We'd Still Worship This Love

Chapter 3 - Summer Kent Madriaga

The glare of the camera flashes was blinding, but Summer Kent Madriaga had long since learned to keep his eyes open and his smile dazzling. He stood on the red carpet, one hand on his hip, the other raised in a wave to his adoring fans. Their screams filled the air, a cacophony of admiration that should have been music to his ears.

"Summer! Over here!"

"Mr. Madriaga, can we get a statement?"

"Summer, who are you wearing tonight?"

He turned, giving each section of the crowd and press line his attention. His publicist had drilled into him the importance of making eye contact, of making each person feel seen. It was a skill he had mastered, much like everything else in his carefully curated public persona.

"Prada, of course," he said with a wink, gesturing to his impeccably tailored suit. The brand's latest campaign, featuring Summer as the face, was plastered on billboards across the city. "They always make me feel like a million bucks."

Another wave of screams erupted. Summer blew a kiss to the crowd before making his way into the awards ceremony. As soon as he was out of sight of the cameras, he let out a long breath, his shoulders sagging slightly.

"You did great out there," his manager, Arthur, said, appearing at his side like a shadow. "Remember, you're up for Best Actor in a Leading Role. Win or lose, you need to keep that smile on."

Summer nodded, straightening his posture once more. "I know, Art. I've got this."

The night passed in a blur of applause, acceptance speeches, and champagne. When Summer's name was called for Best Actor, he felt a surge of genuine joy. As he stood at the podium, clutching the heavy award, he looked out at the sea of faces – his peers, his competitors, his admirers.

"I want to thank everyone who believed in me," he said, his voice steady despite the emotions threatening to overwhelm him. "To the directors who took a chance on a boy from Isabela with big dreams. To my fans, who have supported me every step of the way. And to my family..." He paused, swallowing hard. "I hope I've made you proud."

The applause was thunderous as he left the stage. Backstage, he was swarmed by well-wishers and congratulations. He smiled, shook hands, accepted hugs, all while feeling increasingly claustrophobic.

"Art," he murmured when he finally spotted his manager. "I think I'm ready to head out."

Marco nodded, understanding in his eyes. He'd been with Summer long enough to recognize the signs of his star's impending emotional crash. "I'll get the car."

The ride home was quiet. Summer stared out the window at the city lights, the award sitting heavy in his lap. Manila never slept, its energy pulsing through the streets even at this late hour. But Summer felt disconnected from it all, as if he were watching the world through a thick pane of glass.

"We've got that meeting tomorrow about the new drama," Arthur said, breaking the silence. "It's the one you've been interested in, right? The LGBT+ one?"

Summer nodded, a flicker of interest sparking in his eyes. "Yeah, I read it online a while back. I didn't think it would actually get picked up for production."

"Well, you're a hot commodity right now," Arthur said with a grin. "If you want it, it's yours. But... are you sure about this? It's pretty controversial stuff."

Summer turned to look at his manager, his gaze steady. "That's exactly why I want to do it, Art. It's important. It's real."

Arthur held up his hands in surrender. "Hey, I'm not arguing. Just making sure you know what you're getting into. The script's in your apartment. Give it a read and we'll talk more tomorrow."

The car pulled up to Summer's building, a sleek high-rise in one of Manila's most exclusive neighborhoods. Summer said goodnight to Arthur and made his way inside, nodding to the doorman as he passed.

In the elevator, he leaned against the wall, closing his eyes. The weight of the award in his hand seemed to grow heavier with each passing floor. When the doors opened, he stepped out into the hallway, his footsteps echoing in the empty space.

Summer's apartment took up the entire top floor of the building. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the city, glittering like a sea of stars. But as he entered, the vastness of the space seemed to swallow him whole.

He set the award down on a side table, next to a collection of others he'd accumulated over the years. Trophies, plaques, certificates of recognition – tangible proof of his success. And yet...

Summer made his way to the kitchen, his shoes clicking on the marble floors. He opened the refrigerator, staring at its contents without really seeing them. Despite having eaten at the awards ceremony, he felt a gnawing emptiness in his stomach. But it wasn't hunger, not really. It was something deeper, something food couldn't satisfy.

