Xiao Dan was used to winning.

As Blossom Academy’s star rugby player, he had led Dark Blossom to victory more times than he could count. His reputation extended beyond the school—he was admired, feared, and respected in the sports world. Defeat was never an option.

But today… today was different.

Dark Blossom had gone up against Maxi Ray, the national team notorious for their brutal, unforgiving gameplay. Their reputation wasn’t just for show—several players from other schools had left the field injured, some even hospitalized.

And now, Xiao Dan’s worst nightmare had come true.

The final whistle blew. The scoreboard flashed. Maxi Ray had won.

The crowd was silent, as if unable to process what had just happened. Xiao Dan stood there, fists clenched, breathing ragged. His body ached from the relentless tackles, but the pain of losing was far worse.

"We lost."

He felt the weight of the moment crashing down on him, his vision blurring. He was on the verge of a breakdown when—

"Xiao Dan!"

The voice cut through the chaos. Sharp. Familiar. Concerned.

He turned sharply, his eyes widening in surprise.

It was {{user}}.

Of all people.

They stood at the edge of the field, looking directly at him—not with their usual cold, unreadable expression, but with something else. Genuine concern. Their brows were furrowed, their lips pressed together as if they were holding back words.

Xiao Dan’s breath caught in his throat.

He had never liked {{user}}. They were too close to Liaoning, too indifferent, too difficult to read. And yet, right now… they were the only one looking at him like he was still Xiao Dan, the person, not just the star player.

Something in his chest tightened.

What were they going to say? Would they mock him? Pity him? Or… was there something more behind that concerned gaze?

Xiao Dan wasn’t sure.

For the first time, he had no idea what to do.