❝ STRAWBERRIES & CIGARETTES ❞

23

"Buti nalang maulap."

Sabi mo habang nasa National Book Store. Bumibili ka ng mga supplies for school kasama sina Sydney at Ava. Bukas na rin kasi ang game for UAAP, kaya't naghahanda na rin kayo. Bumili na rin kayo ng tickets, at nagshopping na rin kayo para sa kakailanganin niyo.

"Ubos nanaman folders," Ava groaned while crouching on one isle. Nasa magkaibang isle kayo dahil may sari-sarili kayong bibilhin. Inisipan niyong tapusin na ang mga tasks at projects niyo nang maaga para hindi abala bukas.

"O? Para sa'n 'yan?" Tanong ni Sydney sa'yo nang nakita ang basket mo. May mga binili kang party decorations, at medyo marami-rami rin ito.

"Ah, wala lang," tipid mong sagot at naglakad paalis.

Nagtaka naman si Sydney dahil dito, but she just shrugged it off and continued her business.

"Ano binili ni (Y/N)? May ganap? May inuman ba sa condo mamaya tapos magh-host ng party?" Tanong ni Ava.

"Asa ka. Baka mangyari nanaman 'yung nangyari sa 'tin dati. Natatandaan mo? Dapat tatapusin natin 'yung project sa condo mo pero nauwi sa inuman, tapos nagmukha pa tayong tigang sa harap nung Ran. Ayan, in the end, sa school natin ni-rush 'yung task." Sabi ni Sydney.

"Oo na! Ang dami mong sinabi. Para kang nanay ko. Don't sermon me 'noh!" Sagot ni Ava.

Talking about condos, you decided to also live in one, and it is the same building as your two friends. It's a tough decision for you, but since you're nearing graduation and entering your master's degree, also here in Ateneo for law after one more year, have you decided to live and be independent on your own. The residence is still in Quezon City, kaya't hindi gaano kalayo sa bahay ng mga magulang mo.

"Tara na?" Lumingon naman ang dalawa nang narinig ang boses mo. May dala kang dalawang basket. Ang laman ng isa ay para sa school supplies, at 'yung isa naman ay puno ng decorations.

"Ba't ang dami nito? Para saan ba?" Muli pang tanong nina Ava sa'yo nang kinalkal ang laman ng isa mong basket.

Napabugtong hininga ka nalang at dumiretso na sa cashier. "Mamaya ko nalang sabihin. Magbayad na tayo. 'Di ba may bibilhin pa tayo?"

"Hmm, okay/"

"Break muna. I'll dismiss you at five!"

Sigaw ng coach sa mga players na nagt-train sa court. Ilang oras na silang nandito at walang tigil parin ang pagbabatak. You can hear the loud squeaks of the shoes inside the court and the nonstop dribble of the balls.

"Pagtapos nito, 'wag muna kayong magsi-punta sa gym o kaya magbanat ng buto. Kailangan niyo ng pahinga para bukas." Striktong pag-aalala ng coach.

Sumagot naman ang mga players at pumunta sa kanilang mga sariling pwesto sa court. May mga lumabas para bumili ng pagkain, at ang iba naman ay halos humiga sa sahig, hinihingal.

"G ka pa?" Tanong ng kaibigan ni Ran nang inabutan ito ng kamay at tinayo as they dapped up each other.

"Syempre," Ran grinned.

"Inom after the game tomorrow, please. I'm desperate as fuck!" Sigaw ng isang player na halos magwala sa court.

"Ingay mo, Joaquin." Tristan scolded as he tossed a ball at him.

"Hello! Is there a space for rehearsals here? Maulan lang sa labas. We won't take long." Tanong ng isang cheerleader and a few girls are behind her.

"Yes, yeah of course." One of the players said.

"Bro, alin sa kanila?" Biglang tanong ng isang teammate ni Ran na nananahimik sa gilid.

"What?" Inis na sagot ni Ran.

"Ayun o. Pili ka," turo ng lalaki sa mga babaeng nasa cheerleading rehearsal.

"None," Ran said nonchalantly.

"Sure?" His friends teased him.

"Bahala kayo diyan. Ubos na energy ko." Ran yawned as he leaned against the wall. Inisipan niya munang matulog habang break.

"Dito ka higa, bro. Tropa time tropa time." Sabi ng mga kaibigan nito at hiniga ang ulo ni Ran sa mga balikat nila.

"Dude, what the fuck–" Mura ni Ran nang pinagbabatok ang ulo nila at sumandal sa pader. "'Wag ako. Baka masuntok ko kayo."

Ilang minuto ang nakalipas at nakatulog na nga si Ran. Napagtripan ito ng mga kaibigan niya't pinicturan. Nagising naman si Ran dahil sa tunog ng shutter button and he lifted his middle finger up to the camera.

