"Star light, star bright,

The first star I see tonight,

I wish I may, I wish I might,

Have this wish I wish tonight."

Huff, huff, huff...

The only sound that broke the silence of the night as I trekked up the cold and winding Ambangeg Trail.

Four months ago

"According to recent news reports, NASA researchers have revealed that Halley's Comet is expected to make its appearance in the night sky in four months and be visible for six months. It's reportedly visible in some nations, including the Philippines..."

I stood there motionless in my living room as I watched the news. I have heard stories about Halley's Comet, and how it would grant wishes to those who wish upon it. It is said, that reciting the poem dedicated to it, it would grant the wisher's greatest desire.

"... Astrologers from the Philippines said that the comet will be visible in some places, including Baler, Aurora, El Nido, and Jomalig Island in the Quezon Province. But the best place to see the comet closer is Mount Pulag in the Benguet Province. PAG-ASA said by the time the comet appears, the night sky will be clear for the mountain hikers. In other news..."

I stood there, staring at the screen for god knows how long. This must be my answer to my problems. For years now, there's nothing I desire more than having a companion in life. After I stood there for like an hour or so, I did not hesitate to book a Baguio Trip.

*****

So here I am, four months later. The cold night air caresses my face. I can hear the murmur of the breeze as if the forefathers of old were speaking to me. I sat there and watched the activities in the open space of Camp 2, where it was bustling with tourists and hikers. Most of them have large hiking bags and equipment, some brought their tents, and some brought their telescopes, astrologers, perhaps.

Today is November 30. According to my research, it is recommended to hike during the dry season, which is from November to March. I checked the weather forecast yesterday. Today should be a good day.

After a few minutes' rest, I stood up, grabbed my hiking gear, and started to follow the group as they made their way to the peak. Each of the tourists has one flashlight that illuminates the darkness of the night. The sound of the wind, the footsteps we take, and our heavy breathing broke the peacefulness of the night.

After what seems to be an eternity, the trail starts to ascend, indicating that we're about to climb to the peak. In the distance, I saw the sign that stood in the middle of the bustling crowd. Most of the tourists flock around it as if achieving a feat no people could ever do, or perhaps a core memory. I looked up at the clear evening sky. It was full of stars. The sky was so clear, I could see the Milky Way. If my estimation is correct, the comet should appear between 3:00 and 4:00 early morning. I checked my watch: 2:50. I walked around a bit to pass the time.

The peak was no simple peak, it was full of people. The once lush greenery has become brown, full of trails made by millions of footsteps. I navigated my way around the crowd only to find more on the other side of the peak. I grumbled softly under my breath. I walked a bit more until I found an open space. I put my bag down and sat. I checked my watch again: at 3:05. I grabbed my thermos and poured myself a cup of hot chocolate just to relieve me of this cold.

I stared into the darkness as the cold breeze flowed. Even with layers and layers of jacket, the cold still pierced through it, like a thousand icicles continuously stabbing me. I fixed my jacket to cover myself from the cold.

As I was sipping my hot chocolate, a man accidentally bumped into me, causing my hot drink to spill on my clothes. Luckily, I wore thick layers of clothes, or else I would've got burned. I grumpily stood up and stared daggers at the perpetrator. He looked back at me with his apologizing eyes. Even in the dark, I can see his sea-green eyes. He wore a thick blue jacket with a hoodie. His hands were covered in dark blue gloves. Only a dark red scarf covered half of his face. He wore a green bonnet.

He walked back towards me to check if I was okay. "Are you okay?"

I rolled my eyes at him.

"Oh sure! Yes! I'm okay!" I said sarcastically.

He chuckled softly.

"I sincerely apologize," he said as he examined my clothes. "Luckily, you wore thick layers of clothes so it wouldn't be a problem."

He took out something from his backpack and handed it to me. It was a purple jacket. I looked at him, puzzled.

"A change of clothes. You need to change your jacket," he said as he handed me his jacket.

I took the jacket and looked at him. He smiled and started to walk away. I looked at the purple jacket he lent me. I was about to ask him how will I return his jacket, but he was nowhere to be found. I just shrugged and changed my jacket. Strangely, it was just about the right size.

As I was sitting down, I happened to overhear one of the hikers.

"Oh, wow. Look at that!" exclaimed the hiker.

