Zaria's POV

Inter-house sport was a week away and it's already the day for the heat. Everyone was under the coloured canopy indicating each person's house. Limes Light sport gears are the best. Everyone gets a pair of track suits and full set of Jersey depending on your house and customized spikes for athletes and sport converse for everyone as you get admitted into the school because no one would change their house till they leave. I have been in red house since JSS1.

After the warming up and all, we began with all the activities. I was representing my house for 2×100 meters and 8×100 meters race and also in long jump. I was also representing for 100 meters but we won't run that until the D-day.

All athletes in my house sat down at the side of the bleachers designated for just our house as coach fired us up.

"See guys. We have always been the second position and we are always down one tiny gold but this year it's gonna change. We are getting the big cup. Do you understand?!" He screamed.

"Sir! Yes, sir!" We all replied. The physical and health education teacher giving the role of a commentator picked up the microphone.

"2×100 meter boys and girls, we need you on the field now." He announced.

"Go out there and make me proud." Coach Brian said.

We all traded high fives, changed into our Jersey and walked to the field in the middle of the stadium where all of sat on the floor. Other houses came to join and every athlete for each house sat together. I felt someone settle beside me and looked to see Joel.

"Are you ready to run your first race at Limelight?" I asked him when he looked at me. He chuckled in response.

"More like nervous." He exhaled as he tied the lace of his spikes. "I've seen the way these guys run. They are beasts on tracks. Have you seen Kelvin? That guy is mad!" Joel let out an exaggerated exclamation and I laughed.

"Don't be scared. I'm sure you'll do great. Your timing is pretty close to mine so you will be okay." I teased him,  patting his shoulder and he looked at me with a raised eyebrow.

"Is that supposed to be a compensation? Because that doesn't make me feel any better." He said and I laughed again.

"You are okay, Joel Bamidele. Trust me on that." I told, trying to reassure him. He looked at me for a while and I saw a glint in his green iris for a split second before I looked away.

I'm trying so hard to keep it together. But mehn, this guy isn't making it any easy for me.

How can he look at me that way and expect me to breath? I need to bring up another discussion.

"Uhm, since exams are over now, have you asked Ada out?" I asked, keeping my eyes on the grass beneath my feet. I heard him let out a groan and I looked at him.

"Can you not bring Ada up for once into our conversation?" He asked me calmly, his lips pulled up in a smile but I could hear the edge in his voice. I laughed softly.

"Why not? I have to keep reminding you." I told him and he rolled his eyes in response.

I have to keep reminding myself.

"I remember, Zaria. I haven't forgotten and yes, you can remind me but you don't have to bring her into every of our discussions. It's like you feel obligated to do so." He pointed out and I sighed.

"I am obligated to do so. We are friends. I'm supposed to be her wing man, you known. I'm sorry if it makes you uncomfortable." I quickly apologized, not wanting to argue any further.

"It's not that. You are being a good friend, I like that about you." He stated and I smiled unconsciously. "But I need us to have one conversation without Ada's name popping up every now and then." He added and my eyes glistened in mischief.

"Not until you have finally asked her out." I said. He groaned again and I laughed.

"200 meters girls, get on the track now." The MC announced.

"Go and kick some butt." He winked at me, giving my shoulder a gentle squeeze before moving back. I bit against my lips to keep my self from grinning hard as I ran to the track.

I looked at the field and saw him watching me with a smile on his lips. That alone gave me confidence to win, just for him. Although I see no reason for him to doubt me after I creamed his ass severally during training.

I got the track and got on my knees and as expected from everyone, as soon as the whistle went off, I was far in front and the other female athletes were eating my dust at the back. Why the hell do they even try? They don't even stand a chance against me.

Every one of my house mates screamed with joy when I crossed the finish line as the first. Immediately I put my name down on the list, I ran back to meet the rest of the athletes on the field.

After trading high fives with the others, Joel came to me and gave me his own high five and we finished it off with an hug. It was on impulse but I loved it. There was no room for any form of awkwardness.

Over his shoulder, I saw Ada watching us. My eyes caught hers and she gave me the stink eye. I quickly detached myself for Joel, trying not to seem weird. Thankfully, he did not notice. Even if he did, then he didn't show it.

