BIG-J

13

As I introduced Shreya to the school and showed her around, I couldn't help but notice how her presence attracted attention from both guys and girls. She had a confident and magnetic aura that drew people towards her. It was evident that she was popular and well-liked.

However, my attention was momentarily diverted when I stumbled upon James. He seemed indifferent and unresponsive, which didn't sit well with me. As I tried to say something, he abruptly left, leaving me feeling frustrated and confused. Brushing off the encounter, I continued showing Shreya around, including the rooftop.

Throughout the day, Shreya and I attended classes together, enjoying each other's company and catching up on our lives. It felt great to have my best friend by my side, bringing back the sense of camaraderie and shared experiences we had always cherished.

After classes, we bid each other farewell as Shreya's parents came to pick her up. It was her first day, and the number of guys surrounding her was a testament to her popularity. As I watched her leave, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy, wondering why I wasn't as effortlessly captivating as she was.

Just as I was lost in my thoughts, someone grabbed my hand, startling me. It was Dominic, and although scared at first, I allowed him to walk with me to the bus station. We discussed what went wrong between us, and he mentioned that Elina had accused me of being rude to her. I was taken aback by this revelation but chose not to share the extent of Elina's actions, fearing further complications. Instead, I tried to diffuse the conversation and move forward.

Before Dominic's bus arrived, he pulled me into a hug and kissed my forehead, proposing a date for the evening. I blushed and agreed, feeling a mixture of excitement and apprehension. As he left, I found myself sitting at the bus station, waiting for my bus, when I noticed James approaching.

 But to my surprise instead of approaching the station, he turned to a dark alley. As I quietly followed James to the alley, I couldn't help but wonder what he was up to. To my surprise, I discovered him wearing the most genuine and heartwarming smile I had ever seen. He was feeding a stray cat and her kittens, and their affectionate response made my heart melt.

Lost in the sweet scene before me, I couldn't contain my smile. The sight of James being so compassionate and gentle with the animals was incredibly endearing. However, my clumsy nature got the best of me, and I stumbled, creating a loud noise that caught James' attention.

Panicking, I quickly got back on my feet and ran away as fast as I could, not wanting to be caught observing his tender act of kindness. My heart raced with a mixture of excitement, curiosity, and a hint of embarrassment from my clumsy interruption. 

James' POV:

As I was feeding the cats, a loud noise suddenly shattered the peaceful atmosphere. Confused yet intrigued, I finished doling out the cat food and followed the sound to its source.

To my surprise, I discovered a pair of glasses lying on the floor. Without hesitation, I picked them up, a smirk forming on my lips as I instantly recognized the owner. I decided to keep them, taking them with me as I left.

Back at my house, I carefully placed the glasses on my stand, joining the eclectic collection of curiosities. With a surge of excitement coursing through me, I swiftly changed into comfortable shorts and a hoodie, ensuring I had some cash in my pocket. There was a tournament I had to attend, and I wanted to be prepared.

Leaving my home, I offered a silent prayer for my well-being, fully aware of the potential risks that awaited me. Stepping outside, I noticed Elinia and her clique of friends engaged in their usual chatter, gossiping and criticizing others. I paid them no mind, choosing to light a cigarette and take a moment to myself before heading to my destination.

Arriving at the tournament venue, I felt a surge of adrenaline and anticipation. Stripping off my shirt, I secured my boxing gloves tightly, mentally preparing myself for the challenges that lay ahead. 

As James entered the tournament stadium, his focus shifted completely to the upcoming competition. He had dedicated countless hours to training, pushing himself to improve his boxing skills. The noise of the crowd faded into the background as he stepped into the ring, ready to face his opponent.

The match was fierce and intense, with both fighters giving their all. James relied on his speed, agility, and strategic moves to outmanoeuvre his opponent. His punches were precise and powerful, landing with determination. The cheers from the crowd motivated him to push harder and keep fighting.

With each round, James gained more confidence, feeling himself getting closer to victory. The sound of the bell signalled the end of the final round, and he raised his gloved fists in triumph. The referee declared him the winner, and a sense of accomplishment washed over him.

As I stepped out of the ring, sweat dripping from my hair and a wave of admiration from the crowd, my eyes scanned the room and locked onto Elinia. Rolling my eyes at her presence, I made my way back to my locker, ready to wind down and gather my thoughts.

Amidst the noise of the locker room, I heard a familiar voice say, "So this is what you do in your free time." I turned around to find Elinia walking towards me with a twisted smirk on her face. Slowly, she approached, her hand grazing my bare torso as she moved it up and down. She leaned in for a kiss, but I swiftly pushed her aside, causing her to stumble and fall.

With a glare, she exclaimed, "What the fuck is wrong with you?" Disgusted by her actions, I put my hoodie back on and walked away, leaving her behind. I wanted nothing to do with her or her manipulative games.

Heading back home, I decided to make a detour to the beach. Opening my phone, I stared out at the vast expanse of the ocean, lost in my thoughts. Images of my mother flooded my mind, and I felt a slight twinge of tears welling up, but I quickly brushed them aside. I couldn't afford to dwell on emotions right now.

As I made my way home, I checked my phone and noticed messages from Anushka that were two days old. I sighed, knowing it was best to ignore them. It wasn't that I hated her; in fact, I cared deeply for her. But the truth was, the tournaments I took part in involved dangerous people. They would stop at nothing to win, even if it meant causing harm to their opponents. I couldn't bear the thought of Anushka getting caught in the crossfire.

I was alone, with no one to rely on but myself. The money I earned from winning these tournaments was substantial, providing a means for survival in this unforgiving world.