The faint evening light spreads across Guarly. In the Sejuk mansion everything seems calm; a melancholic tune drifts down from the second floor. At the doors of the main hall the Italian chef watches from hiding, with tears of joy in his eyes as the two teenage girls work on a model of the Roman Colosseum. He takes off his white hat and whispers, "Thank God Miss Francesca is capable of having friends!" Quickly wiping away his pride, he puts his hat back on. Inside the room the blonde asks, "Mario, do we have any glue left?" He immediately replies, "I don't think so, Perdere — I'll go buy some," and runs off at impressive speed. Meanwhile the blonde places one of the hundreds of little Roman figurines in the center of the stands, surrounded by several others fanning it.
Francesca (serious): "I think we'll finish this by next week."
Nya (removing her leather jacket, serious): "We'd finish it earlier if we didn't only work two hours a day because of your damned training sessions."
Francesca (serious): "I'm an athlete; I have to train every day to stay in shape. By the way…" — she places a lion figurine in the center of the arena — "…you still haven't told me how you got my phone number last week."
Nya (placing a gladiator figure in front of the lion): "I thought you were smart enough to figure it out."
Francesca (serious): "I guess it was Gregorio. He had to act like a crazed fan when he found out you wanted to talk to me," folding her arms.
Nya (also folding her arms): "Yeah, something like that."
The two girls exchange looks of barely concealed annoyance. Even though a table separates them, the atmosphere is tense. Neither will yield in their brutal stare-down. The maid and the butler, seeing the scene, back away as much as possible. The guitar melody underscores the negative mood. The noise upstairs irritates the pink-haired girl, who gives up the stare-down and slides on her jacket, complaining, "Why is that damn song playing here every day?" The blonde puts away her school supplies and replies, "It's not a song — it's just stray chords." That answer does little to calm the pierced girl, who opens the door and heads up the stairs. Francesca closes her backpack and chases after her, grabbing her by the shoulder and saying, "No — let him keep playing!"
Nya (angry, climbing the stairs): "Why has that depressing music been playing since we started working here?!"
Francesca (serious): "He's my brother — you won't bother him!" and she pulls Nya back.
The blue-eyed girl misjudges her strength and throws Nya hard. Nya falls freely; Francesca, realizing she didn't hold back, turns quickly and places her foot on the other girl's back, gently pushing her up to the second floor. The pink-haired girl looks at her oddly and says, "What kind of tennis do you practice?" then continues toward the guitarist. Francesca wipes the sweat from her brow, relieved she didn't hurt anyone, and runs after her. At the top of the stairs she finds Nya peeking through a half-open door; instead of dragging her back, she touches Nya's arm, and Nya puts a finger to her lips to tell her to be quiet. Through the opening they watch Jerome sitting by the bedroom window with headphones on, moving his head to the fervor of his playing. After a few minutes he stops, removes the headphones, and places the guitar to the side. The blonde notices and immediately steps away; Jerome turns and finds Nya at the door.
Jerome (taking his phone): "Can I help you with something?"
Nya (serious): "I wanted to ask if you could stop making noise…"
Jerome (reading messages): "And I suppose you came for that, but you preferred to spy on me."
Nya (a little embarrassed): "No! It's just that the noise was irritating for your sister and me — we're trying to study."
Jerome tucks his phone in his pocket and puts on his leather jacket. "I see. Sorry if I disturbed you. Nice jacket, by the way."
He slips past the girl and, seeing his younger sister trying not to look like she'd just come upstairs to find her friend, ruffles his sister's golden hair before heading to the front door. Nya and Francesca watch Jerome cross the room. Nya can only exclaim, "Your brother is incredible," and Francesca replies, "I know." When Mario returns with the glue, the girls continue their work without further problem. Night falls, and a limousine arrives at the Sejuk residence. The girls say polite goodbyes; as Nya shuts the car door she shouts, "See you tomorrow at the match!"
A new day begins in Guarly. Emily walks with Alexa toward the school gym.
Alexa: "Emi, I swear I get the photo incident with the man Tyron almost attacked, but last night was a full-on photo shoot."
Emily: "I know we shouldn't show ourselves, but since that man posted our picture on social media, some people cheered. If we can help the public spirit recover sooner, it's our duty to do what's needed."
