Chapter Text
Juliana Celeste Ramirez had interviewed presidents, covered breaking news, and hosted some of the biggest events in the country, but none of that prepared her for today.
Because today, she was on stage, seated across from Selena Amara Salcedo.
The Selena Amara Salcedo.
Famous brand model. Veterinary doctor. Ambassador of every pet product imaginable. And, most importantly, the same girl Juliana had a ridiculous, hopeless crush on since high school.
Juliana stole a glance at Selena, who stood beside her, smiling effortlessly as she addressed the crowd. Damn. She still looked perfect. Wavy hair cascaded over her shoulders, sharp but soft features, and those chinky eyes that disappeared whenever she smiled—the same eyes that had once made a younger Juliana feel like she was drowning.
It had been years, but apparently, her high school crush never really went away.
"Miss Ramirez?"
Juliana blinked.
Oh, right. She was hosting an event.
"Ah, yes! So, as I was saying," she recovered quickly, forcing a charming smile, "this pet festival is a celebration of our beloved furry friends. And who better to join us than Dr. Selena Salcedo, who has dedicated so much of her time to animal welfare?"
The audience cheered, cameras flashed, and Selena waved.
Juliana exhaled, relieved she hadn't embarrassed herself too much. But just as she was about to continue, a blur of fur shot across the stage.
Her corgi, Bambi.
"Ay, gago!" Juliana gasped as Bambi sprinted toward Selena, tail wagging furiously. "Bambi, no!"
Too late.
The little ball of energy launched herself at Selena, who caught her with a laugh. "Well, hello there!" Selena cooed, effortlessly holding the energetic corgi in her arms. "Aren't you a cutie?"
Juliana felt her soul leave her body. Bambi was snuggling into Selena’s lap. That was prime real estate.
"Bambi, down. Go down, baby," she hissed, trying to take her dog back, but Bambi wasn’t listening.
Selena giggled. "She's adorable!" She looked at Juliana with a teasing glint in her eye. "Mukhang gusto niya ako. Alam mo, animals have great instincts. Maybe she knows something you don’t?"
Juliana nearly choked.
The crowd ate it up, laughing and cheering at Selena’s playful remark. Juliana wanted to die. She was being flirted with. On stage. In front of hundreds of people. By her crush.
She cleared her throat, pretending to fix her cue cards. "Mamaya ka talaga sa’kin, Bambi."
Selena laughed again, setting Bambi down before facing the audience. "I'm so happy to be here today to support this event. Pets bring so much joy into our lives, and they deserve all the love and care we can give them."
As she spoke, Juliana tried her best to focus on her hosting duties. But every time Selena glanced her way with that knowing smile, she felt her professionalism crumbling.
She was in trouble.
After the event, Juliana found herself backstage, still clutching Bambi like a security blanket. She hoped she hadn’t embarrassed herself too much. Maybe no one noticed how nervous she was around Selena.
"Ahem."
She turned to where the voice came from, and of course, there she was. Selena stood in front of her, arms crossed, smiling.
"Uhm… about kanina, pasensya na, ah. Masyado siyang hyper." Julianna apologized.
Selena crouched down to ruffle Bambi’s ears. "Wala namang problema. Ang cute nga niya eh."
Juliana let out a relieved breath. "Buti naman. Last thing I need is a headline saying I let my dog harass a celebrity on stage."
Selena chuckled before tilting her head. "Ramirez. Juliana Celeste Ramirez… parang familiar."
Juliana stiffened. Oh no.
"By any chance," Selena continued, eyes narrowing slightly, "ikaw ba yung J.C. Ramirez na schoolmate ko sa high school?"
Juliana hesitated before nodding. "Uh… yeah. That was me."
Selena's smile widened. "Interesting. So, ikaw nga ‘yon."
Juliana suddenly had a very bad feeling about this.
And she was right.
"Naalala ko tuloy," Selena mused, tapping her chin dramatically. "May isang J.C. Ramirez na nagbigay sa akin ng love letter noong graduation ko."
Juliana wanted the ground to swallow her whole.
Selena laughed at her reaction. "So, ikaw nga ‘yon!"
Juliana buried her face in her hands. "Can we not talk about that?"
Selena ignored her plea. "Grabe, di ko in-expect. The famous journalist and host Juliana Ramirez pala ‘yung batang nag-confess sa akin noon."
