CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 3: THE NOISE BETWEEN THE LINES

The final notification from Elijah's livestream disappeared from the television screen.Silence settled over the backyard court for exactly three seconds.

Then-

"Let's go!"

Audrae raised both arms in victory, her bright laughter echoing across the quiet subdivision as she tucked the crisp one-hundred-peso bill into the pocket of her shorts.

A proud dimple appeared on her left cheek.

Across from her, Elijah bent over with both hands on his knees, breathing dramatically as if he'd just survived the championship game instead of losing a casual one-on-one.

"Rematch."

Audrae spun the basketball effortlessly on one finger.

"No."

"Best of three."

"Still no."

"Double or nothing?"

She caught the spinning ball against her hip before flashing him a smug smile"Accept defeat with dignity, Wayne."

Aaron burst into laughter from the lawn chair beside the court."Grabe, bro. Imagine talking trash after losing to a girl."

Elijah immediately pointed at him."Excuse me? She's not just 'a girl.' That's Audrae freaking Zamora."

Aaron blinked."...Fair point."

Matt shook his head with quiet amusement while slipping his phone into his pocket.

The livestream had ended, but judging from the nonstop vibration coming from Elijah's phone...

The internet definitely hadn't.

The late afternoon breeze swept through the backyard as the four of them walked toward the house.

Audrae casually bounced the basketball beside her with one hand.

Thump.

Thump.

Thump.

It had become muscle memory.She dribbled even while walking.

Even while talking.Even while thinking.

Basketball had long since become another heartbeat.

"By the way," Aaron suddenly spoke, "where's my cut?"

Audrae looked at him."Cut?"

"I was the official scorekeeper."He confidently held out his palm."Service f*e."

Without missing a beat, Audrae placed the basketball on his open hand.

Aaron stared at it.

She smiled sweetly."There."

Elijah doubled over laughing."Deserve."

Aaron sighed dramatically."This household has no respect for hardworking officials."

The moment Audrae slid the glass door open, cool air immediately washed over them.The smell of freshly baked bread mixed with melted cheese still lingered inside the kitchen.

Pizza boxes covered half the dining table.

Empty soda cans stood like tiny trophies from another afternoon spent together.

To outsiders...

It probably looked chaotic.

To them...

It simply looked like home.

Audrae headed straight for the refrigerator.She grabbed a bottle of cold water before resting it against her forehead.

"Heaven."

Matt quietly watched her from across the kitchen.

Even exhausted after an hour of basketball, she still smiled like someone who genuinely loved every second of it.

It was one of those little things about Audrae that rarely changed.No matter how difficult training became...No matter how loud social media grew...

The court always managed to bring her back to herself.

Before anyone could say another word-

The front door opened.

Click.

Coach Cath stepped inside first, carrying several paper bags in one hand while adjusting the strap of her tote with the other.

Right behind her came Vince, already loosening his necktie after another long day.

Elijah straightened so quickly it almost looked rehearsed.

"Good afternoon, Coach!"Aaron followed immediately."Good afternoon, Tito Vince!"

Coach Cath looked around the living room.

Pizza.

Basketball.

Four sweaty varsity players.

She smiled knowingly.

"Looks like I came home to another team meeting."

"Very important meeting, Coach," Elijah replied with complete seriousness.

"Agenda?"

"How to recover my one hundred pesos."

Everyone laughed.

Even Vince.

Coach Cath simply shook her head before placing the grocery bags on the kitchen island.

"Impossible agenda."

Audrae grinned."See?"She patted Elijah's shoulder."Even Mom agrees."

Coach Cath's eyes naturally drifted toward her daughter.There was sweat clinging to Audrae's temples.

A faint scrape on one knee.

And that familiar glow she always carried after playing basketball.

For just a second...

Cath smiled softly.

This was the version of Audrae she loved seeing most.

Happy.

Carefree.

Alive.

Because deep down...

She knew that smile didn't always survive once school started.

Coach Cath began unpacking the paper bags onto the kitchen island while Vince disappeared briefly into the dining area to grab a stack of clean glasses.

The aroma of freshly bought pastries and iced coffee quickly filled the room.

"Good thing we passed by the bakery," Coach Cath said, setting a box of ensaymada on the counter. "Knowing you four, the pizza probably wasn't enough."

"Coach..." Elijah placed a hand dramatically over his chest. "You know us too well."

Aaron laughed.

"Translation: he already finished half the popcorn outside."

"Traitor."

"Truth hurts."

The kitchen erupted into another round of laughter.

Coach Cath simply shook her head with an amused smile.

Having these boys around had become second nature years ago.

They came and went almost every week.

Sometimes after practice.

Sometimes after class.

Sometimes for absolutely no reason other than wanting somewhere to hang out.

At some point, their house had quietly stopped being just the Zamora residence.

It had become the unofficial headquarters of SDU Basketball.

While everyone busied themselves grabbing drinks, Audrae walked toward her father.

"Dad?"

Vince looked up."Hmm?"

"Did the dealership call?"

He sighed almost immediately.

That alone was enough for Audrae to guess the answer.

"Not yet, sweetheart." His dad said.

She frowned slightly."Still no update?"

Vince rubbed the back of his neck apologetically."Apparently, the exact midnight blue finish you requested isn't available yet. They're still waiting for the shipment."

A small sigh escaped Audrae's lips."Seriously..."

She had been looking forward to finally driving her own car before preseason officially began.

Another week of waiting suddenly felt much longer.

From across the kitchen, Matt quietly looked up from the bottled water he was opening.

He had been listening the entire time.

"If it's just the color," he said calmly, "you could always get it wrapped instead."

Audrae turned toward him."Wrapped?"

Matt nodded."The finish looks almost identical now. Some shops even have better quality than factory paint."

Elijah immediately snapped his fingers."Oo nga,Mas mabilis pa."

Matt rested one hand casually against the counter.

"There's a customization shop in Makati."

"They did my SUV last year."

