Over nearly eight years, Maxim and Ronan had traversed the path of friendship, witnessing many changes while some things held steadfast. Among these constants was Ronan's remarkable talent.
Maxim and Ollie had initially united with Ronan out of love and shared interests, particularly Ronan's extraordinary vocal prowess. From the moment Maxim first heard Ronan sing, he was captivated by the clarity, transparency, and inherent power in Ronan's voice.
Timbre, they believed, was an innate talent—a talent that possessed the genuine ability to stir the deepest emotions in people.
When Ronan chose to sing a cappella, he showcased his voice without any adulteration. Listening intently, it was as if the early summer sky had unfurled, a clear blue canvas adorned with wisps of pristine clouds. The sensation was inviting, unadulterated, and warmly pure. It was as if the world itself had brightened.
Soon, the guitar strings joined the sonorous symphony, entwining gracefully with Ronan's vocals. The strings, like golden sunbeams warming the palm, conveyed a playful warmth, never scorching, but gently comforting. Fingertips traced the sun's path as hearts followed suit, unwinding in harmony.
Ronan's voice, clear and warm, resonated with an unmistakable power. It wasn't overly gentle or soft; instead, it held a robust, penetrating vigor, akin to the refreshing sound of sparkling water that instantaneously cleared and refreshed the mind.
Voice and strings, lyrics and melody melded in perfect harmony.
Even after all these years, Maxim remained entranced by Ronan's voice. Yet, Ronan had evolved. His emotional depth and storytelling ability had become inseparable from his singing, a newfound facet of his talent.
As they all grew and changed, Maxim harbored a fervent wish. He hoped that more people would come to appreciate Ronan's extraordinary gift—the timbre, the interpretation, the emotion. These were the elements that set Ronan apart.
But now, Ronan's song abruptly ceased, stopping before reaching the chorus. He gazed at Maxim and Cliff, seemingly ready to explain his dispute with Ollie and hear their opinions.
Maxim, however, couldn't contain his enthusiasm. His eyes sparkled with an aggressive zeal as he leaned in. Ronan's expression contorted in mild disgust, but his curiosity betrayed him. "Is it... really?" he inquired, his anticipation palpable. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he scrutinized Maxim, attempting to discern the truth in his words.
"Absolutely sincere!" Maxim exclaimed joyfully, unable to contain himself. He danced around the confined space, his excitement spilling over. "This is incredible, Ronan! Truly remarkable!"
Ronan, momentarily stunned, disregarded his lingering reservations and revealed his surprise. "Really?" His anticipation soared, and the corners of his mouth curved upward as he focused intently on Maxim, seeking the truth in his eyes.
"Absolutely," Maxim affirmed once more, his uncontainable joy manifesting in his animated movements. He spun, leaped, ran his fingers through his unruly hair, mimicked a glider's motion with open arms, and continued to share his thoughts with unbridled enthusiasm. His rapid-fire speech left no room for interjection or interruption.
Ollie had intended to voice his thoughts, but Maxim's effusive words rendered him speechless. His own excitement was ignited by Maxim's infectious fervor.
He found himself standing, lost in imagination, envisioning their performance on stage. Excitement welled up within him, propelling him to join in the jubilation.
Cliff, dumbfounded by Maxim's display, then turned to Ollie, who shared the same bewilderment. Finally, his gaze landed on Ronan, who mirrored his confusion. His silent question hung in the air—why had Maxim erupted in such fervor, and what had transpired?
Ronan merely shrugged, his innocence apparent: I'm just as baffled as you are right now.
Unable to endure the chaos any longer, Cliff interrupted Maxim's impromptu ballet. "Calm down, everyone. Please, calm down."
Maxim, back to his senses, looked expectantly at Cliff. "What's wrong?"
Cliff hesitated briefly, cleared his throat, and began, "I must admit, Ronan's song is exceptional, and I love it as much as Maxim does."
"And me!" Ollie chimed in, raising his hand.
"Yes, and Ollie," Cliff acknowledged before continuing, "But we can't perform it at the Full Moon Party..."
Maxim's lamenting cry interrupted Cliff's words, his enthusiasm outshining even Ronan's. Cliff cast a helpless glance at Maxim, then turned to Ronan, and finally sought answers in their eyes.
Why was Maxim exploding with such fervor, and what had occurred?
Ronan, too, appeared perplexed, his raised shoulders and innocent expression conveying his own confusion.
At last, Cliff couldn't bear the suspense. He halted Maxim's ballet with a firm, "Calm down, everyone, and listen to me."
Maxim, now composed, looked at Cliff eagerly. "What's the matter?"
Cliff hesitated for a moment, then coughed and continued, "I understand that Ronan's song is excellent, and I appreciate it as much as Maxim and Ollie do. However, we can't perform it at the Full Moon Party..."
Maxim's excitement was at its peak, so it was hard for him to accept this unexpected twist. He stared at Cliff, hoping for an explanation.