Never Date a Genius

Chapter 37: Never Giving Up

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Mason dribbled the ball furiously across the court, ignoring the sharp burn in his calves and the sweat dripping from his chin. The gym was nearly empty-just the squeak of his sneakers and the pounding of the ball echoing in the space. He needed the noise. He needed the distraction.

But nothing could silence the image in his head: Sophie smiling at Jason. And it hurts a lot and it felt like his heart was being torn into pieces.

Yas had texted him earlier, trying to warn him gently.

"Sophie went out with Jason today. Just letting you know so you don't find out in a worse way."

Worse way? There was no good way to find out the girl you love is hanging out with another guy. Especially when you know he's everything you're not: calm, reliable, safe.

Mason missed a shot and let out a low growl, punching the air in frustration.

"She was already mine," he muttered, his thoughts going back to the time when Sophie said she liked him.

He was restlessly pacing the court. "I messed it up."

But the thing was... he didn't want to let go. He couldn't. He'd never give up on her.

She was everything.

He sat on the bleachers, head in his hands, breath heaving.

Why did it hurt so much to imagine her with Jason?

Because he'd seen the way she looked at Jason like he made the world lighter. And it terrified him. Because Sophie never looked at him that way anymore. With Mason, everything was always on fire. With Jason, she was safe.

And it scares him to think that she would realize that he was not enough to make her happy. That thought scares him, and it feels like the world is crumbling. He couldn't lose her, not ever.

He pulled out his phone and stared at Sophie's name. His thumb hovered over the screen.

I miss you.
I'm sorry.
Please don't give up on me.

He typed. Deleted. Typed again. Deleted again.

He hated this version of himself, the one who doubted, hesitated, felt small.

He threw the phone down beside him and leaned back, staring up at the gym ceiling.

"She still loves you," a voice said beside him.

Mason startled. Yas was standing there with two iced drinks and a raised eyebrow. "Well? Are you going to sit here feeling sorry for yourself or do something about it?"

He groaned. "Yas, don't start."

"No. You don't get to mope around when you were the one who messed up. You want her back? Fight for her."

"She's happy with him."

Yas sat down beside him. "Maybe. But she's not whole with him. I can see it. And guess what? So can he."

Mason turned to her slowly. "What do you mean?"

"I saw her today after their 'friendly hangout.' Her smile didn't reach her eyes. She laughed at his jokes, but she looked... conflicted. Tired. Like she's trying to convince herself it's enough. You still have a chance, Mace. But if you wait any longer, she'll move on for real."

He stayed quiet for a moment, heart thudding hard.

Then, finally, he stood. "I'm going to fix this."

Yas grinned. "Good. Because if you screw it up again, I'm on her side."

He gave her a half smile, already pulling out his phone again.

This time, he didn't delete the message.

I don't know where to begin making it up to you. But if you'll let me, I'll try. Every single day. Until you believe it.
Please give me another chance, G. I love you ever since we're kids.

He hit send.

And for the first time, Mason felt like he had purpose again.

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