The day is here. I arrived first at the dock where Pablo keeps his boat. He wouldn’t let go of the keys yesterday as he had his worries about me driving it. After I mentioned that there were two much more capable and responsible girls coming with me, he gave in.

The boat is a small cabin cruiser, painted blue and white, that he inherited from his late father. He’s taken good care of it over the years even though it has started to give him some trouble.

What excited me most about it is the front. It’s easy to stand there and has high guard rails for added safety.

Pablo told me the story of how his father used this boat on the first date with Pablo’s mom. It worked great and now I’m taking a page from his playbook.

The rest of the boat is small. The cabin has a seat for the driver and two rows for about four people right behind. A thin ceiling covers the cabin and there are windows that open. As for the rear of the boat, there is some standing room, but I wouldn’t recommend standing there if I’m driving.

Before the girls arrive, I’m making sure the boat works. I’ve seen my mom drive a car, so I’m not worried about the steering. But when I arrive at the driver’s seat, I only see a big wheel and a lever. The panel in front has a bunch of gauges but I have no clue what any of them mean.

Pablo went over what each meant but the crash course didn’t stick in my mind.

“Let’s see, speedometer, oil…” That was all I could remember. If I keep slow and steady, I’m sure we’ll be ok.

“Ammeter, fuel level, oil pressure, tachometer, voltmeter, trim, and water temperature.” A cute little hand points to each one as they are named.

Turning around, I’m almost blinded by the beauty standing behind me. Manami wore a straw hat, a blue dress that fell just below her knees, and sandals. Had there not been a wall behind me, I would have fallen into the sea, instead I just bumped my head.

“Ouch.”

“Are you ok?” Manami rubs the back of my head.

As short as she is, she needed to get close to reach. So now, our faces are centimeters apart. As she remains focused on checking for any injury, I can’t look away from the beauty right in front of me. Her almond eyes with pretty eyelashes, the light makeup that gave her a slight blush, and the pink lips almost touching my own.

“You’re beautiful.”

Manami smiles and pulls away after realizing how close we were.

“What do you think?” She twirls and her dress rises to reveal more of her legs before coming to a rest once again.

“It looks great on you. Have you been on a boat before?”

“I have, my dad’s a fisherman. When I was little, we used to go on boat rides and collect seashells after, but we haven’t been in a long time now.”

“Oh, maybe you should drive then.”

“Or I could teach you.”

The driver’s seat is small. But if we scoot in tight enough, we could manage to fit together. “Yea, I’d like that.”

“Am I interrupting something?” Catalina peeked around the cabin door. She wore a long red skirt, sandals, and a white blouse. She also wore her hair out; it’s the first I’ve ever seen it this way.

Manami walks over and bows her head. “Hi, we’re in the same class, I’m-”

“Manami, right?”

“Yes, it’s our first time talking so I wasn’t sure you would know me. I think your name, Catalina, is really pretty.”

Were we not in a relationship, I may have thought Manami was interested in Catalina given her blush and slight tremble in her voice. This may be her first time talking to someone else from our class. As far as I remember, I’ve the only one who ever tried to talk to her.

“Thank you, I noticed you started wearing cuter clothes ever since Myo declared himself your boyfriend. That dress looks amazing on you.”

“Thank you, I love your outfit too, the colors go great together.”

“Like it? I made the skirt myself.” Catalina twirls as Manami stares in fascination.

It’s great to see the two hit it off, so, I turn my focus to getting the boat started. “Should be fine.” I mutter to myself.

Make sure it’s in neutral, then just turn the key like a car. Pablo’s abbreviated reminders played through my head. I may have forgotten some parts but I’m sure my brain chose to remember the important bits.

After checking for neutral, I turn the key. Since it’s a cold start, the engine takes some time before starting. But after a few attempts, she finally kicks to life.

“Alright!” I turn to the girls with a triumphant smile. “Ready?”

“We are but…” Catalina and Manami look at the dock.

“Aren’t you forgetting something?”

