❝ AKIN TO WIN ❞

ch. 13

"What's up, mga bobo!"

Sigaw ni Makoto at Yamagishi pag pasok sa classroom, pero hinampas muna ang pader doon sa may taas ng pinto.

Well, of course, kung masigla at maingay ang buong school kahapon, mas doble naman ngayon, dahil this is the second day of their Intrams. Ngayong araw na magsisimula ang tournaments for sports, such as basketball, volleyball, chess, archery, etc. May mga palaruan din tulad ng tug of war at marami p'ang iba.

Most of all, ngayon din ang quiz bee niyo.

Ang mga estudyante ay may suot na t-shirts, at bawat section ay iba't iba ang kulay. Ang color code ng Section A ay green. Ang section niyo naman ay color yellow. Then, Section C's color is blue.

"AHHH! Pst! Maayos ba 'yung makeup ko?" Tanong ni Hakkai na kasama ang mga babae sa gilid ng classroom na nagm-makeup. May mga nagdala rin ng curling iron, straightener, makeups, at iba pang mga pang-pagandang gamit.

"Oo. Kaso lang... Huy! Lagpas liptint mo!" Sigaw ni Akane.

"Ay, gano'n. Wait."

"Wait, let me fix it," Yuzuha said while her hair is being tied to a ponytail by Yumi dahil mamaya na rin ang kanyang archery tournament.

"Hoy! Makakalaban natin 'yung ibang sections mamaya sa games, ah! Lalo na 'yung Section A! Talunin niyo 'yung mga gagong 'yon!" Sigaw pa nina Yamagishi.

"Tol, tol. Banggain natin 'yung Hanma Shutite pati sina Tubolt ba 'yon? Ang yayabang eh. Kaunti nalang pagbabasagin ko ulo!" Dagdag pa ni Makoto.

"Huwag si Baji pati Chifuyu, binuhat ako sa ML e. Haha." Sagot ni Yamagishi.

"Hoy! Hoy! Cheer niyo pala sina Ran at Kakucho mamaya, ah?! Mamaya na 'yung game nila! Kalaban nila ibang school!" Sigaw ni Sanzu at talagang pumatong pa sa table para iannounce.

"Syempre naman. Thanks, bro," tawa ni Ran nang nakipag fist bump ito kay Sanzu.

"Hoy! Baka nakakalimutan niyo! 'Yung muse natin! AHHH!" Sigaw nina Hakkai at ng mga babae. Nagtilian naman ang mga kaklase mo.

You just scoffed and gave them a small laugh. Napailing ka nalang sa mga ingay ng mga kaklase mo.

Ngayon, suot mo muna ang t-shirt mo at P.E pants. Mamaya ka na magbibihis as a muse. Sabi nina Hakkai, Yumi, Akane, at Yuzuha, ay sila na raw ang bahala sa makeup mo at buhok. Sila na rin ang mags-style ng damit mo.

"Ran! Ihanda mo na sarili mo mamaya, ah! Baka mahimatay ka kapag nakita mo si (Y/N) mamaya!" Pang-aasar pa ng mga kaklase niyo.

"Huy! Huwag niyong asarin 'yung mag-asawa! Kakakasal lang niyan kahapon e! Diba, (Y/N) Haitani?" Dagdag pa nila.

"Daming alam..." Bulong mo.

Then, pumasok na ang adviser niyo sa classroom, at bumalik na ang mga estudyante sakanilang mga upuan.

"Good morning, class," Ms. Vina greeted. "As you all know, intrams parin ngayon, so wala muna kayong classes. At exactly seven o'clock later, I will let you all out of the classroom para makapaglibot muna sa mga stalls, at ang mga may training naman sa mga nasa varsity diyan, ay diretso muna raw kayo sa court sabi ng coach. The games will start at 8 o'clock, so I want everyone back in the classroom at eight sharp. Understand, class?"

Sumagot naman ang mga estudyante, at halos excited ang lahat. May mga kinakabahan naman dahil sa kanilang mga tournaments, at isa ka na roon dahil sa quiz bee.

"Ay, oo nga pala, Ms. (L/N), anong oras daw magsisimula ang quiz bee niyo?"

"Nine po, after ng games."

"Ah, alright. Good luck, nak, ha? Ipanalo mo section natin. Kahit pasok ka lang sa top three!"

"Opo," you just nodded and gave her a small smile. I mean, there's nothing to be nervous about, right? You studied for days in your home, library, and kung saan pa, kasama pa ang mga teammates mo. 

And there, saktong nag seven na, at pinalabas na rin kayo ni Ms. Vina sa classroom.

"Pst," Ran called you.

Bago ka pa makalabas ng classroom, ay narinig mo na tinatawagan ka ni Ran, kaya't napalingon ka naman. "What?"

He walked towards you na para b'ang may importante itong sasabihin.

"Cheer for me later, alright?" he said, then walked past you kasama ang mga kaibigan niya nang lumabas ng classroom, leaving you there with pink hue on your cheeks.

"Hi, nakshit!"

Sigaw ni Hakkai kay Emma nang nagkita sila sa may campus.

"Long time no see and wews! Nagpablonde si accla!" Emma gasped as she covered her mouth.

"Syempre! Twinnie!"

"But of course, mas maganda hair ko. Blonde, silky, and bouncy!" Sigaw ni Emma habang naghair flip pa ito at may padila-dila pa.

"Sampalin ko mukha mo, e. Che! Gusto mo gupitin ko 'yang buhok mo gamit 'yang kutsilyo mo, ha?" Sagot naman ni Hakkai.

"Tara na nga!" Hila naman ni Akane kay Hakkai. 

"Emma," nakarinig naman ang tatlo ng isang pamilyar na boses.

"Uy, Draken! Hello, hehe," Emma cheekily smiled.

"Ay! Ahehe. Hello, Draken!" Bati rin ni Hakkai.

"Aba?" Tinaasan naman ito ng kilay ni Emma.

"Kalma! 'Di ko aagawin, sis!" Agad na sabi ni Hakkai as he rolled his eyes.

"Pero asawa mo, asawa ko! Palit tayo!" Sigaw ni Hakkai at agad naman itong tumakbo kasama si Akane dahil halos habulin na siya ni Emma habang hawak ang kutsilyo.

"Ah shit. I wish you can watch sa game ni Yuzuha later! Kaso lang you have quiz bee, right? Sayang!" Yumi whined.

Magkasama naman kayong tatlo nina Yumi at Yuzuha. Nakaupo lang sa may canteen table habang naghihintay ng oras.

"Yeah. I'll be really busy today, so sorry if I can't watch Yuzuha's game later... After kasi ng games, mags-start na 'yung quiz bee ng nine, tapos 'yung game pa ni Ran magstart ng ten. I still have to get ready at magbihis." You said.

"If ever na matapos agad ako sa archery, panoorin ka namin sa tournament and quiz bee," sabi ni Yuzuha.

"May morning exercise daw muna bago magstart 'yung games!"

Sigaw ni Izana, ang president niyo habang nasa outside court kayo ngayon, at kasama rin ang ibang mga grade level at sections na nakapila tulad niyo. May pa morning exercise pa raw eh.

"Anong gagawin? Anong exercise? Hindi ko na 'yan kailangan!" Sambit ni Rindou.

"Hindi kailangan, sus. E palagi nga 'tong sumasabay kapag nag g-gym ako e. Pinaextend ba naman membership sa'kin. Tignan mo, napaka kuripot." Comment ni Ran sa gilid.

"Tama nga sabi nila. Kapatid mo talaga 'yung sisira sa'yo. Ina neto e." Pagsusungit naman ni Rindou sa kuya.

"Pres! Ano raw sabi? Anong gagawin?" Tanong ng mga kaklase mo kay Izana na galing sa teacher pagkatapos magtanong.

Pero mukhang bad news ito dahil halos maiyak na sa galit itong si Izana.

"Sasayaw daw ng 'Girl in the Mirror' for the morning exercise..." Sabi ni Izana.

"HA?!" Nanlaki naman ang mga mata niyo.

"What the fuck?" Ran and his friends cursed under their breath as they weirdly looked at each other.

"Putanginang— Ayoko. Kayo nalang. Bahala kayo diyan." Giit ni Rindou.

"Girl—?!" Hakkai gasped. "Ay char, okay lang naman. Pakitaan ko pa sila ng twerk ko, e."

Ikaw naman ay no choice at napakamot nalang sa ulo. At least worth it 'yung nagpractice ka sa harapan ng salamin na parang tanga noon para sa P.E.

