Café (2)
Aerin’s POV
The café wasn’t that far from campus, but it was still a nice change of scenery.
I didn’t usually go out the day before a tournament, but Coach Vega said today was about mental breathing space. "Don’t overwork your head before the match," she reminded me this morning after training.
I figured she had a point.
So now here we were, tambay with my girls: Galey, Soleil, and Jex.
All of us were finally done with our final practices, and though the nerves for tomorrow’s division games were definitely there, this short café trip felt like a calm before the storm.
“Ang bango ng kape, grabe,” Galey said, her eyes half-closed as she inhaled from her cup. “Sana ganito na lang araw-araw.”
“Sana nga hindi competition season noh,” Soleil joked, stretching her arms behind her. “My legs need a vacation.”
I chuckled and stirred my iced coffee. “Pagkatapos ng tournament, sige, break tayo kahit one week.”
“Kahit isang buwan,” Jex added, sipping from her drink. “At also, manalo rin para mas masarap magpahinga.”
As we settled into the comfy seats by the window, I glanced around the café.
It was starting to fill up, but the vibe remained relaxed—soft lo-fi music, the occasional hum of the espresso machine, and chatter that blended into white noise.
Then, a group caught my eye.
Four girls at the table near the opposite wall.
At first, it was nothing—just another barkada. But when one of them moved and her lanyard swung into view, I squinted a little. North Hills Academy.
I recognized the emblem instantly.
"Uy," I said, nudging Jex. "North Hills 'yung mga 'yon."
Jex looked up, then followed my gaze. “Oo nga. Mukhang athlete rin.”
“Kilala mo sila?” tanong ni Galey.
I shook my head. “Hindi. Pero parang familiar na school 'yan. Hindi ba isa sila sa mga opponents natin bukas?”
“Malamang,” Soleil replied, crossing her arms. “North Hills ang isa sa top schools sa bracket natin, sabi ni coach.”
We didn’t stare, but I noticed bits and pieces.
One of them had long, dark hair and was laughing at something.
Another had a naturally sporty aura, arms folded like she’d just come from training.
There was a third girl, relaxed but clearly sharp—eyes that scanned the room once or twice.
The last girl was the most composed-looking of them all, just quietly sipping from her cup while listening to the others.
No one really stood out until that last one turned slightly in our direction.
Even from across the room, I noticed her features—simple, strong, and sharp. Her expression was calm, but focused.
Not the type to talk too much, but you could tell she noticed things.
I blinked and looked away.
I didn’t mean to stare, and it wasn’t like it mattered.
Tomorrow we’d all be players on the same court or in the same bleachers, each chasing the same thing.
“Ewan ko, pero parang nafe-feel ko na lahat ng kasama natin dito ay makakalaban natin bukas,” Galey muttered.
“Eh di dapat mentally prepared na tayo,” I said, grinning. “Kahit kalmado ngayon, tomorrow is the real match.”
We all laughed at that.
“Pero seryoso,” Jex added, “I’m excited. Natapos na ‘yung trainings, lahat ng pagod... ngayon it’s showtime.”
“Ano nga pala ‘yung dalang snacks mo bukas?” Soleil asked her out of nowhere.
“Uy secret!” Jex smirked, then added in a whisper, “Pero ‘pag nanalo ako, bibigyan ko kayo.”
After that, her focus is on her phone again. I saw her faint smile while typing.
“Uy, Jex...” Galey leaned closer, eyebrow raised. “Sino ‘yan? Bakit parang ang saya mo?”
Jex blinked and immediately flipped her phone face-down. “Ha? Wala! Meme lang ‘yon.”
“Hmm...” Soleil teased. “Parang hindi lang meme ‘yon, ah.”
“Guys naman,” Jex chuckled, cheeks slightly red. “Hindi lahat ng ngiti may kahulugan, okay?”
Galey and Soleil exchanged looks, clearly not buying it. Pero natawa na lang kami, letting it slide.
We stayed in the café a bit longer, just enjoying the moment.
Tomorrow, we’d be back in competition mode.
The athletes from North Hills—whoever they were—might be rivals tomorrow.
But today, they were just another group of students enjoying their coffee, same as us.
I guess that’s what made moments like this feel a little special. Calm. Quiet. Real.
Because tomorrow, everything changes.