As the chatter of the cafeteria buzzed around them, Alex leaned closer to Ronan, his expression serious. "I really need your help Ronan."
Ronan, still enjoying his burger. "What do you need?" wiping his mouth with a napkin.
Alex looks around to ensure no one else is listening. "So, yesterday, my mom introduced that gir- who talked with us just now- as my fiancée."
Ronan choked on his burger, quickly setting down the half-eaten sandwich. "Wait, what? You're kidding, right?"
"No, I'm serious!" Alex replied, his voice a mix of anxiety and confusion. "I thought she was just a friend. I hadn't even met her before this! My mom just decided to make her my fiancée."
Ronan leaned back in his chair, the weight of the moment sinking in. "You're in my same situation, bro. My mom picked Celia as my fiancee," he said, his voice unsteady slightly. "I was a kid then, so I didn't understand what it really meant."
As Ronan spoke, Alex noticed the sadness in his eyes—the way his brow furrowed and his lips tightened.
Ronan shook his head, trying to mask the vulnerability beneath a forced grin. "What is it with our moms and these surprise engagements?" he added, shaking his head. "Do they have a secret club or something?"
"Honestly, I think they do!" Alex chuckled, though the humor felt hollow. "What are we supposed to do now? I can't just go along with this!"
Ronan took a breath, the lingering sadness still in his voice. "Look, let's figure it out together. First, we need to meet her and maybe turn this into a friendship. You never know—she could end up being really cool. But if not, we'll plan a dramatic escape."
Alex sighed, half-smiling, half-groaning. "I just wanted to focus on my studies, not navigate a romance plot."
Ronan grinned, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Welcome to adulthood, my friend. But hey, at least we're in this mess together."
Ronan leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "So, what do you think She thinks about all this? You must have picked up some vibe from her."
Alex says "I met her for the first time yesterday. Her name is Serina," he replied, rubbing the back of his neck, still feeling the weight of the unexpected engagement. "When my mom told that we were getting engaged, serina looked just as surprised as I was."
Ronan raised an eyebrow. "Surprised? well that is a good sign, at least. Maybe she's not completely on board with this whole arrangement."
"Yeah, but it is hard to tell," Alex said, a hint of stress. "I barely know her! How do I even start to get to know someone who's suddenly supposed to be my fiancée?"
(Author coments: Bro thats why it is called marriage. Well i dont understand why but every man says this on their marriage...sigh)
Ronan's mind considereding the options. "How about, I talk to your mom about this?" he suggested.
Alex says "You really think that's a good idea? What if my mom tries to push for the engagement even more?"
Ronan with a mischievous in his eyes. "Then how about this: I just kill Serina. Isn't that simpler?"
Alex chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, because that'll definitely solve all my problems! I can just imagine the headlines: 'Teen kills his to be soon wife to escape engagement!'"
"Hey, at least you'd get some attention!" Ronan shot back, laughter spilling from him. "But seriously, let's try to avoid any extreme measures."
"Agreed," Alex said, still smiling. "Maybe just a little persuasion will do the trick."
"Alright, then it's settled," Ronan said, his voice firm. "Let's talk to your mom together. We'll figure this out and keep it from getting too complicated."
Alex nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude for Ronan's support. "Thanks, man."
"Just doing what friends are for," Ronan replied, a genuine smile breaking through his earlier sadness. "Now, let's finish lunch before we head out. I'm starving."
Finishing his lunch, Alex leaned back in his chair. "You know Ronan, you should think about joining a club or something." It might help you meet new people and take your mind off things."
Ronan shook his head firmly. "Clubs require socializing, and I'm not really interested in that. I'd rather be free to do my own thing without all the group drama."
"Come on, it wouldn't hurt to try," Alex urged, leaning forward. "You could find something you actually enjoy."
Ronan crossed his arms, a stubborn look on his face. "I'm telling you, clubs do not fit right with me"
"Alright, but you're missing out on some good experiences," Alex insisted.
"Good experiences?" Ronan raised an eyebrow, his skepticism evident. "you mean the way the club leaders bosses me around. They wouldn't surive another day to do that."
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Alex chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "Okay, but you could still have fun."
"Fun? Please," Ronan replied, dismissing the idea with a wave of his hand. "I'll pass. Just let me be free."
"Fair enough," Alex conceded. "But I'm in the basketball club. It's actually pretty fun."
Ronan smirked, a teasing glint in his eye. "Ah, the basketball club, huh? I hear guys from that club have the most exciting love stories."
Alex rolled his eyes. "Not really. I mean, I just joined to play basketball. No crazy stories here."
"See? that's what I am talking about," Ronan said, shaking his head. "Count me out."
"Alright, alright. I get it," Alex replied with a grin. "Just remember, you're missing out on some good times."
"Good times can happen without clubs, my friend," Ronan shot back, his tone playful yet resolute. "I'll find my fun my way."
After finishing their lunch, Alex stood up. "I'm heading to basketball practice. You should come watch!"
Ronan says "Nah, I think I will just chill here. It sounds way too energetic for my taste."
Alex laughed, shaking his head. "Alright, suit yourself. I'll catch you later!"
As Alex jogged toward the basketball court, Ronan passed a nearby tree, its thick branches spreading out like an inviting space. He climbed on to a thick branch, positioning himself to get a better view of the game.
