WHEN LOVE FAILS

Chapter 1: The Beginning and Manuel

The first time I saw Manuel, I didn't realize it would mark the beginning of something truly special yet disaster. I am 19 years old, and he is a 20 year old guy.

I was on the set of a television show, surrounded by extras and the usual buzz of a production. But amidst the noise and movement, he was the one who captured my attention. His radiant smile and an inexplicable aura seemed to light up the entire place.

We would often see each other in scenes, and every time we shared the background, our friendship grew a little deeper.  We began talking during breaks, finding moments of connection between takes. One day, as we sat under a tree during a break, he decided to open up a bit more.

"Alam mo, Jeng.. noong bata ako, pangarap ko talagang maging artista."

He began, his eyes filled with passion.

"Talaga?" "Bakit?"

I asked, genuinely curious about his story.

"Gusto ko lang yung feeling na maraming tao ang makaka-appreciate sa acting skills ko."

He smiled, and his words seemed to set stars alight within me. 

"Ikaw, anong pangarap mo?" he asked.

"A-ako? nais kong baguhin ang mundo sa pamamagitan ng mga kwento ko."

I answered, feeling as though our conversation was destined.

"Ah, gusto mo maging writer?" He replied.

With every exchange, I found myself falling deeper for him. His enthusiasm and joy were infectious. And I discovered myself falling inlove with a man for the first time.

———

Days passed, and we grew closer. Every time I was with Manuel, I felt truly alive.  One morning my heart is pumping faster.

"Manuel, alam kong masisira ang friendship natin kapag sinabi ko sayo to.." 

Telling him while my lips shakingly.

"Ang alin?" he confusly replied.

"I think I like you. Alam ko parehas tayong lalaki pero sana wag magbago ang pagtingin mo sakin"

I was embarrassed and terrified telling my feelings for him.

"What? HAHAHAHAHA you like me?" he laughed unendingly.

"Bakit ka tumatawa? anong nakakatawa?" I was offended.

"Because, I like you too."

He said then kissed me and I was shocked my eyes encircled largely.

He asked me to go out for a date and then our relationship started in a sweet moment of time.

———

Time goes by, we are celebrating our first monthsary together and went out to a newly opened restaurant.