"The workmanship's really good."

Audrae's eyes brightened."Really?"

"Yeah."Matt gave a small nod."If you want, I can bring you there."

No hesitation.

No unnecessary explanation.

Just another quiet offer.

The kind he always made whenever Audrae needed something.

Coach Cath noticed it immediately.

She didn't say anything.She simply watched the exchange with the faintest smile.

Matt had always been like this.

Reliable.

Steady.

Never loud about his kindness.

He simply showed up.

Again and again.

"When are you free?" Audrae asked.

Matt didn't even need to think."Anytime."

Aaron looked between them before letting out an exaggerated sigh."Must be nice."

Matt frowned."What?"

"Imagine asking someone if they're free."

Aaron dramatically placed both hands on the table."Then hearing 'anytime.'"

Elijah immediately burst into laughter."Bro's calendar only opens for one person."

Matt looked completely unfazed."I just don't have practice tomorrow."

"Sure."Aaron nodded slowly."Let's pretend that's the reason."

Before Matt could defend himself-

Elijah suddenly raised his hand."Count me in tomorrow."

Audrae looked at him."You're coming too?"

"Obviously." Elijah pointed at himself proudly.

"Who else is going to stop you two from accidentally spending half a million pesos?"

"Excuse me?"

Audrae laughed. "I'm buying a wrap, not another car."

"Same thing."

Aaron was about to tease them again-When he suddenly remembered something.

His eyes widened."Wait."

Everyone looked at him.

"Don't tell me you all forgot about tomorrow's off-campus scrimmage?"

The room fell quiet.

Then Matt casually answered first."Coach already told me not to play...Recovery day."

Elijah nodded."Same."

"The rookies are getting the minutes tomorrow."

Aaron blinked.

Then pointed dramatically at both of them.

"So while we're dying in practice..."

He slowly looked toward Audrae.

"...you three are going shopping?"

Audrae tried not to smile.

Failed immediately.

"Pretty much."

Aaron let out the deepest sigh of betrayal imaginable."I chose the wrong friends."

Everyone laughed.

Even Vince.

The easy warmth of the room wrapped around them once again.

Outside, the afternoon sun slowly disappeared beyond the trees.

Inside...

No one noticed how naturally Matt had already begun planning tomorrow's route in his head.Or how Coach Cath quietly observed everything without saying a word.

Because sometimes...

The people who loved you the most were also the people who noticed the things you never realized you were showing.

The conversation drifted naturally from basketball...

...to random college gossip......to stories that somehow became funnier every time they were retold.

By the time the clock crept past seven in the evening, dinner had quietly turned into another family gathering.

Pizza boxes had been pushed aside.

The pastries Coach Cath brought were already half gone someone had somehow opened another bag of chips.

No one even remembered who.

The Zamora house had always been like this.

Nobody needed an invitation.

If the front gate was open...

Everyone simply came in.

"Okay, serious question," Vince suddenly said, leaning comfortably against his chair. "Who's washing all these dishes?"

Silence.

Four varsity players instantly became very interested in literally everything except the sink.

Aaron suddenly looked out the window.

Elijah found the ceiling fascinating.

Matt quietly sipped his iced tea.

Audrae slowly reached for another ensaymada.

Coach Cath crossed her arms.

"Amazing."

She laughed."National athletes... defeated by dirty plates."

"Coach..." Elijah grinned sheepishly.

"We're preserving our shooting hands."

Aaron pointed at him."No, no. Speak for yourself."

"I'm preserving my knees." Elijah said.

Audrae nearly choked on her drink."How exactly do dishes affect your knees?"

Aaron blinked."...Science?"

The room exploded with laughter.

Even Matt lowered his head, quietly shaking with amusement.

Coach Cath sighed dramatically before picking up a plate herself.

Almost immediately-

Matt stood."I'll help."

Without waiting for anyone's response, he rolled up the sleeves of his shirt and carried the empty pizza boxes toward the trash.

Audrae looked up."Matt, it's okay."

He simply shook his head."It's faster if we all help."

Seeing him already cleaning...

Aaron sighed."Now I feel guilty."

Elijah pointed accusingly."That's because you should."

"Fine."Aaron stood up."But I'm only washing."

"Someone else dries."

"Deal."

Within minutes...The kitchen transformed into organized chaos.

Aaron stood at the sink, dramatically complaining every thirty seconds.

"Who used five different plates for pizza?"

"Who drinks juice in three different glasses?"

"Why is there flour on the ceiling?"

Audrae immediately looked away.

Elijah started laughing.

Coach Cath slowly raised one eyebrow.

"...Audrae?"

Audrae scratched the back of her neck."It happened while we were baking..."

"Long story."

Matt quietly passed clean dishes to Vince, who stacked them inside the cabinets.

No complaints.

No unnecessary conversation.

Just quietly helping.

Coach Cath noticed.

Again.

Matt never looked for recognition.He simply saw something that needed to be done...

...and did it.

It was one of the many reasons she trusted him so much around Audrae.

Nearly thirty minutes later...

The kitchen looked spotless.

Aaron dramatically wiped imaginary sweat from his forehead.

"Another successful team effort."Elijah folded both arms proudly."See, Coach?"

"Discipline."Coach Cath laughed.

"If only you boys cleaned the locker room with this much enthusiasm."

Everyone immediately looked away.

"...Yeah..."

Later that evening...The lights inside the living room dimmed.Someone had already connected a laptop to the television.

Movie night.

An unspoken tradition.

Aaron occupied the beanbag.

Elijah claimed the entire carpet.

Matt took his usual spot at the far end of the couch.

Audrae curled up on the oversized armchair, wrapping a soft blanket around herself despite the air conditioner not being that cold.

The opening scene of a horror movie filled the screen.

Five minutes later-

"Wayne."Audrae didn't even look away from the television.

"Hmm?"

"Stop eating my popcorn."

Elijah froze.

One handful still inside the bucket.

"Our popcorn."

"Mine."

"Communism."

