This is the last chapter of New Classic's third installment before epilogue. Thank you so much for coming this far.

#NewClassicRTMC

Chapter 40
Comeback

The news about New Classic's comeback concert shook the entire music industry. It was followed by articles of Ike being a major shareholder in Top Star Records, and New Classic establishing their own label as a subsidiary company of Top Star.

In just a day, after they ended their hiatus and broke their silence, New Classic sealed their place on top. Even after almost two years of hiatus, they proved that they're still the number one band, not just in the Philippines but the whole world.

I was beyond proud to see the positive comments that they were getting from the public. My eyes were glued on the set right in front us while waiting for the members to arrive.

Zendaya and Cloé were sitting beside me. Nasa studio kami kung saan ang showcase ng New Classic. Kaming tatlo lamang ang nagsilbing audience dahil ang mga fans ay sa online lamang nakakanood.

For the online showcase, they would officially announce their comeback and share their future plans as a band. We could see the live view count of people waiting for the start of the livestream. There were more than two hundred thousand fans waiting for the livestream to start and the counter was still going up.

Just then, I heard heavy breathing beside me. I turned to Zendaya in concern. She looked nervous and uneasy. She was biting her lips, shaking her legs and playing with her hands.

I learned that she's a huge fan of New Classic. She even became the president of the First Class fan club for a long time. I was sure that the nervousness was brought by her excitement to see the band on the stage.

Gently placing my hand on her shoulder, Zendaya looked at me. I smiled and asked, "Are you excited?"

A huge smile slowly crept on her lips. She kept nodding her head. "I feel like crying. I'm so excited. I don't know what to do."

"Kalma ka, Zen," marahang sabi sa kanya ni Cloé. "Baka kapag nakita ka ni Isaiah na umiiyak ay ipahinto no'n agad ang showcase para lapitan ka."

In order to stifle a laugh, I bit my lower lip. We all knew that the possibility of that happening was at a hundred percent. Zendaya calmed down right away. There was no trace of tears in her eyes.

Kasabay ng kanyang pagkalma ay ang biglang pag-ingay ng mga staff, hudyat na pumasok na ang New Classic sa studio. They frantically checked all the things needed for the successful live showcase last minute. On the other hand, the members looked so calm as they sat on their respective places.

They were all wearing semi-formal outfits with the same style and concept—suits on top of a plain white shirt and jeans. Hairs were also styled almost the same way they usually do. Honestly, there wasn't any difference from their everyday look, but the aura they exuded was defintely stronger.

Habang inaayos ang lapel nila ay kita kong sumilip si Ike sa gilid ng staff upang hanapin ako. Napangiti ako at kumaway sa kanya. In an instant, he mirrored my smile, looking even more handsome.

Naputol nga lang agad ang tinginan namin sa isa't isa nang dumating na rin ang veteran host na magle-lead ng kanilang showcase. They formally greeted her like they were still rookies. Natutuwa akong hindi nila nakakalimutang maging magalang at mapagkumbaba kahit na narating na nila ang tuktok.

Not long after, they finally went live once they were settled. The view count skyrocketed, almost reaching a million live viewers. I read from the setlist earlier that they would begin the live with a performance of their debut single—Smile.

The host went to the backstage again. The main lights inside the studio dimmed as the mood lights added a sentimental atmosphere to the performance. Mayroon ding spotlight na itinutok sa miyembro kung kanino nakapokus ang camera.

The moment New Classic started playing the familiar intro of Smile, I heard another gasp from Zendaya. Hindi ko na nga lang siya nalingon dahil nabihag na ni Ike ang aking mga mata. I knew I'd be stuck staring at him for the rest of the performance—or maybe even for the rest of the showcase.

I was focused on the way he effortlessly plucked the strings of his electric guitar. He was just playing but he could already bring out so much emotion. It almost seemed like he was also the one singing. I got lost in the moment just watching him doing something he's very passionate of.

Your tears are so precious
Just to let it fall on the ground
Smile and hope that someday
Things will come around

I'm singing for you
Who's crying tonight
Smile for me,
Smile tonight,
Smile under the moonlight and shine

Hmm... Hmm...
Hmm... Hmm... Hmm...
Hmm... Hmm...

Smile under the moonlight and shine

We quietly clapped our hands after their performance ended. The mood lights slowly faded out along with the music. Dumilim din sa buong studio na dahilan kung bakit hindi ko nakita si Ike.

Tumingin ako sa monitor sa aking gilid kung saan nakikita ang actual livestream. The screen was blackout with a reminder in the middle to please wait for a moment.

Nang bumukas ulit ang ilaw sa studio ay nakaupo na ang mga members sa isang mahabang couch sa harapan. Sa medyo gilid ay mayroon ding single couch kung saan naupo ang host. Muling hinanap ni Ike ang aking mga mata. Pinasadahan niya ako ng tingin at saka nilingon ang camera. Saktong umere na ulit sa lahat ang showcase.

"It's been a while..." There was a gentle smile on Ike's face as he spoke. "Got music?"

