POV: Jay
Saturday afternoon sunlight poured over Hex's school like it was blessing the entire campus.
Because everything feels louder lately.
A car pulled in.
Uncle Victor stepped out first.
Aunty Serina followed, elegant as always.
Keagan trailing behind, already complaining about the heat.
I smiled and walked over.
"Aunty!"
She hugged me warmly.
"You look beautiful," she said softly.
Please don't make me cry before the program even starts.
Then—
Another familiar voice.
"Jay-jay !"
Aries.
Behind him?
Section E boys.
Drew waving dramatically.
Rory carrying snacks.
Yuri scanning the place like security.
David already teasing someone.
"You guys actually came?" I asked.
"Of course," Aries said. "We're here to judge."
"You're not judges."
"We are in spirit."
I laughed.
And then—
Keifer stepped out from behind them.
Simple blue shirt.
Hands in pockets.
Watching me.
Why does he look calm? Why does that make me nervous?
He walked closer.
"You made it," he said softly.
"You doubted me?"
"Always."
I hit his arm lightly.
He smirked.
Comfortable.
Too comfortable.
"You look nervous," he said.
"I'm not."
"You are."
I exhaled softly.
Maybe I was.
Because Hex was performing.
And this wasn't a small classroom stage.
This was a real program.
MCs testing microphones.
"Check, check… good afternoon everyone!"
🥁 Opening March & National Anthem 🇵🇭
Students lined up by class.
Drum corps leading the march.
Shoes hitting pavement in rhythm.
Class moving in order.
It felt disciplined.
Proud.
The choir stepped forward.
The Philippine National Anthem began.
Everyone stood.
Hand over chest.
Even the Section E boys went quiet.
The anthem echoed through the court.
Clear.
Strong.
For a moment, everything felt unified.
🎤 Welcome & Speeches
An SSG officer welcomed everyone.
Then the Principal stepped forward.
He spoke about SIIS history.
Founders.
Values.
Excellence.
Achievements.
Board passers.
Champions.
He sounded proud.
And he should.
A teacher gave a short inspirational speech after.
An honored student spoke about discipline and growth.
The crowd applauded warmly.
While the speeches continued, Mila pulled me toward her parents.
"You must be Jay," her mom said warmly.
Her dad nodded. "Thank you for supporting her."
I smiled shyly.
Then James' mom approached too.
"So you're the Jay I've heard about."
I blinked. "What exactly have you heard?"
She laughed. "That you keep strong boys in line."
Before I could respond, two teachers approached me.
"You're Hex's Sister , right?"
"Yes, ma'am."
They exchanged looks.
"He's extremely talented," one said.
"But stubborn," the other added.
I almost laughed.
"Yes… that sounds accurate."
"Mila too. James as well. And that Keagan boy…
"They are good in studies," one teacher continued. "Top students. But sometimes too headstrong."
I smiled politely.
If only you knew how strong-headed.
"They mean well," I said softly.
The teachers nodded.
"We know."
💃 Cultural & Dance Performances
Traditional Filipino dances filled the stage first.
Barong.
Maria Clara dresses.
Fans moving gracefully.
Parents recording proudly.
Then modern routines.
Sharp choreography.
Energy rising.
And then—
"Next, a special duet performance by Mila and Hex!"
My heart jumped.
Music started.
Strong beat.
Mila entered first.
Confident.
Sharp.
Then Hex.
Controlled.
Focused.
Their synchronization was flawless.
Every lift steady.
Every turn precise.
The audience grew silent.
When Hex lifted Mila smoothly and spun—
Gasps filled the court.
They ended in perfect timing.
Music cut.
The applause was immediate.
Loud.
Sincere.
Even Uncle Victor stood clapping.
Keifer beside me nodded slightly, impressed.
I felt proud.
Unreasonably proud.
🎤 Singing Performances
The school choir sang an inspirational song.
Solo performances followed.
Some shaky.
Some powerful.
The sun began lowering slightly, casting warm light over the stage.
🏆 Awards & Recognition Ceremony
Academic achievers were called.
Medals awarded.
Best in MAPEH.
Outstanding club officers.
Leadership.
Discipline.
Sportsmanship.
When Hex's name was called for Academic Excellence—
The applause was strong.
When Mila received Best in MAPEH—
Even louder cheers.
Keagan received recognition too.
Aries whistled loudly from behind us.
Section E boys acting like proud managers.
🎬 Founder's Video
A short film played on screen.
Old photos of SIIS.
Graduates.
Memories.
Teachers younger.
Students growing.
The crowd grew emotional.
Even I felt something stir.
Then.
The moment.
🎤 Hex's Spoken Word
The MC smiled.
"And now, a spoken word performance by Hex."
The court quieted.
One microphone.
One spotlight.
Hex walked to center stage.
No music.
Just his footsteps.
He adjusted the mic.
Looked at the crowd.
Then—
His eyes found me.
My heart skipped.
He inhaled.
And began.
"There's that one person in everyone's day,
Who makes the gray skies turn okay.
The laugh that sneaks into your chest,
The little chaos that feels the best.
The one who knows when to push, when to stay,
Who turns the boring into play.
The smile that's loud, the voice that's clear,
The reason I'm braver when you're near.
She doesn't wear a crown,
But she carries kingdoms.
She doesn't need saving,
But I'll stand beside her anyway.
So yes, I'll say it, no need to hide,
That one person… Jay-Jay, is you—my sister .
And maybe, just maybe, I'll confess,
Being near you… is my favorite mess."
Silence.
Complete silence.
The kind that feels heavy in your chest.
My vision blurred.
I didn't realize I was holding my breath.
He didn't look away.
Not once.
Then—
Applause exploded.
Loud.
Standing ovation from most of the court.
Even the Principal stood.
Teachers clapped proudly.
Mila looked emotional backstage.
Aunty Serina squeezed my hand.
Uncle Victor nodded slowly, impressed.
Behind me, Section E boys went wild.
Ci-N yelling, "BROOOO!"
And Keifer?
He leaned closer.
"He's brave," he said quietly.
I swallowed.
"Yes."
"You almost cried."
"I didn't."
"You did."
Maybe I did.
Because every word felt real.
Not dramatic.
Not forced.
Just honest.
🎉 Closing & Snacks
The final performance was a fun group dance.
Laughter returned.
The MC thanked everyone.
Dismissal announced.
Soon, the court transformed into a small festival.
Students lining up for pandesal.
Banana cue sticks disappearing fast.
Juice boxes everywhere.
Section E boys arguing over snacks.
Keagan showing off his medal.
Mila glowing.
Hex calm but lighter somehow.
Keifer standing beside me quietly.
The sun setting behind the stage.
Golden light everywhere.
For a moment…
Everything felt full.
Happy.
Complete.
And deep inside—
A small voice whispered:
Moments like this don't last forever.
End of Founder's Day Chapter 🌟🏫🔥
*************Curious about Hex and Mila's ceremony performance?
I posted a video on my Instagram @day24795 showing how I imagine their stage moment. It's not the actual Hex and Mueller, but it's the vision in my head brought to life 😌✨
Go check it out!
#HexAndMila #StageVision #SectionE******************