Just as he told me last night, Link doesn't show up for English. I doubt he slept at all last night. If he practices all day again he'll be too worn out to play tonight. I'm sure he knows his limits but I still worry. The night we had our first kiss he told me how much he fears failure. Especially when it comes to the Boars since that's the only team Hyrule hasn't beat. I don't know if I will be able to comfort him if they lose tonight.

I keep thinking about our call last night as I'm waiting for Impa in the cafeteria. I stopped sending Link messages after our facetime call because I didn't want to distract him any more than I already did. I have this awful feeling that he is upset with me and I don't know how to fix it. I can't confront him without interrupting his concentration but ignoring our fight feels just as wrong. Was it even a real fight?

I see Impa entering the cafeteria and walk up to her before she spots me.

"Hey," I hug her, happy to see her. "I'm so glad you didn't bring a fruit cake this time. I think I've had enough cake for a lifetime."

"I figured as much."

"Where do you want to go? Or do you want to eat at the cafeteria for once like a normal human being?"

"Normal? Don't insult me," she laughs. "I actually can't have lunch with you today, sorry. I have a training session with Coach. He got me an MMA fight and it's soon, like right before the court date, and if it's my last fight, I want to make it count."

"It won't be your last," I frown. "Unless you kill your opponent. And even then you'll probably continue getting in fights in prison."

"You know me too well." She hands me a bag of chips. "A substitute for the piece of cake I usually bring."

"You don't have to give me anything, I don't expect you to."

"That's an awfully big amount of words just to say thank you."

"And that's a strange way of saying you're welcome," I counter.

"We should hang out this weekend, unless you have plans with Link."

"Friday night at Daruk's is a given. Dinner's on me," I tell her. "And I don't have plans with Link, not yet at least. He's been a bit distant lately."

"Oh, that's right, big game tonight. Are you going?"

"Yes, I have to."

"I'll come too. Ganon's playing, right? Dickhead still owes me a good fight."

"Stop. He carries a knife, don't ever get in a fight with him."

"Fine, I won't," she raises both hands and her lips shape into a smirk.

"I'm serious, Impa. Please let it go."

"I said fine, didn't I?"

"Yes. Thank you." I don't know if I believe her but I don't want to fight.

I walk her over to the gym. At least the weather looks decent today. I've been checking the forecast all morning; no chance of rain. That eliminates one of a trillion things that could lead to Link getting injured.

"So what time will you be leaving today?" Impa asks me, finishing her granola bar as we approach the building.

"After Biology. I'll tell Professor Astor that I am going to be absent today."

"Just tell Pik to tell the professor. He's in that class too, isn't he?"

"Pik and I aren't speaking at the moment," I admit hesitantly.

"Does he know? 'Cause I just saw him and he greeted me and asked how you're doing. Did something happen between you two? Did he... He didn't, did he?"

"Didn't what?"

"Like... Ask you out or something."

"Why do you think everybody is trying to ask me out?" I snap.

"Cause he has a major crush on you?"

"He doesn't."

"Come on, it's obvious."

"I don't really care," I hiss.

"Damn, sorry I asked."

"I didn't mean to snap at you," I apologize with my head lowered. "I just have this awful feeling that Pik did something really bad. Which would be a red flag for our friendship." Another thought sneaks into my head and I want to push it away but my mouth betrays me and speaks before I can drown my thoughts. "What if Pik is the one framing you for that fire?"

"Huh? Why him?"

"People can surprise you... How well do we really know him? He's rude sometimes and his weird bond with a professor who is trying to make me fail still bothers me."

"Look, Zelda. I know guys like Pik. They like to play but he they don't cheat the game, if you know what I mean. He wouldn't do something bad on purpose."

"I want to believe that."

"What did he do?" she asks but I hold my tongue. "I mean, how bad can it really be? Do I have to kick his ass for you?"

This is exactly why I don't want to tell her. "No, you're right, it's likely nothing... I'm just being... paranoid."

"Whatever it is, when it comes to you, he means well. He likes you. Should have seen his face when I asked him to do the birthday scene with me on Tuesday. He was so excited."

"He was probably just excited to embarrass me."

I'm glad when we reach the gym so we don't have to talk about Pik any longer. I almost want to ask her for advice on how to approach Link. She is an athlete too so she might be able to comprehend his repulsion to conversations before an important game. 

