Straight as Guitar Strings

𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲 [𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵]

SO, THAT'S POSSIBLE?

Having someone annoyed at your very existence, no matter what you do or even just when you breathe, then becoming friends with them? That supposedly happens often, but to become best friends? Man, that was the most unexpected plot twist in the story of my life.

"Why...?"

"Because he didn't just become my best friend, he also became my lover."

The Libertians listening to me erupted into cheers. Happy. Giddy. They slapped the nearest person's shoulder. I even saw a bit of wrestling, poking, and slapping. Poor souls.

Today, I stand on stage, stepping onto the podium's platform with a mic in front of my lips. I share my speech with the Libertians because the university honored me with the Performer of the Year Award for my consistent and continued success in the field of music while studying. I joined a lot of music, singing, and songwriting competitions. There were losses, but there were more wins.

Yeah, it's been three years already, and I haven't heard anything about him...

Time flies indeed. I hope you're doing well, too, Leo Quintero.

As the noise subsided, I continued speaking in front of the crowd.

"He told me to keep pursuing my dreams, especially in music. Aside from my dad, he was the second person who told me that. Someone who was there by my side. You could really feel his support all the time. My mom never said that to me before, or my older siblings because I'm an only child. Even my classmates, hated me so much. Some of those whom I trusted, betrayed me big time.

"To make a long story short, that friend means a lot to me. He's like a best friend, brother, family, lover, enemy, and partner-in-crime. He's still the reason why I keep going.

"But that friend didn't stay for long."

The laughter earlier was replaced by a variety of reactions: sadness, surprise, wonder, and anticipation for what I would say next.

"That friend who became my lover for one day and one night had to leave me... for good. I know he's watching right now because he would always be silently cheering for me on the sidelines with every success and achievement, he said. If you can hear me, you know who you are.

"To my beloved Libertad University, my alma mater, thank you for this prestigious award. I will carry this with me for the rest of my life and rest assured, I will continue this journey in the new battlefield I'll face. Again, thank you, God. Thank you, Dad, for your support and love, always. Thank you, Sir Richard, and my Libertadlibs bandmates. Thank you, Lib U! Thank you, Libertians!"

I heard thunderous applause after I bowed at the end of my brief speech. It's our recognition day today. Graduation is tomorrow.

I video-called Dad, who is still in another country, his return is scheduled for tomorrow. I hope he makes it to the graduation ceremony.

When he answered the call, I told him I was done with my speech.

He asked how I was doing.

I said, okay.

We chatted for a few moments, but because it was his working hours, he also excused himself shortly after.

"Liam..." I looked up when I heard someone calling my name. As I suspected, it was Laura. I saw she was with Grace and Elfin.

They smiled at me, tears brimming in their eyes as they handed me a single red rose each. They each hugged me and repeated their apologies.

"It's okay, don't worry about it. That's all in the past, and I'm okay now," I reassured them. They wiped each other's tears. "Let's take a picture!"

They immediately gathered around me again and positioned themselves behind me. After that, they bid their goodbyes.

"Psst, handsome!" Someone called out to me again. I smiled, knowing who it was.

"Wow, he actually did it!" I said as I embraced Johann. "Thank you!" I kissed him on the cheeks.

"You said you didn't want flowers, you wanted a bouquet of money. Each of these is worth a thousand... maybe," Johann said, smiling and watching me happily.

I fell silent for a moment, sighed, and said, "We're almost there, Johann, okay?"

He faked a laugh, "I was just kidding, hey! No pressure, I can wait."

"Thank you, Johann." I smiled appreciatively.

He gently pinched my cheek, "Your welcome, handsome."

I asked him if he had eaten. He said no. I offered to treat him, but I would get the thousand-peso bill from the bouquet.

He just laughed and said it's up to me, it's mine anyway. "Congratulations, Liam."

"Thank you, Johann. Thank you for being there for me. Thanks for all the efforts and patience. I know your graduation ended yesterday, but tomorrow, be there on my graduation day, okay? I will make sure it's a day you won't forget. I'll make it your best day."

Johann stopped in his tracks at what I said, as if his feet were glued to the ground.

"Hey, seriously? What's that about...?" he couldn't figure out.

I knew he understood, but I didn't want to say it now, maybe tomorrow...

Tomorrow, I'll give him my answer.