Bad News | KOF

4. Breaking Point

The week leading up to the big game was a whirlwind of pep rallies, poster-making sessions, and endless cheer practice. Julie found herself swept up in the familiar routine, her body going through the motions while her mind wandered elsewhere.

Despite the hectic schedule, thoughts of Natty were never far from her mind. They hadn't spoken much since their confrontation in the hallway, but Julie often caught Natty watching her during shared classes, an unreadable expression on her face.

It was during a particularly grueling afternoon practice that Julie made her decision. As the squad took a water break, she pulled out her phone and quickly typed a message to Natty:

"Meet me under the bleachers after practice? Need to talk."

Her heart raced as she hit send, half-expecting Natty to ignore her. To her relief, a reply came almost immediately:

"I'll be there."

The rest of practice dragged on, Julie's movements mechanical as her mind fixated on the upcoming meeting. As soon as the coach dismissed them, she made a hasty excuse to Belle and Haneul about needing to work on a routine, then slipped away.

The space under the bleachers was dim and cool, a stark contrast to the bright, hot field she'd just left. Julie's eyes took a moment to adjust, her heart pounding in her ears.

"Didn't think you'd actually show up, princess."

Julie spun around to find Natty leaning against a support beam, her usual smirk in place. But there was a softness in her eyes that made Julie's breath catch.

"I'm sorry," Julie blurted out. "For everything. For being confused, for not knowing what I want, for making you feel like a secret."

Natty's smirk faded, replaced by a more serious expression. "And now?" she asked quietly. "Do you know what you want?"

Julie took a deep breath, taking a step closer to Natty. "I want to figure it out," she said honestly. "With you. If... if you'll let me."

For a moment, Natty just looked at her, and Julie felt like her heart might burst from the tension. Then, slowly, Natty reached out and took Julie's hand.

"Okay," she said softly. "We'll figure it out together."

The relief that washed over Julie was overwhelming. Without thinking, she closed the distance between them, pressing her lips to Natty's in a kiss that was equal parts tender and electrifying.

When they broke apart, both slightly breathless, Natty grinned. "Well, that's a start," she teased.

Julie laughed, feeling lighter than she had in weeks. "I've missed you," she admitted. "Dancing with you, talking to you... just being around you."

"I've missed you too," Natty said, tucking a strand of hair behind Julie's ear. "So, what now? Ready to shock the whole school by walking out of here hand in hand?"

Julie tensed slightly, the reality of their situation crashing back. "I... I don't know if I'm ready for that yet," she said hesitantly.

To her surprise, Natty nodded understandingly. "It's okay," she said. "We'll take it at your pace. But no more avoiding each other, deal?"

"Deal," Julie agreed, relieved.

They spent the next hour talking and laughing, hidden away in their secret spot. Julie told Natty about her solo dance sessions, and Natty shared stories about her art projects. It felt natural, easy in a way Julie hadn't expected.

As the sun began to set, they reluctantly parted ways, but not before making plans to meet again after the game.

Walking home, Julie felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. She knew there were still challenges ahead – telling her friends, navigating the social landscape of high school, figuring out exactly what this thing with Natty was. But for the first time, she felt ready to face those challenges.

She had Natty by her side, her newfound passion for dance, and a growing sense of who she truly was. Whatever came next, Julie knew she could handle it – one step, one dance, one kiss at a time.

The night of the big game arrived, electric with anticipation. Westview High's stadium was packed, a sea of blue and gold. Cheerleaders bounced on their toes, football players adjusted their helmets, and the marching band tuned their instruments. The air crackled with excitement and nervous energy.

Julie stood at the head of her squad, pompoms clutched tightly in her hands. Her smile was plastered on, a perfect mask that didn't reach her eyes. She scanned the crowd, catching sight of her parents in the stands, beaming with pride. Her gaze drifted to a shadowy corner where Natty leaned against a wall, arms crossed, watching her intently.

As the game kicked off, Julie led the squad through their routines. Her body moved automatically, muscle memory taking over while her mind raced. With each cheer, each carefully choreographed move, she felt more and more disconnected from herself.

The first half of the game was a blur. Westview was down by ten points, the tension in the stadium palpable. During halftime, Coach Evans pulled the cheer squad aside.

"We need to step it up, girls," she barked. "This is our moment to rally the crowd. Julie, lead us in the new routine."

Julie nodded, moving to the center of the field. The music started, and she began to move. But as she launched into a complicated flip, something went wrong. Her timing was off, her landing shaky. She stumbled, nearly falling.

The crowd's cheers faltered. Julie could hear confused murmurs rippling through the stands. She tried to recover, to paste on her smile and keep going, but the damage was done.

As they moved off the field, Julie could feel the disapproving glares of her squadmates. Belle and Haneul, usually her staunchest supporters, wouldn't meet her eyes.

"What was that, Julie?" hissed Melissa, one of the junior cheerleaders. "You've been so off lately. Get it together!"

"Yeah," chimed in another girl. "If you can't handle it, maybe you shouldn't be captain."

Their words hit Julie like a physical blow. She looked around at the faces of her squad – girls she'd considered friends – and saw only judgment and disappointment. In that moment, something inside her snapped.

Without a word, Julie turned and walked away. She ignored the confused calls of her squadmates, the concerned shout of her coach. She walked past her bewildered parents in the stands, past Natty who had straightened up in alarm.

Julie kept walking until she reached the locker room. With shaking hands, she opened her locker and stared at her reflection in the small mirror inside. The girl looking back at her was a stranger – perfectly coiffed hair, immaculate makeup, a uniform that suddenly felt like a straitjacket.

In a burst of emotion, Julie yanked off her cheerleading top, replacing it with the t-shirt she'd worn to school. She grabbed her bag and slammed the locker shut.

As she emerged from the locker room, she nearly ran into Natty, who had followed her.

"Julie? What's going on?" Natty asked, concern evident in her voice.

Julie looked at her, tears welling in her eyes. "I'm done," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I can't do this anymore. Any of it."

Natty nodded, understanding in her eyes. Without a word, she took Julie's hand and led her away from the stadium, away from the expectations and pressure and judgment.

As they walked into the cool night air, Julie felt a weight lift from her shoulders. She didn't know what would happen next, how she would face everyone on Monday, or what this meant for her future. But in this moment, hand in hand with Natty, she knew one thing for certain:

She was finally, truly free.