The empty gym was a world of its own. The silence was shattered only by the rhythmic bounce of the basketball beneath my palms. I stood facing Blake at center court, adrenaline surging through me.

How did we go from arguing to this? One moment I was apologizing, and the next, we were about to face off in a one-on-one.

"Ready to lose?" His lips curled into a swoon-worthy grin. "Hope you don't cry too much when I wipe the floor with you."

"In your dreams." I rolled my eyes, determination fueling my voice as I dribbled the ball, feeling the familiar thrill of competition.

With a burst of energy, I launched into my first drive. The air was thick with tension as I feigned left, then darted right, narrowly evading his outstretched arms. But Blake was quick. He sidestepped me and snatched the ball right out of my hands.

"Nice try." He chuckled, bouncing the ball with confidence.

Refusing to let him get the upper hand, I squared up again. This time, I rushed in for a steal, but he dodged me with ease. He spun around and took his shot.

Swish!

"Round one for me." A triumphant grin spread across his face. "And that means I get to ask my question."

My heart sank as I averted my gaze. "Go ahead."

He stepped closer, the teasing gleam in his eyes sending shivers down my spine. "Who was the love letter for?"

What?

My eyes widened in shock, and the memories of the locker room flooded back. I had no idea what was running through his mind when he made this challenge, but this wasn't the revelation I expected. He stopped just a few inches away from me and my heart pounded at the intensity of the moment.

I've already lied to him before and I couldn't tell him the truth now. If I say Elijah's name, it would only lead to trouble.

"Um, it was for... Kyle." I stammered, the name slipping out before I could think twice.

Kyle was just the guy I had asked about the locker assignment. Not that Blake would, but even if he did want to confirm, this would make it believable.

He raised an eyebrow, skepticism etched on his face. "Kyle?"

"Yep." I forced a smile, hoping he'd buy it.

"Interesting choice..." He muttered as he grabbed the ball, and though I heard him, I pretended not to.

"Please don't tell him," I added, channeling my best puppy-dog eyes. "I don't want anyone to know until I'm sure he's interested."

"Whatever." His expression shifted slightly, but I couldn't read his reaction.

As I watched him dribbling the ball, a mixture of relief and anxiety washed over me. I'd dodged the question for now. But as we stood there, the thrill of competition still crackled in the air. I knew this game was far from over.

Blake stood opposite me, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. His tousled hair glistened with sweat, and for a moment, I forgot we were rivals in this game. He doesn't even know the effect he had on me. Even his slightest moment makes my stomach flutter.

"Ready for round two?" He called, dribbling the ball with a confidence that made me grit my teeth.

"I was ready since round one." I shot back, trying to sound more self-assured than I felt. At six feet tall, he practically towered over me, but I was determined to make my mark.

I had my question brewing: why was he interested in Daphne, and why did he say that the other day? This was my chance to find out.

"Don't worry. You'll get your shot." He said, a grin tugging at his lips.

"Oh, I will." I charged in for another attack.

I sprinted toward him, aiming to snatch the ball, but Blake twisted away, keeping it just out of reach. I collided with him, his solid frame sending me stumbling back. Squeezing my eyes shut, I braced myself for a fall, but to my surprise, I didn't hit the ground.

His hand gripped my elbow, and his muscular arm wrapped around my waist, steadying me. My hands instinctively clutched his shirt and I opened my eyes. Our gaze locked and I saw a playful glint in his that made my heart beat in my ears.

"You alright?" His voice was low, concern laced with amusement. I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks, a mix of embarrassment and exhilaration.

"Yeah, just... practicing my balance." I attempted to sound nonchalant as I regained my footing.

Blake laughed, the sound warm and inviting, making my heart thud even faster. He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "You know, if you keep losing your balance like that, I might have to teach you a few tricks."

I swallowed hard, catching the teasing glimmer in his eyes. "What tricks? How to lose gracefully?"

He raised an eyebrow and was about to respond, but I seized the moment and snatched the ball. Dribbling away, I dashed toward the hoop, hoping to score and get some answers, but he was relentless, darting after me.

He snatched the ball from my hands, spinning it around his shoulders. I lunged forward, reaching for it, but he sidestepped me again, leaving me grasping at the air. In a flash, he took a shot from behind the arc and nailed it. The ball swished through the net, and frustration bubbled beneath my skin.

"Looks like I'm up two-nothing." He announced, enjoying my exasperation.

"Fine..." I grumbled, mentally kicking myself for losing yet again.

"Why did you call me to the gym that night?"

Huh?

I froze, processing his question. He was obviously referring to Halloween night, but I'd never called him. I asked Daphne to bring the class, and I had no idea how he came there.

"I didn't call you," I replied, my brows furrowing in confusion. "It was a challenge from my class. I don't know how you got there. I tried to stop you, but..." I faltered, remembering how the whistle had blown. "I was late."

He stared into my eyes, searching for the lie, but this time, I wasn't lying. After a moment, he nodded, still silent, and retrieved the ball.

"Alright..." He murmured, holding it out to me.

