Fierce Red

Team Captain

“Almora!” Stacy’s voice rang out behind her, sharp and full of cheer. Almora paused mid-step and turned around just in time to see Stacy and Amy jogging toward her, their hair bouncing with each step and excitement radiating from their faces.

“We thought you were still in the infirmary,” Amy said breathlessly as they reached her, her words tumbling out quickly. “We were actually on our way there to check on you.”

Almora offered a small smile. “I got discharged early this morning, that’s why.”

“Oh, that makes sense,” Stacy replied, nodding. “Well, we were just heading to the cafeteria. Why don’t you come with us?”

“Yeah, come on,” Amy added eagerly.

Almora hesitated briefly, then shrugged with a light chuckle. “I was actually thinking of eating in the hostel instead, but sure why not?”

“Perfect!” Stacy beamed and gestured with her hand, motioning for them to start walking. “Let’s go.”

As they strolled toward the cafeteria, the trio fell into an easy rhythm of laughter and chatter. The sun streamed in through the wide hallway windows, casting golden streaks of light on the polished floors as their footsteps echoed in sync.

Once inside the bustling cafeteria, they queued up, picked out their lunch, and settled at a cozy table not too far from the main counter. The scent of warm food filled the air, mingling with the hum of conversation and clinking trays.

“Almora,” Stacy said with a mischievous glint in her eyes as she picked up her fork, “it seems Lucian has taken a bit of a liking to you.”

Amy grinned and leaned in. “Yeah, you should’ve seen how fast he ran to you when you got injured. It was like watching lightning.”

Almora rolled her eyes and waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, come on, Stacy. He just helped me out. That’s it. Nothing more to it.”

Amy exchanged a look with Stacy before saying, “Haven’t you heard the latest news? About Lucian and Melanie?”

Almora raised an eyebrow, mildly interested but trying to appear indifferent. “What about them?”

Amy smirked and jerked her chin toward Almora’s phone. “Just check your phone. Trust me.”

With a sigh, Almora pulled out her device and tapped into the school’s blog feed. The headline flashed in bold letters across the screen: “Lucian Breaks Up with Melanie After Cheating Scandal.” Her expression shifted instantly, her features softening with solemn surprise.

As she lifted her gaze, her eyes instinctively sought him out and there he was. Lucian was already looking her way, his eyes meeting hers in an inexplicably intense exchange. The air seemed to thicken between them, and time felt like it slowed for a moment.

“Almora?” Stacy’s voice pulled her back. “Earth to Almora!”

Amy waved a hand in front of her face, giggling as they both followed her line of sight.

Stacy gave her a gentle shake. “You like Lucian, don’t you? We saw that look.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Almora said quickly, her cheeks tinged with the faintest blush, which was only made more obvious by her typically serious expression. “I was thinking about something else. That’s all.”

“Hmmm... if you say so,” Stacy replied, her tone playfully unconvinced as she gave a little shrug.

“To change the topic,” Almora said, clearly flustered, “who’s going to be our team’s captain?”

Amy and Stacy grinned at each other before answering in unison, “You.”

“Me?” Almora blinked in confusion, almost choking on her drink. “No way. You guys have to be kidding.”

“Nope. Not joking at all,” Amy said, chuckling. “You brought the team together. If it wasn’t for you, we wouldn’t even have gotten selected. Everyone agrees it should be you.”

Almora sat there for a second, absorbing the weight of their words. Then, slowly, she smiled. “Thank you. I really mean it. I’m honored.”

Stacy nodded enthusiastically. “But don’t forget, you still need two days of rest. No volleyball or defense class for now.”

“That’s true,” Amy chimed in. “But you can come and watch us. Coach us even! Since you’re the captain and all. Anyway, no practice today tryouts are still ongoing.”

“Well then,” Stacy said, suddenly grinning, “let’s head to the basketball court instead. I heard some very cute and very hot guys are playing right now.”

Almora gave her an unimpressed look, shaking her head slowly. “Seriously? I’m supposed to be taking it easy, and you want to drag me out to the basketball court?”

“Pleeeaaase,” Stacy pleaded, clasping her hands together and flashing puppy eyes. “We’ll just sit and watch, I promise.”

Almora sighed deeply, pretending to be more reluctant than she was. “Fine,” she said at last, grabbing her tray. “Let’s go.”

The three of them walked down to the open gym, chatting and laughing along the way. Once at the basketball court, they found seats on the bleachers along the side, settling in comfortably. The rhythmic thumping of the ball on the polished floor filled the air along with the sharp squeaks of sneakers and occasional cheers from players.

As Almora scanned the court, her eyes landed immediately on Lucian. He looked powerful, focused, and somehow even more magnetic than before, his dark hair damp with sweat and his muscles flexing as he moved. He wore a sleeveless black singlet and shorts, and every move he made looked effortless.

‘Almora, stop staring at him,’ she chided herself silently, forcing her gaze away.

Just then, a cheerful voice interrupted her thoughts.

“Hey there, beautiful ladies,” Brian said, jogging over to them with a charming grin plastered across his face. “It’s nice to see such radiant girls watching us. Doesn’t happen every day.”

Amy rolled her eyes, unimpressed, while Stacy flushed slightly.

“I’m Brian,” he said, extending a hand toward them. “May I know your names?”

“I’m Stacy,” she said, shaking his hand with a shy smile.

“Almora,” Almora said simply, nodding.

“And I’m Amy,” Amy added, more dryly.

“Nice names,” Brian said with a wink. “See you later, I’ve got to get back to showing off, I mean, practicing.”

As he jogged away, Oliver passed by and muttered, “Once a flirt, always a flirt,” shaking his head in mock exasperation.

“You guys didn’t you see how cute Brian is?” Stacy whispered excitedly, practically bouncing in her seat.

“He was just flirting, Stacy. Don’t let him get in your head,” Amy said, rolling her eyes.

“Okay, okay, enough already,” Almora laughed. Then, turning to Amy, she added, “Hey, I was thinking why don’t you join us in our room? You and Stacy and I, roommates.”

“Yh, that’s right,” Stacy agreed immediately, clapping her hands together.

Amy tapped her chin thoughtfully. “Actually, I might be able to get a room transfer if I apply now. My current roommate is boring, so this doesn’t sound like a bad idea.”

“Awesome,” Stacy grinned.

“I’ll go talk to the principal now.”

“I’m coming with you,” Stacy said, standing up.

“Tired of your hot guys already?” Amy teased sarcastically.

“Nooooooo... just let’s go!” Stacy said quickly, playfully pushing Amy ahead of her.

“We’ll be back soon, Almora!” Amy called over her shoulder as they walked off.

Almora chuckled to herself at their banter and leaned back against the bench, still smiling. The sound of bouncing balls and sneakers filled the background. Then, a familiar voice spoke from behind her.

“Did you come to watch me play?”