I'm wearing a cheetah jersey, a pair of jeans trousers, and a hat. By my side is Evie, dressed in the same outfit, as we all marched together with students, alumni, staff, and members of the surrounding community, celebrating the spirit of the hills. You can spot security personnel inspecting the event peacefully by the pavements.

The parade has led to some road closures as the streets are packed with creativity, kids riding in flatbed, traditional, or walking floats. Entertainers dressed in various stuffed costumes are dancing to the instrumental music played by the school band. Ahead of us, a pickup truck with banners throws candies at the walkers.

"Why do I feel a kind of authority?" Evie asks as her eyes wander around the crowd.

I shrug and wrap my arms around her shoulders, supporting my almost tired self. "It's our school parade, and being young is exhilarating," I reply to her.

"Duhhh... But I'll give you a yes, for this event is really exhilarating," she says as we both laugh.

The parade is truly festive, with bikers, trucks, vans, and cars, including Lilith's and Harry's. However, the girls will be entertaining everyone later in the evening. So Sofia, the cheerleader captain, split her team into two. Those performing in the parade won't be cheering for the night game. Lilith and her friends will start their duties at the Friday night game kickoff.

When my energy levels can barely take any more excitement, I wearily grasp Evie's forearm and lead us to my soon-to-be stepsister's Range Rover. I pull open the back door, and we quickly jump in. The car moves at a leisurely pace as Evie and I sink into the cool and refreshing air.

"It's so hot today," I complain. "We've tried. Two hours of walking in that scorching atmosphere. I won't be surprised if I've lost weight by now."

"I know, right," Evie giggles.

"God knows I can't go out there," Lilith says from the passenger seat, handing me two bottles of water. "You two will need some perfume, by the way, and I don't share the same scent with others," she adds, showing her caring side in her usual Lilith way.

"Who's she?" Suri gestures towards Evie, taking her hands off the wheels.

"Evie... that's Suri and my sister, Lilith." I use Lilith's favorite word against her, and it actually works, as she smiles and waves at Evie.

"Big sister, yes. Ava's the baby of the house," she announces, causing my eyes to roll automatically at her claim of being elder. "Here, don't waste it. I just bought it and haven't even tried it," she hands me a bottle of Ferragamo perfume, and I blow her an appreciative kiss.

I give Evie the bottle of water after we use a satisfying amount of fragrance on ourselves.

We continue to follow the events in the car as Suri drives at a slow speed. Ahead of Lilith's car is Harry's Jeep, with Quinn, Embry, and some boys riding along.

"It's so beautiful," I exclaim as the car radio plays a medley of songs in the background. The sun has already disappeared below the horizon, and the parade is heading towards the school center for the kickoff.

"Honestly, I don't want the week to end. I'm excited for tomorrow," Suri cheerfully says.

Lilith laughs and winks at her curly-haired friend. "Of course, you are," she says, instantly making Suri blush. "Well, I know it's wrong for me to say, but I don't care about who wins tonight. In my optimistic plan, all I'm hoping for is Leigh scoring ten points."

My eyes feel like they're about to pop out of their sockets. My heart almost drops from its ribcage to my stomach. Why does Lilith care if Leigh scores? Did he tell her? Why would he? He said we shouldn't let anyone know about us.

I don't think Leigh will take that risk. So how? What does she mean by caring for only her brother to score? No Cheetah fan will agree with that.

Finding myself sweating in the excellent air-conditioned space, I push myself to ask. "Why?" and wait for her answer to take the remaining part of me with it.

Lilith unbuckles her seatbelt and turns her body fully towards me. Her forehead forms creases as her lips press into a straight line. I almost shut my eyes, expecting her words to hit me with the intensity of how much of a deceiver or slut I am when she says, "Dad promised to let us host a party next summer in the mountain house if Leigh scores ten points tonight. Isn't that great? That's when my senior year will blow up."

Well, that's not quite what I expected. So I let the wave of relief wash over me, calming my nerves. Cluelessly, I ask Lilith again, "A mountain house?"

"Oh yes, girl. We have a three-floor mountain house here in Nevada, with a saltwater pool on each floor and a waterfall swimming pool with a heater in the backyard," Lilith blows me a kiss in return. "Oh, I think I have some pictures from last summer break. Dad, your mom, Leigh, and I spent weeks there. Oh, and the boys too," she adds, holding out her mobile phone for me to see.

"What boys?" I question after taking the phone and swiping through the pictures.

Just as she says, "Arlen and Tyron," I stop at a picture of a shirtless Leigh and his friends, with Lilith in a bikini standing by a see-through glass wall.

