Sky's Point of View
It has been three weeks since I became Luna's tutor. I can't understand why Luna is struggling so much with learning the guitar. I've been teaching her in a simple way, but she still can't grasp it.
There are times when I can't continue our sessions because Luna and I always come home late. Luna's parents didn't agree to have our weekend sessions. They said that on weekends, Luna needs to work on her school requirements.
"Ugh. What should I do with my hand so it won't hurt?" Luna complained.
We're in the garden now for our guitar lessons. It's the foundation week, so we have free time since the teachers are practicing for their dance number.
"SKYYYYY!! I don't want to do this anymore. My fingers hurt so bad," she complained again.
I frowned. "You're being dramatic. Your parents didn't hire me to deal with your drama, Luna."
"Woah. Chill. Let my hand rest. It's really painful," she placed the guitar on our table.
I saw her index finger turning red. It seems like she's really trying hard to make the strings sound.
"Does your finger hurt?" I asked. I took out a band-aid from my phone case. I always carry it because I often get injured by my guitar. I get pricked by the strings and get cut since my fingers are numb.
Three girls approached us and shooed Luna away from my side. "Excuse me. C-can I have a picture with you, Kuya Sky?" one of them said.
"Sure." It's been a while since someone asked for a picture with me. Whenever there's an event, many people approach me for photos or ask me to play the guitar for their suitors.
"What's the commotion here? Am I invisible?" Luna grumbled from the side.
"Who are you, and what right do you have to shoo me away like that?" she added.
I saw the three girls give her a dirty look and walk away. I just laughed at her.
"You find that funny? You're also flirtatious, aren't you? You forgot that you have company because beautiful girls approached you," her irritated voice was obvious. She messed up her hair, making her look like a witch before she left.
"Bro." I jumped when someone tapped me.
"Damn, bro. Are you trying to kill me?" I whispered.
"No, of course not. I love you. We need your help. Our original rhythm guitar player is absent. It's up to you," he whispered back.
"Why are you whispering?" I asked curiously.
He grinned and struck a pose. "Secret mission, my sweet little brother."
"I don't want to play anymore. It's been a while," I firmly stated.
"It's been a while? Okay, how long?" He irritatingly grinned. He looked at me as if he already knew what he was doing.
"Fine. Fine. I don't have a choice. You're so persistent," I said.
I joined my brother in the conference room for the rehearsal. There were only a few of them there, and they were already in position when we entered.
"Okay, guys. Here comes the legendary Sky Glean Capariño."
Everyone cheered at what my brother said. I felt embarrassed because I haven't performed in front of a big audience in a long time.
"So, what song?" I asked.
"I Don't Want to Grow Up by Itchyworms," one of our bandmates said.
Pft! Don't they know any other songs? These old-timers.
The rehearsal lasted for two hours. They couldn't agree on the tempo of the song. The singer was too fast, while the musicians were on point. What can I say? My brother was the one singing, and he's not even a professional singer.
I went back to the classroom to check if there's a teacher. The classroom was filled with my classmates.
And what is this?
"Hi Sky!" Jude greeted me. Why are Luna and Jude together?
"I bumped into her on the way. She saw me carrying my guitar," Luna smiled. "Look, I have a finger protector now... or whatever it's called," she added.
"You should have given her that since she's still a beginner," Jude said.
Who is he to interfere with my teaching Luna?
I took Luna's hand and removed the protectors. "Do you want to learn the guitar or not? No pain, no gain, Luna."
"Come on. Don't be ridiculous. She's already struggling," Jude smirked.
"Okay, fine. Whatever you say. I'll go back to the conference room for now." I left the classroom.
Janice approached me in the hallway. She had several small boxes with her, which she seemed to be taking to the office.
"Capariño, bring these glue sticks to your classroom. It's an order from Ms. Alonzo. She said you'll use them for decorations," Janice said. She's the SSG president of Lindway Academy. She's in the ABM strand and the most hardworking officer I know.
"Got it." I nodded and left.
---
Luna's Point of View
"Come with me to the library. I just need to return these books," Jude invited. He took all the books he used for his notes.
He's probably the most hardworking classmate I've ever known.
"I'll wait here." I stood by the library door. While waiting for Jude, I looked at the bulletin boards displayed on the wall.
One bulletin board caught my attention.
"SSG Officers...SKY CAPARIÑO AS V-" I covered my mouth when someone turned in my direction.
"Let's go. Let's go to our classroom. Your session with Sky must be over," Jude said with a smile.
I shook my head. "We have something to do in our classroom."
I saw the disappointment in his eyes. He just nodded and waved at me.
"Let's have coffee later!" he said.
When I returned to the classroom, I saw Sky distributing glue sticks, while Nina was handing out colored paper.
"You have one on your desk," Sky whispered to me.
Wait, how did he...
"I'll be in the cafeteria for now," he said before leaving.
I saw five glue sticks placed on my desk. Lindway Academy sure is rich. They even put a price tag on them.
Wait...
This isn't a price tag.
I looked closely at what was wrapped around each glue stick.
There were words written on them. What are these?
"Don't be with Jude. Please," I whispered.
I ran to the cafeteria as he told me. I saw Sky lost in thought while eating.
"Sky!" I waved at him.
I approached him, and he immediately stood up. It seemed like he knew what was going on.
"Luna. As much as possible, don't trust that guy," he squeezed my shoulders. I could see the fear in his eyes.
"W-why?" I asked in surprise.
"Just trust me," he replied firmly.
"Whoa, what's going on?"
Jude suddenly appeared beside us.
Sky pulled me away from Jude.
"Why are you keeping her away from me?" Jude asked, running after us.
"No! It's not like that. We have something to do in our classroom, right Luna?" Sky stammered.
"You know, Sky, you're not good at lying," Jude smiled. "You're still the same as before." He added.
Sky's grip on me tightened. I looked at Sky, who didn't seem to be enjoying what was happening.
"I don't know what you're up to. Don't involve Luna," Sky said with determination and pulled me back to the classroom.
While the whole class was fixing the classroom, I sat in my seat, thinking about what they were referring to. Involve me? Avoid Jude? I need to know what's going on.
I stood up and approached Sky.
"Sky, let's talk. Privately."
His brows furrowed, and he nodded.
He took me to the far end of the garden.
It's so cold here. It's also a bit mosquito-infested. It seems like nobody really passes through this area.
"Seriously, what are we doing here?" I complained while scratching my arm.
"You wanted privacy, right? So what do you want to talk about?" He said without enthusiasm.
I nervously looked at him. What if he rejects me after I ask him what's going on? What if he gets even more annoyed with me?
"U-um...about what Jude said. What's h-happ-"
I was startled when something soft and warm touched my lips.
He kissed me!
"Be my girlfriend," he said in a serious tone.
WHAT?!
I slapped him hard.
"I need an answer, not a kiss."
I left him alone in the garden.
Who does he think I am? Will I fall for those kisses? Differentiate yourself, Sky. I'm not like your other girls.
Hypocrite!