Chapter 27 – The Surprise Play
Andrea dozed lightly beside Sheik's hospital bed, her hand still wrapped in his, her breathing soft and even. For the past two days, she hadn't left his side—not to paint, not to take calls, not even to sleep properly. She'd just been there, exactly the way Sheik had imagined when he hatched this crazy plan.
He glanced down at her, the guilt tugging at him again.
She'd been so worried. Her eyes had gone red from crying when she first saw him in the hospital bed. And now she was here, giving up everything just to sit beside him in silence.
And the truth was... he wasn't injured.
Not really.
The collision during the game was real, but the damage had been minimal—just a bruised knee, no dislocation, no torn ligament. A week of rest and he was good to go. But when he found out Andrea's birthday was coming up, and that she'd never had anyone go "all out" for her before, he made a choice.
A risky one.
He pulled a few strings—had Coach Mendoza and even the medical team play along. It was a stunt. A ridiculous, guilt-laden stunt. But it was all to keep her in Naga long enough for the birthday he'd been secretly planning for weeks.
Now, watching her sleep beside him, Sheik wasn't so sure it was worth it. The lies were starting to hurt more than the bruise.
He ran a hand over his face and sighed.
Andrea stirred, her lashes fluttering. "You okay?" she murmured, voice thick with sleep.
Sheik looked at her, the weight on his chest growing heavier. "Hey, uh… there's something I need to tell you."
But before he could say more, the door creaked open—and in walked a nurse holding a balloon bouquet, loudly singing, "Happy birthday to youuu!"
Andrea blinked. "What?"
Sheik stood—on both legs, no crutches—and walked over to the nurse to take the balloons. Andrea froze.
He handed them to her with a sheepish grin. "Surprise?"
"You're… standing."
"Yeah."
"You're fine."
"Pretty much."
Her mouth parted slightly. "You faked your injury?"
"I didn't mean to scare you that much," he said quickly. "It started with a real hit, I swear. But when I found out your birthday was close—and that you were heading to Manila—I just… I wanted a reason to keep you here. Long enough to do this."
He stepped aside and motioned toward the hallway. Music started playing. A few of their mutual friends stepped in—carrying a cake, confetti poppers, and Andrea's favorite snacks. There were hand-drawn signs, Polaroid garlands, and even a canvas set up for her to paint later.
All for her.
Andrea was silent.
Sheik scratched the back of his neck. "I know it was stupid. I just… I didn't want you to celebrate your birthday alone again. Not this year."
She looked at him for a long time. Then, without a word, she stepped forward—and hugged him. Hard. Her face buried in his neck.
"You're such an idiot," she whispered. "But you're my idiot."
He let out a breath of relief, hugging her back.
"You scared me, you jerk," she added, smacking his arm. "But this... this is the sweetest thing anyone's ever done for me."
"Worth it?" he asked.
She looked up at him, eyes warm and shining. "You're lucky I love you."
"I really, really am," Sheik said, grinning.