Behind the Curtains: A Tale of Hidden Emotions

special chap

The past few days have been a whirlwind of emotions.

I tried to celebrate my birthday with my family, friends and fans, keeping the promise I made to the person I love. If it weren’t for her urging me, I wouldn’t have even considered celebrating. But she pushed me to go through with it, reminding me that life has to go on, even in the face of pain.

Seeing how strong she was, fighting through her grief, I realized I had no right to complain. My baby is so strong, and I want to be strong for her too.

After our small celebration, I posted a few pictures on Instagram of me, P'wan, and the others. But what should have been a simple, joyful moment quickly turned sour as I scrolled through the comments.

“Where is Faye? Why didn’t she celebrate Yoko’s birthday with her?”

“Oh, she’s probably with Tanya.”

“Gosh, how could she!”

These comments made my blood boil. How could people be so quick to judge without knowing the truth? How could they jump to such hurtful conclusions, spreading rumors that could damage someone’s life?

I wanted so badly to respond, to set the record straight, but Faye and Mami P'wan convinced me to hold back. Still, it infuriates me—how selfish and judgmental people can be, feeding off negativity just to satisfy their own twisted desires.

Today marked the final day of Faye's grandfather's funeral. She had tried to reassure me, saying she understood if we couldn't make it, but I dismissed her words without hesitation.

No matter how busy my schedule was, there was no way I’d leave her behind. We are her family, and we’ll always stand by her side.

It pained me to see Faye hurting like this. From the hospital until now, she’s been trying so hard to keep her pain hidden. But as much as she tried to hold it in, when the monks closed the coffin for the final viewing before the cremation, she couldn’t hold back any longer.

Tears streamed down her face, the ones she had tried so desperately to conceal, and it broke me. I wanted nothing more than to rush over and wrap her in my arms, to shield her from this grief. But I knew I couldn’t.

“I love you, baby. Please be strong,” I whispered softly, hoping somehow she’d feel my words, that she’d know she wasn’t alone.

I felt P'wan’s hand grasp mine, and in her eyes, I saw the same pain mirrored back at me.

After the ceremony, Faye walked toward us, reaching for something behind me. As she got close, I wrapped my arms around her, holding her tightly.

“I love you,” I whispered again, wanting her to know that while her grandfather may no longer be here, we always will be.

"Thank you, baby. I love you more," Faye whispered back, returning the comfort I longed to give her.

Even in the midst of her pain, she remained warm and loving—qualities I admired deeply.

~~~~

After the ceremony, P'wan and I found a quiet table among the guests, chatting about my upcoming show. Suddenly, I felt familiar arms wrap tightly around me from behind, and a wave of warmth washed over me.

"Thank you for being here," Faye said, her voice full of affection as she gazed at me. "I told you that you didn’t have to come—I would have understood. And good luck with your show tomorrow. I wish I could be there." She pouted playfully, and I couldn’t resist pinching her cheeks.

"You silly girl. Of course, I wouldn't leave you, especially not now." I pulled her closer, my arms wrapped around her waist as I planted a gentle kiss on her stomach.