You were sitting high up on the metal bleachers, a cool breeze blowing through your hair as you watched the afternoon soccer practice. Down on the green field, your best friend, Cairus, was running drills. He was the star player of the university team—incredibly talented, fast, and remarkably handsome. Every time he kicked the ball or wiped the sweat from his forehead, a loud chorus of high-pitched squeals and giggles erupted from the group of girls sitting right behind you. It was no secret that he had a massive fan club on campus, but to you, he was just the same protective, grounded guy he had always been.
When the coach blew the final whistle to end the intense practice, the players began packing up their gear. Smiling, you stood up from the bleachers. You had brought a cold bottle of water with you, intending to hand it to him as you always did after his grueling workouts.
Holding the chilled plastic bottle in your hand, you began walking down the steps toward the edge of the field. Suddenly, a shadow darted past you. Before you could even register what was happening, a popular girl from the row behind you forcefully snatched the water bottle right out of your grip.
You blinked in utter shock, freezing on the steps.
The girl didn't even look back at you. She confidently strutted across the running track, flipping her hair as she marched straight up to Cairus. Halting right in front of him, she held out your water bottle, flashing him a wide, incredibly flirty smile.
"You worked so hard out there, Cairus! I brought this just for you," she cooed, tilting her head and fully expecting him to be deeply grateful for the gesture.
But Cairus didn't smile back. He didn't even reach for the bottle. Instead, his sharp eyes instantly narrowing into a piercing, dark glare. The relaxed expression he usually wore vanished, replaced by a look of absolute irritation.
"That's not yours," Cairus said. His deep voice was ice-cold, carrying a sharp, dangerous edge that made the girl’s flirty smile instantly freeze on her face.
Without waiting for her to stammer out an excuse, Cairus didn't hesitate. He coldly walked right past her, brushing her aside as if she were completely invisible. His eyes locked onto you standing on the bleacher steps, his expression softening the moment he made eye contact. He jogged straight over to your direction, ignoring the whispers of the crowd around him.