Daylight

09

The next two days passed by a blur. The professors just discussed as usual, but for some reason they've decided to give surprise quizzes. Additionally, requirements have started piling up, and I wasn't ready for them.

Boi was I tired. But of course, I couldn't physically rest yet. I don't really take naps because they end up as napasobras. What I do to rest is as usual, play my uke. The only problem is that this time, I can't because I didn't bring it with me to class.

Today is a Friday, and I just want to sleep.

But even though today is the last school day of the week, I don't think I can yet. I've set today as my first meeting date with Juan for what I've decided to call "tutor seshs". I didn't even realize I forgot to ask who will teach the other first, so I just came in class today in an attire that can pass off as casual but can be worn during sports. I didn't really want to message Juan just to ask about it; the question seemed trivial.

I also didn't want to be the one to cancel a meeting time which I've set up just because I'm tired. It didn't seem fair to someone who had training almost every day.

Which is why, after my last class, I proceeded to the Molave Gym immediately. I didn't feel like waiting anywhere else just to chat. To my surprise, the guard in the gym seemed to recognize me.

"Ma'am, pasok lang po kayo. In-authorize na po kayo ni Ser Juan," he said. I thanked the guard and entered the gym.

I headed for the bleachers that are out of eyeshot of the players. I didn't want to cause any unnecessary distractions to them, since the 81st UAAP season was already approaching. I watched as the players did dribbling drills and various advanced shooting drills that I couldn't even begin to understand.

Only now did I see more of the whole basketball team of UP. My appreciation of them suddenly grew more as I saw their dedication in this training session. I can't even begin to imagine going to training everyday after class just to tire myself out some more. And yet these guys do it not just for themselves, but for the whole UP community.

Wow.

I found myself watching them as their training ensued, instead of trying to sleep or to get some work done. I somehow found this relaxing. Maybe I should try to watch some more sports.

After some time which I left unnoticed, their coach finally dismissed them. I immediately saw Juan jog to where his things were and pull out his phone, as if waiting for a message or thinking of sending a message.

Then I realized, he's probably waiting for me. Stupid Sinag.

But before I was able to stand up from where I was, I noticed that some of them have already noticed me. To be specific, Bright Akhuetie-Juan's teammate.

I saw him pointing to me, and when Juan heard, he stood up fast and started walking towards me. So much for not making a scene.

"Sinag!" he called, a few steps away from me. "How long have you been there? Kanina ka pa? Why didn't you tell me?" he said, worried.

I brushed off his questions. "Not that long, I didn't want to bother you guys from training." I smiled to reassure him. "You sure, ah," he said.

"Yup. So what do we do now?" I asked.

Juan paused for a while and thought. "Since we're here na sa gym, I guess better if turuan na kita," he said, tilting his head.

"Okay. Let's go," I responded and started walking down, bringing my bag with me. Unfortunately as we got nearer, some of his teammates started teasing us.