(n)- to dance in time with music
Supposedly, the school year already ended but some students are required to go back to school to submit projects and have their clearance signed up by teachers who keep on popping in and out of school- it almost became a game of Where's the Teacher instead of Where's Waldo. It's what the usual scene in a Philippine classroom is when school is about to end.
Friends simultaneously hanging around the waiting shed, doing nothing but sing or laugh. Most students were not even caring to follow the standard school uniform with some wearing tees and ripped pants.
Simply put, the air in the high school hallway crackled with the chaotic energy of April Fools' Day.
Unattended bags were filled with stones leaving the owner confused as to why their bag got a ton heavier, desks mysteriously levitated a few inches (thanks to strategically placed textbooks), and the scent of vinegar from particularly pungent stink bombs hung in the air. Ling, self-proclaimed "Supreme Ruler of Menace and Mischief" of the school, surveyed her domain with a nervous energy that belied her usual boisterous demeanor. It's a rare occasion to spot Ling alone and without her so-called comrades- Fluke and Junji.
Today was different. The pranks were just a smokescreen for something far more terrifying: confessing her feelings to Orm.
Orm. The name buzzed in Ling’s head like a frantic hummingbird. Orm, with her cascade of dark hair, eyes that held the molten golds and rolling hills of chocolates, and a mind sharper than any prank Ling could conjure. Orm, who aced every test, volunteered in the library, and treated everyone with a quiet kindness that made Ling’s heart ache.
The cruel irony was that Ling, the school’s unserious fool, was hopelessly in love with the picture of perfection. And Orm, sadly, seemed completely oblivious.
It actually started last year when they happened to be lump together in a group project- both had reservations towards each other. Ling could vividly recall how Orm growled in frustration after knowing that she’s been partnered with her and worse- their task is to provide an Analysis to one of the Philippine's famous literature.
“Later, after class. Library. Please don't be late.” Short. Concise. Almost technical was what she heard from the girl and Ling couldn’t do anything but shrugged. Who is she to say no to that?
The fluorescent lights of the library buzzed, and Ling almost snickered. It sounds like a soundtrack to the quiet desperation of high school students buried in textbooks, maybe they are the top 1% of the population who live just to study. Orm, all neatly organized notes and determined frown, sighed.
Partnered project. Noli Me Tangere. And her partner? Ling, the notorious school prankster, whose reputation preceded her like a rogue firecracker. She could be paired with whoever there on her class and she'll be happy but with Ling.. the teacher must've planned this all to sabotage her grade but feeling a little bit guilty for judging Ling without even knowing her first, she push her books aside, readying herself to offer help.
