Chasing Rainbows

4: First Interaction

Chapter Four

The gym was filled with loud cheers as the MC announced the next performer. "Now, ladies and gentlemen, here comes our next performer. I know you've been waiting for them since I heard that one of their members has his own fandom."

Nagsitilian naman ang lahat, mapababae man o lalaki. They're all waving a tarpaulin with Joss's face on it. Just like them, siya lang ang rason kung bakit ako nakikipagsiksikan ngayon dito sa gym. Halo-halong amoy na ang naamoy ko dito sa puwesto ko. Halos mabingi na rin ako sa lakas ng sigawan ng mga nanonood.

"Let's give them a round of applause, CTE Department!" the MC said and then another burst of loud cheers followed. If this gym was made of glass, I'm sure it would have shattered long ago.

As soon as Joss came out, I ignored everyone around me. I fixed my eyes on him and watched how he danced gracefully. We didn't know each other and we weren't close but I didn't know why I felt so proud knowing that he was the one who choreographed their dance. How did I know? I heard him talking about it once in class when he asked us to watch them.

I watched him for the last 15 minutes of my patience and then left the gym to meet  Aerika who was waiting for me. We needed to go to the library to finish our activity for our report tomorrow.

"Ang tagal mo. Saan ka nanaman ba galing?" pagsusungit niya sa akin.

Kinuha ko ang cellphone niya ang tinignan ang intructions. nang mabasa ko ito ay naghanap na ako ng libro na kailangan namin without answering her question. Alam kong alam niya kung saan ako galing. Inaasar niya lang ako. 

While searching for the book, I heard them congratulating Joss. They were the champions. I felt even more proud now. But I suddenly realized that I was liking him more and more. And I didn't think it was a good idea to form even slightest feeling for him.

"Hey."

I held my breath for a moment. I briefly shifted my gaze away from the book, but quickly returned it, pretending to scan the pages while in reality, I was avoiding his gaze. Nasa kalagitnaan ako ng pagkukumbinsi sa sarili ko na maling daan ang tinatahak ko, so I would really appreciate it kung feminine side niya na lang ang kumausap sa akin.

"Yes?" I responded casually, still not looking at him.

"I saw you earlier. Thank you for watching."

Sa kaniya nakatuon ang buong atensiyon ko kanina and I never saw him look my way, so how did he know I was there? Despite the confusion, I simply smiled at him. "No problem. Congratulations, by the way."

This time, I managed to look at him. Our eyes met and I could clearly see his eyes. They were beautiful. Honestly, it's easy for me to read someone's eyes but I chose not to read his. It's better for me not to delve deeper because I might misinterpret them as I have set an expectation. The way he looked at me with those beautiful eyes was enough for me.

"Thank you."

I just nodded in response and left him there. His group members followed him shortly after. It was our first time talking to each other and it felt like an achievement for me. We've been classmates for almost half a month now but we rarely talk. Even sa iba kong kaklase, kaunti lang ang interaction namin sa isa't isa. Magkakaroon lamang kami ng communication if may kailangan kaming gawing activity just like what we're doing today.

Aerika arched her eyebrows in a teasing manner. "Nakita ko 'yon."

"Okay?"

"How does it feel to finally have a conversation with him? Dream come true?"