! Special Chapter
A chapter for the late celebration of Raizen's birthday (October 30). Everything in here happened in their 9th grade to 12th grade. In the future, they barely remember anything that happened in this chapter.
2017, Raizen's POV
"Thank you, Kuya Domeng." I flashed a polite smile as I slid out of the car. It's only 6:20 in the morning, the sun just barely peeking through the trees around campus.
Homeroom wouldn't start for another forty minutes, so I had time to settle into the day slowly. I decided na lang na pumunta muna ng library, as if staying up late last night to study wasn't enough.
"Rai!" The sudden shout jolted me out of my thoughts, and I turned around to see Nash. He was grinning wide and it's too early pa for me na sabayan energy niya.
Before I could even react, he slapped my back, nearly sending me stumbling forward. "May training mamaya ah?"
I forced a small smile, nodding, though I'm stopping myself na umirap sa narinig. Seriously? Training was the last thing I wanted to think about this early.
Morning was supposed to be peaceful, not a reminder of drills and shouts and aching muscles. But Nash? He could talk about basketball all day.
My dad had always insisted on basketball, saying it was the kind of sport a 'man' should play. Hindi ko pa rin gets entirely what he meant by that. Masculine? Tough? I'd always thought sports were just sports.
Still, I tried my best, just to keep him happy, to live up to whatever expectations he had in his mind.
"Why are you early today?" I asked, steering the conversation away from training before he could go on about plays and strategies.
He shrugged, his expression unbothered. "I'm either early or late, no in-between."
I nodded, chuckling softly. Just before I could tell him na I'm planning to go to the library, Nash looped his arm around my shoulders, pulling me sa direction ng canteen.
I didn't argue though. My stomach gave a slight rumble, reminding me that I'd skipped breakfast. Library could wait, I guessed.
But just as we turned the corner, I noticed Knox Real of IX-C heading our way, his face tight, jaw set. I could tell by his expression na he wasn't in a good mood.
Knox's stride didn't slow as he approached, his eyes fixed on Nash with a look that made me worry. There was something beneath his expression na parang he can kill or what.
Nash raised an eyebrow, sensing it too. "What's with the look, dude?" He asked, crossing his arms.
Knox halted right in front of him, his eyes blazing. "What did you tell Coach, and why is he making me sit out for the rest of the season?" Knox spat, his tone bitter.
The words hung heavy in the air, and I felt my pulse quicken, knowing where this could lead. I'm aware of what exactly he's talking about.
Knox only joined the junior varsity this year, it was supposed to be his first season too. Nash, who hates him for some reason, encouraged Coach na 'wag siya paglaruin.
I don't know why, maybe because they share the same skills eh? Like a rivalry at the same team, they can't play together at the court. Nash had to do something so he could play.
