#NewClassicILIB

Chapter 9
Backstage

As the band started playing the song, the expression on Isaiah's face immediately changed as he faced the audience―showing how professional he is.

"Bagong kanta ba 'to?" pabulong na tanong ni Dawn na para lamang siguro sa kanyang sarili.

My lips went far apart when I realized that it really was a new song. The intro wasn't familiar to me. It was my first time hearing it.

One day,
I opened my eyes
The bright lights flashed on me

And there you are,
Right in front of me

And, oh, I keep thinking
I never thought this moment
And that this day would finally come
But I am standing here,
Singing for you...

I got goosebumps on how much control and emotions Isaiah got in his voice. He started the first verse quietly singing, but then he suddenly brought it up, making the fans screamed in awe. I noticed that his voice sounded raspier, but it fit the song perfectly.

Baby, we're the New First Classic
Oh-oh-oh New First Classic

You are the First Class
And we're the New Classic
You're the First Class
We are the New Classic

You are...
And we are...
The New First Classic!

After they finished singing the upbeat chorus of the song, it was obvious that it's another song they wrote for us, their fans―First Class. They put the name of the band, our official fandom name, and the combination of both names in the chorus. Unlike the first song they wrote for us―Moments―this new song is catchier since it has a faster rhythm, though Moments is undoubtedly more sentimental.

And, oh, I keep thinking
Do I deserve this love?
Do I deserve your love?
But I'm still standing here,
Singing for you...

Isaiah's both hands were holding on to the microphone on the mic stand as he sang the bridge and hit the high note of the song. As his voice resonated inside the whole Skydome, when the band stopped playing for a few seconds while Isaiah held on to the note, warmth also spread over my heart.

There was a feeling of intense admiration as I watched him doing his passion. I would never get tired hearing him sing and watching him perform for us―their fans. He's shining so bright whenever he's singing.

Baby, we're the New First Classic
Oh-oh-oh New First Classic

You are the First Class
And we're the New Classic
You're the First Class
We are the New Classic

You are...
And we are...
The New First Classic!

During the last chorus, they all sang together, creating a flawless harmony.

Oh, baby...
We are the New First Classic...

Isaiah was the one who ended the song with his soulful voice. And when he bowed his head, after singing the last lyric, the lights slowly faded out.

The crowd was cheering wildly, but I could still hear my heart beating louder than those cheers. It was pounding so hard on my chest. His unexpected presence, and the surprise performance of the band, took my breath away.

When the lights go on again, all the members were lined up at the center of the stage with the same position like always. Mas lalong lumakas ang sigawan. Dumadagundong ang buong Skydome sa lakas. They were screaming the names of the members―all at the same time. However, I was amazed when they all went silent, the moment Ike raised a finger on his lips to quiet them down.

"Tangina ang hot ni Ike doon..." Dinig kong bulong ni Dawn sa gilid ko.

I had to admit that I agreed on that. Ike really did look cool when he was able to silence the fans with just a finger.

Kita kong napangiti si Isaiah nang tumahimik agad ang mga fans. He really loves it whenever we are being obedient. It fueled me to do well as the president of First Class. I'd do my best to keep our fandom well-mannered to make him, and the other members, proud of us.

"Got Music?" Ike started their greeting.

"New Classic!" They all said in unison. "Hello, we are New Classic!"

The fans cheered again. The smile of the members' faces beamed even more. Mukhang mayroon pang ginawa si Sic na hindi ko nakita masyado na nagpatawa at nagpatili lalo sa mga fans.

"Do you guys like our new song?" Ike asked everyone.

"Yes..." I whispered, while the other fans, including Dawn, shouted whole-heartedly.

"It is the first time we performed that song in public," Ike began with his ment. "We started writing this song, just a week ago, and finished it yesterday night."

While the others expressed their amusement, I was feeling pitiful. I knew how busy they were for the past weeks, as mentioned by Mr. Joel. They barely got any rest day. And yet, they even used their free time to write a new song for us. On top of that, they also attended today's fan gathering to perform the new song, when they could have just rested. Mayroon silang mga schedule kanina. Paniguradong pagod na sila, pero hindi lang nila iyon pinapakita. They still looked really fresh and handsome, despite having a very hectic schedule.

