Years Of Love

November Nights

Chapter 28: 

Paige's POV

Halloween had passed, but the fall energy was still thick on campus. Trees around campus had burst into fiery shades of red and orange, and every morning came with a chill that bit just enough to remind us that winter was right around the corner. November was here, and with it came a new season — basketball season. Practices were getting intense, and the team was more focused than ever. But, between classes, practices, and just hanging out, things with Azzi and me were solid. We were officially dating now, and it felt like everyone on campus was in on the secret we weren't even trying to keep.

Azzi and I spent most of our free time together, whether it was late-night study sessions or trying to one-up each other in our newly established cooking "contests" that mainly involved seeing who could avoid burning the kitchen down. She usually won, but only because I didn't tell her how many "hacks" I found on TikTok to make it look like I knew what I was doing.

Game Day

Our first home game of the season was set for November 5th, and UConn fans were hyped. By the time we walked out of our locker room, the gym was packed, buzzing with that electric energy that only game days bring. Our warm-ups went smoothly, and I could feel that familiar thrill building inside me — that mix of nerves and excitement that always hit right before tip-off.

As we went through warmups, I couldn't help but glance over to the stands. There, front row, was Azzi with her parents. Her eyes found mine, and she gave me a quick, encouraging smile. I knew this game was big for both of us. We'd been talking for weeks about how much we'd push ourselves this season, how we wanted to be the team to beat.

"Alright, let's go!" Coach clapped her hands, pulling my attention back. We huddled up, arms around each other, and went through our pre-game chant. Every single one of us was pumped — you could see it in the fire in our eyes, in the way our muscles were tensed, ready to spring into action.

The game was intense, every possession feeling like a battle. I was locked in, focused on every dribble, every pass, every shot. There was a moment in the third quarter when I got the ball right at the three-point line, and without hesitation, I took the shot. It sailed through the air, swishing through the net cleanly. The crowd erupted, and I felt that rush, that unbeatable high of knowing I'd nailed it.

Azzi was right there cheering, the smile on her face making the moment ten times better. It was like she knew exactly how much that shot meant to me, even before I did.

Post-Game Victory

We won by ten points, and as soon as the final buzzer sounded, the whole team rushed the court, celebrating our hard-earned victory. After high-fives and hugs, I looked around, catching Azzi's eye again. She was making her way down from the stands, a proud smile lighting up her face.

"Clyde," she greeted me with a playful smile when she reached me. I couldn't help but laugh — she hadn't stopped calling me that since Halloween.

"Bonnie," I shot back, grinning. Without thinking, I pulled her in for a quick hug, right in the middle of the crowd. People around us were already snapping photos, but for once, I didn't care. Let them see.

When we finally pulled back, Kk was watching us, eyebrows raised and grinning like she was plotting something. "So... are y'all just not gonna tell us the juicy details of this relationship, or do we have to drag it out of you?"

Azzi blushed, rolling her eyes. "Kk, chill."

"Nah, we're all invested now," Ice chimed in, slinging an arm around both me and Azzi. "So spill. How did this happen?"

I laughed, trying to dodge the question. "Can't give away all the secrets, can I?"

Kk made a dramatic sigh. "Fine, keep your secrets... but just know that the fans demand answers."

Celebration at Ted's

That night, the whole team gathered at Ted's to celebrate the win. The place was packed with students, many of whom had been at the game, and everyone was riding the high of our victory. We took over a booth in the corner, laughter and energy filling the space as we ordered food and drinks.

"So," Kk leaned over, lowering her voice with a conspiratorial grin, "I've heard rumors that Clyde over here has some romantic moves."

Azzi snorted, raising an eyebrow at me. "Oh really?"

I shot Kk a playful glare. "Kk, don't start something you can't handle."

She raised her hands in mock surrender, laughing. "Alright, alright. But Paige, you better be taking her out for real. Azzi deserves the royal treatment!"

Azzi shot her a look but leaned closer to me, her hand finding mine under the table. "Don't worry, Kk. I think she's got it covered."

The night wore on, filled with the same mix of humor, camaraderie, and love that had always held our team together. At one point, Azzi and I found ourselves on the dance floor, lost in the dim lights and the beat of the music. I held her close, feeling her warmth against me as we swayed to a slow song that seemed to have slipped in between the faster tracks.

"You know, I think you're stuck with me now," I murmured, resting my forehead against hers.

She laughed softly, looking up at me with that familiar sparkle in her eyes. "Good. Because I'm not letting you go anytime soon."