The Basketball Match
Gozay had successfully avoided Maya for an entire week, but today, the basketball match had other plans for him. The entire school was buzzing with excitement. Rivermont High, dressed in blue, and Hillcrest High, rocking red, had already taken the court. The crowd was fired up, cheering for their teams.
Maya and Rina strolled into the basketball court, the chatter of students filling the air.
"I think Gozay actually took what you said the other day seriously," Rina remarked, her tone a mix of teasing and concern.
Maya sighed, glancing away. "Yeah… Was that all his love amounted to?"
Rina shook her head. "Oh, please. For once, take the blame yourself. I wouldn't have done that if I were you, but why would Her Majesty Heartless Queen care?"
Maya shot her a look. "Yeah, I don't care… but it feels strange, this emptiness since he disappeared."
Rina's eyes lingered on her, thoughtful. Across the court, Esha waved at them, seated with Akira. They made their way over.
"He'll be playing for our side today," Rina murmured as they settled in.
Akira, way too excited, shouted, "Crush them, Gozayyyyy!!!"
Esha squinted at him. "Uh, Akira, Gozay's not even on the court. I haven't seen him in days."
Maya scanned the field, her eyes suspiciously darting around. "Where is he?" she muttered, barely audible over the cheering.
Akira, now on a one-man detective mission, yanked out his phone like a sheriff about to call for backup. "What the heck? He was supposed to play for us! Where's that fool hiding?"
Meanwhile, Gozay, dressed in blue, cap low and mask on, playing ninja, was comfortably stationed behind the bleachers, his phone vibrating in his hand. He stared at it for a moment before answering, "Yeah?" He voiced lazily.
Akira's voice blasted through. "The match is on! Where are you?"
Gozay, unfazed, muttered, "Yeah, I know."
"You know? Then why aren't you playing?"
"Think of me as an invisible weapon," Gozay quipped. "Not showing up."
Akira's brain short-circuited. "What kind of logic is that?"
"Survival logic," Gozay said smugly. "You want me spotted by Maya? No thanks. Call me if every player breaks a leg or atleast one, which's not gonna happen."
He hung up. Akira stood there, mouth agape.
Esha smirked. "What's his excuse?"
Akira groaned. "He's Batman-ing in the shadows."
Maya blinked. "Batman?"
"Yeah. But without the saving-the-day part."
A while later, the game was electric, with Hillcrest dominating at 48 points to Rivermont's struggling 36. The Hillcrest players darted across the court with pinpoint passes and relentless energy, earning smirks from Ryan, their council president, who lounged confidently on the opposing side. Meanwhile, Yasaki, Rivermont's president, chewed nervously on his whistle, his worry obvious.
In his hidden spot, Gozay bit his nails. "Hillcrest's shredding us. If I were out there, different story," he muttered, smirking. "Backup's not needed anyway. I'm out."
Just as he turned, a loud thud stopped him cold. He turned back to see a teammate sprawled on the court. Gozay sighed, dramatically stretching. "Well, guess we've already won."
Silence fell as the injured player was carried off. Then, the coach roared, "GOZAY! Get out here!" Yasaki gestured impatiently, earning cheers and wide eyes from the crowd.
Akira grinned from the stands, already hyped. "This is gonna be good."
Gozay finally strolled onto the court, still sporting his cap and mask. Yasaki met him halfway, hands on his hips. "What's with the superhero act? Cap off. Mask off. And try not to suck."
Gozay pulled them off with a flourish, grinning. "Alright, Mr. President. What's in it for me if we win?"
"I'll carve your name on the trophy," Yasaki shot back, unimpressed.
"Not enough. How about a party?" Gozay bargained, smirking.
Esha nudged Maya, whispering, "What's he cooking up now?"
Maya didn't look away, her eyes on Gozay as he clapped Yasaki on the shoulder. "Not sure."
Akira leapt up, hands cupped around his mouth, his grin as wide as the moon. "Gozay! You're a total loser! You're gonna choke, and we're done for!" His taunts rang through the gym, but anyone who knew him could tell—it was just his way of hyping up his teammate.
Esha smacked his arm. "What is wrong with you?"
Akira winked. "It's reverse psychology. You'd be surprised how well it works."
