The morning sun shines a soft glow over the campus as Lychie stands outside the STEM building, taking deep breaths to calm her nerves. The air is crisp, but it does little to ease the slight tremble in her hands.

Just then, a presence beside her makes her turn, Kent, standing unknowingly next to her, hands casually tucked into his pockets.

Lychie swallows. How long has he been here?

Kent, noticing her gaze, gives her a small nod.

Kent: "Nervous?"

Lychie shifts on her feet, trying to hide it.

Lychie: "A little... okay, maybe a lot."

Kent chuckles softly, then leans slightly toward her, lowering his voice.

Kent: "You'll do fine. Just focus. Samantha from ABM can be aggressive with her plays, but don't let her dictate the game. Take your time."

Lychie blinks, surprised at his advice.

Lychie: "You know her style?"

Kent: "Of course. I've played against her before. She's strong, but not unbeatable." He pauses, then adds with a small smirk "And you? You've been improving. You got this."

Lychie exhales slowly, feeling both nervous and relieved. It's comforting that Kent believes in her, even if she isn't sure of herself yet.

Lychie: "Thanks... I think I needed that."

Kent gives her a reassuring pat on the shoulder before stepping ahead toward the entrance.

Kent: "Now go show them what you're made of."

Lychie watches as he walks inside, her heart still pounding, though now, it's not just from nerves.

Kent suddenly stops before entering the room and turns back to Lychie with a smirk, his eyes glinting with mischief.

Kent: "Oh, and don't forget about our bet."

Lychie, who was already feeling nervous, tenses up even more. She blinks at him, pretending not to remember.

Lychie: "Bet? What bet?" She tilts her head, playing dumb.

Kent lets out a chuckle, clearly not buying her act.

Kent: "The one where if I win the competition, you'll go with me to a café. Just the two of us. During Christmas break." He crosses his arms, leaning slightly toward her. "But if I lose, I'll do anything you ask me to."

Lychie's face heats up. She had almost forgotten about that ridiculous bet, but now that Kent brought it up in such a casual yet teasing manner, her heart starts racing.

Lychie: "You sound so confident. What if I actually win?" She crosses her arms, trying to act tough.

Kent: "Then I'll accept my fate." He shrugs, grinning. "But I don't plan on losing, so better start picking which café you wanna visit."

Lychie clicks her tongue in frustration, knowing full well that Kent is skilled. Still, she refuses to back down.

Lychie: "You better prepare yourself, Kent. I already have a long list of things I'll make you do if you lose."

Kent: "Oh?" He raises an eyebrow, amused. "Now I'm even more motivated to win."

Lychie rolls her eyes but can't help the small smile forming on her lips.

Lychie: "Just focus on your game, you show-off."

Kent: "You too, champ." He winks before finally heading inside.

Lychie takes a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. What did I even get myself into?

IAN's POV

From the second floor of the HUMSS building, Ian stood by the railing, his sharp eyes fixed on the scene below. His expression remained neutral, but there was a slight crease on his forehead as he watched Kent and Lychie talking outside the STEM building.

He didn't miss the way Kent leaned toward her, the playful smirk on his face, or how Lychie flustered as ever, crossed her arms in mock defiance. Then there was that wink. That damn wink.

Ian exhaled sharply, crossing his arms over his chest.

Ian (muttering to himself): "Tch. Irritating."

His jaw tightened slightly as he watched Kent finally walk into the room, leaving Lychie standing there, deep in thought. For some reason, that annoyed him even more.

Ian (thinking): "Why do I even care?"

With an irritated sigh, he pushed himself off the railing and walked away, deciding he had seen enough.

__________________

As Lychie stepped inside the room, she immediately spotted Katherine, one of her classmates from HUMSS, already seated at the chessboard with an air of arrogance. Katherine smirked as Lychie took her seat across from her, arms crossed as if she had already won.

Katherine: "Didn't expect you to be here, Lychie. Chess doesn't really seem like your thing. Sure you're in the right room?"

Lychie simply smiled, her composure unwavering.

Lychie: "Oh, I'm pretty sure I am. But if you're doubting yourself, you can still back out, you know."

Katherine scoffed but said nothing more. The match began, and with each move, the tension between them grew. Katherine played aggressively, trying to pressure Lychie into making mistakes, but Lychie remained calm, carefully planning her counterattacks.

They lasted three rounds.

Katherine's confidence slowly faded with every loss, her frustration displayed in the way she clenched her fists after every failed strategy. In the final round, Lychie delivered the decisive checkmate, leaving Katherine speechless.

Lychie leaned slightly forward, her voice laced with subtle amusement.

Lychie: "Looks like I'm in the right room after all."

Katherine huffed, clearly displeased but unable to say anything as she stood up and walked away.

