Segment 1 — Interschool Debate Begins
The gymnasium was buzzing with energy. Students from multiple schools filled the rows of folding chairs, the air electric with anticipation and nerves. Avery adjusted the strap of her backpack, feeling the familiar weight settle against her shoulder. Today wasn't just any debate practice. Today, Southlake University would face off against other colleges—and she would be on the front line.
Darin walked beside her, tall and confident, the kind of presence that both reassured and intimidated. "Remember, Avery," he said quietly, "focus on the logic of your argument first. Tone and volume come second. Clarity is everything."
Avery nodded, internalizing every word. She had prepared, yes, but the stakes felt different now. This wasn't just a practice round; this was public. A real audience, real judges, real consequences.
Her friends gathered nearby, their expressions a mix of nervous excitement and support. Michelle gave her a thumbs-up. Lani smiled softly. Paul, of course, flopped dramatically into his seat, notebook poised. "Observe, document, protect!" he whispered. Avery rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips.
The first round began. Avery listened as the opposing team presented their arguments. She scribbled notes rapidly, analyzing weaknesses, predicting rebuttals, and mapping the flow of discussion.
Segment 2 — Rival Appears: Kian and Northcrest
A sudden shift in the room drew Avery's attention. Across the hall, a polished group of students entered: sleek, coordinated, confident. Northcrest University.
And there he was. Kian Suresh Hale.
Avery's analytical brain kicked in immediately. Observing him, noting posture, gaze, composure. His suit was sharp but understated; his movements precise. He carried himself like he owned the room without needing to announce it.
He's a competitor, she thought, tilting her head slightly. Focused, confident. Good posture, confident delivery, quick reflexes for counterpoints. Likely a straight-A student. Observant, calculating.
Her internal checklist ran rapidly: voice steady, arguments likely structured, probably over-prepared, probably extremely competitive. Nothing personal. Absolutely no flutter, no distraction, no attention to… other possibilities. Avery was in pure analytical mode.
Paul, whispering beside her, leaned closer, almost theatrically. "Oh. Oh no. That is… intimidating." He hissed, eyes wide. "Avery… he's handsome. No, I mean… talented, obviously. Totally… for academic reasons."
Avery raised an eyebrow, ignoring him. "Paul, focus. We're here to win, not gossip."
And she meant it.
Segment 3 — Darin's Subtle Coaching (POV: Darin)
Darin observed Avery from a slight distance, arms folded, eyes narrowed just a little in thought.
She's analyzing him—perfect. She's treating him as a rival, not a distraction. Good. That's exactly what I want her to do.
He could see the way Avery's pen moved, scribbling notes on posture, argument flow, likely weaknesses, and probable rebuttals. Her focus was sharp, uncompromised. No nerves, no awe. Just strategy.
I need to push her further, he thought. "Remember, Avery," he murmured under his breath, "predict, anticipate, adapt. Don't just respond—control the flow."
She nodded subtly, taking the advice without hesitation. That quiet confidence… it was rare. He felt a flicker of pride. She's ready for more than just basic rounds. She might even surprise herself.
And he knew—Darin always knew—that one day, she would. But for now, his role was guidance, subtle nudges, and silent observation.
Segment 4 — Avery's Arguments and Kian's Fascination
When it was Southlake's turn, Avery stepped forward. She felt the familiar pulse of adrenaline in her chest, a warm, energizing sensation that sharpened her focus. The audience blurred slightly as she centered on the debate.
Her voice was steady, calm, and persuasive. Every argument was concise, every example strategically placed. She anticipated potential rebuttals, countered them before they arose, and maintained an almost effortless flow of logic.
Across the hall, Kian leaned slightly forward, eyes narrowing just enough to show interest. Not casual interest. Focused, intentional observation.
Why is he staring like that? Avery thought briefly, tilting her head. Maybe he's analyzing my arguments. Maybe he's figuring out my strengths. Probably a rival tactic.
She dismissed any thought of intrigue beyond strategy. Her mind was occupied entirely by syllogisms, counterpoints, and structured logic. The audience was impressed, her teammates whispered affirmations, and even Darin gave the faintest nod of approval.
Paul, of course, was taking frantic notes: "Avery dominates. Southlake's pride. She is… unshakable. Someone—someone at Northcrest—better appreciate the brilliance unfolding. Protect her at all costs!"
Kian's gaze lingered slightly longer than necessary, though. He was quietly fascinated—not by romance, not yet—but by her unpredictability, the subtle brilliance she displayed, the confidence wrapped in calm. He had seen talented debaters before. Few had moved him the way she had in the first few minutes.
By the time she finished, Avery returned to her seat, expression neutral, notebook already open. She barely registered the whispers or the small nods of respect from judges and peers alike. Her focus had shifted immediately to her own internal evaluation.
Darin leaned in slightly, whispering: "Well done. But watch your flow in the next round—anticipate more questions from opposing teams. Don't just respond; control the narrative."
Avery nodded again. "Noted. I'll refine it."
Meanwhile, Kian quietly scribbled in his notebook, thoughts racing. She's different. Not like the others. Observant, precise, calm… unflappable. Intriguing.
And in that moment, the first spark of one-sided fascination was quietly born.