"The word you're looking for is stealing."

Aaron burst into laughter.

Matt quietly covered his mouth, trying-and failing-not to smile.

Halfway through the movie...A loud jump scare exploded from the speakers.

Aaron flinched.

Elijah cursed.

Coach Cath laughed from the kitchen.

Audrae remained completely expressionless.

Matt glanced sideways.

"...You don't get scared?"

She shrugged casually."I've seen this already."

Elijah looked offended."You could've warned us!"

Audrae's dimple appeared."Where's the fun in that?"

Outside...The subdivision had already fallen silent.Inside the Zamora home...Laughter echoed through every room.

For a few precious hours...There were no championship expectations.

No media.

No rankings.

No pressure.

Just four college athletes...

Sharing food.

Watching movies.

And enjoying the kind of ordinary moments that would one day become the memories they missed the most.

Morning arrived far too quickly.Sunlight slipped through the sheer curtains of Audrae's bedroom, painting warm streaks across the hardwood floor.

Her room was unusually quiet.

No alarms.

No basketball bouncing outside.

No Coach Cath calling everyone downstairs for breakfast.

Just peace.

A dangerous kind of peace.

Audrae slowly stretched beneath her blanket before lazily reaching for her phone on the nightstand.

The moment the screen lit up-

Her eyes widened.

10:02 A.M.

She shot upright.

"Shit!"

Today.

The car.

Matt.

Makati.

She had overslept.

Audrae practically jumped out of bed, disappearing into the bathroom before returning a few minutes later with a towel wrapped around her damp hair.

Her room instantly became a battlefield.

Closet doors flew open.

Shoes were scattered across the floor.A white ribbed top landed on the bed.Then a pair of baggy denim jeans.

She quickly changed before sitting in front of her vanity.Unlike most girls her age, Audrae wasn't into heavy makeup.

A little concealer.

Brows.

Lip tint.

Mascara.

Done.

She tied her hair into a neat low ponytail before grabbing her favorite shoulder bag.

Downstairs...The house was already awake.Or more accurately-One specific person was causing enough noise for the entire neighborhood.

"BROOOO!"Elijah's voice echoed through the hallway."WE'RE LATE!"

He sprinted past the staircase carrying only one sneaker.

The other was somehow still in his hand.

"Where's the other one?!"

Aaron, who had stayed over after movie night, looked up from the dining table.

"You're literally holding it."

Elijah stared at the shoe.

Paused.

Then sighed dramatically.

"...It's too early for this."

A familiar engine rumbled outside the house.Everyone instinctively turned toward the front window.

Matt.

Right on time.

As always.

The front door opened before he even had the chance to knock.

Matt stepped inside wearing a clean white shirt, dark jeans, and a black cap, casually twirling his car keys around one finger.

He looked around the living room.

"Morning."

"Bro!" Elijah groaned dramatically."We're doomed."

Matt raised an eyebrow."Why?"

"Because someone's still upstairs."

As if on cue...

Footsteps echoed from the staircase.

Audrae appeared, adjusting the strap of her shoulder bag while walking down the steps.

She looked effortlessly put together despite clearly rushing.

"Sorry..." she said with an embarrassed smile."I overslept."

Elijah immediately threw both hands into the air.

"See?!"

"If that was me, Matt would've called me fifteen times already!"

Matt looked at him without changing his expression.

Then calmly replied-

"You're different."

The room fell silent.

Aaron slowly looked up from his coffee.

Audrae blinked.

Elijah frowned.

"...Different how?"

Matt shrugged."You're capable of sleeping through earthquakes."

Aaron burst into laughter.

Audrae covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.

Elijah looked genuinely offended."That's discrimination."

"It's experience," Matt answered calmly.

Still pouting, Elijah crossed his arms."Double standards."

Matt ignored him completely.

Instead, he looked toward Audrae."Did you eat breakfast?"

She shook her head."Not yet."

Without another word, Matt reached for the paper bag resting on the kitchen counter.

He held it out to her."I brought sandwiches."

Audrae blinked."You bought breakfast?"

"I figured someone might oversleep."

A brief silence followed.

Audrae couldn't help smiling."Thanks, Matt."She accepted the sandwich with both hands."You're a lifesaver."

Matt simply nodded once."Eat in the car if you have to."

Aaron quietly watched the exchange.

Then leaned toward Elijah just enough for only him to hear."See?"

"Told you."Elijah nodded dramatically.

"Calendar opens anytime."Aaron bit back a laugh.

Neither of them noticed Coach Cath standing near the kitchen doorway...

Watching everything unfold with an amused, knowing smile.

She said nothing.

Just like always.

Audrae took one last bite of her sandwich before grabbing her keys.

"Ready?"Matt held the front door open for everyone.

"Let's go."

Outside, the morning sun was already climbing higher into the sky.

None of them knew it yet...

But what was supposed to be a simple trip to Makati would end with another viral moment-

One that would quietly push Audrae's name deeper into the endless world of online basketball gossip.

The morning traffic was already beginning to build as Matt's black SUV merged onto the main road.Soft hip-hop music played through the speakers, filling the car with a familiar rhythm.

Audrae sat comfortably in the passenger seat, quietly eating the sandwich Matt had bought for her.

In the backseat, Elijah was sprawled across the leather seats like he owned the vehicle, one leg stretched out while lazily scrolling through his phone.

For a while...

The drive was peaceful.

Until-

"Random question."Elijah didn't even look up from his phone.

"Hmm?" Matt answered, keeping his eyes on the road.

Elijah grinned."Does Kenji Morzal have a girlfriend?"

Silence.

Audrae slowly turned her head toward the backseat.

Matt glanced at Elijah through the rearview mirror."Where did that come from?"

"Wala lang." Elijah shrugged innocently. "His edits keep showing up on my feed. Curious lang."

Matt hummed thoughtfully.

"Last time we crossed paths during the offseason charity event, someone asked him the same thing."He made a smooth turn at the intersection before continuing."He said he was single."

