The competition training became more intense after Clara appeared.
It wasn't obvious at first.
But I noticed something.
Ethan was paying even more attention to our preparation.
Not just practicing.
Preparing seriously.
That made me realize—
He really wanted to win.
Not for attention.
Not for popularity.
But for something important.
After School Practice
We stayed late again in the classroom.
The sun was already setting outside.
The room felt quiet and warm.
We were reviewing team strategies when I noticed Ethan looking more focused than usual.
"What are you thinking about?" I asked.
He paused.
"Winning."
I blinked.
"That's obvious."
He looked at me calmly.
"Not just winning the competition."
That caught my attention.
"Then what?"
He hesitated for a second.
Then replied,
"Making sure our school doesn't lose again."
His tone was serious.
For once, this wasn't about rivalry.
It was about responsibility.
I understood that feeling.
Because I hated losing too.
Maybe that was why we kept competing for so long.
But now…
We weren't competing.
We were depending on each other.
And that felt different.
A Small Realization
While solving a problem, I got stuck again.
Instead of teasing me, Ethan simply slid the notebook closer and explained patiently.
No arrogance.
No jokes.
Just support.
When I finally understood, I said quietly,
"Thanks."
He looked slightly surprised.
Then answered,
"You don't need to thank me."
I looked at him.
"Yes, I do."
There was a short pause between us.
Not awkward.
Just quiet.
Then he said something unexpected.
"We're a team now."
That sentence stayed in my mind longer than I expected.
A team.
Not rivals.
Not enemies.
Not fake strangers pretending.
A team.
Outside the Classroom
When we finally left the school building, it was almost dark.
Students were gone.
The hallway was empty.
We walked side by side toward the gate.
The fake relationship felt less forced now.
More natural.
And for the first time…
I didn't think about the rumor.
Or Clara.
Or anyone watching.
I just focused on walking next to him.
Ethan suddenly slowed down slightly.
"Lena."
I turned to him.
"Yes?"
He looked at me carefully.
"Are you okay with continuing this?"
The question surprised me.
"Continuing what?"
"The fake relationship."
The air felt still.
I thought for a moment.
Then answered honestly.
"Yes."
He nodded.
"Good."
No smirk.
No teasing.
Just quiet agreement.
As we parted ways that evening, I realized something small but important.
This started as a plan.
A strategy to stop rumors.
But now…
It was becoming something that required trust.
And trust was more dangerous than rivalry.
Because once you start trusting someone…
It's harder to pretend.