in between fading memories and chasing the ghost of us (Manon Bannerman x Reader AU)
As much as Manon loves her job (despite the headache that comes with it), being a Formula One race engineer has its downsides: constantly going around the world. Fast forward to summer break, Manon reluctantly returns to the one place she never wanted to go back to — Manila.
tags: mercedes race engineer!manon, foreign student!manon, engineering student!manon, newscaster!reader, journalism student!reader, female!reader, literally very pure angst everybody, f1 jargons, tons of swearing, mentions of the political situation in the Philippines
starring: katseye, bini aiah, and you of course
author's note: this fic takes place during the events of 'in between red bulls and the fast lane'. also, this is quite personal to me so yeah, expect the drama. and can you try and pretend that bini performed huwag muna tayong umuwi on 2022 UST Paskuhan? thanks!
ps: kuya means older brother, but it is used by Filipinos to address any older male and not necessarily pertains to a blood relative. and Filipinos also often / or most of the time use Spanish-derived numbers (it only differs in the way it is spelled! ie: bente and viente (20), kinse and quince (15))
in between series masterlist | in between: all access playlist
WARNING: inaccurate paddock, pre and post race, and garage activities depictions. the races are also altered for plot purposes. do not take it as the truth. all things mentioned here are purely FICTIONAL.
Brussels, Belgium - 2024 l Race 14 - Brussels International Airport (Arrival)
The Mercedes team was clearly out of their wits. Everyone was staring into nothing as they awaited for their luggages by the conveyor belt, dark circles forming underneath their eyes. After the Hungarian Grand Prix, all teams must immediately hop into the next available flight heading over to Belgium where the next Grand Prix would be held — right in the middle of the Ardennes region.
Right beside her was Sophia, struggling to keep her eyes open as she still feels the fatigue from the previous race. Lara was wearing her usual black sunglasses to hide her quote unquote uglyass dark circles but it was clear to those who looked close enough that she had fallen asleep where she stood. Yoonchae was leaning against the wall not too far from where they are, mirroring Lara minus the sunglasses. Manon kept herself occupied by fiddling with her phone, but she kept going over the same application until she got tired of it and locks her phone, putting it away at her back pocket.
The airport was not crowded as it was past midnight when they landed. Manon eyed the conveyor belt, hoping their luggages would finally come out so that they could dig under the comfort of their hotel's bedsheets. But luck wasn't on their side today and it took at least twenty minutes for the luggages to come out. Honestly, she wasn't even sure if it was really twenty or much more cause at this point she doesn't really care to keep track of time. The Mercedes employees started grabbing their respective things.
"Hey," Manon calls out to the rest. She reaches out and taps Lara by the arm, jolting the poor manager awake. Sophia blinks fast to keep her eyes from shutting on its own. Yoonchae lets out a yawn. "Get your things and let's get the hell out of here."
Luckily, no one was on driving duty today and Mercedes knew how much of a risk to let one of their employees hold the steering wheel after going against their will not to lay down in the middle of the airport and sleep and just opted to hire someone to pick them up. The quad hops into one of the vans and shuts the door immediately.
The driver says something in Dutch— or what she thinks sounds exactly like Dutch. Or was it French? Why was she even trying to know? Manon shakes her head as she leans against the slightly comfortable van seat. The vehicle starts moving after it made sure everyone had already settled and not even a kilometer in, Yoonchae was out cold, cheek against the van window. So did Lara and Sophia who were leaning against each other — Sophia had her mouth slightly agape while Lara was snoring lightly. Manon struggles to keep herself awake, not really wanting the driver to feel alone in the trip.
Belgium was never a stranger to her; she had been here last year when she was still learning the basics of Formula One. And now, the calendar brings her back here — now as a fully fledged race engineer of a driver who thinks like she has nine lives under her belt. As they drove down the highway, Manon can't help but to wonder; if she wasn't going around like she was on tour alongside one of the largest car manufacturers in the world, what would be she doing?
Don't get her wrong though, she loves her job. She loves the thrill. She loves the sounds of the impact wrenches, the smell of oil, the chaotic energy of the garage. Everything. But Formula One is so fast paced that Manon wishes that it would slow down sometimes and let her catch a breather. And times like these gives her a pinch of that feeling, and she was thankful for it.
"Ma'am, we're here." The driver announces with a heavy Dutch accent, looking through the rear view mirror. Manon nods with a silent thanks, nudging Yoonchae first — albeit slightly as the performance engineer is a light sleeper.
"Come, Yoonchip. We're here." Manon murmurs. Yoonchae rubs her eyes and took a minute to gather her bearings. While she did so, Manon taps Sophia a bit harder since the Mercedes driver was a very heavy sleeper whenever she comes out of a race weekend. "Fia, get your ass up. We're here." She turned to Lara and did the same. "Come on, up you go."
With all of them up and running, the quad exits the van with another round of thanks before heading immediately into the hotel. The hotelier, who was there with his staff to welcome the Mercedes F1 team, greets them with a smile and talked them through some of the hotel rules and all those things Manon nor anyone in the team didn't really pay attention to.
Sophia immediately snatches the key from the hoteliers hand and gave him a very wide smile before heading off, with Lara and Yoonchae hot on her tail. Manon gives them a nod before following the trio to the elevator. The some of the Mercedes staff had already settled in for the night, some are still about to arrive. But they honestly didn't care, they wanted to dive right into the comfort of the hotel bed and snore the remaining hours away.
Fast forward to Belgian Grand Prix, Manon was talking to Bono about the different Belgian delicacies when she sees Sophia approaching her — waving what seems to be a ticket in her hand. Bono notices the Mercedes driver and excues himself.
