Overlooked // Pau Cubarsi

10

Melanie

The month before the Olympics has been a lot to handle. Between the hateful comments, my own preparations, and the stress of watching my friends at odds, it's hard to find a moment to breathe. But it's strange seeing Marc and Hector, who almost never fight, suddenly at each other's throats.

It all comes to a head when we're in Berlin to support Lamine and the national team. Instead of enjoying the trip, I feel like I'm in the middle of Marc and Hector's silent standoff. They're not even willing to talk things out, and for the first time, I'm not the one arguing with Marc—it's Hector.

As I head to Hector's hotel room, Mari opens the door and gives me a sympathetic smile. "Going to play peacemaker?"

"Someone has to," I say with a sigh. "Marc's leaving soon, and I'd rather not have this tension hanging around." She's nods and says she going back to the room where Mia and Alex still were.

Inside, I find Hector on his bed, scrolling through his phone. He looks up as I walk in, and it's clear he knows why I'm here.

"I'm not apologizing," he says, crossing his arms.

"He's leaving in August, Hector," I reply, trying to keep it simple. "Can't you just talk things out before then?"

Hector just shrugs. "It's not about him leaving, Mel. He didn't even tell us until now. It feels like he didn't care enough to clue us in."

I take a seat on the edge of the bed, trying to meet him halfway. "I get that. But maybe he just wasn't sure how to bring it up. It's a big decision."

Hector frowns, glancing away. "Still, it feels off. He could have just told us."

"Maybe just talk to him, at least," I suggest gently. I hate seeing them like this.

Hector doesn't respond, just looks back at his phone. I take that as my cue to leave, feeling a bit deflated.

As I step into the hall, I nearly bump into Pau, who raises his eyebrows in concern. "Everything okay?"

"Sort of," I reply, trying to keep my tone light. "Hector's still not ready to talk it out."

Pau nods, studying me for a moment. "It's weird seeing them like this, huh?"

"Definitely. Usually, it's me and Marc who argue," I admit with a small smile. "This feels... strange."

Before Pau can respond, Marc appears down the hall, looking between us. "Is he in there?"

"Yeah," I say. "Maybe just... try talking to him."

Marc nods, giving me a quick look. "Thanks, Mel."

"It's fine, just..." I pause. "Just be honest with him. He feels left out."

Marc gives a small nod before stepping into Hector's room. I stand there with Pau, hoping they'll actually talk things out.

A few moments later, the door opens, and Marc steps out, looking a bit more relaxed. Hector follows him, his expression lighter, and they both glance at me. Pau was quick to excuse himself from the situation.

"Hey, Mel," Marc calls. "We talked."

I feel a rush of relief. "And?"

Hector shrugs with a small smile. "It was mostly me being a drama queen."

I smirk, leaning against the wall. "Is this how you felt when Marc and I had that epic blowout when we were 15?"

Hector's expression turns thoughtful. "Yeah, pretty much."