Foul Play in Love

A Small Crush

ROSE

Everyone, in their teenage years, has a crush on someone they know they can never have. Some fall in love with that person, while others prefer to keep it as a harmless infatuation. I fall into the latter category, harboring a tiny crush on our basketball co-captain, the popular, moody Jace Hale. I realized it when his tall frame walked past me in the canteen, when he laughed with his friends in that black shirt, or when he was on the court, sweating, his black hair damp and falling over his forehead. He looks so handsome, exuding an Edward-Cullen-esque perfection.

Why all of this is suddenly rewinding in my head is because today, the teacher paired us to lead our juniors' PE class. I'm his junior, and we'll be managing the younger students together. While I'm not great at sports, I've volunteered many times in the past to avoid participating, just to spare myself the embarrassment. He, on the other hand, was chosen because he excels at sports.

I put on my black collared T-shirt. Nice—I'll get to see him in black today. I sprayed some perfume on my shirt and hair. Not too much, though; I don't want him to think I'm some die-hard fan. That would make things awkward. Even though he seems to enjoy the attention, I doubt he actually does. Glancing at the clock, I realized it was already 12 PM. Time to hurry to the field.

The big green field stretched out before me as I arrived. The sun blazed down like a spotlight, and I couldn't help but feel bad for our juniors. On my way, I caught some of Jace's fan girls glaring at me, their judgment practically radiating off them.

They wish they had this opportunity. Well, it costs, ladies. My disgust must have shown on my face because I quickly neutralized my expression. Remember the times I volunteered in your place? This is the payoff.

As I lined the juniors up, I noticed Jace was nowhere to be seen. Is he running late? That's strange, considering he enjoys meeting with his junior teammates. How do I know? Well, back when I was in their position, Jace and his friends were always kind, never rude. Besides, he has to promote the basketball club.

"Rose Carter," my PE teacher called from across the field. I jogged over. He was tall, making my small frame look even smaller next to him. "Where's Jace Hale? Wasn't he supposed to be with you?"

"Was he?" I faked a smile. "I have no idea where he is, sir."

"Then go find him. That's the only thing left to do," he said, surprisingly polite, as if I were the one in charge. I chuckled and nodded.

Before walking back and enduring more glares from the girls, I thought of the most likely place Jace could be—the basketball court. Why would he be there now? I wondered, but quickly answered myself: Because it's his court. None of your business.

I crossed the field and entered the dark hall. The door to the court was slightly ajar, confirming my hunch. Inside, sunlight filtered through the windows, casting long shadows across the floor. But Jace wasn't playing.

As I cautiously made my way to the main court, my eyes landed on the seating area. There he was, staring directly at me. His dark brows were furrowed, his jaw clenched. His piercing gaze froze me in place, and my breathing faltered.

"Uh, senior—" I began, but he interrupted, his voice low and cold.

"So, it was you all along," he said, standing up.

"Me?" I whispered, confused.

He descended the steps with deliberate strides, stopping right in front of me. My heart pounded as I tilted my head up to meet his eyes.

"I'm tired of your stupid love letters and the way you lurk in the shadows behind me," he snapped, his voice sharp with frustration.

"Love letters? Shadows?" I stammered, bewildered. "What are you talking about?", Though I am very pissed, but I managed to ask with a smile.

"Huh?" he scoffed, as if I'd just told an obvious lie. "What am I talking about? WHAT AM I TALKING ABOUT!" His voice boomed, making me flinch. My eyes widened as tears threatened to spill.

"How many times have I told you to stop following me? To stop sending me letters, flowers, or whatever else? Stop stalking me!"

"WHO THE HELL IS STALKING YOU?" I shouted back, furious. His accusations were beyond insulting.

"How dare you yell at me?" he growled.

"Because I'm not a stalker, nor one of your die-hard fans, Jace Hale! I've got better things to do. Sure, I have a tiny crush on you, but I've never even spoken to you, let alone sent you letters or gifts. Get your facts straight!" I fired back in one breath, my voice laced with anger.

He seemed taken aback, his face flushing red. His chest heaved as he struggled to form a response.

"Before you say anything else, let me be clear. I'm Rose Carter. I have nothing to do with stalking you. You're not exactly Henry Cavill, for starters. I came here to find you because you're late for field duty," I said coldly.

Jace's eyes darted to the floor, his shoulders relaxing slightly, though his jaw remained tense. "I've only ever received nameless letters. How am I supposed to believe you?"

"I'm not a coward. If I wrote a love letter, it'd have my name on it. Besides, I've never written one to anyone, and certainly not to you."

We stood in silence for a moment. He seemed deep in thought, like a judge weighing his verdict.

"The PE teacher will get mad if we don't go now," I said, slipping my hands into my pockets and turning to leave.

"Wait," his voice echoed across the empty court. "Date me, Rose Carter."

"WHAT?" I froze, my jaw dropping. I could only stare at him, utterly speechless.

**Small chapter, fast paced I guess, it will be continuing like this <3**