Loving Jupiter

Jupiter Sephiran Acosta is a closeted gay. He dated numerous men in private, wore lipstick and wig in secret, and strutted every gay bar in town in disguise. The last thing he want for his father is to find out that he's gay. 'Else, he'd be kicked out of the company as a CEO or worse...his father would disown him! 

But when things started to slowly unfold, his desperation to cover up his sexuality leads him to a desperate measure. Perhaps a girlfriend could help him clean up his name? And who else would be the perfect candidate for that? Ah, yes! Juno, his crazy secretary who once confessed his undying love for him. 

*****

The buzzer echoed loudly, causing a strong vibration inside the gymnasium after the audiences screamed and jumped in solidarity. Their banners swayed and dance in happiness as the commentators started announcing the final champion of the basketball game. 

Andrew, our team captain, jogged towards me to give me a high-five and a man-to-man hug. Our chest bumped into each other as I patted him at the back; my stomach churning in joy as our sweaty body collided to each other.

"Good job, Acosta!" He said, lips stretched completely into a wide grin. The other members of our team joined us in. I received so many slaps on the back and hair ruffling from them. 

With the opponents ahead of us with two points, we won the game after my buzzer beater three point shot. I've been in the bench the whole three quarters since I wasn't much of a star player in the team. So being an instrument to our championship today brought me so much joy and pride.

Pride. I giggled inwardly to myself. Joining the basketball team was a joke for me at first. As someone who also fancy the opposite sex, their club was filled with hunk players, reason why I was lured into joining them. But of course, they're not aware of that. This piece of information is something I would probably bring to the grave with me. 

My father, thankfully, taught me how to play basketball when I was still a kid; even when my hands were itching to touch the barbie dolls my twin sister were playing. I learned a few tricks and skills from him so I got in the team successfully. And since I've been at large into hiding my real identity, I worked so hard into maintaining my manly and muscular features so nobody would suspect me of anything. 

The emcee called us to line up for the awarding ceremony. Everyone was still cheering for us, especially the cheerleaders scattered around the court swaying their pompoms left and right. 

Jacob nudged me. "Which one of them is your type? I like Francesca but she's so hard to get at times..."

My forehead creased in confusion. "Huh?" 

He chuckled. "You've been eyeing the cheerleaders too much, Jupiter! I'm asking which one of them is the apple of your eye."

Gross. Disgusting. Disturbing. Gut-churning. Horrifying. Sickening. Yucky. Dreadful.

I snorted sarcastically at Jacob before pointing at a random member of the squad. As if I could tell him the true reason why I was looking at them? I love their cute uniform! I wish I could wear that pink mini skirt too! Well I can... in my dreams. Duh! 

"Dude, seriously? You like Juno?" He seemed utterly shock. 

Juno... I cringed even more. It's like the female counterpart of my name. I glanced at the girl. She's laughing and dancing with her friends. The dimples on her pink tinted cheek were so deep, it shows up easily at a single scrunch of her face. I looked away when she found my gaze. Damn, that's embarrassing!

Jacob nudged me again. "She likes you too. Why don't you approach her and ask her out to a date?"

"Fuck you! Leave me alone." I couldn't help but roll my eyes at him. If I ask him  instead then what? 

Our coach invited us in for a small victory celebration in their house. Everyone decided to shower first before we head to his place. As usual, the locker room was filled with half-naked men parading merrily with their towels on. It was a nerve wracking experience, no matter how many times I've been put in this situation. It was so hard to maintain eye contact with each one of them and I felt myself always blushing whenever they're near me. Their dashboard abs intimidate the hell out of me! 

"I thought we'll be graduating as losers. But thanks to Acosta, he made our final year memorable for us!" Andrew tapped me on my shoulder. His chiseled chest and muscular abdomen were saying 'hi' to me so I had to look away before I drool in front of him.

The locker room was filled with claps and cheers after what he said. I smiled sheepishly at everyone. "Thanks for your kind words and compliments, Andrew. But everyone did their own parts in this journey. This championship was because of us. We made it happen altogether."

The cheers grew louder. A smile then appeared on my face. I haven't thought of this in a while, but along the way, I think I learned to love the sport and the relationships I formed with the members. It's more than just 'hoe-ing' around anymore. 

Jacob and two other members of our team joined me in the car. I own an old sedan which I've been using for four years. My father promised to gift me a brand new car if I manage to graduate with flying colors. I don't need it and I'm not asking for it, though. I've learned to appreciate the real value of money when I took a business course. Why would I need a new one when I already have one on my plate? However, it's a gift so...

Coach Alvin's house look like a vintage Spanish hacienda from the 90's. It's my first time to ever visit his home, unlike the other members who's been back and forth here all the time. As I've said, I'm not a star player so I wasn't the coach's favorite member either. He only invite specific players during some important occasions in his household. And I don't mind, though. It's not like I'd die without his acknowledgement...

In fact, I'm so close from digging my own demise from the pressure I've been getting from my father. Imagine what would happen to me if his expectation added up to it? No, thank you.

We settled at the wide backyard of his house. So many cases of beer paraded around the yard near the tables. There's also a pool but I don't think we'll be using that since nobody was prepared for that. 