"I got us something for the summer break," The race engineer was about to protest when Sophia places a hand over her mouth. "and no, don't give me any of the 'I'm planning to rot in my bed' bullshit. We're," She shoves the tickets in Manon's face. "going to scream our lungs out."
Manon snatches the ticket from Sophia's hand with a glare but she was just grinning at her. Typical Sophia behavior. The race engineer starts to read the ticket label and freezes on her spot. The concert is going to be held in Manila. Sophia's hometown.
And the last place on Earth she ever wanted to go to.
"So," Sophia wiggles her eyebrows. "What do you think?"
Honestly, Manon doesn't know. All she wanted is to rip the ticket in front of the Mercedes driver but that would be unfair to her. She knew Sophia just wanted to be a good friend — but no, anywhere but Manila. Manon had to think of a way, a solid alibi.
"I don't know, Fia..." She trails off. Fuck, this is harder than she thought it would be. "Manila is quite far—"
"Come on, Manz." Sophia whines, lips pouting a bit. "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity! No one offers free tickets to a concert, y'know! Well, unless you have connections..." Manon squints at her. "Which I don't, by the way!" She squeaks.
Manon squints harder. "Fia, you're a terrible liar."
Sophia throws her hands in the air in mock surrender. "Okay, fine! I got it from a cousin of mine. She wanted us to come over. And since the dates interlap with summer break, I thought it would be a good thing for us."
Her eyes dart down, guilty. "I'm sorry, was I too much?" Sophia asks the race engineer with a small voice. And that made Manon feel guilty.
"No, Fia, I—" Manon groans. "Look, I appreciate that you thought of me in this, but—" Suddenly, the Filipina pouts, forcing Manon to stop rambling. "Fia..." Sophia pouts even harder, eyes brimming with tears. "Okay fine! I'll come!"
"Hell yeah!" The Mercedes driver pumps her fist like she had just won the lottery. Manon then realizes what Sophia had just done. "Pack for a one week stay, Manz! Mwa! I love you!"
Manon raked her hair. Fucking hell.
The Belgian Grand Prix ends as fast as it came; as all things in Formula One go. Now Manon is stuck in the plane with Daniela on the middle and Yoonchae by the aisle seat. Sophia and Lara were on the other side, with Megan by the window. She was supposed to be on her way back home and finally spend some time with her family, not to the place she wanted to forget.
As much as she hates to admit it but Manila was once close to her heart as much as the pit wall is close to the track. It was a place that she once called home and no matter how hard she tried to bury it, the ghost of it always comes back to haunt her in ways she never imagined.
Well, it wasn't really the place that drives her to stay away — Manila is a gorgeous city. But she feared of one person she might ran into while she was there;
The girl that she met in one afternoon somewhere in España Boulevard, crying her heart out under the rain, soaked from head to toe. Backpack filled with textbooks she doesn't even need, a pouch filled with colorful pens, and a laptop that has seen better days.
Manon can never forget that face. How could she?
After all, she was the girl who once held Manon's heart in the palm of her hands.
Manila City, Philippines - 2024 | July - Summer Break
"Okay, so, we'll be heading over my parents' place. We'll be crashing there instead, it's easier to go to the concert that way."
Sophia wasn't really paying attention to them as she said that, her eyes were busy wandering around the city lights of Roxas Boulevard as the van sped down the highway. The rest were nodding aimlessly; Lara was busy typing something in her phone, Megan and Yoonchae were huddled up together while sharing an earphone — probably already listening to the songs of the artists invited to perform, Daniela is starting to doze off, and Manon had her eyes trained in her lap.
After Sophia's mom, Carla, found out that her daughter is coming back home, she insisted that she and the girls should stay at their home so at least she could take care of them instead of booking some fancy hotels that wouldn't really care much for their wellfare and with them living off on fast food and unhealthy convenient store options. Sophia literally had no choice but to accept her mom's proposal instead of risking getting her ears chopped off over the phone.
'This song is brought to you by Deo, it won't let you down.' A manly yet robotic voice said over the radio. 'Tune in to Miracle 89.9.' Manon perks up at the familiar tune slowly invading the speakers of the car, her breath hitches as the song builts up.
"Fucking hell, out of all things." Manon mutters under her breath softly, afraid that someone (especially Sophia) would overhear it and decided it would be a great time to have an open forum. "Welcome back to me, I guess." She groans inwardly, leaning against the window.
As the van moved from Roxas Boulevard to Rizal Park, Manon hears a giggle at the back of her head. A very familiar giggle as the monument of the Philippine national hero came into her view.
"Ferret, you pronounce it as kwek-kwek. And yes, it is safe. It's just quail eggs wrapped in batter."
"One, how am I supposed to know it was even prounced like that!? And two, why the hell is this even orange? Are they trying to pass this off as Dragon Balls or something?"
Manon squeezed her eyes shut in a desperate attempt to get the voices out of her head. "Jesus."
She had probably said it out loud that Sophia cranes her head towards her, but her eyes were out of it; she is about to fall asleep but she's trying to fight it. "You okay there, Manz?"
"Yeah," Manon forces out of her throat, hoping she'd sound believable despite the shakiness around her words. "I'm fine. A bit of a headache that's all."
Sophia's features softens up, now a bit alert. "Do you need meds? I have one—"
"It's fine, Fifi." Manon cuts her off. "Just... just gonna sleep this off. Go to sleep too, you're about to pass out on me."
The Mercedes driver didn't try to argue and immediately leans back into the headrest, giving in to the wave of drowsiness that was trying to sink her in. Manon breathed in a sigh of relief as she turns back to the window.
