Whispers of Desire

PROLOGUE

Flashback to four years ago:

In the heart of the city, amidst flashing lights and pulsing crowds, lies a sanctuary of sound. The dance floor is where the rhythm reigns supreme, and the DJ orchestrates euphoria with roaring guitars and pounding basslines.

The air is thick with the smell of strong alcohol. In the dim corners, couples exchange kisses, and in the corridors, the thumping music and the enjoyment of the patrons fill the bar.

Amidst the happenings, a group of friends entered the bar to have fun and get drunk, as it was the only time they could all meet up and let loose.

"Himala, Miks, nagbago ka ata. Ayaw mo ng xylo dati, diba?" her friend Gwen said.

"Hindi kaya, busy lang talaga ako. Alam mo naman si Dad, tini-train niya na ako because I will be the one to run our company soon," Mikha responded.

So, how old are you going to start working as CEO?" asked her friend Jho.

"When I'm 24 years old," Mikha replied.

"Real?! Ang bata mo naman maging CEO," her friend Colet said.

Kami nga enjoy na enjoy lang ang buhay. How about you, naman, Miks? Busy na lang palagi," her friend Gwen said.

"Hayaan niyo na. Athleast, kumpleto tayo ngayon," her friend Jhoanna said

After discussing Mikha's situation of becoming a CEO at a young age, Mikha broke the silence.

"Mga papi, I just want to open up this to all since kompleto naman tayo ngayon," Mikha said while drinking her beer and looking at her friends.

All her friends turned and waited for her to speak.

"Maybe this will be our last interaction because I'm leaving the country tomorrow. I'm going to the States to train me there," she said.

"Seriously, agad-agad?!" her friend Colet exclaimed, stopping what she was doing.

"Yeah, mukha ba akong nagt-trip lang sa inyo? Kaya nga tayo pumunta ngayon sa xylo para sabihin ko sa inyo," Mikha explained.

"Bakit ngayon mo lang sinabi, Miks?" her friend Jho asked.

"I was planning to say, but you might not want to talk to me. Baka kapag pumunta na ako sa states hindi niyo na ako kakamustahin," Mikha confessed.

Bakit hindi ka namin kakausapin are you stupid bro we are friends since we are young" her friend Gwen said.

We are just surprised, syempre sino ba naman hindi ma-shock tapos bukas pa flight mo," her friend Colet said.

Mikha, always remember that no matter how far you go or what happens, we will always be here to support you. We love you," Her fried Jho said with tears in her eyes, giving Mikha one last tight hug.

"CONGRATS OUR MIKHA LIM!! WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!!" her friends shouted, raising their glasses.

"Cheers!!" they all loudly echoed, enjoying the night and drinking.

But Mikha couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness, knowing this would be their last gathering before they all went their separate ways.

As the night went on, Mikha and her friends laughed, shared stories and jokes, and even shed a few tears as they realized how much they would miss each other.

As midnight approached, they ordered two cases of beer for the last round. Mikha, though tipsy and having a headache from the excessive drinking, refrained from drinking more as she had a flight the next day. Her friends, however, were already drunk except Gwen, who is tipsy like Mikha.