C6 CHAPTER 6: Unspoken Feelings

LUNA’S POV

When the official game started, our cheers and applause echoed throughout the court. The game was intense, with both teams giving it their all. Kuya and Orion displayed their skills and teamwork, impressing the crowd with their talent.

Throughout the game, Alhena, Maegan, and I cheered loudly, encouraging not only Kuya and Orion but the entire team. It was heartwarming to see their faces light up whenever they heard our cheers from the stands.

The court was bustling with energy as players, coaches, and supporters gathered for the practice. Kuya Arche and Orion were already warming up, their determination evident in every move they made. Alhena, Maegan, and I took our spots in the stands, ready to cheer for them and also the team. His passion for basketball was evident in every move he made. I cheered loudly and clapped my hands, letting my enthusiasm blend with the cheers of others around me. The cheers and support from the spectators boosted the players' morale, and the energy in the air was electrifying.

Throughout the game, Kuya and Orion showcased their teamwork and talent. It was evident that they had been practicing hard, and their dedication was paying off. The match was intense, and both teams gave their all, displaying sportsmanship and determination.

Alhena, Maegan, and I waved our posters and chanted along with the other supporters. We felt united as we cheered for our school's team, and the feeling of camaraderie was electrifying.

The other fans joined in, creating a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere. I noticed Orion making some excellent plays too, and I couldn't help but cheer for him as well.

The game neared its end, Kuya's team was trailing by a few points. They called a timeout, and the coach huddled them together to discuss their strategy. When they returned to the court, there was a newfound determination in their eyes.

The basketball court was buzzing with energy as the game began. Kuya and Orion played brilliantly, their teamwork evident in every move they made. I cheered enthusiastically, feeling proud of my brother and his friend.

During a crucial moment in the game, Orion made an amazing three-point shot. Swish! The ball went straight through the net as the buzzer sounded, signaling the end of the game. Kuya's team had won! The crowd erupted into cheers, and Kuya was surrounded by his jubilant teammates.

Rinig na rinig ko rin ‘yong ingay ni Alhena dahil na shoot sa basket ‘yong bola ng Kuya niya, and the crowd erupted into cheers. I held up my poster with Kuya's name written in bold letters and shouted his name with all my might.

Nagkamayan na ang mga players upang batiin ang isa't isa at ipagdiwang ang tagumpay ng kanilang team, kasama na si Kuya. Excited na kaming sinalubong sila, kasama sina Maegan at Alhena, para ipaabot ang aming pagbati.

"Congratulations, Kuya! Galing mo talaga!" masayang sabi ni Alhena kay Orion, sabay yakap sa kapatid.

"Good job, Sainyo, galing niyo po! We're so proud of you!" sabi naman ni Maegan, na kasunod ding nagpalakpakan kami.

As I congratulated the others, my eyes met Orion's, and I couldn't help but smile. Despite feeling a bit shy, I knew I had to show my support and appreciation for his hard work. I approached him with a warm smile, my heart beating a little faster than usual.

"Congratulations, Orion! You were amazing out there!" I said, trying to sound confident.

His eyes lit up, and a genuine smile spread across his face. "Thanks, Luna! I appreciate it. Your support means a lot to me," he replied, his voice filled with gratitude.

"Ay, teka, Ako? Hindi mo ba ko babatiin Luna?" Tanong ni Kuya

"Hindi na kailangan," pagtataray ko, at pa simple ng ngumiti sa kanila.

Kuya looked at me with mock offense, pretending to be hurt by my oversight. "Aba! Si Orion binati, tapos akong kapatid hindi binati," he said, feigning a pout.

I couldn't help but chuckle at Kuya's playful reaction. "Oo na, sige na, alam mo naman na proud ako sa'yo," I replied, giving him a playful nudge. "Pero sige, batiin na kita. Congratulations, Kuya! You did great out there too!"

Kuya's pout quickly turned into a grin, and he gave me a playful punch on the shoulder. "Thanks, iyan dapat, hindi ‘yong parang may bias ka," he said, his tone light and teasing.

Napatigil naman ako ng paghinga at sinamaan ko naman si Kuya ng tingin.

"So, Let's celebrate this victory!" sabi ni Alhena, at hindi kami nag-atubiling sumang-ayon.

Nagulantang naman ako nang biglang lumapit ang dalawang tropa nina Orion at Kuya sa amin.

"So, Kasama ba kami diyan?" sabi nilang dalawa

Nagtitigan naman kaming lima at agad na ngumiti.

"Oo naman! Bakit hindi?" sabi ni Alhena

Tumango rin si Maegan, "Tama 'yan! Let's celebrate together!"

Napangiti ako nang malaki sa mga kaibigan ni Orion at Kuya. Sabay-sabay kaming nagpunta sa resto bar venue para magdiwang. Masayang-masaya kaming nagkuwentuhan at nagtawanan, nagbabahagi ng kasiyahan sa isa't isa. Sa oras na iyon, alam ko na masayang-masaya ako sa mga kaibigan ko. Hindi lang sila basta mga kaibigan, kundi mga taong nagpupuno sa aking puso ng kasiyahan at pag-asa.

