7

As the game progressed, the tension between Ares and me only seemed to escalate, fueled by our mutual determination to come out on top. With each steal, each block, and each shot, the rivalry between us intensified, our competitive spirits driving us to push ourselves to the limit.

But as Round 2 began, I was determined not to let Ares get the best of me again. This time, I was going to outsmart him, to anticipate his every move and turn the tables in my favour.

With a focused intensity, I faced Ares once more, my eyes locking onto his as I called out his name. The surprise in his expression was palpable as I made my move, stealing the ball from his grasp with a swift and decisive motion.

But before I could celebrate my victory, disaster struck. In a split second, my feet tangled with his, sending me crashing to the ground in a tangle of limbs and curses. I braced myself for the impact, fully expecting to hit the hard gym floor with a painful thud.

To my astonishment, however, Ares was there in an instant, his strong arms wrapping around me as he pulled me back to my feet. For a moment, I was frozen in shock, unable to comprehend what had just happened.

"You okay?" His voice was surprisingly soft, a hint of concern colouring his words as he looked down at me, his eyes searching mine for any sign of injury.

I opened my mouth to reply, to give voice to the confusion and frustration swirling within me, but before I could utter a word, he released me, sending me crashing back to the ground once more.

"Ow! What the fuck!" I exclaimed, the pain and indignation fueling my anger as I glared up at him from the floor.

I opened my mouth to reply, to give voice to the confusion and frustration swirling within me, but before I could utter a fucking word, he released me, sending me crashing back to the ground once more.

"Ow! What the fuck!" I exclaimed, the pain and indignation fueling my anger as I glared up at him from the floor.

But Ares paid me no mind, his focus already shifting back to the game as he seized the opportunity to steal the ball from my grasp once more. And just like that, the moment of vulnerability was fucking gone, replaced once more by the relentless drive to win at any cost.

As I picked myself up from the floor, brushing off the lingering traces of embarrassment and frustration, I couldn't help but fucking wonder about Ares's motives. What had prompted him to save me, if only to let me fall once more? And why did his concern feel so unsettlingly genuine, despite everything?

But there was no time to dwell on such questions now, not with the game still in full swing and victory hanging in the balance.

Feeling a wave of humiliation wash over me as people laughed at my fall, I shook my head in frustration and let out a heavy sigh. It was bad enough that Ares had managed to outmaneuver me yet again, but to have my shortcomings on display for everyone to see was a bitter pill to swallow. And to top it all off, they scored with Ares leading the charge.

I made my way over to Neuvi, seeking solace in the familiarity of a friendly face amidst the chaos of the game. His concerned expression spoke volumes as he asked, "You good? What happened there?"

"Yeah, I'm good," I replied, forcing a casual tone despite the lingering sting of embarrassment. "Just a little stumble, no big deal."

Neuvi gave me a sympathetic nod.

As I watched Ares's sweaty mouth move, formulating a plan with his teammate, a surge of adrenaline coursed through me. This was my chance to turn the tables, to make Ares pay for his arrogance and aggression. With a determined glint in my eye, I gestured for the ball, silently conveying my intentions to Neuvi.

With a knowing nod, Neuvi passed me the ball, his expression a mix of curiosity and apprehension. I could see the anticipation building among the spectators, their eyes glued to the unfolding drama on the court.

With a swift and decisive motion, I seized the opportunity, launching the ball directly at Ares's face with all the force I could muster. Time seemed to slow to a crawl as the ball hurtled through the air, Ares turning just in time to face the impending impact.

"WATCH OUT!" his teammate shouted, the warning lost in the chaos as the ball collided with Ares's face with a sickening thud. The crack of breaking bone echoed through the gymnasium, followed by a chorus of gasps and shocked whispers from the crowd.

Ares stumbled backwards, clutching his broken nose as blood streamed down his face, his expression a mixture of pain, rage, and disbelief. For a moment, the gym fell silent, the gravity of what had just transpired sinking in for everyone present.

