Seize A Lost Identity

Chapter 20: Sports Day and The Antic Couple

The crispness of the morning air clung to Xio and Jules as they walked from home to school, whilst the familiar hum of chatter and scrutiny surrounded them like a ghost. Every time they walked through the school gates, a fresh wave of discussion permeated the atmosphere.

"Isn't she just... goddess-level gorgeous? one of the boys whispered, his eyes practically glued to Jules.

"I thought he was supposed to be the 'bad boy,' but they look good together, another boy said, watching Xio from the corner of his eye.

Jules (always the relaxed Us) did her best to not pay attention, although she couldn't help but smile when she saw the look on Xio caused some girls to focus on her. "Are they always like this?" she whispered to him.

Xio, walking beside her in his usual relaxed way, shrugged. "Pretty much. But hey, you're the one making all the boys fall in love with you.

Jules laughed, shaking her head. Sure, if I smiled at them, they would all quit whatever they're doing.

"Don't tempt me," Xio teased, his eyes glinting mischievously. "If you're that powerful, I might need a bodyguard."

"Oh please, like you need one," she said, smirking. You seem like you could beat off an army with just that stare of yours.

Before they could continue their playful banter, Nadia, Igor, and Dmitri caught up to them, and the group entered the school together. [E] The entire set was like a movie - there was Xio, the cute, cool 'bad boy' with his squad, and Jules, the most popular, eye-catcher kind of girl around.

They were a walking spectacle, and it didn't go unnoticed. The students were, quite literally, bending over backwards just to catch a glimpse of them as they passed.

In Class...

With the bell sound announcing the start of the day, the teacher got up and told the class that sports day would be held.

"Alright, class! Before we head to the playground for today's activities, let's quickly stand up one by one and announce your name for the upcoming event.

By turn students repeated their names, gradually with more and more anxiety in their voices. When Xio's turn came, he stood up, a cool confidence exuding from him. "Xio Antic," he said, his voice smooth as always.

A few whispers rippled through the room, but it was nothing new for him. At that point, when it was Jules's turn, she went to the podium and calmly uttered, "Jules Antic," with a grin that could topple the hardest of hearts.

Suddenly, the room fell deathly silent. For a moment, you could hear a pin drop. Then, like a chain reaction, the whispers started up again—louder this time.

"Wait, what? Did she just say her last name is Antic too? someone hissed.

"Are they... are they related?" another voice asked.

"Are they siblings or something?" came a confused murmur.

The vacuum that followed was almost too much to bear as the whole class turned to Xio and Jules. The room felt like it was vibrating with the energy of a thousand questions.

The teacher, flustered, tried to regain control. "Alright, everyone, please! Quiet down! But her voice was lost in the clamor of students speculating.

"Wait," someone finally called out from the back. "Are Xio and Jules... married?"

The entire class burst into laughter, some clutching their stomachs, while others leaned back in their chairs, trying to catch their breath. Xio and Jules, both taken aback by the sudden accusation, were left standing in the middle of the room with their faces redder than ever.

"No! We're not married! Xio quickly said, his voice louder than necessary.

Jules, equally flustered, couldn't help but chuckle, despite the awkwardness. "Honestly, we're not even related. At all. We just have the same last name. It's a coincidence!"

Yeah, that's by far the most dull narrative of all, Xio explained chuckling resulting in getting a few of the students giggling harder. "No big drama here, folks."

"Well, I don't know, I think it's kinda cute, Igor said with a mischievous grin. Maybe it's time we officially start calling you "The Antic Couple.

Jules, unable to stop the laughter bubbling up inside her, shot a playful glare at Igor. "You're all insane," she muttered, rolling her eyes.

At the Playground...

By the time they reached the school's sports field, the rumors about Xio and Jules's "relationship" had already spread like wildfire. Students were whispering, some pointing in their direction. However, it appeared that Xio and Jules just went with the flow.

"Oh, look, Xio said with a smirk as they reached the starting line of the first event. "Here comes the 'Antic Couple' ready to steal the spotlight.

"Please, Jules said with a dramatic eye-roll, "Don't start with that again. We're just here to do some sports."

However, as soon as the event began, one could tell they were not only attending for the fun.

Then, the first was a 100-m race and both participated, Xio and Jules wanted to demonstrate their speed. The whistle blew, and the students were off.

"Ready to lose, Jules? Xio teased, his stance confident as he lined up.

"Not a chance, she shot back, grinning like a mischievous cat.

And with that, they were off. Xio's speed was impressive, but Jules wasn't far behind. Whole, the whole field came to life with roaring as the two approached the finish line together.

Just at the very end, Jules shot out from the taxi and ran across the finish line only by a split second ahead of Xio.

"Yes!" Jules shouted, pumping her fist in the air.

Xio, panting but smiling, shook his head. "You got me this time, Jules. I'll admit it."

She laughed, sticking her tongue out at him. "I'm the queen of this sports day!"

During the day, Jules and Xio joined more and more events they did together—tug of war, relay races, and even a three-legged race. All along the time their humor and their easy chemistry kept everyone amused.

By the end of the day, they had both won their fair share of events, but it was the jokes, the teasing, and the laughter that made the day memorable.

"Alright, Antic Couple, Igor said with a grin, "You two were amazing out there. However, I think you guys are still obligated to explain that last name issue.

Xio glanced at Jules, then back at Igor with a sly grin. "Honestly? I'm just glad you're all still trying to figure it out. Keeps things interesting."

Jules shook her head, still smiling. Unbelievable," she said, but there was no denying the light in her eyes.

Walking off the field together as the sun made its exit in the west behind them, it was obvious that whatever gossip went on in the school, Xio and Jules were having the most fun—and that was enough.