The Moon Hiding at Dawn

Chapter 26: The Sun Glows Darker

Twelve in the afternoon, surrounded by the hustles and clattering in the cafeteria. The noontime rays peeking by the windows.

"Listen, you must not mess this up" Riz said. "I'll take care of making both of you alone but you only got one shot at this."

So she said. I don't know why but I feel calm right now... Extraordinarily calm. Whether or not I make it so until later, I'm not so sure.

We finished our lunch and Riz darted away. Literature club business. I'd want to help but I'd probably mess things up so I headed for the rooftop.

Nothing is different. It's still the same cold floor, the same warmth of the sun, and the same cool gusts of wind. Only thing different is a person who doesn't usually stay here.

"What's up, Nina?" She glanced towards me, her worried look immediately shifting to her usual cheery face— so fast that the average person wouldn't have noticed at all.

"It's nothing. Just feeling the wind, that's all..." she replied.

"You know well that you can't fool me with that split-second change of expression."

She shook her head. "Alright, you got me."

Nina then explained how her family opened up a bar recently. It was something done on a whim so they're struggling in terms of keeping it alive. She also works part-time there as a waitress. At this point, the business might overshadow her desire to be a programmer since the business won't be able to stabilize soon.

"Well, your dream would most likely be delayed." I laid flat on the cold floor. "But that doesn't mean it's time to stop right? It'd would be a waste to give-up after all."

"Right. You and Riz really make a nice couple."

I shot up. "And where did that come from?"

"Told me the same thing moments before you came here."

"I see..."

The air was silent for most part until it was shattered by the bell.

"I should get going" I said.

"Mhmm. Thanks, and take care!"

I left the rooftop and went straight home. I told them that I'd take care of a few things but, in reality, I just needed some time alone to think. My head is awfully quiet and my heart is strangely calm. Too much that it's so suspicious.

Maybe it was because time went by and cleared what I felt. Maybe the adrenaline was slowly washed away by the sense of normalcy. Maybe... I don't know. Just maybe.

I guess this is better than suddenly losing face before everyone.

Yeah, I guess this would do.

Things may be cleared here once and for all then...

Then what?

My thoughts are still quiet but I can feel the imminent confusion. It's as if I gagged my own head from truths I don't want to hear.

Not that I can do anything about it now. I got this far, no sense on throwing it out of the window.

Yeah, I just told someone that. Would be hypocritical of me to not be able to follow through my own advice.

I took a change of clothes, usual gray shirt and jeans, before taking a step towards the looming afternoon sun.

They were already by the entrance when I arrived.

"Took you so long" pouted Riz who is wearing a maroon shirt and a checkered skirt. Behind her stood the two couple who were still in their uniforms.