The Engineer (Batchelor Series #2)

14

It was 8 PM, and the campus was already starting to wind down. Most of the students had gone home, except for a few stragglers hanging around the lobby or at the nearby kiosks, grabbing late-night snacks. The night felt unusually quiet, and after a long day, I was more than ready to head back to my dorm.

Pagod na ako, hindi lang physically, but mentally. Between the council meeting, classes, and, of course, the basketball game, it had been one hell of a day. I shoved my notes into my bag and stretched, feeling the stiffness in my neck.

Uwi na ako. I texted Mama to let her know I’d be back late, then slung my bag over my shoulder and started walking towards the exit.

As I passed by the entrance, I noticed a familiar figure leaning against a sleek black motorcycle parked near the curb. Even in the dim light, there was no mistaking that broad-shouldered stance and cocky smirk. Renz.

Ano na naman ginagawa ng kupal na ‘to dito?

I pretended not to see him and quickened my pace, hoping he’d let me slip by unnoticed. But before I could even get two steps farther, I heard his voice cut through the silence.

“Pres! Where do you think you’re going?” Renz’s tone was light, teasing as usual, but there was a hint of something more in it tonight.

I stopped in my tracks, sighed, and turned to face him. “What do you want, Salarza? It’s late. May kailangan ka ba?”

He pushed himself off the bike and casually walked toward me, his hands stuffed in his pockets. He was still wearing his team jacket from the game earlier, though now it was unzipped, showing a plain white shirt underneath. His hair was slightly damp, probably from a recent shower.

“I’m here to give you a ride home,” he said, flashing that all-too-familiar smirk.

I raised an eyebrow, crossing my arms. “Bakit? Bigla ka bang naging grab rider?”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “Nah. Consider this a thank you for watching the game. Alam ko late na, and it’s dark out. Mahirap mag-commute at this hour, lalo na sa Sta. Mesa. So, I’m offering. Sumama ka na.”

I stared at him for a moment, trying to figure out his angle. There had to be one, right? Renz never did anything without a reason.

“Out of the goodness of your heart, ha?” I said, narrowing my eyes. “Ano bang gusto mo talaga?”

He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice just enough to make it seem like a secret. “Wala. No strings attached, Pres. Just thought you might appreciate a ride instead of braving the Manila commute.”

I frowned. “Ang dami mo talagang libre ngayon, ha? Dati hindi ka nga nag-aabot ng sukli, tapos ngayon biglang mabait?”

Renz laughed, the sound rich and genuine. “Tingin mo ba talaga masama akong tao? Pres, gusto ko lang talaga bumawi. You watched the game, kahit alam kong busy ka. So, let me return the favor. Minsan lang ‘to.”

I hesitated. To be fair, he did play well earlier, and I did end up watching the whole thing. But a part of me still felt wary—this was Renz, after all. If he wasn’t teasing me outright, then he was probably plotting something. Pero at the same time, pagod na rin ako. And I couldn’t deny that getting a ride sounded way better than squeezing into a jeepney at this hour.

“Fine,” I said finally, trying to sound indifferent. “Pero kung may gagawin kang kalokohan, bababa ako agad.”

Renz grinned, clearly pleased with my answer. “Scout’s honor, Pres. No funny business.”

I rolled my eyes as he handed me a spare helmet. It was glossy black, just like his bike, and had the Engineering logo on the side. I pulled it over my head and climbed onto the bike behind him.

The engine roared to life, and I felt the vibration of the motorcycle beneath me as Renz revved it up. He glanced over his shoulder, his voice muffled slightly by his helmet. “Hold on tight, Pres. Unless gusto mong matumba tayo sa daan.”

I scoffed but reluctantly wrapped my arms around his waist. The bike surged forward, and I could feel the cool night air whipping past us as we sped through the streets.

We rode in silence for the first few minutes. Manila’s streets were still somewhat busy, but nothing compared to the chaos of rush hour. The lights of the city flashed by in a blur, and the wind was surprisingly calming against my face. I found myself relaxing slightly, leaning into the ride.

“Tahimik mo ngayon, Pres,” Renz’s voice broke the quiet. “Di ka ba nag-eenjoy? Or are you still thinking about how I dunked earlier?”

“Don’t flatter yourself,” I muttered. “I’m just tired.”

“Sure,” he said, but I could hear the smile in his voice. “But admit it, you were impressed. I saw the way you watched me on the court.”

I huffed. “Ang yabang mo talaga. You had a good game, pero huwag mo nang ipagyabang.”

“Eh, alam mo naman ako. I live for the applause,” he teased, weaving the bike smoothly between cars. “Pero seriously, thanks for watching. I know basketball isn’t your thing.”

I paused, caught off guard by the sudden sincerity in his voice. “It wasn’t a big deal,” I replied after a moment. “You guys played well. You deserved the win.”

He didn’t say anything in response, but I felt him relax slightly, his posture less rigid. For a second, it almost felt... normal. Like we weren’t constantly at each other’s throats. Like we were just two people enjoying a quiet ride home.

After a while, the streets grew less busy, and we started nearing my neighborhood. The familiar landmarks came into view, and Renz slowed the motor bike down as we approached my street.

He pulled up right in front of my gate, cutting the engine. “Here we are, Pres. Safe and sound.”

I climbed off the motor and handed him the helmet. “Thanks,” I said awkwardly, unsure of what else to say.

Renz grinned, pushing the visor of his helmet up. “No problem. Anytime you need a ride, you know who to call.”

I snorted. “Hindi naman ako madalas nagpapa-hatid, but sure. I’ll keep that in mind.”

He nodded, then leaned slightly closer, his voice low. “Ingat ka, Pres. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Before I could respond, he revved the engine again and sped off into the night, leaving me standing there, helmet in hand, staring after him.

I shook my head as I unlocked the gate and walked into the house.

Renz Salarza. Just when I think I’ve got him figured out, he does something like this.

Whatever game he was playing, I wasn’t sure. But one thing was certain—tonight, I didn’t mind being part of it.