Cairo's P.O.V
I'm feeling pumped to play today—I really want to impress Aria, so I'm giving it my best. I keep glancing at her in the bleachers while I play, and sometimes our eyes meet. I'm already happy with just this, with her being there, watching the game.
I scored again—three points! I looked at Aria once more, but this time, she wasn't looking at me. And it makes me feel irritated, she must only pay attention to me.
Her gaze was distant, so I followed where she was looking—and there by the gym entrance stood Asher, with the SSG President who had just returned to school.
I don't know why, but my blood suddenly boiled. I looked back at Aria—she was staring at Asher.
It's so annoying. I hate the fact that she's looking to Asher.
I tried to focus on the game again until the ball came back to me. I looked at Aria again, but she was still staring at Asher. I was getting really irritated.
Out of frustration, I threw the ball high into the air—but I didn't expect it to head in Asher's direction. It hit him right on the forehead.
Coach blew the whistle loudly—time out.
I didn't mean to hit Asher with the ball, but I was so pissed off at the moment I just didn't care anymore.
"Dude, what the hell? You lost focus. You hit Asher with the ball," said Sade.
"I didn't mean to hit him," I said irritably.
"Still, you threw the ball into the air. It should've gone to the hoop. What's your problem?" Sade said, equally irritated.
"I said I didn't mean it, tsk."
"Cairo, go apologize to the one you hit," Coach said as he walked up to me.
"But I didn't do it on purpose," I replied.
"Still, apologize," Coach insisted. So I had no choice but to walk over to where Asher was, though I was fuming.
Especially when I remembered what he said back at the cemetery—that he liked Aria.
What a jerk. A traitor of a friend.
When I got close, Asher looked at me. He didn't have any cuts, but his forehead turns red.
"I didn't mean to hit you," I said half-heartedly.
"I'm fine, dude. It's nothing," Asher replied.
"Come on, Asher. You'd better go to the clinic... your forehead's a little red and swollen," said the SSG President. I couldn't remember her name—just that she's the SSG President.
"Don't worry, Luna. I'm fine," Asher said with a smile.
Ah, so her name is Luna.
"Asher, it's better if you head to the clinic. Your forehead really is swelling," Hannah said from the side.
"Wait. Just remember this, Asher—I will never hand her over to you. If you think I've given up, you're wrong," I told him out of nowhere.
Asher turned to me. He just looked at me, and I couldn't read what he was thinking at that moment. But I knew he knew exactly what—and who—I meant. He didn't say a word and simply walked away with Luna toward the clinic.
"Cairo, is there something going on between you and Asher?" Hannah asked.
"It's nothing, Hannah," I replied.
But I could see the concern on her face.
Coach called us back to resume the game. I looked toward where Aria was seated—she was still there, looking at me, and I could see the worry on her face too.
So I went over to her for a moment.
"What happened earlier… I didn't mean to hit Asher with the ball," I said flatly.
"Oh, that… Is Asher okay? I didn't get the chance to check on him earlier," Aria replied.
And I couldn't help but feel annoyed because I could see the concern and sadness on her face.
It pissed me off—and it hurt.
"He's fine. They went to the clinic," I just said before walking back to my teammates.
I tried to focus on the game, but it just wasn't the same anymore. Every time I glanced at Aria, she seemed spaced out…
She was clearly thinking about what happened to Asher.
And that irritated me so much.
Eventually, the practice game ended.
"Don't leave yet, we have a meeting for tomorrow's match," Coach said.
I looked over at the bleachers where Aria was sitting—but she was already gone.
"Coach, wait a moment—I'll be right back," I said and ran outside.
I didn't wait for Coach to respond. Once I was out of the gym, I looked around for Aria.
Where could she be? She walks so fast.
Then I finally spotted her and quickly ran toward her.
"Aria…" I called her name, and she turned to look at me.
"Aria, cheer for me tomorrow, okay? Make a banner for me," I said.
She looked surprised.
"Huh? What? Why would I do that?" she asked, shocked.
"Come on, just do it… If you don't cheer for me tomorrow, I swear I'll let the team lose the game. And if we lose, it's totally your fault," I said.
I saw irritation flash across her face.
"You're so annoying, ugh," she said.
"Please, Aria," I insisted.
"Your fans are gonna kill me for this," she muttered.
"Tsk. I already made an announcement—anyone who lays a hand on you is gonna have to deal with me," I added.
"Fine, fine. I'll cheer for you tomorrow," she finally said.
I couldn't help but smile when I heard that.
I felt so happy that I ended up hugging her for a few seconds—and when I pulled away, I saw the surprise in her eyes.
"S-sorry, I just got really happy," I said quickly.
"Ah… i-it's okay… I-I'll get going now," she replied, then turned and walked away.
I'm happy that Aria agreed to cheer for me tomorrow, but I can't get the sadness in her eyes out of my head.
It started when she saw Asher—was it because she was worried about him after I hit him with the ball?
I started walking back to the gym for the meeting.