Curls for the girls

Relief

Ty's POV

It was a relief to finally see Nika back to her usual self. She'd been a little off since the confession, but after our talk, something shifted. She seemed more at ease with me, more confident in us. I couldn't stop smiling every time I saw her smile. The weight I hadn't even realized I was carrying lifted.

Tonight, though, was about having fun. The team had decided to go out to a frat party—something a little different from our usual post-game hangout. It was supposed to be a way to blow off steam, but honestly, I was just excited to spend time with Nika without any distractions.

We arrived at the party, the music thumping so loud it vibrated through my chest. The girls were all hyped up, laughing and excited, while I tried to pull Nika a little closer to me as we made our way inside. I had no idea what to expect, but I was sure it was going to be a good time.

Nika was radiant, her energy contagious as she grinned and joked with the rest of the team. I couldn't take my eyes off her. She was having fun, and that made everything feel lighter. She had a way of making everything seem effortless.

"Let's get some drinks!" Azzi yelled, pulling us toward the bar area.

I followed along, my hand slipping into Nika's as we moved through the crowd. I was a little more cautious, still keeping an eye on her. I wanted her to have fun, but I also didn't want her to go overboard.

As the night wore on, the drinks kept flowing. I could tell Nika was starting to get a little tipsy, her laughter ringing out louder than before, her cheeks flushed with warmth.

"Ty!" she said, stumbling slightly as she grinned at me. "You look so cute tonight. You always look cute."

I chuckled, holding her steady as she wrapped her arms around my waist. "You're tipsy, huh?"

She shrugged, her giggles bubbling up. "Maybe a little, but I'm still perfect."

"You're perfect no matter what," I said, smiling down at her.

By the time the party started winding down, Nika was leaning into me a little more than usual, her movements slower. I knew she was ready to head out, but we still had to make the trek back to the car. The last thing I wanted was for her to be uncomfortable.

"Let's get you home, okay?" I said, guiding her toward the exit.

She nodded, her face soft with exhaustion, and I helped her into the car. She slouched into her seat almost immediately, her eyelids fluttering as she drifted off to sleep.

The car ride home was quiet. I watched her out of the corner of my eye, a soft smile on my face as she slept, the rhythm of the car lulling her into deeper slumber.

When we pulled up to her place, I couldn't bring myself to wake her up. She looked too peaceful, too content. So, without thinking, I slid out of the car and went around to her side, carefully lifting her into my arms.

Her head rested against my chest as I carried her inside, her breathing soft and even. I didn't mind the weight. If anything, it made me feel closer to her, made me realize just how much I cared.

When we reached her room, I laid her gently on the bed, pulling the covers over her. I sat on the edge for a moment, watching her sleep, feeling the warmth of the moment settle over me.

She stirred slightly, her hand reaching out as if searching for something. I grabbed it gently, holding her hand in mine as I whispered, "I love you, Nika."

She smiled in her sleep, the faintest of giggles escaping her lips. "Love you too," she mumbled.

I kissed her forehead, then stood up, making sure she was comfortable before heading out. But I couldn't shake the smile on my face. Despite the long night, despite the chaos of the party and everything going on, I knew one thing for sure.

Nika was mine, and I'd do anything to keep her this happy she deserved the world.