╰┈➤ ❝ [tanong ni katipan, sagot ni paraluman]

Third Person POV

"WOOOOH! Putangina! Sana sinabi mo! Para 'di na umasang may tayo pa sa huli! Tangina boi ang sakit! WuuAAaAaAGH~! Shot bro!"

Iyak ni Shinichiro sa gilid ng classroom habang umiinom ng Chuckie, pinagbawalan ni Mikey uminom ng alak eh at nasa school din... kaya Chuckie muna.

"Okay lang 'yan, pare. Basta pogi tayo," comfort ni Benkei habang tinatapik ang likod ni Shinichiro.

"Aray! Ina neto, broken na nga ako babaliin pa likod ko," reklamo ni Shinichiro.

"Ang duduwag kasi, tss," napatawa nalang si Rindou nang nakaupo lang sa upuan habang pinapanood sina Shinichiro.

(A/N: opo I know nakita ko 'yung best bf ranking, pero dito red flag parin 'yung gunggong na rindou na 'yan kasi ang pangi-)

"Tumulad kasi kayo sa'kin. Tignan niyo, ang daming nagkakagusto. Tsk, pogi ko talaga," pagyayabang pa nito.

"Eww! So assumero," Akane gagged as she flipped her hair.

"Huwag kang magsasalita kapag nagkacrush ka sa'kin ha. Tsaka sino ka ba?" Rindou scoffed, at tinawag si Sanzu. "Diba, tol?"

"H-ha?" napagising naman si Sanzu, natutulog kasi sa classroom, nagpuyat kagabi.

"At sinong magkakacrush sa pangit na tulad niyo?" sagot naman ni Hakkai.

"Lalabo ng mga mata niyo. Pacheck-up kayo, ha? Baka sakaling luminaw at makita niyo ang kapogian namin," sagot ni Rindou.

"Psst, Yumi," tawag ni Yuzuha sakaniya nang hinarap ang selfie camera at do'n sila nagpicture sa sulok ng classroom habang wala pa ang teacher.

Ngunit nang pagkatingin ni Yuzuha sa picture nila, may nakasilip sa likod, photobomber! Mukhang nangaasar pa ito dahil nakadila at nakapakyu. Napatingin naman si Yuzuha sa likod, "Makoto!"

"It's okay, I'll send this to Pah anyway," pangaasar ni Yuzuha kay Yumi.

"Huh?!" Yumi's eyes widened.

"Ayieeee! Tangina! PahYu! Onti nalang magiging pakyu," dagdag pa nina Hakkai at Akane.

"Wow, ah! Parang walang 'MakoKai' ha!" nakisingit naman si Yamagishi.

"Putangina—" napaface palm nalang si Makoto.

"Ew! The fawk!" hinampas naman ni Hakkai sina Makoto at Yamagishi ng makeup bag.

"Aray! Ba't nadamay ako?" napatayo naman si Makoto sa upuan.

"Well, duh? Kasama ka naman talaga," sagot ni Hakkai.

"Aba, puta! Si Yamagishi nagsimula no'n!"

"Manahimik ka nga!"

"Ikaw manahimik!"

"You may now kiss the—" dagdag pa ni Yamagishi, pero agad na tumakbo palabas ng classroom ng hinabol nina Hakkai at Makoto.

"Jumbo hotdog kaya mo ba 'to," sa isang side naman ng classroom, bigla nalang nagmacho dance si Sanzu sa harap ni Ran na patagong nagsisigarilyo sa sulok.

"Mangungutang nanaman ba 'yon?" tanong ni Rindou kay Koko.

"O shet, tangina!" nakisabay na rin si Ran at nagmacho dance ang dalawa habang nakasampa sa taas ng upuan na parang tanga. May pataas pa ng uniform at nagpamusic sa speaker.

"Huy! Ginagawa niyo riyan?! Laki laki niyo nakapatong sa upuan, amputa. Kapag yan nasira, jusko, sinasabi ko sainyo," reklamo ng isa nilang kaklase.

"Ano trip netong dalawa?" dagdag pa ng iba.

"Uyy! Nandiyan na si (Y/N)!" sigaw nila.

Nagulat naman sina Ran at Sanzu at na out of balance tuloy 'yung upuan, ayun, sapul 'yung mukha ni Sanzu sa sahig at si Ran naman ay agad na nakatalon.

(Y/N) flinched when she entered the classroom dahil bigla nalang nagsigawan ang mga kaklase nito. She just awkwardly walked to her seat and sat down quietly.

"Morning," pasimpleng bati ni Ran nang pagkatalon pababa sa upuan.

"Putangina mo, Ran! Aray!" sigaw ni Sanzu na naka upo parin sa sahig, mukhang nabasag 'yung itl—

You only looked at him and rolled your eyes. Paniguradong malakas nanaman ang trip nito.

"Sungit, ah. 'De, oks lang. Nasasanay na 'ko sa kasungitan mo," biro pa ni Ran na may kasamang mapangasar na tawa.

You ignored his teasing and focused on studying at your desk.

"Am I right, Ms. Sungit?"

"No, pangit mo," you retorted as you moved your chair farther away from him.

Ran held back the smirk forming on his lips as he grabbed the arm of your chair and effortlessly pulled it closer to him, making you face him.

Napahawak ka naman sa upuan for your dear life. Akala mo talaga mahuhulog ka!

"What the hell!" you grumbled. "What if I fell?!"

"Then I'll catch you, simple," he flicked your forehead.

"Ow!" Napahawak ka naman sa noo mo as you scrunched your brows. Tapos sinipa mo nalang ang tuhod niya at halos maglumpasay si Ran sa upuan niya dahil sa sakit.

"Aray! Delikado talaga. Dati aso, ngayon kabayo na! HAHAHAHA!" ngunit nangasar ulit si Ran. "Nangangagat, naninipa, ano sunod?"

"Papatay," you forced a smile as you grabbed a sharp ballpen.

"Uy, gagi! Joke lang!" nanlaki naman ang mga mata ni Ran nang tumayo sa upuan.

You brushed off the dust on your skirt as you fixed your chair at nagfocus nalang sa pagsusulat ng notes.

"Hello, Section B! Is Ms. (L/N) (Y/N) here?" suddenly, napalingon ang lahat nang may pumasok na mga estudyante sa classroom niyo, at mukhang mga juniors sila.

"Bakit?" si Ran ang unang sumagot.

"We'll just announce something po," sabi nila, and they are exactly five students, halatang juniors sa pagsasalita palang. They're like those students campaign.

Ran's eyes widened as he saw a familiar face among the juniors... "Gab?"

"Hello, Kuya Ran!" masayahin na bati ni Gab dahil nakita niya ang basketball captain niya na tinuturing niya rin na kuya.

"Puta— okay," ayan na, nagtampo naman si Rindou.

"Kilala mo si Gab?" nagtaka ka naman.

"Hello, Ate (Y/N)!" Gab waved at you.

"Kilala mo si Gab?" tanong din sa 'yo ni Ran.

