As I stood in front of her, the intro of the song "Daylight" by Taylor Swift filled the air, every note soft and aching. Aiah wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug, one that I couldn't let go of. I felt every emotion with that hug; the weight was an embrace of comfort yet a reminder of destruction.
When the pianist hit that one certain note, I knew it was my cue.
My love was as cruel as the cities I lived in
I sang my heart out.
Everyone looked worse in the light
Strumming the guitar slowly.
There are so many lines that I've crossed unforgiven
It was not me.
I'll tell you the truth, but never goodbye
It was Migo she was getting married to.
In the middle of performing on the mini stage of the resto bar, I saw her enter, her hair falling perfectly on her shoulders. I watched her confused face scan the whole bar looking for the mini stage, and when our eyes met, a smile spread across her face. Her eyes had a glint of joy and peace in them, a silent message that she was here, that she cared.
I kept my composed self focused on what we were singing, my eyes never leaving hers. I slowly strummed my electric guitar, syncing with the rhythm of every beat as I let the music take control over me. My hand unconsciously combed my red hair as I placed my mouth near the microphone.
After our performance, we received applause and cheers from the audience—some drinking their beers and some just quietly clapping. I then made my way to the VIP table that the owner reserved for us just above the resto bar.
The night was young; the stars shimmered with their own sparkles, casting a light glow around the city as they lit up the evening. The city lights flickered in the distance, visible with their own unique patterns. The moon illuminated the view from the balcony, kissing the shadows with its silver shine. The cold wind grazed my skin, and I let it take control over me, closing my eyes as I relaxed to the stillness of the night.
"Ikaw nag-invite sa 'kin, pero ikaw 'tong hindi ako pinapansin." I heard a voice from behind as their footsteps got closer and closer. I then turned around, my arms resting on the railings.
"Oh, I thought you were having fun na with them," I answered casually, my tone flat. She pouted, playfully crossing her arms.
"I'll have fun with them kung kasama ka."
"It's more fun here."
"Ang tahimik."
"Exactly."
"Mikhaaaa~" She sang, her voice sounding like a silent angel. Not being able to resist, I agreed and went inside with her.
We played billiards, and Colet kept losing to me. To get revenge, she linked her arms with Aiah, whispering something in her ear. I felt jealousy build up inside me, my eyes never darting away from them as my focus on the game slowly faded away. Colet then smirked in victory, her annoying face building up the turmoil inside me.
Suddenly, one of our friends, Migo, arrived on the scene.
"Back from the drunkenness, here I go." He smiled at us, his energy lighting up the room instantly. My eyes then darted to Aiah, whose gaze never tore away from Migo. I felt the lump in my throat build up, unable to familiarize myself with the feeling.
