A Collision of Hearts and Heroes

Chapter 26

Clarissa's POV

Sea Games

We were defeated in the first match, yet we bounced back strong and won the following games decisively. We're currently on our five-game winning streak and hope to keep this momentum going until playoffs.

Two days flew by, and now we've reached the culmination of the Group Stage match. Kapag natapos na ang lahat ng grupo mag-compete sa isa't isa ay malalaman na namin kung sino ang makakasali sa playoffs. With our two losses, I'm confident that we'll be one of the teams making it to the playoffs.

Tapos na naming makalaban lahat ng teams kaya wala na kaming laro ngayon-nanonood nalang kami. The only teams who got to defeat us in Group Stage are Cambodia and Singapore.

"Do you think we'll make it to the grand finals?" I asked Gasper beside me.

"We'll just do our best," nasabi niya.

His phone beeped on his lap, which prevented me from saying more. I didn't intend to look at the screen, but it's as if my eyes have a mind of their own, which compelled me to fixate on it. Hindi ko binasa ang lahat, but I read something about 'last therapy session'.

Therapy? Did he go through therapy? For what?

Nag-angat ako ng tingin sakaniya na ngayon ay may tinipa sa cellphone. I couldn't help but get curious about it. I'm somewhat concerned about his health, especially since he's undergoing therapy-which suggests he's not doing well.

"Uh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to look at your phone, but-uhm-" I bit my lower lip.

I don't know how to construct my question without sounding that I was invading his privacy. Baka hindi siya komportableng pag-usapan ang bagay na iyon kaya nagsisi ako na nagsalita pa ako. I should've acted as if I knew nothing.

"It's okay," he spoke. "I'm undergoing therapy to overcome my trauma and paranoia that stem from my previous relationship," sabi niya sa akin nang walang pag-aalinlangan.

"Good thing you made up your mind because that must be hard-when you're dealing with traumas tapos magkaka-relasyon ka. Your heightened sensitivity and jealousy might ruin your relationship," sabi ko.

"Yeah, I want to ensure that this doesn't create any issues in my future relationship," ramdam ko ang titig niya sa akin nang sabihin iyon.

I bit my lower lip and nodded my head. I don't know why the thought of him having a relationship stings. Dapat masaya ako na naghahanda siya para maging maayos ang sarili niya kapag nagkaroon na siya ng ka-relasyon. It's for the betterment of himself and for his future... girlfriend.

"Is this the reason why you haven't been in a relationship after your ex? Natatakot ka nang pumasok sa isang relasyon?"

Pota, ang daldal! Could you stop your mouth just once, Clarieth?

"I'm just waiting for someone," his tone almost sounded a whisper due to its huskiness.

"That woman might be lucky," halos mapapikit ako sa sinabi ko.

"Hm? Do you consider yourself lucky then?"

My cheeks are slowly burning as my heart warmth with anticipation. I can no longer look at him straight into his eyes now that I was deeply affected by his words. I just couldn't ignore the feeling; it feels like it's delving beneath my skin, reaching into my veins and nerves.

"I am undergoing therapy for you. For us," he spoke. "Ayoko nang magkamali sa 'yo, Clarieth. Hindi ako takot magkaroon ng relasyon ulit kundi takot akong masaktan kitang muli. That's why I'm fixing myself-to become the best version I can be for you."