Imperfect Symphony of Hearts

08

𐙚˙✧˖°📷 ༘ ⋆｡ ˚

As we lay on the grass, catching our breath, the rest of the group started talking about what booth to hit next. Ralph was already back to his usual hyper self, suggesting we try the food stalls next, while Maye and Pam argued over which drinks to get. I was laughing along, feeling the sun warm my skin, when Isaiah nudged me again, a bit more pointed this time.

“Hey,” he said softly, his voice just loud enough for me to hear over the chatter. “You wanna walk around for a bit?”

I glanced at him, my heart doing that strange fluttering thing it always did whenever he asked me something like that. His eyes met mine, and for a second, it felt like the noise of the festival faded into the background.

“Sure,” I replied, pushing myself up from the grass. “Saan tayo?”

He shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. “Anywhere. Let’s just see where we end up.”

We told the others we’d catch up later, and they barely noticed as we slipped away from the group, too caught up in their own debates about which booth had the best food. Isaiah and I walked side by side, weaving through the crowds of students, the sound of laughter and music filling the air.

“Medyo overwhelming ‘no?” he said after a few moments of silence, his hands were casually in his pockets. “The whole fest. There’s so much happening at once.”

I nodded. “Yeah, pero it’s fun. I mean, it’s a nice break from… everything else.”

Isaiah glanced at me, his expression softening. “Everything else means your parents and their questions about your future?”

I sighed, kicking at a small rock on the path as we walked. “Exactly. It feels like they’ve been talking about it non-stop. Like, can we just chill for a bit? I don’t need to have my whole life figured out right now.”

He chuckled, nodding in agreement. “I get that. My parents are kinda the same, though maybe not as intense. It’s like they forget we’re just high schoolers.”

“Exactly!” I said, a little louder than I intended, earning a few curious glances from the students walking by. I lowered my voice, smiling sheepishly. “Sorry. It’s just been on my mind a lot.”

Isaiah smiled, his gaze drifting over the booths lining the path. “Well, for what it’s worth, I think you’ll figure it out. You’re one of the smartest people I know.”

I felt my cheeks warm at the compliment, and I looked away, pretending to be interested in a nearby game booth. “Thanks,” I mumbled, trying to play it cool. “But honestly, I’m just… figuring things out as I go.”

He nodded thoughtfully, then pointed to a nearby ice cream stand. “Ice cream? I think we deserve a reward after that obstacle course.”

I laughed, feeling the tension in my chest ease a little. “You’re right. I could use something sweet right now.”

We made our way to the stand, and Isaiah insisted on paying despite my protests. “Consider it a ‘you survived the school fest’ treat,” he said, handing me a cone of chocolate ice cream with a wink.

I rolled my eyes playfully. “Fine, but next time it’s on me.”

We found a quieter spot under one of the trees near the edge of the field, sitting on a low stone wall as we ate our ice cream. For a while, we didn’t say much, just enjoying the moment. The festival was still in full swing behind us, but here, it felt a little more peaceful.