Vienna

just to tell you she missed you, or remember you to eat, ask how you were doing alone in the apartment now she was so far. sometimes facetiming you just because she missed your pretty face so much, but had little energy left in her to talk too much, letting you vent about whatever you wanted to her, the most futile thing that she would treat it like it was important for you.

daniela always did the best she could to be a good girlfriend despite all the constant chaos of her life.

when she finally got back, it didn’t take much longer for you to be all over her, you’ve been waiting for this night for months now, daniela doesn’t fail in giving you the same energy and in seconds you’re on her lap, straddling her thighs, naked, her cock between your fingers as you stroke her length before bringing it to your entrance.

“i missed you so much, dani.” you murmur in her ear and she closes her eyes, her head falling back as she enjoys the full sensation of your pussy involving her, slowly, taking inch after inch. it felt like returning home after all this time, you felt extra tight, to the point where you had to take pauses to take it all, panting in her ear as her hands found your hips, helping you to settle down.

“i missed you, my princess.” she whispered, kissing down your neck as you finally took all of her, letting out a little cry as you did, she stretched you out so good, so much pleasure that bordered on the pain.

you were so focused on the way your pussy was struggling to take all of her that you missed the way daniela’s entire body had a reaction, the way her fingers tightened on your hips and her breath hitched. you started to move your hips, tits bouncing before her face as your waist made almost circular movements, your nails scratched her shoulders and daniela hissed under her breath.

“fuck… so good for me, princess.” she looked down at where your bodies joined, where she kept disappearing inside you every time you brought your hips down and a sweet noise left your lips, then she looked at your breasts, pretty nipples hard and slightly red from her sucks and soft bites, bouncing every time you sat again, so full and perfect. she looked at your face then, contorted in pleasure with just the right amount of pain, eyes big and pleading… god.

daniela could feel she wouldn’t last long, fuck, she wouldn’t last at all, all those nights at the hotel stroking herself to the point she knew by memory every single video and pic you had sent her, she didn’t edged herself, she didn’t need to last, she just needed to cum and then go to bed try to get at least six hours of sleep, perhaps she had lost the ability to control herself.

two minutes passed and you went faster, kissed her neck and daniela actually had to concentrate to keep control. but it wasn’t working, not at all, she felt her balls tightening and her cock pulse dangerously close to push her through the edge. her fingers squeezed your hips tighter as she stopped you, kissing your neck and shoulder.

“you’re so good baby… i won’t last, fuck.” she breathed, pretending she wasn’t totally ashamed. “just a second, ‘kay? fuck, just… just a second.”

you looked at her face, a smile taking your lips.

“it’s okay, baby… i don’t mind, you can come.”

“no… i want to pleasure my princess.” she pushed your hair behind your shoulders so gently, caressed your face like you were precious. “just… slow down a little, let’s make the fun last a little bit.” she kissed your lips again.

“mm.. ‘kay.” you whispered against her lips.

your waist started moving again, slowly, just rolling your hips with her cock buried deep inside you, there was no pain anymore, only the soft urge to have more of her. it lasted a minute, perhaps two, before you get back to the previous pace, riding her like a pornstar, your ass clapping slightly every time she hilted, daniela felt like it was torture, she tried to stop you again but you didn’t let her, she felt the pressure at her lower belly, she felt her eyes tearing up because she was struggling to hold back, she felt noises leaving her lips uncontrollably as her entire body fought to not come.

“b-baby- y/n, fuck, stop.” daniela mumbled.

“you can come, baby, it’s okay, come for me.” you whispered in her ear.

fuck. she couldn’t. it was too fast, not even five fucking minutes? no. she wanted to last, she wanted to make you come, she wanted to pleasure her princess so bad. her good girlfriend who had been nothing but perfect and loving and understanding during all the relationship. this didn’t seem about to change now.

“come for me, dani… i wanna feel you filling me up.”

“no, i can’t… you… you didn’t… fuck.” she barely could think, the pressure on her lower belly was painfully intense, she felt her balls churning again, ready to give you all of her load, the words died in her throat and your hips didn’t stop, the fucking sounds of your skin meeting hers making it almost impossible to hold it.

“no, but i want you to, baby, come for mommy, pretty, fill me up.”

that was her undoing, god, it was too much. how you allowed her to give up any sense of control or dominance, to be just yours, just yours and nothing else.

“mommy, mommy, fuck….” she moaned as she came, hard, finally releasing the pressure, her entire body tensed before relaxing, her cum filled you up in five jets, the first three so thick that you felt it dripping out of you while you still rode her, the last ones were just soft twitches of her body.

you rode her slower as she softened inside you, the last tremblings of her legs finally easing into tiredness, she buried her head in your sweaty neck, you caressed her beautiful curls as she hugged your waist with both arms.

“baby, look at me.” you gently pushed her head back so you could look into her eyes, they were so teary, she had that pout on her lips as she still breathed way too hard, you chuckled softly and passed your thumb on her lips, undoing her cute pout. “you made mommy feel so good.”

“i didn’t make you cum, mommy…” she complained, a bit of self loathing in her eyes and you shook your head.

“but it felt so good… you filling me up like this, baby, i feel so full right now, dani…” you kissed her wet, kiss-swollen lips, then her cheeks and her forehead. “thank you, baby.”

“thank you, mommy… i love you so much.” she said, her voice sounded grateful. before you could even respond that you loved her too, you felt her hands lowering down to your ass, each one having a handful as she squeezed the flesh between her fingers. “but i still wanna make you come… get on all fours for me, mommy?” she whispered. it wasn’t exactly a request… more like an order.

when you rose from her lap, you felt it dripping down your thighs from your leaking hole, there was so much of it that soaked the sheets beneath you, you thought about thrusting your fingers inside you to keep the cum there, but you knew that your good girl would fill you all over again, as many times as you needed.

the apartment was absolutely spotless. it always was when sophia got home late from rehearsals.

the light from the hallway spilled through the doorway when she stepped in, jacket folded over one arm, her eyes sharp as they look over the room. she didn't say anything at first - she never did. just looked. observed.

you were standing by the couch, hands behind your back, eyes down, just the way she liked. you could hear her heels clicking closer, slow and deliberate, the sound filled the silence in the apartment.

