XYRINE JEAN'S POV
After One Week
After a week had passed, I found myself walking through the bustling corridor with Ella, trying to catch up on everything I had missed during my absence.
"Ella, why are there so many students today? Some of them even look like they're from other universities," I asked in confusion, glancing around as we walked down the crowded corridor. The usual flow of students was now replaced by a sea of unfamiliar faces, all moving with purpose and energy. It was different than the usual hustle and bustle of the school.
She looked at me, a grin tugging at her lips. "Ah, it's the start of the school festival. Wait, how come you don't know about this?" Her eyes sparkled with amusement. "Oh right, haha! You were absent for a whole week." I felt a flush of embarrassment rise to my face and quickly looked away.
"Still, even though I've been here for two years in Montreal, I'm always surprised when the festival starts. Every year, there are so many students from other universities who come. It's like they're drawn here for it," Ella continued, her voice light with excitement. "I think it's mostly because of the 4 Kings."
I blinked, still trying to process everything. "Ah, no wonder I didn't see any of them around," I murmured, now more curious than ever.
Ella raised an eyebrow. "What? You've been looking for them?"
My eyes widened in shock, and I quickly blurted out, "Ha? I meant... they haven't shown up in front of me yet to annoy me." I fumbled for words, hoping my quick excuse would cover up my initial surprise.
Ella's grin grew. "Ah! Well, they're probably busy practicing for the basketball game later. And just so you know, Spade is the ball captain."
At the mention of Spade's name, I froze mid-step, my heart suddenly racing for reasons I couldn't explain. "What?! Why did you suddenly mention that crazy person's name?!" I couldn't help but snap, my voice sharper than I intended.
Ella paused, confused, her eyebrows knitting together in genuine puzzlement. "Ha?" she repeated, clearly not understanding the sudden shift in my mood.
I grimaced and waved my hand dismissively. "Ugh, never mind," I muttered, suddenly feeling self-conscious. The name Spade still echoed in my mind, but I didn't want to dwell on it.
"Whatever!" Ella laughed, clearly unfazed. "Let's just eat in the cafeteria. I'm starving." Her voice was filled with the kind of carefree energy that always managed to pull me back from my own thoughts. I nodded and followed her, silently grateful for the distraction.
Cafeteria
The cafeteria was bustling with students, the hum of conversations blending with the clatter of trays and silverware. As we found a seat and settled in, I couldn't shake the image of Spade's face from my mind. It had been years since we last crossed paths, but something about hearing his name again stirred up memories I wasn't ready to revisit.
I glanced toward the usual table where the 4 Kings sat, only to find it empty. For some reason, that fact made my heart skip a beat. Had they not shown up yet?
Ella, noticing my distracted look, raised an eyebrow. "What are you looking at?" she asked, concern flickering in her gaze.
I quickly snapped my eyes away, feeling caught. "Nothing," I muttered, giving her a tight-lipped smile.
She wasn't convinced. "Nothing? Then why aren't you eating? What's wrong? Are you sick? Can't eat?"
"SEVEN, YOU CAN'T EAT."
I almost choked on my food when I suddenly remembered one of the 10 signs she mentioned last night. The words "he's your crush" echoed in my mind, and I immediately shook my head, as though I could physically shake the thought away. "No! No!" I muttered under my breath, trying to push the embarrassment down.
Ella paused mid-bite, her eyes narrowing in on me with a knowing grin. "What's 'no! no!'?" she asked, leaning forward, clearly intrigued. "Oh! I see!" Her face lit up as the realization hit her. "You haven't seen your crush yet. So, how's that? Is your day incomplete because of that?"
"SECOND, YOUR DAY ISN'T COMPLETE IF YOU DON'T SEE HIM."
"NO!" I shouted, my voice sharp and loud, causing Ella to freeze and stare at me in surprise. Her mouth opened slightly as if she were about to say something, but before she could, the atmosphere in the cafeteria shifted.
A ripple of excitement spread quickly across the room. Students began whispering urgently, pointing toward the entrance with wide eyes, and suddenly the cafeteria erupted into chaos.
"Waaaaah! The 4 Kings!" someone screamed from across the room, followed by a chorus of excited chatter.
"Damn, they're super!" another student shouted, barely containing their enthusiasm.
"Spadeeeee is f*cking hot, I cannot," came a voice, almost trembling in awe.
The name "Spade" hit me like a bucket of ice water. I froze, my heartbeat suddenly racing in my chest. I turned instinctively toward the crowd that was gathering, their eyes fixed on the entrance. There, emerging from the throng, was none other than Spade himself, the captain of the basketball team.
"FOURTH, EVERY TIME YOU HEAR HIS NAME, YOUR HEART STARTS TO THUD."
Thump. Thump.
