54: Epilogue part 2

It is another hopeful day for Drino and Ashmille. He invited her for a date at their family resort. This is their first date as a publicly announced couple. It became noisy when he revealed their relationship. They both needed a break and time to unwind by reconnecting with nature.

They are walking beside the beach when a group of three female teenagers asks for a picture with Drino. They asked Ashmille to take their picture. She agreed and clicked their phone’s camera shutter three times.

“Come here. Let’s include her, okay?”

“Sure, Drino,” a girl affirmed.

“Okay,” the other two agreed in unison.

Drino took the phone from Ashmille and raised it for a group selfie. “One, two, three, say Drino!”

“Drinooo!”

They posed together with warm smiles.

“Thank you very much, Drino.”

“You’re more handsome in person.”

“And approachable too.”

“Is she your girlfriend?”

“Yes, my Ashmine. I bet you heard the news on the internet.”

“We do. I thought it was just rumors. Turns out, it was true.”

“When did you start dating?”

“I thought you were with your childhood friend, Miss Anthasia?”

“Hey, you weren’t supposed to bring that up.”

“Oh, wait, wait.” He interrupted their conversation. “Fret not. Stay tuned to my channel for my life updates!”

“Sorry for the intrusion. Thank you, Sir Drino.”

“Ba-bye!”

“I love the Drino app.”

“Thank you, too. And take care!” Drino grinned and waved at them.

They continued walking.

When they’re assigned as thesis partners, both assume the other is just another ordinary classmate until late nights together slowly reveal flashes of who they really are. A shared laugh, a moment without glasses, a candid photo under warm light. As they face the people’s criticisms, they realize they’re not just hiding from them. They’ve been hiding from themselves. Years later, they meet again as young adults, busy with their own lives and careers. Fate brought them together again. Little did they know, they would grow closer.

“I never got to ask you this, now that I thought of it. Why did you start vlogging?”

Drino was so into their fake dating scenario that he forgot to take a picture or record their date. From this day on, he makes sure to document as much as possible his life.

“I wanted to document my life. I’ve done it privately, but some part of me wants to show it to other people. It’s wonderful how an image can change one’s path. I want to influence people in that way.”

“When I followed your account accidentally, how come you followed me back?”

“I was checking your profile at the same time. Then a notification popped. My heart jumped, I didn’t hesitate to reconnect with you.”

Drino also scrolls her social media profile as well at that time.

“I see…”

“Why did you ask me not to fall in love with you when we were dating at the Walled City? You were not taken. You seem to have neither liked nor been in love with anyone. Would it be a big bother for me to like you? Am I not supposed to admire you even from afar?”

“It’s not like that… It was advice for me. When I saw you and how you treated me, I warned you not to fall for me, but to tell you the truth, it was advice for myself not to fall for you.”

“I’m confused about what you said. But what I am certain of are my feelings for you. Too bad, I already fell for you before you even warned me. Your fault for announcing your notice late,” he smirked.

“Giving up privacy to endure public scrutiny, coping with gossip, handling your image, facing possible temptations, and navigating the challenges of an unpredictable career and schedule—dating you is indeed a demanding lifestyle, very different from a typical relationship. But that is the hardship I choose to live with. This relationship will definitely not be easy, but I hope let’s make our life less difficult by supporting each other.”

He held her left hand and kissed the back of it. “Thank you. I will do my best for us.”

He was a nobody, then became somebody to be recognized by the girl because she was the girl he had been in love with.

The couple held their hands publicly for the first time.

***

Weeks after their relationship's public announcement, Drino uploaded his Mexico trip, revealing a family trip with his and Ashmille’s parents. It is also his public declaration that he’s committed to a non-showbiz woman of his dreams. Of course, the rumors spread so fast. Feviah, Gendo, and Doctor Janeth were shocked. Drino and Ashmille’s family are always there, no matter what happens.

Drino continued running his business and improved his relationships with his employees. Anthasia is also there to solve his cases. Terryl, Savi, and Edmont never stopped cheering him on. Far from harming his acting career, the public admired his honesty and devotion to his non-showbiz girlfriend. This led to a surge of new opportunities, including hosting gigs, modeling jobs, more endorsements, and offers to review travel and food internationally.

From being kidnapped to being a main character in a short film, to being a leading man in his own romantic comedy story, Drino has raised the flag of resiliency.

The traditional and digital billboards displayed on highways have changed recently. From Drino app promotions to being a romantic comedy short film advertisement. Ashmille continued her regular work routine, using the Drino app for commuting. Every time she drove past the highway where she first saw Drino's face as an influencer, she couldn't help but feel proud of him as his girlfriend. Seeing him in billboards feels different now than the first time she had. The first time felt baffling, but now she’s confident.

Upon reuniting with Drino, a spark ignited within her. She was also eager to develop her own career path. She got inspired to explore more outside her comfort zone.

They matched, but not perfectly matched. They worked on with their strengths and filled each other’s weaknesses. They've both grown into stronger, braver, and bolder individuals, prepared to face the world. Their once separate and contrasting lives have blended, forging a unique world of their own.

Who would have imagined that two such different people could find harmony? The Ironic Duo, Drino and Ashmille, certainly didn't, until their thesis study demonstrated that the Love Algorithm truly works.

THE END

Character Names Pronunciation

Alejandrino Montezales: A-le-han-dri-no Mon-te-za-les
Ashmille Feder: Ash-mil Fe-der
Anthasia: An-thei-sha
Terryl: Te-ril
Savi: Sa-vi
Jeron: Je-ron
Anjoe: An-jo
Feviah: Fe-vi-yah
Janeth: Ja-neth
Gendo: Gen-do
Edmont: Ed-mont
Handro Montezales: Han-dro Mon-te-za-les
Aleya Montezales: A-le-ya Mon-te-za-les
Dantonio Feder: Dan-to-ni-yo Fe-der
Yorgina Feder: Yor-ji-na Fe-der
Professor Montey: Mon-tee