Chapter 2: Voice.
Research. Sighs.
I stared blankly in front of my laptop's screen as my groupmates are busy typing on their parts. It is during this time of the year when coffee shops are earning big because students are working their parts off 'til midnight.
On our side are full of students that look like going to pull an all-nighter, on the other side are mixed with spoiled rich kids talking with each other, workers that are having an informal meeting, and people who are just here to chill- based on their get up.
"Do you need help, Ami?" I was busy scanning the side full of students facing their laptops but froze when I heard Nizha speak. I don't even have to look at the person talking to know who interrupted the subtle silence, because she's the only person I know who calls me that.
"Uh, no. I was, I was- my mind was wandering somewhere." I looked at the right side and held the back of my neck- feeling shy of what I admitted to our group leader. Sometimes, this super honest, blunt, can't lie, the whatever-you-call-it attitude of mine is going to be the death of me. She just smiled and tapped my shoulder.
"It's okay. You can go to the comfort room and wake yourself up. I know you've been practicing all night for the upcoming competition." I was taken aback by what she said and there are three things behind it. First, she's so understanding as a leader, but I guess that is how she really is. Second, I was just really busy looking around. Third,
"How did you know about the competition?" This stupid mouth of mine, why do I always say something out loud that's supposed to be just inside my mind?
She chuckled at my question which caught our groupmates' attention. She waved them off and said, "That was nothing guys, go on with your parts." she smiled again, how many smiles does she have in-store today?
She now turned to me and shoved me off my seat. "Wake yourself up! I need your full attention later, so we could finish this paper before dinner."
"But how did you know about it?"
"It's for me to know, and for you to find out." Screw the person who created that line. I was about to talk back when her smile faded and she became serious. Uh-oh, where's the restroom again?
After my business inside the cubicle, I washed my hands including my face on the sink. Looking at the mirror, I saw myself and- Oh my gosh! I grew a pimple! It's on top of my nose. It's still small but my skin is sensitive to this.
I scooped my handkerchief from the pocket of my pants and covered half of my face. I looked like I was playing a game of avoiding people just so they wouldn't see what I'm hiding.
When I got back, everyone was so busy to notice my presence so I just started my part. Thankfully, a wall is in front of me and my back is facing the rest of the people.
It was quarter to eight when we all finished our parts.
"Good job, guys! I actually expected that we would spend the night here finishing our research, but anyways, this is better! Great job, indeed." Nizha exclaimed. She was still talking about the next meet we will have, which is going to be about our parts for the title defense when we heard a stomach growl.
"Was that you?" I was busy finding out who it came from when I noticed a weird and uncomfortable silence that surrounds me. They were all looking at me when we heard the stomach growl again.
"Yeah right, I guess that's me." How embarrassing. The growl was so loud, what does this monster inside me want?!
"I think we should eat dinner first, and I'll continue what I'm saying later." Everyone agreed to Nizha's suggestion, "So where do you guys like to eat?"
No one answered, except from that quiet kid in our group who raised his hand.
"Yes, Xelo?"
He cleared his throat before answering, "O-our family's restaurant is just near, my treat."
My system partied after hearing the word 'treat'. I mean, I can buy things on my own, but nothing can beat anything and by anything- any possible thing that you could possibly think of when it is free.
"Oh Xam's restaurant?" Nizha asked to which Xelo nodded. How come this girl knows everything? Her name should be Niscient- she's too all-knowing.
Jokes aside, we only walked to the place since he said it's only a walking distance. Upon arrival, the guard and the lady holding a chart greeted him, "Good evening, sir Xelo. Your parents are inside."
"Good evening. By the way, they're with me. Thank you." They nodded and we continued walking. We stopped midway when he met a young-looking lady.
"Hi mom!" That's his mother? She's so beautiful!
"Hi dear. I was about to tell your brother, Xelton, to call you. Have you greeted your sister Xamantha?" She was about to ask another question when she noticed us. She put her hand on her mouth, "Oh my! You've brought guests. Wait, I'll get the private room prepared." Her mother left us and continued with her plan in mind.
"Was that your mother?"
"Yes, her name is Xheena. With an X." No wonder his name's like that. Their family must have liked the letter X.
We were talking when suddenly a guy with a similar attire to the servers here approached us, "Sir Xelo, room A is now ready for you and your guests. Ma'am Xheen is also there." He thanked the guy and he led the way for us.
"Welcome! Xelo never brings guests so I prepared a small dinner for you." She exclaimed and put emphasis on the word 'small'. She was telling us stuff regarding her son and I am amazed at how detailed she could go.
Later on, we heard a knock on the door. "That must be your food!"
"Mom?"
"Yes, son?"
"It's just a dinner, right?" he asked with full concern in his eyes. His mother just laughed and the door opened as well as our mouths in awe.
Small dinners by rich people are insane. This is a whole catering right in front of us!
Xelo was about to speak and rant about his mother's actions but she brushed him off with a laugh.
We started digging the food and exchanged conversations once in a while. As for me, I'm happily eating in my own world. I looked at them and they are too- finally making Xelo open up to us.
As everyone was busy, a loud ring caught our attention. It came from Nizha's phone and she asked to be excused to answer it, which I also followed asking to be excused to go to the comfort room.
I saw her going in the other direction I was going. I could hear people talking and I even saw a band preparing on stage.
They also do live stages in this restaurant, Cool. I thought.
I shrugged at it and continued walking to go to where I am supposed to be at that moment. It took me a while from going out because I kind of got lost along the way.
After washing my hands at the sink, I checked my face in the mirror once more. Damn that pimple. I pouted and dried my hands using the machine beside the sink.
The sound outside was muffled but I could sense that the group was already performing. I went out and I almost couldn't feel my legs.
That voice– It's so pure and… beautiful. Who owns it?
It's like I am walking on cloud nine– this feeling, it's weird but at the same time amazing. I felt so light while walking in slow motion.
Why the hell am I walking in slow motion?!
Everything was in a blur until I reached a place where I could barely see the singer but the voice was clearer than my future. Unconsciously, I put my right hand on top of my heart and I could feel my soul dancing to his voice.
It was dramatic if I could describe it. It was about to end– the singer was also about to turn in this direction but someone grabbed my arm.
"Are you okay, Yami?" Oh, it was Nizha.
"Yes, yes. I think I just heard something." Something big, maybe I can't sleep tonight. But I wasn't able to tell her that.
When we went back inside they were already on their desserts. We were also served after and Nizha continued her speech from the cafe.
I raised my hand to the part that I want to work on and the rest followed. It was a smooth assignment of tasks and it didn't take us long enough before Nizha wrapped it up and called it a day.
Riding a cab home, I can't help but remember the voice that was almost tattooed on my heart.
It really gives that feeling.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
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