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RYLEE HANSON (narrative)
I was sitting on the edge of my seat at Gampel, trying to keep a low profile while watching Nika and Sasha joke around on the court. I couldn't help but watch Nika's every move—her easy smile, the way she moved so fluidly on the court. I was lost in thought, caught up in my own little world, when I felt a tap on my shoulder.
I turned, surprised to see a familiar face—Andy, my twin sister.
"RyRy Bear!" Andy's voice was loud and teasing, a grin already spreading across her face. "Well, well, well... If it isn't my favorite twin."
I groaned, rolling my eyes at the nickname she insisted on calling me. "You know I hate when you call me that."
Andy just smirked, her eyes flicking over to the court. "Yeah, but it's too cute to resist." She sat down next to me, her eyes following my gaze, and it didn't take her long to figure out where my attention had been.
"Oh, so this is where all your attention is going," Andy said, a teasing note in her voice.
I froze, my heart skipping. "What are you talking about?"
She tilted her head, her smile widening as she looked over at Nika. "You're totally swooning over her, Ry. I mean, I get it. I would, too."
I felt the heat rush to my face. "I'm not swooning!" I quickly looked away, trying to hide the blush spreading across my cheeks.
Andy raised an eyebrow. "Uh-huh. Sure you're not. I mean, you've been staring at her all game. It's pretty obvious."
I felt myself sinking further into my seat, hoping Andy wouldn't dig any deeper, but I knew better. This was Andy we were talking about. She never let anything go.
She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Come on, RyRy Bear. I know you better than anyone. You've got it bad for her, huh?"
I groaned, sinking my face into my hands. "This is embarrassing."
Andy just laughed, the sound light and teasing. "Hey, I'm not judging you. If I were you, I'd be swooning too. Have you seen the way she plays? Total badass. You're lucky, Ry-Ty."
I rolled my eyes but couldn't help the small smile that crept up on my face. "You're impossible."
"Impossible?" Andy asked, clearly amused. "Please. You're the one acting all shy and flustered over here." She nudged me with her elbow, her grin never fading. "I'm just here to help you embrace it. Besides, I think it's cute."
I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. "I'm not trying to hide it... It's just—"
"Just what?" Andy interrupted, her tone suddenly a little more serious. "Are you worried about what people will think? About being open with it? Because you don't have to be. If you like her, you like her. You know I've got your back."