"Oh."

Elijah nodded as if mentally filing the information away.

Audrae narrowed her eyes."Grabe ka talaga."She laughed softly."Napaka-chismoso mo."

Elijah looked offended."Research 'yan."

"Research?" Ani ni Elijah.

"Athlete analysis."

Audrae snorted."Anong athlete analysis ang relationship status?"

Aaron wasn't there to laugh this time...

So Matt quietly did instead.

A low chuckle escaped him.

"That's definitely not part of scouting reports."Elijah pointed dramatically toward the front seat.

"Exactly!"

"Thank you!"

Then he immediately realized...

Matt hadn't actually agreed with him.

Audrae burst into laughter."Nice save."

The traffic slowed near a red light.Matt rested one hand on the steering wheel while absentmindedly tapping his thumb against it.

Then...

Almost casually...

He spoke."Although..."

Both Audrae and Elijah looked at him.

"Faith admitted during the charity event that she had a crush on Kenji."

Elijah blinked."Wait....Faith?"

Matt nodded."Yeah...The volleyball captain." He focused on the road."She literally said it in front of everyone." Matt added.

Elijah immediately looked away toward the window.

A little too quickly.

Audrae noticed.A mischievous smile slowly spread across her face."Oho..."

She leaned slightly toward the backseat."Selos ka?"

"Ha?"Elijah nearly choked."Why would I be jealous? I don't even know her!"

Matt's lips twitched upward.

Just barely.

"Really?"

"Really."

"You definitely know who she is."

Elijah threw both hands into the air."Basketball community lang 'yon! Everyone knows everyone!"

Audrae couldn't stop laughing.Her dimple became even deeper."Sure, Wayne..Whatever helps you sleep at night."

Determined to escape the teasing...Elijah immediately fired back."At least ako, hindi girlfriend ni Alexander."

The laughter disappeared instantly.

Audrae slowly turned around.Her expression was completely blank.

Dangerously blank."Excuse me?"

Elijah immediately realized his mistake.

Too late.

Audrae pointed a finger at him."Salaksak mo sa baga mo 'yang Alexander na 'yan..Paulit-ulit ka."

Elijah laughed nervously."Joke lang..."

"Hindi nakakatawa."

Matt glanced at Audrae for a brief second before returning his attention to the road.

His voice remained calm."Alexander's a good player, though...One of the strongest captains in the league."

Audrae sighed dramatically."I know..But just because we're both captains doesn't mean there's something going on... Staka he's just a friend to me like Fei"

Elijah nodded immediately."True."

Then...Without shame...

He grinned.

"...Pero ang lakas pa rin mang-asar."Audrae reached behind her without looking.

A tissue box flew straight toward him.

"Ow!"He caught it just before it hit his face.

Matt quietly laughed again.

The sound was soft...

But genuine.

The teasing slowly faded as the city skyline came into view.

Towering buildings reflected the late morning sunlight while traffic thickened around Makati's business district.

Audrae looked out the passenger window.

She had been looking forward to finally customizing her car for weeks.

For once...Her mind wasn't on basketball.

Or social media.Or the nonstop rumors surrounding SDU's newest recruit.She simply wanted to enjoy the day with the people who had always made life feel lighter.

None of them noticed...

That somewhere online...

The internet was already preparing another rumor with her name on it.

Nearly an hour later, Matt's SUV rolled into the vehicle terminal on the outskirts of the city.

Rows of newly delivered cars gleamed beneath the morning sun, each one waiting to be claimed by its owner.

Matt pulled into an empty parking space before switching off the engine."We're here."

The three of them climbed out of the SUV, the heat immediately wrapping around them.

Audrae adjusted the strap of her shoulder bag as she looked around the terminal.

"Matt."

He looked over."The cash?"

Without asking another question, Matt reached into the center console and pulled out a folded stack of bills.

He handed it to her."Five hundred."

"Thanks."Audrae smiled gratefully before walking toward the small administration office.

A few minutes later, she returned with a set of keys dangling from her fingers.

The metallic midnight-blue sedan sat quietly beneath the shade, waiting for her.

She couldn't help but smile."Finally."

Elijah let out a low whistle."Not bad."He slowly walked around the car, inspecting every angle.

"Actually..."He looked at Audrae with a grin."This looks expensive."

She laughed."Good observation."

The terminal staff finished removing the protective coverings before handing over the final release documents.

After one last inspection, Audrae slipped into the driver's seat and started the engine.

The dashboard illuminated instantly.

A satisfied smile spread across her face.

"I missed this."

Matt walked over to her open window."We'll head to Makati first."

"Just follow me."

She nodded."Got it."

Elijah suddenly opened the passenger door."Shotgun!"

Audrae raised an eyebrow."Excuse me?"

"Quality control."He climbed in anyway."Someone has to make sure you don't scratch your new car."

Audrae rolled her eyes."You're unbelievable."

The convoy made its way toward Makati, weaving through the steadily thickening traffic.

Matt led the way while Audrae followed closely behind.

Every now and then, Elijah would dramatically point out random cars."Look...That one's uglier than ours."

Audrae laughed."You're comparing us to a delivery van."

"A win is a win."

Almost two hours later, they finally arrived at one of the city's well-known vehicle customization studios.

The showroom was bright and modern.

Walls lined with premium vinyl wraps shimmered beneath carefully positioned spotlights.

Every finish reflected the light differently-

Gloss.

Matte.

Satin.

Metallic.

Pearlescent.

Audrae's eyes immediately lit up.

She looked like a child inside a toy store.

"This one's nice."

She gently brushed her fingertips across a midnight-blue sample.

As the light shifted...

Tiny metallic flakes sparkled beneath the surface.

Matt stepped beside her.

He studied the finish for a few seconds before nodding.

"That suits you."

Audrae glanced at him.

"Really?"

"Yeah."

His answer was simple.

Certain.

"Clean."

"Elegant."

"Don't try too hard."

