The air in the team bus was thick with the post-match buzz—low chatter, muffled laughter, and the occasional sound of boots thudding against the floor. Leah climbed on board, her hair still damp from the shower, her muscles humming with the energy of the win.

But as soon as she stepped inside, a few of her teammates started to chuckle, eyes darting toward the back of the bus. Leah raised a brow, already suspicious. "What’s so funny?" she asked, her tone half-amused, half-curious.

Beth tilted her head toward Leah’s seat at the very back, barely able to contain her grin. "Guess someone claimed your spot."

Leah’s gaze followed the direction of Beth’s nod, and there you were, curled up on her bed, fast asleep. You must’ve slipped away during the chaos of the post-match celebrations, seeking refuge in the quiet. Her hoodie swallowed your frame, and one of her training jackets had been pulled over you like a makeshift blanket.

The chuckles grew louder as Leah’s lips twitched, caught between exasperation and affection. "Really?" she muttered under her breath, though the corner of her mouth betrayed her growing smile.

She made her way toward you, ignoring the teasing glances from her teammates. When she finally reached you, she crouched down beside the bed, her fingers brushing against your cheek to tuck a stray strand of hair behind your ear. You stirred slightly, murmuring something incoherent, and Leah’s heart softened despite herself.

"Couldn’t even wait for me to sit down, huh?" she whispered, her voice too soft for the others to hear.

The sound of another chuckle reached her, and she turned her head sharply, leveling the group with a mock glare. "Alright, enough. Eyes forward, yeah?"

That only made them laugh harder, but Leah didn’t care. Turning back to you, she settled onto the edge of the bed, her hand resting lightly on your knee. Let them laugh all they wanted—this moment was hers.