Checkmate.
Gasps spread through the courtyard as Kael adjusted his glasses, the chessboard silent in its finality.
Kairon stood up without a word. Calm. Composed.
"I lost," he said simply — then turned and walked away.
No reaction. No emotion. Just silence.
Aria, watching from the side, blinked.
Is he... sad about losing? Is that why he walked away like that?
She looked toward her brother, Kael, who was already leaving with Juan trailing behind — neither of them saying a word.
She followed quietly.
---
Caden let out a frustrated sigh. "Ugh… I was seriously hoping he'd win."
Torin stepped beside him, grinning. "You owe me 100 points."
"Huh?! No way!" Caden groaned. He turned toward Riven. "Hey... can you loan me 100 points real quick?"
Riven didn't even blink. "No."
Caden's jaw dropped. "Bro—?!"
Riven smirked faintly. "Stop betting with your points."
Torin burst out laughing. "Thank you, Riven. I couldn't have said it better."
---