Now, Lychie had a bigger challenge ahead, her next opponent was Samantha.

Lychie took a deep breath as she approached the table where Samantha was already seated, waiting for her. Unlike Katherine, Samantha wasn't one to underestimate her opponents, she was known for being both skilled and fair in every match she played. Even in debates. If Lychie would have a competition that involves brain power, Samantha is a worthy competitor.

As Lychie sat down, Samantha offered a small smile.

Samantha: "So, you're my final opponent, huh? I've heard a lot about you. Let's see if you live up to the hype."

Lychie returned the smile, feeling a little more at ease.

Lychie: "Let's just do our best."

They shook hands, exchanging a polite yet determined "Good luck," before the game began.

Unbeknownst to Lychie, Kent had positioned himself within the crowd, carefully hiding behind a group of students so she wouldn't notice him. He knew how much pressure she already had, and the last thing he wanted was to make her even more nervous. But he couldn't help it, he wanted to see how she would handle this match.

The moment the first move was made, the atmosphere in the room shifted. Samantha was precise and methodical, her strategies were well-practiced. Lychie, on the other hand, focused on adapting, recalling the lessons Kent and her father had taught her.

This match would decide everything, whether she would qualify for the tournament or not.

The tension in the room was thick as Lychie and Samantha entered their final round. Lychie had already lost once, and this was the deciding match, her last chance to qualify.

As the final round had begun, and Lychie was running out of moves. Samantha had her trapped, expertly cutting off every escape. The game had been a battle of attrition, and now, Lychie was down to only a few pieces, her king cornered with limited mobility.

Kent, watching from the crowd, felt his pulse quicken. 

Kent thoughts:  She's got to see it... come on, Lychie.

Samantha confidently moved her rook to d4, tightening the noose. "Check."

Lychie stared at the board, her mind is seeking through every possible escape. Then, as if a switch flipped, her father's words echoed in her mind:

"If you're out of moves, you're looking at the board the wrong way."

She exhaled sharply. There is a way.

Instead of reacting defensively, she shifted her approach. Instead of fleeing, she attacked.

Lychie moved her bishop to g5, pinning Samantha's queen to her king. Samantha's brows furrowed slightly, but she remained composed.

"Good move," she murmured, retreating her queen to h6 to avoid the pin.

Lychie didn't hesitate. She immediately advanced her knight to e7, delivering a fork, a double attack on Samantha's king and rook.

The crowd murmured as Samantha realized her mistake.

Kent smirked. Brilliant.

Forced to move her king to safety at f8, Samantha had no choice but to sacrifice her rook. Lychie swiftly captured it, gaining material advantage.

Now, Lychie had control. She moved with precision, pushing her passed pawn forward. With each move, Samantha's position crumbled until, 

Lychie: "Checkmate."

Samantha leaned back, staring at the board before letting out a small laugh.

Samantha: "Damn... you really got me there."

Lychie let out a breath she didn't even realize she was holding, her hands slightly shaking from the adrenaline. She had won. She qualified.

From the crowd, Kent couldn't hold back his grin. That's my girl.

_______________________________

Lychie sat with her friends, but unlike her usual composed self, she had her head down on the table, eyes staring blankly into space. Her lunch tray remained untouched, the food growing cold as she processed everything that had happened.

Joyane: "Lych, are you seriously just gonna sit there and have an existential crisis over chess?"

Anya: "Let her be. She just realized she actually going to compete and now she has to face the big boss."

Cale: "I mean... it is Kent."

Lychie groaned, covering her face with both hands. They're not making this any easier.

Nial: "Well, congrats, I guess. You just skipped the tutorial levels and went straight to the final boss battle."

Eddie: "We should make banners and chant your name when you go against him."

Lychie: lifted her head just enough to glare at him. "Don't you dare."

The group chuckled, but none of them knew the real reason behind her stress. It wasn't just about facing Kent in the tournament, it was about the bet. If she lost, she'd have to go to a café with him. Alone. During Christmas break.

And no one knew about that.

As the group continued teasing Lychie, Ian finally arrived, late as usual. He casually pulled out a chair and slumped down, his expression was somewhat tired and annoyed.

Joyane: "You're late. Where have you been?"

Ian didn't answer. Instead, he simply mimicked Lychie's position, shoving his head onto the table with a heavy sigh.

The group exchanged weird glances with one another.

Anya: "Uh... you good, dude?"

Ian grumbled something incoherent into the table. His posture screamed annoyed.

Cale: "Okay... so, two zombies at the table now."

Eddie: "Did you lose in a game too?"

At that, Ian lifted his head just enough to glare at Eddie before groaning and burying his face again. Ian never entered the chess tryouts, but sure he lost in a game, more like a video game that cost him thousands to lose in a bet, well, he's not really quite focused these days as his attention was spying on Lychie and Kent every given time.