Despite the clock reading somewhere between seven in the evening — Manila is still awake, as if it's about to start a new day. People were still jogging around Rizal Park, some were taking pictures, others are walking by. And the longer Manon stares, the more memories came in to invade her mind. God, can't the traffic light go any faster? Manon thought as she tapped her foot lightly on the carpeted floor of the van.
But the universe decided to be a bitch today; an enforcer approaches the van and tells the Lafortezas' family driver that there had been a build up of traffic up ahead due a road accident and prevents the incoming traffic to pass through. And even if they try to make a u-turn, they couldn't do so because they are at the third lane — forcing them to wait it out. When Manon heard of it, she wanted to scream but god forbid she couldn't, not when the people she was with were already fast asleep.
Guess she has to sit it out too.
Of course she couldn't. And it's not even ten minutes in.
Manon swore she is about to go crazy the longer she stays in this place, the memories she swore she had buried six feet underground had flooded back like a broken dam. Everywhere she looked, she can see glimpses of Y/N; taunting her like a ghost. Reminding her that she never actually left. She remained where Manon saw her before she went back to Zürich.
'Dito muna tayo.' Even the song that was playing the radio was mocking her. 'Dito muna. Dito muna ako.'
Manon squeezes her eyes shut, hoping it would fade away.
Manila, Philippines - 2022 | May - España Boulevard
Manon had just entered her twenties when her family relocated in Manila for her father's collaboration project. She wasn't thrilled about the whole thing, not at all. The sudden change forced her to leave all the things she knew behind; her friends, her education, her home — Zürich, and move into a place not everyone knows a thing or two about in living.
"It's only for a couple of months." She remembers her father saying that to her as they packed their belongings, Manon stopping every now and then. "Then we'll be back in Zürich in no time." Yeah, couple of months. Manon knew that her father was trying to pacify her because she would blow off anytime soon.
Of course, like any sensible (and rebelling) kid, the first thing Manon did the moment they landed in Manila was to cause trouble in the hopes that her parents would get annoyed and force her to go back to Swizerland; she ran away for a couple of hours then shuts her phone down so they couldn't try and track her (which failed because apparently, reason one; her father's Filipino colleague who worked in Zürich for two months saw her standing by the edge of the street where their temporary home was, and reason two; she didn't know where to go), started shutting herself in her bedroom — literally everything, but her parents won't budge.
It should be clear to her by now; she's stuck here in Manila and there's nothing else she could do.
The next thing her parents told her to do was to continue her studies; turns out they have handled her temporary transfer here so Manon's only problem was to submit a few more missing documents and she should be able to continue what she left off in Zürich the following week — but with a bit of additional units, yeah, no problem at all.
So here she was, in the middle of España Boulevard, looking like a lost puppy in the middle of a big city. Manon had zero idea where to go and what to do. Luckily for her, the students who were passing by were kind enough to tell her the directions, some even offered to accompany her but of course — stranger danger (but Manon immediately regretted it because she ain't a few minutes in and she had already forgotten which street is which).
To make things worst; Manon felt droplets of rain that soon turned into a downpour. "Fucking hell! I forgot my umbrella!" She grumbled to herself as she sought shelter, like the rest who also had the same idea. But as she was running towards the nearby café when she saw a girl crouching by the signage board, head tucked in her arms, which made her stop. A part of Manon told her to leave the girl be and get to a dry place before she gets completely soaked, but a huge part of her tells her to bring the girl with her.
Of course, she listens to the latter.
"Hey," Manon approaches her and gives her a small tap in the shoulder. "You might get sick. Come, let's get you somewhere dry." But the girl won't budge. "I know you don't know me but we gotta go." Manon tries harder, again, no budge. "Fine." Manon pulls her forcibly with her towards the direction of the café she intends to go to.
The girl was clearly crying the moment Manon decided to step in. She was out of it as well as she just continued snifling, her backpack hiking up and down as she do so, whole body soaked. Manon felt guilty for yanking her up just like that, but it would be also cruel for her to be left alone in the rain.
Manon said nothing as she stared ahead. The streets of España is being bathed by the heavy rain and everybody had seemingly sought shelter in the nearby establishments, determined to wait the rain out.
What seemed an hour or so, the heavy rain turned into a drizzle and slowly, people started coming out — like prey escaping capture. The girl beside her also calmed down as well; her sniffles had now subsided and she occassionally blows her nose to get rid of her snot.
"Salamat." The girl suddenly says, startling Manon. "Pasensya na ah, pati ikaw tuloy nabasa din." (Thank you. I'm sorry, even you got drenched.)
Manon, clearly not knowing how to speak Tagalog, whips out her phone and motions for the girl to speak again. The girl, taking a good look at the Swiss beside her, realizes she's a foreigner and not a local. "Oh! Sorry, I—" She stammered, avoiding Manon's gaze.
"No, no, it's fine." Manon quickly catches on. "I just wanted you to repeat it. You know, for study." She shrugs, Manon then smiles as she puts her phone away. "Are you feeling better now?"
The girl nods. "Yeah, I guess the telenovela worthy scene I just did worked it wonders." She chuckles. "Thank you again, though. I don't know how to repay you."
"It's fine." Manon waves off. "I'm just glad you're okay now."
But the girl won't let it slide easily. "What's your name? And if you want, we could find some free time, grab some coffee? As a token of thanks." Manon was about to say something but the girl beats her to it. "Please, I insist."
Who can say no to a cute girl anyways?
Manon reaches out her hand. "Manon. Meret Manon Bannerman. And you?"
The girl accepts her hand. "Y/N L/N. Nice to put a name to the face who saved me from the rain."
