The sun rose on another busy day at the university, but for Alex, the tension was far from routine. With Gabriel's presence looming in the background and Olivia's growing importance in his life, Alex felt like he was balancing two worlds—football and everything else.
On the practice field, the team prepared for the next game. The drills were intense, but Alex's focus remained sharp, even if his mind occasionally wandered.
"You've been quiet," Marcus observed, jogging alongside him during a break.
"Just focused," Alex replied, throwing a perfect spiral pass to one of his teammates.
"Focused on football, or on Olivia and Gabriel?" Marcus teased.
Alex shot him a look, but Marcus simply laughed. "Man, you can't fool me. I saw you watching them at the game. You're jealous."
"I'm not jealous," Alex retorted, though his tone betrayed him.
"Sure, you're not," Marcus said, grinning. "But let me give you some advice: if you don't step up, someone else will."
---
Meanwhile, Olivia found herself in an unexpected situation. Gabriel had invited her for coffee, insisting it was just as friends. Reluctantly, she agreed, curious about what he had to say.
"You know, Olivia," Gabriel began, stirring his coffee, "I really admire your dedication to art. It's rare to find someone so passionate."
"Thanks," Olivia replied cautiously. "But I'm guessing you didn't bring me here just to compliment my painting skills."
Gabriel smiled. "You're right. I wanted to talk about Alex."
Olivia raised an eyebrow. "Alex? What about him?"
"He's... intense, isn't he?" Gabriel asked. "I mean, he seems like a good guy, but I don't think he can give you the kind of life you're used to."
Olivia leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "And you think you can?"
"I know I can," Gabriel replied confidently. "I understand your world, Olivia. We come from the same place. He doesn't."
Olivia held his gaze for a moment before standing. "You don't know anything about him. And for the record, I don't need anyone to 'give me a life.' I'm perfectly capable of creating one on my own."
Gabriel looked taken aback but recovered quickly. "I just want you to think about it."
"I already have," Olivia said firmly before walking away.
---
Later that evening, Olivia found Alex in the library. He was seated at his usual table, surrounded by books and notes.
"Do you ever take a break?" Olivia asked, pulling out a chair across from him.
Alex looked up, surprised but pleased to see her. "Not when there's work to be done."
Olivia smiled, resting her chin on her hand. "So, I had an interesting conversation today."
"With who?" Alex asked, though he had a sinking feeling he already knew.
"Gabriel," Olivia said casually, watching his reaction.
Alex tensed slightly but kept his expression neutral. "And?"
"He thinks he knows what's best for me," Olivia said, rolling her eyes. "He also thinks you're too... intense."
Alex smirked. "He's not wrong."
Olivia laughed, the sound light and genuine. "You're impossible, you know that?"
"Maybe," Alex replied, leaning forward slightly. "But you keep coming back."
"Maybe I like the challenge," Olivia said, her voice soft but teasing.
For a moment, they sat in comfortable silence, the tension between them simmering just beneath the surface.
"You shouldn't let him get to you," Olivia finally said.
"I'm not worried about him," Alex replied confidently. "I know where I stand."
"And where's that?" Olivia asked, her tone curious.
Alex held her gaze, his blue eyes steady. "Closer to you than he'll ever be."
Olivia felt her breath hitch but quickly recovered. "We'll see about that, champ."
As she stood to leave, Alex called out, "Olivia."
She turned, her expression unreadable.
"Thanks for believing in me," he said simply.
Olivia smiled, her guard momentarily dropping. "Always."