Miss Snarky

"Follow my lead," he said, glancing back.

"Don't act like you're the boss," the woman replied, her tone half-annoyed. Yet, despite the sharpness in her voice, her feet followed closely behind Arga's. When she almost tripped over one of the ropes, Arga quickly grabbed her hand.

"Hold onto me more tightly," he said firmly. His grip was steady, giving an unexpected sense of security.

The woman let out a small sigh. "I can handle this myself," she muttered, though she didn't let go of Arga's hand. With their hands clasped together, their steps became more assured. Arga guided her softly whenever she seemed hesitant. The crowd erupted in cheers when they successfully navigated the corridor without touching a single rope.

Next, they arrived at a series of elevated wooden beams. These beams tested not only their strength but also their courage. Some beams were even taller than the woman's knees. She stared at the obstacle nervously, her eyes darting to Arga.

"These beams are too high for me," she murmured, her voice almost drowned out by the roar of the crowd.

Arga gave her a reassuring smile. "It's alright. I'll help you. Climb onto my back, and I'll lift you up."

"What? Climb onto your back? Don't be ridiculous," she retorted, her cheeks slightly flushed. But after a moment, she relented and nodded hesitantly. Arga bent down slightly, providing a sturdy platform. She placed her foot on his thigh, and with a strong push, she managed to climb onto the first beam.

"Good job," Arga said, his voice full of encouragement. He effortlessly leaped onto the same beam to join her. They repeated the process several times until they cleared the entire series of beams.

The woman occasionally threw out sarcastic remarks, like, "Next time, you're the one who needs to try harder." Yet the faint smile on her face revealed that she was beginning to enjoy the challenge. The crowd's cheers grew louder with every display of their teamwork. Meanwhile, on the sidelines, the girl remained motionless. Watching how attentive Arga was stirred turmoil in her mind. Her fingers, which had been gripping her shirt's edge, tightened as if trying to hold back the storm of emotions inside her.

The setting sun now cast long shadows over the arena, adding drama to every movement the pair made. Amid the never-ending cheers, this final round of the festival etched a story that would be remembered by everyone who witnessed it especially by those involved.

As they continued their journey, the tension grew palpable. A slippery mud pool loomed ahead, its treacherous surface glistening under the dim light. The bottom of the pool looked slick, and every step risked a fall. The woman nearly stumbled on her first step, but once again, Arga caught her arm just in time.

"Hold my hand. Don't let go," he said, his voice serious yet calming.

"You talk too much," she retorted, but her grip on his hand tightened. With their hands clasped, Arga led the way, ensuring each step was steady. Occasionally, he paused to check if she was alright. At one point, she slipped again, nearly causing them to collide. Their sudden closeness made her face flush.

"Sorry," she murmured softly.

"It's okay," Arga replied, as if oblivious to the awkwardness.

"Of course, it's okay. Don't expect me to thank you," she added under her breath, almost as if speaking to herself.

On the sidelines, sana held her breath. Watching them so close stirred a whirlwind of emotions within her. She tried to calm herself, but the roaring cheers of the crowd made it impossible to look away.

After crossing the mud pool, they finally reached the last obstacle—a tall wooden wall requiring teamwork to conquer. Arga inspected the wall briefly before turning to the woman.

"I'll lift you up first. Then you can help me from the top," he said confidently.

"Do you think I'm a burden? I can do it myself," she protested. But when she tried climbing on her own and failed, she sighed in resignation. "Fine, do it your way."

Arga was ready. He placed his hands firmly on her waist and lifted her effortlessly. She managed to reach the top edge of the wall and sat there, balancing herself.

"Now, pull me up," Arga said, jumping and reaching for her hands.

Using all her remaining strength, she pulled him up. "You're so heavy," she complained, though her tone wasn't entirely serious. Within seconds, they were both on the other side of the wall. When the bell rang, signaling the end of the challenge, the arena erupted in applause and cheers.

"What incredible teamwork! This pair is truly remarkable!" the announcer exclaimed.

Arga and the woman exchanged relieved smiles. In a moment of euphoria, they shared a brief hug. The crowd cheered even louder, but for Sanaa, the sight was like a thorn piercing her heart.

She tried to smile, but something flickered in her eyes. She held her breath for a moment, then exhaled slowly, attempting to dispel the tightness gripping her chest.

When Arga and the woman descended from the arena, the crowd gave them a standing ovation. Sanaa remained in her spot, watching them from afar. Though her heart was full of jealousy, she knew her feelings would never be revealed. Only the faint smile on her lips served as a shield against the storm raging within her.

Sanaa eventually climbed the obstacle with her partner, but her sullen expression made the atmosphere awkward. Her partner looked puzzled by her demeanor, while Sanaa kept stealing glances at Arga. His encouraging looks toward the other woman only fueled her unease.

After the challenge ended, the participants regrouped in the square, now adorned with hanging lights that created a warm ambiance under the evening sky. The crowd roared as the announcer declared the winners. Arga and the mysterious woman were named the fastest pair to complete the labyrinth. The applause thundered, sending vibrations through the chilly night air.