"New Classic!" All the members chanted their band name in unison. I even heard Zendaya whispered the chant along with them.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the top and award-winning OPM rock band around the world, New Classic!" the host began facilitating the event. "First of all, thank you so much for inviting me to host this online comeback showcase. It's a great pleasure. And of course, congratulations for a successful comeback. The news and your fans broke the internet. New Classic is trending number one worldwide."

"Thank you," Ike courtly replied with a smile still lingering on his lips. "Actually, New Classic hasn't made an official comeback yet after our hiatus, but we are really grateful to know that a lot of our First Class are still waiting for us and our music with anticipation. It makes us even more determined to do our best in order to show our appreciation to them."

My heart was swelling with pride and adoration for him. Although it had been a while since his last formal interview, he still managed to answer with confidence. He didn't stutter a bit. He kept his held high while he engaged in a formal conversation with the host.

"Before the showcase, the staffs asked your fans to drop questions on Twitter and we got over a million of tweets."

The members were a bit surprised. I caught a glimpse of Sic who did a thumbs up in front of the camera.

"Among all those questions, they handpicked twenty questions. But each member will only draw one to answer," the host continued explaining while getting a fish bowl with colorful papers inside. "These are all general questions which can be asked to any member. Now, I want each of you to pick one from the bowl."

Tumango silang apat kaya agad silang pinabunot ng host. Umakto pa si Sic na kinakabahan sa pagbunot. Nanginginig pa ang kanyang kamay na nagpatawa sa lahat. Kung hindi siya siniko ni Jirro ay mukhang magtatagal pa siya lalo.

"Since all of you already have a paper in hand, who wants to answer first?"

"Leader first," Sic answered in a speed of light.

Sumang-ayon doon sina Isaiah at Jirro na tinuro din si Ike. Wala naman siyang nagawa kung hindi ang mauna.

He carefully opened the paper and read the question. "This is a question by @roniniyaaa. During your hiatus, what were you up to? How did you spend your time?"

Ngumuso si Ike sandali habang nag-iisip. Binalik niya sa pagkakatupi ang papel bago umupo nang maayos at sinagot ang tanong.

"During our band hiatus, it wasn't just me, but all of us worked on our individual growth," he answered. "We paid attention to our personal lives more. But in midst of that, Isaiah never stopped writing songs behind the scenes and accepted some directing and composing projects; Jirro was leading the preparation for the big project and investment that we have; Sic landed on a big deal with a luxury brand and promoted overseas; while I became a mentor in Road to Record and spent more time with my loved ones."

Instead of just talking about himself, Ike made sure to include and prioritize each and every member in his answer. That spoke volume about his character as the leader of New Classic—responsible, humble and selfless.

"This is from @michds. What's the thing you enjoyed the most during your hiatus?" Isaiah was the next one to answer. "Hmm... This is actually an easy question. I don't mean to offend our fans—First Class—but I really enjoyed the freedom of being away from the cameras. I like being in charge of my time. As you all know, before our hiatus, I announced something that's very personal to me. I think it helps having a quiet life during our break. It felt like I was an ordinary man. It was a good experience."

Napangiti ako at napatango sa sagot ni Isaiah. Alam kong ganoon din ang nararamdaman ng iba, lalong-lalo na si Ike na inaasam ang isang tahimik na buhay. For someone who's popular and busy like them, I know how much they value their freedom.

"It's a question by @rxbelleious. What did you miss while you were on hiatus?" Jirro also read the question when it was his turn. "Of course, what I missed the most is making music and performing in front of First Class. The process of making and releasing an album, performing at local and international events, and interacting with our fans... As a musician and a performer, it's something that I longed for while we were on a long break."

It was amazing how I could also relate to Jirro's answer. I knew exactly how it feels. When you're already used to living your life with music, it's hard to turn your back on it. I tried it for a few times, and I never succeeded.

But to be honest, I'm glad that I didn't let go. Music is what connects me to my parents. It is also the reason why I met Ike in the first place. Music led me to him.

"From @ScintillateMaui..." Sic read it like a very sentimental letter, pulling me away from my thoughts. "In your opinion, what makes you more charming than the other members?"

Sic chuckled before staring straight at the camera. He bit his lower lip, trying to look seductive. Jirro and Isaiah were already laughing at him. Ike kept shaking his head while holding back a laugh.

"It's the charm of being the only single member in the band," he confidently said and winked.

Jirro acted like he was about to puke and Ike massaged the bridge of his nose. Patuloy pa rin sa pagtawa si Isaiah. On the other hand, I also couldn't control myself from laughing while suffering from secondhand embarrassment.

New Classic showed their undeniable great chemistry. They were all just like best friends having fun on a casual livestream. The showcase continued with some games before they went on with the serious part of the showcase.

"Now that New Classic is back, I'm sure your fans are curious on what plans you have this year," the host proceeded with the interview. "There are news all over the internet, but I know you also want to relay the news to your fans yourselves."

Ike nodded his head. "Actually, our official accounts already posted about our upcoming comeback concert this July 31. It is also our third official concert," he explained. "There are still four months away and we are constantly preparing to give the best show to our First Class."

