The Golden Ruins (High School Series #2)

Chapter 15

Two months had swiftly passed since the exhilarating field trip, and the atmosphere in the gymnasium crackled with anticipation. Each team member was focused as they prepared for the upcoming national tournament.

As the team gathered for their break during training, I moved among them, distributing individual bottles of water. The sweat glistened on their brows, evidence of the intense effort they were putting into their practice sessions.

"Ang galing ka! Keep it up!" I encouraged Cal with a wide grin, my words infused with genuine admiration for his dedication.

Over the past months, I have grown accustomed to managing the team and providing support wherever needed. With each interaction, I grew closer to the players, forging bonds beyond the confines of the volleyball court.

My grasp of the language had improved significantly, thanks to the patient assistance of Gio and the other players. Their encouragement and willingness to teach helped me overcome the initial language barrier, allowing me to communicate more effectively with them.

Cal returned his empty bottle before returning to his position on the court. Despite his reserved nature, I could sense a shift in him since the field trip. There was a newfound determination in his eyes and a sense of purpose that drove him to train harder than ever before.

I couldn't help but wonder what had transpired during that fateful match on the field trip. Cal had never spoken about it, keeping his thoughts and emotions closely guarded. But the intensity with which he approached his training sessions spoke volumes about the impact it had on him.

Whatever it was, it had lit a fire within Cal, propelling him to strive for greatness with unwavering determination.

"Ang galing mo," Gio corrected me gently, a patient smile gracing his lips as he offered a quick language lesson. "I believe in you!" he exclaimed warmly, his hand ruffling my hair affectionately before he returned to the court to resume practice.

I nodded gratefully, hanging onto his every word as I scribbled down the correction in my notebook. I watched him go, my heart fluttering with admiration and gratitude for his guidance. There was something about Gio's unwavering support and kindness that never failed to uplift my spirits.

As I returned to my seat on the bench, a soft giggle escaped my lips. Despite knowing that Gio saw me as a younger sibling, I couldn't help but admire him from afar, drawn to his maturity and genuine warmth. He was everything I admired in a person—kind, supportive, and fiercely dedicated to his craft.

He was, quite simply, my type in every sense of the word!

The student council meeting buzzed with excitement as we delved into the topic of the upcoming Christmas celebrations. Everyone eagerly shared their ideas, each suggestion more creative and festive than the last. With the holiday spirit in the air, I couldn't help but feel inspired to contribute in any way I could.

Pulling out my sketchpad, I flipped through the pages filled with colorful designs and intricate patterns. With a sense of pride, I presented my ideas to the group, placing the sketches on display for all to see. There was a moment of stunned silence as my classmates took in the vibrant imagery, their eyes widening with surprise and delight.

After a beat, the room erupted into cheers and applause, their enthusiastic response filling me with a sense of accomplishment. With their unanimous approval, I wasted no time in getting to work, eager to bring my vision to life throughout the campus.

"Thanks for your assistance, Darcy!" I exclaimed, turning to my friend with a beaming smile.

She had been by my side throughout the entire process, offering her invaluable input and helping me bring my ideas to fruition. Together, we had spent countless hours perfecting the visuals, ensuring that every corner of the school would be adorned with festive decorations.