Hindi nagtagal at nagsimula na rin pinatugtog ang music. Halos lahat ay magtago nalang sa hiya e, pero no choice, naka bantay ang mga teacher.

"Section B! Sayaw o sasayaw kayo sa harap! Nandito mga ibang grade levels!" Ms. Vina scolded. Wews, dragon.

"Boys at the back! No energy!" Sigaw pa ng teacher.

Si Ran ay sumasayaw lang, at sinusundan ang steps, no choice, e. Si Koko ay mukhang mainit pa ang ulo. Si Kakucho naman ay akala mo walang energy, halos kamay lang 'yung ginagalaw. Si Rindou naman ay sobrang namumula ang mukha dahil sa hiya, at halos tumalikod ito sa pila't maging statwa nalang dahil si Sanzu ay sumasayaw na parang bulate sa harapin nito. Todo energy kahit mukhang tanga sumayaw.

"Patayin niyo nalang ako," bulong ni Rindou, at hiya lang ang nararamdaman nito.

O ayan, dumating na ang chorus ng kanta at may nakabantay din na teacher... No choice ang magkakaibigan, kumembot nalang sa steps.

Gano'n din sina Inui, Wakasa, at Naoto. Halos maging bato dahil hindi na gumalaw.

Si Hakkai at Emma ay kaunti nalang magtwerk ang dalawa sa gilid. Halos magpatayan na rin dahil mukhang nagsh-showdown pa ang dalawa.

"Bitch? Kaya mo 'to? O, ano? Pak! Bobo!" Sigaw ni Hakkai nang nagtwerk sa harapan ni Emma.

"Wow! Kaya mo ba raw 'yon?! Payag ka no'n?!" Sabi ni Akane. Para itong second voice ni Hakkai e.

"Eh ganon? Hoy! Batang logo sa Alaska! Ang baduy mo magtwerk! Bulate yarn?!" Sagot ni Emma na hindi naman nagpatalo nagsquat sa harapan nito.

"Naku, naku! Pinapalagan ka, Hakkai, o! Magsasabunutan na 'yan! Sabunot! Sabunot! Sampalan! Sampalan!" Sigaw ni Akane sa gitna nina Emma at Hakkai na walang sawang nagsh-showdown.

"Sayaw ka na kasi, 'to naman o!" Tawa't sigaw ni (Y/N) from Section A habang sumasayaw na todo rin ang energy. Hinihila-hila niya rin si Mitsuya at pinipilit sumayaw.

"Naks naman, Hanma! Pinagtatampal ba naman 'yung school!" Sigaw nina Chifuyu sa kabilang line.

"O ano ano," sabi pa ni Hanma na kumakaldag ba, ewan. 'Yung parang kay Daddy Tyga raw sa Tiktok.

"Pamili ith lab! Aba! Eughehehehe🚁🚁🚁," Kanta ni Mikey sa gilid habang umiikot-ikot na parang helicopter.

"Wow! Sumaside line bilang Coco Martin, Mikey ah! Dati Mikey Padilla, ngayon Mikey Martin!"

"Tanginang girl in the mirror 'yan. Ang baduy. Pakitaan ko pa sila ng da moves ko e." Bulong ni Baji sa gilid na akala mo nagr-ritual.

Si Izana naman ay sumasayaw— nakikipagsuntukan pala. Inaasar nina Makoto sumayaw e. Ayan tuloy, may madadala sa clinic at guidance mamaya.

"O! O! Pambato namin si Choji!" Sigaw ni Makoto nang tinulak si Choji kay Izana na nananahimik lang sa gilid, pero may anger issues din tulad ni Izana, kaya't ang ending... ay sila ang nag away.

"Tara na tara na, madamay pa tayo rito," bulong ni Makoto nang tinakasan sina Izana at Choji. Parang hindi siya 'yung salarin eh.

"Ano ano ano! Lapit-lapitan mo 'ko babangasan ko 'yang mukha mo!" Sigaw ni Izana kay Choji habang tumatalon talon pa.

"Ano ano! Sikmuraan kita diyan e!" Sagot naman ni Choji.

"I will stomach you!" Sipa at suntok ni Izana sa tyan ni Choji.

Sina Takemichi, at ang tropa nito, lalo na si Makoto, na kunwaring walang nangyari, ay sumasayaw din, kaso lang mukhang mga tanga. Nakisali na rin si Senju sakanila, nagm-macho dance pa nga.

"Wow naman, Pah! Baka shokoy in the mirror 'yan!" Sigaw ni Peh.

"Girl... Hahaha..." Sina Yuzuha, Yumi, at Hina naman ay halos manglambot ang mga daliri dahil sa maarte nilang galaw at steps.

"Oh..." Ikaw naman ay sumasayaw awkwardly sa gilid. Wow, parang P.E days 'to ah. Nagdadasal ka rin na sana matapos na 'to dahil hindi mo kaya ang kahihiyan.

"Uyy!" At isa pa... may nangaasar pa sa'yo, at syempre, si Ran ito.

You just glared at him, at agad naman huminto si Ran. Natakot eh, parang papatayin mo siya mamaya.

Nakalipas ang ilang segundo, at finally, natapos na rin ang sayaw.

"Delikado, amputa. Iiwasan ko si Ms. Vina mamaya. Baka pasayawin ba naman ako sa harapan ng klase." Imik ni Rindou.

"Ah shit. Mukhang hindi yata ako makakasama sa games," bulong mo nang lumapit ka kina Yuzuha.

"Anong oras na ba?"

"Eight ten... May study group pa pala kami mamayang eight thirty. Mauuna na ako sa library."

"Oh, it's early pa naman ah?"

"Yeah, but maybe hindi na ako paalisin mamaya kapag nagstart na 'yung games niyo, kaya ngayon palang magpapaexcuse na ako." You said.

"Oh... sige, sige! Good luck on your quiz bee! Kapag natapos ako nang maaga sa archery, papanoorin ka namin, ah!" Sabi sa 'yo nina Yuzuha at Akane.

"Sige—" you said as you walked off to excuse yourself sa teacher, until someone called you.

"(Y/N)! Saan ka punta?" Tanong ni Ran sa'yo. "Hindi ka sasali sa games?"

"Ah, hindi eh."

"Huh? Bakit?"

"Quiz bee stuff... you know."

"Ah, oo nga pala. Edi hindi na rin ako sasali sa games." Ran said, grinning.

"What?" You scrunched your nose.

"Didiretso na rin ako sa basketball training. Mamaya rin tournament. Papunta na rin daw 'yung mga makakalaban namin from other schools." Rason ni Ran.

"Ahh... okay."

"Pst! Kakucho! Punta na tayo sa court. Paexcuse na rin tayo na hindi tayo sasali sa games." Tawag ni Ran kay Kakucho.

"Huh? Akala ko ba you said you wanted to join the games kanina?" Kakucho asked.

"Ahh... gano'n ba... Haha... Huwag ka magpahalata," bulong ni Ran kay Kakucho.

"Huh? What?" Litong tanong ni Kakucho.

"Hindi kasi sasali si (Y/N) sa games, edi hindi na rin ako sasali."

"So... Okay na, ha? Naaral niyo naman na lahat ng pinareview ko?"

The juniors in your team nodded. Kinuha mo naman ang mga notes at libro mo para iligpit na since ilang minuto nalang, ay magsisimula na ang quiz bee. Nakikita niyo rin na nilalabas na ang malaking projector, inaarrange na rin ang mga chairs at tables sa isang malaking room sa school kung saan magaganap ang quiz bee.

"Kuya Mitsuya! Grabe talaga, halos nareview namin lahat nang isaw araw 'yung binigay mo na reviewer. Galing talaga gumawa ng reviewer. Pili lang 'yung nakahighlight, and may flashcards pa." Rinig mo sa kabilang table ng library.

Napabugtong hininga ka nalang. Pinipigilan mo rin ang sarili mo upang hindi masyado kabahan dahil kalaban mo si Mitsuya. Inalis mo sa utak mo na he's the smartest in your batch, but reality kept on slapping you.

Ilang minuto pa ang nakalipas, at saktong tumungtong na ang eight fifty, meaning, kailangan niyo nang pumunta sa room.

"Good luck sainyo!" Sigaw ng mga magkakabilang teammates, pati ang mga juniors sa team mo.

Halos hindi na rin kayo magpansinan ni Mitsuya dahil hindi naman kayo close, kaya you just gave each other a nod and a whisper of good luck.

