HOOP (part)
HOOP
I.
“Another save made by the Explosion!” one of the hosts exclaimed as the star player of the Parrots gave a three-point shot that put the game into their team’s name.
End of fourth quarter. The sound of the buzzer sealed it.
“Parrots win! They will go into the finals!”
His teammates ran and hugged their saver.
“Way to go, Cheat!”
“Explosion on the run again!”
“You broke their ambition!”
Cheat gave his teammates a little smile then averted his gaze. He searched through the crowd at the bleachers as their university hymn filled the background.
He saw him. He half-raised an arm as recognition. The person smiled at Cheat. Cheat nodded at him. His younger brother.
Then he focused his gaze back on the court.
He saw her. She saw him. Their gazes locked. She averted his gaze. He smiled sarcastically.
That journalist never does retreat.
Sleigh, the team captain and considered the best forward in the league, put an arm around Cheat. “Did she distract your game?”
“What do you think?”
Sleigh smiled. “She did. This is your best game.”
Cheat glared at him. “Put a cork on it, Sleigh.”
Sleigh grinned. Cheat is not a man of many words. Usually, the most you can get from him are nonverbal cues.
That sports writer of their college paper is the only one who can make him talk that much.
Kite went ahead into the dugout, fuming. Cane, her friend and fellow school paper member, followed her quietly.
“Did the explosion hit you again?” she carefully asked Kite, as she sat down at one of the benches inside the locker room. They are given the privilege to enter the locker room since Cane’s father is the head coach of the Parrots.
Cane did not hear any response. She knows the answer. She saw Cheat looking at her friend a while ago… with that challenging glint on his handsome face.
She smiled to herself. That chinito never learned his lesson.
“What are you smiling for?”
Cane looked at her friend. “You and Cheat, Kite. You two look stupid.”
“Stupid? Siya lang. Wag mo akong igagaya dun.”
“You and your wounded pride. Aminin mo na kasi na magaling talaga siya.”
“Malaki naman ang ulo.”
“Hindi kaya. You are just angry at him because he doesn’t want the free publicity we provide him. Not that he needs it, really.”
Kite was about to retort a clever remark but thought better. In a way, Cane is right. Arrogant is never Cheat’s middle name. In fact, he is different from most college cagers because he does not want to be in the limelight. He refuses every interview from college papers and magazines. If it wasn’t for his coach and team captain, there will be no information and photos to be published about Cheat. They just ‘force’ him to at least consider the offers of these media.
Kite shook her head sarcastically. Cheat is such a pain in the neck. For her, if he does not want the limelight, why join the basketball team of all teams? For her, college basketball is really the most fame-magnet of all sports. She hates to admit though that their team really needs someone as good as Cheat. A point guard who is able to penetrate inside the court and make impressive three-point shots and jump shots is a definite plus for any team.
Cheat is all those. In an interview with Sleigh (who is Cane’s boyfriend); he mentioned that without Cheat, they will never survive the league.
Sleigh is also a very good player. One of the best in the league. To hear such words from someone like him should be enough to boost one’s ego.
Cheat is the only one numb enough so as not to be affected by such words.
Kite’s thoughts were disturbed by Cane’s voice.
“What did you ask?”
Cane repeated it too sweetly that Kite knew it was a question to tease her.
“I asked you if you have noticed how handsome Cheat looked a while ago.”
“Isumbong kita kay Sleigh diyan, e. Di ka na nakuntento dun, e ang guwapo na nga ng boyfriend mo.”
“I did not say I like Cheat. I just said he is so handsome. Of course, Sleigh is handsomer.”
“Bumawi ka pa.”
Yon? Gwapo? Excuse me lang, no. She thought quietly though Kite knew she is kidding herself.
Another reason why Cheat does not need any free publicity is because of his good looks. He naturally became a crowd favorite without him trying to give an impression. He is loved by girls from other campuses. They are even cheering for him even though the Parrots are against their teams. Cheat is a certified chinito heartthrob. He is tall and fair. He rarely smiles, but his once-in-a-blue moon smile never fails to make a girl stop on her tracks. His quiet and stubborn nature just adds to his appeal instead of making him unlovable.
“Oh! Here they come. I can hear their voices. Prepare your recorder and camera, Kite,” Cane said, smiling at her friend. Kite merely grunted.
For sure, the team entered the locker room. Cane greeted her father.
“Congrats, Papa! You will be in the finals!”
