Strings of Memory

Chapter 21

Wings of Freedom

Moonfall

7:00 AM

Luna Elara Vega
We will have a meeting in the clubroom, so go there as soon as you arrive at school.

I reread the message from my deskmate, my brows slightly furrowing. Ano na naman kaya ang kailangan niyang sabihin nang ganito kaaga?

Despite my reluctance, I made my way to the clubroom just like what my deskmate asked. Pagdating ko, tahimik ang buong silid—walang ibang tao. I rolled my eyes. Masyado akong napaaga. Ugh. I should've taken my time.

I slumped onto a chair near the window, resting my elbow on the desk as I glanced at my phone again. Ano bang kailangan niyang sabihin na hindi pwedeng idaan sa chat?

The sudden creak of the door broke the silence, making me look up.

It was Elliot.

He hesitated for a second upon seeing me, but he still walked inside. His eyes flickered to the empty seats before choosing one near me, though there was still a noticeable distance between us.

"Good morning," bati niya.

"Morning," sagot ko pabalik.

And then, silence. Awkward silence.

But then, he decided to speak again.

"Kanina ka pa dito?" tanong niya.

"No," matipid kong sagot.

And just like that, we were back to awkward silence.

Fuck. I shifted uncomfortably. This is so... ugh. If it were Rive, I'd be fine since I'm more comfortable around him. Even Zeira would be better, kasi tahimik lang naman siya lagi. But Elliot? I've never been alone with him before, and this... this is just awkward. Especially considering how we first met. I doubt I left a good impression.

He's also surprisingly quiet now. This is so different from when we're with the others, where he'd always be the first to say something. Or whenever he's with her.

Napabuntong hininga ako. My deskmate really is the glue that holds us all together. Everything felt easier with her around. She's the one who gathered us all, and her presence is like the sun—warm and comforting, easing any tension within the group. But without her? It's like this. Awkward and disconnected.

This band wouldn't even work without her.

"So..."

I looked up when Elliot finally spoke. He was fidgeting with his fingers, his usual confident and cocky demeanor nowhere to be found. Instead, he looked... uneasy.

Hinintay ko siyang ituloy ang sasabihin niya.

Humugot siya ng malalim na hininga. "I've heard it multiple times from Luna that you're the one who urged her to chase after her dreams."

So this will be about her, huh?

Napangisi ako. Well, of course, it is. There's no way this wouldn't be about her. After all, I know exactly how he feels.