Gozay didn't even flinch, his focus laser-sharp. And in a while, he really turned the game upside down.
With 13 seconds left, the game was a nail-biter. Hillcrest's score was locked at 48, Rivermont trailing by two.
The crowd, once quiet, now buzzed with anticipation as the seconds ticked by.
Jeff, with the ball in hand, sprinted toward Gozay, eyes locked. Gozay gave a quick nod, and in one swift move, Jeff passed the ball like a seasoned pro.
Time slowed. Gozay dodged a defender, his mind racing. This is it. One shot, three points, or we lose everything.
He shot.
The ball sailed, the crowd holding its breath as it arced toward the hoop. It bounced—then swished through.
The gym erupted in a deafening roar. Rivermont had done it. They'd won.
Akira was bouncing like a possessed man, shouting, "I KNEW IT!"
Esha, rolling her eyes, couldn't help but laugh. Maya, however, watched Gozay with a smile that said more than words ever could as his teammates hoisted him up in celebration.
The Rivermont team shook hands with Hillcrest before huddling for the victory photo. Gozay and Yasaki held the trophy high as the crowd cheered for Gozay's MVP title.
Yasaki clapped him on the back. "Unity League's calling your name, MVP."
Gozay smirked. "First, let's talk about that deal..."
Yasaki laughed. "Alright, alright! Oh, and your name's going on the trophy. Swing by the Council office later."
"Deal," Gozay said, joining his classmates.
Akira, ever dramatic, gave him a once-over. "Not bad. Needs work."
Everyone laughed—except Maya, lingering shyly at the back. Gozay glanced at Esha and Rina, which confirmed Maya's presence.
Rina poked his side. "Congrats, MVP!"
Esha smiled. "You were amazing."
Finally, Maya stepped forward. "You did great, Gozay."
Gozay froze. Do I say thanks? Make a joke? Do I just ignore? Oh, forget it—someone save me!
Right on cue, a black blur crashed into him, sending chills down his spine.
"Gozay!" a voice rang out. The gym fell silent as a stunning girl in a black dress hugged him like she owned him.
She pulled back and met his gaze, "Jiya?" he stammered, blinking.
She grinned, kissing his cheek. "Miss me?"
The room collectively gasped. Maya froze; Esha gawked, and Rina? Rina muttered, "Too bad."
Gozay leaned in. "What. Are. You. Doing?"
Jiya whispered back, smirking. "Boosting your stock, obviously." She turned to the group. "So, these your friends? Oh, Akira, hey!"
Akira raised a brow. "Uh, hey, Jiya. Didn't see that coming."
Gozay opened his mouth. "She's my—"
"Childhood friend," Jiya interjected, clinging to his arm like a victory banner.
Gozay and Akira exchanged glances, their thoughts synchronized: Childhood friend?!
Rina smirked. "Childhood, huh? Close ones, I see."
Jiya shot her a sunny smile. "Oh, very. Days and nights together, right, Gozay?"
"Y-yeah…" he muttered, helpless.
Jiya's gaze zeroed in on Maya. "You're Maya, right?"
Maya blinked, caught off guard. "Um, yeah."
Jiya's devilish grin widened. "Oh! You made Gozay lose a bet to me."
Esha squinted. "Bet?"
Jiya nodded, her tone theatrical. "He bet he could win over the prettiest girl in school. I said, 'No way.' And after the struggle of two months he lost."
Gozay's jaw dropped. Why is she doing this?! He risked a glance at Maya. Her face? Ice cold.
Akira tilted his head. What in the drama club is happening here?
Panicking, Gozay turned to Jiya. "Can we talk. Alone. Now."
Jiya beamed. "Of course! Sorry, everyone, he's mine for a bit."
With that, she whisked him away, leaving the others reeling in a silence only chaos could create.
Gozay followed Jiya to the school bench, his face stormy as she collapsed into laughter.
"What's so funny?" he asked, folding his arms. "And why the hell did you do all that back there?"
Jiya leaned back, flashing an innocent smile. "What did I do wrong?"
Gozay sighed and sat down. "When did you even get here? How do you know Maya? And what was... all that about?"
