Cedric's gentle face only fueled Noelle's anger. "Lucas is downstairs," she said, eyes downcast. "He wants to talk."

Cedric frowned. "And you'll just go because he says so? He's only here because he needs you for the finals."

"I know."

"Then don't go," Cedric said firmly.

A rebellious spark ignited in Noelle. "I'll be back in a minute," she snapped, slamming the door.

Cedric rubbed his temples, watching the door. Stepping onto the balcony, he saw Lucas by his car. He watched as Noelle emerged, her small form moving slowly. Then, he went back inside.

Noelle wondered if she’d overreacted. A glance back showed Cedric's balcony empty. A pang of disappointment pricked her, quickly dismissed. She approached Lucas, leaning against his car. "What do you want? Be quick."

Lucas stared, finally seeing the change in his sister. "I haven't treated you right," he said stiffly. "I'm sorry."

Surprise flickered across Noelle's face. "A sincere apology? So, are you finished?"

"Tell me what you're thinking," Lucas pleaded. "I thought our disagreements were minor."

Noelle laughed, a harsh, mocking sound. "Lucas, if you think an apology makes everything okay, or worse, guilt-trips me, save your breath."

"That's not—"

"Oh, I know exactly what you meant," Noelle cut him off, her gaze icy. "You think an apology means I should join the team for the finals out of duty. I'm not doing it."

Panic flared in Lucas's eyes. "But you always cared about the team! You helped me start it! And now, the national finals, and you quit?"

He couldn't understand. Noelle, his deeply caring sister, was walking away.

"Don't be dramatic, Lucas," Noelle said, her tone sardonic. "If Xenia weren't terrible, or if you’d found a better gunner, you wouldn't be here begging. Let's stop pretending."

"Th-that's not true," Lucas stammered.

"All you care about is winning," Noelle said, her voice sharp. "Not anyone else." She’d known this for a long time, but now, she wouldn't hold back.

Lucas stumbled. His voice cracked. "It's not just the team—I care about you! Without you, the team isn't what I envisioned!"

The truth hit him: he'd started the team for Noelle. He'd forgotten that. Now, it was too late. "Noelle, can't you give the team another chance?" His voice was thick with regret.