Can't Seem To Hide It

Late Night Talks

Chapter 22: 

It was well past midnight when the girls found themselves sprawled out on the couches in the common room, the remnants of their late-night snacks scattered on the coffee table. They had spent the evening watching movies and talking about everything from basketball to life after college, but now a comfortable silence had settled over them.

Paige was lying with her head on Azzi's lap, half-asleep as Azzi absentmindedly played with her hair. Kk, Ice, and Aubrey were huddled together on the other couch, their eyelids heavy with sleep, but none of them were quite ready to call it a night.

The dim lighting and quiet atmosphere made the room feel cozy, almost like a safe haven where they could let down their guards and be themselves. It was in these quiet moments that the bond between them felt the strongest.

Paige let out a soft sigh, turning her head slightly to look up at Azzi. "You know, I don't think I've ever felt as comfortable with anyone as I do with you," she murmured, her voice drowsy but sincere.

Azzi smiled down at her, brushing a strand of hair from Paige's forehead. "Same here," she replied quietly. "You're like...my person, you know?"

Paige's heart fluttered at Azzi's words, and she reached up to gently squeeze her hand. "You're my person too."

The others, sensing the intimacy of the moment, exchanged knowing glances but stayed silent, letting the two have their moment. Paige and Azzi had become the unspoken center of the team, their relationship a source of warmth and strength for everyone around them.

After a few moments of silence, Aubrey, who had been watching the two with a soft smile, finally spoke up. "It's kind of amazing, isn't it? How close we've all gotten."

Kk nodded in agreement, her voice soft. "Yeah. I feel like we're more than just a team. We're like...a family."

"Exactly," Ice added, her eyes drifting between the girls. "I don't think I could have gotten through this year without you all."

Paige, who was now fully awake, lifted her head from Azzi's lap and looked around at her teammates, feeling a surge of affection for each of them. "You're right," she said. "We've been through a lot together, and it's only made us stronger."

Azzi's hand slipped into Paige's, giving it a gentle squeeze. "And we're only going to get stronger."

The girls fell silent again, each lost in their thoughts. It was a rare moment of vulnerability, where they could openly acknowledge the depth of their connection without the usual bravado that came with being elite athletes.

"Hey, can I say something?" Kk suddenly asked, her voice a little hesitant.

"Of course," Paige said, sitting up fully and giving her friend her full attention.

Kk shifted slightly, looking down at her hands. "I know we joke around a lot, and we're always there for each other, but I just want to say...I'm really grateful for all of you. You've become my second family, and I don't take that for granted."

Ice and Aubrey both reached out to give Kk's hands a squeeze, their expressions softening with affection.

"We feel the same way," Aubrey said. "This bond we have, it's special. Not everyone gets to experience something like this."

Paige's heart swelled with emotion as she looked at her friends, realizing just how lucky they all were to have found each other. It wasn't just about basketball anymore—it was about the friendships they had built, the trust they had earned, and the love they had for one another.

"I think we all feel that way," Paige said, her voice thick with emotion. "And I know that no matter what happens in the future, we're always going to have each other."

Azzi leaned her head on Paige's shoulder, her eyes shining with the same emotions. "We're always going to be here for each other, through everything."

Kk, Ice, and Aubrey all nodded in agreement, their eyes glistening with unshed tears. It was a moment of pure honesty, a late-night confession that would stay with them forever.

Eventually, the conversation died down, and the girls, feeling emotionally drained but content, decided to call it a night. They exchanged hugs and sleepy goodnights before heading to their respective rooms.

As Paige and Azzi climbed into bed, Paige pulled Azzi close, her heart full. "I meant what I said," she whispered. "You're my person, and I don't ever want that to change."

Azzi smiled, pressing a soft kiss to Paige's forehead. "It won't. We're in this together, forever."

With that, they drifted off to sleep, their hearts at peace, knowing that they had found something truly special in each other and in the team they called family.