Setting: A moonlit garden. The air is thick with the scent of blooming flowers. A wrought-iron bench stands beneath an ancient oak tree.

Characters:

• Evelyn (Eve): A painter, her heart a canvas of unspoken emotions.

• Adrian: A musician, lost in his melodies.

---

The moon casts silver threads through the leaves, and Eve sits on the bench, her fingers tracing the rough wood. Adrian approaches, guitar slung over his shoulder.

EVE: (nervously) Adrian, there's something I need to tell you.

ADRIAN: (smiling) What is it, Eve?

EVE: (takes a deep breath) I... I love you. I've loved you for years, like a secret melody humming in my chest. Your laughter, your quiet moments—it's all etched into my soul.

Adrian's eyes widen, and he sits beside her.

ADRIAN: (softly) Eve, you're my dearest friend. Your laughter is the sun breaking through clouds. But...

He hesitates, and Eve's heart stumbles.

EVE: (whispers) But?

ADRIAN: (looking away) But my heart dances to a different rhythm. There's someone else, Eve. Someone who fills my thoughts, my songs. I've tried to ignore it, but love is a stubborn muse.

Eve's gaze drops to her hands, knuckles white.

EVE: (voice trembling) I knew. I've seen the way you look at her—the way you play that haunting melody on your guitar. It's not me.

ADRIAN: (reaching for her hand) Eve, you're my confidante, my muse. I don't want to lose you.

EVE: (forcing a smile) I won't leave. But my heart... it's a garden of fading petals now. I'll cherish what we had, even if it's unreturned.

Adrian's fingers brush hers, and they sit in silence, the moon witnessing their bittersweet truth.

---

Fade out.