CHAPTER 9
1657 Words
Chapter 9
SECRET REVEALED
"Surprise!" Sabi niya ng buksan ang trunk ng kanyang kotse.
Inabot niya sa akin ang isang plastic na may lamang mga painting materials. Nakahilera rin ang mga canvas board.
"T-teka, hindi mo naman kailangang ―"
"I'm sorry, alam kong sinabi mo na bibili ka ng bago pero pinangunahan na kita at bumili na ako. Excited lang ako sa painting journey mo." Napakamot siya sa batok niya.
Hindi ko napigilang yakapin siya. "Thank you, Liam. I really appreciate it."
I heard him chuckled softly. "Dalhin na natin 'to sa unit mo."
Pagkarating sa unit ko ay inayos ko muna yung mga gamit at inalok siya ng maiinom. Matagal na rin akong hindi nakatikim ng Soju.
Binigay ko sa kanya ang isang bote ngunit agad ding binawi. "Wait, is it okay for you to drink alcohol? Wala ka bang event bukas?"
Ngumisi siya at kinuha sa akin ang bote. "I'm getting ready for a con―, I mean a show but matagal pa 'yon so don't worry."
"Sabi mo 'yan, ah. Baka mapagalitan ako." Umupo na ako sa sahig, dito kami sa may balcony at kitang-kita ang liwanag ng buwan.
"So, may naisip ka na ba kung anong ipipinta mo?"
"I already have an idea in mind pero hindi pa final." Sagot ko habang nakatingala sa buwan. "Looking at the moon, it reminds me of Eclipse. I wonder why Eclipse ang tawag sa kanya?" Tumingin ako sa gawi niya.
Liam looked curious, but he didn't seem to catch the full meaning behind my words. "Eclipse? Like the astronomical event?"
Tumango ako habang natatawa, then I look back at moon and pretends to focus on it. "Yeah, parang ganun. It's such a powerful name. It's like a blend of light and shadow, something mysterious and captivating."
"That's an interesting way to see it," he replied, leaning back, resting on his elbows.. "I guess an eclipse is a pretty rare and beautiful phenomenon. Maybe that's why someone would choose it as a name."
"Maybe," I said, smiling to myself. "Anyway, about my painting idea, I was thinking of illustrating different phases of the moon. Each phase representing a different stage in someone's life, nagpapakita kung paano tayo nagbabago at umuunlad."
"That sounds amazing, Harmony," he said, genuinely impressed. "It's like capturing the essence of time and transformation on canvas."
"Exactly," I replied, feeling a sense of excitement. "Gusto kong tumatak ito sa isip ng mga tao, to make them feel something profound."
"I'm sure it will," Liam said warmly. "You have a unique way of seeing things. Your art always has this depth to it."
Tinignan ko siya, pinapakiramdaman ang bigat ng aking pagkamausisa. "You know, sometimes I wonder about the people who inspire us. Like this Eclipse person, you know I started to watch his music videos, listening to his songs. What do you think drives someone to choose a name like that?"
May pag-aalinlangan akong nakita kay Liam, his eyes flickering with a hint of something unspoken. "I think it could be a lot of things. Maybe he's trying to express the balance between light and darkness in their life. Or perhaps it's about standing out, being unique."
I nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, that makes sense. It's just fascinating to think about. How someone’s identity can be wrapped up in a single word."
"Definitely," he agreed, his tone softer. "Names can carry a lot of meaning, especially when they're chosen with a purpose."
We fell into a comfortable silence, both lost in our thoughts. The moon continued its slow journey across the sky, casting a gentle glow over us. In that quiet moment, I felt closer to Liam, sensing that there were still many layers to uncover—both in my art and in our budding friendship.
***
"I didn't know na may ganito pala dito sa building."
It seems na familiar talaga siya sa lugar, namangha ako nang makita ang outdoor patio dito sa building ng condo unit kung saan ako nakatira. Dinala ako dito ni Liam para mag unwind after a stressful week, mas nagiging komportable na kami sa isa't isa. After that conversation at the balcony, parang mas naliwanagan kami pareho sa mga nararamdaman namin. We are both taking it slow though, maybe he is still juggling between our blossoming friendship and romantic feeling or siguro dahil alam niyang umaaligid din sa akin si Jake. But deep inside me, I know what I feel now at hindi na mababago 'yon.
