Light

I lay down with all my limbs splayed out. Ouch. I had really given it my all, and maybe that's why my body refused my heart's determination.

"Hah, I guess even this was not enough."

I dwell on all my regrets till now, and understand that this might be something that I brought upon myself. But under all those, I could see a faint light that pushed me forward. Maybe it's not too late. I look around to find it, but I somehow missed it.

In the meantime, from the corner of my eyes, I could see Asuka sprinting towards me and jumping on top of me.

"SENPAI!!!"

"Ugh"

Now my body was really creaking. Looks like I have aged a bit too much after being separated from the club.

"That was close, senpai. We almost had them. But, you really played your heart out!", said Ringo who appeared from behind me.

"Yeah, I was a bit rusty. Shame I couldn't land that in, but it was fun overall."

"You guys were really making us sweat in the end. Even though you lost, the treat is still on." The English teacher greeted us with a welcome.

"And the homework?" asked Ringo shyly.

"You are not escaping that, though."

"UGH!!"

I turned around to see Asuka clutching on my shoulders.

"Thank you, senpai." She looked straight in my eyes, with big diamonds dropping from her eyes.

"Sorry I was late. But thank you for inviting me back. I don't know what you see in me, but..."

Before I could complete, Asuka hugged me as if to stop me from completing my thoughts. I acknowledged her feelings, and hugged her back as if to mark the return of our friendship. But, the hug was unnaturally longer than I expected.

"Uhh, Asuka?"

She shyly released me and stood up, with her head turned around. I could not see her face due to the towering lights of the gym that blinded me, but I hope she knows how much I appreciate her forgiveness.

"See you later, senpai." Asuka left first, while Ringo followed suit.

Beyond the celebrations and laughter, the crowd started to leave the gym as well with smiles all spread across. I saw Kokoro waving with full enthusiasm as mom signaled that they are leaving, maybe to allow me to enjoy my time with my friends. How compassionate.

Now, where is Saya? I stood up and looked around to not even find a speck of her.

Hey now. I gave it my all for you, and you are nowhere to be seen? Did you hate seeing me losing? I got embarrassed for a second for being so self-centered, but it was the truth anyway and I didn't intend to hide from it. Her feelings for me has definitely rubbed off me in some way, because I definitely feel a lot closer to her now than before. Maybe, it can work out...

I ask around to find that she had already left and was back at the classroom. I sprint to find her sitting with her head down on the desk for some reason. Was she sulking because we narrowly lost? She can get really attached to some things, this girl. I tapped her shoulder gently, as if to console her. And myself in-turn.

"Hey Saya. Sorry about that match. If only I was a bit better, but hey. Look on the bright side, maybe I can recover and be ready for the nationals when it's time. Thank you for the push you gave me. Man, you really think about me a lot. You think we should go out sometime this week..."

Saya shook her head and woke up from that slumber and turned to look directly at me. Tears dropped from her eyes as if we were back to the Monsoons.

"I'm sorry."

That was the only thing she said, before sprinting in her usual style. Huh? Why did she say that? Usually, I was able to catch up to her. But this time, her steps were heavy. And much farther than before.

"I said I would never do it again. And I meant it." I ran like anything to chase after that light, because without it... I'm nothing.