Chapter 15 - Weathering the Storm

Humigpit ang kapit ko sa parka jacket na suot ko habang sinasalubong ang malamig na hangin ng Disyembre. Kasabay ng pag-ihip nito ang paggalaw ng mga banderitas na nakasabit sa buong paligid ng Arrion. The vibrant colors fluttered in sync with the rhythm of the wind, almost like they were welcoming the festival with their dance.

I never get tired of December. Who wouldn't want this cold weather? Pero ngayong taon, parang hindi ko na masyadong ma-enjoy ang simoy nito. Hindi ko na nga halos namalayan ang paglipas ng panahon. The last time I walked through these hallways, it was enrollment season. Ngayon, isang sem na naman ang matatapos.

The crowded hallway buzzed with energy as students scrambled to prepare for the Arrion Festival. Ang ilan ay tumatakbo na, trying to beat the clock before the booths officially opened. Nakasalubong ko ang ilang blockmates ko na tumulong sa org booth namin, but I chose not to volunteer. Alam kong magiging busy ang TVOA sa pag-cover ng buong event.

Pagdating ko sa pinakadulo ng hallway, sa harap ng office namin, bumungad agad sina Ynigo at Florissa. Florissa wore a festive Christmas outfit complete with a reindeer headband, while Ynigo sported a Santa hat and mistletoe vine painted across his cheek. 

"Good morning, Rayne!" bati ni Florissa, her eyes crinkling with excitement.

"Morning." I dropped my bag on the table, my gaze immediately landed on the schedule board plastered with tarpaulins.

Punong-puno na ang December schedule namin kahit unang araw pa lang ng buwan. Arrion's Founding Anniversary Kick-off Day. Ang daming newsworthy happenings na gusto kong isulat, pero walang oras. Kagaya na lang nang pagshoulder ng Arrion Supreme Student Regent sa lahat ng activities at expenses for this event. 

Founding anniversaries for school shouldn't be shouldered by the student buddies alone. Sarap sana gawan ng column, kung hindi lang talaga ako gagahulin sa oras. Finals week na rin after nitong festival.

Time really wasn't on my side.

"Pabalik na ba kayo sa booth?" tanong ko, suot ang press ID ko.

Florissa nodded. "Super hectic na doon. Even Nash, na in charge, didn't expect this rush."

"By the way," Ynigo chimed in while filling a cooler with canned sodas, "kanina ka pa niya hinahanap, Rayne. You might want to check on him before heading to the gym. Magsisimula na ang palaro ng lahi. Si Ciqa na ang nandoon."

Napakunot ang noo ko. "Siya rin ang nagko-cover ng Amazing Race? Wala pa siyang pahinga mula fun run kaninang umaga."

Ynigo let out a long sigh. "We're running out of manpower. May booth pa tayong kailangang i-operate. The best we can do is rotate tasks and hope for the best."

Arrion Festival is our nightmare. Hindi na bago ito. It's just that we could have done better. Oo, kakayanin naming icover ang lahat ng event but that will compromise our health.

If I am not mistaken, si Ciqa rin ang nag-cover ng color fun run para sa kick-off kanina.

"The best thing we can do is let her at least rest. Wala na bang iba?"

"Nash has a spare camera since he can't leave the booth. You can borrow it.

I nodded at Ynigo. Inayos ko muna ang kaunting kalat sa table ko bago ako tuluyang magpaalam sa kanila na busy sa pagpapalaman ng sandwiches. Before I left, I took a ready-to-drink canned coffee in the pantry and took a sip. I haven't had a good sleep yet since finals na next week.

I need the coffee to let me finish this day.

Lakad-takbo ako habang hawak ang phone, tinitingnan ang schedule ng mga events. I sent a quick chat to Ciqa, offering to shoulder—or at least help her cover—the Amazing Race.

Focused sa screen, I barely noticed the person walking straight toward me.

Bang!

"Oh my God!" The sound of papers scattering to the floor pulled me out of my thoughts. My canned coffee slipped from my hand, spilling onto my shirt.

"Shit, shit, shit!" Napakabilis niyang yumuko para pulutin ang mga certificates na nagkalat sa hallway. He didn't even look at me, which was fine—I knew it was my fault.