"Oo," sagot mo.

Ran was about to ask you kung paano kayo nagkakilala ni Gab, until the juniors finally speak to announce something.

"Hello! We're from Junior Highschool Department, and we're inviting a few senior top students. We want to ask permission from your adviser since we will be inviting Ms. (L/N) (Y/N), from Section B to the upcoming annual Quiz Bee for our school year's Intramurals!" they announced in front of the class.

"Wow naman!" sigaw ng Section B. "Baka (Y/N) yan! Sali ka na!"

"Oh..." you scratched your head, so unsure of this abrupt invitation even if you saw it coming.

You looked at Ran and he had a proud expression on his face, it's like he is encouraging you to join at halatang he has full support for you.

Seems like you have a motivation.

"I'll think about it," sagot mo.

"Yun o!" sigaw ng mga kaklase mo.

"Okay, we'll just inform your adviser about this, and we'll have your final decision by tomorrow. Thank you and good luck!" the junior students informed and soon left the classroom.

"So, pa'no kayo nagkakilala ni Gab? Tanong lang naman," Ran asked.

"Ikaw ba? I didn't know that you know him."

"He's on my basketball team."

"Oh, okay."

"Wait, ikaw naman. Ba't mo siya kilala, ha?" Ran asked you as he narrowed his eyes. Akala mo strict boyfriend eh.

"What's with the tone?" You scoffed. "Anak siya ng close friend ni mommy, and I live in the same village as him. I frequently see him in that vicinity, especially when mommy visits her friend."

"Ah," Ran nodded. "Okay."

"Mine!"

Sigaw ng mga kaklase mo habang naglalaro ng volleyball sa outside court ng school. Recess time na rin kaya't kung saan saan tumatambay ang mga estudyante. Mayroon sa indoor court, outside court, track field, garden, at iba pa.

"Hoy! Bobo! Sanzu! Ba't mo iniiwasan 'yung bola!" sigaw ni Rindou.

"Pa'no ba, ha—? ARAY!" ngunit hindi napansin ni Sanzu ang lumilipad na bola papunta sakanya at tumama sa crotch niya.

"Putangina!" napahawak naman si Sanzu sa ano niya. Basag nanaman.

Sina Koko at Kakucho ay nasa gilid habang kumakain, hindi nakikisali sa laro. Sa F5 talaga, when there are activities that includes sports, palaging umiiwas ang dalawa. They don't like sweating, maliban nalang kung mapilitan talaga si Kakucho. Sina Ran, Rindou, at Sanzu? Kahit maligo sila sa pawis okay lang, these three are really active on sports and they're hyper as hell.

"Tanginang volleyball 'to, ang hirap," reklamo ni Sanzu. "Ibang bola na nga lang lalaruin ko!"

"Huh?!" napatingin naman sina Ran at Rindou sakanya.

"Basketball kasi, ugok! Inang mga utak 'yan. Sabagay, magkapatid kaya iisa lang ang utak."

"Uy! Basketball! Sali ako!" sigaw ni Ran nang tumakbo sa kabilang court.

"Ako rin!" at nakisali na rin ang mga boys ng Section B. Ayan nanaman sila, mayamaya pawis na pawis at haharap sa aircon ng classroom.

Sina Hakkai, Yuzuha, Yumi, at Akane ay naka upo lang sa mga benches sa gilid ng outside court. May mga sari-sariling ginagawa, sina Yuzuha at Yumi nagre-retouch ng makeup, sina Hakkai at Akane nagchi-chismisan, tapos mayamaya mags-selfie.

"Hoy, sis. Ano, maganda ba 'yung new hair new look ko? Purr! This bitch turned into blonde!" maarteng sabi ni Hakkai

"So ayun, sabi raw sa 'kin ni Jela mukha kang bata roon sa logo ng Alaska! Beh, payag ka no'n?!" kwento ni Akane kay Hakkai.

"The fawk?! Ano Facebook niyan? Ano section? Ang asim, ah! Tangina, sugurin natin!"

Si Inui, Wakasa, Choji, and Naoto ay nasa gilid, nags-study group.

Benkei, Makoto, at Yamagishi ay nasa gilid din... pero nagbabatuhan ng bote sa ulo, ewan ko kung anong trip nila. Mayamaya sasali rin kina Ran para maglaro ng basketball.

"Saan si Pah? I miss my bro," sabi ni Peh, akala mo sad boi mukha eh.

"Tara, Choji. Samahan mo ako. Punta tayo sa Section A," dagdag pa nito.

"Sasama raw si Yumi sainyo, pupunta rin daw ng Section A!" sigaw nina Hakkai, Akane, at Yuzuha nang tinulak nila si Yumi.

Patuloy lang na naglalaro sina Rindou, Ran, Sanzu, at ang iba pang Section B boys ng basketball sa court.

"Ang court of appeal! Dunk it!" sigaw ni Sanzu nang nagslam dunk sa net, pero nadulas sa sahig.

"Ayan, natulad ka tuloy kay Jonathan."

"Sino si Jonathan?" tanong ni Rindou.

"Ka-team ko lang," sagot naman ni Ran.

"Yooo! Wassup!" talking about Jonathan, pumunta rin siya kasama si Kevin sa court ngayon, at nagkita-kita ang mga players.

"Uy, ginagawa niyo rito?" napatingin naman si Ran sa mga teammates niya.

"Nuks naman, basketball? Sali!" sigaw nina Kevin at Jonathan, pero mukhang may isa pa yata silang kasama.

"Dinala rin namin si Gab!" dagdag pa nina Kevin habang akbay si Gab na mukhang napilitan sumama sa mga kuya niya.

"Musta, Gab? Nagkita ulit tayo, ah? Musta 'yung Quiz Bee campaign niyo? Pumayag na ba si Ate (Y/N) mo?" tanong pa ni Ran.

"Hindi pa kuya eh."

"Psst! (Y/N)!" sigaw ni Ran, at napatingin tuloy ang lahat ng estudyante na nakatambay sa court.

"RAAAAN!!! AHHHH!" sigaw ng mga fangirls nito.

Isa lang 'yung tinawag ni Ran, pero mukhang marami ang sagot.

Even so, isa lang naman ang inaabangan ni Ran na sumagot.

Napatingin si (Y/N) sa direction ni Ran, "what?" she mouthed.

Ran beckoned to (Y/N), "may sasabihin ako sa 'yo."

(Y/N) rolls her eyes, pero pumunta rin kay Ran, "what?"

"Gusto mo subukan magbasketball?" Ran smirked.

"Ha?" Gab forcefully smiled... hindi naman 'yun 'yung tanong niya eh.

"Ay sorry, pinapatanong pala ni Gab kung nakapagdesisyon ka na."

"Not yet," you answered.

"'Yan ba 'yung girlfriend mo, tol?" tanong nina Kevin at Jonathan.

Pero hindi na natuloy ang sasabihin ng dalawa nang binatuhan sila ni Ran ng bola sa mukha, "aray!"

