He began playing his song, strumming the guitar. I just listened, unable to take my eyes off him. I think with each passing day, I'm gradually falling for him. Asher is the ideal guy for every woman.
There's nothing more you could ask for. I also really like his voice. It's so manly and beautiful, especially when he sings. And above all, Asher is very handsome.
"Aria...?" Asher asked.
"Ah, sorry... sorry." I said, realizing I had been staring at him blankly.
"Oh... the song is finished. Do you think it's good?" he asked.
Embarrassed that I hadn't noticed the song was over, I said, "Y-yes, it's beautiful. I'm sure the person you're dedicating this song to will like it."
"Thank you." he said, smiling. Then I glanced at Asher's watch. It was 12:40 PM.
"Oh no, it's 12:40." I said, face-palming. Asher laughed at my reaction with a hint of curiosity.
"Why? Do you have somewhere to go?" he asked.
"Sigh, my adviser is insisting that I join a club since I'm a scholar. I need to be participative and join at least one club, but I don't know which one to join." I explained.
"Join the club related to your interests." Asher suggested.
"I don't know what I'm interested in." I replied.
"Think of something you want to pursue, or something that will make you happy." he said. I thought about what Asher had said.
"When I was younger, I used to love painting, but that was a long time ago. I don't know if I still have the skill." I said.
"That's good. Aria, join the art club. Let's go. I'll accompany you." Asher said. I was surprised by his offer.
"Do you think I'll pass?" I asked.
"Of course, you're amazing. I believe in you and your abilities." he assured me. I smiled at his words. I felt confident I could do it because of what I heard from him.
So, he accompanied me to register at the art club.
"By the way, Denzel is also in the art club. He joined." Asher mentioned.
"Really? So Denzel likes art?" I asked in disbelief. Asher then laughed.
"Well, Denzel isn't really into art... he loves women. That's why he's in the art club." Asher said with a laugh and a shake of his head. I looked at him, puzzled.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"He said there are many beautiful women in the art club, so he joined. He's a womanizer. He places himself where he finds the most women he likes." Asher explained. I understood now. It was quite something.
"Really? That's crazy." I said.
Then we saw Denzel at the art club's registration area. He was smiling at those registering and was even made an asset to attract more registrants.
Many people were lining up to join the art club. I think the only reason so many wanted to join was because Denzel was there. While in line, some people were taking selfies with Asher, and others with Denzel.
"Free hugs for everyone who registers, so baby girls, come register now." Denzel said, causing the women there to squeal and cheer. Each girl who finished registering went straight to Denzel for the free hug.
Asher just laughed while I shook my head. It seemed Denzel really enjoyed being in the art club, even though he wasn't into art. Meanwhile, more people were taking pictures with Asher.
Asher was handling the students taking pictures with him well. It made me think of Cairo, who was his complete opposite. If Cairo were here, he would probably have yelled at everyone asking for pictures.
Cairo's behavior is so obnoxious. Why am I even thinking about him? I should erase his existence from my life now that he's no longer bothering me. My days have been so peaceful lately. After a long wait, I finally registered my name.
"Hello, welcome to the Art Club, Ms. Aria. I'm Carrisa, the President of the Art Club. Your audition is tomorrow morning. You just need to bring your art materials; any theme of art is fine. Good luck for tomorrow." said the President, Carissa.
"Aria, so you're joining the art club too? Do you want a hug as well?" she said.
"Do you want a punch?" I replied.
"Haha, just kidding, Aria. I didn't notice you were in line to register." she said.
"Yes, I need to join a club. I thought the art club would be a good fit." I answered.
"Well, welcome. You won't regret joining; it's fun here." she said.
"Yeah, I can tell. You're really happy right now." I said sarcastically, and Denzel just laughed.
He then noticed Asher approaching us, after finishing taking pictures with some students.
"Hey dude, what are you doing here? Don't tell me you want to join the art club for a free hug too." Denzel teased Asher.
"Haha, stop it. I'm just accompanying Aria." Asher replied.
"Oh, I see." Denzel said.
We then decided to leave since the line for free hugs with Denzel was getting longer, and we didn't want to upset the people waiting by chatting too long. We said our goodbyes and left.
I was already feeling nervous. As Asher and I walked out of the building, I remained quiet, still thinking about the audition tomorrow. What if I don't pass? What other clubs might I join?
"Aria, don't worry. You'll definitely pass the audition. I always believe in you." Asher said while we walked.
I was relieved to have someone like Asher in my life. He really knows how to make me feel better.
"Thank you so much." I said, forcing a smile.
He ruffled my hair and bent down a bit so our faces were level. I backed away, startled by how close his face was to mine.
"You're so cute, Aria. Just stay who you are. You don't realize it, but you're always amazing just the way you are." he said, patting my head.
I felt myself blushing. Ugh, why is he like this? I just looked down while we walked, trying to hide my flushed face with my long hair. I felt so embarrassed.
Asher and I went our separate ways as we headed to our respective classes. While walking, I ran into Cairo and Sade. They were both in jerseys, probably just coming from basketball practice.
They were both sweating, so they must be on the varsity team. I decided to ignore them and just keep walking. They crossed my path and ended up walking behind me.
"Aria, wait up." I heard Cairo call out. Oh Lord, please no, I don't want any more stress in my life. Why is Cairo talking to me again? I wish he would just disappear from my life. Is that too much to ask?