October 15, 2021

Front of the girl's Dorm

Katara's PoV

"Zen are you sure you're alright?" His eyebags were getting bigger each day and constantly keep on getting headaches. "I'm alright, let's go" I know he is really busy this week considering his schedule and even helping me. He was practicing for the tournament cup and even cleaning the pool after classes but isn't he taking this too far? "Please tell me you atleast ate breakfast?" I stopped in front of him. My ankle was healed yesterday but he insisted on walking me to class today. "I did.." He averted his eyes as he continued "..Not". I sighed and grabbed the sandwich in my bag and handed it to him. "Thanks Katara but you didn't have to" He says while taking the food. I knew he wasn't gonna eat breakfast so I bought him a sandwich. At least it would refrain him from getting hungry till lunch. Speaking of lunch, I've been seeing him with books and assignments more this days. "I want to. If I didn't you would always starve before lunch."

He was squinting his eyes more often even when he has no classes. "You could sleep at lunch later after you eat.". I suggested, I'm still wondering how busy he is this days but this was too much as I said earlier. He shook his head "I would but can't, still have 2 assignments and 1 project left to finish." I was going to say something to him but we already arrived at my classroom. "I'll see you later at Mr. Lorenzo's class" He immediately walked away before I get to say anything. What is happening to you Zen?

October 15, 2021LunchBeans and Barista's CafeZen's PoV

I've already finished my 2 History assignment earlier at Mr. Lorenzo's class. My sight was getting hazy each hour that passed well I could only blame myself for giving my body only 2 hours of sleep. I pulled an all nighter this week to learn all 2 weeks of lesson. Mr. Vince wasn't gonna give me the easy turn with this project. This was supposed to be by group but because I'm not here next week I had to do this on my own which was fun but tiring at the same time. Mr. Vince said the project is anything with lights. He says to surprise him. I was creating a dancing lights for my project, one that shows an image when I press the buttons that has different kind of music when played. It's like a Tv but the sound is created by the electricity. It's like an automatic launchpad but this one shows pictures instead of a colorful buttons. What I'm doing now is the finishing touches double checking the buttons and lights to see if all works. The project wasn't really big, it was at the size of 1/8 illustration board. It has little metal rods at the bottom and at the top was the little lights that are connected to the metal rods. It was like a metal box to prevent the electricity hit anyone or anything outside.

I removed my headphones and relaxed. I'm done. I have to get this to Mr. Vince after I eat. I saved my coding and put my project at the vacant table. "Is it okay if I head to the faculty after I finish eating?" I asked Katara who's beside me eating. "Sure, I'll meet up with Suki here after Sokka's practice." I nodded while finishing my food. A moment later I finished eating then the door opened. "Hey guys" Suki and Sokka greeted us as I stand up from my seat and grabbed my bag and project "Bye guys" I bid them goodbye and chuckled at our interactions.

I got inside the faculty and presented my project to Mr. Vince. "I'm very impressed Zen. You manage to build this in just a week's time and I haven't even thought this at class. Kudos to you. A plus!" He gave me back my paper and gave me applause along with the other professors. Ms. Rui was also there to see my project. It was worth it. "Thank you Mr. Vince" I gave my thanks to them and put the paper in the case inside my bag. "Zen, would you mind if I presented this to the classroom nextweek for an example?" Mr. Vince asked me, I shook my head "I don't mind at all Mr. Vince." I smiled as I excused myself from the faculty. Ms. Rui was also beside me since we both have the same destination which was the homeroom. "Have you been pulling an all nighter?" She asked me worriedly. I nodded "I needed to pull an all nighter or I wouldn't finish all my task" I saw her nodded "Since we don't really have anything to do today just a couple of announcement, I give you my permission to sleep at my class but don't forget you have meeting for the Winter Formal Gala after homeroom. It was moved since they took the 4-5 last time."

