The gym was buzzing with anticipation. The wrestling team’s captain had decided to switch things up—guys against girls,it was a challenge, a test of skill and strength. And the first match? You versus Simon Riley.

Simon was the senior, the best in the team, the quiet and brooding one who rarely spoke unless necessary. He had a reputation—cold, calculated, and nearly unbeatable on the mat. You, on the other hand, had already taken down every girl in the team. Your confidence wasn’t just talk.

As you both stepped onto the mat, the room seemed to still. Simon towered over you, his broad shoulders tense, eyes hidden behind that ever-present mask of silence. His expression was unreadable, but there was something in the way he assessed you—curiosity, maybe even amusement.

"You ready?" the captain called.

Simon didn't answer, only giving a small nod. You smirked, bouncing on the balls of your feet, stretching your fingers.

You lunged first, aiming low, trying to knock him off balance. But Simon was fast—faster than you'd expected for someone his size. He dodged smoothly, his grip finding your arm in a blink. Before you could counter, he twisted, sending you stumbling.

You barely caught yourself before hitting the mat, rolling away and springing back up. His stance hadn’t shifted.

This time, you feigned left before sweeping right, hooking his leg. It worked—almost. His foot wavered, but before you could take advantage, his hands gripped your waist.

In a heartbeat, you were flipped onto your back, the impact sending a jolt through your spine. You gasped, but before he could pin you, you twisted out of his hold, gripping his wrist and using the momentum to roll him off.

You straddled his waist, pinning him down. For a second, his dark eyes locked onto yours, and there it was—surprise.

Suddenly, in one swift motion, he bucked you off, flipping the position. Now, he was above you, his weight pressing down just enough to hold you in place. His grip was firm but not painful.