What the hell?!
immediately placed my hand over my chest as it thudded loudly. Crap! Why are they here? I thought they were supposed to be practicing? I could feel the heat rising to my face, and a nervous tension spread through my limbs.
Spade's presence seemed to dominate the entire room. The chatter intensified, and I heard girls whispering in excited tones, some practically swooning over him. His cool, almost detached expression only seemed to add to the allure. His teammates were following closely behind, but it was clear he was the center of attention, as always.
"Woah! Look at those heartthrobs in their jerseys!" Ella said, practically drooling, her eyes sparkling with admiration.
I didn't mean to, but my gaze flicked toward them before I could stop myself. Since Spade was at the front, he was the first one I noticed. His all-black jersey clung to his toned frame, and his hair, tied back in a messy bun, only added to his effortlessly cool vibe. The sweat glistening on his skin made him look like a Gatorade model walking through the middle of the cafeteria. His sharp features, combined with that intense aura he always carried, made him look almost too perfect—like he belonged in a commercial, not casually strolling through a crowded school cafeteria.
I quickly averted my eyes, trying not to get caught staring. My heart raced, and I could feel my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Why was I suddenly so aware of him being here? The chaos from earlier seemed to have only grown louder, with more students excitedly whispering and pointing in their direction. It felt like the room had shifted to revolve around them.
Thump. Thump.
"Ella, I'll go to the restroom!" I said, standing up abruptly, hoping to escape the awkwardness building up inside me.
She gave me a confused look. "Wait, we just came from there earlier! What's wrong with you today? Why are you panicking? You're so weird."
I froze for a moment, trying to come up with a reasonable excuse. "I... uh... I just need a break. Too much noise in here," I muttered, feeling my heart racing a little faster.
"FIRST, YOU GET PANICKED EVERY TIME YOU SEE HIM."
Panicked? Aaaah! No! Wait, why am I suddenly remembering all these signs? What madness is this?!
"Ugh!" I muttered, frustrated, as I waved my cap down and turned to walk away from Ella.
I had no idea where I was headed, just trying to get away from the chaos of the cafeteria. But in my haste, I collided with someone.
"Arg! What the—? Are you blind or—" I froze mid-sentence, my words dying in my throat as I looked up.
Thump.Thump.
My chest was pounding so loudly that I couldn't hear anything else. His hands gripped my shoulders gently but firmly, grounding me in the moment. I could feel the warmth of his touch seeping through my shirt, sending an involuntary shiver down my spine.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice low and steady, filled with genuine concern.
Thump.Thump.
"It's so loud." I muttered, staring into his jet-black eyes, trying to make sense of my sudden nervousness.
"What's loud?" he asked, his voice low and curious.
I blinked, my mind racing, but before I could stop myself, I blurted out, "The loud thumping of my heart!" I accidentally shouted it, my voice much louder than I intended.
Ah! Xyrine! What madness did you just say?! I muttered to myself, my heart still pounding in my chest. Flustered, I immediately pushed his hands away.
"Get away! I'm going to the restroom!" I said quickly, hoping to escape this awkward moment before he could say anything else. Without waiting for a response, I tried to pass by him, my steps quick and rushed.
"Hey, Xyrine," I heard him call after me, and I froze, my whole body tensing at the sound of his voice.
I turned around quickly, not realizing how sharp my tone was. "What?!" I snapped, a little louder than I intended, causing him to flinch.
He blinked at me, seemingly startled by my reaction, before his lips curved into a small smile. "The restroom is the other way."
Of course, it is. My face flushed a deeper shade of red, but I didn't let that stop me. "Ha? I know!" I muttered, quickly brushing past him again, not bothering to make eye contact.
I could feel his gaze on my back as I walked away, but I didn't dare to look back. My legs were practically shaking beneath me, and the last thing I needed right now was to face him again.
Damn it, Xyrine! What stupidity was that?! Why are you panicking so much? You're losing focus! You're acting like an idiot… My inner monologue only seemed to make it worse, drowning me in more embarrassment with every passing thought.
"THIRD, WHEN HE'S NEAR YOU, OR WORST, WHEN HE'S IN FRONT OF YOU, YOU CAN'T CONCENTRATE."
I facepalmed as the realization hit me like a freight train. "So, what? You're in love with him? You were absent for a week to get rid of that heart abnormality, and then this is what happens?" I groaned inwardly, feeling like I could pull my hair out right then and there. I couldn't believe how dumb I felt, talking to myself inside the cubicle.
But wait… I stopped in my tracks, my mind racing. There are two more signs—the ninth and tenth signs!
Right, two more! I couldn't afford to ignore them. If I didn't confirm them today—yes, today—I would never admit to myself that I liked him. It would be my secret. Forever.
