Pursuing from the Shore (Sun Rays #2)

Chapter 13

4:20 by Kamikazee

Entry: Redler's Archive

I don't want to admit it.

But also... I kind of can't ignore it.

I want clarity, I want something that makes sense. And let's be real, the problem isn't you. It's me.

Siren-eyed guy, ikaw ang may kasalanan nito.

How do you even do that? Casually drop, "I like you," like it's nothing... while I'm over here, tripping over my own heartbeat, analyzing every word, every look, every ridiculous tiny gesture, trying to figure out if my brain is betraying me or if it's just... you.

These feelings... they're growing faster than I can keep track of.

It's like they have their own agenda. And the worst part is... they're stubbornly persistent.

Yup. You've crossed the line. And somehow, I can't even defend myself. My archive entries are basically proof that you've won without even trying.

And don't get me started on how unfair this is.

I'm supposed to be a master of controlling thoughts, logic, composure, and yet here I am, secretly smiling everytime I write about you.

My own heart files complaints, but apparently it's on strike now. You're really impossible. I can't believe it.

And that's exactly why I can't stop thinking about you.

Maybe that's exactly why I like it.

— aredgate

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Chapter 13

"Ladies and gentlemen, join us in giving a warm round of applause to our astounding Grade 12 students, who will grace us with captivating performances as they showcase the diverse Festival Dances of Isabela Province!"

As the Grade 12 students made their grand entrance in vibrant costumes that practically brought the festivals to life, the whole hall erupted with noise.

Halos mabingi rin ako sa hiyaw ng dalawang katabi kong sina Edorina at Asther na todo kung mag-cheer. They were shouting their lungs out like it was their last day here. While I was just calm about everything despite the energetic air around me. Pero parang gusto ko na lang itali ang dalawang 'to.

"Do'n ako sa Pinakbet Festival!" Tinuro ni Asther ang isang direksyon. "Favorite ko kasi!"

"Do'n ako sa Nuang Festival!" Tinuro naman ni Edo si Asther. "Kamukha mo kasi!"

Pinitik ni Asther si Edo sa noo kay bumawi naman 'yong isa. They didn't stop until I decided to hold their head as I bumped them onto each other.

"Aray!" reklamo nilang dalawa.

"Oops, sorry," I said with a smug look on my face. "You guys are so chaotic. I'll go ahead now, my bandmates are already looking for me," paalam ko, preparing myself to leave.

"Bye, Red! Ingat!"

I walked down from the stairwell chairs. I even came from ABM since each strand of Grade 11 has their designated seats. Fortunately, ABM was close to the stage, so I spotted my bandmates as soon as I arrived.

"Mag-set up na tayo, everyone. Kapag natapos mag-perform ng dalawang section ng Grade 12, may intermission na tayo," Arianne announced, taking Ate Mioree's part for a while dahil kasali siya sa mga sasayaw.