Not Just a Fan

Chapter 4: First Encounter (at First Disappointment)

Ellie’s heart was pounding as she stepped into the sprawling film set. The bright studio lights, the maze of cables, the bustling crew, and the constant buzz of walkie-talkies overwhelmed her senses all at once. This was it—the real deal. Hindi na siya nasa bahay lang na nagfa-fangirl sa social media, kundi narito siya, kasabay ng mga taong gumagawa ng isang malaking production. And at the center of it all? Si Marco Reyes.

"Okay, Ellie," she whispered to herself, adjusting the strap of her bag. “Breathe lang. Kaya mo ‘to.”

She walked cautiously, scanning the area for her assigned station. People hurried past her, some giving quick nods, others focused on their tasks. She overheard snippets of conversations about cameras, lighting angles, and script changes. It was a different world — organized chaos.

Finally, someone approached her. "You must be Ellie. Assistant ni Marco for this week, ‘di ba?" The woman had a clipboard and a friendly smile. "I’m Carla, production assistant. I’ll brief you on your tasks later. Pero sa ngayon, chill ka lang muna."

Ellie smiled nervously. "O-okay po, salamat."

Before she could get comfortable, a tall figure emerged from the shadows. Marco Reyes. Ang lalaki na nag-sira ng standards niya. Ang lalaking nilalaban niya sa mga puso ng fans sa buong Pilipinas.

Ellie froze. This was her first up-close look at him. Pero ang nakita niya… hindi ‘yung charming, smiling Marco sa TV. Ito siya: naka-black na polo, malalim ang mata, nakatitig sa kanyang phone habang nakatayo lang, parang hindi interesado sa kahit sino. Serious, almost intimidating.

"Ellie." His voice was low, direct, without any trace of warmth.

"Y-yes, Mr. Reyes," she managed to stammer.

"Listen. This is a professional environment. I expect you to be on time, discreet, and efficient. Anything else—don’t bother me," he said curtly before turning away.

Ellie blinked, a mix of shock and disappointment flooding her. “Ay, ‘di ba siya dapat sweet? Like sa mga drama?”

Her mind raced. "Ganito pala siya sa totoong buhay… matindi."

As Marco walked away, Ellie tried to shake off the initial disappointment. “Okay, Ellie. Don’t judge too fast. Baka stressed lang siya.”

She pulled out her phone, secretly texting her best friend, Lei.

Ellie: “Lei, cold si Marco. Hindi siya yung in-expect ko. Seryoso, tapos medyo bastos.”

Lei: “Ay naku, girl! That’s real life ha, hindi teleserye. Pero kaya mo ‘yan! Chill ka lang.”

"Salamat, Lei," Ellie muttered. Despite her nerves, she felt a small boost of courage.

Throughout the morning, Ellie shadowed Marco, taking notes, organizing his schedule, and running errands. She noticed how the crew gave Marco space, respecting his no-nonsense attitude. Pero kahit gano’n, may mga pagkakataon na napapansin niya si Marco na nag-bits of kindness — a small nod to a crew member, a quick smile at a kid visiting the set, isang pasimpleng “thank you” sa assistant niya.

Pero kapag nakatingin siya kay Marco, laging may tinatago ang mga mata niya—something deeper behind that cold mask.

During break time, Ellie sat alone, processing everything. “Hindi ito yung type ng kilig na inaasahan ko,” she thought. “Pero maybe, ‘yan nga ‘yung totoo. Not everything is perfect.”

Tumingin siya sa stage where Marco was rehearsing lines. His voice was soft and steady — so different from his on-cam charisma. Ellie realized that maybe, just maybe, Marco’s coldness was his way of protecting himself from the harsh world.

“Promise, Ellie, you’ll survive this week,” she whispered.

At that moment, she felt her phone buzz again.

Lei: “Keep going, girl! I believe in you. And remember, every star has a dark side.”

Ellie smiled to herself. This wasn’t the fairy tale she dreamed of, but maybe it was better — because real love, real people, had layers.

She took a deep breath, ready to face the rest of the day — and whatever surprises this assistant journey had in store for her.