Then she went to give Sleigh a big kiss on the cheeks.
“Congrats, Baby.”
Sleigh smiled warmly at her and shyly looked at his coach. Coach Andy just laughed and turned his attention to his other boys to give his daughter and Sleigh a little privacy. Kite saw Sleigh give her friend a quick smack on the lips as Cane proceeded with her interview with her boyfriend.
She looked around and looked for players who will answer her questions willingly. After a few minutes, she went out, sick from the smell of sweat inside the locker room.
“Kite!”
She looked at the direction of the voice.
It was Chubby. Cheat’s younger brother. Talking to Cheat outside the locker room.
She smiled weakly. “Hi, Chubby.”
Chubby is a freshman at the university. When it comes to good looks, he is never lacking too. He is also tall, chinito, and thin (as opposed to his nickname). He has a smile like his older brother’s.
The difference between them is that Chubby is very friendly. And he actually likes Kite. Kite is his orgmate. They have the same course.
Chubby went near her. She noticed that Cheat was quiet and continued staring at the wall.
“Want to interview Kuya?” he asked, smiling.
“N-no. I’m through. Really. I just needed some fresh air. I mean… the smell from the locker room…” she said, smiling awkwardly because she can see through the corners of her eyes that Cheat is staring at her.
What does he think he is doing? She thought angrily. And why am I affected?
She hated to answer the question herself so she immediately excused himself from Chubby.
She passed by Cheat. Both of them avoiding each other’s gazes now. Chubby shook his head and went inside the locker room to congratulate his Kuya’s teammates.
Cheat looked back and he saw the retreating back of Kite. He cursed at himself. Why does he find it hard to throw a nasty remark at her nowadays? Usually, when they see each other, it comes naturally.
He turned his back and sat down at a bench outside the locker room and put a hand on his face… still wondering what is happening to him.
He knew he is irritated by that journalist.
But right now… he is not so sure.
Kite slowly looked back. She saw Cheat sitting with his hands on his face. She stood taken. Then shook her head furiously.
What is happening to her?
When did she become affected by Cheat’s actions?
Sheesh. I am turning crazy.
She hurriedly went out of the stadium before she can finally understand what she is experiencing at the moment.
II.
Cane is looking all over for her. She is waiting for her boyfriend outside the locker rooms. She texted Kite so many times, yet she hasn’t replied to any of her messages. She even tried calling her using Sleigh’s phone, but she doesn’t answer her phone.
Sleigh went out of the locker room, freshly bathed. He saw Cane, smiled, and went to her. “Baby, I am finished! Mabango na ko.”
Cane did not seem to hear him. He looked at her suspiciously.
“Any other handsome player?”
“Huh?”
Sleigh rolled his eyes. “Where are your thoughts? I thought you’ll be happy to see that I am handsomer and more fragrant than ever… yet look at you.”
“Oh,” Cane said, finally bringing her attention to her boyfriend. “I was just looking for Kite. You haven’t seen her, have you?”
Sleigh shook his head. “Nope. Don’t worry though. She knows her way around here. Malaki na yon. Baka nanunuod ng sine or something sa Gateway.”
Cane nodded. “Maybe… so anyway, where are we going?”
“Well the guys have a celebration. Didn’t coach tell you?”
“He did. What I meant was where is the celebration?”
“Oh. At Mike’s mansion in White Plains, where else?” Sleigh answered. He put a hand on Cane’s waist and led her outside the stadium. “Let’s go, Baby?”
Cane nodded. She texted Kite though:
“Kite. Celebration. White Plains. Myk’s hows. Wr r u? txt me if u’l come. I’l come and Ftch u. ok?”
Kite did not text back.
“Shit…” Kite whispered under her breath. It was raining very hard. She does not have an umbrella so she was forced to stay at the gates of the stadium, waiting for the rain to stop.
“Sino ba naman kasing magsasabing uulan? Low battery pa ang cellphone ko. Patay na!”
She kept on muttering words to herself while glancing at two men who seemed to take an interest on her. She ignored their whispering.
“Afraid of multiplying?”
Kite jumped in surprise.
“Cheat!”
Then she glared at him. “Oo, baka kasi dumami ako, e.”
He did not look at her. “Come on. I’ll give you a lift.”
“No, thank you.”
Cheat shrugged. “If you say so.”
Kite saw him ran to his expensive car. Chubby isn’t with him. Kite wondered why for a moment.