Lychie, still lost in her own thoughts, barely reacted, though if she had the energy, she probably would've questioned why Ian looked as miserable as she felt.

_______________________

The scent of old books and freshly turned pages filled the quiet library. Soft sunlight filtered through the large windows, letting a golden glow over the wooden shelves. Lychie walked slowly between the rows, clutching her poetry notebook in her hands. After the events of the day, she needed a breather, something to take her mind off chess and competitions.

She stopped near the window, letting the cool afternoon breeze seep through the glass as she skimmed through the pages. But just as she was about to get lost in her poems, something, or rather, someone, caught her attention.

A few feet away, Ian stood by the window, leaning against the bookshelf with his arms crossed, eyes locked on something outside. He wasn't moving and wasn't blinking much either. Just staring.

Lychie frowned. Spacing out again?

She shut her book and took a step closer. Should I just leave him? But curiosity got the better of her.

Lychie: "Hey."

Ian didn't respond.

She tilted her head and tried again.

Lychie: "What are you doing here?"

Finally, Ian shifted his gaze slightly, acknowledging her presence. His usual nonchalant expression remained, but there was something else, something off.

Ian: "...Existing."

Lychie blinked. Seriously?

She crossed her arms and raised a brow.

Lychie: "Existing? In the library?"

Ian let out a small huff, finally peeling his eyes away from the window.

Ian: "Shouldn't you be in your club?"

Lychie: "Shouldn't you?"

Ian rolled his eyes before looking back outside, resting his chin on his hand.

Ian: "I didn't feel like going."

Something about his tone made Lychie pause. Ian always had an excuse, always brushed things off, but this? This felt different.

She followed his gaze, trying to see what had him so distracted. But outside, there was nothing special. Just students walking around, some heading to their respective clubs, others just passing time.

Lychie pursed her lips.

Lychie: "Are you okay?"

Ian scoffed, finally looking her in the eye.

Ian: "Why wouldn't I be?"

Lychie knew that was a deflection. But instead of pushing, she just sighed and leaned against the shelf beside him.

Lychie: "I don't know. You tell me."

Ian didn't answer right away. For a moment, silence settled between them. Then, without looking at her, he muttered:

Ian: "You won against Samantha."

Lychie stiffened slightly, not expecting that to be the topic.

Lychie: "...Yeah. You heard?"

Ian clicked his tongue.

Ian: "Of course I did. It's all over the campus."

Lychie wasn't sure how to respond. There was something about the way he said it that made her uneasy.

Lychie: "Are you mad about it or something?"

Ian let out a dry chuckle before finally pushing himself off the shelf.

Ian: "Why would I be mad?"

Lychie had a feeling that was a rhetorical question. But before she could say anything, Ian stuffed his hands into his pockets and turned away.

Ian: "Forget it."

And just like that, he walked off, leaving Lychie staring after him with more questions than answers.

Lychie watched as Ian disappeared behind the bookshelves, his sudden departure leaving a strange feeling in her chest. She furrowed her brows, wondering what was up with him, but eventually decided to shake it off. If he doesn't want to talk, then fine.

Letting out a sigh, she turned back to her book, flipping through the pages aimlessly.

But before she could even read a line, 

Kent: "Found you."

Lychie nearly jumped, her poetry book slipping from her grasp. She turned swiftly, only to find Kent standing there, arms crossed, a teasing smirk playing on his lips.

Lychie: "Can you not?" she scolded, clutching her chest. "You scared me!"

Kent chuckled.

Kent: "You're too easy to startle."

Lychie: "Shouldn't you be preparing for tomorrow?"

Kent: "I am." He smirked. "This is part of it."

Lychie raised an eyebrow but didn't question it further. She knew what he meant, this was their way of easing the tension before a big event. Chess was mentally exhausting, and poetry helped calm the storm in their heads.

She scooted over to make space for him by the window, and he sat down beside her, resting his arm on the table.

Lychie: "Alright, what do you want to read today?"

Kent leaned in, scanning the open pages before her.

Kent: "You pick. I trust your taste."

Lychie rolled her eyes but allowed a small smile to form. Flipping to a random poem, she began to read, her voice soft but steady. As she spoke, Kent closed his eyes slightly, absorbing the rhythm of her words, letting them wash over him like a steady tide.

For a while, there was no pressure, no competition, just the quiet sanctuary of the library and the sound of poetry filling the space between them.

As Lychie finished reading, a comfortable silence settled between them. The tension from the upcoming competition seemed to fade, if only for a moment. Kent leaned back slightly, stretching his arms before glancing at her.

Kent: "So... you think you'll be okay for tomorrow?"

