It's so comforting to watch someone strumming the guitar. It has been so overwhelming to the point that it made me smile. Trust me, I didn't mean to react that way. I was just carried away by the coldness of his voice. And you guys already know that music easily caught my attention, no matter who is the person singing.
I closed my eyes, feeling the song as the lyrics leaded me to a dreamy place. For a moment, I don't know what was going on to me. But I felt so touched. Music really hits different. It can make you love the song even when you hate the singer.
But swearin' that would be my last dreamy reaction for the day. After he finished singing the song, I immediately averted my eyes and never bothered to look around.
I decided to leave the event hall after lunch. The disco is not compulsory, and anyone can just dance anytime they wanted. In short, we are free to leave since the program is already over.
Before I got in my car, I first halted outside the gate to check my heart beat. Just kiddin'. Raven's song is playing in my head repeatedly. No one has ever done that to me before except him, that's why I was shock upon hearing it.
I shrugged my shoulders, shaking the thought off my mind. Maybe he's just bored, that's why he decided to compose a song. Or shall I say he just want to gain attention, and he knows he can get many of that if he acts so sweet in the party. Anyway, I don't have to take it seriously. A song is just a song.
“How's the program, sweetie?” Mom approached me as I gave her a hug. To reciprocate that, she kissed my forehead. What a sweet mother, right?
“It's doin' great, mom,” I replied before I sat on the couch. The comfy feeling, my gosh. It's nice to relax here after a long, exhausting day.
“It's a surprise to see you going home early. I thought there's a disco after the program?” dad asked, blowing the steam of his coffee. Don't be surprise about it, guys. They always know anything about our programs in school if there's a disco or what because I never failed to share it to them.
“I didn't join the disco. But Shaine's left there together with the other members of the club.”
Dad nodded his head, putting the cup on the coffee table. “Okay, just take a rest.”
I leaned on the couch as I opened my Facebook account. There's nothing to do here but to browse the internet for entertainment.
In the middle of scrolling, I was surprised to receive a notification. I tapped the bell-like button to check what is going on.
Shaine Rossy tagged you and 1 other in a post. Just now.
In her post where she tagged me and Raven, a video is attached wherein he mentioned my name in the dedication part. It is also covered in the video that he is singing the song he composed. The video brought the dreamy feeling close to my chest again. But this time, I didn't react anymore.
Stupid, Shaine. I have no idea that she is taking a video while listening on him. Even when I untag myself on her post that won't change anything. The damage has been done. Many people already saw it. And some even left not just reactions but comments also.
Raven Jesner commented on a post that you're tagged in. (Lovely! This song is close to my heart. I hope you guys like it❤️)
What the hell. I can't stop it when my brows knitted in annoyance.
Twenty minutes later after the video is posted, it already gained more than 268 reacts. I'm not happy to see it on my screen, so I finally entertained the thought of untagging myself. Yeah, the damage has been done as I said earlier, but at least I will not be able to receive new notifications from that.
Even when I arrived at school the next morning, the students won't stop from teasing me. It was like the word Raven are stucked on their mouths, and they can't live a day without mentioning it.
“Ari, you and Raven is perfect for each other, I must say.” Ara, my classmate, approached me as she showed me the posted video on her screen. “He made a song for you, girl. That is so sweet!”
“Seems like you have played that video all over again, Ara.” I have nothing to react on that. I can't even say to her that I hated the video. Can't afford to burst her bubble.
“Who wouldn't if the scene before me is as sweet as ice cream? C'mon, you guys are the most perfect match!” She clung into my arm as we paced inside the classroom just like we're close friends.
“Enough of that video. Let's study our group report, shall we?” I diverted the topic and occupied my seat.
“Okay. I will also tell our other group mates to study the report.” She walked away with a smile as she halted in front of our classmates.
I was so unlucky this day because I'm the leader of our group report. I was left with no choice but to study and assist our other group mates. The report took almost an hour because there were still some follow-up questions that we need to answer as the reporters. Thank goodness we did it successfully. Our adviser has nothing to say anymore because we presented it very well.
Since Shaine is absent again, I decided to go to the cafeteria alone. I thought of coming with Ara, but she's nowhere to be found after our dismissal.
There is nothing new about my order. Just like the usual, I lined up and came back to my table bringing a tray consists of burger and fries. I didn't bother to order drinks, since water's already enough for me. Stay hydrated, bitch.
