Chapter:4 Campus Rivalry

The morning sun spilled over the campus as Caleb strolled toward his classroom, skateboard casually slung over his shoulder. Even though yesterday’s near-crash with the mysterious, grumpy man—Callisto—still lingered in his mind, he tried to act normal. Focus, Caleb. You can’t stare at him all day. Campus life exists too… kind of.

“Caleb! Over here!” Max called from the bench outside the lecture hall, waving energetically.

Caleb jogged over, grinning. “What did I do this time?”

Max smirked, lightly punching Caleb on the shoulder. “Seriously, you’re impossible. You forgot to bring the assignment again, didn’t you?”

Caleb chuckled. “Maybe… but at least I didn’t almost die in front of a car yesterday.”

They both laughed, and for a second, Caleb let himself imagine Callisto frowning in disapproval if he had been there to witness it. He’d probably glare and scold me… God, I can’t stop thinking about him…

That’s when Maxi entered the classroom. Caleb didn’t notice immediately, but Max’s smirk widened. “Uh-oh… someone looks grumpy.”

Maxi’s dark eyes scanned the room, immediately landing on Caleb and Max. The way Max playfully hit Caleb’s shoulder and Caleb’s cheeky grin made Maxi’s jaw tighten. Why does Caleb have to be everywhere? And why is Max laughing with him like that? Does he even notice me? No… I can’t let this slide…

Dropping his bag heavily, Maxi chose a seat where he could glare at both. Caleb, glancing briefly in his direction, noticed the scowl but didn’t care—he was too busy teasing Max again. Max… you’re too easy to mess with, Caleb thought, nudging him playfully.

Throughout the morning, Maxi couldn’t stop himself from throwing subtle jabs. “Try not to trip over your own ego today, will you?” he muttered as Caleb passed by.

Caleb grinned without missing a beat. “Thanks for the advice, grumpy guy. I’ll try not to hurt your feelings.” Internally, he thought, Huh… he seems like he’s always on edge. I kinda like that. Makes him… intense.

Max rolled his eyes. “Don’t provoke him, Caleb…” But Caleb just smirked. Provoking him is half the fun. Look at that glare… priceless.

By the afternoon, it was time for sports. The teacher divided the students into teams, announcing a casual basketball match. Caleb stretched, already buzzing with energy. Finally… something to do other than obsess over the grumpy stranger.

Maxi’s eyes narrowed as he watched Caleb warm up. This is my chance. I can show that I’m better than him… maybe Max will notice me instead of that annoying Caleb.

The moment the game started, it became a chaotic battle of style versus intensity. Caleb’s flashy, playful moves made him grin with every successful trick. He loved showing off—not for anyone, just for the thrill. Maxi’s serious, precise movements contrasted sharply, every step full of determination.

Caleb caught himself glancing at Max a few times, laughing at his over-the-top cheering. Okay… maybe I’m also showing off a little for him too… not that he’d notice if I winked at him…

Maxi’s thoughts were a mess of frustration. Why does he have to be so good at everything? And why does Max act like he doesn’t notice me? This is impossible… I can’t let Caleb steal the spotlight again.

The match reached its peak intensity, both Caleb and Maxi exhausted, sweat dripping, adrenaline pumping. Each tried to outmaneuver the other, Caleb with playful tricks, Maxi with sheer focus. Their classmates cheered wildly, sensing the rivalry—but neither side would give up.

In the end, neither could score the winning point—the game ended in a draw. Caleb panted, laughing and brushing off the dirt. Not bad… that was fun. I wonder if Maxi will be more flustered than usual now…

Maxi’s face was red, jaw tight, eyes still glaring daggers. He muttered under his breath, clearly not over the loss. Next time… I’ll crush him. Just wait…

Caleb hopped on his skateboard, laughing. “Oh, I’m counting on it. Can’t wait to see what you’ll do next time.”

Max clapped both of them on the shoulders, shaking his head. “You two are ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous.”

As they left the field, Caleb let his mind wander briefly, imagining that grumpy man from yesterday—Callisto. But with Maxi now a constant, hilarious rival at school, Caleb had plenty to keep him distracted… at least for a little while. Though… I can’t stop thinking about him. Not even for a second.

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