The air was thick with the buzz of the university sports fest preparations. The grassy fields were alive with students running drills, making passes, and jumping over hurdles. The professors were stationed at different corners, observing their students with sharp eyes, ready to offer guidance and critique at a moment’s notice. Among the professors, Marcus and Adrian stood apart, their own attention drawn to specific students. The friendly rivalry between them was seen, but today, they both knew the competition would reveal more than just athletic talent. It would show character, and how well their students could handle pressure.
Elena, Gabriel, and Andrew had been practicing in the same area, working seamlessly together. The trio had formed an impressive bond over the past few weeks. Elena’s focus was evident as she powered through the drills, her long legs stretching out with every stride, her body moving with purpose. Gabriel and Andrew followed closely, their coordination sharp as they practiced soccer and sprinting drills. Their rivalry had softened recently, but there was an undeniable competitiveness in the air.
As Elena completed another lap around the track, her body felt heavier, and she could feel her breath shortening. It wasn’t the workout she was used to that but the pressure had been building up for days. From the constant practice, to the mounting expectations, and the strained conversations with her father, everything was catching up to her.
Gabriel noticed first. “Elena,” he called out, his voice concerned as she stumbled slightly, her legs trembling.
Before she could respond, her vision blurred, and everything went black.
“Elena!” Andrew shouted, rushing to her side as she collapsed, unconscious on the track.
Without thinking, Andrew scooped her up in his arms, his movements quick and instinctive. He rushed toward the university clinic, his heart pounding in his chest. He could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on him, but all that mattered was getting her help.
Marcus and Adrian both stood frozen for a moment, watching the scene unfold. Marcus’s lips twitched into a grin, the kind of smirk that told Adrian he was already thinking about what would come next. “Well, well,” Marcus muttered, his eyes watching Andrew carry Elena away. “Looks like someone’s going to have a good reason to play hero today.”
Adrian’s gaze never left Elena’s form in Andrew’s arms. His thoughts raced, but his face remained calm, unreadable. It wasn’t just Elena fainting that was on his mind. It was Andrew, carrying her so effortlessly. The sight tugged at something inside Adrian, something he didn’t want to admit. His thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion and concern.
Marcus chuckled, shaking his head as the other students watched in silence. “Alright, enough of the drama. Focus, everyone,” Marcus called out. “Elena will be back in a little while. She’ll join you all when she’s ready. Now, Gabriel, practice harder. And Liam, you’re missing your front foot. You’re distracted. Pay attention. This isn’t just a walk in the park.”
Liam gave a quick nod and moved to fix his stance, but his eyes still flickered toward the clinic, his curiosity getting the best of him.
“Sarah, good job,” Marcus added, his tone a bit lighter, as he glanced over at her practicing soccer. “Keep it up.”
But then he paused, scanning the field. “Where the hell is Mia?” he asked, his voice loud enough to carry across the entire area. “Is she even joining this festival or what?”
Mia’s absence was a bit of a mystery. She’d been around, but always seemed to disappear when the focus was on the competition. Marcus’s words rang through the field, but Adrian was no longer paying attention to him. His mind was elsewhere.
His eyes followed Andrew, who was now out of sight, already halfway to the clinic. His mind refused to let go of the image of Andrew carrying Elena-how natural it had looked. How easily he had picked her up. Adrian couldn’t help the knot that tightened in his stomach. He had to focus, but his thoughts kept drifting back to her. The way her face had looked as she collapsed, the worry that had flashed in her eyes just before everything went dark.
“Adrian,” Marcus’s voice broke through his thoughts. He stood beside him, a smirk playing on his lips. “You know, you might want to keep an eye on Andrew. He seems… rather protective of Elena, wouldn’t you say?”
Adrian’s eyes snapped to Marcus, confusion clouding his thoughts. “What do you mean?” Adrian asked, his voice tight.
Marcus leaned in slightly, lowering his voice so only Adrian could hear. “I know what’s going on, Adrian,” he said, his tone carrying a knowing edge. “You see the way he looks at her? The way he rushes to her side whenever she’s in trouble. He’s already getting under your skin, isn’t he?”
Adrian’s jaw clenched, but he kept his voice steady. “That’s none of your business.”
Marcus raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes. “Of course, it’s not. But you’re looking at her like you’ve already lost her to him.” He paused, allowing his words to sink in before adding with a sly grin, “You should have seen the way his eyes lit up when he picked her up. Almost like he was… claiming her.”
Adrian stiffened, his fingers curling into a fist at his side. He couldn’t deny the flicker of jealousy that sparked within him. “Stop,” he muttered, more to himself than to Marcus. “I don’t have time for this.”
Marcus laughed lightly, shaking his head. “You need to focus, Adrian. But you also need to watch Mia carefully. She’s the one stirring things up behind the scenes, spreading rumors about Elena. I don’t trust her, and I don’t think you should either.”
Adrian froze, his heart pounding in his chest. The words hit him like a punch to the gut. “What do you mean?”
Marcus’s grin faded, his eyes narrowing as he continued, “Mia’s the one behind all the gossip. She’s been spreading stories about Elena, about her background, her family. She’s causing trouble without anyone noticing. You might want to keep a closer eye on her.”
Adrian felt the ground slip out from under him. He had always known there was something about Mia that didn’t sit right with him, but he had never connected the dots until now. His eyes hardened as he thought of Mia’s recent behavior, her passive-aggressive comments, her subtle manipulations.
“Are you sure?” Adrian asked, his voice low and filled with disbelief.
Marcus nodded, a serious expression overtaking his usual playful demeanor. “I’ve seen it, Adrian. And if you’re not careful, she’ll be the one to tear Elena down. You need to watch her closely. Elena might be a target, and you wouldn’t want to be blindsided when it’s too late.”
Adrian turned his gaze back to the clinic, his thoughts in turmoil. Mia… behind all the rumors? The realization hit him like a cold wave, and he felt a sickening knot form in his stomach. He had always trusted Mia had always thought of her as just a friendly presence. But now… now he wasn’t sure what to believe anymore.
The sound of distant voices brought Adrian back to the present, but his mind was still consumed by the unsettling truth Marcus had just shared. His eyes drifted back to where Gabriel was practicing, his movements still smooth but lacking the usual spark. There was too much at stake now. Too many unknowns. The calm before the storm was over, and Adrian knew the competition was just the beginning.
“Focus, Adrian,” Marcus’s voice cut through his thoughts once more, a hint of amusement returning to his tone. “But don’t let your emotions blind you. Things are about to get interesting.”
Adrian didn’t answer. His gaze remained locked on the clinic. As the tension built around him, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was about to change. And this time, he wasn’t sure if he’d be ready for it.