FATED SEATS

CHAPTER 10

ARA'S POV

The air crackled with a different kind of energy today - not the usual academic pressure, but a vibrant, festive excitement. It was "Buwanang Wika" (National Language Month), a celebration of Filipino language and culture.

The hallways were adorned with colorful banderitas (banners) and intricate kakanin (rice cake) displays. The aroma of traditional Filipino dishes wafted through the air, and the sound of lively folk music filled the campus.

Everyone was exhausted from the preparations, but their eyes sparkled with determination. Our section, "Moonwalk," was determined to win the championship in this year's "Senior High School Campus of Stars" competition.

I usually shied away from such events, preferring to observe from the sidelines. But this year, something felt different. Maybe it was Alan's unwavering support, maybe it was the rekindled hope that had been sparked by my potential reunion with Earl, or maybe it was simply the infectious spirit of the occasion. Whatever the reason, I felt a flicker of… dare I say it… excitement.

Alan, of course, was in his element. He had always been passionate about Filipino culture and history, and he threw himself into the preparations with boundless enthusiasm. He was designing the banderitas, helping to arrange the kakanin display, and even choreographing a traditional folk dance.

Seeing him so animated, so full of life, warmed my heart. I found myself drawn to his energy, wanting to be a part of his world.

ALAN'S POV

“Buwanang Wika." It was a chance to showcase our rich heritage, to celebrate the beauty of our language, and to connect with our roots.

This year, I was determined to make "Moonwalk" the champion. I wanted to create something truly special, something that would capture the essence of Filipino culture and leave a lasting impression on everyone who witnessed it.

But more than anything, I wanted to see Ara smile. I wanted to see her eyes light up with the same joy and excitement that I felt. I wanted to share the magic of "Buwanang Wika" with her

ARA'S POV

The day was a whirlwind of activities. There was a traditional singing contest, a balagtasan (a form of Filipino debate in verse), and a lively folk dance competition. Alan, dressed in a traditional barong tagalog, was the star of the show. He moved with grace and confidence, his smile radiating pure joy.

I watched him from the sidelines, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. For the first time, I felt a sense of belonging, a connection to something bigger than myself.

Then came the moment we had all been waiting for: the announcement of the winners. The air was thick with anticipation as the judges took the stage.

"And the champion of this year's 'Senior High School Campus of Stars' goes to…" The announcer paused dramatically, building the suspense. "…Section Moonwalk!"

A roar of cheers erupted from our section. We had done it! We were the champions!

Everyone was ecstatic, jumping and hugging each other in celebration. I couldn't help but smile, feeling a surge of pride in our collective achievement.

ZEN'S POV

The champions of the Senior High School Campus of Stars" goes to Section Moonwalk!"

I saw Ara was smiling at Alan. Something boiled on zen and it was he was getting attracted to Ara.

Ara has a glowing aura whenever she is with Alan. Something he can't defeat.

Zen saw there was one way for this so he suddenly come closer to Ara and shared his story because they were partner in assignment in personal development subject

ARA'S POV

"Hey Ara, I just want to say something" I heard zen.

"I just want to let you know that my relationship in my family is not the same as before, I just feel like they are using me so I am sharing my stories to you because I think you are the only one that can understand me" " Zen said while crying.

"Oh I understand but I think you are telling your stories in a wrong person"Ara responded but with a soft tone.

She thinks again, if she let herself connect to zen he would fall from his lies.

Zen's sudden vulnerability caught me off guard. He had always projected an image of confidence and charm, so seeing him break down in tears was unexpected. A flicker of empathy stirred within me, but I quickly suppressed it. I had learned my lesson about getting too close to people, about opening myself up to potential manipulation.

"Ara, please," he pleaded, his voice cracking. "I just need someone to talk to. You're the only one who seems to understand me."

I hesitated for a moment, torn between my desire to help and my fear of getting hurt. But then, I remembered Alan's unwavering support, his genuine kindness. He had shown me that not everyone was out to take advantage of me, that there were still people in the world who cared.

"I appreciate you sharing your story with me, Zen," I said, choosing my words carefully. "But I don't think I'm the right person to help you with this. You need to talk to a professional, someone who can provide you with the support and guidance you need."

He looked at me, his eyes filled with disappointment. "I thought you were different, Ara. I thought you cared."

"I do care," I said, "but I'm not a therapist. I'm just a friend."

Zen, defeated, walked away, leaving Ara standing alone in the bustling classroom. She watched him go, a mixture of relief and guilt swirling within her. She had made the right decision, she knew, but it didn't make it any easier.

As she turned to leave, she saw Alan standing nearby, watching her with a knowing smile.

"Everything okay?" he asked.

"Yeah," she said, returning his smile. "Everything's fine."

ALAN'S POV

"You know Ara, I think you're starting to be what I wish you to be for yourself" Alan said.

"What do you mean?"Ara said

"I see that you're glowing, something that will never happen before but happened as of now" Alan responded.