"My sweet Gozay," Jiya began, as if she'd been rehearsing this. "I came here to see you. Found the classrooms empty. Asked someone where you were, and voilà Turns out, you're practically a legend these days—thanks to a certain girl who, apparently, rejected you more times than anyone can count." She smirked. "So, I figured I'd remind her of your value. That's why I made up the whole bet story—to make it clear you're not chasing her."
Gozay's jaw clenched. "I get that you were trying to help. But I do like her."
Jiya tilted her head. "Seriously? After she humiliated you? I'm just saying—you deserve better."
"I annoyed her, Jiya. Yeah, she hurt me, but it's not like it was all her fault," Gozay admitted. "Anyway, I've moved on. Changed sections. I hadn't seen her in a week until today." He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You don't need to pull stunts like that, and you definitely don't have to hate her."
Jiya rested her head on his shoulder, and Gozay felt her smirk before he saw it. She wasn't doing it for nothing. A glance confirmed Maya and Esha were walking by, Maya stealing a glance before quickly looking away.
Jiya looked beyond pleased. "I don't hate her," she murmured. "How could I hate someone you like? But she rejected you brutally. Now, when she sees your attention isn't all on her, she'll feel insecure. And that insecurity will lead to feelings."
"Ha." Gozay let out a sad chuckle. "That's wishful thinking. She likes someone else. And she won't even care about what happened today."
Jiya shook her head. "You didn't see her face. Jealousy. Disappointment. Trust me, she's noticing."
"She'll notice the truth soon enough—that you're my twin. And Akira? He's probably already spilled the beans," Gozay countered, rubbing his temples.
"Relax, genius. Different last names, remember?" Jiya winked.
"Let's just drop it, okay? I've moved on. Anyway, did you meet Mom?"
"Not yet. I'll be staying with her for a bit. Dad dropped me off, he wanted to meet you, but I sent him off when I heard about the match."
Gozay's smile disappeared. "Jiya, you know I don't like him around. Don't bring him here."
Jiya's eyes narrowed. "He's your father. Our father."
"Unfortunately," his tone icy. "But I didn't choose him. You did. I chose Mom."
Jiya stood too, arms crossed. "You're unbelievable. Yeah, I chose Dad, but I love Mom just the same. I didn't cut her off. I visit her all the time. Meanwhile, you've completely shut Dad out. That's just wrong."
Gozay stood, his expression hard. "I begged him not to leave. I begged him not to divorce mom, but he didn't care. He wouldn't even look at me the day he took you. For a whole year, he didn't visit me—not once. And then, out of nowhere, he 'misses' me and wants to play father again? Hell NO. I'm done."
Jiya stepped forward. "The divorce wasn't just his decision! Mom agreed too. There were things we didn't understand!"
"Drop it," Gozay said coldly, walking away.
She sighed, calling after him. "Gozay." But he didn't stop.
At Student Council Office
Maya sat alone, her thoughts tangled. Was she really his girlfriend? Was that bet real? If it was, then everything he said was a lie? But if it was all fake, why didn't he give up sooner? Why endure so much? And now, there's Jiya... and he even changed sections because of me. She groaned, shaking her head. "Why do I even care?" she muttered, eyes drifting to the trophy shelf with his name etched on one of them.
The door creaked open, snapping her out of her daze. Kayzin stepped in, raising a brow. "Talking to empty chairs?"
Startled, Maya straightened. "No! I mean... Just... thinking."
He grinned. "You've been looking off lately. Everything okay?"
Maya forced a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks for asking."
"Good." Kayzin hesitated, then added, "If you're free later, there's something I need to run by you."
She nodded quickly. "Sure, anytime."
After School
Gozay and Akira strolled down the street, Gozay clearly lost in his own thoughts. Maybe Jiya's right… Maybe Maya does like me now. Could I have been wrong about her and Kayzin?
Akira waved a hand in front of his face. "Earth to Gozay. What's going on in that useless brain of yours? And Why'd Jiya pull that stunt earlier?"
Gozay sighed. "She's a little crazy—you know that. Wait, did you tell them she's my sister?"
Akira smirked. "Me? Never. It's way more fun watching her dig a hole for you. I'd even help push you in."
Gozay rolled his eyes. "Of course. What else can I expect from you?"
Akira chuckled. "Come on, man. She did you a solid. Maya's probably realizing now you're not a lost puppy, but a rare gem she let slip."
