Lucas noticed the look of concern on the girls' faces as we stood there. With a kind smile, he gently asked the girl who spoke, "What is it?""We wanted to know if you could go to Winter Formal with us."I hesitated, trying to process the unexpected turn of events. Three girls, whom I assumed were part of Jessica's clique, had just asked Lucas to be their date for the Winter Formal.It was a surprising development, considering these quiet girls had previously shown no interest in Lucas due to his friendship with me.Jessica stepped forward, a triumphant smirk playing on her lips as she explained the situation. "These three girls are the only options Lucas has for the Winter Formal this year. All the pretty and popular girls have agreed not to go with him because of his association with Shana."The words hit me like a punch to the gut. I couldn't understand why attending a formal event had become such a big deal, and it pained me to see these girls being humiliated because of me.One o

As the rumors and gossip continued to swirl around us, Lucas and I chose to ignore the noise. We poured all our energy into our training, finding solace and strength within its confines.I never thought I would say this, but I was starting to love training.It had become an outlet for my pain and suffering, a place where I could release my emotions and channel my aggression. The physical exertion allowed me to numb some of the pain, and I found release in hitting, punching, and kicking with fierce determination.Lucas couldn't help but notice the intensity behind my sudden bursts of aggression.His wide eyes and raised brows mirrored his astonishment. "You're scary when you look at me like that," he once remarked, his voice tinged with both amusement and awe. "Your eyes are all glossy and... feisty."I couldn't resist teasing him, pointing to the dummy bag next to me. "You should see how I look at the dummy," I joked, a mischievous glint in my eyes.Our training sessions became a deli

The tension between Jessica and me had reached its breaking point. Despite my efforts to prove myself and gain respect through my training, Jessica's relentless animosity seemed to grow as our training period went on.She never took her eyes off me the entire afternoon, and I knew that she was planning something.It was as if she couldn't stand the thought of me rising above her.Once the bell rang, signaling the end of class, I rushed out of the doors, trying to get as far away from her as possible.The air was suffocating me with the lingering hostility. The whispers and sidelong glances from Jessica's followers made it clear that they were eagerly awaiting something-- most likely the next chapter in our ongoing feud.I tried to storm down the hallway as fast as I could, determined to leave the school before Jessica caught me again.Lucas wasn’t here today, and I wasn’t stupid enough to train alone after school today. I just wanted to get home as soon as possible.For the first time

As the school day progressed, I found myself constantly checking my phone, eagerly exchanging texts with Lucas.The Dragon hockey team had an important game against another top team in the city.The competition in this city has reached a fever pitch.Unfortunately, the game is scheduled on a school day, meaning I can’t attend. But luckily, it doesn't start until the evening.I might be able to catch the game after school.Missing Lucas, I kept cheering him on through our text messages.Shana: Hey, Captain Dragon! Don't forget to score some goals for me today. I'm expecting lots of goals made in my honor.Lucas: Haha, of course! Anything for you. I'll make sure to dedicate every goal to you.Lucas: I wish you were here to witness it in person.Shana: Me too. But I'll try to get there as fast as I can once school's over. I'm already counting down the minutes.Lucas: I'll be waiting for you!Shana: We should celebrate after your win. Maybe some French fries and ice cream?Lucas: We haven

Lucas POVThe final buzzer rang out, echoing through the rink as James unleashed a powerful shot, sending the puck soaring past the opposing team's goalie and into the net.The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, filling the air with electric energy.We had done it.As the chaos of celebration ensued, my teammates enveloped me in shouts and high-fives.Their happiness was contagious, and I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming surge of pride. It had been a difficult game, but we had emerged triumphant once again."James! James! James!" The chant rose through the rink, a testament to his incredible performance. Some of the guys even attempted to lift him up.Laughter filled the air as a few stumbled, their blades barely keeping them upright on the icy surface.Sam, his face flushed with exertion, struggled to lift James. "Man, you're so heavy! What have you been eating?"James shot me a knowing grin, his eyes sparkling mischievously. He was probably thinking about all the cookies