Chapter Text
Nestled in the heart of Manila’s bustling academic district, Ashton University stood like a polished gem set within the city’s concrete sprawl. A private institution known for its elegant architecture and quiet prestige; Ashton was more than just a school—it was a curated experience. From the warm glow of its high-ceilinged halls to the meticulous landscaping that framed each building, the campus felt thoughtfully designed, like every corner had been styled for both inspiration and reflection.
It was the kind of place where conversations hummed beneath ivy-covered archways, where the scent of brewed coffee floated through open-air courtyards, and where young minds—each carrying their own dreams—found space to grow.
Among these young dreamers was Juno Christine Robles, a transferee navigating her first week in the unfamiliar yet beautiful campus. With her student ID barely broken in and a heart still tethered to Calamba, Juno walked into Ashton with cautious steps. At 21, she stood tall at 5’6, her presence calm but slightly reserved, like a painting hung just slightly off-center in a freshly painted room—waiting to find its balance.
She had chosen a quiet corner of the university cafeteria, a space that echoed the school’s signature blend of function and charm. Natural light filtered through the wide glass windows, catching in the ripples of her untouched drink. Despite the carefully arranged furniture and thoughtfully selected color palette, the emptiness of the seat across from her made the space feel... incomplete.
Until—
“Hey! New ka lang ba dito?”
The voice came like a burst of sunshine—warm, immediate, and impossible to ignore. Juno looked up to meet the eyes of Sabrina Suarez, isang matangkad at cheerful na girl na may nakakahawang smile. Her pink sweater matched the pink accents in her accessories, giving her a bubbly appearance na parang instant mood-lifter. Kahit hindi pa sila close, Juno immediately felt a little more at ease.
“I’m Sabrina,” she continued, already sliding into the seat beside Juno—hindi na naghintay ng paanyaya.
“You’re Juno, right? I saw you sa communication building kanina. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back. Let’s be friends.” Juno blinked, surprised by how quickly things were moving—but she smiled. Bihira siyang makameet ng ganito ka-outgoing, lalo na ngayong pakiramdam niya, she didn’t quite belong yet.
"Thanks, I—I'm actually kind of new here."
Sabrina beamed. “Perfect! Then you’re with the right person. Promise, you can’t be lonely with me around!”
Before Juno could reply, may isa pang boses na sumali sa eksena. A girl with dark hair in a messy bun and the graceful poise of a dancer leaned against the table with casual confidence.
“Sabby, I hope you’re not making Juno think na chismisan station ang cafeteria,” she teased, eyes gleaming with mischief. It was Sienna Chavez, fresh from dance rehearsals—halata sa pawis at sa energized vibe niya.
Juno let out a small laugh, a bit surprised sa playful teasing, but it didn’t feel malicious. In fact, it was... kind of comforting. “It’s okay,” Juno said softly. “I actually don’t mind.”
“Good! That means kaya mong sabayan ang trip namin,” Sienna said with a grin, clearly impressed.
As Juno was starting to feel more settled, dumating naman ang isang calmer presence—someone who looked like the natural "mom friend" of the group.
Madeline Ramos, petite and warm, joined the growing circle. She had this grounded aura that balanced out Sabrina’s hyper vibe and Sienna’s playful energy. “Alright, ladies,” she said with a knowing smile.
“‘Wag niyo masyadong guluhin si Juno. You know how Sabrina gets kapag may bagong recruit sa ‘friend circle’ niya.”Sabrina rolled her eyes dramatically.
“Excuse me? It’s called welcoming energy. Hindi siya recruitment, okay?”Madeline chuckled and gave Juno a small nod, her tone reassuring.
“Don’t worry. You’ll get used to all of this. Medyo chaotic, pero solid kami.”
And for the first time since arriving at Ashton, Juno felt it—hindi lang basta pag-welcome, kundi a genuine sense of belonging.
“Madeline’s right,” Sabrina added, rolling her eyes playfully.
“I’m just making sure she’s not sitting here all alone. You know how it is. We gotta keep an eye out for the new ones.”
