after a very public breakup with her famous actor ex, zara rhodes returns to her hometown of storrs, connecticut, to lay low and finish her new album, only to clash with uconn's star point guard, nika mühl, at a local bar. what starts as a rocky encounter soon evolves into a deep friendship, and as they navigate the intense scrutiny of public relationships, they realize their connection may be something more than either of them expected. nika mühl x fem oc

Who would have thought I'd end up being friends with the Paige Bueckers-basketball's golden child, admired by millions around the world? To everyone else, she's a superstar, but to me, she's always been just Paige. We met during Team USA camp, bonding over little jokes and quiet moments away from all the noise. Back then, neither of us cared about the hype; we were just two girls who loved basketball and understood the pressure that came with it. Over time, we became inseparable. Paige wasn't just insanely talented-she was hilarious, kind, and so genuine it almost didn't seem real. I admired her on the court, but it was off the court where I got to know the girl who loved messing around, eating way too many snacks, and singing badly to random songs. That was Paige to me-not some unattainable star, just a person I could be myself around. But lately, I've been feeling something different-something I never expected. Every time we're together, the air feels heavier, charged with something unspoken. I start noticing the way she smiles, the way her laugh makes me feel, and it's like the bond we share is shifting into something I can't quite name yet. And it scares me because this is Paige-my best friend, my teammate, my everything. What happens if I'm starting to feel more? What if... she is too?

Paige and Azzi never imagined that they'd meet their "person" at such a young age. With Azzi choosing to go to the same college as Paige, the two friends must navigate new dynamics of their friendship that may be more along with life's twists and turns on their journey together.

Y/n never expected to return to Storrs, Connecticut, after leaving for a few years. But fate has a funny way of pulling you back in. Returning to the University of Connecticut, Y/n is ready to focus on her studies, avoid drama, and get through her final year with minimal distractions. That is, until she meets Paige Bueckers. Paige is everything Y/n can't stand-loud, confident, and undeniably annoying. With her constant energy and relentless personality, she rubs Y/n the wrong way at every turn. Whether it's her over-the-top enthusiasm about basketball or her ability to invade Y/n's space at the worst moments, Paige seems determined to get under Y/n's skin. But sometimes, the most irritating people have a way of worming their way into your heart. As Y/n and Paige's paths continue to cross, Y/n finds herself reluctantly drawn to the one person who refuses to stay out of her life. With every sarcastic remark and teasing smile, Paige's presence becomes impossible to ignore. Could it be that beneath the loud, brash exterior, there's something more to Paige than meets the eye? Y/n's not sure, but one thing's for certain-she's falling for the most annoying person she never thought she'd care about. A slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance full of humor, heart, and unexpected connections, Fated will make you question whether the most annoying person in your life might actually be the one you need most.