Quezon City, Philippines - 2024 | July - Summer Break
The group pulled up by Sophia's home around ten in the evening. Sophia's mom, Carla, was clearly excited to finally see her daughter after leaving the country to pursue her dream as an F1 driver, and this time with her friends along with her. But her visible excitement was instantly replaced with worry as she saw the group approaching her like a zombie horde the moment she swung the door open to greet them. Sophia takes her back hand and raises it to her forehead.
"Ay jusko po!" Carla exclaims, catching the attention of her husband and Sophia's father, Godfrey. He immediately sees what was happening and scrambles to help the group and their family driver, Caloy, to carry the girls' belongings inside, as they noticed that one of them will pass out before they could even put their foot down the welcome mat. Sophia repeats the same thing she did with her mom as Godfrey finishes up.
The one in-charge of running the Laforteza household (no, its definitely not Godfrey) makes a beeline for her daughter. "Anak," Carla calls out to Sophia who turns at her with drooping eyelids. "Umupo muna kayo ng mga kasama mo sa may sala. Ano gusto nyo?" (My child, you and your friends should sit by the living room. What do you want?)
"Tubig lang siguro po, ma." Sophia responds, clearly out of it. "Salamat po." (Probably water, ma. Thank you.)
Carla nods before leaving the group to their devices. Godfrey meanwhile, decides to check up on Caloy. Sophia then leads her friends to the living room where they all dramatically plopped down the comforts of the fluffy couch. The TV was currently playing a playback of today's news. Manon wasn't really paying attention to it, sleepiness slowly taking her down.
Until she hears a voice that pulls her back awake.
"Maraming salamat, Connor." (Thank you, Connor.)
It was you, on the television screen. You looked so beautiful in your crisp dark blue suit, you features definitely matured and was far from the girl she saw back in España. Manon shot up straight, her eyes wide and glued on the screen. The girls were too sleepy to care what Manon was doing or who was she looking at right now.
"Narito pa ang mga balita dapat abangan ngayong gabi—" (And here are more news you should look forward tonight—)
Your voice drowns out as Manon continued to stare at you, tears slowly building up in her eyes as the memories continued flooding inside her head.
Manila, Philippines - 2022 | August - España Boulevard
"That's not how you do it—"
"Relax, leave it to the professionals."
Y/N rolls her eyes as she watches Manon try and use the coffee machine her parent brought a few days ago for her to use. The former has always been fond of coffee; not because it calms her down, but mainly because she needs it to stay awake for most days — university life was hard, Y/N's degree constantly requires for them to write countless articles or to do some research about certain topics.
"Ay nako!" Y/N tutted as the machine started malfunctioning. "Sinasabi ko na nga ba sa'yo Manon e, ang kulit kasi." The Filipina gently scolded as she grabs a damp towel from the kitchen counter. The mentioned woman could only sheepishly grin, not understanding a word she said but based on the tone, she knew Y/N meant business. (Oh no! This is what I am talking about Manon, you're so stubborn.)
Y/N takes Manon's hands in hers and starts dabbing the towel, wiping away the spilt coffee. The Swiss's breath hitched as Y/N continued her ministrations. "There," Y/N slightly shook her head. "all clean."
"Thanks." Manon muttered, retracting her hand.
"Leave it to the professionals, huh?" Y/N echoed, chuckling. Manon beets red in embarassment. "Yeah, right. Leave it to the professionals on how to waste a perfectly good bean."
"Okay," Manon raises her hand in defense. "the machine is different from the ones I am used to back home—"
"Manon, these are from Switzerland." Y/N points to the machine. "The instruction manual is clearly written in German." She then raises the manual that she placed down next to the machine for emphasis, waving it slightly in front of Manon before smirking. "But yeah sure, it's different."
Manon throws her hands up in defeat. "Okay, Einstein. How about you try?" She pushes the coffee bean packet towards Y/N. "Come on, show me what you can do." The Swiss challenges with a smug look.
Y/N wordlessly took the beans from the counter and started working while Manon watches her every move, waiting for her to slightly falter in her movements. She fixes the machine first before putting the beans in, and soon the extract falls into the cup that has been waiting for a while now. Manon splutters as she looks back and forth between Y/N, who was sporting a deadpan look, and to the coffee machine.
"Told you," Y/N took the cup as soon as the machine is done extracting everything that it could from the beans. "you're doing it wrong, Ferret." Before taking a sip of the newly brewed coffee.
Manon frowns a bit in confusion. "Ferret?" She echoes.
Y/N looks at her. "Oh, it's something I just came up recently since Meret sounds like Ferret." She puts the cup down. "Does it bother you? Or is it too much—"
"I like it." Manon cuts her off, smiling a bit. "It's cute."
Y/N immediately looks away, while Manon's eyes lingered for a bit. The Swiss took a note of her features before she caught herself on the act, clearing her throat. "Say," Manon starts the conversation again before it becomes awkward between them. "What time are you coming home today?"
After classes started rolling in, Manon and Y/N — who developed quite a bond after the whole rain incident (as Y/N likes to call it) — decided that it was better to rent a room near the university they were attending, since it was more efficient that way. Manon, of course, informed her parents of her plan to which they agreed on without a second thought, given that her father is currently experiencing the hardships of overcoming Manila's everyday traffic.
Y/N downs the rest of the coffee and heads toward the sink. "Around four, why?"
Manon fishes her phone from the back pocket of her shorts and unlocks it. She clicks on the browser and shows the content to Y/N. "I wanna try this." She says. On the screen was the famous Filipino street food called 'kwek-kwek'. "Also, I need some history tour. And nothing beats a local teaching you everything and anything I needed to know, right?"