"Okay, I'll go now," you muttered as you walked off, but Ran called you once more.

"Uy! Pst, (Y/N)! May ipapagawa pa ako sa 'yo, halika rito."

"What?" you groaned.

"Turuan kita magbasketball."

"No, I'm not a fan of sports," simpleng sagot mo.

"Kaya nga tuturuan kita eh."

"I don't like sports nga, diba?"

"Just shoot this ball, tapos pwede ka nang umalis, okay?" pilit pa ni Ran. "Sige naaa!"

You huffed, "fine."

Ran passes you the ball effortlessly, pero ikaw naman, mukhang nahirapan sa pagsalo. Akala mo isang sako ng bigas 'yung sinalo ni (Y/N) eh.

You were about to toss the ball to the ring, but you feel really nervous, and stares loomed all over you. Looking around, you saw that may mga audiences pa! Obviously, fangirls ng F5 at ni Ran.

"Y-Your fangirls are looking at me... they're also recording, I think," bulong mo sakanya, nakakahiya tuloy.

"I'm sure that if I didn't shoot this ball, they'll make fun of me, and post it online again," you said, totoong na c-conscious na talaga si (Y/N) sa bawat kilos niya sa school dahil sa mga posts online about her.

Ran paused for a moment, and his brows furrowed.

"Rindou," bigla nalang tinawagan ni Ran si Rindou na nakikipaglaro parin kina Sanzu.

"Ba't?" pumunta rin ang kapatid niya sakanya.

Ran whispered something to Rindou. Hindi mo alam kung ano 'yung sinabi ni Ran sa kapatid niya, pero mukhang seryoso ito dahil sa reaction ni Rindou.

"Sige," Rindou nodded, at mukhang sinabi niya rin ito kina Koko, Kakucho, at Sanzu. Informing all F5.

"What was that?" curiosity can't be helped, so you asked Ran.

"Wala," he ruffled your hair. "Curious as hell?" he chuckled.

"Wait, so..." you looked at the basketball in your hands confusingly.

Nagulat ka nalang nang binuhat ka ni Ran by your waist as he lifted you up closer to the ring para maabot mo 'to at ma-ishoot ang bola.

"Huh? Hey, Ran! What the fuck?!" you panicked dahil mukhang nagkakaguluhan nanaman ang mga audiences sa nasasaksihan nila.

"Shoot it," Ran said with a smile on his face as you looked down.

Your eyes widened, but you clicked back to your senses nang i-shoot mo na rin ang bola.

"See?" Ran said at binaba ka na rin.

"They're watching, Ran!" sabi mo dahil sa ginawa niya kanina, for sure that you'll be the topic in their feeds again.

"So?" Ran said as he pulled you closer to him, and whispered. "Let them watch, babe."

"Pst! Ano ba kayo? Halatang may iba nang inaatupag Ran niyo! Girls, nandito kami oh! Kung sino-sino pa hinahanap niyo," sabi ni Kevin at Jonathan nang nagflex pa ng muscles sakanila.

"No, thanks," the fangirls said, walking out.

"At least umalis na 'yung fangirls. Galing talaga namin, Retsam Ran, diba?" dagdag pa ng dalawa.

"Oo na," napa-oo nalang ang captain nila.

"May bayad," agad naman dumiskarte ang dalawa.

"Tanginang yan, modus ba kayo o ano?" Ran scoffed.

"Hehe..."

"Sige, ito isang libo. Mamaya kayo sa 'kin, ipapaforty push-ups, sit-ups, at thirty laps ko kayo mamaya sa training. Akala niyo ha," ganti naman ni Ran.

"Ay huwag na, haha... Sa 'yo na 'yung isang libo. Tangina naman nito, delikado makipagbiruan wahaha..."

"Give me the ball," sabi ni Ran sa 'yo, at pinasa mo rin.

Ran dribbled the ball while speaking, "kapag na-shoot ko 'to..."

"What?" you raised a brow.

"Wala lang, hehe."

Ran then tossed the ball, and as usual, sakto itong nai-shoot sa ring.

"Your turn," he said. "Wala naman na sila."

"Okay," you sighed, grabbing the ball as you attempted to dribble it.

"U-Uh, ganito ba 'yon?" bulong mo, to be honest, parang pinapalo mo lang 'yung bola, mga two inches lang 'yung layo kung tumalbog sa sahig eh.

Nagpipigil naman ng tawa si Ran sa likod mo.

"The heck?" you heard his snorts, kaya't you looked behind, "pinagtatawanan mo ba ako, ha?"

"Hindi po."

You glared at him, then went back to your business with this stupid ball you call! Ayaw daw kasi tumalbog nang maayos.

There, you tossed the ball sa ring, pero napalakas kaya't tumalbog sa may metal part ng ring at nagland sa ulo ni Sanzu.

"Aray!" napasigaw naman ang lalaki. "Una itlog ko, ngayon ulo. Ano sunod?"

"Oh, sorry," you said.

"Isa pa, one last shoot," sabi ni Ran.

"Ayoko. Pinagtatawanan mo lang ako," pagsusungit mo.

"H-Hindi... Pft—! nga ako tumatawa... HAHA! S-Si Sanzu tinatawanan ko!" Ran said in a trembling voice, halata talaga na tumatawa. "Shoot mo na, bilis."

You rolled your eyes at him at pumwesto na rin para i-shoot ang bola, para na rin tigilan ka na niya.

You fixed your stance before tossing the ball, and to your surprise... nai-shoot mo ang bola!

Ran's jaw dropped with pure shock as he blinked.

"O ano?" sabi mo, syempre nagmayabang muna nang kaunti since gano'n din si Ran kapag nakaka-shoot. Ginagaya mo nalang siya.

"Diba ganito ka kapag nakaka-shoot," asar mo pa nang nagcrossover nang pabiro at shinoot kunwari ang bola sa mukha niya na hanggang ngayon ay gulat parin.

"Ano nga ulit 'yon? I'm the captain of Tier One Tigers," dagdag mo pa habang nilaliman ang boses mo, copying him.

"Edi wow," Ran muttered.

"Okay, bye," you said as you walked off at pinuntahan mo na ulit sina Hakkai.

"Galing ah! Mukhang may papalit na yata sa posisyon mo, Ran," tawa ng mga basketball teammates niya.

"Okay lang, basta siya 'yung papalit," bulong ni Ran sakanila.

"What?" lumingon ka ulit dahil mukhang may sinasabi si Ran.

"Wala, sabi ko ang galing mo."

"Welcome home, sirs."

Bati ng mga katulong sa Haitani Brothers nang pagkauwi nila sa kanilang bahay galing school.

"Madame Haitani Rochelle will be home today," the servants informed.

Ran paused for a moment, not expecting this sudden news. Bihira lang umuwi ang nanay nila, lalo na ang dalawa niyang magulang. Tunay na milagro nalang talaga kapag nagkakasama-sama ang buong pamilya.

"What time?" Ran asked.

"Wala po siyang sinabi, basta ngayong araw po, sir."

