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Steve’s Perspective
Naka attend na ako sa ibat ibang uri ng rehearsals dati—Yung iba ay masaya at enjoyable, habang ang iba naman ay disasterous. But none of them felt like this…This one felt like an emotional rollercoaster disguised as music practice.
Kakatapos lang ulit namin ng another clean run of Love Goes—and to my surprise, no one cracked a note this time. Even Kian managed to tone down the scowl in his voice.
The moment Jean gave the cue to take a break, I dropped onto the floor with a loud sigh, wiping sweat off my forehead. “Finally! My vocal cords were ready to file a labor case.”
Jairus chuckled as he slumped next to me. “Edi expensive pala voice mo, huh?”
I smirked. “Yes, this voice was only for people worth hearing.”
June was quietly setting up paper plates and tumblers on the side table, while Jean opened a brown paper bag and pulled out a bunch of takeout containers and bottled water.
“Lunch time,” Jean said softly, like he didn’t want to interrupt the vibe.
He held out a container to me. “Here.”
I blinked. “Nagdala ka ng pagkain?”
He nodded without looking at me. “I prepared ahead. We’ll need energy tomorrow.”
I took the food, It was warm and carefully packed. Probably home-cooked.
Damn. Pinaghandaan nya talaga to.
“Wow, Jean,” I muttered. “This leadership thing suits you.”
He gave a tiny smile, then turned to hand one to Kian.
They both hesitated—just for a beat—then Kian took it with a nod, his voice low. “Thanks”
I watched Jean for a second.
There was a wall there.
Still thick.
Still awkward.
And it wasn’t just about band dynamics.
I leaned my shoulder into Kian—on purpose. Gung gusto naming mag work ang bandang ito, kailangan muna naming tibagin ang pader na nakaharang.
He tensed up beside me.
“Ok ka lang? Kanina ka pa tahimik jan ah.” I asked in a teasing tone.
Kian shifted but didn’t move away. “Bat ka ba sumasandal sakin?”
I tilted my head toward him with a smug grin. “Hmm…You smell like coffee, a sweet brewed coffee…mas lalo lang akong nag ca crave kumain.”
He looked away, but I saw it—his ears were pink.
Oh?
Was he…Shy?
I didn’t say anything. I just stayed there, resting against him like it was the most natural thing in the world. He didn’t push me off.
Score one for Steve, and score more for me later.
Meanwhile, June had joined Jean and started helping him hand out the bottled water and utensils. He looked extra careful—like he was performing a ritual. From what I've observed, he was a bit clumsy when handling things but he was organized.
I watched him walk toward Jairus with his arms full, a plastic spoon barely hanging onto the lid.
“E-eto oh, sayo to” June said.
YOU ARE READING
All Strings Attached
FanfictionTo follow his dream to become a great performer, Jairus Klyde Dela Cruz approached his Junior/ Idol in performing-Steve Zairen Valerio, to be his mentor. The only thing is, there are rumors going around their campus that Steve 'supposedly' enjoys ma...
