I turned in surprise to the nurse, whose eyes were practically sparkling with excitement.I couldn't help but let out a small smile, though it was a resigned one. "You're kidding, right?"My hand was ruined. How could I possibly keep competing?"I'm serious!" she insisted eagerly.She quickly pulled down her mask, revealing a fresh and charming face."Look, this is my new team. We're just missing a jungler. Joseph, I've actually been a fan of yours for a long time. Please consider it. We really need you on our team."With that, she pulled out her phone and showed me the details about the team.It was the Bermuda team, with full backing from Madison White herself.I stared at her in disbelief. "You really created a team?"But that name—Madison White—sounded so familiar. Wasn't that the name of the daughter of the real estate tycoon who ran White Properties?"Is your father Jerome White?" I asked, still processing.Madison blushed, nodding shyly. "Yes, that's my father.""T
I suddenly opened my eyes, staring at Luna, whose eyes were red and swollen from crying."What are you crying for? Isn't this what you wanted?" I asked, trying to understand.Luna only cried harder.Hugo stormed over, his face twisted in anger, and grabbed me by the collar, shouting, "Joseph, what kind of man are you? How dare you bully Luna!"Luna pushed him away with force. "Don't touch him. He's seriously hurt."Hugo's fury caused the veins on his neck to bulge. "Luna, he's cheated on you, and you're still defending him? Why degrade yourself like this? You should leave him right now!" he spat, his voice full of frustration."Shut up!" Luna shouted, her voice rising sharply. "My issues with Joseph are none of your business. Get out!" she snapped, pushing Hugo out of the room.I was stunned. She actually argued with Hugo because of me.It was the first time I'd ever witnessed something like this.After pushing Hugo out, Luna returned to sit beside me. She spoke gently, her
In the video, I held a bouquet in one hand and a takeout box in the other, walking toward Luna. I reached out to wipe the sweat from her forehead, then carefully adjusted her clothes. But Luna's gaze seemed to never linger on me. The scene shifted, and on the screen, I was pleading with Luna to stay. Without hesitation, she turned away from me, leaving nothing but her cold, indifferent back.When I was in love, I didn't notice it, but now, from the perspective of an outsider, I looked like nothing more than her loyal servant.Madison looked at me with concern. "They must feel threatened by you; that's why they're resorting to such underhanded tactics. Don't let it mess with your game."I nodded softly, already resolute. After all this preparation, a few rumors couldn't shake me.But before I could fully process it, Luna came to see me in person."Joseph, I'm sorry. I didn't realize how much you've done for me," she said, her voice filled with regret. "I've always been the one
It was obvious—Madison had posted that.Every time someone questioned me, she was always the first to jump to my defense. My heart warmed as a wave of gratitude washed over me.As expected, the official social media account of the Bermuda team was already under fire. The comments were relentless, mocking us as a small, insignificant team desperate for attention. They claimed I had no one to blame but myself for being stuck with rookies, saying I brought it on by daring to compare myself to Hugo.Some even stooped low enough to call me a gold digger, accusing me of using Luna to climb the social ladder.Just as the online arguments reached a fever pitch, Luna unexpectedly went live on her channel.In the livestream, she confessed that she and Hugo were just friends and publicly stated that I was her boyfriend."We've been dating for years," she explained, urging her viewers not to misunderstand.She even apologized to me on air, admitting she'd ignored my feelings and asking for
"Yeah, we did it."I smiled as I took the flowers in one hand and wrapped the other around Madison, proudly announcing to the crowd that she was my girlfriend.The entire city lit up with fireworks, and the big screen flashed as I became the top jungler in the country.All of this was Madison's surprise.Fans went wild shipping us as a couple, saying our genuine relationship was sweeter than any scripted drama.Soon, several sponsors came forward with offers, and Bermuda shot to fame overnight.Amidst all the excitement, I caught a glimpse of Luna, her face full of disappointment as she walked away, still holding the roses, her figure growing smaller with each step.While our team basked in glory, Hugo and Greg were quickly forgotten, their reputations in ruins.I had no intention of letting them off easy.I released the audio recording of Greg, who had been quick to turn his back on me after the accident, hoping he'd experience a taste of public backlash.Madison was even bo
Beneath the dazzling lights, I stood on the podium with my teammates.Luna Doyle, my girlfriend, approached me holding a bouquet.She had promised that when I won the national championship, she'd announce our relationship to the world.Tonight, she seemed to be here specifically to give me the flowers, choosing roses that symbolized love.This was the first time she'd ever given me flowers, and her expression was filled with such deep affection.I blushed, trying to control the excitement in my heart, my eyes fixed on her as she walked toward me.In my mind, I had already planned it: As soon as she handed me the flowers, I would drop to one knee, pull out the ring, and propose to her live on national television.Even though we had fought over trivial things just yesterday.But who doesn't argue in a relationship, right?I nervously rubbed the ring in my pocket."Congratulations on winning the championship!" Luna said, extending the flowers.I was eagerly preparing to accept
