Lugaw
The following days were better.
Maiven was still stuck in the hospital, but at least she wasn't drowning in silence. Lei visited whenever she had no class, and the three stooges always made it a point to drop by after training. It was routine now with them barging in, making a mess, forcing her to eat even when she had no appetite, and throwing in unsolicited advice every chance they got.
It was annoying.
But she appreciated it more than she let on.
This afternoon, however, was different.
When a knock came at the door, Maiven expected it to be Lei again, but as the door opened, another familiar face appeared beside her.
"Yo, Maiven," Lei greeted as she stepped inside, placing a fruit basket on the table like some overly polite visitor.
"Long time no see, Maiven," Sab followed, smiling as she carried a small paper bag.
Maiven blinked. Of all people, she didn't expect Sab to visit. It wasn’t that they had bad blood. Sab is actually nice. But she is one of Avara’s friend. Close friend, even. Which meant she had every reason to tell Avara about this.
"Surprise, I guess?" Lei smirked, taking a seat on the couch.
"Medyo," Maiven admitted, shifting her gaze to Sab. "Bat ka nandito?"
"Kasi sabi ni Lei, may free food dito," Sab joked, setting the paper bag down. "At gusto kitang makita syempre. It’s been a while."
Maiven sighed. "Alam ba ni Ava na nandito ka?"
"Nope," Sab answered easily.
"At wala siyang malalaman," Lei added, giving Maiven a knowing look. "Huwag kang mag alala, Maiv. Hindi kami nagsusumbong."
Maiven exhaled, still not entirely convinced. "Sab…"
Sab rolled her eyes. "Maiven, chill. Kung gusto kong sabihin kay Ava, ginawa ko na yon. But I didn’t."
"Bakit?"
"Kasi una, hindi ko siya gustong maging tsismosa," Sab deadpanned. "Pangalawa, I respect your privacy. Kung gusto mong ikaw magsabi kay Ava, ikaw bahala. Pero kung ayaw mo, edi hindi."
Lei nodded. "Tsaka Maiven, hindi naman kami tanga. Alam naming may dahilan bakit mo to tinatago sa kanya."
Maiven clenched her jaw, looking away. "Gusto ko lang ng tahimik na buhay."
"Tsk," Sab clicked her tongue. "Tahimik? Eh halos patayin mo sarili mo sa pagod para lang di mo maramdaman yang gusto mong takasan?"
Maiven stiffened, but before she could respond, Lei stretched her arms lazily. "O, o, tama na yan. Wala tayo dito para pagalitan si Maiven. Dinalhan ka nga namin ng pagkain, oh."
Sab sighed but let it go. "Fine. Kumain ka na lang para di mo kami singilin sa aircon bill dito."
Maiven smirked despite herself. "Aba, magbabayad ba kayo?"
"Syempre hindi," Sab grinned. "Pero kukunin ko yung apple diyan."
"Huwag mong kunin yan, para sa patient yan," Lei scolded lightly.
Sab laughed as she unwrapped a sandwich from the paper bag instead. "O siya, let’s eat. Para naman sulit tong visit namin."
And just like that, the conversation shifted to something lighter.
They ate together, chatting about random things. Sab was complaining about a professor, Lei talking about how Cali had been annoying her lately, and Maiven just listening, feeling a rare sense of ease. It wasn’t like the suffocating weight that followed her every time she was with Avara. It was just… comfortable.
It was already past visiting hours when Maiven heard another round of knocks at the door. She thought it was just Lei or Sab coming back for something they forgot, but when the door swung open, an entire crowd came in.
"Jusko, ang ingay niyo!" Maiven groaned as a mix of familiar voices filled the room.
"Miss ka lang namin, Maiven!" someone shouted.
Her entire team was there.
Gali, Cali, and Jorge had been constant, but this time, the rest of her teammates had tagged along. And walking in last, watching over them with an unimpressed expression, was none other than Coach Mad.
"Maiven!" Yna rushed toward her bed, practically bouncing on her feet. "Buti naman okay ka na! Wala nang sumisigaw sa amin sa training!"
"Ano to, namiss mong sigawan kita?" Maiven smirked, crossing her arms.
"Hindi!" Yna laughed. "Pero iba kasi kapag wala ka. Ang tahimik masyado. Hindi namin alam kung good thing ba yon o hindi."
