The hall was too quiet. That unsettling kind of silence that falls when something big is about to happen.

Aurelina's legs were stiff from standing. Her heartbeat pounded like thunder in her ears. Beside her, Zhiyong was still arms crossed, eyes trained on the stage, as if he could get the answer out of the judges.

On the opposite side of the aisle, CGA students waited just as anxiously. Skye stood with her hands clasped, brows furrowed, while Norell's gaze darted between the judges and the screen behind them. Jayden, usually smug, looked... nervous.

The final round was done. The problems were solved, the points calculated, the tension stretching thinner with each second that passed.

And now?

Now I'm waiting.

The lead judge, flanked by two other coordinators, stepped forward with a mic in hand. His voice was deep and steady but his eyes betrayed surprise.

Ladies and gentlemen, he said, what we witnessed today… was exceptional.

The crowd stilled even more.

After five rounds of mental challenges, two months of academic rivalry, and the brightest performances from both institutions

He took a breath.

…it is with great responsibility that I announce: for the first time in competition history…

Another pause. The air in the hall froze.

…we have a draw.

Gasps. Audible. Everywhere.

A draw, he repeated, scanning the students. Crystal Gem Academy and Royal Hill High have tied point for point, round for round. An unprecedented finish.

The audience rippled with murmurs and disbelief. Heads turned. Cameras flashed.

But he wasn't finished.

While the schools have tied overall, we would also like to honor the top scorers, the students who carried their teams with unmatched brilliance.

He unfolded a smaller card.

From Royal Hill High: Aurelina Oluwatomisin Adeniran and Zhiyong Nden Balami.

The RHH crowd erupted. Cammie let out a scream. Even Esosa shouted, YES! and slapped Zhiyong's back.

Aurelina didn't move at first. She just blinked, letting the words settle in. Her name… and Zhiyong's. Side by side. Again.

And from Crystal Gem Academy, the judge continued, Skye Stephen Aisosa and Oludanisi Norrell Imioluwa.

The CGA students exploded into applause. Skye turned in disbelief, hugging herself. Norell gave a stunned laugh and just shook his head.

CGA had tied with RHH.

No one lost.

But no one had truly won either.

The judge raised a hand in silence. This is not just about competition. This is about the power of collaboration, dedication, and academic excellence. You have all made history today.

The room was on its feet.

Clapping. Cheering. Stamping.

And somewhere in the chaos of the celebration, Aurelina glanced at Zhiyong.

He was already watching her.

He didn't smile. Neither did she.

But there was something in his eyes acknowledgement. Respect. Tension.

And maybe, just maybe, a crack in the wall between them.

We have three more chapters to go, don't forget to vote comment and share