intramurals
PARADOX (KRYBER)the commemoration of the school's foundation day is the favourite annual event of every student. it is a week-long celebration. all classes are suspended to give way to the programs.
the intramural activities are highlights of the celebration. but above all the games being held, the of the sports activity is the basketball competition.
although the season had started two months ago, the finals always happen during the foundation week, a reason every game is a big event. the university is coming to a stop as spectators are swarming into the stadium like bees during each game.
you love watching but you avoid days when kai's team gets to play. you just hate it when he shows off. you even hate those girls screaming for his attention.
but just as every rule has an exception, for you, it would be today.
having no classes for a week meant not seeing krystal too. the last conversation you had with her was more than a month ago, when she warned you about her boyfriend. you know she'd be here to support him so you took that chance to get a glimpse of her.
it was easy for you to enjoy the game because kai wasn't part of the starting lineup. taeyeon also picked a strategic spot for you to easily get a glimpse of krystal across the court.
it would have been perfect if the creature didn't get his chance to play, but the coach let him in the last five minutes of the fourth quarter.
and just as you thought, it was an opportunity for kai to show off. he was lucky to get a successful hoop from the three-point line after his sixth attempt--yup, sixth attempt.
it's no big deal for the team as their score was way ahead of the opponent. however, what he did next made the crowd go wild.
feeling victorious, kai proudly raised his right hand and pointed at krystal, showing everyone that the shot was for her. the crowd turned their attention to the blushing girl who's now hiding behind tiffany's shoulder.
what's weird is you still find her perfectly cute even though you're feeling jealous now. how you wish those smiles were meant for you.
it's been a week now since your last class together. although you don't get to talk normally, seeing her subtle smiles at you during classes and those quick eye contacts are assuring you you're still close, that she's just near.
but moments like this, it's different. she's making you feel you're just someone she can easily forget.
"i don't like him," taeyeon muttered.
you didn't take your eyes away from the scene, looking at how krystal's friends are teasing her for what her boyfriend just did.
"me too."
"jeez. do you think she's serious about him?"
you shrugged.
taeyeon turned her attention back to the court. "tsk. that chick will be a waste..."
you kept silent as you follow kai with your eyes, envying him for getting the girl of your dreams for his girlfriend.
"but you know, dude, i think there is something..." taeyeon trailed off, totally getting your attention. "do you remember what happened at my birthday party?"
you smiled a little at that, feeling butterflies in your stomach at the memory of it. "we were drunk, dude. she wouldn't have kissed me if she's sober."
"no. i wasn't pertaining to the game. i'm thinking of the dance floor."
"dance floor?"
"do you still remember what you did there?"
you tried to recall. "w-we... we danced..."
taeyeon chuckled. "no, amber. you didn't. you were hugging there, whispering into each other's face."
you looked away for a second, trying to recall that scene.
"you were in your own world there, just the two of you," taeyeon further added.
you turned back to taeyeon. "and your point?"
"i can't read what's on her mind but i'm sure of what i saw there," she said, her eyes following the game. "she was flirting with you, man."
"i... i don't know..." you said, not sure how to take it. "it would be great if that was true, but y--"
"go ask yourself this question first," taeyeon interrupted. "do you think she will allow herself to be close like that with me?"
you opened your mouth but can't think of a comeback for that.
taeyeon continued, "she told you 'some of her friends' like you, right? then how come she's the one with you during that party, considering that she has a boyfriend? and those boxes, what do you think is her motive for still sending those?"
"she said it's her way of thanking me for saving her," you said.
taeyeon doesn't look convinced. "there is a real reason behind that, amber, and she's not telling you that. remember, i have one class with her and tiffany? our class schedule always ends during lunchtime. her vain boyfriend could pick her up every day. guess what? he doesn't. he only picks her up on her classes with you."
that new information surprised you. "really? why?"
"you tell me."
you turned to look at krystal and saw her smiling at tiffany while they whisper something to each other. then your eyes went down on the yang pendant hanging around her neck.
"he thinks i like her..." you told taeyeon, remembering the last talk you had with krystal. "even so, it wouldn't matter. the girl is obviously in love with him."
taeyeon scoffs. "no. you don't get it. he's acting that way because he's threatened by you. he's threatened because he knows you can steal the girl away from him. does that make sense?"
you were about to speak but taeyeon beat you to it.
"we're both aware that krystal is a catch, right? but why do you think, out of all the people crushing on her in this campus, kai is only guarding her against you?"
"because... he knows we're close...?" you said, unsure.
"because krystal is letting herself to be close to you," said taeyeon, smirking. "and she's doing that because she likes you. stop being a dense bear. i seriously think you owe her something. she's already giving you the signs. don't you think it's time you act up?"
"b-but she has..." you didn't finish your sentence, you were pointing at kai on the court.
"nah. don't mind him. what if she's just waiting for you?"
"i don't think so, dude. if she really likes me then she should've broken up with him a long time ago."
taeyeon sighed loudly at your stubbornness. "i don't know. i guess she has her reasons. i know women, dude. i'm not sure how deep it is, but that girl over there." she pointed at krystal's direction. "she likes you. i'm sure of that. and she's done her part. do yours."
you bit your lip as you look at krystal and imagining how it'll be like if you confess to her.
taeyeon tapped your shoulder. "do it now, amber. you wouldn't want her to get tired of waiting, do you?"
---
"there you two are!" said suzy, showing up during the last two minutes of the game.
"oh, hey, suzy. where you've been? game's over soon," said taeyeon, moving a little away from you to give suzy enough space to sit between you.
suzy sat comfortably, resting her bag between her legs. "i was in the library researching for my term paper due next week. oh, before i forgot..." she opened her bag and took out two small pringles cans.
