Midnight Killer (A Short Novel) COMPLETED

FIFTH SHOCK

***

"Nina!" Vivian called me.

Lumapit si Vivian kasama si Kairus. Mabilis 'kong iniwas ang tingin at hindi gumalaw sa aking kinatatayuan.

Naramdaman ko ang paglapit nilang dalawa pero wala sa kanila ang tingin ko kundi sa harap ng nagpapractice na banda ng school. Parents Day tomorrow at may parade every morning.

He's here...

"Hi, Nina! Kamusta?" bati sakin ni Kairus nang makalapit silang dalawa.

My high school life became a series of moments where I found myself stealing glances, secretly admiring him from afar. He's my inspiration.

He's the kind of person who makes my heart skip a beat every time he enters a room. His smile lights up the entire school, and his eyes have a warmth that draws me in. His tousled hair adds to his casual charm, making my heart race. When he walks down the halls, there's a confident yet humble stride, brightening everything around him. I often wish he would notice me, and luckily, my best friend and him are classmates, allowing me to be closer to him too.

I felt my cheeks turn rosy as I caught sight of his smile. I suddenly felt a bit shy.

"Uy! Hi daw, sabi ng crush mo." bulong sakin ng magaling 'kong kaibigan sabay tulak sakin ng mahina palapit kay Kairus.

Masama ko siyang tiningnan, nakangisi niya akong tinaasan ng kilay, nanghahamon ng tingin. Hindi ako nagpahalata kay Kairus at bumati rin pabalik. Acting normal.

"Nasaan sina Raiden?" I asked, trying to shift the conversation as Vivian's attempts were becoming too obvious. If Kairus catches on, I swear I'll tell Tito Andro that she's secretly dating a sophomore in college!

Kairus tilted his head to the side, his eyebrows furrowing. "Why are you looking for Raiden?"

Vivian chuckled. I glared at her before turning back to Kairus. "It's just strange because he's not with you right now. Classes are over. You, Raiden, and Vivian are usually together." paliwanag ko.

"Of course, since Vivian and I are classmates."

"Raiden too--"

"Is he that important?" He cut me off.

Vivian suddenly burst out laughing. What's wrong with her? I gave her a stern look, and she struggled to contain her laughter. Then, I turned my gaze back to Kairus, who seemed annoyed for some reason.

"Nagtatanong lang naman... ba't ka galet..." bulong ko sa sarili.

"Parents Day na bukas pupunta ba mommy mo, Nina?" tanong ni Vivian nang mapansin ang pagbabago ng mood ko. Tinitigan rin ako ni Kairus. Nailang tuloy ako.

Umiling ako. Walang gana. "Hindi ko alam. Ayaw kong alamin," sabi ko at naglakad palayo. Nagkatinginan sila bago sumunod sa akin. 

"Uy, ayos lang yan." Kairus cheered me up. Hindi ko napigilang ngumiti.

As always, mag-isa lang ako sa bahay. Wala na naman siya dahil sa trabaho niya. Palaging trabaho ang inuuna niya. Minsan naiisip ko... parang wala na akong pamilya. Dahil lagi nalang akong nag-iisa. Walang kasama sa pagtulog, pag-gising, at pagkain...

Nung bata ako, palagi ko siyang hinihintay sa pinto, inaabangan ang pagdating niya pero... habang lumalaki, hindi na ako umaasa. Wala rin namang darating.