𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐒 𝐅𝐋𝐘 || 𝐂𝐀𝐈𝐓𝐋𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐊

can I ask you a question

A few days later, Lilly sat in her morning class, her notebook open and pen in hand, but her mind was far from the lecture. No matter how hard she tried to focus, her thoughts kept drifting back to Caitlin. The way Caitlin's eyes sparkled when she smiled, the warmth of her embrace, and the almost-kiss that had been interrupted by the phone call. It was all she could think about.

Finally, during a break between classes, Lilly slipped out her phone and called Paige. She needed to talk to someone about this, someone who could give her some perspective. Paige picked up after the second ring.

"Hey, Lilly, what's up?" Paige's cheerful voice came through the line.

"Hey, Paige. I... I can't stop thinking about Caitlin," Lilly admitted, her voice tinged with frustration. "It's like she's all I can think about, and it's driving me crazy."

Paige laughed softly. "You need to tell her, bro. You're in love with her."

Lilly's cheeks flushed. "I'm not in love! It's just a tiny, tiny crush," she protested, though even she didn't sound convinced.

"Right, a tiny crush that you can't stop thinking about," Paige teased. "Come on, Lilly, I've seen the way you look at her. And don't forget, I knew you back during Team USA. This isn't new."

Lilly groaned, leaning against the wall outside her classroom. "Paige, it's not that simple. What if she doesn't feel the same way? I don't want to mess up what we have."

Paige's tone softened. "Lilly, you won't know unless you tell her. And from what you've told me, it sounds like Caitlin might feel the same way. You two are practically inseparable."

Lilly sighed, running a hand through her hair. "But what if I ruin everything?"

"You won't," Paige reassured her. "Trust me, you two are solid. And even if she doesn't feel the same way right now, I doubt it'll ruin your friendship. She cares about you too much for that."

Lilly was silent for a moment, considering Paige's words. "You really think so?"

"I know so," Paige replied confidently. "You've got to take the chance, Lilly. You deserve to be happy, and if Caitlin makes you feel this way, then it's worth it."

Lilly took a deep breath. "Okay, I'll think about it."

"Good," Paige said, her voice brightening. "And remember, whatever happens, I've got your back."

"Thanks, Paige," Lilly said, feeling a little lighter. "I really appreciate it."

"No problem," Paige replied. "Now go to class and stop daydreaming about Caitlin, okay?"

Lilly laughed. "I'll try. Talk to you later."

"Bye, Lilly."

After class Lilly hurried down the hallway towards the locker room, running a bit later than usual for practice. Her mind was still buzzing with her conversation with Paige from earlier. As she approached the locker room door, she slowed down when she heard voices inside. Recognizing Caitlin and Kate, she hesitated, not wanting to interrupt.

"Dude, confess to her," Kate's voice came through the door, sounding both amused and serious.

There was a brief silence before Caitlin responded, her voice filled with uncertainty. "No, what if she doesn't like me?"

Lilly's heart skipped a beat, and she leaned closer to the door, straining to hear more. Was Caitlin talking about her? But then Kate's next words made her doubt it.