||ASAHD||

Sleeping is now easy on the new bed as I've gotten the hang of it. Last night was peaceful and my dreams were a repetition of almost everything that happened during the day. Grandma Khadija, mom's mother, once told me and Blue that our dreams are influenced by our thoughts, experiences, and whatever we come across during the day. It doesn't happen to everyone but to some including me. Other times, they are influenced by memories and past experiences that may have stuck in our minds. That does happen to me too but not as often as the previous theory.

Anyway, the bottom line is, last night was like reliving the day once again but in a much more colorful way. Dreams are colorful when they are not nightmares. For the first time, I've woken up feeling excited, content, and weirdly complete. This has to be a result of the warm feeling leisurely flooding my heart. If I knew caring for someone both affectionately and intimately felt this good and fulfilling, I would have tried it long ago. But who would it have been with if not Serah? Perchance, no one.

This feeling was probably just meant for her. Come to think of it, none of the many ladies I've been involved with before was able to awaken it. With Serah, it happened even if I never wanted it to. It arose and spread within me slowly and surely, sweetly poisoning my heart and mind. I'm not complaining. In fact, I'm more than grateful. Serah might turn out to be the one girl who was made for me. You know, the other half or whatever the corny and cliché titles refer to the person who was destined for you. It may be delusional, but deep down I can feel it. If she turns out to be the one, then I'm lucky. Well, far beyond lucky because this never happens to everyone as earlier established. Meanwhile, I'm excited and ready to explore life with her. Along with that, this relationship that bloomed from our friendship.

Turning to the nightstand beside the bed, I stretch my hand and grab my phone. It's eight-thirty on the display. Today will be another long day. My junior dancers will be performing both the contemporary and hip hop dances later in the day. I think their first performance is scheduled for around eleven and the other one at three o'clock in the afternoon. As their choreographer, I'll have to be there to show them my support. To also give them some morale and maybe a few encouraging words. Finally, I'll have to make sure that all are ready to kick ass. There is no way we will have people going on stage if they are not ready to. I don't have to do any of the above but I feel obligated since I'm already here with them.

The lodging Wi-Fi is so slow that I'm compelled to use my data bundles. Like a daily routine, my phone floods with notifications of all kinds. I check the email for any important emails. Just two and they are not as urgent. From there, I head over to Instagram. Nothing much important. On WhatsApp, there is a total of five hundred and twelve chats. I scroll down, bypassing most of them including the group chats that seem less important. I chat back a few that are important and maybe appear urgent. Sometimes I think of hiring someone to manage these accounts for me. The excess notifications can tire you or even make you feel lazy to read leave alone reply to them despite their demands for responses. When I'm convinced that I've responded to most, I scroll back up to one of my pinned contacts; Mawia. Apparently, she has texted. No good morning but straight to business. I love that.

~♥️~

Are you awake yet?

Just woke up.

You were that exhausted?

No, I overslept.

Didn't know you were such a sleepy head ;-) Anyway, I'm having breakfast with a few girls.

I'm not a sleepy head! Enjoy your breakfast. I will go take a shower.

Okay, then. Talk a while later.

Alright:-)

~♥️~

I place the phone back on the nightstand and step out of bed. After fitting into my black slide, I shed off my clothes, place them on the bed, and head to the bathroom for a hot and refreshing shower. As the warm water streams downs my body, my mind escapes to a fantasy land. In the fantasy, Serah is with me in the bathroom. We are having a shower after coming home from a long day at work. I think I would call this a possible future fantasy. As she softly lathers my body with a honey-scented soap, she complains about endless music projects awaiting her.

Being a good listener, I listen to most of her complaints but a time comes when my mind gets exhausted. It is then that I decide to shut her up with a searing kiss. She dumps the bathing towel in the bath tab attached to the wall and kisses me back with matching fervor. In no time, I'm pinning her on the wall and ready to make her mine for maybe the one-millionth time. The hot water has grown cold. Seemingly, I fantasized for too long. In addition to the cold water situation, comes a predictable predicament that might cause me to stay in the bathroom longer than expected.

Minutes later, I'm wearing my clothes when my phone rings. It is not easy to predict the caller since I'm always having phone calls. On average, at least five per day. If it is not work-related, then it is family or friends related. I put on a sky blue polo shirt before grabbing the phone from the drawer. It's Blue who is calling. I'm sure she wants to know when I'm heading back home. The nosy twin already misses me.

