the gym lights were harsh and bright. someone had dragged in a fan to keep the air moving but it wasnt helping much. everyone was sweating under their jerseys and forced smiles

you were lined up off to the side waiting for your turn, already exhausted from the three hour practice they crammed in before the shoot. someone behind you muttered something under their breath and got a lazy laugh out of the rest of the team except for paige

she was already in front of the camera with her arms crossed and jaw clenched. her eyes werent even aimed at the photographer, they were off to the side like she was barely tolerating being there

“come on paige” the assistant called gently “can we just get one with the ball?”

paige didnt move at first but then she slowly picked up the ball next to her feet but didnt even spin it or anything like she usually would and just held it at her hip with one hand

you watched her through the lights, something churning in your chest. you knew that look. paige didnt do fake well especially not when she was pissed

coach had gotten on her earlier during drills, something about intensity. she had barked back then iced out the rest of practice. the whole vibe had been off since then and now the silence coming off her was louder than the camera clicks

you made your way to the floor, sneakers squeaking across the court. you were supposed to shoot next to her, two teammates side by side for the 'dynamic duo' photo they always made you two do

when you walked up beside her, she didnt say anything so you nudged her arm “you gonna punch the lens or should i?”

her lip twitched as she muttered “im thinking about it”

you angled slightly toward her as the camera guy fiddled with his settings “you good?”

she finally turned her head toward you just a fraction. her eyes were sharp as she spoke up “he made me out to look like i dont care like im out there slacking. im tired of that shit”

you nodded “you care more than anyone on this damn team”

her jaw flexed again “exactly so whys it always me getting barked at?”

the flash went off again and Paige didnt even blink. she looked cold, gorgeous, intimidating, and completely over it

you shifted, stepping closer until your arm touched hers, just enough to remind her that shes not alone

the photographer called “alright lets get one where you two are smiling”

paige didnt move but you smirked “you heard the man bueckers. give em your best fake happiness”

she huffed a quiet laugh. it was just enough to soften the tension in her shoulders “only because youre standing here”

you turned slightly, facing the camera, still feeling the storm simmering under her skin but this time she stood taller for you, not the picture