Chapter 5
744 Words
It was a bright and sunny Sunday morning, the kind that filled the air with promise and energy. The sun cast a warm golden glow over the campus, and the sound of chirping birds created a cheerful soundtrack as I made my way to school for practice, gearing up for the upcoming Performance of Skills (POS). As I approached the main entrance, I caught sight of the maritime students diligently engaged in their ROTC training just beyond the gates. Clad in their crisp, pressed uniforms, they moved with purposeful intensity, a reminder of the discipline and commitment that defined their program.
To my surprise, their officer, a stern yet approachable figure with an encouraging smile, graciously permitted us to enter the training area—a space usually off-limits to outsiders during drills. His kind gesture not only acknowledged our presence but also offered us a rare and insightful glimpse into the demanding environment that the cadets navigated daily.
I was captivated by the intense focus and strong sense of teamwork that radiated from the cadets as they practiced their formations and commands. Each member moved in unison, their footsteps synchronized like clockwork, embodying the core principles of leadership and dedication that the ROTC instills. The air was thick with concentration, and I could feel the energy pulsating through the group as they honed their skills.
While we waited for their drill to conclude, the other sponsors took their seats in front of the cadets, our eyes glued to their impressive synchronized movements. I was eager, but my mind was slightly diverted by a personal mission. I wasn’t just an observer; I was actively searching for someone I had never met, a challenge that felt a bit daunting without a clear picture of what he looked like.
In the midst of our waiting, my fellow sponsor, Alyssa, leaned closer and said with a teasing grin, “I noticed that Jett is always reacting to your posts.” A laugh escaped me at her observation, bringing a lightness to the moment. My curiosity was instantly piqued, and I eagerly asked her if she had any idea what Jett looked like. To my delight, Alyssa revealed that she and Jett were actually acquaintances from previous school events. This unforeseen connection added a spark of excitement to what was otherwise a routine practice.
As she pointed out various individuals in the crowd, I strained to catch a glimpse but struggled to identify the right person amid the sea of uniformed cadets. Just as I was about to ask Alyssa for further clarification, the commanding voice of the 2nd Class ROTC officer rang out, announcing that the practice was set to begin, cutting our conversation short.
As I observed the preparations, I was aware that my friend Asher would not be participating in the drill; he had chosen to take pictures instead, this being his role as part of the media team. I was hoping to see him so I continued my search for Jett amidst the flurry of activity.
I opened my phone and quickly navigated to my messaging app, my heart racing with anticipation as I checked if Asher was online. To my relief, a small green icon signaled that he was indeed active. A flutter of excitement coursed through me as I decided to jot down some thoughts about him in my messenger notes.
Playing "Saan?" by Maki filled my mind as I was looking for him in the crowd. The melody echoed in the background, perfectly encapsulating the mix of emotions I felt whenever I thought of Asher.
After a moment of reflection, I noticed his notes pop up, revealing snippets of his own thoughts and musings. The words were raw and unfiltered, offering a glimpse into his mind that both intrigued and captivated me.
Asher Jett: "It's impossible if you did not see me,"
and so I deleted my last note and said
Kaia Andromeda: "I don't, I don't actually know what you look like,"
The practice ended, and I still did not know what he looked like. In the evening, I challenged him, provoking him to make the actual first move, and he did.
He chatted with me in private messages, and that's when our story began.
Asher and I started talking, and there were days when we were doing a video call. Asher is claiming that we have a thing while I am here, confused about what we are, but I know.
- Writer
