Take A Chance On Me | A Juan GDL Epistolary (Completed)

103

I arrived at the empty court with majority of the lights off. Only the light at the center circle was on and a random basketball was lying on it. I walked slowly into the light and heard his familiar, soothing voice.

"Thanks for bringing the pizza." He appeared, once again, behind my back. He definitely has a habit of doing that.

To create distance and show my aloofness, I didn't turn my back to face him. "Dinala ko lang pero wala akong balak mag-share." I said coldly.

But my indifference didn't stand a chance. Like a pleading puppy, he snuggled and softly laid his chin on my shoulder, leaning his head against my head, as he said "Damot mo". I imagined him putting a pouted face.

My eyes did what they did best - to roll on the side. I shrugged him off. "So why do you want me here?" My frankness geared him up to get serious.

"I'm sorry for being an asshole. For ignoring you. For acting like a child. I'm so sorry. Please forgive me."

As he spoke, his breath touched and brushed the back of my neck, sending tingles down my spine. I immediately turned my back in his direction to stop him from being too comfortable.

But that was a wrong move. As I turned to him, my face came in an intimate encounter with his. My nose was almost touching his lips. The only thing separating our bodies was the pizza box I was holding tight on. Incredibly close. Damn. His beautiful eyes stared at me waiting for a response.

It was supposed to feel right. But something still bothered me.

"And?" I asked, hoping he'll realize what I meant.

"And? What?" He didn't quite get it so I gave a hint. "That question I asked you. Bakit hindi mo nasagot?"

He finally stepped his foot back, making a bit of a gap between us. It was obvious from his reaction that he wasn't proud of his speechlessness that day. He changed his gaze at his shoes. Bashful. Embarrassed.

"Sorry, Pen. I wasn't able to answer not because I was afraid or I was being a coward, but because I really want to make that moment special and private for us. If I were to tell you my heart out right at that time when our heads were so heated, it would be so off-timing. It would ruin everything. I hope you understand."

He took one of my hands off the pizza box and held on it tightly. "Do you forgive me now?"

His apology almost convinced me but a bright idea popped in my head.

"On one condition, Juan Gerardo." His eyes wondered, questioning me.

"Napansin ko na humihina ka mag-tres ngayong season...

I want you to shoot a three-ball. Then I'll forgive you." I smirked at him.

He was quite startled but his demeanor swiftly changed to a more confident one. He was up for the challenge. He took the ball lying at the center circle and positioned himself at an angle on the arc where he was most complacent.

"Ito lang ba?"

He took his shot without even looking at the ring. His eyes were fixed on me. Mine were also fixed on his too. Because at that moment, it didn't even matter to me if the ball didn't make it in the basket, my heart was already decided.

But I think the planets aligned that night.

Swish.