The next day, the buzz surrounding the upcoming football rematch between Grayson and Alex reached a fever pitch. It wasn’t just about the game anymore—everyone knew that it was about Aella. The entire school seemed to be holding its breath, waiting to see how this rivalry would play out, and Aella found herself caught in the middle of a storm she hadn’t asked for.
Aella walked through the halls, her head down, trying to ignore the whispers and glances that followed her. She couldn’t escape the attention, no matter how hard she tried. It didn’t help that Emily had been spreading rumors about her and Grayson ever since the last match. Every girl who had once looked up to her was now giving her cold stares, and even some of her friends were keeping their distance.
She felt trapped.
By the time lunch rolled around, Aella decided she needed a break from everything. She headed to the café, knowing that helping out her parents might provide some relief from the chaos of school. As soon as she stepped inside, the familiar scent of coffee and pastries hit her, and for a moment, she could breathe again.
Aella had just taken her place behind the counter when the door chimed, and in walked Alex. His blue eyes locked onto hers as he made his way over, and she couldn’t help but smile despite the tension that had been building between them.
“Hey,” Alex greeted, leaning against the counter. “Thought I’d stop by for that iced latte again.”
Aella chuckled softly, shaking her head. “Of course. I’ll get it for you.”
As she prepared his drink, Alex watched her with a playful smirk. “You know, Aella, I’ve been thinking…”
“About what?” she asked, handing him the latte.
“About you, Grayson, and this whole mess,” he admitted. “I don’t want things to get ugly. But I also don’t want to lose this chance to… well, to get closer to you.”
Aella’s cheeks flushed as she met his gaze. Alex had always been direct, but now, his words carried more weight. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could say anything, the door chimed again, and in walked Grayson.
The air in the café shifted as soon as Grayson stepped inside. He spotted Aella and Alex talking and instantly tensed, his eyes narrowing slightly. Without missing a beat, he strode over to them, his usual cocky grin in place, but there was an edge to it that hadn’t been there before.
“Well, well,” Grayson said, leaning casually against the counter next to Alex. “You two seem cozy.”
Alex raised an eyebrow, his smirk never wavering. “We were just having a friendly conversation, big brother.”
Grayson’s jaw tightened slightly at the mention of their relationship. He crossed his arms, his gaze flicking to Aella. “Funny. You don’t look like you’re enjoying this ‘friendly’ conversation, Aella.”
Aella sighed, feeling the tension rising between the two of them again. She didn’t want to be pulled into another confrontation, especially not here in her parents’ café. But before she could say anything, Alex spoke up.
“Actually, we were talking about the game,” Alex said smoothly. “I was just letting Aella know that I’m going to win this time.”
Grayson snorted, rolling his eyes. “Keep dreaming, little bro. You’re not going to win anything.”
The challenge in his voice was clear, and Aella could feel the energy in the room shifting as both boys squared off. She had seen this rivalry brewing for weeks, but now, it was coming to a head in a way she hadn’t expected.
YOU ARE READING
RIVALS IN THE HALLWAYS
Romance"Aella and Grayson were inseparable as kids, the perfect duo-until middle school hit. What once was friendship turned into fierce rivalry, with both determined to outshine the other at every turn. Now in high school, their competition has only heate...
