Chapter 30: I Like You

"He's really nice, isn't he? But the songs he sings are sad," the person next to me said excitedly. "You said it! I wish I was his girlfriend," added her companion.

I just shook my head until I realized something. "Hi! Can I ask a question?" I said to the two talking.

They both looked at me. The first woman smiled.

"Sure, sister. As long as we can answer."

"What's goin on here?" I asked.

"Is it your first time here?" asked the woman.

I nodded in response.

"Every night someone sings here," she added.

"W-Who?" But even though I didn't hear an answer yet, my chest pounded loudly in anticipation

I glanced at the stage again but the man was gone.

I felt regret for some unknown reason.

"Mr. Ace," they answered.

I felt both of my shoulders slump because of their answer.

I just laughed because that name was not what I wanted to hear from them.

Yes indeed. What will he do here just in case? And he, will sing?

“You are really stupid, Se” I told myself.

"Are you okay, sister?" they asked to which I responded with a nod. "But actually, it's Mr. Ace who sings here every night. He just chose to fulfill his dreams in another country, so now someone new is singing. He only started on Monday," they explained at length.

It was as if my blood was revived by what they said. "Who?"

"We don't know him yet. He doesn't say his name. It's too bad, I should have looked for him on FB. Oh! There, he's about to sing!"

My gaze automatically returned to the stage and blinked a few times to make sure I wasn't squinting. I confirmed my suspicions were right now that he was face to face.

Why is he singing here? During the time we spent together, I never once thought he was singing.

"Good night everyone! Tonight I will sing a very special song. I'm dedicating this song to the girl who has stolen my heart." His last line made my heart beat so fast. There was also a bead of sweat on my forehead in an instant. "I wasn't able to bring her here because this guy here is such a big jerk.

She doesn't deserve a jerk like me." He laughed heartily. "Nonsense! Kuya has someone special!" I heard someone next to me say.

Even I felt pain because I knew Lovellewas what he was referring to as his special someone. As much as I want to wish that it was just me, that's all, I can't because it's impossible. He really likes Lovelle so I can't do anything but accept that.

But even though the truth is slapping us, we still don't avoid being stupid. That's right, the truth hurts and I can feel it now.

It's like this night makes me look like I really have no hope in him because he wants someone else. What do I have against first love? We don't even have a label..

"To the girl who has stolen my heart, this one's for you." He started to strum his guitar and for the nth time, I was starstruck by how good he is.

He sang Stolen by Dashboard Confessional. My heart beat faster because I once mentioned to him that it was my favorite.

Just like his name Fire, he looked so fierce and he was able to melt my heart with his angelic voice. Not just my heart, but I guess everyone's heart inside this club. I could feel the sincerity of his emotions and his burning passion when it comes to singing.

I have never seen Fire's side like this and it feels good because now I can witness it with my own two eyes. But once again, something came to my mind.

Is it Lovely, does she know this side of Fire? After all, Fire is singing for her.

It's envious but I can't do anything because the heart can't be taught who it should love. He has stolen my heart from the very beginning, yet his was stolen by someone.

Can you say I'm selfish if I wish this song was just for me? What would it feel like to be loved by a Fire Dustin Callante? Unfortunately, I will never know the answer to that question.

No matter how beautiful and peaceful his voice is, I still can't finish listening to it. Just thinking that this song is for Lovely, that he is singing for her— just thinking about Lovely, my chest hurts like it's being stabbed by a million daggers already.

I didn't want to get hurt anymore so I chose to leave that bar. I know that if I didn't do that, I would definitely fall for him even more. I also know that if that happens, it will hurt me more because I know he won't catch me.

From moving away from that place, I stumbled upon a park not too far away. It is very quiet here and the air is very fresh. After all, who goes to the park at this hour? I'm just standing while closing my eyes and enjoying the wind blowing on my cheeks. Only a few seconds later, I felt a wetness on my cheek that I immediately touched. I didn't realize, tears started falling from my eyes.

I just let it fall because no one can see it. All I want tonight is to cry my heart out, hoping that when tomorrow comes, I am no longer sick feeling sick because of this pain.

Why was love invented if someone can get hurt? Why love if there is no certainty that it will be reciprocated? Why should there be hope? Can't I like him and he likes me too?

I just wanted to cry that night, but unexpectedly that stopped because of the arms that I felt suddenly hug me.

"I missed you. I missed you so much, Solene...." That voice came from the person who made me cry.

Those simple words started to ease the pain within my heart. How ironic that he's the one who causes this pain yet he's the only one who could heal it.

"I'm such a jerk for letting you feel you're just a toy. I'm such a jerk for trying to control you. But trust me, Solene, you're more than that. You're precious to me and I hate myself that I made you cry." He kept hugging me while tears continued to flow from my eyes.

I tried to catch for air because I felt like I ran out of air because of the words he released.

"I'm such a coward to let you cry that night. I'm such a coward to leave you. And I'm such a coward that I couldn't admit to myself that I'm f*cking jealous.

I am damn jealous seeing you with another guy. I just can't bear it, Solene," he said continuously.

From hugging me he loosened and touched my cheek. He brushed those dry tears using his thumb. He leaned his forehead to my forehead. He was staring into my eyes and I was staring into his. The strength of my heart beat at this moment. I've never imagined that this night will happen. Those words were like music into this peaceful night. His heart- beat, our heartbeat are music to my soul. Everything in this moment feels surreal.

I touched his face and he kissed my fingers. He lowered his head and slowly pressed his lips on mine. I wrapped my arms around his neck to pull him closer and to deepen our kiss. I could feel that he's smiling between our kisses and I couldn't help but to smile as well.

He pulled me close to his body and it was enough that we exchanged faces. This kiss was magical and enchanting and only the moon and the stars witnessed this special night of mine. "I'm breaking my own rule for you. I like you so muc
h, Solene," he whispered sweetly to me.

With those words, I totally forgot how to breathe