Chapter 2
I'm done getting dressed.
I'm wearing a simple white shirt, jersey shorts, and volleyball shoes. I took a mirror shot before proceeding to come out of my room. As always, I look so damn good. I smiled cheekily at the thought.
I grabbed my duffel bag that was sitting on my bed and went out.
As I walked past the door in front of my room, I stopped. I don't know why.
Santiago Ace
Oh, yeah the dimwit's in there.
Should I bring him with me?
I thought for a second... Yeah, I should bring him, he can't just rot in bed the whole day, besides, mom will deduct my allowance if I leave him behind...
I called as I knocked twice.
I was about to knock again when the door opened, revealing a short munchkin.
Santiago Ace
Hey, wanna go with me to our practice?
He shut the door. In. Front. Of. My. Beautiful. Face.
I tightly closed my eyes, seeking patience.
Even girls haven't done this to me!
The audacity. I swear, if I see him, I'll crush his pretty face.
Santiago Ace
C'mon, now! This is my mom's order!
I tried to bring up my mom to see if that works.
He opened the door again.
He just rolled his eyes and pushed me slightly out of the way.
He finally went out of his cocoon.
I smiled widely and clapped for him—proud uncle.
Santiago Ace
Great job! You finally leveled up!
Santiago Ace
Now, you're going with me.
I said the last with finality.
He sighed and looked up at me.
We're now both standing in front of his door.
Santiago Ace
C'mon, your fit is enough, we should go now.
Louise
I don't play basketball.
Louise
Why are you inviting me?
Santiago Ace
Bold of you to assume I play basketball.
I playfully rolled my eyes as I chuckled.
Louise
Then what's your sport?
I said, while tossing in the air.
Santiago Ace
Cooler, right?
I smirked as I looked down at him, still facing up.
His eyes widened. His cheeks became more reddish, eyes sparkling.
Santiago Ace
What, do you play volleyball?
Santiago Ace
You want to try out volleyball in your first year?
I excitedly said, convincing him.
He chuckled. Wow, I unlocked a new expression from him.
I stared at him deeply. Smile slowly fading as I focused on his face.
I noticed I was looking at him unconsciously, so I cleared my throat and fixed my composure.
I don't know, I find him interesting... Being with him is like figuring out a puzzle. He's a mystery for me. And I kind of find myself getting curious about him day by day. I want to unlock more expressions from him. I want to know more about him to the point that I'm willing to invade his peace. Bottom line is—I'm so curious about him.
I flinched as I came to my senses.
Santiago Ace
So... You wanna go?
My signature cheeky smile appeared.
He seems restless. Why's this guy fidgeting so much?
Santiago Ace
Relax, will you? Haha.
I was about to start the engine.
Santiago Ace
Hey, your seatbelt.
I turned on the stereo as he fixes his seatbelt.
The ride was quiet. I just vibe with the music, while he's staring at the window.
I called, breaking the silence.
Santiago Ace
Once we get there, do you wanna play?
Santiago Ace
My friends messaged me. They said we're short of one player.
Santiago Ace
That one got sick...
I said, still looking at the road.
He took some time to think.
I can see in my peripheral vision that he's hesitant.
Santiago Ace
Don't worry. They're kind people. It's not like they'll eat you alive.
Santiago Ace
You'll replace him?
Santiago Ace
What position do you play?
Oh, right. He's a shorty.
Santiago Ace
He's a libero.
Louise
Uhm... What about you?
I've been waiting for him to ask. Time to brag. Hehe.
Santiago Ace
I'm a setter.
Hoho... New emotion unlocked.
Louise
That's my dream position...
Santiago Ace
Oh, you want to be a setter, huh?
Santiago Ace
Why, are you not okay with libero?
Louise
I just find setter positions amusing.
Louise
I'm okay with libero.
Santiago Ace
As you should.
Louise
Find setter amusing?
Santiago Ace
No, be okay with libero.
Santiago Ace
Isn't it cool that you're like the guardian of your teammates?
Santiago Ace
The one who lights up a crowd. Better than any amazing spikes.
Santiago Ace
Any amazing blocks.
Santiago Ace
And any amazing sets.
He looked at me curiously.
Santiago Ace
It's when you keep the ball in play.
Santiago Ace
People—who probably don't play volleyball—seek volleyball as "tall defeats all." But the truth is,
Santiago Ace
As long as you keep the ball in play.
Santiago Ace
As long as the ball doesn't touch the ground.
Santiago Ace
You stay in the court, you stand in the court—longer, longest. It's when the amazing receives enter—the one that lights up the crowd the most.
Santiago Ace
And the one that does that job better than anyone else,
Santiago Ace
Is the libero.
I said, looking at the road.
Santiago Ace
T-That's just my point of view when it comes to liberos...
I got too carried away. He's probably cringing by now.
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