TBATE: My One and Only

Chapter 10: Matters of the Heart

"TIME IS UP! THE MATCH ENDS IN A DRAW!"

Professor Glory's voice echoed throughout the open field as the pair of childhood friends froze in their spot, eyes growing wide upon realizing their extremely close proximity to each other. Arthur was the first to back away and turn his back, his hand covering his face as a blush spread like wildfire.

Tessia covered her tomato-red face as well. She was just as embarrassed, but for a second, clear disappointment could be seen in her orbs. The elven princess peeked over her shoulders, seeing the embarrassed red that reached her childhood friend's ears.

A bittersweet smile crossed her features. She supposed that it was fine for now.

An awkward silence fell before the two as Arthur tried calming his throbbing heart. The boy took a deep breath in an attempt to cool his flushed face, yet his racing heart served to remind him of the image of his childhood friend so close to his face.

Furrowing his brows, Arthur grazed his lips with his thumb.

'That was close...'

He was supposed to feel relieved, but why did he feel a tinge of agitation in him? Arthur clutched his chest, trying to get his mess of emotions in order. Maybe it was his teenage hormones throwing a riot for not sealing the deal with Tessia?

Yeah, it was likely just hormones...

Right...?

As Torch released a screech, the two looked up to see the avian beast descend along with their professor. The woman landed safely on the ground, putting her hands on her hips as she eyed the two.

"Any injuries, you two?"

"Besides a couple of bruises, no," Arthur answered as he helped Tessia get back on her feet.

"How did we come to a draw?" Tessia queried with curiosity.

Glory flashed her a teasing grin. "It seems someone was too busy with her duel against the captain that she failed to take note of her teammates' battles~"

This, of course, made the gunmetal-haired girl blush in embarrassment, stuttering to come up with a response. Arthur cleared his throat as he fought back his own blush.

"Care to tell us who won their battles then?" The auburn-haired mage asked, though he already had an inkling of who were the victors.

Professor Glory nodded and crossed her arms. "Of course. The first battle to conclude was Prince Curtis and Clive's. The vice president put up a fight at first, but the prince easily overpowered him when he went into the first phase of his beast will."

'As expected.' Arthur smiled inwardly. "Claire's?"

The woman didn't immediately answer as she scratched her cheek, trying to find the words to explain the outcome. This caused the two to quirk a brow, curious.

"Well... The long and short of it is that Trent Noctra won. As to how? I feel like it'd be better if one of them would be the one to tell you what exactly happened."

"Huh? Weren't you observing them as well, Professor?" Tessia asked, confused as she tilted her head. Glory heaved a sigh and rubbed her temple.

"It's hard to explain when if you didn't see the fight yourself. But if you really want to know, the two... danced with each other, for the lack of a better word."

"...What?"

"Hey, that was my observation when I saw them fight!" Professor Glory exclaimed, sighing.

Her exhausted expression soon morphed into a grin as she faced the spectator of students.

"I think we can all agree that Leyin here has proven his strength as the captain of the Disciplinary Committee! Not only was he able to fight on par with the student council president, but he displayed incredible skill and creativity with his elemental attributes."