The Golden Ruins (High School Series #2)

Chapter 16

"Tingnan niyo kung sino kasama natin, o!"

We arrived at the gymnasium earlier than expected, buzzing with excitement for the day ahead. Eager to ensure everything was set for their practice session, I swiftly gathered their water bottles, arranged them neatly aside, and laid out fresh towels for each player, ready for their individual use during the intense training ahead.

I handed Coach a comprehensive list detailing the attendance of every player, eager to contribute in any way possible to the smooth running of the camp. Once my responsibilities were fulfilled, I trailed behind the team, observing their interactions with keen interest.

They seemed engrossed in conversation with another team invited to the program, their camaraderie evident even before the practice began. The opposing team sported jerseys with a striking black base and a splash of mint green, resembling venomous tendrils emanating from below.

Suddenly, a voice rang out above the chatter, drawing my attention. "Wait, seriously?" The incredulous tone belonged to a member of the opposing team, directed at Kleo, who nodded earnestly, exchanging hushed words. "You guys have a manager who's your age?"

My ears perked up as I realized I was the subject of their discussion, a mixture of excitement and curiosity coursing through me.

Clutching my trusty notebook to my chest, I strode purposefully in their direction, a wide grin plastered across my face. With a quick wave, I bowed respectfully, eager to make a good impression.

"Manager!" Kleo greeted me with a warm smile, gesturing towards the perplexed player beside him. "Si Cam nga pala! First outside hitter ng Vipers!"

Just then, a figure strode into the gymnasium, arms crossed and a smirk playing on his lips. His buzz cut and dark green beanie mirrored the Vipers' jerseys, adding to the aura of confidence that surrounded him.

Casting a disdainful glance at our team, he chuckled arrogantly before making a pointed remark, "Nandito pala 'yong mga talunan last year."

Skye, never one to back down, confronted him head-on. "Aba, ang laki ng ulo kahit binuhat lang ni Three at Vi," he retorted sharply. "Magsalita ka na lang kapag may naiambag ka na sa team mo, a?"

Wait... Vi? My mind scrambled to process the unexpected mention, causing a moment of confusion to wash over me. Wasn't he the skilled libero from Montessori? Why was his name being brought up here, amid this tense exchange between our teams?

"Hold on..." Cameron's voice cut through the tension as he approached the commotion, his chuckle tinged with nervousness.

"Si Leizu 'yong nakasuot ng beanie," Kleo murmured in my ear, his voice barely audible over the din. "Siya 'yong mahirap pakisamahan sa Vipers dahil sa siga niyang ugali."

While I only grasped fragments of their conversation, their heated tones and expressive gestures left no doubt that they were locked in a dispute. "What's got them all riled up?" I inquired, my interest piqued.

"Nanglalait lang 'tong si Leizu dahil natalo kami laban sa kanila no'ng nationals last year," Kleo explained casually, but the subtle clenching of his jaw betrayed his deeper feelings. "Balita ko nga na mas mainit 'yong ulo niya ngayong taon kasi lumipat 'yong libero nila sa ibang team. Malapit pa naman sila sa isa't isa."

Kleo's revelation piqued my interest, and I leaned in closer, eager to confirm my suspicions.

"Are you talking about Vi?" I asked, my curiosity bubbling to the surface. "The libero from Montessori, right?"

"Oo, siya nga." Kleo nodded, his expression confirming my hunch. "Naglalaro siya para sa Vipers noon."

Van swiftly intervened, delivering a sharp smack to Skye's head to quell the brewing conflict. With an exasperated eye roll, Skye begrudgingly complied, walking away from the confrontation.