A small smile appeared on Audrae's face.

"Then this one."

While the coordinator prepared the paperwork, Elijah wandered around the showroom.

Every few minutes...He picked another ridiculous color.

"Hot pink?"

"Absolutely not."

"Neon green?"

"Elijah."

"Gold chrome?"

Audrae slowly turned toward him.

He immediately raised both hands."Okay, okay...Midnight blue."

After nearly thirty minutes, the documents were finally complete.

The coordinator handed Audrae her claim stub."The wrap needs at least twenty-four hours to cure properly...You can pick it up tomorrow afternoon."

Audrae nodded."Thank you."

The moment they stepped outside...Elijah dramatically grabbed his stomach.

"I'm starving."

Matt checked the time on his watch.

Almost three in the afternoon.None of them had eaten lunch.

"Restaurant?" Matt asked.

Audrae nodded immediately."Please."

The three of them walked toward a casual restaurant just beside the customization studio.

As they crossed the lobby...

A pair of university students suddenly froze.

One of them slowly pointed.

"...Is that Audrae Zamora?"

Within seconds...

More students recognized them.

"Ate Audrae!"

"Kuya Matt!"

"Can we take a picture?"

Audrae immediately smiled.

"Of course."

Matt politely accepted one student's phone.

"I'll take it."

The group gathered together.

Click.

Another.

Click.

Another.

"Thank you so much!"One of the girls beamed.

"Good luck this season!"

"Thank you."Audrae waved before following Matt and Elijah into the restaurant.

A few minutes later...

Their food arrived.

The conversation drifted naturally while everyone began eating.

Then-

Buzz.

Buzz.

Buzz.

Audrae's phone vibrated repeatedly against the wooden table.

She frowned.

"Ang dami..."

Her notification panel was overflowing with mentions.

Tags.

Edits.

New messages.

Curious, she opened the first notification.

It redirected her to a short screen recording.

The title immediately caught her attention.

Kenji Morzal LIVE.

Audrae sighed quietly.

"Ano na naman 'to..."

She tapped play.

Onscreen...Kenji adjusted the brim of his cap while reading the flood of comments flying across his livestream.

One comment after another mentioned her name.

The chat refused to move on.

Finally...

Kenji looked toward the camera and answered calmly.

"Yeah... I met her during one of the women's tournament games before."

He offered a polite smile.

"But we don't personally know each other."

A brief pause.

"So please stop spamming her name here."

The clip ended.

Audrae slowly lowered her phone onto the table.

She let out a quiet sigh."Nakakahiya..."

The silence around the table lingered for only a second.

Matt looked up from cutting into his steak, his brows knitting together slightly after catching the expression on Audrae's face.

"What happened?" he asked.

Audrae slid her phone across the table for the boys to see."Look."

Elijah immediately leaned over."Another edit?"

"No."She sighed."It's a screen recording from Kenji's live."

Matt picked up the phone.The short clip replayed from the beginning.

Kenji sat comfortably in his room, casually reading the comments flooding his livestream.

Most of them were asking one thing.

Have you met Audrae?

Thoughts on SDU's Poganda?

Say hi to Audrae!

Matt watched quietly until Kenji finally answered.

"Yeah... I watched one of their women's tournament games before."

"But we don't know each other personally."

"Please stop spamming her name in my chat."

The video ended.

Matt gently placed the phone back on the table."So... he really watched one of your games."

Audrae shrugged."Apparently."

Elijah immediately pointed his fork toward her."I told you! Remember that athletic conference in Manila?"

"The one before the charity tournament?"Audrae blinked.Then slowly nodded."Oh..."

She remembered.

Both schools had been invited that weekend.

The men's players attended meetings while the women's national invitational happened in the same sports complex.

It actually made sense.

If Kenji had free time...

He could've watched a few games.

Matt leaned back against the booth."That explains it..He probably recognized you because of that."

Audrae rubbed her forehead."Which somehow made everything worse."

Elijah laughed."Secondhand embarrassment?"

She looked at him."Imagine opening your live and thousands of strangers keep asking about someone you don't even know."

"I'd log out immediately."Matt chuckled quietly."Fair point...But at least he handled it professionally."

Audrae nodded."Exactly...Which makes me feel even worse."

The food arrived moments later.Large plates quickly filled the table.

Steak.

Pasta.

Chicken.

Rice.

Fries.

The conversation naturally shifted away from basketball as everyone finally started eating.

For almost five peaceful minutes...Nobody mentioned Kenji again.

Until-

Elijah slowly placed his fork down.

A mischievous grin spread across his face.

Matt immediately noticed it.He sighed."Don't."

Elijah ignored him.

He slowly reached into his pocket.

Pulled out his phone.

Opened I*******m.

Audrae looked up suspiciously."...Why are you smiling like that?"

Elijah didn't answer.

Instead-

He tapped one button.

GO LIVE

The familiar countdown flashed across his screen.

3...

2...

1...

A red banner appeared.

LIVE

Within seconds...

The viewer count exploded.

5k views

10k views

15k views

Still climbing.

Elijah flashed his signature grin toward the front camera."Yo! What's up, everyone?"

The comments immediately began flooding the screen.

"ELIJAHHH!"

"WHERE ARE YOU?"

"IS THAT MATT?"

"WAIT- AUDRAE IS THERE?"

Without warning...

Elijah turned the camera.

The lens landed directly on Audrae-Who had just taken a huge bite of chicken.

She froze.

Still chewing.

Slowly...

Very slowly...

She looked up.

Her eyes met the camera.

Then Elijah.

The look she gave him could've ended friendships.

Elijah burst out laughing.

"Guys..."He pointed dramatically toward her."Currently having a late lunch with the one and only..."

He paused for effect.

Then announced proudly-

"SDU's Cat Girl herself!"

Audrae slowly finished chewing.

She swallowed.

Picked up a tissue.

Calmly wiped the corner of her lips.

