C3 Wasted Time

"I won't go in, Azhia. Don't go in." Yuna pleaded over the phone.

I rolled my eyes before facing my best friend on my phone screen. I want to go in, but she doesn't want to because she says it's boring and there's nothing to do. Today is just a continuation of our foundation week, so it's a bit boring because only the opening of the booths and the battle of the bands will happen.

Some might be excited about the bands, but I am not. I'm not interested. I like to listen to songs, but I can't sing. Well, I'm also a singer, sometimes just in the bathroom.

"Alright, Azhia. We'll be absent for now."

"Yuna, there is attendance. Let's go in."

I want to enter because it's my last year there. I just wanted to enjoy my last event at that school. Even though I know it's boring, I still want to try.

"There's nothing to do." She reasoned out which is partially true. We are an all-girls school, and outsiders are not allowed, so it's boring.

"There's nothing to do at home either, Yuna."

"Alright, Zia! If you're thinking about the attendance, I'll take care of it. Ma'am won't know."

I just raised an eyebrow at him because he was slowly convincing me. Damn this girl. Please remind me why she became my best friend.

"Promise! Ma'am will never know. Cross my heart even if my crush's crush dies."

"Yuna!" I hissed, which made her laugh.

"Chase, our secretary. She has a crush on you, right? For sure, he'll list us right away. Maybe just a 'hi' from you will make him gasp with excitement."

"You're a demon!"

She was thrilled when she told me not to come in. I ended the call already. I returned to the bed and threw myself back there. I took my pillow and hugged it tightly.

"When can I hug Chaos?"

I just shook my head at my thought of mischief. Maybe the crow will turn white before I can hug him. The pageant was our first interaction, and I hope it will continue. I tried to approach him several times but couldn't because I was too scared, but now it's different. Because of that interaction, I got stronger. I won't waste any chance now.

"Hey, Lil sis."

The door to my room opened, and my brother's face was spat out. I blinked and got up to face him.

"It's trendy to knock, brother. I'll share."

"I did, but you're not responding. I thought you were still asleep. Get up now. I'll deliver to you now."

"I'm not going in, brother."

Kuya Art and I are close to each other. Even though our age gap is big and our interests are different, we still have a closeness.

"Wow!" he moved forward and reached for my head. He messed up my messy hair even more while laughing. "My sister is getting older; she knows how to be absent now."

I blinked and jokingly pushed him.

"Of course!" I bragged.

"Yeah," he nodded. "That's why you have a crush, right?"

I was caught off guard because of his question. I stopped, and the smile slowly disappeared from my lips.

"Who told you that?"

Yuna, the traitor. My best friend assured me my brother had opened the door for me.

"Well, it's just me and my instincts."

"I don't know what you're talking about, brother!" I shifted my gaze because I knew I was not good at lying.

"You like him, don't you? I noticed how you look at him. Your eyes are strange, and your eyes are restless."

"What? Of course not. I don't like Chaos; he's not even attractive in my eyes and—"

His laugh makes me stop. My eyes widened because of my sudden realization. He laughed even louder when he saw my reaction.

Damn mouth! What did you do? You are too mean.

"I didn't mention any name, Azhia."

He laughed and kept teasing me until he got bored. I did not eat my breakfast with them. I only drink water with lemon because it's good for the body.

I was busy doing some morning exercise routines when I saw my brother. She walks to the garage while fixing her hair. He didn't seem to notice me because he was in a hurry.

"Where are you going, brother?"

I couldn't stop myself from asking him. He immediately stopped to answer me.

"I will fetch those morons," he replied before getting inside his car.

He turned it on, so I had nothing to do but watch him leave.

I immediately finished what I was doing. A grin never left my lips due to pure joy. My brother was referring to Chaos, for sure. They will go here.

I love you, brother Art! You're the best.

I went up to the room and immediately took a shower. I almost used up the hair shampoo and conditioner on my hair. I even danced and sang with every water drop on my body.

"What should I wear?" I asked myself out of frustration. I almost got all my clothes out of the closet, but I still needed help to choose something.

Ultimately, I decided to wear a backless halter top paired with denim shorts. I did my skincare routines and applied a bit of makeup. I opened the new lotion and perfume from France. Gosh! These two are expensive, so I almost don't want to touch them, but I will for Chaos.

I had a big smile as I walked down the stairs.

"Good morning, señorita."

I smiled and greeted them back before heading towards the kitchen. I caught up with Rosa there, and it looked like my suspicions were correct. Chaos is indeed my brother's guest.

"Ma'am Azhia, it looks like you have errands today."

"Nothing, manang."

"Are you expecting a visitor then?"

"Neither, manang."

"Oh, I'm sorry. You're so dressed up, and it's like you've bathed in perfume."

Manang's comment made me sneeze. Am I that obvious?

"Is that your brother, manang?" I asked and glanced at the snacks on the table.

"Yes. Your brother has visitors, Azhia."

I nodded one after another as I watched him prepare the food.

"I'll leave you here. I'll take it to señorito."

"Ah," I said and bit my lower lip. "Can I just take care of it?"

There was doubt on his face, but eventually, he agreed. Maybe he was wondering what I was doing, but I didn't pay attention. What's important is that I get to see Chaos and hopefully talk too.

"Brother," I repeatedly knocked on the door when I reached the studio. I decided to open the door even without their permission. They seem to be having fun, so they don't hear me.

"Uh," I awkwardly uttered because their stares made me uncomfortable.

"Azhia, what are you doing here?"

"Here's your snacks, prepared by manang. She asked me to bring it to you guys."

He took my tray from me and thanked me. I roamed around with my eyes, but I failed to see him.

"Are you looking for someone?" He smirked.

I shook my head and looked away from him. I bet he's already mocking me right now. Indeed, my brother's friends are here, but the person I want to see is not here.

Damn! Don't tell me that I wasted my time for nothing. I got ready and prepared for the person I would never see.