"Blue, what's up?" I respond to the call bypassing the normal greetings.

"How are the festivals going?" she asks copying the trend.

"Great. I'm having fun to complain about anything," I respond grinning.

"You sound a little too jovial, Asahd. What mischief have you been up to?" she asks, bluntly reminding me that she is my twin.

"No mischief. Just some redefining maybe," I vaguely respond hiding a smile as if she is watching.

At this point, I'm sure her curiosity is almost on an overdrive. I'm enjoying it but I'm also tempted to tell her the truth. Mom and dad too. Though I'm afraid they will judge me by thinking that this relationship I have with Serah is nothing serious. They might think it to be something similar to what I had with Vanessa. Perhaps I should just keep it to myself until things between me and Serah are solid to tell them. At least then, they will see that it is something serious and real. After that, I hope that they will accept her and our relationship.

"You have a pass to give me vague answers for now but once you're back, I want nothing but straightforward answers. I'm almost on the verge of exploding from too much curiosity," she complains.

"I'll consider it before coming back," I drawl.

"Which reminds me that I called to ask you when you are coming back," she prompts. I already figured that much.

"Tomorrow evening I'll be there," I state.

"Great. I'll see you then. Grandma was starting to worry that you forgot her the premiere of her film is the day after tomorrow. She was going to call you about it but I'll let her know that you'll be home tomorrow," she explains.

"You're at Grandma's?" I ask. I'll not even go home first. I'll head over to her place.

"Yeap. I got tired of staying with mom and dad without you around. I can't bear their constant pampering and nagging alone," she grumbles making me chuckle.

"Okay. Let Grandma know I'll be at her place tomorrow night. Don't forget to say hi too. I'll call her when I get an extra hour to talk. Her calls never last less than ten minutes which I don't have right now. I have to be at the venue in about an hour. My junior dancers are performing today and I need to be there with them."

"Alright, no problem. Good luck with the performances," she wishes. "I know you did the best in training them. Hopefully, they will do their best to make you proud and themselves as well."

"Thanks, Sis. We shall talk later," I appreciate before she hangs up.

Immediately after, there is a knock at the door. As I don't want to engage in guesswork on who it would be at this hour, I walk to the door and pull it open. While halfway open, my eyes land on Serah's sunkissed face. She gives me a radiant smile that I easily return with one of my own. Her glasses are reflecting the warmth in her eyes straight into mine which ends up melting my heart. She is wearing a blue-flowered top with faded blue jeans and black sneakers. A simple but beautiful look on her. In her hands, she's carry a small brown package bag and a mug of coffee. Looks like someone decided to complete her breakfast beside me.

"Look who decided to ditch the bus for the jeep," I tease as I usher her in then close the door.

Yesterday, while I was escorting her to their room, I told her where I'm staying and even gave her the room number. Didn't know she was going to use the information to her advantage this soon. Nonetheless, I'm impressed and excited to have her here with me. It was only been a few hours yet I have missed her.

"Is it okay?" she asks in a serious tone.

"More than okay," I assure her with a smile before stepping closer to her. "Morning, pretty," I greet pulling her into a bear hug and kissing her temple.

I'm tempted to kiss her on the lips but I've not brushed. I don't want to spread my morning breath to her fresh and probably sweet mouth. Additionally, I'm still giving myself time. You can call it a self-testing period. However, I'm sure this will not last long. I have a bad habit of giving in to sweet things.

"Morning too. I brought you breakfast. I hope you enjoy it too. There is hot coffee and maybe croissants," she informs me.

We retreat from the hug and she hands me the coffee and the small package with croissants.

"Thank you so much," I wholeheartedly appreciate.

"You're welcome, anytime," she says with a smile before walking to bed where she takes a seat.

On the other hand, I settle on the wooden chair next to the small wooden table. I place the coffee on the latter and work on opening the croissants package.

"Why is your voice hoarse?" I ask in concern while also examining her with my eyes.

It must be an effect of the cold weather around here. I've seen a few others who have been affected and are coming down with a cold.

"Too much talking and screaming last night," she responds.

"It's not the weather?" I ask, still examining her.

"No. In a few hours, I should have my voice back," she assures me.

"That's good to know. I wouldn't want you to get sick," I say as I retrieve a croissant from the package.