I also want to ask for advice regarding my dilemma with Mipha but that's between Mipha and Link. And me. And Revali. This is hurting my head. Too many people are involved already and the pressure feeds into my fears.

When I enter the biology classroom, Mipha is already at our table wearing her lab coat and goggles. For the first time, she doesn't give me the sweet welcoming smile as she usually would. I have a horrible feeling about her lack of friendliness. Did Link tell her about us? Does she hate me now?

"Hey Mipha," I greet her when I arrive at the table and open my books on the same page as hers.

"Hi," she sounds melancholic.

"How are you," I say, testing the water.

"I'm okay... Just... nervous."

"Nervous? About what?" Is she going to confess her love later today? Wait, no, Link's game. For a second there I forgot all about that.

"Didn't you hear? The Eagles are going against the Boars tonight."

"Don't be nervous, I'm sure we are going to win."

"That's not what I worry about."

"I know... I'm sure Link will be fine," I say, trying to convince myself of it while I'm at it. "Are you going to watch it in person?"

She shakes her head. I miss her smile and optimism. Maybe I should change the topic and try to uplift her spirit a little. We could both use the distraction.

"Totally off topic, are you excited for your date? Do you know where he's taking you or is it a surprise?" I ask her as we work on our extra credit.

"Date? What date?"

"Your date with Revali? I know it's not really any of my business, but I'm sort of friends with him and he told me how he asked you out."

Mipha tilts her head and raises an eyebrow. "He didn't ask me out."

"What? He said... He said you said yes?"

"He asked me to come to his next tournament and said we could hang out afterwards. I wasn't aware he was implying a date!" Mipha squeaks and hides her vibrant cheeks behind her hands. "I thought he was inviting me to another one of his parties."

"Do you not want to go on a date with him? I think he really likes you." I realize how much I sound like Impa right now when she talks about Pik.

"I don't know what I want," she says into her hands. Her response was so much more polite than mine whenever Impa assumes a guy likes me.

"Understandable. You two barely know each other," I nod. "But I think you have a lot in common. You have nothing to lose, right? Why not give it a shot?"

"But Link..." she whispers.

What do I say to that? This is not the time and place to tell her I'm in love with her crush. But I can't lead her on for any longer! I just want to run away and wait for somebody else to solve the issue... But there is no one. Link is too focused on his career to worry about Mipha and I am not the right person to tell her...

"I think Link is prioritizing other things right now. He's just too busy to be thinking about a serious relationship," I voice my mind.

I can't tell her the whole truth but at least I'm not lying at her or giving her false hope. But as her face falls, so does mine. Because Link truly is prioritizing his performance right now, which makes me just as unfortunate as Mipha. I can't ask him out now, especially if his team loses tonight.

He will blame himself and spend every minute of every day rectifying his mistakes. I pray that won't happen. If he keeps shutting me out after tonight I don't know if I can bear it.

"You're right," she whispers to my surprise.

"I'm really sorry," I say and mean it.

"Don't be, it's not your fault." The lack of truth to that makes me feel worse. "You really think I should go on a date with Revali?"

If somebody told me to go on a date with Pik I would end the conversation or debate that there is no reason to go on a date with somebody I'm not even sure I like. But in this case I believe that Revali and Mipha could be good for each other.

"I think he deserves a chance. If it doesn't work out, it doesn't work out. But you shouldn't have to look back in a few years and find yourself wondering what could have been."

She nods and gives me a shy smile. I don't think she is interested in dating Revali but I do hope that she thinks about it. It could help her get over Link faster.

After biology, I head to the planetarium and stand in front of the locked door for half an hour., waiting for Professor Astor. He doesn't usually arrive early so I can't expect him to be here any time soon. I should just send him an email explaining my absence. Getting a 100 in astronomy is impossible now anyway, a few points less won't make a grave difference.

When I turn around to leave, Pik is suddenly standing in front of me. I flinch and take a step backward. My hand clutches my necklace.

"I did not mean to scare you," he wears his usual bright smile. In his hand he is holding the keys to the planetarium. What is he up to? "You are incredibly early today."

"I was just leaving," I mumble and turn away from him to find another exit.

