The next morning, Alex was up early as always. His muscles still ached from the intensity of the game, but he knew training couldn't wait. He dressed, grabbed his bag, and was heading out when his younger brother called out.
"Alex! You forgot this!" The boy ran up with a water bottle, his eyes shining with admiration.
"Thanks, champ," Alex said, ruffling his brother's hair with a smile. "I'll show you that play you liked later."
"You promise?"
"I promise," Alex replied before heading out. His family was his anchor, and he made sure never to let them down.
---
On campus, Olivia sat on the grass outside the library, the sun lighting up her fiery red hair. She was brainstorming ideas for a new painting, but her concentration wavered. Her thoughts kept drifting to Alex and the intensity with which he played, as if every move was an extension of who he was.
"You seem far away," Mia said, sitting beside her.
"Just thinking," Olivia replied with a shrug.
"Let me guess... about Alex?" Mia teased.
Olivia shot her a look but didn't deny it. "He's... intriguing."
"'Intriguing'? That's it?" Mia laughed. "Admit it—you're interested."
"Maybe," Olivia admitted reluctantly. "But he's so different from me. He's too serious. I don't know if it would work."
"Maybe you need someone who challenges you," Mia suggested.
"Or maybe he needs someone to pull him out of his comfort zone," Olivia countered with a grin.
---
Later that day, Alex and Marcus were leaving practice when they spotted Olivia and Mia near the café. Marcus was the first to notice.
"Look who's here," he said, nudging Alex. "Want me to say hi for you?"
Alex rolled his eyes, but before he could respond, Olivia was already walking toward them.
"Hey, champ," Olivia said with a teasing smile. "Tough practice?"
"As always," Alex replied, wiping his face with a towel. "And you? Busy in the art studio?"
"You'd be surprised how much effort art takes," Olivia responded, crossing her arms. "Maybe I should bring you to a class. See if you can learn something."
"Only if you come to the field first," Alex retorted, his tone challenging.
"Oh, I'd love to," Olivia said, leaning slightly closer. "But I'm not sure you could keep up."
Marcus, watching the exchange, couldn't hold back his laughter. "You two need either a boxing ring or a dinner date."
Mia, joining in, added, "Definitely dinner. This is getting interesting."
Olivia smiled but stepped back before responding. "Maybe another time, Alex. When you're ready."
Alex raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Ready for what?"
"To lose," Olivia replied, winking before walking away.
Marcus looked at Alex, shaking his head. "Man, you're in trouble. And I think you like it."
Alex laughed, not denying it.