I didn't pay attention to the luxurious mansion Christian owns in the middle of nowhere. My attention is suddenly drawn to the chestnut-haired boy in only briefs until Lilith's fingers take her phone away from my hand.

"I don't like the picture either. I look like a thirteen-year-old because of the huge boys around me, and every time I try to delete it, I can't. It's literally the only picture I have with the three boys together," Lilith explains as she rebuckles her seatbelt, and Suri takes a freeway back to our school.

Leigh and I haven't spoken since he walked out of the school on Wednesday. Yesterday, I spotted him in his leather jacket from across the car park, but he drove away when he noticed I was heading towards him. I don't know why he's making everything complicated. What does he expect from me? Going to the dance with him and kissing him on the dance floor?

That doesn't happen when your parents are getting married to each other.

The rest of the TikTok day was boring for me and even frustrating, wearing a skirt, a white shirt, and a blazer. Yesterday, we had no choice but to squeeze in some time for dance outfit shopping, as we were running out of time. Which mom accompanied Lilith and me for some added ideas.

---

Again, with Evie by my side, this time we're sitting between our parents and Jacob at the far end, next to Mrs. Kyle. All the seats are occupied with a fair number of supporters for both teams.

"That's my girl," Mum smiles and leans over to Christian when Lilith and some girls tumble and somersault on the field—in their tiny maroon cheerleading outfits.

Honestly, I never thought Lilith had these incredible stunt skills. I'm not surprised by Suri, Quinn, or Embry, but Lilith? Yes! She's so obsessed with all things science-related—you'd never think she has an interest in cheerleading and time for rehearsals. But there she is, killing the performance while everyone applauds the hottest girls at Hills High.

My eyes turn to Embry, who might be faking the grin on her face, as her attention is on Sofia Halt. Even I, the fifteen-year-old sophomore student in a plain jersey, can't help but stare at the most stylish girl in school. Not that she's wearing anything different, but I'd be lying if I said she isn't the most attractive lady in this crowd. Her hair is styled in silky waves, and her slim legs complete the model-like look. Honestly, I think I envy Sofia Halt, the senior from the same class as my soon-to-be stepbrother.

With the team mascot on the field, the player introductions begin, and Aunt Laura and Emmanuel show up, squeezing their way to the row right behind us. "Traffic is a nightmare," Emmanuel irritably announces to Christian.

"Glad you made it," Christian shakes his brother's shoulder with a forced smile on his face. I'm sure he doesn't appreciate the language his brother uses around us or, more precisely, around me. "Emmanuel and Laura, these are Mr. and Mrs. Kyle, Evie's parents." Christian gestures towards the two couples beside Evie.

"It's nice to meet you," Laura politely says to the kind people offering her a welcoming smile.

I end up not paying attention to their conversation and focus on the cheetahs teammates being introduced one after the other until the name "Leigh Boyce" is announced by the commentator, loud and clear.

My heart skips a beat, and as it starts beating again, a rush of enthusiasm fills every part of my being. The appearance of the guy I have a massive crush on ignites a major exhilaration in me and an eagerness for something I have yet to discover.

The crowd cheers his name like no other. I swear I can see even the opposing team's supporters applauding Leigh Boyce. The excitement and pride are genuine, making Christian and Mum laugh in joy over having a popular son.

Leigh looks wickedly perfect, even with a helmet over his head. This is actually the first time I'm seeing him in his maroon, white, and yellow cheetah uniform, number three. It makes him even more attractive. The white football trousers cling to his skin, making every bulge of his muscles and pads visible as he waves back in appreciation to his fans. Shit. Why am I blushing?

The introductions wrap up, and everyone stands up respectfully for the national anthem. The game doesn't start until each team provides a member—captains, I guess—for the coin toss.

The two teams organize themselves along the line of scrimmage. "Damn, we're receiving the opening kickoff," Emmanuel mutters.

"What does that mean?" I nervously ask Evie, whose eyes are fixed on the twenty-two men on the field. "What should we expect?" It's frustrating to be uneducated about football, despite the small lessons I've learned from both Christian and Leigh. I don't think it's enough because right now, it's too real that I'm utterly clueless.

"For now, the cheetahs are on defense. We're hoping the wolves fail to move the ball ten yards downfield in four plays so that we can gain possession of it," Evie explains.

Shaking my head slightly, I ask no one in particular, "So, where's Leigh?" I can spot Tyron, Lord Zachary, the muscular dude whose name I don't know. Well, most of the numbers on the field are familiar to me; I just don't remember their names personally.

