Michaels in Love (BoyXBoy) English

Chapter 9 - Season 1: Under the Moonlight

Sunday afternoon finally came, and we held our much-anticipated first practice for the basketball league. Mike's childhood nanny, Mama Rose, happened to be the wife of the barangay captain in their area, so we used the barangay's covered court for practice. Conveniently, it wasn't far from Mike's family house.

The practice went well. I tried my best to ignore the feelings I had for Mike, but my eyes kept finding him, filled with a love I struggled to hide. I composed myself, making sure I didn't give anything away. Mike seemed to be doing the same. Even though I glanced into his eyes several times, I could never fully read him. Perhaps he was cautious, not wanting our teammates to suspect anything. I understood that. So, I forced myself to concentrate on the practice. I spoke to him as I would anyone else and was extra careful with my actions. But deep down, it was agony. Every moment we were together, I longed to embrace him, kiss him, and scream to the world how much I loved him.

As the sun set, our practice wrapped up, and Mike invited us over to his family house for dinner. Their property was lovely. Just past the gate, there was a treehouse perched on an old acacia tree. Across from it stood an abandoned house with a rusty auto shop attached. Entering their gate, you were greeted by a sprawling garden filled with flowering santan bushes. Towering coconut trees surrounded the area, with native mango trees scattered about and a vegetable garden hidden behind their old house.

Mike's family hadn't lived in their ancestral home for ten years, having moved to Gilmore after his parents' business took off. Mama Rose and her husband, Mang Oscar, had become the house's caretakers and now lived there. Mike visited weekly or every other week, depending on his schedule, as he regarded Mama Rose as a second mother. For their part, the couple treated Mike like the son they never had.

When we arrived, the couple welcomed us warmly.

"Good evening!" we greeted in unison.

Their smiles lit up the room as they ushered us in. The delicious aroma of Mama Rose's lovingly prepared dinner filled the air. The spread was simple yet satisfying, and we couldn't help but feel at home. But we soon noticed that the couple was dressed up, with packed bags by the door. It seemed they had plans.

Mike explained, "Mama Rose and Papang are headed to a convention in Baguio."

"Mike, you're in charge of the house while we're gone," Mama Rose said with a smile. "We'll be back Wednesday."

"No problem, Mama Rose. Have a safe trip." Mike kissed her cheek and embraced Papang before seeing them off to their waiting ride.

By the time dinner ended, it was around 6:30 PM. Someone suggested a quick drinking session, and before long, cans of Red Horse beer were passed around. It wasn't much—two or three cans per person—since most of us had work the next day.

I stayed quiet while the others chatted and laughed. Though Mike sat directly across from me, I avoided looking at him. The alcohol didn't help my resolve. It only made my feelings harder to suppress.

By 8:00 PM, the drinking wrapped up. Our driver, visibly annoyed, reminded us we were supposed to leave by 7:00. As everyone filed out of the house, I lingered behind, coming out of the bathroom just as the last of my teammates left. Mike was standing near the door, waiting. I paused, catching his eyes for a fleeting moment.

"Mike, thanks... We're heading out now," I said softly.

"Okay. Take care," he replied, his voice steady but his gaze lingering. It was as if he wanted to pull me into an embrace, maybe even steal a goodbye kiss.

I turned to leave but stopped short. Something inside me couldn't let this moment go.

"Mike..." I said, glancing back at him.