Hook: The Novel (English)

Chapter 8: Rain

Gadiel's P.O.V.

"I swear I badly wanna watch that movie with Prince, but our practice for the finals is such a hindrance!" Pierre complained while dribbling the ball.

"It's just a movie, why are you complaining? You can watch it on another day," Mikel said.

"The movie only runs until Saturday! And this coming Saturday, I have a family dinner, and I can't miss it, or else dad will kill me."

"Why not try watching it on another day?"

"I could if Coach won't see me. What if I sneak out? Coach can't do anything if-" Pierre was cut off when I looked up from reading the book, giving him a blank stare. "I won't gain anything by sneaking out; we should focus on the game because it's the finals, haha."

Pierre avoided eye contact and muttered, "Our captain seems scarier than our coach."

"What's the big fuss if you can't watch it? It's just a movie," I said.

"Dude, it's not just a movie! It's so romantic, especially when watched in the cinema. You know, the big screen, sitting beside your loved one, sharing popcorn, and when you reach for popcorn, your hands touch - it's so romantic!" He said with a twinkle in his eyes.

"What movie is that?" Mikel asked, sipping from his tumbler.

"Spiderman!" Mikel choked on his drink.

"Are you crazy? Since when is Spiderman romantic!?"

"Hey, it's romantic, especially the iconic Spiderman kiss!" He said, biting his lips as if imagining something.

I looked at him with disbelief. "What?" he asked, and I shook my head.

"I can't believe my cousin likes you. You're so corny. What did he even see in you?" I said, directing my gaze back to the book.

"Hey, Gadiel, you're getting personal just because you don't have a significant other. All you do is study; why don't you try dating? I won't be surprised if you grow old single. It's called romance, dude, romance. You're all about studying; why don't you study the Theory of Love?"

I closed the book I was holding, making noise. I looked at Pierre, and I saw him swallowing his saliva.

"Hernandez, 10 laps!"

"What!?"

"15."

"Wait, I thought it was 10?"

"20."

"Oh, come on!" He had no choice but to run around the entire gymnasium. I heard laughter beside me and saw Mikel laughing. But he stopped when he felt me looking at him.

"Uh, dude, I'll just buy water at the canteen. I'll buy for Pierre too; he might faint later - do you need anything?" He asked me, but I shook my head, so he left.

Romance? What a waste of time.

I opened my book to read again, but in the middle of reading, I suddenly remembered Ford.

Lost in my thoughts, I found myself flipping through the pages without really absorbing the content. The image of Ford, his infectious smile, and the way he effortlessly brought a sense of calm into my hectic life replayed in my mind.

Closing the book once more, I leaned back against the bleachers.

Will he likes it?

I immediately get my phone from my bag and scroll to my inbox

To: Ford

Hey, are you busy this coming sat?

It didn't take a long time when ford answered my message because as soon as I send he replied within few minutes.