"I won't get sick," she assures me once again. "By the way, when are you going back to the city?"

"Tomorrow at around noon. I was supposed to tell you last night, but it slipped out off my mind," I explain, feeling the need to so that she doesn't misunderstand me in any way.

"I only have you for today?" she asks pouting and making me smile.

"Yeap. Though it won't be long until we see each other again. How many more days do you guys have here?" I ask.

"Around five," she responds.

"Those aren't much. By next week, you'll be back in the city. I'll be quite tied up with rehearsals and the Front Face competitions but I'll steal time to come and see you," I assure her.

"Okay then," she agrees with a smile.

"Don't forget that you're accompanying me to the final competitions," I remind her.

"Already marked the date on the calendar. If they have a theme for the day, make sure to let me know. I would hate to be the odd one out even though sometimes that is mistaken for standing out," she says making me chuckle.

That last statement was low-key dark humor.

"Promise. I'm also supposed to take you to my place," I state and she nods smiling.

"I'm still looking forward to that," she says.

As if to obverse table manners, I choose to devour on my breakfast silently. While doing so, she scrolls through her phone. She does steal glances only to catch me staring back at her and shy away with sweet smiles.

"Has Sue gone back to being Sue?" I ask her when I'm done with breakfast.

"No. She still is distant. She isn't talking to me much and she is also kind of ignoring me. I'm starting to get worried. I've tried thinking of what I could have done to her but nothing seems to come to mind," she responds, her lips twitching.

"Do you think the problem could be me being with you? She gave me weird looks the other day when I came looking for you," I inform her.

"She would talk to me about it, but right now I'm not even sure she would. That day you came, before we met, she had scolded and criticized me for having fallen for you. She argued that it was hopeless and I was just setting up a trap for myself. She too thought or maybe believed that you would never notice me or see me as nothing more but a friend. Moreover, she got mad when she realized that I was hurting while trying to maintain our friendship. She hated it. She also hated seeing my heart breaking a second time when a relationship wasn't on the table. That has happened before and it broke my heart badly. I was afraid the situation was going to be the same too this time but I'm grateful this time things didn't turn out differently. I don't know if that is what is making her still act distant but hopefully, we will work things out between us."

"She also believed that I would never notice you?" I ask. That girl has somewhat little faith in her friend, I presume.

"Yeap. She was convinced that we are people from different worlds and given my excess simplicity, I never stood chance with you," she explains.

"That's sad but anyway, I'm excited things turned out in your favor. However, don't worry too much. She will come around. And if us being together is the problem, then she will have to get used to it because that is not going to change anytime soon or maybe ever," I firmly state and she nods in agreement.

"Let me keep hoping. I miss my best friend already and I want her back," she says.

"She will be back. I know she loves you and treasures your friendship," I assure her and she gives me an understanding smile. "Anyway, let us head out before we get late."

☆☆☆☆

After a regular security check-up, I drive into Anderson University where the festivals are being held. The university is pretty advanced in agricultural science and technologies used in the said field. Apparently, that is what they major in or prioritize when it comes to prioritizing courses. They have vast farms surrounding the campus which are well-tended and with growing staple foods like maize. Along the long driveway into the university's compound, there is a botanical garden and two orchards on the opposite sides.

"These people do really put a lot of effort in agriculture," Serah comments as she stares out of the window.

"That they do. Just like your university puts a lot of effort in media studies," I state. "They could create a generation of smart farming graduates who can change their communities," I add on.

"Without a doubt at all," Serah agrees. "Anyway, are you sure the guys are fit to perform at eleven?" she asks. "I'm sure most of them got drunk and partied till morning. They might still be hangover."

"Yeap. I'm sure they are very much okay with performing at that time. They may be party animals but they are professional where professionalism is required. They know what they want and are ready to work on it until they achieve it. Simply, they have the self-drive, commitment, and knowledge of whatever they are doing which makes it easier to work with them. You'll see that when we arrive. They will be looking like professional dancers. One would even suspect they didn't party last night and presumably, most woke up hangover."

"No wonder they always end up winning every year. They love dancing with a burning passion and treasure it. Sometimes our drama team lacks that passion and commitment as well. However, this time around, people have tried their best. I'm hopeful on the results of the performances," she says.