But amidst the stunned silence, I remained unflinching, my resolve unwavering as I met Ares's furious gaze with a defiant glare of my own. He lunged toward me, his fists clenched and his face contorted with rage, but his teammate held him back, preventing him from making good on his threat.

"You fucking piece of shit!" Ares spat, his voice dripping with venom as he struggled against his teammate's grip.

"And what are you gonna do about it?" I shot back, my voice steady despite the pounding of my heart. I knew I was tempting fate, pushing Ares to his breaking point, but I refused to back down.

Ares seethed with anger, his face flushed with fury as he hurled a barrage of insults and threats in my direction.

As the tension between Ares and me reached its boiling point, I knew that a physical confrontation was imminent. My heart raced with apprehension, knowing full well that I was no match for Ares's strength and size. I couldn't afford to let things escalate any further—I needed to find a way to diffuse the situation before it spiralled out of control.

Just as I feared that things were about to take a violent turn, the gym teacher arrived, his booming voice cutting through the chaos like a knife.

"What the hell is going on here?!" he bellowed, his eyes narrowing in suspicion as he surveyed the scene before him.

I seized the opportunity to shift the blame onto Ares, pointing an accusing finger in his direction. "It was his fault," I declared, my voice tinged with righteous indignation.

I knew deep down that my argument was pretty weak. I was just trying to save my own skin. I mean, come on, everyone was there and saw what went down. There was no denying that I was the one who started the whole thing.

But at that moment, all I could think about was avoiding detention at all costs. I had never been in trouble before, and the thought of facing punishment for my impulsive actions filled me with dread.

Ares, however, was quick to defend himself, his voice dripping with contempt as he shot back, "What, it was his fault! He fucking threw the ball at my face."

I bristled at his accusation, my temper flaring as I scrambled to defend myself. "No??" I retorted, my voice rising in frustration. "Maybe if you could get the ball, you would be fine. But no, you are fucking blind."

The gym teacher's patience wore thin as we continued to exchange heated words, his expression growing increasingly exasperated. With a decisive gesture, he put an end to our argument, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife.

"Enough! Both of you to the principal now!" he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Reluctantly, I followed Ares out of the gym, a sinking feeling settling in the pit of my stomach as I braced myself for the inevitable consequences of my actions.

As we walked down the hallway, the sound of our classmates' laughter filled my ears, but I felt uneasy. Ares and I were walking close to each other, but there was a palpable tension between us. I looked over at Neuvi and felt grateful for his support and understanding. His reassuring smile and thumbs-up comforted me and reminded me that I wasn't alone in this situation.

When I turned my attention back to Ares, I noticed that his face was contorted with anger, and he was suppressing his rage. It was evident that he harboured animosity towards me, and it wasn't going away anytime soon. However, Ares didn't confront me, which made me feel even more uneasy. His silence was almost eerie, considering the fury that had consumed him moments before. I couldn't shake the feeling that something had changed between us since the basketball court incident.

As we walked in silence, I wondered what the future would hold for us. The animosity between Ares and me was undeniable, but beneath it, there was a simmering tension of anger, resentment, and something else.

Our eyes were drawn to a lone chair. He didn't take a seat, instead, he stood beside it, his posture radiating a quiet intensity that was both intriguing and unnerving. His silent command was clear: "Sit."

I obliged, lowering myself onto the chair, my mind racing with questions. The silence between us was palpable, punctuated only by the distant hum of the school's old fluorescent lights. I chose to remain silent, fearing that any words might shatter the delicate tension that hung in the air.

He stood there, his arms crossed, one foot casually propped against the wall. His stance was confident, almost arrogant, yet there was something undeniably captivating about it. His biceps bulged beneath the sleeves of his tank top, the muscles taut and well-defined. It was a testament to his strength, a silent declaration of his power.

His nose was still bleeding, a stark reminder of the altercation that had led us here. I tried not to stare, but my eyes were drawn to the crimson trail that trickled down his face. His face was a masterpiece of sharp angles and rugged lines, a perfect blend of masculinity and raw appeal. His eyes held a fire that made my heart race, a burning intensity that threatened to consume me.

