Chapter 25: Morning Convo
"May practice daw tayo mamaya basketball boys at girls," Orion said as he jogged with Aria.
It was already Saturday morning, and true to their promise to jog together every Monday, Friday, and Saturday, they hit the streets again.
Aria nodded, the rhythm of their steps matching the steady beat of their conversation. "Ah, oo nga sabay pala tayo magpractice kuya," she replied, her breath slightly labored from the jog.
Orion chuckled, his athletic frame moving effortlessly beside her. "Oo, pero twice a month sasabay magpractice ang boys and girls," and he continued, "since isa sa players namin, gf niya ang team captain niyo,"
Aria raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the connection. "Si ate Tamara?! Really?" She couldn't help but wonder how this unexpected connection would play out during their upcoming joint practice sessions.
Orion nodded, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Oo, si Tamara nga. Bf niya si Louis," he explained, noticing Aria's puzzled expression. "Louis is one of our best shooters sa team. Yung tisoy, matangkad, at yapper na lalaki sa amin."
Aria chuckled, imagining the type of person Louis might be based on Orion's description. "Ah, okay, got it. Tisoy, matangkad, at yapper," she said as she imagined Tamara's boyfriend.
"Anyways, gusto mo sumabay sa akin mamayang hapon Aria? Diretso na tayo sa gym para sa basketball practice."
'Ahhh... sayang, may ROTC ako ngayon morning,' Aria sadly thought, recalling her ROTC classes. She felt a tinge of disappointment as she wasn't able to be with Orion for that time.
Aria considered his offer, shaking her head lightly. "Thanks, kuya Orion, pero mag-start na ang ROTC class ko ngayong morning, every Saturday pa. Didiretso nalang ako sa gym after ng klase."
Orion nodded understandingly. "Ah, ROTC pala. Naranasan ko rin niyan noong 1st year ako. Isa ako sa Press nila doon," he continued, smiling warmly. "Press is like a student photographer during events sa ROTC."
Aria's curiosity piqued further, "Photographer? Di ko alam may hilig ka pala sa pagpipicture kuya Orion," she remarked, genuinely intrigued by this new aspect of Orion's interests and activities.
Orion smiled, his eyes reflecting fond memories. "Oo, naging hilig ko na rin ang pagpi-picture dahil gusto kong ma-capture ang mga important moments. At saka para sa mga sketches ko rin," he explained, his voice tinged with passion for both photography and sketching.
Aria was taken aback, a mix of shock and warmth spreading through her as she realized Orion had kept up with sketching all these years. "I didn't realize you kept up with sketching all these years," she said, her voice tinged with surprise and fondness.
Orion chuckled softly, his gaze thoughtful as he considered Aria's surprise. "Alam mo Aria, seeing your sketches and how much na enjoy mo yun when we were kids, I think you influenced me more than you realize," he admitted, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "It made me realize na art can be a powerful way to express yourself."
Aria blinked in surprise, touched by Orion's words. She hadn't realized her own love for sketching had left such an impression on him.
"I'm glad," she replied softly, feeling her face got warm.
Orion nodded, a hint of wistfulness in his smile. "But honestly, di ako nakakapag-sketch as much lately," he admitted with a chuckle. "Pretty demanding ang computer engineering eh, especially with all the coding assignments and projects. Pati na rin ang basketball practices. Ang hirap maghanap ng oras for sketching these days."
Aria nodded understandingly, her expression sympathetic. "I can imagine. Parang ang intense ng Computer engineering," she remarked softly, her voice tinged with concern.
Orion replied, his tone lightening as he shrugged. "Pero, I still try to capture moments with my camera whenever I can. Hindi nga siya same as sketching, pero it helps to keep that creative spark alive."
Aria chuckled softly, she leaned closer to Orion. "Hmm, pwede ba makita ang photos and sketches mo kuya Orion sometime?" she asked, her curiosity piqued by his mention of capturing moments with his camera.
Orion grinned warmly at her request, appreciating her genuine interest. "Sure, I'd love to show you," he replied eagerly, "Maybe after classes one day? Or pwede rin mamaya after practice. You can visit my room para makita mo," he offered warmly.
Aria blushed slightly at the thought of visiting Orion's room, her heart fluttering with a mix of excitement and nervousness. They had shared childhood memories, often playing together at each other's homes, but visiting now felt different, more intimate.
"Um, sure! Mamaya after practice sounds good," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady despite her fluttering emotions.
Orion didn't notice Aria's slight shift in behavior, he was simply happy that someone was interested in seeing his sketches and photos.
Orion and Aria finished their jogging session. As they slowed to a stop, Orion wiped his brow with a towel, feeling refreshed from the exercise.
"Aria, that was a good run," Orion remarked, catching his breath. He glanced over at her, noticing her slightly flushed cheeks. He took her flushed appearance as a natural effect of their jogging.
Aria nodded and they headed back inside their condo building. As they reached the lobby, Aria excused herself.
"I'm going to change and head na to USTP, kuya Orion," she explained, her voice carrying a hint of eagerness tempered with politeness.
Orion nodded understandingly. "Okay, see you later then," he said with a friendly wave as she headed upstairs.
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