"No, no! I'm sorry!" I said, crouching down to help him. Tumayo ako at inayos ang sarili ko, pero ramdam ko ang lamig ng kape sa shirt ko. "Nagmamadali kasi ako—totally my fault."

He let out a breath as he gathered the last of his certificates. "Shit, sorry! My bad. Sorry, I'm not cursing you! It's just a... really hectic day," sabi niya, looking frustrated but not angry.

I couldn't help but glance at his face as he finally looked at me. His gaze dropped to the wet stain on my shirt.

"I'm really sorry," he said again, his eyes flicking to my press ID. "Um, Rayne, right? Were you hurt?"

Umiling ako, then shifted my attention to his ID. Organization of Student Volunteers - President. The name beneath it made my brow arch.

Kygan Wyren D. Calidro.

Oh. So he's the big guy in charge of student volunteers.

"Pasensya ka na, nagmamadali rin ako," he said, still clutching his certificates. "I have a spare shirt in my locker. If you don't mind? Pahiram ko na sa'yo."

Tinitigan ko siya habang naglalakad siya palayo. He wore a yellow-and-maroon varsity jacket with the words "Student Volunteer" embroidered at the back.

Pamilyar siya... pero saan ko nga ba siya nakita? May kung anong familiar sa aura niya. That kind of face—clean but sun-kissed, with messy-yet-sophisticated hair—wasn't something you'd forget easily.

Napabuntong-hininga ako at sinundan siya. Nang mapantayan ko siya, nilingon niya ako, a sheepish smile on his face.

"Pasensya ka na ulit," he started. "Nagmamadali kasi ako magpa-sign sa Director ng Student Affairs. Hindi ko napansin—"

I interrupted him with a raised brow. "It's fine, but stop saying sorry. Hindi naman niyan maibabalik ang kape ko."

A soft laugh escaped his lips, his thick brows rising in amusement. "I owe you coffee, then?"

I gave him a pointed look, unsure if he was being serious or teasing.

Mariin ko siyang tinitigan, and the closer I looked, the more defined his features became. His sunburned nose somehow suited his face. His necklace—a weird black cord with a wire-wrapped white quartz pendant—caught my eye. May engraved na infinity symbol sa gitna.

What is it about him?

"So... coffee?" he asked again, smirking this time.

"I need a shirt," sagot ko, brushing past him.

"Relax. We're here," he said, his voice laced with humor.

He opened his locker and handed me a white-and-maroon baseball jersey. I stared at it for a moment before taking it.

"Thanks," I said simply, turning to leave. "See you around, Kygan."

Lakad-takbo ang ginawa ko pabalik sa booth, but this time, nakatingin na ako sa dinadaanan ko. Pagdating ko, sinalubong ako ng nakakunot-noong Ygo.

"Anong nangyari sayo?" si Ygo, inabutan ako ng soda at sandwich.

He then sat on the chair beside the table where the acrylic paints were placed. Sa isang maliit na reclining chair naman naupo si Isang para magpa-face-paint kay Ygo.

Inilibot ko ang mata ko. Dalawang tent na pinagsama ang booth namin. Ang mga junior cartoonist namin ay nagf-face-paint, sa kabilang banda ay may spin-the-wheel na pinamamahalaan ni Vash, at sa tabi noon ay ang baril-barilan games kung saan naka-assign si Nash.

Nash was currently assisting two education students. Our eyes met when I entered the booth. Napapalibutan si Nash ng maraming estudyanteng nais subukan ang baril-barilan namin.

"Akala namin mauuna ka na dito?" si Florissa.

Tiningnan niya ako mula ulo hanggang paa. Medyo may kalakihan ang jersey na pinahiram ni Kygan. Kinailangan ko pa iyong itucked-in sa black kong pantalon.

"I bumped into someone," binuksan ko ang soda na binigay ni Ygo. Naupo ako sa bakanteng reclining chair sa tabi niya. 

Napatingin siya sa jersey na suot ko. "And the shirt?"

"Long story," sagot ko, trying to avoid the follow-up questions. "Dumaan na ba dito si Ciqa? Sabi ko dito na kami magkita after ng coverage niya."

"Hindi pa naman. Have you tried calling?"

"Sinubukan ko pero hindi naman sumasagot."