The woman raises her eyebrow. "So, you wanted me to be your tour guide?"
"More like walking encyclopedia."
Y/N frowns. "You literally just made it sound fancier and all-knowing."
"Oh come on, Y/N. Please?"
Y/N sighs, setting her mug back into the cupboard. "Fine. Where do you want to go, Ferret? Anything in mind?"
Manon hums, clearly in thought. An image then appears on her mind.
Manila, Philippines - 2022 | August - Rizal Park / United Nations Avenue
"Sobrang init, tangina." (It's so hot, goddamnit.)
Y/N fanned herself as she and Manon walked down Rizal Park later that afternoon. Like she promised, Y/N took Manon to see the famous and definitely historical landmark of the Philippines' national hero and where the 'Kilometer 0' mark is also situated. The park wasn't that crowded so they were quite free to roam around as they pleased without having to play tag with the crowd that usually forms here on weekends.
"Here it is," They stopped before the historical monument. "this is where José Rizal got shot as punishment for his activism during the Spanish colonial rule of the Philippines. What crucified him were his novels called 'Noli Me Tangere' and 'El Filibusterismo' which was clearly an open letter of critism against the Spanish government. Aside from that, he was also accused of being part of the rebellion that was already happening within the plains and mountains of Luzon and for being the lead propagandist of the Propaganda Movement."
Manon stared at the monument with awe. "Didn't know this country had struggled so much before it become to what it is now." She mutters, eyes still trained on Rizal. "Filipinos are really something, yknow?"
Y/N shrugs. "We are. But I doubt some of the Filipinos would do the same thing as they did nor would share the same sentiments as they do, they'd probably be branded as a terrorist nowadays." She tilts her head towards the monument. "Not just Rizal, revolutionaries like Ka Andres Bonifacio, General Artemio Ricarte, General Antonio Luna, and the rest who fought so hard to gain our freedom from the colonizers." She turns to Manon briefly then back to the monument. "I mean, journalist like us are already called as such just because we don't side with a certain politician or we scramble to put the truth out there."
Manon remained silent. It wasn't the first time Y/N shared her sentiments about the degree she is pursuing. In the Philippines, the media is always facing constant danger because of the people who wanted their corrupt ways to be undisturbed; and that is to spread the news and awareness to the general public. Manon voiced out her concerns, but Y/N would always say the same thing:
"Kung walang magsasalita, walang magbabago. Walang mananagot." (If no one would speak up, nothing will change. No one will get convicted.)
The Swiss' eyes drifted to the two guards that were stationed in Rizal's monument, then to Y/N. The journalism student has this distant look in her face that screams in deep thought. "So," Manon says. Y/N looks at her. "you still owe me those qui—" Manon motions. "what do you call that again?"
"That." Manon snaps her finger. "Let's go grab one!"
Leaving the park, the two headed down United Station Avenue. There are rows of vendors offering different kinds of things; from smaller versions of what the Filipinos called 'sari-sari store' to street food. Y/N stops in one of the stalls and greets the vendor in Tagalog.
"Kuya," She says, picking up a stick of kwek-kwek. "magkano po dito?" (Kuya, how much is this?)
"Kinse." The vendor replies. (Fifteen.)
Y/N hands over two sticks of kwek-kwek to the vendor. "Paki init po, kuya. Salamat." (Please reheat it, kuya. Thank you.)
"The quick-quick smells good." Manon mutters as she watches with awe as the vendor stir it on a frying pan filled with clear and definitely hot and boiling cooking oil. "How do they even make that? The orange wrap? Is it safe to eat?"
"Ferret, you pronounce it as kwek-kwek. And yes, it is safe. It's just quail eggs wrapped in batter." Y/N says, holding her laugh.
"One, how am I supposed to know it was even prounced like that!? And two, why the hell is this even orange? Are they trying to pass this off as Dragon Balls or something?"
At Manon's words, the Filipina howls in laughter, not caring if she earned the attention of passerbys. The vendor who understood her just chuckled in amusement. "Jusko po, Manon!" She says in between laughter. "It's better than Dragon Balls, trust me." (Oh my god, Manon!)
Manon's attention was then caught by the three tubs sitting not too far from her. Each contains different liquids that had color of its own. "What's that?" She asks. Y/N follows her trail of sight.
"Oh, that? Those are the sauces were you dip or put into the small plastic up to drench your food with." Y/N points to the tub. "Its caled 'sawsawan' in Tagalog, when translated in English it means 'dipping'. That one on the left is the sweet sauce, the middle is vinegar with lots of onions and red chili, and the other is sweet-chili sauce."
"It depends on your preference though. But personally, I love the vinegar and sweet sauce combination."
Y/N then reaches out towards the vendor who was now handing over the reheated kwek-kwek, all now placed in seperate plastic cups. "Kung gusto nyo po magsawsaw, isang beses lang po ha." The vendor reminded, Y/N nodded. (If you want to dip it in sauce, please do it once.)
The Filipina leads Manon to where the sauces were, grabs the ladle and starts pouring vinegar and sweet sauce over her cup, coating all of the kwek-kwek. The Swiss watches so that she knows what to do when its her turn. Y/N wordlessly hands the ladle over and while the former pays for the food, Manon imitates Y/N's choice of sauce, pouring both vinegar and sweet sauce on her kwek-kwek.
"Let's head back to Rizal Park, I think I saw a bench there underneath the shade." Manon suggested, already walking away from the stall.
Y/N groans. "God, you and your love for walking long distances." But still follows anyway.