Pagpasok niyo sa room, the teachers immediately said the designated seats for each participants. Naghintay muna kayo ng ilang minuto at narinig niyo na rin ang host upang simulant na ang event.

"Good morning to all! The day has come for our annual quiz bee. We've all settled for our students since for sure, they've all reviewed those books, even had a recap to those lessons from years ago..." Announce ng host sa quiz bee, at marami pa itong mga sinasabi para sa introduction, also to make the participants less nervous.

Napansin mo na katabi mo lang ang team ni Mitsuya, at sina Gab naman ay nasa kabilang side.

"Let us not waste any time and roll with the mechanics, and a small reminder for the participants, including the audiences."

Lumingon ka to see some parents and your classmates sitting at the chairs, pero 'yung iba ay wala. Kasama na rin si Ran sa mga wala.

Then, you saw your parents there, and kumaway sila sa 'yo, at kita ang mga proud na ngiti nila.

"Pst! Good luck!" The students in Section B mouthed at you, giving you thumbs-ups and relieving, supporting smiles.

"Ako kinakabahan, ah," bulong ni Hakkai at may dala pa itong pamaypay. Kunwari trophy wife daw na pinapanood ang anak niya sa competition. "Go, (Y/N) nakshit!"

"Sayang talaga. Wala si kuya," comment ni Rindou na katabi ang F5, except for Ran and Kakucho na nasa training parin.

"Let's get going with the first set of questions for our first rounds." The host announced on the mic as the scorecards are presented on the large projector.

You took a deep breath as you faced the front, assuring your team with a nod. You felt your hands trembling. Kabado bente talaga, 'yung tipong maiihi ka nalang, malay mo matae ka pa tulad ni Benkei.

"Which wooden religious offering allowed the Greeks to get inside the walls of Troy?"

The first question rang in your ears, and your team immediately discussed it.

After a few seconds...

The bell rang, indicating that the time is over.

"Students, please raise your whiteboard to show your answers."

Sina Mitsuya ang naunang itaas ang board, and their answer is "Trojan Horse", also the same with yours.

"Wow, horse... Kabayo raw o. Sorry, si Vice Ganda lang alam ko," sabi ni Hakkai.

"Actually, Hakkai, magkamukha kayo! Petrang Kabayo yarn?!"

Correct answer. Everyone scored a point. After erasing the written answer on the whiteboard, all of you prepared for the next question.

"Who supported the discovery or study of J.J Thompson, using the oil drop experiment to conduct an appraisal that electron is lighter than hydrogen?"

Habang hindi pa naman tapos ang timer, agad kayong nagdiscuss.

"Isn't it Earnest Rutherford?" X asked, your teammate.

"Or is it just a trick question, and it's still J.J Thompson?" Tanong naman ng isa.

"Huh? I don't think so, because this is just the first few questions," one argued.

"It's possible that the questions are shuffled—"

"But that lesson mentioned is from seventh to eighth grade?"

"Just, whatever. Let's focus on this question. So, yeah, I know that Rutherford and his colleagues, Ernest Marsden, and Geiger, even performed the Alpha Scattering Experiment, so it's possible that it correlates to the question."

"But on the question, it says oil drop experiment."

"I said 'it might correlate' we can't guarantee as of this moment. Kaysa naman sa wala tayong sagot."

"Ate?" Your junior teammates looked at you for help, asking for a signal if they shall put the "Rutherford" as a final answer. Talagang ikaw ang aasahan nila because you're the oldest here.

You checked the time, and ilang segundo nalang ang natitira. You're surprised na marami pa kayong nadiscuss in a short period of time.

You gave the query thoughtful consideration. Inisip mo ang mga posibleng clue words na tutulong sa 'yo for the conclusion.

"Ah shit. This lesson is from junior high school days..." You thought and it's a disadvantage for you. Stock knowledge can't be a help sometimes.

"Wait—" your eyes widened, quickly writing down the answer.

"It's Robert Millikan. The highlighted subject on the question is 'who supported', not 'who implemented', hence neither Thompson nor Rutherford are the main answer."

Sakto, natapos ang timer, at tinaas niyo na rin ang whiteboard niyo.

Tumingin ka sa whiteboard ng team ni Mitsuya, and to your surprise, parehas kayo ng sagot.

"The answer is Robert Millikan," they announced. Another score for your team and Mitsuya's.

"Walang aalis sa court!"

Sigaw ng coach sa court habang nagt-training naman sina Ran at Kakucho hanggang ngayon. Pawis na pawis na sila at halos buhusan na nila ang sarili nila ng tubig dahil sa init. Halos hingalin ang lahat dahil sa init at pagod.

"Mamaya na 'yung laban niyo! After nito, magpahinga kayo to save your energy." The coach said.

"Yes, coach!" The boys groggily replied as they slumped down on the floor.

"Sige, ten minutes break muna!" The coach shouted.

"WOOOH! Anong break break?! Practice pa!" Ran, their captain, shouted to his teammates as he pats their back harshly, feeling the adrenaline rush in his body. Malakas ang stamina nito e, kaya no choice kapag nagpupumilit.

"Pagod na kami, Retsam!" Iyak nina Jonathan na nakahiga na sa sahig ng court.

"Tayo!" Sabi ni Ran nang inabot ang kamay nito at hinila patayo.

"Sakit na ng tuhod ko!" Sigaw pa ng mga iba.

"'Yung bola ko sa brief tumatalbog na sa sobrang pagod."

"Ran naman, have mercy o! Pagod na kami!"

"Gusto niyong manalo mamaya, o hindi?" Ran raised a brow.

"Syempre, gusto!"

"Edi practice pa!"

Sa huli, pumayag din ang mga players at bumalik sa training.

Meanwhile, sa gilid, a boy named Inigo is just there, practicing. Halos tahimik lang ito buong training. Naging tahimik ito simula noong araw na hinamon niya si Ran for one game, ngunit natalo si Inigo.

"Yo, Inigo!" His friends greeted. "What's up, ha? Palagi kang absent sa trainings. Buti nalang hindi ka napapagalitan ni coach o kaya ng mga captain."

"Tsk," Inigo just scoffed. "Shut the fuck up. Captains my ass. They can suck dicks and fuck off, literally. Fuck them."

"Laki ng galit mo sa mga captains, e 'no? Lalo na roon kay Ran Haitani."

"Especially 'yung Ran na 'yon? Tss..." Inigo just chuckled. "Fuck him, dude."

"Ano b'ang ginawa niya sa'yo? Ba't ka galit? Nayayabangan, gano'n?"

"Hindi ba halata?" Inigo scoffed.

"I mean, there must be more reason, right?"

"I hate him just because I hate him. Ayoko sa mga mayayabang. Abangan ko pa 'yon sa gate eh. Basagin ko mukha."

"Wews. Dati mo pa 'yan sinasabi, pero hanggang ngayon, kahit isang suntok lang kay Ran, hindi mo nagagawa." Biro ng mga kaibigan ni Inigo.

"Abangan niyo lang. Hihintayin ko lang 'yung araw. Mababasag ko rin pagmumukha nung Ran na 'yan." Inigo laughed.

"Nako, Inigo. Awit sa'yo, tol. HAHAHA! Basta, ewan, ikaw bahala. Paalala ko lang na delikado 'yang binabangga mo, ah? Bro's a part of that fucking F5 something. He has connections and shi."

"O tapos?"

"You sure about that, bro?" His friends asked once more.

"Yeah—"

"Inigo," but he was cut off when a voice called him from behind.

Lumingon sina Inigo at ang kanyang mga kaibigan to see Ran standing behind them.

"Ikaw na bahala diyan, p're," bulong ng mga kaibigan ni Inigo nang tinapik ito sa balikat. "Sige, mauna na kami. Musta rin pala, captain!" At sabay bati kay Ran bago sila tuluyang umalis.

Ran just nodded then faced at Inigo. "Ano na, Inigo? Sisipot ka ngayon kung kailan may liga? E halos hindi ka nga active sa trainings e."

"Pake mo ba?" Inigo muttered, furrowing his brows.

"I'm just doing my job as our team's captain," Ran said, shrugging.

"O ano? Edi hindi mo ako isasali sa game mamaya? Okay, bahala kayo diyan matalo—" Inigo retorted as he walked off, but Ran called him once more.

"Go ask Coach for permission if you can join," Ran said. He might hate Inigo, but when it comes to basketball talks, he knows that Inigo has swift skills. Ran is really observant of his team.

Inigo was startled for a moment, and then just nodded as he walked off, then giving a simple— "Okay. Thanks, I guess," to Ran.

