The air around Mia, Kris, and their families crackled with unspoken questions and barely contained amusement. Liam, still grinning, nudged Mia. "So, you two have been quite the talk of the campus this week. The intense rivalry, the sudden sparks on stage... what's the official story, then?"
Mia opened her mouth, then closed it, utterly speechless. How could she possibly explain the dizzying whirlwind of demands, vulnerability, fierce arguments, and that shattering kiss under the stars? Her mind raced, searching for an acceptable label: colleague? Rival? Friend? None of them fit the complex, evolving reality.
Kris, to Mia's surprise, stepped forward, a faint flush on his own cheeks, though his eyes remained steadfast on Mia's. "The official story, Liam," he said, his voice surprisingly steady, "is that Mia and I discovered a... unique working dynamic. And it translated into some powerful stage chemistry." He offered a small, almost self-deprecating, smile. "She's also remarkably good at handling last-minute logistical crises."
Mr. Windsor observed his son with a keen, knowing look. He saw the subtle possessiveness in Kris's stance, the way his son's gaze kept returning to Mia, the faint softening around his eyes that was completely out of character. He also saw Mia's blush, her hesitant glances, and the genuine, if flustered, connection between them. His earlier amusement deepened into a silent understanding.
"Indeed," Mr. Windsor chimed in smoothly, his voice carrying an unexpected warmth. "Sometimes, the most unexpected collaborations yield the most remarkable results. It seems both the Case Competition and the play have benefited greatly from your... unique dynamic, Kris. And Mia." His tone was approving, implicitly giving his blessing to whatever was blossoming between them.
Just then, James, who had been hovering nearby, caught sight of the interaction. Seeing Mia caught between the Windsor men and her teasing brother, Liam, he strode over, a wide, mischievous grin spreading across his face.
"Mia!" he exclaimed, putting an arm around her shoulder. "And the man, the myth, the legend himself, Mr. Windsor! Congratulations on the showcase, Kris. Your Lysander was... truly committed. Especially after that little chat Leo and I had with you the other day." He shot Kris a knowing look, a clear reference to their earlier clash over Mia.
Kris's jaw tightened imperceptibly at the mention of Leo, and he shot James a piercing glare that promised future retribution. The possessiveness, undeniable now, flashed in his eyes, a stark contrast to his earlier composure with his father.
Liam immediately caught on. "Oh, is that why Leo looked like a kicked puppy earlier? Mia, you broke his heart for this one?" He gestured dramatically between Mia and Kris.
"Liam!" Mia hissed, mortified, her face now a furious shade of red.
Kris, however, didn't seem annoyed by Liam's teasing. In fact, a faint, satisfied smirk played on his lips. He subtly shifted closer to Mia, his mere presence a quiet claim. The spark, no longer just evident, was a blazing, undeniable fire that illuminated the space between them. Everyone saw it. Her family, Kris's father, and especially James, who was practically radiating "I told you so."
"Well," Mr. Windsor said, a knowing glint in his eye, "it seems there are many kinds of successes, and many kinds of commitments. I suppose I should let you all celebrate. Kris, I'll be in touch." He gave his son another proud nod, then offered Mia a genuinely warm smile. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Mia. I look forward to seeing what else you and Kris accomplish... together."
As Mr. Windsor departed, Mia's mother gave her a discreet, conspiratorial squeeze, and even her father offered a speculative glance. The implication was clear. Their parents, who had watched them battle from a distance, now saw the undeniable shift.
Mia looked at Kris, then at James and Liam, who were now engaged in their own whispered, teasing conspiracy. She was still overwhelmed, still confused, but beneath it all, a strange sense of exhilaration began to settle. The bet was definitively over. The rivalry had evolved. And whatever "this" was, it was public now.