Unconditionally

A Fading Moment

Stella's POV

The sun was bright, casting warm, golden light over the arena as we made our way toward the entrance. I wasn't sure if it was the game day nerves or that weird gut feeling from last night, but something was definitely in the air. Today was important, for more reasons than I could even put into words.

Jenli, Allison, and I had made plans to meet up before the game to hang out with Jordan and Enzo. Those boys were always a riot. Whether it was Jordan's sarcastic one-liners or Enzo's steady, calm demeanor that somehow kept the chaos in check, they never failed to make me laugh. Today, though, I couldn't help but feel like it was one of those moments you'd remember forever—like the last time we'd all get to hang out like this.

"I swear, if Enzo starts with his whole 'zen mode' talk again, I'm out," Allison said as we walked toward the arena.

"You say that every time," I shot back with a grin. "And yet, here you are, always listening to his wisdom."

Allison rolled her eyes. "He's like a human fortune cookie with hockey skates."

Jenli giggled. "And Jordan's the polar opposite—zero chill and a total drama king. Honestly, I don't know how Enzo deals with him."

We arrived at the arena, meeting up with the boys just outside the entrance. Jordan was already hyped up, bouncing on his feet like a kid before a sugar rush.

"You ladies ready to witness greatness?" Jordan asked, throwing his arm around Jenli's shoulders. "I've been practicing my victory dance all morning."

Jenli rolled her eyes, though she couldn't suppress the smile tugging at her lips. "Jordan, you can't plan a victory dance when the game hasn't even started yet."

"That's where you're wrong," he shot back, eyes gleaming. "I'm manifesting victory, babe."

Enzo stood next to them, as calm and collected as ever. He gave me a nod of acknowledgment, a small smile playing on his lips. "Don't mind him. Jordan's been like this since breakfast. Apparently, scrambled eggs give him 'championship energy.'"

"Scrambled eggs give him delusions," Allison muttered under her breath.

"Aw, come on, don't be jealous, Al," Jordan teased, winking at her. "Not everyone can handle my championship energy."

"You're ridiculous," Allison replied, but the smile on her face betrayed her amusement.

We all walked together, the easy banter flowing naturally. But as much as I laughed and played along, that gut feeling lingered at the back of my mind. Something about today felt off. I couldn't quite place it, but it was as if the universe was trying to tell me that everything was about to change.

"Hey, Stella." Enzo's voice cut through my thoughts as he fell into step beside me. "You okay? You seem... distracted."

I gave him a small smile. "Yeah, just... you ever have that feeling where something big is about to happen, but you don't know what?"

He raised an eyebrow, thoughtful. "Like a premonition?"

"Yeah, something like that."

He nodded slowly. "Well, whatever happens, you'll handle it. You've got a good head on your shoulders."

"Thanks, Enzo," I said, feeling a bit lighter.

We made our way into the stands, taking our seats close to the ice. The excitement in the air was infectious, and despite my weird mood, I couldn't help but get caught up in the thrill of it all. The arena buzzed with energy as people filed in, waiting for the game to start.

Soon enough, the players took the ice for their warm-ups. I spotted Arnold immediately. He looked so focused, skating around with purpose, his face set in determination. It was kind of amazing to see him like this—so in his element, so sure of himself.

"Looks like someone's got their game face on," Allison commented, nudging me. "Your boy's ready to kill it."

"He's not my boy," I replied automatically, though my eyes stayed glued to him.

"Oh, please," Jenli chimed in. "You two have been orbiting each other for weeks now. It's only a matter of time."

I didn't respond, but a small smile tugged at the corners of my lips. They weren't wrong. Arnold and I had been growing closer, our bond deepening in ways I hadn't expected. But there was still that weird tension between us, like something was holding us back from taking the next step.

The game kicked off, and from the first whistle, it was clear that it wasn't going to be easy. The opposing team was aggressive, pushing hard and fast. But Arnold's team was holding their own, with Jordan leading the charge in his usual over-the-top style.

"Come on, ref!" Jordan shouted after a particularly rough hit, throwing his arms in the air in dramatic fashion. "What are you, blind?"

"Someone's gonna have to hold him back before he gets kicked out," Enzo remarked calmly from the bench.

The game continued, and it was a nail-biter. Arnold was playing his heart out, skating faster and harder than I'd ever seen. Every time he had the puck, it felt like the entire arena held its breath. I found myself gripping the edge of my seat, my heart racing with every pass, every shot.

As the clock ticked down in the final period, the score was tied. Tension filled the air, everyone on the edge of their seats. With only seconds left, Arnold made a move that sent the puck flying into the net.

The arena erupted into cheers. They'd won.

Allison jumped up from her seat, screaming in victory. "They did it!"

I joined in, clapping and cheering as the team celebrated on the ice. But even in the midst of the excitement, that gut feeling came back, stronger than ever.

As the boys came off the ice, Jordan was already talking about the post-game celebration. "We're hitting up that pizza place after this, right? I've been craving a victory slice all week."

"You're always craving pizza," Enzo pointed out.

"That's because pizza is the food of champions," Jordan replied without missing a beat.

We all laughed, but my mind was elsewhere. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to change—something big.

As we headed out of the arena together, Arnold caught my eye, a small smile playing on his lips. I smiled back, but the weight of my gut feeling hung heavy in the air between us. Whatever was coming, I knew it wouldn't be easy.

And for the first time, I wasn't sure if this was the last time we'd all get to hang out like this—carefree and happy, before the real world came crashing in.