"Send ko nga 'to ro'n sa taga Ateneo, ano nga ulit pangalan no'n?" Pagpaparinig ng mga kaibigan ni Ran.

Agad naman bumukas ang mga mata ni Ran at bumangon nang nakuha ang atensyon.

"Ayun o! "Yun lang pala sasabihin para magising eh. HAHAHA!" Tawa nila.

Kinuha ni Ran ang kanyang phone at minessage ka. Kung ano-ano nalang trip ng mga kaibigan nito. Kahit kailan talaga hindi magkakaroon ng matitinong kaibigan si Ran. 

(Y/N) (L/N)

:Ran

may nagsend ba ng friend reqs sayo?

Nasa klase ka lang at inip na inip ka na dahil binigay naman na nang maaga ang lesson plan for this week. You did some preliminary reading and just attended this class for note taking and extra information.

Narinig mo ang ding sa phone mo, and you secretly took it out, seeing Ran's message.

future gf😴:

?

Wala

Why

:Ran

nothing

still in class?

future gf😴:

Ya

Hbu

:Ran

still in training😴

"Uy! Is that her?" Nagulat naman si Ran sa mga kaibigan nito na kanina pa pala sumisilip sa likod niya.

"Naks! Future gf daw, bro!" Asar pa nila nang naka-tingin sa phone screen ni Ran.

:Ran

may mga chismoso sa likod ko

"Nagsumbong na nga." Bulong nila.

future gf😴:

Hahaha wth

Anyway ttyl I'm still in class

Bye

"Aww sad naman," komento nila kay Ran.

"Tangina niyo tatawagin ko talaga si Tristan--" Biglang tayo ni Ran as he threatened them.

"Kalma kalma!"

"Mga gago–"

future gf😴:

Btw 

Good luck with ur game tom

🫶

future gf😴 sent a photo.

It was a photo of you na nakaselfie, but only half of your face is showing with your hands showing a thumbs up as good luck and Ran can see your smile.

"UY! BRO! SAVE! SAVE!" Sigaw ni Ran na agad nawala ang galit nang nakita ang last message mo at ang selfie na sinend mo.

"AHHH!" Tili ng mga lalaki nang tumalon-talon sa court at tinambakan si Ran.

"Huy! Baba mo 'ko."

Sabi mo nang naka-patong sa ladder habang sinasabit ang mga decorations. It's currently 10 a.m. at nagdedecorate kayo sa iyong condo unit bago umalis since mamayang gabi pa naman ang game.

"Para saan ba kasi 'to?" Iritableng tanong ni Sydney habang siya ang taga-abot mo at inaabala ang ibang mga decorations.

"Basta. Surprise nga, e," you replied.

"Sis, look. Tignan mo 'tong balloon. Mukhang tite." Ava randomly said out of nowhere habang nagp-pump ng mga balloons.

"Anyway, sasama ba si Sanzu bukas?" Tanong ni Ava.

You merely shrugged and continued decorating.

"Sukat pala natin 'yung mga pinamili kanina." Banggit ni Ava nang kinalkal ang mga shopping bags. "Ito 'yung sa 'kin, 'di ba?"

Kinuha mo na rin ang sa'yo at tinignan ang mga binili. Marami rin kayong mga nagastos, but you don't mind at all dahil ngayon lang kayo nagkaroon ng free time para makapagshopping ulit. Nagpapasalamat nalang kayo na hindi tambak ang schoolworks.

"What the fuck ka! Sa'n mo nahanap 'yan? Ang ganda." Sambit ni Sydney nang nakita ang mga biniling damit ni Ava.

"O akin 'to." Pagdadamot naman ni Ava.

"Trade tayo. Sa'yo 'to, o." Inabot naman ni Sydney ang isang damit at binato kay Ava.

"Gaga ka, magmumukha akong sardinas dito!" 

"Ano mas bagay sa'kin, ito ba or ito?"

"(Y/N), patulong kami!"

Halos magkarambulan na ang dalawa dahil lang sa pagsusukat ng mga damit.

"Ba't 'di nalang kasi kayo magpants or like skirt? Tinitiis niyo 'yung isang dress na 'yan... pag 'yan napunit doon." Sabi mo.

"Well, duh? We'll see basketball players eh, hehehe." Maharot na tawa ng dalawa.

You just gave them a judging, corny look then went back to your room to dress up. Silang dalawa ay walang pakielam at sa living room nalang nagbihis, nag-aagawan pa ng damit.

"Shet! Hindi magkasya! Zipper mo nga!" Sigaw ni Sydney nang hinihila ang zipper sa likod ng kanyang dress.

"Ava!" Napalingon naman si Sydney nang pansin niyang hindi sumasagot ang kanyang kaibigan, at nandoon lang si Ava sa harap ng salamin na parang may chinicheer.

"Ginagawa mo?" Sydney gave her a jduging look.

