If Only You Knew (ONGOING)

Prologue

"I first saw you here in the stage," the girl's voice is shaking as she clenches the hem of her blouse. "You were performing kasama yung banda mo."

Kitang-kita at rinig na rinig ni Fein ang bawat galaw at kilos ng babae na nakatayo sa gitna ng entablado as she observes her behind the last row of the auditorium seats sa tapat ng exit door, perfectly hidden by the absence of light on her spot with a chocolate drink dangling on her fingers. Kanina pa siya doon. She can't tell exactly how long but her aching feet tells otherwise.

"I have never seen someone played the bass that good," parang mauubusan na ng hangin ang babae sa bawat salitang sinasambit niya. "You're very cool and classy Ace. Very very cool..."

Inalog ni Fein ang chocolate drink na bitbit niya.

"..and with that.."

Casual na inangat ni Fein ang chocolate drink na hawak niya and she took a contemplative sip while eyeing the girl.

"..nagustuhan kita Ace." Tumingin ang babae sa mga mata ni Ace. "I've liked you since then."

Ace gave a timid smile. Fein is still watching.

"Thank you," Ace's tone is caring. "Salamat dahil nagustuhan mo ako. Pero.."

Fein let out a deep exhale, relief flowing through her system.

"Pero?" Magkahalong confusion at takot na tanong ng babae. "Pero ano?"

Fein has seen enough of this para malaman kung ano ang susunod na sasabihin ni Ace. It will go along the lines of 'i'm too busy with the band' and that he is too occupied to his academics and other activities kaya hindi siya sa ngayon nag-aaccept ng feelings ng sinumang nagkakagusto sa kanya. Minsan nga napapaisip si Fein kung ang friendzoning routine ba na ginagawa ni Ace ay sincere pa o isang rehearsed speech na lang para sa ikatatahimik niya.

But still, kinakabahan pa rin si Fein kahit alam niyang iyon na ang kahihinatnan ng usapan ng dalawa. Slightly trembling, she took another sip to her choco drink. Makikinig lang siya ng saglit. She just needs an assurance. She don't know, baka mag-iba ang sasabihin ni Ace.

"I'm too busy with the band," mahina at mahinahon ang boses ni Ace. "Tsaka my acads and other activities are also consuming my time greatly, kaya hindi talaga muna pwede sa ngayon."

Fein lowers her drink and looked at Ace's sympathetic face. It's really convincing though na walang panahon si Ace para sa relationship. Mas madalas pa nga atang nakikita ni Ace ang tab sheets niya kaysa kay Fein.

"G-ganon ba?" Nangingilid na ang luha ng babae.

Napalunok ng bahagya si Ace. "Don't get me wrong I'm very thankful dahil gusto mo ako. Pero sa ngayon--"

Tahimik at dahan-dahang lumabas si Fein sa exit door ng auditorium, itinapon ang wala ng lamang chocolate drink box sa garbage bin at naglakad sa hallway.

"--hindi ko pwedeng i-entertain yung feelings mo. Sorry."

"O-ok." Hindi na napigilan ng babae at tuluyan na siyang naiyak. Ace wiped her tears with his handkerchief and he gave it to her.

"We can be friends though," Ace smiled at the girl. "I think that will work better."

Pumasok si Fein sa classroom nila at umupo sa upuan niya sa tabi ng bintana. May last class pa siya. She glanced at the empty chair beside her then she looked at her wrist watch.

5 minutes. Ace will make it on time.

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An attempt to create my own high school romance story. I hope this works XD.

BTW, this is inspired by a manga called Kurayami Ni Strobe. The prologue's kinda parallel but the story is completely different. Go read the manga it's really good!

I'm currently working on Chapter 1. Bukas ng gabi or sa Monday morning posted na siya.

Thanks for giving your time to take a peak on my story! Enjoy!

All smiles,

Mons