“Hmm? Oh right!” With a few quick hops, I land on the dock and untie the boat. Had they not reminded me, I would have taken it to the mainland with us.

The boat ride to the mainland isn’t too long, but I take it slow since Catalina and Manami have been having fun talking with each other. Every now and then I’ll look back and find both smiling.

Catalina seemed to enjoy not having to walk around eggshells in the conversation. And I’m sure Manami was happy to have made a new friend. There was still a good amount of time before the game started, so there was no need to rush.

Also, I’m too scared to go over any faster than I already am.

A few minutes later, I felt a tap on my shoulder. It’s Catalina. “Want me to take over?”

“You can drive a boat?”

“Can’t we all? We live on an island you know.”

She made a great point, and it gave me the opportunity to run one of Grandpa Pablo’s greatest hits. I tag Catalina’s hand and head to the back.

“Manami, want to go to the front?”

She nodded and put her bag in the corner beside her.

Getting to the front is difficult as the path is narrow, but there are guard rails we can use to keep our balance. Manami walked ahead of me; she must have been waiting for the opportunity to go.

Arriving at the front, Manami walks to the end. Her dress and hair sway back as the wind rushes past us and she keeps her hand on her straw hat to keep it from flying away.

The back of her dress reveals the top of her back. And though I feel like a pervert for it, I make sure to catch a quick glimpse. But I can’t find the courage to walk next to her.

I don’t mind. The view is perfect.

Manami turns to look for me and holds her hand out. “Come here.”

For some reason, the sun decided to only give her light now. The brilliant shine that surrounded her body, as everything else was stripped of the right to light, made her person and smile angelic. It captivated me. And at that moment, the simple crush I had for years developed into something much heavier.

I took her hand and walked beside her, my eyes losing the ability to look away. She stared into the ocean as the mainland came into view with a smile. But, unfortunately for her, the greatest view was mine alone.

Manami and I held hands in silence until Catalina reached the dock.

“Myo, thank you. I’ve wanted to go on a boat ride for so long, and to do it with you made it even more special.”

Manami darts away after realizing what she said. I too needed some time to calm myself. And to do so, I stared into the mainland. For some reason, it all looked wonderful and bright.

“Um, Myo, know how to do this thing?!” Catalina yelled from the back of the boat, referring to tying the boat to the dock.

“I got it!” Manami responded.

The mainland is another world compared to our little island. Though it isn’t much larger than our island, and it’s outnumbered by the other surrounding islands, the city is filled with high rises that block out the sun. Cars are a major form of getting around unlike our island where public transportation or walking is prominent.

There isn’t an absence of cars. My mom has one since she works on the mainland if she’s sent there.

Even though we live just a short boat ride away, the surrounding islands and the people of the mainland are different. Like the difference between an office worker and a farmer. My mom told me stories about discrimination during her youth but nowadays that’s seen as taboo.

Not to say both sides don’t have their prejudices against each other. But since each side relies on the other, relations are good.

“Though I do get looks every time I’m here.” I said as Manami kept her head down since mainlanders stared at her and Catalina.

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Their beauty was to blame in this case. But our clothing is also a dead giveaway of our origin.

Mainlanders all wear business clothing: dress shirts, suits, slacks. Men, women, and children dress this way as most of the jobs on the mainland are office jobs.

The number of convenience stores on the mainland can be counted on one hand and most of the shopping is done on other islands or by delivery.

Mom said the night life is good here. Most people divulge in it to get away from the stress of their day. Our island has its fair share of problems, but she mentioned that people seem happier there. “There is a feeling of a community, whereas everyone wants to beat each other on the mainland. If someone were to collapse, the others wouldn’t think about stopping.” It sounded insane to me, but it’s true.

Given our differences, whenever islanders visit, they’re a hot attraction. Mostly the women. Since they wear different styles of clothing that can show off the beauty of their bodies and let their hair flow it’s impossible for the guys not to look.

I wouldn’t be surprised if seeing a woman’s shoulder is enough to drive them wild.

