chapter 63

Backstage was buzzing with energy as the teams came in one by one, some celebrating, some looking utterly defeated. I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. We had made it through the first round.

Jeevon, Emily, and I exchanged glances, a silent acknowledgment of our unexpected success. Jeevon was the most confident, standing with an easy smirk, while Emily, despite her usual attitude, looked relieved.

"Guess we weren't as hopeless as we thought," Emily muttered, tucking her hair behind her ear.

Jeevon chuckled. "Speak for yourself. I knew we'd make it."

I rolled my eyes but smiled. "Well, we didn't burn anything, and that's already a victory in my book."

We laughed, and for a moment, the tension that had been present throughout the challenge eased. It was strange. I hadn't imagined feeling even remotely comfortable around Emily, but here we were, standing side by side, not as rivals but as teammates.