Ilang sandali lang, dinumog kami ng ilang trainees nang matapos ang opening program na kinover nila. Isang and Ygo gave them the snacks.

"Change shift," anunsyo naman ni Vash. Nilapitan naman sila nang kakatapos lang magmeryenta na mga staffer at trainees para pumalit sa pwesto nila.

"Hey," Nash gave me his usual smile.

"Hi," I smiled back.

He gestured to the seat beside me. "May nakaupo?"

"You can sit," I said, straightening up a little.

He drank some water before sitting down. "Wala kang class?"

I raised a brow. "Kakasuspend lang ng classes."

"I mean kay Mrs. Mababang-loob. I doubt she follows the memo."

That made me pause. How does he know my schedule? I looked at him for a moment. He gracefully fixed his hair. I think he notices that long gaze I bestowed upon him. That's why he chuckled a little when he looked at me. Hindi ko iyon pinansin at umiwas na lang ng tingin.

"Nalibot mo na yung mga booths?" he asked casually.

"Not yet," sagot ko, shifting my attention to the lively booths around us. There was a marriage booth, jail booth, anime merch, and even a mini resto bar. Ang dami pang hindi ko nakikita.

"Let's stroll," Nash said, standing up and offering a hand.

"Paano sina Vash?" tanong ko, glancing at our busy editor.

"They won't notice," he shrugged. "Besides, ako ang naka-assign sa booth judging. Kunin na rin kitang writer?"

I laughed softly. "Kaya mo naman magsulat kahit wala ako."

"But it's your company I'm after."

Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko, pulling me gently. "Tara na. Akong bahala."

I hesitated, my heart skipping slightly at his words. But before I could respond, narinig ko ang sigaw ni Ciqa sa likod.

"Rayne! Who the hell is Calidro?"

Nilingon ko siya, tinaasan ng kilay. "Huh? What?"

She almost shoved a venti cup of coffee into my face.

"A hot student volunteer approached me earlier sa gym. Aba! Kape mo raw. Ginawa pa akong delivery girl," she declared, rolling her eyes. "Ang tagal-tagal ko nang nagtatanong ng cute na student leader sayo. Palagi mong sinasabing wala kang kilala..."

Her words blurred into the background as I stared at the coffee cup she was holding out. Coffee ko raw? I reached for it, noticing the yellow sticky note attached to the side.

An amused smile tugged at my lips as I read the message:

Sorry ulit, R. Hahaha yep. My sorry can bring back your coffee. Enjoy!

– KW.C

"So who the hell's Calidro?" Ciqa pressed, her curiosity doubling at my reaction.

"Sino pa ba? I'm talking about this!" she said, shaking the cup like it held all the answers.

 "Tumigil ka na, Ciqa. Wala lang yun."

"Walang chika? Really, Rayne?" She crossed her arms, clearly not convinced. "Kape, sticky note, at hot volunteer? Wala?!"

Bahagya ko siyang siniko, silently telling her to drop it, but she was Ciqatrix. Silence was never an option for her.

"Ygo," I turned to him for help, but he only shrugged and gestured toward Nash.

Nash caught my eye. His brows were furrowed, his lips pressed into a thin line. He didn't seem to appreciate me avoiding Ciqa's question. The way he looked at me—sharp and unyielding—was enough to make me shift uncomfortably. Pareho sila ni Ciqa, parehong naghihintay ng sagot.

"Kygan Calidro?" Vashnee's voice cut through the tension, thankfully taking the heat off me.

Nilingon siya ni Nash at Ciqa nang sabay. "You know him?" Nash's tone had a sharp edge that made me glance at him briefly.

Vash nodded, looking at us as if it was ridiculous that we didn't know who he was. "He's the president of the Organization of Student Volunteers. Nakwento ko na sila dati, hindi n'yo ba naalala?"

"Is he the guy ate Caelyn featured last year sa page? Yung isa sa nabigyan ng Zemira's Youth Leadership Award?" Florissa chimed in, eyes wide with recognition.

"Yes, siya nga. They started from scratch. Their organization was the youngest in Arrion. I think they were recognized by the Office of Student Affairs nung freshman pa lang siya. He's from the College of Liberal Arts—political science ata," Vash explained.

