Chapter 23: PEH Dance
Soon later, Aria and Orion finished their jog. They shared a quick smile before parting ways, Orion heading to who knows where while Aria made her way back to her condo.
She took a quick shower, changed into her comfy tracksuit, and grabbed a snack before heading out again.
On her way to USTP, her thoughts kept drifting back to her morning jog with Orion.
'Hahh... kinikilig nanaman ako sa konting interaction namin ni kuya Orion,' Aria thought as she slumped down in the taxi.
By the time she arrived at the gym, she saw her classmates waiting on the bench side.
Aiden was leaning casually against the wall, his eyes scanning the room with his usual air of confidence. He caught sight of Aria and gave a small nod, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his lips. Emily and Marcus were nearby, chatting animatedly.
Emily noticed Aria and called out, " Aria! Halika rito!"
Aria waved back and made her way over to them. "Hi, Em and Marcus!"
Marcus grinned, " Ready kana Aria sa sayaw natin mamaya?"
Aria replied cheerfully, "Of course, ako pa,"
Emily smiled warmly. "Parang good mood mo ngayon. Masarap ba gising mo?"
Aria shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. "Uhuh, just had a great jog with kuya Orion,"
Marcus's eyes lit up with mischief. "Ah, kaya pala! Jogging with basketball team captain Orion, huh? May something na ba?"
Aria rolled her eyes but couldn't help but laugh. "Wala, Marcus. It's just a jog."
Emily joined in, nudging Aria playfully. "Talaga lang ha? Pero iba ang glow mo ngayon, Aria. Baka naman may special na something sa jog na 'yan?"
Aria shook her head, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Wala nga,"
Just then, their instructor, Mr. Ramos, arrived, clapping his hands to get everyone's attention. "Good afternoon, everyone!"
The students quickly quieted down and gathered around the instructor, who gave them a warm smile. "I hope na ready ang lahat for today's practice. Before we start, I want everyone to move down and stand on the side of the court."
As they moved to the side, the instructor continued, "I've decided that two groups ang magperform ng dance exercise every meeting. When a group dances, the rest should also follow along."
He scanned the group, his eyes landing on Aiden's group. "Aiden, your group will be up first today." Then he pointed to another group on the other side of the court. "And Jade's group will perform next."
Aiden exchanged a look with his teammates, including Aria, Marcus, and Emily. "Looks like we're up," he said, his tone confident as usual.
Aria took a deep breath, trying to shake off the lingering thoughts about her morning jog.
The instructor clapped his hands again. "Alright, group ni Aiden, take your positions. Everyone else, follow along and try to keep up."
As the music started, Aiden's group took to the floor. The choreography, though meant for a peh dance exercise, was surprisingly complex.
Aiden danced with confidence while Aria, Marcus, and Emily followed suit, each bringing their own energy and style to the routine.
Despite the complexity, Aiden's group moved with fluidity and synchronization. Some of the classmates found the steps challenging and struggled to keep up but they still continued to dance.
Meanwhile, Aiden's group appeared to be enjoying themselves, their expressions focused yet joyful as they danced. Finally, the music came to an end.
The instructor stepped forward, clapping, "Great dancing skills! You were able to fully incorporate the dance and exercise!"
Aiden grinned proudly, exchanging nods of satisfaction with Aria, Marcus, and Emily.
"Thank you, sir," Aiden replied, his voice filled with appreciation.
The instructor nodded, impressed. "Keep up the good work. Now, let's give Jade's group a chance to showcase their dance."
Jade's group then took the floor. Their performance was energetic and precise, earning praise from the instructor for their execution.
After Jade's group finished, the instructor gathered everyone to discuss.
He began by emphasizing the distinction between sports and exercise, highlighting how dance served as both a form of physical activity and an artistic expression.
"Great job today, everyone," he concluded warmly. "Keep up the good work and remember to support each other along the way."
With that, the instructor dismissed the class, allowing the students to gather their belongings and head out of the gym.
Marcus caught up with Emily and Aria as they were about to leave the gym.
"Wait lang guys! Ang dali niyo naman mag-ayos," Marcus said with a chuckle.
Aria glanced at Marcus teasingly. "Sasabay ka sa amin sa restroom? We still need to change."
Marcus blushed slightly at the misunderstanding. "Haha, no! I mean, sasamahan ko lang kayo sa labas habang nag-aayos kayo."
Emily chuckled. "Sige, sasamahan mo kami sa labas. bihis lang kami saglit."
Marcus nodded, relieved that the misunderstanding was cleared up.
After a few minutes, Emily and Aria emerged from the restroom, both now changed and ready to go.
"So, saan tayo tatambay? May oras pa tayo before our next class." Marcus said as he stood up.
Aria thought for a moment. "How about yung new café near campus? Tahimik doon, affordable, and masarap ang pagkain doon,"
Emily nodded in agreement. "Sounds perfect. Plus, gusto kong uminom ng caramel macchiato ngayon,"
"Agree rin ako, sge tara punta tayo roon," Marcus agreed enthusiastically.
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