Inner match [Boylove]

Chapter 23: Back to the Roots

After his confrontation with Adrien, Théo temporarily disappears from the courts. His former teammates, especially Julien, try to find him, but Théo avoids all contact. Meanwhile, Alex focuses on strengthening the team for the national tournament, but the fracture caused by Théo's departure still weighs heavily on morale.

It's Hugo, the team's new member, who urges Julien not to give up.

— "He needs time. But he also needs to know he can come back without being judged."

Julien eventually finds Théo in an old park where they used to train. Théo is sitting on a bench, his racket lying beside him.

— "Why did you come, Julien?" Théo asks.

— "Because you're part of us, even if you refuse to admit it."

Théo hesitates but finally shares his doubts:

— "What if I come back and I'm not good enough? What if everyone still hates me?"

Julien places a hand on his shoulder and replies:

— "We're not expecting perfection from you. We just want... you."

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Chapter 24: A Difficult Reconciliation

Théo returns to the team, but his comeback is far from smooth. Alex, though happy to see him, remains distant, and Léo openly shows his distrust. Even Matteo seems hesitant to fully trust him.

During a practice session, tensions erupt. Théo and Alex have a heated argument, with Alex accusing Théo of betraying the team. Théo, at his breaking point, shouts:

— "Do you think it was easy for me? You ignored me for months, and all I wanted was for you to see me as an equal, not just a player in your shadow!"

Hugo steps in to calm the situation:

— "Enough! If you want to keep living in the past, then leave this team. Otherwise, find a way to move forward."

This outburst marks a turning point. Alex and Théo agree to talk privately, hinting at the beginning of a reconciliation.

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Chapter 25: The Lynx Return

At the national tournament, the Lynx return stronger than ever, led by Adrien. They dominate the competition, and Adrien never misses an opportunity to provoke Alex and his teammates.

In a decisive match before the finals, the two teams face each other again. This time, Théo is on the court, playing alongside Julien. Their duo works surprisingly well, and despite Adrien's provocations, they manage to stay composed.

During the match, Adrien tries to sow discord:

— "Do you really think they've forgiven you, Théo? You're just a piece they'll use as long as you're useful."

But Théo, now confident, replies with a smile:

— "Maybe, but at least I'm playing for something that truly matters."

The match ends with a spectacular victory for Alex's team, sending them to the finals.

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Chapter 26: The Pressure of the Final

The final pits Alex's team against an invited international club, the Falcons, known for their discipline and power. The match is grueling, with every point hard-fought in sweat and pain.

At a critical moment, Julien suffers a minor injury. Though the medics assure him he can continue, Alex hesitates to keep him on the court.

— "I can do it," Julien insists. "But not if you keep doubting me."

This moment strengthens their trust, and Julien plays a key role in a decisive rally that shifts the momentum of the match.

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Chapter 27: The Decisive Point

In the final moments of the match, it's Théo who faces a formidable opponent. The crowd holds its breath as he serves for the final point.

The ball flies at high speed, the rally is intense, but Théo keeps his composure and finishes with a perfect smash. The crowd erupts in joy: Alex's team is crowned national champions.

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Epilogue: An Uncertain Future

After the victory, Adrien congratulates Alex with a sly smile:

— "Enjoy your moment. This was just a battle, not the war."

Back in the locker room, Matteo delivers surprising news: an international tournament is on the horizon, and their team has been invited. But this means new challenges, new rivalries, and perhaps new fractures to overcome.

Théo, now more confident, declares:

— "This time, we're ready. Together."

End of Volume 5: Point of No Return