How It Came To Be
Chapter III
Thus, the showdown began.
It only took moments before Tira, Chocolate, and Carrot realized that their friends were on a Karaoke Challenge. They heard Gateau sing. In other words, he wasn't really a good singer. The main reason why he usually obtains a high score in the karaoke is because of the intensity his voice could muster. It takes a strong grueling pitch that even the karaoke yields to its sound. So in the process, he's given a good voice rating to let him stop. And as usual, Gateau chose one of his favorites—It's Raining Men.
The song was supposedly sung by a woman, but Gateau considers that his version was more preferable. It eventually ruined some of the customers' appetite or maybe the taste for the song, since his way of singing was quite thwarting to bear. Even Marron couldn't believe he was pronounced the King of Karaoke. Was there really a competition that he had won, he muttered to himself, or was he proclaimed winner because he was the last man standing after his display of undeniable talent?
After Gateau was done, the population of the coffee shop was halved. Some had to check for themselves if they could still hear, and still others were in some sort of trauma. Gateau simply bowed down with thanks and arrogance clearly written in his eyes. He convinced himself he has already triumphed. And with a nimble gesture, he tossed the microphone to Marron who was shuddering involuntarily while he listened to his buddy sing. He was finally relieved when Gateau was done.
He chose a very unfamiliar song; it was called "Your Love." As the song announcer read out the song Marron chose, most of the audiences weren't paying attention to the song's name. They seemed to be enchanted by Marron's flickering golden orbs and his luscious dark hair. His pale complexion added to his beautiful features as they all sighed in agreement. What a lovely young boy he was.
But the rest of the Sorcerer Hunters groped into their memories of such a song called Your Love. It wasn't a success however, for it was the only time they have heard of it—such a mysterious song indeed, just like the singer.
Tira felt differently. She didn't know whether it was only her imagination, or she was still in that state of recollection, but it seemed that Marron was looking straight at her—past her glasses, past her red-tinted eyes, and into her soul. It was as if he was examining everything inside her and admiring it as well. She felt she was going to blush then faint while he was still holding her in his gaze. She bit her lip and reluctantly peeled her eyes away.
She couldn't understand these growing conflicts in her emotions lately. Was it the kiss? She thought of it for a moment, but she didn't seem to gain any answers to it. They have been building up ever since, as if they were beginning to clog her throat. So she used an excuse to fool everyone and made sure no one would raise any suspicions. Anger.
They'd all think she's angry at Marron for being ill-mannered to her and to Carrot. But in truth, she couldn't help but to slam her head on the mirror trying to rid Marron out of her head. She couldn't say it was plain admiration, for it had such a strong grasp in her confused feelings. It maybe lust, but she doesn't know the whole definition of it. Maybe it's—
No! She clamped her face to her palms. She loves Carrot and no one else. Does she really? Or was it just a sham so no one would suspect? Then her whole life was a sham too? Probably, she didn't want to accept an idea that would only make her emotions worse. Probably, she just didn't want to admit it—she fell in love with a man who would never love a woman.
Why is she always so unlucky when it comes to men? First, she forced herself to believe she was in love with a pervert who could like any women except her or her sister. Now, she's fighting herself to deny that she was falling for that pervert's brother who has no interest in women. Why does it always happen to me? She grumbled.
Audience sighed in unison again when they heard him talk, "I'm really sorry if I don't sound that good. It has been months since I last sang, so please excuse me if I'm a bit rusty."
The music started to play, everyone was silent. They all waited for his godly voice like drooling groupies, and some were already sweating under their shirts and blouses with such anticipation. Finally, he sang.
"You're the one that never lets me sleep
Into my mind down to my soul you touch my lips
You're the one that I can't wait to see
With you here by my side, I'm in ecstasy."
His voice was so lovely. Anyone could almost compare it to the serenity of water, the flow of wind through the leaves of every tree. It was peaceful in its own way, and somewhat enticing to Tira. She could hardly restrain herself from pouncing from her seat and landing on her Marron. Her Marron? When did he become hers?
Briefly, he continued.
"I am all alone without you
The days are dark without the glimpse of you
Now that you came into my life, I feel complete
The flower blooms, the morning shines
And I can see."