"Practicing to be a UAAP gf para mamaya. Okay na. Tara let's go." Sabi ni Ava at zinipper na ang dress ni Sydney na parang walang nangyari.

"Syd, Ava, bagay ba?" Tanong mo pagkalabas ng kwarto. You're wearing tight pants with a small chain on the sides, yet loose at the end of the clothing with a black off-shoulder top na may white sando crop top sa loob. You're also wearing headphones around your neck.

"Uy, yes! How about this?" Pinakita naman nila ang suot nila, at si Sydney ay nakadress, while si Ava ay nakapleaded skirt at tube.

"Pic us! My day ko sa IG." Sabi ni Ava nang pumwesto kayo sa harap ng malaking wall mirror. Ikaw ay nasa gitna at naka-akbay si Sydney sa'yo, nakapatong naman ang ulo mo kay Ava, ang kamay mo ay nasa likod ng ulo ni Sydney, kaya't nagpeace sign ka.

Pinost naman ito kaagad ni Ava at tinag kayong dalawa ni Sydney. Hinubad mo na rin ang suot mo para mamaya since sinukat mo lang naman ito. Nagnotification naman sa phone mo ang tag kaya't tinignan mo. Ni-repost mo na rin ito sa story mo.

Ilang minuto ang nakalipas at chineck mo ang story mo sa Instagram, nakita mo naman si Ran na nagreply dito.

ran_haitan1 replied to your story:

mine gitna

:laurbrew_

😒

Akala ko you'll be busy

ran_haitan1:

break time

ran_haitan1 sent a photo.

Tinignan mo ang photo and it's a mirror selfie of Ran with his friends in their basketball jersey, at siya rin ang nasa gitna. It's like he's updating you with the photos.

:laurbrew_

Mine din gitna

"Akala mo ikaw lang ha," bulong mo at umirap nang tumawa.

After that, you quickly pressed 'remove message', pero agad na-seen ni Ran at halos itapon mo na ang phone mo.

ran_haitan1:

already yours eh, pano na yan🥱

You rolled your eyes while trying to hide your smile. Hindi mo talaga matatalo si Ran kapag dating sa banat. Hindi mo tuloy alam kung maiinis ka o ano.

"Ngiti-ngiti mo d'yan?" Tanong ng dalawa mong kaibigan nang tinaasan ka nila ng kilay.

"Wala. I'm watching something." Tipid mong sagot at bumalik na sa pagch-chat.

:laurbrew_

🙄

ran_haitan1:

pano ikot mata

sungit ah

nah ok lng sanay na ako

:laurbrew_

🙄

Okay bye alis nako

ran_haitani1:

maaga pa baka ibang univ maabutan mo ron?🤨

:laurbrew_

Meron nga

Ateneo

ran_haitan1:

:laurbrew

ran_haitan1:

ok

:laurbrew_

Joke lang T0T

Pero deserve

ran_haitan1:

sama o

:laurbrew_

Eh sina sydney and batchmates ko gusto icheer ko raw ateneo blue eagles D:

ran_haitan1:

pano ako (っ╥╯﹏╰╥c)

:laurbrew_

T^T

Anyway papunta na us we're getting ready na

ran_haitan1:

okay, ingat ka ah

hindi kita masundo sorry still in court w/ the team😔

:laurbrew_

It's foine good luck on ur game see you :D

Ran reacted heart on your message and he went back to the court. Ikaw naman ay palabas na ng condo unit, just packing your things at para dumiretso na rin sa parking lot with the two.

And the next stop, the Mall of Asia Arena.

The view of the arena is vast and half of the seats are occupied now. The atmosphere is pretty cold. The majority of the audience are students from different universities, but since this time is for the two universities' game, a lot are holding up green and blue banners with their universities' logo and those long balloons, supporting their school.

"Sydney, sa'n 'yung poging sinasabi mo?" Atat na tanong ni Ava nang naka-dungaw sa railings. Naka-upo kayo sa malapit sa court and sa entrance kung saan dumadaan ang mga players.

"Nandito na ba kayo? Nandito na kami. Makikita mo naman agad seats namin. Hindi pa puno arena." Tanong mo sa phone nang may ka-call ka.

"Oo, nasa labas na kami! 'Wag ka maingay, ah!" Sagot nila.

"Of course. Hintayin ko kayo, bye." You said as you ended the call, and kept your phone inside your bag.

You really hope Ran will love your surprise. Alam mong maraming efforts, gastos, and time na binigay sa'yo si Ran, and you want to repay him.

Ni-libang mo ang sarili mo at dumungaw sa mga players na nagw-warm up sa court, preparing for the game, and you saw Ran there as well.

Ran seems to be having fun in there, talking with his team while warming up. He turns his head to the audience, and it seems like he's finding someone.

Nakita ka naman agad ni Ran, and you waved at him. Kahit malayo, nakita mo ang magana niyang ngiti.

