Lost Fools Who Dream of Stars

3

"I know everyone here has a social issue that they're passionate about, so use this as a chance to invite others to join your cause."

Hannah's announcement sets off a collective groan. She shakes her head, "Guys, we know it's difficult, but we can't always use themes of love, friendship, and family in our shorts. We need to broaden our horizon and create something with a deeper purpose."

Other groups begin whispering among themselves, the task undoubtedly giving everyone a headache. A few people even approach her, probably clarifying the 'social issue' aspect of the shorts. Hannah may be a woman of few words, but she is most likely the most respected and approachable member of BCMO, that's why everyone respects her a lot, probably more than McCoy who acts like a buffoon most of the time.

Chubi takes out his org notebook, and writes "SOCIAL ISSUES" on the top of the page. He stares at the words, trying his best to process what it really means. In all nineteen years of his life, he's never been interested in watching the news or even made the effort to stay on top of current events. All he cared about were his parents, his small circle of friends, BCMO, and his beloved musical films. The only thing that really troubled him as of late is the fact that he's always on the verge of getting kicked out of the org, something to do with his 'presence not being felt' especially by the core staff. Sometimes, Chubi wonders what he can do to make his 'presence felt'. Should he start acting more chummy with everyone like McCoy does, or should he start proposing projects, competitions, workshops, like what Hannah did last year?

"So Chubi, what do you think?"

Chubi blinks twice. Only then did he realize that Bogs, Sheena, and Junemarie are all looking at him. He scratches his cheek with a sheepish smile, "Uhm, what's the question again?"

Sheena chuckles, before showing an animated video clip of a monkey playing in a child's room on her phone screen. "I said, how about we make a short about illegal logging? I recently heard about the ouster of the recently appointed DENR secretary."

"Yeah. It's crazy how she's just doing her job of protecting the environment, and yet she got kicked out because of it," Bogs offers.

Junemarie slowly raises her hand, "I know of some forest rangers—I mean, my uncles, he knows some forest rangers since he works at our Barangay in San Miguel."

"Whoa! That's great! Then we can make our short film into a mini-documentary," Bogs claps his hand in excitement.

"That could work. I just saw something like that on Youtube last night. Most of the docs I've seen are just three minutes long!" Sheena shows them another clip from her phone.

"If that's the case, then we can squeeze in a two minute short film to make it to five minutes," Bogs laughs while giving Sheena a high five.

Junemarie raises her hand again, her voice a little hesitant, "But can we do something like that? Ate Hannah says it should be a short film, right?"

Bogs pats Junemarie's shoulder with a grin, "Relax, Junemarie. For this activity, we can do whatever we like, whether it's a short film, a TV ad, or even an advocacy video. But that would be 'too in-your-face'."

However, Junemarie's face still shows her skepticism. Sheena puts her arm over the newbie's shoulder, "Trust us, alright>? Me and Bogs have been in BCMO since we're in our freshmen year. So we're pretty sure we know what we're talking about."

"Isn't that right, Chubi?"

Bogs and Sheena turn to him with an expectant smile that he can only nod his head. "Uhm, yes. BCMO is pretty chill with the University Week assignment."

Junemarie's expression finally softens, "Okay. I will talk to my uncle when I get home."

Bogs ruffles Junemarie's head with affection, "Alright! Then that settles it. Guess, we'll be the first group to—"

"I haven't agreed to anything yet," Paco's cold voice cuts the air.

Bogs and Sheena's ecstatic smile are wiped down in an instant, while Junemarie's cheeks turn red. Chubi looks at Paco, genuinely curious at what he has to say since this is the first time he spoke since they gathered for the assignment.

"What? You have a problem with it?" Bogs shoots him with an icy look, his voice chilly.

But before Paco can answer, McCoy calls everyone's attention, "That's it for today, Guys. Thank you for coming. Just continue your discussion among yourselves."

Everyone starts clearing their area, returning the chairs to their proper places, before saying goodbye to the core staff.

Bogs picks up his bag and waves to them, "Well, let's just continue our discussion on messenger and—"

"We need to settle this today," Paco declares. He still hasn't moved from his seat since earlier.

"Who died and made you leader of our group?" Bogs snap.

"Do you have somewhere you need to be?" Paco hits back with a question while clearing his things at a leisurely pace.

Bogs grits his teeth, "What's it to you?"

"Then, let's continue the discussion at McDonalds," Paco wears his backpack before walking away, without even sparing them a single glance.

"Fucking asshole," Bogs mutters while watching Paco stride out the door.

"Should we follow him or..." Sheena asks.

"Oh, I can't come with you," Junemarie says while holding her phone close to her chest. "I only asked permission until 5:00 pm."

"Oh yeah, you said you're from San Miguel. That's really far from here." Sheena says sympathetically.

"I'm really sorry," Junemarie apologizes.

Sheena just pats her shoulder, "It's alright, You go ahead. I'll just update you in our gc."

"Thank you so much," Junemarie says before walking briskly straight at the door, leaving Sheena, Bogs, and Chubi to look at each other in silence.

"Hm. So I guess we're going after Paco, then?" Chubi asks.

Bogs grunts, "Yeah. I want to hear what that asshole has to say. You coming, Sheena?"

Sheena lets out a sigh, "Well, I did say to Junemarie that I'll give her updates..."

The three of them walk out of the org room, with Paco already at a far distance.

"That guy really ticks me off," Bogs mutters under his breath.

"Same, " Sheena nods.

"I don't get it. Why did they let him join BCMO? I mean, isn't a good attitude one of the criteria?" Bogs says while rubbing the back of his head.

"Well, I heard he shoots weddings. He also has his own gear, so I guess plus points for that," Sheena says. "And you know BCMO prefers abilities above all else."

"Who cares about skill if no one wants to work with him, right Chubi?" Bogs turn towards him.

Chubi stops on his tracks for a moment, seriously considering if he will be honest with Bogs or just give him the answer he wants to hear. The truth is he wants to work with someone like Paco who seems to know exactly what he wants. Despite his brazen attitude, Paco seems to really know his stuff. And honestly, he's looking forward to learning from Paco who seems to have a lot of experience already.

Chubi shrugs his shoulders. "I think... we need to hear what he has to say first," he says carefully.

Bogs and Sheena share a look before continuing to walk. Chubi follows them from behind, wondering if his answer caused them to look at him differently.