The assembly hall buzzed with excitement as students gathered, filling every corner of the massive space. The atmosphere was electric, with whispers and murmurs bouncing off the walls. Elena Harper stood near the back, shifting uncomfortably, trying not to draw attention to herself.
The sharp sound of the microphone crackling silenced the crowd. The university director, a tall man with an authoritative presence, stepped up to the podium. He adjusted his glasses, his expression serious yet enthusiastic.
“Good morning, students!” he began, his voice booming across the hall. “As we approach the end of this semester, I’m thrilled to announce something very special. This year, we’ll be hosting a grand Sports Fest in collaboration with other top universities in the region.”
Cheers erupted across the hall, some students whistling and clapping in excitement. Elena watched the crowd, trying to suppress a small smile. A sports fest? That was unexpected.
The director raised a hand to calm the noise. “This isn’t just any sports event. It’s a chance for our university to shine on a regional stage. Competitions will be held in various sports, including basketball, soccer, track and field, and more. Each university will send their best teams to compete. But that’s not all.”
He paused for dramatic effect, his gaze sweeping over the crowd.
“For the final round of this event, we’re introducing something unique: a Best Teacher and Best Student Duo Challenge.”
Gasps and murmurs spread like wildfire.
“In this final challenge, the best-performing teacher and the highest-scoring student across all games will team up to represent our university. This duo will face other universities in a thrilling, multi-skill competition. The winning team will not only bring glory to their institution but will also receive a prestigious award at the Kingston Festive Playground.”
The students roared with enthusiasm, the hall vibrating with energy.
Elena’s heart sank. The best-performing student? That’s not me. It’s definitely not me.
She glanced nervously at her classmates, who were already speculating who might qualify. Adrian Blackwood, standing near the front, crossed his arms as his sharp eyes scanned the room. He had heard the announcement, but his face remained impassive.
The director continued, “We expect all of you to give your best in the upcoming events. Remember, this is not just about winning-it’s about representing the spirit of our university. The sports fest will begin in three days, and I expect every student to participate in at least one activity. Your professors will guide you on the specifics of registration.”
As the director wrapped up his speech, Adrian’s gaze flicked toward Elena, who was trying to make herself invisible at the back of the hall. Her attempt to blend in didn’t fool him.
—
Later that day, Adrian was in the faculty lounge, sipping his coffee when a colleague approached him.
“Adrian,” she said, grinning. “Looks like you’re already being predicted as the best teacher for the final round. Everyone’s betting you’ll make it.”
Adrian raised an eyebrow. “Betting?”
She laughed. “Oh, come on. You’ve got the highest ratings in sports and academics. And let’s not forget your… unique teaching style.”
Adrian smirked but said nothing. The idea of competing didn’t bother him; he thrived under pressure.
But something tugged at his mind-Elena. The best student would need to participate in every game and score consistently high. Would she even try? She had been distracted lately, and while he had no doubts about her capabilities, he wasn’t sure if she’d put herself out there.
The sports fest announcement stirred excitement across the campus. Elena Harper, however, felt like curling up and hiding. She didn’t mind being a spectator but hated the idea of participating. Sports weren’t her thing, and the thought of being pushed into the limelight made her stomach churn.
She walked out of the lecture hall, hoping to avoid the crowd, when Gabriel and Andrew, her classmates, caught up to her.
“Elena!” Gabriel called, slinging an arm over her shoulder. “Where do you think you’re sneaking off to? We need to figure out which events we’re signing up for.”
“I’m not sneaking,” Elena muttered, trying to shrug his arm off. “And I don’t think I’m signing up for anything.”
“Not an option,” Andrew chimed in, grinning. “You have to join. It’s a rule.”
“Technically, the rule is just to participate,” she argued. “I can just cheer for you guys, right?”
Gabriel laughed. “Cheer? You’ve got to be kidding me. You’re one of the smartest in our year. You think anyone else stands a chance at becoming the Best Student? You’ve got this!”
“That’s academic stuff,” she said quickly. “This is sports. I’ll trip over my own feet.”
Andrew shook his head. “You’re better than you think. And besides, it’s not just about being athletic. Haven’t you heard about the final challenge?”
Elena’s brows furrowed. “What about it?”
Gabriel grinned mischievously. “The Best Student and Best Teacher team up for the last game. And we all know who’s topping the Best Teacher list.”
Elena froze. “Please don’t say-”
“Adrian Blackwood,” Andrew finished, his grin widening. “Imagine the two of you teaming up. The cold, no-nonsense professor and the quiet genius student. It’s like something out of a drama.”
Her face burned. “You’re both ridiculous. That’s never going to happen. I’m not even in the running.”
“Not yet,” Gabriel teased. “But the games haven’t even started. You’ve got time to make an impression.”
Andrew nudged her. “Come on, Elena. It’ll be fun. And if nothing else, we’ll make sure you don’t fall flat on your face.”
Elena sighed, knowing she wouldn’t hear the end of it unless she joined.
The campus buzzed with anticipation as the sports fest officially kicked off. Before the events began, the university director called for a meeting in the staff lounge.
Professors Marcus, Adrian, and Martha were already seated, their expressions varying from disinterest to quiet concentration.
“We need to divide the classes into groups,” the director began, scanning the papers on his desk. “Each group will be overseen by a faculty member. Marcus, you’ll take the third and fourth-year students. Martha, first-years are yours. And Adrian, you’ll handle the second-years.”
Adrian gave a curt nod. “Understood.”
“Wait, hold on,” Marcus interjected, a playful grin on his face. “You’re giving Adrian the second-years? Don’t you think they deserve someone a little… less terrifying?”
Adrian’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t respond, his sharp gaze cutting toward Marcus.
The director sighed, clearly used to Marcus’s banter. “The decision is final. Adrian has a strong track record of discipline and results. The second-years will benefit from his leadership.”
Marcus leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Fine, fine. Just don’t scare them too much, Adrian. Especially that Harper girl. Isn’t she one of the top students in that class? Bet she’ll faint if you so much as frown at her.”
Adrian’s fingers curled slightly against the table, but his face remained impassive.
Martha raised an eyebrow at Marcus. “Really? You’ve noticed one student out of an entire class?”
Marcus shrugged, an easy smile on his face. “What can I say? She stands out. Not because she’s loud or flashy, but because she’s… what’s the word? Earnest. Like she’s trying to prove something.”
“Perhaps you should focus on your own group,” Adrian said coldly, his voice cutting through the conversation.
The room grew momentarily tense. Marcus blinked, his grin faltering before he chuckled awkwardly. “Relax, Adrian. I was just making an observation. No harm meant.”
Adrian didn’t reply, his gaze fixed on the papers in front of him.
The director cleared his throat, breaking the silence. “Right, if there are no further comments, we’ll proceed as planned. The groups are finalized. Everyone, do your best to ensure this fest runs smoothly.”
As the professors left the lounge, Adrian’s mind lingered on Marcus’s words.
Harper.
The thought of her fainting under his stern gaze was ridiculous, yet the idea of someone like Marcus paying her too much attention left a bitter taste in his mouth.