Mevin woke up after nearly two hours. It was almost time for his performance. He smiled faintly as he glanced at Yunara, who was still sleeping, her head resting on the table beside him.
Slowly, he tried to sit up without waking her, but as soon as he moved, she stirred. Her eyes fluttered open, and she lifted her head groggily.
"Oh, you woke up," she murmured, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "How are you, Mevin? Do you feel okay?"
"Yes, Miss Yan. Thank you for staying with me... and I'm so sorry for bothering you."
"Nah, it's nothing," she replied with a small smile.
At that moment, Aken entered the room.
"Oh, you're both awake. When I came earlier, you were asleep, so I didn't want to disturb you," he said, crossing his arms. "I actually came to talk about the performance. Mevin, since you're sick, I'll inform the board that your performance is cancelled. Is that okay?"
"No," Mevin said firmly. "I want to perform. It will be my last performance on that stage."
"But-"
"Just give me a few minutes, Mr Aken. I'll be there," Mevin insisted, his voice steady despite his exhaustion.
Aken hesitated but eventually nodded. Mevin excused himself and walked toward the restroom. Both teachers watched as he left, noticing how drained he looked.
"Whoa... That was unexpected. You okay, Yuni?" Aken asked. He had a bunch of questions swirling in his mind but now wasn't the right time. They had responsibilities here.
"Yeah," Yunara exhaled. "How's everything going at our school? I feel bad for not being there. I'll go check on them. Can you look after Mevin?"
"Sure. I talked to Ken about you already. We'll be backstage when Mevin is ready."
"Okay... I'll get going."
---
Meanwhile, inside the restroom, Mevin leaned against the sink, staring at his reflection.
His eyes were red. Swollen. Filled with unshed tears.
He was no stranger to this sight.
Midnights were always like this-waking up in a panic, haunted by nightmares, drowning in thoughts of worst-case scenarios.
And then... There she was.
'Yunara.' Not by looks.But the familiarity he can't point out.
She was the one who always appeared in his dreams, shielding him from the darkness. His ANGEL.
But last night, something had changed.
His angel had been swallowed by shadows.
Blood was everywhere.
"Ah..." Mevin groaned, gripping his head as a dull ache pulsed through him.
"Maybe I should freshen up soon," he muttered to himself, shaking off the heaviness in his chest.
---
Yunara returned to Aken after checking in on her students. She had congratulated them on their performance, and though she felt guilty for not being there earlier, they seemed to understand. Ken had already explained that she was taking care of a sick student.
Aken turned to Mevin. "Are you sure about this, Mevin?"
"Yes, sir. I will perform." Mevin's voice was unwavering, but then he turned to Yunara, his eyes searching hers. "Miss Yan will be there, right?"
"Mmm, yes, Mevin. I will be there," Yunara replied softly.
She couldn't bring herself to refuse him.
Both teachers could sense that this performance wasn't just about talent or obligation. Mevin was driven by something deeper, something only he understood.
Aken nodded and helped Mevin toward the stage. As they walked, Mevin glanced back at Yunara one last time. She gave him a small, reassuring smile.
Only Aken noticed the faint glimmer of tears in Mevin's eyes.
There was something between them-something unspoken yet undeniable.
Aken had known them both for years, yet he had never seen anything like this before.
Mevin took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a brief moment. He thanked Aken, then stepped forward, approaching the piano.
He placed his fingers gently on the keys.
An image formed in his mind.
"Tears of a Silent Heart" By Michael Ortega
The melody that flowed from his fingertips was not the one he had rehearsed.
Only Nethma, Vivan-his closest friends, and Aken realised the deviation.
Yet, as the first notes filled the auditorium, a hush fell over the audience.
The music carried a bittersweet weight, weaving a story of longing, pain, and something indescribably beautiful.
Every note resonated deeply, sinking into the hearts of those who listened.
It was as if Mevin's soul was speaking through the piano.
When the final note faded into silence, Mevin slowly lifted his hands from the keys.
Tears streaked down his face.
His red eyes glistened under the stage lights as he wiped his cheeks with the back of his hand. Then, gathering himself, he stood up and bowed to the audience. Meanwhile, the audience appreciated his talent with applause. Mevin quietly stepped backstage as the curtain closed.
Yunara was waiting.
Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.
She didn't speak-she didn't need to.
Mevin walked toward her, his movements slow and uncertain. Then, without warning, he rested his head on her shoulder.
Yunara stiffened, caught off guard.
But instinctively, her arms lifted, hesitantly wrapping around him.
Her gaze darted to Aken, seeking reassurance.
Aken simply watched.
He saw the way Mevin leaned into her, the way he held onto her as though she was the only thing keeping him from falling apart.
Yunara felt the feverish warmth of his forehead against her shoulder.
She also felt the dampness of his silent tears.
She looked at Aken again, this time with helplessness.
Mevin didn't move.
Yunara didn't let go.
And for a moment, everything stood still.
The weight of exhaustion, sadness, and unspoken emotions settled between them, heavier than words could ever express.
Aken stepped closer, gently placing a hand on Mevin's head, his touch steady and comforting.
"Let's go to the restroom, Mevin," Aken whispered softly, careful not to startle the boy.
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