MYS 17
...
The atmosphere of the match in the district is arguably more relaxed than yesterday but still serious. Even our opponents cannot be taken lightly, they are good at their respective posts and it is not easy to find their weak points until Amad finally manages to break them. One more advantage of him over me.
Amad is good at reading the situation of the match, which I studied hard from the beginning, but still can't. For Amad, it seemed like a gift from birth that not everyone has. Amad should be able to become a professional player.
"Amad, you can be so cool playing, what do you eat?" I said half-jokingly on the sidelines of the break.
"It's okay. Just like you, vegetable rice and protein," replied Amad with a serious expression.
"Like this?" I continued while showing the contents of Ana's lunch box, the spaghetti made by Jono.
"That's just carbs Ngi. What's good about it?" squeaked Amad not interested in the contents of his lunch box.
"You don't like this? Even though the world is delicious." pout I can't believe it.
"I'm a rice eater, not pasta."
"Oh... no wonder you're so great. Why don't you play in the men's singles?" I'm curious.
"I know. I'm only good at defending, I can't even attack if I have to play. Unlike you, you can do anything." said Amad made me shocked. Did he confess so humbly? Hello me. Even though he is better than me everywhere.
"Don't be so modest, Amad. I feel small."
"Really. I'm not as good as you think," said Adam seriously.
"Okay."
Okay, in the end, Amad will be humble and evasive. Amad is like that, never arrogant about his abilities. And that made me realize, every human being is created in a package with advantages and disadvantages. Being arrogant for all advantages as if they have no shortcomings, or deliberately covering up shortcomings and even avoiding them will not get the human anywhere. They will just go round and round in the world they created themselves.
Just like Amad and I still have to compete in the semi-finals with the remaining energy. Because the competition this time was only held for one day until the winner emerged, the champions of each competition number. So it takes excellent stamina and good endurance.
I almost fell without Amad who was supportive. Honestly, I'm not strong enough to face a marathon like this. I didn't believe myself when I found out that in thirty minutes we would be competing in the final. I felt like fainting on the spot.
"Are you still strong?" Amad asked worriedly as I lay down in the corner.
"Yes, you can. My back, straighten it first." I said closing my eyes. "My eyes are also tired of seeing why they keep floating around," I added, afraid that I was going to sleep.
"You only have ten minutes."
"Thank you, Amad. Because of you, I mean we can be in this final. Just so you know, I was the farthest place in the third place in the sub-district." I continued. I'm afraid of falling asleep if I'm quiet.
"You're welcome. You're also great. Especially when you jumped earlier." said Amad, his voice a little distant.
"I was really tired. Also sleepy, that's why I was desperate to improvise like that." Honestly, I'm not sure if the SMS that I made the other party was wry.
"But it can be accurate, can't it?"
"As it happens."
"That's called talent."
"I can't believe I have talent here. Badminton for me is my way of ..." I was confused myself. It's been a long time since I forgot the reason I played badminton until now. To be sure, since then I feel comfortable with my life that is always moving. As long as I can play badminton, it doesn't matter where I am.
"No need to go on Nggi. I understand what you mean. Maybe it was like that at first but as time went on and you became so comfortable with it, you couldn't tell the difference between passion or just an outlet." said Amad which made me immediately open my eyes.
"How did you know?" I cried almost shouting. Can this Amad read my mind?
"Every child has it. I have one too, although not in badminton. But just so you know, as long as it's still in a positive direction, don't stop."
"I don't even have the idea of quitting," I added.
The next few minutes we were silent. When Pak Pujo came and gave various instructions, we just listened quietly.
I have run out of words again to talk about, even Amad doesn't seem to have the initiative to continue the conversation. We have to save energy for the final.
"The strategy and everything else is the same." that's all Amad said before we entered the final round. And I just nodded in agreement.
The start of the final match went normally. It was as if each team was reading the opponent's moves. Until it becomes monotonous. Makes me sleepy again.
If according to Pak Pujo's instructions, we have to wait for the opponent to attack first, but for a long time there is no sign of movement. Are they also waiting for us to attack? Or are they tired of giving up?
Honestly, I'm bored if the game is just like catch and catch, so I gave a code to Amad asking for permission to attack and immediately said yes. Usually, Amad will hold me or delay until the opponent moves first. This time Amad might as well be bored.
So, mercilessly I suddenly did a jump smash to make the other party shocked. Automatically made hysterical screams in the audience.
The enthusiastic voices of the audience helped me to gain fighting strength. This is called a match. Full of boisterous crowds who are anxious about who will fall first.
With the remaining strength and Amad's support in the back position, I brought the team to end the match with a score that could be considered quite decent. But I'm happy here. And lucky to have a partner who wants to support all my madness in the game. Something I never got before.
"You're crazy Ngi. Aren't you tired of jumping around like that?" asked Amad while waiting for the call to receive the first place trophy.
"I'm really tired. What can I do, if I keep playing safe, I might fall because I'm so sleepy." I answer honestly.
"Is it just because you're sleepy that you're desperate to do something crazy like that?" said Adam, shaking his head.
"I need voices to keep me awake. But it was fun," I laughed silently alone "especially when the crowd was screaming. It felt like watching a real match, Amad." I added after I stopped laughing.
"You need to rest your head like that," said Amad still shaking his head.
Sure enough, Amad said, on the way home I fell asleep hugging the lunch box in the back seat.
-TBC-