Gozay stopped walking. "Why do you think she'd care?"
Akira arched a brow. "Why do you think she wouldn't?"
Gozay nodded toward a café window, where Maya was taking a rose from Kayzin. Akira winced theatrically. "Ouch. Okay, so maybe she's allergic to rare gems."
Gozay smirked. "I wasn't wrong though." His expressions turned serious, and begun walking, "Guess Jiya's crazy plan wasn't entirely useless after all."
A Moment Ago
At the café, Kayzin idly stirred his coffee, the spoon clinking softly against the cup. Maya watched him for a moment before breaking the silence. "So, what did you want to discuss?"
Kayzin looked up, a faint smile on his face. "Oh… that. I, uh, wanted to ask you something."
"Go ahead," she said, tilting her head curiously.
He leaned in slightly, his tone tentative. "Is there someone in your life? Or… someone you like?"
Maya's brows knitted. "Why do you ask?"
Kayzin pulled a rose from under the table and extended it toward her. "I… really like you. And I was hoping there's no one else in your life."
Maya blinked in surprise, her expression softening. After a brief silence, she took the rose, "Oh… Kayzin… I'm sorry. You're really great guy, but… there is someone I like. I'm sorry."
Kayzin smiled, though there was a hint of disappointment. "No need to apologize. But… is it Gozay?"
Her head shot up. "No! Why would you think that?"
He shrugged. "Just a guess. He used to follow you around, pour his heart out at every opportunity. I thought maybe… you'd started to feel the same way."
Maya hesitated, her gaze dropping for a split second before she shook her head. "No… he doesn't do that anymore. I rejected him so many times. He even changed sections. He avoids me now. I didn't see him for seven days." She let out a soft chuckle. "Which I didn't expect. But no, it's not him." Her voice trailed off as she averted her gaze.
Kayzin smiled gently. "Well, whoever it is, he's lucky."
Maya sighed softly. "Thanks."
A while later, Kayzin and Maya stepped out of the café. He turned to her with a smile. "See you tomorrow, Maya."
She smiled back. "See you."
As Kayzin walked away, Maya glanced at the rose in one hand and her phone in the other. She dialed Esha's number. "Hey, Esha. Guess what? I've got another rose for you."
"What are you talking about?" came Esha's confused reply.
"Just meet me, and you'll get it. I need to shop anyway. Let's go together."
"Alright. Where?"
"Grenda Mall," Maya said. Then, after a pause, she added casually, "By the way, where's Gozay's rose? Do you still have it?"
"That thing died like two month ago! Why?"
Maya chuckled softly. "No reason. I just thought I'd return it to him. Anyway, see you at the mall."
"Okay, on my way!"
Maya hung up with a sigh and continued walking, lost in her thoughts.
At Gozay's Room
Gozay slouched at his desk, diary open. With deep breath he scribbled:
18-May-2023
Hey Diary, we won the match! Yep, your boy's a rising star. But let's cut to the juicy part: I saw Maya. Twice. Once when she congratulated me (all smiles), and once... when she accepted a rose. From her boyfriend. Ouch.
Here's the twist—Jiya says Maya looked jealous earlier. For a second, I thought she was onto something. But later? Maya was sipping coffee with Kayzin like they were in a rom-com. So yeah, hope? Crushed.
I'm done playing hide-and-seek. No more sneaking into school late or avoiding her during lunch. From now on, I'll face her. But I'll be a rock—cool, silent, and unbothered. I don't care anymore. Or at least, that's the vibe I'm going for…
Closing the diary, Gozay leaned back, smirking. "Cool as a cucumber," he muttered.
"Mom?" he called out.
From the kitchen: "What now?"
"Where's Jiya?"
"She's in her room. Mad at you, by the way."
He raised an eyebrow. Mad? Again? He made his way to her door and knocked.
Jiya's muffled voice came through. "If it's you, Gozay, don't bother coming in!"
"Yeah, it's me."
"Then stay out. I'm not talking to you!"
Naturally, Gozay walked right in. Jiya lay sprawled on her bed, scrolling through her phone like her life depended on it.
She didn't even look up. "I said, don't come in."
Gozay plopped down beside her. "Sorry about earlier. I might've... overreacted."
Jiya glanced at him. "Not forgiving you. Bye."
