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꩜ .ᐟ CHAP FIVE . . .
LILA WAS LINGERING by the doorway of her and Kate's dorm room, shifting from one foot to the other. She could hear laughter spilling from down the hall, where the blonde's teammates had gathered for their usual post-game hangout. Lila hadn't expected Kate to take her suggestion so literally—actually bringing her along to mingle with the team. But then again, Kate wasn't one to back down from a challenge.
Kate turned, flashing Lila a reassuring smile. "Ready?" she asked, adjusting her hoodie and giving Lila a quick once-over. "You look great, by the way."
The ravenette rolled her eyes, glancing down at her outfit. She'd kept it simple—dark jeans, and an off-shoulder crewneck, with her usual air of indifference. "Yeah, because that's what i'm worried about," she quipped dryly, though there was a hint of nervousness in her voice. Something that wasn't all too usual for Lila Xiao.
Kate caught onto it. "Hey, if it gets too much, just give me a look or a sign. We'll leave, no questions asked." It was a rare moment of sincerity from Kate, and it made Lila pause.
"Fine. Just... don't leave me to fend for myself with your ball throwing friends, okay?"
Kate let out a light, amused snort. "I won't. Promise."
With that, they made their way down the hallway and into the lounge, where a handful of Kate's teammates—Caitlin, Jada, Gabbie, and a few others that Lila hadn't met yet—were sprawled out on couches, talking animatedly about their game. The chatter died down as soon as they saw Kate enter, with Lila trailing closely behind her.
"Hey, guys," Kate greeted, her tone light. "Brought someone with me today."
AJ, ever the social butterfly, was the first to react, her eyes widening with excitement. "Well, well, well, if it isn't the infamous Lila herself. We finally get to see who Kate's been hiding in that dorm of hers."
Lila forced a small smile, feeling suddenly exposed under the scrutiny of so many unfamiliar eyes. She hadn't even realized how much her reputation preceded her until now.
Hannah leaned back, eyeing her curiously. "Yeah, i've seen you around, but Kate's never brought you to one of our hangouts before. Didn't think you were the social type."
Kate laughed, stepping slightly closer to Lila, and casually slinging an arm over her shoulder. "She's not, but i managed to convince her this time. Didn't i, babe?"
Lila nearly flinched at the pet name but quickly covered it with a dry smile, playing along. "Yeah, she can be persuasive when she wants to be."
Caitlin, perched on the edge of the armrest with a knowing smirk, looked between the two of them with sharp, calculating eyes. "Persuasive, huh? Didn't take you for the type to be swayed, Lila." There was an edge to her tone, one that suggested she wasn't buying into their little act as easily as the others.