Juno laughed, feeling the warmth of their friendship already starting to sink in. "I guess I’m lucky to have met you all."
“Well,” sabi ni Madeline habang umuupo na rin sa tabi nila, may kasamang grin, “lucky might be an understatement pag kasama mo si Sab. She’s always the loud one, pero mababait naman kami, promise.” Binigyan niya si Sabrina ng isang playful na tingin, causing everyone to laugh.
Habang tuloy-tuloy ang kwentuhan, Juno felt something shift. For the first time since transferring, hindi na siya parang outsider.
Sabrina’s high-energy charm, Sienna’s kalog na vibes, at Madeline’s calming presence—lahat ‘yon unti-unting nagpapakalma sa mga takot niya. Sanay siyang feeling invisible, parang maliit na tuldok sa gitna ng malaking crowd. Pero ngayon, sa presence ng mga bagong kaibigan na ‘to, she was starting to feel seen.
“So, Juno,” biglang tanong ni Sabrina, shifting the conversation.
“What made you transfer here? I mean, mukhang okay ka naman sa Calamba, ‘di ba?”
Nag-pause si Juno. Tumingin muna siya sa food niya bago tumingin pabalik kay Sabrina. “It’s not that I didn’t like it there,” she answered slowly.
“I guess I just wanted something new. I wanted to experience life in a bigger city. And Ashton seemed like the perfect place for my degree.”
Sabrina leaned back, folding her arms. “That’s awesome. Ako rin, I love it here kahit minsan nakaka-drain ‘yung city life.” She grinned.
“Pero don’t worry, you’re in good hands now. Hindi ka na mag-iisa. Except kapag biglang mag-showdown si Vez ng pa-dance moves.”
“Excuse me?” sabat ni Sienna with a dramatic gasp.
“Ang ibig niyang sabihin, sanayan lang ‘yan sa random ko na sayaw at acting moments. Part of my charm!” Sabay twirl sa upuan niya, causing more chuckles from the group.
“I can tell,” natatawang sagot ni Juno. “But it’s actually nice. Masaya pala dito. I thought sobrang seryoso ng mga tao rito. But wait, you called her Vez?”
"Yes, it's our thing minsan, it's from her last name Chavez kaya Vez. While kay sab naman tawag namin Rez kasi Suarez. Wag lang yung akin kasi pangit" Madeline replied.
"AMOS KASI KAYA AYAW" hagalpak na tawa ni sienna habang hinahampas si sabby.
"Huy! Bunganga mo nga napakalakas mo talaga tumawa, at anong Amos?! Wala Amos dito" inis na sagot ni Madeline. While Sabby's stopping herself from laughing, and si Sienna kumalma naman na.
“Also, anong sinasabi mo na masaya pala dito? That’s because kami pa lang ang nakikilala mo. Wait until you meet other people” biro ni Sienna.
“Hindi ko maipapangako ang same energy kapag nakilala mo na ‘yung ibang students dito.”
“Hey!” protesta ni Sabrina, tumatawa. “Hindi naman lahat weirdos like you, Sienna. And FYI, dapat talaga makilala mo si Mads. She’s like… the total opposite of us.” Napatingin silang lahat kay Madeline, who had been listening quietly the whole time.
May something sa kanya—calm, collected, and always observant. Laging siya ang balancer ng group kapag masyado nang magulo ang biruan o kulitan.
“Hindi naman siguro ako total opposite,” sagot ni Madeline na may soft chuckle. “Hindi lang ako ‘yung tipo na biglang magta-twirl sa gitna ng cafeteria.”
“You should try it,” smirk ni Sienna. “It’s freeing.”
Madeline shook her head, still smiling. "I’m good, thanks. Mas gusto ko ‘yung role ko na taga-kalma sa inyo.”
Juno watched their exchange, feeling genuinely grateful. These girls—sabay-sabay nilang binasag ‘yung wall na matagal nang nakapalibot sa kanya. She had struggled so much with college life, lalo na being far from home, pero ngayon... it all felt a little lighter.
