Ambiguity and Rivalry

In the afternoon physical education class.

"Alright, everyone! Today, we'll be running the 800-meter test to see if you've improved your endurance this semester!"

The PE teacher stood in the center of the track, stopwatch in hand, his voice carrying across the field to the chattering students.

Ethan Cross stretched lazily, stifling a yawn as a casual smirk played on his lips. "800 meters? That's hardly a challenge."

"Don't get cocky!" His teammate, Steve, shot him a knowing look. "You might be the fastest in school, but word is, someone's looking to challenge you this time."

"Oh?" Ethan arched a brow, scanning the field with mild amusement. "And who, exactly, has a death wish?"

Steve gestured toward a tall, athletic figure in the distance—Daniel Carter, the rising star of the school's sports scene and the football team's star striker.

Daniel stood at the starting line, his toned physique evident as he loosened his muscles. Sensing Ethan's gaze, he met his eyes with a confident smirk and raised a hand in a silent challenge.

"Hey, Cross." Daniel approached at an unhurried pace, his tone laced with playful provocation. "They say you're the fastest in Brentwood. I'm curious—are you the real deal, or just another overhyped legend?"

"Oh? You want a race?" Ethan crossed his arms, an amused glint in his eyes. "I'll give you this—you've got speed. But if you're planning to take me on, you might want to consider how bruised your ego can handle getting."

A murmur of excitement rippled through the gathered students, eager for the impending showdown.

"This is gonna be epic!"

"Ethan versus Daniel—two titans of the track going head-to-head!"

At the back of the crowd, Isabella sighed, pressing her fingers to her temple. "That idiot just can't resist showing off, can he?" Yet, despite her words, she found herself stepping closer, drawn in by the tension crackling in the air.

"On your marks—set—go!"

The starting gun fired, and in an instant, Ethan and Daniel burst forward like twin streaks of lightning across the track.

At first, Ethan held back, matching Daniel's pace with infuriating ease, his expression relaxed. "Not bad. You're quicker than I expected."

Daniel gritted his teeth and pushed harder. "I don't go down that easily!"

Their strides cut sharp arcs across the field, each step precise and powerful. The students watched in stunned silence, eyes locked on the electrifying duel.

As they entered the final lap, fatigue began to creep into Daniel's movements, his breathing turning ragged. Meanwhile, Ethan remained composed, his energy seemingly untouched. With a playful glint in his eye, he glanced toward the crowd—toward her.

He winked at Isabella. "Enjoying the show?"

Caught off guard, Isabella's breath hitched. Heat rushed to her cheeks as she spun away. "Who—who's even looking at you?!"

And then, in a flash, Ethan shifted gears. Like an arrow loosed from its bow, he surged forward, effortlessly widening the gap between them. Within seconds, he crossed the finish line—victorious by a landslide.

"Ethan wins!" The PE teacher raised his stopwatch. "1 minute, 58 seconds! Fastest record this semester!"

Cheers erupted from the students, their applause filling the air. Though Daniel had lost, he took it in stride, clapping Ethan's shoulder with an appreciative grin. "I'll admit it—you really are the fastest."

Ethan exhaled, ruffling his sweat-dampened hair. "Told you—I was born for this."

His gaze swept the crowd, locking onto a familiar figure. Without hesitation, he strode toward her, that ever-present smirk curling at his lips.

"So?" He tilted his head. "Impressed?"

Isabella hugged her books to her chest, letting out a quiet huff. "Tch. It's just running fast. What's there to be proud of?"

"Hey, this is a pretty big deal." Ethan leaned in slightly. "Be honest—wasn't there even the tiniest moment where you found me just a little bit attractive?"

Isabella's cheeks burned as she shot him a glare. "N—no!"

Ethan chuckled, clearly enjoying her reaction.

—

"You won the race, but that doesn't mean you get to skip tutoring."

That afternoon, inside the library's study room, Isabella sat opposite Ethan, notebook in hand, her expression firm.

Ethan leaned back in his chair, arms folded behind his head. "Come on, I just ran 800 meters! Don't you think I deserve a little break?"

"No." Isabella remained unmoved. "Unless you want Davis to kick you out of math class, I suggest you focus and finish these problems."

Ethan groaned dramatically. "What did I do to deserve this tragic fate?"

Despite his protests, he picked up his pen and lazily scribbled some answers. Within minutes, however, his focus wavered. His gaze drifted—not to the textbook, but to her.

Isabella was deep in concentration, her brows slightly furrowed as she jotted down notes, her lashes casting soft shadows on her cheeks. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the delicate curve of her face, making her seem almost ethereal.

Ethan found himself smiling.

"Isabella."

"Hmm?" She didn't look up, still engrossed in her work.

"Would you say… this counts as a date?"

Her pen halted mid-stroke.

"What—what did you just say?!"

Ethan's grin widened. "I mean, we eat together, talk all the time, spend our afternoons like this… Technically speaking, isn't this what couples do?"

Isabella's face turned crimson as she jabbed her pen at his arm. "Shut up! One more word and I swear I'm canceling this tutoring session!"

Ethan glanced down at his untouched equations and let out a helpless chuckle. "Alright, alright. I'll behave."

"Good." Isabella huffed, though the faint blush on her ears betrayed her flustered state.

Ethan sighed, but his smile never faded.

Moments like these… he wouldn't trade them for anything.