"Wow ha! He's really twenty-two?" Ciqa elbowed me lightly, smirking. "Paano mo nakilala?"

"I bumped into him earlier," sagot ko, shaking my head. "Natapunan ng kape iyong damit ko, so he lent me his jersey. Yun na 'yon."

Ciqa raised a brow. "Yun na 'yon?" Her disbelief was obvious, but I didn't say more.

Before anyone else could comment, Nash let out a scoff, barely audible but noticeable enough for me to glance at him. His jaw tightened as he adjusted the strap of his bag, his gaze darting to the jersey I was wearing.

"Student volunteer, huh!" he muttered under his breath. The words were casual, but there was something cold in the way he said them.

"Nash, drop it." I said cautiously, unsure if he was being sarcastic or genuine.

Vashnee asked us to settle down and started her short meeting for the rotation of task. After the meeting ended, Nash excused himself to talk to his team, walking away without looking back.

Pasimple kong nilapitan si Ygo, who was busy cleaning his brushes. Tiningnan niya ako, tinaas ang kilay, halatang pagod.

"Papaface-paint ako, sungit!" I teased, laughing as I plopped onto the reclining chair.

"Anong gusto mo?" he asked flatly, but his lips quirked up slightly. He grabbed a brush and started mixing colors.

"Spill it," I said, lowering my voice, leaning closer.

He sighed, malalim na parang natalo sa isang laro. He set the brush down, glanced around, and leaned in. "Si Kygan... I think he was one of the victims of that hazing associated with your friend."

The words hit me like a bucket of cold water. Lumayo ako nang bahagya, my heart pounding in my chest. I glanced around to make sure no one else was paying attention. Everyone seemed busy with their own tasks.

"Are you sure, Ynigo?" I whispered.

He shrugged nonchalantly and resumed painting my left cheek. "Kind of? He's my second cousin. Madalas ikwento ng tatay niya ang tungkol doon."

The casual way he said it contrasted sharply with the weight of his words.

Biglang dumaan ang isang grupo ng student volunteers sa booth namin, their laughter filling the air. They glanced at our setup, curious. Hinanap ng mata ko si Kygan, but he wasn't among them. 

I looked at Ygo again but rolled his eyes, exasperated. "Rayne, that's it," he said, throwing his hands up as if to end the conversation. He started packing up the acrylic paints, stacking them neatly while avoiding my gaze.

I stared at him, waiting for him to say more, but he only sighed again. Pagkatapos niyang linisin ang table, he turned to me with an unusually serious expression.

"I'm not sure if he was really a victim," he admitted quietly. "If you want to know, ask him yourself."

There was something in the way he said it—something hesitant, almost like he wanted to tell me more but couldn't. 

Before I could respond, my gaze flickered to the group of student volunteers again. This time, a girl among them caught my attention. May tattoo siya sa wrist—an intricate design that looked eerily similar to the pendant on Kygan's necklace.

But I couldn't ignore it—the tattoo on her wrist. It wasn't just any random design. It was the same symbol as the one on Kygan's necklace.

The symbol of Sigma Perpetua.

Napako ang tingin ko sa babae, who seemed oblivious to the turmoil brewing inside me. She laughed at something one of her companions said, her voice light and carefree.

"Rayne?" Ynigo's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. He was staring at me, concern flashing in his eyes. "Ano na naman ang iniisip mo?"

"Wala." I shook my head quickly, hoping he wouldn't press further. But Ynigo was Ynigo.

"Wala? Mukha ka nang multo, tapos wala?" He raised a brow, clearly not buying my excuse.

I forced a laugh, brushing it off. "Napagod lang siguro." Ynigo didn't look convinced, but he let it go. 

As the sun began to set and the booth judging ended, Vashnee suggested that we stroll around the booths. Ciqa and I readily agreed.

Habang naglalakad, kita ang pagod ng lahat pero hindi naman namin pinansin iyon dahil magkakasama kaming nagtawanan sa mga kwento ni Ciqa at Nash.

"Guys, guys, nakita n'yo na yung giant balloon na gawa ng Engineering department? It's almost as big as Ygo's head!" Ciqa teased with a mischievous laugh.

"Ha ha, very funny, Ciqa. Which one?" he said sarcastically.

