“What is it?”
Mhok investigated the package with a frown while Day stifled a smile.
“It’s a gift for you,” Day shrugged, “Derek helped me to order it.”
Mhok raised an eyebrow, “Ah really?” His heart warmed anyway as he began unboxing it quicker with more enthusiasm.
Mhok found a t-shirt inside, but what impressed him was that it was the national basketball team’s jersey merchandise. His eyes watered with a grateful glint.
He looked at Day to find him fiddling with his fingers nervously, “Do you like it?”
Mhok smiled slowly as he stepped towards Day, “I love it. Thank you so much, Day.”
Day sighed as the tension seeped off his shoulders, “That’s a relief. Also, there’s a friendly match between Thailand and Singapore this week in our state, so I’ve bought tickets for that.”
Mhok’s jaw dropped. He had never in his life imagined that he could watch a national basketball game live. He stood there silently, trying to process everything.
“How does the shirt fit you?” Day enquired.
Mhok quickly put the shirt on, “Ah, it fits me just perfectly.”
Day smiled, “Also, there’s something else I want to say to you.”
“What is it?”
“You know, at the end of the match, a fan gets to interact with the team members and play with them.” Day scratched his neck, “I bought that pass too.”
Mhok gasped, “No way. Do you know how expensive that is?”
Day shrugged.
Mhok paused for a moment before wrapping his arms around Day swiftly.
“I don’t know how I can thank you for all of this, Day.” He sniffled as the tears made their entrance again, “I’m glad you’re in my life.”
Day smiled against Mhok’s shoulder and hugged him tighter, “Feeling’s mutual.”
.
*
.
“75 A. This is it.” Mhok looked back and forth from his phone and the seat for confirmation.
He helped Day to settle in before he occupied his seat. He rubbed his hands together in both excitement and nervousness. Meeting the national players was indeed a big deal.
Day’s hands found his, “It’s okay. You can do it.”
Mhok nodded, releasing a shaky breath, “I hope so.”
The players from both teams arrived shortly after the stadium was filled with people. The echoes of their cheers consumed the air.
Then, the match began.
Mhok began describing whatever that was going on, but Day interrupted him, “It’s fine. Just enjoy the match, P’Mhok.”
Mhok compiled hesitantly, “Alright.”
But, he still kept filling in on important events from time to time, making Day chuckle in amusement.
“Yes!” Mhok exclaimed in triumph as they made a score. Day was beyond happy when he realized that Mhok was having fun.
The match went on like that for some time before it came to an end. Even though there was a tough opposition, their team still won. Both Mhok and Day rejoiced in celebration.
Shortly afterward, Mhok was supposed to join the national team.
Day held his hand reassuringly, “Go for it, P’Mhok.”
Mhok nodded. This time determination was evident on his face.
Mhok strode towards the team members who were awaiting his arrival. As soon as they saw Mhok, they began greeting him. Mhok immediately felt at ease. The players were kind and welcoming after all.
Mhok congratulated them on their victory. He chatted with them for some time before they had asked him to play with them. They divided the players equally and played a short match.
Mhok’s dribbling and tactics became better since he’d practiced well the day before. He moved between them with ease and passed the ball to his new teammate.
This time around, when he had the perfect opportunity to score, his eyes searched for Day in the large crowd. He found his boyfriend listening intently with a frown.
With a small smile, he whispered under his breath, “This one’s for you, Day.”
With that, he jumped high in the air and put the ball perfectly through the hoop. The crowd broke into another round of cheers. Day overheard their conversation and figured that Mhok had scored a point. He smiled proudly and applauded him.
Fifteen minutes were over, and the match had ended. It was a tie, but the score didn’t matter to Mhok. He enjoyed the game. That’s all that mattered.
The team captain offered to sign his jersey as a form of appreciation. Mhok couldn’t believe that all of this was actually happening.
After bidding farewell to the team, he approached Day, who sat patiently.
“Day,” he called out as he put his hand on his shoulder.
“P’Mhok!” Day got up, “I heard you did well. I’m so proud of you.”
Mhok’s cheeks heated up, “I guess.”
Few people approached Mhok and chatted with him. Mhok had never felt so popular before. He held Day’s hand even as he conversed with others. Day didn’t mind the intrusion at all. He let Mhok have the moment. He deserved it after all.
“I think we gotta go,” Mhok informed as the people began to take leave.
“Oh wait,” a young woman stopped him, “Can you give me your number? I was wondering if you’re single.” She trailed off with a reddened face.
Mhok smiled politely, “I’m not single, actually.” He lifted his hand that held Day’s hand, “This guy right here is my boyfriend.”
“Oh,” her face showed disappointment and sorrow that resulted from a missed chance, but she quickly recovered from it, “That’s great. I’m sorry for bothering you.”
“It’s okay,” Mhok assured genuinely.
“I guess I’ll go then,” she informed, “All the best to you guys,” she left after that.
“So,” Mhok turned to Day, “Let’s go?”
Day nodded, “Yeah. Let’s leave before someone steals away my boyfriend.”
Mhok laughed out, “Oh, is that so?”
Day shrugged, “I’m glad you had fun.”
“Yeah, today was one of the best days of my life. None of this would’ve been possible without you.” He placed a kiss on their intertwined hands.
“I should be the one thanking you, P’Mhok,” Day smiled.
Mhok placed his hand against Day’s face, admiring him, “So, feeling’s mutual?”
“Mutual it is.”
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