The Persistent Yuja and the Growing Suspicions
The college grounds were alive with energy, buzzing with students training for the upcoming tournament. Wick had his hands full, ensuring their strategies remained intact while keeping an eye out for the suspected traitor.
However, something—or rather, someone—kept catching his attention.
Yuja.
The new student had somehow managed to befriend nearly everyone around him. She was always in the midst of conversations, laughing, chatting, and blending effortlessly into his surroundings. Everyone except Shristi.
It didn't go unnoticed by either of them.
Shristi, much like Wick, found herself increasingly annoyed by Yuja's presence. It wasn't just her overly friendly nature—it was the way she seemed to be deliberately trying to win her over. For what reason, Shristi couldn't figure out.
And then, as if summoned by his thoughts, Wick found himself standing beside her.
"So… enjoying leading?" Wick asked, his voice laced with mild amusement.
Shristi exhaled, rolling her shoulders. "Yeah, but I think it would be better if there were some changes."
Wick raised an eyebrow. "Then make them. You have full freedom to do whatever needs to be done."
Shristi glanced at him, slightly surprised. "Uh… thanks."
Before their conversation could continue, an all-too-familiar voice interrupted.
"Hey, guys! Hi, Vikram!"
Shristi immediately stiffened, turning to Wick with narrowed eyes. "You know her?"
Wick was about to respond when Yuja cut in, grinning.
"Of course he does! We're good friends. Right, Vikram?"
Wick clenched his jaw. His name. She used his full name. Hardly anyone did.
His irritation boiled over. "Oh, shut up already! And no, I'm not your friend. Besides, no one calls me by that name."
Yuja pouted slightly, tilting her head. "But I thought we were friends."
Wick's glare darkened. "You thought wrong."
Shristi groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Give me a break already."
That's when Wick noticed something else—where they were standing. His eyes sharpened.
"How the hell did you get into this area?" he suddenly demanded, his voice rising.
Yuja blinked innocently, but Wick wasn't buying it. He turned, calling out sharply, "Aditi! Karan!"
The two students rushed over, looking startled.
"What the hell were you two doing?" Wick snapped. "I made it clear—no one enters the training area unless they're participating in the tournament!"
Karan hesitated. "But… she said she was part of the team."
Wick scoffed, arms crossed. "I don't think so. As far as I remember, her name isn't on any list."
Shristi sighed, stepping forward. "Oh, for God's sake, let me check."
After a brief scan of the roster, she confirmed what Wick already knew. "Nope. She's not listed for any event."
Yuja's face fell, her expression shifting into one of exaggerated sadness. "I just wanted to explore the college… and I really wanted to take part in the competition."
Wick wasn't moved. His patience was gone. "You can leave now."
Shristi placed a hand on his arm, her voice softer. "Wick, calm down. You should be a little kinder to people."
Wick exhaled sharply but didn't respond. Yuja lingered for a moment, then, with a small smile, turned and left.
Shristi watched her go, her brows furrowing slightly. Something about her just didn't sit right.
---
Vaibhav's Vision
Elsewhere, Vaibhav was pacing outside the library, lost in thought. His attempt to impress Bhumi had been interrupted—again—by something far more unsettling.
A dream. A vision.
But this time, it felt even more real.
He saw The Shield breaking. Torn apart from the inside. A traitor within their ranks, working behind the scenes, waiting for the right moment to strike.
Vaibhav jolted awake from his nightmare, his heart hammering against his chest. As he sat up, gasping for air, his mind raced through every event that had happened since he joined this college.
And then, a terrifying realization hit him.
Wick wouldn't go rogue on his own.
Something—something terrible—must have happened to him.
His vision wasn't just a warning about the traitor. It was a warning about Wick's fate.
Then came another shocking piece of information.
Bhumi.
She had mentioned something in passing, something only a few people knew. Wick was already investigating a traitor. Quietly. Secretly.
That meant only one thing.
The traitor was real.
And if Vaibhav didn't find them soon, everything—Wick, The Shield, the entire tournament—would be in ruins.
To be continued...