Umirap lang siya. "Gago!" and then playfully threw a french fry at Ynigo.

We all laughed as they continued to joke around as we strolled through the festival booths, enjoying the festive atmosphere and each other's company.

"May mga street food sa kabilang hall. I heard they have the grilled balut in town."

"Libre mo, kuya Nash?" Ciqa pleaded with her puppy eyes.

"Kuya mo mukha mo! Kanya-kanya na."

"Wait, wait, before we go, tara muna magphotobooth!" Vashnee interrupted us. Tinuro niya ang photobooth kung saan halos wala nang nakapila.

We made our way to the photo booth, laughing and joking around as we squeezed into the tiny space. Ciqa was the first to grab a prop, donning a silly hat and oversized glasses. I followed suit, grabbing a fake mustache and a feather boa. Ynigo and Nash grabbed some ridiculous props too, and soon we were all laughing so hard that tears streamed down our faces.

Ynigo started posing comically, making faces and sticking out his tongue. "Okay, let's do a funny one first!"

Ciqa rolled her eyes and joined in, pulling a silly face.

"Ang baboy, hoy!" I teased.

Nash grinned and wrapped his arm around my shoulder. "Bawal KJ, Rayne!!"

I couldn't help but laugh as I made a goofy face, feeling the warmth of his embrace. As we took more photos, I noticed Vashnee standing off to the side, looking a bit sad.

"What's wrong, Vash?" I asked, concerned.

She shrugged. "Just thinking about how this is my last festival with TVOA. It's bittersweet, you know?"

We all exchanged a look, understanding her sentiments. Despite our joking around, we knew that this was a special moment that we wouldn't forget. The festival brought us together, and we were grateful for the memories we shared.

"Let's make the most of the time we have left," Ynigo said, clapping his hands together.

As the camera flashed, capturing our silly antics, I couldn't help but feel grateful for these moments with the edboard. Despite the tiredness and the stress that came with the festival, we were here, having fun and enjoying each other's company.

When the photo came out, we all crowded around to take a look. There we were, frozen in time with our goofiness captured forever. We couldn't help but burst out laughing at the sight of ourselves.

Ciqa pointed at her own face, "Pucha, bat para akong natokhang!" and we all laughed even harder. Vashnee was trying to fix her hair, Ynigo was making a funny face, and Nash was doing bunny ears behind me.

The moment felt fleeting, and I knew it wouldn't last forever. But I was happy to be here with my friends, laughing and enjoying each other's company.

We all cheered and were about to make our way to the street food stalls when the rain fell. Pare-pareho kaming napasimangot. Hindi pa namin nalilibot ang lahat ng booths.

Suddenly, the cheerful atmosphere turned into one of disappointment. We stood there, looking at each other, hoping the rain would stop soon.

"One, two, three... takbo!" Ynigo shouted.

Kahit wala iyon sa plano ay sabay-sabay kaming tumakbo at sinundan siya. Sa bawat hakbang na ginagawa namin, tila ba mas lumalakas pa ang ulan.

"Saan tayo? Vash asked.

Humalakhak lang si Ynigo kahit nababasa na ng ulan. "Hindi ko alam. Bakit kayo sumunod!"

"Ang gago mo, Ynigo!" inis na natatawag sinabi ni Isang.

I glanced up at Nash, holding his jacket over me to shield me from the rain. Napasimangot ako nang makita siya naman ang nababasa ng ulan.

"Office!" Nash shouted.

When we reached the office, we all huddled under its roof as soon as we arrived, laughing and shivering from the cold rain.

I couldn't help but feel grateful that they were in my life.

There was Ynigo, always the joker, making us laugh even in the pouring rain. Ciqa, with her infectious energy and quick wit, always makes us smile. Isang, the ever-stoic and dependable one, keeps us grounded even in the midst of chaos. Vash, for letting us rely on her leadership, and there was Nash... for breaking all my walls.

I remember when I first joined the publication. I was hesitant at first, afraid that if I let them in, I'm giving them the power to hurt me... leave me. But they welcomed me with open arms, and soon enough, I found myself laughing and goofing around with them just like we had known each other for years.

Looking at them, I know I would never regret letting them into my life.

The rain continued to pour, but I knew that as long as I was with them, I could weather my storm—or that's what I thought.