"Ike and I wrote the lyrics, while Sic and Jirro did the arrangements for the song." It was Isaiah's turn to speak. "It's a song that's meant to be enjoyed by our First Class. But at the same, it served to express our thoughts and feelings for the overwhelming support and love we've received, ever since we made our debut."

Our First Class...

Those words lingered in my head. I liked how he put a possessive pronoun as he addressed us with our official fandom name.

"The song will be released next week as a digital single, along with a new music video," Jirro said, and everyone became hyped.

Ngumuso ako. Mukhang magsho-shoot pa sila ngayon ng music video para sa release ng single na 'to.

"And I'm sure everyone's curious what the title of the song is, right?" Sic energetically asked the fans.

"Yes!"

"The title of the song is New First Classic," Sic announced the title of the song. "It is a genius idea from our leader."

The other members laughed when Sic sounded like he was teasing Ike. Napangisi na lamang si Ike at saka napailing-iling. Naramdaman kong napakapit sa braso ko si Dawn sa sobrang kilig.

"Anyway, First Class, I hope you have a really fun day today," Sic was starting with his closing ment. "We are also happy that we got to perform in front of you again. I hope you gain a lot of friends in your first ever fan gathering. We promise that we will meet each other again soon."

Pumalakpak ang mga fans, kasama ako, matapos ang closing ment ni Sic. Hindi nagtagal ay sumunod din si Jirro.

"There was a bit of conflict with our schedule today, so we almost didn't make it on time. But we are really relieved that we got to see you and perform the song we prepared for you all," Jirro said. "Like what Sic said, we will meet again soon!"

Muling nagsipalakpakan ang mga fans. A girl even shouted Jirro's full name so loud that made the guys laughed. Si Jirro ay medyo bahagyang nahiya at mahinang itinulak si Isaiah para mag-umpisa na sa pagsasalita.

"Did you guys have fun with the program and activities today?" Isaiah suddenly asked the audience, when it was already his turn.

"Yes!"

"I'm glad you did." He smiled. "The point of this fan gathering is not just for you to make mutuals, but also to let you all have fun, so I'm really glad."

"Aw..."

"I hope that you all will keep this memory in your heart―that you are part of the first ever fan gathering of First Class," he said. "So, yeah, we hope we can meet more often and much longer. Please continue supporting New Classic!"

With a huge smile on my face, I clapped so hard, after his closing ment.

"Si Ike na!" Hindi mapakali si Dawn sa tabi ko at inilabas ang phone niya para videohan ang pagsasalita ni Ike.

"First Class..." Ike recited our fandom name. "I don't know but it feels so nice to address you all with a name we came up with ourselves. It's nice to know that our fans already have their own identity. It makes me feel like you all got closer to me in some ways," he explained. "New First Classic is a song, which I think symbolizes the birth of First Class. I hope that you will give lots of love and anticipate the upcoming single next week. We will try our best to meet you guys more and be back with a new album, as soon as possible. So, until now, Got Music?"

"New Classic! Thank you for coming!" They waved their hands to the fans to bid good bye.

May staff na umakyat para igaya ang mga members pababa sa kabilang side ng stage. They are going to the backstage!

Dawn and I could go inside the backstage room, but we had no idea if we should go there, especially when New Classic was inside. Habang nag-iisip ay nagulat na lamang ako nang biglang lumapit sa akin si mommy at pati na rin si Mr. Joel.

"Surprise!" my mother happily exclaimed.

Nagparte ang mga labi ko. Don't tell me...

"Your mother asked me not to tell you two that New Classic confirmed their attendance for today, so that she could still surprise you," Mr. Joel explained and chuckled. "Pero mabuti na nga rin at hindi ko nasabi dahil muntik na rin silang hindi makarating. Na-late kasi ng tapos ang interview nila kaya nadelay rin ang photoshoot. There was also a heavy traffic on the way. They almost didn't make it on time."

"Did you like my surprise, 'nak?" mommy asked me.

"Syempre naman po!" sabi ko at naramdaman ko ang pag-init ng gilid ng aking mga mata. "Thank you, 'mmy."

I almost couldn't control my emotions, so I hugged her to hide myself. My mother chuckled because of my reaction, while she gently pat my back.