"did you finish what i asked?" her tone was calm but edged with authority that always made your breath catch.

"yes," you said softly.

she hummed, walking past you to check. she never had to raise her voice. one firm look was enough to make your pulse jump.

when she turned back to you, there was that faint, knowing smirk at the corner of her mouth. "good," she murmured, setting her jacket gently on the chair. "you're learning."

the praise didn't sound soft - it sounded earned. and it made you straighten even more, eager to please her.

she stopped infront of you, close enough that you could smell her perfume - clean, floral, sharp. her fingers tilted your chin up. "but next time," she said, voice low, "you'll tell me before you decide something on your own, understood?"

"yes sophia."

her brow arched, amused. "try again."

you swallowed hard, getting nervous. "yes, mommy."

the way she smiled then - small, satisfied - made the air feel heavier.

"that's better." she let her hand fall from your chin, circling you slowly, fingertips brushing over your arm. “since you’ve been so obedient tonight, i think you’ve earned a little reminder of how good you can be when you listen.”

she stopped behind you, voice dropping to a murmur right beside your ear.

"go to the bedroom."

you nodded, already moving before she finished the sentence, heart pounding. you could feel her eyes on you the whole way down the hall—steady, unblinking, deliberate.

the door clicked shut behind you. her footsteps followed.

“look at me,” her voice is sharp, firm, but there’s a softness underneath that makes you shiver. you obey immediately, eyes locking with hers. she studies you like she’s memorizing every inch, and you can feel yourself melting under the attention.

“that’s it,” she says, circling you slowly. “you like it when i watch you, don’t you baby?"

"y-yes mommy," you whisper.

her smirk deepens. “good. don’t say it too often, or it’ll lose its meaning.”

she steps closer, so close you can feel her warmth without even touching. the tension is unbearable, but you stay still, because you know moving without permission would be wrong. and you want her to know you’re hers.

“you’re such a good girl,” she breathes, letting her hand hover near your shoulder. “i can tell just by the way you’re standing, waiting for me to tell you what to do next.”

you swallow, almost trembling, but you obey. “yes, mommy.”

sophia hums, clearly pleased, and the tension in the room tightens. she leans in just slightly, close enough that you can feel the heat of her presence, and your knees feel weak at the edges.

“remember,” she murmurs, her voice low and commanding, “all i want is obedience. nothing else matters right now.”

you nod, heart racing, pulse hammering, completely entranced. the look in her eyes is enough to make your stomach flip if she wanted, and you love that she could.

her fingers trace just above your shoulder, brushing lightly, teasingly, making you shiver. she pulls back just a little, watching the way you respond.

"can you be good for me and get the ribbon baby?"

"yes."

you slowly make your way to the closet, sophia watching your every move. you stop when you reach the small drawer.

you open it, your hands trembling. you pick up some pretty, silk, pink ribbon.

"did you find it darling," sophia shouts slightly.

"mhm!"

you make your way back to her. she's sitting on the edge of the bed, looking as pretty as ever.

her dark eyes are pools of intent, watching you approach with the pink silk ribbon held in your trembling hands. you offer it to her, a silent gift, a token of your submission.

she doesn’t take it immediately. instead, her fingers curl around your wrist, her touch surprisingly cool against your flushed skin. she guides you to stand between her knees, your bodies almost touching. the air hums with the promise of what’s to come.

“such a good girl,” she murmurs, her voice a low thrum that vibrates right through you. “bringing mommy exactly what she asked for.”

she finally takes the ribbon from you, her fingertips brushing your palm and sending a shiver up your arm. she holds it between her hands, the delicate silk looking both fragile and unbreakable.

“hold out your wrists for me, baby. together.”

you obey. she loops the silk around your wrists once, twice, the fabric whispering against your skin. she isn’t rough, but the intention behind the action is absolute. she pulls the knot tight, not enough to hurt, but enough to remind you of its presence.

“does that feel alright?” she asks, her eyes searching yours.

“yes, mommy,” you breathe.

a slow, pleased smile touches her lips. “good.” she gives the knot one more gentle, firm tug, and the finality of it makes your knees feel weak. you are hers. completely.

she rises from the bed, a fluid, powerful movement, and guides you backward until the backs of your legs hit the mattress. a slight pressure from her hands on your shoulders and you sit, then lie back, the soft duvet swallowing you. you look up at her, at the powerful curve of her hips, the dark intensity of her gaze as she looks down at you, bound and waiting.

she climbs onto the bed, straddling your hips, her weight a delicious, grounding pressure. she leans forward, her hair forming a dark curtain around your faces, her perfume inviting you. she brings your bound wrists up, pinning them gently above your head on the pillow.

“keep them right there,” she instructs, her voice soft but leaving no room for argument. “i want to see you. all of you.”

she shifts back, her hands going to the hem of your shirt. she pulls it up and over your head, her movements efficient yet sensual. each piece of clothing she removes is done with the same deliberate slowness, each new inch of exposed skin met with a soft hum of approval. “so beautiful for me.” the cool air kisses your skin.

soon, you're laid bare beneath her, while she remains fully dressed. the silk on your wrists feels like everything and nothing all at once.

her fingers trace patterns on your stomach, your ribs, circling but never quite touching where you ache for her. the anticipation is a live wire under your skin. you whimper, a soft, pleading sound you can’t hold back.

“shhh,” she soothes, leaning down to brush her lips against yours. it’s not a deep kiss, it’s a promise. “mommy knows what you need.”

her hand slides down, finally, between your legs, and you jolt at the contact. her touch is knowing, patient, tracing your slick folds, learning you all over again. “you’re so ready for me,” she breathes against your neck, her teeth grazing the sensitive skin there. “so wet. all for me.”

her fingers begin to move, a slow, building rhythm that has you arching your back, a moan catching in your throat. the pleasure is intense, sharp, coiling tightly in your core. you are completely at her mercy, and the sheer vulnerability of it, the overwhelming rightness, cracks something open inside you.

the first tear escapes, tracing a hot path down your temple into your hairline.

she sees it immediately. her rhythm doesn’t falter, but her eyes lock onto yours, dark and gleaming with fascination. “there it is,” she whispers, her voice thick with something like awe. “there are those perfect tears for mommy.”

another tear follows, and then another. they come silently, born from the overwhelming wave of sensation and surrender. you are crying, and you have never felt more seen, more beautiful.

she leans in, her breath warm on your cheek, and her tongue darts out, catching a tear as it falls. the intimacy of the act is so profound it steals your breath. she does it again, tasting your salt, her eyes never leaving yours.

