"So, here's what I suggest." Peter clasped his hands together, his grin as wide as a cat who'd just caught a mouse. "Since there are nine of us, and three of us are determined to get the play first-"
"Well I want it as well but can wait a bit." Angelo interrupted.
"Same with me." John said.
"That's why I said determined you.. ugh anyways. I thought why not make it a proper challenge? We split into three groups of three. Each group works to recover the consule on they're own,or rather with our groups only. First one to pay for it wins. No stealing it outright, of course—this is a battle of strategy, not robbery." He paused, his tone turning mock-serious. "For instance, let's say I recover the game first but haven't paid yet, and Ann here manages to snatch it and buy it before me. That will be fair game."
Peter's eyes scanned the group like a teacher waiting for a response to a difficult question that even the class's genius wouldn't knwo the answer to. "Questions, my dear pears?"
The "room" fell silent. A few exchanged glances, but most seemed to be processing his words. Mario stood straight and crossed his arms.
"You know what, you son of a bitch?" Mario said, pointing a finger. "I'm in."
"Don't have many options my friend."
Ann smirked, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "It'll be fun watching you two cry," she said coolly, already picturing their defeat.
George threw his hands in the air. "Wait, wait, wait! You think this is a better idea than just—oh, I don't know—doing what I suggested? A simple, straightforward plan?"
"Of course it is dude." Emily said. "Unless your siblings you can't a consule." The rest nodded.
George's jaw worked furiously, he sighted and ignored her.
"Well in that scenario would be the only one to have it all for himself." Said Ann.
"True... Anyways." Peter clapped his hands. "Now, since we're officially doing this, let's form our teams. Mario, Ann, and I will each lead one group,for obvious reasons.Naturally, I call dibs on Emily and Angelo."
"You're doomed," Angelo muttered, shaking his head, but there was a faint trace of amusement in his voice.
"Unfortunately I agree with your stupid cous." Said Emily. "But your mom will be mad if I let you unsupervised."
"Appreciate it...maybe." peter said while caughing.
"John and Eva, you're with me," Ann declared, shooting Peter a competitive glare. Who in his part rolls his eyes, unimpressed.
"Perfect," Mario said, slapping George on the back so hard he nearly stumbled. "I'm taking this grump. And Lucilia." He turned to the latter. "You good with that?"
Lucilia shrugged. "Fine by me. Although I don't really care so don't except much."
George raised a hand in protest. "Hold on—"
"Great, that's settled." Peter interrupted cheerfully. "Now we won't contact people who are not part of our team until this mission is over,also don't be shy I don't bite without reason-"
"Because your reasonings are whatever comes to your mind." Mario said annoyed.
"Be careful with that tone mister or else daddy will put you in your place."
"Gay." Mario said with a dead look.
"HOW THE F- " peter breathed his words in.
"Why you want us to get in a circle though? We can hear you clearly." Emily asked.
" For the atmosphere and vibes of course. It makes me feel like I'm Tom Cruise in mission impossible films."
"That has nothing to do with the challenge," George said, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Nice .." Emily said.
"So we start geouping when everybody is ready and start making our plans alright and that's why we'll separate by the next lunch break and start our competition officially."
"Noted," Mario said leaving a sight.
Peter sat up, rubbing his head. "Great. That means we're off to a perfect start."
The group collectively sighed.
"Alright," Peter said, jumping with renewed enthusiasm. "Let's go away and see which group is better. Until then, no spying on each other. Play fair. And may the best team win!"
As the bell rang, signaling the end of their break, the students began to disperse. But the tension lingered, crackling in the air like an unspoken challenge.
"Be prepared for this Friday." Said John while rubbing his hands.
Emily smirks. "The one who talks the most falls the hardest."
"Gentlemen, and lady," Peter says calmly, "you can deal with that on Friday."
A tense silence lingers before the group starts to disperse.
"Break your legs everybody" peter said cheerfully while the others were either annoyed or laughing.