“I’m really glad I met you guys,” sabi ni Juno, tahimik pero sincere.
“I know I’m still adjusting, pero having friends like you makes it easier.”
Sabrina nudged her playfully. “Aww, nagiging sentimental na siya! Don’t worry, Juno. We’ve got your back.”
“Yeah,” dagdag ni Sienna, nag-wink pa. “Hindi lang kami for teasing. We’re also here for the food… at sa random dance parties.”
Madeline nodded with a kind smile. “It’s okay to feel unsure or new. Dumaan din kami diyan. Pero ngayon, you’re part of the ride. Hindi ka nag-iisa.”
Juno nodded slowly. Totoo ‘yung sinasabi nila. Hindi siya sanay na mag-open up agad, pero sa kanila, parang natural lang. Parang ‘yung connection nila ay totoo—‘yung tipong tatagal kahit anong mangyari.
Sa mga sumunod na araw, mas lalo pang naging close si Juno kina Sabrina, Sienna, at Madeline.
They became her go-to group—sa lunch breaks, sa kwentuhan sa courtyard, o kahit sa simpleng tambay after class.
One afternoon, after a long and tiring lecture, sabay na naglalakad sina Juno, Sabrina, at Sienna pabalik sa dorms. Only Juno and Sienna use dorms since Juno's the only one here in Manila the same as Vez. The only difference is that Sienna's family is abroad and sya lang ang naiwan dito sa Pilipinas. Although may bahay naman sila sa Makati, ayaw nya pa rin tumira dun for the reason na sobrang tahimik and sya lang mag-isa dito. Gusto nya rin daw ma-experience ang magdorm.
Naiwan si Madeline for band org. meeting as usual.
Habang naglalakad, nagkukuwento si Sab tungkol sa bagong recipe na gusto niyang i-try. “Sab, dapat mag-bake ka ng cookies para sa akin,” sabi ni Sienna, nakangisi. “Promise, ako na
bahala sa ingredients.”
“Gagawa ako ng cookies,” sagot ni Sab, “pero kung mag-promise kang hindi ka manggugulo sa kusina ko.”
“Please lang,” sagot ni Sienna with a mock sigh. “Kelan ba ako nanggulo sa kusina mo? Kung makapag-ano ka naman parang chaos palagi dala ko sa kusina”
Juno couldn’t help but laugh. Small moments like this made her feel seen and welcome.
Pagdating nila sa dorms, biglang huminto si Sabrina. “By the way, uno,” sabi niya, turned to her. Since they've gotten close, they gave Juno a nickname just by removing the J on her name leaving the name uno.
“May get-together the day after tomorrow sa place ni Mads. Chill lang—music, snacks, kwentuhan. Sama ka, ha?”
Nagulat si Juno, but her heart fluttered a little. “I’d love to. Thanks for inviting me.”
“Syempre,” Sabrina beamed. “Hindi kompleto ‘pag wala ka!” Sienna wrapped her arm around Juno’s shoulders.
“Get ready to make memories, Juno. Masaya ‘to.”
Habang lumulubog ang araw, Juno looked around. This place—Ashton University—hindi na lang siya basta isang pagdadaanan na lugar. It was starting to feel like home. At dahil kina Sabrina, Sienna, at Madeline, she knew this chapter of her life… was going to be unforgettable. And by the meaning of unforgettable, Juno didn't know that it means more than she thinks.
The day for the party came faster than Juno expected. Standing in front of the mirror, she adjusted her denim jacket for the fifth time, trying not to overthink her outfit. It wasn’t anything fancy—just a simple tee, jeans, and sneakers—but still, may kabang hindi niya maipaliwanag. Parang first day ulit ng klase, kahit na mga kaibigan na niya ‘yung makakasama niya.
“Tama na ‘yan, Juno,” bulong niya sa sarili, grabbing her phone and heading out.
Sabrina had sent her the address earlier along with a flurry of voice messages.
