They looked good together. Too good, in fact, for people not to ask questions. When Vince Maristela and Cheska Fausto started appearing side by side—on screen, on podcasts, in interviews—their chemistry felt so natural that fans didn’t just wonder if they were dating. They believed they already were.

For a while, neither of them confirmed nor denied anything. And maybe that silence, that space where people could project their hopes and fantasies, was what made the mystery even more magnetic.

But in the world of showbiz, even friendships get scrutinized. Every glance becomes a clue, every caption becomes a headline. And so, when Vince stepped into the “Pinoy Big Brother” house in 2025 and introduced himself as single, fans were confused. Weren’t they already a couple? Had something happened behind the scenes?

The truth was softer than the rumors, and more complicated than the speculations. It wasn’t a breakup—because there was never a formal relationship to begin with.

Vince had feelings for Cheska. That part, he’s never hidden.

“I did court her,” he admitted in a candid interview. “I really liked her. But sometimes, liking someone isn’t enough to make things work.”

Cheska, for her part, appreciated the honesty and the gesture. But she made a decision that many people might not expect from someone in the limelight. She said no.

“I didn’t ghost him,” she clarified in a podcast episode. “But I also didn’t say yes. I just felt that the timing wasn’t right—for me, for him, for us.”

And there it was. The answer that ended the rumors but opened a new kind of curiosity. If not lovers, then what exactly are they?

The word they both return to is “friends.” But not in the hollow, PR-coated way celebrities often use it to dodge awkward questions. For Vince and Cheska, friendship isn’t a fallback—it’s a conscious choice.

“It’s a deeper bond now,” Vince shared. “It’s not romantic, but it’s real. And I value that more than forcing something that might break us.”

They still laugh together on their podcast TRGGRD!. They still celebrate each other’s birthdays with posts that hint at an affection not easily labeled. Vince once called Cheska “mutya” in an Instagram story—Filipino for someone precious. Cheska posted a proud message on Vince’s birthday, calling him “one of the hardest-working people I know.”

But beyond all the sweet captions, what’s perhaps most admirable is the emotional maturity they’ve shown. Because turning down love is hard. But choosing to stay close afterward—without bitterness, without awkwardness—is even harder.

In an industry that thrives on drama, their story stands out for its quiet sincerity.

“We could’ve faked it,” Cheska once joked. “We could’ve made people believe there was something more. It would’ve gotten us views, for sure. But that’s not who we are.”

Their decision not to pursue romance wasn’t because of a lack of feelings, but a deep understanding of timing and alignment. And maybe that’s what makes their bond so compelling—it’s built not on idealism, but on honesty.

Cheska has spoken openly about her past, including a relationship where she was once asked to download a tracking app by an insecure partner. It’s these moments of vulnerability that make her voice resonate, especially with young women navigating the blurry lines between love and self-respect.

“I’ve learned to protect my peace,” she said. “If I’m unsure, I pause. I’d rather lose a maybe than lose myself.”

Vince, on the other hand, has embraced a different kind of growth. He entered showbiz full of ambition, but learned that some things can’t be rushed—not feelings, not fame, and definitely not love.

“I’ve always wanted to find someone who sees me for who I am,” he said in PBB. “But I’ve also learned that sometimes, the person you admire isn’t the person you’re meant to be with.”

That doesn’t mean he’s closed off. If anything, he seems more grounded now—open to whatever comes, but no longer chasing what doesn’t align.

Their friendship today isn’t just a story of “what could have been.” It’s a testament to what is: two young artists learning to communicate, to respect boundaries, and to find fulfillment even outside of romance.

And fans, while initially disappointed, have slowly come to admire that. Because there’s something refreshing in seeing two people choose emotional health over forced fairytales.

“People keep asking us if there’s still a chance,” Cheska said in a recent livestream. She smiled gently. “All I can say is, we’re in a really good place. Maybe not the place people expected—but a good one.”

Vince nodded. “We’re not closing doors. But we’re also not pretending. What we have now is solid. And that’s more than enough.”

It’s rare, in this age of curated love teams and manufactured chemistry, to see a real connection that doesn’t need to be romantic to be meaningful. Vince and Cheska are carving out a different narrative—one where friendship isn’t a consolation prize, but a choice full of intention and care.

Maybe someday, the story could change. Maybe feelings could resurface. Or maybe, this chapter is the love story—one of trust, loyalty, and deep companionship without the pressure of labels.

Whatever happens next, one thing’s for sure: Vince and Cheska have already proven that real connections don’t always need a romantic ending. Sometimes, they just need respect—and the courage to be honest when the world is hoping for something else.