His hair was a mess, but it suited him. It added an edge to his already rugged appearance. I could smell the faint scent of sweat, a testament to the physical exertion he'd just been through. It was a primal, intoxicating scent that I found myself inexplicably drawn to.

His abs were a sight to behold, a chiselled six-pack that was visible even through his sweat-soaked tank top. Each muscle was defined, a testament to his dedication and discipline. His pecs were equally impressive, broad and powerful, a clear indication of his strength.

His body glistened with sweat, highlighting the well-defined muscles beneath his tank top and grey sweatpants. His attire was simple, yet it did little to hide his physique. His grey sweatpants clung to his body, revealing the powerful thighs and the hint of what lay beneath. I found myself stealing glances, a flush creeping up my cheeks as I realized the direction of my gaze. His fucking bulge.

God, what's with those grey sweatpants?

I would pay to smell his sweaty clothes.

We were both waiting for the principal to let us in, but it seemed she was occupied with someone else. The silence between us was deafening, yet I couldn't bring myself to break it. I didn't want to speak, and I didn't want him to either. For now, the silence was our only companion, a silent witness to the tension that crackled in the air.

The silence between us stretched on, each second feeling like an eternity. I could feel his eyes on me, a burning gaze that made my heart race. I tried to focus on anything else, but my attention kept drifting back to him. His presence was magnetic, a force that I couldn't resist.

Suddenly, he pushed off from the wall, his movements fluid and graceful. He towered over me, his body radiating heat. I could see the sweat trickling down his neck, a tantalizing trail that I longed to follow. I held my breath, waiting for him to speak, to do something.

But he didn't. Instead, he reached out, his fingers brushing against my cheek. It was a gentle touch, a stark contrast to the intensity that radiated from him. I could feel the roughness of his callused fingers, a reminder of the strength that lay beneath. I closed my eyes, my heart pounding in my chest.

I swear to god, He is just bipolar nowadays. This time, he is I don't know, confusingly nice and hot. I want that side of him to keep going. Last time, he was I don't know, rude and hot. I want that side of him to keep going too.

I could hear his breathing, slow and steady. It was a soothing sound, a rhythm that matched the beating of my heart. I wanted to reach out, to touch him, but I was afraid. Afraid of breaking the spell, afraid of what might happen next.

Just then, the door to the principal's office opened. The spell was broken, the moment shattered. He stepped back, his hand falling away from my face. I opened my eyes, my heart still racing. I could see the principal looking at us, her gaze curious.

"The principal will see you now," she said, her voice breaking the silence. I stood up, my legs shaky. I could feel his eyes on me, a burning gaze that made my heart race. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what was to come.

As I walked into the principal's office, I couldn't help but glance back at him. He was still standing there, his body tense, his eyes locked on mine. I could see the fire in his eyes, a burning intensity that threatened to consume me. I knew then that whatever happened next, my life would never be the same again.

The principal's office was a stark contrast to the dimly lit hallway. It was bright and airy, with large windows that let in the afternoon sun. The principal, a middle-aged woman with a stern face, sat behind a large wooden desk. She gestured for us to sit down, her eyes moving between us.

I took a seat, my heart still racing. I could feel his presence beside me, a comforting warmth that calmed my nerves. The principal looked at us, her gaze stern. "I'm sure you both know why you're here," she began, her voice firm.

As the principal spoke, I found my mind drifting back to him. I could feel his body heat, a tantalizing reminder of his presence. I could smell his scent, a mix of sweat and something uniquely him. It was intoxicating, a scent that made my heart race.

I could see his hands, large and callused, resting on his knees. I remembered the feel of his fingers on my face, a gentle touch that had sent shivers down my spine. I wanted to reach out, to touch him, but I held back. I was afraid, afraid of what might happen, afraid of what I might do.

