10

Brian’s POV

He fell.

I panicked, really panicked. It seemed like his face hit the ground quite hard. But I still maintained my composure, not wanting to overreact.

Brian was a cold and mysterious man, or at least that's what I always remembered when my heart and mind started to go overboard for Dylan.

"Twenty-five times, and you've already failed. I'm starting to doubt practicing with you tomorrow," I said to Dylan, trying to keep my cool.

Dylan looked at me sharply and raised an eyebrow. He seemed very irritated.

"What did you say? Are you underestimating me?" Dylan asked.

"I'm not underestimating you, but I just find it hard to believe considering your strength. You fell on the twentieth count; your muscles are quite weak," I replied.

Dylan immediately stood up and stared at me angrily, saying, "In that case, why don't we have a contest right now? Two hundred push-ups each! Can you handle it, nerd boy?"

"Hey, what are you guys doing?!"

A voice came from the balcony above; I turned to see Jeremy vaping.

"Nothing, just a challenge between two young men," Dylan replied.

"It sounds interesting. What kind of challenge are you doing?" Jeremy asked.

"Two hundred push-ups each," Dylan shouted.

Actually, I hoped Dylan would keep quiet. From Jeremy's expression, he looked interested and would most likely join us. Ah, you might be wondering why I could withstand the sunlight even though I'm a vampire; that's because we've undergone evolution. The only evolution that didn't work on me was human blood.

"Well, then, let's do it together!"

Jeremy immediately entered the room with enthusiasm. Dylan turned to me; we exchanged glances as if we had no other choice but to accept Jeremy and the others.

"It looks like they're going to join; do you mind?" Dylan asked.

Damn!

Maybe for you, the question Dylan asked was casual and insignificant. But not for me. He seemed to be paying attention to my feelings; he cared about me. Haha! Please, let me be happy with my own thoughts.

"No, why should I mind?" I replied.

Dylan furrowed his brow and shrugged. He didn't respond with words. Sometimes, when Dylan suddenly became indifferent after seeming to care about me, it could drive me crazy. I don't know; the heart of a vampire like me is hard to predict. I understand that; I know I'm overthinking it.

"Honey! We have a great plan for this match!"

Theressa's high-pitched voice rang out from inside Dylan's house. She seemed to be running hurriedly toward us.

This was what I feared; Jeremy and the others must have come up with something crazy for this match.

"What?" Dylan asked.

"So, since you guys said you wanted to have a push-up contest, we, as your partners, have planned to give a prize! The winner will get a kiss, concert tickets, and a romantic dinner! Of course, this is sponsored by our lord, Sam!" Catherine exclaimed loudly. Cheers and applause accompanied their conversation.

Honestly, I already felt bad. They must be doing all of this for Ashley and me.

"What? Isn't that a bit over the top? A kiss? Isn't that something normal? How can you turn it into a prize?" Dylan asked.

"Um... of course it can! So, let's just start the contest!" Catherine replied, panicking.

I knew they had planned this to trap me. Ashley even had a shy expression, annoying!

Sam and Jeremy immediately ran towards us, ready to participate. However, Dylan still stood there with a confused look, as if he didn't want them to join us.

"Wait a minute! Don't start if it's not clear yet. What about the loser?" Dylan asked.

"Uh, the loser will be locked in a room for twelve hours without being allowed to leave! You'll only be given something to drink! Of course, you'll be locked in together with your partner," Nania replied.

Oh my God! This was clearly a disadvantage for me!

"What?! But—"

"Come on, Dylan! It's scorching today! It's not worth arguing over such small things!" Jeremy immediately hugged Dylan and brought him over to us. Dylan's position was slightly ahead of the rest of us. Honestly, I wanted to leave them all. But if that happened, I could guarantee that the ambiance between us would be very awkward.

I didn't want to miss the opportunity to get closer to Dylan. Maybe this was part of my struggle to get closer to him.

I immediately positioned myself and got ready. I did this to ensure Dylan wouldn't argue about the insignificant prizes and punishments. Even though he didn't show that everything was done for my sake, my heart told me he did want to make me comfortable, albeit as a friend rather than what I hoped for.

"Okay, on the count of three, you can start! Just one hundred times; we can't stand here in the sun any longer!" Theressa shouted. "One, two, three, go!"

The four of us started doing push-ups. Honestly, even if I lost, I didn't care. If Ashley expected me to impress her, then that was her mistake. There was really nothing in it for me.

"Akh!"

Sam, who was right next to me, yelled. He lost first. Shortly after, Jeremy did the same. Now, it was just Dylan and me left. I wanted to drop to the ground, but there was something in me that didn't want to show my weakness in front of Dylan.

The girls' count was at 70, and their cheers were encouraging. None of them shouted Dylan's name. This further convinced me that they had indeed orchestrated all of this so that I would win and kiss Ashley.

"Akh!"

I was the winner. Yes, when the count reached 85, Dylan fell. I looked at him, and I could see that his eyes and face were too tired. I was sure he didn't intentionally fall.

Cheers of joy came from the girls, and Jeremy and Sam were high-fiving each other. "Congrats, Brian! You're amazing! Now, you'll get a kiss from... ASHLEY!" Theressa yelled loudly. Everyone clapped happily, and the only person who remained silent was Dylan.

I didn't react at all, and my expression remained blank. What was I supposed to do? Shout? Big NO.

"Kiss him! Kiss him! Kiss him!"

All five of them chanted and clapped enthusiastically, and my ears hurt. It was truly annoying.

"Come on, Ashley!" Theressa shouted as she pushed Ashley towards me.

Slowly, Ashley approached, her face blushing as she looked at me. The closer she got, the more the five of them cheered us on enthusiastically.

I glanced at Dylan when Ashley arrived in front of me. He raised both of his eyebrows with an expressionless face.

"Brian, I'll give you a... gift...." Ashley said, then immediately closed her eyes. Now, what should I do?