Inner match [Boylove]

Chapter 16: A Shaken Team

Since Théo's departure to the Lynx, Alex's team has been in crisis. The practices lack cohesion, and even Matteo struggles to motivate the players. Julien, determined to fix things, takes the initiative to organize an informal meeting with the remaining members to openly discuss their frustrations.

During this discussion, Léo, usually quiet, ends up exploding: — "We won't win anything as long as we keep tiptoeing around our problems! Théo is gone, but we're still here, right? So let's act instead of wallowing in self-pity."

These words mark a turning point for Julien, who begins to see Léo in a new light.

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Chapter 17: Théo and Adrien

At the Lynx, Théo shines on the field, but he feels increasingly isolated. Adrien, exploiting his vulnerability, manipulates him further, distancing him from his former team.

— "They always underestimated you, didn't they? Here, you're recognized for your talent. Why go back to being the second choice?"

Despite Adrien's words, Théo is haunted by memories of his team. He keeps the lucky bracelet Julien had given him during their first tournament, a sign that he hasn't completely turned the page.

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Chapter 18: An Unexpected Confrontation

During a preparatory tournament, the Lynx face Alex's team in the knockout stage. The match is intense, and the tension reaches its peak when Théo and Alex find themselves face to face.

During a break, Alex approaches Théo: — "You can convince yourself that you're better here, but we both know it's not really you."

Théo, stung, retorts: — "And you think you're a perfect captain? Maybe it's you who pushed me to leave."

Julien, witnessing the scene, intervenes: — "We weren't perfect either..."

Chapter 18(continued): An Unexpected Confrontation

Julien, witnessing the scene, intervenes: — "We weren't perfect, Théo. But leaving won't solve anything, and you know it."

Théo, troubled, stays silent for a moment before responding: — "I just wanted... to be seen for who I really am."

Alex, visibly affected, replies calmly: — "And we wanted you to know how much you matter. Maybe we didn't show it the right way, but you've always been essential to this team."

The moment is interrupted by Adrien, who is observing from a distance and intervenes: — "If you want to play the good Samaritan, Alex, do it somewhere else. Théo is with us now."

The match resumes, but the exchange leaves a visible mark on Théo, who seems less focused.

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Chapter 20: An Unexpected Alliance

After their loss to the Lynx, Alex's team decides to refocus. Julien, more determined than ever, proposes an audacious idea: recruit a former player from the club to strengthen their lineup. They then meet Hugo, a talented player who had left tennis after an accident.

Hugo agrees to join the team but sets conditions: — "I don't want a broken team. If we're going to work together, it's all or nothing."

His arrival gives a boost to the team, but it also creates friction, as he challenges Alex's authority. Matteo, observing the conflicts, decides to let the players resolve their issues themselves, hoping they'll come out stronger.

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Chapter 21: Léo's Secret

While the team works hard to prepare for the final tournament, Léo reveals to Julien that he's noticed something strange about Adrien. — "I saw him talking to Théo, but it wasn't just encouragement. He's using him, Julien. He knows Théo is still attached to you, and he's using that to control him."

Julien decides to act and confronts Adrien during a Lynx training session. — "You think manipulating Théo will make you better? You're playing with his feelings, and you'll end up breaking him."

Adrien, amused, responds: — "I'm just revealing what was already there. If Théo is broken, it's because you abandoned him."

This confrontation motivates Julien to do everything he can to regain Théo's trust.

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Chapter 22: The Final Tournament

The final tournament is announced, and the two teams, Alex and the Lynx, face off in the semifinals. The match is fierce, and every point is fought as if it's the last.

During a break, Julien approaches Théo and whispers: — "It's not too late. Come back. Not for us, but for yourself."

Théo hesitates, but Adrien interrupts once again: — "You know what happens when you betray your team. Make your choice, Théo."

The match ends with a Lynx victory, but something changes in Théo's attitude.

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Bonus: An Irreversible Decision

After the match, Théo confronts Adrien privately: — "You never wanted me to be better. You just wanted me to hate my old team as much as you do."

Adrien, surprised, smiles with contempt: — "And what are you going to do, Théo? Go back and cry to them?"

The Part ends with Théo leaving the Lynx locker room, his future uncertain. Meanwhile, Alex and Julien, despite their defeat, commit to rebuilding their team and bringing Théo back at any cost.

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End of Volume 4: Fracture Lines