Tira's heart throbbed though her chest. It seemed to beat with the rhythm of the song. Her blood rushed like it was dancing with the music's melody. She was in sync with it, and she could barely contain herself in her seat. Different sorts of sensations came and left her. She was dazed but elated. She swore. She was growing mad.
"Your love is like the sun
That lights up my whole world
I feel the warmth inside
Your love is like the river
That flows down through my veins
I feel the chill inside."
He sang the second verse; the unusual sensations that she felt a while ago hadn't left her yet.
"Every time I hear our music play
Reminds me of the things that we've been through
In my mind I can't believe it's true
But in my heart the reality is you.
I am all alone without you
The days are dark without the glimpse of you
Now that you came into my life I feel complete
The flowers bloom, the morning shines
And I can see..."
It was the climactic moment in the song, the whole tune of it all jived with his voice. Everyone lost theirselves in his moving voice; they were still dead silent. Marron faltered shortly as the music was lost and the silence overflowed throughout Villa Café. They were clinging to the music as if their very lives were caught with it. They lingered with their eyes wide open. And...
"Your love is like the sun
That lights up my whole world
I feel the warmth inside
Your love is like the river
That flows down through my veins
I feel the chill inside."
He bowed quietly as the music faded dramatically away, and he never expected such a magnificent following. There was a standing ovation, some cheered wildly while others clapped ceaselessly. Others even lost their control and started crying tears of joy. Marron smile boyishly as he witnessed the effect of his voice...of the song.
He searched the whole area, while he was still on the stage, for his friends. Gateau was just on his left, frowning. It appears that he had lost the competition, and he felt too stubborn to accept. Chocolate was on the far end of the café, tugging at Carrot and giving him a satisfying thumb's- up. But Tira was missing. He only realized later, as he searched further, that she exited Villa Café when he finished his song. He followed her, but Chocolate confronted her instead.
"Maybe it's a bad idea for you to pursue her."
"And why's that?"
"'Cause she might just kill you," Choco beamed wanly, and Marron cleared his clogged throat involuntarily.
"Just everybody knows now, Marron."
"Know what?" he struggled to talk.
"That she isn't your type. Well, I can understand that. Since you don't have any—"
Abruptly, he held her by the arms and shook her strongly. His mind was blurred as he fumbled about to know more of what Choco knew.
"Who told you? How did you—?"
He barely heard her speak, she was too giddy at what he was doing to her, "Dota saw and heard your argument. Dota told us about it."
"Dota?" he stopped shaking her.
Choco's eyes seemed to swirl in her dizziness, "Yah..."
Without any pause, he let Choco go and left her to her unsteadiness. Chocolate then wobbled about and dizziness overtook her. She fell flat on the floor, face first.
"Ow..."
Marron asked passers-by if they saw any red-dressed girl with big glasses, and if they knew where she went. Some of those he met said that she strolled through the streets going west. And all he could think of was that she might have gone to the hotel. It was quite logical actually. It had become dark now, and the city lights had very little night lights. Tira, perhaps, thought that it might be too dangerous for tourists such as them to stay out too late at night. But why didn't she call them then and they could have left together? Or at least say her goodbyes to them? She was acting strange...
It wasn't only Tira who was acting strange, Marron too. He admitted it, just hearing that everyone knows Tira wasn't his type made his very bones react violently. It frightened him that this information might only make Tira's very fragile emotions worse. But why would he care?
Maybe, he did care about her, just like her sister Chocolate. Maybe he was just afraid to tell her the truth of his real feelings, to tell her that he felt differently about her. But didn't he say that he had no interest in women?
He swore. It was all pretension. He only used it as a shield to cover himself from his mistakes and short-comings. He envies his brother. He could easily and completely show his affections to the opposite sex, while he could hardly say anything affectionate to others but to his brother. He always holds back whenever his brother makes a move on women—it felt miserable, but he loved his brother that way; him first.
