Can't Seem To Hide It

Just Chill

Chapter 46:

The tension between the three of them was thick enough to slice through. Paige stood frozen in place, torn between Azzi's piercing gaze and Jalen's approaching figure. She could feel the weight of both their expectations crashing down on her, but right now, she wasn't sure how to handle either.

Jalen slowed as he got closer, his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his hoodie. He gave Paige a small, familiar smile, one that once would've made her smile back. But today, it felt out of place, like they were two people pretending they still knew each other.

"Hey," Jalen said, his voice carrying a calmness that made Paige's heart race. It was the kind of calm that felt too familiar, too easy.

"Hey," Paige responded, though her voice came out quieter than she intended.

Azzi, standing beside her, shifted uncomfortably. She wasn't one to back down, but something about Jalen's presence threw her off. She knew this wasn't about jealousy—it was about Paige being stuck in some unspoken history with him. And that stung in a way Azzi couldn't quite put into words.

Jalen's eyes flicked toward Azzi, acknowledging her with a nod before turning back to Paige. "You played well today. Just like old times," he said, and though his tone was light, there was a weight to his words. Memories hung between them, unspoken but palpable.

Paige forced a small smile. "Thanks."

Azzi crossed her arms, her jaw clenching. "Is there something you needed, Jalen?" she asked, her voice sharp but not aggressive. She wasn't about to let this linger any longer than it needed to.

Jalen hesitated, glancing between the two of them. It was clear he wasn't oblivious to the tension. "Nah, I just wanted to say hi. It's been a while, and..." he trailed off, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.

Paige sighed, feeling the pressure from both sides. "Look, Jalen, it's good to see you, but—"

"It's complicated," Jalen finished for her, a knowing smile tugging at his lips. Paige winced. She hated how he still knew her so well, how he could predict her next words before she even said them.

Azzi's patience was running thin. "We're trying to celebrate the win right now, so if you don't mind—"

"I get it," Jalen interrupted, his tone softening. "I didn't come to cause drama. Just wanted to say hey, Paige. I'll catch you later."

He gave her one last look, something unspoken hanging in the air between them, before turning and walking away. The sound of his footsteps faded as he disappeared down the hallway, leaving Paige and Azzi standing in the awkward silence he left behind.

Azzi let out a frustrated breath, her arms dropping to her sides. "I don't get it, Paige. Why does he still have this hold on you?"

Paige shook her head, running a hand through her hair. "It's not like that. I don't have feelings for him or anything. It's just..."

"Just what?" Azzi pressed, her eyes searching Paige's face. "You've been off all day because of him. I mean, you were on fire during the game, but you weren't playing for us. You were playing for him, weren't you?"

Paige's heart sank. Azzi wasn't wrong, and that realization hit her harder than she wanted to admit. "I don't know," Paige whispered. "It's just weird seeing him again. It brings back all these old memories, and... it's confusing."

Azzi took a step closer, her voice softening. "Paige, you don't owe him anything. Whatever you had with Jalen, it's in the past. You have us now. You have me."

Paige looked up, meeting Azzi's gaze. Her heart ached with the truth of Azzi's words. Azzi had been by her side through everything, and here she was, still trying to reassure her even when she didn't need to. "I know," Paige said quietly. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to shut you out."

Azzi's expression softened, the tension between them easing slightly. She reached out and took Paige's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Just talk to me next time, okay? Don't let him get into your head like this."

Paige nodded, her grip tightening around Azzi's hand. "I won't. I promise."

The sound of footsteps echoed down the hallway, interrupting their moment. Kk and Aubrey came bounding toward them, grinning from ear to ear.

"Yo, Paige! We're about to head out to celebrate, you coming or what?" Kk called, clearly not picking up on the heavy atmosphere surrounding them.

Paige hesitated for a second, but then she glanced at Azzi, who gave her a small, reassuring nod. "Yeah, let's go."

They all made their way out of the locker room together, the tension finally beginning to fade. Paige knew there was still more to unpack about Jalen and everything he represented, but for now, she was content being surrounded by her team—the people who were there for her in the present.

As they stepped out into the cool night air, Paige felt Azzi slip her hand into hers again. She glanced over, and Azzi smiled softly, her eyes full of warmth and understanding.

"Let's leave the past where it belongs, yeah?" Azzi murmured, just for Paige to hear.

Paige smiled, her heart feeling lighter than it had all day. "Yeah," she agreed.