Cowardly or Brave

The evening settled in, the air cooler now as the tournament's selection first day wrapped up.

Sophie had come out with a draw in her match. One point. She was clearly devastated, even if she tried not to show it.

But Noah? He didn't see it as a loss. Her opponent had been well-rounded, skilled. Pushing that fight to a draw was a win in itself. If anything, Sophie had earned more respect.

She stood near him, her arms crossed, staring at nothing in particular.

Noah didn't hesitate. He pulled her into a hug. "You gave it your all."

She didn't respond at first, but after a second, he felt her exhale against his chest.

Lucas, of course, had done what Lucas does. Absolutely decimated his opponent. Not that he cared to talk about it. To him, it was like every other Tuesday. Business as usual.

Now, it was just Noah and Sophie, walking toward where she'd parked her Clexus, the sleek hovering car humming faintly in its idle state.