"Hindi," one of their middle blockers, Riel, chimed in. "Pinapatay kami ni Coach kakapaulit ng drills. Walang nagvi-volley IQ sa loob."
"Wala ring taga bully kay Yna," added Bea, their libero, nudging Yna teasingly.
"Hoy! Mababait naman kayo ah!" Yna pouted.
"Mabait kami, oo," Bea grinned. "Pero iba kasi kapag ikaw inaasar ni Maiven. Quality bullying yun eh."
Everyone laughed while Maiven just shook her head. It felt surreal, seeing them here. She wasn’t used to being the one watched over. She was always the one watching out for everyone else. Coach Mad stood near the door, arms crossed, quietly observing the chaos. He didn’t say anything, but he didn’t stop them either. It was rare to see him let them be this loud.
"Training niyo? Pano na?" Maiven asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Sos! Wag mo na alalahanin yun, Cap," Riel said. "Lalo ka tuloy nagmumukhang matanda."
"Gusto ko yung may pag galang pero babanatan naman pala sa dulo."
"Buti na lang wala kang hawak na bola ngayon," Riel laughed. "Pero seryoso, we’re doing fine. Pinapahirapan lang kami lalo ni Coach kasi wala ka."
"Edi dapat mas dumali yon?"
"Dapat, pero hindi eh," Bea grumbled. "Wala nang sumisigaw ng ‘move faster, tangina mo’ habang nagi-spike ka."
Everyone burst out laughing again. Even Coach Mad smirked a little at that.
"Balik ka na soon, Maiven," Yna said, eyes hopeful. "Namimiss ka na talaga namin."
Before Maiven could answer, a sudden knock interrupted them. The door opened, and a doctor stepped inside, clipboard in hand. The room immediately fell into silence.
"Good evening," the doctor greeted. "Miss Lee, I came by to give you an update regarding your condition."
Maiven straightened, her teammates watching intently.
"Based on your progress and latest tests, you are cleared to go home by tomorrow."
A wave of relief washed over her.
"However," the doctor continued, "you are still required to rest for a few more days before engaging in any strenuous activities. You may start moving around, but training must resume gradually." The doctor’s gaze sharpened. "Emphasis on slowly."
Maiven resisted the urge to roll her eyes.
"Understood?"
"Yes, doc," she replied, though her tone wasn’t exactly reassuring.
"Good," the doctor nodded before addressing the rest. "Please make sure she follows this. She needs proper recovery."
"We’ll make sure of it," Cali said firmly before Maiven could argue.
"Good," the doctor repeated, before turning back to Maiven. "Get plenty of rest tonight. We will process your discharge in the morning."
With that, the doctor left.
For a moment, there was only silence. Then—
"BOOM! PAUWI KA NA!" Yna cheered.
"Jusko ka Yna, akala mo ikaw yung na confine," Bea snorted.
The team erupted into laughter again, the tension in the air finally breaking.
"Yo, Cap, ang tahimik mo," Riel teased. "Excited ka rin diba? Aminin mo na."
Maiven clicked her tongue, feigning indifference. "Hindi naman."
"Gago, huwag ka na magpakamysterious dyan. Kinikilig yan deep inside," Cali smirked, nudging her shoulder.
She wanted to argue, but the truth was… yeah, she was happy to go home.
Not that she’d admit it.
"O siya, aalis na kami," Riel stretched, motioning to the others. "Para makapagpahinga ka na, superstar."
One by one, her teammates bid their goodbyes, throwing in last-minute jokes and reminders before exiting.
Coach Mad was the last to leave, but before stepping out, he turned to Maiven.
"Maiven," he called, his voice steady.
She met his gaze.
"I hope you learned something from this," he said simply. "You are not invincible. And you do not have to break yourself just to prove something—to anyone, including yourself."
She swallowed hard.
"Rest," he continued. "And when you come back, don’t just be strong. Be smart."
He didn’t wait for her response. He just left.
Leaving Maiven staring after him, his words settling deep in her chest.
The room was silent again, except for the three people left behind—Cali, Gali and Jorge.
"Mukhang tinamaan ka don ah," Jorge teased lightly.
Maiven sighed. "Oo na."
