Get Along Well The Series

CHAPTER 1: The Luckiest Boy

CHAPTER 1

7 YEARS LATER...

It's Coventry Week and the cheers echoing here in the central gym is deafening. The fight between my faculty, Legal Management and Faculty of Tourism Management is intense. It is the championship match for men's volleyball division and my team entered the finals for the first time since forever.

The road through the finals is not easy. We are fourth seed in the standings and the team that we are competing with right now is undefeated. Game number two of the finals and we managed to stained their immaculate record yesterday in an intense four set match.

Some said that we only got lucky because the players from Tourism had a two-day break while we are climbing the standings through stepladder format. Legal Management team had to defeat the third seeded team in three sets then conquer last year's finalist, the Faculty of Engineering in two games. So basically, right now we played five games non stop since semi finals.

That is the reason why some are saying that we only got lucky because Tourism players got relaxed during those two days while us were coming of a sweet victory against Engineering, we just continued our momentum yesterday and today is the real battle.

We were considered a David vs. Goliath match because of our height discrepancy. Our team's height is only averaging 5'9 while the other team consists of six footers. To be honest, I'm getting exhausted already. It has been two hours since we started and we just finished the fourth set. We are down 2 sets to 1 earlier and on the verge of losing but my team managed to snatch the fourth set 25-23.

I've been doing majority of the scoring duties. As of the moment, I have 35 points under my name. The faculty of Tourism Management is the defending champions and they did not expect this to happen.

They thought that they can go through the summit of championship that easily, but honey, you thought it wrong.

I started playing volleyball way back in elementary school when I joined the volleyball club. Aside from that, I am also playing with my friends if I have free time. We have this so-called barbie type of game where we are just having fun while playing. But of course, we are also joining some inter-barangay matches and we travel sometimes to play if there are invites. I am one call away to play for our street team.

Aside from volleyball, I also have a duty on serving the whole student body because I won last year's student council election as President even though I am just first year. Crazy right? Well it is stated on the rule book that as long as the candidate have three years of residency in the university, the aspirant can run for the student council. Well, I've been here since grade six, so that is a total of four years and a half of residency.

Added to my list of achievements is the infamous School Helping Hands, an organization that I establish which aims to help other students with their problems either academically or emotionally. We talk to the students who is struggling with their college life. If they need someone to talk to, our office is open for them.

I glanced at the back of our bench; my block mates are cheering their hearts out. Leading them are Kris Bernard Mantuano and Cherry Alleiah Isidro, my best friends. They encouraged me to join the team because Kris cannot play. He injured his right arm and he is currently on his healing period. So, I became his proxy.

Thankfully, my teammates can block and serve hard so I have some help on the other scoring department.

Set number five, raise to fifteen and there is no technical timeout. Earlier, it is one sided. They are cheering for the faculty of Tourism Management. But now, I can hear my name being shouted from every side of the gym. Our coach called a timeout. He wants me to take over since one more point and I'm rotating at the backrow. He gave us other instructions, plays that our setter needs to orchestrate once I go to the back row.

After the timeout, I stepped inside the court and in front of me is Maxim Peter Bustamante, standing 6-foot-2, the main gunner of the other team with 28 points. He is a varsity player for the university and he is famous for being the other half of Coventry Bazookas.

I am just brushing off his dirty antics since the game started because if I let him get through my brain, I will be thinking about it until I cannot focus anymore and boom, cost us the championship. So that smile that he is giving me, baby I'll smile back to you because later you'll be crying for losing the crown.

Am I too proud of my self? Well that's because confident is my middle name.

Trying to play mind games, eh? I gave him a weird look. I will not be intimidated by you, Mr. Bustamante. The only reason your fanbase is big because of your band Coldhearted Playlist, aside from that there's nothing else.

Well, I take it back, he is handsome. Yeah. Maybe that's also a reason why girls and gays are swooning over him. Even some of my classmates are rooting for him earlier. But right now, they set aside their feelings towards him because there is a chance for us to snatch the crown from them.

Maybe you are wondering why he is playing right now even though he is a member of the varsity team. The reason for that is because Coach Diego only announced last week the official line up for University Games and he is from Team B before. If you are not in Team A, you can participate in this kind of matches and activities. But then again, since he is already practicing with the Faculty of Tourism for months, Coach Diego allowed him to play even if he is already included in Team A's line up.