"He's on the offensive unit," Mum responds and pats my lap with her hand, adorned with her engagement ring.

Okay, this should be interesting. I hope the cheetahs can stop their opponents before they reach another ten yards and gain another four plays or even end up winning.

But does winning really matter? Leigh says it doesn't.

The wolves don't seem like a weak team since their offense is most likely luckier than the cheetahs' defense. They quickly earn another four plays, and before I can fully comprehend it, the wolves score a field goal, earning three points. Disappointment groans from everyone on our side.

However, that's not what I should be concerned about. I should be worried about the bet I agreed to. About whether Leigh wins or loses—about what both outcomes mean to me.

And that's when I see him, helmet in hand. He walks through the field like he owns it, without any tension or nerves, exchanging quick words with his teammates.

"And here comes the real game," Evie joyfully remarks. I'm grateful that everyone is focused on cheering, so my sudden rosy face doesn't draw attention.

We all stand up, applauding in support of our team as they prepare to begin. Leigh walks effortlessly to the line of scrimmage, wearing his helmet and squatting on one knee for a few seconds, as if saying a quick prayer, before he kisses his fingers and places them on his right shoe.

I don't know how I'm supposed to feel. I feel anxiety about everything. What will happen if Leigh scores three touchdowns tonight, and what if he doesn't?

Having a mild panic attack, I turn to Evie helplessly and ask, "Do you think Leigh can score three touchdowns?"

Evie's smile slowly fades into a neutral expression. "Touchdowns are the hardest, not that he can't, but it's not easy. One touchdown is okay; I mean, look at those huge men defending their end zone. Passing them is pure luck. Three times? I don't know."

Without saying a word, I turn my focus back to the field and let out a heavy sigh.

With everyone in position—this time, the cheetahs are on offense—Leigh crouches behind the six cheetahs in the lineup. He must be the best player because he seems to be the one giving signals. The immediate teammate ahead of him snaps the ball between his legs to Leigh. Everyone rises to their feet, trying to see clearly what Leigh intends to do with the ball.

"Pass it!" Mr. Kyle almost yells in frustration when Leigh stands in the middle of the field, observing the approaching defenders. I find myself crying too. "Pass the ball!" Not out of annoyance, but out of fear of what might happen. I've seen a brief telly of it, and it doesn't look good.

"Son, what are you doing?" Christian murmurs under his breath. Not like everyone else shouting 'run' or 'pass,' almost making me deaf.

Just when the four cheetahs blocking Leigh and the ball from the opposing team create a small opening, Leigh starts running. I recall his advice about not getting tackled and his emphasis on being a fast runner.

He's definitely fast and possesses great strength, but he doesn't seem to prioritize teamwork since he continues running with the ball instead of passing it. He skillfully avoids opponents' tackles as he crosses each yard, while the crowd chants "Leigh Boyce" with enthusiastic encouragement.

The closer Leigh gets to the wolves' end zone, the louder the cheering becomes. Pushing aside the last person in his way, Leigh arrives with the ball in the promised land.

"And it's a touchdown!" The commentators go wild, along with the fans.

Christian and Emmanuel fist bump, while Lilith and I scream in unison, 'oh my gosh,' and hug each other. "Maybe he can score more than one touchdown after all. He's the toughest, anyway," Evie joyfully states as the cheetahs prepare to kick for their extra points.

Now I'm literally struggling to steady my breathing after Evie confirms the possibility of Leigh scoring as he promised. I'm going to be his. I'll go after him, ahead of my mother, ahead of Lilith, ahead of everyone. I'm not in a good state. Actually, I'm physically tense and emotionally stressed.

Well, I don't think Leigh has any intention of scoring more than three touchdowns, just as he has no intention of supporting his team in winning tonight. He's only focused on his own needs. But I didn't say that to Evie; I can't say it to her.

Since Leigh's touchdown, the scores begin to move slowly, and by halftime, both teams are tied. When the game resumes, Tyron, the linebacker as Evie explained, intercepts the ball from the wolves' pass and runs it back for a solid touchdown, giving the cheetahs a lead. However, the wolves manage to catch up, and the scores later read "twenty-six to twenty."

Mum and every other cheetah supporter look hopeless as the wolves score another field goal, earning three points. During the cheetahs' offensive game, the wolves even tackle our player behind our goal line, resulting in a safety, giving the wolves two points.

"This is terrible. They're just slacking," Mr. Kyle sounds irritated as he wipes his forehead with a napkin.

I glance over at the scoreboard—we're now ten points behind the wolves. The Hill High students and supporters are mostly silent as the cheetahs possess the ball.

