Is Ihstan Alone?

XXIII

CHAPTER 23

I won my Semi-Finals match.

But I was still doubting myself because my championship match will be a challenge for me since I will be facing again the defending champion, which was my first match.

Can I do this? Can I win the game?

My teammates motivated me again. I looked around to search Kaldhi but I lately realized that he was not here? Where the fvck is he? My championship match will commence five minutes from now.

"Ihstan." I turned my gaze to Ritzieh. "Kaldhi has an important emergency, but he promised that he will watch your game. Break a leg." She added and gave me a friendly hug.

"I am freezing. I am nervous. I think maybe I will just quit this." I said.

"Ihstan, no! You're here. You need to fight because Regionals is waiting for you. That was your goal, right? If that Kobie beat you in your first game, then you will beat him this time, okay?"

"I don't want to disappoint you guys, because I felt like I will not win in this match."

"We believe in you, Ihstan. This is one step closer. It will just be five sets match and finish! We can celebrate. I know you are nervous, but I knew you are a competitive person with manners."

"But Ritzieh -."

"Just imagine that we are in the class just like what we were doing every single day that we are competing, but you know what - I don't have the ability to steal your first honors spot because I can't. I want to be a first honors too like you but I just can't. I hope you get my point."

My body became uncomfortable when the host introduce us. I was the first game in the championship match that is why I needed to put an art and effort. Ritzieh was right. I am a competitive person with manners.

My opponent was holding the ball which means he will deliver it to me. I was disappointed immediately because he got an ace. The crowd cheered and yelled for him. However, when it was my turn to serve I got a 4-0 run but it was not enough for me to chase his score resulting for me to lose the first set. I panicked again.

I looked at my parents and they were still smiling at me. Ritzieh was in their side and Kaldhi? He waved his hand. After the first set, we had a one-minute time out. I went to the comfort room like yesterday to wash my face. I looked at the mirror and saw Kaldhi. I was expecting that.

"I am sorry I was late. How was the first set?" He asked.

"I lose."

"There is still a second set. You can win it."

"I will not win in this match. I was still shaking. Ritzieh gave me a word earlier but that was not enough."

"Maybe you were just waiting for me." He teased me. "I am here now, Ihstan. I love you." He said which made my face turns into red.

"What the fvck, Kaldhi! You are crazy."

"Common, I will give you a hug."

"Corny." I whispered but went to him and he welcomed me with a tight hug. "Promise I will be more focus in the second set because you were right I was waiting for you." I admitted?

"See. Do you want a kiss?"

I was about to deny it but he already kissed me. He hugged me again until I found myself smiling in the court, acing almost all of my serves and attacking perfectly the balls.

"Game point - 6." Said the referee.

When I served the ball my opponent did not receive it properly resulting for me to have a smile because of the victory. However, we have still a three set of match because this was raised to five matches.

During our third set I was determined to win this set. My self-esteem elevated because I was satisfied by a lot of cheers. My parents were standing too if I got a score. I again won the set, 1-2. And if I won the last remaining set I will go into Regionals directly but if I don't we will be having a decision or final match.

"You were so amazing, Ihstan." My coach said and hugged me. "Remember that you should always be humble in the court. If you don't get a point, just focus and don't feel nervous okay?" He reminded me.

Because I was the leading scorer, the defending champion gave me a bad look and even threatened me to defeat me in our fourth set but he was wrong, I witnessed him congratulating me because I won this year's City Meet - Table Tennis Match of Singles B.

Yes, I won.

I immediately went to my parents and hugged them. They were very proud of me of course. I also hugged my friends, Kaldhi and Ritzieh.

"See you won."

"Yeah, because of you two. Thank you for always being here with me. Thank you so much guys."

My parents and my coach talked for a while after the competition and I did not meddle in their conversation anymore because I was just too ecstatic.

I was the only winner in our school, my teams got silvers and bronzes and I was the only gold medal. My team congratulated me especially Micah who got a silver medal.

"I will revenge next year. It would be our last." Micah said to me. "Train me, Ihstan. Please! I want also to go in Regionals." She said and I nodded with a smile.

"Thank you Micah and not because of you I will not achieve this. Thank you so much."

I went back to Kaldhi and Ritzieh because I will treat them. I just took a shower and changed my clothes before heading in Kaldhi's car. They were waiting for me. We will utilize Kaldhi's car.

"Where do you want to eat?" I asked them.

"Samgyup." Ritzieh answered, feeling excited.

"Then let's go."