"Alright," Rindou nodded, and the two brothers proceeded upstairs.

"Rindou," tawag ni Ran bago pa siya makaakyat sa kwarto niya.

"Ano?"

"Nagawa niyo na ba?" Ran asked, at alam na ni Rindou kung ano ang tinutukoy nito.

"Oo," Rindou smirked as he passed him his phone, "tignan mo pa."

Ran scrolled through the F5 fan pages, school pages, Facebook groups, Tiktok pages, etc.

He smiled as they were all finally cleared, giving the phone back to Rindou, "thanks."

All hate comments and posts towards (Y/N) have been deleted.

"F5 always gotchu," Rindou told as he pats his brother's back and then walked off.

Ran went inside his room to check his socials after a long day at school and training.

At the other side, tumutulong naman si (Y/N) sa kusina na magluto kasama ang kanyang nanay, until her phone rings continuously.

You washed and wiped your hands off at nagpaalam ka muna, "mom, I'll just check something."

"Alright, ako na ang bahala rito. Gawin mo muna schoolwork mo, nak, ha?"

"Sige po," sagot mo at umakyat sa kwarto para tignan ang notifications galing sa social medias mo. Alam mo na hate comments ang bubungad sa 'yo, you're expecting them anyway. It came to the point na kaunti-unti ka nang nasasanay kaya't balewala nalang ito sa 'yo.

You opened the app and as soon as you read the comments, posts, and messages, it's the complete opposite.

The accounts are sending apology letters. All hate posts and comments are wiped out. Everything went back to normal, including every feed that correlates to F5 and the school.

You kept on scrolling on the page, at puro apology posts and letters ang nakikita mo.

Until you see this, that made your heart beat erratically and drop at the same time.

Ran Haitani made an announcement (y/n l/n is tagged)

Starting this day, I don't want to see a single post similar to these shitty postings and comments from dummy alternate accounts, understand?

F5 Group Page (Rindou, Sanzu, Koko, and Kakucho) replied:

*Screenshots of those conversations in the GC, hate posts, and comments towards you*

They're all exposed.

Those dummy accounts sending displeasing comments to you are all exposed.

Prone to blackmail.

Maybe even prone to doxing.

These can all jeopardize and harm their academic performance.

In just a flick of F5's fingers, they can suspend those students.

Your eyes widened, quickly going to Ran's chat from the puzzlement that this whole thing brings you.

Ran Haitani

: Nerdtie

Ran

Annapple Head :

UYYY YO HI

and yeah??

Kahit through chat lang kayo naguusap, you can tell his excitement just by talking with (Y/N).

: Nerdtie

Are you really going to suspend those students?

Annapple Head :

if you want

sasabihin ko na sa council and admins

just tell your signal, and ako na ang bahala sa lahat

I'll handle everything, okay? No need to worry about anything.

You almost choked on your words. How could he give you a hard decision that easily? Suspending students that will depend on their future and academic performance, which will also affect their college.

You just sighed. Whatever happens, will happen, I guess.

: Nerdtie

Idk honestly

They'll probably grow out of it, so I don't really care about their hate towards me.

Annapple Head :

alright, just tell me if you need anything

: Nerdtie

Yeah

Oh, and thank you

Si Ran naman sa kabila ay halos abot langit ang ngiti habang nagt-type sa phone.

Annapple Head :

no prob

sus, ikaw pa? HAHAHAHA

: Nerdtie

Ano?

Annapple Head :

hindi gets?

slow mo, ms. nerdtie.

: Nerdtie

K

Annapple Head:

kanye west

: Nerdtie

Tf

Ran Haitani changed your nickname to Longganisa Seller.

: Longganisa Seller

Wtf

Annapple Head :

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAA

pabili nga po ng ano

: Longganisa Seller

Sige, tapos lalagyan ko ng lason.

Tangina mo

Annapple Head :

pabili ng heart mo— ay

ito naman babanat lang eh

namura pa nga

: Longganisa Seller

Ang corny mo. Saksak ko 'yung longganisa sa bibig mo eh

Sa sobrang ngiti ni Ran, nagulat siya nang biglang pumasok si Rindou sa kwarto niya. Nawala tuloy 'yung ngiti at tinago 'yung phone. "Ginagawa mo rito? Tangina eh, hindi kumakatok."

"W-Wait lang— HAHAHA!" tawa ni Rindou na halos mawalan na ng hininga. Alam niyo 'yung that type of friend na hindi pa sinasabi 'yung joke tumatawa na?

"Ano ba 'yon?" Ran grumbled.

"May nahanap ako sa cabinet mo sa baba! HAHAHAHAHA!"

"Ano?"

"Bata ka ba, bro? Bakit may paper airplane ka?!" sabi ni Rindou habang hawak hawak ang isang pamilyar na eroplanong papel.

Ran's eyes widened... Ayan 'yung galing kay (Y/N) noong P.E!

"Hoy! Akin na nga 'yan!" sigaw ni Ran nang tumayo sa kama at hinabol si Rindou.

At syempre, ang mapangasar din at madalas na pikon na bunso ay ginamit itong pang-ganti sa pag-aasar ni Ran sakanya.

"Pag 'yan hindi mo binalik hindi mo na mahahanap brief mo," pananakot pa ni Ran.

"Bakit? Nasa'yo?!" sagot naman ni Rindou.

"Oo, binigay sa 'kin. Nahanap ni Aunt Mari sa ilalim ng kama mo. Burara mo talaga kahit kailan," putak ni Ran.

"Luh, gago! Akin na nga!" ayan na, si Rindou naman 'yung napikon ngayon.

"Ito ba hinahanap mo, ha?!" nagulat nalang si Rindou habang hawak ni Ran 'yung brief niya na noong isang araw pa niya hinahanap.

"O ano! Na sa akin brief mo, sige! Bigay mo sa 'kin 'yang papel kung ayaw mong mapunit 'tong brief mo!" sigaw ni Ran.

"Akin na nga 'yan!"

"Bigay mo muna 'yung papel," Ran retorted.

"Ina nito. 'to na! Baka ibenta mo pa sa shopee brief ko, pagkakitaan mo pa," sabi naman ni Rindou

"Hindi nga! Bigay mo muna 'yung paper airplane! Tangina mo, ikaw papaliparin ko sa labas ng bintana eh!" sabi ni Ran.

"BIGAY MO MUNA 'YUNG BRIEF KOOO!" Sigaw ni Rindou.

"Ito na tangina mo kahit subo mo pa o ayan," sabi ni Ran nang kinuskos niya ang brief sa mukha ni Rindou at binato.

Syempre, nag hand sanitizer at alcohol si Ran nang pagkabitaw niya sa brief ni Rindou.

Nangpagka-alis ni Rindou sa kwarto ni Ran, agad na pumunta si Ran sa desk niya habang dala-dala ang eroplanong papel.

To protect it, Ran puts it in a frame and displayed it on the very top of his desk. Nilayo niya ang mga ibang gamit so that it'll look like a delicate piece from a museum even if it's just a small piece of paper.

