"Look at those girls. They've been cutting stickers and props for the Chainz since yesterday. Gosh, the event is still on Friday! What a weirdos." Ashly sneered.
"They don't look weird to me." I smiled. I looked at the girls, looking so busy with whatever they were doing.
'Chainz' is Julian's band name. So these girls are supporting Chainz. They're the 'fans' or something like that.
I analyzed them one by one and saw that they were cutting some names, pictures, and some stuff. They're gluing it to pins, mugs, and fans.
I saw Noah's face was glued to a mug. I giggled. That's cute. I would use that every single day.
"Don't tell me you want to become one of them, Sar!" Ashly spoke, horrified.
"Hey, do you have that mug? And that thing? The "I heart Chainz" pin, do you have that, too?" I pointed and smiled.
Ashly's eyes grew wider. "Are you serious!? Okay, that Noah guy caught your attention. But, you can be an independent admirer, Sar. You don't need to join them!"
"I mean- you're close with Ian's band, right? So maybe-"
She dramatically put her hand on her mouth, like I said something so disappointing. I ignored her and looked at the girls doing their thing.
I can't say that I'm a fan since I never saw Chainz perform. Now, I want to see them play.
"If you're thinking about joining them this early, then stop-"
"Don't worry. I won't. I have other plans." I smirked. "Plus, I was just curious," I added.
"You like eating your own words, Sar. I know you."
"Then, don't worry. I'm the one who eats them anyway." I said as a matter of fact.
She sighed and I walked away.
"Wait!" She yelled.
She hates fandoms so much. Maybe because our cousin was in the band or something, it made them cringe for her, and she witnessed Ian picking his nose since we were kids; well then!
She ran to me and closed our gap.
She continues to sermon. "Noah had a lot of crushes! I always hear them talk about girls. But, he wasn't so serious about it, though. He's kind of mature. He said it is impossible to feel love at a very young age. It is only infatuation that won't last forever, a waste of time to be exact. We only feel extreme attraction because we are adolescents, and it's normal. He doesn't want to call it 'love'."
Hearing that made me admire him even more. I love mature-thinking boys, and he's too young to be thinking like that, too.
"Really?" I covered my mouth with my hand as I stared at Ashly. My heart felt excited.
"Yup, I heard it first when they were practicing last summer at Ian's house, and I agree with him. Some of my classmates are very public when showing their love for someone. It's like they're ready to go to war if the people they love can't love them back. It's so annoying. Like gosh, we're too young for that!" Ashly said and continued to rant.
I was speechless. We went to the gym, where Ian and his bandmates were playing basketball.
I stared at Noah. He's coated with sweat, but he's enjoying it. That minute of us walking to the gym was precious, as every second of those was me knowing more about you.
He caught me staring at him. I stunned. It's like he's reading my mind.
Should I remove my eyes from him? Or should I smile and wave hi? My heart raced.
Looking into those eyes. I couldn't seem to stop from wanting to be near him. The sight of him sent my heart humming. I want to watch him forever, and dream.
He looked away and watched his teammates chase the ball.
"Noah liked Amethyst from the 10th grade and now, he likes Kimeniah from the 9th grade. Well, Ian liked Kimeniah, too. She's pretty. The living definition of dainty." She said.
"Ah, okay." I fake grinned and looked away. I felt my mood became bland. So he likes older and mature girls. I am neither.
I nodded and sat on the bleachers. There is a group of girls playing volleyball on the right side of the gym. I think they're in 7th grade.
"And her…" Ashly pointed at the girl who had been pushed during the volleyball game.
I noticed some girls giggling nearby made me raise my brow. Is this bullying happening right in front of me? How bold!
The girl has beautiful, fair skin, and I spotted a few pimples on her face. She wears rectangular glasses and has long, straight hair with cute side bangs that frame her face perfectly.
Thankfully, a girl with long, wavy brown hair rushed over to help her up with a worried face.
"That's Noah's sister, Devieh," Ashly said.
I nodded and looked at Devieh, who was struggling to stand properly after being pushed so hard. I watched Noah rush to her side and help her up.
He looks so pissed. He held his sister while mumbling something. His jaw clenched as he wiped his sister's pants.
"See? Even his sister, that boy is harsh." Ashly said while crossing her arms.
"He's mad because his sister got pushed. He's mad because his sister got hurt." I pursed my lip, staring at Noah's face.
I need that reaction every time I get hurt, too. I would kill for that reaction, Ash.
Ashly snapped in front of me, bringing my thoughts back to reality.
"What now? Let's go find Ian. I don't think they're going to practice later. Noah's mad," she said as we headed toward the players' bleachers. Ian saw us and waved.
