Author's Note: First off, DAMN. I am definitely now leaning towards turning that last part into a whole separate story, but it'll take time please be patient with me. Okay y'all lowkey the ideas have started running again. Also the anxiety of the upcoming semester is hitting and just so you all know when September hits I most likely WILL disappear till like December because your girly here is a STEM student?

Anyways I've been putting this off too long. I've got to actually go back to the ideas on the drawing board rather than making new ones. This one is for you Starrynight, love you bestie❤️

For context, Starrynight asked a while back that I explore the emotional scene of episode 28 so that's what we're doing. If you want, you could watch like the first couple of scenes for episode 28 to get the gist of this, but I'll start right when they come back and you know, are arguing. Specifically at the moment Lao Mao is scolding Lu Si Cheng. I don't know what else to say so let's just start!

Tong Yao POV:

"If you don't want to be in a team with us then fine, we don't need you as our captain!" Lao Mao yelled.

I glanced at him, my eyes trailing down the streams of tears on his face. His cheeks were tinted the color of bubblegum from the yelling and crying he was doing. Lao K was at his side, trying to pull his arm back and calm him down. Our captain stood with his back to us, head slightly bowed to the floor. The rest of the team stood somewhere between the two of them, scattered around and unsure what side to take in this seemingly endless match. Lao Mao turned to walk away as Lu Si Cheng climbed the first step of the stairs, ready to retreat to his bedroom. Absolutely not.

"Stop." My voice was unnervingly cold that I was surprised it was my own.

The team had been picking itself apart like a scab, not letting it heal and continue to destroy the skin allowing the blood to seep out. I couldn't let this happen. Surprisingly, the two stopped themselves from walking away, turning to face me.

"You guys can't be fighting like this. You're team ZGDX, have you forgotten all the trials you've been through together?" I stood up straighter, no longer leaning against the computer desks.

"The comments are right, I'm the downfall of team ZGDX." Lao Mao's gaze snapped to me as I spoke.

Lu Si Cheng opened his mouth to say something, but I cut him off.

"Not today Captain. You will let me say what I need to right now, please." Lu Si Cheng nodded, settling his gentle wheat-colored eyes back on mine.

"Lao Mao, Lu Si Cheng, no one is leaving the team. Get yourselves back in your seats. If someone is leaving it's definitely not you two," I sighed.

I had been seeing the comments for days. Maybe they did finally get to my head. With the scene in from of me that felt so surreal, it was hard to deny the truth in the commentors. This was the team that never had internal issues. They were supposed to have a tight-knit bond and never fight. What I've seen before my eyes was meant to be unfathomable for this group. Was it really I who brought the team down from it's prestige? Have I pushed the team down from its well-deserved pedestal?

I took a deep breath and scanned the expectant gazes on me before speaking.

"There's enough people on the outside trying to kick the team around like a soccer ball, you're supposed to be the goalies, the protectors of this team, but you've joined the opposing team." I walked over to Lu Si Cheng, grabbing his large hands in mine, feeling the callouses on his palms scratch against my own.

"I'm honored to be your girlfriend, truly, but not if it consumes the essence of who you are. I love you enough to know when it's hurting you to be with me. I won't allow myself to destroy the team, not like this. When I first joined the industry, I had big plans. Plans that included changing the industry, allowing more children to make this their lifelong career. If my outcome is the cause of the ruins of one of the most respected teams in the OPL then not only have I sabotaged my own career, but the careers of millions of aspiring children. Fans that have looked up to this team for a while will be heartbroken." I released his hands and went back to my spot by the desk, facing all of them once more.

"You know, I've always doubted whether I belonged on this team," I continued in a soft voice. "Perhaps God Ming, I'm not fit to be your successor. As a Mid, I'm supposed to be the joining piece of the top and bottom lanes, not the cause of their division. I can't continue to feed into this." I grabbed my phone off the desk and slipped it into my pocket, taking a few steps to the side closer to the exit.

"I resign. If I've become the magnet that's repelling the members from one another then I ask you to replace me. Lu Yue, be the glue that the team needs" I glanced at the man, his eyes wide in shock.

"You're the mid now. Permanently. Don't let the team down like I did." Lu Yue nodded as if he was in a trance before shaking his head, unable to comprehend what I was saying.

"Good luck to you all, win the National Championships like you're meant to." I turned on my heel and walked out.

Any longer in here and I'd break down crying. I knew the team had been tense, but the argument between Lao Mao and Lu Si Cheng nearly broke a vein in my heart. I wasn't going to separate their brotherly bond. I'd spent too many nights staring at the computer screen well until sunrise just mindlessly scrolling through the various comments and posts. So many were filled with hatred, claiming I've ruined the purpose of team ZGDX. Claims that the team just wanted to be in the headlines and recruited a girl. All kinds of misogynistic comments that made me doubt my ability, my position. Despite all that, the team was doing well and surpassed expectations, except for recently. Specifically after the reveal of my relationship with Lu Si Cheng. If that is not the cause then what is?