"Okay Ms. Rui, thank you for the kind offer. For the meeting I think it's gonna be a general meeting." What I mean by general meeting is that we won't be meeting in groups but we are meeting all in all. We both entered the classroom and everyone was already present. I walk towards Katara and sat beside her. "Can you wake me up after this class? Ms. Rui said we have meeting for the Winter Gala at the next subject." I yawned while speaking with Katara. "Sure, you clearly need some sleep. You look worse than earlier." No doubt about that. The adrenaline I had before my presentation was the one that was keeping me awake this whole time but now that I had nothing to worry about. I let my guard down then magic. I crossed my arms and let myself fall into a deep slumber.

Katara's PoVHomeroom

I felt Zen's head fell on my shoulder. I glanced at the guy and let him rest. He was really pushing his self this week with too much work to do. What was his major anyway? I can't believe I haven't even asked him that. Maybe I'll ask later when he wakes up or I wake him up. I saw Ms. Rui glanced at Zen "It's okay don't wake him up" She said while smiling at me. "Let's start with some announcements. The first would be the Halloween event in which we would open the school to public. I could see that we're done by 70%. I would like to give you another announcement, there would be a competition to the class that gets the top sales at the end of the 3rd day." Competition? About sales? "What's the prize?" Suki, our class president asked. "The prize is you guys will be exempted to the final exam of Calculus, Foreign language and Literature." That is not actually a bad deal. It would lessesn the burden for the students.

"Moving on to the next announcement. The final preparations will be on October 25-28 full day." A guy in front stood up "No classes? No joke?" Ms. Rui chuckled. "No joke." His eyes went wide as he jumped in the air and throw his fist up "Yey!" October 28 was Zen's first game for the tournament cup. I wish I could watch it but if this preparations is mandatory I would really miss it. I glance at the guy sleeping on my shoulder. He shifted a bit then crunch his nose then hugged my arm which surprises me for a second. That was very cute of you Zen.

Zen's PoV

"Zen.. Wake up" I slowly opened my eyes, it was still so heavy. Once my vision was steady I could see that I was holding Katara's hand. I blinked a few times and realized that I borrowed her shoulder once again. I jumped away "I'm sorry, I-" I stopped once Katara laughed at me "It's okay dummy, you were asleep and I know we can't really control our body when we are sleeping. By the way I didn't want to wake you up so I didn't let go and we need to go to the meeting." I scratched the back of my head then yawn. I grabbed my bag and walked out of the classroom with Katara. It was a very nice feeling of having her hands intertwined with mine. When we got there, Jean and the two head committee were already there standing up in the front waiting for the others.

"You alright?" Jean asked me while checking some of the details needed to discuss today. "Yeah, just sleepy, that's all" She looked up at me "You shouldn't force yourself, we still have practice for later or do you want me to tell coach?" I shook my head "I'll come to the practice at 7pm" Jean placed down the paper at the table infront of her and walked in front of me. "Zen, I told you earlier. Don't force yourself, missing one practice is alright, you know" I know missing 1 practice would be alright. "You do know I won't be h-" Before I could finish what I was saying Dex interludes me by covering my mouth "I'm thinking, Would you mind? If you're here just to chitchat then go outside!" Well someone didn't woke up at the right side of the bed. I pushed his hands away and sit down. I took the paper with the details and what we would be needing to accomplish for this meeting. It said we need to finalize the drafts and the programs for this week and next week. Then the remaining weeks are for decorating and scheduling catering, sounds system, bands, getting permission and they would want alcohols to be included as well.

