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  Part- 319:

  James’s eyes softened, and he leaned back, sidering her words. “I get it. It’s a weird situation we’re in. But I promise you, it’s just for show. Mili and I are good friends, and that’s all it is.”

  She nodded, relief washing over her. “I know, but sometimes it feels like more.”

  “Maybe it’s just because we’ve been spending a lot of time together. You know, with the whole fake retionship thing,” he said, a hint of pyfulness returning to his voice. “It get a little fusing.”

  “Right,” Toya replied, her smile tentative. “I just wao make sure we’re on the same page.”

  James reached across the table, his hand brushing against hers, sending a jolt of warmth through her. “We are. This is just a temporary arra, right?”

  “Yeah, just temporary,” she echoed, but even as she said it, a part of her wished it wasn’t.

  Dipa returned, oblivious to the tension that had filled the air. “Sorry about that! Just a quick chat with my mom. What did I miss?”

  “Nothing much,” James said, pulling back his hand.

  “Just catg up,” Toya added, her heart still rag.

  Mili remained silent, still processing what was happening. James sighed and expihe euation to Mili and Dipa. While Mili found it bothersome, she reassured herself that it didn’t her since she and James weren't in a retionship; they were merely childhood friends, nothing more.

  Dipa smiled, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Let’s take some selfies! I want to remember this day.”

  They gathered together, the warmth of friendship enveloping them as they took turns snapping pictures, ughing at silly poses and expressions. For the moment, the awkwardness faded away, leaving only the lightness of camaraderie.

  Later that night, as Toya y in bed, she thought about the day’s events. The tension with James had shifted, but a lingering feeling of uainty remained. What did she truly want from their retionship? Was she willing to risk their friendship for something more?

  The match was just around the er, and the prospect of seeing James in a ignited a spark of excitement within her. Maybe she could cheer him on, support him in a way that felt genuine.

  With a sigh, Toya picked up her phone a a quick message to James: *Good luorrow. I’ll be cheering for you!*

  As she hit send, she felt a rush of anticipation. Maybe she didn’t o have all the answers just yet. For now, she could focus on supp him, enjoying the ride, aing her feelings unfold naturally.

  Tomorrow would e with its own challenges, but Toya was ready to face whatever y ahead.

  The m sun bathed the outdoor stadium in soft golden light, warming the cold steel bleachers that surrouhe petition floor. James stood alone o, his breathing steady as he flowed through his warm-up routine. His muscles stretched and tracted with each precise movement, honed from months of relentless practice. But despite the familiar rhythm, his mind buzzed with excitement, and his heart drummed in anticipation.

  **[Mission 26: If you defeat the oppo in the final match, you will receive an Ultimate Skill.]**