Hook: The Novel (English)

Chapter 11: Surprise

Ford's P.O.V.

Life in the province is indeed peaceful; there's no chaos, and it feels like you're having a normal life without thinking about any problems. Uncle Erik is getting married to his longtime lover, Uncle Milson, so we're obligated to attend. It's been a while since the last time I visited our province, maybe around 15 or 4 years ago.

As a deep sigh escaped my lips, my thoughts drifted towards Gadiel. The realization that I wouldn't be able to watch him play in the UAAP finals weighed heavily on me. A tinge of regret crept in.

The timing couldn't have been worse. It felt like a missed opportunity to show my support. I felt a deep sense of shame, grappling with the realization that I wouldn't be there for him in a pivotal match. The thought of not being able to witness his skills on the court, left me with a twinge of sadness.

In a moment of vulnerability, I told him I really want to watch and support him but I really have to go here in our province, apologizing for not being able to stand by him during such a crucial event. However, to my surprise, he reassured me with understanding. He kindly brushed off my concerns, mentioning the past when my support coincided with a loss. His words, though comforting, stirred up a hint of embarrassment as memories of that moment resurfaced.

To make matters worse, he hasn't provided any updates on whether they won or not. The weak signal here prevents me from accessing the internet, and when I reached out to my friends for information, they also failed to respond.

I distracted myself by volunteering to help at Uncle Erik's restaurant. No internet, no updates, and no Gadiel. It feels like I'm in a long-distance relationship... Just kidding!

I wiped the table in annoyance. "Tsk! Why did everything have to coincide like this? I could have been there to watch and cheer for him-oh, wait, the last time I cheered for him, he got hit by the ball. But if he hadn't been hit, we wouldn't have become friends-"

I was cut off when I suddenly heard a new customer entering the restaurant, so I quickly greeted them. "Welcome to Uncle ErMil's resto-"

My heart suddenly race when I saw someone I didn't expect...

He's the only person who occupies my mind 24/7...

He's the only one who makes my heart beat abnormally...

He's the one I like.

Gadiel Emir Estrella.

"Gadiel!?" I uttered unbelievably.

He smiled at me, and as my eyes focused on him, it became apparent that he was still clad in his jersey uniform and varsity jacket. A large backpack hung casually over his right shoulder, giving him the air of someone who had just come from a victorious battle. But the most striking detail was the glint of a medal around his neck.

A medal?

"Did you win?" I couldn't contain my excitement, and he responded with a nod that spoke volumes. Overwhelmed with joy, I found myself impulsively rushing towards him. I threw my arms around him in a tight embrace.

"I'm so proud of you!"

He chuckled. "I know," he answered. We didn't break the hug and stayed in that position.

He smells so good, and I miss this. I'm not taking advantage of him! Promise...?

Anyway! He smells like a baby...my soon to be baby!

"Why didn't you tell me that you won!? And what are you doing here? It's almost night!"

"Well, I wanted to surprise you, and I didn't fail. I asked Prince for your address." I stepped back a bit to face him.