The Reflection of Time [ongoing]

Chapter 1: No one in Particular

Khael's POV

We finally arrived at the press conference venue where I would be asked questions about my upcoming novel. Some journalists from various publications had taken interest in my announcement and attended the event we had organized.

"Khael! Thank God, Finally! They are all waiting for you. Lahat ng personal na inimbatahan natin ay nandito na, along with those eager to witness this moment and ask you questions," wika ni Aury, a friend and the event organizer.

"Au, am I late?" I checked my phone for the time and schedule, but it seemed I'm five minutes early.

"No, you're not. People are just excited to get a glimpse of your novel and arrive earlier than scheduled." She gave a reassuring smile, which made me relax a bit.
Paakyat na sana ako ng stage ng bigla niya akong tinawag.

"Remember to stay calm and answer the questions however you would like. I'll be here to support you if anything goes wrong." hinawakan n'ya ang aking kamay at tinapik-tapik ito.

"I'm already aware of that," I said before turning my back. Camera flashes erupted habang naglalakad sa stage.

If I were my younger self, I would be shaking and might even pee my pants but seeing all of my supporters, especially knowing that she is watching, helped me stay composed.

When everyone seemed ready to listen, I took a deep breath, smiled, and started opening my mouth.
"Good day, everyone. Before we begin, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for making time to attend this press conference. Thank you for accepting our invitation." The camera flashes intensified as I bowed to show my gratitude.

Pagkatapos nun ay agad-agad na akong umupo sa aking upuan at walang paligoy-ligoy kong sinabi agad ang gusto kong sabihin.

"As many of you may already know, this conference is both an announcement of my upcoming story and a chance for you to get a glimpse of the novel itself. Also, as a writer of over 8 years, I want to announce that this will be my final publication as I have decided to retire." The audience murmured, some were obviously taken aback by what I just said, while some didn't waste any time and started writing down on their memo pads and phones, and others were busy capturing the moment on camera.

The noise started to grow, so Aury spoke up and asked everyone to settle down.

"I know this is sudden," I continued, "But I have given it a lot of thought and have decided to end my writing journey with this last novel. Also, I won't be answering questions about my retirement. I'm only here to entertain questions about my final novel, and I hope you can respect my wishes. Thank you." I ended my speech with a smile, glancing around at the many stunned faces.

"You may now start asking your questions," said Aury, and almost immediately, many raised their hands, eager to have their questions answered.

Sinimulan na ni Aury pumili ng unang magbibigay ng katanungan.

"When will this novel be published?" wika ng isang tagapamahayag.

Tinignan ko siya sa mata at sumagot, "My goal is to publish the book on this exact day next year."

A second journalist asked, "What has been the most rewarding part of creating this story so far?"

"It would have to be the memories of moments I have reminisced alongside it," I replied.

Another journalist asked, "Some of us know you enjoy writing without focusing on a single genre. How does this new story differ from your earlier works?"

"Hmm, well, it's got a bit of a rom-com and drama feel," wika ko habang nakangiti.

They continued asking why I chose such genre, remarking that they would always think of me as someone who might cringe at romance. I laughed, not having anticipated their impression of me after all these years.

Patuloy sila sa pagtatanong until finally someone asked, "What, or who, is the inspiration for this last novel?" Everyone watched me intently, ready to note down whatever I would say.

"As most of you know, my stories have never been based on a single person's life. Instead, they're a blend of real-life scenarios that many of us experience, which is why readers often relate to my work. However, this novel is different. It's about a certain person who's been in love from then until now." I wasn't sure how I looked while saying this, but I knew for sure that I was happy.

Finally, a journalist raised a final question. "If you don't mind, Mr. Moredo, would you reveal who your muse for this novel is?" They all waited for my answer, hanging onto every word.

"It's no one in particular," I said. "It's just about me and her."