"Nakita n'yo ba 'yong tree points shot ni Orion sa bandang huli?" sabi ni Ryan, isa sa mga tropa ni Kuya, at agad nagkuwento siya ng kaganapan sa laro.

"Oo, halos lahat ng shoot niya pumasok eh!" sabi naman ni Calix, isa pang kaibigan.

Agad naman sumingit si Kuya, "Ay teka, paano naman ako? Napaka galing ko rin noh."

Sinamaan ko agad ng tingin si Kuya dahil sa pagsingit niya sa usapan.

"Oo na, Arche, ang galing-galing mo rin. Kaso bawi ka na lang next time," sabi ni Ryan sabay kaway sa kanya.

"Alam mo, Kuya! Alam naman namin na magaling ka rin. Pero hindi mo kailangang mang-agaw ng spotlight," dagdag ko, na may kasamang biruan.

"Kala mo kasi ikaw lang ang magaling, eh," birong sabi ko, pero alam kong may pagka-tease 'yong tono ko.

Natawa si Kuya, at inako naman ang pagka-spoiler niya sa aming kuwentuhan. "Okay, okay, isa lang ako tapos ang dami niyo. Sige, alam ko na next time mas magiging fair ako," sabi niya sabay tawa.

The victory party for Kuya and Orion's team was a blast, and of course, we were all there to celebrate with them. Our cheers during the game were intense, and we knew we deserved to share the spotlight too.

The venue was filled with laughter and joy as we danced and sang along to the music. I could see Orion and Kuya beaming with happiness, proud of their team's achievement. Alhena, Maegan, and I were equally thrilled, knowing that our cheers and support contributed to their success.

Throughout the night, we reminisced about the game and shared funny anecdotes. Kuya, ever the joker, made everyone burst into fits of laughter with his witty remarks. Orion, on the other hand, was more reserved, but his genuine smiles showed how much he appreciated our presence.

As the night went on, we took countless photos to commemorate the special occasion. Alhena and Maegan made sure to capture every moment, including our epic dance-off on the dance floor. We truly felt like one big family, united in the joy of victory and friendship.

Habang nasa kotse na kami para umuwi ay nagkukwento ako sakanya hanggang sa napatigil ako sa pagkukwento nang biglang tanungin ako ni Kuya tungkol kay Orion.

"Gusto mo ba si Orion?" tanong niya habang nagmamaneho.

Naalala ko ang mga nagdaang pangyayari, pati na rin ang kilig na nadama ko noong una kong makita si Orion. Nagkatinginan kami ni Kuya habang hinihintay niya ang sagot sa tanong niya.

Naramdaman ko ang pagkakaba sa dibdib ko dahil alam kong hindi siya nagbibiro at seryoso siya sa kanyang tanong. Tumigil muna siya sa pagmamaneho para bigyan ako ng pagkakataon na sumagot.

"Hmm, Kuya, ano k-kaba?" sabi ko.

Nakita ko naman siya na hindi pa rin umiiwas ng tingin sakin.

"Uhm, w-well, to be honest, Kuya, he's a really nice guy," sabi ko habang nag-iisip kung paano sasagutin ang tanong niya.

Nakangiti si Kuya habang nakikinig sa sagot ko. "Nice guy lang ba talaga?" sabi niya sabay kibit-balikat. "Hindi ka ba talaga nagkakagusto sa kanya?"

Wait lang naman, na pe-pressure ako sa tanong niya. Ba’t naman kasi ‘yan ‘yong tanong niya, masyadong out of the blue?

Nakita ko ang pagkakainteres ni Kuya sa sinasabi ko, kaya't nagpatuloy ako sa pagkukwento. "He's not just a great basketball player, but he's also kind and thoughtful. And I can't deny that he's good-looking, too. dagdag ko pa, na may konting ngiti sa labi.

Tumango si Kuya, parang nag-aantay pa ng iba pang sasabihin ko. "So, uulitin ko do you like him, Luna?" tanong niya, seryoso ang tono ng boses.

Napalunok ako at napa-iwas nalang ng tingin.

"Kuya, masyado mo nga akong pini-pressure sa tanong mo pero hindi ko pa talaga masasabing 'like' ko siya ng lubusan. Kaya please lang ‘wag mo akong aasarin na may gusto ako sakaniya..." diretso kong sabi at agad ng tumingin sa bintana ng kotse

"Okay, kung may gusto ka man kay Orion. Huwag muna!" sabi niya.

Kuya's response surprised me. I couldn't help but wonder why he said that. Does he not like Orion for me? Or is he just teasing me again? The thought of Kuya not approving of Orion for me made me feel a bit uneasy.

The words Kuya said to me continued to linger in my mind even after we arrived home. I couldn't help but wonder why he seemed so concerned about my feelings for Orion. Gusto ko talaga si Orion, sa totoo lang, pero ayoko munang ipaalam sa lahat, especially Kuya. Unang una masyadong awkward para sa akin lalo na’t wala pa naman kaming totally closure ni Orion, and pangalawa ayoko rin naman umasa na magugustuhan ako ng isang Orion.