Chapter 17 Eliana paused , thought for a moment , and then nodded . " Alright , let's go together . " Seeing her agree , Cameron turned to Landon " Bring the car around . " " Got it , " Landon replied casually . The group strolled to the west gate of the campus to wait for Landon to pull up . With nothing better to do , Thomas struck up a conversation with Eliana . " So , Eliana , you thinking about joining any clubs ? " Eliana didn't even hesitate . " Nope Thomas raised a brow . " No !
Don't you think college life's go Eliana stayed silent . ' s gonna get kinda horing without one ? " Before her time travel , she'd been so busy working part - time jobs just to scrape together tuition that joining any clubs had been out of the question . Socializing had seemed like a luxury . But this time , maybe it wouldn't hurt to try something new . Eliana remembered that had signed up for the tennis club back then just because Roman was in it too .
It wasn't just any club at Isonstead University - it was the club . The most popular one , hands down . Its members were either top - tier students everyone admired or rich kids whose parents were VIPs in Dratora City - CEOs , government officials , or straight - up royalty . There was even a was even a saying at Isonstead : If you can get into the tennis club , even as a ball boy , you've already made it . Eliana turned to the three men standing beside her .
" Are you guys in the tennis club too ? " Cameron looked a little confused " Too ? What do you mean ' too ? " Just curious , Eliana said quickly , brushing it off . Adam laughed . " Yeah , we're all in the tennis club . Landon here is actually the club president . " Thomas grinned and chimed in . " Eliana , you should join the tennis club too . I can pull some strings - skip the whole application process for you . What do you say ?
" Every year , hordes of students tried to join the tennis club , but fewer than thirty made the cut . The competition was brutal , a testament to how exclusive the club w And why wouldn't it be ? The perks were insane . Private training facilities , members only lounges , a luxury practice court , and tournaments with jaw - dropping rewards . It wasn't just about the benefits , though . Being in the tennis club meant connections - valuable ones . Networking there could set they up for life .
Graduate with a few of those named in their phone , and they wouldn't need to worry about a job . Selection , though , was a bloodbath . They used a quarter - final elimination format , and newbies often got cut in the first round . Most people assumed Eliana didn't know how to play tennis . If she joined , they figured she'd just be there to look pretty , But honestly , no one would complain about that .
She had the connections to get in , and being a " club darling " was hardly a bad thing The tennis club , huh ? Sounds cool . Alright , I'm in Eliana declared confidently , her eyes shining with determination . " But I'll make it through the tryouts fair and square . No shortcuts for me ! " Thomas raised an eyebrow at her boldness . " That's some spirit , Eliana . But let's be real - can you even play tennis ?
Follow new episodes on the CrushnovelS.Com
You're not exactly the sporty type , and I bet your usual exercise routine is close to zero . I'm telling you , the elimination rounds are no joke , and those rookies who make it to the finals ? They're beasts . " The tennis club often competed with those from other universities , so members needed to be skilled . Players in Isonstead University's tennis club were as good as national athletes , highlighting the challenge . Eliana shot him a glare . " What's that supposed to mean ?
Are you underestimating me ? " 1/3 Before Thomas could respond , Cameron chimed in with a smirk . " Relax . Worst case , if you don't make it , you can always join the cheer squad ." Thomas snorted . " Cheer squad ? Dude , does our club even have one ? " There were few women in the tennis club , so a cheer squad was unheard of . " Not yet , " Cameron replied , his voice calm and steady . " But it could ." Thomas blinked in disbelief . Is Cameron serious ?
Is he suggesting they create a cheer squad just for Eliana if she doesn't make the cut ? " he wondered That would be wild , even for Cameron . Then again , if anyone could pull something like that off , it was him , Their banter was interrupted by the hum of an engine as Landon pulled up in his car . Once inside . Thomas wasted no time .
" Hey , Landon , make sure we save a spot for Eliana in the tennis club this year " Driving with one hand on the wheel , Landon glanced at Thomas through the rearview mirror . " Eliana's joining the tennis club ? Awesome . She can skip the tryouts and just join directly " From the backseat , Eliana leaned forward , her voice firm . "No way . I'm doing the tryouts like everyone else . No favors , no shortcuts , Got The car fell silent for a moment .
Seeing how serious she was , no one argued further . Still , Thomas and Cameron exchanged knowing glances . Whether or not the tryouts would be entirely fair was up to them . They soon arrived at the Epicurean Club , a high - end recreational hub Eliana was taken aback by its minimalistic , Zen - inspired design .
She had expected the largest entertainment venue in Dratora City to be flashy , maybe even gaudy , but this was a pleasant surprise , A staff member greeted them and led them to the third floor , where the billiards rooms were located . The floor was divided into private rooms and open areas , with the private rooms charging by the hour - or by the month , for those who could afford in The staff clearly recognized the group . Cameron , in particular , was a familiar face .
He had a long - standing lease on the club's most premium billiards room , practically turning it into his personal hangout . This , however , was the first time they had ever brought a woman along . Eliana couldn't help but notice the curious glances sent her way as they walked in . Inside the room , Eliana wandered around , taking in the space while the others prepared their cues . The walls were lined with custom - made billiard cues , each one a masterpiece worth a fortune .
Cameron shrugged off his jacket , revealing a loose gray T - shirt underneath . Rolling up his sleeves , he exposed his sharp collarbones as he approached the cue wall . " Help me pick one ," he said casually , turning to Eliana . Eliana blinked , surprised . " Huh ? Me ? " She tilted her head , scanning the wall of cues before pointing to a pink - and - purple one . " How about this one ?
The cue she chose had a purple tip , a pink handle , and -much to Cameron's dismay - a little bow tied around it . Cameron froze , caught off guard by her choice Adum , who had been selecting a cue of his own , burst out laughing . " Oh , man . That one ? Cameron's mom gave it to him for his eighteenth birthday . Special limited edition . He swore he'd never touch it . " Eliana grinned . Perfect . Since he's never used it , today's the day . No backing out now !
Cameron hesitated , clearly regretting his decision to let her pick 2/3 Eliana leaned closer , her tone teasing . " What's the matter ? You're not gonna chicken out , are you ? Come on , Cameron , a man's keep his word . If you back out , I'll mack you for the rest of your life " " Fine , " Cameron muttered , pulling the cue off the wall . " Let's do this . " Adam doubled over laughing . " This is gold ! Cameron said he'd never use that cue . Looks like he's eating his words today !
" The rest of the group erupted into laughter , the room filled with teasing and banter . 3/3
Register for membership to remove ads and enjoy uninterrupted reading.
Register Now