Then it dawned on her that Cheat indeed left her there! He didn’t even bother to repeat he’ll give her a lift. She would have succumbed.
“Ang epal talaga ng gwapong yun, o. Ano?! Sinabi ko yun? Gwapo?” She started talking to herself that she hadn’t noticed the two men going near her until one of them spoke.
“Hi, miss. Iniwan ka yata ng boyfriend mo.”
She looked at the man, who was grinning. “Boyfriend?!”
The other one moved to her other side. “Miss, ganda naman ng bag mo.”
“Wag mo’ng pakialaman yan. One hundred lang yan sa Divisoria. Tinawaran ko pa,” she said sarcastically while moving her mailbag away from the man’s grasps. She glanced back inside the gate. The guard was nowhere to be seen.
At least she can go back inside if anything worse happens.
The other one caught her bag. “E siguro, yung cellphone mo, maganda.”
“Wag nga kayong makialam ng hindi naman inyo.”
The two men grinned. One forced to take away her bag. “Ibigay mo na lang kasi bago pa kami gumamit ng puwersa, Miss.”
Based mainly on woman instinct, she kicked one of the men on his groin then ran. Away from the gate and into the parking lot.
The man stifled in great pain, but he still asked the other one to follow Kite.
She was already wet, searching for someone familiar. “Naman! Malas talaga sa buhay ko ang Cheat na yan! Kakakita ko lang sa kanya, eto na! Ang---”
Her words were cut by a voice.
“Ngayon malas pa ko? E kung hindi kaya kita iligtas diyan?”
It was Cheat. He was also wet. Kite was distracted by the look on his face and was not able to say anything. Cheat just pulled her behind a car to be able to hide her.
Fortunately, the men did not pass through them because luckily, two roaming guards arrived. They saw the two men ran in the other direction.
Cheat sighed a relief and sat on the wet ground. Kite did the same. Both of them did not utter either a word or a sound for quite some time.
Then suddenly, Cheat stood up and started to walk away. Kite just followed him with her gaze.
Then she saw him stop. He looked back at her.
“What are you waiting for? Stand up. We’ll go to the celebration together.”
Kite, however, still seemed distracted. Cheat went near her and offered his hands. Surprisingly for Cheat, Kite took them with no hesitation.
Dapat iwanan mo na siya, diba? Bakit ba hindi mo magawa? Cheat muttered angrily to himself. Before, it was easy for him to ignore Kite, but now it seemed to be a very hard thing to do.
They reached his car. He opened the passenger door for her. She got in without a fuss. Cheat got in the driver’s seat.
Inside the car, Cheat threw a towel at her. “Here. Di pa naman mabaho yan. I used it for drying myself after taking a bath awhile ago.”
Kite accepted it silently and wiped herself dry. Cheat started the car, his hair and clothes still dripping wet. They moved out of the parking lot not uttering any words to each other.
Unfortunately, they are caught up in the heavy traffic. Kite was very aware of Cheat beside her. Cheat also feels the same and he can’t concentrate so he opened the radio.
Through Guys Next Door’s I’ve Been Waiting For You in the background, both had been engaged in their own thoughts.
Thoughts of how these sudden confused feelings emerged.
III.
“Cheat is here! Cheat is here!” announced Mike to the team. Everyone cheered.
When Cheat entered the living room though, and then Kite was with him, everyone kept quiet. Cane, who was talking to Sleigh, gasped. Sleigh’s mouth dropped open.
Then questions burst.
“What happened?”
“Are you all right?”
“You’re both dripping wet!”
Cheat did not answer. He went to the bathroom to change. He left Kite to explain everything. He does not want commotion.
He looked at his face in the mirror. Amazingly, his eyes are twinkling. They are never almost twinkling. Cheat splashed water into his face. He changed into dry clothes and went out of the bathroom.
Then he almost dropped his wet clothes in surprise. Kite was waiting for him there.
Cheat recovered. “I am finished with the bathroom. You can use it now.”
Kite cleared her throat. “Thank you… Cheat…”
Cheat was surprised, but he nodded his head. “Just don’t get yourself in another situation. No one is as insane as me so no one will save you.”
Kite let his retort pass. “I am letting this comment pass for now because I owe you. Thank you.” Then she entered the bathroom.
Before he can stop himself, he turned back and turned her.
“You’re welcome.”
He smiled and turned away.
Kite was speechless.
She heard that that rare smile never fails to make a girl speechless.