Ran treasured it up to this day.

Kung puwede nga lang, gagawin niya itong teddy bear at ih-hug niya tuwing gabi eh. Eh ito, childish minsan si Ran kaya't sinubukan. Kinabukasan, nawala sa kama niya at halos magpanic kakahanap, nasa ilalim lang pala ng unan at nakusot ito.

Then there, the paper airplane that (Y/N) gave is sitting on Ran's desk beside the teddy bear he bought from Baguio.

Naalala tuloy ni Ran 'yung letter niya at ang pag-aaya niya sa date in Baguio.

He wonders, will his next trip to Baguio with (Y/N) go above and beyond "memorable"?

"Madame Haitani, may pupuntahan ka pa po ba?"

The chauffeur, who has been working as a driver for a decade asked Rochelle Haitani, the two brothers' mother. Coming home from the office is absolutely a hassle, that's why she just rented a condo in Makati yet also comes home to their hometown, but just almost once a month.

And now is that day of the month.

"No, drive straight home," Rochelle replied, sitting in the backseat of her private van with her driver and secretary at the front seats.

"Oh, and also, Secretary Ong, please cancel the appointment on Saturday," utos ni Rochelle sakanyang secretary.

"Yes, madame," Haitani Rochelle's secretary followed, listing it all on his iPad.

"I want to take my sons out with their dad this upcoming weekend. I haven't spent time with them ever since I was always busy in my office. I'm in dire need of relaxation with my beloved family," Rochelle sighed.

The two employees working under Rochelle just nodded, absorbing all the information their boss was saying.

"Kuya Bert, pakihatid naman si Sec. sa bahay niya after nito, alright?" she said to the driver.

"Yes, ma'am," the driver nodded, driving straight to the Haitani household.

"Anyway, talking about my sons, are they doing well in school?"

Secretary Ong, the person who also takes responsibility to look after Rochelle's two sons nodded.

"And his friend group... so-called F5, yes? Are they getting along well?" she asked once more, at kilala rin ni Rochelle ang mga close friends nina Ran at Rindou.

"Yes, madame."

Due to Haitani Rochelle's consistent augmentation in her business, she has a lot of resources and associations. That includes security, divisions of technical teams, profit growth from various sources, etc.

And one of her acquaintances is a shareholder in the school where Ran and (Y/N) are studying.

In short, Rochelle can also be a shareholder in the school and can hold power over it if she desires.

Kaya't hindi imposible na may nakabantay sa mga ganap sa school, especially when it's relevant to her two sons.

"I haven't checked the school's pages for a while," Rochelle said, humming.

"Do you want to see, madame?"

"Sure, why not?" Rochelle said, at binigay na rin ang secretary ang iPad with the screen showing the school's pages, kung saan may mga announcements, events... including the students' posts and comments.

Rochelle immediately saw her son, Ran Haitani's name on the page.

The mother can't help but smile proudly at his son. She expected him to be always first, my son is always on top, "As expected, Ran probably won some tournaments in his scho—"

But it was different.

Ran Haitani made an announcement (y/n  l/n is tagged)

Starting this day, I don't want to see a single post similar to these shitty postings and comments from dummy alternate accounts, understand?

F5 Group Page (Rindou, Sanzu, Koko, and Kakucho) replied:

*Screenshots of those conversations in the GC, hate posts, and comments towards you*

"What's this?" Rochelle's brows furrowed.

"Probably just a school drama. I think your son is defending the bully's victim. You shall be proud, madame," Secretary Ong explained.

"That's not what I'm talking about."

"What is it, madame?"

"This," Rochelle replied, clicking the person's profile who is the one tagged on Ran's announcement post.

Her eyes squinted as she saw a girl's face in the profile.

"A school drama, huh? Secretary Ong, I want to know more about this school drama."

"My son won't just defend someone," she muttered. "He never defended anyone."

Rochelle's expression is austere as she takes a glance at the girl's Facebook profile once more.

"Who is (Y/N) (L/N)...?"

"Good morning, Sir Haitani."

Bati ng katulong sa hagdan nang pagkababa ni Rindou galing kwarto magbihis at maghanda para sa eskwelahan, at dederetso na sa dining room.

"Morning," Rindou greeted back, trying to fix his necktie while hastily walking.

"Kuya, patulong nga—" tawag niya kay Ran, ngunit mukhang may dalawa siyang kasama na hindi niya inaakala.

"Mom? Dad? Kailan pa kayo umuwi?"

"Rindou! My bunso is here na!" Rochelle squealed, eating breakfast with Ran and her husband. "Come here, I'll announce something exciting to the family!"

"What is it? You'll leave us again here?" Ran whispered, sighing.

"Of course not! Your dad and I are just really busy in the company. You two understand that naman, right?"

"Yeah," Rindou replied, scratching his head as he sat on the chair.

"Ran, how is your basketball varsity?" Mr. Haitani asked, their father.

"It's okay. Just some upcoming events and tournaments, so I need to get ready and attend training frequently," Ran said.

"Alright, that's good," his father replied. When it comes to Ran's ambition in basketball, his father is his number one fan and supporter.

"Rindou, you're not planning to join the varsity team like your brother? Let alone any clubs?" Their father turned his head to Rindou.

"No, I don't have any plans on clubs."

"I see."

After minutes of talking between the family, they're finally done with their breakfast, and them being complete, eating a meal in a dining room happens rarely, it feels like it happens once in a blue moon.

"Good luck on your school, Rindou and Ran, ha?" sabi ng nanay nila't nagbeso sa kanyang anak bago sila umalis.

"Mom, are you and dad staying here permanently?" Ran asked.

Rochelle sighed, really feeling a little melancholy. "Unfortunately... no, anak. Sorry, ha? Hindi namin kailangan iwan ang kompanya sa Makati, we already rented a condo there, and we're planning pa na magexpand do'n."

"Ah... okay," Ran forced a smile.

"My sons are still like little kids pa, always misses their parents. Don't worry, Rindou and Ran, we'll be out of town this weekend. It's how I'll bawi to the two of you, okay?"

Ran and Rindou just nodded. "Alright."

"I think the car is ready. We'll go now, mom." Ran said at si Rindou na ang naguna, unang nakapasok sa sasakyan since nandito na ang nanay nila at may driver, Ran can't just recklessly drive to school dahil may bantay na.

"Take care! Goodbye!" Rochelle waved.

"Oh, and Ran," Rochelle called, her tone changing a bit that caught the older brother's attention before he can walk out of the mansion.

"What?"

"I'll ask you about something later."

"Tanginang laway 'yan, tumatalsik!"

Reklamo ni Yamagishi habang nagrerecite si Makoto sa harapan niya. Nakaupo sina Benkei, Shinichiro, kasama na rin dito ang dalawa, forming a circle, and they're unexpectedly reviewing for quizzes.

Kakatapos lang ng second last subject nila, at buti nalang may kaunti pa na time bago dumating ang last subject teacher nila. Kaya't ginamit nila ang extra time para magreview.

