Can't Seem To Hide It

Stolen moments

Chapter 2: 

Later that evening, Paige and Azzi found themselves alone in the gym, long after everyone else had left. This had become a routine for them—staying late to get in extra shots, talking about everything and nothing as they passed the ball back and forth.

Paige watched as Azzi lined up a shot from the free-throw line. The ball arced perfectly through the air before sinking into the net with a satisfying swish. Azzi turned to Paige with a grin, but there was something different in her eyes tonight—something that made Paige's heart race.

"You've been quiet today," Azzi said, her voice echoing in the empty gym.

Paige hesitated, her mind racing for an excuse, but she knew Azzi could see right through her. With a sigh, she walked over to Azzi, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her shirt.

"Azzi, there's something I need to tell you," Paige began, her voice trembling slightly.

Azzi's smile faded, replaced by a look of concern. "What is it? You know you can tell me anything."

Paige took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. She had rehearsed this moment in her head a thousand times, but now that it was here, the words seemed to stick in her throat.

"I... I think I've been feeling something more than just friendship," Paige finally blurted out, her cheeks flushing.

Azzi blinked in surprise, her mouth opening slightly as she processed Paige's words. The silence between them stretched out, the tension thick in the air.

Paige's heart sank. "I'm sorry if this makes things awkward. I just couldn't keep pretending everything was normal—"

But before she could finish, Azzi stepped closer, her hand gently cupping Paige's cheek. Paige's breath caught in her throat as Azzi leaned in, their faces just inches apart.

"I've been feeling the same way," Azzi whispered, her voice barely audible.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still. Then, slowly, almost hesitantly, Paige closed the distance between them, their lips brushing in a soft, tentative kiss. It was a moment of pure magic, the culmination of months of unspoken feelings.

When they finally pulled apart, both were breathless, their foreheads resting against each other. But reality quickly intruded on the moment. They were still in the gym, still surrounded by the reminders of their team and the game that defined their lives.

"What do we do now?" Paige asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Azzi sighed, pulling away slightly. "We keep this between us. The team can't know—it would complicate everything."

Paige nodded, even though the thought of keeping their relationship a secret made her heart ache. But she understood. Their team was like a family, and any drama could disrupt their focus.

"We'll figure it out," Azzi added, her voice filled with determination. "We always do."

Paige smiled, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. They had just taken a huge step, but the road ahead was anything but clear. As they left the gym together, hand in hand, they knew they were about to embark on the most challenging play of their lives—a secret romance hidden beneath the spotlight of their shared passion for the game.