And now she knew.
I.
“Another save made by the Explosion!” one of the hosts exclaimed as the star player of the Parrots gave a three-point shot that put the game into their team’s name.
End of fourth quarter. The sound of the buzzer sealed it.
“Parrots win! They will go into the finals!”
His teammates ran and hugged their saver.
“Way to go, Cheat!”
“Explosion on the run again!”
“You broke their ambition!”
Cheat gave his teammates a little smile then averted his gaze. He searched through the crowd at the bleachers as their university hymn filled the background.
He saw him. He half-raised an arm as recognition. The person smiled at Cheat. Cheat nodded at him. His younger brother.
Then he focused his gaze back on the court.
He saw her. She saw him. Their gazes locked. She averted his gaze. He smiled sarcastically.
That journalist never does retreat.
Sleigh, the team captain and considered the best forward in the league, put an arm around Cheat. “Did she distract your game?”
“What do you think?”
Sleigh smiled. “She did. This is your best game.”
Cheat glared at him. “Put a cork on it, Sleigh.”
Sleigh grinned. Cheat is not a man of many words. Usually, the most you can get from him are nonverbal cues.
That sports writer of their college paper is the only one who can make him talk that much.
Kite went ahead into the dugout, fuming. Cane, her friend and fellow school paper member, followed her quietly.
“Did the explosion hit you again?” she carefully asked Kite, as she sat down at one of the benches inside the locker room. They are given the privilege to enter the locker room since Cane’s father is the head coach of the Parrots.
Cane did not hear any response. She knows the answer. She saw Cheat looking at her friend a while ago… with that challenging glint on his handsome face.
She smiled to herself. That chinito never learned his lesson.
“What are you smiling for?”
Cane looked at her friend. “You and Cheat, Kite. You two look stupid.”
“Stupid? Siya lang. Wag mo akong igagaya dun.”
“You and your wounded pride. Aminin mo na kasi na magaling talaga siya.”
“Malaki naman ang ulo.”
“Hindi kaya. You are just angry at him because he doesn’t want the free publicity we provide him. Not that he needs it, really.”
Kite was about to retort a clever remark but thought better. In a way, Cane is right. Arrogant is never Cheat’s middle name. In fact, he is different from most college cagers because he does not want to be in the limelight. He refuses every interview from college papers and magazines. If it wasn’t for his coach and team captain, there will be no information and photos to be published about Cheat. They just ‘force’ him to at least consider the offers of these media.
Kite shook her head sarcastically. Cheat is such a pain in the neck. For her, if he does not want the limelight, why join the basketball team of all teams? For her, college basketball is really the most fame-magnet of all sports. She hates to admit though that their team really needs someone as good as Cheat. A point guard who is able to penetrate inside the court and make impressive three-point shots and jump shots is a definite plus for any team.
Cheat is all those. In an interview with Sleigh (who is Cane’s boyfriend); he mentioned that without Cheat, they will never survive the league.
Sleigh is also a very good player. One of the best in the league. To hear such words from someone like him should be enough to boost one’s ego.
Cheat is the only one numb enough so as not to be affected by such words.
Kite’s thoughts were disturbed by Cane’s voice.
“What did you ask?”
Cane repeated it too sweetly that Kite knew it was a question to tease her.
“I asked you if you have noticed how handsome Cheat looked a while ago.”
“Isumbong kita kay Sleigh diyan, e. Di ka na nakuntento dun, e ang guwapo na nga ng boyfriend mo.”
“I did not say I like Cheat. I just said he is so handsome. Of course, Sleigh is handsomer.”
“Bumawi ka pa.”
Yon? Gwapo? Excuse me lang, no. She thought quietly though Kite knew she is kidding herself.
Another reason why Cheat does not need any free publicity is because of his good looks. He naturally became a crowd favorite without him trying to give an impression. He is loved by girls from other campuses. They are even cheering for him even though the Parrots are against their teams. Cheat is a certified chinito heartthrob. He is tall and fair. He rarely smiles, but his once-in-a-blue moon smile never fails to make a girl stop on her tracks. His quiet and stubborn nature just adds to his appeal instead of making him unlovable.
“Oh! Here they come. I can hear their voices. Prepare your recorder and camera, Kite,” Cane said, smiling at her friend. Kite merely grunted.
For sure, the team entered the locker room. Cane greeted her father.
“Congrats, Papa! You will be in the finals!”