I must admit, he is a powerful hitter but sometimes he is not thinking about the shots he is doing. That's why our blockers can read easily their attacks and the direction that the ball is going. Hello, we are from Legal Management so expect us to read your actions to very accurately. Just kidding.

He must learn how to place the ball. Search for empty spaces on the court and look for holes on his blockers. But of course, why would I tell that to him right now? I want to win this for us. So, yeah continue that kind of shots Max, so far you're doing an amazing job sweetie. It's working on our favour.

"Prrrrrrrttttttt!" the referee blew the whistle which signals our server to serve the ball. The score is tight, 14-all and I am trying my best not to expose all the wits and tricks that I have. I tried to power tip or drop the ball so that they cannot read my attacking pattern. Unpredictability will be useful at this juncture. They have to guess what will I do next. I want to them to commit mistakes, If so happened that I only got one blocker, that is the kind of opportunity that I need to take advantage of.

But the thing is their libero's passing is good in all fairness, ever since the first set he is just sending all the balls directly to their setter.

I am watching Max if he will approach for the ball because I need to get ready for a possible crosscourt open hit. I don't want to get baited by their plays. I looked at their setter's hand and when I saw that his wrist will throw it to the open side, I left my blocking stance and get ready for the cross court hit from them.

I am already at my defensive position when their setter changes the direction of his hands in a snap and sent to the opposite side, going to Max. I tried my best to get back to my blocking stance but it is too late, the ball pass through my hands which results to a score for Max 14-15.

I looked at Max and he gave me a grinning smile. Don't celebrate just yet. I rolled my eyes and went back to my position four. Prepare for my revenge, you piece of meat.

The referee blew the whistle. Max's team served the ball and our libero reception is also good. I called for June, our setter so that he can send the ball to me. Max's team anticipated my attacking stance and there are three blockers waiting for my shot. Maybe they are thinking that I'll go for a very strong attack so that's explain why they tried to closed down the crosscourt and down the line.

The only option for me is off the block and...

"Prrrttttttt!" We scored, 15-all.

I smirked at Max because they forgot that I can do a swipe. I swiped the ball to their open hitter which results to a sudden drop ball. Their libero tried to save the ball but it went directly to the floor. I blew Max a kiss and then turned my back against him so that I can celebrate with my teammates. The crowd went wild because of what I did.

I went at the back for the service attempt and I am looking for possible target. I want to send the ball to their open hitters because they are the weak link in their reception. Their open hitters are having problems with first ball which also results to multiple service aces earlier. The libero is now manning the receiving duties alone because their openers are liable at that department. When I served the ball, as expected, the libero went for it.

When the setter received the ball, he gave it directly to Max which gave me a good chance to dig the ball. I got the first ball and sent it directly to our setter. The setter is watching the ball go to his direction and while waiting for the ball to touch his hands, he looked at us, his attackers. He raised his eyebrows to me which means that I will take the shot.

Our middle blocker barely got the touch during the whole fifth set so the other team must be anticipating that June will give it to our middle. Renzel prepared for an attack and when he jumped, the blockers from Max's team also jump. But their eyes widened when Renzel did not hit the ball. The set is far back for him to attack it.

They are already going down from the blocking formation when I approached for the ball and hit it over the blocker's hands from the backrow. We got the point via combination play. 15-16.

We are one point away from snatching the crown from the defending champions. This will be first time for our faculty because ever since, it's always between Engineering and Tourism Management. They have the tallest players and we broke that streak because I guess this is our moment.

I went to straight to Max and pointed at him where the ball hit the floor. I gave him again a flying kiss and my teammates are laughing while cheering for me.

You want to play mind games? Let me play bastardly instead.

"One more point guys. This is ours!" I shouted to them as I embraced them. They smiled widely and went back to their position. I am serving for the championship point.

"Serving for the championship point, Avery Villaconcepcion!" the barker announced and the whole gym went wild. I took a deep breath because I decided to change my strategy for serving. There is no room for error on this serve but I want to take a risk because it's a high risk, high reward attempt.

I looked at the receiving pattern and I noticed that the libero and the second outside spiker is close enough with each other because they are anticipating me to serve it again to that direction. The libero will take care of the ball for sure. So, that moment I knew where to send the ball.

The referee whistled and I again took a deep breath before serving the ball. I have eight seconds.

