Chapter 12: Men's Basketball Tryout Part I
At the men's basketball tryout, Marcus was warming up on the sidelines while talking with Aria and Emily who are beside him.
Marcus felt nervous, noticing this, Emily gave some encouraging words to cheer him on. "Kaya mo'to, Marcus! May cheerleaders ka dito oh," Emily exclaimed, gesturing at both herself and Aria as Aria nodded enthusiastically.
Marcus noticed Emily and Aria's attempt to cheer him up and felt touched.
"Oo nga, bigay mo sa'kin iphone mo Marcus, ipangvideo ko sa iyong highlights," Aria said with her hand stretched towards Marcus.
"Eyy the best ka Aria," Marcus said as he gave his phone to Aria.
Marcus then excused himself to the restroom to calm himself down. As he splashed cold water on his face, he took a few deep breaths, trying to steady his racing heart.
"Grabe ang training na na-experience mo para sa moment nato, Marcus. Tiwala lang and give it your all," he reminded himself, staring at his reflection in the mirror.
Returning to the sidelines, Marcus resumed his conversation with Aria and Emily, their words of support providing a much-needed boost to his confidence.
"Thank you sa support niyo, guys. I'll do my best!" Marcus declared.
"Dapat lang Marcus!" Aria said while taking a video of Marcus.
Marcus smiled in front of the phone,"Wassup mga viewers, so ngayon mawiwitness niyo ang mala-kyrie irving na may pagka stephen curry skills ni Marcus Morales," he said in a vlogger like way.
"Kyrie at Stephen ah, taas ng confidence ha, " Emily said with a chuckle. Aria also seemed visibly amused at Marcus' words.
Suddenly the coach called for all the participants to gather on the court, signaling the start of the tryout.
"So tinatawag na kami guys, watch and learn!" Marcus said as he stared at the camera.
With a nod of determination, Marcus bid goodbye to Emily and Aria, their words of encouragement echoing in his mind as he stepped onto the court.
"Good luck, Marcus! Nandito kami ni Emily para magcheer," Aria called out, her voice filled with genuine support. Marcus smiled gratefully.
As Marcus joined the other participants on the court, Aria and Emily exchanged surprised glances upon seeing Aiden among the tryout attendees. They hadn't expected him to show up.
"Wait, diba si Aiden yan?" Emily whispered to Aria, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
Aria nodded, equally surprised,"Siya nga pero basketball-wise, magaling naman siya,"
"....Panget nga lang ng attitude," Aria whispered under her breath.
"Ano?" Emily said as she leaned closer to Aria.
"Wala, wala yun," Aria said with a smile, "Hala si kuya Orion oh," Aria continued, pointing to a guy sitting near the courtside of the coach, chatting happily with his friends.
Aria and Emily made their way over to Orion and sat beside them. Orion then greeted them with a warm smile.
"Hey, Aria and Emily! Buti nandito kayo ngayon, sure ako na ichee-cheer niyo si Marcus bah," Orion said, giving them both a friendly pat on the back.
"Naman kuya Orion, we wouldn't miss it!" Aria replied, returning his smile.
Remembering Rico's favor, Orion took the opportunity to introduce them to Rico who was standing nearby.
"Aria, Emily, eto nga pala si Rico, best buddy ko na basketball varsity rin. He also watched the tryouts sa women and ngayon he's also here to check the men's," Orion said, gesturing towards Rico.
"Nice to meet you, Rico," Aria said politely, offering her hand for a handshake.
Rico shook Aria's hand, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary.
Emily couldn't help but notice the subtle signs of attraction from Rico's side, even though Aria seemed completely oblivious to it.
"Hello Aria at Emily, if may tanong kayo sa basketball or coding, ako ang the best person na malapitan niyo," Rico said, his tone friendly but tinged with a hint of nervousness.
"Sige kuya Rico, I'll make sure to take a mental note," Aria replied with a friendly smile, seemingly unaware of the underlying tone in Rico's voice.
====================