The Unexpected Romantic

Chapter 6: Intoxicated

Flashback

"Okay, let's start over, and I don't want to see any slipups this time!"

The head of the staff has clearly had a bad day, and now, it's already late, and he's still pissed. It's kind of our fault somehow. We've been practicing for a couple of weeks now, but we still can't get things right. I feel bad for him as do I for all of us.

This is the final night of rehearsal. Everybody seems to be tense and tired at the same time. We are doing a run-through, and it has to be perfect otherwise we will all be humiliated tomorrow. The people who will be watching may think we are not taking this seriously. But we are.

I guess each of us wishes for this thing to be over soon. Fame and glory may keep us fighting for the faculty that we represent and for ourselves, too. But sometimes, one can't help but think if it's all worth it.

I will not know what to do with fame and glory if I win.

I found a way to sneak out of the hall to smoke shortly after I did my part in the practice.

Halfway through my cigarette, someone appears behind me.

He looks relaxed and so laid-back. All this pressure and late night practice do not seem to affect his looks at all. Wait, did he follow me here?

"How many sticks have you had?" he asks.

"Aren't you nervous at all?" I ask Pha.

"Of course, I am. Who isn't?" he asks me back.

I only asked because he doesn't seem to be. This guy really knows how to handle himself very well. Maybe it's one of the reasons why many are attracted to him.

"You don't look it is all. I have a strong feeling that you'll win tomorrow, Mr. Popular." I tease him.

"You don't have any idea how I feel."

"....................." Clearly, I have no idea at all. Why don't you start telling me?

"You scare me."

"I'm sorry, what?" I mean I know what I've heard. I just don't understand why he would say such a thing.

"Don't you feel that I am intimidated by you?" he suddenly asks.

Is he serious, this guy? My eyes widen and squint at him almost at the same time as I look at him waiting for an explaination. My fingers tighten their grip on the cigarette roughly breaking it into two.

That question makes me feel uncomfortable.

Breathe in for luck, breathe in so deep, this air is blessed, you share with me.

This secret smoking place that we are in now is quite dark; the cool breeze is making me sweat instead. Did I hear him right? I stare at him. He stares back. Thank goodness for the darkness otherwise he will notice my face has just gotten red. Awkward silence.

"Huh?!" I am in awe. Say that again.

Please.

"You don't know?" he asks again.