S U A D E L A

23

Suadela frowned as she watched the entrance of the gym. It's Saturday, and never in her dreams did she think this day would come when she'd be excited to practice. Well, to be honest, it was not the practice she was anticipating, but Luan.

That guy openly ignored her yesterday. He didn't even stay long because Professor Millare called him. She was super annoyed. Bakit ba bigla-bigla napaka busy nito? Samantalang kailan lang ay halos hindi lilipas ang araw na hindi sila nagkakasama.

But with each passing minute, Suadela became more bored and annoyed. Why did it seem like Luan wouldn't show up even on the last day of their practice?!

Damn, Luan Kho.

Suadela stopped her thoughts from wandering and sat up straight when Luan walked into the gym with Professor Millare. Everyone followed them with curious eyes. It was unusual for the professor to drop by during their practice even though he was the dance troupe's adviser. Though it could be because it was their last practice, so he came.

"Huddle up!" Luan called out while standing next to Professor Millare.

"I know everyone of you is surprised to see me here but don't worry I will not stay long." Professor Millare said jokingly as he looked at the faces in front of him who laughed.

Maging si Suadela ay napangiti sa propesor na kailan lang niya nalaman na kamag-anak ni Sen. Kaya rin pala ang lakas ng loob ng isang yun na matulog sa opisina nito.

"I have news about the IDC. The annual dance competition that we reign as champions."

Biglang natahimik ang lahat at seryosong nakinig. Habang si Suadela ay na kay Luan ang atensyon at sinusubukang hulihin ang tingin nitong tagus-tagusan sa kung saan.

"You may have seen in the news recently that an IDC judge was involved in a scandal."

Napatingin si Suadela sa propesor sa sinabi nito. Umugong ang bulungan hindi lamang sa pagitan ng mga miyembro ng Knight Rhythm kundi maging sa mga pitch-in dancers.

Professor Millare cleared his throat and said, "Everyone, I am here to inform you that we received a memo from the organizer of the IDC." He paused for a moment. "Unfortunately, the competition will be canceled this year and will not resume until further notice."

Mas lumakas ang bulungan sa paligid. Gulat at nanghihinayang ang lahat.

Suadela furrowed her brows, unhappy with the announcement and looked at Luan. This situation was indeed devastating for him the most but no one could do anything about it.

After that, Professor Millare assured all the pitch-in dancers that nothing would change. In exchange for their effort, they were still only required to pass all the activities and take the final exams.

Matapos ang announcement ay hindi nagtagal at dinismiss din sila mismo ni Professor Millare.

"Si Luan?" tanong ni Suadela kay Jam na papalabas ng gym building kasama ang dalawang babaeng miyembro ng Knight Rhythm.

"Nasa loob pa pero palabas na rin," anito at kumaway sakanya. Tipid na ngumiti rin sakanya ang dalawang kasama nito.

Nginitian din niya ang mga ito at namewang na pinalobo ang mga pisngi. Hinihintay niya si Luan sa labas ng building dahil malabong kausapin siya nito sa loob lalo't may ibang tao. Sigurado naman siyang uuwi na ang binata agad dahil ang IDC lang ang tanging pinagkakaabalahan nito tuwing Sabado.

Habang nakatingin sa gym building ay napapitlag si Suadela nang biglang may babaeng umakbay sakanya. Mabilis na lumayo siya mula rito at may pagtatakang tinignan ito.

"Nerbyosa naman pala sya, friends!" natatawang sabi ng bilugang babaeng umakbay kay Suadela. Nakatingin ito sa likod niya kaya alertong napalingon din si Suadela.