Chapter 131: Yuki The New Student.
Monday to Thursday ran by quickly. It was like the days were blurred together into one long cycle of school, sports, and the weird tension that follows Yuki everywhere she goes. From Yuki becoming the new Grade 11A student to everyone praising her for her physique, it was constant. She fit in like she had been here for years. When she joined the girls’ basketball team and proved she was actually really good, it made some people, like Beam, very unhappy. Beam’s angry face always showed whenever Yuki stole the ball from her and scored a clean three-pointer. It was getting hard to ignore the rivalry brewing on the court.
The girls’ training sessions had a lot of attention and cheering lately. The bleachers were always packed, mostly because there was a new girl in town, a famous fighter and everyone wanted to see if the rumors were true.
Honestly, I was jealous. I watched the crowds and felt a bit of a sting. No one welcomed me like this when I first arrived in Oakland highschool. In fact, I was blacklisted from the first day. I had detention every single time for weeks. I mean, I know it was my fault. I punched a certain Alpha, Princess, right on my first day. You don’t exactly get a homecoming parade for that.
Speaking of Princess, I really miss her. The school feels too big and too quiet without her voice. I don’t know when she’s coming back from her brothers bonding, and the waiting is starting to eat at me. Whenever she crosses my mind, I just can’t stop thinking about her. Everything reminds me of that girl. The way the light hits the floor, the smell of the hallways, even the sound of someone heels. I miss the Alpha Princess. I miss cuddling with that bitch.
"Woah, that was amazing! I can’t believe you threw a southpaw and they went KO. Hahaha, Yuki, you have to teach me how to throw punches. I need to learn self-defense in case someone tries to punch me in the face again," Malo said to Yuki.
I definitely knew who he was referring to. He was still salty about that time I almost knocked him out. But I’m glad he’s softened around her. The first day she sat with us in the cafeteria, he didn’t like it at all. He sat at the edge of the table, arms crossed, glaring at his tray. He saw her as an intruder. He saw her as someone trying to take his space and mess up our dynamic. He said he didn’t want to be a third wheel again. I can’t believe he actually suffers from that kind of fear, but it explains why whenever someone tries to befriend me, he gets awkward and defensive.
But I assured him. I told him straight up that he’s not a third wheel. He’s my best friend, and no superstar from the city is going to change that. And now, he’s finally starting to see Yuki’s good side. He’s seeing that she isn’t just a face on a poster; she’s a person who actually knows how to fight and talk shop.
Well, Sasha is always friendly. She’s like a golden retriever in human form, so she welcomed Yuki openly without any hesitation.
So here’s the update on our social circle. From being three people sitting at our usual spot, we are now five. The additions are Yuki and Haley, who Sasha is now dating. It feels different. The table feels crowded, but in a good way.
"I would love to teach MMA here in Oakland. My assistant Suzy is already looking for a space we can lease. Once that’s settled and the equipment is in, MG, you’ll be my first student," Yuki said. She was leaning back, looking confident.
"And as your first student, I hope it’s a free membership. Hahaha," Malo replied. He was already leaning in, interested.
"Yes, it will be free for you. It’s charity," Yuki said with a smirk.
"I would also like to be your second student, Yuki," I said, smiling at her.
"Of course. If it suits you, I’d love to train you. You have a lot to learn, Faye. You have the spirit, but your technique is all over the place," she replied.
I was sitting behind her when she turned slightly. She poked my nose with her fork, just a light tap, and smiled at me before continuing her food. It was such a small, casual gesture. I didn’t think anything of it. I just thought she was being friendly, like an older sister or a mentor.
I didn’t think anything of it until I noticed the three faces. Sasha, Haley, and Malo were all staring at me like they had just witnessed something shocking, like Yuki had just handed me a wedding ring instead of a poke on the nose.
Yuki stood up a moment later to get another plate of pie from the dessert line. That was my chance. freёwebnovel.com
"Guys, you all need to stop with those expressions. What the fuck was that?" I whispered. I leaned over the table, trying not to attract the attention of the surrounding students.
"It’s not the faces we’re making, Faye. It’s the way Yuki treats you," Sasha said. She had this knowing look that I hated.
"Treats me how?" I said.
"Like something... sweet. Like you’re a piece of candy she wants to taste," Sasha said.
"It’s like she likes you. Like, really likes you," Haley added. She was nodding along with Sasha.
"Of course Yuki likes me. I’m her special fan," I said, trying to stay logical.
"More like a special crush," Haley said. She didn’t look like she was joking.
"..."
"Sometimes we wonder if you two are an item," Sasha added. "I mean, you live in the same house, you come to school together, you eat together."
"Hahaha, we are not an item. Yuki doesn’t see me like that. I’m just a fan who got lucky enough to be friends with my idol." I said. I tried to laugh it off, but my heart was starting to beat a little faster.
But they still had that same look. It was that frustrating look people give you when they think you’re blind and they’re the only ones who can see clearly.
"Malo, back me up here. You see how it is. What do you think my relationship with Yuki is? Tell them they’re crazy," I said, turning to him. freeωebnovēl.c૦m
Malo stayed quiet for a second, picking at a stray noodle. "Yesterday at the house during dinner, she helped you cut your steak. She served your food first before she even touched her own. She laughs at everything you say, even the stuff that isn’t actually funny. Even during basketball practice, when the coach was yelling at everyone, you were the only one she kept looking at. At first, I was worried. I thought she was taking my place as your best friend, but then I realized our friendship wasn’t at risk..." he paused, looking me right in the eye.
"She’s trying to take Princess’s place."
"Shut the fuck up, Malo. I asked you to back me up, not list evidence for their crazy theory," I hissed.
Taking her place? The words felt cold in the air. So that’s why he relaxed. That’s why he wasn’t acting like a third wheel anymore. He realized his spot as the best friend wasn’t in danger because Yuki was aiming for a different spot entirely.
But Yuki taking Princess’s place... what does that even mean? It doesn’t even make sense. Princess is the mother of my pups. So Yuki can’t take her place. She literally can’t.
...Right?
Then what place is she trying to take?