I took the ball and repositioned myself, trying to shake off the embarrassment from my previous failures. It felt like a high-stakes match where my dignity was on the line.

I had lost two rounds, and this was my last chance.

I couldn't let him win without a fight, and I needed an answer at least to my one question. I tightened my grip on the ball and took a deep breath, preparing for one last shot.

I made a series of quick moves, trying to slip past his defenses. For a moment, I actually got a clean shot off, but Blake's quick reflexes were there to block it again.

"Not today." He said, with that irritatingly easygoing smile.

He intercepted me, grabbed the ball, and with a swift move, he launched another shot from the three-point line. The ball arced perfectly through the air, swishing through the net without a sound.

"Victory!" He shouted, pumping his fist in the air like he had won the championship while I stood there, deflated.

I had fought hard, but he had dominated every play. I watched as he paced back toward me, his energy infectious, but I couldn't shake the disappointment.

"Looks like I win." He smirked. "Again."

My shoulders slumped as I ducked my head in shame. I wanted to ask him so badly about Daphne, but I felt utterly outmatched. My fists clenched at my sides as I stared at my sneakers, waiting for him to ask his next question.

When a minute passed and he said nothing, I peeked up to see him looking at me intently, and I shifted uncomfortably.

"What are you waiting for?" I crossed my arms defensively.

"Nothing..." He shrugged and walked toward the bleachers. Confusion washed over me as I watched him grab his jacket. "I'm done. The court is yours."

"What?" I frowned. "But you won."

"I'm not wearing myself out." He scoffed, casting a sidelong glance at me. "I need to rest for tomorrow's match. Wouldn't want to play like you."

My jaw clenched as I tried to control my anger and gritted through my teeth. "Good for you."

I pushed myself too hard, and my legs burned with fatigue. I knew I had overdone it and needed a long, warm bath for my aching muscles before tomorrow's match.

"Don't sweat it." He said, making my ears perk up. "I know you'll kill it."

Suddenly, the tension from the game melted away when I saw him smile and I remember when Mama Swift once said:

'My mind forgets to remind me,
You're a bad idea
You touch me once and it's really something, you find I'm even better than you imagined I would be
I'm on my guard for the rest of the world but with you,
I know it's no good
And I could wait patiently but I really wish you would...'

The corners of his mouth turned up just enough to reveal a hint of his teeth. Perfectly aligned and dazzlingly white. The slight crinkles at the edges of his eyes revealed a smile that went beyond the surface. A spark of genuine interest and kindness. It was a smile that could make anyone feel like the most important person in the room, a smile that could turn an ordinary moment into something unforgettable.

A genuine smile!

For me?!

I blinked, dumbfounded, as he picked up his bag and began walking away.

"W-wait!" I shouted, making him halt. "What about your question?"

"I'm keeping that for later." He tilted his head, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "See ya tomorrow..." He smirked. "Shorty."

Even though I stood still, I nearly lost my balance.

'Drop everything now
Meet me in the pouring rain
Kiss me on the sidewalk
Take away the pain
'Cause I see sparks fly, whenever you smile...'

As he walked off the court, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. Even though I'd lost every round, the game had been more fun than I'd expected. Blake's carefree attitude with me for the first time was surprising. Maybe this one-on-one wasn't just about winning or losing.

Maybe it was about those moments of connection that made all the difference.

➽─────────❥

The sun shone brightly on the morning of the big match, casting a golden glow over Riverside High. The gym buzzed with excitement as students filled the bleachers, their chatter echoing off the walls. I stood at the edge of the court, watching as the other team warmed up, my stomach a knot of nerves and anticipation.

"Hey, you ready for this?" Sophia appeared at my side, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

I forced a smile, trying to mask my jitters. "As ready as I'll ever be."

"We can do this!" She nudged me playfully. "I know we'll win."

"Yeah..." I muttered, glancing over at the opposing team. They looked fierce, all tall and athletic, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I was in over my head.

After the match with Blake, I went home, took a long bath, and went to bed. My eyes were dizzy with sleep and it didn't even take me a second to doze off. The next morning I woke up by my mother shouting that I'd be late. I quickly got ready and came to school with Sophia early for warm-up.

With the match drawing near, I could feel my anxiety growing. Inhaling deeply, I scanned the crowd but couldn't find the person I was looking for. Since the boys have their matches in the second half, they most likely won't be here this early. I caught sight of my excited parents and brother waving to get my attention. I waved them back and spotted Daphne a few seats away from them.

She gave me a thumbs-up with her signature angelic smile on her face. I smiled in response, but my expression faltered upon seeing Samuel sitting next to her, looking foolishly happy.

"Why is he here?" I scowled.

"To support his sister." Sophia arched her brow, and I gave her a sheepish smile.

"Sorry."

"Alright, team!" Coach Vivian's voice cut through the noise, bringing everyone to attention. "Today is our day! Let's show them what Riverside can do!"

We huddled together, hands in the center, my heart racing in sync with the others. "One, two, three, Riverside!" We shouted, breaking the huddle with renewed determination.

Let's do this.

➽─────────❥