The Golden Ruins (High School Series #2)

Chapter 35

"...and we need to finalize the vendor list by next week," I said, trying to keep my tone professional, even though my brain was already drifting away from the meeting.

We were discussing the last details for the upcoming book fair, and as president, it was my job to make sure everything was perfect—decorations, booths, guest speakers, the whole deal. But honestly? This meeting felt like it was never going to end.

I just wanted to get out of here.

"Anything else, President?" someone asked, glancing up from their notes.

"Nope, that's it!" I said quickly, already gathering my stuff. "Let's wrap this up."

As soon as the words left my mouth, I was out the door, barely hearing the murmurs behind me. Sure, I was president, but right now, I had something more important on my mind.

My boyfriend.

I hurried down the hallway, my excitement growing as I headed to Cal's classroom. Maybe we could walk to the gym together, talk about his day, maybe... hold hands. Yeah, I was definitely hoping for that!

But when I got there, the classroom was empty.

I blinked, feeling a wave of confusion. Most students were still packing up or finishing their work, but Cal was already gone.

Letting out a dramatic sigh, I turned and started making my way toward the gym. Of course, Cal was always all about volleyball—practically obsessed. I understood that. It was one of the things I admired about him, but come on! I deserved his attention too.

When I reached the court, I slowed down at the door and peeked inside. And there he was, already warming up with his team, completely in his zone, not even a hint of awareness that I had been looking for him.

And as much as I hated to admit it, my heart fluttered.

As I settled onto the bench with my notebook in hand, I began jotting down notes about the team's progress. I was so focused on my observations that I didn't notice Leif preparing for his serve until it was too late.

The ball shot wide, speeding straight toward me.

Before I could even react, Cal was there. With lightning-fast reflexes, he caught the ball just inches from my face with one hand, as if it were nothing. His sharp gaze shifted to Leif, who stood frozen in place, realizing what had just happened.

"Panoorin mo 'yang sarili mo, Leif," Cal scolds him sternly.

Leif scratched the back of his head, looking sheepish. "Sorry, Capt! Sorry, Manager!" he called out, giving me an apologetic wave.

After the training matches, dusk settled over the gym, casting a warm golden glow across the court. The sounds of laughter and chatter filled the air as the team wrapped up, their energy still high from the practice.

I hung back for a moment, watching Cal as he finished up his evaluations with the team. He looked so composed and mature, his brows furrowed slightly as he offered constructive feedback as a team captain.

Once he wrapped up, I eagerly approached him, holding out a fresh bottle of water. I noticed his previous bottle was almost empty from their intense drills, so I picked up a new one on my way.

But my smile faltered when his only acknowledgment was a brief nod of his head. I had hoped for at least a smile or some praise, something to make me feel noticed. Instead, he was oblivious, focused on undoing his ankle pads, his brow furrowing in concentration while he packed his bag.

Disappointment washed over me, and I trailed behind him as we made our way to the tricycle station, huffing a little from the effort. Why was he always so absorbed in his own world?