So Far Yet So Close | HVL Fanfic

(2) Dinner Meeting

LILIA'S POV

After the dinner I had with my teammates, they all went back to the hotel. Meanwhile, I did not come with them, I parted ways and went to Carmilla's Cafe. I told no one, and they never noticed I left, but hopefully, they don't until they reach the hotel.

But I spoke too soon. I got a text from Johnson asking me where I was. I told her not to worry about me because I knew what I'm doing and just like reacted to my message.

Good, now I am left alone. Finally some me time. "Suarez?" I heard someone called me. I have to stop jinx-ing myself.

I turned to look who called me, and to my surprise, it's LSU's superstar. Hailey Van Lith. "Heeyy." I greeted and gave an awkward smile. It's not that I'm uncomfortable, I really am just awkward.

She giggled and pointed at herself, "Van Lith. Hailey Van Lith. We played against each other a while ago." She introduced herself. I see no point in it because I already knew who she was. If anyone should introduce themselves, it should be me.

"No, I know who you are. But how do you know me?" I blurted. Fuck. I made her sound like a stalker.

She tilted her head, "Like I said, we went against each other just a couple of hours ago."

"Okay, but not because we played against each other doesn't mean you'd automatically know my name. I played with a lot of guys, and I... do not..." I trailed off. Sometimes, when I'm nervous, I yap A LOT. I just realized how mean I was at her.

She lightly chuckled, "No, I get what you mean. But you really stood out tonight, so how can I miss you? You're a great player." She complimented me.

I felt my cheeks heating up. I'm not really great at taking compliments. If anything, I wanted to run away. I don't even know how I'm still standing here. If she were one of my teammates, I would've probably had an argument with her.

For a moment, there was silence between us. "This is awkward." I whispered.

It was probably loud enough for her to hear. "Oh, I'm sorry. My intention wasn't to make you feel uncomfortable."

"Oh, no, no. I'm just normally like this." I said and did the awkward giggle again.

She also giggled awkwardly. I wish the ground would swallow me whole. She licked her lips, I guess, trying to lick the dryness off? "So, uh... What are you doing here alone? Aren't you and your teammates going to celebrate your win?" She asked.

"We just did. We had dinner at BBQ Home." I replied, and she nodded. "I also just snuck out to go here." I know she didn't ask, and I also have no reason to tell her this, but I overshare.

She looked at me with confusion, "Don't you like your teammates?"

Oh shit. I totally worded my phrase wrong. "What? No, no. I love them. I just love being alone more." I explained so she won't get the wrong idea.

"Oh? Am I bothering you right now? I'm so sorry." She apologized and was about to walk away,

Did she think she's annoying me? "No, don't worry. You're not." I said with my voice a little louder than my usual. She turned to me. "Sorry. I got nervous because I didn't wanna make a bad impression." I said. And now that I realize, maybe it wasn't a good idea saying that out loud. Sounds like I'm guilt tripping her.

She smiled at me, "You're good. There's no need to say sorry." She comforted me as I just looked down from embarrassment. "You wanna go in?" She asked, pointing at the cafe's door. I nodded, and we both went in.