Inner match [Boylove]

Chapter 6: Silent Rivalries

The tennis team is preparing for an important regional tournament, and unresolved tensions among its members are becoming increasingly palpable. Julien notices Alex starting to act distant, likely to maintain his impartiality as captain, but this behavior unsettles him.

Meanwhile, Théo openly shows his irritation toward Julien, convinced he doesn't belong on the team. Léo, ever observant, begins to grow closer to Julien, taking advantage of the moments when Alex pulls away.

During a doubles training session, Alex and Julien are paired together. Though their coordination is far from perfect, Alex continues to support Julien, fueling Théo's jealousy as he partners with Léo.

— "Funny," Théo mutters to Léo during a rally. "Julien has no technique, but he gets private lessons from our dear captain."

— "Maybe Alex sees something we don't," Léo replies with an enigmatic smile.

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Chapter 7: A Tense Dinner

Matteo, the assistant coach, decides to organize a team dinner to ease the tension. The atmosphere is light at first, but unspoken grievances soon boil over.

Théo, driven by frustration, confronts Alex in front of everyone:

— "Why do you spend so much time training Julien? This is a team sport, not private coaching sessions."

Alex stays calm, but Julien, hurt by the comment, abruptly leaves the table. Léo follows and tries to comfort him:

— "Don't let them get to you. You belong here, even if some people refuse to see it."

In the background, Matteo observes the scene. Their interactions seem to echo memories of his own youth, when he too had struggled with feelings he had to hide.

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Chapter 8: Revelations on the Court

During a friendly match, Julien faces a dilemma. Paired temporarily with Théo, he struggles as Théo refuses to collaborate, jeopardizing their performance. Frustrated, Julien snaps:

— "Why do you hate me so much? I'm not your enemy!"

Caught off guard, Théo hesitates before replying:

— "Because you've taken something that was supposed to be mine."

The match ends in a loss for their duo, but the exchange marks a turning point. Théo begins to question himself, while Julien gains newfound confidence.

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Chapter 9: Doubles Games

The team participates in a day of doubles matches. Partners are chosen randomly: Alex and Julien face off against Théo and Léo.

The match is intense, with precise and rapid plays. On the court, emotions run high:

Théo plays aggressively, determined to prove his superiority.

Alex remains calm and strategic, but his attention often drifts to Julien, disrupting their coordination.

Julien pushes himself to the limit, though his mistakes reveal he's still troubled by his relationship with Alex.

Léo supports Théo, but his glances toward Julien betray a growing attachment.

In the end, Alex and Julien's duo wins the match, but not without tension. Théo storms off the court in anger, while Léo appears drained and almost melancholic.

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Chapter 10: A Nighttime Confrontation

After the match, Julien and Alex find themselves alone. Frustrated, Julien finally confronts Alex:

— "Why are you pushing me away? You say I'm important, but it feels like you're avoiding anything that might show how you really feel."

Caught off guard, Alex hesitates before responding:

— "Because it's complicated. Being captain means putting the team above my own feelings. And you… you make everything so much harder."

The silence that follows is heavy with unspoken emotions. Summoning his courage, Julien steps closer to Alex, but Alex retreats, murmuring:

— "We can't. Not now."

Hurt, Julien walks away, leaving Alex alone with his regrets.

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Cliffhanger: An Unexpected Connection

Matteo finds Théo in the locker room, visibly frustrated and shaken by his defeat. In a rare moment of honesty, Matteo shares a piece of his past:

— "You think you're alone in what you're feeling? That no one understands? Believe me, I've been where you are. And if you keep bottling it up, you risk losing everything."

Startled, Théo looks at Matteo with eyes full of questions, but before he can respond, the coach walks away, leaving his words to linger in the silence.

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End of Volume 2: Doubles Games