It appears that both Tira and Marron have something in common, they envy their siblings. Marron entered the hotel with determined steps. He could still see clearly how he kissed Tira, how he felt his skin touch hers. It was elating. His brain screamed for him to stop, but it seemed that the body was stronger than the brain. He even nearly regretted the fact that he left her and broke the kiss. He almost swooned to his weakness after he left the library, but he knew it was only a dream. He has to fix this now before it was too late. How? He halted when he reached the door to Tira's room. His heart pounded like the iron on an anvil. His hands fisted and his breaths grew heavier. Was he ready for this? Without determining an answer, his hands met the door and knocked. He almost quivered at the sight of her.
She had a sleeping gown down to her knees, and her feet were tucked under some cute and furry slippers. Her hair was ruffled as usual, since she just woke up from a "beauty sleep." She rubbed her right eye as she opened to see her visitor. She appeared to be like a child, but her gown said otherwise. It was alluring enough in the way her dress was made, and how short it was only made his breathing worse.
She was saying, "Sorry, sis, I just wanted to wander through the streets. But my feet somehow led me to—oh..." she realized that it wasn't her sister.
"I'm sorry if I disturbed your sleep, Tira. May I come in?"
"Sure." She cleared the entryway to let Marron in. He complied and walked haggardly inside. Then she bucked her hip to close the door.
"What's the problem?" Tira was still unfocused and her eyes desperately yearned for some shuteye. She even forgot that she was practically naked under her gown.
Marron was trying to concentrate, but he couldn't from out a single sentence. Tira seemingly distracts his focus on things.
"I...just...need the herbal oil." He finally said, though it wasn't what he intended to say.
"Oh," Tira squinted continuously, her grogginess was fading, "I forgot to give you that to you, didn't I?"
He nodded.
As she moved to her medicine cabinet, she said something Marron didn't expect.
He was caught by surprise when she said, "Were you singing that song to me?"
Marron turned to see Tira abashed at her bold question but didn't take it back. She flushed and shoved the jar of herbal oil to his hands. Marron couldn't understand why. Was this how he was going to fix it, to finally face his mistakes and not run away from it?
"Yes, I did." He replied thickly.
Tira blushed even more, she couldn't believe her ears. Marron sang to her. It was beautiful and romantic, and it was meant for her.
"I see..." was all that Marron heard from her hushed voice.
"I guess I should leave now..." he turned his back once again. Tira's unpleasant memories came back to her as she looked at him walk away and his back facing her. It was too hard to handle that she turned her back as well.
"Stop."
He did so, but he didn't turn around, she didn't think he would.
"Why were you singing it to me?"
"Because I had to."
"Why?"
"Because—" he lost his voice, "—cause—" he needed to say something, "I wanted—" he had to speak, "—to—" Say it! "—to apologize."
"Apologize?"
"It was distasteful for me to say that you were nobody's type. But in truth, you are a beautiful and sexy woman without transforming into the tyrant inside you." He lied. He couldn't push himself to say what he really meant to. It was so painful to be in that position. Yet he strived to deem it that way.
"Is that all?"
"Yes." It hurt too much, "No..."
"No?"
"No...Tira, I have nothing else to say..."
He heard her sob, "No, you still have something to say!"
This time, he did turn around. The woman's tears made him weak—he needed to comfort her in anyway he could. She was facing the wall; she didn't have the courage to face him. She was in a fit of extreme pain, and it would only make it worse if she saw his face. He went closer to her until she was within arms' reach, but he didn't touch her. He simply stood behind silently.
"You were supposed to say 'I love you'!"
Marron briefly closed his eyes. He was neither startled nor amazed at what she said. This was my fault, he muttered, I shouldn't have done it.
"I..." he could hardly speak.
"From the moment we kissed, you should have said it!"
"I..."
"You said I wasn't your type, but I should have trusted my instincts. It made me afraid!"
"I..."
"And then everyday, it got stronger! Now, I can't control my emotions...it's you fault Marron Glace!"
"I..."
"Now, I love you! I truly do!"
"I..."
"Don't you have anything else to say but I?!"
At last, she felt his arms pull her to face him, she felt warmth once again. Tears streamed down not because of pain, but of joy. She knew that she wasn't turned down in disgust, it was something else. And as her eyes refocused, she felt his gaze bare down on her. It was the exact gaze in the coffee shop. She was speechless.
