One Last Time (R18)

Kabanata V: ALMOST DANCE

An Almost Dance.
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     "I'M GLAD YOU arrived just in time, Keira."

Nagsalubong ang kilay ko nang salubungin ako ng vice-president ng club organization namin habang nasa entrance pa lang ako ng gym.

"What's wrong, Ariella?" I asked, my brows still furrowed as I eyed Arielle in her long black sequin dress.

"We need to discuss something," seryosong niyang sagot sa'kin bago tumalikod. I followed her hanggang sa pumasok kami sa lumang library.

"Now tell me, may nangyari ba?" Humalukipkip ako sa harap niya nang mapansing tila nag-aalangan pa siyang magsabi.

Nagbuga siya ng marahas na hininga bago nagsalita. "Tumawag ang manager ng bandang kinontrata natin. He said they won't make it tonight. Nagkaroon daw ng aberya sa flight nila papunta rito."

My jaw immediately clenched. "What?! Those wenches!"

"President."

"I'm pretty sure you have some suggestions on how we can solve this little problem," malamig kong salubong sa secretary na kararating lang.

Tumango ito at mas humigpit ang yakap sa planner na nasa dibdib nito. "Sorry talaga, President. Kung hindi lang sana ako nagpumilit na sila ang kunin na mag-perform ngayong gabi, hindi sana mangyayari ito."

"Nangyari na!" I snapped. We really prepared for tonight. We planned ahead para masigurong walang mangyayaring aberya sa mismong event. But look what happened now?

I didn't put effort into dressing nicely and doing my makeup, even though I didn't have a date for the ball, only to have my mood ruined tonight!

Muli akong bumaling kay Ariella na tahimik na nakasandal sa isang lumang bookshelf.

"Kailangan nating humanap ng kapalit. May mga kilala ka bang pwedeng tumutugtog mamaya?" I looked at Ariella.

"I know someone. Leader siya ng isang banda. Actually, isang beses na silang naka-tugtog dito."

       I FLITTED MY EYES inside the gym. Halos mapuno and loob dahil maraming estudyante ang dumalo sa ball.

Tumingin ako sa malaking timer na nakasabit sa gitna ng stage. There were only 30 minutes left until the official start of Foundation Ball.

"It has to be a success." Nagpakawala ako ng buntong-hininga habang hinahanap ang banda na tutugtog mamaya. Kilala ko na ang mga ito sa mukha dahil pinakita sa'kin ni Ariella ang picture ng grupo.

Nahanap ko ang grupo sa gilid ng stage, but my lips parted when I recognized the person the vocalist was talking to.

My heart pounded the instant my gaze locked on Levi, who was standing a few meters away from me. It felt like everything was moving in slow motion as I stared at his perfectly white teeth, shining through his relaxed smile while he chatted with the band's vocalist.

I felt a sudden pang of envy towards the vocalist nang makita ang malapad na ngiti ni Levi dito—that smile na madalas niyang ipagkait sa'kin.

Nakangiting kumaway sa'kin ang vocalist nang makita ako nito. I smiled back. Kung sa ibang pagkakataon, iignorahin ko ito, pero hindi ko ginawa dahil nasa tabi nito si Levi.

Lumapit ako sa kanila.

"Hi, Ms. Keira," kaagad na bati sa'kin ng vocalist pagkalapit ko.

Tinanguan ko lang ito bago ako bumaling sa katabi nito.

"Levi..." I muttered a curse under my breath as I caught sight of him looking so dashing in his three-piece black suit that flaunted his masculine build and towering height. His neat hair is perfectly brushed up, that gave more detail to his thick brows, pointed nose and strong jawline.