So this meeting is solely for the group 1 but the decorations team needs to be here so we would know how to arrange the place. It has to be starry night, I leaned back at my seat and let it rack back and forth with balance. Starry night huh I guess we would be needing a lot of lights. Should it be blue? or yellowish? I sighed "Would this guy just fucking get out if he isn't even paying attention to the meeting!" Gerald's shouting caught me off balance which made me stumble down with my chair. "Ow.." This headache ain't helping me and felt as if I was getting high. I can't focus on one thing. I stand up and picked up the chair. While Dex was storming at me "Look here you little lazy ass shit! I don't want you here and if you're not going to listen then might as well get out! There are two fucking doors for you to use!" Geez, the language. Can't he tone it down. Was he kicking me out? Should I just leave? Yeah I should right? "Don't talk to him like that! Would you mind your language! Won't it even hurt to just ask nicely or if you don't want to be nice then just say it not in an ill manner way!" Katara was shouting but I can't really get a grasp of what's happening. So, I walked towards the door and got out but I just stand there beside the door waiting for them to put me back in. I yawned once more. The door immediately swung open and I saw Katara glaring "Why did you go outside?"

I shrugged "I don't really know what's happening. I felt like I did something bad but I just understood his badwords not the rest. I can't even get a grasp of what you two were saying" I yawned, man that's like a hundredth time I yawn for the day. "Come on, After this you're going to the clinic." I knew that I can't go against her nor do I have a choice about this. I noticed Katara sighed as she took my hand and pulled me back to the room. There she stood in between me and Gerald. She was facing his way "Apologize." She said it firmly that I got goosebumps. Dex came closer to her "No. Why would I apologize to that loser." I gradually get back to my senses. Katara stood her ground "You did him wrong. You were so cruel to him ever since we stepped in this room. You called him name's that isn't his name. You have been disrespecting him even if he didn't even do anything to be treated like this. So it's either you apologize or you lose most of your members here." Katara's a badass. I wouldn't wanna mess with her before and now I really don't want to mess with her. My respect for her got even higher, just when I thought it couldn't get any higher than before.

Dex laughed at Katara's face "Oh yeah? Who will leave with him anyway?" He was laughing way too loud that it was getting irritating. "We will." The whole group 2 including Jean raised their hand. Some of the group 1 rose theirs. I looked at Dex and saw his eyes go widened. "That settles things. Apologize to Zen." Katara was crossing her arms glaring at the guy. He stood in front of me, I could really see that he doesn't really like this and was forcing himself to do this. I sighed. "You don't need to apologize, it's fine, I don't really remember what you said anyway." I yawned once more. Katara looked at me but I flicked her forehead "We shouldn't waste time besides I don't want an apology if that guy isn't even sincere with it. He was just doing it for the sake of this representatives." Katara looked down "But I really appreciate for what you did. Standing up for me. You're a total badass Katara" I smiled at her. We continued with our meeting but I'm pretty sure I slept through it.

October 16, 2021; 2pmSoccer team's Locker roomZen's PoV

It felt so good sleeping at night again. I hardly remember anything about yesterday after the meeting. Zuko told me once I got back from school at 9pm, I quickly passed out on my bed. I woke up around 12am to pass my remaining assignment to the professors. Now I'm at soccer practice. I'm finally relieved from the community service at the pool after classes though Coach still tells me that I should take it easy for today since I'll be going home at my uncle's later to get my things packed up. Uncle Jun told me by the phone to drive the pickup truck since I'm the one who's gonna carry the materials needed for this celebration. Uncle and Lily can't go tomorrow with me since Lily still has her exam on Monday and Tuesday, while Uncle needed to manage this cafe since there would be an inspection on Monday.

I got out of the locker room and start warming up and stretching. After 15 minutes I start to jog around the field. While looking around, my eyes landed on the gang who seems to enjoy watching me practice. I jumped high and waved at them in a goofy way. I don't really know why I do that but it's really fun. I gave them my biggest smile and continued running. Jiro ran next to me "Oh thank God you're here! Man I miss you!" He was trying to kiss my cheeks but I was shoving his face away from me. Did I ever mention he has this metal grip? "Gwet ahway frhum me!" I can't really get the words out with his hands gripping my head. "Idiot Zen! Hmph you hurt my feelings" Okay now he is being overly dramatic. He was clearly exaggerating his actions. I continued to jog and leave him there without saying anything. Jiro caught up to me "I'm just kidding but you're really rude you know?" I stopped running as I saw our captain talking with a girl. I looked at Jiro and gestured to Hatsuki. We both grinned and ran to Hatsuki. I clung on his arm while Jiro hugs Hatsuki's waist. "How dare you cheat on me! hmph." I pouted at him using my girly voice. "You're mine Hatsuki! I won't share you with the others!" Jiro's acting was on another level that I was surprised as well.