Alexa (smiling): "You're right, but it's dangerous — they could discover our secret identities."
Emily (smiling): "It's a risk, but we just need to stay alert. Hey — have you seen Ty?"
Alexa: "No. But this morning he seemed really excited."
They head into the gym where teachers guide them to the stands; Tamara and Leslie have reserved three seats as requested. A group of older teens jog onto the court wearing sleeveless golden jerseys with purple stripes and white trim; player numbers are orange on the back. Shorts match the pattern with a small number near the thigh. The players warm up on the court. Alexa scans the stands for the brown-skinned boy but doesn't see him and thinks she must have imagined him earlier; she decides not to save him a seat. Then someone taps her shoulder: Tyron appears wearing the team jersey and shorts.
Tyron (smiling): "Hi!"
Alexa (surprised): "What are you doing dressed like that?"
Emily (smiling): "Congratulations! You got in, right?"
Tyron (lifting his chin): "Yes!"
Leslie: "Congratulations, Ty."
Tamara: "Look — Celeritas is here."
Silence falls. The academy students enter led by a band and banners cheering the team. All of Celeritas' players wear sleeveless black jerseys with gray stripes and gold numbers. The teams begin warming up except for their captain. The directors walk to the center of the court. The Forte director — an overweight woman with black hair in a braided ponytail, wearing a green formal suit and heels — approaches the microphone and welcomes everyone: "Good morning, young people. As usual, we compete every year to promote competitiveness between institutions and commit to improving daily! I now give the floor to Director Colins." A man with military-style hair, wearing a blue suit and black shoes, steps forward: "Thanks, Director Garcia. Remember — you are the future. Value these encounters with your rivals: they motivate you to give more and progress! Coaches, use the fifteen minutes you have to prepare the teams." The two administrators exchange looks and shake hands.
Director Garcia (gripping hard): "I suppose the bet is the same as last year, right?"
Director Colins (squeezing harder): "Of course — two more bottles of whiskey for my collection."
Director Garcia (squeezing even harder): "This year we'll beat them!"
While the officials continue their show of force, Tyron talks to the girls about how great the uniform looks, unaware that a blonde student in a Celeritas uniform and a tall boy in the opposing team's pants with a red jacket over his shoulders are approaching. Gregorio sees Tyron and is thrilled that Francesca will introduce him to her friends. Tyron turns and finds the blonde smiling and waving; Alexa, Emily, Leslie and Tamara wave back by reflex. Francesca notices Tyron staring at the blonde — it's the first time she's seen her in the uniform.
Francesca (serious): "You're playing too?"
Tyron (smiling): "Yes!"
Gregorio nudges Francesca's shoulder to get introduced, making her sigh in annoyance. She points to her friends and says, "Friends, this is my best friend Gregorio." He smiles and greets everyone with his beautiful emerald eyes, "Nice to meet you— I'm Gregorio. What are your names?" The girls around can't help but blush; Francesca and Tyron, and some of the boys, remain unfazed by his charm.
Tyron (to Alexa, Emily, Leslie and Tamara): "Are you okay?"
The girls make noises.
Francesca (to Tyron): "They always react like that when they see him."
Tyron (offering his hand): "Hi, nice to meet you — I'm Tyron."
Gregorio (smiling): "Oh, nice to meet you. Tell me — how long have you and Francesca been a couple?"
Tyron blushes at the question, not understanding why Gregorio said that. He looks to Francesca for an answer, and she only shows a faint blush. Leslie and Tamara snap out of their trance and start looking at Alexa instead. Embarrassed, Francesca grabs Gregorio by the ear: "How many times do I have to tell you? I saved him because he's my friend!" Gregorio laughs: "I'm kidding — calm down," and he looks at Emily and Alexa.
Gregorio (to Emily): "You must be Emily; you look kinder and smarter than Francesca says."
Emily (coming out of her daze): "Yes, I'm Emily! Wow — I didn't expect Fran to describe me like that."
Gregorio: "Relax. She says your kindness makes you as persistent as a bulldozer."
Emily (a little embarrassed, laughing): "That sounds more like Fran."
Gregorio (to Alexa): "And you must be Alexa."
