As the class was over and with the rules clear, all students got talking to each other. Some were looking to be captains others searching for a party that could provide them with an easy win. The whole class had turned into a chatterbox. Ahiro was also thinking about many potential teammates but now was not the time and thus he went outside the class. Melvin spotted Ahiro in the hallway, his expression a mix of determination and excitement. He approached Ahiro with a sense of urgency.
"Hey, Ahiro! Hold up!" Melvin called out, catching up to him.
Ahiro turned, acknowledging Melvin's presence. "What's up, Melvin?"
Melvin took a moment before diving into his pitch. "What do you mean what's up, we have no time for that everyone is making a move to get the good students first we need to quickly come up with potential teammates and then quickly try to convince them to join our team."
Ahiro cut Melvin in between "Wait what team and teammates"
Melvin continued "Yes I have thought about all, I already cover the strength part and you cover the academic part. Plus we both know you are good in the woods. Since Stoneheart professor said something about survival thus we have that covered as well. so we need to think about what else could come in the exam and who else we can take in our team. Well I think"
Ahiro had to cut Melvin's sentence "I appreciate the offer, Melvin, I do. But I think I'll pass on this one."
Melvin's eyebrows furrowed, and he was taken aback by his words "What do you mean Ahiro you are joining my team right."
Ahiro sighed, a hint of sadness in his voice he replied. "No Melvin, I've got my own plans. I will not be in your team."
Melvin was taken aback but soon laughed out loud. "Oh, it's about that, you can be the team leader. I have no problem, sir."
Ahiro shook his head, a firm resolve in his eyes. "It's not about who would be team leader. I know we are friends, Melvin, but I've got my own path to follow. It's just that for this competition we won't be a team I hope you understand."
Melvin tried to persuade Ahiro "Hey buddy think about it, we are friends and it is first team competing we got to stick together right"
Ahiro could say nothing except "Sorry Melvin"
Melvin sighed, realizing Ahiro's decision was final. "Alright, I won't push it. But could you atleast tell me the reason?"
Ahiro replied "Nothing serious Melvin, don't worry and all the best in selecting your team member I know there are many who want to be in your team"
As Melvin walked away, a hint of disappointment lingered. Ahiro watched him go, a complex mix of emotions swirling within. He appreciated Melvin's offer and recognized the potential strength of a team formed with someone like Melvin, but deep down, he hesitated.
"I can't let myself be too dependent on Melvin," Ahiro thought to himself. All this time he was receiving help from Melvin, every time whenever he fell into a difficult situation Melvin helped him again and again without asking for anything in return. Ahiro knew it was Melvin's nature to care for his friends, but after the competition, he came to realize many things.
And one of them was how he was weakest out of all his friends. John and Sia both were already in the striker department and each of their battles had left a deep impression in everyone's heart. Emilly being a B class was also now mostly known by everyone and no one messed with her. Melvin's strength was undisputed since the beginning and he proved it by securing the 4th rank in the official list.
And with such a heavy repertoire their group had garnered a lot of attention and an equal amount of envy. Being unable to do anything to the other four, their destain was directed at Ahiro. But again since Melvin was always with him no one said anything to his face but he knew how he was ridiculed, how he was called a leech riding cocktails of the strong.
After the competitions he had hoped he would prove himself to all but he was in a worse situation than where he had started. But unlike previous times he wasn't naive to think that if he showcased his strength he would be perceived with respect, but this time his sole goal was one thing he wanted to show his friends that he wasn't weak anymore so that they could proudly call him their friend.
As Ahiro continued his solitary walk, the weight of his decision pressed on him.
On the other side of the academy corridors, Melvin's footsteps echoed through as he made his way towards the cafeteria. The weight of disappointment lingered and he craved comfort, and his go-to source was a hearty meal.
Just as he was about to push open the cafeteria door, Melvin paused, remembering Professor Stoneheart's "friendly talk." The idea of having another Friendly talk was scary.
Instead, Melvin redirected his steps towards the academy's training grounds. The ground was filled with the scent of earth, and the sight of students honing their skills.
Melvin activated the music on his smart band, letting the rhythm and beats drown out the troubling thoughts that swirled in his mind. The familiar tunes created a bubble of sound around him as he began jogging on the academy's designated running track.
The rhythmic thud of his shoes against the track, combined with the steady pace of his breathing, helped Melvin enter a meditative state. The music acted as a powerful distraction, allowing him to focus on the physical exertion rather than the recent disappointment.
Melvin, catching his breath after the jog, found himself seated on the snow-covered ground. The chill from the snow beneath him seeped through his clothes, but the exertion had left him too drained to care. As he contemplated how to get up without slipping on the icy surface, a shadow of a hand fell over his face.
"Snow can be slippery need a helping hand getting up"