After School Club

05| The Storm?

It was just another typical Monday; with the same repetitive scheduled activities that have grown tiresome to me, and probably everyone else in school as well. At times, I've even considered staying at home since my own mental state was not very promising at the time. Yet, Ezekiel remains the one who brings a touch of magic, making each day a tad more special.

We were sitting together in the cafeteria, quietly munching our respective meal. Just as I was about to take a sip from my drink, Ezekiel suddenly banged on the table, startling me.

"I just remembered something!" He exclaimed while locking eyes with me, as if he was about to whine something out loud. "I have a training after school, dang it."

"Man, you didn't have to slam the table just for that!" I scolded, my frustration evident. Although after receiving a few subtle glares from other students sitting near us, I paused for a moment, my voice then came out barely above a whisper. "I even spilled some of my drink!"

Ezekiel, who read the situation quite fast and well, took a moment of silence. His face soon shifted as the realization of his actions sank in. He looked down, a sheepish grin forming as he scratched the back of his head, clearly feeling guilty.

"Sorry, did it get on your uniform?" He inquired, trying to inspect my clothing for any traces.

"Fortunately, no," I shake my head in reply as I reached for a tissue to clean up the little mess I've accidentally made on the table.

With a snap of his fingers and a nonchalant pose, Ezekiel said, "Well then, it's not a big deal! So, Wil, any exciting plans after school today?"

I contemplated for a moment and then replied, "Hmm, I don't think so."

"Really? I thought the drama club might be up to some practices."

"Oh, you mean for the competition? I'm not completely sure about it..."

Ezekiel leaned in closer, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Hey, why don't you check with the other club members? Or how about staying back for some extracurricular?"

I hesitated, then sighed, saying, "But... I was really looking forward to going home right away."

"Come on! A few minutes won't hurt. You can join me afterward. It might be more exciting than you think!" He exclaimed, flashing an encouraging smile.

~~~

Believe it or not, that simple encouragement from Ezekiel actually managed to get me to join the drama practice after school.

I mustered the courage to walk into the theater, praying for my own good. As soon as I entered, the lively chatter tapered off, and all eyes fixed on me. Flynn, the club president, shot me a forced smile, clearly thrown off by my unexpected presence.

It seemed my recent slacking off had caught everyone off guard. Disregarding the curious gazes, I took a seat, determined to shake off the unspoken judgment hanging in the air.

However, I couldn't help but notice that Heather was also looking at me. God bless.

"Alright everyone, eyes back to me. I suppose all of you already know your own assigned role to play," Flynn asked while scanning the cast.

I raised my hand, "Actually, Flynn, I don't think I'm assigned to any role. I haven't gotten the script."

"Um, let's see. I think you can take the police role since everyone refused to take it. It might be because of the uncomfortable uniform you'll need to wear, but you wouldn't mind it, right?"

"Sure, sounds fine to me," I nodded in agreement before taking the script passed by the president.

After a quick scan of the whole script, we proceeded to practice. Since I wasn't involved in the first skit, I sat in one of the audience seats.

I was slowly getting bored of watching everyone's act before a Chinese girl decided it was a best idea to crash into the door and barge in while she could have opened it in a proper way.

Turns out it was Cheryl.

The unconventional entrance caught everyone off guard, thanks to the loud bang coming from the door. The room's atmosphere shifted once again, adding a new layer of unpredictability to the already eventful day.

Flynn quipped, breaking the momentary silence. "Cheryl, I know this is the drama club, but please don't be dramatic with your entrance. We don't want the treasurer to nag about the fee for a damaged door."

Cheryl snickered, "Sorry about that, president! I'll be gentler with the door next time," before casually taking a seat beside me.

Flynn resumed the practice with a wry smile, "That would be much appreciated for you to behave less energetically than usual."

With that mentioned, Cheryl brushed it off as if she hadn't just collided with the door at a speed of 80 km/h. She nudged me and inquired, "What did I miss?"

"Nothing much. They just kicked off the practice," I nonchalantly replied.

"I'm relieved I came in late then!" She chirped softly, hands clasped together, her expression radiating joy.

I turned my gaze back to the stage, releasing an audible sigh. "Why were you late anyway?"

"Oh, you know, I had an extra class earlier. Don't you have any too? Mid-term exam is getting closer."

"Mid what now?" I turned to her with an awkward grin.

"Exam," she repeated, this time with a wry smile.

"Oh... Shoot."