"The classification in terms— blablabla nakalimutan ko puta ano kase 'yon?!" sigaw ni Makoto nang hinablot ang script.

"Wow! Ano 'to, study group?! HAHAHA!" tawa ni Izana. "Himala, nagsama ang mga tamad!"

"Talaga ba, pres? Baka kapag ikaw nandito, punit na 'yung script dahil nanguna pa 'yung galit mo kaysa sa memorize! HAHAHAHA!" sagot nila.

"O talaga?! Baka gusto niyong ipaghahampas ko kayo ng gitara ko, ha?! PUTANGINA!" sigaw ni Izana. Kung sino pa talaga ang unang nangasar, siya pa 'yung napikon.

"Baka Izana Padilla 'yan! Sapawan mo 'yung Mikey Padilla sa kabilang section, ah?" pagloloko pa ni Makoto.

"Aba, syempre."

"Paturo nga ako ng gitara, Izana!" sabi pa ng iba.

"Ayoko nga," pagdadamot pa nito.

Kaya't nagkumpulan na rin ang ibang mga kaklase nito kay Izana dahil sa dala dala niyang gitara.

"Ako rin, Izana! 'to naman!"

"Saan mo bili 'yang gitara mo? Magkano?"

"Rinig ko bigay daw ni Shinichiro eh."

"Hahaha... natandaan ko 'yung gitara ng kuya ko. Na-out of tune ko, inikot ikot ko 'yung sa  dulo... ayan tuloy pinalabas ako ng bahay."

"Naol, haha. Sorry, pero tententen lang na intro 'yung alam ko," oo... ito 'yung intro ng Magbalik ng Callalily. Alam niyo 'yung tipong may pasikat sa classroom, may dala pa na gitara pero 'yun 'yung paulit-ulit na tinutugtog to the point na maririndi ka na.

"Psst! Ran at (Y/N)! Sabihan mo lang ako, ha? Baka gusto niyo ng ano- hehe, singerist," sabi ni Izana. Dumidiskarte rin eh.

"Singerist, amputa. Songerist kasi," sabi ni Makoto.

"Singer? Para saan?" napatingin naman si Ran sa mga kaklase niya na busy makipagkwentuhan sa F5.

"Wala lang. Basta, kahit anong kanta."

"Good afternoon, class!" bati ng last subject nang pagkapasok sa classroom.

Everyone went back to their seats as the teacher starts the lesson.

"So as for today, we'll have a discussion, so take down notes," the teacher said.

The students took their papers and pens out, at syempre, may mga ganap din kahit ganito lang ang gagawin nila. Kayo na ang bahala kung sino ang mga nagsasabi nitong lines sa Section B.

"Pst! Pahingi ako papel, naiwan ko notebook ko. Heh."

"Koko, supplier ng papel! Pahingi."

"Ano raw gagawin?"

"Pahiram ako ballpen."

"Tanginang 'to. Nginatngat mo nga lapis ko noong isang araw eh!"

"Pahingi ako papel—"

"Sorry, not available. May pangalan na at label."

"Damot, kayo naman walang label."

"Damot amputa parang hindi nangopya."

"Anong notes notes, baka stock knowledge 'to!"

You took your notes out nang nagsimula nang magdiscuss ang teacher, just quietly jotting down notes as you yawned. Iingay ng mga kaklase mo.

Ran is just spinning the ballpen on his fingers, as usual, while his chin is resting on his other hand. Wala rin itong magawa kung 'di making sa teacher.

"Pst!"

Napalingon ka dahil sa narinig mo, pero parang wala naman tumatawag sa 'yo.

You shrugged it off and continued to focus on the discussion.

Then, naramdaman mo na may nangalabit sa balikat mo kaya't napalingon ka ulit, but mukhang busy ang mga kaklase mo sa discussion at sa pagsusulat ng notes.

"Pst!"

Ayan nanaman! Feeling mo na it's just your hallucinations, but you still looked, and it's the same! Your classmates are too preoccupied.

Tumingin ka sa gilid mo, and to your surprise, nakita mo si Ran na nagpipigil ng tawa.

You just raised a brow and frowned, ignoring him.

1... 2... 3... kakalabitin ka na sana ni Ran, pero naunahan mo siya ng tingin kaya't nahuli mo rin!

Nanlaki ang mga mata niya at agad na humarap sa kabila.

"Akala mo hindi ko nakita 'yon?" your eyes squinted.

"Whatever," you muttered.

Minutes have passed, and patapos na rin ang last subject kaya't nagligpit na ng mga gamit ang mga estudyante.

"Nagugutom ako, bili tayo canteen!" aya ni Hakkai sainyo.

"I'll go later," you replied, same response from Yuzuha and Yumi.

"Sige! Mauna na kami ni Akane."

"Tinatamad akong maglakad," Akane whined.

"May pogi ro'n," sabi ni Hakkai.

"Sige, tara."

"Kakucho! Magbibihis ka na ba?" tanong ni Ran as he took his basketball jersey out from his duffle bag he uses for training.

"Ah right, I almost forgot that there's a training today," Kakucho groaned.

"Tangina, saan pala 'yung Baji na 'yon? Baka manakot nanaman sa shower room," reklamo ni Ran.

"Pfft. Is it the guy with long hair from Section A? 'Yung akala mo white lady and you got shit ass scared?" Kakucho chuckled.

"Scared? Hell nah," Ran scoffed.

"Really? Aight, I'll pretend that you weren't running and shouting all over the locker room with nothing but a towel," sabi ni Kakucho.

"Gago, tara na nga."

You're just strolling down the hallway, on your way to the canteen so that you'll have a snack in the library later.

Heading straight to the counter to order, "ate, pabili po ng strawberry mousse." Banggit mo while taking out money from your wallet.

You were about to give your bayad sa tindera, pero mukhang may nanguna na.

"Ran?" you looked at your side to see Ran paying sa binili mo.

"Ano?"

"Anong ano?" your brow raised. Humarap ka sa tindera at pilit na ibigay ang bayad mo, "ate— bayad ko po."

"Sorry, iha. Nabayaran na po kasi ni kuya at nasuklian ko na rin," ngunit ito ang sagot.

Napabugtong hininga ka nalang at humarap kay Ran, "sige... salamat nalang."

Pansin mo rin na nakabihis na siya sa jersey niya, mukhang may training ngayon.

"What are you looking at?" he smirked. "My jersey?"

"H-Huh? Wala," agad ka naman umiwas ng tingin. Baka kung ano pang isipin ng assumerong Ran na 'to.

"Do you want it?" he said, looking at his jersey.

"What?" you blinked.

"I said—"

"(Y/N) from Section B! AHHHHH!"

Halos mabingi naman kayong dalawa ni Ran nang may sumigaw sa likod niyo, at napatingin kayo sa entrance to see some familiar people, making your eyes widened.

Sina Hakkai at Akane na akala mo nakauwi na... pero may kasama pa! Sina Senju, Emma, at (Y/N) from Section A!

