RIVALS IN THE HALLWAYS

Chapter Six: Brewing Tensions

The tension from the match lingered in the air even as the crowd began to disperse. Aella stood awkwardly between Grayson and Alex, her mind still spinning from everything that had just unfolded. The intensity of the game, Grayson's possessive behavior, Alex's challenge-it all felt like too much to process.

Grayson, having caught his breath, glanced down at Aella, his expression shifting from smug victory to something more intense. There was a flicker of something in his eyes-jealousy, maybe, or something even deeper.

"You heading home?" he asked, his voice unusually soft for someone who had just won a game.

Aella blinked up at him, trying to hide the confusion bubbling inside her. "Yeah, I was going to head back to my parents' café."

Grayson nodded, as if considering something. "I'll walk you," he said firmly, leaving little room for argument.

Before Aella could respond, Alex stepped closer, his blue eyes narrowing slightly at Grayson. "She's perfectly capable of walking by herself, Grayson," Alex said, his tone edged with frustration. "Besides, I'm sure she'd rather talk to someone who doesn't treat her like a prize."

Aella winced at the sharpness of Alex's words. She hadn't asked for this-this weird competition between the two of them-but here she was, caught in the middle of their rivalry. She looked from Grayson to Alex, unsure of what to say.

Grayson's jaw tightened at Alex's comment, but instead of rising to the bait, he smirked. "Jealous, little brother?" he asked, his tone dangerously casual. "I think you're the one treating this like a prize. I'm just making sure Aella gets home safe."

Alex took a step forward, his shoulders tense. "Aella doesn't need your protection, Grayson."

Aella could feel the weight of their argument pressing down on her. She had to do something before things got out of hand. "Okay, enough," she interrupted, stepping between them. "I'm not some trophy you guys are competing for."

Both boys looked at her, surprised by the firmness in her voice. She took a deep breath, trying to regain control of the situation. "I appreciate the concern, but I can walk myself home."

There was a brief, tense silence as the three of them stood there, the weight of the moment hanging heavily in the air.

Grayson broke the silence first. "Fine," he said, though his voice was clipped, as if he didn't fully agree. He glanced at Alex with a mixture of annoyance and warning before turning back to Aella. "But if you need anything, you know where to find me."

With that, he turned and walked away, his presence still looming even as he disappeared into the crowd.

Aella let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding, turning to Alex. He was still watching Grayson's retreating figure, his expression unreadable.

"Sorry about him," Alex muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "He's... complicated."

Aella gave him a small smile, trying to lighten the mood. "Yeah, that's one word for it."

Alex chuckled, though his smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "He can be a real pain, but don't let him get to you. He likes to act like he's in control of everything, but I'm not backing down."

Aella wasn't sure how to respond to that. She liked Alex-he was funny, kind, and easy to talk to-but she couldn't shake the complicated feelings that Grayson stirred up in her. Being around him was like being caught in a storm, and despite how frustrating he could be, there was something about him that pulled her in.

"Thanks for sticking up for me," Aella said, trying to focus on the present moment. "But you don't have to fight my battles for me."

Alex nodded, his expression softening. "I know. I just don't like seeing him act like that around you. You deserve better than his games."