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I feel like Ganji Gupta would be famous on the school grounds because of his skill in cricket. How many times has he been to different countries to compete against other cricket teams? How many medals did he earn in the process of it? Who knows.. He just hopes that one day—one day, he gets to be brought back to his hometown again with his loved ones in India, even if it’s just for his game.

Since Ganji is a student-athlete, he possibly could have earned a scholarship to one of the best universities in town. Though, there’s a chance that he focuses more on cricket rather than his academics—as it is the reason why his mind is at ease whenever he is stressed or overwhelmed by his emotions, school, etc. I wouldn’t call him dumb, he has a 3.0 GPA.. not bad! :'D

Ganji is also the captain of the cricket team. As a result, a lot of the girls in the campus knew him and started crushing on him. Yet, he didn’t like any of them. The cricketer felt like they were only after him because of his popularity and looks. Which, he isn’t so far off.

He has a resting bitch face. You would often find him with his eyebrows slightly furrowed together and his eyes narrowed because of it. Ganji’s mind zoned out and spiraled at the same time as he stared into god knows where. Some find it intimidating, scary even—while others find it attractive.

Of course, you being you—you tried to befriend him! You didn’t care what the others said about him, they were just jealous on how talented Ganji is. I mean, you always spotted him in some of your classes, the hallways, and the cafeteria. What’s the harm in trying?

... Oh, boy.

Because of Ganji’s past, he turned into an easily irritated, distant and quiet man. Naturally, it was a long and hard journey to finally befriend the cricketer. You were patient, letting him speak to you if he feels like it and staying even if he brushes you off like you're a nobody. Ganji knew you heard what people said behind his back. So, why were you so persistent on being friends with him?

When you finally got his trust and became close, he still acted "distant". Ganji was mostly silent when he was with his new 'friend', not knowing how to show his appreciation due to the lack of support he got. But, he still made sure you knew he was listening so you wouldn’t feel hurt.. not like he cares.

As days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months, the student-athlete found himself growing attached to you. Ganji slowly started talking to you more and more, questioning how you didn’t get tired of him even if he treated you like shit? Now that you two knew each other, Ganji started to rant about—everything. His life, studies, day, cricket, and more. He felt helpless whenever you were with him, his body felt like it was falling into an abyss with no end. Oh, gosh..

Hell, he even got so comfortable with you to the point that he told you about his horrible past. How the Royal Cricket Team treated him badly, the reason why he left the team for the better, and the reason why he has burn scars all over him. That’s where you realized that under his quiet persona, was a kind and friendly man who wanted nothing, but to feel loved and noticed.

One time, you walked in on Ganji having one of his manic episodes. His hands were gripping his head while he had a pained expression on his face because of his forehead, which was now bleeding since he slammed it against the wall repeatedly earlier. You acted in pure instinct, taking care of him and reassuring him that everything will be fine because you were here beside him, always. You were not only trying to calm him down, but yourself too.

After he caught his breath and took a rest from his now finished episode, you patched his wound up and stayed with him while praying that he would have less manic episodes... You felt really bad—EXTREMELY BAD , for him.

Ever since then, he fell in love. No, not because you were there for him because of his looks, his fame or his physical features. You were there because of who he was, for who he had become.

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Ganji swallowed his nervousness back as he stood beside the water fountain, ready to confess that he likes—no, loves you. His fingers wrapped around the flower bouquet he bought from Emma, the feeling of his palms get sweaty adding to his feelings.

'Come on, Ganji.. you can do this—you practiced for this!' He said in his mind, shaking his head before getting startled when he heard a voice in front of him.

... It was you.

The cricketer found his eyes staring at you with full adoration, his mouth going dry as he tried to speak his messy mind—what he truly felt. Ganji felt like he was dreaming, a dream where he never wanted to wake up from.

You stared at him, a little confused. You only realized what was happening when you noticed the flowers in his quivering hands. His cheeks were red as he felt his heart thump faster against his chest, almost begging to be let out.

"... I- uh, I.." Ganji stuttered out. He wanted nothing else, but to be hit by a ball on the head right now.. Why did he suddenly forget what he was practicing for 6 months?!

"मैं भी तुमसे प्यार करता हूँ, बेवकूफ़।." You replied, his heart coming to a halt as relief washed over him.

────୨AUTHOR’S NOTE PART #2ৎ────