Before she could voice out anything, they kissed.
sigh...fin
Chapter III
Thus, the showdown began.
It only took moments before Tira, Chocolate, and Carrot realized that their friends were on a Karaoke Challenge. They heard Gateau sing. In other words, he wasn't really a good singer. The main reason why he usually obtains a high score in the karaoke is because of the intensity his voice could muster. It takes a strong grueling pitch that even the karaoke yields to its sound. So in the process, he's given a good voice rating to let him stop. And as usual, Gateau chose one of his favorites—It's Raining Men.
The song was supposedly sung by a woman, but Gateau considers that his version was more preferable. It eventually ruined some of the customers' appetite or maybe the taste for the song, since his way of singing was quite thwarting to bear. Even Marron couldn't believe he was pronounced the King of Karaoke. Was there really a competition that he had won, he muttered to himself, or was he proclaimed winner because he was the last man standing after his display of undeniable talent?
After Gateau was done, the population of the coffee shop was halved. Some had to check for themselves if they could still hear, and still others were in some sort of trauma. Gateau simply bowed down with thanks and arrogance clearly written in his eyes. He convinced himself he has already triumphed. And with a nimble gesture, he tossed the microphone to Marron who was shuddering involuntarily while he listened to his buddy sing. He was finally relieved when Gateau was done.
He chose a very unfamiliar song; it was called "Your Love." As the song announcer read out the song Marron chose, most of the audiences weren't paying attention to the song's name. They seemed to be enchanted by Marron's flickering golden orbs and his luscious dark hair. His pale complexion added to his beautiful features as they all sighed in agreement. What a lovely young boy he was.
But the rest of the Sorcerer Hunters groped into their memories of such a song called Your Love. It wasn't a success however, for it was the only time they have heard of it—such a mysterious song indeed, just like the singer.
Tira felt differently. She didn't know whether it was only her imagination, or she was still in that state of recollection, but it seemed that Marron was looking straight at her—past her glasses, past her red-tinted eyes, and into her soul. It was as if he was examining everything inside her and admiring it as well. She felt she was going to blush then faint while he was still holding her in his gaze. She bit her lip and reluctantly peeled her eyes away.
She couldn't understand these growing conflicts in her emotions lately. Was it the kiss? She thought of it for a moment, but she didn't seem to gain any answers to it. They have been building up ever since, as if they were beginning to clog her throat. So she used an excuse to fool everyone and made sure no one would raise any suspicions. Anger.
They'd all think she's angry at Marron for being ill-mannered to her and to Carrot. But in truth, she couldn't help but to slam her head on the mirror trying to rid Marron out of her head. She couldn't say it was plain admiration, for it had such a strong grasp in her confused feelings. It maybe lust, but she doesn't know the whole definition of it. Maybe it's—
No! She clamped her face to her palms. She loves Carrot and no one else. Does she really? Or was it just a sham so no one would suspect? Then her whole life was a sham too? Probably, she didn't want to accept an idea that would only make her emotions worse. Probably, she just didn't want to admit it—she fell in love with a man who would never love a woman.
Why is she always so unlucky when it comes to men? First, she forced herself to believe she was in love with a pervert who could like any women except her or her sister. Now, she's fighting herself to deny that she was falling for that pervert's brother who has no interest in women. Why does it always happen to me? She grumbled.
Audience sighed in unison again when they heard him talk, "I'm really sorry if I don't sound that good. It has been months since I last sang, so please excuse me if I'm a bit rusty."
The music started to play, everyone was silent. They all waited for his godly voice like drooling groupies, and some were already sweating under their shirts and blouses with such anticipation. Finally, he sang.
"You're the one that never lets me sleep
Into my mind down to my soul you touch my lips
You're the one that I can't wait to see
With you here by my side, I'm in ecstasy."
His voice was so lovely. Anyone could almost compare it to the serenity of water, the flow of wind through the leaves of every tree. It was peaceful in its own way, and somewhat enticing to Tira. She could hardly restrain herself from pouncing from her seat and landing on her Marron. Her Marron? When did he become hers?
Briefly, he continued.
"I am all alone without you
The days are dark without the glimpse of you
Now that you came into my life, I feel complete
The flower blooms, the morning shines
And I can see."
