FACADE

Chapter FOUR

[Narrator] 

Pumasok na si Akoz sa klase niya, mayroon pa siyang 3 minutes bago magsimula ang klase.

 He started roaming his eyes in the room, they have a big classroom, big enough for the whole class. Sa pagkakaalam niya, 40 students lang per section ang BA Performing Arts. Masyadong malaki para sa kanila, but well this is Hakin University.

Tahimik ang classroom-- tahimik lahat ng nasa loob. Since first day nila ngayon, wala naman instantly magkaibigan na agad. It takes time, hopefully he can make friends too.

Maya-maya pa ay pumasok na ang professor nila, a man in his 40s with smart casual attire and small book. He looks intellectual.

 Good morning class, I will be your adviser and professor sa subject na Introduction to Theatre Play, my name is Howard Lucas." Pakilala ng prof nila habang sinusulay nito ang pangalan sa blackboard.

Tumingin ito sa kanila at ngumiti, iniikot nito ang mata sa klase, marahil ay kinakabisado ang mukha ng bawat isa at ang mga reaksiyon nila.

"So, as we all know, we only have 5 months to discuss our subject. I hope you will learn everything in this book, after ng sem na ito." Pinakita ni Mr. Howard ang libro niya.

"Since it is your first day as college student, dapat chill lang tayo. Ayokong mastressed kayo agad sa dami ng babasahin at irereport niyo, next week na iyon."

Nagsimulang maglakad si Mr. Howard sa aisle, habang hawak nito ang maliit na libro sa kanang kamay at nasa bulsa ang kaliwang kamay.

"Pero, just to explain na rin. Our subject tackles about the history, background, types, and other data about theatre. Madali lang naman ang subject na ito. But I prefer my students to dig deeper and conceptualize it better than this book." 

Bumalik si Mr. Howard sa harap at may sinenyasan sa labas ng pintuan, may dalawang students na pumasok sa klase nila. Ramdam ni Akoz ang pagbilis ng t***k ng puso niya habang nakatingin sa isang babae na nakangiti at may hawak na mga brochures. 

It was Klein.

Nagtama ang mata nilang dalawa, Klein flashed a sweet smile upon seeing him. His heart is pounding like crazy.

"And dahil dyan, you are all required to join our official club. I will leave you guys to our President and Vice President." Paalam ng prof nila sabay alis sa klase.

[Akoz' POV] 

Klein is wearing a simple dress, and she looks stunning. Hindi ko maialis ang tingin ko sa kaniya, I've been looking at her the moment she entered the classroom. 

"Good morning everyone, my name is Klein Mendez and I am the President of our official club, Hakin Theatre Club." Pakilala ni Klein habang nakangiti, "And this is Elynna, the Vice President." Naghi naman ang kasama niya.

"So, tulad naman ng sinabi ng adviser niyo. Every students of Performing Arts are required to join our club. Anyway, our club's name is Hakin Theatre Club."

"Every semester, we aim to organize any stage plays na mostly are written by our writers which is also a student ng university na ito. This play na ipinalabas namin are open to all Hakin University's students and free sya. Our funds are nangagaling din naman sa sponsors and mismo from Hakin officials." 

"And we are hoping na by participating in our club, may matutuhan kayo and you can use it with your major subjects. But, doing our activites is fun! Mag-eenjoy din kayo." Klein explained followed by short laughed.

Hindi ko rin tuloy napigilan, I did the same while looking at her. She has calm and comfortable aura today. Lahat kami nakikinig sa kaniya or dahil, it is Klein-- I have my ears and eyes to her. Pinakita ni Klein ang brochures na hawak niya, about iyon sa club. May ilang details din na nakalagay pero di ko na makita.

 "This is our brochure, please read it carefully. Ngayon, magpapaikot kami ng membership drive form. Please write your name, section and contact number."

"Lastly, after lunch break. We have a general assembly so please proceed to our club hall after lunch break okay? Thank you so much!"

After magsalita ni Klein ay tumulong sila ng Vice President magdistribute samin ng brochure and membership drive form.

Nasa line ko si Klein, kaya kinakabahan na naman ako. Wala na rin ata ako nagawa kundi laging kabahan pag nandyan siya. Yohan told me it's normal when you're with someone you like. But I guess, pinanganak na lang ata ako para kabahan. 

What a shame aaaaah.

Naputol ang pag-iisip ko nang maramdam ko na may naglapag ng brochure sa desk ko, I looked up to see it's Klein and her friendly smile. She smelled nice with her vanilla perfume.

"You're here, nice meeting you again Akoz." Klein said in a low voice. I replied with a smile and kinuha ko ang brochure.

"T-thank you. Nice meeting you again too, Klein." I greeted her too, trying to act normal.

"See you later, if you have questions you can text me." Klein said bago ito umalis at pumunta sa likuran niya. Pakiramdam ko namumula ako, wala na nga sa harap ko si Klein pero nakangiti pa ako.

Agad kong sinulat ang pangalan ko sa membership drive form, at inabot ito sa likuran ko habang nakangiti pa rin.

"This is the membership drive-- 

Hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko nang magtama ang mata namin ng nasa likuran ko. Nanlalaki ang mata ko nang magtama ang mata namin ng babaeng nasa likuran ko nakaupo.

"What?" Sagot ng babae na nakahoodie na gray at may sabit na headphones. May brown short hair at nakataas ang kilay.

 She was the girl I've met at at the park bago sya pumasok sa klase. Who would have thought na we're classmates? Ni hindi pa nga ako nakakapag-sorry or nakapag-explain lang man. 

"... the membership drive form." Tuloy ko. Kinuha naman nya iyon at nagtapon ng tingin sakin bago magsulat. Agad akong humarap sa desk ko, why do I feel like I am sweating? Bakit parang ang laki ng kasalanan ko sa tingin niya.

Then while thinking, someone at my back tapped my shoulder and it is her again, tapos na sya magsulat sa form. I tried to look at her face and she is wearing a bored expression. Feeling ko namukhaan niya ako. 

Pero wala naman ako ginawang masama.

I sighed and secretly checked her name at the membership drive form bago ito ibigay sa nasa harap ko.

Berlin Min Scott.

Should I say sorry? Right now? Do I need to explain? She seems mad at me. I should believe I offended her. 

"Okay guys, that's all for today. See you later at club after lunch break. Thank you sa inyo!" Klein smiled to us and head outside the classroom with the Vice President.

 Minutes after, my phone rang for notification. Binuksan ko ito and nakita ko ang message from Klein.

From: Klein Mendez 

See you later after lunch, Ipakilala kita sa mga friends ko. Eat well! :))

 I put my phone to my pocket again and I can't help but to smile again.

Yes, see you later Klein.