chapter three: City Lights

Sa gitna ng isang mataong lungsod, tila umaalingawngaw sa bawat pader ng apartment ni Genevieve dahil sa mabigat na katahimikan. Sa loob ng isang mahaba at pahirap na linggo, nailayo niya ang kanyang sarili sa mundo, nalulunod sa dagat ng di-maipaliwanag na kalungkutan. Her once-lively abode now felt cavernous, each room a hollow shell that mirrored the emptiness in her soul. 

The sun's rays filtered through the curtains, casting dappled patterns of light upon Genevieve's motionless form. She lay tangled in a labyrinth of sheets, the soft hum of the outside world a distant murmur against the heavy silence that shrouded her. Her once vivacious spirit had crumbled beneath the weight of invisible burdens, leaving her adrift in a sea of melancholy.

As morning dawned with ghostly fingers of light creeping through her windows, a sharp knock pierced the stillness, jolting Genevieve from her listless stupor. She stirred, brow furrowing in confusion. "Hindi ko matandaan na magkakaroon at tatanggap ako ng bisita ngayong araw? Sino ba 'to?" She murmured; voice muffled by the veil of despondency that cloaked her.

Forcing herself to her feet, Genevieve moved through the motions of her morning routine, a ghostly apparition drifting through the empty rooms of her sanctuary. Nang makarating siya sa pintuan, bahagyang nanginginig ang kamay niya nang iikot niya ang lock, mababakas sa kanyang titig ang kawalanan ng katiyakan kung sino man ang nasa labas.

With a rush of movement, the door swung open to reveal a figure standing on the threshold, a small smile playing at his lips. In his hands, he held a tray of steaming food, a beacon of warmth against the cold shadows that clung to Genevieve's heart. "I'm sorry for barging in, Ako nga pala si Rowan Lau," the stranger's voice cut through the heavy air, breaking the thick silence that had cocooned Genevieve for days.

'Ngayon, alam ko na pangalan niya,' Satisfied by her own discovery, she only smiles as she let the stranger go inside her apartment, at sa di malaman na dahilan kumportable siya sa taong dumating. 

Rowan's words tumbled forth in a rapid stream, like a river rushing over smooth stones. "Your brother, Gavin, my best friend, asked me to deliver you food. Nag aalala siya sayo nang sobra; you haven't been answering his calls or messages. He says you're not allowed to say no to me, just for this week because he won't be able to go back here up until next week," Rowan's gaze held a glint of gentle concern.

Genevieve's brows furrowed in confusion, a flicker of recognition sparking in her eyes. "Sandali, kilala kita. You're the rapper from Oasis, aren't you busy?" She spoke softly, a note of surprise coloring her tone. Rowan's nod confirmed her words, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"Oo nga, ako nga. Ako rin ang bunso nila at hindi ako pupunta dito kung busy ako," Rowan's admission held a hint of pride, a warmth seeping through the cracks in Genevieve's subdued exterior. A tentative spark of interest flickered to life within her, curiosity mingling with the heaviness that still clung to her.

"Hindi ko alam na matalik kang kaibigan ka ng kapatid ko," Genevieve's voice held a touch of wonder, a thread of connection weaving itself between her and the unexpected visitor in her doorway. Rowan's laughter rang out, a bright sound that cut through the shadows that had settled within the confines of Genevieve's apartment.

Maiging pinagmasdan ni Genevieve ang binata sa harap niya, 'He's stylish, He is wearing a hoodie? Is that even a hoodie? Kasi kita pa rin ang arms niya even though parang may jacket siyang suot kapag nakatalikod as well as a black bonnet that hides her light pinkish peach dye hair, partnered by gray pants and a cool funky shoe from my shop...,' 

"So how will you rate my fashion, Miss Eve?" Rowan wakes her up from staring too much, "Well, you my limited-edition shoes. Dahil sa shoes na 'yan, I'll give 11/10." 

I said and he smile widely, "9/10 ba sana kaso dahil suot ko ang sapatos sa shop mo, you added two points from it," he joked, and I rolled my eyes, "Nope 5/10 sana kaso you wear the shoes kaya I added 6 points," I confidently answered, and he laughs loudly.

"Back to your Kuya, Well, we train at the same time. You can't choose who to be trained with, right?" Rowan's words held a playful lilt, a gentle reminder of the shared bonds that tied them together. Genevieve's lips twitched in a ghost of a smile, a fragile ray of light peeking through the cracks in her defenses.

"Maybe, but I don't know. I'm disabled. How can I even dance? These prosthetics on my feet are like chains," Genevieve's words held a self-deprecating humor, a shield she wielded against the world. Yet, beneath the veil of jest, a raw vulnerability peeked through, a shard of her true self laid bare.

Rowan's expression shifted, a shadow crossing his features. "I'm sorry," he murmured, a note of regret in his voice. Genevieve's gaze softened, a silent understanding passing between them. With a gentle gesture, Genevieve beckoned Rowan inside, the aroma of home-cooked food wafting through the air. Together, they moved through the familiar space, a tentative ease settling between them. Rowan's eyes flickered with a mix of emotions, a silent question lingering in their depths.

"You seem to know your way around here," Genevieve's observation drew a startled look from Rowan, his features a mixture of surprise and uncertainty.

