Strings of Memory

Chapter 9

I quiet envy her for still having the determination to go after her dreams. For having the courage to pursue them, even with all the pressure. She's brave, unlike me, who's a coward for running away.

"The reason why I want to be in a band so badly is because I fell in love with this particular band." She said, and somehow, my heart started to pound for a different reason.

A particular band. Is it perhaps... the same band I fell in love with?

As if to answer my question, she continued. "They were so popular before, but they disbanded after one of their members died in an accident. I remember crying really hard when I found out about it." Then she suddenly smiled, but it was a sad smile. "It's such a shame that they stopped making music because I really loved their music. I've been a fan of them ever since I first heard their songs."

I didn't have to ask her the name of the band because everything she said was too familiar. There's no way it could be a different band, but I still couldn't help but ask anyway. As if wanting to confirm my suspicions, though I already knew the answer.

I swallowed hard. "W-what's the name of the band?" I asked, stuttering, but I guess she didn't notice because she smiled and gave me the confirmation I wanted.

"The Reverie!" She replied, her eyes shining with something close to excitement.

What a twist of fate. I can't believe I would find another person who liked that band. Someone who loved their music just as I did. And someone who was inspired to start a band just like I was.

I felt a slight pang of pain in my heart. If I met her when my dream was still alive, I'm sure we would have been great friends. We would have started a band together, mentored by our idols. But it didn't happen, because fate is too cruel. They took away the things and people I loved.

And standing here, hearing her story, made me envy her more for still being able to chase after her dream.

Then, the spark in her eyes vanished and was replaced by something else. Her expression grew troubled, and she looked quite anxious. She started fidgeting with her fingers before finally meeting my gaze again.

"Do you think it's a good dream to chase?" she asked, her voice laced with uncertainty.

I was taken aback by the sudden shift in her demeanor, so I couldn't immediately answer. For someone who had been so determined just moments ago, she certainly looked unsure now. Maybe it was the pressure she was facing. No matter how determined you are or how much you try to ignore what others say, it inevitably takes a toll on you. After all, words hurt more than any physical pain.

Bigla siyang yumuko. "Nevermind. Forget what I just said." Sabi niya bago nagsimulang maglakad.

I don't know what came over me, but my mouth opened on its own, and I said the words I knew she needed to hear.

As much as words can hurt, they can also bring happiness. Words are powerful. They can express your feelings—whether you're happy, sad, anxious, or angry. When actions fall short, words are another way to express yourself.

"It's okay."

I wanted to give her the push she needed. I wanted her to go after her dream because we shared the same dream. At least, she could achieve it, unlike me.

Bigla siyang natigilan at unti-unting lumingon sa akin. Her eyes widened in surprise, probably because I had given her an answer when she might have expected nothing.

"You should pursue your passion. Pursue the one thing you've always wanted to do. I think it's lovely that you have something you want to chase." I added, noticing her lips part slightly.

Although our dreams and how they came to be were similar, that was where the comparison ended. Unlike her, I didn't have a dream anymore. I had already left my shattered dream behind without trying to fix it. I just left it because when my father died, so did my dream. Our promise to perform together died with him.

"Thank you, Wynther," she suddenly said, snapping me out of my thoughts. I looked at her and saw a bright smile spread across her face, as though the anxiety from earlier had vanished after hearing my words.

I couldn't help but smile a little. I'm glad I could help her. Pero kaagad ko din namang sinupil ang ngiti ko nang makitang natigilan siya.

"You're welcome, woman." I said seriously, maintaining a poker face.

She smiled, and was about to say something, but then my words seemed to register. Kumunot ang noo niya at unti-unti siyang ngumuso which I found quite cute.

"My name's Luna," she said, but instead of acknowledging her name as she intended, I repeated the word "woman" again, adding to her annoyance.

"Call me by my name!" Maktol niya.

"Woman," ulit ko at nakita ko ang mas lalong pagkunot ng noo niya.

She was clearly annoyed now. Napangisi ako at nagsimula nang maglakad pabalik sa classroom namin. Narinig ko ang ilang sinabi niya sa likuran ko bago sumunod sa akin.

It felt good to get on her nerves. Revenge really is sweet. I finally got even.