"Ehem!" All three of us frozed at the girl who manage to get our attention. No it wasn't the girl infront of us but this one came at our backs. We took a deep breath before letting go and looking at who was at our backs. It was Jean and Genesis, our 2 head manager and Genesis the girlfriend of Hatsuki wasn't clearly Impress with what her boyfriend is doing. We immediately kneeled in front of them "Who said you could treat this practice hours as a joke?" Jean was growling. "You three are our top players. You do know what that means right? You know what your responsibilities are, right? Instead of fooling around and flirting for some girl, why not make a better use of your time by actually practicing. Don't you think so?" Genesis was smiling but I could see her anger flowing out. Add the situation where Hatsuki was flirting with the girl who appears to have run away. They both glared at us which made us flinch in reaction "Yes, ma'am" We ran to the field to practice.

Katara's PoV

"How come we always watch Zen's practice while we don't come at the each other's practice?" Sokka asked us all who were sitting at the bleachers to watch the soccer team. I wonder about that too. I glance at Zen who seems to begin running, he was looking around and saw us. He jumped high and waved his hands in a goofy way. "I guess because watching him practice doesn't really bore us. Besides he always have a way to make practice fun, to prove my point" Toph was pointing at Zen who was being, uhm let's say Jiro was capturing Zen's face.I agree with Toph, seeing him practice is like a rollercoaster. There are times where you see him in a zone and there are times when he gets irritated and makes it a competition while other times he is teasing his teammates and playing pranks. "Hey guys look! Zen and Jiro was doing their signature grinning while pointing at Hatsuki!" Aang who was beside Toph said excitedly. Their signature grin means trouble. We saw them cling on him and immediately froze when Gen and Jean was behind their back. They all kneeled in unison. We were all enjoying this time when Zen would get into trouble or he would make trouble and eventually get away with it by using Jiro or Hatsuki. "Toph has proven her point" Suki mentioned.

Zen's PoV

Saturday practices ends at 7pm but I got an early out so I could go to my uncle's house early and pack the things we would be needing for the celebration. I got an urgent text from my uncle saying that I should be there before 6pm because He and Lily would go to a classical concert. I didn't have my house keys so without washing up I rode my motorcycle and helmet and rushed to go their. The concert would last 2-3hours and there's no way I'll lose sleep packing things. The materials were a lot so I needed to pack it while it's still early. I got there by 6 pm and saw them riding the car. I parked infront of them. I walked beside the car's door and asked for the keys. "Zen your bike adn would you mind taking a shower. You're sweaty." He scoffed at me. "Whose fault do you think is that?" I said while Uncle drive away. I sighed and got inside the house. I took a bath and got in the attic to grab the material that needs to be packed.

It was 10 pm when I finished packing. I laydown the couch and let myself relax. Little by little I closed my eyes.

October 17, 2021; 8am

Shintaro Residence

Zen's PoV

"Good morning, Kid. Come on let's eat breakfast and don't worry about the things you have packed. I already loaded it in the pickup truck." Uncle said while taking a bite at the pancake. "Goodmorning Zen" My little sister greeted me. "Goodmorning" Ah right today is the day I'll go to the Shin Island for the preparation. I took my plate and placed butter and syrup at my pancake and took a big bite. I finished showering and packing my things. I got inside the pickup "I'll see you on monday uncle and I'll pick you up on tuesday Lily." I start the engine and bid them goodbye.