After that weird, heated encounter with Inigo, Ran went back to the benches where his teammates and Kakucho are seated.

"Tapos na ba? Kailan daw tayo ididismiss ni coach?" Ran asked.

"I don't know," Kakucho shrugged. "Mga ten minutes pa siguro, and then we'll take a rest to prepare for the game."

"Ah, shit," Ran cursed under his breath.

"Why?"

"Alanganin talaga oras, tsk," Ran clicked his tongue as he complained.

"Why?"

"Hindi ko mapanood si (Y/N) sa quiz bee niya ngayon. Tapos magm-muse pa siya mamaya. Alam ko na marami pa siyang gagawin, magbibihis pa siya and everything. Edi mapapagod 'yon." Ran said.

"What? Pa'no mo naman 'yan naisip? You're overthinking. Kaya 'yan ni (Y/N)," Kakucho replied.

"I know, but she might be tired, you know."

"Ikaw lang 'yung makakaalam niyan."

"Like...? Oh— Wait," Ran said.

"Ano?"

"Aalis muna ako," sabi ni Ran.

"Huh?!" Agad naman itong narinig ng mga players.

"What if mapagalitan ka ni coach? Diba sabi niya walang lalabas ng court hangga't 'di pa siya bumabalik?" Tanong nina Jonathan.

"Okay lang kahit mapagalitan ako. Papanoorin ko pa si (Y/N), e." Ran insisted.

"Wow! Pero, what?! Alam mo naman na mainit ulo ni coach ngayon 'di ba? Doble doble ang pagiging strict niya, pero... since makulit ka, sige, ikaw bahala."

"Sabihin niyo nalang na nagpalit lang ako ng jersey sa lockeroom, ha?" Sabi pa ni Ran.

"Luh! Naneto. Magsisinungalin pa kami?! What if kami 'yung pagalitan, ha?" Sambit nina Kevin.

"Sagot ko na kapag pumalpak kayo. 'Wag lang kayo magpahalata."

"Sabi mo 'yan ah! Kapag kami talaga napagalitan... Nako, Ran."

"Oo na! Dami niyong dada, e! Sige na, aalis na ako! May papanoorin pa ako, hehe," Ran laughed as he ran outside the court.

"Okay lang 'yan. Makakahabol pa tayo."

You reassured your teammates while wiping off the answer on the whiteboard.

The quiz bee is still ongoing, and marami rin naman kayong nasagot na mga tama, ngunit may mga mali rin.

Ito ang dahilan kung bakit ang team ni Mitsuya ang lead ngayon, and pangsecond ang team niyo. Five points ang pagitan niyo, and kahit at least before mag end ang second round.

Tumingin ka to see the audiences, and halos active pa rin sila, lalo na ang Section A dahil nasa lead si Mitsuya. You saw his two sisters cheering for him behind his mother na nandito rin, at katabi pa niya ang girlfriend niyang si (Y/N) na todo support.

"On which wavelength can the first harmonic happen?"

You quickly answered as it seemed familiar, and finally, tama na ngayon ang sagot niyo, at tama rin ang sa kabilang team.

"Nangunguna parin sila..." Bulong ng mga teammates mo. "Halos si Kuya Mitsuya 'yung sumagot ng majority of the questions."

"For this question, the timer will be extended as solutions for the answer will be included." 

Mitsuya just smirked and informed his teammates about this, probably discussing on their anticipation for the upcoming question. After all, math and science are his specialties.

"What is the chemical reaction happening in this experiment?" They announce, and a graph was presented on the projector.

You and your teammates quickly discussed and even used the side of the whiteboard as a scratch to test out their hypothesis.

"1 + 1 sagot, hula ko," bulong ni Sanzu.

"Bobo," binatukan naman ito ni Rindou.

Lumingon nalang si Rindou sa may pintuan dahil nabobobo na rin ito sa mga questions, pero nagulat nalang ito nang nakita niya ang kuya niya na pumasok sa room na mukhang nagmamadali pa at naka pang-basketball attire parin.

"Uy! Uy! Si Ran...!" Bulong ng mga estudyante.

"Pst!"

Nagulat ka naman sa tumawag sa'yo sa likurin ng mga audience, at napataas ang ulo mo para tignan ito, at halos manlaki ang mga mata mo nang nakita mo si Ran na kumakaway para kunin ang atensiyon mo.

Tinaas ni Ran ang kaniyang kamay to show his ring finger, and he's wearing the paper ring from the marriage booth as a sign of good luck.

Luckily, dala dala mo rin sa bulsa 'yong paper ring mo, at sinuot mo ito pagkatapos mong magsulat at tinaas din ang kamay mo to show the paper ring around your finger with a bright smile that melted Ran's heart.

"Naks naman! HAHAHAHA!" Lakas na tawa at cheer ng mga kaklase niyo.

"Uy! Cheer mo pa asawa mo, o! Nauunahan na siya ng kabilang team!" Sabi ng mga kaklase niyo kay Ran.

"Manahimik nga kayo. Panalo na 'yan sa'kin." Tawa ni Ran.

More questions have passed and your team is kind of catching up with the leading team. Nakaabot na rin kayo sa final round, and you composed yourself for the upcoming questions.

"Okay lang. Ilang points pa. Matatapos na rin." You told your teammates.

Ilang questions ang nakalipas, and nakarating na rin kayo sa three final questions.

Hindi mo pa nakikita ang scores, and may mga teams nang na-eliminate. Mga apat nalang kayong natitira sa last questions ng final round, and kasama ang team niyo ro'n ni Mitsuya.

"What do you call this one ancient ritual, particularly in the Philippines, where they would slit a wound in their skin and let the blood prickle down the wine before drinking it as a sign of alliance, a form of agreement, trusteeship, and friendship?"

You reviewed this just the day before, especially the lower levels, and you jotted down the answer. You raised the white board to show the answer, and this time, ikaw naman ang tama, at ang team ni Mitsuya ay wrong answer.

More questions came, and surprisingly, wala pa kayong mali, also the same with the opposing teams.

One-point nalang ang pagitan niyo ni Mitsuya, and if he got the wrong answer for two rows, whilst yours will be all correct, then your team will automatically win.

You looked to your side to still see Ran watching you, and he still held a smile on his face as he saw you looking at him.

Your brows furrowed and held back a smile as you faced somewhere else, not showing him how you were holding back your smile. "What the fuck."

The question came, and you immediately wrote down the answer.

This time, hindi nir-reveal ang tamang sagot after the questions.

"Ate, sure na ba with our answer? This is the last question." One of them asked.

"Hopefully," you smiled at them. "Kahit makapasok lang tayo sa top three, but we shall aim for the first place."

"Congratulations to all the contestants who have reached this far. The scores have been calculated, and the winners will be announced shortly. When your name has been called, please stand up and walk to the front to receive your medal and certificate, and a trophy for the first place, which will be announced in the last."

The hosts stood up in front, holding the folded paper containing the results.

"For our fifth-place winner, Gabriel Justin Ramirez from grade nine!"

Gab stood up with a wide smile on his face with his team as he walked to the stage. He received his medal and certificate as he waved to you and Ran as if you two are his parents.

"Uy fifth place si bata!" Sigaw nina Ran pati ng mga kuya ni Gab. "Baka Gab 'yan! WOOOH!"

"Joana Cruz and Noah Baysa from grade nine as our fourth place winner!"

Ran just sat there and watched. Not giving a single clap or cheer among the audiences. May isang pangalan kasi na hinihintay, e.

"Shane Boa from Grade Twelve, third place!"

"Tagal naman..." Sunod pa na sabi ni Ran.

"(Y/N) Lauren Victoria (L/N) from grade x for our second place!"

You walked to the stage to receive your medal and certificate along with your team, pero hindi ka na nagdalawang isip dahil kaysa ang medals ang tignan mo, si Ran ang unang hinanap mo sa audience.

"WOOOOH! I'm proud of you!" At gulat mo, parang si Ran ang nanalo dahil sa saya sa mga mata't ngiti niya. Tumatalon talon pa siya habang chinecheer ka at inaawat pa nina Rindou at Sanzu si Ran. Kaunti nalang aakyat pa sa stage sa sobrang proud.

"AHHH! Gago! Congrats! Tang ina mo, (Y/N)! Mahal ka namin!" Sigaw din ng Section B nang chineer ka.

"Mitsuya Ezra Haze Takashi from grade x, our annual quiz bee's first place!"

"AHHHH! Congrats, my love! WOOOH!" Sigaw ni (Y/N) from Section A at halos tumalon talon pa ito.

