Hostile Series 1: Love in Hostility (18+)

CHAPTER 9

CHINZHILLA: NIYUMSIL SUKSA'S MUSIC BAND KICKED THE TITLE OF THE BEST HIGH SCHOOL BAND OF THE YEAR 2023

'COLD WAVE MUSIC AWARDS 2023' was written on each poster posted on the walls and doors of the venue. Fourth and his friends came at exactly 7:30 am and they ushered themselves as the staff told them to stand by in the waiting area. He felt a rush of adrenaline as he saw their competitors from other schools and so did his bandmates. The day they've been waiting for has come, Whenever he reminiscences the time they worked hard and put pressure on themselves to prepare for this huge event, he was not expecting but he's hoping for winning. The thought of experiencing the thrill of victory was making him feel more proud of himself and his band.

Fourth might be preoccupied by the singing contest nevertheless, the glint of pain in Gemini's eyes last night kept lurking in his mind. He had enough sleep however, the whole confession of Gemini invaded in his head that it became a dream repeating like a broken record. He was not expecting Gemini to come to cheer for him after his rejection. Just like his mindset about winning, he was not expecting but he was hoping Gemini would appear in the middle of the crowd rooting for him. That would be good. Truth be told, the song he composed and going to sing in front of waves of audiences was dedicated to the tall guy, and it was beyond Gemini's knowledge. I'm a good friend, am I not?

One hour later...

"The remaining band contestants please prepare yourselves and re-check your musical instruments, Thank you." The host announced as soon as the fourth contestant finished presenting and the fifth band performer went to the stage. There were six band performers and the Chinzhilla happened to be the last presenter. They stood from where they were sitting and made a circle, putting their arms on each other's shoulders to comfort and calm themselves.

"We can do this, no matter what the result is, Let's remind each other that we did our best in the first place, understood bastards?!" Fourth assured with his voice full of authority.

"The fuck who won!" His bandmates chorused. They earned a smack from Fourth before they laughed together.

Fourth extended his right arm showing the back of his palm and his friends followed suit. They extended their hands and put them on top of each other's hands. They shared each other's gazes and smiles before shouting "Go Chinzhilla!" And raised their hands above.

"AROUND OF APPLAUSE for the fifth performer, the Toxic band! They nailed it!"

The cheers and noises followed by the crowd added to the excitement of each student of a different school and the three judges. The event was full of blast considering there were light banners and lightsticks everywhere that the audience were waving to show support for their school band.

The host signed to silent for a moment and the crowd calmed. "Next will be a giant mouse with a unique style of music...

Give it up for Chinzhilla!"

The enthusiastic noises came back to life. The Chinzhilla band immediately made their way onto the stage and came close to their prepared instruments. Fourth held the microphone on the standee and waited for minutes until the crowd to quiet before he began to speak.

"Hello, we're Chinzhilla. First, thank you for believing in and rooting for us. At the beginning of our journey as a music band, it's been a hectic battle for us. There were so many obstacles that we faced and here we are, standing right in front of you all and it's all because of you and your support." He turned his back to face his bandmates' slash best buddies. "Thank you for not abandoning each other." They smiled and nodded at him in response.

He faced the crowd again. He let out a loud sigh. "And to someone who's been there for me." His eyes searched for a tall guy on the waves of the crowd, and to his dismay, Gemini was nowhere to be found. His voice croaked, "But that someone is not here." The audience especially their schoolmates started to get confused.