I glanced over at him and caught sight of him stealing a moment with his telescope. Intrigued, I followed his gaze, and there it appeared - Halley's Comet. It blazed in the night sky, a radiant beacon against the darkness. Its colors, a mesmerizing blend of azure blue and ivory white, painted a stunning portrait against the dark backdrop of space. As I beheld its celestial journey, I felt drawn to its ethereal presence, captivated by the sheer magnificence of its trajectory. Halley's Comet, with its luminous display and graceful motion, seemed to whisper secrets of the universe, stirring within me a profound sense of wonder and reverence. Its passage through the heavens served as a humbling reminder of the vastness and mystery that envelop our cosmos, inviting contemplation of our place within the cosmic tapestry. In its fleeting brilliance, Halley's Comet beckoned us to ponder the boundless wonders that await beyond our earthly realm. For a moment, I was lost in awe, entranced by the celestial ballet unfolding before me. Yet, amidst the cosmic splendor, a fleeting thought tugged at my consciousness - a reminder of the task that awaited me on this mountaintop.

I took out the piece of paper where I had written the poem.

I looked up at the comet as it continued to sail across the sea of darkness. I stood up and closed my eyes. I started to recite the poem.

"Star light, star bright..." The chatter of the people around me seems to fade into silence.

"...First star I see tonight..." The wind stopped as if Mother Nature held her breath as I continued to recite the remaining lines.

"...I wish I may, I wish I might..." I took a deep breath and recited the final line.

"...Have this wish I wish tonight," I said with finality.

I opened my eyes and looked up at the comet that still burns endlessly.

"I wish for a companion in life. Someone who cares by my side, who gives me chances when I fail and feel hopeless. Someone who always gives me love."

I continuously looked at the comet for any signs, but it just blazed eternally just like the stars. I looked down, looking defeated. I sat back down and just waited for the sunrise to arrive.

At least the sight in front of me paid off those thousand steps I took to make that stupid wish. I said to myself.

I stood up and spread my arms basking in nature's glory.

Two days later, I was back in Manila after that 3-day vacation. It was worth it! I get to see the many attractions of Baguio and La Trinidad. After my descent from the mountain, I tried to preoccupy my mind with that mistake I made. I went to places I'd never been to before, visited cafes and restaurants, strawberry picking, and even wore their traditional "bahag". I kept smiling while I took the elevator up to my floor. The elevator door opened and I was back on a familiar floor.

As I walked up the hallway to my unit, there was that eerie sensation I felt, as if somebody was following me. I turned around and saw a silhouette of a person that quickly disappeared. I went to check if somebody was following me. I turned around the corner and saw my neighbor as she was entering her unit.

"Oh! Hey Aster!" said she, as she waved her hand.

"Hey!" I replied, waving my hand in response.

After she went into her unit, I turned around, frowning. Maybe I'm just tired that's why I'm seeing things. I shrugged and continued on my way.

After reaching my unit and changing my clothes, I grabbed a can of beer from the fridge and went to the balcony. I popped the can and gazed into the night sky. There, still blazing across the evening sky is Halley's Comet. I sighed in disappointment. I shouldn't have believed that story. Maybe I'm destined to be alone.

I drank the remaining beer and sighed. As I stepped inside something caught my eye—a flicker of movement in the corner of the room. My heart skipped a beat as I approached the light switch with one eye in the shadows.

As I switched the lights on, my breath escaped from my lungs as the figure appeared before my eyes. There, standing in my living room, was a handsome man. His arms and chest were all toned. He wore a simple white chiton like the Greek gods would wear. His skin was as pure and pristine as freshly fallen snow, casting a soft glow that seemed to illuminate his features. His wavy blonde hair, falling to a mid-length, featured streaks of arctic blue running through it.

I blinked and shook my head, half expecting the figure to vanish into thin air, but the figure remained. But because I was drunk, I suddenly passed out. I caught a glimpse of the handsome man before blacking out.

The next day, I woke up in my bed. The sun was striking through the blinds of my bedroom window. I sat up and pain throbbed in my head. I closed my eyes and held my head, relieving me of the pain. I opened my eyes again and tried to remember what happened last night. There was a Greek dude in my condo unit. Deep inside, I knew it wasn't real. I was drunk and tired last night. I must've imagined the whole situation.

While reminiscing what happened last night, I caught the scent of cooked bacon, fresh waffles, and fried eggs. Somebody must be cooking, which was weird because, one: I hadn't done any groceries in the past days since I was in Baguio, and two: I wasn't expecting any visitors today or in the next days. Curiosity got the better of me and decided to investigate.

I took a peek from my door and saw a man cooking in the kitchen. Somehow he was vaguely familiar because of his hair. Without making any noise, I grabbed the nearest object to me, which was my umbrella, and charged at the man.

"AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!" I cried.

The man jumped by surprise and ran as I charged towards him. We ran around the table for 5 minutes until he raised his hands in surrender.

"Who are you?" I demanded.

