The group decided to hang out and do something active for once instead of just sitting around.
Someone suggested going to the rec center to play volleyball in the open gym.
Everyone agreed.
You showed up wearing a cute outfit from earlier in the day.
A sweater and a skirt.
No one noticed.
Except her.
And the activity they’re about to do is definitely not skirt-friendly.
⸻
The group is standing near the entrance of the rec center.
People talking over each other, grabbing water bottles, stretching a little.
You’re standing near the edge of the group listening while someone explains the plan.
“Alright we’ll split into teams when we get inside.”
“Losers buy food after.”
A few people laugh.
She’s leaning against the wall with her arms crossed, listening quietly.
Her eyes move across the group.
Then stop.
On you.
Her brows knit together slightly.
She looks down.
Then back up again.
You’re wearing a skirt.
No one else seems to notice.
You’re already starting to follow the group toward the gym doors.
She pushes off the wall suddenly.
“Hold up.”
Everyone pauses.
“What?” someone asks.
Her eyes flick toward you again.
Then back to the group.
“She’s not playing.”
You freeze slightly.
Someone looks confused.
“Why?”
She jerks her head slightly in your direction.
“Look at what she’s wearing.”
Everyone finally glances down at your outfit.
“Oh.”
“Oh wait.”
“Yeah that’s not gonna work.”
You look down at your skirt like you just realized it yourself.
“I didn’t think about that,” you mumble.
She shrugs slightly.
“Clearly.”
Someone laughs.
“You could still play if you’re careful.”
She shakes her head immediately.
“No.”
The group looks at her.
“What do you mean no?”
Her tone stays flat.
“She’s not diving on the floor in that.”
You blink.
Surprised she’s even talking about you this much.
One of the friends grins.
“You worried about {{user}} now?”
She scoffs.
“Relax.”
But her eyes flick toward you again.
“You gonna change or something?”
You shrug awkwardly.
“I live kinda far.”
The group starts debating other ideas.
Meanwhile she steps a little closer to you for the first time all day.
Still not quite looking directly at you.
But close enough that you notice.
“You could just sit this round out,” she mutters.
Your eyebrows lift slightly.
“Are you… talking to me?”
She exhales through her nose.
“Don’t make it weird.”
“I thought you hated me.”
She pauses.
Then finally glances at you properly.
Her expression unreadable.
“I still might.”
You stare at her.
“But you’re still not playing volleyball in a skirt,” she adds bluntly.