At midnight, Luna finally called me while I was still training. I glanced at my phone on the side and hit the mute button, not planning to answer. Then, a flood of messages from her popped up. [Why aren't you home yet?[Where have you gone off to?[The flowers I picked out for you are wilting! Where are you? Didn't you say you liked receiving flowers?]Did she think I needed the flowers she gave me as an afterthought? I turned off the screen, laughing bitterly. She was always like this—giving one thing, taking another. In the past, I loved her so much that I didn't mind her behavior. I even told myself that she had feelings for me too. But now, I saw it clearly. She was just stringing me along. I was ready to leave. No one was irreplaceable. Not me, and certainly not Luna. -I spent the whole night training, then slept soundly until 3:00 PM the next day. When I went to the training room, I saw Luna sitting in my spot, lost in thought. I wasn't su
Luna had never cared enough to do anything like this for me.Even on my birthday, when I casually mentioned wanting a cake, she'd just grumble about how we were adults and didn't need to bother with such pointless formalities.Yet here she was, in front of everyone, preparing such a grand surprise for Hugo.It became clear to me: Only when someone truly cared would they put in the effort.Teagan observed my reaction, clearly pleased with the effect it had on me.A knowing smile played on her face, and it felt like a sharp jab to my heart.After the meet-and-greet, Luna returned to the private room with Hugo.Teagan quickly went up to her, looping her arm with Luna's, and teased, "Luna, you've gone all out for Hugo's surprise. Aren't you worried your boyfriend might get jealous?"Luna stiffened at the comment, and then her eyes flicked to me, guilt flashing in her gaze."Next time, for your birthday or our anniversary, I'll make sure to prepare a surprise like that for you too,
"Yeah, we did it."I smiled as I took the flowers in one hand and wrapped the other around Madison, proudly announcing to the crowd that she was my girlfriend.The entire city lit up with fireworks, and the big screen flashed as I became the top jungler in the country.All of this was Madison's surprise.Fans went wild shipping us as a couple, saying our genuine relationship was sweeter than any scripted drama.Soon, several sponsors came forward with offers, and Bermuda shot to fame overnight.Amidst all the excitement, I caught a glimpse of Luna, her face full of disappointment as she walked away, still holding the roses, her figure growing smaller with each step.While our team basked in glory, Hugo and Greg were quickly forgotten, their reputations in ruins.I had no intention of letting them off easy.I released the audio recording of Greg, who had been quick to turn his back on me after the accident, hoping he'd experience a taste of public backlash.Madison was even bo
It was obvious—Madison had posted that.Every time someone questioned me, she was always the first to jump to my defense. My heart warmed as a wave of gratitude washed over me.As expected, the official social media account of the Bermuda team was already under fire. The comments were relentless, mocking us as a small, insignificant team desperate for attention. They claimed I had no one to blame but myself for being stuck with rookies, saying I brought it on by daring to compare myself to Hugo.Some even stooped low enough to call me a gold digger, accusing me of using Luna to climb the social ladder.Just as the online arguments reached a fever pitch, Luna unexpectedly went live on her channel.In the livestream, she confessed that she and Hugo were just friends and publicly stated that I was her boyfriend."We've been dating for years," she explained, urging her viewers not to misunderstand.She even apologized to me on air, admitting she'd ignored my feelings and asking for
In the video, I held a bouquet in one hand and a takeout box in the other, walking toward Luna. I reached out to wipe the sweat from her forehead, then carefully adjusted her clothes. But Luna's gaze seemed to never linger on me. The scene shifted, and on the screen, I was pleading with Luna to stay. Without hesitation, she turned away from me, leaving nothing but her cold, indifferent back.When I was in love, I didn't notice it, but now, from the perspective of an outsider, I looked like nothing more than her loyal servant.Madison looked at me with concern. "They must feel threatened by you; that's why they're resorting to such underhanded tactics. Don't let it mess with your game."I nodded softly, already resolute. After all this preparation, a few rumors couldn't shake me.But before I could fully process it, Luna came to see me in person."Joseph, I'm sorry. I didn't realize how much you've done for me," she said, her voice filled with regret. "I've always been the one