Then she went to give Sleigh a big kiss on the cheeks.
“Congrats, Baby.”
Sleigh smiled warmly at her and shyly looked at his coach. Coach Andy just laughed and turned his attention to his other boys to give his daughter and Sleigh a little privacy. Kite saw Sleigh give her friend a quick smack on the lips as Cane proceeded with her interview with her boyfriend.
She looked around and looked for players who will answer her questions willingly. After a few minutes, she went out, sick from the smell of sweat inside the locker room.
“Kite!”
She looked at the direction of the voice.
It was Chubby. Cheat’s younger brother. Talking to Cheat outside the locker room.
She smiled weakly. “Hi, Chubby.”
Chubby is a freshman at the university. When it comes to good looks, he is never lacking too. He is also tall, chinito, and thin (as opposed to his nickname). He has a smile like his older brother’s.
The difference between them is that Chubby is very friendly. And he actually likes Kite. Kite is his orgmate. They have the same course.
Chubby went near her. She noticed that Cheat was quiet and continued staring at the wall.
“Want to interview Kuya?” he asked, smiling.
“N-no. I’m through. Really. I just needed some fresh air. I mean… the smell from the locker room…” she said, smiling awkwardly because she can see through the corners of her eyes that Cheat is staring at her.
What does he think he is doing? She thought angrily. And why am I affected?
She hated to answer the question herself so she immediately excused himself from Chubby.
She passed by Cheat. Both of them avoiding each other’s gazes now. Chubby shook his head and went inside the locker room to congratulate his Kuya’s teammates.
Cheat looked back and he saw the retreating back of Kite. He cursed at himself. Why does he find it hard to throw a nasty remark at her nowadays? Usually, when they see each other, it comes naturally.
He turned his back and sat down at a bench outside the locker room and put a hand on his face… still wondering what is happening to him.
He knew he is irritated by that journalist.
But right now… he is not so sure.
Kite slowly looked back. She saw Cheat sitting with his hands on his face. She stood taken. Then shook her head furiously.
What is happening to her?
When did she become affected by Cheat’s actions?
Sheesh. I am turning crazy.
She hurriedly went out of the stadium before she can finally understand what she is experiencing at the moment.
II.
Cane is looking all over for her. She is waiting for her boyfriend outside the locker rooms. She texted Kite so many times, yet she hasn’t replied to any of her messages. She even tried calling her using Sleigh’s phone, but she doesn’t answer her phone.
Sleigh went out of the locker room, freshly bathed. He saw Cane, smiled, and went to her. “Baby, I am finished! Mabango na ko.”
Cane did not seem to hear him. He looked at her suspiciously.
“Any other handsome player?”
“Huh?”
Sleigh rolled his eyes. “Where are your thoughts? I thought you’ll be happy to see that I am handsomer and more fragrant than ever… yet look at you.”
“Oh,” Cane said, finally bringing her attention to her boyfriend. “I was just looking for Kite. You haven’t seen her, have you?”
Sleigh shook his head. “Nope. Don’t worry though. She knows her way around here. Malaki na yon. Baka nanunuod ng sine or something sa Gateway.”
Cane nodded. “Maybe… so anyway, where are we going?”
“Well the guys have a celebration. Didn’t coach tell you?”
“He did. What I meant was where is the celebration?”
“Oh. At Mike’s mansion in White Plains, where else?” Sleigh answered. He put a hand on Cane’s waist and led her outside the stadium. “Let’s go, Baby?”
Cane nodded. She texted Kite though:
“Kite. Celebration. White Plains. Myk’s hows. Wr r u? txt me if u’l come. I’l come and Ftch u. ok?”
Kite did not text back.
“Shit…” Kite whispered under her breath. It was raining very hard. She does not have an umbrella so she was forced to stay at the gates of the stadium, waiting for the rain to stop.
“Sino ba naman kasing magsasabing uulan? Low battery pa ang cellphone ko. Patay na!”
She kept on muttering words to herself while glancing at two men who seemed to take an interest on her. She ignored their whispering.
“Afraid of multiplying?”
Kite jumped in surprise.
“Cheat!”
Then she glared at him. “Oo, baka kasi dumami ako, e.”
He did not look at her. “Come on. I’ll give you a lift.”
“No, thank you.”
Cheat shrugged. “If you say so.”
Kite saw him ran to his expensive car. Chubby isn’t with him. Kite wondered why for a moment.