"Selena, I swear—"
"I still remember it, you know," Selena continued, eyes twinkling with mischief. "Ang sweet mo pala noon. 'I have admired you from afar for years…’ Tapos may poem pang kasali."
Juliana let out a strangled groan. "I was sixteen! Cut me some slack!"
Selena just laughed, clearly enjoying this too much.
Later at night, a celebratory dinner was held for the sponsors, guests, and organizers. The venue buzzed with conversations and laughter as people enjoyed the success of the pet festival.
Juliana sat at one of the tables, absentmindedly poking at her food while Bambi dozed off at her feet. The day had been long, but undeniably eventful.
"Juliana."
She looked up to see Selena approaching, and of course, Bambi immediately perked up. The corgi’s tail wagged so furiously it was a miracle she didn’t take flight.
"Mind if I join you?" Selena asked, though Bambi had already made the decision for Juliana by hopping onto the seat beside her.
Juliana gestured to the empty chair. "Go ahead. Though, I think Bambi invited you first."
Selena chuckled, settling in while Bambi climbed onto her lap like she belonged there. She scratched behind the corgi’s ears, earning a pleased wiggle. "You know, this isn’t normal."
"What isn’t?" Juliana asked, watching as her dog, her supposed best friend, completely sold her out.
"This," Selena said, motioning toward Bambi, who was now resting her chin against Selena’s arm with a look of pure devotion. "Dogs are loyal. They don’t just switch allegiances that fast."
Juliana scoffed. "Well, she’s a corgi. They have zero shame and will betray you for snacks."
Selena smirked. "Or maybe she just knows something you don’t."
Juliana groaned. "Not this again."
Selena laughed, but her gaze lingered on Juliana for a moment before she spoke again. "You know, I’ve read before that dogs can sense when two people are a good match."
Juliana raised a brow. "Uh-huh. And where exactly did you read this?"
Selena shrugged. "Somewhere reputable. Probably a vet journal. Or Twitter."
Juliana shook her head, but before she could fire back a sarcastic remark, Bambi jumped off Selena’s lap and onto hers—only to immediately push herself back toward Selena again.
"Did she just—" Juliana started.
Selena grinned. "Oh wow. I think she’s actually matchmaking us."
Juliana looked down at her traitorous dog, who panted happily between them, eyes darting from one woman to the other like she was waiting for something. Probably for Juliana to make a move.
"Unbelievable," Juliana muttered. "First, you embarrass me on stage. Now, you’re my love life consultant?"
Bambi barked once as if to say, Yes. Finally, you get it.
Selena laughed, watching Bambi with amusement. "Well, I can’t lie, this is adorable. And maybe she’s onto something."
Juliana narrowed her eyes. "You know what? Maybe she just likes pretty people."
Selena leaned forward slightly, smirking. "So, you think I’m pretty?"
Juliana opened her mouth, then closed it. She could actually hear Bambi’s excited panting intensify, as if the dog was chanting, Say yes. Say yes.
Instead, she rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "I plead the fifth."
Selena laughed again but didn’t press further. Instead, she looked at Bambi. "Well, Bambi, if your mom ever stops dodging the question, let me know."
Bambi barked enthusiastically, as if making a promise.
Juliana sighed. "You’re both impossible."
Selena fell silent for bit, she studied Julianna for a moment before asking, "So... are you still single?"
Juliana huffed a laugh. "Who would want to date someone who’s always busy?"
Selena smiled. "Hmm." She rose from her seat, crouched down to Bambi, and started scratching behind her ears. "So, where should I submit my application to be Bambi’s other mom?”
Juliana blinked. "Submit what?"
Selena stood up, faced her, and with that same confident smirk, reached out to fix Juliana’s slightly crooked collar.
"If you don’t mind dating a busy animal doctor," Selena murmured, eyes locked onto hers, "I wouldn’t mind dating a busy host and journalist."
Juliana's breath hitched.
Bambi barked excitedly.
For a moment, silence stretched between them, heavy with something unspoken.
Juliana licked her lips, glancing at Selena’s expectant gaze.
Was she really going to say yes? Maybe.
But for now, she could only laugh, shaking her head as Bambi circled their feet.
"Let me think about it."
Selena grinned. "Take your time."