"Along with that, we are also currently working on our fourth mini album which will be composed of all Tagalog songs," Isaiah continued and talked about their album. "We have been releasing English songs since our debut, so we all came to an agreement that it's time for us to use our own language to create music. This upcoming album will also be our last album produced under Top Star Records."

"Last album under Top Star Records?" the host couldn't help herself but to echo that important catch.

"Our exclusive contract under Top Star Records will also end this year," Ike stated. "However, it doesn't mean that we're completely parting ways with the company."

"It's already reported on different news articles online that we are planning to establish our own label," Jirro confirmed the rumors on the internet. "Top Star Records has always been very supportive of the band and our plans. They lend us a hand to establish a record label as their subsidiary company. They believe that it will help us grow not just as artists but also as producers."

"But despite being a subsidiary, our own record label will function like an independent label. We will not only release our own music, but we are also going to scout aspiring talents that we will produce in the future," Sic elaborated further about their plans.

"Have you already thought a name for your own record label?" the host asked curiously.

"Yes," Ike answered right away with a smile on his face. "We will name our label under our fandom name—First Class. We all agreed that we wouldn't get this far without their support. They helped us build our soon-to-be new home. And so, we want to dedicate this huge achievement to them."

Zendaya was already silently crying beside me. Cloé and I comforted her right away, especially when we saw Isaiah constantly glancing at her from time to time. She got super emotional because of New Classic's huge achievement. I was sure that all the fans must be feeling the same way.

"Before we end the showcase, please say your last message to your fans who are watching right now."

Tinuro ni Ike si Sic upang siya ang maunang magsalita. Wala naman siyang pag-aalinlangang tumingin nang diresto sa camera.

"To our First Class, we know all of you have waited for so long. Thank you for staying and for believing in us. Now that we are back, we promise to work even harder than before." It was definitely one of those rare moments where Sic was serious. His eyes shone with sincerity. "I can't wait to see your beautiful faces again on July. I love you all."

"I know it's been a rollercoaster ride for all of you to support us," Jirro spoke after Sic. "We all know at some point, you thought about leaving the fandom for your own good. But despite that, just like what Sic said, thank you for choosing to stay with us. Thank you for being here until now. We will meet again very soon."

Isaiah shifted on his seat when it was his turn. "It has always been a pleasure making music and having amazing people listen to it." A genial smile broke on his lips. "I'm just really thankful and happy that we still have you, ready to listen to us and our music. No matter what happens, we promise that we are still the New Classic you love since day one and we will continue releasing music that will give inspiration to each and everyone of you."

There was a brief moment of silence when all the focus and attention were directed on Ike. It made me anticipate his words more.

"It's been almost two years since we went on hiatus. I believe that it's such a really long time. Seeing that you guys are still here for us, it fills my heart with relief and gratitude," he spoke with so much emotion in his voice, but it was obvious that he was trying to keep himself composed. "In four months, New Classic will stand on the stage once again. We will see each other again. But before that, as a gift, we prepared to sing a song from our upcoming album—Kumusta Ka?"

Nang sabihin iyon ni Ike ay sabay-sabay silang apat na tumayo. Tahimik na umalis din ang host sa set.

"Until then, Got Music?" Ike led their closing greeting.

"New Classic!"

The studio lights dimmed once again. The members quickly positioned themselves at the back where their instruments were placed. Once the band started playing for their closing performance, the lights slowly turned on.

With Ike's fancy guitar plucking, it created a sentimental rhythm and melody. He even closed his eyes to feel the music.

Kumusta ka?
Ako'y naaalala pa ba?
Ang mga araw na pinagsamahan at mga tawanan,
Naaalala mo ba?

Kumusta ka?
Ako ay nandito na
Kung saang tayo'y unang nagkita
Naaalala mo ba?

Isaiah's husky and soulful voice resonated inside the studio. He was obviously singing, but it also felt like he was just speaking to me.

Sa bawat segundo,
Minuto, oras at araw,
Linggo, buwan at taon
Ikaw ay nandito,
Sa 'king puso
At hindi kailan mang naglaho

Sa bawat segundo,
Minuto, oras at araw,
Linggo, buwan at taon
Ang aking hiling,
Habang buhay,
Ay ikaw ang makapiling

I couldn't help but commend New Classic and they way they performed the song in such a way that could make me feel nostalgic, even though I couldn't really call myself a fan. The composition of the lyrics was also very personal and raw. It was obvious that they invest a lot of emotions in creating the song.

With my lips tightly pursed, I turned to Ike. He was already staring at me. There was another instrumental break after the last chorus. While he was playing his guitar, his eyes were all on me.

It reminded me of that time, that summer, by the beach when I first heard him play using my guitar. The song he played encouraged me to start believing in myself and accepting my flaws. It helped me took my first step away from my fears. When my heart and mind were in a complete chaos, through him, I didn't just find myself but I also found the lost rhythm once again.

Kumusta ka?
Naaalala mo ba?

He is the rhythm to my chaos.