Alexa (blushing): "You can call me Ramona if you want." She coughs: "Yes, I'm Alexa. What did the blonde tell you about me?"
Gregorio (thinking, stroking his chin): "Well… she complained that you're basically a sack of fertilizer."
The conversation about how Gregorio recognized them amuses Tyron; curious, he grabs Gregorio's arm and asks, "So how did you know I was Tyron?" The athlete laughs, embarrassed: "From that video where you get beaten up. Fran hardly talks about you — sorry, but Fran's blunt and when she speaks she swears like a truck driver." Francesca pinches Gregorio for that, and Tyron laughs when he gets pinched too. They smile as their coaches call the two boys.
The Forte coach takes off his jacket, turns his cap backward and says firmly in a circle: "Alright, lads. We've practiced. I know that when you think of Celeritas defeat comes to mind, but if we give up before the match starts we hand them the victory — and Forte will never do that. The game isn't over until the clock runs out! Play!" His words energize the players who take their positions. The Forte captain, a fifteen-year-old African-American, pulls two teammates aside: "We know Celeritas is strong, but if we keep their key player from touching the ball we have a chance," and he points to Gregorio who is stretching. The coach gathers his players and, as Francesca warms up, says: "Today we win and raise Celeritas' name high. Forte may have been eliminated before, but now they've brought in new players and so have we. The season hasn't started — it's time to test the plays you practiced alone. I'm not good with pep talks, so, captain, come give some words." Gregorio sinks a final shot a meter from the hoop, walks to his team with a calm smile and says, "Let's have fun!" His teammates respond with less competitive energy and a black-haired teammate scolds him. Three players take positions. The black-haired player thumps Gregorio's shoulder: "I know you don't care much about the result, but you're the captain — motivate the team."
Gregorio (smiling): "What else can I say? I'm not saying it'll be easy — just enjoy the game, Noa."
Both captains take the center circle; the referee steps up with the official ball. Gregorio teases the opposing captain as the ref tosses the ball into the air. Both captains jump; Forte's leader barely touches the ball but can't control it. Gregorio taps it confidently and passes to his teammate on the right wing, who drives, evades the main defender and makes a play. Two defenders converge on the green-eyed kid; the ball is intercepted by Celeritas' captain who passes to Noa, who bounces and shoots from beyond the arc. The shot seems destined to drop, but Tyron leaps and snatches it, sending a pass to the primary defender. The defender advances to the center; Celeritas' defenders intercept and the ball is quickly passed to their captain, who catches it despite heavy coverage and attempts a difficult long-range shot. After a scramble, Tyron accidentally knocks the ball off the backboard and it goes out of bounds, giving possession to the opponent.
The Celeritas captain and teammates applaud Tyron's effort. Before he can return to defense, Gregorio stops him and says, "To direct your shot, use more wrist and hand position." Noa scolds his captain for the advice, but Gregorio just smiles and bites his lip to hide the tip. The left wing passes to his main defender who maintains control despite Forte's pressure; he passes back and the left wing fires. The captain receives the ball and, without hesitation, launches a three-pointer from midfield — stunning everyone and giving Celeritas the lead. The Forte captain puts his defender at the inbound. The ball reaches Tyron, who passes to the wing, but Gregorio intercepts and hits a three — Celeritas extends the lead.
In the stands, the academy fans erupt while the Forte supporters slump. Forte's captain, now with the ball, makes a quick play: he tosses to Tyron; Tyron advances and passes back, and the opponent's defenders block the path. A curved shot lands in the hands of the right wing who scores two points for Forte. The coach shouts instructions: "Good, we have two points — they lead by four. Wings, stick to Gregorio; he's our best defender to stop the ball from touching the backboard. Tyron, help me score. You're the youngest and shortest on the court — they won't see you as a threat. I know it's scary, but you must hit a three!"
Tyron (cheerful): "Sure, captain. I can do it — I'm sure Gregorio's advice will work!"
Coach Forte: "Of course it will. Let's play!"
