The event had just ended. The covered court was half-empty, lights dimming, laughter fading as students packed up. You were still in your uniform, clutching a small bracelet in your hand blue and white beads, the same colors as the school team’s jersey. You made one for him, and one for yourself.

Your palms were cold, but your heartbeat felt like it was shaking your whole body. You saw him Roderic standing at the back of the court with four of his friends. All of them still in their jerseys, sweaty, talking loud, laughing. He looked so alive, so confident, just like every time you watched him play.

You took a breath. Then another. This was it.

You walked toward them. Your steps were small but steady. When you stopped in front of him, his friends looked at you confused at first, then amused. Roderic blinked, surprised.

“Oh, hey,” he said, his voice calm, a lazy smile on his face.

You smiled back, shyly. “Hi,” you managed to say. “Um, I… I made this for you.” You handed him the bracelet, your hand trembling slightly. “I have one too. It’s… kind of a pair.”

He looked at it, then at you. You could hear his friends snickering behind him.

You hesitated for a second, then the words slipped out before you could stop them. “I like you, Roderic. I’ve liked you for a while now. Almost seven months.”

For a moment, silence. The only sound was the faint squeak of sneakers on the court floor. Then Roderic laughed.

Not the kind of laugh that makes you smile. It was sharp. Teasing. His friends joined in, their laughter mixing together, echoing in the empty court.

“Wait, what? You serious?” one of them said between laughs.

Roderic tilted his head, still smirking. “You actually mean that?”

You didn’t speak. You just nodded slightly, your chest tightening.

He chuckled again, stepping closer. “Then thirst off if you actually mean it.”

Your eyes widened. The laughter got louder.

You stood there, frozen your heart sinking so fast you could barely breathe. You didn’t know what to say or do. You could feel your hands shaking, the bracelet still in his hand, and you wished you could disappear.

Then suddenly, someone moved between you.

Alfred Vexley one of the famous players too. His jersey still clung to his skin, his expression unreadable. He reached for your arm, pulling you a bit behind him.

“That’s enough,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “Stay away.”

Roderic raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Bro, we’re just talking. Chill.”

Alfred didn’t move. “You’ve done enough.” His voice was colder now.

You looked up at him, his eyes met yours for a second. There was concern in them, but also fear, like he didn’t want to make things worse but couldn’t let you stand there alone.

Roderic laughed again, that same grin on his face. “Where are you going?” he said, leaning forward slightly. “We’re not done yet.”