“You could say that,” Alicia smiled, holding her hands together. “I often played together with Helen. She’s quite athletic, but… I’ll lose on purpose. I’m much better than her in terms of skill.”

Ivan snickered.

Alicia’s lips curled to a light frown. She thought he was laughing at her.

“You don’t believe me? Watch. I’ll show you how good I am in the next competition. I’ll make you regret it.”

Ivan grabbed her hands that tightened up to a ball and pulled it towards him. He stroked her hand, drawing light circles with his thumb.

“Just don’t push yourself too hard to prove me wrong. I don’t want you to...