The days after Olivia and Alex's late-night conversation passed in a blur of practices, classes, and fleeting glances. Both were trying to navigate the unspoken shift in their relationship while balancing the demands of their separate worlds. But the tension between them was unmistakable, simmering beneath the surface.
---
A Morning Encounter
Alex was heading to class when he spotted Olivia sitting on a bench outside the art building, sketching in her notebook. She looked focused, her fiery red hair catching the morning sun. He hesitated for a moment before walking over.
"Hey," Alex greeted, his voice softer than usual.
Olivia looked up, her expression brightening when she saw him. "Hey, champ. Shouldn't you be on the field or something?"
"Practice doesn't start until later," Alex said, sitting beside her. "What are you working on?"
Olivia tilted the notebook slightly, revealing a sketch of a football field. "Just something I've been playing with. It's not done yet."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "You're drawing a football field?"
"Maybe," Olivia teased, her eyes sparkling. "Or maybe I'm just trying to understand what takes up so much of your time."
Alex chuckled, leaning back against the bench. "You might be disappointed. It's not as exciting as you think."
"Everything is exciting if you look at it the right way," Olivia replied, her tone thoughtful.
For a moment, they sat in comfortable silence, the noise of the campus fading into the background.
"You know," Olivia said suddenly, breaking the quiet. "I have an art showcase coming up. It's nothing huge, just a campus thing, but... I'd like you to come."
Alex looked at her, surprised but pleased. "When is it?"
"Next Friday," Olivia said, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "You don't have to, but—"
"I'll be there," Alex interrupted, his tone firm.
Olivia smiled, a rare softness in her expression. "Thanks, champ."
---
Tensions in Practice
Later that afternoon, Alex was back on the field. The drills were intense, the team preparing for one of their toughest games of the season. But Alex's mind kept drifting back to Olivia, her invitation, and the way she smiled when he said he'd be there.
"Alex!" Coach's voice cut through his thoughts, sharp and commanding.
Alex snapped back to attention, realizing he had missed his cue.
"Focus!" the coach barked. "We need you here, not in your head!"
"Got it, Coach," Alex said, shaking off the distraction.
Marcus jogged up beside him as the drill reset. "What's going on with you today?"
"Nothing," Alex replied, though his tone was unconvincing.
Marcus smirked. "Let me guess—Olivia?"
Alex shot him a look but didn't deny it.
"Man, you've got it bad," Marcus teased, clapping him on the shoulder. "Just don't let it mess with your game. We need you focused."
Alex nodded, his jaw tightening. "I'm focused."
---
A Dinner Disruption
That evening, Olivia attended another family dinner. These events had become routine, a showcase of wealth and expectation where every move was scrutinized. Gabriel, of course, was there, seated beside her as if he belonged.
"You've been quiet," Gabriel remarked, leaning closer.
"I've had a long day," Olivia replied curtly, sipping her wine.
Gabriel smiled, the kind of smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Or maybe you've been thinking about him?"
Olivia stiffened but kept her composure. "Who I think about is none of your concern, Gabriel."
"Come on, Liv," Gabriel said smoothly. "You know I'm just looking out for you. Alex isn't exactly... your kind of person."
Olivia set her glass down with a soft clink, her patience wearing thin. "And what exactly is 'my kind of person,' Gabriel?"
"Someone who understands your world," Gabriel replied, his tone infuriatingly calm.
Before Olivia could respond, her father's voice cut through the conversation. "Olivia, is there something we should know?"
"No," Olivia said quickly, forcing a smile. "Excuse me."
She stood and left the table, her chest tight. She needed air, a moment away from the suffocating expectations of her family.
---
Confrontation Under the Lights
Later that night, Alex was on the field again, running drills under the floodlights. It had become his ritual—a way to clear his mind and prepare for the challenges ahead. But tonight, he wasn't alone.
Gabriel approached, his polished shoes clicking against the pavement.
"Working late, I see," Gabriel said, his tone dripping with condescension.
Alex glanced at him but didn't stop his drill. "What do you want?"
"I wanted to see what all the fuss is about," Gabriel said, crossing his arms. "You don't seem like much to me."
Alex stopped, the ball resting under his arm as he turned to face Gabriel. "I don't need to seem like much to you."
Gabriel smirked. "You think you can keep up with Olivia? You're out of your depth, Alex. She's not just some girl. She's someone who deserves more than... this."
Alex stepped closer, his expression calm but his voice edged with steel. "Olivia deserves someone who sees her for who she is, not who they want her to be. That's the difference between us."
Gabriel's smirk faltered for a moment before returning. "We'll see, Alex. But don't say I didn't warn you."
Without another word, Gabriel turned and walked away, leaving Alex standing under the lights, the tension burning in his chest.