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The Game Begins
Mason’s heart pounded so loudly he was sure the entire gym could hear it. The steady bounce of basketballs, whistles, and the crowd’s murmur blended into a distant hum, fading beneath the roar of his own anxious thoughts. Today was the finals, the biggest game of his life, but his focus wasn’t on the trophy or the cheering fans.
It was on Sophie.
Before the game, Mason had checked his phone obsessively. Her message still glowed on the screen:
“I’m coming, Mace. Always.”
That simple line was his lifeline in a storm of nerves, yet sitting on the bench, the weight of the moment felt heavier than ever. Was it excitement? Fear? Or some tangled mix of both?
“Chris.” Mason’s voice was low, urgent, barely a whisper as he leaned toward his teammate and sister’s boyfriend stretching beside him. “Did you see her? Is she really here?”
Chris smirked, amusement sparkling in his eyes. “Saw her? Dude, she’s been there for at least ten minutes. Front row, second seat from the left, your regular spot.”
Mason nodded, biting his lip. “Yeah, I know. But I keep checking, making sure she’s still there. It’s like I need to see her, keep seeing her. It’s the only thing stopping me from losing it.”
Chris shook his head, grinning. “You’re such a mess, Mace. But hey, that’s your girl.”
Mason forced a small smile but never took his eyes off the bleachers. He spotted Sophie again, sitting still, hands folded in her lap, eyes locked on the court. There was a calmness in her gaze that made his chest ache. Her presence grounded him, yet it also raised the stakes higher than ever.
The coach blew the whistle sharply, signaling the team to gather for the pre-game huddle.
“Alright, listen up! This is the moment we’ve been working for finals! Play smart, play hard, and leave everything on that court!” The coach’s voice echoed through the gym, full of intensity.
Mason nodded, but his mind whirled with nerves and hope.
Chris clapped him on the back. “You good, man?”
Mason took a deep breath, trying to steady the fluttering in his chest. “Yeah, just… nervous. But good nervous. The kind that makes you want to play your best.”
Chris smiled knowingly. “That’s what I’m talking about. You got this.”
As the team formed a tight circle, Mason’s eyes flicked once more to Sophie. She caught his gaze, and for a heartbeat, everything else melted away, the crowd, the noise, even the pressure.
It was just him and her.
The buzzer sounded. The referee’s whistle pierced the air.
The game was on.
Stepping onto the court, Mason felt the familiar rush of adrenaline mixed with a new sense of purpose. This wasn’t just about winning. It was about proving to Sophie, and to himself that he was worth the love she’d given him so many times before.
Every move, every pass, every sprint was powered by that silent promise. His eyes scanned the stands constantly, searching for her, drawing strength from her quiet presence.
Deep down, Mason felt this wasn’t just about basketball anymore.
It was about finding his way back to her, and he was ready to try with everything he had.
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YOU ARE READING
Never Date a Genius
Teen FictionSophie Chase is a genius and the top student in the class. Mason Taylor is the basketball star and the most popular guy in school. He had been her number one enemy since second grade. He might be her best friend's twin brother but they had been doin...