"Girls, don’t be late ha! I’m making nachos na dito kila mads"
"Uno, magpaganda ka ng bongga malay mo makita mo na si the one sa party"
The drive from Sienna and Juno’s dorms to Madeline’s mansion felt like a journey into another world. Sienna’s clean white Audi Q7, 7-seater SUV glided through the wide streets of Greenhills subdivision, a place that felt like it belonged in a different class altogether. The area was calm, quiet, with tree-lined streets and sprawling lawns that showed just how different this part of San Juan was from the hustle and bustle of the city center.
As they neared their destination, the houses grew larger, more stately—each one a testament to affluence and design. Madeline's mansion, situated at the end of a private subdivision, stood out even among its impressive neighbors. The property was an elegant blend of modern architecture and classical charm. Its towering glass windows reflected the lush greenery that surrounded it, while the grand stone pillars at the entrance exuded sophistication. A well-kept garden stretched across the yard, manicured to perfection, with tall hedges and meticulously pruned trees that framed the entrance like something out of a luxury magazine.
Pagkaparada nila, bumaba si Juno habang nakatitig sa mansion. “Wow,” bulong niya, literal na starstruck. “Grabe 'to.”
Ngumiti lang si Sienna. Sanay na. “Oo, medyo OA na sa ganda. Pero ganyan talaga ‘pag Ramos.”
Dumiretso sila sa driveway. Nandoon na pala si Sabrina—maaga pa lang ay nandun na para tumulong kay Madeline sa preparations. Tinawagan na sila kanina ni Sabrina, may warning pa.
“FYI,” ani Sabrina sa tawag. “Hindi ‘to simpleng get-together. Medyo wild ang guest list. At oo—darating ang apat na kupal. Kaya mag-ready kayo.”
Napakunot-noo si Juno. Apat na kupal? Sino kaya 'yon? Later na lang siya magtatanong, baka out of place pa kung ngayon.
Chill lang si Sienna habang sinasabi na maluwag ang mansion, kaya kahit marami pa raw dumating, hindi sila magsisiksikan. Pero ramdam ni Juno yung kaba sa dibdib niya. “Sana hindi ako ma-overwhelm,” amin niya, bahagyang kabado.
Tumawa lang si Sienna habang papalapit na sila sa pinto. “Don’t worry, Juno. Safe ka sa amin.” Nag-doorbell siya. Di nagtagal, bumukas ang malaking kahoy na pinto at lumabas si Madeline greeting us with warm smile.
“Hey, guys!” bati ni Madeline habang binuksan nang mas malaki ang pinto. “Saktong-sakto kayo! Tinutulungan pa lang ako ni Sabby mag-set up.”
Pagpasok nila, agad napansin ni Juno ang elegance sa loob ng bahay. Hindi lang siya basta maganda—may class. Mataas ang ceilings, may chandelier na kumikislap. Ang sahig? Marble. May soft beige walls na may mga painting na parang galing museum. Sa living room, may velvet couches in calming colors, tapos ‘yung sunlight sumasayaw sa floor through the glass windows.
Sa kitchen, busy na si Sab, naka-pink na parang Barbie sa gitna ng sleek black and silver appliances. “I got the snacks covered!” sigaw niya habang nag-wave. “Samahan niyo na kami rito. Mamaya, ipapakilala ko sayo Uno ang ‘Apat na Kupal.’”
Okay no need to ask na pala, banggit ni Juno sa kanyang isip.
“Oh diba? May pa-handa si Mads!” sabi ni Sabrina habang inaayos ang cupcakes. “Ako bahala sa food. Tapos mamaya, good luck sa inyo. May pasabog tayong darating.”
“Yung apat na kupal ba?” tanong ni Vez habang tumatawa.
“Aba syempre,” sagot ni Sab, sabay irap. “Paano naman mawawala ang mga ‘yon sa kahit anong
party?
Tinapos na muna nila magprepare ng foods kasama ang mga kasambahay nila Mads bago ipinagpatuloy ang kwentuhan.