I just so happen to have stolen two of the foremost beauties of my island today. Catalina seemed used to it, but she held Manami’s hand while waiting for the bus to arrive. It only passed by twice an hour, which is a failure of the system in my opinion.

“Hey there, want to come eat at a café with me?” A student passing by the stop makes an attempt at Catalina.

“Sorry, I’m good.” She replied with a gentle smile.

“Come on, wouldn’t you like to see more of the mainland?” He reached for her hand, but I threw a rock at it before it reached Catalina.

“Sorry, they’re both with me. Though if you want to show me around, I might consider it.” I flashed him my charming smile that I used on every girl on our island. And just like them, he gives me a revolted look and walks away. I’m not proud of the effect, but it sure has its benefits.

“Thanks Myo.”

“No problem. Doing ok Manami?”

Manami wasn’t just nervous about being on the mainland. By now the reality that she lied to her parents was starting to hit her. “I’m a bit scared.” She grabs onto Catalina’s and my hand. “But it’s exciting.”

“Good, if you need anything let me know, ok?”

Manami nods as the bus arrives.

The bus took us to a stop that’s a two-minute walk from the school. The school is deep in the city and the smell of the sea has been overtaken by fumes and loud noises. It’s difficult to breathe compared to our island.

Arriving at the school, Catalina and Manami take it in before we move forward. Our school building is old as most funds go into the sports departments. As such, seeing a massive school with large glass panes, five stories high, architecture that looks more like an art project than a building, and the city folk who attend it is a culture shock.

I don’t think they’re all that different from us, but their uniforms that have a few extra layers than ours does make a good argument. Like at the station, every student notices and whispers about us.

“Myo?!” A girl with long purple hair and orange eyes rushed over to us as her friends attempted to pull her back but were too slow to act. As she reaches her range of attack, she gives me a good hit with her bag. “What’re ya doing here?!”

Their books must be better than ours as well since my arm is throbbing in pain. “I forgot you went here, Diana.”

Before I can introduce everyone, Diana zips past me as she notices the girls behind me. “Kyaaah! You two are so pretty! I’m Diana, what’s y’all’s names?”

“I’m Manami.”

“I’m Catalina, are you from an island?”

“Mhmm, could ya tell? I’m actually Myo’s old neighbor, but I moved here to study performance art.”

“Still going on about that?” I say as I rub my arm.

“Oh, come on, you’re the first one who said my singing’s good.”

“I said that to get you to stop.”

“Mhmm.” Diana pulls the girls close and whispers. “He says that but bought my first album.”

“Huh?!” Catalina moved away from Diana as if she was a sacred object. “You’re part of Crescent, aren’t you?”

“You’ve heard of us?” Diana closes the distance between them and grabs her hand. “Thank you for your support! But I have to ask…” Diana gives both girls a quick glance. “What’re y’all doing with a delinquent like Myo.”

“We’re here to watch the basketball game. Catalina’s a friend, and Manami’s my girlfriend.” I push my chest out and cross my arms to show how proud I am of my achievement.

“Ahhh.” Diana pulls Manami to the side. “He’s not forcing you or nothing, right?”

Manami shakes her head. “He’s been really sweet and caring with me.”

“Seriously? I guess anything is possible then. Well then, mind if I tag along with y’all?”

“Not at all.” Manami replies.

Diana grabs both girls by the hand and heads off for the gym, leaving me behind.

There’s a good crowd around the gym as the game is starting soon and I lost sight of the girls inside of it. After pushing through the crowd, a hand grabs me and pulls me into an empty building.

“I don’t think a scandal will be good for your career, Diana.”

“Hmph.” The darling of Keone Island is just a façade. Her long legs, big eyes, and pretty face had made her an instant hit in the industry, and her talent only helped solidify her career.

But the real Diana is in front of me now. Her legs spread out, shoulders slumped, thick accent, and if she had a bucket of chicken, she’d show off how much of a slob she is as well. I enjoy this side of her the most.