"Yayyy! Kuya won!" Luna and Mana cheered.

"Tai-Tai! Kuya Taka-Taka won!" Mana shouted as she pulled Taiju.

"WOOOH! Napaka ebarg mo talaga, Pres. Mitsuya! Pakiss!" Sigaw ng mga kaibigan ni Mitsuya na kampon ni Satanas.

"Ah gano'n?" Agad naman tumingin si (Y/N) Ashanti sakanila at pinaghahampas sina Sanzu, Hanma, at iba pa nitong mga tropa.

Nangpagkababa mo sa stage, you looked at your parents to see them having proud looks on their faces as they took photos of you with your team.

"'Nak! Saan si Ran? Picture kayo, bilis!" Sabi ng tatay mo. Wow, parang noong isang araw lang ...

"Huh?" Nanlaki naman ang mga mata mo.

"Ran!" Tawag ng tatay mo kay Ran, at agad naman itong tumayo upang lumapit sainyo.

"Po?" Nagmano naman si Ran sa mga magulang mo.

"Picture kayo ni (Y/N)! Bilis, bilis! Tayo kayo roon!" Sabi rin ng nanay mo.

Agad naman pumwesto si Ran kasama ka. You just smiled while holding the medal and showing your certificate, whilst Ran's arm is around your shoulder, also having a proud smile on his face at your triumph.

After some few pictures from your mother, you had a small chat with your parents and gave you a hug before they go. "Sige na! Mauuna na kami sa bahay, ah? Ran, ikaw na bahala sa anak ko."

"Opo," sagot ni Ran nang inakbayan ka niya.

"O ano, kaya pa ba mamaya?" Sunod pa na tanong ni Ran sa 'yo.

"Kaya saan?"

"Kaya pa ba maging muse? Pahinga ka muna." Maikling tawa niya habang naglalakad paalis ng room kasama ang mga kaklase niyo.

"Yeah, oo," you nodded while fixing your medals and certificate in your bag.

"Galing mo talaga," sunod pa na sabi niya

"Thank you, pero grabe 'noh? Hindi pa ako naka-abot ng first place, pero of course, I'm happy and contented with this. Nakita ko lang kasi kanina 'yung scores. Halos two points lang 'yung pagitan namin ni Mitsuya."

"You know, I don't really care about what rank you get," Ran replied.

"Oh? Sayang kaya. I mean, 'yun naman dapat i-aim mo every com—" but you were cut off as he spoke.

"Para sa'kin, you're already number one. Kaya I can't wait to see you wearing my number one jersey later."

"Hoy! Halika na, (Y/N)! Mhiema, hoy!"

Tawag sa 'yo nina Hakkai at Akane nang nakatayo sa tabi ng pintuan habang dala dala ang mga gamit nilang mga makeup. Kasama rin nila sina Yuzuha at Yumi.

"What?"

"Ayusan ka na namin! Malapit na mag ten, o! Nasa court na rin si Ran! Naghahanda na sila!"

"Oh, right," you muttered as you stand up and walked toward them.

"So, ano? Anong gusto mo na ayos? Gusto mo curly hair sa baba, tapos may pa curtain bangs sa harap? O, ano naman sa makeup?"

"I'm fine with anything," sagot mo.

"Ah— gano'n. Sige! Kami na bahala!" Sigaw nilang sabay.

Nang pagkapunta niyo sa C.R., nagbihis ka muna agad bago ka ayusan dahil baka pagpawisan ka and your makeup might smudge. Agad ka naman nilang pinaupo sa kinuha nilang stool at pinasok pa talaga sa C.R.

"Girls! Ba't dito kayo nagaayos? Hindi ba kayo nainform na the school hired a stylist for the muse? Naghihintay na sila sa room!"

"Oh—?" You all looked at each other and blinked.

"Pero, can we still help po?" The girls asked.

"Hmm, depende 'yon sa stylist— Oh— They're here! Sila na pala ang kusang pumunta rito," the teacher said as the people from the salon walked in.

"Wow, complete na 'yung... gamit," the stylists' eyes widened as they looked at your friends' things.

"Yeah, that's why we can manage this naman po, but a little help will be fine."

"Alright, then let's start! We can't keep the muse waiting," they delightedly exclaimed as they start.

There's a large ring light in front of you. Hakkai and Yuzuha are the ones styling the ends of your hair to curl it. Akane and Yumi are doing your makeup base. The stylists are the ones doing those extra detailed parts such as the nails, eyeshadow, falsies, extensions, and some portions of your hair.

"Ano 'to, breeze? Sampung kamay," isip mo nang nagpigil ng tawa.

"WOOOH! Go! Go! Tier One Tigers! Go!"

Sigaw ng mga estudyante sa loob ng school's arena kung saan magaganap ang basketball tournament. Halos mapuno rin ang seats ng arena at masigla parin ang mga tao, may mga dala pa silang banners, pompoms, balloons, confetti, and more to show their support for the school's basketball team.

"Naks naman! May dala pa talagang popcorn, Rindou! Ano 'to, cinema?" Sanzu hysterically laughed in his seat. Kaunti nalang mage-echo na sa buong arena, e.

"Syempre. Kuripot ako sa banners banners na 'yan. Kaya popcorn nalang pang support kay kuya. Kita mo. Kapag naka score siya, babatuhan ko siya ng popcorn nang ganito kalayo." Sabi ni Rindou.

"Ano? Ish-shoot mo 'yung popcorn sa ulo niya?" Sanzu blinked.

"P're, ang bobo mo."

"Bobo ka rin eh."

"Go sexy! Go sexy! Go sexy, sexy love~! AHSHDUJSJU! Oh my gosh! Teka!" Sigaw ng mga cheerleaders. Practice daw sa cheer nila para kay Ran mamaya.

"Napaka angas ni Ran! AHH! Bleh! Nasa section namin 'yung captain ng team!" Pagyayabang nina Makoto sa kabilang section.

"Tang ina mo! Pakyu!" Sigaw ni Tubolt nang pinakyuhan ito.

"Abangan kita sa gate mamaya, gago!" Giit din ni Oten.

"O ano naman? Tol, 'yung kaklase naming si Baji, nasa Tier One Tigers din! 'Wag ka! Baka ma-shoot ko pa 'yang pagmumukha mo sa ring!" Sigaw ni Hanma.

"Oh? What's the guy's name? He looks cute." Some group of people asked. Ito ay 'yung mga taga ibang school, kung saan nanggaling ang basketball team na makakalaban nina Ran.

"Which? Did you know, that the captain from the other team is so... damn!" The girls squealed, and halata naman kung sino ang tinutukoy nito.

"I need his name! Basta all I know is that he's the captain of Tier One Tigers! Is he single?!"

"I know right? I don't know what team to cheer if ever I see him... Will I cheer for our school, or the other school because of him?"

"Hmm, I remember someone. 'Di ba... she wants him since dati pa?" One of the girls turned their head to their classmate.

"Who? Sino?"

"She's also the chosen muse in our school's team." The girls said.

"Siya?! Wow! Panalo na agad tayo sa muse! But, still, nakita niyo na ba 'yung muse ng kabilang school? I heard her name is (Y/N)."

"Oo, pero, anong laban niya sa muse natin?"

"Anyway, I heard na may gusto 'yung friend namin, kaso lang sa ibang school... and I bet it's this school na makakalaban ng basketball team natin!"

"So... you're telling me na she likes the captain of Tier One Tigers? 'Di ba she never saw him in personal?"

"Yup, only in online and photos. Kaso lang may plano siyang lumipat sa kabilang school next school year. Malay mo maging sila pa nung captain, 'di ba? HAHAHA! Bagay, e, 'noh?"

"Of course! Who wouldn't like our school's beauty?"

"Ready na ba ang lahat?! Captains, start counting the players kung kompleto na!"

Sigaw ng coach bago sila dumiretso sa court ng arena. Nakapila ang mga players ng Tier One Tiger sa may entrance, at halos nakahanda na rin ang arena. May mga confetti na, mic, announcers, and everything.

Except for the muse.

"Saan na si (Y/N)?" Ran kept on asking himself since kanina pa.

"Chill, Retsam! Hindi ka mapakali. Baka nagaayos pa 'yon." His friends told.

"Sorry! Sorry! Nandito na siya!"

Lumingon naman ang mga players to see the stylists and your friends rushing into the arena's backrooms, and you walked to the scene with your complete look.

