Descending Stars (Fallen Heroes Series #1)

Kabanata 8

Kabanata 8  |  Souvenirs

“This is kind of weird for me but… sure,” si Tano at ipinakita sa akin ang kopya ng grades niya. Venice announced my ‘friendship requirement’ during our lunch kaya ngayong hapon, bago umuwi ay ipinapakita nila ang grades nila sa akin.

Venice laughed.

“Ngayon ko lang naranasan ‘to pero sige na lang din," natatawang sabi ni Angeline.

I looked at Kenji who's busy reading notes of mine and Tano’s. Hindi ko alam kung naririnig niya ba kami o talagang masyadong tutok ang kanyang atensyon.

After spending two days here in Davao, we're finally going home. We're delighted that we were able to finish our business here.

Napalingon ako nang maramdaman ang presensya ni Venice sa likod ko.

“Have you ever heard Tano sing?” she asked out of the blue.

Bigla ko tuloy nalingon si Tano, dahilan para mapabalinh din siya sa akin. Napaigtad ako nang kurutin ni Venice ang tagiliran ko.

That hurts!

I furrowed. "No. But, he can sing?” I was intrigued by that information.

Tano looked like someone who's only invested in his studies. He'd perfectly be the living definition of a nerd. Though not in appearance if I may say.

She groaned.

“What's with you?" I asked. After reflecting, I realized that something feels fishy with her interest towards Tano.

She pouted and even played with my hair. “Umalis si Andi sa banda…” nginuso niya si Tano. "... my bandmates kept on saying to recruit Tano as the new vocalist. Pero ewan ko, I haven't heard him sing yet.”

“Ask him, then," I told her. That's the easiest way.

She scoffed. “You think I'll be pestering you if I haven't done that? Ang sabi niya sa akin ay hindi raw siya kumakanta. But I feel like there's something…”

Pinanliitan ko siya ng mata. "Did you also persuade me to let you come with us here in Davao for that reason?”

Tumawa siya.

"You, user.” I rolled my eyes.

"It's a factor but hey! I even volunteered to help you with your assignments. That's give and take."

Ngumiwi ako. “Which you didn't fulfill.”

Ngumisi naman siya. “Well, sino ba ang nagpasagot ng assignments niya kay Kenji, the four-eyes?"

Gumusot ang mukha ko. "Like what I said, I had no choice.”

Nilingon ko si Tano na lumapit na kay Kenji. I shook my head at Venice. "Kung sinabi niyang hindi na siya kumakanta, then I suggest that you give it up."

She groaned more. “My bandmates are expecting, you know. They were praising him so much. Kaya bakit niya sinasabing hindi siya kumakanta?"

I shrugged. "Well, it could be that he stopped and chose not to sing anymore. There could be a lot of reasons, Venice…”

Tiningnan ko siya nang kanyang lingunin si Tano. I don't have high hopes for Venice's plans but… Tano is just not possible.

Pinanlakihan ko siya ng mata. “Don't even think of forcing him. I don't think he's someone you can sway from his principles.”

She sighed heavily. "I'm still thinking.”

I pushed her. "Enough of that already. Let's just pack our things. The driver already texted me. Malapit na siya.”