I held up the little illustration board, facing my team. They were looking at me like they'd rather be anywhere else. I slowly moved the board so everyone could see the blueprint for our club's exhibit.
"Get it?" I asked, trying to sound excited. They just stared back at me.
"Come on, guys, what do you think?" I tried again, forcing a smile. I was starting to get really frustrated. It felt like I was about to throw all the materials off the stage.
But yeah, like I expected...
Most of them just sighed. The kind of sighs that said, "We're already checked out." A couple of them looked at the board like it was just another piece of boring furniture.
Cathy, who always looked like she was one caffeine-induced nap away from oblivion, yawned. Fantastic.
"Cathy, are you even listening?" I asked, trying—and failing—to keep the simmering frustration out of my voice. "This is important. The exhibit is tomorrow."
"Sorry," she mumbled, her eyelids already halfway to meeting in a blissful slumber. "Just a bit tired, that's all."
I let out a breath that could've deflated a tire. My shoulders slumped. Seriously?
This was hopeless. Utterly, completely hopeless. Their lack of interest was practically radiating off them in waves of apathy. Athina, especially, was giving me the death stare, her eyes practically screaming her disapproval of my meticulously crafted blueprint.
I'd pulled all-nighters for this blueprint, sacrificing everything to prove to the club that I deserved this position! And what was my reward? This? This monument to their collective indifference?
"Tired?" I thought.
Well I'm exhausted!
We're in the gym, it's 7:30 PM, and we haven't even started building our booth for tomorrow's exhibit!
The sheer injustice of it all threatened to send me over the edge.
Raising a single eyebrow, I met their gazes. "Seriously, guys? Are you even interested in finishing this? Because if not…" I trailed off, my words cut short by Evan.
"We're here, aren't we?" he said, his tone dripping with casual unconcern.
"Yeah, you're here," I thought, my voice tight with barely suppressed fury, "looking like you're part of the exhibit yourselves! Should I just make you all stand here all day? Is that what you want?"
I usually get mad, mostly for invalid reasons, using anger as a defense mechanism. Even if I'm at fault, I somehow end up making myself the victim.
But this time, I'm being reasonable! Seriously? It's the last minute, and they're showing up as it's getting dark! How am I supposed to even begin building this booth?
Other clubs finished setting up their booths at 5 PM and went home. Of course, I didn't start earlier. First, I was alone. Second, I wanted to surprise them with the booth design!
Third, sabotage the others. Just kidding...
But seriously, it's NIGHT! And my club members decided to grace us with their presence only now…
AND TONIGHT IS A FREAKING FULL MOON! AND I HATE FULL MOONS!
That's it!
I raised my finger, pointing it at them. They looked at it, but their eyes remained dull and lifeless.
"NO TAKE BACKS! The moment this finger points to the door, you're out!"
I gestured towards the exit. "Do whatever you want! Go report to the head of the student council and tell them that this team, the so-called 'well-trusted' Stagecraft Collective, blah blah blah…" I gave them a sarcastic peace sign, wagging it slowly. "…is no longer interested!"
They just stared at each other.
I sighed, the sound heavy with frustration.
"Come on! The exhibition is tomorrow! What are the university freshmen going to say about our club? Absolutely nothing?" The words tumbled out, fueled by a surge of anger and exasperation.
They still weren't responding.
They were really pushing my buttons.
"It's not just about the exhibit anymore. It's about the club's reputation, our pride!" I couldn't hold back my voice, and it came out louder than I intended.
"Relax, it's not the end of the world," Leo chimed in, trying to lighten the mood.
Well, it might not be the end of the world, but it sure felt like it could be the end of our club...
Athina cleared her throat, and I turned to her with a furrowed brow.
"You mean, your reputation? Your pride? Can you please be clear about that?" she shot back, her tone sharp and accusatory.
"Well, how are we supposed to feel motivated, Orion? Mr. Club President! If you're just going to plan everything by yourself and ignore our suggestions!" she added, waving her hand dramatically as she gestured to the others. Her voice was a mix of frustration and defiance, as if she'd been bottling up her annoyance for far too long.
I raised an eyebrow and rolled my eyes.