Ran's smile dropped, changing into a bored frown... nasira nanaman daw 'yung moment at nainterrupt.

"O-Oh, hi," you slightly waved at them and gave a small smile.

"Uyyy! Mukhang may na interrupt yata kami ah! Sorry, hehe..." pangaasar nila nang tumingin sainyong dalawa ni Ran.

"Oo, meron nga. Magsorry kayo," pilit na ngiti ni Ran sakanila, pero sinipa mo ang tuhod niya at pinatahamik, "aray!"

"Canteen date ba 'yan, (Y/N)?" pangaasar pa ng mga kaibigan mo.

"Teka, nanlilibre ba 'tong Ran na 'to? Baka naman... kami rin. Tao rin kami o, may malasakit sa bayan, para sa pamilya, nakatira rin kami sa Pilipinas. Kita mo, kapangalan ko pa nga si (Y/N)... oo isang burger lang pati iced tea, salamat!" sabi ni (Y/N) from Section A.

"AHHHH! Ako rin! Libre mo kami!" sigaw nina Hakkai.

"Ay wow, ang kakapal ng mga mukha niyo ah," Akane scoffed... "Char, ako nga rin Ran, hehe."

Tumango nalang si Ran, kunwari hindi napilitan... kaya't in the end, nilibre lahat ng mga kaibigan mo.

"(Y/N)? Emma?" lumingon naman kayo at nakita ang dalawang lalaki from Section A.

"Love, hi!" sigaw ni (Y/N) from Section A nang pinuntahan si Mitsuya.

"Lo— char, walang label," imik ni Emma kay Draken.

"Paalam muna ako kay tita," Draken cleared his throat, at parang nagpaparinig ito.

"Huh?!" Halos manlaki ang mga mata ni Emma.

"Pst, pare," tawag ni Senju kay Ran, "tumatanggap pa ba kayo ng isang member sa F5? Heh."

"Ha?" Ran's nose scrunched, "bakit?"

"Wala lang. Baka kasi ano— ehem— pogi rin ako, diba? Baka gusto mo maging F6 grupo niyo," diskarte ni Senju.

"Just say that you want to join F5," Ran snorted.

"Kuha mo, boi!" hampas ni Senju sa likod ni Ran na muntik nang matanggal ang baga.

"(Y/N) from Section B!" tawag ni (Y/N) A sa 'yo.

(A/N: I'll call them by their first and second name para maiwas 'yung lituhan, alright? It feels off to add "A" and "B" after "(Y/N)" kasi, so why not make use of those full names, HAHAH)

"Yes?" (Y/N) Lauren Victoria answered.

"Tanong pala ni Mitsuya if na-sign mo na raw 'yung permit slip para sa Quiz Bee? Kasali rin kasi siya mga ininvite, and I'm sure na kasali ka rin dahil top student ka ng Section B," explain ni (Y/N) Ashanti sa 'yo.

"Ah, right. I forgot to approach the juniors who gave me the invitation slip yesterday. I'll just do it later," you scratched your head. "Wait— diba dalawa kayong top one sa Section A ni Mitsuya? Why is he the only one participating?" you asked.

"Oo... eh well since tied kami, binigyan kami ng test ng teacher to check who's more qualified... and this might be embarrassing but..." she leaned closer to you, whispering, "nalamangan ako ni Mitsuya sa test ng ten points... haha..."

"Oh, it's okay. There's nothing to be embarrassed about that," you reassured her.

"Eh... thank you nalang..." she scratched her nape, laughing awkwardly. "Hindi na kasi ako komportable kapag may bagsak ako o kaya kapag bumaba grades ko."

"Is that so?" you slowly nodded. "why?"

"Hehe... I might get bullied for it again."

"What?" your nose scrunched.

"Yeah, the people there are harsh as hell, pero okay lang! Kaya naman ni Mitsuya 'yung Quiz Bee! Siya pa!" ngiti ni (Y/N) Ashanti.

"Ooh wait... talking about that... Since si magkabatch kayo ni Mitsuya and magkaiba kayo ng section... " (Y/N) Ashanti's eyes slowly widened.

"What?" you asked.

"So... si Mitsuya ang makakalaban mo?!"

Napalingon naman sina Mitsuya at Ran sainyo, at iba pang mga tao sa canteen dahil napalakas ang boses ni (Y/N) Ashanti.

"Huh?!" your eyeballs almost pop out of your socket from it.

"Yes!" Ashanti squealed. "Dahil magka-batchmate kayo! I don't know who will I cheer for, oh my gosh!"

"Ah, right," Mitsuya muttered.

"Ay wow!" Ran gasped. "Kailan ba exact date ng Quiz Bee?"

"Ewan, wala pang announcement, pero for sure during intrams."

You looked at Mitsuya, feeling nervousness and doubt loom over you. He's the smartest guy among all senior levels. Yeah, you're the top one in Section B, but beating Section A's top one, which is Mitsuya...? That, you're not entirely certain of. "How the heck will I win...?"

The idea of backing out came into your mind. Kilala mo ang sarili mo, and you have a low self-esteem

"Ran, will Gab attend today's training?" tanong mo kay Ran, buti nalang magkakilala sila.

"Ah, I think? Bakit?" nagtaas naman ng kilay si Ran.

"I need to talk to him about the Quiz Bee. He's one of those juniors in the Quiz Bee invitation campaign, right?"

"Wow? So, nakapagdesisyon ka na ba? Sasali ka na?!" Ran asked with a wide enthralled smile on his face, halatang suportado sa 'yo.

You went silent for a moment.

There it goes again, why does his expression make you say "yes" every time? Is it those encouraging smiles he gives you through tough decisions, those words he reassures you with? You honestly don't know, and it's starting to bother you more often.

"I guess... yeah," sagot mo.

"Yun oh! I'll just bring you to him," Ran exclaimed.

"Ran?" you heard Kakucho's voice calling Ran as he walked up to him, "training will start soon. Your teammates are finding you."

"Susunod nalang ako, and nandoon ba si Gab?"

"Gab...?" Kakucho thought for a moment, "Ramirez? 'Yung junior sa team?"

"Yeah, 'yung bata," Ran told, at napatingin ka naman sakanya.

"Grabe ka naman sa 'bata'," you snorted.

"What? Siya lang 'yung junior sa varsity team, lahat do'n ay seniors. Plus, he's the youngest," Ran shrugged. "Nah but like, he might be the youngest, but his skills are swift and sick, bro."

"Bro?" napatawa naman si Kakucho.

"Ay bro tuloy," Ran quickly corrected himself, ikaw pala 'yung kausap.

"Alright, sis," ganti mo kay Ran.

"Ano ba gusto mong tawag ko sa 'yo? 'Babe'?" Ran chuckled.

You rolled your eyes at him, "bye, sis."

"Yo! Welcome, Retsam and Ssob—! Ay, mukhang may kasama ulit si Ran."

Bulong ng mga teammates nito. Sinama ka ulit ni Ran sa training, well because you need to talk to Gab, at para hingiin na rin sakanya 'yung permit slip.