I sent a message to Shaine asking why she didn't go to school. I guess she's not feeling well, and her messenger is off because I didn't receive a reply. The sleepyhead must have thought to rest after she danced on the disco last day. I set aside of my phone and started eating peacefully on my table.
“Oh, look who's here.” A girl in a ponytail, bringing a purse, halted before me together with the other two girls behind her. Her eyes are looking sharp on me like I've made a mistake to her.
This is probably the first time I saw her.
I admit I was startled by their sudden arrival. Smelling something here… Oh, is that trouble?
“And look who's here also,” I fired back, glancing at her face. She's not familiar to me, and she totally look like a bitch. That thick red tint on her lips proved what I just said.
“Oh!” The girl covered her mouth, acting shocked. She then laughed together with her ugly companions, who look like a witch to me.
“What are you girls doin' here? Do you want to share the table with me? Go ahead and eat it for all you want. I won't mind, since I don't like to share the table with strangers.”
“Where do you think you're going? We're not yet done.” I was about to leave the table when she blocked my way, causing me to sit back on my chair. What's up with this girl?
“What the hell do you want?!” I raised my voice, secretly gritting my teeth. How dare is she to talk to me like that, I don't even know her!
“I know you. You're Arianna Adisson.” She stood beside me and bend her knees for our height to level. “So you're the girl, huh? I don't know what has gotten in Raven's head for him to like you.” Then she started raking my hair using her fingers.
Honestly, I can smell a hint of jealousy in her voice. But why is she insecure? I don't even like that guy.
“Is that the only reason you're here in my table today?” I fake a laugh. “You're so stupid. If you think we are in a competition of winning that guy, then you're wrong. He's all yours.”
“I'm telling you a warning, Ari. Stay away from him or else—”
“Or else what?!” I cut her sentence.
“Or else your life will be miserable,” she whispered, trying to put threat in her voice. Pity on her because I'm not even threaten. And why would I? This is not the first time that I encountered a scene like this. Not to brag, but I got many suitors before and I already deal with insecure and jealous girls most of the time.
“Really?” I scoffed.
“Mark my words.” Her voice hardened as I could see the anger in her eyes. Is she serious right now? What the—
“Raven is not my type, so stop. Don't act like a fool. I swear you're funny.”
“Don't ever—” Her mouth parted to say a word, but it froze. When I turn on my back, I see a figure coming toward our direction.
“What's going on here?” I secretly smiled as he halted in front of us. He looks cool as usual. But it will be much cooler if he'd help me with this bitch here.
“These girls are bullying me,” I replied, shooting a you-bitch-is-a-loser look on them. I also hate the other two girls, though they didn't say a word.
“You shouldn't be doing that to your fellow girl.” He held my wrist as he pulled me close to him. “Respect is important, don't you guys know that?”
Oh, what a gentleman he is. I love the way how he pulled me close to him to make me safe from the girls. Thanks, he's here. I might not be able to go out from this cafeteria because I assumed the girls will join force to bully me.
“What?! I didn't do anything on that liar. I just gave her a warning. That's it!” The priceless reaction from the girl's face is satisfying to the eyes. Go ahead and defend yourself. Let's see.
“I think the liar here is you.” Shan pointed to her as the girl took some steps backward.
“WHAT?”
I want to laugh right now at this moment after they got embarrassed. Good for them. They received what they deserve for disturbing my eating.
“Never mind. Let's go, Shan.” Before I walked away, I took a last glance on the girls as I rolled my eyes at them. I can show them my middle finger if they want but thanks, I'm not bad.
“You shouldn't go there on your own. There are too many mean girls on the side,” he spoke after he pulled the glass door open for me to get out first.
“I'm not afraid of them.” I smiled as we paced, steps almost the same.
“Really?”
I made a cute face as I took a quick glance on him. “Uh-huh!”
“That's my Ari.” He then pinched my nose without him knowing how my whole face turned into a red tomato.
Is it okay for me to feel this way? But I know there's a big chance for him and Marga to get back. So, why am I acting like I still want to insert myself? Never mind. Just let me be. Besides, it's my choice to be hurt.
“By the way, thanks for saving me from those bitches.”
“You deserve a savior to save you.”
What a word! But it would have been better if he will be the knight in my life forever. Shan is only a temporary savior. Once he and Marga finally find their way back to each other, he will be a king to another queen.
And we all know it's not me.