He closed the fridge and instead poured himself a glass of water. As he drank, his eyes fell on a framed photo on the counter. It was old, the colors slightly faded. In it, a much younger Summer stood with his family outside their modest home in Isabela. His parents' proud smiles, his siblings' playful grins – it was a snapshot of a life he'd left behind.

Summer set down his glass, picking up the photo. He ran his thumb over the faces of his loved ones, a lump forming in his throat. When was the last time he'd spoken to them? Really spoken to them, not just the perfunctory holiday calls or the occasional text?

He'd been so focused on chasing his dreams, on becoming the star he'd always wanted to be. And he'd succeeded beyond his wildest imagination. But standing here, in this beautiful, empty apartment, Summer Kent Madriaga – idol, actor, superstar – felt more alone than ever.

With a heavy sigh, he set the photo back down and made his way to the living room. The script Marco had mentioned was sitting on the coffee table. Summer picked it up, settling onto the plush sofa.

"'Their Kindred Encounters'," he read the title aloud. "A story of love in a world not ready to hear it."

As he began to read, Summer felt himself being drawn into the story. It was beautifully written, raw and honest in a way that made his heart ache. The main character, a young man struggling with his identity in a society that didn't understand him, resonated deeply with Summer.

Hours passed as he devoured the script. The sky outside began to lighten, the first hints of dawn peeking through the windows. But Summer didn't notice, too engrossed in the world of the story.

When he finally set the script down, his eyes were red-rimmed, a mix of exhaustion and emotion. He leaned back on the sofa, staring up at the ceiling as he let the full impact of what he'd read wash over him.

This wasn't just another role. This was a chance to say something meaningful, to be part of a project that could actually make a difference. In a world where people were just starting to accept the LGBT+ community, where others still shunned them, this drama could be a beacon of hope and understanding.

Summer's phone buzzed, startling him out of his thoughts. It was a text from Arthur:

"Meeting at 10. You in?"

Summer looked at the script, then back at his phone. His thumbs hovered over the keyboard for a moment before he typed out his reply:

"Absolutely. This is the one, Marco. I can feel it."

He hit send, then stood up, stretching his tired muscles. As he made his way to the bathroom to shower and prepare for the day ahead, Summer felt something he hadn't felt in a long time: purpose.

The face that looked back at him from the mirror was tired but determined. He'd worked hard to get where he was, to become the Summer Kent Madriaga that the world adored. But maybe, just maybe, this new project could help him become the Summer Kent Madriaga he wanted to be.

As he got ready, Summer's mind wandered to his family back in Isabela. Would they understand why this role was so important to him? Would they be proud of him for taking on such a controversial project? Or would this be the thing that finally drove a wedge between them?

He pushed the thoughts aside as he dressed, choosing a more casual outfit for the meeting. This wasn't about impressing anyone with his style or status. This was about the work, about the story they were going to tell.

Before leaving, Summer paused by the side table where he'd left his latest award. He picked it up, feeling its weight in his hand. It was a symbol of everything he'd achieved, of the dreams he'd turned into reality. But it was also a reminder of the cost of those dreams – the loneliness, the disconnection, the constant pressure to be perfect.

He set the award back down, his decision made. This new role, this new project – it wasn't about winning more accolades or boosting his fame. It was about using his platform to make a difference, to tell a story that needed to be told.

As Summer left his apartment, he felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. He knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy. Taking on an LGBT+ drama in a world still grappling with acceptance was a risk, both personally and professionally. But for the first time in a long time, Summer felt alive with purpose.

The elevator descended, carrying him down from his lonely penthouse towards the bustling city below. As he stepped out into the morning sun, Summer Kent Madriaga – idol, actor, and now, perhaps, advocate – took a deep breath. He was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, ready to use his voice for something bigger than himself.

And maybe, just maybe, in telling this story, he might find a way to bridge the gap between the glittering world he inhabited and the simple, loving home he'd left behind. Perhaps, in helping others feel seen and understood, Summer might finally feel a little less alone.