Next day aria come school a little bit late because she didn't get good sleep yesterday because of zorvath and sinas.
Aria changed into her sports uniform and stepped onto the ground. Everyone was already practicing—some running, some doing stretches, and others tossing javelins and discs. The air buzzed with energy. Aria tried to push her thoughts aside and jogged toward her group.
Elara spotted her first. "Oh ho! Look who finally showed up, Miss Sleepyhead! What took you? Dreaming about fairy tales or just skipping the drama?"
Aria sighed with a tired smile. "Neither. Just… had a weird morning."
Natasha jogged up next. "You okay though? You look like you barely slept."
Tanya handed her a water bottle. "Take it easy. You don't need to push yourself too hard. We got this."
Before Aria could answer, Nick walked over, towel around his neck. "You sure you're fine? You don't have to pretend. If there's anything, talk to us."
Aria gave a small smile. "Thanks, Nick. I'm fine. Just a bit off."
Rayyan popped in, dramatically tossing his jacket over his shoulder. "Well, one look at me and you'll feel better. I mean, I can personally train you if you want. One-on-one. You'll be glowing in no time."
Elara rolled her eyes. "Get in line, Romeo. You flirt with anything that breathes."
Zyam approached, tossing a basketball in one hand, his tone casual and smooth. "You holding up, Aria? Can't have our queen collapsing on us during practice."
Aria chuckled. "I'm not a queen."
Zyam shrugged coolly. "Yet."
Leo strolled in, sunglasses on like he was walking a runway. "Looking hot today, Aria. Did I mention you make this uniform look criminally good?"
Aria cringed slightly. "Leo… tone it down."
Tanya added, "You need a muzzle, Leo. Seriously."
Jayden and Aarav came in next, both sweaty from sprinting. Aarav handed Aria a stopwatch. "You're in charge of timing the sprints. Think you can handle it, or should I take over?"
Aria smiled. "I can manage."
They practiced for another hour before Aria finally sat down on the bench to catch her breath. She wiped her face with a towel and leaned back.
A shadow fell over her.
Zorvath.
He stood silently for a moment, his eyes scanning the ground, then looking at her. For once, his usual stormy expression had softened… just a little.
"Why are you sitting here alone?" he asked, voice low but not harsh.
Aria blinked. "Just needed a break."
Zorvath looked away for a second, then back. "You did good today. You… actually looked like you belonged here."
The compliment surprised her. "I—I wasn't trying to impress anyone."
He smirked faintly. "Good. You don't need to. People will notice on their own."
For a moment, the air between them felt calm. Aria's usual fear of him faded just a bit. Maybe… maybe he wasn't always the monster she imagined.
He turned to leave, but paused. "Get back on the ground soon. Don't let your team slack because their 'motivator' is slacking."
And then he walked off.
Aria stared after him, a small part of her heart unsure what to make of that moment.
EVENING ______..
Aria glanced at her watch. 4:30 PM.
She let out a soft breath, her eyes scanning the ground. The energy hadn't faded—students still shouted encouragements, the thud of discs and javelins hitting the earth echoed, and the sun dipped lower, painting everything gold. A warm smile touched her lips despite the chaos in her mind.
Elara flopped down beside her, stretching her legs. "Man, I swear this heat is personal. Even my sweat is sweating."
Aria chuckled. "You're so dramatic."
"Girl, this isn't drama, it's survival." Elara leaned back on her elbows, catching her breath. "You okay though? You seem… spaced out."
"I'm fine," Aria replied, brushing hair from her face.
Elara narrowed her eyes. "Fine never means fine. What's up?"
Aria stood and grabbed her water bottle. "I'll be back in an hour."
Elara shot upright. "Wait—where are you going?"
Aria paused but didn't meet her gaze. "Just… somewhere. I need some air."
"That sounds suspiciously like a lie."
But Aria was already walking away. She didn't know what answer to give. Her heart thudded as she entered the locker room. She changed into her uniform again—not her usual habit, especially not after practice—but her hands moved on their own. Her eyes caught the small makeup pouch Elara had left behind.
Why not… just a little? she thought.
A touch of gloss, a little liner. Her fingers trembled as she looked at herself in the mirror.
Damn. Pretty.
