Game Plan (COMPLETE)

29

And just like that... I was also in Rizal Memorial Stadium, hearing the chant of our university, echoing in my chest like it always belonged there.

It was the first game, against Ateneo. Just as I expected in a team full of already great players—I was benched. I waited...

And waited...

The first half ended and I was just listening to everything said by Coach Luis. Until...

"Ferrera, palitan mo si Tamayo."

My heart jumped. I blinked once, unsure if I heard it right.

Coach Luis didn't repeat himself—he just nodded toward the sideline. That was my cue.

I stood up quickly, tugged off my jacket, and jogged to the touchline. My hands were slightly shaking as I fixed my shin guards, but my focus was razor-sharp. The assistant coach clapped my back as I stepped onto the pitch.

First touch: a simple receive.

Second touch: a short give-and-go.

Then I saw it—how the ball was sent straight into my path. I trapped it perfectly. One-on-one with the keeper. I didn't even think.

Right foot. Bottom left corner. Net.

Goal.

I didn't scream. I didn't run toward the corner flag or fall to my knees. I just looked up at the stands for a moment. I turned to the bench, where Coach Luis gave a single nod again—his version of approval. Then my teammates ran to pat my back, the captain even ruffled my hair.

Later, when the whistle blew for full time, we won 1–0.

It was the first of many matches where I'd start seeing my name on the lineup.

It was an advantage whenever the game would occur in UPD. There were also times I would watch her, especially if the match would happen here on campus, playing her heart out for her team.

The same goes for me. Game after game, I kept scoring.

My injury might have taken months away from me, but now, I knew I wasn't just back. I was better.

***

Rizal Memorial again. Finals day. I sat quietly on the bench, tying my cleats tight—maybe a little too tight—just to keep my hands busy.

I spotted the familiar green and white jerseys... and Santi caught my eye immediately. Of course.

Our match wasn't starting yet, we still had at least an hour. He approached me, grinning like a devil.

"Ferrera!" He shouted. "Same bet? Or maybe this time, you'll really lose for good?"

I shook my head, half-smiling. "I don't have money right now, bro. Just give me the 1k later, okay?"

He laughed. "Gago, so confident ha!"

The match kicked off fast. DLSU came in strong, pressing hard, and nearly scored in the opening minutes. Fucking hell, Santi was on fire.

Ganoon ba siya kasabik makuha ang isang libo?

But kidding aside, he didn't have his usual grin on his face the second he stepped on the field and started turning the passes to attempts.

Our last man held, our goalie also saved another attempt, and we adjusted. Then, midway through the first half, I saw the opening.

I managed to feed Amando a good ball, and he turned it into a goal.