After hours of travel, I have arrived at the port where I need to take the boat for me to reach the Shin Island. "Kai! You're here!" it was my Aunt. The older sister of my father and Uncle Jun. "Hi Aunt Hana. It's good to see you!" She pulled me into a hug. "You've gotten taller since last year huh. Come on let's unload your truck." I nodded at her and started unloading the pickup. I place it at Aunt's boat. I wrapped it in cling wrap so it won't get wet since there are materials that are electronics. I should tell Uncle I'm already here. I opened my phone and saw my lockscreen, it was Katara. I smiled "Well who's the fine lady you have as a lockscreen?" Aunt Hana was grinning. I ignored her comment and checked the signal, there were no signals here. Aunt was budging me about Katara "She's just a friend" She wasn't really believing me. I can't blame her, saying she's a friend even though she's my lockscreen. I sighed "Let's just go Aunty. Knowing my cousins they haven't started with the tables and event preparation." She laughed loudly.

I really look up to my Aunty, she was one of the people that I couldn't say no to. She's in the women's league of football. She's the reason why I wanted to be a professional soccer player someday. When I told her that she trained me. She was pushy but I know she is doing it for our own good. There was one time when I got injured playing soccer, I was 7 at that time and my elbows were bleeding. She just laughed at me and asked me 'You were having too much fun, haven't you? Don't cry, instead use this as a reason to get better. Stand tall and learn from your experiences. There will be times we fall but we need to get up. Remember you aren't a failure even if you stumble down a thousand times. The only time you will be a failure is when you tell yourself 'I'm a failure'. In every experience you level up and make sure you don't fall in the same hole' Back then I didn't really understand what she told me but as I grew older and experience a lot of falls. I came to understand what she was trying to say.

After an hour of travel via boat, we have reached the Shin Island. We were greeted by some of my uncles, aunties, grandparents and cousins. One by one we took the materials to the place where we will set it up, it was at the beach and we could see a bonfire at the middle. As I thought, they still haven't started with the tables even the place where the sound system is supposed to be. The place at the beach is where we will celebrate the Shin island day. Then the one inside the Shin Island is the festival for the Shin Island which is celebrated before the day. It's like a festivals in Japan, where there's a lot of stalls and fireworks and people. "So we're really doing this a beach party?" I asked my Grandpa, it was his wish to change it this year. "Yes we are, Kai. Yes we are." He patted my shoulder. I sighed and was about to get my tool box but grandma's hand stopped me. "You should eat first, dear" Without taking a moment to stop she pulled me into the dining area. The table was filled with foods including my favourites. This must be heaven. Grandma was considered the greatest chef in the world before she retired. I ate till I'm full then rested on the sofa for a while.

I opened my eyes and I accidentally slept for 2 hours, I checked where my phone is but my little cousins has already been playing with it. "Come on guys, lemme borrow my phone" Why would I borrow my phone? They gave it to me and saw my battery percentage. It was at 7%. Seriously? I grabbed my bag to get my charger but it wasn't there. I forgot it at Uncle Jun's house! I knocked at Aunt Hana's room "Hey Auntie, do you have any charger for this model?" She checked her drawer. "Sorry Kiddo, I changed to the Kears phone last year." It's no use, only me and Aunt Hana was the only one who uses Zines Phone. Guess I'll be turning you off now buddy. See you in tuesday. I turned my phone off. I got to the living room "Kai! Oh I miss you couz!" It was Evan, one of my best pals. We used to get into trouble whenever we visit here "Evan! Nice to see you too!" We sat at the sofa. Men it feels so long since I've seen him. "How's football?" I asked him and no it's not the soccer football, it's the Football with quarterbacks. He looked like he was saying don't ask "We lost at championships" That explains the face "That's rough" I heard him sighed "Tell me about it. How bout your football?" He asked me as I stood up and stretched my back "We got in the tournament cup" I smirk at him, he glared at me. "Wanna come? I'm gonna train at the beach" Training with the sand is very helpful for jumps, agility and running. He got up "Wanna make this a competition?" We grinned at each other "Race you to the beach!" We both said in unison. We manage to compete till end of the day.