It's always this lady…
I wanted to say to her, You call those suggestions? But I bit my tongue. I knew there was no point in arguing; it would only escalate things. Besides, I didn't want to give her the satisfaction of seeing me lose my cool.
"Trashy suggestions," I mumbled under my breath.
But honestly? It was true. Their ideas for the club were hardly impressive. I was aiming for a beautifully aesthetic introduction for our club, complete with a stunning booth!
Of course!
We're the designer club! I wanted to showcase our skills, our creativity—not just slap together some random ideas like:
Flyers?!
Facebook posts?!
Posters?!
Brochures?!
GOD HELP ME!
I shook my head, a bitter laugh escaping my lips. Their glares, sharp and accusing, were enough to make my blood boil.
"Oh, you heard that, did you?" I spat, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "Fantastic."
"Well, if you think your ideas are so superior, then do it yourself!" Athina snarled, her voice a venomous hiss. The anger radiating off her was palpable. This wasn't just a disagreement; it was a full-blown war.
"Let's go," she spat to the others, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Their departure was a silent, contemptuous retreat, each step heavy with resentment.
I glared after them, a silent scream building in my throat. "WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?!" I roared, the words tearing from my lungs. They simply rolled their eyes, their indifference a cruel weapon. With a furious shove, I sent the illustration board crashing to the floor, the sound echoing the shattering of my patience.
They paused, their backs to me, but their silence was more infuriating than any retort.
"Fine!" I screamed, my voice cracking with barely controlled rage. "Do whatever you want! You'll all regret this! Every single one of you!"
"Regret what, your pathetic little booth?" Evan sneered, his voice dripping with contempt as he swaggered out, the others following close behind.
I stood there, alone in the echoing silence of the gymnasium, the discarded illustration board a stark reminder of their betrayal. The hours, the sleepless nights, the sheer effort… all tossed aside like yesterday's trash. They had no idea what they'd done. They had no idea the storm they'd unleashed.
My phone buzzes, and I pull it out with a sigh. I'm too furious to even look at the screen. The club meeting still simmers beneath my skin, a volcano threatening to erupt.
But when I see Daisy's name, my anger vanishes like mist in the sun. It's like a switch flips; my annoyance is replaced by a warmth I haven't felt all day. I answer immediately.
"Snow…"
She uses my middle name. I wince, as always. I hate my middle name.
Orion Snow Riveral?
My parents clearly lacked imagination. If I could have talked as a baby, I would have screamed at them, Was there really nothing else?!
"Hey! You're quiet again," she says, her laughter a bright melody that cuts through my frustration. If this weren't my girlfriend, and if this were anyone else, I would unleash my entire day's worth of rage on them. They have no idea how bad my day has been.
"What's up?" I ask, trying to keep my voice even. My heart, however, does a little happy dance. Her call is a balm to my wounds. Just yesterday, she was furious with me over my confrontation with Arkin. They are friends, and Daisy knows me well enough to have already asked Arkin about it…
But the good news is, Arkin and I are okay. And I've forgotten all about Daisy's anger because I'm so happy to be back on good terms with Arkin.
"I really thought you wouldn't talk to me after what I did to Arkin… Why are you calling?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.
"I know… I know… And at the same time, I felt bad for interfering in your problems, and I want to apologize for that… And…"
I wait for her next words.
"Can we meet? Let's have dinner together if you're free right now?"
I look at the scattered materials on the floor.
I sigh. My heart sinks. I'm already drowning in the demands of the club, and now I'm starting to feel guilty. I can't bear to disappoint her; I've been distant for almost three days, but I'm also terrified of letting the club down.
"I'm sorry, Daisy. I'm really busy right now. Maybe next time? You know, club stuff…" I explain, my voice laced with regret.
"Oh, it's okay… Don't worry… But wait… Are you still at the university?"
I scratch my head.
"Yeah…" I reply tersely.
"Well… Do what you have to do then… Ahm… Bye…"
"Bye… I'll message you when I get home… Bye…"
I end the call and sigh, checking the time. It's almost 8 PM.
From a box, I grab a pair of scissors and a ruler, then approach the stacks of cardboard from the cafeteria. This is what we'll use for the booth.
