Time and Fallen leaves

The day we became eternal love, not lovers

"Hindi talaga siya pumunta?" Tanong ni Keen habang kumakain silang tatlo sa loob ng cafeteria. Isang iling ang pinakawalan ni Erin making Keen roll his eyes while Milo let out a scoff.

"What an a-hole" dugtong ng nauna. Erin somehow forgot Leeon's absence because of Parker—or she thinks is Parker—na nakasayaw niya sa prom kagabi. Hindi siya pwedeng magkamali, she knew whom those black orbs belong to. Si Parker lang naman ang may mata na kasing itim ng kadiliman, and a stare so intense he could see through your soul.

It could also be Leeon. After all, he doesn't want to attend such event; siguro ayaw niya lang magpakita sa iba kaya nagtago ito sa likod ng maskara. Erin could only hope she was right. Because if it's really Parker, why would he do such a thing?

The bell finally rang, sabay-sabay na tumayo ang mga estudyante at nagsilabasan sa loob, the three also did the same. Just as they were halfway down the hallway, napansin nilang mayroong nagkukumpulan sa theater room. Keen—who's naturally curious—ran towards the commotion. Saglit na nagpalitan ng tingin si Milo at Erin bago sumunod kay Keen.

Nagkanda haba-haba ang leeg ni Erin upang silipin kung ano ang nangyayari sa loob ng theater room.

"Kailangan na ba natin mag crowd control?" Bulong nito kay Milo ngunit umiling nalang ang lalake.

"Let's check it first, it's forbidden to use the theater room without our permit" Because of his fast reflexes and quick thinking, Milo swam through the sea of crowd with ease. Nakapunta na ito agad sa loob and assess who started the commotion. Erin only stood there, waiting for Milo's signal.

Maya-maya ay nakita niya si Milo at sumenyas itong sumunod sakanya sa loob —to which she immediately did. Several murmurs were heard as she tried her best to squeeze her way towards the door. Hindi rin nila alam ang nangyayari, they too, were curious as well.

Hinihingal na nakapasok si Erin sa loob, welcomed by dim surroundings. Hinila siya niya si Milo papunta sa pinaka unahang upuan, nagulat ito nang makita si Keen na nauna nang nakaupo doon. Tahimik ang buong theatre, only the whispers of the students emit a faint sound.

The silence was cut off by the sound of the feedback from a microphone. It creates a long screech causing Erin to cover her ear.

"Mic test" a voice from the stage is heard followed with a strum of guitar. Unti-unting bumukas ang ilaw, starting from the upper section down to the stage. Sinundan ni Erin ang pagbukas ng ilaw and was surprised to see the man on the stage, holding a guitar, a stand mic in front.

"So this is love, I know it is"

Were the first melody that came out of his mouth followed by a band of instruments. His voice is smooth, rich, and expressive, often transitioning seamlessly between soft, tender moments, and powerful resonant high notes. It's like hearing a lullaby.

Several squeals and cheers resonate the four corners of the room. Despite the loud echoes, Erin could still clearly hear how Leeon's voice pierce through her ear —and her heart.

"I didn't know he could sing" rinig niyang comment ni Keen. Her eyes were still glued on Leeon, who's also staring back at her while he sings. It's like she already forgot how he ditched him last night and made her wait for him like a child waiting for her parents.

Mas lalong lumakas ang hiyawan nang may kinuha itong isang bouquet ng bulaklak.

Ang isang piraso ay isinabit niya sa likod ng kanyang tenga at nagsimulang maglakad pababa ng stage.

Erin's heart beat faster and louder the more Leeon slowly walk his way towards her —until he stop, right in front of her.
Erin didn't know if the whole room hushed or was it just her senses who feels numb.