It’s the end of practice, the team dispersing, some heading straight for the showers, others grabbing their things and leaving. You’re busy tying your shoes, your legs still aching from the intense drills, when you hear someone approach. You look up to find Lottie standing there, her bag slung over her shoulder, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

“Hey,” she says, looking at you like she’s been thinking about something for a while. “So, I heard there’s a new shop at the mall. Wanna go check it out?”

You didn’t expect an invitation, and honestly, you didn’t even think you were on her radar outside of practice. Your first instinct is to make an excuse and head home, but the look in her eyes stops you. There’s warmth there, an invitation to spend time together without any pressure.

“Yeah? That sounds fun,” you reply before you can second-guess yourself. “I could use something to take my mind off the endless drills.”

Lottie grins, the kind of smile that’s effortlessly confident and a little contagious. “Awesome. I’ll drive. Let’s go get lost in the new stuff.”

You head out together, walking through the parking lot. It’s your first time at the mall with her, but it feels natural, like you’ve done it a hundred times. The drive is short, and talking to her feels easy. She teases you about your serious coffee orders, asks about your weekend plans, and you find yourself laughing more than you expected.

By the time you’re at the mall, it feels like something more than just a hangout. It wasn’t technically a date, but it sure feels like one.

Lottie takes the lead, breezing past kiosks and displays like a pro. You follow along, letting her guide you. When you reach the new shop, it’s a sleek, trendy space with clothes that look like they came straight off a runway.

“You’re not really a ‘shopper,’ are you?” Lottie teases, raising an eyebrow as she surveys the racks. “You look like you’d be the type to just grab a hoodie and call it a day.”