"Okay, I'll tell you," he said calmly. "But first, put that thing away."

I slowly put the umbrella down, remaining vigilant in case he does something. He spoke again in a serene manner as I lowered my umbrella.

"Good. Now why don't you take a seat? Let's eat while we talk," he said, as he continued to cook.

Holding my umbrella tightly, I nervously sat while waiting for him to finish cooking. Following the delivery of the fragrant fried rice, we commenced our meal, the aroma wafting through the air, mingling with the tense anticipation that hung between us. As we savored the flavors and textures, a torrent of questions inundated my mind, swirling like leaves caught in a tempest.

"I know you have a lot of questions," he remarked as if he was reading my mind. "Lay it on me."

I cleared my throat and asked my very first question.

"Who are you?"

He smiled warmly.

"I'm Halley," he simply said.

I nodded slowly, but a faint inkling started stirring within the depths of my consciousness. Why does the name sound vaguely familiar? I looked at him more closely. His skin was as pure and pristine as freshly fallen snow, casting a soft glow that seemed to illuminate his features. His mid-length wavy hair was blonde with a streak of what seemed to be arctic blue.

As the seconds ticked by, a faint realization was dawning within me.

I looked at him with wide eyes and asked. "Halley? As in the Halley's comet?" I ventured, my voice tinged with a dawning sense of awe.

A light chuckle escaped him, akin to the delicate flutter of a summer zephyr, carrying with it the weight of confirmation. "Indeed," he replied, his tone imbued with a quiet certainty.

At that moment, it struck me like a bolt of lightning. Halley. THE HALLEY, the renowned comet, shared breakfast with me in my condo.

"Woah! What are you doing here? In my condo?" I asked, still amazed by the revelation he made.

"You wished upon me, Aster," his voice carried a hint of mystery. "And sometimes, wishes have a way of coming true in ways we least expect."

"Wished upon you?" I echoed, trying to piece together the fragmented memories of my climb up the mountain. "But, how...?"

He smiled and said, "The universe works in mysterious ways. In any case, I am here to help grant that wish."

I still cannot wrap around my mind what was happening. Is this for real?

"So, what now?" I asked, with the uncertainty mingling with a newfound sense of wonder.

"Now," Halley replied, his voice a soothing melody in the air, "we finish eating."

He took another spoonful and continued eating. I shook my head in amusement and continued eating.

After eating, Halley and I sat and went to the living room. I sat on the couch. Meanwhile, he sat on the floor.

"I suppose you have more questions to ask me."

I took a deep breath and asked my next question. "You said you can grant wishes, right? Then, is there someone destined for me?"

A gentle smile played across his lips. "Yes, Aster. Someone is destined for you."

Someone is destined for me? I couldn't believe it! A million questions flooded my mind: what does he look like? Is he the same age as me? Where do I find him? Why now?

Halley smiled softly at my reaction. But one question popped into my mind.

"How do you know about this?" I asked.

"I am the comet itself. I have traveled across the universe. I've seen countless wonders. I saw how the stars align for two people destined for each other."

He gave me a meaningful look.

I stared into his space-black eyes as if they were black holes waiting for me to get sucked into the void. I blinked and averted my eyes from his gaze.

"What's the plan then?" I asked as I stood up and grabbed a drink from the fridge. I looked at Halley for an answer but his eyes were closed as if he was concentrating. After five minutes he spoke.

"Come with me." He stood up and grabbed my hand as we went out.

I let him drag me to a café across my condo. He let me find a seat as he ordered our coffees. I sat near the window and waited for Halley. A few minutes later, he came to our table with two coffees and two pastries. He handed me a hot cup of Spanish latte and a plate of Choco mousse cake, both were my favorites. At this point I wasn't surprised, seeing the fact that he was a comet. Meanwhile, he had a cold matcha latte and a blueberry cheesecake.

"What are we doing here?" I asked as he sipped his latte.

"We're here to see the person destined for you."

"How do you know he's going to be here?" I asked, which was stupid considering he knows all.

He gave me a knowing smile and proceeded to eat the cheesecake. A few moments later Halley tapped my hand to get my attention.

"Hmm?"

"Look behind you and look at the man wearing a green bonnet."

I slowly turned around and looked for the man he was talking about. There, at the counter, was a man wearing a green bonnet. He looked like a typical South Korean man, because of his elongated and narrow eyes. He wore a red checkered jacket over a sunflower yellow plain t-shirt. He paired it with black camo pants and black rubber shoes.

As I sized him up, I felt something tug at my belly, as if there was something I needed to remember. Somehow I knew that person, but I couldn't place who. Like a light bulb, something flashed on my mind.

