Game Plan (COMPLETE)

33

I felt the pavement under my shoes as I pushed forward, trying to keep my breathing steady—even if it was starting to hitch. My legs were already a little sore, the afternoon heat sticky on my skin, but I kept going. Music was blasting through my earphones, louder than usual.

I glanced at my watch and saw that I hit my goal. Finally, a sub-one.

I really needed this run because of the classes I had. Buti na nga lang, I took all of my subjects full-online. I really don't have the energy to be back at DLSU Laguna or Manila. Parang malaking parte ng pagkatao ko ang hinigop ng last season.

To cool down, I walked back to the field, where dad and the UPLB players were. They were also wrapping up. I stretched for a couple of minutes before cleaned myself up.

Sitting on the grass near the bench was Ven, removing his cleats and changing into his red crocs.

Parang kailan lang.

My heart didn't race. Not in the dramatic, rom-com way... It just paused when he looked up and met my gaze.

I looked away and got an extra shirt from my backpack. I also switched from my shoes to slides.

I thought he might stay there, or simply just wait for the others to finish cleaning the equipment... But, from the corner of my eye, I saw him standing up.

And walking over to where I am.

"Was that for me?"

I blinked... before I had the tiny strength to turn to him. Para akong naduduwag. So I just asked, "What?"

He didn't say anything right away. Just unlocked the phone that was on his right hand, tapped a few, and held it out for me.

The playlist was open.

Five songs.

I gulped, thinking of what to say. My eyes were glued to the phone in his hand. I took a few seconds before I got the words out.

"I didn't want to message you yet," I explained, now meeting his eyes. "I wanted you to find it."

"I did," he murmured. "I listened."

I nodded. Swallowed the words I wasn't sure I was ready to say.

"That last song... You used to play it all the time." He pointed it out.

A low chuckle escaped me. "Akala ko wala kang pakialam sa mga pinapatugtog ko."

"I did care," he said as his eyes steady on mine. "I just didn't know how to show it."

I heaved a breath, and looked away. "I still don't know where this is going, Ven."

"I know," he said. "I'm not asking for anything. I just want you to know,"

He took a step closer to me.

"I still feel the same way—if not more intense. It's just... this time, I know how to handle it. Alam ko na ang dapat gawin."

There was a few seconds of silence between us. I could only hear the faint chatter of those surrounding us, the laughter that they share, and the beating of my heart.

Stupid, dumb heart.

It shouldn't be fluttering like this when it spent years aching.

"Ven, tara na! Nag-promise ka! Burger Garage!"

I wasn't able to control my face. Kumunot ang noo ko at lumingon sa nagsalita.

Right. She's still here. Sabagay, nasa team siya. What did I expect?