"Psst! Gab!" tawag ni Ran sakanya as you both walked up to him, at saktong may inaayos ito sa bag niya bago pa magsimula ang training.

"Kuya? Oh— nandito ka rin pala, ate," ngiti sa 'yo ni Gab.

"Ah, yeah. Gab, I just need to ask for the permission slip, I've finally decided."

"Ah, oo nga pala," Gab replied as he searches for the paper in his bag.

"Ito," he said, giving it to you.

"Thanks. Bigay ko nalang sa 'yo pagkatapos ng training niyo," sagot mo as you took your ballpen out to sign the paper.

"Sige, ate. Punta na ako kay Kuya Ran, bye bye!" banggit ni Gab nang tumayo na siya sa mga benches at tumakbo sa mga teammates nito.

As you were checking the permit slip, napansin mo na dalawa yata ang nabigay ni Gab. It's probably an extra he gave accidentally.

"Wait, teka— Bakit dalawang slip binigay mo sa 'kin—?" tanong mo kay Gab as you raised your head, but he's already gone.

"Gab?" you called. "Wait— Gab! May extra ka na nabigay sa 'kin!"

Mukhang hindi ka yata narinig ni Gab dahil maingay din sa court, with the sounds of balls bouncing, shoes squeaking within the glossy floor, whistles, at ang timers.

You just sighed as you checked the Quiz Bee permit slip first, dahil 'yon ang mas importante.

Whatever, okay lang kahit matalo ka ni Mitsuya. It's just a competition, and the purpose of this Quiz Bee is to enhance your knowledge, but it doesn't mean that (Y/N) will just easily back out. Sayang naman ang opportunity, plus you don't want to disappoint Section B.

You checked box beside the yes option.

Yup, good luck to yourself for the Quiz Bee dahil basically, you're like representing Section B na rin.

You flipped the paper to the next permit slip. Isip mo na extra lang 'to kaya hindi mo masyadong tinuunan ng pansin, until—

"What?!" your eyes widened nang nabasa mo ang nakasulat sa isa pa na papel.

"Muse?!" you audibly gasped.

Indeed, mixed feelings while you're reading this so-called permit slip that they made... it's more like an invitation, to say the least.

You stared at the paper for like a minute now, with your pupils dilated while thoroughly reading the contents.

You didn't know why your heart was fluttering at this effort he made.

"WAAAHHH! Retsam Ran, nakita na niya!" sigaw nina Kevin at Jonathan, napalingon ka tuloy. Napatakip sila ng bibig, oops, mukhang napalakas yata ang boses nila.

"Tanginang— Ingay niyo!" hampas ni Ran sa mga ulo nila.

You looked at Ran, at halatang kabado siya, but he's obviously hiding it by laughing with his friends. Even so, how can a guy like him make such things like this?! You didn't know that he's fond of these kinds of things.

What (Y/N) doesn't know is that Ran is also treasuring a piece of paper by her.

Oh well, it's really the small things.

While you're too preoccupied with your thoughts, you didn't notice Ran staring at you from afar.

Countless thoughts have started to lurk in his mind. "What if she rejects it?! Even worse, she might just crumple the paper I did with so much effort and throw it in the garbage! Wait no—"

His heart is beating rapidly, so nervous and excited at the same time by your response.

He thought if you rejected and checked the "No" box option...

Then there's no other muse he could ever choose.

For him, she's totally the perfect muse.

Siya ay ehemplo ng isang marilag na paraluman.

Her

Her

Her

Only her.

The center of his attention.

Just like the center of a paragon, like the center of a target.

A "paragon" word that has many meanings, but it all perfectly describes her.

Sino pa nga ba ang paraluman na nandiyan kung hindi siya?

These are the thoughts clouding Ran's mind.

"Fuck it," he grunted. He hates how he can't deny it now.

He hates how he's starting to fall even harder.

Well, it seems like si Ran na yata ang na-target mo, bumalik sakanya ang karma.

"Ran?" Kevin and Jonathan waved a hand in front of him, mukhang nakatulala yata at nawawalan ng focus sa training.

"Ano?" Ran clicked back his senses.

"Wala lang, hehe. Ano, successful ba 'yung ginawa natin? Gagi, pare! Pina-print pa namin 'yung papel! Diba gusto mo gloss coated paper pa? Tapos 'yung mala high-end quality business contract!" apir nina Kevin at Jonathan

"Wala akong pake kahit anong papel, design, o kahit ano pa man 'yung ginawa niyo," Ran nonchalantly replied.

"Luh! Ayaw mo 'yon? Mukhang espensib," sabi ni Jonathan.

"Ha?"

"Ha?"

"Gulo niyo," reklamo ni Ran na kaunti nalang paguuntugin mga ulo nila.

"I just want to know her response," Ran said, dropping a sigh.

"Hays, mamaya mo na muna pag-isipan 'yan. Focus ka muna sa training. Tandaan mo, nandito si (Y/N) sa court, baka nanonood.

Ran looked at you at the distance at ikaw ay hawak hawak parin ang dalawang papel habang nakaupo sa mga benches.

Lumipas ang ilang minuto at break time na rin ng mga players.

Sakto, nakatsempo ka ng oras kaya't ginamit mo 'tong oportunidad upang puntahan si Ran... para na rin mabigay ang dalawang permit slip, which is the quiz bee and the muse invitation.

Ran was just leaning at the benches, nakikipagkwentuhan sa mga teammates niya habang nagpupunas ng pawis.

"Ran," you called, clearing your throat as you walked up in front of him.

Napatingin ang mga teammates nito sa nakatayong babae sa harap nila sa benches, making you regret walking up to him dahil halos lahat sila nakatingin sa 'yo.

"Ano 'yon?" Ran asked you.

"Uh, here. The permit slips. Paki-bigay nalang kay Gab 'yung isa," sabi mo, at agad na umalis, but you felt his hand wrapping around your wrist as he pulled you away from the boys, and brought you somewhere.

Ran's heart was beating with so much nervousness that sweat starts to drip from his forehead.

"Why are we here?"

"They were looking at you," Ran told.

"Oh," you blinked, then gave him those two papers. "Alright, here's the slip. I have to go now."

"Gusto mo hat—"

"Huwag na. Dad came home to Manila today, so siya na ang magsusundo sa 'kin," sagot mo. "Sige, alis na ako. U-Uh... good luck on your training..." you said.

"Sige, salamat. Ingat," paalam ni Ran as you walked out of the court.

Lumingon ka for the last time before exiting the court, waving goodbye to him from afar.

"Putangina talaga," Ran can't help but smile, his heart melting on the spot.

After at least some seconds of him dozing out, he finally checked the papers you signed.

Ayan nanaman, why is his heart beating so fast as if he's having palpitations? He took a deep breath as he checked those two papers.

Ang dalawang papel na naglalaman ng sagot galing sa isang paraluman

Will you accept the invitation to this school year's quiz bee?

Yes

Will you be my muse?

Yes