The sun hung high over Lupine Academy, casting sharp shadows across the training field. Daniel adjusted his gloves nervously, trying to ignore the buzz of anticipation in the air. Today wasn't just a routine drill.
It was the "Speed and Agility Relay," a test designed to push both physical skill and coordination. Students paired randomly—luck, fate, or some cruel joke—had Daniel paired… with Leo.
Daniel's chest tightened. Again.
"Great," he muttered under his breath.
Mika, leaning casually against the fence, smirked. "You're glowing. This is going to be fun."
Daniel scowled. "Not fun. Stressful."
Ryo laughed. "Sure, sure. Stressful-glow. Not love-glow."
Daniel ignored them and focused on the starting line.
The whistle blew.
They launched into the course. Daniel's legs pumped, heart racing, trying to maintain perfect form. Leo moved beside him effortlessly, fluid and controlled, like every motion was second nature.
But Daniel's mind kept betraying him.
The way Leo's hair fell over his forehead. The curve of his jaw under the afternoon sun. The soft, confident stride. Every motion seemed exaggerated, designed to distract.
Daniel's foot caught on a small stone, almost tripping him.
Leo's hand shot out—barely touching Daniel's arm—steadying him.
"You okay?" he asked casually, voice low.
Daniel's breath hitched. "I'm fine."
"You sure?" Leo said, eyes sharp.
Daniel nodded, not meeting his gaze.
The relay required them to climb, dodge, and leap in perfect synchronization.
Daniel was doing fine—physically—but mentally? He was a mess. Every glance from Leo sent a shiver through his chest. Every accidental brush of hands made his suppressor hum faintly beneath his skin.
When they reached the final obstacle, a high wall to scale, Daniel's mind momentarily blanked.
Leo leaned closer, whispering, "Take my hand."
Daniel froze.
It was a simple gesture. Innocuous. Practical.
And yet, it made his entire body react.
He grabbed it, hands brushing—electric, immediate, impossible to ignore.
Leo didn't flinch. Didn't tease. Just let him climb, steady and calm.
Daniel's heart raced faster than his legs.
They finished the relay in record time. Applause rang out, but Daniel barely heard it.
All he could feel was the lingering warmth of Leo's hand against his, the closeness that shouldn't have existed, and the awareness that friends like Mika and Ryo had probably noticed everything.
Later, as they rested, Mika nudged Daniel. "You're blushing."
Daniel groaned. "I'm not."
Ryo smirked. "Sure you're not. Everyone saw the moment you touched him."
Daniel glared at them but didn't deny it this time.
Leo, meanwhile, leaned back against a nearby wall, arms crossed, expression unreadable—but Daniel knew better. That subtle smirk tugging at his lips? Yeah. He had noticed, too.
And Daniel hated how much it thrilled him.
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I think I'm gonna pause this story, but then I thought, let me just finish it and just see if maybe more readers may later come. My supporters, please be patient, and this is a slow burn romance novel.