He chuckled. "You're scheming. I can see it all over your face."
Sitting up with a devilish grin, Jiya crossed her arms. "Obviously. Forgiveness isn't free."
Gozay sighed, shaking his head. "You're just like Akira. Okay, what's the damage?"
Jiya tapped her chin theatrically. "Hmm, let's see. I want to shop, I want food because starving, and... how much cash you got? I want to spend it all."
Gozay shook his head. "Classic. You're not spending everything. But yeah, let's go out. I could use a break."
Jiya jumped up, beaming. "Finally! You're my favorite brother!"
"I'm your only brother."
"Details," she said, dragging him toward the door.
At Grenda Mall
Gozay shuffled behind Jiya, who was on a mission to conquer every boutique like a queen claiming her throne. Slouched on a chair outside yet another shop, he groaned inwardly. Why did I sign up for this nightmare?
When Jiya finally emerged, it wasn't empty-handed. Nope—she dumped a mountain of shopping bags on him like he was her personal butler, smiling sweetly.
"What's with the face?" she teased.
"Just mourning my wallet. You've destroyed half my savings," he grumbled.
Jiya laughed, grabbing his arm. "My dear few-seconds-older brother, this isn't over."
Gozay's eyes widened. "What now? A half-month's left of allowance, and you're blowing it all?"
She leaned in, batting her lashes. "I told you I'm starving. Wouldn't you feed your poor, malnourished sister?"
He sighed, resigned. "Fine, you win. Again."
Suddenly, Jiya froze, her face lighting up like she'd found buried treasure. "Oh, destiny is calling," she whispered, practically vibrating with excitement.
Gozay frowned, following her gaze to Maya and Esha, shopping bags in hand. What the fresh Helll? He glanced back at Jiya. And why does she look so excited?
Before he could escape, Jiya latched onto his arm and started dragging him toward them. "Whoa, Jiya! What are you doing?"
"Seizing an opportunity for some prime entertainment. Let's go!" she grinned.
"Fine, but stop pulling me! Are you part gorilla or something?" he huffed.
Jiya just smirked. "You're gonna thank me later."
Maya and Esha were heading for the exit when a voice rang out, "Hey, Maya!"
They turned, stunned to see Jiya dragging Gozay, who was buried under shopping bags like a human pack mule.
Maya plastered on a fake smile. "Oh… hey."
Jiya lit up. "Maya! And… um…"
"Esha," Esha supplied, raising a brow.
"Right! Esha. Great seeing you both. Shopping, huh?"
Gozay pretended to admire the ceiling, likely counting how many lights it would take to blind him.
Maya thought, Not great seeing you, but managed, "Yeah. Just wrapping up." She glanced at Gozay, who looked like he'd rather be hit by a bus than involved.
Jiya grinned mischievously. "Same! Gozay brought me here, said I deserved to be spoiled. Bought all this for me."
Gozay muttered, "And bankrupted me."
Esha snickered, while Maya forced a tight smile. "Wow… that's… nice."
Jiya wasn't done. "We're grabbing food next. Why don't you join?"
In Gozay's head, alarms were screaming, Abort mission!
Maya hesitated. "Oh, uh, we don't want to impose. Plus, I'm still in my uniform…"
Jiya, a tornado of chaos, grabbed both Maya's and Gozay's arms. "Nonsense! No such thing as imposing. Gozay's treating—it's fate! Let's go!"
Maya and Gozay sighed in sync, their fates sealed, while Esha followed.
Akira walked down Canal Road, one hand in his pocket, the other glued to his phone. He barely blinked until a message from Gozay popped up.
He tapped it open—a location, followed by: "SAVE ME, AKIRA!!!"
Akira raised an eyebrow, then opened the map. Realizing he was close, he smirked. "Bet Jiya's roasting him over a spit."
At Ravelin Delight
Gozay sat next to Jiya, gripping the menu like it held life-or-death secrets. Across the table, Esha and Maya sat, Maya's expression screamed, Someone take me out of here.
"What'll you have?" Jiya asked, barely glancing at him.
"Whatever you get," Gozay replied, pretending the menu wasn't draining his soul.
Esha leaned in, grinning. "Then why're you staring at it like it owes you money?"