I closed my eyes and opened it again. I tossed the ball upward. This will be the first time that I will use a jump serve throughout the match. I've never done this ever since day one of the competition so this will be a shocker for some of the spectators.

I've been mastering this service for a very long time to be honest but I'm still nervous because it has a chance that it will go straight to the net.

When I jumped for the ball, I saw the libero going back to his defensive position so I immediately fired the ball going to the direction between him and their setter. Since their setter is a backrow player and it is going on his direction, they cannot decide who will go for the first ball. The libero took the ball but because he is unprepared, the ball deflected into his arms and it went outside.

I immediately run towards to my teammates, they are on the floor crying. I cannot blame them; this is our first championship ever in the history of Coventry Week. Cherry and Kris hugged me tight and I can feel their happiness because they are jumping together while I'm being sandwiched between them.

I am so happy because this is a history not just for our faculty but also for Coventry Week. We literally climbed this mountain of happiness that we are experiencing right now and it is not an easy track.

The referee signals that it is time for the shaking of hands. I congratulated each one of them for a very good game. When it is time for me and Max to shake hands, the angst that he has earlier turned into something I can't explain. It's like he is very happy to see us win the crown.

"Congratulations, you really did well." He said to me.

"Thank you. Congratulations for a very good game." I replied with a smile.

After we took a shower, we went again inside the gym where everyone is preparing for the awarding ceremony. I unexpectedly took the Most Valuable Player and Best Outside Spiker. Everybody congratulated us even Coach Diego who awarded the MVP trophy to me.

Me, Kris and Cherry are close with them because some of the players from the team became our classmates either last year or last semester.

Albert and Dominic, the libero and setter of the varsity team literally wanted to give me a victory lift but I said no because my body is sore, I might outbalance. They are two years ahead of us and they said that probably this year will be their last because they want to finish their studies in four years instead of a normal five years for athletes.

After the awarding, I noticed that it's already six in the afternoon. My left shoulder starts to ache because I have my bag on the right side while carrying two big trophies. I don't know why I didn't asked Cherry for a ride. My God, this is t*****e, mother.

As I approached gate three of the university, I still cannot help myself but to smile as I recall how my faculty celebrated earlier.

The school publication also asked me earlier during the interview why I didn't join the varsity team. I told them that I have so much on my plate right now and I am sure that I cannot fully participate in the team's agenda.

Aside from that, I am only five-foot-ten and I know Coach Diego, he is gunning for the championship and he cannot have a five-footer on the team. There are a lot of reserves on the team too, so why do I have to steal the spotlight to other players that I know can deliver and give their full 100% during games.

What he needs is the likes of Xavier and Max, the first and second open hitter of the team. Max is standing 6'2 while Xavi is 6'4. They are popular in the school because of their looks and their skills. The team of Coventry University became deadly when their duo was introduced.

Xavi Eliott Natividad was already in the team since last year. I can say that I'm close with Xavi because we've been classmates before and I'll be honest, he is my type. But the thing is Kris has a crush on him already and everyone knows about it. And I don't have time for any distractions, so looking for relationship is out of the equation.

We casually hang out together with the other members of the varsity team. They also helped us win the student council election. They supported us throughout the journey because they said that I am the perfect student council president.

Well, I don't know. Last year, the only thing I focused on is studying. The reason why I'm on the dean's list together with Kris. During the election period, there is only one candidate for the Presidency because no one else wants to run for the election. The reason is because the student council for the past years is always being criticized for their subpar performance.

It was during the Debate Club when things got escalated quickly. I represented the first years and I won against our fourth year senior about the topic of governance in the Philippines. I don't want to get into the details but let's just say that I suggested the platforms that will suit well for the country.

They said that I understand the needs of my fellow countryman so they asked me to run for the presidency because I might know what my schoolmates need. Basically, it is a free trial that leads to a one-year subscription.

Sometimes we catch up but it is not like before. We've been very busy with our responsibilities. Xavi is the president of the varsity team and they are very busy with the preparation for the University Games while us, the whole student body is our responsibility.

Some students are congratulating me with the awards and the championship. I am smiling to them while thanking. There are students who wants to help me carrying the trophies but I said to them that I can manage, it's okay. While walking on the hallways a familiar voice echoed. "Need help?"

