Can't Seem To Hide It

Breaking Point

Chapter 5: 

As the championship game approached, the tension within the team was palpable. Every practice was a battle, every game a test of their resilience. Paige and Azzi were still at the top of their game, but the strain of keeping their relationship a secret was beginning to show.

During one particularly intense practice, Paige missed a crucial shot, and Coach was quick to call her out.

"Bueckers, focus! We can't afford mistakes like that in the championship!" Coach barked.

Paige gritted her teeth, nodding as she tried to shake off the frustration. But the pressure was getting to her, and she could feel the weight of her secret relationship with Azzi pressing down on her like a lead weight.

After practice, Paige stormed out of the gym, her emotions threatening to boil over. She made her way to the empty bleachers, needing a moment to herself.

A few minutes later, Azzi found her, concern etched on her face. "Paige, what's going on? You've been off all day."

Paige shook her head, her eyes welling up with tears she refused to let fall. "I'm just... I don't know if I can keep doing this. It's too much."

Azzi sat down next to her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "I'm sorry, Paige. I hate that we have to hide this too, but we're so close. We just have to hold on a little longer."

Paige leaned into Azzi's embrace, feeling the warmth and comfort she desperately needed. But the fear of what might happen if their secret got out was always there, lurking in the back of her mind.

"I don't want to lose you, Azzi," Paige whispered, her voice trembling.

Azzi tightened her hold, pressing a soft kiss to the top of Paige's head. "You won't. No matter what happens, we'll get through this together."