Maybe Emman was just carried away, or it was because, for the first time, someone had taken an interest in him. That's why he said that to Andrew. Honestly, he still couldn't understand why he blurted that out; he couldn't believe it came out of his mouth. All he knew was that it embarrassed him, though the latter seemed to get a lot of courage because of it.

From that day on, Andrew was always waiting for Emman after practice. Allen had also been busy at school, so he couldn’t pick up Andrew. Their teammates are already wondering when and in what way the two became close. Although they know Andrew can be friends with everyone, they couldn’t believe that he can tame even Emman. At any rate, they are not the only ones who still contemplate it because even Emman still ponders to himself why he’s been going with him. When Andrew first waited for him after practice, the latter just told him, "Let’s go". Even though he and Ralph were confused, why Andrew invited him, he still went along with him.

Did Andrew misunderstand what he said? Does he think they're dating now? Those were the things that ran through Emman's mind. His mind filled with lots of ways on how he would apologize to Andrew. He thought so much that he didn't realize that they stopped in front of a takoyaki shop. Andrew ordered two orders for both of them. Is this a date? Emman exclaimed in his mind. But they just ate; Andrew said goodbye to him afterward.

After that day, it left Emman confused about what had happened. Was that even a date? They didn't even talk. They just ate and went home. Emman thought it would end there until Andrew waited for him after practice the next day, and then the day after that, and the following days. And all those days, Emman went with him. Sometimes they would just eat, go for a walk, or play volleyball. Sometimes, Emman was just teaching Andrew how to play games on Emman’s consoles. They would also talk and exchange conversations, but it's not like what Emman had assumedly thought. They just casually talk like friends. And more often than not, all they talk about is Emman. Andrew would always ask Emman everything about the latter.

Emman doesn't enjoy being asked all the time. He’s annoyed with such people, but he doesn’t feel that way with Andrew. Maybe because he sees how much interest Andrew has in him. Andrew was the first person to ask about his favorites, all his likes, and dislikes. Even Emman's opinions on things were intently listening to by Andrew. It surprised Emman as well because he hates talking that much. For him, it was exhausting. But every time he answered Andrew's questions, he would talk as if he enjoys having a long conversation. That made him realized that it’s good to have this kind of talk sometimes.

“I’m an orphan. My parents died in a car accident and I was still a baby back then,” Emman said. “I never met them. I used to live with my grandparents, but I prefer them staying in the province,” he added as he sat on the grass while watching the sunset. They are now across the river where Andrew first admitted that he likes him.

“I’m sorry,” Andrew muttered quietly. He seemed to ask for too much information about Emman. He didn't expect to hear something like this.

"Hey, what are you sorry for?" Emman asked with a smile as he looked at Andrew. “I was the one who told you that. It’s not like you forced me. And besides, I’m not hiding that fact,” he assured.

“Don’t you feel sad? I mean, I saw many people stressing themselves over the fact that they only have one parent still living with them. It pains them. They either hide that fact or won’t bring up the topic at all. But both parents? And you never saw them. Isn’t that more depressing?” Andrew asked with a mixture of sadness and curiosity in the tone of his voice. Maybe it was because he's been trying to bury everything about his mother. He’s not proud of what happened; more so, he doesn’t want to openly tell others about it.

“Hmm…” Emman looked back at the sunset. He rested his chin on his two arms, placed on his knees. “I guess it was because I never saw them. You know… I never got attached to them. It’s just like playing a game. You’ll never know how fun it is until you play it.”

Andrew contemplated what Emman had said. He hasn’t thought of it that way. “Then… How about the people who’ll speak ill about you for not having any parents? I mean… Many people will judge you just by being an orphan or being someone raised by a single parent.”

Emman frowned as he recalled the days when his classmates mocked him for being quiet and a loner. They ridiculed him and constantly telling him he was like that because he had no parents. They saw him as an arrogant kid because of his straightforwardness, and they would tell him that children who grew up with grandparents turned to be like that.

“This might sound cold and heartless, but I don’t give a fuck at those,” Emman said after remembering his childhood days. “It’s true. People judge me for being an orphan raised by my grandparents. But the thing is, my parents saved me during that accident for me to live. And I don’t want to waste that life stressing about some dimwit’s opinion. I am what I am.”

Andrew couldn't help but laugh at what he heard. He forgot how level-headed Emman is. He wished he would think the same way and be brave as Emman. “I envy you. I wouldn’t probably be as resolute as you. Unlike my looks and personality, those can easily trigger me,” he commented.

