Conflicted heart

Chapter 3: you can always hangout with us

As the training session got underway, Ona decided to channel her unspoken emotions into her performance. She pushed herself harder, running faster and kicking the ball with precision. It was her way of coping with the pain of watching Lucy and Keira together, even though she knew it was an unsustainable solution.

Then, out of the corner of her eye, she saw Lucy approaching. Ona couldn't help but feel her heart skip a beat. Lucy's presence had always had a way of brightening her day, even if it was just to chat about the game or life in general.

"Hey, Ona," Lucy greeted her with a warm smile. "You're really giving it your all today, aren't you?"

Ona tried to mask her inner turmoil and put on a brave face. "Yeah, you know, gotta stay sharp and all that."

Lucy nodded, her gaze lingering on Ona for a moment. She had an intuitive sense that something might be bothering her friend, but she couldn't put her finger on it.

Keira, who had been watching from a distance, joined the conversation. "What are you two chatting about over here?" She asked, her eyes flickering between Ona and Lucy.

Ona kicked the ball a bit harder, her nerves on edge as Keira approached. "Just the game," she replied, trying to sound as casual as possible.

Lucy, always perceptive, couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. She exchanged a knowing look with Keira, who raised an eyebrow in response. They both had a sense that there was more to Ona's behavior than met the eye.

Keira leaned in closer, her voice gentle and concerned. "Ona, you know you can talk to us about anything, right?"

Ona bit her lip, her eyes briefly locking with Lucy's. The temptation to confess her feelings was strong, but fear held her back. She couldn't risk losing their friendship and the camaraderie they shared.

For a moment, the training ground fell silent, filled with unspoken words and unexpressed emotions. Ona continued to bury her feelings, pretending that everything was okay, while Lucy and Keira shared a silent exchange of concern and curiosity. The unspoken desires within their trio had grown even more intricate, setting the stage for a story of love, friendship, and secrets that was destined to unfold.

Ona remained silent, her actions speaking louder than words as she kicked the ball with increasing intensity, a physical manifestation of her inner turmoil. She watched Lucy and Keira as they engaged in a casual conversation about their date night plans.

Lucy and Keira had always been the epitome of a loving, committed couple. Their relationship was built on trust and open communication, a stark contrast to the secret emotions that Ona held deep within her heart.

Keira, unaware of Ona's emotional struggle, turned her attention back to Lucy. "I was thinking about that new Italian restaurant for our date night, Lucy. You know, the one we've been wanting to try for a while. What do you think?"

Lucy smiled at Keira, her eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. "That sounds perfect, Keira. I've heard great things about it, and I can't wait to spend some quality time with you."

As the couple continued their plans, Ona couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. She had often dreamt of having a romantic evening with Lucy, but that dream remained unfulfilled. Her friendship with Lucy and Keira had always come first, and she had pushed her own desires aside.

Ona's desire for Lucy was a silent, unrelenting ache in her heart, one she had no intention of revealing. She kicked the ball even harder, channeling her frustrations into her performance on the field.

The love triangle between Lucy, Keira, and Ona had grown more complex, with secrets and unspoken emotions woven into the fabric of their friendship. As they continued to train and plan their date night, the future held uncertainty, and the path they were on would undoubtedly challenge the bonds they had cherished for so long.

As the training session continued, Lucy couldn't shake the feeling that something was bothering Ona. She approached her best friend again during a water break, concern still etched in her features.

"Hey, Ona," Lucy said, "How have you been since the international break? I know it can be quite demanding with all the travel and games."

Ona appreciated Lucy's genuine concern. She replied with a faint smile, "It's been hectic, but you know how much I love playing for the national team. It's always an honor to represent our country."

Lucy nodded in understanding. She knew how passionate Ona was about playing for their national team, and she respected her dedication.

As they continued to chat, Keira joined the conversation, hoping to bridge the growing gap between Ona and her best friend. They discussed the upcoming fixtures and their training schedule, but underneath it all, Ona continued to keep her feelings hidden.

After their conversation, Ona decided to take a breather and walked away, heading over to Alexia and Mapi, two players she had always looked up to. They were like older sisters to her, offering guidance and support throughout her career.

As she approached them, Alexia noticed the unease in Ona's eyes. She put a comforting hand on Ona's shoulder and said, "You've been looking a bit preoccupied, Ona. Is everything okay?"

Ona hesitated for a moment before deciding to confide in her friends. "Well, it's just... you know how it is, personal stuff. I've got a lot on my mind."

Mapi, ever the empathetic one, chimed in, "If you ever want to talk or need a distraction, you know you can always hang out with us, right?"

Alexia nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. We're here for you, Ona. Don't hesitate to reach out."

Ona felt a sense of relief wash over her as she accepted their offer. She knew that confiding in her friends would be a comforting release, even if it didn't involve revealing the depths of her unspoken feelings for Lucy. As she settled into conversation with Alexia and Mapi, she hoped that spending time with her trusted friends would help her navigate the complexities of her emotions and the challenges ahead.