You drafted my heart - Nika Mühl (Eng. version)

Chapter 34 - First Round

My room was a complete mess, but I was used to the chaos of packing. The problem was that the more I tried to organize, the more clothes and things ended up on the floor. Nika, leaning against my bed, watched the mess with a smile on her lips, but I knew she was dying to take control.

"Livie," she started, crossing her arms, "if you keep throwing clothes into your suitcase like this, you'll end up going to Seattle without half of your stuff."

I rolled my eyes, pretending not to care, but she was right. "You already packed yesterday, it's not fair to judge me," I teased, pulling a t-shirt from the crumpled pile on the floor. "Besides, I like to do things my way."

She laughed and walked over, taking the t-shirt from my hands and folding it quickly. "Your way is a mess, superstar."

While she continued folding my clothes, I sat on the edge of the bed and watched the way she organized everything so efficiently. Nika was always like that—meticulous, paying attention to the details, even in the simplest things. It was one of the many ways she took care of me, even if she insisted it was nothing special.

"So," I began, trying to disguise the gratitude I felt for having her there, "my parents said they'd try to make it to Seattle, but they weren't sure. But Dan promised he'd be there."

Nika's eyes lit up. She loved my brother, even though he was the one who gave me the hardest time. "Well, that's still a solid support system, right?" She gave me a playful smile. "I'm all for everyone being there cheering for you. And if we make it to the Elite 8..." She paused, as if organizing her own thoughts, "maybe Hana will come too."

The idea of her sister watching the game made me excited. "Really? Hana is going to the final?" My eyes widened at the thought of having her family there, supporting her too.

Nika nodded, a soft smile on her face. "Yeah. If we get that far, she promised she'd do whatever it takes to be there..."

My mind wandered, imagining the stands filled with faces that meant so much to us. And if we really made it to the Elite 8, the stands would be packed with familiar faces. "Well... if we make it, Sue and Diana have already told me they'll be there too. Oh, and Rider, Amelia, and Julia are planning to come watch the Elite 8 game."

"Sounds like we'll have a full crowd," Nika laughed, but there was something tender in her gaze. It was as if the idea of everyone being there, watching us, gave her an extra boost of strength.

"Actually, I think I'll get more nervous that way... It means the pressure will be even higher, right?" I sighed, half-joking, half-venting.

Nika stopped folding my clothes for a second and turned to face me, placing her hands on my shoulders. "Hey, Ljubav. Even with all those people in the stands, they're there for you, to support you."

"Maybe you're right." I leaned a bit closer and rested my head on her shoulder, feeling the comfort that only she could give me.

She smiled and ran her hand through my hair, whispering, "I always am..." before going back to focusing on the suitcase, finishing up the last few items of clothing. "All set. Now you're officially ready for Seattle."

I rolled my eyes, but my heart felt lighter. "Thanks, babe. Not just for the suitcase, but for... everything."

"You're welcome, sweetie," she kissed my forehead quickly. "Now, let's just get all our stuff in your car and wait for the others."

We made our way downstairs with the luggage—me dragging mine behind me while Nika carried hers as if it were weightless. As always, she teased me about how much stuff I had packed.

"Livie, I swear, this suitcase has half your wardrobe in it." She gave me that look I knew so well, a perfect mix of amusement and playful provocation.

"I like to be prepared," I said, lifting my chin dramatically. "You never know what might happen."