"Golden Melody" is a tale of love, dreams, and resilience, exploring the power of music and memory as Zatariel fights to bring back the melody of their hearts amidst the challenges they face.
Will their shared passion for music be enough to bridge...
When we got home, I saw Ron in the living room, talking with Dad. They both turned to look at us as we entered. I rushed to Ron and hugged him tightly.
I missed my best friend.
"You two look good together," Dad teased, his voice light, but his eyes held a deeper meaning. "So, Thyron, when are you going to take my daughter? That way, I won't have to be jealous of these tight hugs anymore."
I pouted, pulling away from Ron to hug Dad. He just wanted to tease me-always thinking he knew what was best for me without ever asking how I felt. I was still angry with him for that.
I turned to Ron, who was scratching his head awkwardly, as if trying to play it cool. Did he have lice or dandruff? I pulled away from Dad and sat beside Ron.
He gestured towards the porch, and I followed him outside, the cool night air a welcome relief from the stifling atmosphere inside.
"Uy? You're here, Ron?" I asked softly.
"Why? You don't want me here?" he replied, his brow furrowed.
"No, it's not that. I just thought... that uhm, you wouldn't come back here... because Kuya beat you up."
Ron just laughed.
I noticed Dad slipping away with a faint smile, leaving us alone. I turned to Ron, only to see his expression turn serious.
"Ex, tell me the truth... what's going on between you and Zat?"
I didn't know how to answer. Nothing was clear between us.
He said we were friends, but the lines had become so blurry. I lowered my gaze, feeling a knot of sadness twist inside me.
"Is there something between you two?" Ron's voice was quiet but firm as he gently lifted my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze.
"Th-there's nothing," I stammered, my throat tight. I looked away, feeling tears welling up.
I didn't know why.
"I saw the pictures," he said softly, a heavy sigh escaping his lips. "At the resort, just the two of you... hiiiing every day you're together. Then last night, you spent the night in the same room. But... hiiiing thank God, Mom told me you're still... hiing pure. I was so relieved... hiiiing that the bastard didn't-"
"Ron!" I interrupted, my voice breaking.
I jerked my head up, my eyes wide.
Pictures? Who took them? Tsk, Dad's men, no doubt.
I bit my lip hard, the taste of metal on my tongue, unable to speak. I was afraid the tears would start flowing.
"I need to protect you," Ron said, his voice hardening. "After graduation... We'll get married. It'll have to be in Amerina, since it's not allowed here, I've already talked to your dad. It's all arranged."
"M-marry?" I choked, my mind spinning. "We're too young, Ron. I... I'm not ready, and you and Dad? You're deciding everything without me?"
The dam finally broke, and the tears came. They poured out uncontrollably.
Didn't they care about what I wanted? I had told Dad how I felt about Riel-why didn't that matter to them?
Ron's face softened as he cupped my cheeks, his thumb wiping away the tears.
"Do you not want me, Exy?" His voice cracked, his own eyes welling up.
I pulled away, shaking my head. "I love you, Ron... but only as my best friend. Even if it were Riel, I still wouldn't agree. I'm too young for marriage."
His expression twisted in pain, and I saw the heartbreak in his eyes.
"Zatariel?" he whispered. I couldn't hear him, but I could read his lips. "Do you love him, Miexha?" This time he shouted, "MAHAL MO BA SIYA?!"
I bit my lip again, harder this time, my silence speaking louder than words. He ran his fingers through his hair, his face turning red as he clenched his jaw.
"Shit! Shit! Shit! this is all my fault!" he muttered under his breath, pacing in front of me. "I should've never let this happen."
"Ma-may Girlfriend ka, Ron," I reminded him, my voice barely a whisper. "What about her?"
"I'll break up with her tomorrow," he said, his voice flat. "Exy, I love you... I always have. Not just as my childhood friend, but... I thought you'd never fall for someone else. But now... damn it, I'll make sure I don't lose you. I know you love me too."
I was stunned by his words.
And
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He was crying too, leaving me breathless.
I just lowered my head and sobbed. He stood up and kissed the top of my head, his lips lingering for a moment.
"See you tomorrow at school, baby. Goodnight."
And then he was gone, leaving me on the porch, staring into the darkness. I didn't know what to feel-everything was spinning, crashing down all at once.
Suddenly, I felt arms around me. It was Ate, pulling me close, guiding me to my room.
I collapsed into her embrace, sobbing quietly as she lay beside me, holding me through the storm of emotions I couldn't understand.