As the game began, Ronan noticed that the girls were gathered on the sidelines with their eyes fixed on the Alex. They laughed, cheered and turned their attention to Alex and the other players, but Alex was clearly the favorite.
Ronan smirked, watching as one girl, with vibrant hair and an infectious smile, fawned over Alex, clapping her hands and shouting encouragement. It was amusing to see how effortlessly Alex charmed people, completely oblivious to their admiration.
"Go, Alex! You've got this!" she shouted, and Ronan could see his friend's cheeks flush as he caught her eye and grinned back.
As the game progressed, Ronan leaned forward, a bemused expression on his face. The energy of the game was infectious, and he found himself enjoying the scene more than he expected. The players' movements, the fierce competition, and the cheers from the sidelines—there was something thrilling about it all.
"Hey, Ronan!" called one of the girls from below, noticing him perched in the tree. "Why aren't you down here? You should join us!"
Ronan waved dismissively, chuckling to himself. "Nah, I'm good up here. Enjoying the prime view from my throne!"
The girls laughed, their laughter mingling with the sounds of the game. The crowd roared as Alex made the perfect layup. "Nice shot!" Ronan yelled down, his voice carrying over the noise.
The girls laughed again, and Ronan settled back against the tree, relishing the moment. Watching his friend thrive and be surrounded by laughter and camaraderie felt good, even if he preferred to keep his distance.
As the game continued, Ronan noticed the bond forming between Alex and his teammates.It reminded him of the relationship he had before, before everything changed. He nervously pushed those thoughts aside, focusing instead on the amusement unfolding in front of him.
In that moment, under the hot sun and the joy of play, Ronan found a small luck that allowed him to be a part of the world even from the comfort of sitting in a tree
It was electric when Alex started playing the opposing team. The match was witnessed by a buzzing and cheering crowd on the court.
Alex snapped his fingers, a confident look on his face. "Let's do this," he muttered as the whistle sound began the game.
The opposing group attacked him, both violently and courageously.
"Come on, show me what you got!" Alex mocked. Then opposing team leader in fit of anger tried to hit Alex. Ronan noticing the malice swiftly makes a move stopping the puch.
Ronan says coldly "Since you want play like this. Alex substitute with me, I Will play this game" He countinued to the opposing guy "New game you and your whole team Against me alone."
The opposing guy arrogantely agreed. Ronan says in low voice "Limit reduce to 0.5%". His power reduced to a human.
The tallest player from the lead tried to stop Ronan, but with a quick side step, Ronan evaded and raced to the basket. The moment seemed almost effortless; He released the ball perfectly and it hung in the air.
Swoosh! The ball went through the net, and the crowd erupted in cheers.
"Goal!" someone shouted, but Ronan barely registered it; his focus was already shifting back to the game.
With each shot, he sensed the confidence of the opposing team slowly fading. He moved with fluidity, dodging between defenders.
With a series of quick dribbles, Ronan charged down the court again. Another opponent jumped at him, but Ronan made fake left, then spun right, making the guy lose his balance and stumble. He took a quick shot from the three-point line.
Swoosh! Another score, but the cheers faded into the background noise of the game.
The opposing team which is now shaken tried to regroup, but Ronan was unaffected. He interceptes a pass. In one fluid motion, he launched himself toward the basket again.
"Is that all you've got?" Ronan called out, a smirk dancing on his lips.
The scoreboard numbers jumping as the crowd's cheers grew. "Two!Three! Four!"
Ronan felt the energy of the audience, but it seemed more static than stirring. With each successful shot, he could see confidence fading from the opposing team, their expressions going from determined to disappointed. The excitement of the match intensified, Ronan enjoying the mounting tension, his excitement rising as he watched his opponents falter.
"Come on, give me a challenge!" he yelled.
As the clock ticked down, the opposition tried desperately to score, but Ronan was all over the place at once, blocking shots and stealing the ball with ease
He dribbled his last touch into the basket, weaving between the now defeated defenders as they scrambled to try to stop him he floated, the world around him slowed to a heartbeat.
Swoosh!
The ball went through the net for the fifth time, and the crowd erupted. "Ro-naan! Ro-naan! Ro-naan!"
Ronan landed nicely, a smile of victory on his face as he approached the unhappy opposing group that stared at him. They could not score a single point against him.
The tall one clenched his wrists, disdain wrote on his face as Ronan left the court, uninterested in the admiration or compliments of his classmates.
He briefly raised his hand in victory, happy but also satisfied as the last remnants of the opposing team's confidence faded.
The crowd cheers growing louder, as the defeated players couldn't help but turn around and hang their heads.
When the cheers of the crowd subsided, Ronan left the court feeling a excitement of destroying the confidence.
With a casual smugness, he returned to the tree he had taken earlier. The sun peeled through the leaves, climbed its branches and cast dappled shadows on the ground.
Taking a seat in a hardwood tree, he leaned back and closed his eyes slightly, letting the cool air pass over his skin. From this vantage point, he can see the whole court, where Alex and a group of his friends are happily discussing the game, their laughter filling the air.
Ronan felt a sense of satisfaction—not for ignoring his interest, but for Alex's. He knew his friend gave it his all, even if the final score didn't show it.
"Not too shabby, huh?" He thought to himself with a slight smile.