More Than A Game (A Kylia Story)

Taking A Break

Chapter 13

The weeks following their emotionally charged conversation stretched into a blur of uncertainty. Kylie and Malia had decided, with heavy hearts, to take a break from each other. It was an agreement made in a moment of vulnerability—a choice meant to ease the burden of expectations and allow them both to focus on their individual paths. Yet, the weight of that decision pressed down on them like a lead blanket.

Kylie spent her days engulfed in basketball practice, each drill and scrimmage serving as a temporary distraction from the emotional void left by Malia's absence. The thrill of the game had always been a source of joy for her, but lately, it felt hollow. Every dribble echoed with memories of Malia cheering from the stands, her bright smile lighting up even the darkest moments on the court. Now, each shot she made was tinged with bittersweet longing, a reminder of what she was missing.

At home, the silence was deafening. The excitement of her recent college offer had faded into the background, overshadowed by thoughts of Malia. Kylie found herself scrolling through her phone, pausing on every picture of them together, laughter frozen in time. She missed Malia's laugh, her teasing remarks, and the way they could spend hours discussing everything and nothing all at once.

Meanwhile, Malia immersed herself in cheer practice and spent her afternoons with her friends, Morgan and Momona, trying to fill the void left by Kylie's absence. They were supportive, of course, but no one could replace the connection she had shared with Kylie. Malia tried to throw herself into her routines, hoping to find solace in the choreography and the camaraderie of her teammates. Yet, her heart was heavy, the dance moves feeling mechanical without Kylie's encouraging smile in the audience.

On quiet evenings, when Malia returned home, she would find herself staring at the wall, lost in thought. Sometimes, she'd want to text Kylie, her fingers hovering over the keyboard, but she always hesitated, not wanting to disturb the fragile balance they had agreed upon. It felt wrong to reach out, yet every moment without her felt like an eternity.

As the days turned into weeks, both girls began to confront their feelings in different ways. For Kylie, the time apart prompted deep reflection. She attended late-night practices and early-morning workouts, but her mind was never fully present. She found herself jotting down thoughts in a small notebook—hopes, fears, dreams, and everything in between. Each entry began with a simple question: "What do I truly want?"

Through the ink on the page, Kylie began to realize that her dreams of basketball and college were inseparable from the love she felt for Malia. The pressure to succeed had always been intense, but now, it felt daunting without Malia by her side. She longed for the stability of their relationship, a support system that encouraged her to chase her goals while reminding her that she didn't have to do it alone.

On the other hand, Malia took up dance classes to channel her emotions, hoping to find an outlet for the heartache she felt. With each graceful movement, she poured her longing for Kylie into her art, using the rhythm to express what words could not. Yet, she too found herself reflecting on their relationship. She started a journal of her own, writing letters to Kylie that she kept hidden, words that spilled from her heart without the fear of judgment.

"Dear Kylie," she began one entry, "I miss you more than I ever thought possible. It feels like a part of me is missing, and I wish we could talk about this. I know we're taking a break, but my feelings for you haven't changed. I want you to be happy, but I can't help but feel lost without you."

In those moments of vulnerability, Malia realized how deeply she cared for Kylie—not just as a partner but as a best friend. She reflected on their shared dreams and ambitions, recognizing that they were stronger together. Each day that passed felt like a reminder of their connection, and the more she tried to move on, the more she felt rooted in the memories they had created together.

Eventually, both girls arrived at a point of reckoning. With the time apart serving as a mirror, they recognized the impact they had on each other's lives. Malia found herself blossoming as a cheerleader and dancer, her confidence growing with each routine, but it was the thought of Kylie that kept her grounded. She wanted to share her successes with Kylie, to celebrate together as they had always done.

Kylie, too, began to understand that while her basketball aspirations were vital, they were not the sole definition of her happiness. She missed the late-night conversations with Malia, the laughter that filled their time together, and the way they encouraged one another to be their best selves. The decision to step away had brought clarity; she didn't want to pursue her dreams at the cost of losing the person who had always supported her.

As they continued to navigate their separate lives, both Kylie and Malia felt a shift within themselves—a growing strength that came from the heartache. They had learned to cherish their individual goals while also holding onto the love they had for each other, even if it was from a distance. The foundation of their relationship had been tested, but instead of crumbling, it began to take shape in new and profound ways.

One evening, as Kylie finished up practice, she looked out at the sunset, a beautiful blend of colors painting the sky. She took a deep breath, a sense of resolve washing over her. It was time to talk to Malia, to share what she had discovered during this painful separation. And she hoped, more than anything, that Malia had felt the same.

With her heart pounding in her chest, Kylie reached for her phone, fingers trembling as she typed a message. "Hey, can we talk? I've been thinking about us." She pressed send and felt a mixture of hope and anxiety as she waited for Malia's response.

On the other side, Malia received the message and her heart soared. She had been waiting for this moment, the chance to reconnect and share their feelings. "I'd love to," she replied, a wave of relief washing over her. The time apart had been hard, but it had also brought clarity, and she was ready to embrace whatever came next.

As they prepared to meet again, both girls felt the weight of their choices shift from burden to promise. They had each grown, their hearts still intertwined, and now they were ready to confront the future together, whatever it might hold.