“good girl,” she purrs, her fingers circling your clit, making you cry out, your bound hands twisting in the silk above you. “cry for me. let me see how much you feel. it’s so beautiful.”

her praise is a amazing, pushing you higher, making the tears fall faster. youre crumbling beneath her, completely lost in the feeling of her touch and her words.

“you’re so perfect for me,” she continues, her voice hypnotic. "taking everything i give you. my perfect, crying girl. all mine.”

the coil inside you snaps. pleasure erupts, white-hot and blinding, crashing over you in waves that steal your vision and your breath. you sob through it, your body shaking, the sensations too intense to process as anything but pure, raw feeling.

through the haze, you feel her moving. she releases your wrists, the silk now damp with your sweat. she shifts down your body, her intent clear. she isn't done.

she lowers herself, positioning her hips over your face. the sight of her, still clothed in her sleek black panties, is overwhelmingly intimate. the scent of her arousal, mixed with her perfume, fills your senses.

she hooks her thumbs into the waistband and slowly, so slowly, pulls them down. she doesn’t remove them completely, just enough. then she sinks down.

the warmth and weight of her against your mouth, the taste of her, the feeling of her thighs framing your face. you can feel her muscles quiver. you look up, your vision filled with her, and you see her looking down at you, so amused with how you feel.

she begins to move, a slow, grinding rhythm against your lips, your nose, your tear-streaked cheeks. she's marking you, claiming you.

her breath hitches. “that’s it,” she moans, her voice strained with her own building pleasure. “my good girl. my messy, perfect girl.”

your tongue works inside her faster. "right there baby, fuck! right there," she says, moans getting louder.

her movements start to falter, indicating she's closer. you don't stop, then it hits her. she cums all over your pretty face.

she lifts her hips up a little and looks down at you.

“come in, i will show you your room, you will like it.” you still remembered how she had a palm at the end of your back and the other hand opening the door knob for you as she guided you in the corridors of the dorm. you all were hopeful, young girls far away from home and from your families, you were so scared, excited, but scared… sophi showed you nothing but gentleness. “your bags seem heavy, let me carry them for you.”

“you sure? you don’t need to…” you tried to argue as she got your backpack from your back and gently replaced your hand pushing your suitcase with her own.

“i don’t mind, it’s okay.”

⸻ gentlewoman! sophia who really, really doesn’t mind in helping you :( she’s always watching you on rehearsals, making sure you’re keeping up with every move, she brings you water through the breaks and asks you if you’re okay, if you need a longer break, complimenting your performance or bringing up points you need to improve without making you feel bad, she knows that it’s better if you’re being gently guided by her instead of the choreographers scolding you and being harsh.

“it was so good! just try to lift your leg a little higher on the third beat, do you think you can do that?”

⸻ gentlewoman! sophia who debuted with you, but even then, as you both cried your eyes out and hugged each other, a mess of tears and smiles from 7 girls who finally made it, she still made sure to dry your rolling tears with her gentle fingers :( taking extra care with your makeup as she did so, hugging you so tightly after <3

⸻ gentlewoman! sophia who you slowly fell in love with, a soft torture that you finally realized when the pressure of the survival show didn’t crushed your other emotions and feelings anymore. sophia was everything, and not falling in love with her simply wouldn’t be natural, she held your hand when you needed to, she let you take a 10minute nap on her shoulder when the rehearsals were too much, she opened the doors, she payed for the food when you went out, she fixed your hair and makeup mid show, she kneeled to tie your shoes and your heels without you even asking her for it, she checked on you constantly… a sweet, sweet torture.

⸻ gentlewoman! sophia who you knew, in your heart, you could never make a move. she was your leader, and a romantic relationship between members was way more than a break of contract, was something that, if it ended, the group would be ruined, not only your dreams or sophia’s dreams, but also for the five of your best friends… that was unthinkable, so you decided to hide it, never let it show, there was no reason for that, it would pass, eventually.

⸻ gentlewoman! sophia who made it quite harder for you by the way she kept treating you, acting like a devoted girlfriend who would go out of her way just make you happy and cared for.

sophi 💘: rehearsals were beating our asses today 😭 you need anything?

sophi 💘: i will have get us food, you can pick

sophi 💘: my treat!

⸻ gentlewoman! sophia who you tried to be away, to avoid her as you could while being in the very same girl group as hers, but on a after party after a long show with screaming fans and loud music, you finally lose it, sophia was being just too good for you to ignore, asking you if you wanted her to get you a drink, taking your hair out of your face with such gentle hands, looking onto your face with her shiny eyes… too much, just too much for you to handle.

⸻ gentlewoman! sophia who saw herself being dragged into the restroom by your hand, practically thrown on the wall and then your lips were covering hers, she was surprised, shocked even, her hands found your shoulders to push you back a little, just enough to be able to see your face, just enough so she could talk to you.

“what you’re doing?” she asks, a little out of breath, cheeks flushed, eyes confused. then you confess, how you’ve been wanting her for months now, how the feelings have been there since… since ever, how she made it so difficult by being her caring, sweet self, by taking care of you in every way, she listens, she smiles.

“i… i want you too, of course i do. you sure you’re not too drunk, mahal?” her tone, so gentle… ugh, you really can’t take it anymore, you kiss her again, harder, your tongue invading her mouth, your hands burying your fingers into her silky dark strands, she wraps her arms around your waist and pulls you close enough to feel her hard cock pressing against your tummy, you immediately bring a hand down to stroke her through the fabric, feeling the outline, so perfect, so hot… but she pushes your hand softly back to her face.

“no… let me take care of you, princess.” she murmurs against your lips, switching your positions so you were against the restroom wall, she kisses you slower then, wet, sensual kisses dropping down your body, your neck, your shoulder, your collarbone, then your breasts, she gives both of them a little attention, just enough to make your nipples hard and your pussy clenching around nothing. not for too long, through, quick enough her clever hands yank your dress up your thighs, pulling your panties to the side and one of your legs above her shoulder, her tongue finds your sensitive clit and with a moan, your head falls back.

