Royals

Chapter 4: The Watch

Let's go, Rosies! We're up against the Oaklands this week; be sure to bring your A game on!

-The Watch

Yuto sat at his desk, flipping through photos from past events on his laptop. The soft click of the mouse and the occasional mutterings to himself were the only sounds in the room as he reviewed the shots he had taken at previous games. The images were sharp, well-composed, but lacked the energy that his boss—the editor-in-chief—kept nagging him about.

As if on cue, the door swung open, and the student boss of the newspaper, a senior just like him, walked in. He had a bratty attitude but a sharp eye. He scanned the room as he walked towards Yuto's desk.

"Yuto," Liam said, his voice firm but not unkind, "you have to get more pictures this time. The school newspaper doesn't just run on money, you know."

Yuto glanced up from the laptop, his expression calm. "Yeah, I know."

Liam raised an eyebrow, leaning over to inspect the photos. "Yes, but I don't think you do. This tournament is different. It's not just about a win or a loss. It's about the intensity, the rivalries, and everything that happens in between. That's what people want to see."

Yuto sighed, leaning back in his chair, listening to his overly dramatic monologues. He didn't need just action shots—he needed to capture the story and the emotions behind each moment. And with Oakland Parkwood here, the competition would be fierce.

"Is it? I mean, The Wath has had better school news than what we've had in years."

Liam sighed, pushing off the desk. "The difference between us and the watch is that they bring news people don't want to see; we bring news they want to see. You get what I'm saying?"

Yuto shook his head.

"Alright, look, this thing with Kelly Owens has really put the students on edge; we can't even party anymore without someone brining her up. This tour is going to raise their spirits in a good way; it'll put everyone in a good mood. That's what we want; good vibes only!"

As Liam walked out of the room, Yuto glanced out the window, watching as students milled about the courtyard, preparing for the day's events. The track athletes were warming up, the debate teams practicing last-minute arguments. The energy was building, and Yuto was on edge as well.

His fingers brushed on the pictures of Kelly Owen in the school's dumpster. A picture he took last week, his mind raced with thoughts about the day the school found out. He couldn't tell anyone; Grey, Sage, and Miles already looked suspicious.

A week ago...

Yuto travelled along the school's hiking trail; his camera took an expensive shot of the greenery. With his backpack strapped to his back and shoes tied, his long legs walked as far as they could take him. Photography class was difficult; Yuto wasn't the best, but he tried because he loved it.

The camera he took everywhere with him; even in the craziest moments, he couldn't leave it. His camera told a story—a story of memories like his eyes. Which he could lose at any moment; life wasn't certain, though his camera held memories forever.

The click of his lenses was just another added 54% to his grade. He said his teacher hated him.

His foot caught on a mound hidden under the leaves and dirt, sending him sprawling to the ground. His camera slipped from his hand, landing softly on the leaf-covered ground beside him.

Cursing under his breath, Yuto stood up, brushing himself off. His heart raced, more from surprise than pain. He glared at the pile of leaves and sand that had tripped him and instinctively kicked at it, sending a small cloud of dirt flying.