Friends to Forever | Paige Bueckers x Azzi Fudd

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?