“so beautiful… you taste so good, so good.” her muffled whispers against your wet pussy mixed with the sounds of the crowded party outside makes your head almost fuzzy, your only thought was to cum on her tongue, and she made it quite easier as she slide it inside you, deep, one hand moving up to play with your pretty tits.

⸻ gentlewoman! sophia who made you cum twice in her mouth before taking you back to the hotel, this time, on the bed, she took her sweet time with your body, she praised your bare skin as if you were aphrodite’s daughter, eat you out until your thighs were trembling and you were begging for her cock, but when she reached out the nightstand to grab a condom— none. not even a single one forgotten in the drawer. she cussed out and told you she would send someone to buy but you were just too needy to wait.

“no, sophi… it’s okay, please… i want you now.” your legs wrapped around her hips and you pushed her closer, her cock brushed against your wet lips and she gasped for a second at the feeling, using every ounce of her self control to not bury herself inside your warmth. “you sure, mahal? are you sure, hm?” she breathes against your cheek, kissing it softly as you nodded and then guided her inside…

⸻ gentlewoman! sophia who fucked you all night, her body between your spread legs, her body so sweaty and hot on top of yours, her face buried on your neck moaning how good your pussy feels around her cock and how much she wanted this, she pulled out every time, jerking herself off and cumming all over your tummy before thrusting in again and ruining you one more time, she made sure you were wrecked by the end of the night, legs shaking and body exhausted.

“cyclones’ beloved libero retiring due to injury.”

you remember reading the article, at the end of your first semester in community college. your best friend put the idea in your head. malibu is a 6 hour drive from your small town, but you hop on the bus with a crazy, stupid idea, and pray it’s crazy enough to work.

you step into the gym and let out a deep breath. this is your ticket into something bigger.

“hi, um, y/n y/ln,” you greet the coach, recognizing her from all the articles you had read. “i emailed you guys.”

the assistant coach perches his arms on his hips and gives you a look of disbelief. “a walk on?”

you swallow down nervously. it’s not ideal, to be infiltrating this practice before their season has even started, a shot in the dark in the hopes that they haven’t already started training up a new libero. what even is your game plan? waltz up, show off your skills, and pray they see your potential enough to recruit you on the spot?

(well, yes, that is the plan, but it doesn’t make it any less intimidating to have all these eyes start to draw to you, as if you’re invading their secret space.)

you try to avoid the attention your presence is bringing to you and stay focused on the conversation with the two coaches.

“freshman?” they ask.

“sophomore,” you clarify, before clearing your throat nervously. “i play libero.”

“why didn’t i see you during the off season?” he asks.

“i played club, i was homeschooled,” you explain simply, as they both turn to each other to review something between themselves. you feel so awkward, an outsider, dressed up to play, to beg for a chance to join a team that’s already got so much synergy between them.

“i remember you—” the coach says, but before he can say anything else, there’s the sharp crack of a ball landing directly in between the two of you. you jump back in shock, looking up to meet the intense gaze of a dark haired girl, eyes fixed on you. you swallow down nervously, and she walks up with a calculated coldness that makes your chest tense.

“this team hasn’t had a walk-on in years,” the girl says sharply. you’re shocked about how much she’s heard despite you guys talking quietly. did the coaches mention you and your impromptu tryout today? you try to flash her a smile to indicate you’re no harm, but she instantly sharpens her eyes at you. “not sure why you’re smiling. arrogance isn’t cute.”

her thick, dark hair is pulled back into a perfect ponytail, kept out of her eyes by a wide headband. her eyes are dark, intense, and feel like they’re looking through you. everything about her screams composure— her kneepads are in perfect condition, her shoes are perfectly unscuffed, her tshirt tucked perfectly into her shorts in a way that makes you almost confused as to how she doesn’t have a single wrinkle. everything about this girl just looks so unrealistically perfect.

“no, yeah, totally,” you stammer, watching as she picks the ball up off the ground. you shake your head. “not trying to be cocky. sorry.”

“easy, soph,” the coach waves her off, before turning back to you. “y/n, join us for practice today. we’ll do a scrimmage at the end and see if you’re up to snuff.”

you nod appreciatively, and all you can feel are the harsh eyes of this girl burning a hole in the side of your head. 

the coach motions for you to go get stretched, and you jog over to the other girls, waving as politely as you can manage. much to your relief, they welcome you warmly, encouraging you to warm up with them. you try to avoid looking back behind your shoulder, out of fear that the girl is still glaring you down.

you join the girls as they all get into their first warmups, and you end up directly behind this girl in the line to practice setting. you want to extend an olive branch, to express that you’re excited to get a chance to practice with them, that you’ve admired their team for a while and you recognize her as one of the best setters on the west coast conference.

she doesn’t give you a chance, shooting an icy gaze over her shoulder at you.

“don’t get in my way,” she warns simply, running up as the ball comes her way to make the first set. 

“i’ll do my best,” you breathe. 

-

by the time their practice ends, you’re dripping sweat, but it’s been fun to enjoy playing with a team like this all over again. your community college team was nothing in comparison, these girls are elite on several levels above what you’ve ever seen. but it excites you, and it makes you hopeful that with how good you’ve gotten over the years, you can convince them this is where you belong.

the assistant coach waves you over, and you comply immediately. 

“what were your grades like?” he asks, looking over something on a clipboard.

“good,” you say quickly, your eyes widening. “why?”

the head coach interrupts, smiling broadly. “wanna play volleyball for me?” 

“no way,” you breathe. “if you’re joking that’s super mean.”

“you’ll be our newest cyclone,” she beams, holding out her hand to you for a shake. “i’ll figure out application stuff with you. scholarship might not come until you’ve completed the season, but academics might be enough to get you through the first semester. welcome to the team.”

“thank you for the chance,” you breathe, feeling the emotion bubbling in your chest. “you have no idea how excited i am.”

you know most of the girls are looking at this point, but you feel one set of eyes harsher than the rest of them. you try to ignore it and not let it ruin this moment for you.