I stopped walking and took a glance at him. He is wearing a black shirt with an abstract design. Approaching me, I only realized how much he changed since last year. He has some muscles now but not that much. His jawline is more evident that compliments the shape of his face. Those eyes of him for sure can stole any girl that he wants. His pinkish lips that many girls fantasize of kissing is distracting me badly.

Wait, what? What was that Ave?

"I can manage but thank you for the offer." I gently replied.

"I think you need help because ever since you stepped outside the gym, you are struggling carrying your trophies." He is so close to me to the point that I can smell his perfume, I bet it is Gucci or something expensive.

"You're going this way too?" yeah, I am struggling so I handed him my bag.

"I parked my car outside. The traffic is heavy every afternoon in gate six so I chose to park here in gate three." His dimples are deep. Wait why are you looking at that. Okay? Cut it, Ave.

"I didn't expect that jump serve from you earlier. You've been doing that since your varsity days?" He is not a stranger to me but we barely spoke ever since he was introduced to the team. I only knew his existence when he was introduced by Dominic last year.

I can see him before in the campus but never really had the chance to talk because we are from different faculty.

"Yeah, but I never really had the chance to master that serve because I never competed for interschool since I am always in Team B. So, I only opted to use floater serves." I recalled.

"You have the skills and talent, why did you not pursue being a varsity player? For sure many schools will be happy to have you to their team." He asked.

"Well I only play volleyball if I want to have fun. It's not really my passion. Besides, I am happy staying here." I looked at him. "This university became my second home and leaving this institution was never an option for me." I added.

"So, that's the reason why you didn't try out for the team? You are only playing for fun."

"Yeah. But also, there's no chance for me to balance my studies, my responsibilities as a student council president and everyday practice for the varsity team. It's too much." I smiled faintly. "How about you, why did you choose to stay here in Coventry University even though Colegio de Nacional tried to recruit you?"

"You still remember that?"

"Yeah, you told us that last year when Dominic introduced you to us. My first impression to you was boastful. But, I guess you really have the skills." I answered straightforwardly.

He chuckled "I found out that my first love is going to study here in Coventry University. That's my turning point on deciding why I should choose here." Oh, so his first love is studying here. What a lucky girl.

"So cheesy. But why not basketball though?" Now I am the curious cat. His height can surely place him to the team.

"Volleyball has a different level of intensity. It's a different kind of mind games. You need to know where to place the ball or how to outwit the other team. But I guess, I need to work on that more because you outplayed us earlier." He laughed. For a man like him, you will not think that he knows how to smile. My impression to him is cold, serious and do not disturb me kind of guy. Every time I see him around the campus, if not with his teammates, he is always with his classmates.

"Yeah. I really want to save that specifically for championship point. I mean my float serves are working in our favor because your openers are struggling with receiving. So, I said to myself to just save it for later and it cost you the championship." I smirked.

I must admit, if I don't know him, I probably won't talk this much. I am not fond of having this kind of conversation to other guys in the campus because I've been distancing myself to avoid any issues. Of course, I am carrying the name of the school, hello. I don't want to be involve in any issues or false rumours. But, me seeing talking with Max is okay because everyone knows that we are in the same circle of friends.

Thinking about it, I've been doing an excellent job with maintaining my image here in the school. I am doing good with my duties and also excels with my studies. Electing a gay as a council president also gives the school a good reputation because it only proves that we are an LGBTQIA+ friendly institution.

You know what, whatever your gender is, you need to be friendly and good with other people because being in college is already hard okay? Don't make it harder for other people just because you felt miserable or boring about your life. I don't tolerate bullying or any kind of discrimination. So, mark my words, once I heard a report about that during our open hours in School Helping Hands, you'll be fighting against me.

Outside gate three, I put down my trophies so that I can get my bag back. "Thank you for carrying my bag." I said to him.

"Do you want me to send you home?"

"No need. I can ride a jeepney from here."

"Okay. Wait, let me see if this will work." He put the bag crossing my body from left to right so that It won't be hard when I carry the trophies. "That way your bag will not slip on your shoulders." We are so close to each other that I felt awkward because he didn't have to do this. I can do it on my own but I only stood here while he is doing it. He looked me in the eye and we were in that position for three seconds.

I picked up my awards and smiled nervously. "T-Thank you. Drive safely." My god, why are you stuttering Ave? Stop it!

