His Jersey 24

6

I walked back inside the school and sat in one of the white benches. I texted every single one of them but no one still managed to reply. I tried to call my mom but it seems like she is in a call with another person. Line was busy.

I sighed and curled up. Back against the wall and face shoved in my knees. I was wearing leggings so it is hard to notice, unless if you look closely, you can see little rips and blood sinking in the fiber cotton of my bottom wear. I closed my eyes and heard footsteps coming towards me, then I felt a presence beside me and turned my head to its direction. My eyes widened as I saw his familiar dark brown hair and long eyelashes with round eyes. "hey.." He softly greeted which made me smile and greeted him back. "sorry about earlier, are you hurt?" he asked still keeping the softness to its voice that sent tingles down my spine. I gave him a confused look that made him chuckle a little bit. "it was me, the one who bumped into you. My friends were making fun of me for when I smiled at you earlier."

So I was not daydreaming? It was real?

"oh.. no I'm fine.. just a little bruise in my knees, but other than that, I'm in perfect condition!" I smiled at him as he turn his attention down to my knees. "What do you mean little bruise? I can see blood coming from it." he shifted infront of me and reached for his bag. I quietly sat down, confused on what he is searching for inside his bag. He then pulled out a small kit and opened it. Inside was a roll of large bandages and some little ones, beside it was an ointment for bruises or scars. "Mind if I roll up your leggings for a minute?" He asked with concern.

"wait.. I just met you today. This is so embarrassing— and now you're treating my bruise?" I asked while panicking. He let out a soft chuckle and hushed, "It's fine.. I was the one who caused it so mind if I treat it?" he then carefully rolled up my leggings revealing two bruises on each side. "now explain to me.. how is this FINE?" He asked not bothering to look anywhere other than the bruises on my knees. "I told you it is. I'm used to bruises."

He looked up to face me, "even if you're used to it. Doesn't mean you won't treat it anymore. That's what my mom always tells me." He then continued dabbing a soft cotton onto my knees.

"do you always carry a first aid kit?" I asked while fiddling with the stuff inside it. "it's better to be safe than sorry, right?" I chuckled softly at his answer. I handed him the roll of bandages as he ordered. He then began to wrap it in my knees and after he's done, he carefully unrolls my leggings and sat back beside me. "Thanks." I smiled down as my cheeks started to heat up again. I can feel his eyes staring down at me. "cute.." he quietly mumbled. "what?"

"huh?— it's nothing." he smiled back. "uhm.. I'm Karmina by the way" I gestured for a handshake. He recieved and said what a pretty name I have. "so... what's y—"

"Hey! Come on! Let's go home." A matured female voice called interrupted me as he stood up and handed me his hand, gesturing to help me stand up. "Hurry up! it's hot in here!"

"Well I guess this is goodbye then.."  his lips smiled but his eyes were gloomy.

"Is it?.. Will I meet you again?"

"Even though I live from a place far from here... I'm pretty sure we'll meet again."

"that's a promise.. and oh— were friends right?"

"of course." We exchanged smiles and bid our final goodbyes. I quietly stood there as I watched him as he began to walk further. He turned one last time and waved goodbye.

I didn't have the chance to ask his name.

I waved back and whispered, "til' we meet again, number 24."