Burning Coldness | BXB

Burning Coldness 03: Animosity

|ANIMOSITY|

It was Friday, and Nathaniel’s week passed by quickly. It is quick interesting how time passes by when you are busy. This year he became the head President of all clubs, so he had even more responsibilities than last year.

However he didn’t mind it, on the contrary, he was being contented with being a leader. He even loved being a basketball player, and not because of the status. It helped him relax, and took his mind off school. Just for a couple of hours, he could forget all about the pressure in maintaining high grades, and let out all the pent up stress through exercise.

He always tried his best, and always encouraged his teammates to practice well. So it wasn’t a surprise to anyone that he became the head leader. He just announced that the practiced was finished, and flashed a tired but still dazzling smile at his teammates. Despite being wasted, he managed to smiled back at him.

“You played very well. You killed us!” he said between panting. His best friend, Harold sighed, and exaggeratedly slumped down on the bench on the changing room.

“Come on, it wasn’t that bad, plus we have to bring our best game this year, it is our last in this school.” he said with an encouraging smile.

“I guess, you are on point. But I am telling you, I don’t know how much more of this I can handle.” Harold teased again while wiping sweat off of his forehead.

“The ones who can’t handle it, can quit right now!” Nathaniel said a bit louder so everyone can hear him. He tried to sound serious as much as he can, but tough Harold completely obliterated his effort by tapping his shoulder.

“You little softy, who are you going to kick out?” Harold cooed while laughing in between those words, and making funny grimaces with Nathaniel’s face.

“Alright, I get a point. I am a softy with a heart. Now, will you please stop laughing?” Nathaniel mumbled while gently pushing Harold off him. He doesn’t like the feeling of being much closer with boys. With his cheeks slightly red, he returned his attention to his teammates who were watching the whole scene amused.

“But seriously guys, I love you all and I wouldn’t kick out anyone out of the team, but we really have to push it this tough year. I know that this is not the last year for all of you, but for me, it is. I want this season to be the most memorable one. I’m asking you to please help me.” he smiled at them expectantly.

The majority smiled back at his little motivational speech, and even cheered in support. They loved Nathaniel, no one was really able to say no to him and his genuine smile was enough to lure them to do what he asked to do.

After their tiring training, Nathaniel went home to change, and then went to Hamper’s, a little coffee shop that his parents owned. He would go there some days after school to help them out, and that way, he could earned money for his weekly allowance. He also worked there most of the days this summer, so he saves some money on the side. He wanted to go on a trip across Europe someday, and it was never too early to start saving.

As he opened the doors of Hamper’s pleasant smell of coffee, fresh bagels, and familiarity enveloped him.

“Hello, there!” he passed the counter and went to hug his parents.

“Hello, Nathan!” they greeted him in unison. “How was your day, honey?” his mum asked him.

“It was fine, I had a practice and I have the feeling some guys’ won’t go easy on me. But I’ll manage them somehow...” he trailed off.

Despite the general belief that everyone loves him, he knew that wasn’t true for all of the people in the school. He could sense when people disliked him. He couldn’t do anything about it. He was pleasant to them, so if they still not chose to like him then, it was their problem and not him.