This is the bonus chapter that you guys helped me complete during the "Write With Me" session last KumuPH livestream (August 3, 2021)! 

Thank you to everyone who watched. Again, don't forget to download KUMU and follow @WattpadPH to get a chance to interact with your favorite Wattpad Stars. I hope you like it!

Note: This chapter will only be here on Wattpad. 

***

"Fucking alarm clock." 

I covered my eyes using my right arm while my left hand tried to reach for my alarm clock to make the annoying sound stop. I was in a dilemma for a few more minutes but I knew I could not skip my morning jog. 

Tumayo na ako around 4:30 AM para maghilamos at magpalit ng damit. Nagsuot lang ako ng shirt, jacket, track pants, and digital watch. Then, I went downstairs to get my water before going out of the house. Madilim pa sa labas pero nakita ko na si Juarez na naghihintay sa akin sa labas, stretching his arms. 

"Oh, you're here." He stopped stretching and smirked when he saw my grumpy face. "Such a nice day, right?" 

"Shut up, Lai." Nilagpasan ko siya at sinimulan nang mag-jog. 

Narinig ko pa ang tawa niya bago siya sumunod sa akin, matching my pace. As athletes, both of us always go for a morning jog. Naging routine na 'yon para sa aming dalawa. Juarez, the son of Tito Hiro, and unfortunately, also my best friend.

We went around for a few more laps before we decided to go home and prepare for school. Hindi pa rin gising sina Mommy kaya nagluto na ako ng breakfast para sa kanila pagkatapos kong maligo. I also went to my younger brother's room to wake him up but he looked like he was in deep sleep so I just set his alarm again to 7 AM. 9 AM pa naman ang klase niya. That Senior High student.

"Good morning! Smells good!" While I was eating, Mom went downstairs, already dressed up in her work attire, a sky blue pantsuit, matched with her designer bag. Humalik siya sa pisngi ko bago dumeretso sa counter para gumawa ng morning shake niya. 

"You changed your hair color again," I told her. I was home late yesterday because of training so we didn't see each other. Hindi ko alam na nagpakulay na naman siya. 

"Oh, you don't like it? It's ash purple." My mom touched the small curls of her hair and looked at it. How could her hair still look so healthy? Regular treatment? Well, she has the money to do that... but the time? 

"It looks good." I nodded and she smiled at me before continuing to make her shake. 

Dad followed after a few more minutes, also already in his work attire, a button-down dress shirt and slacks. Dala-dala na rin niya ang mga gamit niya dahil deretso siya sa site ngayon, judging by him, trying to find his safety shoes. 

"At the back, Dad..." Napasapo ako sa noo ko. It was dirty yesterday so he left it outside. When I went home. I cleaned it last night and left it at the backdoor. 

"Napakahusay mo! Napakagaling mo! Pinagpala ka sa lahat, Seven!" Tuwang-tuwa pa siya nang makita niyang malinis na 'yong sapatos niya. I just knew mom would nag at him so hard if she saw how dirty those shoes were.

"Eat your breakfast na, babe," my mom said while eating. Tapos na niyang gawin 'yong shake niya. Umupo na rin si Daddy sa tabi niya pagkatapos maghugas ng kamay. "Are you going home late today?" 

"Yes, mahal," sagot ni Dad. "Late akong uuwi at... late na rin ako papasok!" Nagmadali siya bigla nang makita 'yong oras. Kinagat na lang niya 'yong tinapay na tinoast niya, saka nagmadaling kuhanin 'yong mga dala-dala niya. "Alis na 'ko!"

"Take care! Call me!" sigaw naman ni Mommy. 

"Me too. I need to go." Tapos na akong kumain kaya tumayo na rin ako at pumunta sa bathroom para mag-toothbrush. Pagkatapos, kinuha ko na ang bag ko at susi ng sasakyan bago nagpaalam kay Mommy paalis. 

My mom bought me a car when I graduated Senior High so I could use something for college. My university was a bit far from my house so I had to drive. I could not get my own condo because my family was so clingy, but I was already planning to move out too. My mom was just not ready yet. Well, my brother will be left there, at least. 

