Romanov Aleczar Petrov.

"Can you believe this guy?" bulong ng isa sa mga teammate ni Czar kay Tomee, "Pinaglalaruan na lang yata niya ang kalaban niya."

"I know, right?" Tumangu-tango pa si Tomee at bumulong pabalik sa katabi. Her eyes were slightly wide in surprise as she watched the new kid play on the court. "Who needs a proper badminton outfit when you've got a skill like that?" segunda pa nito.

Their soft whispers wasn't lost on me, making me grunt softly. Nakaupo sila sa likuran namin ni Coach kaya rinig ko ang pag-uusap ng dalawa kahit gaano pa ito kahina. Saglit kong inalis ang atensyon ko sa court upang magpalinga-linga at ganoon na lang ang pagkainis ko nang makita ang iba kong ka-team. Most of them were silently watching with that slight marvel on their faces.

Their reactions left a bitter taste in my mouth. I had worked hard to be the best on this team, to be the team captain, and to earn everyone's respect. Tapos ngayon, may isang hamak na baguhang aagaw sa akin ng lahat?

Muli kong ibinalik ang atensyon sa court, partikular na sa mga manlalaro. I couldn't help but clench my jaw as I watch Martinez play in those shirt and jeans. Mukha lang naman siyang napadaan bigla rito at last minute nagrehistro pero ganoon na lang ang paglampaso niya sa kalaban niya. 

As if on cue, I suddenly remembered the countless hours I had spent practicing. Hinding-hindi ko malilimutan ang pawis, luha, at pagod ko para lang marating ang posisyon ko ngayon. I had sacrificed a lot for this sport, and yet here was Martinez, trying to steal the spotlight that was supposedly mine.

My gaze at the newcomer didn't falter, particularly when he executed a perfect drop shot. Mas lalo lamang akong nainis kaya't ikinuyom ko ang kamao. This felt personal. Martinez seemed to have been born with a racket in his hand, while I had spent years honing my goddamn skills.

It was infuriating. Show off.

Saglit kong ipinikit ang mga mata ko upang pakalmahin ang sarili. I took slow but silent deep breaths. I knew I shouldn't be threatened by some random guy like him. I should be confident... like I always am. I am the captain, for crying out loud. I even had a room full of trophies, medals, and certificates. That alone said a lot about me and should secure my spot.

Napamulat ako bigla nang mapagtantong kinukumpara ko na ang sarili ko sa isang hamak na baguhan. I tightened my grip on my pen, as another wave of irritation washed over me. Muling bumalik ang atensyon ko kay Martinez. Why was I, Romanov Aleczar Petrov, letting this newbie get under my skin? It was ridiculous. Stupid, even. 

I was about to stall myself and focus on other things after having enough of the current game when Coach Riley whispered to me. "He's Martinez, yes? I like him. He'll be a good addition to our team," bulong nito sa akin habang pinaglalaruan ang ballpen na hawak.

"What?" I exclaimed, my voice rising. We both paused, startled by my outburst. "I mean... what? Why? I don't see what's so special about him. He seems pretty average to me," aniko ulit pero mas mahina na.

"Are you even watching, dude? He's dominating the game while rocking that... unconventional outfit." Napahinto ako nang marinig ang sinabing 'yon ni Jordan. Saglit kong nalimutang nasa kabilang gilid lang siya ni Coach, nakikinig sa usapan namin. Nakita ko rin namang sinang-ayunan siya ni Coach.

"Don't get me wrong. I just think that it's still too early to choose. Marami pang susunod na maglalaro," I whispered back while scanning the gymnasium, my voice laced with hesitation. Maging ako ay hindi pihado sa sinabi kong 'yon. First, I wasn't sure if there was indeed other players who were better than Martinez. Second, I didn't know what to feel if there was indeed someone better out there, waiting for there turn. 

"But, Coach..." napalingon naman kami ni Coach kay Jordan na siyang medyo nakanguso pa. "I feel like we're going to miss out a lot if we discarded Martinez. C'mon. Just look at him." He subtly gestured toward the player before looking back at us. "Mamaw siya. Mamaw."

Natawa naman si Coach sa sinabing iyon ni loko. Habang ako, hindi ko maiwasang mag-cringe sa kaloob-looban ko. Anong mamaw ang pinagsasabi nito? Everyone could learn and do a freaking smash! 

Mas lalo lamang natawa si Coach nang tumingin sa akin. "What's with the face? Mukha kang najejebs, 'nak."

I shook my head and brought back the impassive expression on my face. Masyado na yatang halata ang pagkaayaw ko sa manlalarong nakasuot ng pantalon sa tryouts. Ibinalik ko na lang ulit ang atensyon sa court at pinanood ang isa pang player kahit pa labag sa loob ko. "Nothing. Just saying..." I shrugged, keeping my cool.

"C'mon, lighten up, Capt." mahinang siko sa'kin ni Coach dahilan upang mapatingin ako sa kaniya.

Bigla ko namang narinig ang "Oh..." sa mga manonood matapos ang isang tunog ng pagbagsak kaya't napatingin ako ulit sa court. Nang madatnan kong nakaluhod na sa sahig ang kalaban ni Martinez dahil sa pagod ay napakunot ang noo kong muli. I immediately glanced at the scoreboard and realized that their game was already finished. 

Si Martinez ang nanalo.

I paused for a moment, letting Coach take the lead. Unti-unting nag-sink in sa utak ko ang nangyari. Fuck... Martinez actually won the game. Edi... mas lalong naging secure ang spot niya sa team. 

Muli binalingan ng atensyon ang court at pinanood si Coach na mag-anunsyo ng nanalo sa round na 'yon. Doon ko lang din napansin na bahagyang nakatingin sa aking ang lalaking nakapantalon. I couldn't help but raise my eyebrow slightly. Whether it was out of irritation, curiosity or pure instinct every time I caught someone looking at me, I didn't know.

Nang gawin ko 'yon ay ngumiti naman siya sa akin. Medyo naguluhan naman ako sa reaksyon niyang 'yon dahil hindi 'yon ang inaasahan ko. Saka ko lang din napansin ang whisker dimples sa gilid ng magkabilang pisngi niya. Mas lalo tuloy naging kapansin-pansin ang pagtaas ko ng kilay. He got a certain... appeal on him, I'd give him that.

But what the hell are you smiling at, rookie?