Blood Brothers 🩸

Game of Love

Bobby Mercer was hanging out in the cafeteria when Kelseia, Daniella's best friend, strutted over with a playful grin plastered on her face. She had a reputation for being sassy and bold, and today was no different.

"Yo, Bobby!" Kelseia called out, plopping down across from him. "You're so dumb, it's like you got a 'pussy' sign on your forehead. Daniella's been waiting for you to ask her out for weeks! You need to stop playin' and make a move!"

Bobby raised an eyebrow, trying to play it cool despite the heat rising in his cheeks. "Wait, hold up. You think I'm dumb? Look who's talkin'! You're the one who thought wearing that neon windbreaker was a good idea. What are you, a traffic cone?"

Kelseia burst out laughing, unbothered. "At least I'm not over here acting like a deer in headlights every time Daniella walks by. You're trippin', Bobby! Just ask her out already. What's the worst that could happen?"

"I dunno, maybe she's just not that into me, Kelseia," Bobby replied, leaning back, trying to sound nonchalant. "Besides, I can't just swoop in like one of them smooth cats from the movies. I gotta keep my street cred."

"Street cred?" Kelseia rolled her eyes. "Please! You think being a 'nice guy' is gonna get you any points? You need to man up! Look between the lines, dude. Daniella likes you. She's practically giving you the green light!"

Bobby rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the pressure. "Alright, alright, I'll think about it. But what if she just wants to keep it friendly? I'm not trying to get my heart stomped on."

"Stop being such a little punk, Bobby!" Kelseia shot back, smirking. "Here, take this." She pulled out her phone and typed in Daniella's number before sliding it across the table. "Call her. It's your job to make the move now."

Bobby stared at the number, a mix of excitement and anxiety flooding through him. "You serious? Just like that?"

"Yeah! And if you mess it up, I'll let Daniella know you're scared of commitment," Kelseia teased, nudging him playfully. "Now go on and stop wasting time!"

"Alright, alright," Bobby said, pocketing the number. "But if this goes south, I'm blaming you."

Later that day, Bobby found himself at the basketball court in his neighborhood, the sun dipping low and casting a golden hue over everything. He was playing a pickup game with his brothers and friends, laughing and shouting as they hustled on the asphalt.

Suddenly, he spotted Daniella walking up, and his heart raced. She looked stunning, wearing a fitted white tank top that hugged her curves just right and a pair of denim shorts that showcased her long, toned legs. Her soft brown curls bounced with each step, framing her face perfectly. Bobby couldn't help but admire how her skin glistened under the sun, making her look like a goddess.

"Damn," he thought, trying to maintain his composure. "Why she gotta look so good? I swear, if I keep staring, I'm gonna need a cold shower."

As she approached, Bobby felt his nerves kick in. He wiped his palms on his shorts, trying to play it cool. "Yo, Daniella! What's good?"

"Hey, Bobby! Just came to see what all the noise was about," she replied, her smile warm and inviting.

"Aw, you know us. Just out here ballin' like we in the NBA," he said, trying to keep it light. "But I gotta ask—Kelseia told me that a little birdie likes me. I wonder who that might be?"

Daniella's cheeks flushed a soft pink, and she looked down, clearly shy. "I-I don't know what you're talking about," she stammered, biting her lip, her eyes darting away.

Bobby leaned closer, lowering his voice playfully. "C'mon, you can't play me like that. I see how you look at me when you think I'm not paying attention. You like a player, huh?"

Daniella laughed nervously, the sound like music to his ears. "Maybe... but I just think you're funny, that's all."

"Funny, huh?" Bobby shot back, a grin spreading across his face. "I mean, I got jokes for days. But you know what's really funny? How you actin' all shy when you know you got my attention."

She glanced up, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Okay, maybe I do like you a little. But what about your street cred? You think you can handle a girl like me? I heard you're not even smooth enough to ask me out."

"Watch me," Bobby said, feeling bold. "I'm about to take you out, and we'll see who's smooth then. You down?"

Daniella's smile widened, her shyness giving way to excitement. "Maybe... if you can keep up with me."

"Challenge accepted," Bobby replied, his heart racing. As they exchanged playful banter, he felt the spark between them grow, and he knew this was just the beginning of something real.