Christian looks worried as he rubs his palms on his knees. The air is tense. I'm sure every cheetah fan can feel it.

As the center guy passes the ball to Leigh, he takes a risky approach and refuses to pass the ball to any receivers. Instead, he fights his way forward, yard after yard, and everyone anxiously waits for the outcome.

I must say, the cheetahs are really playing as a team right now. They tackle and prevent anyone from stopping the ball carrier, Leigh, as he runs at an incredible speed towards the opposing end zone.

And yes, it's another touchdown from Leigh Boyce, and the fans explode with excitement. "Yes, that's my boy!" Christian yells and practically lifts my mum up as she laughs with joy.

I'm sure if the cheerleaders weren't on duty, Lilith would be screaming at the top of her lungs. Her brother just secured them an invitation to a private party at their father's mountain house.

I don't know why I feel relieved yet still tense. I guess I want Leigh to score those promised touchdowns more than I thought. "He's incredibly handsome. Just look at him. Oh my goodness, I need to marry him," Evie whispers to me so softly that none of our parents can hear.

I don't respond to her because I know if I do, I'll end up making a rude remark that will hurt both Evie and me. She better stay away from Leigh—he's off-limits. So instead, I swallow the lump in my throat and focus my eyes on the boy I desperately want to win over.

I guess I'm in a messed-up situation.

This time, the cheetahs don't go for the extra point kick, which would give them a single point. Greedily, they go for the two-point conversion. Leigh passes the ball to Arlen, and they successfully make it.

Can Leigh score the final touchdown? There's less than seven minutes left, and the wolves have possession of the ball.

Knowing that the cheetahs' offense unit won't get another chance for Leigh to score, I sit back while everyone else stands, hoping for a safety, at least, even though we're three points behind.

Will I have to swallow my pride and confess my feelings for my soon-to-be stepbrother if Leigh ends up losing tonight?

Luckily, Zachary defended the last attempt with all his strength, causing the wolves to run off the field and lose possession.

"Alright, one more chance. Please, let's at least get a field goal. A draw is better than a loss," Evie grasps my arm and exhales as the offensive team lines up for the final attempt.

Everyone is fixated on one thing only: the cheetahs winning, including myself. Right now, I want the cheetahs to score, not just for a draw, but for an actual victory. Because I'm fixated on one thing and one thing only—Leigh reaching the end zone.

Leigh puts on his helmet and repeats his earlier gesture, patting his boot with his two kissed fingers. This time, as he takes his position, he doesn't signal to his teammates. Instead, his eyes tilt upwards, scanning the crowd until they land on mine, and my heart instantly reacts. I try to focus on my breathing, as always. Why is Leigh staring at me? Why isn't he focusing on the game? Why is it hard to remain neutral and nonchalant, for I can no longer pretend? I look at him with hope and dependency.

"I believe in you. You can do it," Aunt Laura mumbles behind us, while Mum stands in Christian's arms, her hand covering her mouth, both waiting for a miracle.

Everyone is on their feet—perhaps praying for even just three points, while I pray for more.

When the center passes the ball to Leigh, he quickly transfers it to the right-side receiver, instantly diverting the defense as they react to the ball carrier. The receiver throws the ball to another cheetah teammate who is thirty yards away from the goal line. Leigh sprints towards the sideline, reaching ten yards, as the ball is thrown back to him.

I am currently experiencing an anxious moment as I helplessly watch Leigh being cornered by three wolves' team members. What is he going to do? Just when he is so close to winning, this had to happen.

Just as Leigh throws the ball to Arlen, who is also surrounded by numerous opponents, I close my eyes and accept defeat. Rubbing my face, I sit back in my seat and give up on participating. The deal was for Leigh to score, and if he doesn't—

When my eyes snap open, I see Arlen throwing the ball back to Leigh Boyce, who catches it safely in the end zone with less than thirty seconds left on the clock.

The crowd bursts into intense exuberance at the cheetahs' victory. The rest of the cheetahs' teammates rush onto the field to celebrate the unmitigated triumph.

Aunt Laura pulls Evie and me into a hug while everyone screams in joy at the top of their lungs.

"He did it. He bloody won. He won us the mountain house," Lilith runs over to us, reminding her father.

I—in this whirlwind of emotions, I don't care about the cheerleaders surrounding Leigh, including Sofia and Embry. I don't care about anything other than 'Leigh scored three solid touchdowns.'

That means I'm saying yes to him. That means I'm his. I guess that's what I wanted—but why am I feeling nervous?

In a soft, almost pathetic tone, I mumble to myself, "Yes, he did it."