"Anyway, Dawn, Zendaya, the members want to meet you both," biglang sabi ni Mr. Joel. "Ipapakilala namin kayo sandali sa kanila bago sila umalis. Kayo na rin ang magpapirma ng album ni Aya sa kanila."

Agad akong napabitaw sa pagkakayakap kay mommy para harapin si Mr. Joel. Parang nayanig ang mundo ko sa kanyang sinabi. My pulse quickened, knowing that I'd personally meet New Classic, especially Isaiah.

I knew I already met them during the fansigning, and meet and greet event, but this was a different one. Dawn and I were going to be introduced as the admins of New Classic PH, which would change into First Class PH.

I wasn't mentally prepared and ready yet, but the next thing I knew, we were already in front of New Classic's dressing room at the backstage. The feeling of acute agitation woke me up, keeping my blood pumping. I was fidgety.

It was also the first time I saw Dawn looking so dumbfounded. Like me, she also didn't know what to do. Parehas kaming sobrang natutuwa, ngunit kinakain din ng matinding kaba. The rarity of this opportunity made us feel pressured and nervous.

Mabilis na kumatok si Mr. Joel sa pintuan at agad na binuksan iyon. Pumasok siya sa loob. Tahimik at nag-aalangan kaming sumunod ni Dawn sa kanya. There, we saw the guys sitting on the couch. They already changed their shirts into a more casual one. They were laughing at something Sic showed to them from his phone.

"Guys, the admins are here!" Mr. Joel announced to them.

Naramdaman kong napatayo nang maayos si Dawn, lalo na nang nailipat sa amin ang atensyon ng mga iniidolong lalaki sa harapan. I tried my best not to look at Isaiah, but my eyes were automatically drawned to him. He was actually the first one who noticed our arrival.

His caramel colored, deep set of eyes looked back at me―watching me carefully. Para akong sinisikil ng kanyang titig na hindi ako makahinga nang maayos. In the end, as I couldn't take the intensity of his stare, I averted my gaze. Sakto naman na nasa harapan na namin si Sic.

"Hi, I'm Sic!" He casually took our hands for a shake, while he introduced himself.

Obviously, there was no need for him to introduce himself as we are his fans, but he still did. Sa nakikita ko sa kanya ngayon, pakiramdam ko ay talagang mas maligalig siya kaysa sa nakikita namin sa kanilang mga TV guestings, interviews, at kapag nasa stage.

"Dawn," pakilala ni Dawn sa kanyang sarili habang ang tingin ay nasa kamay nila ni Sic na magkahawak.

Lumingon naman sa akin ni Sic matapos magpakilala ni Dawn. "Your name?" masiglang tanong niya.

"Zendaya," I simply answered.

"Oh, Zendaya!" he said my name and smiled widely.

"If we're not mistaken, you're the president of First Class, right?" Jirro asked.

Hindi ko napansin na nakalapit na rin pala siya sa amin, pati na rin sina Ike at Isaiah na mukhang nakisunod na lang din sa dalawa.

"Uh, yes," sabi ko at saka nilingon si Dawn. "Dawn is one of the admins."

Tumango-tango sila. Mas lumapit sa amin si Ike. Nadinig ko ang pagsinghap ni Dawn.

"Thank you so much to the both of you," he expressed his gratitude with a smile. "Mr. Joel told us that you two worked hard to plan the program of the event."

"You're welcome!" mabilis na sabi ni Dawn at ngayon ay ngiting-ngiti na.

Kinamayan din kami nina Ike at Jirro gaya nang ginawa ni Sic. Nang makita kong si Isaiah na ang papalapit sa amin, pakiramdam ko ay mawawalan ako ng malay.

Meeting him, without the signing table separating us, made me flush. It brought heat to my cheeks. Pressure grew in my chest, especially after he was done shaking Dawn's hand.

When he was in front of me, I tried to keep my eyes down. I'd rather focus on his hand, instead of looking straight to his face in such a close and dangerous distance.

"Zendaya..." he said my name as he reached out his hand for a shake.

Pursing my lips tight, I gathered my courage and was about to take his hand, when he suddenly said something which made me feel flustered.

"I think I can remember you..."