Then it dawned on her that Cheat indeed left her there! He didn’t even bother to repeat he’ll give her a lift. She would have succumbed.
“Ang epal talaga ng gwapong yun, o. Ano?! Sinabi ko yun? Gwapo?” She started talking to herself that she hadn’t noticed the two men going near her until one of them spoke.
“Hi, miss. Iniwan ka yata ng boyfriend mo.”
She looked at the man, who was grinning. “Boyfriend?!”
The other one moved to her other side. “Miss, ganda naman ng bag mo.”
“Wag mo’ng pakialaman yan. One hundred lang yan sa Divisoria. Tinawaran ko pa,” she said sarcastically while moving her mailbag away from the man’s grasps. She glanced back inside the gate. The guard was nowhere to be seen.
At least she can go back inside if anything worse happens.
The other one caught her bag. “E siguro, yung cellphone mo, maganda.”
“Wag nga kayong makialam ng hindi naman inyo.”
The two men grinned. One forced to take away her bag. “Ibigay mo na lang kasi bago pa kami gumamit ng puwersa, Miss.”
Based mainly on woman instinct, she kicked one of the men on his groin then ran. Away from the gate and into the parking lot.
The man stifled in great pain, but he still asked the other one to follow Kite.
She was already wet, searching for someone familiar. “Naman! Malas talaga sa buhay ko ang Cheat na yan! Kakakita ko lang sa kanya, eto na! Ang---”
Her words were cut by a voice.
“Ngayon malas pa ko? E kung hindi kaya kita iligtas diyan?”
It was Cheat. He was also wet. Kite was distracted by the look on his face and was not able to say anything. Cheat just pulled her behind a car to be able to hide her.
Fortunately, the men did not pass through them because luckily, two roaming guards arrived. They saw the two men ran in the other direction.
Cheat sighed a relief and sat on the wet ground. Kite did the same. Both of them did not utter either a word or a sound for quite some time.
Then suddenly, Cheat stood up and started to walk away. Kite just followed him with her gaze.
Then she saw him stop. He looked back at her.
“What are you waiting for? Stand up. We’ll go to the celebration together.”
Kite, however, still seemed distracted. Cheat went near her and offered his hands. Surprisingly for Cheat, Kite took them with no hesitation.
Dapat iwanan mo na siya, diba? Bakit ba hindi mo magawa? Cheat muttered angrily to himself. Before, it was easy for him to ignore Kite, but now it seemed to be a very hard thing to do.
They reached his car. He opened the passenger door for her. She got in without a fuss. Cheat got in the driver’s seat.
Inside the car, Cheat threw a towel at her. “Here. Di pa naman mabaho yan. I used it for drying myself after taking a bath awhile ago.”
Kite accepted it silently and wiped herself dry. Cheat started the car, his hair and clothes still dripping wet. They moved out of the parking lot not uttering any words to each other.
Unfortunately, they are caught up in the heavy traffic. Kite was very aware of Cheat beside her. Cheat also feels the same and he can’t concentrate so he opened the radio.
Through Guys Next Door’s I’ve Been Waiting For You in the background, both had been engaged in their own thoughts.
Thoughts of how these sudden confused feelings emerged.
III.
“Cheat is here! Cheat is here!” announced Mike to the team. Everyone cheered.
When Cheat entered the living room though, and then Kite was with him, everyone kept quiet. Cane, who was talking to Sleigh, gasped. Sleigh’s mouth dropped open.
Then questions burst.
“What happened?”
“Are you all right?”
“You’re both dripping wet!”
Cheat did not answer. He went to the bathroom to change. He left Kite to explain everything. He does not want commotion.
He looked at his face in the mirror. Amazingly, his eyes are twinkling. They are never almost twinkling. Cheat splashed water into his face. He changed into dry clothes and went out of the bathroom.
Then he almost dropped his wet clothes in surprise. Kite was waiting for him there.
Cheat recovered. “I am finished with the bathroom. You can use it now.”
Kite cleared her throat. “Thank you… Cheat…”
Cheat was surprised, but he nodded his head. “Just don’t get yourself in another situation. No one is as insane as me so no one will save you.”
Kite let his retort pass. “I am letting this comment pass for now because I owe you. Thank you.” Then she entered the bathroom.
Before he can stop himself, he turned back and turned her.
“You’re welcome.”
He smiled and turned away.
Kite was speechless.
She heard that that rare smile never fails to make a girl speechless.
And now she knew.
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