Tira's heart throbbed though her chest. It seemed to beat with the rhythm of the song. Her blood rushed like it was dancing with the music's melody. She was in sync with it, and she could barely contain herself in her seat. Different sorts of sensations came and left her. She was dazed but elated. She swore. She was growing mad.
"Your love is like the sun
That lights up my whole world
I feel the warmth inside
Your love is like the river
That flows down through my veins
I feel the chill inside."
He sang the second verse; the unusual sensations that she felt a while ago hadn't left her yet.
"Every time I hear our music play
Reminds me of the things that we've been through
In my mind I can't believe it's true
But in my heart the reality is you.
I am all alone without you
The days are dark without the glimpse of you
Now that you came into my life I feel complete
The flowers bloom, the morning shines
And I can see..."
It was the climactic moment in the song, the whole tune of it all jived with his voice. Everyone lost theirselves in his moving voice; they were still dead silent. Marron faltered shortly as the music was lost and the silence overflowed throughout Villa Café. They were clinging to the music as if their very lives were caught with it. They lingered with their eyes wide open. And...
"Your love is like the sun
That lights up my whole world
I feel the warmth inside
Your love is like the river
That flows down through my veins
I feel the chill inside."
He bowed quietly as the music faded dramatically away, and he never expected such a magnificent following. There was a standing ovation, some cheered wildly while others clapped ceaselessly. Others even lost their control and started crying tears of joy. Marron smile boyishly as he witnessed the effect of his voice...of the song.
He searched the whole area, while he was still on the stage, for his friends. Gateau was just on his left, frowning. It appears that he had lost the competition, and he felt too stubborn to accept. Chocolate was on the far end of the café, tugging at Carrot and giving him a satisfying thumb's- up. But Tira was missing. He only realized later, as he searched further, that she exited Villa Café when he finished his song. He followed her, but Chocolate confronted her instead.
"Maybe it's a bad idea for you to pursue her."
"And why's that?"
"'Cause she might just kill you," Choco beamed wanly, and Marron cleared his clogged throat involuntarily.
"Just everybody knows now, Marron."
"Know what?" he struggled to talk.
"That she isn't your type. Well, I can understand that. Since you don't have any—"
Abruptly, he held her by the arms and shook her strongly. His mind was blurred as he fumbled about to know more of what Choco knew.
"Who told you? How did you—?"
He barely heard her speak, she was too giddy at what he was doing to her, "Dota saw and heard your argument. Dota told us about it."
"Dota?" he stopped shaking her.
Choco's eyes seemed to swirl in her dizziness, "Yah..."
Without any pause, he let Choco go and left her to her unsteadiness. Chocolate then wobbled about and dizziness overtook her. She fell flat on the floor, face first.
"Ow..."
Marron asked passers-by if they saw any red-dressed girl with big glasses, and if they knew where she went. Some of those he met said that she strolled through the streets going west. And all he could think of was that she might have gone to the hotel. It was quite logical actually. It had become dark now, and the city lights had very little night lights. Tira, perhaps, thought that it might be too dangerous for tourists such as them to stay out too late at night. But why didn't she call them then and they could have left together? Or at least say her goodbyes to them? She was acting strange...
It wasn't only Tira who was acting strange, Marron too. He admitted it, just hearing that everyone knows Tira wasn't his type made his very bones react violently. It frightened him that this information might only make Tira's very fragile emotions worse. But why would he care?
Maybe, he did care about her, just like her sister Chocolate. Maybe he was just afraid to tell her the truth of his real feelings, to tell her that he felt differently about her. But didn't he say that he had no interest in women?
He swore. It was all pretension. He only used it as a shield to cover himself from his mistakes and short-comings. He envies his brother. He could easily and completely show his affections to the opposite sex, while he could hardly say anything affectionate to others but to his brother. He always holds back whenever his brother makes a move on women—it felt miserable, but he loved his brother that way; him first.
