Golden Melody

Chapter 9.3

Zatariel Wov

His Pov

I found Mimi in the kitchen, her back to me as she stirred a mug of milk on the counter.

The sight of her, her brown wavy hair catching her movements graceful and effortless, filled me with a longing that was both exhilarating and agonizing.

"Ri-riel? Wait, San ka galing? And your eyes are puffy," she said, turning around with a look of surprise.

She reached out, her fingers brushing against my cheek, her touch sending a jolt of electricity through my body.

"Ah? Eh, I just went for a jog outside, Mimi. And I got something in my eye, then I rubbed it," I mumbled, my voice hoarse from lack of sleep and suppressed emotions.
She tilted her head trying to read my lips

Mimi just raised an eyebrow, her gaze unwavering.

"Tanga!" I cursed myself, I'm in a formal suit, and I went for a jog? And puffy eyes with a husky voice that clearly sounds like I've been crying?
Stupid reasoning.
Even Dria wouldn't fall for that.

But Mimi just smiled, her expression a mix of amusement and concern.
She nodded, accepting my flimsy excuse.

"Do you want coffee? I'll make some for you."

My heart skipped a beat.

"I wish you'd ask me that every morning," I said, my voice barely whispering.

I knew she wouldn't hear me.
Her hearing impairment made it hard for her to pick up quiet sounds, especially when she was focused on something else.

She was humming a song anyway, her head bent over the containers on the counter, her focus entirely on the labels.
I rested my chin on the counter, my gaze fixed on her, lost in the beauty of her obliviousness, a beauty that both captivated and tortured me.

"Milk, please," I said, this time making sure my voice was clear and strong enough for her to hear.

She nodded, her movements fluid as she poured me a glass of milk.

I took it from her, my fingers brushing against hers, a spark of electricity igniting between us.

I drank the milk in one gulp, not caring if it was hot, not caring if it burned my tongue.

I just wanted to savor the moment, the feeling of her presence, the warmth of her touch.

She volunteered to wash the glasses, and I reached out, messing up her hair, a playful gesture that brought a blush to her cheeks.

"You know, I'm really nervous about the semi-finals today," she said, her voice a little shaky.
"I've been practicing so hard, but I'm still not sure if I'm ready."

"I know you'll do great, Mimi," I said, my voice filled with confidence.
"You've got this."

"I hope so," she said, her eyes filled with a mixture of determination and doubt.
"It's just... it's a big deal."

I remembered the flyer I gave her.
She auditioned for it, using Kyliah's family name instead of her own, a decision born from a desire to keep her identity secret.

"You're a talented musician, Mimi," I said, my voice soft and reassuring.

"Thanks, Riel," she said, a small smile gracing her lips.
"That means a lot."

I watched her as she washed the glasses, her movements graceful and deliberate.

"I'm going to go upstairs," I said, my voice a little rough.
"I need to get ready for the Student Council meeting."

"Okay," she said, her voice barely a whisper.
She turned back to the sink, her shoulders slumped with a weariness that tugged at my heart.

I turned and walked upstairs, my steps light and silent.
I went straight to bed, my body weary but my mind racing.

I closed my eyes, letting sleep claim me, but even in my dreams, I saw her face, her smile, her laughter, her touch.

********

I was still sleepy as I came down the stairs when someone bumped into me.

"So-sorry, Riel."

It was Mimi, all dressed up and rushing down the stairs.
As I came down, I caught her talking on the phone, her mouth full because she was eating pancakes.

"Kuyaaaaa naman eh, saglit lang naman eh, ibaba mo lang ako sa harap ng station huhu.... JANUARY 22 na ngayon!!! I'm in the semi-finals huhu... You promised, kuyaaa, ROME!... I hate you... Che!!! Don't talk to me for a year, bye!"

I saw her nose and eyes were red. Her voice, usually so bright and cheerful, was choked with tears.

I approached her, my heart aching for her.

"Hey, what's the problem?" I asked, concerns etched on my face.

"Si kuya. He doesn't want to drive me to the station, kahit sa harapan lang. Iiiishh!!! It's the semi-finals of TVOAPH, I really have to be there!"

Bad timing, though.
The Student Council has a meeting today.
Maybe I'll just move the meeting.

"I'll go with you, baby. I'll talk to Ms. Villa excused our absence," Thyron said, his voice smooth and confident.

He was back in the picture, courting Mimi again, never giving up on her, despite his past actions.
He was still convinced that she only needed him, that he held the key to her happiness.

"But you have a trial game later," Mimi said, her voice laced with concern.

"It's okay. I won't be able to concentrate on my game if I'm worried about you," Thyron replied, his eyes fixed on Mimi, his gaze possessive.

I blocked him, my body instinctively stepping between them, pulling Mimi's hands away from Thyron's grasp.

"Okay, Mimi, I know you can make it to the finals. I'm your number 1 fan." I kissed her hands, and Mimi blushed.
Thyron glared at me, his jaw clenched, his eyes burning with jealousy.

He probably saw the picture of Mimi and me at the resort, the one that had fueled his desire to push for their marriage.

"I'll take you, Mimi," I said, my voice firm, my determination unwavering.
"I'll make sure you get there on time."

But she shook her head, her eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and regret.

She knew I had an important meeting at the Student Council today, a responsibility I couldn't shirk.
She tiptoed closer, her touch light and fleeting as she gave me a quick peck on the cheek.

"Let's go, Ron," she said, her gaze lingering on me for a moment before she turned and walked towards the door.

I looked back at the future couple, the one that Thyron envisioned for himself.
They looked good together, a picture of perfect harmony, but as long as I lived, I wouldn't let Mimi be with him.

I shook my head, my heart filled with a mix of determination and despair.

I turned and walked away, leaving them behind, their silent arguments echoing in the hallway.