Everyone chuckled, but no one teased her further.
"Tomorrow," Cali smiled, nudging her. "Uwi ka na."
"Sana huwag ka na magpakatanga after nito," Gali added bluntly.
"Luh!" Maiven groaned.
"What? Just saying," Gali smirked.
Despite herself, Maiven smiled.
Tomorrow, she was going home.
The process of Maiven’s discharge was quick, thanks to Gali handling most of the paperwork. It was a relief, really. She was exhausted from the hospital stay and just wanted to be in her own space again. As soon as they stepped out, Maiven squinted at the morning sun. Damn, ang sakit sa mata.
Gali, who had been quietly scrolling through her phone while waiting for Maiven to get settled, smirked. "Wow, parang kulang na lang masunog ka sa liwanag parang bampira."
"Pakyu," Maiven grumbled, slipping into the passenger seat of Gali’s car.
Gali snorted before getting in and starting the engine. The first few minutes of were silent, comfortable, easy.
Then, out of nowhere, Gali cleared her throat. "Oy, Maiven."
"Hmm?"
Gali held up her phone. "Picture tayo."
Maiven frowned. "Ha? Para saan?"
"Para ma update ko yung mga gago nating kaibigan," Gali grinned. "At para makita ng team na buhay ka pa naman. Baka mamaya, magspeech pa yung iba sa group chat kala patay ka na."
"Gagi ka," Maiven huffed, but before she could protest further, Gali had already switched to selfie mode, leaning in with a playful grin.
"Game na, dali. Smile ka naman kahit kunwari lang." Maiven sighed, attempting the most half-assed smile she could muster.
"Putek, para kang sinakal," Gali cackled, taking another photo. "Isa pa, pero mas may effort naman."
Maiven rolled her eyes but obliged, giving a small smirk.
"Ayan! Ayos!" Gali nodded approvingly as she sent the picture to their friends. "Oh, expect mo na may tatawag maya-maya para mangasar."
"Lalo na si Jorge," Maiven muttered, shaking her head.
"Siyempre. Pero at least alam nilang okay ka na."
Silence settled again. This time, it felt heavier. It was Gali who broke it.
"Alam mo ba kung gaano sila nag-alala?" she asked, her voice losing its playful tone.
Maiven exhaled through her nose. "Alam ko."
"Tapos gusto mo pang itago kay Ava," Gali added, glancing at her briefly.
That made Maiven clench her jaw.
"Huwag kang mag-alala, wala namang nagbunyag," Gali reassured her. "Pero kung alam lang ni Ava to, sigurado akong nandito yun sa ospital araw araw, gumagawa ng eksena."
Maiven didn’t respond immediately. She just looked out the window, watching as the city blurred past them.
"Alam ko," she murmured.
Gali gripped the steering wheel tighter. "Kaya mo pa ba, Maiven?"
"Ano?"
"Ito," Gali gestured vaguely with one hand. "Lahat ng to. Yung ginagawa mo sa sarili mo. Yung pagsasakripisyo mo para sa kanya."
"Wala namang bago, Gali," Maiven muttered, resting her head against the window.
"At yan ang problema," Gali said, shaking her head. "Hindi na bago sayo to. Lagi ka na lang ganyan. Lagi ka na lang may dinadala mag-isa."
Maiven shut her eyes briefly.
"Alam kong hindi mo basta-basta kayang tigilan si Ava," Gali continued, her voice quieter now. "Pero, Maiv... pwede ba? Alagaan mo rin sarili mo."
Maiven didn’t answer.
Because she didn’t know how to.
The rest of the drive was silent, but it wasn’t suffocating. Gali didn’t push further, and Maiven was grateful for that.
When they arrived in front of Maiven’s condo, Gali pulled the handbrake and turned to her.
"Pahinga ka muna, ha?" she said, her tone gentler now. "Wag mong madaliin bumalik sa court. Coach will fucking kill you."
Maiven huffed. "Oo na."
"Good." Gali smirked. Then, as if remembering something, she perked up. "O, gusto mo ulit ng picture? Pangpost sa IG mo. Caption mo, ‘I lived, bitch.’"
Maiven let out a surprised laugh. "Hayop, Gali!"
"Ano? At least witty."
"Hayup ka."