Emman looked at him again. That’s the first time he heard Andrew say something about himself for a bit. But why would Andrew think he’s brave just by being like that? He pondered as he averted his eyes away from him.

“Don’t exalt me. I’m not as brave as what you think,” he sighed and continued to say what was on his mind. “To be honest, I don’t understand why some people are so mindful of what other people say. I also don't understand why they have to be ashamed to admit the truth.” He then stared at the sun that was about to set. He turned quiet for a while that made Andrew bit his lip.

Andrew felt he would also sink to the ground at the same time as the sun went down because of the last thing Emman had said. But then Emman spoke once again. That made his chest thump loudly.

“… At the same time, I don't think it's wrong to be like that. I don’t think they are weak. I don’t speak ill of them because even if they feel that way, even if they have insecurities and they are afraid of what other people will say, even if they hide a lot of things, they still thrive to live. Although it is difficult for them, they strive to cope with those, live, and be happy. That’s the bravest thing for me,” Emman added.

The sun finally hid and the street lights lined on the roadside immediately turned on. Along with the lights that illuminate them, silence enveloped their surroundings as well. Emman looked at Andrew and noticed that he was already staring at him.

“What?” Emman asked.

“I think I just fall on you again a hundred times today.”

“W-What?”

The surrounding was already dark, and the streetlights didn't help at all as Andrew didn't notice the flush on Emman's cheeks. Andrew chuckled as he stood up from the grass. He then rubbed the grass and soil out of his shorts. Emman immediately got up as well and took his bag.

"Starting tomorrow," Andrew muttered. "I won't wait for you after practice anymore," he added as he reached for his bag.

Emman was stunned by what he heard. Reasons suddenly ran through his mind. Why did Andrew say that? Why won't he wait for him anymore? Did he say something wrong? Was it because of him being so straightforward? He blamed himself on his mind.

“W-Why? What’s wrong?”

“Why? Don't you like it?" Andrew asked smiling, but there was a trace of sadness in his eyes which Emman failed to notice because of the dark.

Honestly, if Andrew doesn't always wait for him after practice, he will come home earlier and play more video games. He didn't even have to answer all his questions. It favors both of them because Andrew will take his bicycle again. Ever since they went home together, Andrew no longer brings his bicycle because he prefers to walk with Emman. It's really in their favor. But he suddenly felt a pain in his heart the more he thinks about it. Will they go back to normal, as simple as teammates?

“Don’t worry. Everything I said is true. My feelings are genuine. It’s just that the more I get to know you, the more I realized you are too good for me,” Andrew said as he turned away from Emman. “I don’t want to break you, that's all.”

Emman couldn't understand why Andrew thought that way. He didn't think Andrew would hurt him. He’s not that kind of person. That's what he learned about him from the days they spent together. He believes Andrew isn't a bad person and his feelings are sincere. It’s just that he couldn’t sort his feelings out. He doesn’t want to hurt Andrew by jumping to conclusions that they share the same feelings.

“See you in practice,” Andrew muttered. He then walked away from him.

Emman just stared at Andrew as he watched the latter get farther and farther away from him.

‘Is that it? After all those days? Can I still go back to the good old days when I had nothing else to do but school, volleyball, and video games?’

The rain started pouring slowly as it dripped on Emman's skin, along with the heaving feeling in his heart. Is he a pathetic loser, just like those in the drama who weep in the rain? Nope. Just like what Andrew said, he’s brave. And also, just like what Ralph constantly pointing out, he’s a straightforward person. There's no way it would end just like that.

Emman felt his legs moved. From a slow pace to a fast walk, his legs ran towards the same path Andrew took. Their running routine in practice will not go in vain anymore, as he could make use of it today. He was always left behind during their jogging sessions because, apart from being slow, he also gets tired quickly. But he never stopped running. Even though he knew all his teammates were back at the gym, he continued to run until he reached their school. And at those times, there was only one person who constantly waits for him. Why did he only notice it now? Maybe it's because that person always acts as slow as he does, even though Emman knew he’s one of the fastest among their teammates. But he didn't pay attention to it back then. He ignored Andrew's constant waiting for him at the gate until they both ran back to the gym.

