In the midst of the crowd, all I see is you

PROLOGUE

DISCLAIMER:

This is a work of fiction. All the names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents in this book are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner.

Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The use of the names of real artists in this story is intended solely for the purposes of fiction and not meant to represent, suggest, or imply any association, endorsement, or approval by the mentioned individuals. All rights to these names belong to their respective owners.

AIAH

"I fucking love you, Mikha Lim. I fucking love you so much that it hurts me to know that I can't do anything about it," I said to her as I cried my eyes out.

I love her so much, but thinking about our management, our members, and most especially our fans made me think twice.

"If you will just let me, Aiah, I will do anything in my power to fight for us," She answered as her eyes showed how determined she was to tell the world how much I mean to her.

Hearing her say those words really melts my heart. Somehow, it gave me hope that we could be together. We can freely love each other without being judged. Without having to think about what other people say.

"I don't know, Mikha. I don't want to let others down. There are many people who will be affected if we continue this. So, I'm sorry, I can't, Mikha. I can't."

I know I'm being a coward right now. How I wish that I'd be like her, brave enough to voice out my feelings. But then again, I don't want to be selfish. We're just starting to get known in the industry. A dream that we all prayed for and worked hard for.

She smiled at me. A smile that didn't reach her eyes was telling me that she understood me.

"It's okay, Aiah. I respect your decision if that's what you want. But, can I have one last favor from you?"

"What is it, Mikha? Anything for you?" I smiled back at her, as I was willing to do anything to relieve the pain she's feeling.

"Please let me," A long paused as if she were battling for words to say.

"Let you what, Mikha?"

"Please let me move on from this pain, Aiah. Let me move on from you. I promise you, I'll still be the same Mikha for you as before. But please, just this time, let me heal my heart first. I will keep my distance from you for a while, but please know that I will always be here for you."

I froze on my track. I didn't know what to do. My smile faded as I grappled with the words she said. I don't know how long I stare into her eyes as if I'm begging her to stay, but the words just won't come out of my mouth.

She walked toward me and hugged me. She put a strand of my hair in my ear, as it was blocking half of my face. She then gently traced my face, kissing my forehead for a long time before it went down to my nose. And finally, she kissed the side of my lips.

"I hope when the time is right and the stars align for us, we could be together. We could have an us amid this crowd, in the midst of all this chaos."

For the last time, she smiled at me before turning her back and starting to walk away from me.