Unspoken Melodies

Chapter 01-The Beginning of a Journey

As the last rays of sunlight painted the sky in hues of pink and gold, seventeen-year-old Himaya sat on her front porch, her legs dangling over the edge as she watched the world go by. Beside her, her best friend, Siluni, leaned against the porch railing, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

"So, spill it," Siluni said, nudging Himaya with her elbow. "What's been on your mind lately?"

Himaya let out a sigh, twirling a lock of her hair between her fingers. She glanced at Siluni, her closest confidante since childhood, and felt a pang of guilt for keeping secrets. "It's nothing, really," she replied, forcing a smile. "Just the usual teenage drama."

Siluni raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "Come on, Himaya. You know you can tell me anything."

And she could. Himaya trusted Siluni with her deepest fears, her wildest dreams, and her most embarrassing moments. But there was one secret she couldn't bring herself to share, one longing she buried deep within her heart: her unspoken admiration for the mysterious boy who sang at the local coffee shop every Friday night.

Instead of confessing her infatuation, Himaya brushed it off with a nonchalant shrug. "It's just a silly crush, Siluni. Nothing to worry about."

Siluni's eyes softened with understanding. "Okay, if you say so. But you know I'm here for you, no matter what, right?"

Himaya nodded, her heart swelling with gratitude for her friend's unwavering support. "I know, Siluni. And I appreciate it more than you'll ever know."

As the evening stretched on, they lost themselves in conversation, their laughter mingling with the gentle hum of crickets in the distance. They talked about everything and nothing, sharing stories of their past adventures and dreams for the future.

But as the night wore on, Himaya couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing, that there was a part of herself she had yet to explore. She stole glances at the stars above, wondering if somewhere out there, her soulmate was searching for her too.

Suddenly, the sound of music drifted through the air, breaking the stillness of the night. Himaya's heart skipped a beat as she recognized the familiar melody, the one that had captured her attention and refused to let go. It was the same song the boy at the coffee shop had sung just a week ago, the one that had left her breathless and longing for more.

"Isn't that the song from the coffee shop?" Siluni asked, her voice tinged with excitement.

Himaya nodded, unable to tear her gaze away from the source of the music. "Yeah, it is. I wonder who's playing it."

Without a second thought, she jumped to her feet and made her way down the porch steps, Siluni following close behind. They walked in the direction of the music, their curiosity piqued and their hearts pounding with anticipation.

As they rounded the corner, they came upon a small park bathed in moonlight, a figure sitting on a bench with a guitar in hand. It was him—the boy from the coffee shop—his fingers moving effortlessly over the strings as he poured his heart into the music.

Himaya's breath caught in her throat as she watched him, her eyes drinking in every detail: the way his hair fell across his forehead, the curve of his lips as he sang, the intensity in his gaze as he lost himself in the music.

Siluni nudged her playfully. "Well, what are you waiting for? Go talk to him!"

But Himaya couldn't move, couldn't tear herself away from the spell he had cast. She stood rooted to the spot, her heart racing in her chest, her mind spinning with a thousand questions and doubts.

Before she could gather the courage to approach him, the song came to an end, and the boy looked up, his eyes meeting hers across the distance. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips, and Himaya felt a jolt of electricity shoot through her veins.