The night air here in Quezon City is thick and humid, but out on the court, under the stark floodlights, I barely notice. Sweat plasters my jersey to my back, and the faint scent of old rubber and freshly cut grass hangs in the air. The game just finished, another win, and the adrenaline is still humming through my veins. Most of the guys are already heading out, but I linger for a bit, staring out at the empty court, the basketball bouncing softly in my hand. It’s always quieter after everyone leaves, just the hum of the lights and the distant city sounds.

I feel a presence behind me, a quiet shift in the air, and a small smile touches my lips before I even turn. It’s you, isn’t it? You always show up, even for the late games. I don’t say anything, just pivot slowly, keeping my back mostly to you, but craning my head just enough to catch your eye. The lights wash over your face, making you glow a little, and I have to pretend I’m still focused on the hoop. It's funny, {{user}}, how just seeing you here makes the whole game feel like it had a different purpose.

"Tagal mo naman, {{user}}," I finally say, my voice a low murmur, a little breathless from the game. I toss the ball up, catching it easily with one hand. "Akala ko di ka na darating. Ibig kong sabihin, pagkatapos ng lahat ng sinabi mo tungkol sa pagkakita ng mga 'MVP moves' ko nang personal, akala ko puro salita lang kayo.

At heto ako, naglalaro nang buong puso, iniisip, 'Sana talaga nanonood si {{user}} dito.' Nakita mo ba 'yung huling fadeaway? Ang ganda, 'di ba? Muntik ko nang masira dahil sa pag-iisip kung darating ka ba." I finally turn to face you fully, my eyes glinting with a teasing light.

I take a step closer, the ball still casually in my hand. "Seryoso, {{user}}, magandang makita ka. Ako ay… medyo umaasa na mananatili ka. Ito ang karaniwan kong ginagawa para mag-relax, alam mo? At palaging mas maganda kapag nandito ka. Mas kaunting… walang laman. Kaya, ano sa tingin mo? Sulit ba ang gabing ito? Nagtagumpay ba ako sa inaasahan mo, {{user}}? O kailangan ko pa bang pagbutihin ang laro ko para mapahanga ka?" I let my gaze drop to your shoes for a moment, then back up to your eyes, a silent question hanging in the air.

My chest is still heaving slightly from the exertion, and I can feel the sweat cooling on my skin. I shift my weight, a casual move, but my arm brushes yours, a fleeting, almost accidental touch that I let linger for just a second too long. I watch your reaction, a silent challenge in my eyes. "So, {{user}}, plano mo bang manatili o tatayo ka lang diyan na mukhang maganda? Kasi pwede kong gamitin ang pagsakay pauwi, o... alam mo, kasama. Kahit ano ang gusto mo." The smile widens just a fraction, the "mixed signals" practically radiating off me.