The Competition

Viktor

Yesterday we had the day off to finish our projects for today. The competition. Friday's first period was free and everything was set up in the gym. Two other academies, including Venatrix, were competing. The atmosphere was tense as everyone rushed to get their projects in perfect order.

When I walked into the gym that morning, the air was filled with nervous excitement. Projects lined the walls, each one representing hours of meticulous work and dedication. I found my spot and began to set up, glancing over at Yelena, who was doing the same. Her concentration was intense, her movements precise. It was hard not to admire her.

The judges arrived and the room fell silent. They started at one end of the gym, moving from project to project, taking notes and asking questions. As they approached my project, my heart pounded. I confidently presented my work and answered their questions with as much clarity and detail as I could muster. They seemed impressed, nodding thoughtfully before moving on.

Next, they stopped at Yelena's project. I watched from a distance as she explained her work. She was calm and articulate, and her passion for the subject was evident. The judges spent a long time at her station, asking questions and discussing among themselves. I couldn't hear their conversation, but the looks on their faces were promising.After the judges reviewed all the projects, we were given a short break. I went outside to get some fresh air and calm my nerves. Carson and Natalia found me, and we chatted to distract ourselves from the wait.

"How do you think it went?" Carson asked.

"I think it went well," I replied. "Yelena's project looked incredible though."

"Yeah, she's got some serious talent," Natalia agreed, giving me a knowing look.

"Gossiping about me?" Yelena appeared out of nowhere and planted a kiss on my lips.

"Okay, lovebirds. When did this happen?" Carson asks with a frown. "Yesterday, after you both left."

"You two make a great couple."
"Yeah, finally they stop ignoring the tension between them," Carson throws back playfully.
"Hey, let's head back, they're about to announce the winner in two minutes." "Thumbs up to both of you," Natalia shouts as she and Carson take the stairs to the auditorium.

When the break was over, we all filed back into the gymnasium, anticipation in the air. The judges gathered at the front of the room, ready to announce the winners. The head judge, an older man with a kind face, stepped forward.

"We were incredibly impressed with the level of work we saw today," he began. Each project showed a deep understanding and passion for science, making our decision very difficult. But there can only be one winner."He paused, letting the suspense build, and I focused only on the first and second place winners. "In second place, with an outstanding project on renewable energy solutions, is Viktor Ivanov from the Velour Academy!"

The room erupted in applause as I walked up to receive my award. I shook the judge's hand and smiled as I held up my certificate. Despite everything, I felt a surge of pride knowing who was going to win this contest.

"And now for first place," the judge continued. "With a groundbreaking project on genetic engineering, the winner is Yelena Katsaros from the Velour Academy!"

The applause was even louder this time. I watched as Yelena walked up to accept her award, a look of pure joy on her face. Our eyes met for a moment and I couldn't help but smile. She had beaten me fair and square at my own game.

As the crowd began to disperse, I walked over to her. "Congratulations, Malyshka," I said, genuinely happy for her."I told you I was going to win this," she replies with a grin on her face. "Yeah, yeah," I say, planting a kiss on her forehead. She looks to my side and I turn to find a copy and paste version of her. "Hey mom!" she exclaims excitedly. Yeah, that girl looks nothing like her father. She's literally her mother's portrait.
"So this is the guy I wanted you to meet. Actually my boyfriend."
"Nice to meet you, Ms. Katsaros, im-"
"Viktor. I know. I've heard a lot about you, and I'm happy to finally see my daughter with her boyfriend. And please, call me Daphne." Natalia and Carson join us, chatting with her mother as I turn to her. "So, uh..."
"Yes?"
"You were a student at the VNA. Are you going back?"
"I think so..." she trails off, making my heart ache.
"Just kidding. You love having me around," she says smiling.

This girl is unbelievable.