October 18, 2021

Shin Island

Zen's PoV

Today is the day Uncle Jun will arrive here. I'm guessing about 5pm-6pm. I'm at the beach, fixing the sound system. The tables were already in place, My cousins were fixing up the decorations and events for later. I tested the dj mixer and speakers if it was working. I installed the speakers surrounding the place. Then I got to set up the lights. It was a lot of yellow, orange and white lights. I brought the blue and violet light and some laser lights. I used the ladder and had some of my cousin help me steady it. I needed to install the hanging lights. Once I successfully managed to hang it, I tried plugged it in and it lit up. I don't really get it why Grandpa wants to make it a modern beach party this year. I wanted to invite the gang but they don't have any place to stay, It was over crowded at Grandpa's house and All the inn here was full book.

The Shintaro family is a hella busy this week. My Grandma and Aunt was preparing foods, while grandpa with my uncles were checking the festival. Me and my cousin was preparing this beach party. We fell short on lights that's why I asked my uncle before I came here to buy more. "Working hard now Kid?" Seems like Uncle Jun was much earlier than expected. I glanced at him and saw him carrying the box filled with lights. "Nah, not really" I took the box from him and started lining up the cords and wires. "You forgot to tell your friends that you're here." I stopped. Did I forgot to tell them? "I guess It slipped my mind." Maybe that's the reason Katara find it odd when I was finishing all the assignments for this week. "They were seriously worried when you didn't go back to the dorm, didn't attend classes, wasn't at the Cafe working, didn't text back to them, and your phone can't be reached. Sokka even thought you were ignoring them because of something they did that they don't even know what it was but Toph immediately told him 'Calm down snoozles, he might just be hanging around the other town or just sick'" That sounds like Toph alright "I forgot my charger at your house and no one in this island is using this phone model. Besides I'm going back there to grab Lily and the rest of the things needed for the 23rd. I might as well give them an explanation why I haven't been in touch or wasn't able to tell them that I'm gonna be gone for a whole week."

Hopefully I get to see them in the campus with no problem. I had to get there by 11am then leave at 2pm so we can get to the pier at 4pm. We need to get back here before the sunsets or it'll be dangerous with the waves. "I told them you're gonna get Lily at the BB cafe at lunch time so you might see them there" Seriously? I'm a bit convinced that my Uncle is a mind reader. "Then I gotta finish this quickly so I can get there before 11am." That makes me wonder what Katara is doing when I didn't get to say where I was going. "Oh yeah Zen, Katara was really worried about you and kept on calling your phone even after I told them you're at Shin Island with the family. She still continued on worrying that something bad happened to you. Just thought you should know considering she's your lockscreen wallpaper in your phone" I'm clearly convinced that my Uncle is a mind reader but other than that he didn't need to say that last sentence I felt my cheeks heating up.

October 19, 2021; 12:30am

BB's Cafe

Katara's PoV

We were waiting for Zen with Lily. Jun told us he should be here by lunchtime to pick the remaining materials they needed and Lily. I asked him why did he need to go over there earlier, Gen was still at school going to her classes but Jun told us Zen was the one preparing for the 23rd along with his other cousins. Zen is a great planner for this things and doing a lot of technical stuff. I guess that explains why he was cramped last week, he must've requested for this week's assignment so he wouldn't cram next week but what I don't get was why didn't he tell us, I mean yeah we're just friends but he could have atleast tell us about it considering how close we have gotten. He wasn't even answering his phone. It wasn't even reaching. Lily was here with us waiting for her worrysome brother. She just finished her exam earlier.

