Game Plan (COMPLETE)

32

The next morning felt quieter—not just in sound, but in weight. I was able to breathe whilst thinking of him.

My hand didn't form a fist while thinking of the times I felt disregarded.

My jaw didn't clench thinking of how I've always adjusted.

Because today, I finally understood.

He finally said something to make me understand.

We stayed at a teammate's house for the night after Santi's party before heading back to the South. Lahat kami ay pumunta sa Taft para sumakay ng shuttle to Laguna campus. Most of them headed back to the dorm, but I went straight to my real home.

Dad was at his usual spot in the dining area when I arrived. He's now wearing reading glasses, but as usual, he was reading something off a newspaper.

"Oh, kumusta party?"

I shrugged. "Okay lang."

"'Di ka nalasing?" Dad raised a brow.

Me, holding Ven's hand.

Me, shedding a tear.

And, "I might be too hopeful, but... I'd like us to try again, if you still want to."...

Oh, God.

I shook my head.

"Tibay ah."

"Sleepy lang." I remarked.

"Inom ka muna ng sprite na maraming yelo. May binili na ako, nasa ref. Tapos magpahinga ka na... Panigurado naman wala muna kayong training, 'no?"

"Yup." I answered shortly as I was getting the soda out of our ref. Lasinggero kaya si dad dati? Life hack ba itong sprite and ice?

Until the following week, I was stuck at the house, trying to recover.

Napagod talaga ako nitong season. I shined too bright during my first try, and now I have to maintain that light... or at least be brighter every comeback.

I cannot help but sigh whenever I recall the early morning training, as well as the extra training I put on in the afternoons with the high school team. Also the training with Agila during weekends.

Also... the course I was studying was not an easy path.

Buti pala ay hindi ako namatay.

DLSU FBW 24-25

Alia Cherryl Tan
Hi @everyone! Open play later. A quick game lang before everyone starts to head back to their hometowns <3

I wasn't really in the mood to play, but I showed up anyway. Threw my hair into a ponytail, put on clips on both sides of my head, wore a jersey over my black sando, and laced up my cleats.

We were almost done with the scrimmage—bibs vs. no-bibs, everyone half-serious—when I saw someone at the edge of the court.

Ven.

He wasn't in gear, just in a white shirt and black shorts. He was talking to Santi, who laughed and clapped him on the back before taking something from him—a charger? Wallet? I couldn't tell.

At tsaka bakit nakikipag-kwentuhan si Santi? Tangina niya, maglaro siya dito! Ten minutes lang yata ang tinakbo niya!

I didn't expect him to stay. But before he left, he looked up and found me.

Our team captain blew her whistle, signalling that the game was over.

I walked towards the bench to grab water. As I turned, he was already walking toward me.