"Zelda," he follows, "Do you have a minute?"

"Not really," I don't even look at him.

"Please, just a minute, I have to talk to you about something."

"About what?"

We stop next to the exit and he fumbles to find the words.

"Let's go somewhere private. We can go to the planetarium, I have the keys."

"Why do you have the keys?"

"Come with me, we can talk inside."

His skittish behavior and secrecy is making me uneasy. Why isn't he answering my questions?

"I'm not going anywhere with you," I decide, arms crossed. "I have to go now."

"Can we please talk after class then?"

"I won't be back in time to attend tonight's lecture."

"Does Astor know? You'll lose points if you have unexcused absences."

"Doesn't really matter, does it? I am already not getting the 100 I need," I remark with a nasty hint at my phone ringing during the exam.

"That's precisely what I wanted to talk to you about," he says, nervously pushing his hair back. "Where are you going? I can meet you there after class."

"I'm running late," I dodge his question.

"Sure, of course. Don't let me keep you," his smile has withered. He looks nothing but desperate and hurt. "Must be something pretty important for you to skip Astor's class."

"Yes," I start walking away from him, not ready to feel guilty about treating him coldly. If I don't walk away now I will apologize to him. He's been so good to me, he must have had good intentions to sabotage my grade like that. If I allow him to get into my head, we will end up talking about the phone call I got during the exam. 

Perhaps he will explain himself and ask for forgiveness. We would get into a whole conversation and I might miss Link's game. As much as I hate seeing Pik hurt, I can't allow myself to turn around now.

"It's about him, isn't it? You're skipping class to see Link," Pik blurts out and all the sympathy I felt for him dissolves into thin air. I turn toward him with an angry glare and check our surroundings.

"How dare you mention him like this? What if somebody heard you!" I whisper, still looking around as if I've committed a crime.

"Nobody cares! He's a celebrity. Half the school skips class to see him every day. It's normal. So don't act like I just exposed your little secret. Acting all jumpy and distant whenever he's around makes you way more suspicious than if you publicly fangirled like everyone else."

My mouth falls open and he cusses to himself.

"Shit." His head falls back and his hands push his hair back in an aggressive motion, then he looks back at me. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say that."

I don't know what to say.

"I'm sorry, Zelda," he repeats, expecting a response but I don't have any words. "I really didn't mean it. I swear. Let's go somewhere where we can talk. I know you have to go now but can we please meet after the game?"

"I don't know," I rub my arms and take a slow step away from him.

"Please, I promise I won't say anything against him again. I just want to talk to you about the exam."

"No, I'm sorry," I say quietly and look away when his face twists into a disappointed frown. "At least not today."

"If you change your mind just text me," he replies with nothing but sorrow and regret in his voice.

I don't even have his number but even if I did, I wouldn't text him.

I leave through the doors and head to my car. That was painful. I hated to see him like that. He's always so cheerful and full of life. Today was the first time I saw him hopeless.

I put Lorule's campus in my GPS and start driving. It's a 42 minute ride with traffic and my nausea is intensifying with each mile. I turn on my favorite songs on the ride, hoping it will take my mind off of Ganon but not a second passes at which I don't think about Link's bruised ribs or the cut on his arm.

I get to Lorule Academy shortly before 6 PM and park my car near Hyrule's bus. I walk where everybody else is walking to since I have no idea where the soccer field is. So many people are wearing red, it's intimidating. I keep looking out for those baseball players, I have a feeling they'll be here. I nearly bump into somebody again because I'm so distracted by all these people.

"My apologies," I look up at the tall man. He smiles kindly and shakes his head.

"No need to apologize," he assures me sweetly. "I presume you are watching tonight's game?"

"Yes," I give him a short answer. He's wearing a red and black soccer tracksuit and carries a clipboard under his arm with some scribbles on it. This must be the Boars' coach.

"Splendid," he beams. "I hope you find some good seats, it looks pretty packed already."

Isn't this the man who trains his athletes to play foul and aggressive? Why is he being so friendly to me? I should feel alarmed but he seems too nice to despise and his smile is genuine and contagious.

"Gotta get back to my team, just grabbed some notes," he smiles and gestures at his clipboard. "Have a good time tonight. Go Boars," he cheers lightly and pats my shoulder. I flinch unintentionally, immediately reminded of Karusa and his two friends. The coach gives me an understanding smile and removes his hand.

