Hearts On Court: When Rivals Fall In Love
Episode 4 "When Jealousy First Burns"
[Scene: University Hallway - After Classes]
Toptap
(Walking alone, carrying books, muttering):
Ugh... stupid professor, giving giving so much homework on day three... my poor skin can't handle this stress.
As he returned the corner, three senior boys blocked his path.
Boy 1 (Senior)
(Smirking):
Well, well... if it isn't the campus doll.
Boy 2
(Leaning close):
Look at the skin, like procelain. You sure you're in right place, princess?
Toptap
(Glares, sassily):
Move. I'm not in the mood to babysit desperate losers.
Boy 3
(Grabs his wrist roughly):
Don't act so tough. We've seen how boys drool over you. why don't you stop playing hard to get—
Toptap
(Struggles, panic flashing under sass):
Let go! Do you even know who I am?!
[Suddenly - A Hand Grabs The Senior's Collar]
Poppy
(Voice sharp, furious):
He said let go.
Boy 3
(Scoffs):
What's your problem, rich boy? planning to buy this time without daddy's money?
Poppy
(Shoves him against the wall, eyes burning):
My problem is people like you who can't keep your filthy hands off someone who said NO.
Toptap
(Staring, heart racing, whispers):
Poppy...
The hallway froze poppy's usual cool smirks was gone. His jaw was tight, fists clenched, eyes blazing with raw protectiveness.
Poppy
(To seniors, low dangerous tone):
Touch him again... and I swear you won't walk into your next class.
Boy 1 (Senior)
(Back off, muttering):
Crazy rich kid... whatever, let's go.
Boy 2
(Back off, muttering):
Crazy rich kid... whatever, let's go.
Toptap
(Still shaken, pulls his wrist free, sass covering nerves):
I-I could handle them myself.
Poppy
(Turns sharply, still angry):
You call that handling?!
Toptap
(Stunned by his tone):
...Why do you even care?
Poppy
(hesitates, voice softer but still intense):
Because seeing you like that... it burned something inside me.
Toptap blinked, his usual sharp tongue lost for a moment. His heart pounded, not from fear anymore-but from something far more dangerous.
[Scene: basketball Court - Evening Practice]
Sammy
(Watching from stands, notices Bosston staring at her while tying shoes):
Why is the enemy captain staring at me?
Bosston
(Thinking):
Why does she look prettier every damn day...?
Sammy
(Teasing, smirking to herself):
Guess I'm not the only one distracted.
[Scene: Behind The Gym - Later]
Papan sat alone, his ankle aching again. His usual strong front cracked as tears slipped quickly.
Papan
(Muttering to himself)
I'm supposed to be captain... why am I so weak?
Podd
(Appears suddenly, voice low but firm):
You're not weak.
Papan
(Startled, wiping tears quickly):
C-Coach? I... I wasn't crying.
Podd
(Kneels, holding his shoulder gently):
You don't have to hide from me.
Papan
(Heart racing, voice trembling):
Why are you always... so kind to me? I'm just your rival team captain.
Podd
(hesitates, eyes soft, whispering):
Because... when you're hurt, it feels like my own pain.
For a moment, Papan's world stopped. His heart knew what Podd's words meant... even if Podd wasn't ready to admit it loud.
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