We were walking back from the basketball court to Brian's house. We played hoops against Shawn, a freshman guy who was trying to court Bianca, and his friends. They won with a four-point lead. But the truth was we let them win. Next Saturday, we'd be having a re-match and according to Brian, we wouldn't be going easy against them.

Tomorrow afternoon, we'd be playing Dota with another guy who has a crush on Bianca, and his friends. Bianca could be considered as one of the campus crushes. And somehow, most of the guys who liked her always thought that it's necessary to befriend the four of us in order to get close to her.

I opened my bottle of Lemon-Lime flavoured sports drink and took a sip.

"I actually like Shawn for Bianx," Brian said, twisting the bottle cap of his drink.

"He is a decent man," Miguel agreed.

I nodded. "Only problem is, he's not confident in front of Bianca."

"Another thing is Bianca isn't interested."

"You think Bianca won't really date anyone until we graduate in high school?" Brian asked.

"Her family is kinda strict," I said, and Miguel nodded.

"Speaking of strict family...how's it going with Khloe?"

Saying Khloe is Miguel's crush was an understatement. He was head over heels for her.

"Glad to say, I finally got her number." He grinned.

"Way to go, Miggy boy!" Brian patted Miguel's back.

We all glanced at Vino who had been silent for the last couple of minutes. He was busy typing something on his phone, grinning.

"I noticed something," Brian said.

"What is it?" Vino asked, finally looking up from his phone.

"I'm glad you asked because it's about you, bro."

Vino creased his eyebrows. "What about me?"

I took a gulp of my drink.

"I think there's something you're not telling us...something about someone." Brian paused and watched Vino's reaction. "Someone-a girl named Kane."

I almost choked on my drink while Vino grinned in response to Brian.

"I think whatever you're thinking of is true," Miguel said before taking a gulp of his drink.

"Well, yeah, I like Kane," Vino admitted.

Brian nodded and smiled triumphantly before saying, "I knew it before you even said it. I just want to hear it come from you."

"But please don't tell Kane; and don't ever tease us. I want to keep it discreet for now."

"Sure." Brian laughed. "But you know what? I know how girls act and I know Kane since kindergarten, and I can tell she kinda likes you too."

"Well, maybe except the fact that he's smart?" Miguel asked.

"Rivalry in class ranking aside, yeah."

I was speechless, and I couldn't agree nor disagree. They were telling the truth, and they had a point.

I felt like I already lost the battle before it even began.

***

"I need you to take good pictures during the sports fest, okay?" Ms. Sanchez said without looking up from her clip board.

"Yes," I answered.

"I'll be giving you the schedule of the games," she said, finally looking at me.

I nodded.

I was officially a part of the Eastview Gazette too. This time, it was Kane who had convinced me to join the club. She was even the one who spoke to Ms. Sanchez on my behalf. After her conversation with Ms. Sanchez, she had informed me that the teacher wants to see my sample photos. When I had showed it to Ms. Sanchez, she liked it and had told me she would be glad to have me in the club.

"Kane, you're in-charge of writing about the basketball game. Make sure you can follow their games and standings."

"Okay, Ms. Sanchez." She smiled then turned to look at me and wriggled her eyebrows.

I gave her a tiny smile in return.

We would both be watching the basketball games. But of course, aside from taking notes of the game, she would be cheering for Vino while I take pictures of the game from the sideline.

And maybe a picture of her while cheering for Vino.

***

"I feel like we have a chance to make it to the finals this year. Hopefully win the championship too," Noah said as we watched the Eastview Tigers players do their warm up exercises.

We were inside the gymnasium, and we were going to watch them play during their practice. There were also some students from other year levels who were going to watch them.

"I think so too. Vino is one of the new assets of the team," I said, and meant it.

Vino's height and skills were a great addition to the team. Miguel was one of the tallest in the team but Vino was a few inches taller than him. This would be his first year in playing because Coach Reyes had asked him to only train hard and to watch the games last year. The coach said Vino was already good but wanted to make sure that he could be the best.

"I'm always wondering why you never tried out for the team. You're as tall as Miguel, and I had seen you play."

"I only like to play for leisure."

"Weekend games with the gang."

I nodded as Miguel and Brian sat on the bleachers in front of us. They already finished their warm up exercise.

"Where's Vino?" I asked.

"He's in the shower room," Miguel answered. "We'll wait for him before we start shooting."

When Vino entered the court, he went straight to us and started doing his warm up exercises.

Then a familiar trio entered the gymnasium and caught my attention. They were all holding a bottle of iced tea, and Lily was carrying a pack of chips.

They came prepared.

Miguel asked me something so I averted my gaze from the girls to him.

All of a sudden, I heard Lily and Bianca screamed. All the players stopped with whatever they're doing, including Vino who was currently stretching his legs. Everyone fell silent for a split second until Vino's voice boomed inside the gymnasium.

"What the hell?!" Vino stood up from the floor.

I looked at Kane, and she was wiping her chin with her handkerchief. I hadn't seen what happened but she must have been hit by a ball.

Vino started running towards Kane, asking her if she was hurt. Then he turned his back to Kane and faced the rest of the Eastview basketball team. He shouted at the freshman, and I saw the kid's body tensed up. His shoulders rose in surprise. He was unable to speak, as if he forgot all the words. He was unable to move, as if his feet were glued on the floor. Everyone inside the gym was stunned. Noah and I, the other players, as well as the rest of the non-player students inside the gym just watched the scene unfold right before us.

Vino was enraged. I hadn't seen him like this before. He was naturally calm even under pressure. Whenever someone was being an ass, he could still keep calm. He never even started fights. But now, it was as if we were witnessing a different Vino-one which we hadn't seen before. The team captain tried to settle things down, but Vino wouldn't listen. He was still furious at the two freshmen.

Finally, Kane grabbed him by the arm. They exchanged words before Vino relaxes. He held Kane by her elbow and ushered her out of the court with Lily and Bianca trailing after them.

"That was quite a scene," Noah commented.

"Yeah. That was unexpected," I answered.

Everybody went back to their businesses like nothing had happened.

"I didn't know Vino likes Kane."

I just smiled without answering. I remembered Vino's plan of being discreet. So much for keeping it low.

What he did was a very interesting way to let the whole basketball team and everyone inside the gym know that he likes Kane. I bet everyone in Eastview high school department would know about it in no time. He might not be able to hide her feelings anymore, but at least I knew he'd always look after Kane.