Playing Theo is so much more different than I imagined.
Playing him feels friendly, like I don't need to be at the top of my game to play well. He has these small tricks that make his forehand sail perfectly through the air without using power, making me run way more than I need.
Usually, this would make me flustered, but this time I don't mind.
As the match winds down, I wipe the sweat from my forehead, feeling both proud and exhausted.
"Not bad for someone who thought they'd embarrass themselves," I tease with a playful smile.
Theo laughs, running a hand through his hair.
"I was just warming up. You better watch out, Kiara. I might just surprise you."
He steps a little closer to the net, glancing at my racket. "You know... your serve's strong, but there's a trick that might make it even better."
I raise an eyebrow, turning the racket in between my hands. "Oh? And what's that?"
Theo steps past the net and comes behind me, gently placing his hands over mine on the racket, and for some reason, my breath hitches.
"It's all in the angle of your wrist and the follow-through," he says, guiding my arm upward. His fingers graze my skin, sending small pinpricks down my spine.
"You've got to lift it just a bit higher, like this."
I swallow, my breath catching for a moment as he stands close, his voice low and calm. I focus on his hand leading mine, trying to keep my pulse steady, though the scent of sandalwood and musk isn't helping.
"There," Theo says softly. "Try it." He steps away from my body, all sensations of the electric jolts I was feeling gone.
I focus as I attempt the serve again, my movements sharper this time. The ball sails across the court with a clean arc.
Theo grins. "Told you."
The movement was so much more fluid; I've always had trouble with my serves, but now they feel natural. Huh.
"Thanks, coach," I grin as I face him. He mirrors my expression, flashing a white smile before running a hand through his hair with a smirk.
My eyes linger on his, and for some reason, that's enough for me to start blushing furiously, so I turn away.
"You up for a rematch?" He asks, head slightly tilted like a puppy.
"Sure." I head to my regular spot, "This time, you won't have so much luck now that I can nail my serves."
My competitive edge comes up slightly, and I instantly regret it. What if he thinks I'm being unnecessarily mean? To my relief, though, he clutches his chest and throws his head backward dramatically, acting like he's going to die.
"We'll see about that, Kiara."
I swear there's a small bit of flirting in there, right?
"Alright, coach. I think you've sufficiently exhausted me for today," I say, resting my hands on my knees, catching my breath as I sit on the cool metal benches near the court.
Theo smirks. "Don't tell me that was too much for you."
I roll my eyes, but my smile gives me away. "Next time, I'll bring my A-game."
"You said that three matches ago, you know."
I nudge him slightly with the head of my racket, chugging down more water.
We sit in comfortable silence before he breaks it.
"So, same time next week?" Theo asks, flashing a grin.
I pause, pretending to think. "Hmm... Maybe I'll fit you into my busy schedule,"
He laughs, opening the gate for me to pass before following shortly after.
"It was nice playing you, you know?"
My heart does an awkward leap in my chest at his words.
"Thanks, same to you."
I smile at him as he returns the gesture before heading to my car.
On the drive back, I can't help but replay everything in my head- the way Theo guided my hand, how he teased me but in a way that wasn't annoying. I'm not even mad that he made me run around the court like a headless chicken.
It just felt... easy. And exciting.
God, what is happening to me?
Does he feel the same way, overanalyzing every little moment we share? Or am I just reading too much into all of this? Maybe it's just tennis... just a casual game with a friend, right?
I pull into the garage, kicking off my shoes before heading directly upstairs for a much-needed shower when I meet eyes with Candence.
"So? How was it?" Cadence asks, sitting cross-legged on my bed.
"It was just a tennis match," I say, trying to sound casual, but Cadence gives me that all-knowing look, like she can see into the depths of my brain with x-ray vision.
"Just a tennis match, huh? You're blushing so much a tomato would be jealous."
I roll my eyes but can't help the smile tugging at my lips. "It was fun. We're playing again next week."
Cadence grins. "Next week? Sounds like a date to me."
I toss a pillow at her, groaning exasperatedly. "It's not a date! Now get out, I need to take a shower." I run my fingers through her curls, shooing her out of my room before taking a long, warm shower.
Over the next few days, I find myself checking my phone more often than usual, hoping for a message from Theo. Something funny, or maybe about the next game. But nothing.
It's not a crush, I swear.
I plait my hair in a standard braid before sitting on my bed with my book.
Just as I'm about to put my phone down for the night, it buzzes.
Theo: Don't get too comfortable with that serve. I've got a few tricks up my sleeve.
I smile, feeling a familiar flutter in my chest.
Me: We'll see about that.
I reply, already counting down the days to next week.
Maybe my summer won't be as insufferable as I thought.
A/n: Double Kiara chapter... We like?
Anyway, I find writing in Kiara's perspective more fun bcs she's a girl and I'm a girl so yea
I'm planning to have some chapters without our star-crossed lovers together bcs I feel like we need some view into their actual lives.
Ilysm! Bye!
