Tensions on the field

The next week felt like a continuous cycle of frustration and competition. Ethan couldn’t escape Caleb’s shadow, no matter how hard he tried. Every drill, every game, every moment on the field seemed to turn into a battle of wills between them. The rivalry had taken root, and neither of them was willing to back down.

Ethan couldn’t remember the last time he had felt so consumed by someone else. It was more than just pride. More than just a challenge. Every time Caleb scored a goal or made a perfect pass, it felt like a personal attack. Caleb had become the one thing Ethan couldn’t outdo. And it was starting to drive him crazy.

At practice, things were no different. Caleb was everywhere, taking control of the ball with ease, anticipating moves before they even happened. Ethan had always prided himself on being unpredictable, but Caleb seemed to know exactly what he was going to do next. It was maddening.

Today, they were practicing corner kicks, and it seemed that no matter how hard Ethan tried, Caleb always managed to be in the right spot. He would block the shot or intercept the ball mid-air, his expression always calm, his movements smooth and effortless. Ethan’s frustration grew with every failed attempt.

“Come on, Reed! Focus!” Coach Stevens called out from the sideline.

Ethan’s jaw tightened. He nodded, forcing himself to take a deep breath. He wasn’t going to let Caleb get to him.

He took another corner kick, aiming for the top right corner of the net. Just as the ball was about to soar past the goalkeeper, Caleb was there, leaping into the air and deflecting it with the tip of his boot. The ball ricocheted off the post and fell harmlessly to the ground.

Ethan stopped, staring at Caleb in disbelief. Caleb gave him a smug smile.

“That was a nice try, Reed,” Caleb said, his voice dripping with superiority.

Ethan’s blood boiled, but he forced himself to remain calm. He wasn’t going to let Caleb see how much this bothered him.

“I’m just warming up,” Ethan replied, his tone flat.

But inside, his mind was racing. Every time Caleb blocked him, it felt like another piece of Ethan’s confidence was slipping away. He couldn’t keep losing to him, not like this.

Later that day, as the team was winding down, Ethan found himself on the edge of the field, away from the rest of the players. He was trying to cool off, both physically and mentally. The constant tension with Caleb was starting to take its toll. His hands were shaking, and his head was full of too many thoughts.

“You look like you’re about to blow a gasket,” a voice said behind him.

Ethan turned to see Marcus walking up, a concerned expression on his face.

“I’m fine,” Ethan muttered, though he knew it was a lie.

Marcus raised an eyebrow. “You don’t look fine. You’ve been like this all week. What’s going on?”

Ethan hesitated, not wanting to admit how much Caleb was getting to him. But he also couldn’t ignore how much his nerves were frayed.

“It’s this damn rivalry,” Ethan said, his voice tight with frustration. “He’s everywhere, always in my face. It’s like he’s trying to prove he’s better than me.”

Marcus snorted. “Well, he kind of is.”

Ethan shot him a glare. “Thanks for the support.”

Marcus shrugged. “I’m just saying. Caleb’s good. Hell, he’s great. But that doesn’t mean you have to let him get in your head. You’re still the best player on this team.”

Ethan wasn’t sure if he believed that anymore. But he didn’t want to admit it.

“I just can’t seem to shake him,” Ethan said quietly, his voice tinged with frustration.

Marcus nodded. “I get it. But listen, this is just the start of the season. If you let him get under your skin now, it’s only going to get worse. You need to focus on your game, not him.”

Ethan sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “I know. But it’s hard. Every time I think I’ve got him figured out, he surprises me. I hate that feeling.”

“You’ll figure it out,” Marcus said, clapping him on the back. “Just remember who you are, man. Don’t let Caleb mess with your head.”

Ethan nodded, but he couldn’t shake the unease gnawing at him. Caleb wasn’t just any rival. He was a challenge in a way Ethan had never experienced before.

That evening, after a long day of practice, Ethan couldn’t sleep. His mind kept replaying every moment with Caleb on the field—every blocked shot, every stolen pass, every smug smile. Caleb was good. Damn good.

But Ethan couldn’t let him be better. Not when everything he had worked for was on the line. He wasn’t going to be outshone by anyone, especially not Caleb Westwood.

He got out of bed, pacing the small room in frustration. He had to do something. He had to find a way to beat Caleb at his own game. But what? How could he outdo someone who seemed to anticipate his every move?

Just then, his phone buzzed. It was a message from Marcus.

“Hey man, meet me at the field in 20 minutes. Let’s work on some drills.”

Ethan stared at the screen, weighing his options. He was exhausted. His body ached from the intensity of the last few days. But Marcus was right. He couldn’t let Caleb get the upper hand.

With a resigned sigh, Ethan grabbed his gear and left the dorm.

When he arrived at the field, Marcus was already there, juggling a soccer ball with ease. He looked up when Ethan walked over.

“Ready to put that frustration to good use?” Marcus asked with a grin.

Ethan nodded, though his mood was still heavy. “Let’s just get this over with.”

The two of them began working on footwork and passing drills. At first, Ethan was distracted, his mind wandering to Caleb. But soon, the rhythm of the drills helped him focus. Every pass, every maneuver, was a reminder of what he could do when he wasn’t consumed by the pressure of competition.

For the next hour, they worked tirelessly. Marcus pushed him, offering constructive criticism and encouragement. Slowly, Ethan felt his old confidence returning.

After a while, Marcus called for a break. “You’re doing better,” he said, wiping sweat from his forehead. “You’ve got the skills, Ethan. Don’t let one guy make you forget that.”

Ethan took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing thoughts. “I know. It’s just… hard, you know?”

Marcus smiled. “I get it. But you’ve got this. Don’t let Caleb make you second-guess yourself.”

Ethan nodded, feeling a little more at ease. He knew Marcus was right. He had to focus on himself and his game, not on Caleb.

As they wrapped up the session, Ethan felt a renewed sense of purpose. He wasn’t going to let Caleb get the better of him. The next time they faced off on the field, it was going to be different. He was going to show Caleb that he wasn’t the only one who could dominate the game.

The rivalry was far from over, but Ethan knew one thing for sure: he wasn’t going down without a fight.

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