The Transmigrated Author-Chapter 70: Quarter-Finals (2)

[Pinnacle Academy Stadium 1 - Arena A: Student Section Entrance]

Luck seemed to be on my side, for once. I navigated the surprisingly light crowd, managing to claim a seat near the front of the arena. Oddly enough, the entire row to my right was empty, giving me a bit more breathing room than expected.

Just as I settled in, a flicker of movement caught my eye. Surely not– it couldn't be... My heart sank as I saw Lyra again, of all people, waving at me from the end of that miraculously empty row. I already knew who these empty seats were for.

I returned her wave with a strained smile, barely suppressing a groan as a flood of familiar faces began descending the stairs.

This was not luck at all... It was torture, Looking to my right I saw Valencia, who was in front, lead the way. Right behind her, Jan and Camila followed, their usual bickering momentarily paused. And bringing up the rear... was Bazz. Of course.

My attempt at mentally disappearing was out the window as Jan, spotted me down the row. he waved at me with an enthusiasm that made me cringe internally. My only response was a strained, awkward wave back, hoping it conveyed the appropriate level of 'leave me alone' energy.

"Where there is rain, there is thunder," I muttered under my breath. It felt like some cruel god was toying with me.

BANG! (Metaphorical Thunder Sound Insert)

Then patiently waiting I had hoped that Jan would at least sit next to me instead of me being self-conscious around Valencia, I wouldn't feel the need to care what Jan does.

Looking from the side of my eyes I could see Valencia settled into the seat beside me, trying my best to ignore her and failing to be subtle about it.

She seemed oblivious to my presence, which honestly, was a relief. Yet there was that nice smell in the air. A delicate fragrance tickled my nose, sweet and floral it smelt like the lilies of the valley. My heart clenched uncomfortably.

touch!

Suddenly I felt our shoulders touch, Valencia stiffened, then whipped her head to stare at me.

A flush of what might have been anger burned across her cheeks, I did it again... I had upset her. My fingers twitched at the unwelcome look she gave me.

(She was reminded of what happened 2 days ago...)

She turned away without a word, her usual composure momentarily shattered. I couldn't read her expression, but my own face was probably doing its best trying to keep it striaght.

If you don't like me, just say something....

The sounds of the crowd faded as I heard a conversation unfolding to my right.

"Lyra, why'd you move all the way up here?" Bazz grumbled, his scowl deepening.

Lyra's voice held a sweet, almost mocking, "Because I wanted to sit with Camila. Shocking, I know."

"Well, then go sit with her. I don't wanna be stuck at the end," Bazz whined, crossing his arms.

"If you're going to complain, you can find somewhere else to sit," Lyra shot back, the sweetness in her voice evaporating slightly.

Valencia stared fixedly ahead, avoiding any eye contact with me. I couldn't help but sympathize with Bazz... the guy always seemed to be dealing with a heaping plate of misfortune.

"Psst!" A voice hissed,

"Pssssst!" A voice was hissing even louder,

"PSSSSSSSSST!"

The hissed whisper I had decided to ignore was practically tickling my ear, and I flinched. Not only did I recognize the voice, its owner sounded suspiciously close. Leaning back, I was greeted by Jan's infuriating grin. His eyes flicked between Valencia and me, and then he winked, a silent comment that spoke volumes. ƒreewebɳovel.com

Irritation was flowing within my body. Of course, the idiot had done this on purpose. Seating me like this was probably Jan's idea of a twisted joke.

"So, that bastard knew what he was doing," I muttered under my breath, frowning at Jan's mischievous expression. "Oh, really now? I'll make sure he pays a thousandfold for this..."

***

{Valencia's POV}

The seat beside me was still warm when I sank into it, a flicker of annoyance crossing my mind.

"Jan, seriously?" I muttered under my breath. "Could you not have moved?"

That guy sitting there – glasses, messy bed hair, the definition of unremarkable – was the reason for my frustration. I'd tried to maneuver around him, but Jan had blocked me, a weird smirk on his face. What the heck was he even playing at?

Now, the consequence of Jan's little prank was right next to me. Awkwardness hung in the air as I forced myself to stare straight ahead. My cheeks were still burning, the memory of that stupid hallway incident resurfacing. Ugh, why did I always end up being around him, of all people?

I took a deep breath, trying to reign in my emotions.

I will forget what happened...

I will forget what happened...

I will forget what happened...

I repeated the lines so much that I couldn't practically be reminded even more about what happened, So why did this nobody manage to get under my skin? It was infuriating.

BZZZT!, BZZZT!

Just as I was starting to force my attention towards the match, a faint buzzing from my wrist pulled me away. I looked at my smartwatch, and I felt even more irritated.

It was from Louise...

[Notifications: From Messenger - Louise Villerion]

[Today]

[Louise.Villerion: <11:53 AM> Valenciaaa My match is about to start! Cheer me on heaps! (? ?? ? - ? ) ? ]

What is this idiot even thinking? I always thought when Louise sent these text messages I assumed that it was on accident, but he even sent the same thing during our entrance exams a year ago and even our Little Heroes tournament.

Rolling my eyes, I tapped out a quick 'Good luck' and resolutely shut off notifications.

"That reminds me," I murmured aloud, Even to myself, my tone held an undeniable edge.

The memory of the hallway surfaced...

[Flashback]

[Pinnacle Academy, Stadium 1 - Arena A: Entrance to the main stage.]

Louise bounced excitedly, tugging at my arm. "Come on, why can't you watch my match, Valencia?"

I had given him that flat look, honed by years of warding off unwanted interest. "Louise, as exciting as the quarterfinal might be, there are matches still happening in the round of 16. Mine, to be precise."

The disappointment on his face had been fleeting, a testament to his relentless optimism. Then he'd grabbed my wrist, forcing me to stop.

"Wait! Can't you at least watch mine? Just this once? You never seem interested…"

"I'm always busy, Louise," I'd said, my voice growing sharper. I had shrugged off his hand, but those pleading eyes followed me even now.

"Pleaseeee..."

My own sigh – audible even amidst the roar of the crowd – had mirrored his.

"Fine. Just this once." My frown had probably rivalled the thunderstorm brewing in Rel's vicinity earlier.

Louise's smile had been blinding. "Thank you! Now I've got SO much motivation to win!"

His smirking smile was the last thing I had seen before he left off to go towards the main arena tunnel.

[End Of Flashback :D]

The memory faded, leaving behind just the same conflicted emotions I'd battled back then. Annoyance with Louise for interrupting my prep for the upcoming match and Annoyance with the boy beside me for bringing it all back.

____________

Authors Notes:

- Writing this chapter I was listening to - Give You the World, By Steve Lacy