"I guess it's Noah's fans who pushed her. They're jealous that Devieh is closer to Noah. So obsessed, yikes!" Ian tutted. I frowned at him, thinking how he have fans just like that.
"That was intense, huh? I mean, just look at Noah's face," Sam laughed, glancing at me.
"Where's Alex?" Ashly asked. I noticed he was missing too. Sam answered her question, but I didn't pay attention.
My gaze drifted to the court, searching for Noah as if he were still here. I had seen him walk out earlier, so why was I still looking? I scoffed and turned to walk away.
"Where are you going?" Ian called out.
"Bathroom," I replied.
They're probably in the bathroom—the women's bathroom. My thoughts were floating while I walked, but I wasn't sure; maybe they just went home. I looked down.
Wait, why did I feel sad at the thought of them going home? Is it because I want to see him longer? He doesn't even care, and his sister needs comfort.
"Let me clean it up, Dev."
My eyes widened at the sound of Noah's voice. They're here!
"I can do it, Kuya. You can go back now," Devieh said bitterly.
"I'm sorry, Dev."
They were outside the bathroom. Devieh was trying to wipe the dirt off her knees, but Noah wanted to help.
"Dev—" Noah didn't finish his sentence as she went inside the bathroom, leaving him standing there.
I slowly walked in front of him, clutching my bag, scared that even a small action would anger him. I was too nervous! Why is he even standing there? Boy, sit down!
I looked at him, and once again, our eyes met. It felt surreal. I closed the door and sighed. I noticed Devieh trying to clean the ashes from her hair. There were some on her arms, too.
My brows furrowed—how dirty was that gym? Who was the cleaner? Gosh. I opened my bag and took out wet wipes.
She looked at me, giving me the chance to take a closer look at her face.
My jaw dropped. She's so beautiful. I could see her resemblance to Noah.
"Duh, because they're siblings. You're so smart, Sar," I thought to myself. "Shut up, thoughts; let me concentrate."
Without her glasses and her pimples, she would be gorgeous. I smirked, imagining her brother as a madman if boys started chasing her.
When I was her age, I had a lot of pimples too. Luckily, they calmed down when I started using some products. I was so insecure that I didn't want to go outside because of how bad they looked. I cried every night because they stung so much.
Just wait. This girl will look like a goddess after puberty.
"Can I help? I have some wipes; they're wet. This can easily remove the dirt." I approached her and softly grabbed her arms, wiping the dirt away.
I stared at her fair skin. Why am I doing this? Is it because I experienced bullying too? I bit my lip.
"Does it hurt?" I asked when I saw some small wounds.
"A little," she said, pursing her lips. "Are you Noah's classmate?"
My eyes widened. "Yeah," I smiled.
Suddenly, the door opened, and I saw a guy peeking in.
"What are you doing?" I shouted, my jaw dropping. He can't do that!
"Kuya!" Devieh exclaimed.
"Sorry, I was just—I was worried. I mean—" He instantly slammed the door.
"Kuya? That's his other brother too?" I realized. So, Noah has two siblings. I wonder if he's the middle child.
"That was your brother?" I asked.
"Yeah, my older kuya. Uhm, thank you, Miss. I can do this alone now." She smiled sweetly.
If you say so.
I left the bathroom and glanced at the two guys waiting outside for their little sister.
"She has a little wound, but she's okay. I cleaned them," I assured them with a smile.
I looked at the older brother; he looked more mature and masculine. His body was well-defined, and you could see his toned physique through his polo shirt.
And wow, he was attractive—his thick brows, long lashes, and deep, expressive eyes. This is Noah's brother!
Noah moved, and I looked at him, wondering if he was going to thank me. Oh gosh.
"You don't have to do that." His brows furrowed. Is he mad?
"I meant Devieh, she doesn't need your pity," he said boldly, crossing his arms and gazing at me with an air of sass. What a charming man!
"I'm not—"
"Oh, come on, Noah." He let out a playful scoff. "Thank you, Miss, and I sincerely apologize for my behavior earlier. I was just worried about my sister and thought you were another pesky bully," the older brother said.
"And by the way, I'm David, Devieh and Noah's older brother. A pleasure to meet you!" He grinned widely as he reached out his hand.
I happily accepted it, returning his warm smile. "I'm Serena."
"Is she your new classmate, Noah? The transfer student? How come you didn't introduce me to her?" David teased with a twinkle in his eye.
"You both have already introduced yourselves. Now, let's go find Devieh," Noah muttered, turning away a bit too quickly.
I pressed my lips together, feeling a mix of confusion and warmth. He's a bit chilly. David chuckled, catching my attention.
"Oh, I know you, Noah. You're always like this when you're attracted to a lady." He glanced my way, and my heart danced a little.
Is he…?