She blinked at her own reflection. Not the tired Aria from the morning. This Aria looked… ready. But for what?
She picked up her phone and headed for the gate. The sun was lower now, wind brushing against her skin.
A quiet voice in her head whispered: Don't go.
She hesitated at the edge of the ground, gripping the fence.
But then she stepped out.
And walked away from SBH.
Toward something she wasn't sure she was ready for—but something she couldn't stop herself from facing either.
I pushed open Café Ivy's door and stepped into its soft white-and–pale-blue calm. A waiter approached with a polite nod.
"Good evening, miss. May I have your name?"
"Good evening. I'm Aria," I replied, managing a small smile.
He led me to a tucked‑away corner, where a blue table held two steaming cappuccinos beneath delicate white decorations and pale‑blue blossoms. Sinas sat waiting, engrossed in his phone.
When he looked up and saw me, he set the phone aside and offered a warm smile that made my heart skip. He was undeniably handsome in person—if only the rumors were all untrue.
I settled into the chair opposite him, forcing myself to remember why I'd agreed to this meeting. His dark eyes met mine, intense and unreadable.
"What brings you here?" I asked, trying to sound abrupt.
He chuckled softly, leaning forward. "Because I saw your name pop up in my live yesterday. And I needed to explain." His gaze softened. "You're smart, talented… too good for SBH's politics."
I frowned. "SBH has its flaws, but they're my people."
His expression turned earnest. "If you continue there… what about your future? Do you really think they'll help you grow?"
His words caught me off‑guard. I opened my mouth but stayed silent.
He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I know the worst rumors about me drove you away. But I never framed SBH. I've tried to stop the lies, even when it cost me everything."
I pressed my lips together. "So why should I believe you now?"
His eyes darkened with disappointment. "Because I care about your truth, Aria—not their version of me."
I looked down at my cappuccino, steam curling between us. Nothing felt simple anymore. I was still caught—in between loyalty and doubt—wondering which path truly belonged to me.
I ran a hand through my hair and met his eyes. "Okay, I get it… but right now I can't make a decision," I said, voice soft.
He nodded slowly. For a heartbeat there was only silence between us.
"I understand," he finally said. "You're new, and you need time. Just… please don't hate me."
His words made sense—if those rumors were lies, hating him would hurt more than anyone else. But I still had to protect myself. "Alright," I swallowed. "But if it turns out those rumors were true… and I find out they're real…" I trailed off, not wanting to sound threatening.
He smiled, relief warming his face. "Thank you."
I realized I needed to keep some distance, or I'd lose myself in this again. "So… is that it?" I asked, gathering my things.
He grinned, a teasing glint in his eye. "No," he replied.
My heart skipped. "What about the live thing?" he asked, am trapped . No clever response came to me—I just stared at him.
He chuckled. "No answer?" he teased lightly.
I checked my watch: 5:40 PM. I had to be back on the field by six. Panic rose in my chest.
"Oh—" I jumped to my feet. "I have to go."
Before he could say anything else, I turned and hurried out of the café, heart pounding and mind racing.
As I stepped out of the café, taking just a few steps down the street, Sinas suddenly appeared in front of me, blocking my path. I blinked, confused.
"Can I walk you back?" he asked gently.
A small part of me wished I could say yes… but I knew better now. It wasn't good for me.
"Thanks, but I've got it," I said, trying to move past him.
"Come on," he insisted, smirking. "I know you're scared someone might see. But no one will."
"No, it's not that," I replied quickly. "I really can manage it."
But he stepped forward and suddenly took my hand. I froze, surprised by the contact.
"Are you still hating me?" he asked softly.
I hadn't really hated him, not truly… but I didn't reply. Maybe silence was safer. He didn't let go, and I realized he wouldn't leave me alone just like that. So I started walking.
A few seconds later, he joined me, walking beside me like it was the most natural thing. I tightened my grip on my bag. I could feel his eyes on me—and then, a soft chuckle.
We walked in silence. My heart was pounding. When we were just a few meters away from SBH's gate, I stopped.
"Now you can go," I said firmly.
He halted and looked into my eyes. His expression was unreadable. Without warning, he took my hand again. I tried pulling back, but he held it tightly.
"What?" I asked, a bit nervous now. His gaze was intense, as if he was about to say something important.
