"Thank you so much for everything you did today. The children truly enjoyed themselves," said the director as the team escorted them to the bus.
The director and the volunteers stood outside while the children, exhausted from the day's activities, rested inside the bus. Their laughter had faded into sleepy murmurs.
"It was our pleasure," said the team's coach, smiling. "We rarely get visitors like this. It means a lot to us, too."
"We know you're in the middle of your tournament," the director replied. "It's a big thing that you took the time to do this."
"The team enjoyed it as well," said the coach. "Sometimes we all need a break — to relax, to reset. I think everyone needed this today."
"I couldn't agree more," the director said warmly, extending his hand. The coach shook it firmly, and one by one, the players thanked the volunteers for the wonderful day.
As goodbyes continued, Rosette started to climb onto the bus—but a firm hand stopped her.
Startled, she turned and saw Dranred holding her arm.
"W-What is it? Did you forget to say something?" she asked, eyes wide.
"Yes," he said quietly, his gaze steady.
"Go on, say it, before I—" she began, but her words broke off as he gently pulled her closer.
"Director," Dranred said clearly, glancing toward the older man, "I'm sorry, but... can she stay? I'll take her home myself."
Rosette blinked in shock. Nathan, standing nearby, turned to look at them, his expression unreadable.
The director, seated by the bus window, frowned in hesitation. He glanced at Rosette, whose face mirrored his surprise. He trusted the team, but he wasn't sure about leaving one of his volunteers behind.
"We're friends," Dranred added quickly, sensing the hesitation. "She'll be safe with me."
The director studied him for a long moment — then looked at Rosette again, as if trying to read what neither of them could say aloud.
"What are you doing?" Rosette whispered, eyes wide.
"I told you—we need to talk," Dranred replied, still watching the director.
"This can wait, right?" she asked, hopeful.
"No."
"You're being stubborn."
Dranred smirked. "Look who's talking."
Rosette sighed and turned toward the director. "I'm sorry, sir. I guess... I'll stay a little longer. Dranred will take me home."
"All right," the director said after a pause. "I'll leave her in your care." He nodded to the driver, and the bus pulled away. Rosette and Dranred stood side by side, watching it disappear down the road.
"Well, it's time for us to head home too," the coach said cheerfully, glancing at his players before giving Dranred a teasing grin. "You're one possessive boyfriend."
"W–What?" Rosette gasped.
"Boyfriend?" Nathan echoed, eyebrows raised.
"Who would've thought?" one of the players laughed. "No wonder they're so sweet to each other."
"Must be nice to be a superstar," another player added with a grin as they all filed into the gym.
"Wait—no! It's not like that!" Rosette protested, turning to Dranred—only to find him smiling, clearly amused.
"You can still smile? They completely misunderstood!" she said, exasperated.
"They did?" he asked lightly, his grin widening.
"Why don't you stop this game!" Nathan suddenly cut in, his voice sharp. He hadn't gone inside with the others. The tension in his tone made both Rosette and Dranred look at him.
"You act like you didn't do anything wrong," Nathan went on. "Earlier—"
"I don't remember asking for your opinion," Dranred interrupted coolly. Then, turning back to Rosette, he said, "I'll get changed. Wait for me."
"O-Okay," Rosette replied, watching him walk away toward the gym.
Nathan exhaled hard. "Why are you still being nice to him after how he treated you?"
Rosette gave a faint smile. "It's normal for friends, right? Sometimes friends argue... sometimes they misunderstand each other."
But her voice trembled slightly — as if she were trying to convince herself more than him.
"Forgiving him that quickly?" Nathan asked, disbelief in his voice. "Aren't you worried Dranred might take advantage of your kindness?"
"He's not that kind of person," Rosette replied softly. "I'm sure he had his reasons."
"Even after the way he treated you today? You're too easy on him."
"Is it foolish," she asked quietly, "to trust someone who's important to you?"
When she looked at him, the dying sunlight caught her face, and Nathan felt something shift. For a moment, she looked radiant—untouchable.
"You really are one of a kind," he said, smiling faintly. "No wonder I fell in love with you the moment I saw you."
"W-What?" Rosette's breath caught.
"He doesn't see your worth," Nathan continued. "And he'll only hurt you again. So I've decided—I won't give up. Maybe you've been friends for a long time, maybe your bond is strong—but I know I can make you happy."
Rosette stood frozen, unable to respond.
"You're quite persistent," came a voice from behind. Dranred, now changed, was walking toward them. "I leave for a few minutes and you're already making your move." He shook his head with a half-smile.
"Because I know—" Nathan stopped when Dranred stepped past him and took Rosette's hand.
"You're too bold for someone who just hurt her for no reason," Nathan muttered.
"I don't have time to argue," Dranred replied coolly. "Think whatever you want." He turned to Rosette. "Let's go."
He guided her toward the parking lot. Rosette glanced back and gave Nathan an apologetic smile. Nathan clenched his fists, watching them walk away.
"Why do you two always act like enemies?" Rosette asked as they walked side by side.
"Are you really that clueless?" Dranred said, a hint of exasperation in his tone. "Anyway—what did he say while I was gone?"
"He did say something," she admitted.
"Aw!" she yelped when she bumped into his back—he had stopped abruptly. Her forehead hit his broad chest.
"What's wrong? Why did you stop?" she complained, rubbing her nose.
"What did he say?" Dranred asked again, turning to face her. His voice was quiet now, almost uncertain.
Rosette hesitated. She wasn't sure if she should tell him. They had only just begun to reconnect, and Nathan's words… they were still echoing in her heart.
Dranred's eyes lingered on her face. "Your expression tells me he just confessed to you," he said quietly. He saw the faint flush bloom on her cheeks.
"That punk," he muttered under his breath, jaw tightening.
"Is that wrong?" Rosette asked. "Honestly, I was… taken aback by what he said."
"What was your response?"
"How could I respond? We barely know each other."
"Exactly," Dranred replied. "He's too straightforward. It's irritating."
"Irritating?" she echoed, meeting his gaze. Deep down, Rosette wanted to believe that his irritation meant jealousy—but she pushed that thought away. "Impossible," she murmured.
"Impossible?" he repeated.
"I mean, there's no reason for you to be irritated, is there?"
She reached for the car door, but Dranred suddenly stopped her hand. Before she could react, he braced both arms against the car, trapping her between them. His eyes locked on hers, dark and serious.
"I don't like other guys getting close to you," he said quietly. "Isn't that reason enough?"
Rosette's breath hitched. "Are you saying this again because you're being an overprotective big brother?" She met his gaze, forcing the words out even as her chest tightened. Please don't say yes, she thought.
He didn't answer.
"You can't even deny it, can you?" she whispered. "Then don't look at me like that. If you're really my brother, just act like one. Support me." She pushed his hand aside.
"I can't do that," he said, voice low and strained.
Rosette froze, turning to him in disbelief.
"I don't know exactly why," Dranred admitted, his eyes never leaving hers. "But that's what I feel. You're someone I can't give to anyone."
For a heartbeat, neither of them moved. The space between them pulsed with something that felt dangerously like the truth.