Serendipity

10

The buzzer rang and the confetti started to fill the arena. I saw Thirdy crying as he ran to his family. Tito Bong, Tita Mozzy as well as Dani pulled him in a tight embrace. The other blue eagles also cried as they ran to their families and loved ones. On the other side of the court, you can't help but feel and see the loneliness and disappointment written on their faces. A lot of them were crying and there were also some who were just staring on blank spaces. The green archers gave a good fight, that's for sure.

Your Season 80 Men's basketball champions, The Ateneo Blue Eagles!  

Before the announcement of the Finals MVP, Kat, Dani and I went to the arena to personally congratulate the other players. After talking to almost all of them, my eyes searched for someone. I saw him behind Isaac, who is being interviewed, and our eyes locked on to each other. I heard him call my name and got enchanted easily. We somehow managed to do a handshake and hugged each other. It was a short one since we heard a lot of fans screaming beside us. But before we broke the hug, he told me, "tapos na ako, ikaw naman."

I admit, the hug was too short for my liking so I searched for him again and saw him with Bacon and his other friends. I approached him since I wasn't able to tell him anything earlier so we hugged, again. This time, it was more intimate and I didn't waste the chance and whispered, "I'm so proud of you champ." He was being pulled by one of the staffs because of an interview but before we broke the hug, he replied and said his sincerest thank you and placed a soft kiss on the space between my neck and my shoulders.

I looked around the arena again but this time I was looking for Kat and Dani. When I found them near the bleachers, we decided to stay a little longer to know who will be crowned as the Finals MVP. I was looking at him while he was being interviewed. I can feel my heart beat a little bit faster than normal. I held on to my chest and slowly smiled. I can't believe he has this effect on me.

"Hello? Earth to Bea?" Kat waved her hand in front of my face to get my attention.

"Huh? Ano yun Kat? Sorry di ko masyadong marinig."

"Cute niyo daw ni Thirds, Bei."

"Hala, issue si Kat."

"It's true ate Bei, I have a picture of your hugs kaya." Bea laughed after looking at the pictures captured by Dani.

"Ay girl, I like the second one better. It looks more intimate oh. Like para kayong magjowa."

"Ay ate Kat gusto ko yon! Bagay talaga sila, ang bagal lang ni kuya."

"Hoy kayong dalawa tumigil tigil kayo diyan ha." Kat and Dani laughed at me. Before I could tell them anything, I was interrupted by someone speaking on the microphone.

The announcer was asking if we have any ideas who could be the Finals MVP and we were all shouting Thirdy's name. After a few more screams from everyone inside the court, Thirdy's name was called and all of us cheered. We know how much he worked hard for this and how dedicated he is to his craft. He went in the middle of the circle the crowd made and took his trophy. There were a lot of photographers surrounding him so I wasn't able to get any picture when he kissed the trophy. Nevertheless, I took one good shot when he raised the trophy as if offering it to the Lord. What a guy.

After the awarding ceremony, we sang our school hymn and went on our ways. I would treat him some other time since I want him to enjoy this championship with his family and with the team. Before leaving the arena, I decided to pay him a visit in the dug out. I also wanted to congratulate the whole team again for a great win. I knocked first and then I went inside and screamed,