The Uncorrupted (English Version)

Hots for you -- Chapter 2

"Are you really sure, Lance?" Diana Hardman asked as she rolled out another floor plan draft that was meant to be passed by 5 PM today.

We were in the library, trying to patch up some details on our design when she got a call from her mom that she was needed at home. This was supposed to be done by partners -- well, technically, we were just finalizing some stuff and she mostly did the drawing. I was the only one who made the concept. All I need to do now is to double-check if we missed out on any details or if we did something wrong.

"Yeah, I got this. You should go now, your mom probably needs you at home." I said with a grin. Our classes were already finished and the only thing left to do was to pass this plate to our professor.

Diana was one of the top students in our class. Her twin brother, Timothy was also my best friend -- well, aside from Benjamin and Harvey.

We all met in middle school and from then, we were inseparable. Benjamin was the first one to approach me and since he was friends with Tim and Harvey, they all took me in and made me a part of their clique. Diana on the other hand, was like the female version of me -- she was all quiet and reserved -- like she won't talk if not needed.

"Okay, text me if you need anything for the plate?" She said with a worried expression.

She was always on top of the tasks and never once failed. One thing about Diana is that she loved to study -- and when I say loved to, it means that she was never without a single book or never had an idle time where she wasn't doing anything productive. I actually find it hard to believe that she was twins with Timothy.

He was the complete opposite of his sister. Tim was a troublemaker along with Harvey and Benjamin. But while he did a lot of questionable stuff, he was still managing to pass our subjects with flying colors. He always have time to hang out and hook up with girls around the campus -- well, when we were in high school. I think they all leveled up when we got to college. They were no longer targeting campus girls -- they were campus-hopping to find girls. Jesus -- why was I even friends with them?

I shook my head internally, trying to get rid of the thoughts that made me question my moral values.

"Yeah, I will. Don't worry, go now!" I told her in mock excitement, teasing her. Diana just rolled her eyes at me and packed her back quickly.

"I swear to god, Lance. If you don't pass that plate on time, hell will break loose." Her threats were really as scary as my Aunt Kris'.

"Oh my -- can you just trust me here, Di! I got this, your mom's gonna be pissed you're late." I said exasperatedly.

She just gave me an eye roll before placing a quick peck on my cheek. It was really normal for her to do this, well -- she has been doing that since we were kids, so it has no meaning between us. However, a lot of our blockmates think that we were secretly in a relationship. We were always together during free periods when I was not with her brother and other friends. We were always partnered during group work and we studied together.

Everyone assumed that since I was friends with Timothy, we wanted to keep it a secret. Do you see how absurd these people are? Jeez -- since I got into the varsity team, everyone seems to be interested in my love life -- or it was safe to say, about my life overall. I couldn't get a single moment of peace whenever I was on campus. Everyone wanted to greet me, and it would be rude if I didn't greet them back! They always strike up conversations and I end up being too unenthusiastic, so everyone thought I was a snob.

They never realized that I just don't have the energy to listen to their ass-kissing and clout-chasing.

"Fine, I'll see you tomorrow." She said before leaving me alone in the library, half full of nosy students who were watching every move we made.

My eyes traveled around the staring students over the last desk near the corner of the library. They were all staring at me, and the moment I caught them -- they all averted their heads from my direction. I shook my head in annoyance -- every damn time.

I just focused on finishing my draft plate instead of people staring at me like I was a damn alien. I mean, okay -- I was the youngest player in the UAAP and I can say I was a pretty decent player -- but they didn't have to stare at me like I was a piece of meat.

There are 4 types of students in this school -- first, the clout-chasers. They try their best to befriend me and ask me to hang out with them. Typically, they were the 'cool' ones who would say that they were friends with me in social gatherings. It will definitely make their network wider.

Second, was the lovesick fools -- most of them were girls... and there were some guys too. They will approach and just 'simp' over me like I was a f*****g idol or something.

Third were the groupies, the loud ones. They usually were the supporters who watched our training and religiously watched the games, bought the merch, and acted as my personal guards -- especially on social media. They were the ones who defended me whenever and wherever.

The last ones were the shy ones -- they only stared at me and never interacted. They were actually the most tolerable ones. They never strike up a conversation or try to kiss my ass -- they just stare at me until they fulfill what their heart desires. The shy ones never approached me or tried to snake their way into my social circle.