Gali grinned, then nodded towards the door. "Sige na, pasok ka na. Tawagan mo ako kung may kailangan ka. Kahit si Jorge na lang pala kung gusto mong may kausap na mas maingay."
"Baka ibalik ako sa ospital kapag siya kakausapin ko," Maiven deadpanned.
Gali just chuckled, waving her off.
Maiven stepped out, inhaling deeply as she looked up at her building. She was home. But for some reason, it didn’t feel as comforting as she thought it would.
Maiven's condo had turned into an unofficial extension of the hospital. Almost every day, either Gali, Cali, Jorge, Sab, or Lei would drop by, keeping her company, making sure she ate, and keeping her mind off volleyball. It was a distraction, but not enough to keep her from thinking about the games she had already missed.
Two games.
Two fucking games.
She was restless. Her body was getting stronger, but she wasn’t allowed to push herself yet. And worse, people were talking.
One evening, after training, Jorge, Gali, and Cali were lounging in her living room while she stayed curled up in her corner of the couch. Jorge had her phone out, scrolling with a smirk.
"What the hell, Maiven," Jorge suddenly spoke, laughing. "Dinaig mo pa yung mga artista sa dami ng chismis sa school forum."
"Huh?" Maiven frowned.
Gali raised a brow. "What are they saying?"
Jorge cleared her throat dramatically before reading aloud.
"Missing in action si Captain Lee. Dalawang games nang wala. Is she injured? Nag-quit? Nagka-boyfriend at iniwan ang volleyball for love? Discuss."
"Tangina nilang lahat," Maiven groaned, rubbing her face.
"Wait, ang dami pang theories dito!" Jorge snickered, scrolling further. "Sabi ng iba, nagka-sponsor daw siya abroad at lilipad na siya for international training. Meron ding nagsabi na nagka-issue raw kay Coach kaya na-suspend."
"Gago yung pangalawa," Gali snorted.
"Eto pa!" Jorge continued, barely containing her amusement. "‘Captain Lee got tired of volleyball and wants to explore modeling—’"
"Putangina, ang lalakas ng trip ng mga tao," Cali commented, shaking her head.
"Honestly, hindi na ako magugulat kung may magsabing buntis si Maiven," Gali added dryly.
"Hoy, ‘wag mo silang bigyan ng idea," Maiven groaned again.
Jorge was still entertained, but she looked at Maiven more closely. "Ikaw? Anong tingin mo? Nakakatuwa, nakakaasar, or... worried ka na?"
"Worried saan?" Maiven asked, but she already knew what Jorge meant.
"Na baka makarating kay Ava," Jorge said bluntly.
Maiven froze for a second before shrugging. "Eh ano naman?"
Gali sighed. "Maiv."
"Ano?" Maiven looked at them, trying to feign nonchalance.
Cali, who had been quiet most of the time, finally spoke up. "Ayaw mong malaman ni Ava kasi natatakot kang mag-alala siya... o natatakot kang hindi siya mag-alala?"
Silence.
Maiven clenched her jaw. "Masyado kayong nag-iisip," she muttered, standing up to grab a bottle of water from the fridge.
"Maiv," Jorge called after her, softer this time. "Ano ba talaga?"
She took a deep breath, gripping the bottle tightly before opening it. She didn’t want to say it. Didn’t want to admit that the real reason she kept everything from Ava wasn’t just to avoid worrying her. It was the fear—the gut-wrenching, bone-deep fear—that Ava wouldn’t care at all.
That Ava wouldn’t come looking for her.
That Ava wouldn’t even notice.
And that would hurt more than anything.
"Wala," Maiven finally answered, taking a sip of water before turning back to them with a small smirk. "Bahala na ‘yung mga chismosa diyan. Magsasawa rin sila."
Gali, Jorge, and Cali exchanged glances, clearly unconvinced.
But they let it go.
The day Maiven had been waiting for had finally arrived.
She was cleared—not to play, not to train, but at least to be inside the gym again. It wasn’t the best outcome, but it was a step forward. After weeks of being confined to her condo and missing two games, she’d take anything.
The moment she stepped into the gym, she felt it—the familiar scent of sweat and rubber shoes on polished floors, the sound of sneakers squeaking against the wood, the rhythmic thud of volleyballs being tossed and spiked.
