Timeless Series #3: A Time For Us

Prologue

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Prologue

NOELLE

I have always been watching you... from the very beginning.

And yet, you didn't notice it even once.

I smiled as I quietly cheered for him, watching him play for his life and give his all in their final high school soccer match. It was the championship game, the moment that would determine the overall winner of the tournament for the season. We were competing for the championship trophy.

He's a prodigy, often referred to as the treasure and hope of Philippine soccer.

And I know that after this, he would also go to a good university where he can further hone his talent and love for soccer. This could be another opportunity for him to join a great team that will help him become an even better forward than he already is. He would be part of an international team and become a professional soccer player, especially since he had already undergone training abroad before.

Julian Ellis Trinidad is a soccer prodigy. He started playing soccer at the age of three, beginning with recreational programs and youth leagues before joining an organized club at five. He entered a youth academy abroad at an early age as well. Despite his youth, he has already attracted attention from scouts and soccer clubs overseas due to his exceptional talent and skills. His abilities have surpassed those of his peers, with his outstanding skills, tactical understanding, and impressive physical attributes. He has already become the country's top player at such a young age and is expected to achieve great success.

However, I don't have those kind of expectations for him. I simply want him to continue enjoying the game. Seeing him give his all to soccer brings me joy as he looks so determined and happy. That's all I want for him—to be happy with what he's doing.

And then we heard the buzz! And they just won! Our school won the finals! 0-2 for our team! I was very happy!

"Noelle, tara na! Bumaba na tayo doon at subukan nating lumapit kay Julian!" sabi sa akin ng best friend ko at kaklase na si Chloe.

Natigilan ako sa sinabi niya at napalunok din ako. I don't think I have the courage now to talk to him... or even to go near him!

Mabilis akong umiling-iling sa kaibigan ko. "No... Hindi ko kayang lumapit, Chloe..."

Chloe just rolled her eyes on me, pagkatapos ay hinila na niya ako pababa sa field. Galing kami sa mga bleacher dito sa taas. Nandoon pa si Julian at mukhang iinterbyuhin din siya ng ilang media at sports journalist na nandito sa game.

"Tara na! Bilis! Alam mo naman ang masungit na 'yan agad din umaalis at naglalaho na parang bula pagkatapos lang manalo sa mga matches nila!" Chloe said beside me as she continued to pull my hand towards where Julian was.

Pabilis naman nang pabilis ang tibok ng puso ko. Hindi ko pa rin alam kung kaya ko na nga na makalapit man lang sa kaniya.

But, just like my friend said, at bago pa man kami makakalapit na nga sana nang tuluyan sa unang pagkakataon kay Julian Trinidad who's a talented forward and ace of our school's soccer team, ay umalis na nga rin siya agad na nawala nga na parang bula kahit pa nga marami pa rin sana ang gustong malapitan siya at makausap.

I just wanted to congratulate him too... And ever since it has always been like this.

Since I was six years old and we were schoolmates in elementary, and when I started watching him play soccer...

Ganito palagi... Palagi na lang na hindi ko siya naaabutan, at dahil wala rin akong lakas ng loob na mapalapit sa kaniya...

And so I still remained an unknown person to him until now.