Years Of Love

All Eyes On Us

After the Fortnite session, we all decided to chill in the living room, lounging around like we always did after an easy morning. The air felt light, but I couldn't shake the feeling that Azzi's gaze kept flickering in my direction. Even with the others around, there was this quiet intensity between us that no one else seemed to notice. Or maybe they did. Knowing this crew, they were probably waiting for the right moment to pounce.

Azzi stretched her arms above her head, her hoodie riding up just a bit, exposing a sliver of skin that caught my attention longer than it should've. She glanced over at me, catching my eye, and I quickly looked away, pretending to check my phone.

"You two are acting weird today," Ice said, barely looking up from her phone but grinning like she'd just caught onto something. I shot her a look, and she raised her eyebrows, clearly not buying my attempt to play it off.

"Weird? Nah, you're just overthinking," I said, hoping to squash whatever suspicion she had brewing.

Kk walked in from the kitchen with a bowl of cereal, looking way too amused. "Nah, Ice is right. You two have been on some different energy lately."

I rolled my eyes, trying to keep my cool. "Y'all are just bored."

Kk took a bite of her cereal, giving me a smirk. "We are bored, but that doesn't mean we're wrong."

Azzi, who had been quiet for most of this, finally spoke up, her voice soft but firm. "Can we not do this today?"

The room went silent for a second. Even Ice put her phone down, sensing the shift.

"Fine, fine," Ice said, throwing her hands up. "We won't push it. For now."

She gave me a sly smile, clearly not planning to let this go anytime soon. Kk and Ice exchanged glances before both of them stood up, heading to the kitchen, probably plotting their next move.

Once they were gone, it was just me and Azzi in the living room. The air between us felt charged, the playful vibe from earlier replaced with something heavier, something unspoken.

I glanced over at her, half-expecting her to look away, but she didn't. Instead, she met my gaze, her expression soft but serious. "You okay?" she asked quietly.

I nodded, but I knew she could see right through me. "Yeah. Just... got a lot on my mind, I guess."

She shifted closer, her knee brushing against mine. "Wanna talk about it?"

Her eyes held mine, and for a second, I considered telling her everything—the pressure of everything on and off the court, the way I kept pretending everything was fine when it wasn't, and how being around her made it harder and easier at the same time. But I couldn't bring myself to say it. Not yet.

"Not right now," I said softly, offering her a small smile. "But thanks."

She smiled back, leaning her head against the back of the couch. "Whenever you're ready."

We sat there in silence for a few moments, the sound of Kk and Ice laughing in the kitchen echoing in the background. It was peaceful, in a way, like everything didn't have to be so complicated between us. At least for now.

The peace didn't last long, though. Just as I was about to say something, Kk came bouncing back into the room, her phone in hand and that mischievous glint in her eyes that always meant trouble.

"Guess what, guys?" she sang, holding up her phone like it was a prize. "I got us invited to a party tonight!"

Azzi groaned, sinking further into the couch. "Of course you did."

Kk grinned, completely unfazed. "Oh, come on! It'll be fun. Paige, you need to get out of this place for once."

I raised an eyebrow. "I do go out."

"Yeah, to the gym or the store. Not exactly the same vibe, Paigey." She smirked, clearly enjoying herself.

Azzi nudged me with her elbow, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Might be fun. Could use a break from all the Fortnite trash talk."

I laughed, shaking my head. "Alright, fine. I'm in."

Kk pumped her fist in the air. "That's what I'm talking about! Now, let's figure out what we're wearing, 'cause I'm not letting y'all show up looking like bums."

Azzi and I exchanged a look, both of us laughing as Kk rushed back to her room, already texting someone about outfits.

The party was hours away, but the tension between me and Azzi stayed. Maybe tonight would be different. Maybe, just maybe, we'd finally figure out whatever this thing between us was.

And I had a feeling it wasn't just Fortnite that we were losing at tonight.