straight as guitar strings!

𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟭 [𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵]

SO, THAT'S POSSIBLE?

Having someone annoyed at your very existence, no matter what you do or even just when you breathe, then becoming friends with them? That supposedly happens often, but to become best friends? Man, that was the most unexpected plot twist in the story of my life.

Liam Ramirez, they call me Liam or Li like 'Lee', 18 years old and a freshman, ready to explore. Well, that's true. But let's talk about the twist I mentioned. Our first encounter started when I was in the last grade of my high school years, which is my 12th year. That wasn't actually an encounter for me because he was the only one who knows me.

This is according to his narrative, as I remember them all too well.

Among the bustling students wandering the cramped hallways of Libertad University, which were spacious enough on normal days. That's the scene whenever finals just ended and summer break is approaching.

A dissonance of noise, chatter, and laughter echoed from the lockers, along with the voices of Libertians discussing various topics. With textbooks stashed away and pencils set aside, ready to bid goodbye especially to the seniors, not just to the summer break but to their impending graduation, which seems to outshine even Jose Marie Chan during the holiday seasons.

Because I tend to forget quickly, but according to him, I was walking down the corridor with a vacant mind, looking tired and bored.

I stopped in my tracks and glanced at the bulletin board, my eyes scanning over various posters and announcements. A frown creased my brow as I pushed aside my unruly dark hair. My gaze landed on a vibrant poster that practically vibrated with excitement, its bold letters spelling out the words "Battle of the Bands."

That announcement caught my attention, sparking an idea in my mind. The Year-End Party's centerpiece event, the Battle of the Bands, offered a chance to channel my restless energy and explore new avenues. Music had always held a special place in my heart, but it was a realm I had never dared venture into beyond my solitary guitar sessions.

I read the competition details, many passing by me. I didn't expect it to be there. Given the overflowing crowd, in the midst of the commotion, a collision occurred. I got staggered slightly, a sharp jolt coursing through my body as my gaze collided with another's. I found myself locking eyes with someone I don't know. Yeah, I didn't know him at that time. But he is Leo. What a pretty name that suits his pretty face.

Leo Quintero is his name, whose gaze held a mixture of annoyance and indifference. Amidst the clamor of his bandmates, an apology seemed to be an unspoken casualty.

"Fucking watch where you're going bullshit," he muttered under his breath, his tone laced with irritation.

His bandmates erupted into laughter; their playful teasing directed at the collision that had occurred. "Seems like this one's not in the mood to dance, boys," one of them quipped, earning a chorus of chuckles.

He said that day I seemed so flipped like my heart wanted to explode 'cause he said he saw my fingers tightened around the edge of the poster but he said that encounter, brief as it was, lingered in his mind.

The tension was only broken when the bell rang. The final echoes of the school bell were replaced by the harmonious buzz of excited chatter. The exhilaration of impending summer break permeated the air.

It's recess time; they went to the cafeteria. His bandmates were with him, a lively bunch of characters, surrounding him with infectious energy. Their laughter filling the air like they just want to savor happiness.

"Man, that collision earlier... that was epic," Jesse, the drummer, exclaimed with a wide grin, nudging Leo playfully. "You and that guy - it's like a meet-cute straight out of a movie."

Leo rolled his eyes, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Yeah, right. More like a meet-awkward," he retorted, recalling the collision with me earlier.

"Don't mind him, Leo. It's just that hunger talking," Remy, the keyboardist, chimed in, ruffling Leo's hair in mock sympathy as the group erupted into laughter.

"Alright, alright, let's feed the hungry beasts," Leo conceded, leading the way toward the crowded cafeteria.

Inside the cafeteria, the scent of freshly cooked meals filled the air, tempting hungry students to queue up orderly. Leo and his bandmates made their way with trays in hand, their enthusiasm undiminished despite the inevitable wait.

As they approached the cashier, he suddenly thought of me. His irritation returned, and my face was engraved in his mind as his most hated person, mistakenly created by God.

His brow furrowed, a curious mixture of emotions bubbling within him. A pang of irritation and an unexplainable yearning seemed to intertwine as he remembered my obliviousness to my surroundings. Then he noticed that he was staring into the distance, completely distracted by his thoughts.

"Hey, Leo," Remy quipped, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "Earth to Leo!"

Jesse and the others joined in, playfully nudging Leo and chanting his name, as if trying to pull him out of his reverie. Leo finally blinked and shot his friends an exasperated look.

"What's got you starstruck, man?" Jesse teased, waggling his eyebrows.

Leo's lips twitched into a half-smile, his cheeks tinged with a rosy hue. "Nothing, alright? Just lost in thought."

His thoughts returned to my absorbed expression as he assumed. He couldn't quite pinpoint why it bothered him.

Once their trays were filled with food, they looked for an available table that could accommodate all of them. At their chosen table, Leo's ears almost perked up when he overheard the Libertian ladies excitedly discussing the upcoming Battle of the Bands.

"I'm telling you, Rhythmix is going to crush it this year," one voice proclaimed confidently.

"Hala, true! I've heard they're super tight - Leo's bass skills are killer," another chimed in.

Leo exchanged a knowing look with his bandmates, their confidence bolstered by the praise surrounding them. He couldn't help but feel a surge of pride - they had their sights set on victory.

Of course, with his inherent charm, Leo approached the girls. "Hey," he interjected, giving them a playful smile, clearly intentional. "I couldn't help but overhear your conversation. Sorry, you guys are so loud, but I'm glad to know you're all rooting for us."

Of course, the girls blushed and giggled. Caught off guard by Leo's approach, it was obvious, right?

One of them, a freckle-faced brunette, offered a shy smile. "Yeah, we're totally Team Rhythmix. You guys are going to show everyone what you're made of, right?"

Leo's grin widened, puffing up his chest. "You bet we will. Get ready for a performance you won't forget," he said, winking.

As Leo returned to his table, the excited whispers of the girls followed him, their conversation now centered on the encounter. "This time, we will end the curse. We'll never be the always first runner-up. We will be the champion," said Leo while looking into the eyes of his bandmates one by one.

Amidst the laughter, the comforting aroma of food, and the lively conversations, the countdown to the Battle of the Bands had officially begun.