Something Abstract

Winter Cup

"So... The winter cup is almost starting..." Luke said while looking at Haru.

"You want me to compete?" Haru asked with a disgusted face.

"OF COURSE! WAVE THE BANNER OF OUR CLUB! FEEL THE RUSH OF EVERY STROKE!" the excitement was evident in Luke's face as he exclaimed to Haru.

"Then join, why bother me?" He replied with an irked tone.

"What's a winter cup?" Everyone stared at Luis with incredulous faces.

"You've been here for almost a year and you never knew THE winter cup?" Sid asked.

"er... should I know?"

"OF COURSE!" Luke shouted. "Allow me to explain." He sat in front of Luis. "The winter cup is a competition for young, passionate artists such as HARU." He emphasized his name loudly. "It's one of the most prestigious competition in the country, and our university have always catered it for generations, and mind you, the winner from last year's winter cup is no other than..." he walked to Haru's back and lifted him by his armpits. "HARU!!!"

"PUT ME DOWN, DAMN IT LUKE." Haru was so surprised he dropped his mug. Everyone was laughing at Haru's rubicund face.

----------------------------------------------------------- c":

They started to put advertisement in every part of the university. Banners have erected in front of the doors of every clubs and the jubilant emotions was almost contagious.

As they walked to the cafeteria, Luis, can't help but to notice Haru's sulking face. He stared at her for a moment and then sighed, then proceeds to sulk again. A pattern he repeated for some time now. He wants me to ask what his problem is, why make it so difficult, he can just say something, why do I need to ask? She thought. She sighed.

"What's you-"

"It's just that I don't want to join but everyone from my class is asking when will I submit my application."

"I was just going to ask what your next subject is." Luis said with a chuckle. Haru's face became bright pink.

"YOU-"

"Just kidding." She laughed out loud. "Boy, you sure are gullible, let me guess" he put her hand on her chin. "You couldn't say no, 'cause you're too shy."

"Well, no..." Luis waited. "Okay, yes. I was. If everyone eagerly supports you, I guarantee you'll feel the same."

"Fair enough." Luis sat and looked at the menu. She quickly put it down and crouched closer to Haru's surprise.

"But, if you won back then, then why don't you join again?"

Haru looked away and bit his lips.

"It's confidential."

"Uh-huh." She crossed her arms. "There's such thing as confidential with you huh? I mean, for someone who's so transparent, you can be quite secretive. I can't even fathom the reason, but still let me guess again. You're afraid aren't you" she smirked at him.

"Shut up."

"OH MY GOSH I WAS RIGHT." She laughed at him. When the waiter came, he wondered if the 'cafeteria lovers' were quarreling. In the past year, they were named 'cafeteria lovers' by staffs and frequent goers. Haru is a well-known aloof, and stoic, and when they saw him smile, laugh and get embarrassed by the pretty lady's remarks, they were flabbergasted by how adorable he can look.

"Can I get you anything?" The lady contained her muffled laughter and cleared her throat.

"Ah yes, some fries and steak for me and for him a cup of joe and an extra platter of valor and manliness."

"You- I can't even-" Haru stuttered which made Luis laugh even harder.

"No, I'd like some earl grey tea and while you're at it put a little dignity in it. She just stole it away from me." He said with a frown.

"The serving time is 10-15 minutes" It was hard for him not to laugh. So this is Haru Grey, when he's flustered. He smiled. He remembers Haru back then, seating alone in that same seat while watching the window. Now, he has someone else beside him that makes quirky remarks. How time flew quickly is a mystery to me. He thought as he headed out to the kitchen to register their orders.

"You know" She said while munching her fries. "It's understandable. You won and everyone is now expecting you'll win again."

"You see, I joined last year because I was bored. I never thought I'd won. I didn't even know what I did! I was so shocked when they announced my name. Luke had to shout at me before I gathered my wits."

"That's normal... considering it was you." She smiled softly at him.

"What?"

"I mean, you're an active volcano of passion, sempai. You don't think, you paint and before you knew it you won the competition and even if you lose this time, I still think you're pretty incredible."

Haru scratched the back of his neck and began to sip hi earl grey tea, not knowing what to reply anymore.

"And besides, if you end up crying cause you're such a loser and everything. My door's open for you." She grinned at him with steak sauce on her teeth which made Haru laugh out loud.

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"I'm joining." Haru mumbled beside Luke. He snapped his fingers and hugged him tight.

"I KNEW IT! SEE! You just need a little push from me!"

"It wasn't you though."

"What?"

"Nothing. Give me the application I'll sign it since I know you already filled it up." Luke ran to his desk and looked for Haru's folder.

Sid sighed. "You gave it to me remember? Cause you're so messy."

"Oh thank the heavens for Sid." Literally. he thought.  Sid gave the folder to Haru and they both looked at it.

"Well it's true, all its need is your sign, and then we'll pass it. Are you sure about this Haru?"

He looked at Luis' sleeping face. Her cheeks were pressed to the table.

"Yah. I guess." He smiled.