It appears that both Tira and Marron have something in common, they envy their siblings. Marron entered the hotel with determined steps. He could still see clearly how he kissed Tira, how he felt his skin touch hers. It was elating. His brain screamed for him to stop, but it seemed that the body was stronger than the brain. He even nearly regretted the fact that he left her and broke the kiss. He almost swooned to his weakness after he left the library, but he knew it was only a dream. He has to fix this now before it was too late. How? He halted when he reached the door to Tira's room. His heart pounded like the iron on an anvil. His hands fisted and his breaths grew heavier. Was he ready for this? Without determining an answer, his hands met the door and knocked. He almost quivered at the sight of her.
She had a sleeping gown down to her knees, and her feet were tucked under some cute and furry slippers. Her hair was ruffled as usual, since she just woke up from a "beauty sleep." She rubbed her right eye as she opened to see her visitor. She appeared to be like a child, but her gown said otherwise. It was alluring enough in the way her dress was made, and how short it was only made his breathing worse.
She was saying, "Sorry, sis, I just wanted to wander through the streets. But my feet somehow led me to—oh..." she realized that it wasn't her sister.
"I'm sorry if I disturbed your sleep, Tira. May I come in?"
"Sure." She cleared the entryway to let Marron in. He complied and walked haggardly inside. Then she bucked her hip to close the door.
"What's the problem?" Tira was still unfocused and her eyes desperately yearned for some shuteye. She even forgot that she was practically naked under her gown.
Marron was trying to concentrate, but he couldn't from out a single sentence. Tira seemingly distracts his focus on things.
"I...just...need the herbal oil." He finally said, though it wasn't what he intended to say.
"Oh," Tira squinted continuously, her grogginess was fading, "I forgot to give you that to you, didn't I?"
He nodded.
As she moved to her medicine cabinet, she said something Marron didn't expect.
He was caught by surprise when she said, "Were you singing that song to me?"
Marron turned to see Tira abashed at her bold question but didn't take it back. She flushed and shoved the jar of herbal oil to his hands. Marron couldn't understand why. Was this how he was going to fix it, to finally face his mistakes and not run away from it?
"Yes, I did." He replied thickly.
Tira blushed even more, she couldn't believe her ears. Marron sang to her. It was beautiful and romantic, and it was meant for her.
"I see..." was all that Marron heard from her hushed voice.
"I guess I should leave now..." he turned his back once again. Tira's unpleasant memories came back to her as she looked at him walk away and his back facing her. It was too hard to handle that she turned her back as well.
"Stop."
He did so, but he didn't turn around, she didn't think he would.
"Why were you singing it to me?"
"Because I had to."
"Why?"
"Because—" he lost his voice, "—cause—" he needed to say something, "I wanted—" he had to speak, "—to—" Say it! "—to apologize."
"Apologize?"
"It was distasteful for me to say that you were nobody's type. But in truth, you are a beautiful and sexy woman without transforming into the tyrant inside you." He lied. He couldn't push himself to say what he really meant to. It was so painful to be in that position. Yet he strived to deem it that way.
"Is that all?"
"Yes." It hurt too much, "No..."
"No?"
"No...Tira, I have nothing else to say..."
He heard her sob, "No, you still have something to say!"
This time, he did turn around. The woman's tears made him weak—he needed to comfort her in anyway he could. She was facing the wall; she didn't have the courage to face him. She was in a fit of extreme pain, and it would only make it worse if she saw his face. He went closer to her until she was within arms' reach, but he didn't touch her. He simply stood behind silently.
"You were supposed to say 'I love you'!"
Marron briefly closed his eyes. He was neither startled nor amazed at what she said. This was my fault, he muttered, I shouldn't have done it.
"I..." he could hardly speak.
"From the moment we kissed, you should have said it!"
"I..."
"You said I wasn't your type, but I should have trusted my instincts. It made me afraid!"
"I..."
"And then everyday, it got stronger! Now, I can't control my emotions...it's you fault Marron Glace!"
"I..."
"Now, I love you! I truly do!"
"I..."
"Don't you have anything else to say but I?!"
At last, she felt his arms pull her to face him, she felt warmth once again. Tears streamed down not because of pain, but of joy. She knew that she wasn't turned down in disgust, it was something else. And as her eyes refocused, she felt his gaze bare down on her. It was the exact gaze in the coffee shop. She was speechless.
Before she could voice out anything, they kissed.
sigh...fin