ingydar- nika muhl & kate martin

Chapter One

Cute little beginning chapter, they're gonna get longer

Kate and Nika had never gotten along; Nika was too aggressive for Kate's liking. Sure, they used to be close-knit, but that was back before Caitlin and Paige blew up. Their friendship had deteriorated over time, and the tension between them grew more palpable with each passing day.

When Kate heard she was getting drafted to the same team as Nika, she was filled with dread. The thought of playing alongside someone she couldn't stand was almost unbearable. She seriously considered turning down the offer to play for the Las Vegas Aces, despite the incredible opportunity it presented. The idea of sharing the court, the locker room, and the daily grind with Nika was enough to make her want to walk away from her dream.

Kate remembered the good times they had shared before their rift. They had once been inseparable, supporting each other through thick and thin. But those days were long gone, replaced by a cold indifference and simmering resentment. Nika's aggressive playing style and dominant personality grated on Kate's nerves, making it impossible for her to see past her flaws.

As the draft day approached, Kate wrestled with her decision. She knew that playing for the Aces was a once-in-a-lifetime chance, but the thought of dealing with Nika on a daily basis was almost too much to bear. In the end, though, Kate decided to accept the offer, hoping that she could find a way to coexist with Nika for the sake of her career. Little did she know, this decision would set the stage for a tumultuous and transformative season that neither of them could have anticipated.

After Kate got drafted 18th over all, Nika followed suit being the 24th pick. And of course they got drafted to the same team. Kate clapped, pretending to be happy for Nika.

"Hey, you." Nika smiled softly at Kate, sitting down next to her.

"Congrats on getting drafted." Kate said coldly, "Cant wait to play with you."

"Sure." Nika said, walking away. Nika did not like Kate one bit..she didn't know WHY but she just didn't want to deal with Kate right now.

When they got to Vegas, tryouts were killer. Kate and Nika had never been worked like this before. And worst of all, coach expected them to hold hands and run into the sunset together.

Not really. Kate just didn't want to partner up with Nika.

Kate couldn't help but notice Nika on the court. She seemed so... amazing to her. Her moves, eyes, everything. She felt her eyes glued to Nika until Nika's eyes met up with hers. "What?" Nika mouthed to Kate. Kate was obviously startled by Nika's reaction and looked away, trying to focus on the game and not Nika.

"Nothing," Kate spat back. "I'm watching warm-ups."

Nika just rolled her eyes and focused back on the game, but she still wasn't comfortable with Kate constantly staring at her.

"Alright, ladies!" Coach's loud yell rang out. "Huddle up!"

Nika jogged over to the huddle, standing next to Kate.

"Since we have two rookies this year, the rest of the team agreed to make Kate and Nika share an apartment," Coach said.

Aja and Kelsey cheered, Aja was wheezing at the sight of Nika and Kate's faces. They were pissed. The idea of living together was the last thing either of them wanted. Kate could already feel the tension rising, imagining the awkward silences and forced conversations that awaited them.

Moving day came faster than either of them expected. Boxes were strewn everywhere in their new apartment, and the air was thick with unspoken words. Kate tried to focus on unpacking her things, but she couldn't shake the feeling of Nika's presence in the next room. It was as if their animosity had taken on a physical form, looming over them both.

Nika, on the other hand, was trying to make the best of a bad situation. She knew they had to find a way to coexist if they were going to make it through the season. But every time she tried to break the ice, Kate's cold responses shut her down. It was like walking on eggshells, and Nika hated it.

One evening, after a grueling practice, Kate found herself alone in the living room, nursing a sore shoulder. Nika walked in, hesitated for a moment, then sat down across from her. The silence was deafening.

"You know," Nika finally said, breaking the tension, "we don't have to like each other, but we do have to make this work."

Kate looked up, surprised by the sincerity in Nika's voice. For a moment, she saw a glimpse of the girl she used to be friends with, the one she used to trust. But old habits die hard, and Kate's walls were still firmly in place.

"We'll see," Kate replied curtly, turning her attention back to her phone.

Nika sighed, realizing that this was going to be a long and challenging journey. But she was determined to find a way to reach Kate, to bridge the gap that had grown between them. Little did they know, the season ahead would test them in ways they never imagined, forcing them to confront their past and, hopefully, find a way to move forward together.