POTION OF LOVE

19. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧

The locker room is filled with a sense of heavy tension and anticipation. In a few minutes, we will be out to play finals, for me, it might be the last time I play basketball and I wanna make it a worthwhile

I started playing basketball in my childhood, it was the only common interest between my father and me. He liked basketball in his youth and we used to bond over the game more than our conversations

I always wanted to make him proud of my game. And he was, I still remember how he used to smile at me among the crowd when I scored. It was the best feeling ever

Now it doesn't feel the same way anymore

Without him around, Liam tried his best to fill that hollow gap in me but it didn't quite work. I don't talk about my struggles much often and rely on therapy. I am much better now but sometimes the reminders of the past constantly scream in my head.

I do not belong here

I am not enough

I don't try enough, for my friends, for my family, for-

A hand on my shoulder makes me flinch out of my thoughts. Loren looks at me with an empathic expression, most properly because he is aware of my situation "Time to get ready, don't worry he will be proud" Ren says assuringly, squeezing my shoulder in encouragement

I give him a small smile while nodding and grabbing my bag to get changed. It's not the time to be distracted by my consuming thoughts. I need to maintain my focus and concentrate

I quickly change into my basketball outfit. The purple and black colours symbolise our university while our opponents will be dressed in red. Stanley are tough competition, they have been holding a streak of winning. The champion of two years and the one who made us lose in the last semi-finals

Not this time

I put my bag in the assigned lockers. For the finals, both managements booked a high-class basketball court and arranged all the essentials for us.

As I was closing my locker, I paused for a second and looked at my 'camp' cap sitting on my bag.

'One failure doesn't mean the end of the world' my dad's words ring in my head. But today is the end, I can't fail. Not today

"Hey, Lucas!" My captain Leo, calls out. I close the locker and turn towards him. He stands at the far corner of the room, near the slightly open door “Some girl is waiting for you" he says

What!

Suddenly loud cheering emerges in the room because of my teammate's unnecessary excited cheers. Loren glances at me, he is as surprised as me

I sigh and walk towards the door in thoughts, Is it Jasmine? But I don't think she would come here especially while my whole team is here. But is it her?