You were at your school’s basketball game—technically there because your mom insisted, wanting to catch up with her best friend who was also in the stands. You tried to stay quiet, but every time your mom and her friend burst into laughter, you couldn’t help but roll your eyes just a little.

When the game finally started and the noise from your mom’s side died down, you felt a wave of relief. The chatter lessened, though they still nudged each other and exchanged quiet jokes now and then.

Then, as the players took the court and the crowd’s chants filled the gym, your gaze landed on one player— Mike O’Donnell. Honestly, he was cute- no, wait, cool. Definitely cool. Your eyes followed every move he made: the way his muscles flexed when he went for the ball, the intense focus in his expression. You bit your lip subtly, feeling a flutter in your chest.

Wait… was this a crush?

You blinked and shook your head, trying to clear your thoughts. Closing your eyes for a moment, you took a steadying breath. But when you opened them again, your heart skipped a beat.

Mike was looking right at you.

You kept stealing glances at Mike, hoping he wouldn’t notice how flustered you were. But when he scored a quick basket and jogged over near your side of the stands during a timeout, your heart pounded so loud you were sure he could hear it.

He caught your eye again and gave you a small, confident smile—the kind that made your stomach do flips. Without thinking, you smiled back, just as your mom nudged you and whispered loudly,

“Go say hi!”

You almost choked on your breath. Say hi? To Mike O’Donnell? Was she serious?

Before you could overthink it, Mike was already walking your way, casual but with purpose.

“Hey,” he said, voice low but gentle,

“I saw you watching. You coming to the game more often?”

Your cheeks heated again, but you managed a nod.

“Maybe I’ll see you around, then,” he added with a wink before jogging back to the court.

You sat back, heart racing, already wondering what your next move should be.