Daylight - Paige Bueckers

you make it special

February 13th, 2024

Paige's POV:

I sat on the edge of my bed, phone in hand, staring blankly at the screen. Valentine's Day was tomorrow, and I had no idea what to do for Alex. I hated cheesy stuff, and I knew she did too, but I still wanted to do something. Something cool. Chill. Special without being over-the-top.

I sighed, sending out a text to the group chat: I need ideas for Valentine's Day. Help.

A few minutes later, Azzi, Aubrey, and Nika piled into my bedroom, clearly eager to help—or to mess with me, knowing them.

"So," Nika said, plopping down on my bed. "You're telling me Paige Bueckers is stumped about Valentine's Day? What happened to the ice-cold, heartless bitch I knew?"

I rolled my eyes. "I'm not heartless. I just don't want to do something lame or predictable. I need it to be... I don't know. More lowkey."

Aubrey snorted, leaning against the doorframe. "Yeah, because you two are so subtle with your feelings for each other."

"Right?" Nika joined in, laughing. "I mean, you could do the whole romantic dinner thing... but with, like, basketball jerseys on."

Azzi, ever the voice of reason, sat next to me on the bed. "Ignore them. What do you want to do for Alex?"

"I don't know, that's the problem," I said, running a hand through my hair. "It can't be cliché. I don't want roses and candles and all that. That's not us."

"How about a scavenger hunt?" Azzi suggested. "You could leave little clues for her around campus, leading to something meaningful."

I shot her a look. "That is so gay."

"You're literally gay," Nika cut in, grinning. 

"You're probably gay too, so shut up," I remarked, rolling my eyes at her. 

"Yeah, okay, you're both gay. Let's move on," Aubrey chimed in. "What about doing something simple? Like, making dinner together or ordering takeout and just... hanging out. Isn't that more your vibe?"

I nodded slowly. Aubrey wasn't wrong. We were at our best when things were low-key, just the two of us hanging out, no pressure. It sounded like a solid plan.

"Okay, but it still needs something extra," I muttered, thinking aloud.

"Extra?" Nika's eyebrows shot up, and I instantly regretted using that word. "Like, what? Maybe you could serenade her. Bust out some guitar skills."

"Don't even start," I warned.

"Or you could dress up as Cupid," Aubrey added with a wicked grin. "You know, the diaper and wings? I'm sure Alex would love that."

Azzi smacked her on the arm, trying not to laugh. "Seriously, stop."

But I could see Aubrey's wheels turning. She wasn't done yet. "Ooh, or you could make her a mixtape. Real 90s style. Have 'I Will Always Love You' as the opener."

"I'm ignoring everything that's coming out of your mouth right now," I said, trying to keep a straight face.

"Alright, alright," Nika said, holding her hands up. "But you gotta admit, Paige planning something for Valentine's Day is kinda funny. You're not exactly a 'romantic gesture' type of person."