The school's annual Sports Festival was in full swing. The gym smelled of popcorn, sweat, and excitement, and colorful banners hung from the walls, celebrating every team. I clutched my notebook tightly, trying to balance "reporter mode" with… everything else.
Aiden was on the court, helping set up a mini exhibition game for the younger students. He spotted me and waved, that teasing smirk tugging at his lips. My heart jumped.
Later, as the crowd cheered during the relay race, I wandered toward the sidelines, notebook open. Aiden appeared next to me, surprisingly close. "Want to see something?" he asked, nodding toward the empty practice court at the far end of the gym.
"Uh… sure," I said, heart racing.
He led me through the crowd to a quiet corner. For the first time, it felt like it was just the two of us—no teammates, no cheering students, no distractions.
"This is where I practice when I need to focus," he said, tossing a ball lightly in his hands. "Fewer eyes, fewer distractions."
I watched him, my notebook forgotten. "It's… impressive," I whispered.
He smiled softly. "Not as impressive as some things," he said, his voice low. He tossed the ball to me, and I caught it clumsily.
"Careful!" he said, stepping closer, his hand brushing mine again. The contact lingered, and my chest tightened.
"You're… different when it's just us," I admitted, my voice barely audible.
Aiden's eyes softened, dark and serious. "Yeah… I like it better this way," he said. "No pressure. No distractions. Just…" He hesitated, then shrugged, a small, nervous smile forming.
My heart skipped. He almost said it again—almost confessed how he felt—but he didn't.
Then the sound of footsteps interrupted the moment. Marco appeared, leaning casually against the court edge, smirking knowingly. "Well, well… look who's getting all cozy."
I froze, cheeks burning. Aiden's jaw tightened slightly, but his gaze returned to me, protective and soft. "Ignore him," he said, voice low. "He doesn't get it."
I nodded, trying to hide my embarrassment. But inside… I couldn't stop thinking about the way Aiden had looked at me, that moment alone, and the warmth of his hand brushing mine.
High school was chaotic. Rivalries, games, and rumors were everywhere. But at that quiet corner of the court… for just a few minutes, it felt like it was only him and me.
And I knew, deep down, this was only the beginning.