Two Sides of Love

7

A sun-kissed school basketball court. I leaned against the railing, observing Nayrb, the charismatic class president.

Me and Nayrb stand near the half-court line, surrounded by the hum of students preparing for their Creative Writing presentations. Nayrb, with his neatly combed hair and confident demeanor, seems unfazed.

"Nayrb, do you really think mapipili ang gawa ko? Kailangan kong mapili, favorite subject ko 'to, e!" Kinakabahang tanong ko

He grinned "Ofcourse, your words have a way of stirring emotions."

Our laughter echoes across the court.

As we laughed, a stray basketball bounces across the court. Nayrb ducks, narrowly avoiding a collision.

"Gago! Nayrb, muntik ka na matamaan!"

He rubbed his chin "Close call. Thanks for the heads-up, Elia."

I scan the area, spotting Esmael, standing by the bleachers.

Esmael approaches, his dark eyes inscrutable. His presence always carries an air of mystery.

"Nayrb, Elia. Discussing your masterpiece, I assume?"

Nayrb grinned  "You bet. Elia's words can move mountains." He joked

I narrowed my eyes at Esmael.

My irritation flares

"Esmael, that ball could've hit Nayrb! What if it did?" I shouted

"But it didn't. No harm done." He shrugged

Esmael leans against the court railing, feigning disinterest. But his eyes betray him.

"Excuse me, guys" Nayrb had to go. Urgent call or something.

Esmael leaned "Mmm, Nayrb. Always busy." He paused "You two are close, huh?"

I nodded "Yeah, he's like my brother. Why?"

"Just wondering. You spend more time with him than anyone else. It's... interesting." He said in his teasing voice

I raised my eyebrows "Interesting? What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing. Forget it. You wouldn't understand."

"Try me, Es. I'm not as clueless as you think." I tried to be playful

He sighed "Fine." He asked softly "Gusto mo si Nayrb, Elia?"

I was surprised "What? Nayrb? No way! he's like a brother, remember?"

"Right. Bros. But sometimes..." He glanced at me "Sometimes it become more than that. You know, feelings change."

"Anong sinasabi mo?"

He looked in me "Maybe. Maybe not"

"Ano? Di kita maintindihan diyan" naguguluhang sabi ko

He swallowed "it's too early. I can't risk it. Not yet."

"Risk what?"

"Losing you." He whispered "I've watched you laugh, seen the way your eyes light up when Nayrb's around. And it kills me.

"Esmael..."

He stepped back "Forget it, Elia. Let's just play ball. I'm good at that—keeping my feelings hidden."

"Nayrb isn't the one I—"

He interrupted me "Shh.. Don't say it. Not now." He dribbled the ball "Let's just play. I'll guard you like I always do." He winked

Nang matapos kami mag laro ay pumunta agad ako sa canteen 1 at nadatnan doon si Louise na busy kaka-cellphone.

Umupo ako sa tabi nito at malaking ngiti ang isinalubong sa akin