When they arrived back in Rizal Park, the pair started eating their already cold kwek-kwek by the bench underneath the shade (just like Manon had said) of the trees. There were a group of kids playing tag not far from they were, some were taking pictures, others were out on a leisure stroll — still wearing their uniforms and judging from it, they are high schoolers. The Swiss hummed beside Y/N every now and then, clearly enjoying a bite of her kwek-kwek.
"What are your plans after graduation, Ferret?" Y/N asks, swallowing the last piece of her kwek-kwek. Manon glances at the Filipina before turning her attention back to the plastic cup in her hands, poking the last piece of her own food before putting it into her mouth. "I mean, you literally have a year left in your studies right? Since you're so bright and all."
Manon swallows the kwek-kwek down. "Correction, I just took too many classes in summer and winter because I easily get bored lazing around and doing nothing." She says. "And yeah, you're right. I have a year left. Why?"
"Your plans." Y/N repeats.
"My plans?" Manon echoes. "Uh, well, I have been eyeing to land a job in Formula One after graduation. I heard pay's good there and they travel a lot so there's that. A friend of mine who has a cousin studying at Stanford landed an work immersion opportunity with Mercedes for two weeks as a requirement for one of her class. She says Mercedes is keen in hiring new and definitely bright talents so I have been working my ass off as hard as could."
Y/N remained silent. "And you? What are your plans?" Manon returns the question.
"Deliver unbiased and unfiltered news to the Filipinos. Because everyone deserves every single bit of the truth." Y/N answers. The sun was slowly retreating over Manila Bay, not too far from where they were. The light's rays were bouncing off the Filipina's eyes, making them sparkle. "I want to deliver it, right in front of the camera."
Manon follows the ray of light that was illuminating Y/N's features. Manila Bay was now covered in the soft glow of the sun.
Then it hit her; she has been staying over Manila for months now, living her life off cheap takeouts from the nearby carinderia. And not once she thought of running away again after she met Y/N that rainy day back in España.
Manon has grown attached — to this restless city, to the rush of daytime and nighttime traffic, the noise and right amount of chaos running along the streets, the hectic university schedule, and to the person sitting next to her. And it was scaring her. She never wants this moment to end. She doesn't want to leave Y/N's side.
But in a few months time, she and her family will have to go back to the real world; the world where peace wasn't in the form of jeepney barkers hollering to attract passengers, in the scent of someone's adobo luring everyone awake in the dormitory, in the street graffiti scattered around España asking every passerby if they were lost in the city too, and in the loud determination of a Filipina that is set in going against what most considers as unfamiliar— dangerous even.
Then she realizes. It wasn't just attachment.
She likes Y/N. And she was now slowly falling in love with her.
"Are you tired, Ferret? Do you want to go back home?" Y/N asks, Manon snaps out of her thoughts.
In their cramped dormitory in the middle of the busy streets of Manila or in the quiet yet unfamiliar space of Zürich?
Manon doesn't know already.
The Swiss shook her head. "Nah, I'm good." She says after a beat. "Let's stay here for a while."
Quezon City, Philippines - 2024 | July - Summer Break
A day after the concert and three days after their arrival in Manila, the girls decided to spend their day lazing about before they started packing their belongings for their flight back to Monaco this Sunday — a habit they formed and bought with them from work, given they have been travelling all year long in different countries and time wasn't really on their side.
"Guys," Lara waltzes back into the kitchen. They were having breakfast when the Mercedes manager's phone went off. Carla and Godfrey left a few minutes ago, something about attending an annual PTA meeting at school where Sophia's younger brother was attending. "I just got off the call with one of the staffs from one of the biggest news outlets in the Philippines—"
All eyes landed on Lara, especially Manon who's attention immediately went up the moment the word 'news outlet' rolled out Lara's mouth. "And they are inviting you," She points to Sophia who has her spoon full of cereall halfway through her mouth. "on a short online interview."
"What for?" Megan asks before Sophia could. "Did Sophia do something stupid or anything?" This prompted for the Filipina to send a glare at the unsuspecting Hawaiian.
"No, no." Lara waves off her hand. "Apparently they — well, the whole Philippines — has caught wind of Fia's achivements in F1 so they wanted to take the chance to grab a few words from her, and to personally greet her."
"What time?" It was Sophia's turn to ask, finally taking a bite of her long forgotten cereal.
"Who will conduct the interview? Did they mention any names?"
Lara double checks her phone. "Uh," She squints at the screen. "Y/N L/N."
Manon silent chokes on her sunny side up which goes unnoticed by the rest except the very observant Yoonchae who slides over a glass of water without a word, as to not attract the attention of the rest. Manon thanks her silently before taking a long swig of the water, trying so hard to calm her already erratic heart.
"I heard of her," Sophia says after swallowing her food. "she's one of the rising news anchors right now. My mom follows her on Instagram."
"Great, you know her already, which makes my job a bit easier." Lara sighs a relief. "Get ready, you'll go live exactly at seven."
And true to the Mercedes manager's words, the interview did go up live at seven. Manon watched Sophia talk to Y/N about her achievements in Formula One over the farthest corner of the living room, fearing that it would destroy the whole thing if the news anchor catches even a glimpse of her existing in the same room as the Mercedes driver.
"Kamusta naman ang homecoming? Gaano na ba katagal since umalis ka ng Pilipinas para habulin ang pangarap mo na maging kauna-unahang Pilipina na lumahok sa Formula series?" (How's the homecoming? How long since you have left the Philippines to pursue your dream of being the first Filipina to compete in the Formula series?)
