Running Out of Songs (LenRisa One-Shot Stories)

Tadhana

I'm in the middle of writing my fifth novel. Since I retired from politics, this has been my focus. I've always dreamed of becoming a writer, and now I'm finally living that dream. The transition wasn't easy, though. They don't realize how much artists, especially writers, struggle. People think words just flow easily, but they don't see the battles behind every sentence.

When I was in the Senate, I had to be firm. I had to hide any sign of weakness because I knew it would be used against me. Being tough wasn't just a choice; it was a necessity. Even on days when I felt like I was breaking apart, I had to put up a strong front. I had to suppress my emotions, keep them buried deep. Now that I'm writing, it feels like I can finally let those emotions flow freely. Writing gives me an outlet that politics never did.

In my books, I could say it's all pure imagination and creativity, but the truth is, every story is deeply personal. Each character I've written carry pieces of me, pieces of my experience. It's my way of telling my story without anyone realizing how personal it is.

I glanced at the page, the words still fresh: "To love is to let go..." I paused, feeling the weight of the phrase, when suddenly Kiko appeared at the door of my office.

"Ris?" he called, his voice snapping me back to the present.

"Oh, Kiks," I said, offering a tired smile. "Ano meron?"

"Kailan release nitong books mo?" he asked, curiosity and amusement in his tone.

"Bakit? Bibili ka ba?" I replied, raising an eyebrow playfully.

"Of course! Akala mo sa'kin scammer?"

I laughed. "E, bakit? Hindi ba?" I teased, the familiar banter between us lightening the mood.

"What's with the visit?" I asked, curious about the sudden drop-by.

"Wala naman, nangangamusta lang," Kiko replied casually, but there was something in his tone that made me suspicious.

"Nangangamusta, or naghahanap ng chismis, ha?" I teased, raising an eyebrow, knowing how Kiko was always up for a bit of gossip.

"Ganyan talaga tingin niyo sa'kin ni Leni, e 'no?" he said, pretending to be offended. The mention of Leni's name made me flinch, but I tried to play it off. I just hoped he didn't notice.

"Di pa kayo okay?" he asked, his tone suddenly serious.

"Huh?" I tried to act confused, though I knew exactly what he was referring to.

"Ni Leni," he clarified, watching my reaction closely.

"Hindi naman kami nag-away," I replied, brushing it off like it wasn't a big deal.

"Ah, so nag-break lang?" he teased, a mischievous grin creeping up on his face.

"Gago! Straight yon, no?!" I shot back, shaking my head at his ridiculous joke.

"Eh ikaw kasi hindi?" he shot back, quick as always with his comebacks.

"Tang ina mo! Tigilan mo nga ako," I snapped, though a smirk was tugging at the corner of my lips. He always knew how to get under my skin, in a good way.

"Aminin mo na, te. Tayo lang naman dito," he continued, not letting up on his teasing.

"E ano naman if I am straight or not?" I said, my tone suddenly more serious. "Nakakabawas ba yan ng inflation?" I added sarcastically, trying to steer the conversation somewhere else.

"Ito naman, napakainit ng ulo. Chill!" Kiko said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "The main reason I'm here is because Leni is asking if you can run on her slate. VP or senator uli?"