You're wearing the "1" jersey, just like Ran's, and it has the team's logo and every small detail. It's the same as the skirt, and it's above the knees with a small slit at the side. Your makeup is a light look with a small, slick yellow eyeliner on the lids to match your makeup look and enhance your features. Your hair is curled at the end with curtain bangs on the front side.

"Gagi! Si Ran! Hoy! Hoy!"

Ran's eyes widened in surprise and he almost fainted when he saw you. He felt his knees going weak kaya agad itong inakabayan at sinalo ng mga kaibigan niya.

"Hoy! Hoy! Kalma, Retsam! Baka si San Pedro pa makalaro mo sa basketball mamaya!" Sigaw ng mga teammates nito.

"Okay ka lang ba? Hoy, Ran!" Tapik ng mga lalaki sa mukha ni Ran.

"Tang ina, mga bro... Ang ganda niya... Sobra," bulong ni Ran na para b'ang lasing.

"'Na neto, pinakaba kami," mura nina Jonathan.

"Tayo! Tayo! Magsisimula na!" Sigaw ng coach niyo nang sinimulan na ang intro ng event ng mga cheerleaders for their opening dance, at nagsigawan ang mga tao sa loob ng arena, rinig na rinig hanggang sa labas.

Tumayo ka beside Ran dahil siya ang captain at nasa harapan, at halos hindi makatingin si Ran sa 'yo. Baka raw tuluyan nang mahimatay.

"Grabeng ayos, ah," asar ni Ran sa 'yo.

"Sabi ng muntik nang mahimatay," ganti mo at kunwaring naubo ka.

"Luh."

"By the way... I'm nervous. Ang daming tao..." You whispered.

"And I bet they'll all stare at you," Ran replied. "I mean, look at you, damn."

"Haha... Thanks," you simply said. "Uhh, Ran. I have a question."

"What?"

"A-are your parents here?"

"Ah... I don't know. Siguro hindi. Masyado silang busy for this," Ran shrugged it off with a fake laugh.

"Oh," you just nodded and noticed the change in his mood.

"Don't worry. I'll watch you from the bench," you added, making Ran's heart flutter.

"Watch lang?" Biro ni Ran.

"Ayaw mo? Edi 'wag."

"Joke lang! Syempre gusto."

"Edi I'll cheer and watch you from the bench," you said as you rolled your eyes.

"Cheer for me, ha? 'Yung tipong maririnig ko boses mo hanggang sa ring, HAHAHA!"

"Shoot kita sa ring," pagsusungit mo.

"Tss... Kung makatalbog ka nga ng bola, umabot lang hanggang two inches, e. HAHAHA!" Asar pa ni Ran.

"Ah, gano'n?" Kinurot mo naman ang braso nito.

"Aray!"

"By the way, Ran. Have you seen the other teams' muses? Lalo na 'yung team na makakalaban niyo," sabi mo dahil nakasalubong mo rin sila kanina.

"O, ano meron?" Ran muttered na para b'ang walang pakielam.

"Ang ganda nila, 'noh?" you asked while looking at the muses with a smile.

"Ewan. Hindi ko naman tinignan." Ran just shrugged.

"Ah... Well, I think magsisimula na yata 'yung game. Good luck sa 'yo, ha? Galingan mo." Sabi mo kay Ran.

"Syempre," tawa ni Ran.

Pinigilan mo nalang ang tawa mo't inikutan mo nalang siya ng mata. 

"Pero good luck din sa 'yo. Ikaw 'yung unang papasok sa court." Sambit ni Ran.

"Yeah, yeah. I know."

"Gago! Naga-announce na ng teams! Gago! Tang ina niyong lahat. Tol, kinakabahan titi ko." Sabi ng mga teammates ni Ran.

"Huy, nandito si (Y/N). Bibig niyo." Pagsisita naman ni Ran sakanila.

"Ay, sorry po! Sorry, Miss (Y/N) Haitani! Nadidistorbo yata namin asawa ni captain. Hehe..." Pangaasar pa ng mga players.

Ran just glared at them and secretly pinakyuhan niya 'tong mga ito.

"It's fine," you awkwardly said.

"WOOOH! Nasa'n na sina Ran?! Ang tagal naman mag-announce—!" Sigaw ng Section B, pero agad itong pinatahimik ng mga teachers.

"Huy! Huy! 'Yung phone niyo! Picturan mo si (Y/N) mamaya." Sabi nina Hakkai at ng mga babae.

"Tier One Tigers from (school name)!" They announced.

You took a deep breath before entering the arena. You practiced your walk a while ago and applied it right at this moment. Your muscles tense yet you relax them and sway your hands and hips lightly, keeping a glowing expression on your face as you walk through the court as if it's your own runway while holding the team's banner.

Ran couldn't help but smile as he watched you. It's true, after all. Siya talaga ay isang marilag na paraluman.

"WOOOH! That's my girl! Galing talaga!" And as usual, todo cheer din si Ran.

"GOOO, NAKSHIT! KAMI 'YUNG NAG-AYOS SAKANYA! BESTIE NAMIN 'YAN! GOOO, MHIEMA!" Sigaw ng mga apat na babae, lalo na sina Hakkai at Akane na akala mo megaphone ang mga bibig.

"Ang ingay naman ng kabilang school..." The girls from the other school whispered.

Then, the team also entered the arena with the other teams from different schools na kasali rin sa tournament.

Ang mga estudyante naman sa school niyo na kasali sa team ay sina Baji from Section A. Kakucho and Ran from Section B. Inigo from Section C.

"Ayan na si kuya. Ayan na si kuya! HAHAHA! Kuya, mukha kang tubol!" Sigaw ni Rindou sa upuan niya kahit malayo si Ran. Wow, supportive.

"Nako, nako. Mukha ka raw tubol, o. Payag ka no'n? Ako hindi papayag. Nako, palagan mo. Batuhan mo ng bola sa mukha." Dagdag ni Sanzu.

"RAAAAN! NASA PUKE KO ANG BOLA!" Sigaw ng mga fangirls nito... Gago kasama rin pala si Hakkai.

"Ginagawa mo?" Akane side-eyed Hakkai.

"Ano ka ba. Practice lang kapag naging UAAP girlfriend ako, 'noh." Hakkai flipped his imaginary hair.

"Sinong matino na UAAP girlfriend na sisigaw ng 'nasa puke ko ang bola—' Jusko po..." Akane just rubbed her temples in distress.

"WOOOH! Go! Go! Tier One Tigers! Go!"

"Yaya Mari, is it here ba? Hay nako. I just came in time. Buti nalang walang masyadong ginagawa sa kompanya." A familiar voice said as she entered the arena. She removed her sunglasses and placed down her designer bag as she sat on one of the seats to watch her son.

"Yes, Madame Rochelle," Aunt Mari said, also Rochelle's most trusted maid and servant.

"Where's Ran? Oh my— Is that him?!" Rochelle gasped as she immediately pulled her phone out to record him kahit nasa malayo siyang seat.

"Go, anak! Yaya, call Rindou as well! Tell him na I'm here! Tell him to sit beside me!" Dagdag ni Rochelle.

"I also need to send this video to his dad! I'm sure he'll be proud. Go, Ran! Mommy is here!"

"Hoy! Kuya! Putang— AH! Ay—" Sigaw ni Rindou, pero nagulat ito nang kinalabit siya ng kaniyang yaya na si Aunt Mari.

"Rindou, nandito 'yung mommy mo. Tawag ka niya."

Rochelle kept on recording and cheering her son from afar, and she noticed Rindou walking toward her.

"Hi, Rindou! Sit beside me! Panoorin natin kuya mo."

"Eh..." He hesitated.

"Minsan lang naman umuwi si mommy, e. Please?"

"Fine..." Rindou sighed.

"Haha... Olats... Lugi... Hindi na ako pwede mag-mura..." Isip ni Rindou.

"Wait— Who's the muse in Ran's team? May I see?" Rochelle said, ready to see her looks.

"Si (Y—" Rindou said pero agad niyang tinikom ang bibig niya.

"Huh? Sino? Yaya Mari, may sinabi ba si Ran kung sino 'yung muse? I want to see how she looks like. Baka naman kasi panalo 'yung team ng anak ko, tapos the muse looks... something else." Rochelle winced.

"Uhm... Panigurado po, ma'am, na sobrang ganda ng muse. Ayun po yata siya."

Dumungaw si Rochelle and squinted her eyes to find you, and she spotted you standing beside Ran as their muse.

"Ahh... Simple itsura niya, yaya, 'noh? Pwede na. Maganda naman. Simple." Rochelle said as she slowly nodded.

