Chapter Twenty Three

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Chapter Twenty Three: Babawi

It's Monday, and I've already been to class this morning. The teachers are absent, leaving us with nothing but worksheets to fill out. Chance and the other players from our section are nowhere to be seen; they're all busy training for the City Meet, which is set to be held at a different school in another town. Jilliana mentioned that last year, the City Meet was hosted by CSU, and I'm sure we won't have classes on the day of the event since we need to support the players. That just means the teachers will probably pile on more assignments again.

I let out a frustrated sigh.

Only three weeks left until the City Meet. Dad asked where it would be held, worried he might not make it. But there's still no update, so I haven't been able to tell him anything yet.

After class, I approached Jilliana to inform her that I'd be heading to the faculty office to deliver the report. As the representative of the Grade 11 students, it was my responsibility to present an overview of our ongoing projects, events, and initiatives—especially concerning the anticipated City Meet funding for our players. I needed to ensure the teachers were updated on our progress and involvement.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit ako ang naging representative ng Grade 11, wala akong plano na tumakbo as officer, pero since walang volunteer nung time na 'yon, ako ang ni-suggest ng adviser namin. Wala rin naman akong kalaban sa puwesto that time kaya walang choice kundi ako na lang talaga.

When I arrived at the faculty office, my phone buzzed in my uniform pocket, but I ignored it for now, weighed down by the folders I was carrying.

I greeted the teachers at the door, stating my purpose clearly before stepping inside. Once I was in, I methodically handed over the reports, one by one. When I reached our adviser's desk, I noticed she was in conversation with a student. I politely excused myself and presented my report to Miss Agoncillo. Before I could even say goodbye, she spoke up, her voice carrying a mix of authority and warmth.

"Uh, Rain? Are you busy?"

Lumingon ako sa kaniya bago nagsalita. "Po? Hindi naman po. Wala naman po kaming class now."

"That's good, then." Ngiti ni Ms. Agoncillo. "Ikaw muna ang magiging tour guide niya. His name is Dylan, first day niya kasi at wala pa siya masyadong alam around campus. Is that okay with you?"

"Uh, sige po." I looked at the guy, and he smiled—a dimple formed on his left cheek. I can't deny, this guy is good-looking. He has this calm, confident aura that somehow makes him even more handsome. His eyes met mine, and there was a hint of playfulness there, like he knew the effect he had on people.

"So... you're new here?" I asked when we were now outside, hoping to break the silence, but also genuinely curious.

He nodded, his smile growing just a little. "Yeah, first day. Thought I'd get to know the place a bit."

I nodded, returning his smile. "Well, welcome, then." I said.

"So, how is this place, really? I've heard things, but you know how rumors are." He asked. His hands are in his pockets. Naglalakad lang kami, iginaya ko siya sa library, sa Junior High School, sa mga catwalks, at ngayon nandito na kami sa building ng mga Senior High School.

I raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing on my lips. "You're asking me? I'm practically as new as you are. I've only been here since opening."

He glanced over at me, a little surprised. "Really? You seem like you've been here forever. You know, blending in and all that."

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