He Who is a Daredevil

Introduction

"It was just like yesterday when you were still a freshman, nervously looking at your schedules over and over. Now, you don't even bat an eye when coming to my class late. Being a senior really has its perks, huh."

My old professor smiled at me, ear to ear, as I placed the block's exam papers at her desk. She was also in high spirits because today marks the end of classes for the first sem.

"It took me three years before having the audacity to do that."

Prof. Sentoza laughed. Wrinkles traced her skin, but she was still beautiful despite the coming of her age. I laughed along; I can't help but absorb the contagious positive vibes she always had.

"Thank you, Heinzel. Enjoy your break and see you around next sem!"

I courteously said my goodbye and exited the office. The midterms and requirements were officially done. The thought that I had no classes and schoolwork to do for the following three weeks felt like short-lived bliss and I planned on spending every minute of it as productive as possible.

Meanwhile, the university had also its way to spice up this sem's last day. Booths were lined up in the field, various activities were waiting for the sleep-deprived, stress-fueled students. Today actually seemed like a reward and a breather, I thought.

I met up with Sky at the cafeteria. Timely enough, she had finished her all-time favorite tiramisu when I approached her table, so we took our leave soon. Returning to the field, we saw a crowd formed somewhere near the center. This easily picked other student's interest, they rushed towards the pack of people to see what's going on.

"The Maneuvers!" I overhead as a random guy shouted to his friends.

The thought hit me. This could be a flash mob. I tugged Sky's shirt and then she looked at me questioningly.

"The Maneuvers," I whispered, fazed and sceptic. Her visage mirrored the same expression as mine except there was a hint of faint excitement. Our eyes drifted back to the crowd as an instrumental rhythm started reverberating around the campus. The audience was thrilled, no one was sure what to anticipate.

As soon as we heard a very familiar sound - their signature sound, Sky and I have already affirmed that it was them. Moreover, since they're quite an eminent group, I'm sure majority of their audience have recognized them by now as well.

"Who would expect that after their evanescence, they'd make a comeback here of all the places."

Sky side-eyed me. She knew that I'd grimace upon their name or be sour of their presence but would never let it show. Well, she got it damn right. They were probably the last group I'd want to see in a flash mob.

"That probably explains why I've seen familiar faces this morning. Familiar faces that I do not usually see in our campus, though."

"Someone's very observant."

Imagine Dragon's Believer resounded in the campus' speakers and the crowd suddenly divided themselves into two groups. In the middle stood a man wearing a black tux with a noticeable golden silk necktie. His face was covered by a masquerade mask though I think I could recognize him by his body figure and movements. That, I know, sounded creepy but among their group members a kinesthetically gifted member would always stand out.

The man moved his body along the beat of the music. It was like the rhythm was pulsating through his veins that he danced in perfect timing and in remarkable control. Goosebumps made their way up to my shoulders as he gracefully executed difficult steps one after another.

"Pain. You made me a, you made me a believer, believer.

Pain. You break me down, you build me up believer, believer."