"Well, I've been here a couple of times before. Your brother had invited us to hang out," Rowan's words were hesitant, a vulnerable edge to his tone. Yet, in Genevieve's gaze, he found a glimmer of understanding, a silent acceptance that eased the knot of tension in his chest.

As they settled at the table, the barrier of silence that had bound Genevieve began to fray, a crackling energy pulsing between them. Through shared laughter and quiet conversation, a fragile thread of connection wove itself between their wounded hearts, a beacon of light in the shadowed corners of Genevieve's world.

In that moment, as the sun cast golden tendrils through the windows, Genevieve felt a spark of hope kindle within her chest, a flicker of warmth thawing the ice that had crystallized around her heart. And as she shared a meal with a stranger who offer her an umbrella turned unexpected friend, she realized that sometimes, the light of connection could pierce even the deepest shadows, guiding her back to the warmth of human touch.

---

Genevieve was pleasantly surprised to find Rowan standing at her doorstep the very next day. She was puzzled by his unexpected arrival, especially in the middle of the night. As she opened the door, a flurry of questions escaped her lips, "Aren't you here yesterday? Why are you back again? Where are you taking me?"

Rowan chuckled at her rapid-fire interrogation and without missing a beat, he gently grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the apartment. Before she could protest, he swiftly shut the door behind them. "To breathe, my dear Genevieve. Gavin asked me to take you somewhere special. Don't worry, I have your brother's permission to shake things up a bit this week," he explained with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Caught off guard by Rowan's sudden appearance and his cryptic words, Genevieve found herself at a loss for words as he led her to his car. As she settled in, she couldn't help but notice Rowan's disguise—a hoodie pulled over his head and a mask concealing his face. She raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Aren't you worried about the media spotting us together? You could get into trouble," she voiced her concern.

Rowan, nonchalant as ever, shrugged off her worries. "I'm not afraid. We're just two friends hanging out. Being Gavin Tiu's sister is no crime. Besides, a little mystery never hurt anyone," he replied with a confidence that left her shaking her head in disbelief. "You're a daredevil, Rowan. Stefan would never take me on such escapades. And why aren't you busy with your music career? Isn't that what idols do—spend every waking moment in the studio?" Genevieve's inquisitive nature took over as she prodded him further.

Rowan chuckled at her persistence, offering a glimpse into his unconventional mindset. "I'm not like Stefan. I've been in the industry long enough to have some freedom. I don't need to be tied down by schedules and rehearsals. Right now, I prefer spending my time living life outside the spotlight. Let the newcomer's hustle; I choose to savor the moments that matter," he explained, his eyes twinkling with an untamed spirit.

As they drove through the vibrant streets of Seoul, Rowan guided the car towards a secluded spot overlooking the majestic Namsan Tower and the sprawling urban landscape. The night sky adorned with a blanket of stars cast a magical glow over the city, painting a picture of serenity amidst the bustling metropolis. "We have arrived," Rowan announced, his voice filled with excitement.

They stepped out of the car, the cool night air wrapping around them like a comforting embrace. Genevieve's gaze wandered, taking in the breathtaking view before her. The city lights twinkled in the distance, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of colors that danced in the darkness. The Namsan Tower stood tall and proud, a beacon of hope in the midst of the urban chaos.

Rowan gestured for Genevieve to join him at the edge of the overlook, where they could soak in the beauty of the city below. The silence between them was comfortable, a shared moment of tranquility in a world that never seemed to slow down. As they stood side by side, a sense of peace engulfed them, transcending words and barriers.

Without saying any words, Rowan looks at Genevieve, "City lights are beautiful at night and even if how loud you scream no one will hear it, so if you want to scream then scream,"

taken aback by Rowan's action, Genevieve smile," Why do you think I want to scream? You don't even ask me what happened that night," 

"Hindi ko alam, hunch ba? Ganon and if you want to tell me what happened that night then I'll listen, but if you don't then it's okay, I don't want to force you because I respect your decision," Rowan answered making Genevieve's heart to calm,

In that fleeting moment, Genevieve realized that Rowan had a unique way of bringing lightness into her life, of breaking the monotony of her routine existence. His carefree spirit was infectious, contagious in the best possible way. As she glanced at him, his face illuminated by the soft glow of the city lights, she felt a warmth in her heart that she hadn't experienced in a long time.

The night stretched on, time losing its grip as they shared stories, dreams, and laughter against the backdrop of the twinkling cityscape. It was a brief escape from reality, a stolen moment of pure joy in a world full of uncertainties. And as Genevieve looked at Rowan, his mask now removed, she saw him for who he truly was—a kindred spirit, a friend who had come into her life when she least expected it.

As the first light of dawn began to paint the horizon in hues of orange and pink, Genevieve turned to Rowan with a smile on her face. "Thank you for this," she whispered, her voice filled with gratitude. Rowan, his eyes reflecting the colors of the sunrise, simply nodded, a silent understanding passing between them.

And in that quiet moment of dawn, as the city below slowly stirred to life, Genevieve knew that this night with Rowan would be etched in her memory forever—a reminder of serendipitous encounters and the beauty of stepping beyond the confines of comfort to embrace the unknown. With a newfound sense of freedom and a heart full of gratitude, she welcomed the dawn of a new day, grateful for the unexpected journey that Rowan had led her on.