Pero baka 'yon na nga ang rason. Maiiwan si Mommy kay Dad tsaka sa kapatid ko. Sobrang ingay siguro sa bahay. Dalawang lalaki mang-iinis sa kaniya roon. I was the only one controlling the house so it would not become so chaotic. If I leave, everything will go down. 

"Seven, hello!" 

I just smiled a bit and gave a nod to the people greeting me when I arrived at school. All my friends were mostly athletes. Palagi kaming magkakasama sa isang lugar kapag lalaban sa ibang school.

I took Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics. I just had to use my math skills somewhere, and it could also help in volleyball. 

I had been playing volleyball since I was a kid, and started being a varsity player in elementary. I was a captain during high school, pero ayaw ko na ng responsibility na 'yon ngayong college. I just wanted to play. I was not the right person to keep the team... a team. 

"Now, we will have a surprise quiz. Get a one-half sheet of paper." 

Napakunot ang noo ko nang marinig ko ang surprise quiz. Quiz about what? He did not even teach. I just shook my head and reached for my bag to get a paper. Everyone was panicking. Wala pang mga papel kaya pinamigay ko na lang din ang isang pad ko ng papel paikot sa klase. 

It was just something easy. Ten items lang pero puro solving kaya tumagal kami sa klase. Na-check na rin naman kaagad. "Wow, we got one perfect score! Camero, Seven," my prof said while looking at the scores.

I just wanted to leave the room when they started cheering and clapping like it was something to celebrate for. Mabuti na lang at nag-bell na kaya kinuha ko na ang bag ko at nagpaalam na sa prof. Tatlo lang klase ko ngayong araw and this was my last class for today so I went straight to the court to prepare for training. 

I changed to my old volleyball jersey and a pair of Nike gym shorts. Wala pa naman 'yong ibang team kaya nag-practice lang ako saglit mag-isa sa pader. I also practiced my jump serve. 

Nang magsawa na ako, kinuha ko na ang tubig sa bag ko at lumabas ng court para pumunta sa refilling station. Wala na rin palang tubig doon sa dispenser ng court. Malas. Pinakamalapit na 'yong sa tabi ng canteen. 

It was near the pool area so I was not surprised to see Juarez beside it. He was wearing a simple shirt and black swimming shorts with a strap of backpack draped on his shoulder. What a good timing. I just had to hear him reject someone while getting water. 

"I really like you... and I'm wondering if we can... talk..." I heard the girl saying. 

You're a nice person. I like your personality... 

"You're a nice person and I really like your personality but..." I almost rolled my eyes when I really heard him say his damn script. 

Happened already! Lots of times! Nasa utak ko na ang mga linya niya. "I really don't want to be distracted. My competition is getting near. I hope you understand..." 

Muntik pa 'kong masamid sa iniinom ko nang marinig 'yon. He waited until the girl was gone before walking towards me and hitting my chest with his elbow. Muntik ko na tuloy madura 'yong iniinom ko. He laughed at me while patting my shoulder. 

"What a lame excuse," I told him and scoffed. "Ibahin mo naman sa susunod." 

"Hey, I don't want to hurt them with a harsh 'I don't like you. Sorry' like what you always say! As a nice person, I don't want to see people crying in front of me. Not to mention, it's awkward as hell," he even explained. 

"Not the same script everyday..." I sarcastically laughed. 

"Ah, ce ne sont pas tes affaires!" 

He rolled his eyes and walked towards the pool to take off his shirt before diving. Muntik pa akong matalsikan ng tubig kaya umatras ako at sinamaan siya ng tingin pagkaahon niya. 

Tumalikod na ako para maglakad pabalik ng court. I raised my middle finger in the air instead of waving my hand while walking away. Pagkabalik ko, naroon na ang ibang teammates ko, pati si coach. Nag-warm up na kami habang naghihintay at noong kompleto na, sinimulan na namin ang training. Sinuot ko na rin ang knee at elbow pads kong itim. 

I was the opposite hitter in the team so I excel on both offense and defense, like an all-rounder. I have tried every position before but opposite hitter suited me best so I stuck to it since senior high. I can set, receive, block, and attack all in one game. 