I saw Jian Yang get into her car as I left the base, presumably just having finished seeing Ai Jia. I waved at her, hurrying over to catch her.

"Drive. Get to your apartment and I'll tell you there." I quickly slipped into the passenger seat, turning back to make sure no one had followed me out.

Jian Yang started the car up as it roared to life, speeding off onto the road. I heard faint yells and glanced behind to see Lu Si Cheng throw his head back in exasperation. Though I meant every word I said back there, I hoped that by removing myself, the problem would be solved much easier. The brothers should use their own bond to solve their issues. I always felt my presence always limited their actions. I wondered if they missed being an all-boys team, not having to worry about rumors and just being able to act freely.

My mind drifted back to one of the myths I read long ago as I rested my head against the car's window, the trees whirring past and blurring into a blob of sage green. The myth had stated that there was a man whose lifeline was tied to a piece of wood. The man himself was extremely strong and a shapeshifter, a skill that had been inherited down from generations prior. This man's whole life was tied to this small log, always at risk of catching fire. I wondered if I was that lifeline for the team, whether I was that piece of wood. A single fire from the outside would have set the team up in flames. Before I entered the scene, the team was perfect. No rumors, no threats, no safety issues. Even non-fans had respect for the team and haters couldn't find what to hate about, if they even existed back then. The fans were right to be angry. I took their invincible team and attached myself to them, creating a weakness that is easily exploitable. I came in with problems and am leaving with them too. Lu Yue is a good player; I had no doubt they would still win the trophy. To say I wasn't saddened that it wasn't with me would be a complete lie though.

"Tong Yao we're here, are you okay?" Jin Yang gently grabbed my chin in her fingers, turning my face to look at her.

I hadn't realized tears had fallen out until she took a tissue to my face and lightly dabbed them. It'll be okay.

Lao Mao POV:

I was frustrated. Yes, I was mad that Lu Si Cheng didn't tell us about his hand injury, mad that he acted on his own accord; however, I never expected the issue to burst open like a firework. We had reacted a second too late when Tong Yao had practically rushed out the door. Lu Si Cheng was the first to run after her, the rest of us in suit, but the sound of her best friend's Aston Martin shook us to reality as we realized she had really left. We walked back inside, unsure what to do now.

"Team, let's go to the review room." God Ming gently ushered us all into the confined space.

None of us could meet each other's gaze, settling our eyes on various spots in the room: the ceiling, the table, the plant in the corner.

"You all are better than this," God Ming grabbed our attention with his firm voice.

He leaned against the end of the table, hands grabbing the edge of it to hold him in place. He looked around and his honey eyes came to a stop on me. I would've expected them to be fired up with anger- perhaps like the buzzing of bees protecting their queen- but all I saw was gentleness, as if the sweetness of those eyes had enveloped me in a hug.

"I spent a lot of time and effort recruiting each and every one of you, because I knew you had a place on this team. Just like I recruited Tong Yao, out of hundreds of people, after lots of consideration. I don't want anyone at all to feel they don't belong." God Ming stood up, crossing his arms over his chest.

"As one of the older players and coach, I chose Tong Yao to carry my legacy because I knew she could do it. Just like I know each one of you can work together to win the championship. You aren't cookies to crumble under pressure, you're human." Just as God Ming finished his speech, a sob broke through someone.

At first, I figure it was God Ming, emotional from everything he said, but when I glanced at him I saw his gaze snap in a different direction. To all of our surprise, Lu Si Cheng was crying. He hid his face in his hands and leaned on the table in front of him. We all rushed to his side, muttering different words of affirmation and telling him it's okay. Any anger I held for him dissipated as I rubbed his back comfortingly, the sobs racking through his body tingling up my fingers.

"Cheng-ge I'm sorry. I'm so sorry I never meant to yell at you. I didn't want to hurt you I got ahead of myself. Cheng-ge don't cry please." I knew tears had started running down my face as well as I pulled Lu Si Cheng out of his chair into a tight hug.

He wrapped his arms around me too as the others joined turning it into a group hug. Lu Si Cheng pulled back briefly, using his sleeve to wipe my face with a chuckle.

"I'm sorry. I'll try and be a better captain. We're a team not a dictatorship," he said as I gave him another hug.

Xiao Rui spoke up, "now that that's settled, can we find our mid?" Unintentionally our eyes shifted to Lu Yue who was staring at us as if he didn't know what's wrong.