"Enjoy the game," he nods at me.

"Good luck," I say quietly.

"Much appreciated! Stick around afterward, we'll be celebrating with free food and drinks."

He jogs back to his athletes warming up on the grass. I follow into the stadium, feeling strange and overwhelmed. This stadium looks a little bigger and newer, and the seats are red instead of blue.

I join the small group of spectators wearing blue. I don't really recognize any of these people but I feel more comfortable sitting with people from my school.

"Princess!" Impa's voice calls and I look around to find her squeezing by the crowd to get to me.

"Impa," I hug her tightly when she reaches me. "I'm so glad you're here."

"I brought you something," she holds up a bag. "Late birthday gift."

"Impa!" I scold her.

She removes the bag and reveals a Hyrule Soccer sweatshirt with the price tag still on.

"To show your full support," she explains as I admire it. "Got myself one too, and a cap."

I pull the sweatshirt over my head and fix my hair. It's large on me but I like it.

"If you want to date a Hyrule athlete you better get used to wearing merch."

"I guess you're right. Thank you!"

The Eagles are warming up on their side of the soccer field but I can't spot Link. My eyes jump back and forth to each of the players at least four times but he's not one of them. Where is he? My heart is gunning, imagining all the horrible things that could have happened to cause his absence.

"You okay? You look pale," Impa notes, offering me her soda.

"I can't see him," I whisper through the noise.

"Where could he be?"

"How would I know?"

"Well let's find out," Impa gets up and walks down the steps to get closer to the field. I follow her, uncertain of her intentions.

"Yo Karson," she calls over to the goalkeeper.

"I'm kinda busy, Impa," he pants, blocking a ball with his hands.

"Where's your striker?" she asks anyway.

"In the dressing room," Karson says, blocking another one of his teammates' shots.

"How come? Is he sick?"

"Nah, he's--" a ball hits him right between his legs and he groans before dropping to his knees.

"Guys, stop talking to our keeper," their captain yells at us. "Karson! Focus!"

"'Dak," Impa calls for Domidak now and I am mortified by her inappropriate behavior. But Domidak doesn't hesitate to walk over to us.

"Hey Impa," he greets her with a broad smile.

I pretend-cough. "Hi Domidak," I wave my hand between him and Impa.

"Hi," he returns, lacking enthusiasm and joy. Wow.

"Why's Link not warming up?" Impa asks him and he rolls his eyes.

"That's what you called me for?" he turns around but I lean over the fence to whisper to him.

"It's me who's asking," I admit quietly.

"Oh," turns around and steps closer again. "Link's in the dressing room."

"We already know that. Question is why?" Impa says to him.

"He always does this when we play against Lorule; he practices all day and all night but an hour before the game he retreats and becomes fully detached from his surroundings. We are not allowed to speak to him or even touch him. It's as if he steps into another dimension. Before the game starts we'll go get him and once he gets up he is hyper focused and wide awake as if he had slept 100 years."

"So he's meditating?" I conclude.

"Yah."

"So he's okay then?" I ask worried.

"I don't know? He's the same as always," he says annoyed.

I exhale in relief. I can't wait for today to be over, for Link's sake. All the burden will fall from his shoulders and he will finally be able to take a deep breath. In two hours it will all be over and all the games that follow will be a piece of cake.

The two teams are done warming up and gather together to form two separate circles on each side of the field. Each captain is talking to their team, hyping them up and discussing final strategies. The fans are getting louder and the moderators announce that the game will begin shortly.

I lower my head, fold my hands, and pray. All my thoughts today are dedicated to Link and his team. They will be victorious, they will leave here unharmed, and they will win the season with flying colors. Link will be content, he will feel relieved and he will embrace me after the game. I repeat those thoughts over and over. Over and over. Until the cheers of the fans rip me out of my haven when the names of Lorule's players are mentioned through the speakers.

"...have Zant and Vaati as wings and then obviously Ganon up top," I catch the moderator saying, reading the lineups. I hate Ganon. I wonder if Malice is here too? Is she on our side or is she sitting by the Boars?

