The sports festival had continued after Mia’s expulsion, but an air of tension lingered among the group, especially between Gabriel and Andrew. Gabriel hadn’t been himself since the incident with Elena. Although outwardly composed, an internal storm brewed inside him. He couldn’t shake the image of her unconscious form as Andrew carried her to the clinic. His usual confidence had been replaced by frustration and a sense of unease he didn’t fully understand.
Gabriel sat at the edge of the football field, his jaw clenched as he watched the ongoing matches. His team had managed to secure a place in the finals, but his focus wasn’t entirely on the games. His thoughts kept drifting to Elena her soft smile, her determination during the climbing competition, and the way her vulnerability had stirred something deep inside him.
Andrew approached him cautiously, holding a bottle of water. “Hey, you’ve been sitting here for hours. You should take a break before the final match starts.”
Gabriel’s eyes flicked to Andrew, his expression cold. “I’m fine,” he said curtly, taking the bottle without so much as a thank you.
Andrew frowned but chose to ignore the attitude. He’d known Gabriel long enough to recognize his moods. “You’ve been acting strange ever since Elena’s fall. Is there something you’re not telling me?”
Gabriel’s hand tightened around the bottle, the plastic crinkling under his grip. “Strange? I’m focusing on winning, unlike you, who runs off to play nurse when things get tough.”
Andrew’s eyes widened, taken aback by the accusation. “Excuse me? I took her to the clinic because she needed help. What else was I supposed to do leave her there?”
“She wasn’t dying,” Gabriel snapped, his voice rising. “You abandoned the team during the most important part of the festival for what? To play hero?”
Andrew took a deep breath, trying to keep his cool. “What is your problem, Gabriel? You’ve always been competitive, but this… this is different. Are you seriously mad at me for helping someone in need?”
Gabriel stood abruptly, towering over Andrew as his anger bubbled to the surface. “You don’t get it, do you? This isn’t about the team or the games. It’s about priorities. And clearly, yours are misplaced.”
Andrew crossed his arms, his own frustration starting to show. “And what about you? You’ve been sulking and snapping at everyone since Elena’s accident. If anyone’s priorities are messed up, it’s yours.”
The tension between them was palpable, drawing the attention of a few nearby students. Gabriel glared at Andrew, his chest heaving as he struggled to contain his emotions.
“Stay out of my way, Andrew,” he said through gritted teeth. “Focus on the game, or don’t bother showing up at all.”
Andrew watched as Gabriel stormed off, his brows furrowed in confusion. He had seen Gabriel angry before, but this felt different. There was something deeper driving his outburst, something he wasn’t saying.
Gabriel found himself walking aimlessly through the festival grounds, his mind racing. He hated how Elena’s absence left a void he couldn’t ignore. Seeing her in danger had shaken him more than he wanted to admit.
He remembered the way her eyes had lit up with determination during the climbing competition, how her laughter had seemed to brighten even the dullest moments. But more than anything, he remembered the helplessness he had felt when she fell. For someone who prided himself on control, this is not not good.
Gabriel clenched his fists, his frustration mounting. He wasn’t used to feeling this way weakness, distracted, and worst of all, protective. It was as though Elena had carved out a space in his heart without his permission, and he wasn’t sure how to handle it.
Meanwhile, Elena sat in the clinic, her injuries mostly healed but her mind still processing everything that had happened. it’s been three days since she was here, She had heard about Mia’s expelled and felt a mix of relief and guilt. Relief that justice had been served, but guilt because she never wanted things to escalate to this level.
Andrew visited her frequently, checking in to ensure she was okay. His easygoing nature was a comfort, but she couldn’t help but notice the growing tension between him and Gabriel.
“Is Gabriel mad at you?” Elena asked one evening, her voice soft.
Andrew sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Mad isn’t the word. He’s… I don’t know. He’s being Gabriel moody and impossible to read.”
Elena frowned, her mind drifting to the cold glares and clipped tones Gabriel had directed at Andrew recently. “Did something happen between you two?”
Andrew hesitated, not wanting to burden Elena with their conflict. “It’s nothing. He’ll come around eventually.”
But Elena wasn’t convinced. She had seen the way Gabriel’s demeanor had shifted lately. There was something more to his anger, something personal.
As the final match approached, Gabriel threw himself into training with an intensity that bordered on obsessive. His teammates noticed the change, but none dared to question him. His focus was razor sharp, his movements precise, and his determination unyielding.
Andrew tried to bridge the gap between them, but Gabriel’s cold shoulder made it clear he wasn’t interested. The distance between the two friends grew, and the team felt the strain.
During a practice session, Andrew finally reached his breaking point. “Gabriel, we need to talk,” he said firmly, stepping onto the field.
Gabriel didn’t look up from tying his cleats. “I’m busy.”
“This isn’t about the game,” Andrew said, his voice steady. “It’s about you. You’ve been acting like a jerk, and I’m done pretending it’s normal.”
Gabriel straightened, his eyes narrowing as he looked at Andrew. “I don’t have time for your lectures.”
“Well, make time,” Andrew shot back. “Because I’m not letting you ruin everything we’ve worked for just because you’re too stubborn to admit something’s bothering you.”
Gabriel’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t respond.
“Is this about Elena?” Andrew pressed, his tone softer now. “Because if it is, just say so. Stop taking it out on me and everyone else.”
Gabriel’s eyes flashed with anger, but there was a flicker of something else guilt, maybe, or vulnerability. “Leave Elena out of this,” he said finally, his voice low.
Andrew stepped closer, his gaze unwavering. “Why? Because you care about her more than you want to admit?”
Gabriel’s silence spoke volumes, and for the first time, Andrew saw through his friend’s tough exterior.
“Gabriel,” Andrew said gently, “it’s okay to care. But pushing people away won’t solve anything. You need to figure out what you want and deal with it.”
Gabriel looked away, his jaw clenching as he struggled with his emotions. He hated feeling exposed, but Andrew’s words hit a nerve.
“I’ll handle it,” Gabriel muttered, his tone softer than before. Andrew nodded, sensing he had said enough. He walked away, leaving Gabriel alone with his thoughts.
As the sun set over the festival grounds, Gabriel stood on the empty field, his mind in a pool of emotions. He knew he couldn’t keep running from what he felt, but admitting it was another matter entirely.
For now, his focus was on the game, but deep down, he knew he couldn’t ignore his feelings for Elena forever. And that realization scared him more than anything else.