Chapter 3

The first time I sat in Cole’s car, it still felt like a dream.

It wasn't until he leaned over to help me fasten my seatbelt that I snapped back to reality.

My face felt slightly awkward.

“Just now… I didn’t expect you to bail me out.”

“Thank you, Captain Cole.”

Because I had grown up with Liam, I had secretly helped him badmouth Cole plenty of times. I never imagined Cole would actually protect me, saving me from utter humiliation in front of everyone.

Cole started the car, eyes on the road, and simply murmured, “Mm.”

He sounded a little unhappy. Did I say something wrong?

I quickly added, “No need to trouble you, Captain Cole. You still have a celebration to go to. You can just drop me off at the curb up ahead.”

“I’ll take a cab home myself.”

Cole suddenly stomped on the brake, looking at me. “What? You’re not coming to the celebration with me?”

I froze, then suddenly remembered the scene earlier.

I didn’t expect Captain Cole to take the joke seriously…

He was Liam Harrison’s sworn enemy, after all.

Now, I didn't want any involvement with either of them. It was better to keep my distance.

I said sincerely, “Thank you so much for what you did tonight, Captain Cole.”

I couldn't help but recall the rumors about him.

People said he was a sports fanatic who wasn't interested in women.

He’d never had a woman around him, and his greatest hobby was playing football with his team.

Many even said there was a 100% chance he was gay.

“Besides 'thank you,' don’t you have anything else to say?”

“Huh…?”

I racked my brain, wondering what I might have said that was inappropriate.

After thinking it over, it hit me.

There must be a guy Cole liked on the Athletics team.

He was being a good friend, helping me out, and I couldn't let his crush misunderstand…

So, feeling quite righteous, I patted my chest and declared, “Don’t worry, Captain Cole. What happened between us was a complete misunderstanding. I’ll definitely explain it to the teammate you like.”

A confused Cole said, “The teammate I like?”

“Oh, is the person you like not on your team?”

*Crack!* I thought I heard Cole’s knuckles crackle.

“You think I like men?” Cole practically gritted through his teeth.

Maybe I was too blunt, making him uncomfortable in front of someone he didn’t know well.

But there was nothing wrong with liking someone.

I chuckled awkwardly, trying to explain. “Captain Cole, love knows no gender. Don’t be embarrassed.”

“I totally understand…”

My voice trailed off as I watched Cole’s face grow darker and darker.

Finally, I timidly mumbled, “Really, I don’t discriminate against gay people…”

Then I shut my mouth.

Cole focused on driving, no longer bothering to speak to me.

What a weird atmosphere.

For a while, all I could do was pull out my phone and constantly refresh Ins.

People always pretend to be busy when they’re awkward…

Suddenly, my scrolling finger stopped.

Two minutes ago, Chloe Davis had just posted something on Ins.

“I accept Captain Liam’s declaration of love.”

Below it were two selfies: her holding the trophy, and her and Liam intimately cheek-to-cheek.

My roommate Mia Rodriguez commented: *Oh, so Captain Liam actually likes you, huh? Ugh, Daisy went to all his games every day. She must be furious now.*

Chloe replied: *Don’t say that, Daisy will be unhappy.*

My hand, clutching the phone, trembled slightly from how hard I was gripping it.

My vision went black.

What a load of crap, that bet was just a cover-up.

These two had probably already been secretly involved.

That’s why Liam declared his love for her, even knowing she and I didn’t get along.

Just then, my phone suddenly rang, snapping me back to reality.

“Hello, Daisy, are you and Captain Cole really still together?”

It was the teammate who had called me a sore loser earlier.

“We’re playing truth or dare at the celebration, and they forced me to call and ask.”

“Daisy, come on, tell us. Is Captain Cole’s boyfriend mad at you?”

“Hahaha…”

A burst of laughter came from the other end of the phone, likely a group gathered to hear my humiliation.

Before I could even speak, Liam Harrison’s voice cut in. “Ask her if Cole just abandoned her halfway there.”

“Tell her to apologize and beg a little, and I don’t mind picking her up.”

Liam’s voice was mocking and crude.

My blood rushed to my head.

“None of your business! And even if he ‘can’t perform,’ he’s still way more impressive than you are!”

There was a brief silence on the other end, then Liam’s furious roar: “What did you say? Daisy! Are you and Cole…?”