Fate's Forbidden Game (San Lorenzo University Series #1)

Kabanata 15.

"You're still courting me, right?" I asked innocently, my voice barely a whisper.

Kuya Ice leaned closer, his eyes searching mine. "Yes, Amari. I'm willing to wait, no matter how long it takes. Did I pressure you?"

I shook my head, a blush creeping up my neck. "No, no! It's just... like you, I can't keep my feelings hidden anymore. I'm just a little shy about it." I shyly admitted. "You have a way of making me feel comfortable enough to show my true self," I added.

Kuya Ice's eyes softened, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "Ayan lang naman gusto kong makita, Amari. To see the real you, no pretenses, no walls. Just you."

"Thank you."

He fixed some strands of hair that were on my face. "Let's take this journey together, no rush, just us," he said softly. "Don't be pressured by anything I say or I do. It's your decisions that matters. I'm just here, always."

Napanguso ako.

Confessing to Kuya Ice felt like a dream. I never thought I'd be brave enough to tell him how I felt. My heart hammered in my chest, but there was a strange satisfaction that came with finally letting him know. It was scary, sure, but it was also... freeing.

I reached into the pocket of my school uniform, pulling out a small, beaded bracelet. "I made this for you," I said, my voice a little shaky.

There's my initials woven into the beads and two tiny heart charms dangling from it. "Wear this always, ha? Magtatampo ako kapag hindi."

Ipinakita ko sa kanya ang bracelet na para naman sa akin, initial naman niya ang andoon. Ganito ba kapag in love? Nagiging corny!

"Ang cute, Amari! Picturean natin." Ganon nga ang ginawa niya. "Thank you. Thank you for giving me a chance."

"Mukhang sinagot na kayo, Sir, ha?" tanong ni Manong habang nagmamaneno. "Parang biglang nawala lagnat ni Sir!"

"Hindi pa po, pero parang nanalo na rin sa lotto!" he chuckled.

Siniko ko siya. Pabalik na kami ng SanLo ngayon dahil kay Kuya ako sasabay pauwi, katatapos lang din naman ng training niya.

"Bye bye, Ma'am Amari! Ingat po!" Kumaway sa akin ang driver nila. "Kayo lang po pala gamot ni Sir. Salamat po ulit!"

"I'll call you later, ha? Ingat kayo!"

Nag fist bump sila ni Kuya. Gano'n ulit, kami ulit pinauna nila.

"Napaano 'yon? Nilalagnat?"

Tumango ako. Hindi pa rin mawala ngiti sa mga labi ko.

"Tanginang 'yan. Kinikilig, amp."

"De pero, nilalagnat talaga siya. Sabi ko nga kanina huwag na munang pumasok bukas, ayaw niya raw magkaroon ng absent."

"Mapapa-absent mo sa training 'yon, pero never sa Acads. Priority pa rin niya Acads niya."

Na-traffic pa kami ni kuya dahil rush hours na.

"Aalis pala basketball team ng SanLo sa January, after Christmas Break."

"Pasaan sila?"

"Japan. Training nila talaga roon. Minsan weeks din sila. May partnership kasi ang SanLo University sa isang Basketball Team sa Japan."

Napakagat ako sa ibabang labi ko. Matagal pa naman pero bigla lang akong nalungkot.

"Alam mo ba kung anong mas nakakalungkot?" tanong niya sa akin. Nilingon ko siya para hintayin ang sunod niyang sasabihin. "Once they start training in Japan, they're not allowed to use their phones until the coaches say so. They're really strict over there."