The Idea Of Us (English Version)

12

It was already eight when I arrived at the Araneta. After handing my ticket to the guard outside, I went in. I came early because I was part of the event organizers. Dressed in a plain white shirt, burgundy PE pants with the university logo on the right side, a lanyard, and my ID.

I seemed to be the first student inside since the only others around were janitors cleaning the court floor.

I headed down to check if the designs were in place and to make sure everything we'd need for the championship game was set up. Soon enough, some other organizing team members arrived, and we checked all the fans to see if they were working.

There were air conditioners installed at every corner of Araneta, but later on, the place would heat up from the sheer number of students attending.

By 9 AM, I thought I'd check on some Fine Arts students over by the sound system to see if everything was good. After all, we'd be the ones to take the blame if something went wrong.

"Please play The Story of Us during halftime, okay?" I instructed the DJ with a laugh as I left the booth.

I've been a huge Swiftie ever since Fearless came out. I even remember buying so many Cornettos hoping to win a ticket to Swift's Red Tour. Sure, I could've asked Dad to buy it for me, but I didn't want to. I didn't want to spend anyone else's money on my personal wishes. So, I didn't win a ticket, and I cried my eyes out the entire night.

I was humming as I walked when I spotted Isaac. There he was, in his yellow jersey and a white knee support. Call me what you will, but whenever I see him, I can't help but imagine this intriguing mix—strong and intense, yet also gentle and soft.

Yesterday's events kept playing in my mind like a vinyl stuck on repeat. The way he touched me—gentle but with an edge of aggression—left me wanting to feel it all over again.

Right now, he had his arm around a teammate's shoulder, and they seemed to be deep in conversation, his teammate nodding along and giving a thumbs-up. When Isaac noticed me, he smiled, and I returned the smile.

He said something to his friend, who then excused himself. I quickly walked toward him, noticing he was carrying a large white plastic bag.

"Maya, hi!" he greeted right away, and I responded with a wave and a smile.

"Pandesal?" He offered me the white plastic bag with a smile. I looked at it curiously, realizing up close that it was full of fresh, steaming pandesal. It smelled amazing—perfect with coffee.

"For what?" I asked, a bit taken aback, my gaze shifting between the bag and him, waiting patiently for me to take it.

"For the dogs tonight!"

I slowly took the bag from him, smiling as I did. I couldn't believe he remembered the dogs from last night. I'm sure they'd be thrilled. But how did he know I'd be passing by there again later?

"That's so nice of you, thank you!"

He just shrugged with a smile, motioning for me to follow him. We hadn't walked far before I spotted Kim with her two minions, her Chanel bag as always dangling off her arm.

My eyes went wide as I suddenly felt Isaac take my hand before walking toward Kim and her entourage.

I watched as their jaws practically dropped, especially Kim, who clenched her fists in anger. I couldn't help but smirk.