"But let's take a look here at coach Ganondorf," the other moderator says and all the air gets sucked out of my lungs. Coach... Ganondorf? My eyes fly to the bench where the friendly coach raises a hand to wave at the fans. No way. There is no way that man is Ganondorf... The Ganondorf. The vindictive man who's been imprisoned. The one ordering atrocity upon his team. How? His smile is so authentic. I let him touch my shoulder. I feel sick. I might....No--I force it back down my throat.

"I need to go to the restroom," I say to Impa, trying to swallow the big lump of hatred I feel for that man over there.

"Now? The game's about to start," she says, sipping on her soda.

"Yes, I just need to... I'll be right back."

"I'll come with you."

"No, you have to save our seats."

"You got your phone on you?"

I nod and pad my back pocket to make sure it's in there.

"If you're not back in five minutes I'll start a search party," she jokes. I don't doubt her words.

I squeeze past her to hurry back to the hallway and walk halfway around the stadium without finding the facilities. Frankly, I'm not really looking for them so I might have passed them already. The nausea has retreated. I just need to take a few steps and breathe. 

I can still hear the fans cheering and the moderator speaking but everything is muffled and I focus on my breaths. Somewhere in this giant building sits Link. I wonder if he is nervous. He always looks so calm. But anyone in his shoes would be puking their guts out at this very moment. I wish I could be with him, but I don't know if he'd want the same.

I can't wrap my head around Ganondorf. That man... and his fake smile! I'm so angry. I believed he was nice, how could he have deceived me like that? I've only ever heard bad things about him. He is abusive, my father told me. A man of lies and sins, he said. A man who beats his wife and makes his money with shady business. A man who isn't a man at all; he is an abomination. Disgraceful and dangerous. And yet he is beloved by his school. How?

How did I not notice the physical similarities to his son? How did I not feel the instinct to run away when he smiled down at me? I did flinch when his hand touched my shoulder... Those filthy hands... How many people have they beat?

I touch the spot where he touched me and shudder. Is what they say about him true? Can such a favored man truly be the nightmare Father and Link have warned me about?

I feel the urge to clean my shoulder but the game is about to start and I don't want to stand here by myself a second longer. When I leave through the closest tunnel to get back to the stands I find out that I am entering on the Boars' side of the stadium. Unable to move a muscle, I stand in the midst of euphoric fans wearing red and black.

I'm frozen and my heart is hammering in my throat. Despite the face paint, I recognize them instantly and feel the fear taking over my body. I pray their eyes won't spot me. It's all three of them, roaring and cheering as the moderators praise their friend on the field below. Stupid legs, please move!

"Ganon looks fairly relaxed," the speakers note, "he has his team's undivided attention. Coach Ganondorf didn't even talk to his team during warm ups, a perfect example of full trust between coach and captain."

"Or Father and son," the second moderator chuckles.

While everybody is getting ready for the biggest game of the season, the Eagles' assistant coach leaves through the tunnels. I assume he is on his way to get Link.

"The players may look relaxed but the tension among the fans is nearly palpable! After losing last year's championship against Lorule, Hyrule will surely try to win tonight's game. The bitter taste of defeat still lies upon their tongues and they look hungry for the title," the moderator observes. He says more after that but I am too distracted to listen.

My eyes are glued to the baseball players cheering only a few rows below. They are wearing their school's hoodies and t-shirts and almost look disguised by the face paint but I would recognize those dead eyes and evil grins anywhere.

"Yo blue girl," a guy says from behind me and I turn my head to look at him. "Wrong side," he nods at my Eagles sweatshirt.

"S-s-sorry," I stutter.

"S-s-so beat it," he mocks and his friends laugh. "You're blocking the view."

"Sorry," I say again and finally get my legs to move. I glance back at the baseball players. They've all turned around to look at me and are whispering to each other. The one I despise the most, Karusa, gets up with a smirk and walks over to me. 

I have no air, no heartbeat, just pure fright. If I stay here, Link will see us and lose it. He will get into a fight in front of all these people. I can't risk him leaving the game for me again. While my legs are still obliging, I take them back to the empty hallway where we'll be out of sight from the players.

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(Hey guys!! Hope everyone is having a great weekend so far! I loved reading where all of you are from! ^^ It's cool to see that you guys are from all over the world!! Love you guys sooo much!! Thank you for 200K reads! xoxo)