Chapter 2

The sound of sneakers squeaking against the polished floor echoed throughout the gymnasium, along with the shouts and cheers of students engaged in PE class. It was a warm afternoon, and Class 1-A was split into teams for a game of basketball. Ian, ever the competitive one, had taken the lead of his team, strategizing in his usual, calculating manner.

Gabriel, on the other hand, had taken a more laid-back approach, lingering near the three-point line with his arms casually crossed, his gaze following the ball as it bounced back and forth across the court. Despite his relaxed demeanor, there was a glint in his eyes-a challenge that Ian couldn't ignore.

"Gab, you're just gonna stand there or actually play?" Ian's voice cut through the noise, laced with irritation as he dribbled the ball, eyes never leaving Gabriel.

Gabriel raised an eyebrow, a small, knowing smirk forming on his lips. "What? Afraid I'll show you up?"

Ian scoffed, pushing past an opposing player with ease. "Show me up? You haven't even moved from your spot."

Gabriel's eyes flickered with amusement. "Sometimes it's better to wait for the perfect moment to strike."

Ian didn't bother responding, instead, he charged down the court, expertly dodging the defenders. He was about to go for a layup when, out of nowhere, Gabriel appeared in front of him, his smirk widening as he swatted the ball from Ian's hands.

"Like now, for example," Gabriel said, his voice dripping with amusement as he sprinted toward the other end of the court.

Ian's eyes darkened as the frustration inside him flared. Gabriel had been toying with him the entire game, baiting him with subtle provocations. It was working. Ian hated that it was working.

The other students watched, caught between awe and confusion as the two top students of Class 1-A went head-to-head. No one dared to get in between them-this wasn't just about basketball anymore.

Ian chased Gabriel down the court, catching up to him in just a few strides. "You really think you can beat me?" His tone was low, but sharp, every word a challenge.

Gabriel glanced back over his shoulder, that maddening smile still on his face. "I don't think it, Ian. I know it."

That was the final straw. Ian lunged, reaching out to snatch the ball from Gabriel's hands, but in his haste, his body collided with Gabriel's, sending both of them crashing to the floor. The ball rolled away, completely forgotten as the gym went silent.

For a split second, Ian lay there, blinking up at the ceiling, his mind still racing with the intensity of the game. But then he felt something shift beside him, and his eyes widened. Gabriel wasn't getting up.

The silence in the gym grew heavier, students watching with bated breath as Ian scrambled to his feet, his heart suddenly pounding for a different reason.

"Gabriel," Ian muttered, crouching beside the other boy. "Hey, are you-?"

Gabriel let out a soft groan, wincing as he tried to sit up. "You really... need to work on your defense," he mumbled, his voice breathless but still holding that teasing edge.

Ian scowled, torn between relief and irritation. "You're the one who got in the way."

Gabriel chuckled softly, though the pain was evident in his expression as he clutched his ankle. "It's called *stealing*, Ian. Maybe look it up."

Before Ian could retort, the PE teacher came rushing over, concern written all over his face. "What happened? Gabriel, are you okay?"

Gabriel winced again, his grip on his ankle tightening. "I think I twisted it when Ian decided to tackle me."

"I didn't tackle you!" Ian snapped, the guilt starting to creep in despite his tone.

The teacher shot Ian a stern look before turning his attention back to Gabriel. "Alright, let's get you to the nurse. Ian, help him up."

Ian hesitated for a moment before reaching out to grab Gabriel's arm, his grip firm but not rough. "Can you stand?" he asked, his voice a little softer than before.

Gabriel, clearly in pain but not wanting to show it, gave a small nod. "I'm not as fragile as you think," he muttered, shooting Ian a side glance as he leaned heavily on him for support.

Ian gritted his teeth. "If you weren't playing around so much, this wouldn't have happened."

Gabriel tilted his head, his usual smirk returning despite the situation. "If you weren't so eager to win, maybe you wouldn't have knocked me over."

"You-" Ian started, but cut himself off, realizing that arguing right now wouldn't help. Instead, he helped Gabriel limp toward the exit of the gym, trying to ignore the way Gabriel leaned into him as they walked.

After they reached the nurse's office, Ian waited outside, arms crossed, tapping his foot impatiently. He still felt irritated. Gabriel had been pushing his buttons all week, and now this? He didn't even know why Gabriel's smug attitude bothered him so much. He should be focused on the midterms, not on this infuriating transfer student who kept getting under his skin.

After a while, the door opened, and Gabriel hobbled out, one hand gripping the crutch the nurse had given him.

"You're still here?" Gabriel asked, his voice softer now, the usual teasing edge replaced with something more genuine.

Ian glanced at him, arms still crossed. "Someone had to make sure you didn't pass out or something."

Gabriel laughed lightly. "Don't worry, I'm fine. Just a sprain. I'll be back on my feet in no time. You're not getting rid of me that easily."

Ian's eyes flickered with something Gabriel couldn't quite place, but instead of responding, Ian just shook his head, his irritation clearly still simmering beneath the surface. "You're unbelievable."

Gabriel tilted his head, his smile widening. "I know."

Ian's jaw tightened. He turned to walk away, but Gabriel called out to him before he could leave.

"Ian."

He stopped, but didn't turn around.

"You know... I'm still planning to beat you in the midterms," Gabriel said, his voice soft but laced with that familiar confidence.

Ian's shoulders stiffened. He turned slightly, just enough to meet Gabriel's gaze out of the corner of his eye. "Good luck with that," he muttered, his voice low and dangerous. "But don't get ahead of yourself, Gabriel. I always win."

Gabriel's smile didn't falter. "We'll see."

The next day, Gabriel arrived at class with his crutch, moving slowly but with his usual grace. The girls in the class fawned over him, offering to help, but Gabriel waved them off with his easy smile.

Ian, sitting at his desk, watched out of the corner of his eye, his expression unreadable.

Gabriel caught Ian's gaze and gave him a teasing smile. "Careful, Ian," he said softly as he passed by, leaning in just enough for only Ian to hear. "If you get too competitive again, I might have to teach you another lesson."

Ian's lips twitched, though whether it was irritation or amusement, even he wasn't sure. "You're lucky you're injured. Otherwise, I'd show you what real competition looks like."

Gabriel chuckled, lowering himself into his seat behind Ian. "I'm looking forward to it."

Ian huffed, turning back to his workbook, though the faintest smile played at the edges of his lips. Gabriel may have been infuriating, but something about their back-and-forth... it stirred something in him. Something he couldn't quite name.