You're Blooming the Wrong Way

Chapter Twenty-Two

"Do you think we'll win tomorrow, Lucy?"

I wrinkled my nose at Haru's query. "You know, it's not a question of whether you'll win or not. Once the result is determined, ask yourself if you really gave it your all." I crossed my arms.

I watched him as he briskly dribbled the ball. "Makes sense. I'll have to work hard tomorrow. I should not underestimate the opposing team just because I'm the tallest player." A small smile dawned to my face when Haru gracefully made a three-point shot.

"You'll be fine." I assured him when he approached me on my seat. Kumuha ako ng tuwalya at pinatalikod ko si Haru upang mapunasan ko ang likod niyang pawisan.

As usual, the training of the Shiota brothers are still ongoing. Hana was in the middle of running laps around the neighborhood, while I stayed here on the basketball court to watch Haru practice his shooting. Bukas na iyong laban at ramdam kong kabado sila pareho. Hana's more tensed than his brother, though.

Alas-otso pa lang ng umaga kaya hindi nila iniinda ang mataas na sikat ng araw dahil mabuti rin naman ito para sa kanilang balat. The air was quite humid, an indication that the rest of the day will be hot.

"Cheer for me tomorrow, Lucy." Haru requested while I was busy wiping his back. "I want to hear you scream my name."

"I'll try."

"Don't try. Just do it." Nakanguso niya akong hinarap. Oh, it's the usual sulking. "Aren't you proud of being my girlfriend?"

I flicked his forehead. "There's a fine line between being proud and boasting. As much as possible, I want to avoid attention. Marami kayang nagkakagusto sayo. I don't wanna deal with your fans."

I clicked my tongue upon remembering how someone vandalized the school bathroom with my name. Malandi raw ako dahil tinira ko raw agad iyong bagong dating na estudyante. Sa isip-isip ko, si Haru naman ang bumuntot sa akin dito. May mga sulat din na hindi na raw ako virgin. I decided to ignore the insults, but I won't deny that I was bothered by it. Sino ba namang hindi maaasar?

"Alright. Just make sure to watch me, Lucy. Gusto ko tingin ikaw kapag tingin ako." He childishly remarked. Inabot niya sa akin ang bola. "Can you shoot for me? A good-luck shot from my girlfriend."

Kinuha ko naman ito at pumunta ako sa gitna ng court. Medyo napapikit ako dahil sa sikat ng araw. Haru stood behind me to cover me from the sunlight. When I finally felt ready, I crouched down before jumping to make the shot.

Unfortunately, it didn't go in.

"This is somewhat annoying." kunot-noo kong sabi dahil panay ang tawa ni Haru. Paano ba naman, ni hindi man lang umabot sa ring iyong bola at para lang akong nakipaglaro sa hangin. "Don't laugh. I was never interested in basketball." napipikon kong depensa.

"Is this a sign that tomorrow will be our loss?" He teased.

I rolled my eyes. "You're getting on my nerves, Haru."

Hindi talaga siya huminto sa pagtawa kaya mas lalo akong nainis. I was about to leave him there when he knelt down on the ground then grabbed me by the arm. Haru forcefully made me sit on his shoulders. Napanganga ako noong tuluyan na akong napaupo sa balikat niya at bigla siyang tumayo.

"Whoa!" I blurted out, pulling his hair out of reflex. Medyo nalula ako dahil talagang matangkad si Haru at ngayon lang din ako nakaupo sa balikat ng isang tao. "Put me down! This is scary!"

"Nope. I won't put you down unless you make that good-luck shot." Napayakap ako sa ulo niya noong maglakad siya palapit sa ring. Again, he offered me the ball. "Shoot for me once more."