It was home.
"Cap Lee!"
Maiven turned just in time to catch Yna, running toward her with an eager grin. "Grabe, Maiven! Akala ko talaga lilipad ka na pa abroad, eh!"
"Hoy, ikaw rin?" Maiven groaned, rubbing her temple. "Ilan pa ba ang naniniwala sa chismis na yon?"
"Lahat," Yna answered without hesitation.
"Edi wow."
Before she could react further, the rest of the team had already gathered around her. Some patted her back, others smirked knowingly. She was home, but of course, she wasn’t going to be spared from the teasing.
"Akala namin Cap nagka-boyfriend ka na kaya hindi ka na nagpakita," one of the middle blockers teased.
"Tangina mo," Maiven shot back.
"Aminin mo na, Cap, kaya ka absent kasi nag-audition ka sa modeling agency," added another teammate, barely holding in her laughter.
"Oo nga, baka gusto mong mag-pose para sa team poster natin next season."
Maiven groaned as they continued their ridiculous theories, throwing her head back in exasperation. "Mga hayop kayo! Isa pa, promise, lalabas na ako ng gym!"
"Ayy, ‘wag naman!"
One of the liberos grinned. "At least ngayon, nakikita ka na ulit namin dito sa gym."
Maiven was about to retort when a loud whistle pierced the air. Coach Mad stood in the middle of the court, arms crossed, eyebrow raised.
"Alright, enough gossiping. Lee, your spot is beside me. The rest of you, warm-ups now."
Maiven sighed. "Bakit parang pinakamasamang sentence yung ‘your spot is beside me’?"
Her teammates snickered as she dragged her feet toward the bench.
This was her reality now. Sitting on the sidelines, watching, analyzing, giving input, but never stepping onto the court. And at the end of training? Picking up stray balls and helping clean the gym.
She hated it.
But at least she was here.
And for now, that was enough.
Maiven took her seat beside Coach Mad, suppressing a sigh. The gym felt the same—alive, electric, filled with the energy of her teammates—but it wasn’t the same for her. She wasn’t playing. She wasn’t sweating it out on the court. Instead, she was stuck watching from the sidelines like an audience member at a show she was supposed to be part of.
"You look like you’re about to combust," Coach Mad noted, arms crossed as he watched the team go through warm-ups.
"I’d rather be out there than sitting here, Coach," Maiven admitted, leaning forward with her elbows on her knees. "Nakakainis panoorin lang."
"Mmm," was all Coach Mad said before turning his attention back to the court.
Maiven exhaled sharply, her fingers twitching as she watched Yna setting quick plays. It wasn’t that they were bad—if anything, the team had improved while she was gone. But the feeling of helplessness, of being unable to contribute, ate at her.
"Cap Lee!"
Maiven blinked as Cali called out from the court.
"Anong basa mo dito? Should we adjust the receive or tweak Yna’s timing?"
Maiven straightened up, analyzing the play for a moment. "Yna’s timing is fine, pero parang may gap sa coverage niyo. Parang may hesitation sa middle block," she called out.
Cali nodded, relaying the message. Training continued, and Maiven tried to ignore the itch in her hands—the need to hold a ball, to jump, to move. She continued giving feedback, her voice cutting through the noise of the gym. She was still useful. She could still contribute.
But when the final whistle blew, her role became even clearer.
"Cap, since wala ka namang ibang gagawin, tulungan mo na kaming magligpit," Jorge teased, tossing her a stray volleyball.
Maiven caught it easily, rolling her eyes. "Dapat pala nagpaiwan na lang ako sa condo."
"Wag ka na mareklamo, at least exercise pa rin yan," Gali added with a smirk.
"Sige, kayo na lang kaya maglinis? Ako na lang magpapahinga," Maiven shot back, placing the ball in the cart.
Cali chuckled, nudging her shoulder. "Tama na drama. Let’s just get this done, tapos kain tayo. Treat mo to, bilang first day mo ulit sa gym."
Maiven groaned. "Ako pa may treat? Eh ako nga ‘tong nagsuffer nang ilang linggo!"
"Exactly," Jorge grinned. "Kaya treat mo to, para welcome back."
Maiven shook her head but didn’t argue further. She picked up another ball, tossing it into the cart before scanning the court one last time.
