All Strings Attached

CHAPTER ONE: The First Note

Jairus' perspective

I, Jairus Klyde Dela Cruz, have never backed down from a challenge.

I thrived in pressure, danced around expectations like a stage light in full swing.And  people have loved me for that—my energy, my overflowing confidence, and the way I made things look effortless. But behind all the glitz, there was one truth I have never said out loud:

I wanted more.

I—I really wanted to be great in what I'm doing. And I knew that greatness often required risk.To Which was how I found myself standing outside Room 304, feeling my heart pounding for the first time in a long while.

Inside this room was Steve Zairen Valerio—Ths campus legend, the former lead singer and dancer of the now inactive group,Se-On, and the most unpredictable performer the school had ever seen. He was everything that I aspired to be. He was raw, direct, commanding, great and unforgettable.

But the rumor has it, My junior, Steve, was a nightmare to approach.

"Jusko po, alam mo bang pinaiyak niya yung isang freshman last year?! He was just asking him to let him join their group."

"Wag mo nang ituloy yang balak mo pare ko, Mataray at strikto yung isang yon. Feel ko nga ay need na niyang magpa anger management session kay maam Maricar eh! Just this past sem, he told one of my friends that they suck just because she missed one note, partida, first timer pa lang yung tropa ko na yon ha!"

"He hates clingy people, kaya huwag na huwag mong subukang lumapit sa kanya. Do not pester him."

"He ignores literally everyone! Well, except the campus’stray dogs and  cats."

Mas palo tuloy akong kinakabahan dahil sa mga sinabi nila.
I took a deep breath before knocking.

*Tok.Tok*

“walang sumasagot? I'm sure he was here…”

I knocked again—firmer this time.

*TOK.TOK.TOK*

“Still nothing?”

But the door creaked open by itself, revealing the room bathed in late afternoon sunlight. Tucked in the far corner, Steve sat sprawled on a beanbag, legs were lazily wide opened. He was wearing oversized headphones on, swaying gently to music only he could hear.

He had some strawberry flavored lollipop in his mouth, He was wearing a big fitted turtle neck... His eyes were still closed—He looked like someone who couldn’t be bothered.

Still, I stepped inside and waited a few seconds. Then, casually but loudly, I cleared my throat to get his attention.

Steve opened his eyes slowly, removed one side of his headphones, and stared.

No words stated, He just… stared at me.

I awkwardly smiled at him. “Sorry kung naistorbo kita, pero I heard you're good at mentoring performers…And I really need someone who doesn’t sugarcoat.”

He blinked once. His eyes drifted down my frame, he was assessing me from toes to head. qThen back to his face.

“You're that guy from the theater class. The one who sang 'Let Me Be The One by Jimmy Bondoc’' like he was auditioning for a second chance.”

To calm myself, I  let out a low chuckle. “Well, ahat can I say? The crowd liked it.”

He sat up, the lollipop was still between his lips. “The crowd always likes drama. And that doesn't mean you're ready.”