Hostile Series 1: Love in Hostility (18+)

CHAPTER 3

THE DEAL

"ARE YOU SURE about this, Fourth?" Ford, the organist of the band asked for the ninth time. He could sense his bandmates were getting anxious and so was he. But just a bit. After Fourth and Gemini discussed their deal and accepted it, the Chinzhilla band started adjusting their school lifestyle and getting rid of nonsense activities they usually do as Gemini named it. They spent their free time rehearsing and avoiding the mouthwatering smoke of barbecue.

I miss eating barbecue together with my friends. That asshole Gemini won't let me!

Performing in front of the school body president and vice inside the music club was part of the deal and they would proudly show it off to them and make them feel remorse for blocking their way to success.

"There's no turning back, my friend. Let's do this." They threw each other's gazes as a signal to get started.

Winny, the bassist, Satang, the electric guitarist of the band began strumming the acoustic sound played by Captain blended followed by the beats of the drum mastered by Prom and the sound of the organ played by Ford. The combination of sound instruments forms the melody, rhythm, and harmony of the song. Fourth felt a rush of adrenaline as he held the microphone. As soon as Fourth sang the first line of the song, their conversation yesterday flashed in his mind.

"Why do we have to be this private, huh?!" Fourth yanked his hand away from Gemini’s tight grip. Gemini brought him to the back of their office where the rectangular swimming pool is located. Gemini sat by the pool. He turned at his back where Fourth stood with his grumpy face and busily shaking the hand he held a while ago to lessen the 'pain'.

"Don't be overly dramatic and let's talk." Gemini tapped his side motioning him to sit.

Fourth rolled his eyes and sat a distance away from Gemini earning a questioning look from the latter. "I don't think we can talk intensively considering the distance we have from each other. What about you scoot over here?"

"Hella no," Fourth scowled. "I'd rather die."

Gemini heaved a deep sigh. "The deal you mentioned, spill it."

Fourth untied his shoelaces, placed his shoes aside and submerged his feet in the pool. The coldness of the water sent shivers down his spine. He placed both hands on the tiles at his back to support himself. Fourth turned at Gemini before he asked. "If we win the cold wave singing competition, would you stop bothering us and stay out of my sight?"

Gemini laughed hysterically. "Come on, it's a trade so the benefits should be both sides. I want you all to change your demeanor. If you're cool with it, then maybe I'll help." He shrugged nonchalantly.

Fourth's thick brows furrowed. "And why should I believe you? You hate my guts and so do I, We both hate each other so what's with this change of heart?"  Gemini was confusing the hell out of him. 'Is this kind of another trick to terminate us?'

Gemini avoided Fourth's gaze. "It's my duty to help my fellow students and don't you ever think your club stand alone under my provisions. Just behave properly and you'll get what you want. You want me to stay out of your sight? Alright. Do you want me to help your club? Why not? Moreover, it's for the school."

"That's a win-win situation then." Fourth grinned. "But I have one thing I wanted to add."

Gemini narrowed his eyes on Fourth while untying his shoelaces to submerge his feet like Fourth did. "What is it?"

"Help me court Seomji. You don't have feelings for her, do you?"

Gemini's shocked face confused Fourth. "I– y-you w-what?" Gemini startled and gripped the hem of his uniform to distract himself from the sudden bolt of discomfort. "But it's not part of the deal."

'What a straight forwarded motherfucker', Gemini thought.

Fourth smiled feeling abash. "That's why I'm asking your consent. I heard that you're just friends, and maybe I have a chance to her if you could help me. How does it sound? I won't  disappoint you, I promise."

He gathered his courage with the helping hands of his friends to ask students who knew too much about the current issues circling their school and that was when he found out the truth.

"How are you sure that what we have is plain  platonic?"

"You don't date because you have someone you like for almost two years until now and that's not Seomji. You don't date unless it's your big fat crush. Even though Seomji likes you, I'll work hard to help her move on." Fourth's voice was full of determination.

Gemini scoffed. "You little brat, who told you that?!"

"It doesn't matter."

"What if I don't want to, what are you going to do?" Gemini stood and started to walk leaving Fourth behind.

Fourth got up frantically. "I'll annoy you until you agree. You know how naughty I am, Gem."  He boasted.

Fourth didn't notice the change of Gemini’s mood. Gemini's facial expression became sour and he wouldn't let Fourth see him acting like this so he turned his back on him.

Gemini stopped walking, wore his nonchalant mask, and faced him. "I allow you, but it's up to Seomji if she wants you to." He proceeded to walk until he got outside.

Fourth finished the song while his mind reminisced about their conversation. It bothered him so much to the point his consciousness left his body.

"Around of applause, please." Mark clapped until his heart was content and his friends followed suit, whistling and making noises. "That's one hell of perfection! Love it!" Mark nudged his friend beside him who was quiet the whole time. "Right, Gemini? I'm pretty sure they will win the cold wave in just a snap of their finger! Right, Fourth?"

"Yeah, alright." Fourth met Gemini's swarty brown orbs, it lacked emotions but he couldn't name those.

It was Gemini who ended their staring competition. He put his both hands on his side pockets and roamed his gaze wherever his sight goes. "You all did great. I'm looking forward to your performance for the upcoming singing competition." He clapped twice earning a confused look from the band.

"Was he being sarcastic?" Satang whispered to Winny. "Kind of," Winny uttered.

"No, he's just sleepy." Mark laughed awkwardly and dragged Gemini outside leaving everyone gaped in unison.

"Weird."