldn't let it go—but for now, she let her enjoy the pastries.

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Just as Sheena was finishing her pastry, the door to the dance studio swung open, and in walked Aiah and Stacey, fresh from a photoshoot. They were still dressed in stylish outfits, hair and makeup flawlessly done.

"Aha! Found you!" Stacey called out as she and Aiah strutted in. "We were looking for Sheena, but look who else is here."

Aiah grinned, spotting Maloi. "Our favorite singer-artist in the wild. What a rare sight."

Maloi smirked, leaning against the table. "I do leave my cave sometimes, you know."

Sheena, still munching on her pastry, pointed to the bag. "Maloi brought pastries. You two are just in time."

Aiah's eyes widened. "Pastries? Ooooh, don't mind if I do." She reached into the bag and grabbed one. Stacey did the same, humming in delight after the first bite.

"Oh my god, this is amazing," Stacey said, savoring the taste. "Where'd you get these?"

Maloi hesitated for a second before casually replying, "A friend got them for me."

Sheena shot her a knowing look but said nothing... yet.

Aiah, ever the observant one, caught the slight hesitation. "A friend, huh?" she teased, wiggling her eyebrows. "Do we know this friend?"

Maloi rolled her eyes, taking another bite. "You guys ask too many questions."

Sheena smirked. "That's because you're being suspicious."

Stacey nudged Aiah. "I bet it's someone special."

Maloi scoffed, but her ears were turning slightly red. "Oh my god, just eat."

The four of them laughed, sharing the pastries and catching up, but Maloi knew her friends weren't going to let this go.

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After they finished the pastries, the four of them lounged around for a bit, chatting and teasing Maloi some more. But soon, they each had to get back to their own schedules.

Sheena stretched, glancing at the time. "Alright, I gotta finish my routine before my next class starts."

Aiah checked her phone. "Stacey and I have one more meeting with a brand rep, then we're free."

Maloi nodded. "I still have some songs to finalize at the studio."

Before they all went their separate ways, Stacey clapped her hands together. "Okay, but let's make plans for later. Let's have dinner out tonight."

Sheena grinned. "Ooh, I'm down for that. We haven't done a proper night out in a while."

Aiah smirked at Maloi. "And you, Miss Secretive, can finally tell us about this friend of yours."

Maloi groaned dramatically. "Oh my god, you guys are relentless."

Stacey winked. "That's because we love you."

Despite the teasing, Maloi couldn't help but smile. "Fine. Dinner later. But only if you let me work in peace for now."

Aiah saluted. "Deal."

With that, they all parted ways, each heading back to their respective work. But Maloi couldn't shake the feeling of excitement.

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As Sheena cooled down from her dance routine, she grabbed her phone and sent a quick text to Gwen.

Sheena: Hey, bebe. Just finished my session. How's your day going?

A few minutes later, Gwen responded.

Gwen: Busy as hell, but nothing I can't handle. You?

Sheena grinned as she typed back.

Sheena: Same. Just had a surprise visit from Maloi. She brought pastries. Aiah and Stacey dropped by too, so we ended up sharing.

Gwen: Pastries? From where?

Sheena smirked, already knowing Gwen would catch on.

Sheena: Some "friend" got them for her.

There was a pause before Gwen replied.

Gwen: Oh? A friend?

Sheena chuckled.

Sheena: Yep. A friend she's being all secretive about. We're planning to have dinner out tonight. Maybe we'll finally get some answers.

Gwen: So you're interrogating her?

Sheena: Obviously. It's what we do.

Gwen: Poor Maloi.

Sheena grinned.

Sheena: She'll survive. So, are you free later? Wanna join us?

There was a short pause before Gwen's next message.

Gwen: I'll see if I can wrap things up early. Let me know where you guys decide to go.

Sheena smiled to herself.

Sheena: Okay. Good luck with your work, bebe.

Gwen: You too, beautiful.

Sheena bit her lip, feeling a little giddy before locking her phone.

With that, she got back to work, already looking forward to dinner—and the inevitable fun of teasing Maloi.

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Later that afternoon, Sheena checked her phone and saw a message from Gwen.

Gwen: Hey, love. I won't be able to join you guys for dinner tonight. Got caught up with work.

Sheena frowned slightly but understood.

Sheena: That sucks, but I get it. Don't overwork yourself, okay?

Gwen: I'll make it up to you.

Sheena: Oh yeah? How?

A moment later, another message came through.

Gwen: I reserved a table for you and the girls at that exclusive restaurant you've been wanting to try. My treat. It's under your name. 7 PM.

Sheena grinned, already excited.

Sheena: Babe, you are literally the best.

Gwen: I know.

Sheena rolled her eyes but couldn't stop smiling.

Sheena: I'll tell the girls. They're gonna freak out. Thank you.

Gwen: Anything for you. Have fun tonight.

Sheena felt a warm, giddy feeling in her chest as she locked her phone. Now, she just had to break the news to Maloi, Aiah, and Stacey—and she already knew they were going to lose it.

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As Maloi hopped into a ride on her way home, her phone vibrated with multiple notifications. Their group chat was blowing up.

Sheena: CHANGE OF PLANS, LADIES. We're not just going to any restaurant.

Aiah: Uh-oh. What did you do?

Stacey: Spill the tea, girl.

