Chapter 8 [Ace]

After the match, I barely had time to catch my breath before I saw her approaching.

Annie.

Her footsteps were quick, her expression unreadable. But I knew that look—she was about to scold me.

"Idiot," she huffed, crossing her arms. "You’re not allowed to play when you’re injured."

I wiped the sweat from my forehead, letting out a small chuckle. "Oh, that’s because I couldn’t afford to lose."

Her expression darkened. "Never mind. It’s useless arguing with you."

I smirked. "So you do know that. Good girl."

She didn’t respond. Instead, she grabbed my hand and, without another word, started pulling me toward the infirmary.

I let out a small laugh. "What happened?" she asked, glancing at me.

"Hmm… nothing." I said casually. But in my head, a different thought surfaced.
How long has it been since someone treated me like this?

Next Day – December 12, Friday

The morning started off in chaos.

The teacher was putting together a team for an interschool debate competition—five members total. The fifth spot was still open, but the person originally selected was absent. No one else was volunteering.

Meanwhile, I was running full speed toward class.

"I’m so late! I’m dead! No one’s gonna let me off for this!" I thought as I sprinted down the hallway, my bag bouncing against my back.

Back in class, the teacher sighed. "Well, since no one else is willing… I guess the next person to enter this room will be the fifth member."

Just then, I reached the doorway, panting. The moment I stepped in, I felt every eye turn toward me.

I blinked. "What? Did I do something?"

The teacher smiled. "Yes. Congratulations, we found our fifth member. No need to worry, everyone!"

"Huh?"

Just like that, I was in.

The debate team was now officially set: Annie, Dav, Rosh, Nalani… and me.

Annie turned to me, smiling. "Hey, welcome to the team, Ace."

I sighed dramatically. "Thank you for your warm welcome."

After Class

I dragged myself out of the room, rubbing my forehead. "Why did I have to be late today? Of all days!"

For everyone else, this was just a school team. But for me? It was more than that. I had seen the way they all looked at me—except Annie, of course. The others weren’t exactly thrilled about my sudden addition. Their expressions said it all.

Annie, with her sharp eyes, somehow missed that.

I sighed. For now, I’ll just try to stay out of their way as much as possible. That seemed like the best plan.

But the competition was next Sunday—December 21.

I leaned back against the hallway wall, exhaling. "God knows what’s gonna happen."