Out Of My League

Chapter Sixteen: Aftermath

*Jeric's POV*

It's already 4:30 in the afternoon and I'm still stuck at practice. This is supposed to end at 3pm. Coach Pido's voice is echoing inside the gym, shouting instructions here and there as we ran back and forth the court for what seems like the hundredth scrimmage we had today.

Today's practice is especially tiring, it was twice as hard as what we had last week. I stopped at half court, trying to catch my breath. Hindi ko na talaga kaya. Sobrang pagod na ko considering that we've been training non-stop since 12 noon.

"Teng!! Focus!!" Coach Pido directed his instructions at me, glaring his eyes in the process.

I sighed and replied with determination, "Yes, coach!" I hurriedly joined the rest at the other side of the court.

Fort gave me a supportive tap on the back as I regain my thoughts. 'Last push, Jeric. Last push.' I am repeating that in my head, over and over again so that I can forget about the exhaustion.

At five o'clock, Coach finally called it a day. We're all lying mercilessly on the ground, breathing heavily as we finally got time to rest. I pour water all over my face, hoping that it will somehow make me feel better.

"Teng! Late ka na!!" Fort shouted at me, Hindi ko alam kung saan banda siya nakahilata pero nangibabaw yung boses niya.

Today is Thursday and today is the match between DLSU and FEU for the last Final Four slot. Today is also the day I asked Arya out to watch Jeron's game.

"Fuck!" I hurriedly got up and ran to the locker. I picked up my phone and saw 3 messages from Arya.

"I'm here na. Met Jeron and he took me to my seat. Will wait for you here nalang ha? :)"

"Start na yung game. Still not done? Almira's with me."

"Patapos na 1st half. FEU lead! :( Where are you na?"

I called her immediately and she answers right away.

"Jeric!" She answered, almost screaming. Ang ingay sa Arena.

"Sorry!!" I told her. Napasigaw na din ako. Baka hindi niya marinig eh. "Na-extend yung practice eh."

"That's okay. Bilisan mo na! Aabot ka pa sa second half!" She told me excitedly.

"Okay, okay. I'll try." I said as I strip my practice clothes off.

"Okay. Ingat ka, ha!" She said chirpily.

"Thanks. Can't wait to see you." I smiled, the last time we were together was that night I kissed her. And we haven't really talked much about it either.

"Ako din." She answered softly, as if nahihiya siya marinig ng katabi niya, in that case, it is my sister.

I am smiling like an idiot again.

"Nakakainis talaga pag inspired. Kahit anong pagod napapangiti nalang mag-isa. Parang si Teng." Paulo commented. Isa-isa na silang pumapasok sa locker.

"Don't start. Nag mamadali ako." I grabbed my towel and headed to the shower.

Eh nagsunuran din yung mga loko.

"If I were you, Paps. I'll seal the deal tonight." Aljon told me. Andun lang siya sa cubicle sa left ko.

"Seal the deal ka dyan." I replied.

"Hinalikan mo nga, pagkatapos nun ano nangyari? Nga-nga."

"Wag mo nga ko itulad sayo." I said. "Wala lang time to meet. Syempre kung pag-uusapan namin yun, dapat in person diba?" With our training and academic schedules, I'm having a hard time to meet her or to ask her out. Most nights, I'll just call her before she sleeps para kamustahin siya. She's feeling a little bit better every day so that's really good to hear.