Sophia thought of her answer for a moment. "Sa totoo lang, ang hirap noong una kasi grabe yung adjustments na ginawa ko I am very thankful that every team I have been with had helped me go through it all. Pati si mama and si papa hindi po ako pinabayaan and made sure na fini-Face time nila ako whenever they can para ma-ease up daw kahit papaano yung homesickeness." (To be honest, it was so hard at first because the adjustments I made were tremendous but I am very thankful that every team I have been with had helped me go through it all. Even mama and papa didn't left me on my own and made sure that they Facetimed me whenever they can to easen up the homesickness even for a bit.)
Y/N hums. "How does it feel racing under the Mercedes kit and alongside the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton? I heard na idol mo daw si Lewis?" (I heard that you idolize Lewis?)"
"The last part is true. Also, sobrang surreal." Sophia laughs. "I mean, I was manifesting this moment so hard back when I was racing in Formula Two and it was a dream come true to actually race for the team I was aiming for. I almost fainted when I shook my hands with Lewis." (Also, it was so surreal.)
"How about the team in general? How is your relationship with them? I think madami ang nacucurious kasi nag-viral kamailan yung on-board footage mo during free practice of the Canadian Grand Prix where you started signing after your race engineer, Manon Bannerman, walked you through some of the things the team wanted to try out." (I think a lot of people got curious because your on-board video during free practice of the Canadian Grand Prix went viral where you started singing after your race engineer, Manon Bannerman, walked you through of the things the team wanted to try out.)
Manon's breath hitched when Y/N mentioned her name. Her expression remained cheery as Sophia started answering but the news anchor's eyes told a whole different story that only Manon could see. Of course, Manon knew Y/N better than anyone else does.
The race engineer excuses herself from the room, tapping Daniela on the shoulder as she passed by. She quickly headed towards the terrace and gripped the steel bars tightly, fearing that she might pass out if she lets go. The pain hitted her hard much more than it ever did when they first arrived and the longer she stayed, the more her feelings gnawed on her chest. Manon took breathing exercises to calm herself down, small beads of sweat starting to form on her forehead.
She can no longer deny it; Manon still loves her. But she fears she might be too late.
Her phone buzzed from her backpocket. It took all of Manon's might to fish it out and see whatever that may came through her way. She hoped it was just Toto or James. But the universe decided to be an asshole. And it picked the right person.
Hello Manon, I got your number from Lara Raj and I noticed that this is the number that you used before. This is Y/N. Sophia mentioned you came back to Manila with her to watch Manila Grand Con.
Manon is conflicted between the idea that she wants to throw her phone somewhere in the Laforteza's huge backyard or she will throw herself off the balcony. The race engineer went through the text message over and over again until she shakingly typed out a reply.
Hi, Y/N. Yes, this is still my number. I forgot to remove the SIM card I used from my personal phone. And yes, you are right, I went back to Manila with some friends and Sophia.
It doesn't take a second for Y/N to reply back.
That's nice to hear. Hope you enjoyed the concert and your stay here in Manila!
And just like that, their conversation died down. Manon sighs, saving Y/N's number in her contacts once again — she had deleted it after she left Manila two years ago, hoping that the numbers she memorized by heart will never pop out again nor will she have the urge to send something stupid. Manon runs her hand through her hair, clearly frustrated. She wanted to reach out even further, talk to her like they once did but it was her fault anyways. She was the reason why they were like this in the first place.
But she still tried. It's up to Y/N if she'd take her hand like she used to.
Y/N, I was wondering if we could go out tonight if you are free? I saw a small 24/7 café near the station you were working at— that is if you're up to it. Let me know of your availability. Thanks!
Hi Manon, I've got no plans for tonight so, sure, let's meet up by the café you mentioned. See you at nine, perhaps?
Nine sounds great. Will be there. Stay safe, Y/N.
No more 'Ferret', huh? Well, Manon guesses that either Y/N no longer remembers the nickname or is keen in maintaining her in a professional boundary. She doesn't text this formal before.
But enough about that, she still needs to prepare for their meeting.
Time passed quickly and Manon found herself sitting on the farthest corner of the café, fiddling with the straw of her Iced Americano. The more the clock inched closer to nine, the more anxious she became. But she knew she needed this, they both needed this — if possible.
The bell chimes and Manon spots Y/N entering the café, still in her work attire. The Filipina scans the establishment and sees the race engineer waiting, doe eyes staring at her with welcome and hesitation. The news anchor approaches with a small smile - the Swiss' appearance had never changed, well aside from the fact she lost her septum piercing.
"Hello, Manon. Nice to finally see you again." Y/N greets as she drags the chair a bit so that she could sit down across the race engineer. "How are you?"
Manon looked everywhere but her. "I— I'm good. Travelling a lot, that's all."
"With Mercedes?" Y/N tilts her head, her small smile growing a bit. "I've seen the pictures, you have a massive following of your own." She teases. "How does it feel to be a superstar of your own?"
The race engineer visibly flushes. "Oh come on, its not like that—"
Y/N laugh. It has still the same melodious tune that Manon had learned to love and crave, and at the same time also learned not to play, as if it was a broken melody that hurts her eardrums so bad.
"I'm just joking." Y/N says. "But in all seriousness, I'm glad you achieved all of this. I remember that you told me that you have been dreaming about making it into the Silver Arrows, no?"
Manon nods, eyes darting down to her Iced Americano that is technically not iced anymore. "Yeah." She mutters. "You too, I'm happy to see you finally invading everyone's television screen." Y/N chuckled softly.
Silence envelops both of them. "I'm sorry." Manon finally forces it out, Y/N looks at her. "For everything."