"We'll take the trophies home. That's a sure bet. We have not been giving empty performances to the audience. Neither did we work that hard not to take any trophies home."

"That I agree," she states as I park the jeep in the parking lot behind the administration block.

We step out and look around for their bus. It is parked at the same place it has been since for the last three days. Apparently, they have claimed the space. I don't even know why we bothered looking for it. Before we start our way there, Serah tells me that she needs to buy a handkerchief. She forgot hers back at the lodging and she can't stay without one. So as I head over to their bus, she goes to the shop.

Upon getting there, I find some of the dancers like Julia, Joseph, Steve, and Sue chatting between themselves. When Sue spots me, she gives me her usual scrutinizing look for at least a minute. Her behavior makes me feel like having a word with her. Though I don't want to meddle in her and Serah's business. Unless she insists on keeping it up. Then I'll be forced to ask her whatever is her problem. Sometimes it is good to speak up and communicate something instead of leaving people oblivious and treating them like shit.

"Good morning, guys," I greet them and they respond at intervals. As expected, they do look energetic and ready to perform. "Can someone call the others?" I request. Joseph takes the task upon himself. Julia offers to help, leaving Steve and Sue with me.

"Sue, can I have a word?" I requested, unable to stop myself from keeping quiet. I'm not sure what happened to me not meddling in her and Serah's business.

"Uh, about what?" she curiously asks.

She obviously doesn't know that Serah told me about her recent behavior.

"Do you have a problem with me?" I ask her, going direct to the point.

"No. Why do you ask?" she coyly denies.

"I've caught you severally giving me scrutinizing looks. Especially when I'm with Serah. Do you perhaps have a problem with me being with her?" I ask.

"What do you want with her?" she asks in a low tone.

Seemingly, this might be the problem. That should be me being together with Serah which isn't on the list of her favorite couples, maybe.

"For her to be my girlfriend," I firmly state.

"Are you serious with her?" she asks as she studies my eyes. As if she is trying to read me through them.

"Does it look serious to you?" I retort in a calm tone.

"I don't know, Asahd," she responds looking away.

"Serah is worried," I inform her, grabbing her attention back. "She is--" Serah's voice from behind interrupts me.

"Hey," she greets Sue with a broad smile on her face before hugging her.

Sue returns it with a fake one that doesn't impress me at all. She was one of my favorites but that is coming to an end if she keeps treating Serah the way she is right now.

"Hello," Sue responds once they retreat from their hug.

"Ready to perform?" Serah asks her as the former moves to stand beside me.

"Yeap. I'm ready," Sue responds without much interest. I'll never understand why she thinks treating Serah this way is okay at all.

"Got what you were looking for?" I ask Serah.

"Yes," she nods giving me a smile that I genuinely return with mine.

"We are here," Joseph says as he arrives with the rest of the dancers.

Serah excuses herself and goes to join some of her friends from the drama team. The radiant, eager, and confident faces the guys have come wearing give me hope for great performances.

"Seeing that no one has shades I can safely say that you are all not hangover," I prompt making them laugh lightly. "That's a good sign and thanks for taking care of them for those who hadn't them. From this position, I can see that most of you are ready to perform. Guys, we have to do this for ourselves and not for the school or the name or popularity. I'm sure if we do this for us, the rest shall follow without much struggle. Dance and shake that stage like never before. Aim for the best. Then again, don't overdo it." Again, they laugh lightly. "Overdoing it is a crime. So, we still have about an hour and a half to the performances. If you guys want to go through the moves, then okay. If you are good and confident, great. I'll be cheering you up with the rest of the squad. Good luck. Get out of that stage with smiling faces."

"We will and thanks," Steve appreciates as the rest show their appreciation through nods and hugs.

"Now I'll leave you to discuss anything else you may want to address before you guys get on stage," I state as I walk to Michael.

He is busy taking pictures with his team. I spare Serah a glance to find her staring back at me. She smiles before turning back her attention to whatever one of the girls in the group is saying. As time passes by, the photography session turns into a discussion session. We are discussing random topics particularly concerning young adults in the country. Shy Serah doesn't participate. She would rather sit behind me and have her head leaning on my back and listening to people's opinions. No one gives us stares anymore. I think they already got the hang of everything between us. When the time comes for my dancers to go present, we escort them and settle in the amphitheater as we wait for them to give us an exciting performance.