Kairo felt his hands go numb as his group mates introduced themselves to Gavin one by one. He learned his teammates’ names. Two came from Kairo’s faculty, Jude and Emily. Kian is a third year Journalism student while Bianca is a freshman taking Communication Arts.

When Kairo’s his turn came, it was like he was detached from his body. His mouth was moving but it felt as if he was not there. A part of his brain wasn’t working, saved for those responsible for speaking, enabling him to spew out a few sentences about himself.

He couldn’t look at Gavin. Kairo chose to fix his eyes on the slope of his left shoulder, to maintain some semblance of courage. He tried ignoring the fact that his shoulders were broader than the last time he saw him.

He wanted to show Gavin that he’s moved on, and that the latter’s presence doesn’t mean anything to him, that it doesn’t affect him even a bit. So he must stop himself from comparing the Gavin from before and the Gavin now. He shouldn’t even be thinking how Gavin’s jawlines grew sharper than he remembered.

Hypocrite. Yes, he was. And still is.

“I’m Kairo Lee, second year BA Film student. Nice to meet you all.”

“Hello, Kairo. Nice to meet you too,” Gavin added.

Gavin’s attention did not linger on him, nor did he show any indication that they know each other. Now, Kairo’s not entirely sure if he’s relieved or disappointed. He has been stressing himself out the moment he knew that he enrolled himself in Gavin’s school, only to receive a generic response from the guy.

What do you expect? You broke up with the guy, no explanations, nada. You just disappeared from his life after dropping the bomb on him. And you expect him to welcome you with a smile?

Right. He pulled a dick move on Gavin two years ago. He mentally slapped himself to pull himself together. But the real question is, can he really work with Gavin? Can he really trust himself to maintain nonchalance, or even meet his eyes like it was nothing?

“So, the sub-theme I got for our group is this.”

Gavin showed them the piece of paper he got from the box earlier. Everyone read what was written and chuckled. Except for Kairo. The moment the lone word sank in his brain, his grip on his desk grew tighter. He won’t be surprise if he finds the grain of the wood got imprinted into his palms.

“So, what do you think guys? How should we work around this theme?” Gavin asked.

“I think the most important question is, who should write the script?” Jude, the guy from Kairo’s left asked.

Gavin smiled. His eyes landed on Kairo.

“Kairo is an experienced script writer.”

Gulp.

His group mate’s eyes collectively focused on Kairo. He tried to smile, albeit wobbly.

“You know each other?” Emily asked.

“Yes, do you know each other? How do you know that Kairo writes?” the follow up question came from Jude.

Everyone grew curious, making Kairo squirm on his seat. He braved a quick glance at Gavin but instantly regretted his decision. Gavin’s eyes were on him, a small smile lingering on his lips. He doesn’t look like he’s affected, unlike Kairo who’s one breath short from shaking on his black and white Vans Sk8-Hi.

“What are you guys thinking? I read all your files, his and everyone else’s. Have you forgotten the fact that I am a senior member of this organization? The president saw to it that we know a thing or two about our new recruits.” Gavin’s rebuttal was smooth.

“There are twenty five of us,” Emily added.

“Fortunately, I do have a good memory and retention. Ask the president if you have doubts.”

Everyone looked convinced. Kairo doesn’t need further convincing though. Gavin really does have a good memory. It’s the same reason why although he skips class, he’s still able to maintain good grades.

“So, what say you Kairo?” Bianca chimed in.

Kairo’s eyes took in everyone’s expectant gazes. He swallowed an imaginary lump, chest thumping like mad. He doesn’t know why he’s nervous. Maybe it’s because of Gavin’s were eyes stuck on him? Thoughts swirled in his head like a whirlpool, jumbled like tangled wires. But he couldn’t keep them waiting for his answer. Without much thought, he nodded. Truth is, he’d rather write than act, especially that Gavin is on the helm.

“Umm…o-okay.”

“Nice. The group will provide ideas based on the theme we got and then you’ll do the pitch. We’ll set a meeting for the pitching so that we could finally decide then you can proceed with your writing. Is that okay for everyone?” Gavin asked.

Everyone agreed and suggested ideas. Kairo took down notes, writing everyone’s suggestion. Out of the thirty four suggestions, they narrowed it down to five. Looking at the list, Kairo’s mind was a mess. He kept the fact that he was rattled internally though.

The sub-theme is ex-lovers. And everyone’s suggestions revolved around the topic, rousing all sorts of things from Kairo’s now battered mentality. Is Fate playing favorites? Why does it have to be him? Or was it a deliberate move by Gavin? Still, a part of him refused to believe that.

By the time they were done, Kairo’s eyes were bleary. The throb in is head made matters worse, driving him to the edge of his self-control. For a moment, he considered backing out. But just as he gathered enough courage to approach Gavin and speak his mind, Gavin walked past by him without even throwing him a glance.

Gavin treated him like he’s made of air---invisible. Kairo stopped on his tracks, unsure what to do or how to proceed. A sharp pain slashed at him, centered at his chest which took him by surprise. Kairo gasped, disbelief registered in his mind.

Why does it hurt?