Leveling up With You

Beneath the dazzling lights, I stood on the podium with my teammates.Luna Doyle, my girlfriend, approached me holding a bouquet.She had promised that when I won the national championship, she'd announce our relationship to the world.Tonight, she seemed to be here specifically to give me the flowers, choosing roses that symbolized love.This was the first time she'd ever given me flowers, and her expression was filled with such deep affection.I blushed, trying to control the excitement in my heart, my eyes fixed on her as she walked toward me.In my mind, I had already planned it: As soon as she handed me the flowers, I would drop to one knee, pull out the ring, and propose to her live on national television.Even though we had fought over trivial things just yesterday.But who doesn't argue in a relationship, right?I nervously rubbed the ring in my pocket."Congratulations on winning the championship!" Luna said, extending the flowers.I was eagerly preparing to accept

Luna had never cared enough to do anything like this for me.Even on my birthday, when I casually mentioned wanting a cake, she'd just grumble about how we were adults and didn't need to bother with such pointless formalities.Yet here she was, in front of everyone, preparing such a grand surprise for Hugo.It became clear to me: Only when someone truly cared would they put in the effort.Teagan observed my reaction, clearly pleased with the effect it had on me.A knowing smile played on her face, and it felt like a sharp jab to my heart.After the meet-and-greet, Luna returned to the private room with Hugo.Teagan quickly went up to her, looping her arm with Luna's, and teased, "Luna, you've gone all out for Hugo's surprise. Aren't you worried your boyfriend might get jealous?"Luna stiffened at the comment, and then her eyes flicked to me, guilt flashing in her gaze."Next time, for your birthday or our anniversary, I'll make sure to prepare a surprise like that for you too,

In the meeting room, the boss, Greg Manning, deliberately praised Hugo, mentioning that the collaborative couple short video with Luna had gained a lot of attention online, boosting the studio's revenue.Then, he shifted the conversation. "We've decided to restructure the team," he said, his gaze lingering on me. Hugo's smug smile only confirmed my growing suspicion.Sure enough, Greg turned to me. "Joseph, you've worked hard these past two years, so… to give you more time to rest, we've decided to relieve you from the upcoming matches. Hugo will take over your role as the jungler, and from now on, he'll lead the team into competition. Don't worry. Since you're a long-time member of the team, I won't overlook your contributions. In the meantime, you'll help out with the logistics department."Kicking me off the team right after I had won a championship—wasn't that just throwing me away when I was no longer useful?I couldn't help but chuckle bitterly. "Thank you for your considerat

I turned in surprise to the nurse, whose eyes were practically sparkling with excitement.I couldn't help but let out a small smile, though it was a resigned one. "You're kidding, right?"My hand was ruined. How could I possibly keep competing?"I'm serious!" she insisted eagerly.She quickly pulled down her mask, revealing a fresh and charming face."Look, this is my new team. We're just missing a jungler. Joseph, I've actually been a fan of yours for a long time. Please consider it. We really need you on our team."With that, she pulled out her phone and showed me the details about the team.It was the Bermuda team, with full backing from Madison White herself.I stared at her in disbelief. "You really created a team?"But that name—Madison White—sounded so familiar. Wasn't that the name of the daughter of the real estate tycoon who ran White Properties?"Is your father Jerome White?" I asked, still processing.Madison blushed, nodding shyly. "Yes, that's my father.""T

In the video, I held a bouquet in one hand and a takeout box in the other, walking toward Luna. I reached out to wipe the sweat from her forehead, then carefully adjusted her clothes. But Luna's gaze seemed to never linger on me. The scene shifted, and on the screen, I was pleading with Luna to stay. Without hesitation, she turned away from me, leaving nothing but her cold, indifferent back.When I was in love, I didn't notice it, but now, from the perspective of an outsider, I looked like nothing more than her loyal servant.Madison looked at me with concern. "They must feel threatened by you; that's why they're resorting to such underhanded tactics. Don't let it mess with your game."I nodded softly, already resolute. After all this preparation, a few rumors couldn't shake me.But before I could fully process it, Luna came to see me in person."Joseph, I'm sorry. I didn't realize how much you've done for me," she said, her voice filled with regret. "I've always been the one