But this time, it’s different. Andrew had always waited for him. But this time, he’s leaving him behind. And this time, Emman wants to catch up to him. He tried to run as fast as he could even though it was tiring; even though he was getting wet from the rain. He thought that Andrew might have already run as well because of the rain and might not reach him. But he still ran and ran until he saw a figure of a man walking slowly, as if he was feeling every drop of rain. Emman felt a sense of relief. He ran towards the man and caught his hand, which immediately surprised Andrew. But even before Andrew could react, Emman pulled him and they ran together, just like they always do.


"Come in," Emman said, as he took off his shoes.

Andrew went inside and took off his shoes as well. He placed it next to Emman's shoes and then he closed the door behind him.

"Use these slippers," Emman uttered as he handed Andrew a pair of indoor slippers. "I'll just get a towel and a change of clothes. This is the bathroom. Take a shower so you won't catch a cold," he added as he pointed to the door that was just next to him.

Andrew just nodded and went inside the bathroom as Emman proceeded to his room.

Unlike Andrew’s condo, Emman’s apartment is just modest enough for one person. The comfort room/bathroom door can easily be accessed on the right side, three steps away from the entrance. After a small hallway, is a combined living room, kitchen, and dining room. Straight to the living room is another door for the bedroom.

After Andrew took a bath, he slowly opened the door and peeked at the mini-table outside the bathroom. On top of it was a set of clothes that Emman had placed for him. He reached for it and changed his clothes.

When he came out of the bathroom, he immediately saw Emman sitting on the couch. He has changed his clothes and is now wiping his long hair with a towel. Andrew immediately walked towards him and sat beside him.

"Aren't you going to take a shower?" Andrew asked.

"I hardly get colds. I will not spend my energy on that," Emman responded while rubbing his long locks against the towel.

Andrew went silent and wandered his eyes around the room. He still doesn't know why Emman went after him and why they ran to his apartment. Maybe because it was raining and Emman's place was closer than his condo, he pondered.

“Why did you bring me here? Are you planning something?” Andrew asked whimsically.

Emman paused as he placed down the towel on his lap. He stared at the wall for a moment in case an answer would pop out of it. He didn't even notice Andrew's teasing.

"Will it change your mind If I say I like you as well? I mean, can we stay like this and hang out with each other?" Emman asked, his eyes still fixated on the wall.

“You once told me you like me,” Andrew recalled. “But I knew there's nothing more to it. It means nothing else. I just want to know you better. That's why I hung out with you every day,” he added.

"And now you're stopping because you already know me better," Emman muttered sternly as he averted his gaze to Andrew.

"No, it's not that," Andrew responded as he avoided eye contact. He then stared at the wall. "It's just that... The more I get to know you, the more I'm liking you. But for me? I'm afraid. I'm afraid you won't be like that towards me. The more you’ll know me better, the more you won’t like me.”

Emman stared at him for a while. He didn't realize how deep and complicated things were running through Andrew's mind. He didn’t understand why Andrew thinks that way, but he strongly felt that he could accept anything from him, whatever his flaws are.

“Try me.”

Andrew averted his eyes from the wall and gazed at Emman, but even before he could speak, Emman's lips immediately touched his. Andrew's eyes immediately widened at the sudden contact. He couldn’t breathe, even if it was just a simple touch of lips. It still made his heart rotate in three hundred sixty degrees. Just as he was about to react, Emman pulled himself from him. Emman immediately shifted his body away from him as his cheeks flushed tremendously.

"W-Why..." Andrew muttered stuttering as he felt his brain bounce out of his head, "… d-did you do that?"

Emman glared at him seriously. He punched him in the chest, enough for Andrew to groan in pain, and to bring his mind back to his brain.

“Don’t let me say it, stupid! I won’t kiss you unless… I… I-”

“I like you?”

“W-What?”

“I like you too.”

Emman's cheeks morphed into tomatoes as he punched Andrew in the chest once more. "Weird!" he exclaimed.

Andrew suddenly felt the need to strengthen his chest because it might get tortured from now on. He chuckled at the thought.

“Are you sure? You can still change your mind,” Andrew asked as he fixed his gaze at Emman.

“Yep. Even if you’re weird.”

Andrew studied his face for a while. He’s afraid he might hurt Emman, but he couldn’t fight the urge of wanting him even more ever since that kiss.

"I know I'm weird, but isn't weirder if we don't continue what you've started?" Andrew muttered as he leaned closer to Emman, whose body seemed to turn weaker at the bold approach. His back fell on the couch, making Andrew hovered on top of him.

“W-What are you trying to do?” Emman muttered nervously.

“I’ll tell you everything weird about me.”


And on that rainy night, the two indulged each other with everything they could share.