*Words in italic means flashbacks
Justin's POV
"She hasn’t moved on. Well, the guy never became her boyfriend but she fell for him."
"They used to bicker a lot at first."
"Until one day, they needed each other’s help and cooperation."
"They need to pretend that the guy is courting her."
"If you’ll ask me why? Janna didn’t tell me the reason. She just said it's a long story to tell. Until one day, she realized that she fell from him already."
"Hmm… I think so. She cried when she was telling her story. I think it was still hard for her to go back to that memory."
Ugh! I tug my hair in frustration. Since that day when Adri said those words, it never left my mind. I always think about it. And until now, it is like a broken record repeating inside my head over and over again.
I sometimes regret that I did everything just to make Adri spill it. I feel like I shouldn’t have known about it. All I get is frustrations out of it. And worst, I have to spend some on Adri’s concert ticket.
So I am right. She hasn’t moved on. Now I know. That’s why I saw her during our championship game. That’s why they looked so close. No wonder…
*Flashbacks*
"Okay boys, listen… you have to display strong defense against them. Guard them especially Allen Monteclaro. After that, whether they can make a shot or not, you have to run but don’t ever hurry yourself to attack. We’re leading, we just have to make a better defense. If you can make the time run out, do it. Alright?” our coach continuously said.
I looked at the time and the score… last two minutes. We are ahead by ten. We just have to defend to win this.
I then looked at our opponent… the west sapphire high. They are the defending champion. We were also their opponent last year that’s why this game is very important for us. We have to win this one. I then looked at Monteclaro, the finals, and over-all MVP last year. He seems out of focus now which we have to take advantage of.
*Prrrt!*
We go to our places once the given time out for the other team runs out. I am the one guarding Monteclaro. I am trying to read what’s on his mind so that it will be easy for me to impose a defense against him but he is really tough to read to. I can’t even see any kind of emotion from him.
We are all ready. We’re just waiting for the signal from the referee to continue the game.
The cheer and scream from each supporter are also starting to be heard louder and louder. It takes only a second for it to become deafening.
"Go EastWest! EastWest! EastWest! EastWest!"
"West Sapphire High is still the best! West Sapphire! West Sapphire! West Sapphire! West Sapphire!"
Two minutes left… it’s ours!
We defended well and even steal the ball from them but it was also taken away by Joshua and quickly pass it to Monteclaro which causes the whole gymnasium to be filled with a more resounding scream. I don’t know why or how but amidst that screams, I heard someone shouted.
"Hey, Monteclaro do better! Is that your all! Is that the limit of the MVP huh?” we took a glance at her. It’s from Samantha. She’s there. I think it was her first time watching?
In my peripheral view, Allen mouthed something and Samantha mouthed back "You have to win first."
And that was his cue. He made it on the other side of the court in just a split second then shoot from the rainbow country. Three points! The game continues that way until they become the champion again. And of course, he’s the MVP back to back. I feel like Samantha is one of the reasons why they won. Allen really turned it around.
After the announcement of the winner, the gymnasium is suddenly filled with students from West Sapphire High. For the third time, they are the champion again. Grand slam.
"West Sapphire! West Sapphire! West Sapphire! West Sapphire! West Sapphire! West Sapphire! West Sapphire! West Sapphire!"
That’s all that you can hear inside the court. *Sighed* I can’t even bring a championship to my Alma mater before I graduate. I lowered my head as I walk towards our bench.
"It’s fine. You still did a great job!" our coach said then gently tap my shoulder. I just nodded.
I am currently tidying my things when I heard my teammate talked.
"Are they in a relationship?"
"Maybe. Have you heard what she said a while ago?"
"Look at them. I am sure they are in a relationship.”
I also looked at them out of curiosity. It’s Allen and Samantha. They are running and chasing each other like children.
"C’mmon! I thought that was my reward?” Allen said while chasing her.
"NO! I didn’t say it that way! NO! Aaaaah!" Samantha answered while running and screaming.
They looked like they are in a relationship. Aish! I don’t care! I better get out of here.
*End of Flashback*
Hays! What now? It was all in the past.
"Until one day, she realized that she fell from him already."
Aish! Alright! Fine! I know that!
I lay down again to only get up in a second.
"Bro, I think you should give up. Allen? Tsk. You can’t compete with him.”
"Huh? Allen is more handsome."
"Pfft! HAHAHA. See? Even Adri agreed with me. Bro, just give up. You didn’t even win against him in basketball, what about Janna? Pfft!"
Here we go again! Since then, Allen and I are always rivals. We often compared with each other. And in every comparison, I am always on the short-end of the stick. While him, he’s the better one. That’s why I always treat every competition seriously. I want to prove to them that I can be better than him. But of course, it’s like the universe conspires against me, he’s always a step ahead of me.
And now, it looks like I have to compete against him again. This time, it’s for Janna. I know it’ll be tough. Because just like in basketball, I am the underdog. I am at the disadvantage. But I will do anything and everything for her. I will help her to get over Allen. I swear, I’m ready to do anything. As in anything.
*****