I looked back at Halley and gave him a questioning look. His smile faded as he processed what was happening.

"What? I told you, he's the one destined for you."

I looked back at my alleged soulmate, who was now walking towards the table near us. I immediately looked away and pretended to eat my cake. I would steal glances at him from time to time. Meanwhile, Halley was trying hard not to laugh. After a while, the man stood up and went to the bathroom. I took this chance to confer with Halley.

"So what's the plan?"

Halley ate the remaining cheesecake before he spoke. "You must make him fall in love with you."

I gave him a puzzling look. "How do I do that?"

He gave me a wide smile, wide enough to see the pieces of blueberries stuck between his teeth.

"Don't worry! I'll guide you through this." He then gave me a reassuring smile.

Over the next few days, I tried to come up with a plan on how to pursue my soulmate. Even though I'm busy with work, I try to find time to formulate a plan, but there were factors I had to consider: 1. I don't know his name; 2. I don't know where he lives or works; and 3. Will he even like me back?

I was deep in thought when someone tapped on my shoulder. I turned around and saw Halley beaming at me.

"Hey," I nonchalantly said and continued to scowl.

Halley must've noticed the face I made. "Need some help?"

"Oh, no need! I can do this on my own." I said sarcastically. I let out an exasperated sigh.

Halley chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Of course, Aster. But remember, sometimes a little guidance can go a long way."

I sighed again, realizing he was right. "Okay, fine. What do you suggest?"

Halley leaned in, his voice hushed with excitement. "First, we need to find out more about him. Where he frequents, what he likes, and how we can naturally intersect your paths."

I nodded, intrigued by his suggestion. "But how do we do that without being too obvious?"

Halley tapped his chin thoughtfully. "We observe. We pay attention to his habits, his preferences, and the places he visits. And then, we create opportunities for you to meet him organically."

It sounded simple enough, but the idea of orchestrating chance encounters with someone I barely knew felt daunting. Yet, with Halley's guidance, I felt a flicker of hope stirring within me.

"Alright," I said, mustering determination. "Let's do this."

Halley nodded approvingly, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Excellent," he said, his voice imbued with a sense of purpose. "We'll start by keeping an eye on his movements, his routines, and the places he frequents. Once we have a clearer picture, we can devise a plan to bring your paths together."

Over the following days, Halley and I embarked on our mission to unravel the mystery of my soulmate's identity. We staked out cafes, parks, and local hangouts, discreetly observing his comings and goings, noting his favorite foods, his preferred activities, and the company he kept. With each passing day, we gleaned valuable insights into his world, piecing together fragments of his life like a cosmic puzzle.

As we delved deeper into our investigation, Halley proved to be an invaluable ally, his keen insight and celestial wisdom guiding our efforts. Together, we forged a plan to orchestrate chance encounters, strategically positioning ourselves in the places where our paths were most likely to intersect.

With each encounter, I found myself drawn to him, captivated by his charm and magnetic presence. Yet, amidst the exhilaration of our budding connection, doubts and insecurities lingered in the recesses of my mind, casting shadows upon the path ahead.

Days turned into weeks, and our efforts bore fruit as we discovered more about him. His name was Minho, a young architect with a passion for art and literature.

Armed with this knowledge, Halley and I devised a plan to subtly insert myself into his world. We frequented the café at strategic times, hoping to cross paths with him naturally.

One afternoon, as I approached the counter to order my usual latte, I felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins as Minho stood beside me, his eyes alight with curiosity.

"Excuse me," he said, his voice gentle yet filled with warmth. "I couldn't help but notice you're a regular here. Do you have any recommendations for a good read?"

I smiled, my heart racing as I seized the opportunity to strike up a conversation. "I just finished reading 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It's a classic, but timeless in its portrayal of love and society."

To my delight, Minho's eyes lit up with interest as he eagerly accepted my recommendation. As we exchanged book titles and literary insights, I felt a connection blossoming between us, like two stars dancing in the night sky.

But amidst the blossoming romance, doubts lingered in the depths of my mind. Was this truly meant to be, or were we merely pawns in the cosmic dance of fate?

One evening, as I perched upon the balcony of my apartment, the city below twinkling like a sea of stars, Halley approached me with a thoughtful expression.

"Aster," he began, his voice tinged with a hint of solemnity, "there's something I must confess."

I turned to him, curiosity piqued by the gravity of his tone. "What is it, Halley?"

He hesitated for a moment, his gaze fixed upon the horizon as if searching for the right words. "Since the moment I first beheld your radiant spirit, I knew that you were destined to play a special role in my journey."

