||ASAHD||

Adjusting to my new room last night was quite the task. It was weirdly very hot despite the cold atmosphere outside. Secondly, despite being comfy, the bed felt so uncomfortable, but because it was foreign. That always happens to me that the first night I sleep in a foreign bed. It is always terrible regardless of its comfortable nature. Last but not least, yesterday evening while spending time with Serah, I noticed that she is almost at her breaking point. Seemingly, her feelings for me were haunting her boldly and she was having a hard time reigning them.

Something or someone must have poked the bear a little violently for her to lose control. If not that, perhaps she is just tired of carrying them with no one is coming to rescue her from their heavy burden. I should be damned for making her wait too long. However, no longer. The last few days we've been apart, I called for an intrapersonal meeting between my mind and heart. Hours of thinking and evaluating later, I concluded with no doubt that I not only like Serah Mawia but have also fallen her. Well, despite her flaws and simplicity. That too, I'm considering pursuing her as my girlfriend soonest possible. Finally, it is time to free her off of the burden of the unrequited feelings she thinks she is carrying.

However, that will be after their performance which I'm looking forward to. Serah, with her lack of confidence in herself, is supposed to vocalize a few songs. The vocalist who was supposed to do it sick with a common cold. Negative effects of the slightly colder weather. Last night Serah was a nervous wreck when she was given the news by their music director. Hopefully, she won't chicken out for sake of the performance. Additionally, I hope the opportunity helps her build up her confidence even if it is by a third.

"I'll see you later, bro. I've got to see someone," I tell Michael as we walk out of the amphitheater.

We have been watching performances for about two hours. Michael gives me a nosey shit-eating grin once he plants his gaze on mine. The look tells me that the guy has most likely been keeping tabs on me. Seemingly he already knows where I'm headed and who I'm going to see.

"That girl, Serah. Dude, you're stuck on her of all people?" he asks snickering and calling for a frown on my face.

"What is wrong with that?" I calmly ask trying to calm a protective beast that has come loose within me.

By all means, I'm ready to protect Serah. If it's by word of mouth, I'm ready. If it is physically, I'm ready too. No one is touching or harming her in any way.

"She a very nice girl and has great talent in singing. In my opinion, she doesn't suit your category at all. You two are stark different. I mean, she is downright simple and the total opposite of you," Michael explains himself.

Mom warned against overlooking. Just because she is simple and the total opposite of me doesn't mean that we aren't fit for each other. I don't care about the stark differences we have.  Besides, we can't figure out if we are fit for each other without giving it a try.

"Which I think is much better given that opposites attract," I retort making him chuckle.

"Good luck in your endeavors, Asahd," he dryly bids making me chuckle.

"I don't think I need it," I counter and he raises a brow with a crooked smile.

"That's what I figured," he pointedly says.

"Anyway, I'll see you later," I bid and he nods giving me a chin raise.

I walk up the amphitheater pathway towards the field where the buses were parked. The students are there doing some rehearsals and getting everything ready for their performance. It's due in an hour and a half. Before Michael comes to gather them together, I need to steal Serah for a few minutes. It will give me some peace of mind knowing that she is okay and ready to give her best in the performance. Their bus is parked under an enormous pine tree. The students are busy doing one thing or the other outside the bus.

It is easy to spot Serah but seemingly she is not among those who are outside. Spotting Sue, I walk towards her and ask her of Serah's whereabouts. She gives me an unimpressed and scrutinizing look before she tells me that she is on the bus. I'm not sure what that was about. Ignoring her weird looks, I walk towards the bus entrance. It's a little hot inside the bus. I'm pretty sure that if it wasn't for the fresh air and shade the pine tree is offering, the bus who be unbearably hot and stuffy.

My eyes dart around looking for Serah. It takes me a moment to spot her. She is sitting by the window a few seat-rows back. Her braids that she has tied in a ban have set up her chocolate face beautifully. Her naked eyes are peacefully closed hiding the storms going on inside her. They are healing perfectly but she is not allowed to stay without glasses too long especially during the day. As I walk towards her, I take note of the black earphones in her ears. She's probably listening to music to calm her nerves down. Upon reaching her, I take a seat beside her but she doesn't register my presence instantly. She must be asleep, lost in thoughts or perhaps her earphones are blasting for her to register anything.

I take a hold of her hand, reflexively bolting her awake. Ah, damn. Her hand is cold. I'm sure it's not an effect of the weather but nervousness. She gets cold when nervous. When her eyes land on mine, she smiles while letting out a sigh of relief. However, that doesn't mean she has gotten over her nervousness. She is just relieved to see me. Her nervousness will remain so long as the fact that she is vocalizing a few songs for their performance keeps ticking in her mind. Unless she gets over the intimidation that may cause and decide to face the challenge head on like a simple yet brave warrior. She removes her earphones and sets them on her lap.

"Has it fully registered in your mind?" I ask as she nods. "Are you scared or just nervous?"

"I'm nervous. Very nervous," she admits.

"What's making you nervous?" I ask and she lets out a heavy sigh.

She also slightly shifts in her sitting position so that she is halfway facing me. In her wrist is a small brown teddy bear wrapped around it like a bangle. I've no idea where that came from but it looks cute.

"The stage is huge, the theater is almost full and I'm not used to doing large parts that call for attention," she responds.

"None of the above should intimidate a talented singer like you, pretty. With your voice, you can and will command pin-drop silence in that amphitheater. Once you get on that stage, forget anyone knows you and sing like no one is listening. Give it your all and you'll forget that you were nervous at all. I know and you know that you can do it. You just have a few doubts but you shouldn't let them weigh you down."

