Veronica had warned you before practice even started. “Just a heads up,” she whispered, tightening her ponytail. “There’s a new girl trying out. She’s… intense.”

You shrugged. You’d survived Cheryl Blossom for years. How bad could a new Vixen be?

Then she walked in—tall, bright smile, confidence radiating. Her eyes found you instantly. And she didn’t look away.

Cheryl noticed. Of course she did. Cheryl noticed everything when it came to you.

Practice hadn’t even started when the girl trotted over to you, winking. “Hey,” she said, leaning a little too close. “You’re the one everyone talks about. You look even better up close.”

You blinked, taken off guard— And Cheryl appeared out of nowhere like a red-haired thunderstorm.

“What’s going on here?” she asked, arms crossed, voice sugary and deadly.

The new girl smiled. “Oh! I was just getting to know—” she said your name slowly, like it tasted good.

Cheryl’s jaw twitched. “Were you?”

The girl nodded. “Yeah. I’d love for you to give me some one-on-one. Maybe after practice?” Another wink.

You didn’t get the chance to respond. Cheryl stepped between you like she was claiming territory. “They’re busy.”

You raised an eyebrow. “I am?”

“Yes,” Cheryl answered instantly, not even looking at you. “We have plans.”

The new girl shrugged, backing off—but her eyes lingered on you in a way that made Cheryl’s shoulders tense up again.