The farther Felicia dragged Athena, the louder the crowd got. Not just one game was going on, multiple game, every corner buzzing with energy and activities.
But none of that held Athena's attention. She walked like she was just enduring all of it, her expression cool as ever, while Felicia practically hopped in excitement.
"Look at that! Ugh, I swear, this is the best day of the year!" Felicia squealed, pointing everywhere like a tourist seeing the city lights for the first time. She tugged Athena again, nearly making her stumble. "Come on, you can't just keep that poker face. Feel the energy, my love!"
Athena side-eyed her, her lips twitching faintly. "I feel it. I'm just not screaming like you."
Felicia rolled her eyes dramatically. "Boring."
They squeezed through the crowd, and that's when Felicia stopped dead in her tracks, her mouth forming an 'O.' She clutched Athena's arm tighter and whispered like she'd just spotted royalty.
"Oh. My. God. Watch this. Watch."
Athena was about to ask what she meant when she saw it. The high jump section stood right in front of them, and the crowd there was the loudest of all. The pole was set high, higher than most students would dare to attempt. The mat on the other side looked small compared to the height. And standing under it, preparing to jump, was Azrael.
His presence alone was enough to pull attention, even without moving. His gold sports jacket clung to his shoulders, unzipped enough to show the sharp line of his collarbone. His blue hair fell slightly over his forehead, and his eyes, sharp, cold—were locked on the bar as if nothing else existed.
Felicia leaned in, whispering in Athena's ear but loud enough to be heard over the crowd. "Now that's what you call confidence. Look at him. He's not even nervous."
Athena said nothing, but her eyes lingered. She couldn't deny it, he carried himself differently, like the jump wasn't a challenge but an annoyance he was about to crush.
The referee signaled. Azrael took a few steps back, stretching his arms lazily, like he was bored of the wait. The crowd went quiet for a moment, the anticipation thick. Then he ran forward, long, powerful strides, each one gaining speed until he launched himself into the air.
He arched his back effortlessly, his body slicing clean over the pole with inches to spare. For a second, time seemed to slow. His hair brushed back with the wind, his expression calm, controlled, almost arrogant. Then he landed on the mat without a stumble.
The crowd exploded. Screams, cheers, claps—everyone shouting his name like he was untouchable.
Felicia jumped up and down, shaking Athena's arm. "Did you see that?! He flew, Athena, he actually flew. My god, I think I'm in love."
Athena scoffed softly. "He just jumped." But unable to stop the proud smile that spread across her face.
Felicia gasped dramatically, putting her hand to her chest. "Just jumped? You did not just say that. That was art. It was almost impossible."
Athena shrugged, her gaze still on Azrael as he stood up from the mat. He didn't acknowledge the crowd, didn't smile, didn't even wave. He just brushed off his jacket, his sharp eyes scanning the field like none of it mattered.
But for some reason, Athena felt her chest tighten.
Felicia nudged her. "Don't even lie, you were impressed."
"I wasn't," Athena replied smoothly, turning her head away.
Felicia smirked knowingly. "You're such a bad liar."
Felicia crossed her arms and gave Athena a look, the type that could see straight through walls.
"You're such a bad liar," she said, her lips curving into a grin. "Don't even try to act like you weren't impressed by that jump. Your eyes were practically glued to Azrael like a moth to fire."
Athena scoffed and rolled her eyes, keeping her face straight. "Please. I've seen people jump before. It's nothing new."
"Uh-huh." Felicia leaned closer with a mischievous smirk. "Sure, because everyone clears a pole like it's just stepping over a puddle. Totally normal. You really expect me to buy that?"
Athena muttered under her breath, "Believe whatever you want."
Felicia clutched her chest dramatically. "God, you're hopeless. I don't know what's colder, your eyes or your attitude." Then, in the blink of an eye, her grin returned as she tugged Athena's arm. "Come on. If Azrael doesn't impress you, maybe the others will."
Before Athena could protest, Felicia was already dragging her through the buzzing field. Students were everywhere, screaming, cheering, some booing, others just gossiping on the sidelines. The whole field was massive split into sections for different games. Tug of war was going strong at one corner, basketball bouncing on the other side, and further down, dust flew from soccer cleats.
But Felicia's target was clear. "There!" she said, pointing.
Athena followed her gaze and stilled. On the far side of the field, a group was lining up for the relay race.
Felicia practically squealed. "Ohhh, now this is my thing. And look at who's running." She pointed with both hands as if Athena might miss it. "Draven, Theodore, and oh damn—even Rhydric is running."
Athena's lips twitched, but she didn't comment.
The whistle blew, and the runners snapped into position.
Eryx Draven was first. His grin was all cocky, like he already owned the race. He stretched his legs lazily and winked at a cluster of girls on the sidelines who nearly fainted on the spot.
"God, he's unbearable," Felicia muttered, though she was grinning too.
The second the whistle cut the air, Eryx exploded forward. His strides were smooth, powerful, almost playful, like he wasn't giving it his all yet still left his opponent choking in his dust. He turned his head mid-run just enough to flash that arrogant smirk at the other team before slapping the baton into Theodore's hand.
Theodore didn't waste a second. No showboating, no smirking. Just precision. He wasn't the type to play around especially when it comes to game. He loves the winning spot more than anything. His movements were like they were drawn with a ruler—straight, fast, efficient. He closed the gap Eryx had already made even further, his white hair whipping back as he leaned into the wind. Felicia let out a low whistle. "He runs like he's trying to solve math problems mid-air. Damn."
The baton passed again, smooth as butter, straight into Rhydric Veylor's hand.
Athena couldn't help it—her eyes locked.
The moment Rhydric took the baton, the entire atmosphere shifted. He didn't just run. He glided. His speed wasn't loud or flashy; it was terrifying in how effortless it looked. His strides were longer, faster, stronger. Within seconds, he was eating up ground, and his opponent didn't stand a chance. The crowd went wild, screams shaking the field as he widened the lead like the others hadn't even mattered.
Felicia's jaw dropped. "Holy—did you see that? He's not even trying! That's not normal." She clutched Athena's arm, shaking it. "Tell me you saw that!"
Athena's voice was cool, but her chest was rising just a little faster than before. "I saw it."
Felicia whipped her head toward her with a grin so wide it could split her face. "Ha! And now you can't even deny it. You're impressed. I knew it!"
Athena smirked faintly, hiding the way her heart gave the tiniest jump. "Impressed, maybe. Interested? No."
Felicia gasped in mock offense. "Lies. All lies! Look at your eyes, they're shining. Girl, you're caught."
Athena shook her head and started walking, ignoring her, but Felicia chased after her, still buzzing with energy. "Don't you walk away from me! You're going to admit one of those boys just stole your soul on that field."
Athena's lips curved, but she kept her cool. "Keep dreaming, Felicia."