Girl from Parallel universe -Part 1

3 | Clever move

"Welcome," the coach continued, his expression lighting up with genuine enthusiasm. "You'll be pleased to know that she's a skilled table tennis player," he added, turning to address Lucas directly.

Lucas and Grace exchanged a knowing glance, a silent understanding passing between them.

The coach's words cut through the air, "I am teaching how to play badminton today. You two can play table tennis instead. It's not necessary for you to attend it," he announced, his voice carrying an air of casual indifference.

Grace and Lucas exchanged a quick glance, their eyes alight with the prospect of spending some leisurely time together. But their excitement was short-lived as Olivia's frustration bubbled to the surface. Desperate for any chance to be near Lucas, she seized upon the opportunity to interject. "Sir, can I join them as well?" she pleaded, her voice tinged with a hint of desperation. However, the coach remained steadfast, his attention already drifting away from her words.

With a resigned sigh, Olivia watched helplessly as Grace and Lucas made their way towards the blue door leading to the game room. Each step they took felt like another nail in the coffin of her hopes and dreams, her heart heavy with the weight of missed opportunities.

As they entered the game room, Grace's keen eyes swept across the space, taking in the various games and equipment scattered about. Lucas, ever the gracious host, busied himself with preparing the table for their impromptu game of table tennis, his movements swift and efficient.

With the room enveloped in a palpable silence, Grace couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity tugging at her. She took a moment to explore her surroundings, her observant nature leading her on a journey of discovery.

Meanwhile, Lucas's attention was focused solely on the task at hand. He arranged the table with care, ensuring that everything was in its rightful place before extending a hand towards Grace, offering her a racket with a friendly smile.

"You know, you've replaced Olivia," Lucas remarked casually, his words hanging in the air like a delicate thread. It was a simple statement, but one that carried a weight of its own.

Grace furrowed her brow in confusion, her curiosity piqued by Lucas's cryptic remark. "Who is Olivia?" she inquired, her voice tinged with genuine interest as she made her way to the opposite side of the table. Little did she know, her question would unravel a web of emotions and secrets that lay hidden beneath the surface of their seemingly ordinary world.

"The girl who asked the coach to join us," Lucas clarified, flicking on the lights above the table, which illuminated the room and improved visibility.

With a gentle serve, Lucas initiated the game, sending the ball sailing towards Grace. Reacting swiftly, Grace returned the serve with precision, aiming directly for Lucas's forehead. He dodged to the side, his reflexes sharp as he deftly caught the ball with his left hand. A chuckle escaped his lips as he admired Grace's skill.

Undeterred, Lucas served again, this time showcasing his own prowess as a table tennis legend. Grace met his shots with ease, the two of them engaged in a thrilling back-and-forth match that kept them on the edge of their seats.

After twenty minutes of intense gameplay, they decided to take a break, the adrenaline still coursing through their veins as they retreated to the sidelines.

Seated on a bench beside the door, Grace reached for a water bottle from the nearby table, her breath coming in short gasps as she tried to catch her breath. Lucas joined her, grabbing a towel to wipe the beads of sweat that had formed on his forehead.

"What do you mean by 'I am replacing Olivia'?" Grace inquired, her curiosity piqued as she sought to understand the dynamics of the school's social hierarchy.