"Okay, okay," I whispered to myself, feeling more ridiculous by the second. Nervously chewing on my nails, I tried to push through the chaotic thoughts clouding my mind.
When I finally stepped out of the restroom, I was greeted by Ella, standing right outside the door. She was staring at me with an unreadable expression, her poker face intact, but then—suddenly, she grinned.
"You know," she began, her voice dripping with amusement, "because of what you're doing, I've realized something."
I narrowed my eyes at her. "What are you—"
"You like one of the 4 Kings, huh?"
My stomach dropped, and it felt like ice-cold water was poured over me. I froze. "Ha?" The word escaped me in disbelief. "Of course, not! No! Why would I like one of them? And—"
"Tsk tsk. You're so obvious, Xyrine," she interrupted me, her grin growing wider, the teasing sparkle in her eyes almost too much to bear.
"What?!" I shouted, but my voice cracked with panic. "I said no!"
Ella burst into laughter, clutching her stomach as she doubled over. "Hahahaha. You're no fun. Anyway, let's go to the gymnasium. The basketball game's about to start."
"Gymnasium? Basketball?" I blinked, not really processing what she was saying.
"I don't want to!" I crossed my arms stubbornly.
"Why don't you want to? We're going to support your bae—I mean, the university's team," she teased, her laughter filling the hallway as she wagged her eyebrows at me.
"Ella!" I huffed in frustration, face flushed. "I said no! And what are you talking about?!"
She just grinned even more. "Why? Just because the 4 Kings are there? You have an issue with them?"
"No!" I snapped, my patience starting to wear thin.
"Then, come on!" she urged, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
"Aish! Whatever!" I groaned in defeat, throwing my hands up in exasperation.
I had no choice but to follow Ella to the gymnasium, though every step felt like my own personal struggle. As soon as we entered, I almost got dizzy from the overwhelming sea of students—mostly girls—clamoring to get a good view.
"Ella, it's so packed in here! Let's not go any further," I pleaded, already feeling the anxiety rising in my chest.
"No way, this is fun!" She waved me off with a grin, completely uninterested in my protests, and dragged me deeper into the crowd.
We had to wade through the chaos, elbowing our way through throngs of excited spectators just to get to the front. Every inch felt like it took a small eternity, the pressure from all the bodies pushing in on me like a wave.
"Damn it, Ella! I can't breathe in here!" I gasped, my chest feeling constricted from the heat and the overwhelming number of people packed into the gymnasium.
"It's fine! At least we've got a good spot!" she yelled, her voice rising above the noise.
"What good spot? You're practically switching faces with the person next to me!" I snapped at her, the situation getting more unbearable by the second.
"Yeah, miss," the guy in front of Ella said, laughing.
"What do you mean 'yeah'?!" She shot back at him, her irritation boiling over. "If we switched faces, I'd lose! So shut up!"
I just laughed at Ella's frustration, but I was too exhausted to keep arguing. My brain was fried from the chaos, and I just wanted some space. I pushed forward, not sure where I was headed, when I suddenly heard someone call my name.
"Xyrine, is that you?"
I froze, turning to find a guy in a yellow jersey with spiked hair waving at me. "Lucas?" I blinked, not quite believing it.
"Wow! Xyrine, it's really you!" he grinned. "Out of all places, I'm seeing you here!"
"Haha! Well, I wanted to talk to you, but we kinda look like sardines in here!" I yelled back, trying to be heard over the crowd, since he was still a bit far away.
"No worries, I'll take care of it," he said with a wink.
I watched in surprise as Lucas walked over to one of the coaches, exchanged a few words, then gave me a thumbs-up. A few moments later, we were ushered to a spot that was a bit more spacious.
"Wow! You've changed so much. That Montreal uniform looks great on you," Lucas complimented, his smile wide and genuine.
As we finally made our way to his team's bench, I realized where we were headed. My eyes widened as I took in the sight of the St. Bernard University players already on the bench, a group that had been the competition for Team Montreal.
If this isn't absurd in the eyes of our school team, I don't know what is.
"Why are you here?" I asked, still a little taken aback.
He grinned, clearly enjoying the surprise. "I'm the ball captain, you know."
"Ah," I nodded, still processing the situation.
Catching sight of Ella's mischievous grin, she leaned in and whispered to me, "Cuz, don't you think it's awkward that we're here? We're from Montreal, and now we're sitting on the bench of St. Bernard University's team?"
"Better than sitting where we were earlier. I was so cramped," I muttered, glancing around the bench that had surprisingly more room than where we were before.
"Hehe, true. Plus, the view is better here," she added, her eyes darting toward the St. Bernard players, clearly enjoying herself. I rolled my eyes at her.
Suddenly, a loud cheer erupted from the crowd as Team Montreal entered the court, and I felt a rush of excitement build in the air. This was it—the game was about to begin.