Then looked straight at Elijah."Wayne."Her voice was terrifyingly calm."Turn that camera off before I collect my one hundred pesos with interest."

Aaron wasn't there...

But Matt almost choked on his drink.

Elijah laughed so hard he nearly dropped his phone.

"Guys, did you hear that?She sounds like a loan shark!"

Audrae grabbed a french fry.

Without hesitation-She threw it directly at his forehead.

"Ow!"Elijah rubbed the spot dramatically."Violence!I'm being attacked live!"

The comment section moved so quickly it became impossible to read.

Thousands of laughing emojis filled the screen.

"PROTECT ELI 😭"

"SHE REALLY THREW A FRY LMAOOO"

"CAT GIRL IS MAD 😭😭😭"

Matt quietly shook his head, hiding a smile behind his glass of water.He already knew exactly where this livestream was heading.

And somehow...He had a feeling Elijah was only getting started.

AAAA YES!! 😭🏀✨ This is the scene that really defines Audrae's personality. She's funny, grounded, emotionally intelligent, and mature despite all the online noise. I also made Matt a little more observant, hinting at his quiet protectiveness without making it obvious.

CHAPTER 3THE NOISE BETWEEN THE LINESPart 8 - Professional Rewrite

Elijah was still laughing when he angled the phone back toward himself.

The viewer count had already climbed past twenty thousand.

Comments flooded the screen faster than he could read them.

"ELI, SHOW AUDRAE AGAIN!"

"WHERE'S MATT?"

"ASK ABOUT KENJI!"

"KENJI X AUDRAE PLEASE!"

"PANSININ MO SI KENJI!"

Elijah squinted at the screen.

Then groaned dramatically.

"Grabe..."

He shook his head.

"Guys, calm down."

"The chat is literally unreadable."

Instead of slowing down...

The comments only came faster.

Kenji's name dominated the livestream.

Again.

And again.

And again.

Matt noticed Audrae quietly lowering her fork.

She wasn't annoyed.

She just looked... tired.

Not because of Kenji.

But because people kept forcing a narrative she had never participated in.

Elijah looked between his phone and Audrae before grinning mischievously.

"Drae."

She slowly looked up.

"Hmm?"

He turned the phone toward her.

"The people demand your reaction."

She blinked once.

"Reaction to what?"

"Kenji transferring to SDU."

A beat of silence.

Then-

Audrae slowly put her utensils down.

She clasped both hands dramatically against her chest.

Her eyes widened.

Her mouth slowly fell open.

She inhaled the biggest fake gasp imaginable.

"Oh..."

Another dramatic pause.

Then-

"My..."

She leaned even closer to the camera.

"God."

She placed one hand over her forehead.

"Structural roster changes!"

For two whole seconds...

Nobody at the table spoke.

Then Elijah completely lost it.

"HAHAHAHAHA!"

He doubled over in his seat.

The phone shook violently from how hard he was laughing.

"BRO!"

"WHAT WAS THAT?!"

Even Matt couldn't stop himself.

A quiet laugh escaped him as he lowered his head, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

A smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

"That was... painfully dramatic."

Audrae shrugged innocently.

A tiny dimple appeared.

"Wasn't that the reaction they wanted?"

Elijah laughed even harder.

"Someone clip that!"

"I swear that's becoming a meme!"

The livestream chat exploded.

"HAHAHAHAHAHA"

"SHE'S SO DONE WITH US 😭"

"STRUCTURAL ROSTER CHANGES 😭😭😭"

"NEW REACTION IMAGE UNLOCKED."

"CAT GIRL IS HILARIOUS."

"KENJI NEEDS TO SEE THIS."

Audrae sighed.

The playful smile slowly faded into something gentler.

She looked directly into the camera.

This time...

There was no sarcasm.

Only sincerity.

"Seriously, guys."

The comments gradually slowed.

Even Elijah stopped talking.

Audrae continued.

"Please don't spam his account because of me."

"And don't spam my account because of him either."

She smiled softly.

"We don't even know each other."

A few comments immediately responded.

"WE KNOWWW 😭"

"BUT YOU'D LOOK GOOD TOGETHER."

She laughed quietly.

Shaking her head.

"That's exactly my point."

"Shipping people can be fun."

"I'm not saying you have to stop."

"Just... know where the line is."

She rested both elbows on the table.

Looking straight into the lens.

"Don't make someone uncomfortable just because you're entertained."

Her voice stayed calm.

Warm.

Honest.

"He's just trying to enjoy his transfer."

"I'm just trying to eat lunch."

The restaurant table burst into laughter.

Even a nearby waiter smiled after overhearing the comment.

Audrae laughed too.

"So please..."

"Let us breathe a little."

The chat suddenly became much calmer.

"WE LOVE YOU AUD 😭"

"SORRY PO."

"RESPECT."

"QUEEN BEHAVIOR."

"SHE'S ACTUALLY SO MATURE."

Matt quietly watched her from across the table.

There it was again.

That side of Audrae.

The reason so many younger athletes admired her.

She never chased attention.

She simply handled it.

Gracefully.

Without making anyone feel small.

He looked away before anyone noticed him smiling.

Unfortunately...

Elijah ruined the wholesome atmosphere in less than five seconds.

He leaned toward the phone with the biggest grin imaginable.

Then whispered dramatically-

"Don't worry, guys."

He looked over at Audrae.

Then back at the livestream.

"They're literally going to the same university."

He wiggled his eyebrows.

"They're bound to interact eventually anyway."

Audrae slowly closed her eyes.

"Wayne..."

Matt sighed.

Already knowing exactly what was about to happen.

The comments immediately exploded again.

"HE KNOWS SOMETHING."

"WAIT WHAT?!"

"FIRST MEETING WHEN??"

"ELIJAH SPILL."

"OH MY GOD."

Audrae pinched the bridge of her nose.

"You were doing so well..."

she muttered.

Elijah looked ridiculously proud of himself.

Matt simply reached across the table.

Without saying a word...

He took Elijah's phone.