"Rindou, do you know her?" His mother asked.

"Hala, ba't ako?! Itakas niyo ako rito, please..." Isip ni Rindou habang pilit na tinatawag ang mga kaibigan niya.

"A-ah... Yata... Haha..." Naku! Baka pag pumalpak si Rindou rito, baka mapagalitan pa ng kuya niya.

"Ohh, I see... She kind of looks familiar. I think I saw her na, e. I just can't remember... but pshh! Whatever. I meet a lot of people every day when I'm in a meeting in the company, so maybe I just mixed up their looks, you know?"

Ilang segundo pa, ay nagsimula na rin ang game, and ang team nina Ran ay ang nasa court.

"Captains! Captains! Come here!" The coach shouted, at nagdiscuss muna ang teams.

After a few minutes...

"Okay? Okay? Gets? Go! Pwesto na! Good luck, Tier One Tigers! Bring home the trophy!" The coach said for the final time as the players did a hand-stack and raised their hands.

The referee stood up in the middle of the court and raised the ball, and there, he tossed it, some of the players dotting for others to catch the ball.

The game started here.

Si Kevin ang naka-salo ng bola, meaning, ang team ni Ran ang nasa offensive side.

Kevin immediately ran to the other side of the court and Kakucho was the one supporting him from the side, ready to steal the ball if ever the opponent team caught it.

One of the enemies covered up Kevin where the ball is, and he quickly tossed the ball to Kakucho.

"Shit. Where is he?" One of the players sa kalaban na team said.

"Wala si Ran?"

"Wala si Ran..." The enemy stayed cautious while dribbling the ball.

Hindi muna masyadong gumagalaw si Ran sa court, at naging composed lang ang ang mga kalaban nila.

They say, Ran is the one who loves to do surprise attacks on his opponent, and this is the reason why when Ran isn't moving much in the court, something will happen. The players call this "calm before the storm".

Ikaw naman ay nasa benches, kasama ang mga ibang muse, also watching Ran.

"Baliin niyo 'yung buto! Batukan niyo 'yung ulo!" Sigaw ni Izana na mas stress pa kaysa sa mga players.

"Huy, basketball 'to, pres. Hindi wrestling."

"O ANO! MM SAKSAK KA 'NOH?!" Sigaw ni Pahchin na nagc-cheer din sa team ni Ran. Wow, Boss Wrecker 2.0.

At least three players ay hinarangan si Kakucho na ish-shoot sana ang bola, and he passed the ball to his other teammate, ngunit nasalo ito ng mga kalaban.

"Fuck," Kakucho cursed under his breath.

Agad na tumakbo ang mga kalaban to finally shoot the ball through the ring, excited to get the first point.

But as they were close to ring...

"Yo, watch your back, dude," Ran smirked as he swiftly stole the ball from behind them.

Ran quickly sprinted to the ring as fast as he could before the defensive side can even block him.

"One point from Tier One Tigers!"

"AHHHH! Go! Go! Tier One Tigers! Go!" Cheer ng mga estudyante sa school niyo.

"Ang galing ni Ran! AHHHH!" Sigaw ng mga kaklase niyo.

"AHH! Iyak!" Asar nina Hanma sa kabilang school dahil mukhang kanina pa nag-aasaran ang mga estudyante.

"Kaya pa, Inigo?" One of Inigo's friends asked.

"Tsk," Inigo just clicked his tongue.

"One point sa school natin! WOOOH!" Baji shouted sa may gilid ng court, near the audiences. Finlex pa talaga ang biceps at nagpasikat.

"Baka Baji Yap 'yan, erp! 'Apaka angas!" Sigaw ni Chifuyu. "May free skin ka sa'kin sa ML mamaya, boi!"

Patuloy lang ang laro, and lamang ang score ng team nina Ran. With seven points for the opposing team, and nine points for Tier One Tigers.

And this time, si Baji naman ang naka-shoot ng bola.

"Napaka bilis ng kamay, Baji, ah! Pwede na maging snatcher!" Sigaw ng mga kaibigan nito.

The game continued, and halos naabutan na ng kalaban ang score ng team nina Ran.

Ang mga coach naman nila ay halatang namamawis na sa gilid habang pinapanood ang kanilang mga players.

Habang ish-shoot naman ang bola ng kalaban sa ring, agad na humarang si Inigo, but instead of just stealing or pushing the ball from their hand, binangga ito ni Inigo, causing a...

"Foul! Foul!" The referee whistled. Clearly what Inigo did is considered a foul in the game.

Ran clicked his tongue in irritation. He felt a tinge of annoyance as he sat on the bench after the round to rest for a while.

"Fucking hell," Ran cursed as he looked at the monitor, showing the scores.

"Calm down. The gap between the scores isn't that far." Kakucho said as he drank his Gatorade.

"I know. It's just... I'm kind of regretting being laid back with one of our players. Look at his moves in the game now. He's rusty as fuck." Ran said, clearly mad while wiping his sweat and resting.

"Talking about Inigo, huh?"

Ran just nodded and sighed in frustration.

"Watsup Retsa— Biro lang. Mainit 'yung ulo, e. Baka hampasin ako ng bola. Haha..." Sabi nina Jonathan.

"Huy, Retsam! Papunta si (Y/N), o!" Sigaw ng mga teammates nito nang nakita kang papalakad sakanya.

"Uh... here," you said as you handed him a towel, Gatorade, and also a bottle of water.

"Uy," agad naman tumayo si Ran at parang nag cool down ang ulo.

"Thank you!" Laking ngiti nito nang kinuha ang mga binigay mo, and he's like an excited child receiving his gift kahit simple lang naman ang mga binigay mo.

"Balik na'ko ro'n, ah. Inabot ko lang," you said.

"'Yoko nga. Kiss muna." Ran innocently smiled as if it's just nothing.

You rolled your eyes, then proceeded with a, "no."

"Aray! Rejected si Mr. Captain! HAHAHA!" Asar ng mga kaibigan nito.

"'Ge subukan niyo papaliparin ko kayo sa court." Angal naman ni Ran.

"Ayan nanaman si Mr. Mainitin Ang Ulo," you cleared your throat, holding back your laughter.

"Bahala kayo diyan—" Inis na sabi ni Ran, pero nawala ito agad when he felt your kiss on his cheek.

"Good luck sa next round," ngiti mo as you walked off after what you just did.

"TANG INA TALAGA!" Sigaw ni Ran nang tumalon-talon ito at halos itulak na rin ang mga teammates niya na sumisigaw din.

"Players, get ready for next rounds!" Sigaw ng mga coaches nila.

Matapos ang ilang rounds, the players kept on continuing their game, and the scores are starting to get fortified for each team, desperate to reach for victory and to bring home the trophy.

More rounds came... Aba syempre hindi ko naman isusulat lahat diba haha so timeskip.

The opposing team has a score of 73, whilst Tier One Tigers has a score of 75.

"AHHHH! GO!" Sigaw ng mga estudyante at mas lalo p'ang nagiging intense ang liga.

"O! O! Dunk it, Jonathan! WOOOH!" Sigaw ng mga ka-team nito nang tuluyan na talagang nagslam dunk si Jonathan sa ring. 

"NIIICE!" Sigaw ni Ran nang inappear ang kaibigan niya't tinapik din sa likod.

"Go sexy! Go sexy! Go sexy sexy love!" Sigaw ng mga cheerleaders at ni Lexi kay Ran.

"Kaunting score nalang. This is the last round. Just remember to always look behind you if the ball is with you. Si Kakucho ang bahala sa defense, kaya i-back up niyo, lalo ka na Baji at Kevin. Kayo naman, Jonathan at Inigo, samahan niyo ako kapag ish-shoot ko 'yung bola, o kaya kapag nasa inyo, i-pasa niyo sa'kin kung alanganin, alright?" Ran explained to his team as their captain.

"Yes, Cap!" Sigaw ng mga player as they did hand-stack, then raising their hands with a yell before entering the court.

The girl, also a muse sa kabilang team didn't remove her stare on Ran for almost the whole game. She was fascinated with his skills and looks... kahit dati pa.

The ball was shot and tossed, causing the players to immediately run towards it.

Ang kalabang team ang nakakuha, and Kakucho needs to take place in defense.

Ran did a cross-over as he easily flicked the ball off their hands, and Inigo was the one who caught the ball. "Inigo!"

Medyo nagkaroon ng kaunting pangangamba si Ran dahil nakay Inigo ang bola, but he knows that as a captain, he should put trust in his players, kahit magkaaway ito sa labas ng laro.