I suddenly opened my eyes, staring at Luna, whose eyes were red and swollen from crying."What are you crying for? Isn't this what you wanted?" I asked, trying to understand.Luna only cried harder.Hugo stormed over, his face twisted in anger, and grabbed me by the collar, shouting, "Joseph, what kind of man are you? How dare you bully Luna!"Luna pushed him away with force. "Don't touch him. He's seriously hurt."Hugo's fury caused the veins on his neck to bulge. "Luna, he's cheated on you, and you're still defending him? Why degrade yourself like this? You should leave him right now!" he spat, his voice full of frustration."Shut up!" Luna shouted, her voice rising sharply. "My issues with Joseph are none of your business. Get out!" she snapped, pushing Hugo out of the room.I was stunned. She actually argued with Hugo because of me.It was the first time I'd ever witnessed something like this.After pushing Hugo out, Luna returned to sit beside me. She spoke gently, her
I turned in surprise to the nurse, whose eyes were practically sparkling with excitement.I couldn't help but let out a small smile, though it was a resigned one. "You're kidding, right?"My hand was ruined. How could I possibly keep competing?"I'm serious!" she insisted eagerly.She quickly pulled down her mask, revealing a fresh and charming face."Look, this is my new team. We're just missing a jungler. Joseph, I've actually been a fan of yours for a long time. Please consider it. We really need you on our team."With that, she pulled out her phone and showed me the details about the team.It was the Bermuda team, with full backing from Madison White herself.I stared at her in disbelief. "You really created a team?"But that name—Madison White—sounded so familiar. Wasn't that the name of the daughter of the real estate tycoon who ran White Properties?"Is your father Jerome White?" I asked, still processing.Madison blushed, nodding shyly. "Yes, that's my father.""T
She glanced at me nervously, hesitated for a moment, and then finally picked up the phone."Luna, where are you right now?" Hugo's voice came through the other end of the line."My hand hurts badly. I think the fall from the accident has caused some lingering issues," he said, his voice full of drama. "Do you think this will affect my ability to compete? Luna, can you come see me? I'm afraid I might not be able to compete anymore…" It was just a regular injury, but by the way he spoke, you'd think the world was ending. It was as if the car had hit him, not me.Luna's face instantly filled with worry.But instead of agreeing right away, she shot me a conflicted look, as if she was torn."You should go. I'll be fine on my own," I said, trying to make things easy for her.Luna seemed to relax a little at my words.After hanging up, she turned to me, her face full of apology. "Sorry. I really want to stay with you, but Hugo's been in such a bad state ever since he hurt his hand.
In the meeting room, the boss, Greg Manning, deliberately praised Hugo, mentioning that the collaborative couple short video with Luna had gained a lot of attention online, boosting the studio's revenue.Then, he shifted the conversation. "We've decided to restructure the team," he said, his gaze lingering on me. Hugo's smug smile only confirmed my growing suspicion.Sure enough, Greg turned to me. "Joseph, you've worked hard these past two years, so… to give you more time to rest, we've decided to relieve you from the upcoming matches. Hugo will take over your role as the jungler, and from now on, he'll lead the team into competition. Don't worry. Since you're a long-time member of the team, I won't overlook your contributions. In the meantime, you'll help out with the logistics department."Kicking me off the team right after I had won a championship—wasn't that just throwing me away when I was no longer useful?I couldn't help but chuckle bitterly. "Thank you for your considerat
Back at the dorm, I made a quick bowl of instant noodles and sat down at my desk to start today's training.It wasn't until my eyes began to sting from the strain that I reluctantly closed my laptop.Suddenly, my phone buzzed with a new notification.I unlocked it and saw that Hugo had posted something on his social media.[It's so great having you. Thanks for making me hangover soup when I drink too much.]The photo showed Luna in an apron, busy in the kitchen, bathed in soft lighting that gave it a warm, cozy feel.So Luna could cook for someone else, after all.I gave a self-deprecating smile and commented, [Your girlfriend is so thoughtful. Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness.]Then, I went ahead and blocked both Hugo's and Luna's accounts.Not long after, an unfamiliar number called. It was Luna on the other end."Joseph, what did your comment mean?" she demanded. "Do you need to make everyone miserable just to be happy? Apologize to Hugo right now, or you won't get
Luna had never cared enough to do anything like this for me.Even on my birthday, when I casually mentioned wanting a cake, she'd just grumble about how we were adults and didn't need to bother with such pointless formalities.Yet here she was, in front of everyone, preparing such a grand surprise for Hugo.It became clear to me: Only when someone truly cared would they put in the effort.Teagan observed my reaction, clearly pleased with the effect it had on me.A knowing smile played on her face, and it felt like a sharp jab to my heart.After the meet-and-greet, Luna returned to the private room with Hugo.Teagan quickly went up to her, looping her arm with Luna's, and teased, "Luna, you've gone all out for Hugo's surprise. Aren't you worried your boyfriend might get jealous?"Luna stiffened at the comment, and then her eyes flicked to me, guilt flashing in her gaze."Next time, for your birthday or our anniversary, I'll make sure to prepare a surprise like that for you too,