This Game Called Love

Chapter 10

It's starting to get crowded outside the auditorium hall. All you can hear is the loud chattering from the students leaving the venue after the quiz bee.

"Congrats, Harper." My classmates congratulated me for winning the second place.

"Thanks." I gave them a small smile.

I don't know if I should be really happy about it. Second place? I did my best, but I guess it wasn't enough. Everyone knows how I exert so much time and effort to prepare for this competition. For some people, I still did great for being in the top 3 but I feel like I'm a failure. Since it's a nationwide quiz bee, it would be great if you will win. The champion can even get a scholarship to his chosen school. I badly want to win so I really worked hard and studied a lot for this. And for sure, my parents would probably get disappointed at me. I insist that I want to study here in Manila, even though they strongly opposed my plans. My dad wanted me to stay in Cebu so I could manage our businesses there.

They need to see that I excel in everything I do here. I always feel like I need to prove myself to them.

After my adviser congratulated me, I go to the most peaceful area in this building. Good thing, there are no other students staying here. I sat on a wooden bench, I took a deep breath, and close my eyes, to feel the warm breeze. It also helps me to relax and cleanse my mind. I badly needed it! These past few months went hectic, and I spent most of my time studying. Even for a minute, I let my mind space out without even bothering to think of anything. I really want to breathe and forget what happened. I know I also deserved to win, but still someone did it better. And I need to accept that fact.

I let out a deep sighed for the second time.

"You did well. Congratulations." I almost fell out of my seat because of surprised when I heard someone.

I abruptly looked at that person, still a bit shocked.

It was the champion on the quiz bee!

"Thank you," I said in a monotone, "Congratulations also. Well-deserved."
I really tried not to sound so bitter.

"Thanks. Though it doesn't even sound sincere." He shortly chuckled.

I parted my lips out of exasperation. Is that really obvious? I think I said it nicely.

"Thank you, I'm sincere," I casually uttered, hopefully this time I'm not sounding like I'm holding some sort of grudge.

"I'm just kidding," he chuckled.

I remain silent and decided not to comment on what he said. I'm not in the mood to talk to anyone, even him. I went here to relax, and I wanted to be alone so I'm silently hoping that he will leave and let me have my moment.

"I know I'm not in the position to say something but you really did great. Look, you even won the second place," he casually said. "Give yourself some compliment, Miss."

"But it wasn't enough," I answered while my attention is still from nowhere.

"But still, it's already an achievement. Commend yourself for that." He uttered.

I don't know why he's giving me some sort of words of wisdom. Is he sincere or out of pity?

I was about to look at him when suddenly he also gazed at me. He smiled, but I abruptly look away. It feels weird.

"I'm thinking about the scholarship, sayang 'yun," I sounded so awkward.

Why the hell am I talking to him now?