Chapter 389:

Gavin stroked his chin, smiling. "Do you really want to compete with me? I'd hate to damage our relationship," he asked. Irving crossed his arms, unimpressed. "Can you drop the act? What kind of relationship do we even have?" he retorted. Gavin remained silent, his smile unchanged, but Irving's heart raced. Gavin's gaze held an unsettling intensity that made Irving wonder if he might be interested in men. He instinctively put some distance between them, sure of his own heterosexuality.

Elyse, observing their odd interaction, linked arms with Fiona and headed to a room to get their numbers. "I'm No. 13 in Group A," Elyse said, showing Fiona her number. "What's yours?" Fiona clasped her hands together, revealing her number with a devout gesture, then sighed with relief. "Thank goodness. I'm No. 2 in Group D." Elyse also sighed in relief. "That's good; we won't be up against each other."

From nearby, Gavin interjected, "Even though you're not competing directly, the competition locations are different. Group D will be competing in the gym," he said, turning to Fiona. "I'll escort you there immediately. Your turn is early, so we can't be late." Fiona nodded. "Do your best and aim to top your group," she told Elyse. "Then we'll both make it to the next round." Elyse nodded excitedly.

After Fiona and Gavin hurried off, Elyse looked around and caught Irving's eye. Noticing her stunned expression, Irving raised an eyebrow. "What's the matter? Stage fright?" he teased. Elyse shook her head. "I just wish I was first so I wouldn't have to wait." Irving rolled his eyes. "You're overthinking it. You might mess up from the start. Don't get too cocky. I've seen too many falter who thought like you," he scoffed. Elyse pouted slightly.

"Elyse, what are you doing here?" Elyse turned to see Vicky, standing with a violin case, dressed in a sleek black coat. Vicky's scrutinizing gaze was sharp. "You're competing in the Champions Cup? How did you even enter? The Champions Cup doesn't allow individual participants," she said firmly. Elyse replied coldly, "Why do you care? Worry about yourself." Vicky laughed softly, arms crossed. "Sure, I'll mind my own business. I hope you do the same and avoid causing any disturbances." Elyse scoffed, no longer interested. She grabbed Irving's wrist. "Let's go. I don't want to talk to her," she said with annoyance.

Darren, surprised by Elyse's presence, didn't respond. He quickly checked his registration and called her. Elyse, already at the Group A venue, answered in surprise, "Why are you calling?" Darren glanced at his phone. "What group are you in?" Elyse paused. "Group A." Darren breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm in Group B." Both sighed in relief.

(The final ". .noveldrama" is removed as it seems out of place and unnecessary.)