Tutoring Hearts

Chapter 28

It was the day of the graduation ball, and the entire school was buzzing with excitement. Students had been preparing for this night for weeks, picking out the perfect outfits, rehearsing their dance moves, and dreaming of the magical moments that lay ahead.

Sa labas ng venue, may nakasabit na malaking karatula na may disenyong elegante at makulay. Ang tarpaulin na may nakalagay na "CVHS Graduation Ball" ay agad na sumalubong sa mga dumadating. Puno ng ilaw at bulaklak ang paligid na tila nag-aanyaya sa lahat na pumasok at makisaya.

Inside, the theme of the night was 'Enchanted.' The venue was beautifully decorated, with twinkling lights and elegant drapes that set the perfect ambiance for the evening. May makukulay na ilaw na nakasabit na tila mga bituin na bumaba mula sa langit. The tables were decorated with centerpieces with assorted flowers, candles, and crystals that sparkled in the light. The curtains are gold and green, indicating the richness and beauty of nature.

Sa harapan ng entablado naman ay may malaki ring banner na ang nakalagay ay "A Magical Night to Remember." Then next to the dance floor, there are arches of flowers that look like tunnels to a fantasy world. The theme is soft and magical, and the venue itself really gives an enchanting vibe to the guests.

It was truly a night designed to be unforgettable, a perfect setting for memories to be made.

Jaren had been looking forward to this night as well, but his excitement was tinged with disappointment. The white tuxedo suit he had ordered, one that he had really liked and felt would make the night perfect, hadn't arrived on time. Left with no other option, he had to settle for the red suit he already owned. While it was a nice suit, it wasn't what he had envisioned for such a special occasion.

He arrived at the event with his friends, who were all excited and ready to enjoy the night. However, Jaren's heart was heavy with sadness. It wasn't because he couldn't wear his preferred suit that weighed on him.

No, it was the absence of the person he had wanted to share this night with the most—Ansel.

To think that he won't get to dance cotillion with Ansel... Jaren felt really dejected.

Ilang beses niya nga itong kinumbinsi na sumama sa prom night. There's even a time where he told Ansel that he'd be the one paying for Ansel's suit just for him to go pero hindi pa rin pumayag ang binata. Ansel had already made up his mind, and no amount of persuasion could change it. Remembering their conversation from that day felt like a knife twisting in his heart.

"I'm sorry, Atreus, I don't really think I can go. Babawi na lang ako sa 'yo sa susunod, hmm?"

Ansel had said those words so carefully, each one chosen to soften the blow. It was as if he was trying to cushion the impact, to make it hurt less. But no matter how gently the words were delivered, the disappointment was still there, gnawing at Jaren.

He had planned something special for Ansel, something that would have made the night unforgettable. But it seemed the heavens had different plans.

Jaren still went to the event—but with a sad heart. He got to do photo booths with his friends, play games, and drink wine. But all of these didn't make him any better.

Something was missing.

I miss him.

Tatlong oras na siyang nasa event. Nagsimula na ring tumugtog ang guest na banda na hinihintay ng karamihan.

Jaren and his friends were in front of the stage where the band was playing. Ilang kanta na ang pinatugtog nito at masigla pa rin ang mga estudyante.

A different song was now playing. When the guitarist strummed passionately, there was that feeling again that he couldn't explain. He doesn't know what that feeling is called but it sure made his heart beat loudly. Para bang may kakaibang init na pumapalibot sa kanya, at kahit malamig ang gabi, ramdam niya ang init ng damdamin sa bawat tunog ng gitara. Every note seemed to resonate deep within him, making his chest tighten with an emotion he couldn’t quite name.