Diandra’s eyes looked sorrowful after singing the song that had forced her to hold back her emotions. She had fought hard to keep from crying while she sang. For a moment, she lowered her head to calm herself and regain control of her feelings.
With a single clap from above, the Student Council President started first, wearing a proud smile. A few students followed, and soon the applause grew louder.
Everyone was swept up in the mood and overwhelmed by emotion as they listened to Diandra sing “A Message of Longing for Dad” with such sincerity. They started tearing up too, and some even sobbed as they thought of their own fathers.
It was a heartbreaking song. Anyone who heard it would cry, no matter who they were.
Diandra stood and wiped the tear tracks from her cheeks, steadying herself as usual.
A relieved smile curved across her face. She was glad she had managed to sing the song well.
“Wow, Diandra, that was such a touching performance. ‘A Message of Longing for Dad’ really brought tears to everyone’s eyes—including mine,” Rizal said as he wiped away the last of his tears. He joined in the applause, looking at Diandra with emotion in his eyes.
“Thanks, Senior. I sang this song for my dad, who’s resting peacefully up there,” she replied, looking up at the cloudy sky. Even the sky seemed to reflect what Diandra was feeling right now.
“Your father must be proud of you, watching from up there,” Rizal said as he walked closer to the stage.
Diandra only smiled, her gaze sweeping across the entire assembly field.
“Once again, let’s give Diandra a round of applause.”
A unified burst of applause filled the school field.
Diandra then came down, where Vita was already waiting to greet her with a hug.
“Dian, your voice is amazing. I went through all my tissues wiping away the tears that wouldn’t stop while you were singing,” Vita said, still refusing to let go.
“Thanks, Vit. I was actually really nervous too, and I’m relieved I managed to sing all the way to the end.”
Vita released her. Diandra’s expression changed instantly when her eyes met Rafa’s as he walked toward her.
“So you have a beautiful voice after all,” Rafa complimented once he was standing in front of her. He cleared his throat and scratched the tip of his suddenly itchy nose.
Seeing Rafa standing between them, Vita slowly turned around, leaving Rafa alone with Diandra.
Vita gestured at Diandra, who responded with a light glare.
“Thanks!” Diandra replied curtly. She suddenly felt awkward.
“Is there anything else you wanted to say, Senior Rafa? If not, I’m going to catch up with Vita.”
Rafa caught Diandra by the hand. “Are you deliberately avoiding me?”
“No!”
Rafa fell silent.
“That’s just how you feel!” she argued, shifting her gaze away.
“That’s exactly what’s happening!” Rafa snapped.
“Then what do you want, Senior Rafa?” Diandra asked, staring intently at his face.
Her gaze instantly left him at a loss for words.
Rafa looked away, making Diandra frown in confusion.
“Let me borrow your phone.” He changed the subject.
“What for?”
“Quit asking so many questions!”
“Here, Senior.” Diandra decided it was better to give in than keep standing there with Rafa, who was making her feel a little awkward.
Rafa typed something and immediately handed the phone back. Diandra was confused by his behavior. The boy simply turned away without saying a word.
“Calling him an annoying Student Council President really is accurate,” Diandra muttered.
Her attention shifted to the notification for a new message.
+6281342xxx: Save, Rafa.
Diandra froze, staring at her phone screen.