Well, it's just me this time…
I crouch down and start cutting the cardboard. Every snip, every cut, echoes the weight of my decision. I'm sacrificing a chance to smooth things over with Daisy for the sake of the club. GREAT.
A moment later, I pause, hearing footsteps behind me.
They're getting closer, each step echoing louder, making my heart pound. I whirl around, facing a blinding flashlight.
Oh, it's the university security guard.
Relief washes over me.
"Ay, you scared me," I mutter.
Wrong choice of words, Orion, I think.
"Son, it's late. What are you still doing here? Aren't you supposed to be home?" he asks, his voice cutting through the near silence of the dimly lit gymnasium. Only the stage is illuminated; the rest is shrouded in darkness.
"Ah, Sir, please, just give me a little more time to finish this. It's for the exhibition tomorrow," I plead, gesturing to the scattered materials on the floor. "I was left alone…"
But when I look back at the guard, he's gone.
All that remains is the flashlight, rolling towards me. It flickers erratically, its beam dancing across the floor before finally settling and pointing directly at me.
"Sir?!" I call out, but there's no answer.
Okay, this is officially creepy, I think, my heart hammering against my ribs. A disappearing security guard and a rogue flashlight? This is way beyond "club drama." Maybe I should just leave this for tomorrow… But then again, if I don't finish this tonight… I glance at the half-finished booth, my earlier anxieties about Daisy fading into the background as a far more pressing concern takes over. This is way more terrifying than a fight with Athina.
A moment later, I suddenly hear the sound of shattering glass. It seems to be coming from the windows above the gymnasium. I cover my ears and take a step back, my body stiffening with fear. A wave of adrenaline surges through me, making my breath come in short, shallow gasps.
Then, I hear a series of heavy thuds, like objects crashing onto the gymnasium floor. It's so dark that I can't see anything except the small area on the stage.
A moment later, I hear more footsteps, getting closer. Slowly, I remove my hands from my ears and look up.
In the darkness, pairs of bright red circles begin to materialize.
Are those fucking eyes?!
And I'm not mistaken.
"Shit," I whisper.
Chills run down my spine as I realize they are indeed the eyes of unfamiliar faces. They're approaching me, gradually illuminated by the light from the stage.
Three...
Five...
Ten...
They keep multiplying, getting closer and closer. Their gazes are fixed on me, sniffing the air like wild animals on the hunt.
What the hell are they? I think, panic rising in my throat. I'm not ready for this!
I even sniffed myself, but there was no scent at all.
Perhaps... they can smell my fear?
With a surge of adrenaline, I brandish the scissors in front of me, pointing them at the approaching figures.
"ROOOAAAR!"
I shout, trying to mimic the growl of a wild beast.
"Come on! Try to get closer! I'll hurt you! ROOOAAAR!"
I attempt to frighten them, but my hair stands on end even more when they snarl back at me. Sharp teeth glint in the dim light, long and menacing like swords ready to strike.
I took a deep breath, my heart pounding wildly. There was nothing else I could do but face them. I had no other weapon but my scissors.
WHAT THE HELL ARE THESE PEOPLE?
Or should I even call them people?
I looked closely at their outfits. They were wearing normal civilian clothes...
But their skin was pale.
Their irises were red and glowing, and the whites of their eyes surrounding those glowing red irises were black.
I gasped when I realized...
"ASWANG!"
I screamed, throwing the scissors at one of them, a man. It struck him, and he looked down at the scissors that had fallen to the ground after hitting him.
Then, he looked back at me.
I'm so dead...
I dropped to my knees, scrambling to find something defensible. My mind was racing, and in my panic, I picked up a piece of cardboard.
This is not going to help, I thought as I held the flimsy shield against whatever these creatures were. My heart raced as I prepared for whatever might come next, hoping against hope that I could find a way out of this nightmare.
"Stay back!" I shouted, raising the cardboard, my voice shaky but defiant. The tension in the air was thick, and I could feel their predatory gazes piercing through me.
I need to think fast, I urged myself. There has to be something I can do...
My heart pounds against my ribs as the guy appears in front of me in a blur of motion.
He is so fast!