"researching when there are no classes?" asked taeyeon, absently taking one can handed to her. "jeez. you are something. and thanks for this."
"well, it's not every day that people aren't thinking of studying, you know," said suzy, handing you the other can. "it's hard to look for books when you have competitors."
you stared in wonder at the pringles handed to you. you know there's no rule you're not allowed to accept other presents. however, you're not sure why you kinda feel guilty you'll be eating another pringles aside from the ones krystal is sending you.
suzy gently slapped your arm. "it's pringles. hello! what's wrong with you? it's your favourite, right?"
"of course! my all-time favourite. thanks, suzy," you said, acting cool. it was after tasting it when you realised how hungry you are.
"wow. you two look like you haven't taken lunch yet, have you?" asked suzy, turning to you and taeyeon.
"amber and i watched after our meeting in the dojo," said taeyeon.
truth is you held off lunch a bit because you wanted to see krystal here before the game ends.
suzy didn't say anything. her eyes roamed around and spots krystal. she let out a disappointed sigh before turning to taeyeon. "so, when's your game?"
"tomorrow noon. amber and i are surely gonna compete."
"wow. that's exciting, huh?" suzy shifted back to you. "do you think you could beat taeyeon this time?"
you smirked at that. "we'll see..."
"are you going to watch my fight with amber?" asked taeyeon.
"of course! i wouldn't let an event like that miss. have you guys promoted the game?"
"yeah. we did. but we don't think anyone's coming," you answered.
"why?"
"it's basketball's championship tomorrow," said taeyeon. "we're sure all the people will be here."
"oh. right..." suzy wrapped her arms around you and taeyeon's shoulder. "don't you two worry. even if all the people will be here to watch the game, i'll be there in the dojo to support you."
you secretly wish krystal would come too. but she'll surely be here watching the game to support her boyfriend.
but knowing that suzy is always there for you made you feel a little better.
---
as expected, all the students are cheering in the stadium for the finals.
your dojo, even after opening all the windows and doors wide to attract attention, was running low with the audience. there were less than ten people who came to watch.
since there are only seven aikido members, four females, and three males, the game is over within an hour only. like last year, you and taeyeon were left to compete for the finals in the female division.
it was a tough fight with her. it always has been. taeyeon was the champion last year after defeating you with flying colours. this year, you are focused to take the championship from her to help with your scholarship. the principal promised you a hundred per cent support next semester if you win this.
you were already getting tired. the idea of wanting to give up is already kicking in. taeyeon came to you and pinned your hands on the floor. getting all sweaty, you sneaked out from her grip and grabbed her two hands instead for a counter.
she evaded with a side pin, and then gave you a low strike. after that, she attempted for a straight punch which you've already expected. you evaded and gave her an elbow wrap. you took that opportunity to use her strength and perform an arm crossed throw.
taeyeon fell on the floor, lying down on her back. the game ended after that.
it was after your sensei announced that the game is over when you realised you won.
you helped taeyeon got up and she congratulated you while messing your hair. suzy ran towards you excitedly, jumping up to hug you.
after the awards, suzy went ahead to attend a party in their house, promising she'll treat you some other time.
---
it's already getting dark and creepy when you went out of the locker room. no one was in the hallway. they could all be in the stadium, still watching the game.
taeyeon invited you to watch but you declined, not wanting to see kai. she enticed you by saying krystal will be there but you declined again, saying you just want some rest for the day.
as you were about to approach the intersection, a walking figure caught your eyes. you stopped on your tracks upon recognising the figure.
of all the people you would see at this hour, you didn't expect it would be krystal.
"hey," she said, stopping a few meters away from you. "going home now?"
"yeah." you wanted to tell her about your victory but then she might not be aware of your game. "i... i'm surprised you're not in the stadium..."
"i was. i'm going back there now, i just..." krystal raised her hand holding a bottle of an orange gatorade.
your heart dropped. so she went out to her boyfriend an energy drink.
"congrats..." said krystal.
"huh?"
"you had a game earlier, right?" she asked. "i heard you won. that's great."
you scratched your nape. "oh. yeah... well... thank you..."
"so... this is my humble gift for the champion..." krystal walked over to you and handed the energy drink.
you stared at the bottle. "for me?"
"yeah. this is your favourite flavour, right? i always see you bring one in the classroom."
it surprised you to hear that, didn't know she's noticing you in that way.
krystal's face shifted into worried. "you don't like it?"
"no... um... i'm sorry..." you stutter. "i just didn't think... i... i thought it's for..."
it took krystal a few more seconds to process your inarticulacy. "oh. no... no... i bought it for you..."
"awe. thank you." you smiled at her.
"i want to give you something different today, aside from those pringles," she said. "it seems that i'm not the only one giving you pringles lately."
so, she saw suzy with you yesterday at the stadium.
"so, uh, i gotta head back to the stadium. the game's ending soon," she said.
"yeah. thanks again for this, and for still sending those pringles."
maybe you should start getting used to having quick talks with her like this. you don't like it but it's better than not talking to her at all.
"you take care, amber."
you almost melted at how she mentioned your name. "you take care too."
she smiled at you one last time before she walks away until her image disappeared around the curve.
you were ready to go the opposite direction when you heard her call.
"amber..." she's standing on the curve. "i just don't want to let this opportunity pass to let you know how great you are earlier..."
you stood there in silence, not sure what she meant.
"what you did there, that was a nice throw..." she added.
nice throw? your mouth fell open. "y-you were there?"
she giggles. "i really have to go. see you." she left in a haste after that.
you were left standing there, eyes blinking. you looked at the gatorade in your hand and stared blankly at the direction where krystal disappeared.
so, she watched your game?
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