Tapped the screen.

LIVE ENDED

Silence.

Elijah stared at him.

"...Bro."

Matt calmly placed the phone beside Elijah's plate.

Picked up his fork.

And continued eating as if nothing had happened.

"Finish your food."

"Before it turns into a science experiment."

For a second...

Nobody spoke.

Then Audrae burst into laughter.

A genuine one.

The kind that made her shoulders shake.

The kind that brought out the dimple on her left cheek.

Elijah pointed accusingly at Matt.

"You're actually the biggest killjoy I've ever met."

Matt took another bite of steak.

Completely unfazed.

"And yet..."

He looked at Elijah with a perfectly straight face.

"...someone has to babysit you."

Audrae laughed even harder.

"He's got a point."

Elijah dramatically placed a hand over his chest.

"I am surrounded by fake friends."

"You literally started it," Audrae shot back, still smiling.

"Fair..." Elijah admitted with a defeated sigh.

The three of them returned to their meal, their laughter gradually blending into the familiar buzz of the restaurant around them.

For a little while, at least...

The noise of the internet stayed outside.

Elijah was still laughing when he angled the phone back toward himself.

The viewer count had already climbed past twenty thousand.

Comments flooded the screen faster than he could read them.

"ELI, SHOW AUDRAE AGAIN!"

"WHERE'S MATT?"

"ASK ABOUT KENJI!"

"KENJI X AUDRAE PLEASE!"

"PANSININ MO SI KENJI!"

Elijah squinted at the screen.

Then groaned dramatically.

"Grabe..."He shook his head."Guys, calm down..The chat is literally unreadable."

Instead of slowing down...

The comments only came faster.

Kenji's name dominated the livestream.

Again.

And again.

And again.

Matt noticed Audrae quietly lowering her fork.

She wasn't annoyed.

She just looked... tired.

Not because of Kenji.

But because people kept forcing a narrative she had never participated in.

Elijah looked between his phone and Audrae before grinning mischievously."Drae."

She slowly looked up."Hmm?"

He turned the phone toward her."The people demand your reaction."

She blinked once."Reaction to what?"

"Kenji transferring to SDU."

A beat of silence.

Then-Audrae slowly put her utensils down.She clasped both hands dramatically against her chest.

Her eyes widened.

Her mouth slowly fell open.

She inhaled the biggest fake gasp imaginable."Oh..."Another dramatic pause.

Then-

"My..."She leaned even closer to the camera."God."She placed one hand over her forehead."Structural roster changes!"

For two whole seconds...

Nobody at the table spoke.

Then Elijah completely lost it.

"HAHAHAHAHA!"

He doubled over in his seat.

The phone shook violently from how hard he was laughing.

"BRO!"

"WHAT WAS THAT?!"

Even Matt couldn't stop himself.

A quiet laugh escaped him as he lowered his head, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

A smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

"That was... painfully dramatic."

Audrae shrugged innocently.

A tiny dimple appeared."Wasn't that the reaction they wanted?"

Elijah laughed even harder."Someone clip that! I swear that's becoming a meme!"

The livestream chat exploded.

"HAHAHAHAHAHA"

"SHE'S SO DONE WITH US 😭"

"STRUCTURAL ROSTER CHANGES 😭😭😭"

"NEW REACTION IMAGE UNLOCKED."

"CAT GIRL IS HILARIOUS."

"KENJI NEEDS TO SEE THIS."

Audrae sighed.

The playful smile slowly faded into something gentler.

She looked directly into the camera.

This time...

There was no sarcasm.

Only sincerity.

"Seriously, guys." She started.

The comments gradually slowed.

Even Elijah stopped talking.

Audrae continued."Please don't spam his account because of me...And don't spam my account because of him either."She smiled softly.

"We don't even know each other."She added.

A few comments immediately responded.

"WE KNOWWW 😭"

"BUT YOU'D LOOK GOOD TOGETHER."

She laughed quietly.

Shaking her head."That's exactly my point...Shipping people can be fun." She stopped and smiled. "I'm not saying you have to stop...Just... know where the line is."

She rested both elbows on the table.Looking straight into the lens.

"Don't make someone uncomfortable just because you're entertained."

Her voice stayed calm.

Warm.

Honest.

"He's just trying to enjoy his transfer."

The restaurant table burst into laughter.

Even a nearby waiter smiled after overhearing the comment.

Audrae laughed too."So please...Let us breathe a little."

The chat suddenly became much calmer.

"WE LOVE YOU AUD 😭"

"SORRY PO."

"RESPECT."

"QUEEN BEHAVIOR."

"SHE'S ACTUALLY SO MATURE."

Matt quietly watched her from across the table.

There it was again.

That side of Audrae.

The reason so many younger athletes admired her.

She never chased attention.She simply handled it...Gracefully...Without making anyone feel small.

He looked away before anyone noticed him smiling.

Unfortunately...Elijah ruined the wholesome atmosphere in less than five seconds.

He leaned toward the phone with the biggest grin imaginable.

Then whispered dramatically-"Don't worry, guys."

He looked over at Audrae.Then back at the livestream.

"They're literally going to the same university."He wiggled his eyebrows."They're bound to interact eventually anyway."

Audrae slowly closed her eyes."Wayne..."

Matt sighed.

Already knowing exactly what was about to happen.

The comments immediately exploded again.

"HE KNOWS SOMETHING."

"WAIT WHAT?!"

"FIRST MEETING WHEN??"

"ELIJAH SPILL."

"OH MY GOD."

Audrae pinched the bridge of her nose."You were doing so well..."

she muttered.

Elijah looked ridiculously proud of himself.

Matt simply reached across the table.

Without saying a word...

He took Elijah's phone.

Tapped the screen.

LIVE ENDED

Silence.

Elijah stared at him."...Bro."

Matt calmly placed the phone beside Elijah's plate.

Picked up his fork.And continued eating as if nothing had happened.

"Finish your food."