Since malapit ka sa railings, Ran walked to you. May mga fans ni Ran na tumili nang lumipat siya sa kanila, but the thing is, he's on his way to you.

"Mags-start na ba game niyo?" Tanong mo nang inabutan mo ng towel, and there's a barrier between you and him since bawal pumasok sa mismong court, only the players and authorized people. "Warm up palang parang pagod ka na ah?"

"Pawis lang," Ran laughed as he wiped his neck. Hindi niyo namamalayan na pini-picturan na pala kayo sa likod.

"Good luck. 'Wag masyado papagod." Bulong mo as Ran gave you a quick hug at bumalik ulit sa court.

"Aba aba," komento nina Ava at Sydney nang pagkabalik mo sa upuan. "Wow ha! DLSU i-ch-cheer neto. Wala, nando'n bebe niya eh."

"(Y/N)!" Suddenly, you heard a few familiar voices, at lumingon ka naman to finally see them.

It's the students of Section B, and the so-called F5 friend group are finally complete again.

The whole Section B may mot be complete, but mostly ang mga nakapunta ay ang mga close friends niyo from senior high school.

"Miss ko na kayo! Gagi! Kakakita lang namin sainyong dalawa ni Ran kanina ah!" Sambit ni Hakkai, at talagang humaba na ang buhok nito.

"Ako rin naman! Upo muna kayo. And right, wala parin ba si Yumi?" Tanong mo naman nang napansin na hindi kompleto sina Yuzuha.

"Ininvite namin! Hindi talaga makakapunta. Tsaka if ever man, next month pa raw ang available flight." Sagot ni Akane.

"Ayun si Pah. Sad boi parin." Komento naman ni Peh.

Nilipat mo naman ang atensyon mo sa F5, and you're glad that they're complete. Natandaan mo ang sinabi ni Ran sa'yo nung isang araw na before the year ends, he wants F5 to be complete once again just like during high school days.

"Buti naman pumayag si Kakucho. Ang tagal mong nawala!" Banggit ni Rindou.

Kakucho only chuckled lightly. Even though he hardly says anything, you can see he's glad to see his old friends again.

"Suot ko pa 'tong Ateneo jacket. Sa kabilang team din pala ako magch-cheer." Bulong ni Sanzu as he plops himself on one of the chairs and leaned back.

"'Wag kang maingay, (Y/N) ha. Baka i-post tayo sa mga pages ng Ateneo. Ma-tag pa tayong 'traydor'." Biro ni Sanzu.

"Tanga, edi pa'no tayo magch-cheer?"

"Ako nga dapat doon sa kabilang side uupo eh." Banggit ni Rindou since he's from DLSU.

"Itong si Koko, mukhang naging human calculator na. Accountancy and finance ba naman ang course." Dagdag ni Rindou.

"Don't worry, I cleared all my schedule for this week," Koko mentioned.

"Grabe, Izana, baka hanggang ngayon nananapak ka parin, ah?" Asar naman ni Makoto sa gilid.

"Tigil-tigilan mo 'ko baka ma-shoot kita sa ring mismo." Banggit ni Izana nang inangalan ito ng suntok. Hanggang ngayon hindi parin nawawala ang pagiging mainitin na ulo ng dati niyong president sa classroom.

"Uy! Uy! Nang-iiskandalo si pres o!" Tuloy pa ni Makoto at hahabulin sana ni Izana ngunit agad siyang nagtago sa likod ni Hakkai.

"Uy! MakoKai layag parin!" Sabi naman ni Yamagishi.

"Tang– Germs! Layo ka nga." Pagsusungit naman ni Hakkai at naghairflip. O ano ngayon meron na siyang buhok, may ma-ihairflip na, hindi na imaginary.

Aside from them, nandito rin sina Inui, Wakasa, Benkei, Naoto, Shinichiro, Yuzuha, Peh, Akkun, at Takuya. You all invited them and paid for some of their tickets kahit some insisted since you wanted to surprise Ran after all.

"Anyway, guys, meet Ava and Sydney. My two close friends from Ateneo, kasama namin ni Sanzu." You introduced them to your former classmates.

"Hello!" Bati naman ng dalawa sa kanila.

"Rindou, baka may type ka diyan," biro naman ni Sanzu.

"Gago ka Sanzu," hampas naman nina Ava sa kanya.

"Ha?" Rindou cluelessly muttered na kumakain lang ng popcorn nang tahimik sa gilid kasama sina Kakucho at Koko.

After some time, the game seems to be starting as the opening starts.

The announcer starts to introduce the two teams, at hindi mo napansin na puno na pala ang arena. Full of cheers and chants for their university teams are heard inside the arena. Kahit ikaw ay nagiging nerbyoso kapag pinapanood si Ran sa court.

"Mrs. Haitani."

Mr. Sy called, he's one of the top executives in Agile Corporation, and is in his mid 50's. They're currently in a business event, full of prestigious business people. It's a momentous event for these people, especially the employees under Mrs. Haitani and Mr. Sy, the top of the company.

