Forever with You

Chapter 6

Beam stopped dead in his tracks to Architectural Engineering building when he heard a familiar voice. He peered slyly to where the voice coming from. He saw the man in blue jacket standing at the hallway of Civil Engineering building.

The man in blue jacket was talking to somebody over the phone, “Dad, I have already someone I like and I really love this person. I am not telling you this to avoid that arranged marriage thing. Please cancel it for me,” said the man in blue jacket with pissed off voice.

Beam was startled when the man yelled, “You can't do this to me! I am not making excuses, for Pete's sake! How many times do I have to tell you that I already have someone special in my heart!” then ended the call. He kicked the trash bin beside him before uttering a foul word, “Fuck!”

Beam, who had heard everything, felt a sharp, burning pain in his chest. So, the person that he really came to like for the very first time in his life was already in love with someone else, and sad to say, that someone else was not him. Great! The magical feeling he felt yesterday ended even before it started.

Beam pacified his heart that it wasn't broken, not at all. It was just heavily bruised.

It would be good as new when time passed by. It might not look perfect as it was before, but became more beautiful than ever since he had the man in blue jacket's heart in it. It would not be healed by forgetting the person who had his heart severely wounded, but by accepting the goodbyes and letting the person go.

Beam talked to his heart, “You'll be healed, not soon enough, but at the right time.”

Right after Beam's morning class, he immediately proceeded to Music Department to borrow a violin, but due to an upcoming recital event that would take place in the university, all the musical instruments had been used, except for a single flute. What a day that was for Beam! He had his heart crying, and now failed to borrow a violin. He decided to borrow the flute instead.

Beam thought that it would be okay as long as he got to perform in front of the man in blue jacket. Yes, that would he always be, a Man in Blue Jacket. Good thing he hadn't learned his name. The healing would surely be as fast as Flash. He hoped.

Then, he put the flute in his locker, and got a changed into SOTUS gathering uniform. He saw to it that he had his nametag and his signature book with him before heading to Activity Hall where today's Freshmen Gathering would be held.

When he arrived at the Activity Hall, the place was almost full so he settled at the last row. He didn't want to stand out and got into trouble. He had enough misfortunes for that day.

Soon the Third Year Hazers arrived, the gathering started. Beam's jaw dropped upon seeing the man in blue jacket marched along with the senior hazers.

“I want to introduce to you all, the Head Hazer Successor, Forth, a Second Year Civil Engineering student,” said the Head Hazer.

Beam thought, “Now, he has a name. God, the healing will surely take more time than what I have hoped for.”

The freshmen gave the Head Hazer Successor a wai.

Forth stepped forward eyeing the juniors in front of him looking for a particular person. When he found him, he locked his eyes with that person, “This freshmen gathering is a creation of situations solely for you to learn how to get through difficulties together in a team. The Signature Book helps you to interact with the others, most especially to your seniors, who will be there for you if you need a buddy for self-study sessions. It is not created to embarrass or humiliate you. So, do not take that activity for granted.”

Beam, who was still hurting, quickly dart his eyes away from Forth’s gaze.

Forth felt a sudden, piercing pain when Beam looked away from him. He didn’t understand what had happened. Why did he see sadness in Beam’s eyes? He wanted to go near him, but his position prevented him from doing so.

Forth made a mental note to himself to speak with Beam after the gathering. Eyes still on Beam, he took two steps backward to give the floor back to Kongpob.

“Now, let us see how you have progressed with your Signature Book. If, you haven’t had a single signature on your book, a punishment of 10 laps will be imposed,” the Head Hazer announced.

When the hazers started checking their Signature Book, cold sweats started to form in Beam’s hands. And how lucky could he get when the Head Hazer himself went to check Beam’s book.

Kongpob was dumbfounded after checking Beam’s book. He then returned to the stage and called Beam’s student ID.

“Explain!” yelled Kongpob.

Pairs of eyes landed on Beam. Forth’s eyes looked at Beam full of concern.

He smiled listlessly, “I’m Beam, Student ID 0029. May I have the permission to speak?” When the Head Hazer nodded, he continued, “I wanted the Head Hazer Successor’s signature first before asking yours and the others. P’Forth had given me three challenges to beat before he affixed his signature. And I am still on the first challenge.”

All the hazers were on Forth. Teasing, except one, Knot, whose eyes were full of envy.

“How lucky can this brat get!” referring to Forth, the Head Hazer heaved a sigh. There’s nothing he could do, but imposed the punishment on Beam. “You may start your punishment today right after your last period. That’s for today. You continue your chanting tomorrow.”

Beam sighed before heading to his locker. He changed his clothes back to white long sleeves with black tie and a pair of black pants. He took the flute and headed to the Hazers’ Haven.

He had only one mission left, to get Forth’s signature. When he’s done, he’d stop seeing Forth and moved on.

Beam took a step back when he saw that the area was full of hazers. It was exactly 12 o’clock. There’s no way that he’d perform in front of the hazers. But, he could not back out. He had to finish what he had started.

He walked quietly behind the old shady tree. He closed his eyes, and started blowing the first note of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Vocalise, Op.34, No.14.

When the music filled the air, the Hazers’ Haven and everything around it were trapped in a melancholic melody. No one dared to talk. No one dared to move. Hearts were engulfed with intense emotion.

Beam, whose mind was momentarily detached from his physical being, shed stream of tears. Tears of love that was found and lost in twenty-four hours. Tears of an attempt to escape from the entrapment of deep sorrow.

When the music ended, silence took over the place. Beam opened his eyes, and saw Forth standing inches away from him.

Forth’s thumb gently brushed Beam’s tears away from his beautiful, though sad, eyes.

“Why are you crying?” Forth asked with confused yet gentle eyes.

Beam smiled weakly, “I didn’t get to borrow a violin. I’m afraid you’ll get mad.” Beam lied.

“I’m not mad at you. I can’t get mad at you.” Forth cupped Beam’s face.

“Why?”

“Because I love you!” then, Forth kissed Beam.

To Be Continued...