CHAPTER SIX.:.Part One: Before the Race
Evalon High was louder than a few hours ago.
Music spilled from portable speakers scattered across the courtyard—bass-heavy, vibrating through stone and steel.
Banners fluttered from railings and upper balconies, hastily designed overnight and stretched wide like declarations of war.
Students crowded every open space, uniforms loosened, rules temporarily forgotten.
Phones were already raised, lenses searching, hungry.
Something was coming.
And everyone could feel it.
At the center of it all stood two names spoken more than any others.
Noel Madison.
Alexander Wilson.
They hadn't taken their places yet—but their presence was already enough to bend the air.
Alexander Wilson.
Alex stood near the track gates, hands in his pockets, jaw set, posture loud even when he wasn't moving.
He'd grown up winning.
Winning races.
Winning arguments.
Winning attention.
Money had taught him early that rules were flexible and consequences negotiable. His father's name opened doors.
His mother's silence closed mouths.
Alex learned fast that dominance didn't always require effort—just confidence sharp enough to cut.
But Noel Madison?
Noel had always been different.
Quiet.
Wild when needed.
Controlled.
Unimpressed.
Name it.
That was what ate at Alex.
No matter how fast Alex ran, how loud the crowd roared, Noel never chased approval. Never reacted.
Never needed to prove anything.
Alex clenched his jaw.
This isn't just a race, he told himself.
This is correction.
He glanced toward the covered lot where his car waited—custom-built, tuned beyond regulation, polished until it reflected the sky.
Every detail screamed intent.
Precision.
Superiority.
This was not even his moment.
And he never needed it.
Not for the crowd.
Not for the cameras.
For even himself...?? The answer is no and always been no.
The Day Before.
It had started with words.
It always did.
The courtyard had been crowded, restless after the livestream, energy buzzing with speculation.
Noel hadn't been looking for trouble—he never did—but trouble had a way of finding him.
He was stretching when alex stepped into his path.
"You done boasting yet?"
Alex asked casually, voice loud enough to draw attention.
Noel stopped.
Slowly.
He looked at Alex like one might look at bad weather—acknowledging it, but not threatened by it.
"Move," Noel said.
Alex flinched. "Still thinking you're better than everyone?" tch "
"I don't think about you," Noel replied.
I've never done that.
I'm not gay man.
That did it.
Laughter rippled through the nearby students.
Phones tilted upward. The moment sharpened.
Alex stepped closer. "You think one lucky run makes you untouchable?"
Just because you won some weak girl .
Noel's eyes flicked briefly to the crowd.
Then back.
"I didn't run for you," he said evenly. "Or them."
And mind you she's not some weak girl she's my sister!.
Alex scoffed. "Then run for me." if you're not scared he tried ragebaiting him
Noel replied fast " ew man wtf are you on about".
Everyone started laughing
Alex now feeling uneasy rephrased " You know what i meant are you doing the race or are you chickening out.?
He said looking up waiting for Noel's approval or none.
Silence.
Anyone was in his favor.
If noel accepts then he will have to win.
If he chickens out then he also wins .
A challenge didn't need shouting when pride filled the space.
Alex leaned in. "Tomorrow. After school. The normal route."
Murmurs spread instantly.
Noel hesitated.
Not because he was afraid.
Because he didn't care the ragebait never got to him he just wasn't unsure of what he'll gain.
He just wants to go home and sleep fr.
But then—
Queensley had looked at him.
Not pleading.
Not dramatic.
Just hopeful.
And that was enough.
Okay then,if that makes you sleep ion care .
But not today I have a level to complete today.
Noel said Picking up his bag to go back to his classroom.
Alex " tch " what a scumbag.
Noel Madison.
Noel woke late the next morning.
Again.
The dream had come back heavier, louder, dragging him under until his body refused to rest anymore.
He stared at the ceiling longer than usual, jaw tight, chest rising slowly.
He checked the time.
Late.
"Figures," he muttered.
By the time he arrived at Evalon High, the school was already buzzing.
Queensley spotted him immediately.
She rushed to his side, disbelief written across her face.
Yunno "They thought you bailed fr."
Noel adjusted his bag strap. "what do you mean I'm always late ." They should start getting used to it.
She studied him carefully. "You okay?"
He nodded. "I said I'd show up." didn't i.?
That was all she needed.
The starting line came into view.
Alex was already there.
Waiting.
The noise dimmed—not gone, but muted—as Noel stepped forward.
Students leaned in.
Phones rose higher.
Even teachers hovered at a distance, uncertain where authority ended and inevitability began.
Alex smirked. "Thought you weren't coming."
Noel met his gaze calmly. "I'm here."aren't i.?
Queensley exhaled softly beside him.
Noel glanced at Mrs. Riley's Ferrari parked further back, sunlight glinting off its red frame.
I'm not even in my car, he whispered to her.
I might not win.
She replied you can just use mine.
Noel looked at her pink tesla .
Hell nah." I'll just puke "
Hmph do whatever then...she said dramatically.
Noel was quite.
Alex mistook his calm for fear.
That was his first mistake.
The air tightened.
The line was drawn.
Who reaches the finish line first.??
Who will be representing them at the aurfell unity games.??
And before the speed—
There was silence.
To be continued…