The Competition

Yelena

We didn't get to see Natalia or Carson because we weren't always in the same groups in certain classes. But that didn't stop me from telling her what had happened.

Nat

What happened?

I didn't even finish the sentence.

You were typing.

Are you always on the phone or what?

Let me guess. You gave Viktor head?

Like hell I did.

Went to the bathroom with Carson, who also saw it, so...

You went to the bathroom with Carson?

No, not like that. We bumped into each other during class and happened to walk by you two.

You two met up?

Don't change the subject.

What do you mean by you two met up?

I have to go.

I'll ask Carson.

I dare you.

See you at lunch.

"So you two," Carson chimes in. "Anyone want to fill me in on what you two were doing during CA?"
"I have no idea what he's talking about. Do you, Viktor?"
"No idea," he offers an innocent smile and leaves his seat.
"Where are you going, sunshine?"
"To get a drink from the vending machine. Want anything?"
"A Coke."
"Make that two," Carson says nonchalantly, leaning back.
"Got it," Viktor replies, leaving the two of us.
"How's the science project going on your end, sweetheart?"
"What's going on between you and-"
"There's nothing."

Right.

"I've noticed that Viktor has become immune to the nicknames you call him," I chuckle, changing the subject.
"Hey, I'm a master at giving nicknames," he replies, pretending to be offended.
"I'm sorry."
"That's out of the blue. Sorry for what?"
"The text message I sent you..." his voice comes out as a whisper.
"Don't worry about it."
After English, we head out for lunch. Natalia suggests we eat outside, so we spread out a picnic mat she brought. As we settle in, we chat and laugh together. Suddenly, Car and Nat are very interested in their cell phones. "What's after lunch?" Viktor asks, resting his head on Natalia's thigh. "Uh..let me see," I say, looking at our schedule on my phone, " Perfect. We have free time."
"Lunch is almost over and I still have some work to do for my major," Nat tells us, motioning for Viktor to lift his head.
"I'll take our trays back to the cafeteria on my way." Natalia turns to face Carson.
"Can you help me with art in your free time? I need to get this done before art."
"Sure," he says, getting up to follow her, leaving Viktor and me behind.

The fact is that we already had our majors in the morning and we won't have art today.

We sit in a comfortable silence for a moment, just enjoying each other's company. "What's going on in your head?" Viktor asks, breaking the silence.
"Just thinking about the competition," I lie down and look at his features.
"Come on, let's enjoy the break for once," he says, giving me a smile that makes my heart ache even more.
"If you want a kiss, you can just ask for it." "Your delusional."
"Hey, you're the one staring." 
"Viktor!" a voice calls from a distance.
"Not her again," we sigh at the same time before looking at each other and bursting out laughing.
"Fuck off Sofia, can't you see he's busy?"
"Shut up Yelena. Remember when he came back to me and left you behind?"
"So tell me Sofia, who's being left behind now?"
"Viktor..."
"You heard my girl, so kindly fuck off, Van der Berg." She storms off, her face flaming red.
"Your girl?" he hums, looking into my eyes. "Can I be your boyfriend?"

I look at him without words.
"I'll take that as a yes then."
"Don't put words in my mouth."
"So what will it be?"
"Just because the competition is upon us doesn't mean I'm going to go easy on you. I told you, I am here to win for my academy."
"I don't even really know your academy."
"Right." He sits up and looks down at me. "What?"
"You knew me before I came to VLA, right?" "You saw the pictures? How-"
"Your sister."
"Of course, my sister," he says, making a face.
"You've known me all this time and said nothing. You wanted, now you have me."
"I have you?"
"I'm yours, Viktor. As you are mine."
"I am yours, Malyshka," he says in a serious tone as he leans down and presses his lips to mine.