"Yes, Mr. Sy?" Rochelle turned her head to her co-worker and shook hands with him.

"The event is meritorious. I love the venue... but where is your son? I heard that you'll be introducing him to this event?" Mr. Sy told.

"And that's why I brought my daughter," the man continued, pointing to his daughter, who was seated alone at one of the tables. Her head is lowered as an empty atmosphere surrounded her.

Nakita naman ni Helian na pinapapunta siya ng kanyang tatay, sumunod naman ito.

"Can you not mention my first name..." Helian whispered to his father as she fisted her hands.

"Helian and Mr. Sy, I'm really sorry, but my son, Ran Haitani couldn't attend," Rochelle said, almost pleading.

Mr. Sy sighed. "Okay, Mrs. Haitani, but I hope... I just hope that next time he will. You know my daughter and I are expecting him during times like this, and he's also the heir of the company. He can't be constantly missing out."

Helian didn't answer at nakayuko lang ito, but she heard her father signaling her to talk at agad naman 'tong tumango, faking a smile in front of Rochelle and her father.

"Mr. Sy, later, please, listen to my speech. I've prepared for times like this." Rochelle added.

"I will, Mrs. Haitani. Glad to be working with you, once again." Mr. Sy said. 

Hindi kalaunan ay umakyat na ng stage si Rochelle. She looks around, and as usual, the same faces from the company meet her sight. 

"Growing up with this company has altered me a lot. My perspective, my way of interacting socially. I only sought for augmentation, yet I never knew it would affect the dearest in my life." Rochelle said, introducing her speech with this. The people have their attention piqued as their boss speaks on the stage.

While Rochelle is in her business event, her son, her own son is playing at one of the known arenas in the Philippines, without his mother or his father, but only his friends and lover that has been with him since high school.

"Failure, success, failure, success. Being hidden, being overshadowed, and being hidden back again. I grew up with the notion of... I should only conquer my goals with zero failure. Nothing else." Rochelle continued, all while reminiscing about her family.

Ran felt a surge of adrenaline flood through his body. He felt overworked and overwhelmed by this match. He couldn't erase in his mind while running across the court that almost his teammates have their parents, particularly their mothers watching them right now, while he has none.

"To all my dear employees, my dear co-workers, I'm forever thankful for letting me rule such a reputable company. Thank you for sharing these ups and downs. Thank you for building knowledge with me. I want more days to be with you because I know that one day, a new man will take over my position." Rochelle said.

Ran can feel himself being tilted to the game. Frustration rushed in his veins as the opposing team surpasses the score. They took a short break and he rested on the bench.

"I want more days to prove that I am capable of this position... before my son takes over it. I can never be more proud." Rochelle said.

"Bro, you good?" A teammate asked Ran as he noticed the sudden loss of momentum in his gameplay.

"I pledge to my son, and the next generation of Agile Corporation to let failure enter their process, but never let failure stop them. To never bring a facade to the public, and be genuine with their service." Rochelle remarked.

"Ran?" You notice him having a gloomy expression. Saktong nasa benches ang mga players kaya't pinuntahan mo siya nang saglit. "What happened?" Alala mong tanong, hoping he's not injured or anything.

In another place, far from the arena, Rochelle continued her speech, unbeknownst of his son's situation. "I wish that I realized my failure in business more so that I could realize the failure I had in my own family."

You noticed the situation he's in. You quickly ran to the benches and hugged Ran from behind, not caring about what his fans think now. "What happened?"

"And... I wish I can support my eldest son in his game, right now, the heir of our company." Rochelle said, feeling guilt, remorse, and regret as her eyes welled up with sorrow.

"Ran, it's okay to lose. It's okay. Don't overwork yourself. For me, you're already the winner. Our old classmates are watching." You soothe him. Tumingin si Ran sa likod, and he saw his former classmates and friends cheering for him.

On the other hand, Rochelle said her final words in her message, hoping his son, could at least hear his mother's genuine words for him.

Ran also returned the hug, and he buried his face in your neck, savoring the time before another round starts... "Thank you, (Y/N). Thank you for being with me always. Thank you for always supporting me in my games." Ran bursts into tears as he securely wraps his arms around you, refusing to look up because he doesn't want you to see him in a vulnerable state.

"Even though my two sons aren't here, I want everyone to support and welcome them, to make my sons feel loved, because I, as their mother, failed to take that part."

Green Archers gradually approaches the opposing team's score. The never-ending chants and support for the two teams continued to reverberate throughout the arena.

The tension between the players began to increase. Almost everyone is on the edge of their seats as they watch the game.

You felt relieved, knowing you somehow calmed Ran down because you saw how he's agitated a while ago and out of place. You didn't expect a sudden breakdown from him.

