Chapter 01
1326 Words
I flopped onto the bed with a dramatic sigh. Why was I agreeing to this? I’d never been to a concert before, and the thought of being squished in a crowded venue with screaming fans didn’t exactly thrill me.
Azahlea, my friend, turned around holding up a bright pink top. “Come on, Claire! It’ll be fun, I promise! Asher’s band is amazing.”
I raised an eyebrow. “You know I’m not a fan, Ley. Anong gagawin ko roon? Tunganga hanggang matapos?” I asked, shaking my head.
Azahlea grinned playfully. “Kasama mo naman ako. Ngayon ka pa aayaw e may tickets na tayo. Tsaka malay mo, magustuhan mo rin sila.”
Wala na akong nagawa. I couldn’t resist her eagerness. She’d been babbling about Asher’s band for months, and I knew she’d be disappointed if I didn’t come. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all. Who knows, maybe this boy band had some hidden gems.
Ley tossed the bright pink top onto the bed. “Wear this. You’ll look great.”
Nandito ako ngayon sa kanila para mag-ayos. I was already wearing something comfortable, but she wanted to style me.
I shook my head firmly. “Salamat na lang, pero hinding-hindi ako magsusuot ng pink,” I said again, more adamantly. “I’m not wearing that.”
Ley laughed. “Your taste in fashion really matches your personality.”
I looked at her, curious. “What do you mean?”
She thought for a moment before replying, “I mean your dark outfits suit your mysterious and introverted side. Mukha kang tahimik pero may maitim na budhi ka ring tinatago.” She chuckled teasingly.
I rolled my eyes and looked at myself in the mirror—navy blue sweater, faded loose jeans, and black boots. I shrugged slightly. Her observations were usually spot on.
I glanced at Ley. She was wearing a pastel blue tube top, white trousers, and heels—perfectly complementing her vibrant personality. Her flawless skin, chinita eyes, and cute bangs added to her glow. Her medium-length hair and 5'4" height only added to her confident, energetic vibe. Hindi na ako magtataka kung bakit maraming naghahabol sa kaniya.
“Okay, let’s go!” she said, standing up, ready to leave. I grabbed my black cap and belt bag and followed her.
Before heading to the venue, we stopped by a coffee shop. As we waited in line, I pulled out my phone, slipped in my earbuds, and played my favorite Cup of Joe playlist. The opening chords of “Ikaw Pa Rin Ang Pipiliin Ko” filled my ears, their smooth vocals calming my nerves.
Ley laughed and nudged me. “Based on your expression, I already know what you’re listening to.” She even rolled her eyes.
I grinned. Totoo naman. I felt a little more energized. Coffee and Cup of Joe—what more could I ask for?
As we sipped our drinks and walked to the venue, I paused the music, took out my earbuds, and wore my black cap. I felt more comfortable that way. Our SVIP passes gave us priority access, and we were led straight to the barricade, right in front of the stage.
The energy was electric. Anticipation filled the room. Ang ingay.
The lights dimmed. The intro music started. The band was about to take the stage. I stood beside Ley, camera in hand, capturing her reactions as she danced and sang along. The lights, the music, and her joy, everything made for perfect shots. I felt happy just seeing her have so much fun.
As I captured Ley on camera, I noticed one of the band members glance in my direction. I think that was Asher. It was a quick look.
Ley grabbed my arm. “Claire, this is my favorite song! Come on, dance with me!” she shouted.
Throughout the concert, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Asher’s gaze kept drifting toward me. I’d catch him looking, locking eyes for a moment before quickly glancing away. It was subtle, but noticeable.
May problema ba siya sa ’kin? Tingin siya nang tingin.
I shook off the thought and focused on Ley. I let the music wash over me, allowing myself to enjoy the moment.
The concert ended with a bang. The band gathered at center stage for their final introduction.
Asher’s voice boomed through the mic, “Thank you, Manila! I’m Asher!”
“I’m Ysmael!”
“My name is Josh!”
“Cloud here!”
“I’m Aki!”
“And we are… the Electric Band!”
“Thank you po sa pagpunta! This is our first concert, and you’re making it unforgettable!” Josh added cheerfully.
“Masaya po akong makita kayo. Until next time!” Ysmael said warmly.
“Don’t worry, we won’t make you cry with our bad music yet!” Aki joked, making the crowd laugh.
“Let’s do this again soon!” Cloud’s short but passionate message got a wave of cheers.
Ley clutched my arm, screaming with the rest of the fans. She adored Cloud above all the members.
When Asher stepped up to the mic again, the crowd erupted. “ASHER! ASHER! ASHER!”
He smiled. “Thank you for an unforgettable night! Goodbye for now and we’ll see you soon!”
His charismatic voice echoed through the venue. The cheers grew louder. Pumalakpak na rin ako. Baka sabihin naligaw lang ako dito.
Fireworks exploded above as the band waved goodbye. I looked toward Asher and he was already looking at me. It was brief, but intense. I quickly turned away, showing no emotion.
Bahala ka diyan.
“Let’s go get some merch!” Ley pulled me toward the exit. Pati ako nadamay sa pagkolekta ng merch. Aanhin ko ’to?
Afterward, we grabbed coffee and bread, savoring the quiet after the chaos.
As I waited, I accidentally bumped into someone. A tall stranger in a cap, with hazelnut-colored eyes. His gaze locked on mine, shifting from cold to surprised.
“Sorry about that,” I said.
I didn’t wait for a reply. I turned to Ley. “Let’s grab a table.” But her eyes widened, fixed on something behind me.
“Claire… is that?”
I followed her gaze. It was Asher, still standing behind me.
Ley waved, breaking the silence. “Hey, Asher!”
He smiled. “Hello, you’re Ysmael’s cousin, right?” But his eyes never left mine.
“Oh yes! I’m Azahlea, Ley na lang,” she said quickly. "Say hi, Claire,” she whispered.
“Hi.” I kept my expression neutral.
“Sorry, she’s not really a fan of your band. I kind of forced her to come with me. But you guys did great earlier.”
Asher turned his gaze to Ley and smiled politely. “No worries. Thanks for the support.” Then he looked back at me. “And you are...?”
“She’s Claire. My friend!” Ley jumped in, saving me from the awkwardness. She knew I didn’t like introducing myself to strangers.
Asher nodded. “Okay, see you around.” He turned and walked toward the counter.
Ley leaned in. “What’s going on? Kulang na lang matunaw ka sa sobrang lalim ng tingin niya.”
I shrugged. “I don’t know. Naiirita ako sa kaniya. Tingin siya nang tingin.”
Her eyes danced between him and me. I shook my head quietly. “Let’s get our order and go. Pagod na ’ko.”
She nodded and dropped the topic.
I snuggled into the passenger seat, sipping my coffee as her driver drove through the quiet streets. The city lights blurred in the windows. The silence between us was comfortable. We were both too tired to talk.
Back in my apartment, I said goodbye to Ley, fixed myself up, and collapsed into bed.
As I stared at the ceiling, the darkness slowly wrapped around me, swallowing me whole.
- Writer
