(Rare photo of Chanyeol the lead guitarist)
“Chanyeol! Stop right there!” My mom is infuriated with me. Ever since they realized that I’m serious in my music and turning it into a career someday. They were supportive of me doing this at first, thinking that I’m only doing this out of fun or making this just my hobby. It changed when they knew that I was skipping school to busk with my band or doing gigs till late at night. Typical parents. They said that I’m just wasting my time and I should instead focus on my studies to work in my father’s company after. I get it, they are looking out for me but they don’t understand how I feel. They are grooming me to take over my father’s business. That’s his passion but not mine. That’s what they don’t understand. I want to do what I want and go where I’m good at. I love making music.
I did not even bother to look back at my mom because I don’t want to say things that will make my respect with her, gone. I went to our garage grabbed my helmet and hopped in my black Kawasaki Ninja H2 R and dashed my way to uni.
I went to our class room and met with Sehun. “Bro, are you okay?”he asked me. I noticed that Sehun was observing my facial expression.“When not?”I answered. It was followed by laughter that anyone would believe that I had no other thoughts but Sehun has been my friend for a long time so I knew he knew that something was bothering me. I didn't want others to know what I was thinking right now. I knew that I wasn't the only one having problems in life and I didn't want to add to it. Sehun just ignored my statement and quietly continued what he was doing.
I had just sat down on the chair next to Sehun's, when Rachel came up to me with a smile.“Park Chanyeol! Yah! Why aren’t you answering my calls? I’ve been calling you since yesterday. I just wanted to invite you at my House Party this Friday night. You didn’t forget right? It’s my birthday celebration!” Rachel said reprimanding me while making those cute face. But It never worked on me. She’s been like this to me since my first year here in uni. I just keep her close because I like to play with her, nothing serious. But she’s so clingy that most of my uni mates all think that she’s my girlfriend. Actually, I don’t do that thing. I believe that love is overrated and it’s not for me. I always just do flings, no commitment, nothing serious.
“Oh sure, sure. We’ll be there. But I’m not in the mood to perform. Can we just bring drinks and have fun, Rachel?” I answered her while dodging all her questions. I know that she’s well aware that I don’t do serious relationships. “Oh! You don’t have to bring anything. Just bring yourself and your band. I’ll see you all there.” She said happily and turned to Sehun. “Hey! Sehun you’ll come too right?” “Yeah” He answered and looked outside our room. Sehun doesn’t talk much but he always comes when there are parties like this.
Rachel sat on the chair beside me and we talked. She laughed at my jokes and we talked animatedly. She’s a good friend I can say. Medyo maarte pero okay naman siya as a person. Kay Rachel lang nag-wowork ang ganitong set up, friends with benefits. No awkwardness when we see each other and we can go back to being friends any day. I have other flings too but no one right now because I’m not in the mood these days because of this family feud we have in our house.
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Serena and I sat at the table next to Chanyeol after we finished greeting them. Chanyeol introduced his companions, but the one who stood out in my mind was the woman named Rachel. I can't deny that Rachel is a beautiful woman. She's like Serena but in a different way. If Serena has long and beautiful natural black hair, Rachel has obviously dyed her long hair to be a bright blonde with a hint of chestnut brown. It suits her fair complexion. Added to this is the beautiful body shape that cannot be hidden under her elegant clothes. She is so different from me. I can't blame Chanyeol if this woman is his girlfriend.
I feel like I've lost hope from what I see today.
Is it too late? Is there nothing I can do? I was hit with a deep regret. When did I find the courage to find a way to get closer to Chanyeol again, then I realized how far I was from someone like him. Get ready Athena! Don't lose hope before the fight starts. Don't jump to conclusions. You know, he's just Chanyeol's friend. Right? I can't help but stare at Chanyeol from where I'm sitting. It's annoying! He's with that girl again. Who is she? I think I'll break the fork with my grip so tight.