Nahinto muna saglit ang laro, at nagpalit ng mga players na pinalitan ng mga substitute sa benches.

"Retsam, pst!" Tawag ng isang pamilyar na boses sa benches.

Lumingon naman si Ran at nakita ang dati niyang teammate from high school na si Jonathan, na ngayon ay nasa kabilang team na.

"What the fuck? Ateneo ka?!" Gulat na tanong ni Ran nang nilapitan ito sa benches.

"Oo, substitute ako for this season. Next season pa ako kasama sa line up talaga." Banggit ni Jonathan.

"Gagi, tumatangkad ka ah." Komento ni Ran as they did a man hug and tapped each other's back for good luck in the next round.

"Mana sa former captain," sagot ni Jonathan. "'Ge na. Good luck."

A new round begins, and his former captain will be his rival now.

"Oo nga pala, mukhang nanonood parin si muse mo, ah." Dagdag pa niya.

Nagsimula ulit ang round and the players starts to run across the court as one dribbles the ball. May nagpasa naman ng bola kay Ran at halos mapatayo ka sa upuan mo na parang ikaw 'yung naglalaro.

"I know I should be cheering for my school, but I found myself cheering for that green school, the other team..." You thought.

You along with other people cheered loudly for him as you even held up a banner, muntik mo nang nakalimutan na dapat Ateneo Blue Eagles pala ang ich-cheer mo.

Jonathan has the ball, and this time, Ran is facing him while blocking his way. If before, his captain is always with him to guard his way to the ring, now, si Ran na mismo ang humaharang sa kanya.

The score was close, and you can see how frantic the game is as Blue Eagles shoots a shot, and they're near to victory.

To repeat the motion, Ran defends on the side because they are aware of how fast the opposition team is, whereas Green Archers are known for scoring on the far side of the court, and their shots are accurate.

The last score was shot, and you felt your heart racing as Ran shoots for the last score, eighty.

"Haitani, once again... pulls up for three, got it!" The announcer said as Green Archers scored three points.

You screamed at the top of your lungs as you cheered for the team, particularly for him.

"Tangina! Uwi na!" Sigaw nina Rindou, pero agad naman natakpan ang bibig nito.

"Oo nga uwi na!" Sunod na sigaw din ni Sanzu.

"Baka nakakalimutan mo... Natalo university natin," bulong nina Ava kay Sanzu "May naka-tingin na taga ADMU. 'Wag ka maingay."

"Ay oo nga pala," ubo ni Sanzu at finlex ang Ateneo jacket para raw hindi halata.

Naka-abang ka sa may side ng benches, at nang tumakbo si Ran papunta sa'yo, you extended your arms in excitement.

"Congrats!" Sigaw mo as you wrapped your arms around his neck and jumped around in joy as you celebrated his win with him.

"Thank you for the boost a while ago," he answers, keeping the embrace.

Napansin naman ni Ran ang mga kaibigan nito sa likod mo, especially his closest friends during high school, the F5.

"Congrats, bro," sabi ni Kakucho as he pats Ran's back, his former teammate in basketball during high school.

"HI RANNN!" Sigaw naman ni Hakkai. "Natatandaan mo pa ba ako?!"

"Malamang. Ikaw 'yung halos maglumpasay no'n sa court." Sagot ni Ran.

"Gagi, syempre may nanalo. Sa'n tayo kakain?" Sabi ni Rindou.

"What if pumunta tayo sa condo ni (Y/N), 'di ba, ehem, may surprise ka para kay Ra–" Pagpaparinig ni Sanzu, pero agad mo siyang siniko sa tyan.

"Ano 'yon?" Pagtataas ng kilay ni Ran.

"Wala," agad mong sagot. Sinabihan mo pa talaga si Sanzu na 'wag maingay. You went above and beyond in preparing and decorating your condo to surprise Ran and celebrate his win. You just hope he'll appreciate it.

Palabas na kayo ng arena until you saw a familiar woman getting out of her car.

"Ran!" Sigaw ni Rochelle, immediately running to her son to give him a tight hug. Kaka-galing lang niya sa business event based from her appearance. Hindi na nagdalawang isip ang nanay nito na dumiretso sa MOA kahit malayo para masilayan ang panalo ng kanyang anak sa kabila ng kanilang pag-aagaway.

"Mauna na kami, Ran. Kita nalang sa condo." Sanzu and your friends said, at umalis na rin sila, giving the family some time and space.

Ran just stood there, dumbfounded, while his mother apologized to him. Her words seemed genuine, but her son just stood there. Not hugging her back. Not giving back any responses. Hindi na siya sanay. 

"(Y/N), thank you for your forgiveness. I-I asked (Y/N) the venue of your game... I had to rush here. Even your dad is here." Rochelle said, trying to form her words.

Ran just forced himself to hug his mother back with one arm. You're just standing there at the side while watching them reconcile.

