Now that everyone was gathered, Peter raised his voice.
"Those interested in playing should stand on my right, while those who want to watch should go take their seats," he instructed, gesturing with his hands.
Some students stepped forward to stand beside him, while others moved toward the arranged seats. Peter counted the players and frowned.
"We're only ten. Why do we have just ten players when we have over thirty students in this class?" he complained. "We need one more player. Anyone else interested?"
He waited, but no one responded.
"Ahh, I don't know why we have so many lazy people in this class," he protested, turning to Jack. "These same people were bragging this morning that we'd beat Class Three, and now they're acting uncooperative."
"Are you not going to join us?" Jack asked.
"I'll be the goalkeeper," Peter replied.
"Class Three is already choosing their players," Jack said, glancing across the field. "Just look at how built they are—especially that tall one."
"That's Lara's brother, Dante," Peter said with a frown. "That guy is really skilled."
"How do you know?" Jack asked.
"I've seen him play once. With him on their team, we're going to lose."
Peter sighed. "So how are we supposed to find the last player?"
"I don't know," he muttered. "Help me convince anyone sitting down to join. I'll go arrange the girls' players—we're running out of time." He walked away.
Peter blew his whistle loudly.
"Alright ladies, if you're interested in playing, come over here. If not, please take your seats."
Lilith turned to Lara. "I'm going. Aren't you coming with me? If you don't want to play, you can be the goalkeeper."
"I didn't plan for this," Lara said. "But don't worry, I'll scream your name while you're playing."
Lilith smiled. "If you say so. I'll really be happy if you were on the field with me."
"And I'd be happier if you don't play and stay with me," Lara replied.
"Silly girl," Lilith laughed, pulling Lara into a hug. They stayed like that for a moment before pulling apart.
"Good luck, Lilith."
Lara turned to go sit down, but she suddenly noticed Xavier standing at the far corner of the field, watching her. Her heart skipped. She didn't even realize she was walking toward him until she was standing right in front of him.
How did I get here? she wondered.
Their eyes locked for a long moment before Lara broke the silence.
"What are you doing here?"
"I saw you coming here and followed you," he replied calmly. "I was worried you might get kidnapped."
She frowned. "Since when did you start following me around? Or is there somewhere we're supposed to explore today?"
"Now that you mention it," he said, biting his lip slightly as his eyes briefly roamed over her, "I'd love to take you somewhere."
She stared at him in shock. She never imagined Xavier could be so flirtatious.
He laughed at her expression. "Why do you look so shocked? Did I say something wrong?"
Lara turned to walk away, but before she could take another step, he pulled her back and she stumbled into his chest. She quickly moved away, but his hand stayed on her waist, pulling her back again.
He leaned closer. "Are you scared of me now?"
She was too stunned to respond.
Footsteps approached, and Lara tried to free herself, but Xavier's grip remained firm—until Jack appeared.
"I see you guys are having a good time," Jack said with a light smile. "Xavier, I came to ask if you'd like to play. We don't have enough players."
Xavier paused. "Is the match starting now?"
"Yes."
"Okay. I'll be there shortly."
Jack grinned. "Thanks, man!" He ran off.
Lara, forgetting she was still in Xavier's arms, asked, "You're really going to play?"
"Yes. Anything wrong?"
"Do you even know how to play football?"
"Why don't you come and see for yourself?"
"You know you can't play in your hoodie, right?" she said as he released her.
"I know."
"So you're going to reveal your face after saying you don't like it?" she asked with concern.
"I'll wear a mask," he smirked, pulling one from his pocket.
"Oh," she laughed softly, scratching her head. "Why didn't I think of that?"
"You want to play too?" he asked.
"I don't know. I told my friend I was tired so she wouldn't force me to play," Lara admitted. "But now that you'll be wearing a mask… I'm thinking about it."
"It's not bad," he said, handing her the mask.
She stared at it for a moment. "Are you sure this is a good idea?"
"Let's go change into our jerseys," he said, pulling her along before she could change her mind.
Lara went to the female restroom while Xavier went to the male's. When they returned, both wearing jerseys and masks, all eyes turned toward them as they walked onto the field together.
Lara swallowed nervously.