The shock seemed to have loosened the nervous feeling inside me that I lifted my head quickly to look at him. The thought that he finally remembered me from four years ago, brought a twinge of happiness to my heart. I completely disregarded the fact that we were only a few inches away from each other.

As my eyes were all on him, he brilliantly chose that time to smile. Almost leaping out of my chest, my heart skipped a beat. The butterflies on my stomach couldn't be tamed. They were flying all over the place.

"Aren't you the one who gave me the gold pick during the fansign event?" he suddenly asked to confirm, and my shoulders fell in an instant. "The pick with the smiley face engraved on it?"

Ang nakaawang kong bibig ay mabilis kong isinara. I blamed myself for getting my hopes up again. Kung bakit ba kasi muli ko pang naisip 'yon? Ilang beses ko nang sinabi sa sarili ko na pakawalan na lamang 'yon, ngunit heto at umasa na naman ako. Mabuti na lang at hindi katulad noon ay hindi na ako masaydong naapektuhan dahil tanggap ko na ang kanyang pagkalimot sa akin.

"Ah, right!" Ike seconded. "I finally remembered her, too. Siya nga iyong nagbigay ng pick noong fansigning. I used it today and during our rehearsals."

"This is it, right?" Pinakita ngayon ni Jirro ang hawak niyang pick na binigay ko nga. Hinugot niya iyon mula sa kanyang wallet. "I like it, so I put it on my wallet."

Nakisali na rin si Sic. "Mayroon din ako niyan!" pagmamalaki niya. "'Di ko nga lang magamit dahil laging drums ang kaharap ko."

Ike chuckled. "You can still play acoustic guitar, Sic. Magagamit mo pa rin minsan."

I had no idea why they were making a big deal out of the guitar pick I gave them. Dawn and I glanced at each other. She just shrugged her shoulders, saying that she also couldn't understand them. We were both weirded out.

Pagkaharap ko ay kita kong nakakunot ngayon ang noo ni Isaiah. Hindi siya nakikisali sa pagkukulitan nina Ike, Sic, at Jirro. Natigil lamang ako sa pagpuna nang dahil kay Mr. Joel.

"Zendaya, here's the album, by the way." Lumapit si Mr. Joel para ibigay sa akin ang Kaleidoscope album. Doon ko lamang naalala na mayroon nga pala akong ipapapirma na album para kay Aya.

"Thank you po," sabi ko at inabot mula sa kanya ang album.

"What's that?" Si Sic agad ang muling lumapit.

"Uh, ipapapirma ko lang sana," nahihiya kong sabi. "We have another admin. Her name is Aya―"

For a second, I stopped speaking when Ike suddenly coughed. I turned to face him as he caught my attention.

"Sorry," he apologized and raised a hand. "My throat got itchy from laughing."

Tumango na lamang ako at saka nagpatuloy. "So, ayon nga... Taga-Cebu siya kaya hindi siya nakapunta ngayon. If it's alright, I hope you can all sign this for her. Ipapadala ko 'to sa kanya."

"Sure!"

"No problem!"

Sabay na sabi nina Sic at Jirro. Si Sic ang naunang kumuha sa akin nang album. May inabot na permanent marker si Mr. Joel upang magamit nila sa pagpirma.

"Aya is her name, right?" paninigurado sa akin ni Ike.

I smiled. "Yup!"

Mabilis siyang pumirma at naglagay na rin nang kaunting mensahe para kay Aya. Si Isaiah ang pinakahuling pumirma sa kanilang apat.

Bahagya siyang nakanguso habang pumipirma. He signed so fast that I expected he only put a short dedication for Aya, unlike the other members. I wanted to tell him that Aya's favorite song was Smile, which was the song he wrote, but I stopped myself. I had no courage to engage myself with another conversation with him.

Pagkatapos niyang pumirma ay nagkaroon kami nang kaunting picture taking. Isinulat ko rin sa papel ang pangalan ni Aya para makakuha ng fansign para sa kanya. The boys looked awkward, while holding the piece of paper with Aya's name on it, but they still are effortlessly handsome.

"Thank you," paulit-ulit na sabi namin ni Dawn habang papalabas na kami ng dressing room. Si Sic na makulit ay walang tigil din nang kakakaway sa amin.

Once we were out, Dawn and I looked at each other again. Like it was our first time breathing after a long while, we both breathe heavily.