Gozay lowered the menu, blinking. Just then, his gaze caught Akira through the window. Relief washed over him like a man spotting an oasis. "Akira!"
Esha raised an eyebrow. "Were you trying to order him off the menu?"
Ignoring her jab, Gozay bolted outside. Across the road, Akira stood, radiating an aura of exaggerated indifference, like a hero for hire who set his own hours.
"What's up?" Akira asked, his voice dripping with mock professionalism.
Gozay gestured toward the restaurant like it was a crime scene. "You see that? Save me. Now."
"How can I provide my services?" Akira asked.
Gozay sighed, glancing toward the restaurant. "Just don't let me talk. I can already feel a storm of questions brewing, ready to slap me in the face."
Akira glanced at the building, then back at Gozay. "Sure, but I don't work for free." He extended a hand like a loan shark.
Gozay groaned. "What are you, a hired thug? You're eating with us. Isn't that enough?"
Akira scoffed. "That's just my appearance fee. Rescue costs extra."
When Akira turned to leave, Gozay grabbed his arm. "Fine, you greedy leech. But my wallet's with Jiya and bank account empty as your brain—I swear."
Akira raised a skeptical brow. "Sounds like a you problem." His stance screamed "elite assassin," but his smirk said "chaotic freelancer."
"Okay, okay! Any discounts for a desperate friend?"
Akira squinted, pretending to calculate. "Hmm… maybe half off. But don't forget to pay."
Gozay plastered on a grin, thinking, You're not getting a single coin out of me, then said, "Yeah, of course."
After a while, the food arrived—cheesy pasta, loaded fries, spicy wings, and a jug of lemonade. As they dug in, Jiya shot glances between Gozay and Maya, the smirk on her face growing like a countdown to something explosive.
She set down her fork and asked Maya, "By the way, do you know why Gozay's treating us?"
Gozay's inner monologue screamed. Who needs enemies when you've got a sister like her?
Akira chimed in, a grin sneaking onto his face. "Oh, I bet it's that lost bet."
Jiya's eyes twinkled. "Bingo!"
Gozay kicked Akira under the table, the move as subtle as a brick through a window.
Maya raised an eyebrow, the thin smile on her lips barely hiding her curiosity. "Oh."
Jiya leaned back, practically twinkling with innocence. "I told him he'd never make me jealous. No one's replacing me, right, Gozay?"
Gozay picked at his food, the spoon suddenly feeling like a weapon of mass humiliation. "Right. You're always right."
Maya shot him a look. Was it anger? Disappointment? Or was she just planning his slow and painful demise?
But Jiya wasn't done yet. Smirking, she pulled out his wallet from her purse like she was presenting evidence in a courtroom. "Found this when you fell asleep on me earlier. You really need to stop napping so carelessly."
Gozay and Maya both choked in sync.
"Uh… oh… hm…" Gozay sputtered, wondering if this was how it felt to be roasted alive.
Esha, noticing Maya's cheeks turning red, decided to play damage control. "Anyway, Gozay. What happened to the guy who followed Maya around like a lovesick puppy? And why'd you switch sections?"
Akira leaned back with all the smugness of a man who'd just been handed a trophy. "Oh, that's easy. Someone made him."
Esha shot him a look that could kill. "I wasn't talking to you."
Akira raised his hands innocently. "Hey, I'm his lawyer. It's my job."
Gozay's inner voice screamed louder. You can't just sit here, Gozay. Show some dignity!
He took a deep breath, trying to summon every ounce of cool he had. "Akira's not entirely wrong... but, well, that's not the full picture."
Esha, as if channeling Maya's thoughts, leaned forward. "Then, what's the full picture?"
Gozay's playful demeanor dropped. He leaned in, his voice steady. "Someone wished for it. I just granted their wish. They wanted me to stay away—don't talk to them, don't even look at them. Why? Because they got upset over 'low top grades,' and I tried to cheer them up, tell them they did great. Next thing I know, I'm accused of causing those grades… and, apparently, chasing them for their body."
The table fell silent. Gozay continued, his tone sharper now. "If they liked someone else, they should've told me. I would've respected their feelings, backed off, and maybe we could've been good friends instead. I've always said I wanted nothing in return. Still, they thought I was after something. So, to prove a point—not that I owe them one—I did what they wanted. Stayed away. And look where that got us. I lost being humiliated. They lost someone who cared." He paused, turning to Akira. "So, lawyer, who actually lost here?"