"You are really the boss at this stuff." Joel said, seating beside me.

"Finally, one thing you can never beat me at." I smirked.

"Agreed! You are the master!" He laughed, giving me a mock bow and I joined him.

***

I won the Long jump competition like always and now it was time for 800 meters race. I wasn't an endurance racer I was more of speed but Red house was filled with more of speed racers than endurance and I am the fastest they have got so I just had to go.

It was in this race we were always loosing a gold medal. I always get tired before the race end and blue house female endurance champion, Chidinma would always take the lead and I would always end up in second place.

But this year I will change that. Coach Brian trained me so much to this and I am not planning to disappoint him or the rest of my house mates. They were counting on me.

Joel is also counting on you. My subconscious teased me and I smiled inwardly.

"On Your mark!" The referee called. I went on my knees. I looked at my side where Chidinma was and she was looking at me, smirk evident on her lips. I tried not to roll my eyes. Chidinma and I were basically track rivals. Outside the track, we were indifferent towards each other.

As soon as the whistle went, we were all running like cheetahs. Chidinma was leading the first 400 metres but at 600 I was already over taking and I was running like my life depended on it because it might actually do. Just as I was about to make it to the final lap, something snapped!

"Aarrgghh." I screamed, falling to the floor as a sharp pain shot through my thigh. Everyone gasped. I looked back and saw Chidinma gaining and tried to stand up again but the pain that shot through my veins didn't let me.

I just laid down on the floor and covered my eyes with my palm, tears flowing from my eyes as I heard foot steps coming towards me. It didn't stop me from crying. Coach kept calling for the medics. I didn't exactly know the people beside me until I heard his voice.

"Hey. It's okay." Joel's voice soothed me but it didn't stop the tears from flowing. He managed to remove my palm from my eyes. I looked away from him because he was seeing the vulnerable side of me, again.

"I messed up. I was so close, so so close to getting that gold medal. I let you guys down." I cried.

"It wasn't your fault. Muscle pulls happen. Come on, please don't cry. There is always a next year" He cooed as he raised my top half from the floor and pulled me close to him. I rested my head on his chest.

Coach Brian asked him to bring me to the house tent so Joel lifted me in bridal style and started to walk down to the tent. I latched my arms around his neck and held onto him, though I trusted that he won't let me fall but all of a sudden he smells so good and I want to catch some of that intoxicating scent.

As we closed in on the tent, every member of my house stood up to clap for me and I felt really loved. Joel sat me down and sat beside me holding my hand as coach massaged my thigh. I didn't even feel the pain because the gentle strokes of Joel's thumb on my hand was so soothing. I couldn't help but allow my mind to trail off to what Lyla had said and I had to admit it.

I do find Joel attractive. I'm attracted to him and I was sure it's in more ways than one.

I just had to find a way to kill this attraction

****

I was basically the last person to leave the class. Because of my muscle pull, Joel offered to wait for me but I had to tell him not to worry, mostly because I saw Ada watching us from the corner of my eyes and I really don't want any trouble.

Now the driver was really taking so much time.

As I stuffed my sport wear into my back pack, I heard someone coming and I looked up to see Ada staring at me with a blank face. I half expected this, I just didn't know it would now. I tried to compose myself and wait for her jab.

"What's up, Ada? I thought you had gone with the guys." I said good naturedly and a scoff was the reply I got.

"Oh really, so you care?" She asked, sarcasm dripping from her tone. I sighed and rubbed my temple.

"What's all these about Ada?" I asked her.

"You are asking me?! You tell me you are not making a move on Joel, yet you cling to him on track. How do you think that makes me feel?" She snapped, a trace of pain in her tone.

"Ada, you are misunderstanding all of this. We are friends. I'd never do that."

"But then you keep spending so much time with him."

"That's because I'm trying to get him to ask you out on a date." I revealed and her expression changed to surprise.

"Are you serious?" She asked and I nodded. She squealed in excitement and came over to hug me. "Thank you so much! I'm so sorry for being a bitch." She said and I gave her a small smile.

"It's alright. I've got your back." I stated.

Even to the detriment of your own feelings. The still small voice in my head said and I sighed.

Well, time to prove that I'm not the selfish bitch people think I am.