I listened intently, captivated by the sincerity in his voice. "But as our time together has unfolded, I've come to realize that my feelings for you transcend the bounds of destiny. They are born of a connection that transcends time and space, a bond forged in the crucible of shared experiences and shared dreams."

His words washed over me like a gentle tide, stirring echoes of longing and possibility within my heart. "Halley," I whispered, overcome by the depth of emotion in his confession, "I never imagined that our journey would lead us to this moment."

He reached out, his hand enveloping mine in a tender embrace. "Nor I, Aster. But as we stand on the precipice of the unknown, I find solace in the knowledge that our love is a guiding light, illuminating the path ahead with its radiant glow."

I leaned into his touch, the warmth of his presence enveloping me like a comforting embrace. "Together, we shall navigate the currents of fate, bound by the unbreakable bonds of love and destiny."

As the days melted into nights and the seasons danced their endless waltz, Halley and I embraced the fleeting beauty of our shared journey, cherishing each moment as if it were our last. But I had to remind myself that this moment shall pass. When the time comes, Halley must embark again on a 75-year cosmic journey.

Days turned to weeks, weeks turned to months. With each passing moment, I cherished them in my heart. On the eve of his departure, we stood on the balcony, the stars shimmering overhead like silent witnesses to our farewell. Halley's gaze was fixed upon the heavens, his expression a mosaic of longing and resignation.

"Aster," he said softly, his voice tinged with a melancholy that echoed the depths of the cosmos, "the time has come for me to return to the endless expanse of the universe, to resume my eternal journey among the stars."

I nodded, my heart heavy with the weight of impending separation. "I understand, Halley. But that doesn't make it any easier to say goodbye."

He reached out, his touch a gentle caress against my cheek. "Our love transcends the confines of time and space, Aster. Though I may journey far beyond the reaches of your sight, know that my heart will remain tethered to yours, bound by the unbreakable bonds of love and destiny."

Tears welled in my eyes, a silent testament to the depth of our connection. "I will wait for you, Halley," I whispered, my voice trembling with emotion. "For as long as it takes, I will hold your memory close, a beacon of light to guide me through the darkness."

And as the first light of dawn painted the sky in hues of gold and crimson, Halley and I shared one final embrace, our hearts entwined in a timeless embrace. With a whispered promise upon our lips, we bid farewell to the night, knowing that our love would endure, a testament to the enduring power of hope, courage, and the timeless magic of Halley's Comet.

And so, as Halley vanished into the vast expanse of the cosmos, his luminous trail fading into the depths of space, I stood upon the balcony, my gaze fixed upon the heavens, a silent witness to the eternal dance of the stars. And though the years may pass like fleeting moments upon the cosmic stage, I shall remain steadfast in my love, a guardian of the light that binds us across the expanse of time and space.

Years drifted by like leaves on the wind, and with each passing season, the memory of Halley remained etched in the tapestry of my heart. Though his absence weighed heavy upon my soul, I found solace in the quiet moments of reflection, drawing strength from the enduring legacy of our love.

But as fate would have it, the universe had one final surprise in store, a twist of destiny that would bring me face to face with a familiar stranger.

It was a crisp autumn afternoon, the air tinged with the scent of fallen leaves and nostalgia. I found myself wandering the bustling streets of Seoul, lost in a sea of faces and forgotten dreams. As I meandered through the labyrinth of alleyways and hidden passages, a voice from the past stirred within the depths of my consciousness, a whisper of recognition that set my heart ablaze with longing.

And there, amidst the throng of humanity, I caught sight of him - a figure bathed in the soft glow of twilight, his eyes a reflection of the stars that once guided our paths.

Minho.

Time stood still as our gazes locked, a silent acknowledgment of the bond that transcended the boundaries of time and space. In that moment, the years melted away, and we were once again the architects of our shared destiny, bound by the threads of fate that wove our lives together.

With trembling hands and bated breath, I stepped forward, my heart a symphony of hope and possibility. "Minho," I whispered, the name like a prayer upon my lips, "it's been so long."

He smiled a beacon of warmth amidst the chill of autumn's embrace. "Aster," he said softly, his voice a melody that stirred memories long forgotten, "I never thought I'd see you again."

As we stood beneath the fading light of day, our words hung in the air like constellations in the night sky, a testament to the enduring power of love and second chances.

As we embarked on a journey of rediscovery and renewal, I knew that our paths had been intertwined by the hand of fate, guided by the timeless magic of Halley's Comet.

For in the end, it is love that lights the way, illuminating the darkest corners of the universe and paving the way for new beginnings. And as we embraced beneath the canopy of stars, I knew that our love would endure, a testament to the boundless depths of the human heart.

Fin