WebNovels

Chapter 15 - Chapter 3 – Rival Under the Same Roof

The next morning, the golden tent blazed with sunlight streaming through its embroidered panels. Naki laced up her practice shoes with trembling fingers. Around her, Madame Rosa's troupe moved with military precision—stretching in perfect lines, balancing on ropes with effortless ease.

"Positions!" Rosa's voice cracked like a whip.

Naki climbed the ladder, heart hammering. And there, already perched on the opposite platform, was Ayoa "Sky" Boateng. His grin was as familiar as it was infuriating.

"You again," Naki muttered under her breath.

"Surprised?" Sky smirked. "Didn't think they'd let a clown in, but here we are. Guess I'll have to make sure you don't embarrass me."

Before Naki could retort, Rosa raised her hand. "Today, we test duets. Partners must move as one. Mensah, Boateng—you two."

Gasps rippled through the troupe. Rivalry was one thing; sharing a rope was another.

Naki's stomach flipped. Sky just winked. "Try to keep up, clown girl."

The rope swayed under their combined weight. Sky swung first, his movements precise, his rhythm sharp. Naki followed, her instincts kicking in. She matched his twist, his spin, his landing. For a few breaths, they moved like mirrors, the crowd of performers watching in awe.

But then Sky sped up, pushing harder, his grin daring her to falter. Naki clenched her teeth, leapt higher, spun faster. Her heart pounded, every beat a battle.

Halfway through, Sky whispered across the rope: "Not bad. Almost like you belong here."

"I do belong here," Naki shot back.

They soared, flipped, and landed together, breathless. The silence that followed was heavier than applause. Rosa's sharp eyes studied them.

"Good," she said finally. "But good is not enough. Mensah, Boateng—you will rehearse together daily. You will either rise together or fall together."

Naki's chest tightened. Training with Sky meant constant pressure, constant rivalry, and no room to hide.

As the troupe dispersed, Sky leaned close, his grin sly. "Looks like you're stuck with me."

Naki folded her arms. "Then get ready. Because I won't let you stay ahead for long."

For the first time since arriving, she felt her fire spark again. Rival or not, Sky was proof that she belonged in this tent—and she was determined to prove it not just to him, but to the world.

More Chapters