Magnamour University [Magnanimously Completed]

Chapter 31: Invisible

KIEV’S POV

Based on the rules of the contest, Mister and Miss Popular will automatically be advancing in the finals. Sure of their spots in the last round, Milton Casimiro, representing the College of Economics, and Julienne Knox, for the College of Business, became the first pair of finalists.

“Now, we’ll be announcing the remaining eight finalists in no particular order,” VJ Yas, the girl emcee, announced on the microphone.

“From the College of Communications, Charlotte Chua!” pahayag ni VJ Drew, ang lalakeng emcee.

Charlie was so confident in her black gown dotted with crystals that will remind you of a starry night sky. Parang walang pagdududang mababakas sa kaniyang mukha na baka hindi siya maging finalist. Umalis siya sa hilera ng mga female candidates at umakyat sa elevated platform na nasa stage para samahan sina Milton at Lenox.

“Mister College of Business, Gabriel Montecarlo!” sunod na tawag ni VJ Yas.

Sinamahan ni Gabby si Milton at tumabi rito sa ibabaw ng elevated platform.

Sumunod na tinawag ay si Miss College of Education. Maraming hindi makapaniwala dahil for the first time in years daw ay napasamang muli ang college na ‘to sa finals.

Pagkatapos ay tinawag si Mister College of Engineering. Hindi naman na ito kinabigla ng lahat dahil palagi naman daw kasama ang college na ito sa finals. In fact, the previous Mister MU came from here.

Then, there was Miss College of Music.

Medyo kinakabahan na ‘ko dahil dalawang lalake na lang ang kailangan para makumpleto na ang mga male finalists at hindi pa rin ako tinatawag. I’m waiting in vain for my name to be called.

“Mister College of Design!”

Isang lalake na lang ang kailangan at nawawalan na ‘ko ng pag-asa. Sinilip ko ang aking mga katabing kapwa male contestants. We’re all pale as death.

“And to complete our female finalists is from…” VJ Drew scanned the faces of the remaining uncalled girl candidates. “Miss College of Liberal Arts!”

Kumpleto na ang mga babaeng finalists. Panlulumo ang nakikita ko sa mga mata ng mga babaeng hindi natawag. But, they still remained on the stage while faking a smile. Now, it’s our turn.

“And the last guy to complete the last pair is Mister College of…” VJ Yas held us in suspense. Naghalo-halo ang mga pangalan ng colleges na sinisigaw ng audience. Pero, halatadong mas nangingibabaw ang College of Music, College of Information Technology at, salamat sa sigawan ng mga kapwa ko scholars, ang College of International Studies.

“Let us not keep our audience anticipating,” pakiusap ni VJ Drew na mas lalong nagpalakas sa hiyawan ng mga spectators.

I’m expecting the worst. Malakas ang loob kong mapapasama ako sa finals dahil sa performance ko. I may have started weak. But, I’ve ended strong. Sabi nga nila, it’s not how you begun. It’s how you finished. Pero, may kasabihan rin na expect the unexpected. Sa mga pagkakataong ito’y ayokong umasa. I’m already consoling myself for the disappointment and frustration that will come my way in no time.

“Mister College of In…”

Napatingala ako. Dahil sa aking narinig, parang biglang nag-slow motion ang buong mundo ko. Dalawang course lang ang alam kong narito na nagsisimula sa salitang “In”. Tumingin ako kay Mister College of Information Technology at nakita ko rin siyang nakatingin sa ‘kin. Parehas kaming nanlalaki ang mga mata. Suddenly, I felt my heart violently pounding in my ribcage.