The Choice

Chapter 7

(Ruth's POV)

"Ruth." After shaking his hand, I let it go and took a good look at him.

He's not good looking as June. He's taller than me, maybe a foot taller. He's wearing our school uniform just like the others. His eyes is a little bit small but still almond-shaped. His eye color was common within Filipinos, dark brown but his is kinda unique. They seems to sparkle. I just cannot describe it but it makes me want to stare at his eyes. His physique is good which is a given because he's also a basketball player and he has this friendly smile that makes you feel comfortable with him. He actually looks so approachable.

"I'm gonna go." I said before he realized I was analyzing his features.

"See you around."

After that meeting, Felix and I became acquainted with each other. Every time our eyes meet, he will smile at me even Leizl noticed it.

"Is something going on with you and Felix?"

"Why you asked?"

"He keeps on smiling at you."

"So? Is it bad to smile at someone you are acquainted with?"

"I understand that but it feels like he likes you." She said.

"Don't misunderstand the person, Leiz. It's nothing like that." I insisted. What's wrong with smiling at each other? It's just a greeting. Nothing more.

"You have practice today, right?" She asked. I just nodded. "Okay, I'm gonna go home first then. Take care!"

"Thanks!  See ya next week, Leiz." I said then I walked towards the school gym which is located behind the school building. Before going inside the gym, I went inside to the girls locker room which is located just before the gym's entrance. Apparently, I was the first one to arrive. I changed into my practice jersey and shorts then I went to the gym to do some stretching. No one was there, also. I left my bag on one of the benches.

Afterwards, I did my warm ups and then, I ran around the basketball court. I was starting to sweat when someone called me out.

"Ruth!" When I turned around, I saw June. I lowered my running pace before I stopped in front of him.

"Yes, Captain?" I asked.

"You're early." He said. "That's great. I think I know who's the next team captain." Then he smiled at me. My heart skipped a beat.

Remember? He's really good looking and most of the girls from the team have a crush on him. I'm actually included in that. Who wouldn't? June is half-Australian. His eyes were hazel and unique because everytime a ray of light hits them, the left one somehow turns to green while the other doesn't. He's also tall and he almost looks good in all kinds of clothing. He makes our simple school uniform looks so cool. He is someone who really stands out in a crowd.

"Stop joking around, Cap. A leader is not just early. He should also have the skills and knows how to lead. I'm not that one." I said while looking at him.

"I'm sure you already got the skills, Ruth. Anyways,  you can always learn how to lead especially you already know how to follow." Then he winked at me before going to the gym storage for the balls.

My eyes followed him until he disappeared from my line of sight. My heart was about to explode. He just winked at me. Our team captain, June, just winked at me. To calm myself,  I started running laps around the court again.

"I saw that." I stopped running to look around. Felix was there, smiling at me.

"What?" I went to one of the benches in the gym where I left my stuff. I took my towel to wipe my face and then I realized, he followed me.

"You like June." He said casually.

"So?" I asked. Why does he have to see that? As much as possible, I don't want anyone to know except Leizl,  she already knew.

"You're actually not denying it. Cute." He said as he sat down beside my bag. I stared at him.  "Don't worry. I won't tell anyone" He said as he put his index finger in front of his lips as he smiles.

"Really? Thanks." I said then I smiled at him.

When Felix discovered I like June, he keeps on teasing me about it. He suddenly appears just to tease me. Like today,  I was waiting for a jeepney when he tapped my shoulder.

"Hi Ruth."

"Oh, Kuya Felix. Why you here?"

"Waiting for a jeep." I looked at him curiously. "We have the same route." He said. "By the way, look at the other side of the road." When I did what he told me, June was there. He was with his friends who are also my basketball seniors. "What do you like about him, Ruth?" He suddenly asked.

"Eh?!" His question took me off guard. "Why do I have to tell you that? You're just gonna tease me anyway." I said while pouting.

He suddenly pinched my cheeks. "Cause you're so cute to tease"

I slapped his hand. "Stop it!"

He chuckled. "Answer my question then." He said with a smile.

"Cause he's kind and gentle to people, okay?" I said. My face feels kinda hot. "Why do I have to tell you this?" This is embarrassing.

"So it's not just about his looks?"

"He stands out, you know. Well, honestly at first, it was because of that and I really love his eyes. It's so soothing to look at."

"Hmmm." He said. "How about my eyes, then? Do you like them?"

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Author's note: Kuya is a Filipino term that you call to older brother or older male.