Chapter 206: Friday at the Auditorium (part 1)
Friday morning came faster than Micah expected. He sat on the edge of his bed, staring at the small stack of sketches in his lap. His fingers brushed over the top one, a sketch of Darcy’s necklace. He had planned to give him the birthday present last night. But things hadn’t gone as he expected. Uncle Graham had called, apologising for the delay.
Micah sighed, his shoulders slumping as he put away the sketches. Just then, his phone buzzed. It was a message from his uncle.
"Sorry again Micah. I’ll bring the wrapped gift to the banquet tonight. See you then."
He stared at the screen for a moment, then slipped the phone into his pocket, grabbed his bag, and headed out the door.
The morning was bright, but Micah’s steps were slow as he made his way toward the auditorium building. He was supposed to meet Darcy there. They needed to register their gaming account for the tournament, but Micah’s mind was still stuck on the sketches he had left behind. Could he get it on time? Would Darcy like his gift?
When he reached the building, the place was buzzing with crowds. Loud chatter and laughter echoed off the walls. A line had already formed at the registration table. Students clustered in small groups, talking excitedly. A few were already in matching team jerseys.
Micah blinked, a little overwhelmed. He had never thought it would be this popular.
His mind suddenly flashed back to that dumb match a few days ago, the embarrassing bet between the two, Archie and Darcy.
Micah turned red. Please let no one here know, he silently begged.
He tugged his cap lower and adjusted the black mask covering his face. No way he could walk in casually. His skin was not that thick.
"Micah?" A tap on his shoulder made him jolt. He turned around, only to find Russell grinning at him. Standing beside him was a guy Micah vaguely recognised, Flinn, and a girl with bright eyes and a curious smile.