"They did, obviously," Akira replied without missing a beat.
"Exactly." Gozay turned to Esha. "Here's the thing: people value two things—what they can't have or what they've lost. I spent two months with my name dragged through the mud, all because the first time I confessed how I felt, they said I was acting. This wasn't an act. And now? That chapter's closed."
Esha opened her mouth but closed it again, nodding instead. Jiya smiled softly, proud of him. Maya, however, sat frozen, her gaze dropping as shadows crossed her face.
The silence stretched until Maya forced a weak smile and stood. "Thanks, Gozay. And Jiya. I should go now."
Jiya smiled brightly. "Anytime. Take care." Gozay, however, chose to be silent.
Esha followed suit. "See you, guys." And with that, they left.
Akira and Jiya exchanged a glance before breaking into applause. "Bravo, bro. What a performance," Jiya teased.
Gozay smiled. "Just clearing the air." But his thoughts betrayed him. I hope she didn't get hurt.
Akira extended his hand. "Great. Now, pay me my money."
Jiya smirked devilishly. "Oh, I spent all of it. That's why Gozay brought you—to cover the bill."
Akira's jaw hit the table. "What the hell, Gozay?"
Gozay winked. "She's always right. You know that."
"This is betrayal." Akira shouted.
Gozay stood, patting his friend's shoulder. "Relax. You play the cruel BFF all the time. Let me have my turn. Also, after you pay, grab all the shopping bags. I'm waiting outside."
Akira groaned, his forehead meeting the table. "Why do I even know you?"
Jiya followed her brother, throwing over her shoulder, "Come on, Akira. Chop-chop!"
Still slumped at the table, Akira grumbled. "Coming..."
The Next Day
Gozay dragged himself through the school gates, looking like he'd just crawled out of a grave. Akira, as always, was propped up against the wall, the picture of smug readiness.
They bumped fists half-heartedly. "Morning, zombie," Akira said, eyeing him up. "Did the apocalypse hit you alone?"
"Shut it," Gozay groaned, rubbing his face. "Jiya kept me up all night gaming."
"Ah, that makes sense. Big speech nerves too, huh?" Akira said, smirking.
"What speech?" Gozay asked, squinting suspiciously.
Akira's smirk widened. "The one you gave to Maya."
Gozay raised an eyebrow, trying to play it cool. "Who's Maya?" he said with the kind of tone that came with imaginary sunglasses.
Akira shrugged. "Oh, no one important. Just the girl I saw holding hands with Kayzin this morning."
Gozay froze mid-step. "What? Where? When? Are you serious?"
Akira doubled over, laughing. "And there goes the 'Who's Maya' act! You're so predictable."
Gozay glared, before kicking Akira's ass hard enough to make him stumble.
"Ow! Abuse! Why your deal?" Akira yelled, clutching his butt.
Gozay walked off, throwing a casual glance over his shoulder. "Because my foot had a heartfelt dream of connecting with your ass. Later, Moron."
Student Council Office
Gozay dragged himself to Class 1-B, only to freeze outside the window. Every seat was occupied, and someone—a girl—was sitting in his spot. "What the truck?" he muttered, before turning and heading straight to the Vice Principal's office.
Halfway there, his phone rang loudly. It was a text from Yasaki: Gozay. Come to the office.
He sighed. What now? With a resigned shrug, he changed course toward the Student Council office.
When he arrived, he knocked and stepped inside. Kayzin and Maya sat side by side, with Wenda and Jenny across from them. Yasaki wasn't there yet. Maya glanced at him briefly but said nothing.
"Morning," Gozay greeted casually.
Maya murmured a soft "Morning," while Kayzin's was more audible. Jenny, as always, stayed stone-faced, while Wenda fixed her signature dangerous smile on him.
"Hey Dozay! Sit here with me!" she teased, patting the seat beside her.
Gozay sighed, pointing to the nearby trophy with his name etched on it. "See that? It says Gozay, not Dozay. Learn to read." He dropped into the chair next to her.
Wenda's eyes flicked to the trophy before returning to him. She leaned in, tugging at his tie. "Maybe I need some one-on-one lessons to memorize it. Oh, and where's my rose? You promised, remember?"
