o8.
chapter eight:
once in my
favor.
<3

"Why don't we hit the cinemas later today? They're playing something cool!"

My eyes followed Serena as she bit her lower lip, moving her arm tenderly to draw her logo. When she was done, she held it up to me. There was a cute ribbon sketched out and filled in with pastel pink. I gave her a thumbs-up. She smiled, satisfied with herself, and wiped the sweat off her brow.

"Pardon?" she asked, setting her supplies aside.

"I was wondering if you'd like to go to the movies tonight?" Gary repeated for what might be the third time. Serena looked thoughtful, and I could predict her answer.

"How about I bring Shauna and Lisia along? They've been itching to watch some movie. . . mhm, I'm not sure I remember the name." She scratched her cheek, then glanced at me. I didn't waver, just returned her gaze.

"Ah," Gary relaxed back into his chair, and I fought off the urge to smirk. "I wanted it to be just us."

Serena turned red. "Oh? I'm so sorry—"

Gary was quick to wave her apology off. "That's okay." He stood up, and I watched Serena's eyes follow him as he excused himself and left.

When he was out of sight, silence reigned between us.

It was ten minutes to lunch, and we had been having a free period. Thanks to the leader elections, most of the class was empty. The students of Alola were off to the side, chatting amongst themselves. Other than them, it was just us.

I yawned and stretched my arms. Sitting in one place was more tiring than moving around. "Hey, Ash. Do you think Gary would feel bad?"

"Nah," I declined. "You know him. He's merely playing around."

Serena fell silent, and I went back to lying on my desk. When I did not receive any other question, I gazed up at her. She was looking at her logo. "Hey, the submission is in an hour," I reminded her. "You nervous?"

The girl quickly shook her head. "No, it isn't a big deal. I'm only taking part because of Professor Sycamore. He signed me up without asking for my consent."

I snorted. The English professor who looked like a bubble ready to pop at any moment by its own size. "You could have withdrawn."

"If I did, two people would feel bad." That got me invested. "Professor Sycamore who believes in me, and Calem would need me as his partner should he win."

I felt a strange feeling seep into my veins. "Calem is taking part too?"

Serena nodded. "Yeah, for the boys' leader. I'm surprised you didn't know?"

"I thought it was just Kiawe!" I said, feeling defensive as I nodded towards the Alolan group. "You can't blame me! I had a soccer recruitment!"

Serena placed her logo aside and looked at me. I felt my breath hitch. "Did you get a spot?"

"Yeah." I ran a hand through my hair. That was the only good thing in this college, if you exclude being able to be in the same class as the girl in front of me.

Serena patted my head, and I felt like a kid. "Good job."

I grabbed her wrist, mostly out of embarrassment. "I-I'm not a kid, y'know. I knew I would get in. That's the only thing I'm good at."

"That's not true!"

"Name something other than soccer and I'll let you go." I smirked, gesturing to my grip on her hand. She rolled her eyes.

"Your positive attitude."

I snorted. "Are you kidding me?"

Serena looked positively offended. "I'm not!"

I gave out a humorless laugh. "That's got to be the last thing I would have."

The girl shook her head vigorously. "I'll have to disagree."

Before I could ask her more, the bell rang signaling the start of lunch. We exchanged a glance. "I'm gonna have to hit the court to give my name." I bolted to my feet. Serena nodded and followed suit.

"Can I tag along? The court is near the staff room, so I could just submit my logo while you're in there."

"Sure!" I replied. "We could stop by the cafeteria after that."

Serena bobbed her head happily. Before we could leave, though, Shauna showed up. "Serena! Wanna join us in the labs? Calem's still working on his logo and we are eating with him in there!"

My eyes slid to Serena. She looked thoughtful, then gave me a quick glance. "I'm sorry, Shauna. I'll have to decline your offer. Ash would be alone if I were to join you."

"Huh?" I stuttered, taken aback. "That's okay. You don't have to stay back because of me—"

The girl glared daggers and I gulped in response. "Right. That's fine. Calem's got us. Enjoy your time, girl!" Shauna said and was soon on her way.

On our short walk to the courts, I turned to look at the girl walking beside me. "Serena. . ."

"Mhm?"

"Thank you." I looked on as she straightened up and smiled. Her golden hair bounced as she walked with vigor. Now, that's how a leader's supposed to be.

We reached our respective destination and parted, promising to stay back until the other was done. I headed off to the court room.

Large, spacious and perfect for basketball and stuff; that's how I could describe the indoor stadium. Off to the side was a door leading to the outdoor courts, another to the changing rooms, and a last one to the vending machines. I walked to where a table was set up.

As I approached, I noted a familiar face working behind the desk along with another girl. "Brocko!" I greeted, holding my hand for a shake. The boy rose up with a smile and returned the gesture.

"Asho! You're finally here, eh?" I nodded with a smile. It was great seeing my mentor and senior, Brock. "Soccer it is, then?"

"You bet!"

"Wouldn't have it any other way. Add his name to the Middle years list, Angie. The name's Ash Ketchum." I handed my invite to Brock, the one that was signed up by the captain of the seniors, Alain.

The girl beside Brock scanned me, then looked at Brock who encouraged her. I watched as she jotted my name down, and then asked me to sign something like a pact.

"This ensures you don't back away mid-year unless there's a severe injury or expulsion," the girl informed. I signed my agreement. That was a basic rule in almost every team.

Angie shuffled through papers and wrote some more before handing me over a printed slip. It had a jersey number on it: eight.

"Since you've gone through the trials, you may register to try your hand at captainship. However, there are rules. Your P.E. attendance should be no lesser than seventy-five percent every month, failing which the status will be revoked," Brock said. "You will also be considered the sports leader of your class, as the soccer club is the most prominent sport club in the college."

I nodded in agreement. "Please sign me up for captainship candidacy."

Angie typed something on her laptop, then produced yet another slip. This one contained a candidacy form with my jersey number etched on it.

"The race for the prestigious spot will be held in three days under the evaluation of Alain, the sports in charge of the college," Brock supplied. "Are you up for it?"

"Been waiting," I responded happily. Brock's lips quirked up in a smile.

"Good luck, Asho! See ya there."

As I waited for Serena outside the court, I could not help but feel excitement bubbling within me. For once in my life, things seemed to be going the way I wanted them to.