The principal's voice broke through my thoughts, bringing me back to reality. She was looking at us, her gaze stern. "I'm disappointed in both of you," she said, her voice firm. "Fighting is not tolerated in this school."

As the principal continued to speak, I found myself stealing glances at him. His face was impassive, his eyes focused on the principal. But I could see the tension in his body, the clenched jaw, the tight fists. I wanted to reach out, to comfort him, but I held back. I was afraid, afraid of what might happen, afraid of what I might do.

The principal's words washed over me, a blur of lectures and punishments. But I barely heard them. All I could think about was him, his touch, his scent, his presence. I knew then that whatever happened next, my life would never be the same again. I was falling for him, and there was no turning back.

As the principal finished her lecture, she handed us our punishments. Detention for a week and a suspension from all extracurricular activities for a month. It was harsh, but we both knew we deserved it. We stood up, ready to leave, when the principal stopped us. "I hope you both have learned your lesson," she said, her voice stern.

We nodded, promising to behave in the future. As we left the office, I could feel his eyes on me. I turned to look at him, my heart pounding in my chest. He was looking at me, his eyes filled with an intensity that made my heart race. I wanted to say something, to apologize, but I didn't know what to say.

I don't know why I want to apologize. I hate him. I'm supposed to.

We walked in silence, our footsteps echoing in the empty hallway. I could feel the tension between us, a palpable force that threatened to consume me. I wanted to reach out, to touch him, but I held back. I was afraid, afraid of what might happen, afraid of what I might do.

Suddenly, he stopped, turning to face me. His eyes were filled with an intensity that made my heart race. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice soft. "I didn't mean for any of this to happen."

He apologized...? 2 words that I have never heard for years. I'm sorry. I kept replaying that moment in my head.

I looked at him, my heart pounding in my chest. I wanted to say something, to tell him that it was okay, but I couldn't find the words. Instead, I reached out, my hand resting on his arm. I could feel the warmth of his skin, a tantalizing reminder of his presence.

He looked at me, his eyes filled with an intensity that made my heart race. I could see the fire in his eyes, a burning passion that threatened to consume me. I knew then that whatever happened next, my life would never be the same again. I was falling for him, and there was no turning back.

As we stood there, our eyes locked, I could feel the tension between us, a palpable force that threatened to consume me. I wanted to reach out, to touch him, but I held back. I was afraid, afraid of what might happen, afraid of what I might do. But as I looked into his eyes, I knew that I was ready. Ready to take a chance, ready to risk it all, ready to fall.

I don't know why I'm repeating the exact same words I just said before. When I'm around him, I can't even think straight.

Slowly, I reached out, my hand resting on his chest. I could feel the warmth of his skin, a tantalizing reminder of his presence. I could feel his heart beating, a steady rhythm that matched my own. I looked up at him, my heart pounding in my chest.

He looked down at me, his eyes filled with an intensity that made my heart race. I could see the fire in his eyes, a burning passion that threatened to consume me. He reached out, his hand resting on my waist. I could feel the warmth of his touch, a tantalizing reminder of his presence.

Slowly, he pulled me closer, his body pressing against mine. I could feel the heat of his body, a tantalizing reminder of his presence. I could feel his breath on my face, a tantalizing reminder of his presence. I closed my eyes, my heart pounding in my chest.

His lips met mine, a gentle touch that sent shivers down my spine. I could feel the warmth of his lips, a tantalizing reminder of his presence. I could taste the sweetness of his lips, a tantalizing reminder of his presence. I wrapped my arms around him, pulling him closer.

As we kissed, I could feel the tension between us, a palpable force that threatened to consume me. I could feel the passion between us, a burning desire that threatened to consume me. I knew then that whatever happened next, my life would never be the same again. I was falling for him, and there was no turning back.

As we pulled away, I looked up at him, my heart pounding in my chest. He looked down at me, his eyes filled with an intensity that made my heart race. I could see the fire in his eyes, a burning passion that threatened to consume me.

I knew then that whatever happened next, my life would never be the same again. I was falling for him, and there was no turning back.