Note before reading: If the scenes feel rushed, that means that the book still needs to be revised after completion. As I said, feedback is highly appreciated if there are mistakes or anything that you want to let the author know. Lovelots! 💕

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Eli was standing right there on the side, writing his song.

This time, he had given me the camera and we went straight to Cherry Esplanade – where I had taken a picture of him accidentally. I was pretty sure he still remembers it clearly, judging by how he looked at the view with a frown then back at me.

To be honest, it wasn't my intention for him to be in that photo. I was in a bit of a rush back then since I was still meeting Kiara. Eli was a bit of a grumpy pants so this time, I made sure not to make the same mistake again.

I warned Eli this time so he wouldn't be caught in the photo. So, he just stood under the cherry tree and gave me a bit of time to finish the shots. When I took a few gazes back at him, he was finishing up his song.

Well, I can't really tell what he was writing but whatever it was, he was immersed by it. Not even the birds chirping had him distracted.

He's almost just like me. Though, he's more focused.

As soon as I took one photo, he then asked me a question that I didn't expect from him. He rarely strikes up a conversation so this was a first.

"Did you hear the song I sang here?"

I blinked. Wait, was he asking me about the song that he was performing yesterday? I shook my head. I really hadn't caught it much when he had performed it. The end of the song was the only thing I caught before people had clapped in amusement.

Maybe he was asking if it was alright?

"No, not really. I got here a bit late," I honestly answered him before he nodded and looked at his notes. His pen moved swiftly as he writes. It's better not to throw him off the flow.

How many songs were this guy even planning to do? I still wonder.

It took a while before he had followed up what he said. Though this time, he seems a bit hesitant about what he would say next. As if the words had been stuck on his throat. Nevertheless, he decided to ask me about it.

"Just wondering if you're free this weekend?"

That's new. He doesn't usually ask if I was busy or not. We'd usually just nod whenever we meet in the hallway or in the streets of New York. So, to see him like this, I was astonished.

Taking out my own planner, I looked up the date and shook my head. "Not really. Why? Do you have something in mind?"

"I was planning to write more chapters that day but I can manage my schedule," I continued.

Eli seems to be thinking before answering, "Well, I sang one of the songs that I made so I was hoping to get some feedback about it," he told me as I raised an eyebrow.

Wait, the one that I hadn't had the chance to hear properly? The one he sang in this place?

"The one you sang here?" I then pointed at the place where he was performing back then. Surprisingly, he said no. If that wasn't the song, which one would it be?

"I made new ones. Your book helped me a bit."

"I'm glad to hear that. So, how many songs have you managed to finish so far?" I asked him. Since I didn't have many plans on the weekends, I agreed. Maybe some songs can juggle up my ideas to finish my story.

He avoided my gaze for a while. When he wasn't answering, I squinted my eyes in suspicion. Don't tell me he made a lot. It was just yesterday when he performed that.

Maybe he did it right before he sang one of the songs?

It took him a minute before he mumbled under his breath, "About five more."

I stood there, speechless. His DSLR camera was still in my hands and his cat was just walking around next to me. There was an awkward silence between us before I coughed and nodded.

"Sorry, I'm just shocked. All those in one day?" I asked him in disbelief as he then nods, rubbing a hand on his nape. His cheeks turned red before he chuckled.

"I might have gotten too inspired with what I was writing. Maybe got a little too carried away?" Shaking my head, I told him that it was good that he had made that many songs. It was quite rare to have those kinds of moments where the words just go continuously. Almost like a miracle.

I smiled. "I think it's better that way. Having to be stuck on a piece is the worst thing one can encounter."

As soon as I said that, I suddenly remembered the first time I was writing. There were no words coming out and I had only kept outlining everything I wanted to happen to the book without much progress. My mom was the one who had to push me out of that loop.

I could still remember what she said to me that day.

"The only way you can make history is by doing one thing most people often find themselves not doing. Take the first steps and make small hops into it."

Taking the first step was probably a scary thing to do for most writers. Not knowing what the future holds. What about the book? Will it inspire someone? Anyone?

Will it even reach out to other people?

Will it give a message? Help out to those who lost themselves?

Such a thought crosses my mind up to this day. But my mom had lots of advices that shaped me into where I am now. In New York, where the possibilities are endless.

And now, I'm working out a novel that spreads the same feeling I had once.

Hope.

Maybe that's what Eli was doing too. It's not just a song after all. It depicts emotions.

Those lyrics of his, most of it was from experiences as well. So, I'm sure they hold deep meanings. Some could only tell.

Looking over back to Eli, who was now examining his journal, I called out to him. "Hey."

He returned his gaze and I handed him the camera. "I took some pictures. I'll transfer them later to my computer."

"And also, if you have some time tomorrow, maybe I can hear those songs you've been working on. I'll just pass this chapter to the publisher and I'll be free to listen to it." I told him.

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Note: As I said, if this feels rushed, I am trying to finish some chapters before March or April but will polish this as soon as possible after its completion. Thank you!