“Athena! Hey! You might break that fork!”Serena's voice brought me back to the present. I let go of the fork I was holding and smiled slightly at Serena.“Sorry, It’s just that….”I couldn't finish what I was saying and a waiter came over to us. OH MY GOD! Why is he here? Junmyeon??!! I thought I had just mentioned his name in my mind but no. It was too late to take back the shock I had in saying Junmyeon's name. “Athena, haha long time no see. Sorry I think I startled you hahaha” Kuya Junmyeon said and laughed at my shocked reaction. “Yeah.. hahaha. Brother, I never knew you worked here, that’s why. I missed you, brother!!!”I felt in my peripheral vision that Chanyeol and Sehun were looking at me because of my surprise at brother Junmyeon earlier.“It seems Serena didn’t mention it to you. I’ve been working here since this mid-year break. In fact, I frequently see Serena here.”Napatingin naman ako kay Serena. So, that’s the reason why this is her fave resto now huh. Oh well, can’t blame her. Kuya Junmyeon is really a catch. Like if I didn’t meet and fell for Chanyeol first there’s a chance that I will fall for Kuya Junmyeon’s charms. But that didn’t happen and Kuya Junmyeon became my very close Kuya that I never had.
My eyes were now looking at Serena. She didn’t even tell me about this huh. Is there something going on between them? Serena tried to avoid looking at me and they were actually talking in front of me and Kuya Junmyeon. Okay Serena, I’ll save the interrogation portion later I’ll just let you enjoy your moment with Kuya first haha. After they flirted in front of me and then ordered food, it was time to chika. For a moment, I forgot that Chanyeol was still at the other table.
“So, care to tell me what the hell was that Serena?” “Sorry I didn’t tell you sooner Athena. It’s just that I thought It was just an innocent crush back then but we met again last year near in my neighborhood and that’s where it started.”She said apologetically. Seriously, it was last year. He didn't even tell me. Okay, calm down Athena. Maybe there's a reason for it.“Sooo, what are you two? Are you two dating? Fling? Or what? And why are you telling me this just now?” “I’m so sorry for keeping this to you, Athena. I really am. Back then, I didn’t know kung san ba patungo kung anong meron samin so until I find out if we’re going steady and we both want to make things work, then, saka ko pa lang sasabihin sayo. Kasi you know me Athena, I don’t mention those flirting that had no bearing to me. So yeah, that’s what happened.” She explained to me but It doesn’t make sense to me. It took them a year to sort out their feelings? Is that true? Or I just don’t have experience about this dating thing that’s why I can’t understand it? I decided to just calm down and understand. “Okay. So, you are dating then? Just don’t keep things from me. I’m your best friend right? You can tell me anything Serena.” “Yes, we are and I’m very happy with him.” I can see in her eyes her genuine feelings. She really loves Kuya Junmyeon huh then I’m always happy when she’s happy. Alam kong ganito talaga ang ugali ni Serena. She keeps things to herself. Her problems and other things na ayaw niyang ipa-handle sa iba. She really likes to help everybody but doesn’t want to burden everybody with her own problems. I really don’t know if I like or hate that trait of hers. I just try to be there for her always.
Our food arrived and I saw again the looks of Kuya and Serena gives with each other. Ugh… disgusting… HAHAHAHA I’m so sorry for being so single at this moment but this scenario is cringy af for me. My Kuya and my best friend flirting. Damn this is hard. But they are happy so, I’m happy for them.
We were eating heartily when Rachel called for Serena. I glanced at their table. I didn’t notice that they were finished eating. The irritation was back in my system. I’m not mad at Rachel but I just can’t help but be jealous of her.
“Hey Serena! I’m sorry I forgot to invite you for my birthday celebration this Friday night. I want you to come and bring your friends.” Rachel glanced at me when she said friends. “Oh sure! Why not?” Chanyeol’s eyes squinted at her sister. “Hey Serena! Did mom and dad permitted you to attend parties now?” “What Kuya? I’m already 18 for God’s sake! I think I’m already allowed to drink you know?” She said as a matter of fact. Chanyeol pursed his lips and maybe he’ll just talk to her sister when they get home. I know them, this is how they roll. “Then, I’ll see you on Friday Serena. Bye girls!” Rachel smiled to the both of us and they went ahead of us.
Friday came and here I am with Serena beside me and we are dancing like a mad man. The sounds are blasting and it really hurts my ears but this is a party and we are too drunk to mind. Serena's moves are a killer and I am a lil tipsy so I am dancing really wild too. Suddenly, there is a man in behind me, dancing with me. I smiled and grinded my hips with his front while his large palm is in my tummy keeping me so close with him. OMG this is wild!!! And my world is spinning so fast hahahaha. What happened? When did I became so drunk??? My train of thoughts stopped when someone pulled me from the guy I was dancing with and I blacked out after it. What a night!