Chapter 4: Silent

Chapter 4

"Where are you from, Chuck?"

"Hey! Chuck is smiling, oh."

"Wow! Looks like the Tennis Knights saint is in love."

Chuck ignored Les, Cloud and Reus. He went straight into the locker room. It was good and when she entered the Gym earlier, Ian's ex-boyfriend was gone because maybe that's what he did to that man.

Tennis Knights, that's what the students here at Saint Vincent University call them. At first it was just simple Tennis Stars but they were just surprised when they became the Tennis Knights. They are the regulars in the tennis club so they are the so-called star players of the club. But because they are said to be at a different level of skill, the word star is no longer appropriate for their nine.

He even remembers the faces of Les and Cloud when they heard that nickname for them. They said they looked like ancient warriors that he just laughed at.

His friends are now complete here in the locker room. The so-called Tennis Knights are made up of nine people — Les, Cloud, Reus, Guji, Rein, Kei, Chase, Enzo, and him.

All nine of them will be dating since their first year here at Saint Vincent University, except for Rein who is two years younger than them. Eight of them are graduating this year with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering course.

All nine are from well-to-do families. His father, Henry Del Mundo, was the owner of several chains of resorts here in the Philippines. His mother, Ingrid Del Mundo, owned Jackson Inc., one of the largest textile factories in the country. Currently, his older brother Carvy runs Jackson Inc.

Despite the wealth they enjoyed, they did not become conceited or arrogant because their parents taught them how to be humble.

"No more, Coach Enzo. It looks like Chuck has been hit by a love disease like Les and Cloud," that voice of Reus aroused his thoughts.

He turned to Reus and he could clearly see the grin on his face. He just smiled at Reus and didn't say a word. He was always like that even though he was with his friends, quiet and unassuming. But when it comes to Ian ...

"I'm proud to have been caught by that disease, Reus. I'm happy right now."

"Me, too. I'm happy to have known Skyeisha."

Smiling, Chuck sat on the floor next to Chase and laid on the lap the box he was holding that Ian had left.

He turned to Les who was now teasing. She is happy for Les and Cloud because they already have a love life. He could see the joy on his friends' faces. If only he could also find that kind of happiness.

"Are you in love, Chuck?" Chase asked him and smiled at him, your smile seemed to be hiding something from him that he could not figure out.

He smiled at Chase and looked at the box he was holding. "I like someone," he replied simply.

There was silence inside the locker room and he saw his friends looking at him, as well as Enzo. It seemed to be waiting for an explanation from him. And being the shy guy that he was, he did not elaborate any further. He did not want to be tempted by them.

"Yosh! Chuck is a young man!"

"Let's party!"

"Your noise Jarreus!"

"Right!"

He was shaken by the foolishness of Reus, Cloud, Guji, and Rein who spoke. Even if he did not say a word, they would still tease him. He should have known. It is their habit to tease each other. The only thing they don't like is Enzo. They are afraid of Enzo, he is with them.

If they still want to live in the world, they should never tease Enzo. Because just one glance of Enzo makes his knees tremble. Enzo is their friend, yes. But despite that, their fear for it is still there. Because of the time they traveled with Enzo, it was as if they were also against Hitler. Enzo was so intense. But despite that, they have a lot of respect for Enzo.

"Whoa. Before that, Chuck, ah? You like someone? Who? Are we classmates?" Les asked him.

A sweet smile appeared on his lips as he remembered Ian. But his smile also disappeared immediately when he remembered the woman's crying earlier.

"Yeah. I like someone and she's not from our class. Sad to say, she loves someone else," he said and did not even attempt to mention Ian's name.

"That's okay, Chuck. We'll answer the hill and the burial of your heart. What do you want? Golden casket?"

Shaking, he just smiled at them and turned the box he was holding again.

If only I could help her erase that man from her heart ...