An hour has passed.
Nagtaas ng kilay si Juno. “Okay wait, sino ba talaga yang apat na kupal na ‘yan? Parang familiar pero wala pa akong clear picture.”
“Girl,” sabay-sabay halos ang tatlo, sabay nagkatinginan. Madeline laughed. “Let’s just say... mga halimaw sa campus. Sa grades, sa looks, sa gulo—lahat. Pero hindi mo maikakaila, magnet sila ng atensyon. Kaso... mayabang.”
“Charming sa labas,” dagdag ni Sabby, “pero may kalokohang nakatago.”
“Parang walking red flags,” sabi ni Vez, “pero wrapped in designer clothes and killer confidence.”
Nagkatinginan silang lahat. Si Juno, obvious na curious na, pero at the same time, may halong kaba. “Wanna guess who they are?” tanong ni Mads with a smirk.
“Don’t tell me... mga seniors?” tanong ni Uno.
“Nope. Batchmates natin, mga third years din. One of them—si Queen—anak pa ng may-ari ng university,” sabi ni Rez.
“Si Adriana Ashton,” dagdag ni Madeline. “A.K.A. The Queen. Tapos andiyan si Caylen—The Planner. Maxine—The Daredevil. At syempre, si Gabrielle—The Wild Card.”
“Playmakers,” bulong ni Sienna. “Yun ang tawag nila sa group nila.”
“Playmakers? Bakit parang... sketchy?”Sabay-sabay silang napatawa.
“Long story, Uno,” ani Sab. “Pero malalaman mo rin mamaya. Iba ‘yung dating nila.”
At bago pa makapag-react si Juno, may narinig silang tunog mula sa labas.
Vrrrrrrmmm! Vroom vroom!
Biglang naputol ang usapan nang may sunod-sunod na ingay ang narinig mula sa labas ng mansion. Isa-isa silang sumilip sa malaking floor to ceiling window sa living room upang tignan kung ano ang ingay na iyon. From where they’re peeking, makikita ang isang sports car, isang SUV, isang motor at isang electric scooter?!
Gian called all the girls kaya they didn’t saw kung sino ang mga iyon, ngunit may hinala na si Mads kung sino-sino ang mga ito.
Gian just told Mads na nandito na nga sila Caylen at Gab. Gian is also one of the band members sa organization nila. May mga nasa 20 people na rin ang nasa mansion since maaga pumunta ang iba para masulit raw nila ang party. 20 people is a lot, pero hindi lahat ng ito ay member ng banda nila. Tulad nga ng sinabi ni Mads kila Cay at Gab na they can have a plus one, ganun din ang sinabi nya sa ibang band members nya. Saying that they don’t have to worry about overcrowding since malaki naman daw ang kanilang backyard, support lang din naman ang kanyang parents except ang kanyang ate na nasa business trip sa Cebu for three days pero wala syang magagawa since wala naman sya dito. Ang kanyang parents naman ay nasa business trip din in Singapore.
After talking to Gian may sunod-sunod na katok sa front door.
Sabay-sabay silang napalingon.
Tahimik. Walang nagsalita.
“Hindi sila nag-chat, ‘di sila nag-text sa akin at kay Gian pa nagsabi,” bigkas ni Mads groaning
habang papalapit sa pinto.
“Wala rin akong message,” bulong ni Sab.
BOOM!
Mas malakas na katok. Kasunod ang pagbukas ng pinto... hindi man lang naghintay ng imbitasyon. Isang pamilyar na boses ang narinig mula sa labas. Confident. Suave. Malamig.
“Hope we’re not late, ladies.” Said by none other than Maxine Larkin, “The Daredevil” herself.
Pagtingin nila sa pinto, sabay-sabay silang pumasok. Isa-isa. Nakangiti. Nakasuot ng semi-formal fits na parang galing fashion show. At parang slow motion sa mata ni Uno ang lahat.
Adriana. Caylen. Maxine. Gabrielle.
The Playmakers have arrived.