Strings Of Perfection

hi! just a note po. my characters are flawed. im not into writing stories with perfect or flawless mcs kasi i believe flaws are what make us human. they stumble, they make mistakes, and sometimes, they're even hard to root for, but that's what makes their journey worth following. if u're not into flawed characters or stories that explore their imperfections, u can stop reading now. no hard feelings. 

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Trigger Warning: This scene contains sensitive themes related to self-harm, including depictions of scars. Please proceed with caution if you are sensitive to such topics

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Grabeng titig 'yan.

Nakakainis na nakaka lusaw.

"Kahit three days talking stage lang, Leo!" Sigaw ng isa sa mga kasama ni Sylas na tumigil sa katahimikan na umalingangaw sa buong classroom sa sandaling dumating sila.

Binaluktot ko ang aking leeg pa gilid. Matutuwa ba ako o iiyak?

I gulped, nervousness creeping into my system as Sylas's gaze burned into me. Lord, anong pagsubok na naman 'to?

I thought he'd be in rage. Perhaps, he'd even call us out and drag us to the guidance office. But instead, ipinikit niya ang kanyang mga mata ng ilang segundo, bago lumakad patungo sa dingding ng classroom namin at may idinikit na papel dito.

My mouth gaped open. No way. Ibalik n'yo ang totoong Eliunous.

Ngina naman kasi. Mag lalagay lang naman ng announcement, sinama pa talaga mga garapata niya. O pwede naman na i-announce niya na lang sa mic. Ba't kailangan pang isa-isahin ang bawat classroom? Papansin. Pinopormahan yata ako. If he was, he's so fucked if ever.

He turned away. But just as he was about to take a step forward, he halted in his steps.

Lumingon siya pa balik sa direksyon ko.

Nag tama ang mga mata namin.

Nangisay ang kalamnan ko.

"Creu..." Tawag niya.

"Wews..." Someone whistle from behind.

Agad akong napa kurap. I shot him a knowing look as I said, "Oh?"

"Let's go." He simply said, it was clear from his face that he wasn't planning on giving me further information.

Napa kamot ako sa batok at walang alinlangang pumunta sakanya. When I arrived in front of him, he immediately started walking so I had no choice but to follow. Gagsti talaga tong si Sylas. Iniwan ba naman mga garapata niya.

Tahimik kaming naglakad sa hallway, nasa likod niya ako habang ang laki-laki ng hakbang niya na parang gusto na agad matapos 'to.

I was trying so hard not to feel too self-conscious as the other students stared at us as we passed.

"Saan mo 'ko dadalhin?" I asked, breaking the silence.

"Cafeteria," He simply said, barely sparing me a glance.

I glanced at him meaningfully. "Date?"

"Ulol."

My smile faltered. "Parang talo ka pa ah."

"Talaga."

I clicked my tongue and closed my eyes out of frustration. Bakit ganito na naman 'to? Ba't parang ang layo niya ulit? Why is he... limiting himself way too much?

Nang maka upo kami sa bakanteng upoan, agad kong kinuha ang phone ko mula sa aking bulsa. Tch. Anong point ng pakikipag usap kung ganyan siya? Para akong kumakausap sa bato!