It was so embarrassing. She was so excited that she momentarily forgot that Draco was married, and that his wife was watching from the sidelines. It was really inappropriate for her to rush over and hug him.
Becky chuckled awkwardly twice, then quickly withdrew her arm, somewhat embarrassed, smoothing her sweaty bangs and taking a small step back, having lost any urge to make physical contact.
"Sorry, I was just too excited! Anyway, thank you! Playing with you was so much fun and so exhilarating!"
"Your skill level is quite good for an amateur," Draco complimented, then put his racket back to his side.
"Hmph! You're quick on the uptake," Hermione thought to herself.
But the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up.
Having learned from Becky's experience, Mary, Susan, and Kate, who had been observing, were all eager to try.
" Draco, I'd like to try too..." Kate spoke first, "Can we do it like you and Becky, a normal sparring match?"
"I'm afraid that won't work." Draco shook his head with difficulty, then joked, "If everyone played three full rounds like Becky, I'd probably die of exhaustion here."
Kate, caught off guard by the rejection, paused for a moment. However, upon seeing Becky, a brilliant idea struck her. She then mimicked Becky's expression and forced a sweet smile.
"Please, just say yes, okay?"
The unnatural tone of voice, coupled with Kate's drastically different demeanor, successfully stunned everyone present.
Draco's lips twitched uncontrollably.
Becky, Mary, and Susan in the audience burst out laughing, while Jack and Tom couldn't help but cover their mouths.
Hermione nearly spat out her water.
Even Kate regretted her words immediately afterward, her cheeks flushed red, wishing she could disappear into a crack in the ground. She had never done anything like that before.
It's all Becky's fault; this move just doesn't suit her!
Seeing that her attempt to charm had failed and only elicited a few chuckles, Kate felt embarrassed, but she was unwilling to give up.
So she tried to regain her usual serious expression and threatened, "If you don't agree to fight me... I'm going to do something a little outrageous later, like rushing over to thank you like Becky did! And then what about Miss Hermione..."
Upon hearing this, Draco's expression darkened further, and a vein seemed to throb on his forehead. He quickly glanced at Hermione on the sidelines, only to see Hermione watching them with a half-smile.
Draco sighed inwardly. If Kate did something that might cause misunderstanding and unnecessarily upset his little witch, he had already been jealous enough today.
"Fine," Draco sighed, rubbing his forehead in resignation, but immediately added, "Just one round. Otherwise, practicing like this with everyone will ruin even the best player."
"Deal!" Kate nodded vigorously. Just to experience that smooth, back-and-forth feeling, even one game was worth it!
As a result, Kate got her wish and got a normal match against Draco. She wasn't as lively and outgoing as Becky, but she still had a satisfied and excited smile on her face.
Following suit, Mary and Susan did the same.
However, they learned from Kate's "lesson" and didn't try their clumsy attempts at coquetry again. Instead, they looked at Draco with expectant eyes, and Draco played along for a while.
For a moment, the court was filled with laughter and cheers. The ladies had a great time and enjoyed playing against skilled opponents.
Although it contained a piece of the sea,
Only two people are different— Jack and Tom.
Looking at the harmonious scene on the field, they exchanged glances and saw deep frustration in each other's eyes.
"So we're just punching bags, right?"
"It's the kind used to establish authority and showcase technology."
The two sighed simultaneously and huddled together for warmth.
In this wounded world, only the two of them achieved it.
After Susan left the field satisfied, Draco casually slung his racket over his shoulder, flexed his wrists, and then looked over the crowd, his gaze landing on Hermione.
He raised his chin, a defiant smile on his face, and called out, "Hey, you over there, miss!"
Everyone was taken aback and followed his gaze.
Hermione pointed to herself with a blank expression.
"Yes! It's you." Draco's smile widened.
"Who are you looking at? Come out and fight me one-on-one!"
"Wow—" A gasp and excited chatter erupted from the audience.
"A one-on-one fight? Draco wants to fight Hermione?"
Wow! A husband-and-wife showdown! This is going to be interesting!
"That's called romance!"
Becky, Mary, and the others' eyes lit up, and even Jack and Tom, who had just been feeling wronged, temporarily forgot their pain.
Hermione's cheeks flushed slightly at the sudden provocation.
What's this guy up to now?
Are you going to stage a "domestic violence scene" in front of everyone?
"You want to fight me one-on-one? Aren't you tired? You've already had so many matches." Hermione stood up and asked with concern.
"Playing with so many people is exhausting," Draco said, feigning weakness. "So, knowing I'm tired, aren't you going to come over and offer me some service?"
"Service?" Hermione didn't react for a moment.
"For example..." Draco paused deliberately, his gaze sweeping over the bottled water and towel at Hermione's feet, implying something, "To get some water, wipe off the sweat, and so on."
These words were met with laughter and jeers from the audience.
"Oh--!"
"So that's what it meant!"
"Haha, Draco, you really know how to order people around!"
"Oh dear, Hermione, hurry up and serve your husband! He's exhausted!" Becky laughed so hard she almost fell over.
What a scoundrel! What are you saying in front of so many people!
Hermione's face turned completely red, but seeing Draco covered in sweat, she still felt sorry for him. "Hmph!" She snorted heavily, bent down to pick up the bottled water and towel from the ground, and walked towards Draco, looking more like she was going to seek revenge than to serve him.
Under the smiling gazes of everyone, Hermione walked up to Draco, slapped a towel across his face without a word, then unscrewed the cap of a mineral water bottle, held it to his lips, and said irritably, "Here! Drink up! You'll stuff yourself to death!"
Draco wasn't angry at having a towel smeared all over his face; instead, he laughed. He took the water bottle, tilted his head back, and drank a few mouthfuls. The cool water effectively relieved his thirst.
Hermione then took a towel and, with somewhat rough but careful movements, wiped the sweat from his forehead and the sides of his neck.
What might seem like harsh service was seen as incredibly sweet by onlookers, who found the young couple's interactions extremely amusing.
After the service was completed, Draco deliberately frowned and complained, "This service attitude needs improvement. If it weren't for Miss Hermione, I would have asked for a refund."
"Refund? Fine!" Hermione was amused by his smug look, snatched back the towel and water bottle, narrowed her eyes, leaned close to Draco, and whispered a threat.