"Hey Lily, sorry for being late, I had to go to the hardware store for this bulb and some materials." I turned to the guy's voice "It's fine anyway I thought you were gonna message before you come here?" Lily said to her older brother. Stupid Zen, making me worry like that. I saw him chuckle "I forgot my charger at Uncle Jun's house." He forgot? Was that why we weren't able to reach his phone? "Anyway mind if I got something to eat before we go?" Lily nodded. Zen was walking towards us "Hey, I heard from Uncle about what happened" He was laughing awkwardly "Sorry, it kinda slipped my mind to tell you guys about this week. I wanted to invite you guys but granpa's house were already crowded and the inns at the island is already packed. It always get crowded at this time of the year considering the festivals and event happening. About my phone, I forgot my charger. I was able to learn about it when my baby cousins drained my phone when I was asleep."

Sokka stood up and grabbed Zen's shoulders "Festival? Events? Can I come? I could just sleep outside the beach, please!" Zen was taken back about Sokka "Easy Sokka, I can't really bring you guys there. It's seriously very crowded. It's like a festival everyday. People would swim here and there, The beach volleyball are always occupied. The place of the beach where we are setting up the even is packed with people and my cousin's are watching each of their steps and actions not to break anything." Sokka sulked "I'm just saying you guys can't come with me this year but I promise you guys, I'll get the inn ready for the summer and the Shin festival next year." Sokka gleamed up "So you mean this ain't a one time thing?" Zen nodded at my brother. "It happens every year then during April we do the summer fest." Sokka got closer to Zen "You promise?"

"I promise buddy and you'll probably needing to do what I did last week. If you want to come with me not having to worry about your missed classes." He chuckled and I caught him taking a glance at me. He sat down beside me "You alright?" I nodded "What kind of event are you guys holding?" I'm guessing it's just like a simple fiesta knowing other older people are joining. "A party" I choked on my water. A Party?! "For the elders?" He took a tissue napkin and handed it to me before nodding. "Crazy Idea right? It was my grandpa's" I guess that's where he got his goofy, wild and mischievous side. "Is this event just another family gathering?" He shook his head "It's a public event. Widely known as the Shin Fezt." My eyes widened again "You mean THE Shin Fezt?!?" That festival is really known across the globe for it's year to year change of unique theme. He nodded again "You mean you have been living the dream since you were a child?" Aang asked Zen. "Well, yeah I guess" He says while taking a bite at his food. "You have been seeing girls all over the globe since you're a child?" He raised his brow at Toph "Well, yeah" Girls all over the globe.. I touch the edge of his shirt which manage to get his attention. I quickly let go "I'm sorry, I just thought it was a uhh dirt!" He was looking at me with his mouth full of food.

"Zen let's go, we don't want the sun to be gone by the time we arrive at the pier." Lily was grabbing her bag. Zen quickly finish up and grab his phone and charger. He turned it on and his phone kept on ringing which startled him. Once it stop ringing "Wow, you guys must've been so worried about me. Sorry bout that. Well, gotta run see you on monday morning!" He grabbed his sister's luggage.

Zen would see a lot of girls over there. I admit I was getting insecure about this. It's Toph's fault for saying something weird. We barely talk earlier because they were chasing the time. It's been 4 hours since they've left. bzzt bzzt

I looked at my phone and Zen sent me a message

'Just chillin at the boat' he send it with a boat emoji and a vid. It was first seen towards the sea where the boat is moving. It was kinda noisy due to the engine. Then he turned it to his front cam and he was making this ugly faces with his sister. They are really siblings. I was about to text him a message saying 'hope you fall in the sea' but he already sent me another message.

'That took time to deliver. We're already at the beach, fixing stuffs.' Then he send a picture of him and 2 girls and a guy. 1 girl was clinging on him, it might be his cousin, Katara snap out of it! I began to type

'Let me guess, no reception?'

bzzt bzzt

'Yup! I barely have any reception at the pier but here at the island the signal is steady, not too great and not too bad. Anyway gtg ttyl.' He ended it with a peace sign emoji.

