Chapter 4: The Drive Home

Akira's POV

The game was getting tense, it was the second period already. And I was starting to understand the game a little. The Northernways already scored, while we were on nothing.

They were very aggressive and they didn't play by the rules, Kael counterattacked them with as much force. He snatched the puck from a Northernway player and passed it to his teammate at the blue line. The dude took off in a flash, he pulled back his stick and shot at the goalie. The audience exploded, and I did too, just that I wanted the goal to be scored by Kael.

The Underwich players gave victory poses; displaying on the ice. Kael looked up at the crowd: in my direction, our eyes met. He was caught unaware, a smile flashed across his face for a second, before disappearing. Did I see that correctly? Kael rarely smiled.

The game continued, players on both sides struggled with the puck.

In a short while, the horn blared, it was the second intermission— I think. The players got out of the ice, they probably went to take a rest, or strategize their plans.

Someone walked up to me and sat beside me, not someone: It was Camila. She waved at me with a smile.

She came to the game too?

“Didn't know you were into hockey,” she said.

I wasn't into hockey, me being here wasn't out of choice, but I couldn't tell that to her, Kael warned me not to tell anyone about the stuff.

“I just wanted to catch this game,” I replied.

And also, it would seem silly for her to find out that I was forced by my bully to attend his game.

“It's cool right?”

“Yeah.”

To be honest… I was kinda enjoying the game.

“We must finish off the Northernways tonight,” she said aggressively.

“And why is that?”

“My ex boyfriend is from there.”

I almost chuckled at her statement.

Camila chattered about hockey and stuff, filling me with all the details I needed to know for now. I think she was an ice hockey queen, she seemed to know all about the game.

At the third period, the audience were on high ends; no one wanted the game to end with a score of 1-1.

Players skated around the ice, defensemen on high alerts, they watched for the puck even before it got to the blue line.

Kael skated forward, snatching the puck from a defenseman, then passing it to a forward. He crossed the line and the forward passed back to him. Without hesitation, Kael fired the puck into the net, the goalie was caught unaware. The crowd roared in a loud cheer.

I stood up from my seat and cheered too. The look on Camila's face made me realize what I just did. It was kinda awkward, but it wasn't wrong though, I just cheered for my school’s team, even if the person that scored was supposed to be my archenemy.

“I guess we are winning the game tonight,” her chubby face wore a bright smile.

“Yeah,” I agreed.

In a few minutes, the game was over, we won with a final score of 2-1.

I watched the cheerleaders do their thing; Linda jumping around with pompom in her hands. I figured out why Linda always felt like she was special. Asides Kael, she was my second bully, alongsides her minions.

Well… that's my life, just the nerdy poor girl with glasses and the others were pretty girls above my standards.

Camila and I walked out in sync, I bade her goodbye. She came with her elder brother and they left together in his car. I stood at the entrance of the arena watching people leave.

I heaved a deep sigh, I didn't come with any money on me, I would have to walk back home. It was late already, the game took a whooping 2 hours.

“Hey Milky,” Kael's voice called from afar. He broke out amidst his teammates, as they all found their way. He moved towards me.

He had already changed into casual clothes, looking neat and handsome as always. His hair was a little damp, maybe he had a shower.

“You're coming with me,” he said, holding my hand and pulling me towards his car.

He didn't have to pull me, I didn't say I wouldn’t come with him.

“Thank you,” I settled into his car and he started the engine.

He didn't frown his face like he always did, he gave a plane look as he focused on the road.

‘He kinda looks more handsome this way… what are you thinking Akira?’

“Did you enjoy the game?” He asked abruptly.

I did, but I won't give him the satisfaction of knowing that. I took a big risk by coming here tonight and I don't want that to be repeated.

“Not really.”

“Fine… you won the bet, I will let you tutor me tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow? I have to tutor you for 5 months,” I cringed.

“Nah… If you keep doing my tasks correctly, I would let you tutor me for longer,” he replied nonchalantly.

Is this guy crazy? Why would I do his tasks before getting to tutor him? What have I gotten myself into?

“That isn't…”

“I don't wanna know,” he cuts me off.

Damn! I am doomed.

I didn't utter a single more word till

he dropped me off, his house was just across my block; I easily found my way home.

I snuck back in. Graciously, my mum didn't notice a thing.