NovelXXXChapter 387 By now, every team had entered battle mode. Players huddled together, discussing possible tactics their opponents might use and brainstorming ways to counter them. The tension in the room was palpable, as if everyone was about to sit for a life-or-death exam. All except for Citrine's team, whose entire vibe stood out like a sore thumb.
While the other teams were on edge, Citrine lounged comfortably in a plush chair, idly snacking. In front of her was a spread of snacks and fruit-everything Travis had bought-chips, chocolate, berries, grapes, apple slices; you nit, the table had it.
Travis sat beside her, methodically peeling an orange and a grapefruit, making sure every bit of pith was gone. Once he'd finished, he pulled out a small cutting board and a paring knife, slicing the fruit into perfect segments and arranging them neatly on a plate. He set it in front of Citrine and, with a grin, offered her a piece on the tip of a toothpick. "Open up, Citrine." Citrine opened her mouth without a second thought and took the fruit, chewing contentedly.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAnd it wasn't just Travis doting on her. Sylvan, Carney, and Springer were all busy as well-one kneading Citrine's shoulders, another fussing over her like a worried mother, and the last clowning around in front of her with exaggerated antics, doing whatever he could to make her laugh.
Compared to the tense atmosphere elsewhere, Citrine's squad looked like they were at a casual Sunday picnic. The contrast couldn't have been starker. Meanwhile, Curry, watching from a short distance away, took in the entire scene. He nudged Wade, who was glued to his phone, scrolling through analysis of Crimson First's tactics. "Look at that girl," Curry whispered.
Wade glanced up, thinking Curry was checking someone out. He looked over at the girl, gave her a once-over, and though she was turned to the side-offered a verdict. "That profile is top-tier. Bet she's even prettier face-on. Not bad, man. Good taste." Curry rolled his eyes and clarified, "No, I mean, look at how relaxed that team is. And that girl-her teammates are doting on her like she's royalty." Wade looked again. Sure enough, the girl was being hand-fed by her teammate while three others hovered around her, each trying to outdo the others in service and entertainment.
To Wade, it looked exactly like the setup for sover-the-top romance - four guys, one girl, all vying for her attention. He didn't expect to see it play out in real life.
He quickly looked away, his expression full of disdain. "Those guys are making us all look bad," he muttered. "No way in hell would I ever debase myself like that for a woman." Curry just shrugged. After all, Wade was a Saunders-born with that last name, he'd never have to grovel for any woman's approval.
Wade glanced back at Citrine's team and scoffed, "Want to bet? That bunch of lovesick puppies will be the first ones knocked out." "No doubt about it," Curry agreed, shaking his head. He didn't think much of Citrine's squad, either.
At nine sharp, the tournament kicked off. Champions from every state took the stage in order.
Wade waited through an hour of matches, until finally it was his team's turn. But as soon as they stepped onto the stage, he froze. Of all the teams they could face, their opponents were none other than the infamous four- guys-one-girl group from earlier.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmWhat happened next surprised Wade even more.
Every finalist here was a rising star in their own right, with sdegree of online fame. But the moment Citrine stepped onto the stage, the crowd erupted in cheers. "Crimson First!" "Let's go CrimsonFirst!" "My goddess, you're incredible!" "I flew here just to see you-go, goddess, go!"
The stands shook with excitement. Everywhere Wade looked, fans were screaming for Crimson First.
Citrine stood on stage, lips curled into a bright smile. She raised.
She raised her hand and waved to the audience. "Ah! She waved at me!" someone shrieked from the crowd.
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