"Rod," I called our setter. After his set, I jumped and slammed the ball over the other side of court. When my feet touched the floor again, I shook my head in disappointment. "This is the 4th time already. Receive properly," I seriously told the other two at the opposite court. 

We were practicing their receive so the coach asked me to do my spikes, pero lahat ng 'yon clumsy. Madalas out or nami-miss. I was getting tired already kaya naiinis na ako, but I tried to remain calm. 

"Kalma," sabi ng captain namin sa akin at inabot ang tubig ko. "Ang lakas ng palo mo. Masakit yata sa braso." 

"Well, in the real competition, no team would adjust their spikes for us, so they should receive properly," sabi ko naman habang umiinom ng tubig. "If they can't even receive my attacks, how could they receive others?" 

"Sasabihan ko. Chill!" Tumawa pa siya. "Pahinga ka muna. Ako muna rito." 

I rested for a bit before I went back to the practice. Malapit na ang competition kaya hindi pwedeng ganito pa rin performance ng team. Champion kami last year kaya nasa amin ang pressure ngayon na manatiling champion ngayong year. 

The coach talked to the team before ending the training. Naligo na muna ako at nagpalit ng damit bago ko sinabit ang duffle bag sa balikat ko. Lalabas na sana ako nang tawagin ako ng coach ko. 

"Take it easy with the team, Seven," sabi niya sa akin. "And rest properly too. We need you in the team."

"Don't worry about it, coach," I said before going out of the court. Kakatapos lang din pala ni Juarez ng training at nakita ko pa siyang naglalakad. We wanted to try the new restaurant in front of the school so I followed him out. 

"If it tastes like shit, you're paying," sabi ko sa kaniya nang makarating kami sa tapat.

Pagkabukas pa lang niya ng sliding door, muntik na kaming matumba dahil may babaeng bumunggo sa amin patalikod. Good thing I maintained my balance and both of us held each one of her arm. 

Estella was showing her gold medal to her friends. Nang lumingon siya sa amin, lumapad lalo ang ngiti niya at pinakita rin 'yong napanalunan niya. 

"I won the quiz bee," she proudly said and smirked. "Panis na naman kayong dalawa, 'no?! Hoy, huwag masyadong ma-proud... Baka Nat 'to?" Nagkibit-balikat pa siya, nagyayabang sa amin. 

"Bro, you know her?" I asked Juarez. 

He shook his head. "Nah... Oh, there's a table." Nilagpasan naming dalawa si Estella hanggang sa makaupo kami sa available na table.

"Hoy! Ang kapal naman ng mukha n'yo!" reklamo ni Estella. We just pretended that we couldn't hear anything even when she already went over to our table and started nagging. Busy kaming nakatingin sa menu. "Pansinin n'yo na ako! Napakapapangit n'yong ka-bonding. Lame! Bantot!" 

"Ingay naman. Langaw ba 'yon?" tanong ko kay Juarez. 

"Nasaan na ba 'yong pamalo..." Juarez opened his bag. 

"Ang hirap talagang maging magaling at maganda. Ang daming inggit sa 'yo." She even flipped her hair on Juarez's face, which made me laugh. Medyo nakain niya kasi. "Jealousy is a disease! Get well soon, Camero and Juarez! You hate me because you can't be like me!" 

"Yes, queen. Speak your truth," Juarez said in the most boring tone as possible while looking at the menu. 

"I hate both of you so much." Siningkitan niya kami ng mata bago kumuha ng upuan at nakiupo pa sa table namin. Doon siya sa may gitna pumwesto. "How's training?" pakikipagchikahan na niya. 

"Tiring," sagot ko naman habang sinusulat ang order ko. Nang matapos, tumayo na ako at inabot 'yon sa waiter. It was better that way. "How's the competition, Nat?" 

"Which one? I competed in debate this morning, and science quiz bee this afternoon," naguguluhang sabi niya. "Well, both went good. Muntik lang akong makipagsuntukan sa debate. Ugh, that misogynist bastard!" 

"Bakit muntik lang? You should have punched that bastard, then," Juarez cooly said, crossing his arms on his chest. 