The whistle blows; the ball goes to Noa who drives to the opposite end. The Forte captain recovers, passes to Tyron — but Gregorio jumps, grabs the ball mid-air and throws to the hoop, making it 9–2 in favor of Celeritas. The first half ends. During the break Alexa and Francesca congratulate Tyron and Gregorio. The brown-skinned boy is impressed and says, "Damn — you're really good!" Gregorio laughs, scratching the back of his head, and notices Emily is missing.
Gregorio: "Hey — why didn't Emily come with you?"
Alexa: "She's embarrassed by the attention. She stayed back where she's more comfortable — say hi to her for us."
Gregorio: "Oh please." He walks toward the stands.
Francesca (to Gregorio): "You're gonna get in trouble, dork. Why do my friends have fish brains?"
Tyron (laughing): "Hey — that's offensive!"
Alexa (smiling): "What did fish ever do to you?"
Their conversation is interrupted as Gregorio carries Emily like a princess, and she hides her blushing face with her hands. Several girls nearby burn with jealousy as Gregorio covers Emily with his jacket and returns to the court. The second half begins. Tyron, making a bold play, intercepts a shot, shoots for the hoop and lands hard, scoring a three-pointer to make it 9–5 for Celeritas. The crowd erupts. Gregorio helps Tyron up but notices he twisted his ankle. The coaches call for the substitution. Tyron is escorted to the bench by the blonde who helps him walk to the stands. The Celeritas captain jokes, "Fran, take care of him before I get my kisses. Ty, get my number from Fran — one day I'll teach you shooting tricks." Francesca glares at her best friend as he returns to the court. "Don't get any illusions, Ty," she says. He replies, "About what — your kisses or Gregorio's number?" She just smiles and pinches him while helping him sit with Alexa and the others.
By midday Celeritas exits the gym celebrating their 30–8 victory. Forte students congratulate them. Gregorio carries an embarrassed Emily on his shoulders; Alexa and the other girls celebrate. Tyron and Francesca walk to a bench and sit in silence as the rest of the students escort the winning team around the block. Francesca asks, "Hey, you can take your hand off my shoulder now," and he quickly does so, checking his phone with a grin. "Looks like my brother has a field trip to the Liz Tower in two weeks," he says, surprising Francesca. "You have a brother?"
Tyron (smiling): "Yes — little David. And you?"
Francesca (a bit shy): "I have an older brother."
Tyron (smiling): "If he's anything like you, living at your house must be great."
Francesca (blushing): "He's cool and kind; I admire him."
A soft sunbeam and a breeze light her face. Tyron blushes, thinking how beautiful she looks, and snaps a photo with his phone — but it isn't on silent and makes a noise that alerts the blonde. She turns red and tries to snatch the phone, saying, "Tyron, I told you to tell me first — delete it!" He resists, "But you look so pretty — I couldn't pass up that chance!" They wrestle briefly until someone behind them cheekily snatches the phone, deletes the photo and says, "You're welcome."
Francesca (taking Tyron's wrists): "Thanks, Nya — I thought you weren't coming today."
Nya: "What makes you think I don't keep my word? I fell asleep on the bus but I came back. You two can let go now — interrupting anything?" She heads out.
Francesca (blushing): "I told you to warn me."
Tyron (blushing): "Who was she?"
Francesca (calm): "A classmate."
Tyron (blushing): "She looks tough but kind… she's the girl you complained about last week, right?"
Francesca: "Yes, and I still complain."
Tyron (smiling): "See? I was right."
Francesca (smiling): "Don't act clever here."
They grin and stare into the distance, talking about random things while waiting for the others.
The day passes uneventfully. As the orange sun sets, a dark-haired girl returns to her mansion and is greeted by the staff. She goes to her mother's office and hugs her; Alexa's mother smiles widely.
Alexa: "Why are you so happy, Mom?"
Brigitte (smiling): "Your father is coming today!"
Alexa (happy): "That's great! But you seem more excited than when he usually comes."
Brigitte (enthusiastic): "That's because he's not coming alone."
Before Alexa can ask more, the servants' greeting is heard downstairs. Brigitte calls to her daughter to come along. Alexa peeks from the second floor and sees people hugging a figure next to her father. Her smile fades when she hears her mother say while embracing the figure, "I'm so glad you came, daughter! Alexa, come say hi to your sister."
Valeria (smiling): "Hi, little sis."