…
The sports activities began the following Monday, and each class was asked to choose a group of students to represent them. Johns, one of the brilliant students in Valeria's class, was chosen to lead the team to victory.
He selected four members, but when the teacher suggested adding Valeria to the group, Johns surprisingly chose someone else, persuading the teacher to accept his decision.
Rachael, on the other hand, was chosen to represent her class without hesitation. Valeria, however, showed no interest in participating and stayed behind.
The first round of the competition didn't go well for Johns' team, and they lost due to the lack of skill of the fifth player. This happened because Johns had chosen a random person to play since he didn't want to add Valeria to the team.
However, the next round continued anyway without any changes, and this time too they didn't do very well.
Desperate, the teacher asked Valeria to replace the weak link. Johns was hesitant, still disliking Valeria for her perceived arrogance and narcissism, despite her skills and consistently high scores in class.
However, Valeria's exceptional skills on the field soon proved themselves, and she helped the team win the next rounds.
Rachael also performed well, and both girls qualified to represent the school in the upcoming inter-schools sports competition, along with Johns and others.
Johns was forced to swallow his pride and accept Valeria's superiority, at least on the sports field. The two girls, along with their teammates, prepared to face off against other schools, their competitive spirits burning brighter than ever.
As they walked off the field, Johns approached Valeria, a hint of frustration still visible on his face.
"Valeria, I don't get it," Johns said, shaking his head. "You're so talented, but you never seem to care. Why is that?"
Valeria shrugged, her eyes fixed on the ground. "I just don't see the point in getting all worked up over a game."
Johns sighed. "But that's exactly what I mean. You're so good, but you don't even try. If you applied yourself, you could be amazing."
Valeria raised an eyebrow. "I'm already amazing, Johns. I just don't need to prove it to anyone else."
Rachael, who had been watching the exchange, chimed in. "Hey, guys? Can we focus on the competition ahead? We need to work together if we want to win."
Johns nodded, still looking unconvinced. "Yeah, you're right. Let's just get through this."
Valeria smiled, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Oh, don't worry, Johns. I'll make sure we win. And I'll do it without breaking a sweat."
Somehow Valeria was enthusiastic about the upcoming activities though she didn't know why.
Johns only nodded his head and walked away.
…
A few days later, Johns approached the sports master, looking concerned. "Sir, I need to talk to you about the team."
"What is it, Johns?" the sports master asked, looking up from his clipboard.
"It's about Valeria. I don't think she should be on the team," Johns said, his voice firm.