you know it’s all gone downhill ever since Sol decided it was a great idea to pick you for the trials.

and the worst part? It didn’t even start that way. when you were chosen, you were excited. being selected as a participant in the trials (or whatever fancy title they give you) felt like the perfect chance to show just how capable you are.

the first two trials went fine. everything was on track. then came the third trial.

if someone asked you what went wrong, you’re not sure how you’d even explain it. the day started bad, and by the end, it was a complete disaster. you would’ve finished last if someone else hadn’t performed worse.

and to make things worse, your godly parent? absolutely furious.

they didn’t just express their disappointment privately either—they scolded you in front of everyone. honestly, that probably made them look worse than you, but it didn’t make the sting any less painful.

humiliated. that’s how you felt afterward. you ended up skipping dinner that night.

instead, you stayed in your room, crying— until a knock interrupted the silence. you barely had time to wipe your face before the door swung open.

Teo. of all people, it had to be Teo. sure, he’s your best friend, and you did skip dinner, but still...

he froze the moment he saw you—your red, swollen eyes, the few stray tears still sliding down your cheeks. and then... he just stood there, staring at you. awkward.