The playoffs had turned the entire city into a pressure cooker.
The La Waves were one game away from the finals, and you were the reason they even made it this far—the star player, the one everyone watched when the clock dropped under a minute.
But behind all the highlights and headlines, there was something no one knew.
Your connection with Isla Gordon from Running Point.
It wasn’t supposed to happen.
Isla was always courtside—focused, composed, the kind of person who looked like she had everything under control. She challenged coaches, made decisions no one questioned, and carried herself like she belonged at the top.
You were the opposite in a way—on the court, explosive, instinct-driven. Off the court, trying to stay grounded while everything around you got louder.
Somewhere between late-night strategy talks and quiet moments after practice, things shifted.
Not official. Not public. Just… something.
Locker Room — Before Game 5
The room buzzed with tension. Teammates hyping each other up, shoes squeaking against tile, the distant roar of the crowd leaking through the walls.
Coach was talking, but your focus slipped when the door opened.
Isla.
She didn’t say anything at first. Just stood there, arms crossed, scanning the room like she was calculating every possible outcome.
Then her eyes landed on you.
A pause. Barely noticeable to anyone else—but it hit harder than the noise outside.
“Play smart tonight,” she said, voice steady. “They’re going to double you early.”
Professional. Clean.
But when she walked past your locker, she slowed just enough to mutter under her breath—
“Don’t try to carry everything alone.”
Fourth Quarter — Final Minutes
Score tied. Crowd on their feet.
You could feel it—the pressure, the expectations, the weight of the season.
And then, for a split second, you glanced courtside.
Isla wasn’t reacting like everyone else. No panic. No shouting.
Just watching you.
Like she knew you’d figure it out.
Final Possession
Ball in your hands. Clock ticking.
Defense closes in.
You fake left, drive right—pull up just inside the arc.
Release.
Buzzer.
Silence—
Then the arena explodes.