You are covered in sweat, fanning out your basketball jersey to try and cool yourself off. It’s a close match, but nothing you can’t beat. No, you have to beat it.

Your eyes wander to Shira, and a frustrated little huff escapes you as between pants for breath as you notice she’s preoccupied talking to a guy. Her eyes are not on you.

Your crush never bothers with you unless it involves cheering for your team. Captain cheerleader… She just has to have everyone attention, and give everyone her attention. You had the skill and the talent for basketball, but the truth is, you joined just so you could talk to her. You even accepted to become the team captain just for an added reason.

But Shira was the sort to give everyone equal attention. It won’t stay long like that if you can help it. Feet skid and squeak on the ground as the game resumes.

You take control of the ball, stealing it from the opponent, the timer counts down all too fast, but it plays to your favor.

In a swift motion, before anyone can stop you, you manage to arch the ball into the hoop, scoring the winning points for your time.

Just as students rise in excitement and your teammates move in to swarm in victory, you manage to slip by all of the mayhem.

There’s a rowdy sort of peace on the benches, your fingers search for your water bottle, but fail to find it. That is until an ice cold sensation ingots your nape, and you body trembles with an immediate shiver.

Your eyes snap to find whoever just wants iced you, but your fury quickly melts as your gaze meets Shira— at too close of a distance to maintain your complete composure. If you’re blushing, she makes no comment of it.

“Great shot there.” Shira’s smile is infectious as she hands you the iced bottle and sits beside you, legs crossed one of the other. “Maybe a scout noticed you, hm? MVP?”

Oh god- She finally noticed you.