One Shot of Chance

Chapter 3

The place was packed when Rowie and her friends arrived, but they managed to find a good seat for the four of them. It was noisy as usual. But unlike the gymnasium, it was not that hot and the air outside was entering through the small gaps from the wooden walls, making the whole place cooler.

Amelito's was a cafeteria with at least five small huts with plenty of wooden tables and chairs. There were no air conditioners but it was not really hot inside because of the wooden walls and thatched roofing that stretched at least seven meters high. The floor was also elevated with bamboo as its main material so that cool air was entering through its gap. It was inspired by Filipino Architecture, particularly the Bahay-Kubo.

The food was served boiling and steaming, and it was also cheaper than the other fast-food chains. That was why many students chose to eat here. Another thing that made this popular with students was the unlimited rice.

Comfortably sitting, they ordered the usual: Pork Barbecue for Jennica and Rowie, a Beefsteak for Charlotte, and a Beef Broccoli for Larry. It took them half an hour to wait because of the customers. They did not mind, though. They were busy talking to each other like they hadn't seen each other for years, when, in fact, they had been together since that morning.

The air was immediately filled with the smell of cooked pork and beef that made their stomachs growl wildly. Silence filled their table when the food arrived. They were too hungry to even care for each other. They were so attached to their food that no one could disturb them anymore. They were like soldiers after an intense war.

Because of hunger, they did not notice that Sinharley State University's varsity players and coach had entered the same hut they were in.

Shin's attention immediately caught Rowie, who was fanning herself because of the spicy food. A slight smile appeared on his face before placing both of his hands inside his pockets. His heartbeat was there again, ramming inside like it wanted to get out.

Kazu called out to him, snapping him back to reality. "Over here, daydreamer!" he called when Shin suddenly stopped walking. "Luckily, there is still an empty table for us."

Walking towards his teammates, Shin could not help but steal glances from Rowie. She was like a magnet to him, and he was the hopeless metal wanting to stick his gaze at her forever. He did not know when it started but he always saw himself smiling like an idiot whenever she was around.

Rowie's gang asked for extra rice at the same time. When the plate was filled up, they continued eating like hungry pigs again. On the other hand, Shin was still watching Rowie eat when he chuckled to himself.

Kazu punched his best friend's shoulder and scoffed. "Stop staring and eat first, dude. I know you like her, but do not be too obvious."

"Shut up, Kazu," he said, slightly annoyed. He would really appreciate it if Kazu would let him be.

"If I were you, I would just confess to her. You do not know how popular she is, especially after their game last time. You have seen how awesome she is when she plays basketball."

"Oh really?" He shot him a glare. "Are you, perhaps, one of them?" Shin asked with a glint of playfulness in his eyes. He also could not hide his annoyance as he asked that.

Kazu scoffed. "Of course not, dude! I like Jennica more if you ask," he said while glancing a little at the girl beside Rowie. Like her friend, Jennica was also stuffing her food inside her mouth non-stop.

"Hey," Peter interrupted. "I just heard my little marshmallow's name. Care to tell me what it is?" He smirked, circling his arms around Kazu's neck until he choked.

"No one is talking about her! You psycho, get off me!"

Shintaro let out a quiet sneer and ignored the two of them. They were just being themselves, that was all. It was the usual scenario for him. In his opinion, he was the most normal in the team, next to no one.