Bonus chapter: The Genius Gambit

The late afternoon sun dipped below the skyline, streaking the campus in hues of orange and purple. The gentle hum of conversations filled the park as students lounged in small groups, but at the base of the familiar oak tree, a different kind of energy buzzed—one of anticipation and playful rivalry.

Biggie sat cross-legged across from Nadia, their friends encircling them like an audience before a grand showdown. The air was thick with expectation, and even the usual banter from Alphonse had quieted, giving space for the moment to unfold.

"So," Nadia said, arms folded, eyes locked on Biggie. "What's your next move, genius?"

Biggie smirked but kept his tone measured. "The thing about genius isn't just knowing facts or cracking jokes. It's about understanding what really matters to someone else—and proving you're paying attention."

Nadia raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Go on."

Essel and Carly exchanged glances. This wasn't Biggie's usual bravado. This was something deeper.

Biggie took a deep breath, his usual playful arrogance softening into something genuine. "You're not impressed by jokes or flashy intelligence, Nadia. You want substance. So, instead of a flashy gesture, I thought I'd try something different."

He reached into his backpack and pulled out a slim, neatly bound notebook. On the cover, scrawled in surprisingly neat handwriting, were the words: "Challenges I Couldn't Solve (Yet)."

Nadia blinked in surprise. "What's that?"

"A list of problems I couldn't solve during the competitions or in everyday life," Biggie explained. "I've been adding to it since the contest—things I failed at, moments I could've handled better. Every time I got stumped, I wrote it down instead of making a joke about it."

The group fell silent. Even Alphonse seemed impressed.

Biggie flipped to a page and read aloud:

'Challenge #17: Letting people see the real me without hiding behind humor.'

He closed the notebook and looked Nadia straight in the eye. "You were right. I use humor to cover up my insecurities. But this… this is me trying to change that. Not for the bet, but because I want to be better."

For a long moment, Nadia said nothing, her usually composed expression flickering with something softer—admiration, perhaps, or recognition.

"I…" She cleared her throat. "That's actually… impressive."

Biggie grinned, but this time there was no arrogance—just genuine joy. "So, I win the bet?"

Nadia smirked, her confidence returning. "I think you already did."

The group erupted into cheers, Carly throwing an arm around Jenny as they both laughed. "Biggie, the romantic genius! Who would've thought?"

Alphonse leaned toward Essel and whispered, "I feel like I just watched the plot twist of the century."

Essel chuckled. "The best kind of twist—the one where the clown becomes the king."

Nadia extended a hand to Biggie. "So, about that date?"

Biggie took her hand, his grin widening. "How about tonight? I know a little café where even geniuses can be humble."

"Bold move," Nadia replied, standing with him. "I like it."

---

The Climax: A Bond Unbreakable

As night settled over the campus, the group sat together beneath the stars, the easy laughter and shared warmth of friendship wrapping around them like a familiar blanket.

Essel broke the comfortable silence, his voice steady. "You know, when we started this journey, I don't think any of us expected to find more than adventure. But here we are—stronger, closer, and somehow still surprising each other."

Carly rested her head on his shoulder. "That's what makes it worth it."

Jenny glanced at Alphonse, who squeezed her hand gently. "We've all grown in ways we didn't expect."

And for the first time in a long while, Biggie wasn't the loudest voice in the group. Instead, he simply leaned back, his hand casually brushing against Nadia's, a quiet understanding passing between them.

Not as a joke. Not as a bet.

But as the beginning of something real.

Nadia smiled softly, intertwining their fingers. "You know, you're not so bad when you're not trying so hard."

Biggie chuckled. "And you're not so terrifying when you're not trying to outsmart me."

The group's laughter echoed into the night, sealing the bond that had carried them through challenges, rivalries, and unexpected love stories.

In the end, it wasn't just about winning or losing bets.

It was about unbreakable bonds—the kind forged through trust, laughter, and the courage to be vulnerable.

And maybe, just maybe, that was Biggie's greatest victory of all.