"Before it turns into a science experiment."

For a second...

Nobody spoke.

Then Audrae burst into laughter.

A genuine one.

The kind that made her shoulders shake.

The kind that brought out the dimple on her left cheek.

Elijah pointed accusingly at Matt."You're actually the biggest killjoy I've ever met."

Matt took another bite of steak.Completely unfazed."And yet..."

He looked at Elijah with a perfectly straight face."...someone has to babysit you."

Audrae laughed even harder."He's got a point."

Elijah dramatically placed a hand over his chest."I am surrounded by fake friends."

"You literally started it," Audrae shot back, still smiling.

"Fair..." Elijah admitted with a defeated sigh.

The three of them returned to their meal, their laughter gradually blending into the familiar buzz of the restaurant around them.

For a little while, at least...

The noise of the internet stayed outside.

The sun had already begun to dip below the skyline by the time the three of them stepped out of the restaurant.

The once-blazing afternoon had mellowed into a warm golden hour, painting the streets of Makati in shades of amber and orange. Office workers hurried toward the MRT stations, coffee shops buzzed with after-work conversations, and the city slowly transitioned into its evening rhythm.

Matt unlocked his SUV with a soft click."Ready?"

"Yep," Audrae replied, adjusting the strap of her shoulder bag.

Elijah lazily stretched his arms over his head before following behind them.

As the three walked toward the parking lot, Elijah suddenly slowed his pace.

His eyes bounced between Matt and Audrae, who were unconsciously walking side by side a few steps ahead of him.

Neither of them noticed.

Matt was carrying the small paper bag that held Audrae's documents from the customization shop, while Audrae casually talked about the color she had chosen for her car.

It looked...

Natural.

Comfortable.

Like it had always been that way.

A mischievous grin slowly spread across Elijah's face.

Without making a sound, he pulled out his phone.

Click.

The camera captured the perfect candid.

Matt and Audrae walking beneath the warm streetlights, completely unaware of the lens behind them.

Audrae happened to be laughing at something Matt had quietly said, while Matt looked at her with the relaxed smile he rarely showed anyone else.

Elijah admired the photo for a second.

"Damn..." he muttered under his breath.

"This one's actually nice."

Before he could even think twice, his fingers quickly typed out a caption.

Daily dose for the fandom.

He attached the photo to his Close Friends story before chuckling to himself.

"You're unbelievable."

Audrae's voice suddenly came from behind him.

Elijah looked up, startled.

She was staring directly at his phone.

"Caught you."He laughed sheepishly.

"Hey, I didn't even tag you."Matt glanced over his shoulder.

"What did he do this time?"Audrae crossed her arms.

"He's secretly taking candid pictures again."

Matt sighed, though there was the faintest hint of amusement in his eyes.

"Wayne..."

Elijah immediately raised both hands.

"Relax. Close Friends lang."

"Besides..."

He looked between the two of them with a teasing grin.

"I'm just feeding the fandom."

Audrae laughed despite herself.

She lightly shoved his shoulder.

"You're hopeless."

The drive back to Quezon City was quieter than the trip earlier that day.Rush-hour traffic crawled through the city streets.

Music played softly through the speakers.

No one seemed particularly interested in talking.

It was one of those comfortable silences that only existed between people who had spent years around one another.

By the time Matt turned into their subdivision, the sky had turned a deep shade of navy blue.

Streetlights illuminated the quiet neighborhood as cicadas began their nightly chorus.

Matt parked in front of the Zamora residence.

"Text me tomorrow once the shop calls," he said, turning toward Audrae."We'll pick up your car."

She smiled."Thanks for today."

Matt returned the smile."Anytime."

Elijah climbed out first, stretching dramatically.

"See you tomorrow, Captain."Matt nodded.

"Drive safe."

With one last wave, he pulled away from the curb, his taillights gradually disappearing at the end of the street.

The evening breeze was noticeably cooler now.Instead of heading inside, Audrae walked straight toward the second-floor balcony.

It had always been her favorite place in the house.

Whenever everything felt too loud...

She came here.

A few seconds later, the sliding door opened again.

Elijah stepped outside carrying two cold cans of soda.

He handed one to her.

She accepted it with a quiet smile.

"Thanks."

For a while...

Neither of them spoke.

They simply leaned against the railing, watching the neighborhood settle into the night.

The silence wasn't awkward.

It never was.

After taking a sip of his drink, Elijah finally spoke.

"Classes start in a few weeks."

Audrae nodded slowly."Yeah."

"Feels weird."He laughed softly."We're officially college athletes now...No more high school excuses."

She smiled faintly."No more easy games either."

Elijah looked up at the stars."The UAAP is going to be brutal."

"Media."

"Fans."

"Scouts."

"Pressure."

He let out a slow breath."Everything gets bigger from here."

Audrae quietly listened, she already knew that.

Being Coach Cath's daughter meant expectations had followed her long before she entered university.

This season...Those expectations would only grow heavier.

Elijah suddenly glanced sideways."You know...Morzal joining SDU is probably going to make things even crazier."

Audrae stared at the dark sky ahead, and gentle breeze brushed loose strands of hair across her face.

She tucked them behind her ear."Probably."

That was all she said.

No excitement, no annoyance just quiet acceptance.

Elijah smirked knowingly."You're curious, though."

She immediately looked at him, a tiny laugh escaped her."A little."

She shrugged."I'd be lying if I said I wasn't...Everyone's talking about him."She stopped and looked at Elijah's way."I just hope people stop acting like we're part of some love story before we've even had a conversation."

Elijah laughed."Good luck with that."

Both of them burst into quiet laughter.

Above them, the night stretched endlessly across the sky.

Somewhere in Pampanga Kenji Morzal was unknowingly preparing for the same university.The internet had already written countless stories about the two of them.

But reality had a different timeline.

For now they were simply two athletes chasing the same dream.Completely unaware that, in only a few weeks, fate would finally place them on the same court.

And when that day came, the real story would begin.