Sheena: Gwen couldn't make it, BUT she made it up to us. She booked us a table at that exclusive restaurant we've been dying to try.

Maloi: WAIT. THE one that's impossible to get into???

Aiah: SHUT UP. ARE YOU SERIOUS?!

Sheena: Dead serious. 7 PM. My name's on the reservation. Gwen is a goddess.

Stacey: I need to rethink my entire outfit. This is huge.

Aiah: Sheena, tell Gwen I love her.

Maloi: Okay, now I REALLY need to get home and pick something nice.

Stacey: No half-assing tonight, Maloi. We're serving looks.

Maloi laughed as she read the messages, excitement bubbling inside her. This was going to be a great night.

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Maloi rushed into her apartment, immediately heading to her closet. She needed to pick the perfect outfit—something stylish yet comfortable. Stacey's voice echoed in her head: No half-assing tonight.

After a few minutes of debating, she settled on a chic yet effortless outfit—a sleek black dress paired with a cropped blazer and some statement accessories. She added light makeup, just enough to enhance her features without overdoing it.

Just as she finished getting ready, her phone buzzed.

Aiah: I'm downstairs. You ready?

Maloi grabbed her clutch and checked herself one last time in the mirror. "Alright, let's do this."

She headed out and spotted Aiah waiting in her car, looking effortlessly cool in a fashionable outfit.

Aiah whistled when Maloi got in. "Damn, look at you. Someone's taking this seriously."

Maloi smirked. "I had no choice. Stacey would've killed me if I showed up looking average."

Aiah laughed as she started driving. "True. She's probably having a meltdown over her outfit right now."

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When Maloi and Aiah arrived at the exclusive restaurant, the atmosphere was already buzzing with energy. The sleek, modern design of the building and the soft hum of quiet conversations made the space feel sophisticated yet welcoming. As they stepped inside, they were immediately greeted by a host who led them to a private area reserved just for their group.

As they walked through the restaurant, Maloi couldn't help but feel a little starstruck. The ambiance was breathtaking—the dim lighting, plush seating, and elegant decor all screamed luxury.

"Damn, this place is insane," Aiah said, eyes wide as they followed the host.

"I know, right?" Maloi murmured, taking in the view as they were led to their table.

Just as they settled into their seats, Sheena and Stacey arrived, both looking stunning in their evening wear. Sheena wore a sleek emerald dress that hugged her curves perfectly, while Stacey's outfit was bold and edgy, a mix of black and silver that made her look like a rockstar.

Stacey noticed Maloi first and let out a low whistle. "Well, well, look who cleaned up nice."

Maloi laughed. "Thanks. You two are looking fire, as always."

Sheena took her seat beside Maloi, grinning. "So, the rumors are true. This place is amazing."

"I told you," Aiah said smugly, already looking over the wine list. "Gwen really knows how to make things happen."

The group fell into easy conversation, laughing and catching up as they looked over the menus. The tension from the day melted away as they settled in, the excitement of being together at such a chic spot making everything feel a little more special.

As the waiter came to take their drink orders, Maloi couldn't help but feel grateful for the moment—good food, great company, and a night that promised nothing but fun.

As the drinks were poured and the appetizers started to arrive, the conversation turned to more personal topics. The girls were laughing, chatting, and catching up on the latest gossip. But it wasn't long before the teasing began.

"So, Sheena," Stacey said, a mischievous grin on her face, "we need to talk about you."

Sheena raised an eyebrow, clearly not amused. "What about me?"

Aiah smirked, leaning back in her chair. "Oh, just that you're the youngest in the group and yet, somehow, you managed to get into a relationship before any of us."

Maloi grinned and leaned forward, eager to add her two cents. "Yeah, what's up with that? We're all sitting here, single and ready to mingle, and there you are, happily taken by our dear Gwen."

Sheena's cheeks flushed slightly, but she smirked. "Hey, it's not my fault I've got charm."

Stacey snorted. "It's definitely Gwen's fault. She's the one who couldn't resist you."

"Honestly, though," Aiah chimed in, "we all thought you would be the last person to fall for someone."

Sheena crossed her arms, leaning back in her seat. "Well, I'm full of surprises."

Maloi laughed. "Clearly."

"You're just jealous," Sheena teased. "I get to have all the fun with Gwen while you all are out here trying to figure out what dating apps to use."

Aiah raised her glass. "Guilty as charged. I'll drink to that."

"Me too," Stacey added, clinking her glass with Aiah's. "But seriously, Sheena, we're happy for you. You and Gwen are cute together."

"I mean, if you can get someone as hot as Gwen to fall for you, we're all in awe," Maloi said with a wink.

Sheena rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the smile tugging at her lips. "Thanks, guys. But you all know I'm still keeping things low-key. Don't go around spreading rumors."

"Oh, we wouldn't dream of it," Aiah said with a dramatic wink. "But we will keep asking you for details. And we expect them soon."

The table burst into laughter, and Sheena groaned, knowing she was going to be the target of teasing for the rest of the night.

"Alright, alright," Sheena said, holding up her hands in mock surrender. "You'll all meet her soon enough. I'm sure you'll love her."

The teasing subsided, but the playful energy between the friends remained. It was clear that, despite all the jokes and banter, they truly cared about each other—and that Sheena's relationship with Gwen had only strengthened their bond.