Time and Fallen leaves

Stay here

It's been a while since Erin step foot inside the photography club.

The old wooden interior of the room somehow made her feel comfortable, she's also getting used to Kai's nagging but this time, he is weirdly clingy especially to Parker.

"Alam niyo bang ang lungkot dito noong wala kayo? Tatlo nalang nga tayo tapos iiwan niyo pa ako" the tears on Kai's eye were surprisingly legitimate. Totoo nga talagang sobrang nalungkot ito noong naging busy sila kaka-prepare para sa school fest.

"Stop acting like a child" Parker seems to be quite stressed dahil mukhang wala itong energy makipag-bangayan kay Kai. Kakatapos lamang kasi ng kanilang mock examination, given their preparation last school fest, hindi sila nagkaroon ng oras mag-aral.

But instead of reading the room, Kai only squeezed himself and hugged Parker even more. Natawa na lamang si Parker sa inasal ng nakatatanda. Parker may be aloof especially when they're inside the student council office but here, this is sanctuary, his haven. Dito lang ata nakikita ni Erin si Parker na ngumiti at tumawa nang malakas, he doesn't usually budge nor initiate a conversation whenever he's with someone else.

The sight made Erin think that they are somehow alike. Both introverts, both wary of the crowd.

"Anyway, you're all aware naman na after the school fest, may paparating ulit na art festival, right?" Tumango si Parker while Erin turn his head sideways. Hindi pa nga ito nakaka recover sa school fest, ngayon ay may bago nanaman.

"I need you two to be present all the time dahil tayo ang in charge sa art fest. I'll talk to the other clubs na nasa art field and ask them for their cooperation. Meanwhile you two, should plan on the theme and flow of the program" nagpaalam na aalis si Kai upang puntahan ang ibang club. The two were left, making the room quieter unlike when Kai is around. Hindi gaanong nag-uusap ang dalawa dahil wala naman silang kailangan pag-usapan. The last time they talk is that time when Erin was desperate to learn how to use the camera. After that, balik na ulit sila sa dati.

"So, what's the plan?" Pagbabasag ni Parker sa katahimikan. Erin doesn't have any idea how to run a program, much more a big one. She only became an art club member because of Keeana, creativity doesn't actually run in her blood yet.

"Uh..should I ask for Keen's help?" Without a doubt, Parker nod. Keen was in charge of planning the program last school fest and thank to his creative mindset, the event was a complete success. Hindi kasama ang debate club sa arts festival kaya mahihirapan silang kunin ang oras nito sa kanyang club activities. But knowing Keen, he would gladly accept the offer, he wants to showcase his skill after all.

"Here are the lists of the clubs that are inclined with arts. We have broadcasting —nandito si Jade, we have pottery club —Jake's a member, the dance club —Saki and Yuna; lastly, the music club —Leeon's here"

The mere mention of Leeon made Erin's heart jump. Ibig sabihin nito ay magkakaroon ulit siya ng pagkakataon na makasama si Leeon. After their conversation in the rice cake ay hindi na ito ulit nagkaroon ng interaksiyon. Naging busy kasi sila sa dumating na mock exam kaya hindi sila nagkaroon ng oras na bumisita sa office. Maybe this is her chance to actually talk to him.

"Tatawagan ko lang si Keen"

***

"You're in a mood, did tita not scold you for failing the mock exam?" Pagbibiro ni Jake kay Leeon as soon as he gets inside the student council office. Nagkaroon sila ng meeting para sa paparating na arts fest and those who are in the art field are only present —except for Keen who's like a lone wolf amidst the herd of sheep. Tuwang-tuwa naman ang ilan dahil sa presensiya nito, they all knew he was the mind behind the successful flow of the school festival program. His cooperation would be a huge help for them, it's win-win situation —given how Keen really liked the attention.