Pursuing from the Shore (Sun Rays #2)

Chapter 14

Entry: Redler's Archive

I can't help but miss you.

Is that wrong?

I've always been fine in my little world where even silence felt like a friend. But now... I find myself wishing for your noise.

How long can you wait, siren-eyed guy? How long will you linger in the corners of my mind while I figure out what this is?

I'm scared, I think. Scared of how much I might feel. Still, thinking of you makes everything feel brighter, as is my heart is learning a new rhythm.

These feelings... I don't know where they're headed yet.

But for the first time, I don't mind the waiting.

I'm looking forward to it.

— aredgate

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Chapter 14

It was another day spent practicing and preparing for the pageant. Today was the final day of preparations, and tomorrow would be the big day.

Either way, I wasn't feeling excited.

"Edo..." Hinila-hila ko ang uniform ni Edorina. "I'm getting anxious... It's not helping me at all. Kinakabahan ako na hindi ko maintindihan."

"Shh... come on, Red. Kaunting tiis na lang. You're going to be fine there, 'kay?" She patted my head, a proud smile plastered across her lips. "We're here to support you. Right, guys?" baling niya sa mga kaklase.

Some of the girls and boys agreed. Nagsi-thumbs up pa sila sa 'kin.

"Kami ang mangunguna sa pag-cheer, Red!" I heard Asther's voice as he jumped up on one of the desk, akala mo siya ang leader. "Guys, we'll take the lead! 'Yong mga banner at pompoms, make sure na handa na para bukas!"

Napailing na lang ako sa pakulo nila. I was actually overwhelmed with surprise as I watch them spring into action.

Usually, hindi naman sila ganito ka-active at cooperative kapag may mga event na nagaganap sa school—as in, there's no unity at all. Yet, to my surprise, here they are, rallying around and lending cooperation with each other to support the pageant I am part of.

"You guys are the worst, napaka-ingay ninyo! Mga pasikat at plastik!"

Biglang tumahimik ang buong paligid dahil sa sinabi ni Claudia. We all glanced at her direction only to see her face with annoyance. Nang magtama ang tingin namin, tinaasan niya ako ng kilay at inirapan.

This girl is really unbelievable. I wanted to roll my eyes back but I remembered baka lumala lang ang sitwasyon so I resisted myself from doing it.

I was not even doing anything wrong with her tapos ganito na lang siya kung mag-react. This girl is really doomed. I guess, the best thing I can do to avoid trouble is to ignore her, it would be a waste of time kung papatulan ko pa siya.

I noticed Razel and Yumi's discomfort, their expressions framed with dismay because of Claudia's words. They looked at me with an apologetic and concerned gaze. Mas concerned pa yata iyong mga kaibigan ni Claudia sa akin kaysa sa kanya.

"Ano na naman kayang problema n'yan?"

"OA! 'Di naman ina-ano."

"Akala mo talaga hindi rin siya plastik, e!"

Iba't ibang bulungan ng mga girls ang naririnig ko. They were obviously talking behind Claudia's back.

Edorina let out a low scoff as she gave me a head pat. "Huwag mo na lang pansinin."