"Mr. Teng, submit that report by tomorrow or I'll have no choice but to fail you."
He walked out of the classroom with a sullen expression on his face. He expected his prof to be a tad bit considerate, but he was so wrong. He mentally scolded himself for not trusting his older teammates when they said that this prof was relentless and obviously has a grudge towards student athletes. He couldn't believe that this day was turning out to be one of his worst days. Earlier, another prof scolded him for failing to answer a question because he zoned out. He was also castigated for talking to a classmate while a prof was discussing.
He wanted to explain himself to those profs, but he knew that there was no excuse for what he did. He knew it was wrong, but he was still stuck in the UAAP hype. It isn't easy to get out of that phase. It was his first year, and he was already labelled as the King Archer. Although some profs were nice and understanding, there were those who were harder on athletes like him. He wanted to get in the groove of studying and doing school work, but he just feels really lost.
He decided to go the Learning Commons to look for books that will help him finish his report on human behavior. It was a report given by his prof in the middle of the season, which was the reason why he actually forgot about it. He was now bearing with the consequences of his lack of organizing. He then remminded himself to make use of the planner Coach Gee gave him and the other rookies at the start of the season. He finally realized what Coach Gee meant when he said, "Your focus has to be laser-like. Plan everything ahead."
He was looking for a book a classmate recommended, but he got lost despite the instructions given to him. He added to his mental note that he should visit the library more to actually get acquainted with the place. He gave up on looking for the book and decided to settle in one of the bean bags. He took out his phone and started making a note of what he needed to do. In ten minutes, he was able to list down 8 tasks he had to accomplish this school year or better yet for his whole college life.
1. Finish the reports and requirements ahead of the deadline
2. Visit the library everyday or at least thrice a week
3. Look for the planner from coach and start using it
4. Train hard, study harder.
5. Listen to the profs in class
6. Don't fail any exams
7. Balance time wisely to have time for family and friends
8. Be stronger and in shape to get a championship
He couldn't help but get giddy at the thought of being in the finals and eventually winning the championship. His brother's team almost got the championship, but the Blue Eagles eventually won their 5th championship in a row. He saw the fire in his brother's eyes and knew that he wanted to feel the same thing too. After a while, he started feeling drowsy. He reached for the familiar band on his left wrist, but he found nothing. He started looking for one in his bag, then he remembered that he gave his emergency stash to a girl he met in class a few days back.
Before meeting her in person, he already knew who she was. She was from the volleyball team, and from what he heard and saw, she was amazing. Upon meeting her, his first impression of her was disproved. He used to think she was the serious type, but when he heard her laugh, he knew that wasn't the case. He gave her the rubber band he always had because she seemed really fascinated by them. He didn't know why, but there was something about her that was magnetic. He wanted to be her friend.
He decided to leave the learning commons. He was walking towards the exit when he saw a girl with a huge stack of book in her arms. The pile was so high that he couldn't even see her face. He took initiative and offered the girl some help.
"Miss, do you need help? Ako na magdadala nung iba." he politely offered.
The girl shook her head and said, "Hindi na, kaya ko na. Salamat na lang."
He immediately recognized the voice, "Ara? Hindi, akin na yung iba."
He didn't wait for her to answer and he just got the books from her. She lightly slapped his arm and frowned, "Okay lang naman ako eh."
"Wow ha, tinulungan na nga kita eh." he jokingly replied.
She just put her tongue out and said, "Anong akala mo? Weak ako? Hindi no! Akin na nga 'yan!"
That statement from her made him laugh, he knew that she was different. But he didn't expect her to be this feisty. She tried to get the books from him, but being a basketball player, he was quick to dodge and he held the books tighter.
He thought of a witty remark, but smirked before delivering it, "Tell me, when did being a gentleman become a bad thing?"
"Okay, sige na. Sorry." she replied when he finally defeated her pride.
He stood closer to her and smiled, "Oh where are you heading dapat?"
"Ah, may imemeet kasi akong groupmates dapat. Kaso hindi daw sila pwede so ako muna yung magreresearch para sa report namin." she answered as they headed back inside the commons to look for a free table.
When they found a table near the window, he put down the books and pulled a chair for her. He immediately noticed the expression on her face and asked, "Oh bakit parang sobrang shocked ka?"
She blushed a bit and looked down at her hands, "Hindi kasi ako sanay na ganun eh, may mga gentleman pa pala?"
She gained laughter from him once again. He found it cute how she reacts and talks. She was definitely different, and it was the good kind.
Author's Note:
Sorry for the long wait!
YOU ARE READING
Breaking Point
Fanfiction"Let's just end this." They were dubbed as the golden couple. Everyone wanted a relationship like theirs, who wouldn't? They were the star players of their respective teams. They had endorsements and billboards everywhere. They had TV guestings here...
