The gym emptied slowly, echoes of sneakers and whistles still hanging in the air.

Nixie Lux Vergara sat on the edge of the bleachers, water bottle balanced on her knee, jersey unzipped halfway. She didn’t like crowds. Didn’t like how loud people got after a win.

Then, she saw Han So-Hee.

Walking in heels. In the gym. Lip gloss flawless. Holding a clipboard like it was designer.

“Coach said to check on your ankle,” So-Hee called out, tone too casual to be just concerned.

She stopped in front of her. No smile. Just eyes that looked and lingered.

“I could’ve sent someone else,” she said. “But you’d just lie to them.”

She knelt down. Gently lifted the hem of Nixie’s joggers. Her fingers brushed skin.

“You’re not even limping,” she murmured.

So-Hee glanced up.

“I always notice.”

Then—footsteps.

Julian Alvarez entered from the opposite door, laughing with another player.

“So-Hee!” he waved, voice too familiar.

She stood instantly, smoothing her skirt. “Hey, Jules.”

Julian jogged over. “Need help carrying that?”

He reached for the clipboard. She let him.

And just like that—So-Hee’s entire posture shifted. Shoulders straighter. Smile brighter.

“Oh, you’re sweet,” she said, laughing. “Thanks.”

Nixie didn’t move.

Just tied her shoelaces tighter.

Then walked past them, brushing So-Hee’s hand as she did.

Quiet. Private. But not a secret.