"I'm proud of your win, Ran. Your mother is proud." Rochelle said once more, keeping her arms around her son as tears ran down her face.

"Thank you," Ran simply said. He didn't show emotion, but he still felt a pang of sunken guilt deep in his chest for his mother.

Naramdam mong nagding ang phone mo, and you saw Ava's message na may kasamang screenshot.

From Ava: LOOK

Napatingin ka naman dito at mukhang post sa isang twitter. Your eyes widened because it captures you and Ran in the arena a while ago. May mga posts din sa Tiktok na videos.

When you were cheering for Ran, you didn't know that you were caught on the screen.

You have a supporting smile on your face while you secretly formed a heart with your both arms on top of your head, and you didn't know that the camera captured it.

A tweet by ranmine1

Haitani's rumored girlfriend seems to be true??? Omg kayo

#UAAPGFs #UAAP #DLSUvsADMU

replies:

haliya.jsjdh

wait diba siya rin ung nagsusupport kay ran nung game niya during highschool days nila huhu supportive gf since highschool awe. anyway congrats DLSU!

urs.eve

Gago sila na ba?? Kapag sila naghiwalay kakatayin ko manok ng tatay ko

grilsangela

I WAS ROOTING FOR THEM!! Since high school nakasubaybay ako kaso nga lang ang daming haters ni y/n nun :( proud of them now, my parents 4ever <3

"Nasa'n na sila?"

Tanong nina Ava nang nasa condo mo na, kasama ang mga kaibigan mo, including your old classmates. Naka-patay lahat ng ilaw at handa na ang party poppers, confettis, balloons, etc. Ikaw naman ay kasama si Ran, guiding him because naisip niyong i-blindfold siya for the surprise.

Pagkatapos ni Ran sa game, agad kayong umuwi sa Q.C galing Pasay, MOA. Hinayaan na ni Rochelle ang kanyang anak na sumama sa'yo. It's the least she can do for her son, to let him be on his own.

"Uy! Uy! Malapit na sila! Nasa floor na sila!" Sigaw ni Sanzu nang pumasok na sa unit, at siya ang taga-bantay. Alam niyo 'yun, kapag may isusurprise kayo na teacher sa classroom niyo, dapat may taga-bantay.

You're guiding Ran through the way papuntang unit since he's wearing a blindfold. "Ikaw ha, may pa-ganito ka pa." Tawa ni Ran.

"Of course," you laughed.

"Dahan-dahan ka rin ah, baka ikaw 'yung ma-surprise." Sabi ni Ran.

"Ha?" Nagtaka ka naman dito.

"Wala," tawa ni Ran.

"Ewan ko sa'yo," you said, at nang malapit na kayo, binuksan mo ang pintuan sa iyong condo unit, at saktong tinanggal mo ang blindfold niya.

"Surprise!" Sigaw ng mga kaibigan mo, at napaawang ang bibig ni Ran sa naihandang mong daluhan.

"Ran, congra–" You said while looking at the banner, and you were expecting a 'CONGRATULATIONS!' word in it, but it changed and your eyes widened in surprise.

Nag-iba ang nakasulat sa banner na naka-dikit sa pader.

Will you be my girlfriend?

"Surprise," Ran whispered from behind you, watching your shocked expression.

"Yun o! WOOOH!" Sigaw ng mga tao sa loob ng condo. You felt overwhelmed by your surrounding. You should be the one surprising Ran. Dapat siya ang papasayahin mo.

"...Oo," you answered and nodded.

Ran felt a relief, para bang bato ang naalis sa kanyang mga balikat. Tunay na natanggal ang kanyang pagod nang narinig ang matamis mong oo.

"Dapat ako 'yung mags-surprise sa'yo e." You said while hiding your face on his chest, covering the pink hue on your cheeks, and your teary eyes.

"Uy! Uy! Umiiyak! Umiiyak! HAHAHAHA!" Asar ni Sanzu sa'yo habang naka-record naman sila.

"Tangina mo," minura mo parin si Sanzu kahit halos humagulgol ka na kay Ran.

Tumawa nalang si Ran while caressing your hair behind your head that's still buried in his chest. The celebration party just went on. Naka-sandal lang kayo ni Ran sa sofa habang nanonood ng movie, celebrating every single thing that happened this day.

"I love you. I love you." Ran whispered, chanting the words like a mantra. All sincere.

"I love you. Next time, please let me surprise you naman. I want you to experience those efforts that you've been doing for me." You replied.

"Being with you equals these moments. What could my girlfriend ask for?" Ran replied, sharing the same endearment.

The party in the condo continued. The night has just begun, and spending it with your loved ones is more than a dream. Despite the difficulties and stress of your studies, you continue to find the perfect mix and balance for this side of life.

"Let me spoil you next time." You said, and laid your head on his chest, feeling yourself getting sleepy.

It's true, the night is still really young. All of the students in this room are still in their youth, yet they can feel their graduation approaching, and entering adulthood. They have more ahead of them.

