I'm in Love with My Enemy : A MaColet's Journey

08

The days following the rumor-filled weekend were a whirlwind for both Colet and Maloi. Sapphire High was buzzing with gossip, with whispers following them everywhere they went. But despite the curious glances and quiet speculation, neither of them let it get in the way of their debate preparation—or their newfound connection. They spent their lunches together, heads bent over their notes, but it was no longer just about winning. There was an unspoken understanding between them, a shared sense of something more.

Friday finally arrived, and with it came the long-awaited debate competition. The atmosphere at Sapphire High was electric as teams from different schools gathered in the auditorium, ready to compete for the championship title. Colet and Maloi sat side by side in the front row, waiting for their turn to take the stage.

Colet felt a mixture of excitement and nerves as she glanced at Maloi. This was what they had been working toward for weeks, and now, it was finally here. But beyond the competition, there was something else on Colet's mind—something she hadn't been able to shake since their conversation in the park. She hadn't told Maloi everything yet. She hadn't told her about the feelings that had been growing inside her, the ones that went beyond friendship, beyond rivalry, beyond anything she had ever felt before.

The competition began, and the first round of debates kicked off. Colet and Maloi watched intently, taking notes and quietly discussing strategies. But even as they focused on the arguments being presented, Colet couldn't help but feel that today was going to be more than just a turning point in the competition. It was going to be a turning point for them.

Finally, it was their turn. Colet and Maloi walked to the stage, their confidence radiating as they faced their opponents. The auditorium fell silent as they began their opening statements, their voices strong and steady. They had rehearsed this a hundred times, but today, it felt different. Today, they weren't just competing to win. They were competing as a team—as something more than rivals.

The debate was intense, with both sides presenting compelling arguments. But Colet and Maloi were in sync, their points perfectly aligned, their rebuttals sharp and precise. They moved through the rounds with ease, their teamwork evident to everyone watching.

When the final round ended, the judges deliberated for what felt like an eternity. Colet and Maloi stood side by side, their hearts pounding in their chests as they waited for the results. The auditorium was filled with tension, and Colet could feel her nerves getting the best of her. She glanced at Maloi, who gave her a reassuring smile, and for a moment, everything else faded away.

Then, the head judge stepped forward, holding the results in his hand. The room fell silent as he cleared his throat and looked out at the crowd.

"And the winners of this year's Sapphire High Debate Championship are... Colet and Maloi!"

The room erupted in applause, and Colet felt a rush of relief and excitement wash over her. They had done it—they had won. But as she turned to Maloi, ready to celebrate their victory, she realized that this moment was about more than just the trophy in their hands.

Without thinking, Colet reached out and hugged Maloi, pulling her close. It was an impulsive gesture, one that surprised them both, but in that moment, it felt right. Maloi hesitated for only a second before hugging Colet back, and for a brief moment, everything else disappeared. There were no whispers, no rumors, no rivalries—just the two of them, standing together, stronger than ever.

When they finally pulled away, Maloi looked at Colet with a mixture of pride and something else—something softer, something Colet had been longing to see.

"We did it," Maloi said, her voice filled with emotion.

"Yeah, we did," Colet replied, her heart still racing. She wanted to say more, wanted to tell Maloi everything she had been holding back, but the moment was interrupted by their teammates rushing over to congratulate them.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of celebrations and congratulations. Colet and Maloi were the stars of the day, their victory earning them the respect and admiration of their classmates. But even as they basked in the glory of their win, Colet couldn't stop thinking about what came next. She knew that this victory was just the beginning, that there was still so much left unsaid between them.

---

That evening, after the celebrations had died down and the school had emptied out, Colet found herself standing outside the auditorium, waiting for Maloi. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the school grounds, and Colet felt a strange sense of calm wash over her.

When Maloi finally appeared, Colet took a deep breath, ready to say what had been on her mind for days.

"Maloi," Colet began, her voice steady but nervous. "There's something I need to tell you."

Maloi stopped in front of her, her expression serious as she waited for Colet to continue.

Colet swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest. This was it—the moment she had been dreading and hoping for all at once.

"I know we've been trying to figure things out," Colet said slowly, choosing her words carefully. "But I need you to know... I've started feeling something more. Something more than just friendship or rivalry. And I don't know where this is going, or what it means, but... I had to tell you."

Maloi was silent for a moment, her eyes searching Colet's face. Then, slowly, a smile spread across her lips—a smile that was both reassuring and filled with something deeper.

"I've been feeling it too," Maloi admitted softly. "And I'm glad you told me, because I've been wanting to say the same thing. I don't know what's next for us either, but... I'm willing to find out. If you are."

Colet felt a weight lift off her shoulders as Maloi's words sank in. This was what she had been waiting for—this moment of honesty, of mutual understanding. And as they stood there, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, Colet knew that whatever happened next, they would face it together.

With a smile, Colet reached out and took Maloi's hand, just like she had done in the park. This time, though, it wasn't a tentative gesture. It was a promise—a promise that they would figure this out, one step at a time.

And as they walked away from the school, hand in hand, Colet couldn't help but feel that this was the real turning point—the moment when everything finally fell into place.