She hated this part. But at least she was here. And for now, that would have to be enough.
Maiven stood in front of her locker, staring at her neatly folded jersey and training gear. It had been weeks since she last wore them, and the fabric felt almost foreign against her fingers. She inhaled deeply, trying to steady her nerves.
"Cap, wag ka ngang kabahan diyan. Parang first day mo sa team ah," Cali teased as she adjusted her knee pads.
"Oo nga," Jorge chimed in, swinging an arm around Maiven’s shoulder. "Para namang hindi ka ilang taon nang naglalaro."
"Shut up," Maiven muttered, shoving Jorge’s arm off. "It’s been a while, okay? Baka nangangalawang na ako."
"Nangangalawang ka pa diyan, Cap? Isa kang makina," Gali smirked, tossing Maiven a volleyball. "Wala nang atrasan to. Let’s get back our two losses."
Maiven caught the ball, gripping it tightly. "Damn right we will."
The team gathered in the center of the court as Coach Mad walked in, clipboard in hand.
"Alright," Coach Mad started, eyes scanning the players. "Now that Maiven is back, no one gets to slack off. If she can push through her recovery, I expect all of you to keep up."
A chorus of agreement erupted from the team, and Maiven felt a familiar fire ignite in her chest.
Coach Mad turned to her. "Lee, let’s see how you hold up. We’ll start with drills. No overexerting. You follow my pace, got it?"
Maiven nodded. "Yes, Coach."
The warm-up drills began, and Maiven found herself slipping back into rhythm. Footwork drills, agility training. Her body remembered the motions, even if there was still a slight lag in her reactions. But as they moved into passing drills, she could feel her instincts sharpening.
"Lee, receive!"
A fast ball came her way, and Maiven crouched, arms firm as she made a clean receive.
"Good one!" Yna grinned as she set the ball up for a spike.
Maiven smirked. "Syempre naman."
The practice intensified as they transitioned into scrimmages. Maiven was still a step behind, but her presence alone made a difference. She was back, and everyone felt it.
"Damn, namiss kita sa court," Cali admitted after a successful rally. "Mas may sense na ulit yung plays natin."
"Sabi ko naman sa inyo, di na to mapipigilan," Jorge laughed, wiping sweat from her forehead.
Maiven breathed heavily, hands on her knees, but she was smiling. She was back, and the fire in her chest burned stronger than ever. They weren’t just getting their two losses back. They were going to dominate.
With Maiven finally back in full training, the energy in the gym shifted. The team had always been competitive, but with their captain fully recovered, the intensity skyrocketed. They weren’t just training to win their next game—they were preparing to take back their two losses with a vengeance.
Drills and Setups
"Alright, team! Hustle!" Coach Mad’s voice boomed across the gym as everyone moved through footwork drills.
Maiven was back in her element, sweat dripping down her temple as she focused on every step. Side to side movements, quick dives, fast recoveries—she had missed this.
"Cap, kaya pa?" Gali smirked, jogging beside her.
"Wag mo akong tinatanong kung kaya ko, Gali. Alam mo ang sagot ko dyan?" Maiven shot back, smirking.
Jorge, who had just finished her turn in the drill, dramatically placed a hand on her chest. "Grabe yung gigil ni Lee ngayon, guys. Parang gusto niya tayong kainin nang buhay."
"Eh kung ikaw ba naman ang na-house arrest ng ilang linggo," Yna piped up, laughing.
Coach Mad clapped twice. "Enough chitchat. Set up for blocking drills!"
Blocking and Spiking Drills
Cali set the ball up perfectly, and Maiven exploded from the ground. She had always been a strong blocker, and the weeks of recovery only made her more determined.
"Tangina, Cap! Di mo naman kailangang patayin yung bola!" Jorge yelped after Maiven’s spike sent the ball flying past her reach.
Maiven smirked. "Akala ko gusto mong bumawi tayo?"
Gali whistled. "Kung ganito every training, baka magka-phobia na yung kalaban sa pangalan mo."
"Gusto ko nga sana, eh," Maiven deadpanned, grabbing another ball.
Coach Mad chuckled from the sidelines but quickly composed herself. "Alright, Lee, let’s not kill our own team. Save it for the real match."