-

you get moved into campus and set your mind to ensure that the next practice you go to, you give it your all, eager to prove yourself to the girls on this team. you try to show up to the court early, and you quickly realize making friends might not actually be impossible, considering a majority of the girls are extremely friendly and even more eager to welcome you than you are to introduce yourself. 

“y/n, hey!” they call out excitedly, waving to you where you’re already stretching.

you spend the next chunk of warmups small talking with your new teammates, doing your best to memorize their names and whatever quirks you pick up about each of them.

“were you seriously homeschooled?” manon, a junior, tilts her head at you curiously.

“it made it easier to focus on volleyball,” you smile. sure, it’s kind of lame you didn’t get to have the same high school experience as most other people, but you got the chance to travel all over with your club team, and the skills it gave you were obviously good enough to land you here, so you can’t be too upset at how it panned out for you.

“people ask me if i was homeschooled,” megan, a chatty brunette, blurts. “whatever that’s supposed to mean.”

lara lets out a laugh. “oh, you know exactly what it-”

“look busy,” daniela warns quickly, cutting you all off as her eyes go wide.

you’re not quite sure what she could mean by that, but the moment you look up, you realize someone is coming towards you.

sophia laforteza, you quickly learned her name. the no-nonsense, scarily-intense team captain of the malibu state university cyclones. 

by the time you realize why daniela freaked out, you look around to realize the rest of them have jumped into very serious stretches. you quickly reach for your knees and pull them up to your chest, trying to look like you’re actually stretching. 

“supreme leader sophia,” manon nods. you think the interaction is harmless enough, but somehow, it’s enough to set the captain off.

“bannerman, go take a lap,” she snaps quickly. manon groans but complies, standing up and starting to jog around the court. your palms start to sweat, but sophia eyes your group and moves on, and you breathe a little easier as the distance between you increases.

“so serious,” lara mumbles under her breath.

“is she always like this?” you ask, eyeing her nervously as you all keep stretching.

“no. she’s playing it up for the newbies,” daniela rolls her eyes.

“uh yes, yes she is always like that,” megan pushes back, shaking her head. “strict as hell.”

sophia’s voice cuts in from several yards away where she stands.

“you can take a lap too, skiendiel.”

“fuck,” megan groans, standing up. “how the fuck can you even hear me, leader?”

you bite back a laugh at megan’s nickname for the captain. you had heard manon call her that too, leader, but figured it was a teasing thing. not something all the girls joined in on.

“i have a sixth sense for complaining,” sophia says dryly.

as if sophia’s warmup drills weren’t enough, practice itself is absolutely grueling. you realize this team is no joke, and if you’re going to keep up, you’re going to have to take this extremely seriously.

“bro, my asscheeks,” megan whines as you guys reach the end of the 2 hour practice, each of you dripping in sweat. your legs are shaking and you wonder how the hell you’re planning to keep up with such an intense team.

but sophia laforteza waltzes by, her skin barely glistening with sweat, not a single hair out of place in her ponytail.

“more complaining, damn. if you’ve got the energy for that, then you’ve got another lap in you, skeindiel,” sophia grins, almost devilishly. you want to laugh— she seems borderline insane, but you can tell it doesn’t come from a place of true intent to harm. 

“oh yeah? what if i fucking die, then what?” megan pushes back, tossing her head back in exhaustion.

“so dramatic, megan, you know it’s okay to shut up every once in a while?” manon groans, sensing where the youngest girl’s complaints are about to land them.

you can sense it too, after having witnessed sophia’s reaction earlier, and as predicted, sophia’s eyes sharpen as megan responds.

“i think we’ll all take an extra lap, just to show megan some support,” sophia announces, whistling quickly to catch the team’s attention. you hear a collective groan from everyone, and your coaches simply laugh at you all. you can tell that sophia’s ability to keep you guys practicing is something they’ve approved— all her power is clearly given from the people in charge, probably for good reason. 

“meiyok, i’m going to fucking kill you,” daniela grits irritatedly.

“you like seeing people suffer,” manon groans at sophia as she stands up from where she was laying and begins to jog off.

“walk-on can handle it,” sophia says, pointing at you, surprising you that she’s chosen to bring you into it. “that’s the only person i hear not complaining, actually.”

you can’t help but find the nickname endearing. maybe it’s the worst timing possible, but it brings a smile to your face.

“walk-on?” you tilt your head. “is that supposed to be me?”

sophia arches a brow, turning her head to orient towards you. “problem?”

“surely you could have come up with something more creative?” you grin. 

you hear a collective gasp from your teammates. something tells you that trying to banter with sophia laforteza is a very big, very dumb mistake.

“you know, maybe you, megan, and manon can finish with some burpees while the rest of us cool down,” sophia says, her jaw hardening. “see if that helps your attitude problem.”

i don’t have an attitude problem, you want to push back by saying, but you realize this girl is probably on a rampage, and getting in her way is a death wish. you bite your tongue and start the last lap, mentally preparing for the extra task sophia has given you.

“damn,” you gasp for breath, collapsing on the floor after the three of you finally finish.

“that was rough,” manon groans, only for megan to gag and dry heave in response.

“i’m going to puke and the season hasn’t even started yet,” the youngest whines.  

“she usually loves the newbies,” dani says in surprise, having waited for you guys with lara as the rest of the team headed off to the locker room. “not sure what you did to her.”

“you replaced—” megan starts, but manon quickly cuts her off.

“oh shit,” manon nods. “that makes sense.”

“the old libero,” lara realizes, looking at you. “they were really close.”

“where is she now?” you ask curiously.

“she took a gap year,” megan tells you, and the others look amongst themselves anxiously. “mommy sophia’s been sensitive about it. those two did everything together.”

“mommy sophia?” you laugh, but they gloss over it, clearly dead serious.

“megan…” lara warns.

“what? she hasn’t always been this angry,” megan holds her hands up to defend herself. “serious, yeah, intense, yeah, a little scary, also yeah, but not this flat out angry.”

“no, i get it,” you shake your head, trying to empathize. “i wouldn’t want my business all out there either. not a great look. we don’t have to keep talking about it.”

the small group gives you a look of approval as you all head towards the locker room.

“i miss the old sophia,” megan admits quietly under her breath, just loud enough for you to hear. 