"P're! P're! Dito ka sa likod ko! Kaku, tol! Baka mabangasan ko pa 'yung mga ulo ng kalaban! Nako, pigilan niyo ako!" Sigaw ni Baji nang tumatakbo sa court at hinahabol ang bola.

Inigo was about to toss the ball... Isang score nalang... Isang score nalang talaga at mapapasakanila na ang panalo, ngunit may humarang dito at nakuha ang bola.

"Shit!" Ran shouted as his eyes widened. "Kakucho! Defense! Abangan niyo sa kabila!"

"Bilisan niyo pa takbo niyo!" Sigaw ni Jonathan. "Dapat pala ngayon ko nalang nilabas 'yung mala dunk it skills ko! Baka utak ko pa mag dunk!"

"Kapag tayo natalo, supot ka, Jonathan! Pakyu!" Sigaw ni Kevin.

"MGA POTAAA! Isang score nalang!" Sigaw ni Baji, and everyone can feel their adrenaline rush.

You felt your heart skipping in seconds as you also felt nervous just by watching. Jusko, ikaw yata 'yung aatakihin sa puso, e.

"Ran! Go! You can do it!" Finally, sigaw mo with a wide smile on your face while holding up the team's banner and his jersey to show him your support.

"Mr. Captain, your muse is watching."

Ran's teammates said, and napatingin si Ran sa 'yo to see how supportive you are to him. The look on your face. The smile on your lips. The jersey. The banner. When you gave him a towel and water... He knew right then and there that you are the source of all of his energy, like the sun that brights him up. 

Like the strawberry that gave him every sweet flavor, away from that rough cigarette of his. 

You indeed targeted him.

Well, I guess, we don't always call this bad mixture the "worst", and they say, in the process of mixing two flavors, a perfect outcome is always produced in the end.

Mukhang ginanahan si Ran ah.

Kakucho quickly reached the player who has the ball, and he immediately stole it, passing it to Baji.

Ngunit may mga nakapalibot kay Baji, at natrap ito. "Ran! Last chance mo na 'to, p're! Ikaw na 'yung magsh-shoot para sa last score! Kaya mo 'yan!"

And there, Baji tossed the ball to Ran, who briskly caught it and agad itong tumakbo sa kabilang side.

Ran can hear your cheers echoing in his ears, and at that moment, the surge of motivation hit him that instant.

Ran leaped and tossed the ball directly to the ring...

"Three points from Haitani!"

The announcer asserted as the bell rang, indicating that the match is finished.

"WOOOOH! Go, Ran!" It's your first time being this active in school, at tumalon-talon ka rin while holding the team's banner and Ran's jersey as confetti starts to fall from above.

You're the first person that Ran sprinted to, and he carried you in his arms as he showed his team the cause of their win. Ran is so proud of his team and of the team's muse, or rather, Ran's muse.

"Oh my gosh! Yaya! Mahihimatay yata si mamita niyo! Si Ran naka last point! Oh my—! That's my son! That's my son!" Sigaw ni Rochelle sa may isang side ng arena. 

Buti nalang ay nasa pinakalikod ito nakapwesto, kaya hindi kita ang court nang buo.

"NIIICEEE! KUYA, PUTANG—" Sigaw ni Rindou na muntik nang makalimutan na katabi pala niya ang nanay niya.

"Baka Tier One Tigers 'yan!" The students shouted as they cheered for the school's team with their banners and balloons.

"Ran, ang galing mo! Pakiss! Hehe..." Sabi naman ng iba.

Nagsilabasan na rin ang mga tao sa labas ng arena at halos magkasiksikan sa may exit dahil sa daming lumalabas kahit per level ang ayos ng pila.

"Siksikan naman, o! Ang babaho. Amoy pawis." Reklamo ng iba.

Ang mga basketball players ay naiwan muna sa mga locker rooms o kaya sa mga benches upang magpahinga at magbihis, but Ran quickly went out of the arena for something...

Ah, kaya pala. Habang naglalakad ka at halos maipit ka sa mga tao dahil crowded ang area, nagulat ka nalang as you heard Ran's voice from behind.

"Hey, watch out," Ran said as he secured his arms around your shoulder.

"Ran! Ran!" His fans started to approach him, and they were startled to see him being with someone, and ang higpit pa ng hawak niya sa 'yo.

"Sorry, not now," Ran tried to excuse himself while protecting you from the crowd.

"Ran—! Pictures— Please—!"

Ran just glared at those people who are invading his space, especially yours. With that one look from Ran, they immediately left and walked off.

"Hey, Ran, thank you, ha? But you don't need to accompany me. I can go back to the classroom by myself. Go and handle more important things there. Your team might be waiting for you, and your fans—" You tried to protest.

"No. It's fine." Ran insisted. "I just want to make sure that you'll be safe going back sa classroom. May mga tao from outside the school."

"Oh... Alright," You just nodded and ignored the beat in your chest. Another small gesture from him that will be stuck in your mind.

"Excuse me," he told the crowd, making way for you as you both walked through the corridor.

"Huh? Did Ran just say 'excuse me'?" One of the students gasped. "Wow?!"

"Ano ba 'yan, yaya... Ang daming tao. It's getting hot na, 'noh?" Rochelle said habang pinapaypayan ang sarili and she's clutching her earrings and bag, baka raw masiksikan sa crowd.

"Where's Ran ba?" Sunod na tanong niya as she tries to find for her son among the crowd.

"Baka hindi pa po lumalabas, madame. Nando'n pa kasi 'yung team niya sa may loob." Aunt Mari said.

The students from the other school also went out, and the muse from their team, na mukhang kanina pa kayo pinagmamasdang dalawa ni Ran

Her eyes twitched in annoyance, but she tried to hide it before her friends called her.

"What's up, our muse!" Her friends squealed. "So, ano? Okay lang na talo 'yung school natin, whatever, but you know... dito ka naman magt-transfer next year, right? So, meaning, you'll finally be in the same school with Ran."

She just scowled and rolled her eyes as she deeply sighed. "Yeah, I know." She gave a last glance to you and Ran, still in the same position, and she felt her chest flaring.

"They say, as long as you have a lot of connections, even when your target is far, then you'll easily grasp them." She thought as she held a sinister smirk on her face before going out.

"WOOOH! Grabe! Dalawa 'yung panalo ng Section B ngayong araw!"

Sigaw at cheer ng mga kaklase niyo pagkapasok niyo sa classroom ni Ran.

"Ran and Kakucho's win sa basketball, tapos (Y/N)'s win sa quiz bee!"

"After nito, pahinga ka muna, girl! Ang dami mong ginawa ngayong araw, and bitch, you all did it!" Hakkai and the girls squealed.

"Yeah, of course. I'll rest." You said.

"I can feel my muscles getting numb," Ran groaned as he slumped his whole body on the chair.

"Same," Kakucho muttered.

You heard a notification ping on your phone, and you opened your message to see your mother texting.

Nila (Y/N)

Mami :D :

Hi nak musta k jan

Patingin ng pics mo nak nung nagmuse ka kanina

Musta laro ni ran kanina? Nanalo ba cia

: (Y/N)

Opo, ran won :)

And sige po, wait

You sent an attachment

Mami :D :

Ang ganda nmn ng anak ko...

Nanalo rin sa quiz bee kanina..Sobrang proud kami ng papa mo nak

At pakisabi kay Ran iho na congratulations. Galing ng binata na iyon

: (Y/N)

Haha opo, thank you po ma ily 

After that, you turned your phone off and just waited for the teacher to come inside of the classroom habang nag-iingay ang mga kaklase mo.

"Sina tita?" Ran asked beside you.

"Ah, oo. Tinanong pa nga kung 'musta game mo. Sabi rin niya na congrats. Ang galing mo raw."

"Ay, wow," Ran smiled. Earning a compliment from your parents is ten times better than those compliments he receives online.

They say that behind every victory, there's always a factor at play. A much wider perspective and panorama on why people achieve these wins. A hard work resulting in a win? An aptitude resulting in a win? A matter of luck in time resulting in a win? But what if it's a person of motivation resulting in a win?

There's really a key to these wins, actually.

It's all because Ran and (Y/N) both had each other's back and support when they were competing.

A/N: new character hehe :)

also guys, mga bukas or sa ibang araw ko muna ipopost yung fan arts ha? ang glitchy ng wattpad website for me whenever I upload images, eh ang dami kong i-uupload, so nagc-crash, baka madamay pa ung chapter. plus inuna ko muna ung update. don't worry, I still post the fan arts ofc <3