“Hey, the darling of Keone isn’t going to be brought down by some scandal.” She continued. “Plus, I can just say you coerced me into it.”

“Hahaha, what did you want talk about?” The air became heavy with my question. As carefree as Diana is, whatever she had to say bothered her enough to make her uncomfortable.

“Do you hate me?” she muttered.

“I don’t hate you, as I’ve told you many times.”

“Over the phone. We haven’t seen each other since. And I never apologized in person.” Diana stands and bows to me. “I’m sorry for running away… I didn’t know how to handle everything, and I thought leaving would make me forget. I’m really sorry, I was supposed to be your friend.”

I let out a big sigh. In truth, I hoped she would have forgotten it all by now. “It’s ok. I don’t blame you or anything. We were just kids back then, so don’t let it bother you.”

Diana raises her head and nods. “But it made me really happy to see you here, and with such a pretty girlfriend no less.” Diana puts her arm around my shoulder. “You aren’t threatening her, right?”

“Of course not, I’ve had a crush on her for years now.”

“Wow.” She heads for the door but stops before opening it. “Have you told her?”

“…I haven’t.”

“I see. I can say from experience if you don’t release it, it’ll break you. So, Myo, promise you won’t make the same mistake I did.”

I walk beside her, ready to head for the gym. “If I do, then I’ll call you just like you called me then.”

“I’d rather not let you get there, but I’ll drag you and your girlfriend somewhere to make you feel better.” Diana flashes a credit card with her company’s logo on it.

“I’d like that.”

The crowd outside the gym had grown in the time spent talking with Diana. Parents, students, faculty, and scouts are going to be at the game.

I lost hope of pushing through, but Diana pulled me with her as everyone just moved out of her way. Like a deity demanding worship, everyone in front of us parted and gawked at her as we passed.

“I got us court side seats.” She yelled.

The gym is as impressive as our own. Clean, new court, digital scoreboard, a booth for commentators, there’s even a private seating section for scouts.

Since this is the biggest game of the year so far, every supporter that could fit in the gym attended. Each claiming their side and making their presence known with cheers and insults.

Catalina and Manami are sitting courtside on the away half. We walk over and Diana shoos two people away who had taken our seats. They didn’t put up any argument, it was their goddess asking after all.

I sit beside Manami who pokes my arm. “Cheating on me already?”

I chuckled at the idea since I’m one of the few who knows Diana’s personality. “No need when I’m with the girl of my dreams.”

Manami smiles. Whether she was jealous or not, I’m not sure. But the smile she gave me after complimenting her always warms my heart.

“Hey Myo, is Toro still playing?” Diana asked.

“He is, he’s a star now.” I replied.

“Hmmm, it’ll be nice to see him then.” As she finishes, the teams are announced, and they run onto the court. I pointed to Toro as he made his way inside. “My gawd, he doesn’t miss a meal, does he?”

“Give it up for our two teams!” The crowd roars in a battle to take over the gym. Nervous guards ready themselves since the previous game ended in a scuffle between visitors.

“Toro!” Diana jumps up and waves her arms. Toro stumbled after recognizing Diana and made his way over.

“Diana? How have you been?”

Diana is one of the few girls Toro is comfortable talking to. Those two were closer than I was with either of them. In truth, Diana seemed to avoid me most of the time. Their reunion was filled with laughter, and jeers from the home side afraid of Toro stealing their princess.

“Myo, Manami, Catalina, thanks for coming.” Toro waved at us. Catalina gave him a nervous nod in return and looked at the court right after.

After Toro left, I asked a question that was bothering me. “Hey, Diana, this isn’t Toro’s first time here. You’ve never seen each other before?”

“I’ve been avoiding seeing you two in person. But seeing you leave the island made me think it’s time to have some courage. Speaking of, what gave you the courage to leave?”

