through the silence

comforting warmth

The morning after pottery painting with Jill and Syd was foggy and crisp. As I wrapped up training, I could still feel Jill's laughter echoing in my head, her smile lingering in my mind longer than I wanted to admit. Her teasing comments from yesterday, especially the flirty ones, had made me wonder all night. Were Laura and Syd right? Did Jill actually like me, or was she just being playful?

On the drive home, the question rattled around in my brain. I wanted to look cute for our hangout that we had planned, but I didn't want to seem like I was trying too hard. I found myself rifling through my closet, opting for a casual yet flattering outfit: jeans, a fitted sweater, and a jacket that felt just right for the cozy vibe of her apartment.

Still, I felt jittery. This hangout was making me more nervous than any training session or game. I reached for my phone, wanting to call Syd for reassurance, but she was probably already at the dentist. I dialed Laura's number instead, hoping her calm advice would ease my mind.

---

"Hey, Hayden! What's up?" Laura's voice was soothing as usual.

"Hey, Laura. So, I'm hanging out with Jill tonight, and, I don't know, Syd and you... you both think she might like me, and now I'm spiraling." I let out a breath, relieved just to say it out loud. "I'm trying to be cool, but I'm totally overthinking everything. What if it's just friendly? Or... what if it's not?"

Laura chuckled. "You're only human, Hayden. Overthinking a bit is natural. But here's the thing—you won't get any answers by stressing about it from afar."

"True," I admitted, trying to take her words in. "But what if I mess this up?"

"Let me ask you something," she said gently. "Do you want her to like you?"

I hesitated, realizing that the answer to that question was probably yes. "...Maybe? I mean, yeah, I think so."

"Then just let things unfold naturally. Trust me, Hayden, if Jill feels something for you, it'll show. Don't overthink every little moment. Just... be present."

Her advice landed just right, easing some of the tension in my shoulders. "Thanks, Laura. I really needed to hear that."

"Anytime," she replied warmly. "And hey, I expect a full update later!"

"Deal," I laughed, already feeling better as I hung up.

---

Later that evening, I pulled up in front of Jill's apartment. As I climbed the stairs, my nerves came flooding back, stronger this time. My hand hovered at her door, trying to push away the thoughts Syd and Laura had planted about Jill's feelings.

I barely had time to knock before the door flew open, and there was Jill, beaming at me like I was some long-lost friend. "Hayden!" she exclaimed, hugging me tightly. Her arms felt warm, grounding, and somehow a little too good.

"Hey, Jill," I managed, smiling as she released me.

She practically pulled me into the apartment, excitement radiating off her. "I've got a fun plan for us—pumpkin carving! Halloween's just around the corner, and I thought, why not?"

I grinned, my nerves settling a little. "That sounds perfect. Haven't carved a pumpkin in years!"

We sat at her table, each armed with a large pumpkin and a set of carving tools. I glanced over at her as she started cutting the top off her pumpkin with exaggerated determination, tongue poking out in concentration. It was ridiculously cute, but I tried to stay focused on my own pumpkin.

"So, are you going to the Arsenal Halloween party this weekend?" she asked, her eyes flicking up to meet mine.

I hadn't given it much thought. "I'm not sure. Are you?"