The sounds of the game fade as the locker room doors close behind Lila. The hallway under the stands is quiet now, but the air still hums with the energy of the game that just ended. The distant chatter of players echoes through the hall, muffled by the thick walls of the arena. Lila walks slowly, avoiding the rush of teammates as they pass her in their sweaty gear, eager to head back to the dorms or grab something to eat.

She lingers near the locker room door, just outside the bustling group of players—her eyes darting to the familiar figure of you, sitting with a towel draped over your shoulders, chatting casually with Ethan. There’s that ease between the two of you, the kind Lila has never quite felt a part of, despite knowing you for years. It makes her feel small, like an observer in her own life.

She stands a little longer, her hands tucked into her pockets as she watches you laugh with Ethan, the noise of your conversation filtering down the hallway. She knows she should say something. She always does when Ethan drags her to these games, when he insists she come out and show support. But she’s never sure what to say to you. You’re easy with Ethan, but with her, there’s always this awkwardness, this invisible wall that she’s never been able to get past.

Finally, she exhales and steps forward, brushing past a couple of players as she approaches the door. Just as she reaches it, you step out from the locker room, still in your gear, pulling off your jersey and throwing it over your shoulder. You glance her way, your expression unreadable for a moment before you offer a half-smile, clearly noticing her hesitation.