Outside Work We... •[TNN One-shots]•

Harana •|| SHIVIAN ||•

Prompt: Shibhon catches Vivian playing a guitar and asks her to play something.

Shibhon stirred awake, the faint, soothing sound of soft guitar strumming drifting up the stairs. She blinked groggily, the melody pulling her from her nap like a gentle nudge. Curiosity piqued, she slid out of bed and padded downstairs, her footsteps light against the hardwood.

When she reached the living room, she paused in the doorway. Vivian sat on the couch, an acoustic guitar resting on her lap. Her fingers moved deftly across the strings, plucking out a melody that felt tender and wistful, her voice barely a hum accompanying the notes. She was completely absorbed, her eyes half-closed, and Shibhon couldn’t help but marvel at the serene sight before her.

Vivian’s head tilted slightly, and her humming faltered as she noticed Shibhon standing there. “Oh,” she said, startled, a soft smile spreading across her face. “I didn’t mean to wake you. I’m sorry.”

Shibhon shook her head, her lips curving into a gentle smile. “You didn’t. It was... nice.” She moved closer and perched on the armrest of the couch. “What was that song you were playing?”

Vivian hesitated, her cheeks tinting pink. “It’s called "Torete". It’s a Filipino love song.”

Shibhon tilted her head. “I’ve never heard it before. It’s beautiful.”

A flicker of something tender crossed Vivian’s face as she set the guitar on her lap. “Thanks. My mom’s Filipina,” she explained, her voice soft and warm. “She used to play this song all the time when I was growing up. I think it was one of her favorites. She said it was about being so overwhelmed by love, you don’t know what to do with it. Like... you’re completely undone.”

Shibhon watched Vivian, her heart swelling at the vulnerability in her words. “Your mom has good taste,” she said softly, reaching out to touch Vivian’s arm. “Could you play it for me? All the way through this time?”

Vivian’s eyes softened, and she nodded. Adjusting the guitar, she began strumming the chords again. This time, she let her voice carry the lyrics, the emotion in her tone wrapping around each word like a tender embrace. Even though Shibhon didn’t understand the language, the feeling behind the song was undeniable. It spoke of longing and vulnerability, a raw and unfiltered kind of love that resonated deeply.

When the final notes faded into the stillness of the room, Shibhon leaned closer. “That was incredible,” she whispered. “You’re incredible.”

Vivian laughed softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s the song, not me.”

“Don’t sell yourself short,” Shibhon said, her voice firm. “The song might be amazing, but you made it... special.”

Vivian looked down at the guitar, a bashful smile tugging at her lips. “Thanks, love. That means a lot.”

Shibhon shifted closer, her hand now resting on Vivian’s shoulder. “I think your mom would be proud. And I’m proud of you too, Viv.”

Vivian leaned into the touch, her smile growing. “You’re the best, you know that?”

Shibhon chuckled, her voice light. “I’m starting to get that idea.”

They sat together for a long while, the guitar resting quietly between them, the warmth of the moment filling the room like sunlight.

[A/N: I'm starting to spill random things about me in these one shots. Do I have some Filipino readers?]