Monster (Niall Horan)

Chapter 9: Together

Chapter 9:

As I glanced at the clock above me, l realized I was getting pretty hungry. The score was 34 to 30, Niall winning. Of course, I had some tricks up my sleeve that I’ve never used on him before. Once again, he had the ball trying to fake me out but I didn’t fall for it. I stayed down, shuffled alongside of him as he went up for the shot. I jumped as high as I could, higher than ever.  Right then the ball smacked hard against my hand making a loud sound. I grabbed my hand in pain for a brief moment as he approached me. “My hand hurts, Ni! Help mee!” I said to him. He went out to reach for my hand and I darted around him as fast as I could. I snatched the ball and ran for the bucket. Dribbling along the way, there was no sound behind me.

 I popped up a three on my side of the court and turned around to see Niall looking at me with a smirk on his face.  “Well played.” He said to me.  “You’re still not winning.”  Niall added with a small smile. With that, he grabbed the ball and checked it with me. This time, he took the ball and drove straight to the hoop.  Only, he missed the shot. I got the rebound and dribbled the ball back up the court. Niall caught up quickly and snatched the ball right out of my hands. He dribbled to his side once more and made a perfect layup. We checked the ball for me and I drove, just like he did, but only when I went to shoot, he fouled me so I got to shoot a free throw. Since I made the shot, I only shoot one. This is to tie, I thought. I have to win! I bent down in the familiar position and shot gracefully. The ball sailed perfectly through the hoop. We’re tied. “Next shot wins!” He shouted proudly, knowing that he’ll win. I threw the ball as high as I could and got ready for the tip-off. Niall got the ball, but I ripped it right out of his hands. I drove so fast to my bucket and started to shoot when Niall smacked the ball before it could touch the glass. He proudly dribbled the ball to his side and made the shot. “WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” He yelled.  “Winner! In your face ya little ratchet!” And with that, our two sweaty bodies made our way to the bench for a drink. All I could do was smile. “Hey, what’s up with your foot? I haven’t noticed you were wearing a brace! What happened?”

“Well, hey actually I’m starved. Why don’t we grab a bite to eat and then I’ll tell you all about it, k?” He nodded curiously. “I’ll drive.”

_

~Niall's P.O.V.~

As I got into Sadia's car, and I adjusted the seat, I complimented on her basketball skills. "You were amazing out there, Sadia! Why don't you play anymore?" 

There was a moment of silence before she spoke. "My foot- I uh, hurt it."

After I heard  her speak those few words, I knew I shouldn't have asked. "Oh, sorry. I just figured there was another reason." When she parked the car, we walked into Cup & Saucer, my favorite coffee shop/restaurant in silence. I wondered if she knew I liked this place. "You picked a good place, Sadia. I love it here!"

"Really?! It's my favorite place to eat! I come here all the time." She said with a smile. God, I loved that smile of hers.

"It's my favorite, too. Haha! I normally get a number 6, no pickle or onion with Coke. What about yourself?" I asked her to start conversation.

"Shit, Niall. I look disgusting and sweaty!" Sadia said glancing in the mirror at the front of the store. 

"You look great babe," I said grabbing her hips and resting my chin on her shoulder while standing behind her.

"Aw, thanks Ni. Now let's go wash our hands then we'll eat, okay?" I nodded and we went to our separate bathrooms. My hair was all messy and gross-looking and I had sweat drenched all over my face. Ew. I grabbed a paper towel and wiped my face down and messed with my hair a bit. Once I washed my hand, I came out of the bathroom to find Sadia waiting on me with some food. She looked cleaner, but how did she get the food so fast? "Ready?" She asked smiling as we picked a seat in the back.