A buzz from my phone shook my train of thoughts. I lazily checked the notification that came through on my beat-up iPhone. My friends normally send memes and stupid photos in our group text, but never actual messages. Well -- especially Benjamin, I was really surprised to see actual words sent here.

Benjamin Carver: So I have some news.

Harvey Palmer: Woah! You actually typed some words.

I smirked upon reading Harvey's message. We have the same thoughts here -- Tim sent a "side-eye" emoji, waiting for Benjamin to finally share what he had to say.

Benjamin Carver: f**k you, Harvey! I could type all day and use punctuation too! Anyway, guess who approached me this morning?

He was trying to be mysterious but it all gave us the creeps. Tim particularly.

Timothy Hardman: Stop being so cryptic -- it's not cool. Tell us, now.

Lance Herbert: Yeah, Benjie. Make it quick, I'm actually doing my draft plates, this is due at 5 pm.

I was a bit interested in what he had to say. It was rare for him to tell us something, he just messaged to play and mess around most of the time.

Benjamin Carver: Ella Thomas happened.

Harvey and Timothy went wild, sending a series of 'what?!' and 'bullshits' one after the other. I, on the other hand, just kept quiet -- I don't really get what the big deal was. All I knew was that they talked about this girl every damn time. Apparently, she was the resident playgirl in Gruntwood -- making her unattainable to boys like us.

Benjamin Carver: I swear to god, I almost passed out. I thought she was going to ask me out or something, but it looks like she wanted to ask me about a friend of mine.

He sent a meme of a crying man, rolling over on the ground. Tim and Harvey laughed at Benjie's misfortune.

Timothy Hardman: Ooof! Tough luck, buddy! Try again next life. HAHAHA

Harvey Palmer: HAHAHA! Serves you right! Karma's a b***h, ain't it? But which friend was she talking about? Was it me or Tim?

Benjamin Carver: LOL no, she was actually asking about Lance.

He sent another sticker of a guy patting the back of another guy, saying good job below.

This whole Group Text is a joke, I swear! We never had one serious conversation here. Why would Ella Thomas ask about me? I didn't even know her -- she was from another campus and I never attended a mixer or party they hosted.

I mean, it could probably be because of the game we played against them, but I doubt it. I wasn't even in her orbit -- Benjamin must've been tripping.

Lance Herbert: Ha f*****g ha, Benjie. Quit stalling and just tell us who.

Benjamin Carver: I'm not kidding asshole! She asked me your number! I gave it to her, of course -- just thank me later. She's got the hots for you, even followed your social media accounts. You're welcome, d**k face.

Harvey Palmer: Lucky motherfucker! Let's meet up later. We'll give you some pointers on how to actually talk to a girl.

Timothy Hardman: Yep! We'll be at the gazebo, and don't tell us you talk to girls! My sister is an exception -- she's not actually considered.

What the f**k were they smoking?! Do they really think I would talk to a stranger once she texts me? I mean, I could -- but that doesn't mean I would. Besides, even without knowing Ella Thomas, she sounds like trouble... and I always stay away from trouble.

I want to focus on myself -- my career, my studies, my aunt, and my little brother.

Lance Herbert: LOL, how about not? Pass -- I've gotta go, I need to pass my plates. If I don't pass this on time, Diana's gonna chew my ass out. See you later.

I replied quickly before putting my phone in my pocket. I fixed the materials sprawled across the desk and got up to get my bag. Mr. Quinton was really strict, so if I passed this plate a minute after 5, he would no longer accept it.

Glancing at my wristwatch, it was already 4:45 PM -- f**k -- I only had 15 minutes to run across the hall and find him. That's the thing about this professor; he never stays in one place. Especially if he asked the class to pass something to him on the deadline! Sneaky motherfucker.

I wasted enough time, as it is, by chatting with my idiotic best friends. I need to make sure that I get to his office on time.

_________________________________________________________________________

When the coach says do suicide runs, you better f*****g listen... or else, you're going to end up like Kevin Coleman.

The guy thought that the coach would cut him some loose if he was the earliest one in the gym. He claimed that he had already warmed up and already did his conditioning routine. Little did he know that the coach was already here before him -- just observing.

Apparently, the douchebag never even stepped foot onto the hardwood floor when he got there. He just spilled some f*****g water on his face and jersey to make it look like he was already sweating and had a head start on us.

