Trigger Warning: This chapter contains violence, physical assault, blood, strong language that might be distressing to some readers. Please read at your own risk.
It was all stillness and euphoria with Atlas, my mom, and my friends. I thought nothing and no one could ever ruin the peace that I've been trying to protect the past month. I thought I was finally living the life I've been wanting to have.
But I guess reality doesn't work that way. Life doesn't always come with peace-it's hard, messy, and very far from perfect. There's always something to worry about, to deal with. Something to fear. Something unfinished.
"Have you finished the project with them?" Atlas asked when I told him that I need to go to Quin's unit again later after our last subject.
"Hindi pa, eh, pero malapit na naming matapos. Tumino naman na si Quin kaya marami na kaming nagagawa kapag nasa unit niya." I said, letting out a laugh as I thought about my group mates.
I am glad that he takes our project seriously now, but I can't help but wonder why he seems so different and off the past days.
"That boy was a pain in the ass." he said deeply as he maneuvered the steering wheel.
His forearm flexed with every movement, veins slightly raised.
I cleared my throat and laughed because of what he said.
He knows now how annoying Quin is because we once did the project we were working on at his unit. Noong una ay ayaw ko dahil unit niya iyon at ayaw kong magpapunta ng ibang tao lalo na iyong mga hindi niya kilala. Inviting someone to his place would be so disrespectful but it was him who insisted.
At nasaksihan niya nga kung gaano kakulit iyong tao. He said that it's like having five Rage in one place.
"You can just use my unit again if you want." he suggested.
I shook my head again and again.
"Hindi na." I said dahil ayaw ko na siyang maabala pa.
"Okay. But I'll try if I can fetch you later, okay?"
I shook my head even before he could talk more.
"You don't need to. I can commute."
I sat lazily on the front seat and rested my elbow on the window before putting my jaw on my fist.
"I'll ask Rage to fetch you."
My head snapped and I glared at him when he spoke again.
"I can commute nga, Atlas. You'll disturb Rage again. I am not his obligation." I said matter-of-factly. "Or I can just tag along with Vin. May motor naman siya."
I remained looking at him when he didn't speak and just let out a deep sigh.
I don't know why he has been so paranoid when it comes to me, especially my safety. Para siyang palaging nag-iingat.
"I will fetch you." he said stubbornly, which made me frown.
Ang kulit.
Meron din kasi siyang kailangang gawin mamaya kasama ang kanyang blockmates kaya baka hindi niya ako masundo ngunit nagpupumilit.
"Bahala ka." I said and straightened to look outside the window and watch the students who were cramming. Some are walking like zombies thinking how they're going to make ends meet. Some are gossiping with their group of friends. Some are just trying to survive the day.
We are now entering the campus like usual. Flocks of students near the entrance greeted us the moment Atlas' car entered the premises. I unconsciously smiled when I saw Red and Rain walking hand in hand together.
