Unspoken

The Reason

Earlier that day, during the break before the match, Daniel and Rafael found themselves face-to-face near the football ground. Their friends Mateo, Juan, and Marco stood nearby, tension already brewing in the air.

Rafael crossed his arms, his tone sharp. "So, what's your excuse this time, Daniel? Still blaming everyone else for not being number one?"

Daniel clenched his fists, stepping closer. "Excuse? I don't need excuses, Rafael. Unlike you, I don't need to ride on anyone's reputation to prove myself."

Mateo intervened, trying to defuse the situation. "Guys, stop. This is pointless. You're both great players. Why don't you just settle it on the field?"

"Because some people can't handle the truth," Rafael retorted, glaring at Daniel.

Before Daniel could reply, an unexpected voice interrupted them.

"Why are you guys fighting like... like shitty bulls?"

Everyone turned to see a scrawny, bespectacled boy standing a few feet away, a notebook tucked under his arm. His name? Nobody really knew. He was one of those students who rarely spoke but always seemed to pop up at the most inconvenient times.

"What did you just say?" Daniel asked, narrowing his eyes at the boy.

"You heard me," the boy said, pushing his glasses up confidently. "You're 8th graders, right? Fighting over who's the best in school? How utterly... ridiculous!" He paused dramatically before bursting into laughter. "Hahaha! Seriously, what's next? A duel with lightsabers?"

Mateo, struggling not to laugh, muttered, "Okay, that was kinda funny."

But Daniel wasn't amused. His jaw tightened as he stepped forward. "You think this is funny?"

The boy smirked. "Oh, I think it's hilarious. Do you all plan on having a dance-off next?"

That was the last straw. Without warning, Daniel punched the boy squarely in the face.

"Stay out of this," Daniel growled, shaking his fist as the boy stumbled backward.

Rafael grabbed Daniel by the arm. "Are you serious right now? That wasn't necessary!"

The boy, clutching his face, managed to glare at Daniel. "Wow. So mature. A true champion of the playground."

"What's your deal?" Daniel asked, glaring at him.

"My deal?" the nerd said with a sarcastic chuckle. "I'm just here to witness this groundbreaking battle of egos. Two eighth-graders determined to prove who's the 'best'... how utterly entertaining! What's next? A jousting tournament?"

Marco snorted, struggling to hold back laughter. "Not helping, man."

The nerd adjusted his glasses with an exaggerated flourish. "No, no. Don't stop on my account. In fact, why not raise the stakes? Make it spicy. Compete over something more... interesting."

Daniel narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"

"Impress a girl," the nerd said smugly, his words slicing through the air like a challenge.

"What?" Rafael scoffed, rolling his eyes.

Juan's eyes lit up. "Oh, that's actually genius!" He nudged Marco, who immediately joined in.

"Yeah, but which girl?" Marco added, already glancing around the schoolyard.

The nerd smirked knowingly. "I heard there's a new girl in your class. Selena Alvarez, right?"