The Bae

Championship

Last 10 seconds in the shot pot.
Every one around is cheering, one side for the blue, the other for the green.

Last 5 seconds, he shoots the ball from the 3 point line closing his eyes upon throwing the ball silently praying it would give him the best miracle in his life. For the team, for his family and for her.

"Kiefer Ravena for threeeeee!!!"
And upon opening his eyes, blue confetti falling from the ceiling of the arena and his team running towards him. He made the shot! They won. Ateneo gets the championship once again! For his last playing year. And all he could do now is cry and thank God.

The court suddenly became crowded. The training staff, his teammates, reporters, La Salle players congratulating him. He even saw his family running towards him. It was Thirdy who hugged him first, congratulating him and thanking him. Then his sister, Dani, she hugged him and kissed him on the cheek, she was also crying. Then came his mother, his very supportive mother, Mozzy, she was clasping her hands looking at the sight of her children hugging tightly.
"Manong", she said and made him turn to her. She hugged him and kissed him as well. "You made it,Manong. Congratulations! I am so proud of you."
His father Bong was the last of his family members to congratulate him, giving him a manly hug and congratulating him.

Before he can even say his thank you to his family, one of the team managers excused him because he was about to be interviewed as he won the Finals MVP, and he was also the Season's MVP. During the interview, he was asked on how they prepared for the finals, how did he as the team captain remind his team mates on how to stay focus in the game, what the training staff taught them and the most awaited question of everyone, who was his inspiration.

Before answering the final question, he was not able to suppress his smile. And it was caught on camera, it garnered many "yieees" from the crowd. "My inspirations during this season would be the same inspirations i had the past season, but what made this time different is that I am not holding anything back. My family, God specially, the supporters, my team mates and most importantly, MY BAE. Hahaha.", "What do you want to say to them?" , "A big big thank you. Without these people who always remind me to keep my feet on the ground, that i should be a better version of myself rather than compete with anyone else. They keep me sane, with all the pressure, they decide to be by my side. And to the bae, thank you for always understanding me. Thank you for never leaving my side, since then up to now. I... Kwento ko sa pagong. Hahaha. "

"That's Kiefer Ravena everybody. Our Finals MVP. And once again, ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY, Season 78 Basketball Men Champions!! Soar High Eagles!"

After that interview, they were bombarded by other interviews and photo opportunities. During those time Kiefer was looking for her. His bae. But he was not able to see her. What he does not know is that she was just right there, silently crying, tears of joy, for him and for his victory even if her school lost. She was so proud of him. He is still the most selfless person she knew a year ago. Always for the team. Always for others but never for him. Except when it comes to her. She absent mindedly laughed with the idea.

"Para kang baliw, Ate Miks. " She went back to reality upon hearing Dani. The Ravena's are beside her and she did not even notice it.
Tita Mozzy is still crying, Dani hugged her. And said, "Proud ka ba, Ate? Ano ba iniisip mo?"

"Naman. Haha. Syempre sino ba namang hindi magiging proud. Alam naman natin kung gaano niya, nila pinag hirapan ito diba? Wala naman. Naalala ko lang kung gaano ka selfless yet possessive si Manong." She answered Dani.

"Yeah. There are times na halos patayin na nila mga sarili nila sa training. Maski si Papi hindi siya mapigilan eh." Tita Mozzy said.
"Siya pa ba? Alam nyo naman yan. If he wants something. He will do everything to achieve it. Kita mo ikaw, Mika. Hahaha" Tito Bong said.

"Oo nga Ate. Hanggang ngayon di ko pa rin maisip kung paano. 1 year na kayo pero.... Haaaay. Hahahaha." Dani joked.

"'To naman. Walang bilib? Feeling ko na gayuma ako eh. De loko lang. Haha" Mika joked back.

They were all laughing when Kiefer saw them. He still cannot believe how close his family is to his love. He smiled.
"Manong, wag mong papakawalan si Ate Miks ha. Kami talaga makakalaban mo. Tandaan mo yan. " Thirdy said to him.
"Di na talaga. Basta para sa akin sya na talaga, Thirds. She's been with me through the worst and best times of my life. Sana wag siyang magsasawa sa akin" Kiefer said to his brother whole heartedly.
"Di yan, Nong. Kita naman sa mga mata at ngiti niyo pag magkasama. Pero Manong, sobrang proud ko kasi kapatid kita. Proud ako dun sa last shot mo. I really prayed hard na maishoot mo yun. Pero kahit na hindi, sobrang proud talaga ako. Nakita ko kung gaano ka nag hirap para ulit makuha tong championship na to. And this is the best gift for you for your graduation." Thirdy said to him while patting his shoulder and later on, Kiefer hugged Thirdy.

"Di lang ako, Thirds. Lahat tayo sa team. Lahat tayo nag hirap. Lahat tayo nag dasal, nagtiwala. Kaya next year, kayo naman. Defend the title. Ayos?"

"Aprub Manong. Para sayo. Hahaha. Drama natin. Shet." Thirdy joked.

They both laughed. They were called for a group picture. Awarding and all.

Jeron caught up with Kiefer after the awarding, "Paps!! Congratulations! Tinalo mo naman ako! Hahaha", " Hahaha. Salamat, Paps! Bawi nalang sa sunod hahaha."

"Sige, paps. Mukhang nag hihintay na si "the bae" mo." Jeron said while pouting to where his bae was. He thanked Jeron and jogged to where Mika was.

Upon reaching her, Kiefer hugged her tight. And Mika not minding the sweat he has hugged him back with so much intensity. "Congrats, Manong. Iiyak na naman ang La Sallian community neto. Haha. I am so proud of you Babe. Ang galing nung last shot eh. Pang NBA ba. Haha" Mika said while hugging Kiefer.

"Buti nanood ka Babe kung hindi. Ewan lang. Baka Atenean community ang lumuha. Hahaha. Thank you talaga, Miks. For being there. Through ups and downs. Kahit na minsan alam king nag tatampo ka kasi more on practice ako kesa lumalabas tayo. Salamat kasi napaka understanding mo kahit na minsan ang tindi ng sprak mo. Mahal kita Bae. Sobra sobra. Di ko alam gagawin ko kung wala ka. Huhuhu" Kiefer said.

"Eto naman. Ganda na ng message e. May huhuhu pa sa huli. Kala ko tuloy seryoso na. Hahaha. Alam ko naman po kasi kung gaano ka importante sayo to. At tska mahal din naman kita. Pero Kief, talagang dito tayo? Sa gitna? Di pwd sa dug out? Hahaha. Nag iintay na sila dun oh. Kota na the Miefs sa pictures. " Mika joked.

"Sabi ko nga. Tara." Kiefer held the hand of Mika as they walked to the dug out. 
Not minding that everyone can see them.
Sabi nga sa interview, he is not holding back anything now. 😊