Maya shifted uncomfortably in her seat, looking away.
"I-I—" Gozay stammered, trying to lean back, but Wenda had him in a firm grip.
Before he could say something, Yasaki strolled in, saving him. Wenda let go, and Gozay straightened up, visibly relieved.
"Morning, everyone," Yasaki greeted, taking his seat.
"Morning," they chorused back.
Gozay wasted no time. "Why am I here?"
Yasaki raised an eyebrow. "Uh, you joined our party yesterday."
Gozay frowned. "I did? Funny, I don't remember signing up."
"You didn't say no, so I took that as a yes," Yasaki replied smoothly.
Gozay groaned. "Sure, fine. But that still doesn't answer the question—why am I here? I joined the party, not the Student Council."
Yasaki shrugged. "This is our office. Where else would we meet? The cafeteria?"
"Still doesn't explain why I'm here," Gozay pressed. "And are these all the members of your so-called 'great' party?"
"Yup," Yasaki said, "Most of our members graduated last year. Right now, it's just us six, including you. Leadership positions are capped at ten, but the whole school can join as supporters."
"Cool story. But why me?" Gozay asked.
"Three reasons," Yasaki said, ticking them off. "One: You won a trophy for the school. Two: The Freedom Alliance approached you first. They clearly saw potential, and I wasn't about to let them snatch you up. And three—well, let's just say the last reason's a secret."
Gozay narrowed his eyes. Yasaki slid a paper across the table. "Sign this."
Gozay picked up the pen with exaggerated laziness, scribbling his name. "I solemnly pledge to serve the Great Unity League," he declared dramatically.
Yasaki chuckled. "Anyway, how's your dad?"
The mood shifted instantly. Gozay's smile vanished, replaced by a steely look. "Resting in peace."
Yasaki's jaw dropped. "What?! I saw him yesterday!"
Gozay's gaze didn't waver. " I think the third reason is not a secret anymore. If you see him again, tell him his son died years ago."
The room fell into stunned silence.
Kayzin froze mid-smile. Wenda, ever the provocateur, began to speak but paused, her smirk faltering as she leaned back into her chair.
Maya's breath hitched. Akira's words echoed in her mind: "Family problems." Though cryptic before, they now carried a meaning she hadn't anticipated.
Yasaki's jaw worked silently. He leaned forward. "Gozay, I—"
But Gozay cut him off, his tone sharp yet detached. "No need. It's old news."
He turned to leave.
"Wait," Yasaki called out, his voice uncharacteristically uncertain. "Sit down. There's a debate after lunch, and you're part of it."
Gozay stopped at the door and turned, his brow raised in mock disbelief. "You've got to be kidding."
Yasaki straightened, reclaiming his composure. "Maya and you will represent the Unity League."
Both Maya and Gozay burst out simultaneously, "What?!"
Kayzin, unable to hold back, snickered. "Best duo of the century."
Wenda smirked, her playful demeanor back. "I'd pay to see this train wreck."
Maya glared at her before addressing Yasaki. "Why me? Why him?" Her voice wavered slightly, still shaken.
"Training exercise," Yasaki said with a shrug. "Maya leads, Gozay assists."
Gozay raised a hand. "Question."
"Yes?" Yasaki asked.
"Can I pick someone else?" Gozay said.
Maya shot him a glare sharp enough to cut steel. "Got a problem with me?"
Gozay ignored her, addressing Yasaki. "No problem at all, Mr. President. But with first term exams in 13 days, I'm just worried about distracting, and annoying, the toppers. Being around me might make them fail."
Maya sighed, her voice quieter. "You're teasing me."
Wenda leaned in, winking at Gozay. "I love being distracted."
Gozay groaned. "Fine. I'm in, Mr. President. But if this goes south, I'm blaming you."
Yasaki stood. "Great. Wenda, Kayzin, Jenny—you're dismissed. Gozay, Maya, stay and prep for the debate." He slid a file across the table. "This has everything you need. Policies of each party, debate structure, the works. Knock yourselves out."
As the others filed out, Wenda whispered to Gozay, "Don't get too distracted, Dozay."
Gozay stared after them, his expression screaming one thing: Don't leave me alone.