The Moon Hiding at Dawn

Chapter 23: Pseudo Eclipse

Theatrical performances allow actors to get closer to the audiences through the characters they portray. Yet these interactions are mere illusions. The curtains of possibility hang between the actor and the character, leaving the audience obscured yet attracted. These masks bridge the two separate realms of two distant strangers. Where there is no guarantee that the relationship seen on the stage and under the spotlight is the same relationship hidden beneath the veils of obscurity.

Strangely, this mask is what I cling on to bridge the gap between Kallen and I. Reality, for sure, is much more confusing than a theatre as you'll never know where the stage is nor where the curtain hangs. What you only know is what you see.

There are only two rules Riz and I agreed on: First is to fall in love in the eyes of others. Second is to never fall in love in the eyes of each other. To act and fool others to think we are in love but not to the point that we become the fools themselves. Only the two of us knows the thin line between the stage that we'll be acting on and the truth after the curtain call.

So with that said, the next day arrived with Riz now sitting beside me as Chris was confused on the happenings once again. Kallen still sits beside Clyde. Chris, as the poor guy left in the dark without as much a choice, sat beside Rin where Riz once stayed. The room has many vacant seats but he probably just don't want to be at a lonely place. Not that sitting beside someone who always has her earphones on would change anything other than that superficial feeling of having someone near.

"So... Shall the act begin?" Riz whispers

"I'll just dance to your beat remember?"

"Then let's take this gradually. Fall in love with me after I attempt to court you many times. For now, I'll just flirt" she said as she suddenly leaned on my arms and feigned sleep.

Quite effective as a chain reaction pretty much occurred. At first it was just Cynthia who gasped, which caught the attention of Nina who shot her a 'what's happening' kind of look. Cynthia pointed towards our side and Nina chuckled at the sight. Randy and Ramus somehow caught wind of it but paid it no mind afterwards. The mysterious Rin then forms hearts using her hand directed at us as poor Chris glanced as well with the most confused look possible. Kallen finally glances but just sends a weak smile before placing her attention back to Clyde, who is leaning on her shoulder and is probably asleep.

I pretended to be bothered but left with no choice. I rested my head by the window to my left, stared at nothing for a few minutes, then fell asleep.

I woke up to a small finger poking my cheek.

"Wake up, sleepy head. Care to join me for lunch?" Riz said as I rubbed the sleepiness off my eyes.

I just nodded and stood as she started darting off while grabbing my hand. Having no choice and warning, I stumbled as I tried matching her speed while in a groggy 'just woke up' state.

I waited at the table as she went ahead and ordered. Moments later, Riz is back with a tray that has a plate of curry and another with tofu. I would naturally want the tofu but I asked which is mine just in case.

"Stop pretending" she says "I know you want to grab the tofu so bad."

I stared at her in surprise "How did you know I liked tofu?"

"It's the only thing you order in this school whenever you decide to take lunch." She explained. "And in case you are wondering again, I always queue up in the same store and always eat here so I'd notice others who frequently buy and others who don't."

I wouldn't have asked further and would have just grabbed the plate of tofu without much of a protest but I guess that's fine. I slid the plate with tofu towards my side then we proceeded to eat.