Chapter 34: Sour Encounter

Chapter 34: Sour Encounter

"Goodnight, Aria," he said, giving her a gentle pat on the shoulder before turning to leave.

Aria watched him go, feeling a warmth spread through her. She had always respected Orion, not just for his skills on the court but for his kindness and sincerity.

Dropping the "kuya" felt like a small step towards a closer bond, one she cherished deeply.

'Hahhh...' Orion sighed as he lay in bed.

He couldn't help but chuckle at himself. He wanted Aria to see him as just a protective older brother, yet here he was, telling her to stop calling him 'kuya'.

"Ano ba talaga, Orion?" Orion muttered to himself, staring at the ceiling.

Monday came, and Aria still struggled with her sprain. 

"Ahh..!! Ang hirap naman ilakad ng paa na 'to." Aria said in a loud voice as she got out of bed.

She continued, " What if putulin ko ito..? char," Aria chuckled.

" Ang sakit eh, it didn't hurt this badly naman kahapon,"

But she persevered, determined not to let it slow her down. With her class starting at 8 a.m., she changed into her clothes, arranged her things in her bag, and slowly made her way downstairs.

Each step was a reminder of her injury, but she pushed through the discomfort with a resolute spirit. As she reached the lobby, she saw Orion about to leave the condo.

He spotted her, his eyes lighting up with concern and amusement.

"Hey, Aria," he called out, jogging over to her. "Still struggling with that ankle, huh?" 

"Yeah, pero I'm not letting it stop me." Aria gave him a determined smile. Orion admired her tenacity

Seeing that Aria has her USTP lanyard hanging around her neck, Orion offered her a ride. "You know, ihatid na kita sa school. It'll be faster and easier on your ankle."

Aria hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "That would be great. Thanks, Orion."

They walked to the parking area, where Orion's motorbike was parked. He handed her a helmet and helped her get settled on the back of the bike.

"How bad is it?" he asked, his voice soft.

Aria sighed. "Mas masakit siya ngayon kaysa kahapon. I guess I pushed it too much."

"Well, dahan-dahan ka lang ngayon Aria," Orion said. "Take a break muna sa training next Saturday,"

Aria nodded, understanding the importance of giving her ankle time to heal. "Yeah, I think I'll have to."

Orion started the motorbike, and they set off toward USTP. 

As they neared the campus, Orion slowed down and carefully navigated to the entrance. He parked and helped Aria off the bike, ensuring she didn't put too much weight on her ankle.

"Thank you, kuya--"

"Orion." Orion interrupted Aria.

Aria paused, her eyes widening slightly at the interruption. She looked at Orion, her cheeks flushing a bit as she corrected herself. "Thank you, Orion."

Orion gave her a reassuring smile. "Walang anuman, Aria. Just make sure you rest that ankle, okay?"

She nodded, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "I will. Promise."

As they reached the entrance, Aria's friends, Emily and Marcus, spotted them and hurried over.

Emily and Marcus reached them, and Emily immediately took Aria's arm, supporting her. 

"Aria! Anong nangyari?" Emily exclaimed, her eyes wide with concern.

"Sprained my ankle," Aria explained. "Pero okay naman ako since Orion helped me get here."

Marcus gave Orion a grateful nod. "Thanks, Orion. Kami na ni Emily bahala."

Orion nodded back. "Anytime. Ingat ka ha, Aria." Orion said as he gave Aria's shoulder a gentle squeeze. 

Aria smiled, appreciating his concern. "You too, Orion. Kita-kita lang tayo sa campus."

As Aria and her friends walked away, Orion stood for a moment, watching them go. He felt a mix of emotions, relief that Aria was in good hands, but also a lingering sense of something more he couldn't quite define.

Orion then headed to his class with his mind on the clouds. However, as he rounded a corner, he nearly collided with someone coming from the opposite direction. His heart sank when he recognized who it was—

"...Ysa." 

Ysa, his ex-girlfriend.

"Orion," Ysa said, her voice a mix of surprise and something else he couldn't quite place.

"Long time no see."

'ughh.. bakit same building sa Civil Engineering ang course namin,' Orion thought as he cursed the school in his mind.

"Yeah, it's been a while," Orion replied, his mood souring instantly. Memories of their messed up relationship flooded back, and he felt a knot tighten in his stomach.

Ysa looked at him with a half-smile. "Kamusta na?"

"Good," he said curtly, trying to keep the conversation short. "Late na ako sa class, though. See you around."

As he tried to walk past her, Ysa placed a hand on his arm. "Orion, wait. Pwede ba tayong mag-usap mamaya? Catch up lang?"

Orion paused, "Is there something to talk about?"

Ysa's eyes widened slightly at Orion's response. "Orion, I really wanted to—"

Orion cut her off, his voice firm but controlled.

"Ysa, there's a lot of unresolved hurt between us, and late na talaga ako sa klase," 

Ysa looked taken aback, her expression a mix of hurt and confusion. "Alam kong galit ka parin--" Orion then interrupted.

"Alam mo pala eh.  I think it's important for you to address these issues with your current boyfriend."

Ysa's expression hardened. "Fine. Kung yan ang gusto mo, then go. But don't think this is over. Magkikita rin tayo rito sa campus, and you might just regret pushing me away."

Orion's eyes narrowed slightly, "What's there to regret huh?" 

Without waiting for a response, Orion turned and walked briskly toward his class. 

"Anong magkikita parin tayo na pinagsasabi niya, di ko nga nakikita mga classmates ko last sem," Orion muttered.

He felt a rush of determination as he left Ysa behind, her words and presence slowly fading from his mind.

Orion entered the classroom and sank into his seat as the lecture began, trying to focus on the professor's words. Despite his efforts, his mind kept returning to his encounter with Ysa.

"Hahh, that's why I can't believe in love again," he muttered to himself, frustration evident in his voice.

The betrayal and emotional scars from his past relationship with Ysa had left him wary and skeptical of romantic commitments. He glanced around the room, his thoughts clouded with doubts and lingering pain.

The professor's voice was a distant hum as Orion replayed moments from his past with Ysa—her deceit, the heartache, and the sense of betrayal. 

Orion's gaze shifted to the window, the sun casting a warm glow on the campus outside. 

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