"Be serious. I don't want to be mid, I have world tours to attend. Brother go find your girlfriend and tell her that her resignation is invalid. How dare she dump such responsibility on me? I'm still a child!" Lu Yue's attempt at lightening the mood worked because he actually managed to get a chuckle out of his brother which released the laughter in the rest of us like a chain reaction.

"Alright back in your seats, and clean your snot-filled faces." God Ming handed each of us tissues as we settled down in our seats, much more lighthearted compared to when we first entered the room.

"Alright, where could Tong Yao be right now?" I asked.

"Mao-Mao, she literally left in her best friend's car. Of course she's at her apartment." Lao K patted me on the shoulder.

"I knew that," I grumbled.

"I'll call Jian Yang, give me a second."

Jian Yang POV:

Tong Yao lay on the couch with her head in my lap as I stroked her caramel-colored hair. She had just exhausted herself crying in my arms and finally was resting. My baby. I had no idea she had felt so insecure on the team. I'll knock some sense into them later. At least this time she wouldn't get drunk. Last time she was this upset she got drunk on Long Island Iced Teas. Not very fun. My phone vibrated on the table in front of me and I leaned over to grab it. Seeing the caller ID, I gently placed my sister's head onto the couch, fluffing a pillow under for support. Afterwards, I carefully tiptoed into the bedroom, closing the door as silently as possible.

"Yes?"

"Tong Yao is with you right?" A hesitant male voice questioned on the other end of the line.

"Yes Captain. Can you be more careful with my sister? Don't mess with her like this. Do you have any idea how many insecurities she's been piling up?" I pouted.

"Jin Yang I had no idea, I'm truly sorry. Please bring her back, we swear we won't fight again!" Lu Si Cheng promised.

In the background, various voices of agreement arose. Noisy group.

"You're lucky I approved you for Tong Yao. Three strikes and you're out mister. Don't mess up."

"Yes yes, I promise. Please send her back."

"Alright alright." I hung up.

I had to admit, though a little stuck-up the man was head-over-heels for my best friend. She really lucked out this time. Big upgrade. I knew her overthinking had taken a big toll on her and that the issue itself wasn't as serious. Yes they fought, but it was obvious she wasn't the reason why. People fight all the time, it's human nature. Just because it wasn't publicized before doesn't mean it didn't happen.

Tong Yao POV:

After I woke from my much needed nap, it was nearly dinner time. After an intense discussion that somehow ended with me once again listening to Jin Yang's advice, I was being dropped back off at the ZGDX base.

"Jin Yang, I feel like I'm eating my words." I unbuckled the seatbelt closely.

"Nonsense. They're begging to have you back. Go back to your puppies now." Jin Yang shooed me out of her car with a flying kiss.

After assuring the door had opened for me, her car zoomed off with a strong roar of a tiger, rolling smoothly onto the road. Alright, you got this. My feet took a few more steps into the base to find the team in front of me. Almost as if they had never moved from where the whole thing started. To be fair, I was a little mad at them. They really had to get their act together because their petty fights weren't always affecting just them. The people online were constantly looking for ways to attack me and the team had managed to give one too many for the commentors to pounce at like starving lions. I crossed my arms, slightly glaring at Lu Si Cheng specifically. His posture straightened up once he spot me. With long strides towards me, he wrapped me into a bear hug, unwilling to let go.

"Please don't leave us ever again. We're sorry."

The others approached us, joining the hug as we loosened our hold to grab onto them.

"Tong Yao, we're family. You can't leave even if you try," God Ming said.

"Yes! I swear we won't fight again. We'll be nice to each other please don't threaten to leave again," Lao Mao pouted.

"Alright alright. No more whining. One more fight though and I'm really gone." I wagged my finger at the bunch.

"Sister-in-law don't do that! No one besides you can handle this Devil Spawn's temper. Don't leave us at his wrath!" Lu Yue dramatically fanned himself.

Right on cue, a slipper hit his face as he fell with a thud on the ground. Lu Yue grunted, rubbing his face as we all laughed at the brothers' antics.

"Let's go out to eat. My treat," Lu Si Cheng offered.

With cheers and great thanks, this time we all headed out of the base together. I knew I had let my overthinking get the best of me this time, but I think the distance was needed to strengthen our bonds. We'll be fine after all. Even flowers have to survive thunderstorms.

The End.

Perhaps this is also short. If you can't tell, I'm a huge Percy Jackson fan. I'm sure if you're one you caught who I was referring to :)

Anyways, slay. I'm going out tomorrow and then my brother's birthday comes up and then my assignments are due. Give me a week or two for the next update unless the Muse decides to play Mario Kart in my brain and writes another chapter somehow. See ya next time angels❤️❤️