But before he could speak, a loud voice cut through the moment.
"ARIA!!"
My heart dropped.
Zorvath.
He came at us like a storm—fast, furious. His jaw clenched, arms stiff by his side, and his eyes… God, his eyes were terrifying. Bloodshot, veins bulging, pure rage. Zorvath.
Sinas stood there, calm and cool as ever, but I was the only one trembling.
And then, out of nowhere, Zorvath punched him—hard.
Sinas hit the ground, holding his face, glaring up at Zorvath with pure anger. I could already tell—he was about to retaliate.
I quickly stepped in between them.
"Are you okay?" I asked him softly.
He looked at me, and for a moment, his gaze softened. He stood up, still staring Zorvath down.
"Please, Sinas," I begged. "Don't start a fight. Not because of me… not in front of me."
Tears stung my eyes.
Zorvath shout at me "Shut up, you."
Sinas said , "For you, I'm leaving this."
Thank God.
But before I could even breathe in relief, he cupped my face and pulled me closer.
"Don't believe this dirty asshole," he said.
"Take your fucking hands off her!" Zorvath roared.
Sinas just smirked, glanced at Zorvath, and then looked back at me.
"Bye, baby," he said.
Seriously? In front of Zorvath? I'm finished.
And just like that, he left.
Now… the real war begins.
I stood frozen. My heart was pounding so loud, I could barely hear my thoughts. Zorvath hadn't moved. His fists were still clenched, chest heaving, eyes locked on the path Sinas just disappeared into.
"Zorvath…" I whispered.
He didn't look at me. Not at first. His gaze was still burning with rage. Then slowly, he turned his head, and our eyes met.
"You went to meet him?" he asked, his voice low—too low. That kind of low that makes your stomach twist.
I swallowed hard. "It's not like that…"
"Then what is it like, Aria?" he snapped, stepping closer. "You lied. You told Elara you'd be back in an hour. Instead, I find you walking back with him."
"I didn't lie!" I shouted back. "I just… didn't tell the whole truth."
"Same thing," he muttered bitterly.
His voice was sharp, his eyes sharp… but there was something else behind them too. Hurt?
"I went to talk," I said quietly, softer this time. "To clear my doubts. That's all."
"You don't need to clear anything," he said, jaw still tense. "The rumors? The warnings? You think we made it all up for fun?"
I looked down at my feet. "I needed to see for myself…"
"And did you?" he asked. "See what you needed?"
I looked back up. "I don't know."
He shook his head, scoffing. "Unbelievable."
"Zorvath, please—"
"I've already given you two warnings," Zorvath said coldly. "One on the first day, and the second when you were sinking into that stupid live video of his."
I stayed silent.
"You went just to clear your doubts?" he asked.
"Yes," I replied softly.
He raised an eyebrow. "Then what was that 'baby' about?"
I had no words now. I remained silent again.
"I'm talking to you, Aria."
I didn't know what to say. If I told him the truth, it would sound so stupid. Silence felt like the safest option.
He scoffed. "Looks like you really can't forget him, huh?"
Zorvath began walking toward me.
Oh no. What's this monster up to now?
"I—w-what?" I stuttered, stepping back. But he kept coming closer, matching each of my steps.
"If you can't forget him," he said, "then there's another way."
I blinked in confusion. "What…?"
Suddenly, he pressed me against the wall, trapping me between his arms. His intense gaze forced me to look up at him. My hands instinctively pressed against his chest, trying to push him away—but he didn't budge.
"Now," he whispered, his voice low and dangerous, "try to forget me."
Before I could even process those words, his lips crashed onto mine.
His soft lips moved against mine, and for a moment… I hated myself for enjoying it. Even if just for a second.
What am I doing?!
I pushed at him with all my strength, but it didn't work. Panic rose in my chest, my heart thundering as if it would burst. Just when I thought it would never end, he bit my lower lip—sharp and painful.
"Hss—!" I winced as he finally pulled away, staring into my eyes. I could feel the blood on my lips… and tears began to fall uncontrollably from mine.
His expression shifted. I saw it.
Regret.
He realized what he'd done and slowly stepped back, releasing me.
Without saying a word, I turned and ran—ran as fast as I could, away from him… away from everything.