Umupo kami sa lounge chairs, it is accompanied by a small coffee table, soft throw blankets and a few decorative pillows. The outdoor patio is a charming and inviting space, designed with simplicity and comfort in mind. At the center, a rectangular wooden table with a natural finish is surrounded by a few comfortable chairs with weather-resistant cushions, perfect for casual dining or leisurely conversations. There's a potted plants and small shrubs add touches of greenery, then a couple of hanging baskets with trailing flowers bring in a splash of color. May string lights pa na naka-hung overhead, providing a warm, inviting glow as the sun sets.
"Ang tahimik mo, nakakapanibago."
"I like quiet times with you." A smile formed on his lips, my cheeks suddenly heating up.
Umihip ang malamig na hangin at napayakap ako sa sarili, suddenly a blanket were wrapped around me. Nagsalin rin siya sa dalawang tasa ng hot chocolate. The night is calm and the sky is filled with stars.
"Thanks," I said, accepting the warm cup from him. "This is perfect."
He nodded, his gaze distant as he looked up at the stars. "I've been thinking a lot lately, Harmony. About who I am and what I want to share with the world."
Nakakunot ang noo ko habang hinihigop ang mainit na tsokolate, feeling the warmth spread through me. "What do you mean?"
Liam took a deep breath, his eyes meeting mine with a seriousness I hadn't seen before. "There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you. It’s about my music and why I chose to stay in the background until now."
I listened, intrigued and slightly anxious. Although parang alam ko na kung saan ito papunta. "Go on."
He paused, gathering his thoughts. "Familiar ka na kay Eclipse, right? The one we've talked about a few times?"
Kahit na may banayad na akong ideya sa pagkatao niya, my heart still skipped a beat. "Yeah, of course. His music is incredible. Why?"
He smiled softly, but there was a vulnerability in his eyes. "Harmony, si Eclipse at ako ay iisa."
Napakurap ako, pinoproseso ang bawat salitang lumabas sa bibig niya. "T-teka, ano? Ikaw si Eclipse?"
Tumango siya. "I didn't mean to keep it a secret from you. It's just that I wanted to be seen as Liam, not just a stage persona. But tonight, I realized I need to be honest with you."
I stared at him, the pieces slowly falling into place. The way he talked about music, his insights, his passion—it all made sense now. "Hindi ako makapaniwala. Ikaw talaga si Eclipse?"
He reached out and took my hand, his touch warm and reassuring. "Ako nga talaga. I hope this doesn’t change how you see me."
A wave of emotions washed over me—surprise, admiration, and a deep sense of connection. "It doesn’t change anything, Liam. If anything, it makes me respect you even more."
He sighed with relief, his smile returning. "Thank you, Harmony. I just wanted you to know the real me, every part of who I am."
Pinisil ko ang kanyang kamay, feeling a new level of closeness between us. "I appreciate your honesty. And now, more than ever, I feel inspired to create something truly special."
We sat there, side by side, the night wrapping us in its serene embrace. The stars above seemed to shine brighter, reflecting the new understanding and deeper bond we had forged.
Liam looked up at the sky again, his voice soft. "You know, sometimes it's hard to balance being Liam and being Eclipse. The expectations, the pressure... it gets overwhelming."
I nodded, understanding the weight of his words. "I can only imagine. But remember, you don’t have to face it alone. I'm here for you. Palagi."
He smiled, a genuine warmth in his eyes. "That means a lot to me, Harmony. Truly."
As we continued to talk, sharing our dreams and fears, I felt the walls around us crumble. The night grew colder, but wrapped in the blanket and Liam’s presence, I felt a profound warmth.
Liam turned to me, his expression serious but tender. "May gusto akong ipakita sayo. A new song I've been working on. It's not finished yet, but I value your opinion."
My heart swelled with excitement. "I’d love to hear it."
He pulled out his guitar, so, ito pala ang rason kung bakit siya may dalang gitara, the soft strumming filling the quiet night. His voice, rich and soulful, carried the emotions he had been holding back. The lyrics spoke of light and shadow, of the journey to find oneself amidst the chaos.
I listened, captivated by the raw honesty in his music. When he finished, there was a moment of silence, the last notes lingering in the air.
"Ang ganda non, Liam," I whispered, my eyes glistening with tears. "Your music... it's so powerful."
He set the guitar aside and took my hand again. "Thank you, Harmony. Your support means everything to me."
I leaned closer to him, resting my head on his shoulder. "And your music means everything to me. It's like it speaks to my soul."
He wrapped his arm around me, holding me close. "I'm glad. Because your friendship, your understanding... it's what keeps me grounded."
We sat there, wrapped in each other's warmth, the night sky watching over us. In that moment, I realized that our bond was something truly special—an unspoken connection that transcended words and music.
- Writer