"Lai, it was a formal debate! Gusto mo bang mapunta ako sa school paper?! Studyante, nakipagsuntukan sa debate competition! Gusto mo ba 'yon?! If yes, then my dad probably wouldn't!" Ang dami talagang sinasabi. 

"I'm sure he will understand," I said while scrolling on my phone. 

In the end, Estella ate with us instead and even lost the game so she paid for the food. I had to go early because my mom wanted me to pick her up at the mall. I could also spend a good shopping time after a tiring day. 

"Get something for your brother too," my mom reminded me while I was looking for Balenciaga bags. I wanted to get a new duffle bag for training. Kinuhanan ko na lang din ng backpack ang kapatid ko para sa school. 

"The silver one looks better. Classic," I told her because I saw her having a hard time choosing what color she would get. My mom and I had always been shopping buddies ever since I was a kid. She liked dressing me up so I naturally got her fashion sense too. 

When we went home, dad was already there, preparing for dinner. My mom ran to her room with all the paper bags she was holding. "Hi, Dad," I calmly greeted before going upstairs.

"Ayan! Shopping na naman!" Rinig ko pang sabi niya pero tinawanan ko lang 'yon.

I knocked on my brother's room before entering. Naglalaro siya ng computer games pero tinanggal niya ang headphones niya nang makita ako. 

"Here's for you." Nilapag ko ang Balenciaga paper bag sa kama niya. "It's a new bag for school." 

"'Yon! Thanks, Kuya! Gagi, paano mo alam na nasisira na bag ko?!" Iniwan niya talaga 'yong laro niya para buksan 'yong paper bag. "Kuya, ikaw muna maglaro!"

Napailing ako at umupo sa gaming chair niya para ituloy 'yong nilalaro niya. I didn't know how to play it but I quickly figured it out while he was screaming in excitement at the background. 

"Magkano 'to?! Yes, may bago na akong gagamitin!" Hindi maipinta ang mukha ko nang kuhanin niya ang luma niyang bag at binaliktad 'yon sa kama para ihulog lahat ng laman. Ako ang na-conscious sa mga gamit niya. Pinagsasalpak niya lang din 'yon sa bag niya! 

"Hey... That's Balenciaga..." I reminded him. No wonder nasisira bags niya kaagad. What the hell. 

"Huh? Magkano ba 'yon?" walang pakialam na tanong niya. Napailing na lang ako at tinanggal ang headphones dahil panalo na siya sa laro. Tumakbo na rin siya at bumalik sa gaming chair niya. 

Ako naman, hindi ko matiis ang nakita ko kaya kinuha ko ang bag niya at nilabas lahat ng gamit doon para ayusin. Pagkatapos, kinuha ko ang alarm clock niya at in-adjust ulit para sa klase niya bukas bago ako lumabas ng kwarto. 

"Go down already for dinner," I reminded him again. 

I already ate dinner but I pretended that I didn't because Dad cooked. Parang rule na sa bahay na palagi kaming sabay kakain. Doon lang kami nagkakaroon ng oras mag-check up sa isa't isa, eh. Both of my parents were always busy and my brother and I were at school the whole day. 

"Baby, dinner!" My mom shouted again from the stairs to call for my younger brother. 

"Ito na, Mommy! One game na lang!" my brother answered from his room. 

"Sev! Get your son!" inis na sabi niya kay Daddy. 

"Hayaan mo na! Paano kapag natalo? Hintayin na lang natin..." sabi pa ni Daddy. Nang samaan na siya ng tingin, tumayo na rin siya at umakyat para pilitin ang kapatid kong bumaba. 

Kaso ang nangyari, pareho silang nagtagal sa taas kaya inakyat ko na rin. Pagkabukas ko ng kwarto, dalawa na silang naglalaro. Napasapo ako sa noo ko at hinatak silang dalawa pababa ng hagdan. 

"Duga! Panalo na, eh!" reklamo ng kapatid ko.

"Oo nga! Sayang 'yon! Ito kasing si Seven! Isang kill na lang 'yon, eh!" sabi naman ni Daddy. 

"Oh, shut up, both of you. Let's eat," sabi ni Mommy. "The food is cold na tuloy." 

Damn, this family would be so chaotic without me.

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:)