"Thanks. See you on grounds."

I turned around and start walking to approach the waiting shed where the jeepneys will stop to unload and load passengers. I felt that my cheeks turned red because I never saw him that closely. I must admit, he is really handsome. Now I know why he is like a campus sweetheart.

I never heard any names being linked with him so I have no idea who it this first love of his. But one thing is for sure, that person needs to keep Max because many women and gays are willing to take over the position anytime.

When I arrived at our house, I caught up with my mom preparing for dinner. I kissed him in the forehead and hugged her tight. She is happy to see my carry these two trophies. My dad died five years ago so my mom is working for us two. Thankfully they had savings for my future because I never paid for my tuition fees for four years in high school.

After eating dinner, I presented myself to clean the dishes so that she can take a rest for her job tomorrow. When I finished washing the dishes, I went upstairs to my room to take a bath and change. Since there are no assignments this week, I just opened my laptop and browse for hours before sleeping.

Instead of waking up because of the sun coming through my windows, I woke up because of my phone. It is ringing so loud that I almost bumped my head from the head board of my bed. I grabbed for my phone to take a look on who is calling me this early. It's Kris.

"What is it? It's too early Kris. It's only six in the morning." I mumbled while scratching my cheeks.

"You little witch, what happened yesterday, huh?" he shouted.

"Why are you shouting, my god. What happened, where?" my mind is not working. It's too early to function so I cannot understand what he is implying.

"You are trending girl!" he keeps giving me puzzle pieces, how can he expect me to understand the mystery message?

"Kris, it's six in the morning and my brain doesn't understand any words you are saying. Just get to the point." My patience is getting thin.

"Go to University Open Files, like right now." He ordered me before cutting the line.

University Open Files? The page where the students post their rants, shits and anything that they cannot say in person or through their personal account? What is it about? Who's the talk of the town?

I opened my laptop and looked for the University Open Files page. I scrolled through the timeline and my jaw almost dropped when I saw a picture of a man where from the angle of the camera, looks like he is kissing someone. My brain immediately recognized that it is me and Max yesterday.

I picked up my phone and called Kris again. He answered it. "Kris, what is this? Wha-Why there is five thousand shares and ten thousand likes and hearts and what is this?" I am in disbelief.

"You flirty little b***h, of all the places you want to make out with Max why did you chose to do it in school premises! You could have just gone for it in his car, dumbass!"

"It's just a misunderstanding. We are not kissing, stupid! He just helped me with my bag because I refused his offer to send me home!" I scroll down the comment section and everyone is like...very happy? "What is happening? These comments, what is this #TeamMaVery? What?"

"Obviously, they are shipping you and Max already! #TeamMaVery for the win! i***t!"

"NO! There's no such thing as Team MaVery or whatever. I-I need to clarify this, oh god. I can't be involved in this shit."

"Girl, no need. Your image will not be stained because of this. Actually, majority of the comments support your love team. Yieeeee."

"Love team my a*s!" I dropped the call and took a deep breath so that I can think on how to handle this thing.

With that picture circulating online, my mind now is not functioning properly. I can't think! Time went so fast that I didn't notice that I am now walking my way going to our office.

I can feel people's eyes are on me. It's like I am wearing a placard stating that I am a disgusting s**t. Ugggghh don't overthink, Ave. It's just a picture. Sooner there will be another picture that will surface the internet proving that you did not made out with Max in broad daylight outside the campus!

What if Max's girlfriend s***h first love saw that picture? I don't want to cause any problems and get involved in their fight. It's not fierce, it's humiliating!

I tried my best to put the best smile that I could while walking the hallway. The usual three-minute walk from gate three to the office feels like forever! When I opened the doors of our office, I took a gasp of air because this area, no one will judge me. They know that I am not that kind of person.

But when I looked at my colleagues faces, they are all grinning at me. Everyone is like waiting for me to spill the tea about what happened.

Great, so I am not safe at my own office too. How lovely.

"So, mister MVP, how's your additional reward yesterday?" Don't start, please Cherry.

"It's fake news, okay? We didn't kiss. I am not dumb enough to allow Max kiss me in an open space outside the campus where we could be possibly seen." I put my bag on the chair and went to the water dispenser to drink.

"Well, I guess you're horny enough that you let him kiss you yesterday outside the campus where you were seen." Kris gaslighted this stupid issue.

