Chapter 22: Man up

A week and so had passed. Vyl and I got closer each day. I got used to have someone wait for me whenever I come home from university. It was like having a family again who's waiting for you to come home.

Sometimes he would cook for me, sometimes I would cook for him. We decide it through coin tossing which is really childish, I know but it unexpectedly became one of my most favorite part of the day. If he wins, I'll cook and if I win, he'll cook for us. It became our routine.

I didn't even bother telling him to not sleep on my bed anymore. Besides the fact that he would never listen, I don't actually care. He became my best friend. Besides Colleen of course. I've never felt so peaceful in my entire life whenever I'm with him. He made everything... bearable for me.

And about the scenarios I'm seeing? Nope. Not a single one appeared. For the first time, I don't have to worry about it anymore. Vyl said he was the reason why I was seeing those things, but now that he’s here he doesn't have to do it anymore. My days are so peaceful that makes it so weird. I’m getting anxious by this tranquility, I matured with the words 'Happiness comes with consequences' engraved in my mind.

The fact that I'm scared is not helping at all. Yes, I am strong. I wasn’t born naive. I wasn’t born a coward. But I also have my weaknesses. Strong ones also have limitations. And I’m afraid to see just how far I take it all. I was afraid of being weak and there’s nothing I could do to fight it.

School? It's fine, I guess. I've been practicing for the band almost every day. Me and the band members are growing closer as well. The wall that I've been unconsciously building is slowly breaking apart. I learned how to socialize with others more. They're not that hard to be with actually. They are all in third year but their courses are different.

Colleen was always there whenever we had practice. She became the band's instant manager. I'm not stupid to not notice that she has a huge crush on Rain. In fact, she's good at hiding it. From the looks of it, I’m the only one who noticed it. I don't want my friend to end up hurting herself so I hope everything works out well for her.

We're now currently in Chris' house, practicing for the band again. The cultural festival is just around the corner so we’re practicing like hell. Their goal is to win. I'm also doing my best to not let them down. How I hate disappointments.

I admit that all of them are pretty good. They handle their instruments well. And they’re all in sync. It’s like all of them knew each other for years and they also know each other’s limits. They were too familiar with each other's skills and strengths which adds pressure to me but it's all fine. The fact that I'm not really having a hard time is good enough.

"Okay guys, that's it for today!" Rain shouted as he stands to be the leader of this group.

Almost every day, except weekends, we’ve been saving time to practice. It's not much of a hassle on my part because apart from just one hour, I'm also not that busy. Isn't it funny? It seems like, lately I didn’t want to join the band because I said I was busy but here I am now. Life can be very ironic sometimes.

The other members sat down to rest. I took the bottled water from my bag and drank it. I need to take care of my throat more this time.

"Ven?" I didn't notice that Rain was next to me. I finished drinking the bottled water first before I answered him.

“Why?” I answered as I was putting the water bottle inside my bag.

He held his hand parallel to his nape as if he’s nervous. I furrowed a bit there. “D-Do you have any plans for later?”

"Hmm?" The earlier furrowed forehead wrinkled even more. My eye brow was half raised as if I’m curious. He was swallowing hard and I can see his Adam's apple moving. I unconsciously tilted my head to the side as if telling him I'm confused of his actions.

"N-No, I don’t think so?" I stuttered in response. That came out as a question, didn't it?

I shook my head quickly. "I mean, after the band practice, I'll go home straight." I immediately added after my answer earlier.

"I-If that’s so, W-would you mind if I ask you out?"

Why the heck is he nervous? It's making me nervous too! I also noticed that his cheek was a little red and that his head was turning everywhere as if to avoid looking me in the eyes.

"Go out where?"

"Go eat outside. I found a nice restaurant and I want you to accompany me. O-Of course, it's my treat."

I was slightly taken aback by what he said. What? Me? He’s going to treat me? Why me?

"W-What? Me? Why are you treating me?" Is that a stupid question? Okay fine, it is stupid. But I really did not expect that! He was acting weird too. It was contagious!

His face is now red as a tomato. I also noticed that he was kind of swallowing his words. What the fuck is going on? Is this what I think it is? I turned to my side and saw Colleen staring at us as her eyes widened.

I'm not liking this.

"Well--" Suddenly his words were cut short because Chris suddenly put his arm around him.

"Did I hear what I think I heard?" He said with a mischievous smile on his lips. "You’re going to treat us?!”

He shouted it out loud so other members could hear it. Gradually they approached us.

"Is this true?! Rain’s treating us?!" Tyrone asked with eagerness. His eyes shone bright as he faced Rain. As if he was a kid who’s receiving a gift from his Daddy.

"That's new," Nathan added. He smiled a little as he stood to the side. I only heard him speak once and every time he speaks, it's just a word or two. In short, he's the silent type.

"Shit." Rain cussed quietly at the air Chris and I heard. Chris grinned before laughing out loud. I’m not sure if Chris meant to cut into the conversation but I breathed a sigh of relief because of what he did. I don't know how to act at those type of situations.

"Yeey!" Colleen shouted out of the blue. She got up from sitting on the sofa and she quickly ran to me and gave me a hug like she always does.

"Let's go eat outside together, guys! And just like the man himself said, It’s Rain’s treat!" She shouted as she looked at the other members but she didn’t stop hugging me. In fact, it got tighter.

"Yeah!" The other members shouted enthusiastically while doing a fist pump in the air. Rain was the only one who frowned. He looked like heaven and earth had fallen on him but he didn't howl anymore.

I patted Colleen's head and smiled a little. We all agreed to leave Chris's house.