Accidentally In love

Chapter 8: Plans

Direk's pov

The familiar aroma of garlic and soy sauce wafted through the air, and I couldn't help but let out a contented sigh as I took another bite of Bogart's famous pork adobo. Each piece of pork was tender, savory, and soaked in just the right amount of sauce. The kind of dish that instantly made you feel at home.

"Paano mo ba to niluluto, Bogart? Ang sarap talaga!" I said between bites, savoring the mix of flavors on my tongue.

Bogart chuckled from behind the bar, wiping down a glass before grabbing a cold can of beer. "Ah, secret 'yan, Direk. Baka mag-out of business ako kung malaman ng lahat!"

We both laughed at his playful response. Bogart's restaurant had always been a special place for me and the team. Its laid-back vibe, warm food, and nostalgic music provided the perfect escape after a long day. Tonight was no different, especially after the intense energy we used in recording BINI's debut single.

I glanced around at the cozy dim-lit restaurant, the chatter of a few regulars mixing with the clink of utensils and the low hum of jazz playing from the speakers. There was something comforting about this place. Maybe it was the fact that no matter how high-pressure the work became, Bogart's diner always felt like a safe harbor.

Bogart cracked open his beer and took a long sip. "So, how's Sean? Balita ko, he's working with you now. Kumusta siya as part of the team?"

I leaned back in my chair, placing my fork down as I thought about it. "Grabe, Bogart, you weren't kidding when you said he was talented. He's more than just good. He's a phenomenal musician. At ang galing din niyang songwriter. He finished BINI's debut single in just a week! Isipin mo yun, isang linggo lang."

Bogart's face lit up with pride as if Sean's accomplishments were his own. "I told you, didn't I? I've known that kid since he was barely taller than the counter. His passion for music has always been there, Direk. Every Saturday night, he used to perform here. Parang mini-concert na nga eh! This place would be packed, di lang with customers, but with people coming just to watch him play."

I raised an eyebrow, leaning in. "Every Saturday night? Hindi ko alam 'yon ah. Hindi ko rin akalain na dito pala siya nagsimula."

Bogart nodded, his eyes gleaming with nostalgia. "Oh yeah, Sean used to bring his guitar, sometimes a small keyboard, and he'd perform for hours. Kung minsan solo lang siya, but there were nights na may kasama siyang ibang musicians. He wasn't just playing covers, Direk. Alam mo, gumagawa na siya ng sariling kanta noon pa. The way he connected with people was special. Parang... he wasn't just playing for himself, he was playing for everyone in the room."

I smiled, imagining a younger Sean captivating an audience here in this very space. "That doesn't surprise me," I said. "Even now, when he's in the studio, he's got that same focus and dedication. It's like he lives and breathes music. Alam mo, during the recording sessions with BINI, he wasn't just following directions—he was deeply involved in every part of the process. From adjusting the tiniest bit of sound to making sure the harmonies were perfect. Kahit yung Head of music production namin nasasabayan na nya, di na nga nya kailangan ng guidance eh, alam na alam na niya what to do"

"Ganon talaga si Sean," Bogart said. "He's meticulous, passionate, pero he's also humble about it. Hindi niya ipinagyayabang yung talent niya. Dati nga, kahit na alam niyang gusto na siyang eh sign ng isang music label, he'd always decline saying, 'Kailangan ko pa mag-practice. I'm not there yet.' Even though, sa totoo lang, he was already far ahead of his peers."

I took a sip of my drink, feeling more impressed with Sean the more I learned about him. "And you can see that in his work. The song he made for BINI, hindi lang siya basta-basta kanta. Parang ginawa niya ito na hindi lang para sa kanila, but para sa lahat ng tao who feel like they're struggling to prove something."