Lychie blinked at the sudden question. She had been so absorbed in the poetry that she almost forgot about the match. Almost.

Lychie: scoffs lightly "You should be asking yourself that. You're up against me, remember?"

Kent smirked at her confidence, but before he could say anything, Lychie continued.

Lychie: "Besides, I haven't forgotten about the bet you arranged."

Kent raised an eyebrow, clearly amused.

Kent: "Oh? You mean the one where you have to go with me to a café if I win?"

Lychie nodded, avoiding his gaze as she fiddled with the corner of the book.

Kent chuckled at her reaction. The sight of her being a little flustered was rare, and he wasn't about to let it go unnoticed.

Kent: "Are you nervous about the match or about spending time alone with me?"

Lychie's eyes snapped up to his, her face heating up slightly.

Lychie: "Neither."

Kent let out another small chuckle, shaking his head.

Kent: "Alright, alright. Just making sure."

Lychie crossed her arms, trying to compose herself, but deep down, she knew tomorrow wasn't just about the game, it was about the stakes that came with it. And somehow, that made things even more nerve-wracking

The golden hues of the setting sun stretched across the pavement, casting long shadows as the afternoon breeze gently rustled the trees. Lychie stood near the waiting shed, arms loosely crossed, her mind lost in thought. The chess competition was tomorrow, and no matter how much she tried to shake the nerves, they still lingered.

Just then, footsteps approached.

Nial: "Hey, shouldn't you be celebrating? You made it to the tournament, after all."

Lychie turned her head to see Nial and Cale walking toward her, both looking at ease after a long school day.

Cale: "Or are you secretly panicking? You're spacing out"

Lychie sighed and leaned against the waiting shed post.

Lychie: "Not panicking... just thinking. A lot."

Nial: raising a brow "Over chess?"

Cale:  "Or maybe... something else?"

Lychie shot him a look.

Lychie: "You guys are overthinking. It's just the competition."

Nial: shrugging "Makes sense. Kent's no joke when it comes to chess. You sure you're ready?"

Lychie hesitated for a moment before nodding.

Lychie: "I have to be."

Cale and Nial exchanged a glance before Cale chuckled.

Cale: "Man, I kinda feel bad for you. If it were me, I'd already be sweating."

Nial: "You'd be sweating even without a competition, Cale."

Lychie shook her head with a small laugh. Before she could say anything else, her service car pulled up.

Lychie:  "Anyway, I'll see you guys tomorrow."

Nial: "Yeah, and don't overthink it too much. Just see it like a debate competition like you always do, you know apply it to a game and read your opponent well"

Cale: grinning  "Or else Kent might read your mind and win before you even move a piece."

Lychie rolled her eyes but waved at them as she got into the car. As the vehicle pulled away, she leaned her head back against the seat.

They didn't know about the bet.

And for now, she planned to keep it that way.

________________________

Lychie arrived home, feeling the weight of the day still lingering on her shoulders. As she stepped inside, she heard a familiar yet foreign language being spoken fluently.

Her gaze landed on Aine, who was sitting cross-legged on the couch, her iPad propped up as she spoke in Japanese. Aine's voice was smooth, switching effortlessly between casual and respectful speech.

Aine: はい、おばあちゃん！元気だよ。学校も楽しいし、Lychieとも遊んでる！
             Hai, Obaa-chan! Genki da yo. Gakkou mo tanoshii shi, Lychie to mo asonderu!
             Yes, Grandma! I'm doing well. School is fun, and I've been spending time with Lychie too!

A short pause followed as her grandmother spoke on the other end. Lychie couldn't understand most of it, but she caught a few familiar words.

Aine: うん、勉強も頑張ってるよ。でもね、おばあちゃん、日本の食べ物が恋しいよ！
             Un, benkyou mo ganbatteru yo. Demo ne, Obaa-chan, Nihon no tabemono ga koishii yo!                 Yeah, I'm studying hard. But you know, Grandma, I really miss Japanese food!)

Another pause. Aine laughed softly, nodding along to whatever was being said.

Lychie, still standing by the entrance, observed the scene with mild curiosity. She had always known Aine was half-Japanese, but it still fascinated her how easily she could switch between languages.

Just then, Aine noticed her. A small grin formed on her lips as she lifted a hand in greeting.

Aine: whispering to Lychie  "Grandma wants to talk to you."

Lychie's eyes widened slightly, shaking her head with a nervous smile. She wasn't prepared for that. Instead, she just offered a small wave toward the screen, hoping that was enough.

Aine chuckled before returning her attention to her grandmother. Lychie, on the other hand, decided to quietly retreat to her room, leaving Aine to her conversation.

As she climbed the stairs, she thought to herself, maybe she should learn a bit of Japanese too.

To be continued...