The school halls felt different that Monday. I wasn't just Lia—the new reporter following basketball. I was Lia, the girl Aiden liked, and the knowledge made my chest flutter with every step.
At lunch, I spotted Aiden across the cafeteria. He waved, and that teasing smirk was back—but softer, warmer this time. My stomach did flips as I walked toward him.
"Morning," he said, leaning slightly on the table. "You're here early."
"Just… making sure I didn't miss anything," I replied, smiling.
He chuckled, then lowered his voice. "I like that you notice me… even now."
Before I could answer, Marco appeared again, leaning on a chair nearby. "Wow. I see the rumors were true," he said, smirking. "Look at you two, all cozy already."
Aiden's eyes narrowed slightly, but he stayed calm. "Ignore him," he said softly, and then turned back to me with a grin. "Are you coming to practice after school?"
I nodded eagerly. "Of course. I wouldn't miss it."
Practice that afternoon was… different. We were no longer just player and observer. Aiden and I moved with subtle awareness of each other—passing the ball, laughing, stealing glances. Every small touch or shared smile carried more meaning now.
Marco, of course, noticed. His smirk was replaced with something sharper, a challenge that made the tension spike. He intercepted one of Aiden's passes, shooting a sly glance at me. "Better keep your eyes on the game," he teased.
Aiden caught my eye and smirked knowingly. "Don't worry," he said, passing me the ball with perfect timing. "I've got this."
As practice ended, we walked out together, our shoulders brushing. The rivalry, the school, the chaos—it didn't matter. For now, we were together, and every glance, every laugh, every shared moment felt like victory.
And I had a feeling that, with Aiden by my side, no challenge—on or off the court—would ever feel impossible again.