Final Scrimmage Before the Game
The team was divided into two for a practice match, simulating game conditions. Maiven’s team was slightly behind, but she thrived in high-pressure situations.
"Set mo sa akin," she told Cali, who nodded.
The ball was tossed high, Maiven timed her jump perfectly, and her spike hit the floor before anyone could react.
"Point!"
"Damn! Cap Lee’s back for real," Yna said in awe.
"Ayos na, pwedeng pwede nang maglaro bukas," Gali said, stretching her arms.
Coach Mad blew the whistle, signaling the end of training. "Good work today, everyone. Rest up. Tomorrow, we take back what’s ours."
The team gathered in the middle of the court, hands stacked together.
"One, two, three—!"
"WIN!"
As they broke off, Jorge slung an arm around Maiven. "Tara, libre mo kami ng milktea, Lee. Welcome back gift mo sa ‘min."
Maiven rolled her eyes but smiled. "Eto puro libre akala mo hindi mayaman, pero sige na nga."
The night ended with laughter, but their determination burned stronger than ever. Tomorrow, they would reclaim what was theirs.
Maiven was in high spirits after practice. Everything was going well. The training was solid, her body felt strong, and tomorrow was game day. She had no reason to feel off. But the moment she arrived at her condo complex, that all changed.
Standing there, arms crossed and an unmistakable scowl on her face, was Avara.
Maiven stopped in her tracks. Shit.
She had successfully avoided this moment for weeks. But now, there was no escaping it.
Avara’s eyes locked onto her the second she stepped closer. "So... gusto mo bang ipaliwanag kung bakit ngayon ko lang nalaman na na ospital ka?" Her tone was sharp, demanding.
Maiven forced herself to appear unfazed. "Di naman big deal yun." She shrugged. "Minor lang. Bakit ka naman naabala?"
Avara scoffed, taking a step closer. "Naabala?! Maiven, you were in the hospital! Alam mo bang gaano ka nakakainis?!"
"Bakit naman ako nakakainis?" Maiven said coolly, trying to brush past her, but Avara blocked her path.
"Kasi hindi mo man lang sinabi!" Avara’s voice rose, frustration evident in every word. "Ano to? May rule na ako lang ang hindi pwedeng makaalam? Kahit sina Sab at Lei alam! Pero ako? Ako, wala akong ka-idea-idea?! Ano ba, Maiven?"
Maiven clenched her jaw. "Hindi mo naman kailangang malaman, Ava. Ayokong abalahin ka."
Avara narrowed her eyes. "Ganon? Hindi mo ko kayang ‘abalahin’ pero okay lang sayo na matulog ako sa pila ng Starbucks para sa drinks mo dati? O kaya bigla akong dumukot ng pera kasi wala kang dalang cash? Those are fine, pero yung malaman ko na may sakit ka, hindi?"
Maiven sighed. She knew this was coming.
"Ava, it wasn’t serious—"
"Hindi ka nga nakalaro ng dalawang game, Maiven! Alam mo ba kung anong pinagsasasabi ng mga tao sa school? Kung hindi pa ako tinanong ni Sab kanina, wala akong alam hanggang ngayon!"
Maiven ran a hand through her hair, taking a deep breath before meeting Avara’s gaze. "Kung nalaman mo noon pa, pupunta ka ba?"
"Ano?!"
"Kung nalaman mo na na ospital ako... pupunta ka ba?"
Avara didn’t even hesitate. "Of course, Maiven! Ano bang iniisip mo?"
Something clenched in Maiven’s chest. It was the immediate answer. The certainty in Avara’s voice. The part of her that she desperately tried to suppress stirred painfully.
But she didn’t let it show. Instead, she sighed and looked away. "Okay... sorry."
Avara blinked, her anger slightly shifting into confusion. "Sorry? Iyan lang?"
Maiven nodded. "Sorry. Tara na, pasok tayo."
For a moment, it looked like Avara wanted to argue some more, but she let out a sharp exhale and followed Maiven inside. The tension between them dissipated—not completely, but enough to let them fall back into their usual rhythm.
As soon as they stepped inside, Avara set a plastic bag on the dining table before heading straight to the kitchen like she owned the place. Maiven, still processing everything that happened outside, rubbed the back of her neck and sighed before following her.