——

your dorm isn’t perfect, but the malibu state campus is absolutely gorgeous, and being a 10 minute walk from the beach is enough to make up for your broken window and slightly unnerving roommate that won’t say a word to you. sure, you miss your home city, but it isn’t the end of the world, and the girls on your team are so friendly, it makes the homesickness even easier to handle than you imagined.

(at least, most of the girls on your team are friendly.)

you spot her on the first day of class, sitting alone at a 2 person table in your humanities class. you approach her without hesitation, just how you would for anyone else you know. 

“hey! we have a class together. just my luck, huh?” you beam, excited to see a familiar face, dropping your backpack down on the table with a thud. “can i sit here?”

she looks perfect, as she always does, somehow making a black hoodie and gym shorts look elegant. her long dark hair is tucked back behind her ears, and her lips are so gorgeously glossy. sophia is naturally gorgeous, infuriatingly so, but you’ve never been the insecure type, more so just grateful to exist at the same time as people this pretty so you can admire them.

her eyes narrow at you, something dark and unreadable in them.

“you just did,” she says simply, staring at the backpack in front of her.

“i guess i should have asked before i parked my ass,” you realize, grinning sheepishly as you take up the seat next to her. “good point.”

“y/n,” she says firmly, looking back at the front of the room.  “i can’t hear, and i need to focus.”

you were too busy trying to get on her good side that you didn’t even notice the professor had started introducing herself. you sink into your seat, trying to rush to get your laptop out.

“totally. sorry.”

she says nothing. she doesn’t even look back at you for the rest of the class. she doesn’t say “bless you” when you sneeze loudly in the middle of class, she doesn’t laugh like the rest of them when you introduce yourself and admit you have zero fun facts about yourself because you’re painfully incapable of self-reflection to know anything about yourself. when it’s her turn to introduce herself, she simply says her name and that she plays volleyball, sitting back down without so much as a smile. she doesn’t say anything when your computer dies halfway through the lecture and you have nothing left to take notes on, even though she’s siting next to the outlet and seems to have the same type of laptop as you do.

you’re not brave enough to ask her anyways.

class ends, and she doesn’t bother looking in your direction.

“don’t be late to practice,” she says simply, swooping up her backpack over her shoulder in a quick, graceful motion. “we need to win our first away game. sets the tone for the season.”

that’s it. you watch as she walks off unceremoniously, almost as if you didn’t exist except to inconvenience her.

“jesus christ,” you whisper under your breath.

———

your season starts a month later, and your first away game gives you a taste of what to expect. 

“who’d you get roomed with?” you ask the small group of 5 that you had grown particularly close to as you guys cram into the uber to your hotel. you’ve missed traveling for volleyball, and the anticipation in your bones for tomorrow’s game makes you even more eager.

“i always get manon,” daniela says. 

“and nobody else can handle megan’s mess but lara,” manon grins. 

“hey, whatever,” megan whines from the back seat, where she’s been stuck in between all your bags of luggage. 

“i got sophia,” you breathe quietly, thinking back to the email of the hotel roommate arrangement your coaches had sent out that morning. “should be fine, right?”

“walk-on, you’ll be quick to learn that supreme leader sophia is a drill sergeant with lipgloss,” manon laughs.

“very shiny, very pretty lipgloss,” you defend her.

“she’s a junior,” lara informs you, as if it puts some things into perspective for you. “for her, it’s time to start stressing about the real world next year.”

as a sophomore, you know you’ve got another 2 full seasons coming for you.

“second to final season,” lara goes on. “mommy sophia’s trying to make the most of it.”

you laugh again at lara and megan’s stupid nickname, as if “supreme leader” wasn’t bad enough.

you guys get to the hotel and your coaches send a group text warning everyone to be in bed by 9pm. you part ways with your group once the uber drops you off and go up to your room, only to find sophia has beat you there. she’s taken the bed closest to the window, her bag set up neatly. she’s wearing a facemask and a set of earplugs, eyes quickly flickering up to acknowledge you as you enter the room.

you can’t help but hope that this is your chance to break through her icy facade.

“hey! want to plan for breakfast together?” you beam, tossing your bag onto the floor in front of what sophia has decided is your bed. “i love hotel oatmeal. something about it is so gross i can’t stop craving it.”

she doesn’t bother to look up at you, slipping into her bed without another glance in your direction. “i need to sleep.”

“okay, no worries,” you blink, watching as she reaches for the light switch. “when should i wake us up?”

“i’ll be up at five.” her hand flicks the lights off, leaving you both in the dark. “good night.”

“good night,” you respond quietly, trying to feel your way around for your bed. you suck in a breath. this feels like it might be a very long few days.

—---

sophia is gone before you wake up.

you don’t hear her alarm, but you also don’t hear yours, and you’re just lucky that you can hear megan banging her fist against the wall, screaming for you stupidly and asking if you can hear her through the wall. you can vaguely hear lara yelling at her for being so annoying, but megan’s antics keep you from sleeping in too late, so you’ll thank the goofy sophomores some other time.

you don’t see sophia at breakfast, but by the time you come back to your room, she’s heading into the shower, freshly sweating in her workout clothes. you realize she’s probably already fit in a morning workout while the rest of you were barely waking up. you’re impressed, but frankly not surprised, by her work ethic.

by the time the game starts, it’s your first time in the cyclones uniform, and you feel a strange sense of nervousness wash over you in a wave. your warmups are simple enough, and sophia gathers you all in a team huddle after your coaches debrief you all.

“stay focused, stay confident, don’t let them see you sweat,” sophia states, voice cold, neutral, and self-assured. her icy disposition can be quite scary, but you can see why she’s captain— she’s intense, and something about her demeanor being so laser-focused fuels you with an equal amount of confidence. 

“uh, leader, what do i do if i’m already sweating?” megan blurts anxiously. lara reaches over to smack her on the back of the head, and sophia keeps going.

“keep your hits unreadable. their back line is tough but we should be able to break through if we stack clean and aggressive. stay focused,” she emphasizes, eyes looking over at her two main hitters, dani on opposite and megan on outside. “i’ll feed whoever’s eating."

“i like that,” you grin, the metaphor tickling you for whatever stupid reason.

you almost regret it as soon as you say it, but sophia’s eyes aren’t hostile as they meet yours. you realize this may be a first. 

