Chapter 8 — Change players in the final match

My heart trembled slightly. The previous comment said he was learning about my interests — it seems to be true.

“Captain Tham is so thoughtful.”

“Just call me Tinh Ha.” – He laughed –

“Anyway, are we still friends now?”

I nodded:

“Of course.”

The sound of rain becomes the most wonderful background sound. We talk about projects, about design, about topics that do not need to be careful to avoid forbidden areas. Tham Tinh Ha's professional perspectives made me gain a lot. He patiently listened to me present each idea, then made suggestions — not like a lecture from above, but an equal discussion. Midway, he suddenly said:

"You've become thinner lately."

I froze.

“Great pressure?” – He asked very naturally, without any probing.

“A little bit.”

"I've heard about Giang's family."

He stirs the coffee.

“It's not easy.”

I remained silent.

“I don't mean anything else.” – Tham Tinh Ha added –

“Just feel... before taking care of others, you have to learn how to take care of yourself.

I also said this to my teammates." The comment line appeared: 【Tham Tinh Ha's EQ crushed Giang Nghien Tu on 18 streets.】 I took a sip of hot cocoa:

“Are you comforting me?”

“I'm just telling the truth.” – He imitated the tone I used, with a smile in his eyes –

"I'm a very good listener, but not good at confiding. So... it's very tiring."

One sentence pierced the calm shell I tried to keep. I turned my head to look at the rain:

“I'm used to it.”

“Familiarity is not the reason.” – Tham Tinh Ha whispered –

“When I was a child learning piano, the teacher often said 'habits are natural'. But later I understood, there are habits that only exist because you don't have the courage to change."

He stopped for a moment:

“For example, the habit of waiting, the habit of forgiving, the habit of putting someone at the center of the world.”

The rain began to fall harder.

“Tham Tinh Ha,” – I asked softly –

“Why do you treat me so well?”

He paused, then answered calmly:

“Because I like you.”

So direct that I couldn't react.

“Last year's tournament has already started.” – He smiled –

“I stood on the side of the field drawing a cheering poster, the sunlight shining on my hair seemed to be covered with a golden layer.

At that time I thought, this girl's eyes... have stars."

“So why say it now?”

“Because at that time, in my eyes, there was only Giang Nghien Tu.” – He replied –

“And now, the starlight in my eyes has faded.

I want to try and see if I can make it shine again.” My heart beats very fast. Not from panic, but… a feeling of appreciation that had been absent for a long time.

“You… are probably not ready to start a new relationship yet.”

“I know.” – He nodded –

“That's why I said 'try', not 'must'.

You can take it slow. You can also wait slowly. This is not like a basketball match, there is no countdown timer.” We sat in silence for a while. The rain outside had subsided, and the sky revealed a bit of faint light. When leaving the restaurant, Tham Tinh Ha sent me back to the dormitory. Halfway there, we saw a familiar figure standing under the awning of the grocery store at the beginning of the alley - Giang Nghien Tu. He has lost a lot of weight, wears a suit but looks a bit loose. In hand is a plastic bag of a convenience store, inside are cup noodles and mineral water. Seeing us, his eyes darkened.

"Hello, Mr. Giang." – Tham Tinh Ha spoke first.

Giang Nghien Tu didn't answer, just looked at me:

“Can... talk in private for a moment?”

Tham Tinh Ha looked at me, signaling with his eyes to ask for advice. I nodded:

"You can go home first, thank you."

“Yes.” – He replied gently –

“If anything happens, call me.”

After Tham Tinh Ha left, Giang Nghien Tu walked closer. The dark circles under his eyes became clearer, but his eyes lost the old stubbornness.

“My dad woke up today.” – He said.

"I know. Congratulations."

“He said he wanted to see you.” – His voice is very small –

“If you agree…”

I tightened the handle of the umbrella:

“Jiang Nghien Tu, is it reasonable for us to be like this now?”

“There's no need to take any name... just..." – He hesitated –

“It's someone who grew up with me.

He... really likes you very much, Thu Nguyet." The rain has completely stopped. The sunset sun penetrated through the clouds, dyeing golden light on the puddle at my feet.

“Okay.” – I said –

“When?”

“Is tomorrow afternoon okay?” – He flashed a look of joy –

"I'll come pick you up."

"I'll go on my own."

His eyes darkened slightly, but did not force:

“Okay.”

The next day, I bought a fruit basket to the hospital. Father Giang is in the VIP room. When I arrived, he was reading a book. When he saw me, he immediately smiled:

“Thu Nguyet has arrived.”

"Hello, Mr. Giang." – I put down the gift basket –

“Are you feeling better?”

“Much better.” – He patted the seat next to him –

"Sit down. Little Nghien Tu went out to buy food, he'll be back later."

I sat down. Uncle Giang's eyes gently looked at me:

“You've gotten thinner.”

“Me too.”

"You're old, a little skinny is normal." – He sighed –

"And you, why are you arguing with Nghien Tu?"

I don't know how to answer.

“He told me everything.” – He shook his head –

“Since childhood, my mother spoiled me and did not know how to love anyone.

But his heart is not bad, just... stupid." My nose suddenly stings.

“Thu Nguyet,” – He said gently –

"I don't mean to defend him. Love is between the two of you, outsiders should not interfere.

I just want to tell you, that boy... he considers you more important than life." He opened the nightstand drawer and took out an album. Inside are all old photos. There was a photo of Giang Nghien Tu's 7th birthday, I was standing next to him, both faces were covered in cake cream.

“The year his mother died, he was only ten years old.” – He pointed to the photo –

“For a month without saying a word, not crying, not making trouble, it was like losing my soul.

Until one day, I took it to fly a kite. When he got home, he told his uncle: 'Dad, I want to grow up quickly to protect Thu Nguyet.'" Tears fell from my eyes.

“From that day on, it began to revive.” – His eyes are also red –

"That's why he's afraid. Afraid you'll leave him, afraid you won't need him anymore.