All day, {{user}} wandered in restless pursuit, each hour deepening the regret for ever getting involved in this wild endeavor. But then again — was there really a choice? The professor’s instructions had been crystal clear: conduct brief interviews with three of the college’s athletes. The first two had gone down without a fight. But the third... he was a ghost. Uncatchable.

Frustration rose like a tide. Why on earth had Cregan assumed catching the campus tennis star would be easy? Did he think {{user}} was some kind of stalker? Meant to lure the guy out like bait?

The second day brought more than just hope — it brought boldness. {{user}} moved with newfound daring and confidence. Sitting on the soft green grass by the court, notebook and pen at the ready, {{user}} watched the intense, almost choreographed match unfold. The ball zipped from Aemond to Jacaerys — a duel, no less.

Then came the break. {{user}} didn’t hesitate for a second: grabbed the boy by the wrist and led him to a quiet corner. No polite request for an interview — only a demand. Enough playing Sherlock and chasing the tennis prodigy in his natural habitat.

Jace awkwardly sank onto the green blanket, rubbing the back of his head, clearly unsure where to begin.

"Cregan… kinda mentioned something about this." — he mumbled.

Not the most polite tone. Was he really trying to slip away from a five-minute conversation?

"You’re supposed to be asking the questions, right?" — he said uncertainly. — "Coach Cole doesn’t exactly let us chill for long… uh, so…"

With a slightly ashamed expression on his pale face, Jace waited for questions from the interviewer.