October 23, 2021 Night time

Shin Island

Zen's PoV

Everything was going smoothly since earlier. The bonfire was lightened then the lights were perfect. The event was hosted impressively by my cousins and I was handling the Music Mixer majority of the night. Granpa was pretty much enjoying his time with Grandma. She was happy that everyone was enjoying the food she made. I switch with my cousin Max so I could go down there and enjoy myself. Gen got here yesterday before the festival then she would go back first thing in the morning. "Zen Smile!" Lisa suddenly snapped a picture of me. She showed me the picture "Damn Zen, you look so fine here" What's that supposed to mean? I wasn't smiling at the picture, I was wearing A white shorts then a blue polo short sleeve loose buttons, it had a chinese collar. I just botton it at the 4th button then down so it was kinda showing my chest. It was kinda loose and was pretty comfortable. I checked my watch for the time, it was already 10pm.

I walk away from the party and sat by the sea. I dialed the girl on my lockscreen. I'll bring her here next year but before that the Winter formal is coming first which I asked Suki if Katara had a date. She said she was with Haru last year. Who was Haru? I don't know, my mind went blank after hearing she was partnered with another guy. I was planning on asking her but I never got a chance to ask her or I don't know, I guess I want to ask her in a more special way.

"Zen?"

I smiled "Hey, how are you doing?" I looked up at the sky full of stars. I was far from the event that I couldn't hear the music from here all I was hearing was the waves crashing. It was breezy but calming.

"I'm doing okay? How bout you? What happened that it made you call?" I could hear it in her voice that she was a bit worried. I wasn't really the type of person who would call someone without a reason or emergency. It's been 5 days since I last saw and talk to her I guess "I've been missing you" I heard a bang at the end of the line but other than that I realized I said my thought out loud. My eyes widened. "I mean I really missed messing with you and yeah.." I said that almost immediately that I stuttered in every word.

"I miss you too Zen" Maybe I do have a chance with her but what if she meant it as a friend. Why am I so dense about these things! Katara ain't making this easy for me. She was kind to everyone she meets. Except for those who she knew that were trouble.

"So, did the event ended already?"

"Nah, not yet. Hear this, it's a successful event and what I did to the place was amazing" I said smirking.

"Oh really? I don't believe you" She was messing with me.

"Alright then, next time I'm gonna show you one of my works then if you still don't believe me then fine but if you do believe me at that time then I want you to answer my question that I'll ask that moment." I could hear her thinking about it.

"If I'm not amazed by your work then I want to hear you sing" I blinked then chuckled "Deal."

"Deal."

Nothing much had happened after that. I hanged up the call because my grandpa was looking for me. He wanted to have additional effects so I had to go to the lighting station and added the effects my grandpa wanted. We partied too hard last night that I got up with a hangover. This was my least favourite time because even if you have hangover you still need to clean up the beach. Every year I regret drinking so much but I still do it. I stayed there till monday afternoon then left at 3pm since the waves wasn't agreeing with us in the morning. Tuesday morning I came back to the Akashi University.

October 26, 2021 Morning

Zen's PoV

If I remember correctly. This week we will be only decorating the classroom for the Halloween party. Well they've done a good job with it, fortunately we will not be having horror movies at this class. I could handle this quality of gore but if it was an asylum then it's a different story. I'm a sucker for horror and it doesn't end well during night. I get paranoid after watching. There were only 3 students present right now, well it was just 7am and school starts at 8am. Ms. Rui came inside the room "Welcome back Zen, Did you enjoy your long week vacation?" I chuckled. "It was very enjoyable without having to worry about what I missed because I already completed it the week before"

Disclaimer: ANY A:TLA CHARACTERS AREN'T MINE

Hey guys! I was wondering if you have any tips on how can I make my grammars, speeches and interaction better. I'm running out of Ideas of how I can execute the story. To be honest I'm having a difficulty in writing since there are times I can't really explain it well and there are many repeating statements and words. If you guys noticed it's getting a longer time for me to upload the chapter that's because I'm having trouble in executing the words here in this story. It would help me a lot!! Anyway I hope you guys enjoyed this Chapter and story! Please don't forget and hesitate to Favourite and follow the chapter. Please do give me criticized or comments and reviews!