Chapter 10: The First Rival

"Evan, let me teach you how to play basketball," a voice called out from a few meters away.

The boy stood confidently, wearing a brand-name sports outfit. He had a slightly tanned complexion, but there was a unique charm about him.

This was Zack Williams, a decent student, the sports representative of Class 2, and the captain of the school's basketball team. He came from a wealthy family and had made significant donations to the school, which is why he was granted special admission. Zack was quite popular in school, and many girls had confessed their feelings to him.

However, from the moment he laid eyes on Nia, he was struck by her beauty. None of the other girls compared to her, and he found himself increasingly captivated. But no matter how many times he tried to approach her, nothing seemed to work. When he saw Nia playing basketball today, his heart leaped with joy. Basketball was his specialty, and this was the perfect chance to impress her.

Nia turned around and politely declined, "No need."

Zack wasn't discouraged. He casually picked up the basketball and spun it on his finger, giving what he thought was a charming smile.

"Nia, we're classmates. There's no need to be so formal."

Nia shook her head again, her tone polite yet firm, "Thank you, Zack, but really, it's fine."

Seeing her refusal, Zack subtly signaled to the class president, Nick Foster, who had always been on his side. Nick, understanding the cue, walked over to Nia and said, "Nia, why don't you accept his offer? We're all beginners at basketball, and Zack is the captain of the team. He could teach us a lot!"

Nia lowered her gaze slightly, her voice soft, "I'm a little tired, Nick. You two go ahead and have fun."

"Don't be like that!" Nick pleaded, pulling Nia's hand with a mock pout. "You're going to leave your class president hanging already?"

Nia hesitated, uncomfortable. She had never been fond of Zack's gaze, which always made her feel uneasy. That's why she had been rejecting him.

At that moment, her friend Rachel came over with a teasing smile. "Nia, are you really going to turn down the handsome guy offering to teach us basketball?"

Nia gave Rachel a helpless glance, then looked at Nick. She didn't want to ruin their fun, so after a brief pause, she reluctantly agreed.

"Okay, I'll play for a little while."

"Great!" Rachel cheered, giving Nick a thumbs-up and turning to Zack, "So how do you plan on teaching us?"

"Simple," Zack responded confidently. "Let's form two teams and compete. Watch me as I show you how to dribble and shoot."

Rachel's eyes lit up with excitement. "A competition? I'm in! Let's do it!" She clapped her hands, making the decision final.

Nick smiled and moved away, joining Rachel. "Alright, Rachel and I will be on the same team. Let's see if we can beat Zack's team, shall we?"

Rachel's smile widened as she turned to Nia. "Nia, you and Zack can be on the same team."

Zack, hearing this, was delighted. He flashed Nick a thumbs-up in thanks. His plan was finally falling into place.

Nia, however, was less than thrilled. She didn't want to be paired with Zack, and her face clearly showed her reluctance.

Zack, holding the ball, approached Nia with a confident smile. "Don't worry, Nia. With me on your team, victory is guaranteed."

Rachel scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Who says we'll lose? We'll see about that."

Zack wasn't bothered by Rachel's challenge. He smiled confidently. "Let's begin, then." He planned to impress Nia with his skills, believing that by doing so, she would see him in a new light. It was just the beginning. Once he made a strong impression, winning Nia's heart would only be a matter of time.

Suddenly, a calm voice interrupted, and everyone froze.

Evan walked onto the court with an easy smile, his presence immediately noticeable.

He strolled over, standing between Zack and Nia. Without missing a beat, Nia naturally moved behind him, her eyes watching him with a touch of confusion.

"How about adding me to the game?" Evan asked, his tone casual but inviting. His calm demeanor only added to his mystique.

Nia stared at Evan, caught off guard. Why was he here?

Zack, clearly displeased, clenched his jaw. He had noticed Evan earlier during class and hadn't been fond of him.

"Isn't he just another pretty boy? A guy who doesn't even know the first thing about basketball," Zack muttered to himself.

Until Evan showed up, Zack had been the center of attention among the girls, especially Nia. But now, things had changed. He didn't like this one bit.

Zack shot a dismissive look at Evan and said coldly, "We're good with four people. No need for any extras."

Evan's lips curled into a subtle smile. "I think you misunderstood. I wasn't asking you."

Turning to Nia, Evan added with a soft chuckle, "Nia, how about you let me join in?"

Nia, stunned by Evan's calmness, nodded slowly. There was something about the way he looked at her that made her feel at ease.

"Sure," she said, her voice soft.

Zack's face turned an unpleasant shade of red, his frustration building. He hadn't expected Nia to side with Evan.

Rachel, on the other hand, was pleased. "Evan, do you know how to play basketball?" she asked with a grin.

"A little," Evan replied nonchalantly.

Zack stepped aside with a sneer, "A little? Why bother? If you can't even play properly, don't embarrass yourself."

Evan smiled lightly, unfazed by Zack's words. "It's not about playing 'properly'—it's about having fun."

Nia moved closer to Evan, her voice calm but firm. "Zack, you should be more respectful. Everyone's here to have fun."

Zack's face twisted in disbelief. He had never expected Nia to stand up for Evan. His anger flared.

Evan's eyes remained steady as he addressed Zack. "You've misunderstood. I wasn't trying to challenge you, but if you want to make this a competition…"

Zack's face turned darker, his jaw tightening in irritation. "What are you getting at?"

Evan's response was smooth, almost playful. "I just thought I should mention—I'm better than you."

Zack's eyes blazed with fury.

The court fell silent, tension thick in the air.