“cyclones on three,” you blurt out, and sophia shoots you a sharp look, but doesn’t seem fully annoyed. 

“one, two—” she starts, and the rest of the girls jump in for the finishing chant. by the time your team takes to the court, your body is buzzing. 

time to shine.

the opposing team is no joke, and you wonder where the hell they got girls this fucking huge. they tower across the net from you, and you can’t help but swallow down anxiously. sophia walks back from the coin flip with an approving nod, and chooses to serve first. your old team always opted to pick the side of the court, but sophia takes to her serve with extreme confidence, and as you watch her two handed jump float, you realize just why she is the face of the team. 

the girls on the other team blink in shock at just how high sophia leaps into the air to send her serve. when you played, setters weren’t exactly known for power, but the sharp boom that leaves sophia’s hand as it slams into the ball, shooting through the air to speed straight at the other girls makes you realize what a force this girl is. sophia laforteza, as scary and intimidating as she is, is the perfect face of the malibu state university cyclones for that exact reason— she scares the shit out of anyone who lays eyes on her.

much to your shock, the serve sinks directly into the wood. your first point, an ace serve of all things. lara and manon high five from their positions and daniela lets out a loud cheer, but sophia is focused as ever. she doesn’t so much as crack a smile as she returns to her serving position, reaching out for the ball as it gets passed to her. you look over and see the opposing team shaking their heads, clearly trying to regain their composure. another boom, and the ball is in play. your stomach flutters at the thought of sophia’s phenomenal talent, and how grateful you are to play on the same team as such a talented girl. 

(maybe you don’t mind the batshit crazy attitude when she can back it up with skills like this.)

the set goes on and your team only goes up from there. you’ve forgotten how much you enjoy diving around a court like this, making quick work to get the ball back in the air each time it goes too far out of reach for the rest of the girls, hopping back up to your feet after every dive with a smile on your face. it’s part of what made you love the libero position in the first place— it was the perfect place to put all your boundless energy.

your team loses possession of the ball when megan misses her one-handed set to daniela, the opposing team using the opportunity to send the ball directly to where she should have been. you’re not fast enough to save it, but there’s no time to lose moping about it before those massive walls of women are preparing for their own serve on the other side. 

the other team’s serve rockets straight into an empty gap where lara isn’t expecting, leaving it up to you to protect the back line. you focus in on where sophia is standing and dive, ensuring wherever you land, the ball hits you and soars high enough for sophia to set easily. and she does, and you witness megan and daniela stack so inanely fast, you almost can’t perceive where the ball ends up or who ends up with the kill. all that matters is that the ball slams into the ground at lightning speed, dani and megan high fiving each other excitedly, and that’s when you realize your team has insane synergy. 

manon and lara with you, megan and dani eager to take on whatever sophia feeds them, and sophia, level-headed and sharp-eyed, keeping everything moving on the court. 

it’s back to back, and the pace makes your blood race in your veins. the thud of the ball against your skin is a dull burn at this point, and your elbows ache from all your digs, but your adrenaline is at an all time high, especially as the first set ends and you guys are riding the high and sailing towards taking over the second set as well.

your heart thuds even more powerfully in your chest when after a particularly good save, sophia comes to tap fingers with you, her eyes lighting up even if her face is still stern.

“your serve receive is phenomenal,” she tells you breathlessly, and you can’t tell if you’re more shocked by the compliment, or by the first high five she’s given anyone all game. 

“thank you,” you beam. “easy when i have such a good setter ready for me.”

sophia blinks, as if she’s surprised by her own compliment, or by yours, but you can’t read into it. “don’t get cocky.”

you smile back even brighter. “i think we’re flirting, leader.”

she shakes her head and returns to her position, but it’s the most positive interaction you two have had since you joined the team. maybe you overdid it with your joke, but sophia is unphased, and you guys end up winning the game in a blowout win over the other team, so it’s a win for the night overall in your book.

-

“hi,” you greet the captain, coming out of the shower after getting back to the hotel. you’re only going to get a few hours of sleep before your guys’ flight, and the routine starts all over again with practice in the morning. the grind for the msu cyclones clearly never stops.

“hey,” she greets back simply, and you’re just grateful she acknowledges you at all. she’s packing her bag, still in the uniform, clearly waiting her turn for the bathroom.

“great game!” you chirp excitedly, but you immediately regret it as she stares you over, a gaze that tells you she’s thinking, she’s studying, she’s got something prepared in her head. 

but what she says next surprises you.

“you’re good. i misjudged you.” you almost can’t believe that she’s complimenting you, but it suits her— she’s not looking at you, she isn’t smiling, and she follows it up with a piece of critique. “but weak on your left side.”

“i hurt myself a few months ago, before the summer. still recovering,” you explain simply.

“oh,” is all she says in response.

she’s comfortable with the silence, obviously, but you’re not, so you blurt out the first thing you think to ask: “they’re serious, about the whole leader thing?”

“they call me that instead of captain,” sophia says after a beat. “manon was being stupid and then it just stuck with the rest of them.”

you smile, realizing she lets it happen. “it’s hilarious.”

“i’m glad you find it funny,” she deadpans.

“you don’t?” you raise a brow.

“no,” she says plainly.

you let out a laugh, shaking your head. “then you must hate what megan and lara call you.”

you see her gaze narrow, and she finally looks up to acknowledge you. “what?”

you grin, realizing you’ve caught her attention with that one. something the girl doesn’t know. you can see how it drives her crazy, and it makes sense— sophia is so in the know, so perfectly in control of everything around her, it must feel disorienting to have something occurring that she’s not aware of, much less on the team that she runs like a military commander.

“good night, leader,” you say simply, tucking into bed and letting your head hit the pillow. she says nothing and slips into the bathroom as quietly as she can manage.

-

you guys fly back and you’re already itching for the next practice, eager to keep improving as a team. the high of the first game’s win is addicting, and you’re not about to let that energy slip through your fingers.

at the end of practice, the coaches come and debrief you all, dismissing you for the morning. but you’ve quickly learned that the girls all wait for sophia’s approval, in case she has any final words or thoughts before you guys head to the locker rooms.

you all huddle around sophia, whose unreadable features have stopped unnerving you as badly. sure, she’s still terrifying, but a little less now that you know she’s actually capable of being something other than annoyed and pissed off.

she spins one of the balls in her hand, casually and comfortably, but her voice is cold and serious as ever.