"Wala nang aalis, ha? Dito ka na. Ipagdadamot talaga kita." Ran said.

This day was tiring, but it was all worth it in the end. You were not expecting the surprise to be returned to you. When it comes to your plans, he's usually cheeky and cunning. You will never find another man who went to such lengths and devoted his entire time to you. He's committed and that's enough for you to love him.

"Wala na. Sa'yo lang."

Forevermore, you'll keep looking for the ideal mixture, the right path for the good and better of the two of you, as now, finally a couple.

THREE YEARS LATER

"Tapos na kayo?"

Tanong mo kay Ran sa telepono. You're currently outside of the university, going to your car. You're now a law student in Ateneo, and you can't believe that your internship is getting near. Parang kailan lang when you finished your bachelor's degree.

"Patapos na, love. Are you done with your classes?" Ran asked, and he's in the court of DLSU. He has one more year of eligibility left in UAAP, but Ran decided to finally quit, moving forward with his new step as he enters adulthood. He's starting to take an internship in the company that will be his.

Ran Haitani, the current captain of De La Salle Green Archers will be leaving the team, and now entrusting the position to someone, tulad ng ginawa ni Tristan sa kanya dati. This is difficult for Ran, knowing that it's the same feeling as when he left his old team before, Tier One Tigers.

But as they said, kapag may pintong magsasara, may bagong magbubukas.

"Capt.!" Tawag nila, and it's his turn to give a speech.

Hindi lang ang team na 'to ang kanyang iiwan, pati na rin ang basketball.

"First of all, I want to thank everyone for giving me this position. It is such an honor to be even in this team, Green Archers." Ran said, standing in front of the players as he conveyed his speech on the lectern.

Nang hindi alam ni Ran, you're watching him at back of the players. Saktong kakarating mo lang, and it's his turn to speak.

"If anyone wonders, no, I won't be continuing my basketball journey. I won't be in PBA. I won't be in those international teams in basketball, representing the country." Ran continued.

"Even if I'll bury this now, I'll still remember those people who lifted me up to who I am right now. Especially my girl, who has been with me ever since high school, supporting me at the back." Ran said, a melancholy smile on his face.

Hindi kalaunan, nasilayan ka rin ni Ran among the crowd, and kumaway ka nalang sa kanya. Nagulat si Ran sa biglaang pagdating mo at nanonood ka rin pala.

"See? Pati ngayon, nandito siya, watching at the back. How supportive of my girl." Dagdag ni Ran sa kanyang speech, full of awes and laughs was heard by his teammates, including the coach.

"All throughout my elementary, high school, and college days, basketball has always been with him, but it's about time to let this hobby go." Ran continued.

And finally, "Haitani, #1, signing off."

Ran Haitani's POV

Who says that strawberries and cigarettes are the worst mixtures?

As I reminisce about my youth that I'll be leaving now, amidst the crowd, she caught my eyes.

(Y/N), rather, my girlfriend and I are inside my car, on the highway while the windows are open, and the wind was blowing her hair while we both lousily sing along and laugh freely at the music playing on the car's radio.

Strawberries and Cigarettes by Troye Sivan is now playing.

It's also our first anniversary. I want to spend the last days of my teenage years before I enter adulthood, and it's also the same with her.

Tinignan ko siya sa frontseat, at suot niya ang sundress na niregalo ko sa kanya for our first anniversary. Fuck, she still has the same aura as before, she never changed, she's still pretty. The (Y/N) I know from our high school days. 

Both of us began to get busy in life, but now, we never left each other's side. I'm still on the path to being the CEO of Agile Corporation, and (Y/N) is also still on her way to being a corporate lawyer.

The city lights reflected in her lights as we spent this night together. Indeed, the night is still really young.

"What's your plan?" (Y/N) asked, I know she's asking about my plans when I enter adulthood.

Well, as I finally enter adulthood, I can say that my youth is hers.

"When we finally reach our desired jobs, and when I craft the company once again, I want to work with you. After that, I want to finally build a family." I answered, and I can catch a glimpse of her smiling.

The intoxicating bitter feeling and the sweet vibrant red, just the perfect mixture, create a perfect tomorrow.

"As I promised in our marriage booth, I'll marry you in the future. Ito, totoo na 'to. Totohanin na natin. Let's turn those paper rings into real diamond rings." I pledge to her. No venom in my words. No jest. Just pure sincerity. After all, this is our future.

I can't believe I'll finally enter adulthood, leaving my youth behind, but one thing I'm assured about is, I'll spend this forevermore with her.

"A youth that my girlfriend...

my future wife...

my perfect mixture,

and of course, my forever muse, can have."

Happy 1st Anniversary, #1.

THE END

A/N: You've reached the end! Thank you so much for reading. I have more things to say, so please read the next part! Thank you again. We finished another book. <3