The Golden Ruins (High School Series #2)

Chapter 33

"I realized that in the past days we've spent together, we haven't really gotten to know each other," I mentioned, glancing around at the group. "So, tonight, I want everybody to share something about themselves."

Everyone was gathered in front of the fireplace, the glow of the flames dancing on their faces as they focused on roasting their marshmallows.

The crackling fire was the only sound, filling the silence that hung in the air. There was a sense of hesitation like they were unsure who should go first or what to say.

I had planned this moment carefully, thinking it would be a good way for us to bond outside of the intense training sessions. We needed to rebuild the connection that had been lost, the teamwork that had crumbled after Nationals.

I wanted us to remember that we were more than just players on the same court—we were a team, a family.

"Sa totoo lang, noong una, natatakot akong maging captain." Cal's voice broke the silence as he spoke up first, drawing all of our attention. His hands were clasped tightly together, his eyes fixed on the ground. "At ngayon na nasawsaw ko na ang mga paa ko sa responsibilidad na 'yon... Mas lalo akong natakot."

I couldn't help but crack a small smile. "Bakit?"

He took a deep breath. "Kasi na-realize kong hindi na tungkol sa akin 'yong paglalaro ko, pero tungkol sa atin," he replied quietly. "Hindi ko man alam kung anong hawak ng bukas, pero alam kong nandoon kayo. At kahit na mahirap, ibibigay ko ang lahat ng mayroon ako para mapagsilbihan kayo at ang kinabukasan ng Baviera."

My heart swelled with pride. Seeing Cal like this, so open and honest, filled me with admiration. I could see the hint of nervousness in his eyes—he was a private person by nature, and this kind of vulnerability didn't come easily to him.

But here he was, pushing past that, determined to be the leader this team needed. In just a week, he had grown so much, stepping up in ways I never imagined. It was clear that he was ready to take on this responsibility, not just for himself, but for all of us.

Kleo gave Cal a playful smack on the back. "Nandito lang ako sa likod mo lagi!" he said, laughing.

The mood in the room began to lift immediately. Smiles appeared on faces, and everyone seemed to breathe a little easier. Cal's honest sharing had lightened the atmosphere, and it was clear that his openness was giving everyone a boost of confidence.

"Ang tagal kong sinisi ang sarili ko kung bakit tayo natalo sa Nationals." Skye opened up, his voice heavy with regret. "Iniwan ko kayo noong kailangan niyo ako. Dapat nandoon ako, lumalaban sa tabi niyo."

A hush fell over the group as we all looked down, our thoughts drifting back to the Nationals. The memory of Skye's injury, forcing him to leave the game, was a painful one. I hadn't realized how deeply this had affected him, both physically and mentally.

"Mas mahalaga ka sa amin kaysa sa laro," Cal said firmly. "Pwede tayong bumawi sa ibang pagkakataon, pero ang kalusugan mo, hindi natin pwedeng balewalain. Huwag mong sisihin ang sarili mo."

Skye's lips curved into a faint smile as he nodded. "Salamat, Capt."

"Hindi naman mahalaga sa akin 'tong club na 'to, kaya hindi ako kasing dedikado niyo sa paglalaro," Chi-chi said, his attention focused on arranging his s'more. "Pero nakikita ko kung gaano ito kalapit sa puso niyo, kaya kahit hindi ko ganon ka-mahal ang sport, mahal ko ang team natin. Ayaw kong maging dahilan para mahatak kayo pababa dahil lang hindi ito importante sa akin."

Cal nodded in acknowledgment, offering Chi-chi a small, appreciative smile.

Zhef, who had been sitting quietly, suddenly jumped beside Chi-chi and clung to his arm. "Mahal mo ako, Chi-chi?" he asked with an excited grin.