The third day of the tournament was already looking tough. The sun pierced the curtains of Ehito's hotel room, gently illuminating the landscape below. Lia, as usual, was already awake before everyone else. She sat on the edge of the bed, her thoughts preoccupied with what was to come today. The first day had been a mix of various emotions and physical challenges, and the second day had tested their endurance. But today was different. Today, the real stress was about to begin.
In the other room of the suite, Ehito was quietly getting ready. He always had that calm, almost cold demeanor, as if he were already in the competition, long before physically being there. He took a moment to observe the view from the window, analyzing the situation as if he already knew what was going to happen.
Once they were ready, they headed down together. The atmosphere in the hotel lobby was tense, the air buzzing with the energy of the other participants. Everyone headed toward the shuttles that would take them to the sports complex. Lia, still curious and slightly nervous, let herself be carried along by the crowd of competitors, while Ehito stayed back, his calm almost tangible. They all got on the same bus but remained silent, each lost in their own thoughts.
When they finally arrived, the grandeur of the complex struck them once again. What had already seemed massive the day before appeared even more imposing today, with hundreds of participants preparing for the challenges. The day was about to begin, and all eyes were on the main field, where the team announcements would be made. Lia and Ehito found themselves in their respective areas, waiting for instructions.
The Incident
Before the events began, an unexpected situation arose. While walking toward their group, Lia was suddenly approached by five boys. They were members of another group, one composed only of boys from wealthy families. Their attitude was arrogant, and their smirks spoke volumes about their character.
— So, here's the famous Lia from Group 23, one of them said, stepping forward with a superior tone. Looks like you're having a bit of trouble keeping up, huh?
Lia stopped, a bit unsettled. She wasn't used to being confronted like this. Another boy stepped forward, a mocking smile on his face.
— Did you see yesterday's competition? I bet your team is going to end up trailing behind, he said with contempt.
Lia remained calm, though her gaze betrayed a hint of suspicion. The boys were laughing among themselves, circling her in an intimidating manner, until a murmur of protest broke out.
— Are you really going to act like this? a calm, firm voice asked.
Ehito, who had been watching the scene from the corner of the field, stepped forward slowly. He wasn't going to let this kind of behavior slide. His eyes locked on the five boys.
— If you have a problem, take it somewhere else, he said in a sharp voice as he took a step forward.
The boys froze for a moment. They weren't used to this kind of attitude. One of the boys, taller than the rest, responded, but in a way that only escalated the tension.
— What are you going to do, huh? Stop us from talking to a girl? he said with a provoking smile.
Ehito stood still, his gaze as cold as his voice.
— What I'm going to do is suggest you move away. This kind of behavior has no place here.
One of the boys tried to push him, but Ehito, with lightning speed, grabbed his wrist and forced him to step back. The tension skyrocketed, with the other boys preparing to fight. However, before the situation could escalate further, a staff member, likely alerted by the murmurs, intervened quickly.
— This is neither the time nor the place for this, he said to the boys. You better calm down right now. If you don't want serious consequences, you'd better leave.
With one last bitter remark, the boys withdrew, but their furious glares were fixed on Ehito.
Lia, though shaken by the incident, let out a breath as the confrontation ended. She turned to Ehito.
— Thanks, she whispered.
Ehito nodded without replying, his gaze already elsewhere. He had only done his duty. He walked over to Lia.
— Are you alright? he asked, a hint of concern in his voice, though it wasn't obvious in his expression.
— Yeah, I'm fine, she answered, but I'll admit I was a bit nervous. They scared me a little.
Ehito looked at her for a moment, his hard gaze softening slightly.
— That kind of thing shouldn't happen, but you need to stay calm, even in tense situations. Come on, let's go back to your team.
They headed back to their respective groups. Their teammates didn't seem to have noticed the incident. Lia sighed, trying to refocus. The tournament was about to begin.
The Events
Finally, the day began, and the physical events took place. There were three major events: football, basketball, and volleyball. As expected, Ehito's team and the rich boys' team would face off on all fronts.
In the morning, the football match pitted the two groups against each other. Lia was on the field with Yusuke, the member of her team specialized in climbing and swimming, while Elian and Luca took strategic positions. Ehito, as always, analyzed every move, every position. He had this gift of observing his opponents and anticipating their actions.
The rich boys, on the other hand, were arrogant and self-assured, but they underestimated Ehito's strategy. Despite their brute strength, Ehito's group implemented an unshakable tactic. In the first half, they led 2-0, a lead they solidified in the second half, winning the match 3-1.
In the afternoon, it was time for basketball. Again, the rich boys showed confidence, thinking they could turn things around. But Ehito and his team adapted. Fast passes, unexpected direction changes — everything was planned. Their victory was resounding, 2-0.
In the evening, for the volleyball match, the intensity reached another level. The rich boys' team, frustrated from losing twice, became more aggressive. However, their frustration turned against them. Ehito and his team stayed focused, and despite a few tense moments, they won the match 3-1, giving them a decisive lead in the tournament.
The rich boys, overwhelmed by their defeat, exploded with anger. They couldn't stand losing, especially to those they considered beneath them. Their frustration was evident in their gestures, in their aggressive behavior.
Ehito remained calm throughout the day, observing, acting, never letting their provocations affect him. Lia, though disturbed by the morning incident and the attitude of the rich boys, felt stronger with each event they won. She wasn't alone, and with Ehito by her side, she knew their team could go far.
As the day came to a close, Ehito's team had won three victories in three events, solidifying their place among the tournament leaders. But the tension was still palpable. Tomorrow, the physical events would be even more challenging. And the final showdown, the last day, was drawing nearer.
The rich boys, disappointed and enraged, retreated to their corner, throwing venomous glares. Ehito ignored them. After all, he knew that in a competition like this, the best revenge was to keep winning and face the challenges that lay ahead.