The news anchor shook her head. "Manon, it has been two years since we parted ways. Maybe it the universe's way of telling that our story will end there, on that night. That the dreams we shared together will remain just as that, dreams." She says. "I had already forgiven you. And so should you. Forgive yourself, Manon." By the corner of her eye, she catches a short glimpse of the shining diamong ring that was sitting on Y/N finger; just like she feared, she was already too late.
"Free yourself. Please let go."
And there Manon felt her heart shatter even further. But Y/N was right; even if they did ended up together, the distance, their careers, and their personal obligations will eat their relationship right in their faces — and there is nothing they could do about it.
Y/N had already moved on. Maybe it was time for Manon to do so too.
"Can I have a small request though before I do?" Y/N hums. "Let's go back to España, one last time. Then I can promise you, I'll let go. Of the almost. Of the what-ifs that I have carried for years. Basta huwag muna tayong umuwi." (Let's not go home just yet.)
Manon can clearly remember that day in one cold night of December; one of the top universities in the Philippines annually holds what they call 'Paskuhan' — a month-long Christmas celebration featuring decoration lightning, an exhibit, a popup village, and many more. But the main event is a concert that invites OPM and students artists to perform as a grand way of ending the event.
Y/N literally forced Manon out of their dorms that day, clearly excited to show this part of their university tradition to the Swiss as it was her first time. Also, a local girl group was invited to perform as one of the acts that night and Y/N was huge fan of theirs, so she couldn't pass this opporunity to see them. The event started, artist performed around the stage, and when it was the girl group's turn, Y/N started screaming like crazy that Manon swore she felt her eardrums exploded. From the group's hit songs to b-sides, Y/N sang along with the group and the fans alike while Manon could only watch intently, not really understanding a word they say.
Until a pop ballad played over the speakers, earning the Swiss' attention.
"Huwag muna na tayong umuwi." (Let's not go home yet.)
The girls on stage's vocals blended in with each other as the song slowly progresses. Y/N's screams had long died down and all that remained were words threatening to spill out.
"This song," The journalism student started. "is my favorite out of all their songs. It talks about how the singer wanted to spend more time with the person they love the most." She then turns to Manon. "And when I found out from a friend who had a copy of the group's setlist that they would be performing this song tonight — I knew I had to pull you over. I want you to hear this personally."
Y/N took Manon's hand into hers; "I like you, Manon— No, I fucking love you. I fucking do." She mutters, the music was loud but Manon heard it clearly like she has some sort of super hearing. "Stay with me, please."
The former can feel the Swiss' hands tremble beneath hers as she waited for her answer. Manon wanted to say yes, but she remembered the call she received from her father days prior this; they will be heading back to Zürich the same night as Paskuhan. She will be leaving Manila for good and Manon wasn't sure if she'll be able to come back.
She will be leaving Y/N alone and she can't stomach that.
So, Manon did what she thought was best at the time; "I'm sorry, Y/N." She mutters, slowly prying her hand away from the journalism student's own. "I can't. I can't stay here. I'm sorry, I can't love you the same way."
And then she ran. Just like the first time she arrived here in the Manila months ago. But the only difference is that she isn't running away from the whole culture shock she was undergoing through that day nor from the fact her parents quickly settled in and called this place a (temporary) home.
This time she was running away from the person who made her slowly love this restless city, the rush of daytime and nighttime traffic, the noise and right amount of chaos running along the streets, and the hectic university schedule.
She ran, never looked back and never tried to return.
Y/N parks her Honda Civic by the side walk and opens the hazard light to warn drivers like her that the car was in neutral. Manon steps out of the car and into the still noisy streets of España Boulevard, the news anchor followed closely behind. Manon then lead her back to their old dormitory building; the same building that witnessed everything between them, the dreams, the late night whispers, the tears and choked screams when it gets very overwhelming for them, and the hollered laughter that echoes through the hallways.
"Nothing has changed." Manon commented and Y/N softly agreed. "Like the time stood very still here."
Then silence. Manon felt the wind brush against her, making her shiver a bit. July wasn't supposed to be this cold yet but it feels like Christmas is right around the corner already. Manon took a deep breath, forcing to let out a smile.
"Thank you." She says, finally looking at Y/N right into her eyes for the first time tonight and for a long while now. "For letting me in, for letting me write a story with you. Even if it was a short while."
Y/N smiled back. "No, thank you Manon. Because if you didn't pulled me from the rain that day, I wouldn't be able learn how to love and wouldn't be able to experience something as incredible as this. You saved me from the lowest point of my life with your folder and confused expression."
Manon chuckles. "You deserve everything, Y/N."
"And you deserve the world too, Ferret." Y/N says. "Don't let the past hold you down."
Manon nods solemnly. She takes Y/N's hand into hers. "Thank you for tonight." She whispers softly. She was about to say something when Y/N's phone rang. The news anchor excused herself, slipping her hand away from Manon's to answer the call.
The race engineer watched as Y/N expression grew bright. And Manon knew; it was time to go.
"Hm, I love you too. I'll be home soon. Can't wait to see you and Gwenny." Y/N says over the phone before dropping the call. "Sorry," She faces the race engineer. "I—"
"You should go now." Manon cuts her off. "Go, it's getting late already." Y/N looks at her, eyes screaming sadness, before nodding. "Magi-ingat ka palagi." She says, a phrase she picked up from the latter during her stay in Manila as Y/N would always say that to her. (Stay safe always.)
"You too, Ferret. See you around?"
"Mahal kita, Y/N." (I love you.)
"Paalam, Manon." (Good bye, Manon.)
And with that, Y/N turns around without another word and never looked back while Manon watches her leave.
paddock vip passes: @goofymickeyr, @jusnough, taglist still open!