I looked at the guys who hurriedly ran towards the table, they're vying childishly for the chairs when the other tables are still vacant. I grinned, rolling my eyes at the same time as I sauntered towards the table where Jacob and the others were sitting. 

Jacob handed me a bottle of beer. I pulled the chair and settled beside him. "Just one, Jacob. I can't drink too much since I'm driving."

"Okay goody-two-shoes," he then smirked. "Anyway, our finals are nearing. You're one of the candidates for the highest Latin honor this year, right?"

I nodded my head proudly. "I prioritize my academics, reason why I was slacking in the club."

"Damn. The one slacking is also the one who brought us into championship." Vincent commented and I shook my head half-heartedly, denying his claim even though I actually enjoy the compliment. I used to have a crush on this guy but his idle attitude towards his study turned me off big time. 

The coach approached me to our table. He shook my hand and tapped me proudly on the back. "Job well done, Acosta! Enjoy the night and don't be shy to ask for requests. Do you want anything else?"

"Thanks, Coach! I'm fine here. I just wish I brought some clothes with me so I can try your pool." I joked and the table agreed laughingly. 

"Well, why not? I can lend you guys some clothes since I have unused shirts in my closet. Do you guys want to try? I'll call the maids to open the lights near the pool?"

Everyone exchanged a knowing smirk around the table. Meanwhile, I secretly grinned to myself. Oh, this will be fun! I could already imagine the guys strutting on the poolside with nothing but their boxer shorts on. I suddenly felt like squealing.

Minutes later, the lamp posts light up to illuminate the pool area. Everyone dashed quickly towards the pool, screaming in jollity while throwing their clothes away. I chuckled before rosing to my feet.

I looked at Jacob who's just about to remove his shirt. "Do you know where the comfort room is? I just need to take a piss."

"You can pee on the pool," he grinned, earning a disgusted grimace from me. "Kidding! We use the comfort room inside their kitchen. Go ask their helpers to lead the way for you." He then speed past me to join the others on the water. 

However, before I could turn my back to leave, I heard him shouting my name. "Jupiter!"

I glanced back with a furrowed eyebrow. 

"Ask her out!" He then winked while grinning at me. My forehead wrinkled in confusion. Ask who out? I shrugged it off and proceeded to go inside the house. 

"Hi!" I approached and greeted a uniformed maid. "May I know where the comfort room is?" 

I noticed how her face turned red. The maid look like she's just around my age. She smiled at me but I could feel her nerves growing in hysteria. I nearly rolled my eyes. This is one of the consequences I have to pay for not coming out. Girls still flock my way even when I don't throw a single interest towards their specie.

"Miss? The comfort room?" I reiterated, now slightly annoyed. My fingers almost snap but I hold it back strongly, afraid I might get caught red-handed.

"A-ah... this way, Sir!" 

I rolled my eyes as soon as she turned her back on me to lead the way. Coach Alvin's yell echoed through the hallway leading to the kitchen. He seemed enraged by something and I suddenly felt like backing out. 

The maid turned to me with a sheepish smile. I nodded dismissively at her before mouthing a simple 'thank you'. I silently peeked at the kitchen, curious about what's happening. 

Coach Alvin was yelling at a girl who's mopping the kitchen floor on her knees. There were stains on the tiles. She must've spilled the food, reason why the Coach was angry.

Though, what caught my attention even more was the fact that it's the cheerleader back at the gymnasium this noon! Her shoulder was shaking and I noticed how her eyes turned glossy. She was biting on her lower lip tightly, reason why her dimples were peeking from her cheeks. I suddenly felt bad for her.

Hoping that my presence would halt Coach Alvin's angry rants, I stepped inside the kitchen and awkwardly cleared my throat. His head jerked to my direction and I instantly regret meddling in after seeing the furious expression on his face. 

His face calmed down a bit. He then glanced at the girl one last time before heading for the exit. He even tapped my shoulder before leaving the kitchen. 

Are you okay? I wanted to ask but instead, I ended up asking for the comfort room even when the door was already waving right in front of my face.

She looked up at me, eyes still clouded with unshed tears. She quickly wiped her face before looking away. She then pointed at the door across us without staring back at me.

"Thanks..." I mumbled and was about to walk past her but my worry and concern got the best of me. I crouched down to level her. "Here... let me help you." I snatched the dirty rag from her trembling hand and mopped the remaining stains myself.

"T-thank you. But I c-can do it..." she whispered, her voice sounded so soft and delicate. I smiled broadly at her even when her gaze remained on the floor.

"I always see you at school. Didn't know you're somehow connected to Coach Alvin." I said, trying to start a conversation with her.

"H-he's my uncle..."

Well that caught me off guard. They're biologically related? Why does he act so cruel to her, then?

I didn't comment anymore. I pushed to my feet as soon as I finished cleaning the stained tiles. Whatever their relationship is, it's not my business anymore.

"Thank you f-for helping me! M-my name is Juno..." She also rose to her feet and offered her hand to me. I looked at her dirty palm. She must've felt embarrassed 'cause she almost withdrew her hand had I not caught it quickly. 

Rough and calloused. That's the texture of her palm, and for some reason, I felt my chest constricted as my eyes locked with her soulful brown eyes. 

"Jupiter." I then squeezed her palm. "Nice meeting you, chief goddess Juno."