“Well, there’s Toro. But more importantly.” Pablo’s father move #2: the arm around the shoulder. And if I say so myself, I execute perfectly. “I wanted to take her on a boat ride.” Manami rested her head near my chest which confirmed the success of my play. I’ll have to pay my respects when I return.

“Hmph, never thought you’d be a romantic.”

After the teams warm up, the game begins. Our team started with their best players, which is unusual since they don’t have the best chemistry. It could be a plan to give them as much time to shine in front of the scouts.

And shine they did. Toro and Javier combined for 15 points in a few minutes, but the opposing team remained only a few points behind.

The home team also had some star players. Someone around the same height as Toro but who didn’t put in the work to gain some muscle. So, while he could match the height, Toro still pushed him around like a rag doll.

Javier also had his rival guarding him. But after having to deal with Toro in practice for so long, he was starting to leave his rival behind. The frustration was clear, and the rival committed a few bad fouls out of frustration.

On this one, Javier limped off the floor and sat on the bench while someone looked at his ankle.

“Hey, play fair Caesar! You’re making our school look bad!” Diana was the loudest on our side of the court, but no one knew which team she supported.

Manami had a hard time understanding the game and fouls. I gave my best explanation which was just that they need to get the ball in the net. Even if she had little understanding, the atmosphere of the arena pulled her in, and she was enjoying the game.

Catalina was doing her usual antics. She watched Toro’s every move with fascination at how nimble and explosive he was despite his size. That wasn’t just natural ability. Toro trained like a maniac to make the most of his natural gifts. Height and athletic talent will only do so much, Toro knew this and capitalized.

Catalina seemed aware of this as well and she admired him more for it. Most players as gifted as him put in minimal work. The prime example was on the opposite team after all.

Toro had his weaknesses, however, and the home court was using them to their full advantage. They booed, called him names, and laughed at every mistake. And as the mistakes became more consistent, Toro’s eyes began to lose focus and his movements became slow.

Before, he could push his rival back with ease; now he struggled to move him at all. It wasn’t newfound strength, Toro was overthinking. I lose the ball here, I don’t want to miss the shot, and other thoughts like that.

The game was now in the favor of the home team by three points. Javier returned in the second half but wasn’t playing at his best anymore. His attempts to encourage Toro didn’t have much of an effect either.

I’ve known about the rivalry between our schools since before I started attending. I didn’t care for it much, until they made a grave mistake. After their victory in the first game of the season over our team, I heard of how they mocked Toro. Toro was depressed for a week after it.

And that’s something I can’t let slide. So, today, I brought an unbeatable weapon.

Deciding it’s time, I whisper to Manami, and she nods. After, she whispers to Catalina.

“What… I don’t think I can do that. What if.” As I instructed, Manami waited for the moment Catalina would say Hiroto and gave her a jab in the side. As she did, Catalina yelped, “HIROTO!” loud enough to grab his attention.

For a moment, she only stared at her favorite player looking back at her. Her lips shook and her face was red as an apple. But after she collected her thoughts, a look of determination appeared in her eyes. “You can do it!” She yelled. Her voice is as powerful as it was in our home gym.

Toro’s eyes lit up and gave he her a grateful smile.

Checkmate. I unleashed a beast on an away court and leaned back to enjoy the incoming massacre.

Manami rested her head on my shoulder. “You really care about Hiroto, huh?”

“I wouldn’t say that… they’re just lucky I’m a terrible basketball player.”

“Well, it’s that kindness that makes me fall for you.”

Sorry Toro, but I’m taking the spot as the happiest person in the gym. Or I would have had Diana not been looking over and giving me a smirk.

“Look at you two.” She said, but I couldn’t find the will to respond as I basked in my moment. “Get a room.”

But I did find the strength to flick her forehead.

“Alright!” The away side of the gym erupted with cheers as the buzzer marked the end of the game. We won by 17 points.

I don’t want to take credit for the victory, but Toro and Javier took the game over after Catalina’s cry of inspiration. Javier couldn’t miss a shot, and Toro was an unstoppable force that no one on the opposite team wanted to defend.