"It is not that easy though," she says.

"I know things are easier said than done but believe you can. Take that as a challenging opportunity for the building of your confidence. Additionally, think of the pure bliss you will feel after giving the audience a great performance. Oh, the dinner I'll be taking you to later in the evening too," I add causing her eyes to ball out in surprise.

"You want to take me to dinner?" she softly asks with an unsure smile on her soft lips.

With every moment that passes, I'm getting attracted to those lips, especially when I stare at them for more than a second. I'm starting to crave their taste but I'm afraid of doing anything at the moment. First, I have to make sure that whatever I feel is not a Don Juan obsession for a simple and enticing girl like her.

"Do you want to go out for dinner with me?" I volley making her laugh lightly.

"Yes," she nods with an emotional smile but she works fast to hide the emotions.

"Good. Give the show your best then," I prompt and her smile fades.

"Giving the show the best is the catch or is the dinner a bait to prompt me into giving the best in the show?" she boldly asks with a thoughtful expression marring her face.

I'm impressed by her boldness. It shows that her confidence is indeed sneaking its way back. Sooner than later, she might regain it all. Then, she better be ready to tell me what stripped her confidence off of her.

"None of the above. I was still planning to take you out after the performance," I truthfully confess.

"You're kind of confusing me and making me more nervous," she confesses in a chuckle.

"Get over your nervousness, pretty," I urge her with a smile.

"I'll give it my best," she promises.

"Good. I'm looking forward to seeing you glow on that stage," I tell her and she smiles while nodding. "How many songs are you vocalizing by the way?"

"Three," she responds.

"Three aren't too many," I state while taking in her other hand in mine. "Wow, your hands are warming up again. That's a good sign."

"Thank you for coming," she appreciates with a sweet smile. "I'm feeling better and maybe ready to face the challenge."

"Thank goodness," I state and she laughs.

Outside, I take note of Micheal walking towards the bus. He's probably here to get them ready.

"It's about time we got ready," Serah states watching Michael too.

"Yes. I'll see you after the performance," I say and she nods in agreement. "No forgetting what we have talked about."

"Absolutely," she affirms.

"All the best," I bid before leaning in and giving her an affectionate forehead kiss.

"Thank you," she says.

A moment later we are walking out of the bus and heading towards Michael. A few curious eyes scrutinize us but we let on nothing much to satisfy their curiosity. Julia, whose promised dinner I turned down yesterday gives me a questioning brow but I ignore it. I'm not sure I'm entitled to explain anything to her. She is a close friend but that doesn't mean she is closer enough to get to know about my personal life. Nevertheless, the dance members are here to support the drama guys which shows their unity as a team. It is great to have such qualities as they strengthen the group.

For a few minutes, Michael gives them a challenging yet encouraging piece of advice. When he is done, I add my two cents and a few minutes later, we conclude the small meeting. The students get ready to carry their props, backdrops, costumes, and whatever else they will need for the performance. Leaving their leaders to take over, Michael, the dance members and I walk to grab our seats in the amphitheater. We are their support system if not their cheering squad.

I feel as if I'm on my toes when their performance starts. I'm really praying and hoping that Serah won't experience stage fright. About ten minutes into the performance, everything is going well. Even Michael acknowledges that with a proud smile. A minute too soon, a soloist, as she walks on stage, starts a solemn song causing my heart to start beating a little too fast. Two other singers join her along with the four main characters of the play, who mime their actions on stage. The scene is as depressing as I am.

When the soloist picks up the chorus, my heart picks up a marathon pace when I see Serah walking upstage. She is leading two other singers while carrying bloodied swords. She does look a bit nervous. It's is expected during the first few minutes on stage. She does give her best in the singing though. Having the backup singers beside her is doing her good. As the song progresses, it becomes more solemn and depressing. The amphitheater has in turn grown completely quiet and concentrating on the play. Our talented performers are touching a nerve and that is a good achievement.

Toward the end of the song, I take note of Serah's tears cascading down her cheeks. That touches my heart and triggers a raw need to go pull her into my arms and cocoon her. Damn, Asahd, it's just a performance. As the performance progresses, more joy comes in. It's quite the difference comparing a joyful Serah singing at the end of the performance comparing her to the sad Serah at the beginning. I'm proud of her. She didn't mess anything up and Michael is right. The girl has raw singing talent. When they are done, we walk out of the amphitheater to go look for them. I'm eager to wrap the girl in my arms.

Once we get to the backside where they are carrying out their stage equipment, we offer them free encouraging and appreciative hugs. Michael congratulates them for giving the audience a great performance. When I'm done hugging the seemingly endless number, I walk towards Serah. She smiles before sinking herself in my arms. I kiss her temple and embrace her tightly and warmly.

"Thank you for keeping your word," I appreciatively whisper in her ear.

"It cost me every ounce of courage I could gather but has given me pure bliss as you said," she murmurs.

"I'm proud of you," I state meaning every word.

"I'm proud of myself too," she happily says.

"Are you ready to get out of here now?" I ask in a low tone.

"Yes please," she nods with a smile as she wipes away the joyful tears that are forcing their way out.

"Alright," I say pulling her closer such that her back is flush against my front.

Patiently, we wait for Michael to give his speech. About ten minutes later, he finishes it with the promise of more free drinks. I wonder what he will do if they win. He might as well book a whole club for them and buy every drink there. With cheerful faces and whistles, the students disperse to go carry their stage equipment back to where the bus is parked. The university's canter will come to get them. I let Serah help with the carrying. Once she is done, she will meet me at the parking lot.