His eyes are wild, unfocused, and he is sniffing the air with a low guttural sound escaping from his lips. The others are doing the same, their senses fixated on me.
What truly sends shivers down my spine is that they are all on stage with me now, surrounding me.
They are so close!
And
Their speed is terrifying. They are so fast! Like lightning fast!
The man in front of me opens his mouth, stretching it into an unnatural, grotesque smile. I can see his sharp fangs.
My whole body is trembling. I feel like I am going to wet myself!
Tears stream down my face, and I close my eyes as I see him about to lunge at me. But then I feel the rolled-up cardboard in my hand. I look at his gaping maw and with a surge of desperate instinct, I shove it in like food, trying to make him choke.
"YEAH THAT'S RIGHT! CHOKE ON THAT YOU MOTHERF*CKER! DEEP THROAT!" I shrieked, my voice cracking with a mix of terror and surprisingly effective comedic timing.
The others looked poised to pounce, and I was officially out of defensive options. I let out another yell, squeezed my eyes shut, and used my arms like a ridiculously inadequate shield as they lunged. Bring it on, freaks! I was mentally preparing my Oscar acceptance speech for "Most Dramatic Cardboard-Wielding Victim."
"PLEASE NO! I TASTE LIKE DISAPPOINTMENT!" I wailed, adding a dramatic flourish.
But...
Silence. Nothing. Except the satisfying thwack-thwack-thud of various monstrous bodies hitting the floor and walls. I peeked through my fingers. My attackers were sprawled everywhere, including the fanged fiend who'd been seconds away from a very unpleasant face-to-fang encounter. He was now doing an impressive impression of a discarded rag doll.
"Huh," I muttered, blinking in disbelief. "Guess my cardboard-fu is stronger than I thought."
I surveyed the scene, my eyes finally landing on someone...
A tall, pale guy in a grey sweater meticulously tucked into khaki cargo pants and brown leather boots. He looked like he'd just stepped out of a Gap catalog, completely unimpressed by the carnage around him.
He was currently strangling a female aswang, lifting her effortlessly into the air. I stared, utterly dumbfounded.
Whoa, dude! That's some serious upper-body strength! I thought, momentarily forgetting the terrifying situation. And he's not exactly Mr. Gentle Giant, either.
Am I watching a movie now? Because this is VERY, VERY UNREALISTIC. Like, seriously, where's the shaky cam and the dramatic slow-motion?
My jaw dropped as I noticed another male aswang preparing to attack him.
"Dude! Behind you!" I yelled, my voice laced with more than a little panic.
He whipped around with lightning speed, tossing the strangled female aswang like a rag doll directly into the path of the oncoming attacker. With each approaching aswang, he countered with a flurry of punches, kicks, and impossible-looking dodges. His movements were inhumanly fluid. He grabbed one of the male aswangs, twisted its neck with a sickening snap...
Dead. Just like that.
I gasped. He then turned to me, casually carrying the now-deceased aswang like a child's toy. He looked utterly bewildered, staring at me with wide, confused eyes. And I had absolutely no idea why. Maybe he was wondering why I was still alive? Or perhaps he was just as shocked by this bizarre turn of events as I was.
I formed a cross with my fingers, hoping it might ward off any further attacks.
"Dude, I'm not one of them, see? I can make a cross!" I said, demonstrating my surprisingly steady hand. "No need for any headlocks, okay? Unless you're into that kinda thing... but..." I trailed off, unsure where that thought had come from.
Huh?!
Orion! Stop!
He was still looking at me, studying me intensely. Then his expression shifted as he saw someone approach me. I yelped as I narrowly avoided being devoured. I watched as he flung the aswang corpse he was holding with surprising force, sending it flying towards my would-be attacker.
The impact sends both bodies flying against the wall near me before crashing to the floor. A rather dramatic, and slightly messy, double-KO.
I turn back to—
Gulped.
POSEIDON'S BODYGUARD! (Or at least, that's what I'm calling him in my head now).
I nearly jump out of my skin to find him standing right in front of me, staring with his…red…glowing irises.
Aswang? Seriously? Another one?
But his sclera are white, unlike the other aswangs who had terrifying black scleras. This guy is different.