"Kris, I'm not like you, okay? I have no time to fool around. Kissing and sleeping with every handsome man I encounter is not my cup of tea." I rolled my eyes.

"I think the only guy that Kris hasn't slept with is Xavi." Gabriel, our auditor hit the jackpot on that one.

"It's because I-"

"I am not sexually attracted to Xavi. Yes Kris, we already memorized that line. You don't have to repeat it to us over and over again. Gab is just joking." Cherry fired back at Kris.

"Well since there's no kiss that happened yesterday, maybe there will be later." Mika the secretary added.

Cherry is our vice president and Kris is the PRO of the student council. We have our adviser, Ms. Adelaine Villanueva but she is not staying with us here. She's in the faculty room in BEAM Building. BEAM stands for Business, Economics, Accountancy and Management building. The four faculties that our university is know for. Those faculties produced so many top notchers.

Looking at my calendar and planner, there are no urgent things to work on, so I can relax the whole day. This week we don't have classes because of the Coventry Week but next week it is going back to normal. So, we are just enjoying our free time and relaxing here in our humble abode.

I was just browsing on my computer when I saw someone go inside our office. My brain stopped working for a while when Max entered. I don't know how to react. And the worst part of that he is approaching to me.

Why?

"Hi Max! What are you doing here?" Cherry asked in a sweet tone. I raised my eyebrow to her. What's with that cuteness act you're doing, Che?

"Ah, yeah. I'm the one who's in charge with the project proposal. I came here to submit it." I see. Well usually it's the president who is in charge with every proposal but I guess Xavi is too busy to do it. "I'm the one who suggested this proposal. So, he instructed me to finish everything since he thinks it is a good idea. I just completed every detail that you may need, but if you have some revisions, just let me know." He gave a wide smile.

I picked it up. "What is your proposal?"

"Wow, I didn't know that there will be thesis defense here." He jokingly replied. Max, it's not funny. He quickly changed his reaction and turned into serious mode, "I mean the proposal is a two-day camp in an orphanage.We will provide our own tents, like camping but also an immersion program. We are planning to held an exhibition match to raise funds for the project. All the proceeds will be given to the orphanage."

"For the ticket sales, what is your goal?" I asked him.

"500 tickets. We can achieve our goal since our team will invite the Volleyball Men's National Team. I can make that happen again, just like last year." He confidently answered. "I suggested to Xavi that we will divide the proceeds into two. One is cash gift then the half will be for goods, prizes for the games etc. We want to be transparent with the activity so if you want to join us, you can."

"Asked them if they want. I cannot join the camping because I have so much to do. Your proposal is approved." I went to the photocopy machine and produce a copy for him. Signed the copy and gave my stamp to it.

"You approved it already? Really?" Cherry is shocked. Why? He defended his project proposal well.

"Why? There's no reason for me to deny the proposal. You heard the details he gave right? He explained it very well so there's no need for me to deny or delay the approval." I told Cherry.

"I see. Okay, I'll just shut myself up." She mumbled.

I focused again my attention to Max. "If there are some details that you forgot to mention or possible changes, just let me know immediately."

"O-Okay. Thank you for approving this on the spot." He stated while turning his back and walking himself out of the office.

I glanced to my officemates and all of them are giving me that look. "What?"

"Immediate approval? Really? You've never done that, Ave. Usually it takes three days for a revision. Changes here, there, everywhere. But with Max proposal, approved immediately?" Is Cherry trying to imply something?

"You know what Che, you always create issues. The proposal has no loopholes, so I approved it immediately." I hissed.

"Promise? No other hidden reasons?" Kris smirked at me.

"Believe whatever you want to believe. I don't need to defend myself." I went back to my cubicle and to continue my browsing activity.

"Kris, isn't Max an ideal boyfriend?" Cherry doesn't know how to stop, really.

"Yes, he is! Like you know he's handsome, manly, volleyball player and sweet. He will carry your bag if you are having trouble carrying it. He wants to bond with the children in an orphanage. What a major turn on. You know what, ever since, he's really a boyfriend material." Kris alludes.

"For sure one day, someone will fall in love with him. That person will be the luckiest person on earth. Imagine, calling Max Bustamante your boyfriend, what a great flex to do so, right?"

I just rolled my eyes because right now, everything that comes out of their mouth are pure nonsense.