Lunch Dates

Part 2

Chimon agreed and followed Nanon towards the gym. He couldn't help but feel concerned for his friend.

This was not an easy task, after all. Being gay in a men's collegiate basketball team is probably unheard of for most people.

While walking, Chimon reminisced how persistent Nanon and Ohm were when they were convincing him to go play for SCU. They had imagined so many wonderful moments they would share together: winning championships and awards, training overseas, getting closer to their PBA (PBA or Philippine Basketball Association is the NBA of the Philippines) dreams.

All of that has gone to waste now, Chimon thought. 

He felt especially sad for Nanon. If the world was just more accepting and open, none of this would have happened. His young, talented friend would not have to give up on his dreams. Fuck it, he thought.

"So much for 'few people'," Nanon whispered to Chimon when they got inside the gym. The entire Team A and Team B of their university basketball team were already there, warming up.

"Just ignore them. Let's go straight to the locker room, get your things and go," Chimon instructed, scanning the gym for Ohm.

He eventually found him at one corner of the court, back turned to them, doing some stretching.

Chimon thought that might have been for the best. Would have been weird if Ohm was watching them walk across the court.

----

Nanon and Chimon were almost done packing all of Nanon's stuff when Arm, a junior and Namtan's older brother, as well as a couple other players including Ohm, came in.

"So it's true you left the team. Namtan must be right then," Arm said with a nasty tone.

"Yes kuya (a Filipino term used as a sign of respect for an older male, much as P is to Thais)", Nanon answered with his head bowed down.

"I guess that's a good thing. I wouldn't like you staring at me and the other team members when we're taking a shower, " Arm said loud enough that everyone stopped what they were doing and began gawking at Nanon.

Nanon kept his head lowered and zipped up his bag. He couldn't see it but he knew the room was already full of people and he didn't like Arm's comments.

He swung his gym bag on his shoulder and made a turn to leave when Arm walked up to him.

"At least you were decent enough to leave before we all showed you our naked bodies," Arm said before looking around and laughing.

However to his surprise, no one else laughed with him. In fact, both Chimon and Ohm had clenched their fists ready to beat the crap out of him.

It was Chimon who spoke first, "Kuya, that was uncalled for. In fact, it was rude. Next time, please keep your homophobic opinions to yourself."

Chimon then grabbed Nanon's hand and dragged him out of the locker room. They almost ran outside the gym and went directly to the park at the back, where they had lunch yesterday.

"Thanks," Nanon said after they've exited the gym. Chimon was still holding his arm by that time.

"Sorry I dragged you out of there," Chimon replied, still seething with anger. "I dunno what I would've done if that shit head kept talking."

Nanon just sighed. He kind of expected the comments Arm just made. He just wasn't prepared for how much the words would sting.

He was about to tell Chimon to forget about Arm but got distracted when he saw Jane already waiting there at their usual table.