I stare back, completely mesmerized.
I don't know how to explain it, but his presence… it makes me feel…
Safe.
A shiver runs down my spine as he leans in close, sniffing the air around me.
Seriously? What is it with these guys and the sniffing? Is there some kind of aswang perfume I'm unknowingly wearing? This is getting offensive!
He pulls back, closing his eyes for a moment and shaking his head. Then he opens them again…
Oh my god.
His irises aren't red anymore. They are a beautiful, mesmerizing, glowing shade of purple. Like amethyst. Or maybe…grape soda? Okay, maybe not grape soda. But still pretty amazing.
He gives me an uncertain look.
Another attack is about to happen. I'm ready to scream when he casually raises his fist, and with that, the male aswang crashes into it.
The aswang goes flying back from the impact, and I swallow hard, realizing his gaze is still fixed on me.
Every breath I take feels heavy, and it gets even heavier when he grabs my arms and says—
"This is impossible..." He sounds almost incredulous, still staring directly at me.
I look back at him, just as confused.
"H-huh?" I manage to stammer.
He sniffs me again, his eyes still locked onto mine, filled with confusion.
"But the smell, it's coming from you!" he says, his voice low and almost predatory.
What—WHAT is that smell? I don't smell like anything!
I try to push him away, my hand instinctively reaching for his chest. But I feel a wave of weakness wash over me as my palms make contact with his solid frame...
My knees buckle when I feel the incredibly defined muscles beneath his shirt.
"Don't you have anyone else here? A girl?" he asks, concern lacing his voice as he glances around nervously.
I can only stare at him, completely dumbfounded. He looks and sounds so familiar...
Very familiar...
And...
Handsome, too...
"I'm all alone..."
I manage to stammer,
"Y-you're so handsome..."
Oh my god,
what did I just say?!
Orion, you're on the brink of death!
He's still looking at me with a hint of awe in his beautiful, glowing purple eyes. A small smile plays on his lips as he mutters something under his breath...
"You're a guy," he whispers, his voice husky and shaky. "I'm not hallucinating, am I?" he adds, pinching himself.
"Ehh?" I stare at him, utterly bewildered. Is this some kind of bizarre aswang-induced coma dream?
"I said, you're a guy," he repeats, sounding slightly panicked.
"Of course I am!" I blurt out, feeling a blush creep up my neck.
But then I look around.
Oh, crap.
The aswang buffet is still open.
"So many aswang," I whisper, my voice trembling.
I can feel his gaze on me, and I sense a flicker of offense in his expression.
"Quit saying that term. It's very offensive," he says firmly. "
I'm about to argue when he plants his hand at the back of my head while the other lands on my waist. I get a serious case of the goosebumps.
I have to crane my neck because he's so tall...
He looks down at me...
Damn...
His gaze is intensely... distracting. Like a really attractive distraction. A distractingly attractive distraction.
"We need to move quickly," he says, his voice full of urgency. "And I need to secure your head to avoid getting snapped or whiplashed. Think of it as a really intense head hug."
He slowly moves my face closer to his chest, his hands gently but firmly cupping the back of my head.
My face is pressed against his firm chest.
He smells amazing... and the scent... it's like a really expensive, slightly spicy cologne. Or maybe a really good pizza. Okay, maybe not pizza.
"Close your eyes," he commands, his tone suddenly all business. "And try not to drool. I'm not a very good pillow."
"Why?" I ask, slightly confused. "Are you going to magically teleport us to safety? Because if so, please tell me your secret. I'm so over running."
He sighs dramatically. "Just do it... I don't want to lose you again, please! Unless you prefer a close encounter of the aswang kind. Your choice."
My eyes widen...
What did he just say? Did he just... flirt with me? While we're about to be eaten by aswangs?
I don't say anything more; I simply shut my eyes.
Suddenly, I feel my feet leave the ground, as if I'm being swept away by a powerful, slightly fragrant wind. Despite my hesitation, I wrap my arms around him as we speed through the air.
WHAT ARE YOU?...
WHO ARE YOU?... And are you single? Just asking for a friend... who is currently clinging to you for dear life.