The following week, the school was abuzz with excitement. The annual sports day was fast approaching, and everyone was either talking about it or preparing for it. Sophie wasn't particularly athletic, but she enjoyed watching the games. It was one of the few times the entire school seemed to come together, leaving behind cliques and drama for a day of camaraderie.
Rachel, of course, was all in. "You're coming, right?" she asked, practically bouncing in her seat during lunch.
"I wouldn't miss it," Sophie replied. "But don't expect me to run or anything."
"Obviously," Rachel said with a grin. "You're more of a spectator than a player. But you'll cheer for me, right?"
"Always," Sophie promised.
Max, who had been quietly sketching at the corner of their table, looked up. "Sports day?"
Rachel turned to him, her eyes gleaming. "Oh, yeah. It's the biggest event of the year. You should totally come."
Max hesitated. "I'm not really into sports."
"You don't have to be," Sophie said, surprising herself with how eager she was for him to be there. "It's more about the atmosphere. Plus, you could bring your sketchbook. There's plenty to draw."
Max seemed to consider this, then nodded. "Maybe."
On the day of the event, the school field was alive with color and energy. Banners fluttered in the breeze, and the air was filled with the sound of cheering, laughter, and the occasional whistle from the referees.
Sophie found a spot on the bleachers with Rachel, who was busy scanning the crowd for familiar faces. "There's Chloe from cheer," Rachel said, pointing. "And there's Tim from football. Oh, and look—Max actually showed up!"
Sophie followed her gaze and spotted Max standing near the edge of the field, his sketchbook tucked under his arm. He seemed out of place amid the noise and activity, but he also seemed... calm, like he didn't care about fitting in.
"Go talk to him," Rachel urged, nudging Sophie's arm.
Sophie hesitated but eventually stood up, weaving her way through the crowd until she reached Max. "Hey," she said, smiling. "You made it."
Max gave a small nod. "Figured I'd see what all the fuss was about."
"Well, welcome to the chaos," Sophie said, gesturing to the field. "What do you think?"
"It's... lively," Max said, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Sophie laughed. "That's one way to put it. So, are you going to sketch something?"
Max glanced around, his eyes landing on a group of students racing toward the finish line. "Maybe. There's a lot going on."
"That's the fun of it," Sophie said. "You never know what's going to happen next."
As the day went on, Sophie and Max ended up spending most of it together. They watched the races, laughed at some of the more chaotic moments, and even joined Rachel for snacks at the concession stand.
By the time the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the field, Sophie felt a warmth in her chest that had nothing to do with the weather.