He thought he could do one better in coach -- well, he thought wrong because now, he will be benched for the rest of the season. The thing is, he was a good player... great aim, great ball handling, but a s**t team player. He always wants to be the star of the game.

That is why he hated my f*****g guts. I stole the limelight from him.

"Coach, I swear I'll never slack again. I'll train harder and I promise, I'll be more active during training." He pleaded as he walked with Coach Reynolds.

The coach remained quiet while looking over his playbook, as if he wasn't hearing anything the boy said. "Coach please, I can't be benched this season. My dad's going to kill me -- I worked so hard for this." Kevin added, actual tears were threatening to spill.

Everyone was looking at the scene before us. Coach Reynolds was really cool with us, but the moment you disrespect and lie to his face, you'll be on his s**t list and will make your life as an athlete a living hell.

"Well, you should've thought of that when you were lying directly to my face and trying to strongarm me a while ago. It's final Coleman, you're going to be painting the bench for the rest of the season." Coach Reynolds firmly said before blowing his whistle, making everyone flinch.

"You should be thankful that I didn't kick you out of the team. Now, you can join this session or you can go home. It's your choice. Boys, let's start -- pair up!" He added, looking over us and giving his instructions.

Training was a bit harsher than normal -- not just because we're going to be up against Clint County next game, but because Coach Reynolds was still pissed at Kevin. He actually went home and ditched our training. I don't know if he was just stupid or something.

Adrian and Daniel stood beside me after I showered. They were both smirking at me and they looked like they were up to no good. With a sigh, I quirked my eyebrow to ask them what they wanted. A s**t-eating grin formed on Adrian's lips.

"I heard something through the grapevine, big boy." What does that have anything to do with me?

Daniel also elbowed my stomach lightly in a teasing manner. "Yeah, we heard someone noticed you and took a liking on you from GW uni. Damn -- I can't believe I'm actually agreeing with her. I mean, your s*x appeal could probably top ours combined!"

Now, I'm f*****g lost -- what does he mean? Were they talking about the same s**t Benjamin told me earlier? Well, I hope not, because I will probably never hear the end of it.

"What are you guys talking about? I have no time for that shit." I shrugged and acted nonchalant. I already know where this will lead. They'll probably convince me to start something with this Ella Thomas girl.

The fact that I don't even know what this girl looked like and from what I heard, she liked to run around different campuses. That -- is a major red flag for me.

"Dude, I swear -- just lose your virginity to Ella! No strings attached, no need for a relationship. It will be a one-time thing, then you guys can go separate ways." Adrian suggested as it was the most normal thing to do.

What the f**k?! He didn't just suggest that to me.

"Look, I appreciate your concern about my s*x life, Adi. But one, I don't even know this Ella -- two, she probably hooked up with other guys too. I don't want to be with someone who can't settle down." I voiced out as I placed my soiled training uniform over the hamper.

"That's the beauty of this set up, Lance. You don't need to know each other! No feelings are going to be involved and it will be a one-time thing!" Adrian explained further, getting more excited.

Jeez -- I don't really care if this Ella girl had a hobby of hooking up with guys she just met. It wasn't just my cup of tea -- I wanted to lose my virginity to someone I care for... and of course, I want feelings to be involved when I have s*x for the first time! It would be special for me, damn it!

"Just stop, Adi. Let our boy be. Maybe he wants his first time to be special. Not all of us are like you, man." Bless Daniel's soul for being understanding!

Adrian looked at him incredulously, like he couldn't believe what came out of his mouth.

"I can't with you. Whatever, Lance -- fine. Your choice, but if you change your mind, find me! I'll give you condoms and tips on how you can f**k her brains out." Adrian surrendered and went to one of the shower stalls, leaving me with Daniel.

"Don't mind him, he was just looking out for you. Just do you, Lance. Don't let other people pressure you into doing something you didn't want to do in the first place." He said before patting my shoulder and leaving me with my thoughts as well.

I really can't understand why everyone was pushing me to try it out with this girl. I haven't even met her -- how did she know about me? I know that I've gained some more attention from the last game, but I didn't think that this would mean that girls like her would start to orbit me.

Well -- whatever, all I know right now is that I have my goals set for my future. My aunt and my little brother came first. Being involved with a girl like that, Ella Thomas, even without a relationship, would just be a major distraction.

I don't need that right now.