The noise in the gym was unbearable. "Waaaah! We love you, 4 Kings!" shouted one student. "Go Montreal Team!!!" yelled another, while cheers like "Fighting, Montreal team!" and "Waaah! You're so handsome!" filled the air. I cupped my hands over my ears, trying to block out the deafening chants from the students, their energy almost tangible. Even outsiders and students from other universities were cheering for Team Montreal.
Ella and I both glanced over to the opposite bench, where the 4 Kings and their teammates had just arrived. Once again, my heart skipped a beat when my gaze landed on him.
'Damn this organ. Can you be quiet for once?!' I scolded myself mentally.
"Xyrine, let's talk later after the game, okay? You've got a lot to tell me," Lucas said, his voice breaking through the noise.
"Honestly, that guy is so handsome too. Introduce me to him later," Ella teased, nudging me.
"Whatever. You're such a flirt!" I rolled my eyes, though I couldn't suppress the smile tugging at my lips.
The game began, but I found myself completely fixated on St. Bernard's team, completely ignoring Team Montreal. Yes, I refused to look at them! I didn't care about our team or the game itself. I was too wrapped up in my own swirling thoughts.
After what felt like hours, the game finally ended, and I hadn't understood much of it. Team Montreal won, of course—their team, with Spade, had faced off against Lucas' team. The cheers that erupted in the gym were deafening, and I was more than ready to leave.
"Ella, let's go outside! The game's over," I suggested, already heading toward the exit.
"Wait! The Montreal cheering squad is performing, and last year's Miss Montreal is part of it! We should watch it! It's gonna be epic."
"Miss Montreal? Who's that?!" I asked, genuinely curious.
Ella pointed to a woman from the cheerleading squad who had just entered the gym. When I saw her, my heart stopped.
I froze. There, standing confidently in the middle of the cheerleaders, was Sharina.
So, aside from being Miss Montreal last year, she was also one of the cheerleaders, huh. I felt an unexpected pang of something stir within me.
(NP: You belong with me By Taylor Swift)
"You're on the phone with your girlfriend, she's upset She's goin' off about somethin' that you said 'Cause she doesn't get your humor like I do I'm in the room, it's a typical Tuesday night I'm listenin' to the kind of music she doesn't like And she'll never know your story like I do"
It wasn't intentional for me to stare, but her beauty was so otherworldly that I couldn't look away. My eyes stayed on her, almost as if they were drawn to her effortlessly. Then, I saw Spade walk over to her. They exchanged smiles, and I watched as they waved at each other, making me quickly avert my gaze.
"But she wears short skirts, I wear T-shirts She's cheer captain and I'm on the bleachers Dreamin' 'bout the day when you wake up and find That what you're looking for has been here the whole time"
I laughed softly when I heard the lyrics of the song playing through the gym.
She wears short skirts, I wear T-shirts? Without realizing it, I glanced at Sharina again. Who am I to compare myself to her? She's just too.... beautiful.
"She wears high heels, I wear sneakers She's cheer captain and I'm on the bleachers."
I glanced up at the speaker. Why do I feel like breaking that speaker?
I couldn't help but feel the sting in my chest as I watched Spade and Sharina interact. They looked so natural together, as if they belonged to the same world.
I sighed, letting the weight of the realization sink in. Doesn't it hurt? Yeah, it does. But that's what happens when you're presumptuous. You're reaching for something beyond your reach.
"NINE, YOU'RE BECOMING PRESUMPTUOUS."
"TEN, YOU'RE GETTING HURT."
I smiled bitterly to myself. "Perfect, all the signs are checked," I whispered, my words carrying the weight of everything I had tried to ignore.
This is the first time I've ever fallen for someone, and of all people, it had to be him—the one who's completely out of reach. You're such an idiot, Xyrine.
"Hey, sorry for making you wait," Lucas's voice cut through my thoughts as he suddenly appeared in front of me.
"Too bad! I didn't get to impress you. Your team was just too strong," he chuckled.
I forced a laugh, but it came out flat. "What are you talking about? You were amazing," I said, though I could barely keep up with the game myself.
"Really?" His smile was so genuine, and I couldn't help but nod, even though I felt like a complete liar.
"Of course!" I managed a smile, but it didn't reach my eyes.
"Alright, how about a fist bump?" He extended his hand, clearly trying to make the moment lighthearted.
I chuckled weakly, raising my fist to meet his. But just as I was about to complete the gesture, I felt a sudden, firm grip on my wrist.
"Eh?"
I turned, my pulse racing, and froze when I saw him. His fingers were wrapped around my hand, and there was a quiet intensity in his gaze that immediately stopped my breath.
"Hey, do my words have no effect on you?"