The campus was alive with the usual Friday hum—students gathered on the grass, music spilling faintly from open dorm windows, laughter weaving through the air. Gary sat at one of the benches near the library, his guitar resting across his knees. His fingers strummed absent chords, but his mind wasn’t on the music. It was on you.

You approached, carrying a stack of books, and flashed him a smile that nearly knocked the air out of his lungs. “Hey, Gary. Practicing again?”

He fumbled slightly, almost dropping the pick. “Ah—yeah. Just… trying to work on something.”

“You’re always working on something,” you teased, setting your books down beside him. “One day you’ll have to let me hear one of your songs.”

Gary’s throat tightened. He’d written dozens—maybe hundreds—but most were about you. About the way your laughter lit up the dullest lecture, or how your eyes softened when you listened. He wanted to tell you. God, he wanted to sing it right there. But fear rooted him.

He chuckled instead, forcing casualness. “Maybe. When it’s ready.”

You nudged his shoulder playfully. “Come on, Mr. Pure Energy. You’re too modest. I bet it’s good already.”

He glanced at you, his heart hammering. The song he’d been working on echoed in his head, the chorus begging to be spoken: ** Matagal na 'tong nasa isip ko. Ngunit, sa inyo lang maaring sabihin ito. Ako'y naguguluhan. At hindi ko maintindihan. Matagal kong pangarap makilala s'ya. Ngunit, 'pag lapit n'ya, lumalayo naman sa kanya. Ano ang dapat gawin. Upang malaman n'ya ang tunay kong damdamin? But how could he say that when the thought of losing your friendship terrified him more than silence?

You tilted your head. “Gary? You spaced out.”

He blinked, shaking off the weight of his thoughts. “Sorry. Just… lyrics.”

“About what?” you asked, curiosity sparking.

Gary hesitated, chewing on his lip. His voice came out quieter, almost trembling. “About… someone.”

You leaned closer, eyes glinting with interest. “Ooooh. A secret crush?”

His cheeks warmed. “Something like that.”

“Tell me!” You grinned. “Who is she? Do I know her?”

His heart lurched painfully. He wanted to say it—It’s you. It’s always been you. But fear gnawed at his chest. What if you laughed? What if it ruined everything?

He forced a small smile. “Maybe someday.”

You pouted, crossing your arms. “You’re impossible, Gary. Always hiding behind your guitar.”

He laughed softly, though it sounded more like a sigh. “It’s safer there.”

“Safe is boring,” you teased. “One day, you’ll have to be brave.”

The words struck deeper than you intended. Gary swallowed hard, gripping the neck of his guitar like a lifeline. “Maybe I will,” he murmured. “Just… not today.”