"Ano to?" Maiven asked, peering into the bag.
"Food, obviously," Avara replied, opening the cabinets to get plates. "Sabi ni Gali, kailangan mo pa rin ng maayos na pagkain since nagrerecover ka. Ayaw niyang mapwersa katawan mo."
Maiven raised an eyebrow. "Si Gali ba talaga may sabi niyan o ikaw lang?"
Avara shot her a look. "Both. Kasi kung ikaw ang tatanungin, panigurado, kakain ka lang ng instant noodles o kaya fast food."
Maiven chuckled, pulling out the containers. But the moment she saw the food, she groaned.
"Lugaw na naman?!" she exclaimed. "Ava, bakit? Ano bang kasalanan ko sa inyo?"
Avara blinked at her. "Anong bakit?"
"Cali brought lugaw last time!" Maiven huffed, crossing her arms. "Alam kong Chinese ako, pero hindi ibig sabihin niyan favorite ko to!"
Avara smirked, clearly amused. "Sus, arte. Lugaw is good for recovery. May sabaw, madaling kainin, tapos healthy pa. Tanggapin mo na lang, Maiven."
Maiven sighed in defeat as Avara placed a spoon in front of her.
"Sige na, kain na bago pa lumamig," Avara said. "May tokwa’t baboy naman oh, tapos may steamed chicken pa. Di lang lugaw yan."
Despite her complaints, Maiven’s stomach betrayed her by grumbling. Avara raised an eyebrow, grinning.
"Sabi ko na eh," she teased.
Maiven rolled her eyes but still picked up the spoon, taking a hesitant bite. As much as she wanted to keep complaining, the warm, familiar taste of the dish was comforting. She begrudgingly admitted it wasn’t bad.
"Ayos to ah," she muttered. "Pati tokwa’t baboy, sakto yung timpla. San mo to nakuha?"
"Secret," Avara said smugly. "Baka kasi magustuhan mo tapos ako pa utusan mong bumili palagi."
Maiven snorted. "Tingin mo ba hindi kita uutusan kahit hindi ko alam san galing to?"
Avara rolled her eyes, but she was smiling.
They continued eating, the earlier tension completely fading as they slipped into easy conversation. Avara filled the silence with updates about school, random gossip she heard, and stories about Sab and Lei’s latest kalokohan.
"Sabi pala ni Lei, nagka-issue yung thesis group niya. May isang member na tamad, tapos gusto nilang sipain kaso parang wala nang time para maghanap ng kapalit."
Maiven nodded as she chewed. "Eh ano plano nila?"
"Ewan, pero feeling ko si Lei na naman ang gagawa ng lahat. Alam mo naman ‘yun, masipag. Tapos si Sab naman, nagreklamo kasi kinulit siya ng prof nila na mag-host ng event."
"Sab? Magho-host?" Maiven smirked. "Hindi ba may takot yun sa stage?"
"Yun nga eh," Avara laughed. "Pero sabi niya wala siyang choice kasi siya raw ‘yung pinaka presentable sa class nila. Ewan ko ba sa kanya, baka mag-backout din ‘yun."
Maiven shook her head, amused. She didn’t realize how much she missed this—just sitting and talking with Avara like they always did. No complications, no underlying tension. Just them.
When they finished eating, Avara stretched her arms above her head and leaned back on the chair.
"Inaantok ka na?" Maiven asked, watching her.
"A little," Avara admitted. "Pero mas ikaw ang kailangan matulog."
Maiven scoffed. "Pinalalayas mo na ba ako sa sarili kong condo?"
"Baliw," Avara rolled her eyes. "Sabi ko nga, mag-oovernight ako dito."
Maiven’s breath hitched for a second. "Huh?"
"Bukas na ‘yung game mo, ‘di ba?" Avara said casually, standing up to grab a glass of water. "‘Di mo na kailangang tanungin, Maiven. Manonood ako."
Maiven’s grip tightened slightly around her spoon, but she kept her face neutral.
"Kahit hindi mo panoorin, panalo pa rin kami," she said, trying to sound indifferent.
"Alam ko naman ‘yun," Avara said with a grin, taking a sip of her water.
Maiven forced herself to shrug it off, but deep inside, she was failing miserably.