“who came up with it?” she asks, eyes fixed on the ball in her hand. “mommy sophia?”

you hear the girls go collectively silent. 

“oh fuck,” you hear lara whisper under her breath. 

“who was it?” she repeats, her gaze unreadable as she simply keeps the ball spinning. “i can wait all day. i’ve got nowhere to be on a saturday morning."

you can hear a pin drop. finally, one of the culprits bravely admits to her crime.

“t’was i…” megan raises her hand sheepishly. 

“hm.” sophia stares her over, and you can feel the collective terror of the team as they realize their captain is preparing to make an example out of megan.

but then sophia surprises everyone, instead of verbally berating megan or making her run laps until she throws up, she simply points to one of the scaffolds in the gym, motioning to megan for her to come up to it. “we’re having a pullup competition.”

“what the fuck?” megan asks in disbelief.

“she’s not gonna kill her in front of everyone?” manon asks in pure shock. 

“maybe she’s turned a new leaf,” you offer. 

“if you beat me, practice ends,” sophia explains the conditions. “i beat you, and we all run two extra miles. full extension, chest to bar, no fakies.”

“megan, i’ll fucking murder you,” daniela glares at her. it dawns upon everyone— the weight of how your practice ends rests in the mildly-incapable hands of megan skiendiel.

“no pressure,” megan mumbles under her breath as she approaches the bar.

the competition starts, and the silence erupts into a rush of screams and cheers as the two race to see who can outlast the other. it’s stupid, good-natured fun, and you know there’s a two mile run on the line, but you can’t help but love how silly the whole thing feels. you didn’t think sophia was capable of something like this, but you feel the scene quickly becoming a core memory.

“come on, you useless so-cal wasian!” manon screams, standing directly underneath megan to count her reps. “all that time lifting boxes in your little boba shop for what?! you could have been training shoulders that whole time instead!”

“i’m fucking trying,” megan sobs, her arms trembling after hitting 15. “i was at the boba shop trying to get bitches.”

“you were too useless to get a single number the whole summer you worked at that fuckass boba shop,” daniela screams laughing.

“oh my god, shut up guys,” megan groans. 

“light work from supreme leader,” lara sighs, standing underneath sophia to count her reps, who leads at a steady 16 and shows no signs of slowing down. “chat, we’re cooked.”

megan is strong, but she’s growing unsteady with each increasing pull up. sophia, as expected, is barely breaking a sweat, face tensed in concentration.

you feel the back of your neck flush as you watch the way her arms move in the tank top, the way her eyebrows furrow together, the slack of her mouth and the quiet breaths she lets out with each movement. you mentally chastise yourself for the images that come to your brain and try to soothe your raging hormones by cracking a joke, clapping your hands at her. 

“looking good a little too good, laforteza,” you tease her, shaking your head with a smile. “you make it look easy.”

in a true blink and you’ll miss it moment, you spot it— sophia laforteza, forever unshakable, lets her cheeks go pink.

you’re in shock at the reaction, and you half wonder if it’s just her straining to pull herself up again, but she simply drops from the bar, the girls all screaming excitedly as megan does one final pullup to surpass sophia by one. whereas sophia calmly reaches for her water bottle, megan collapses onto the ground, painting heavily.

“go shower,” she waves you all off. “get some sleep. good game, megan.”

she reaches out to tap fingers with the younger girl, who looks up at her with bright, excited eyes, clearly in shock to have beat the captain.

megan gets to her feet and pumps a victorious fist in the air. “i’d like to thank my mom, and then god, and then lebron james, in that order.”

“what does lebron have to do with this?” daniela questions. 

“dude, what doesn’t he have to do with this?” megan answers too easily, and you simply shake your head laughing as you see them walk off.

you reach for your gym bag to follow them, and spot sophia watching you. she turns away as soon as she’s caught, her eyes avoiding yours. you smile to yourself and chase after your friends.

———

the next day, you’re off on your own in the dining hall getting something for dinner. you’re prepared to scroll tik tok as you scan around for an empty table to sit alone at, but something catches your attention. the perfect cascade of long, dark hair waterfalling down the shoulders of a familiar figure. she’s eating alone, a book in hand, and without thinking, you run over to join her. 

“did you let megan win that pullup competition?” you blurt quickly, setting your tray down in front of her.

sophia remains silent. she doesn’t look up from her book to acknowledge you, but she simply raises her brows, as if to greet you. it’s not much, but you’ll take it. 

“i watched this documentary today in my anthropology class,” you tell her, unphased by her silence. “where the adult lions pretend to cry out and lose their fights when the cubs are learning how to play. so the cubs build confidence.”

she shrugs as if she doesn’t know what you’re talking about. “i’m just here to keep the team in one piece.”

“i’ve never met someone so passionate about this sport,” you breathe, admiring her pretty face since she’s not even bothered to look at you. you pick boredly at your dinner, much more interested in getting something, anything out of this mystery of a girl. “how’d you start?”

she pauses, her eyes flicking to your hand briefly, before she focuses back on her book. it’s a long bout of silence, but you hold your own, staring at her. as if she finally realizes that you’re not letting up, her voice softens. she finally gives you something.

“i played beach volleyball, as a kid,” she says slowly, hesitantly. “on the actual beach, in the philippines.”

“really?” your eyes light up at the piece of information. like a piece of a puzzle, giving you a chance to see the bigger picture that is sophia laforteza.

“i grew up there. didn’t have a ton. volleyball opened up every door i’ve ever had,” she goes on, but you can tell she’s picking her words carefully.

“you’re pretty far from home,” you acknowledge, tilting your head. “do you miss it?”

sophia says nothing. in the silence, you get an idea.

“c’mon,” you reach for her wrist, grabbing your phone to call up a few of your new favorite friends. “let’s go get lara and megan. two v two.”

“i have homework,” she pushes back instantly, looking down at your grip on her arm.

“homework will be there,” you reassure her with a smile. “come on, leader.”

to your shock, she relents. her eyes are hesitant and untrusting, but she follows behind you without a further complaint.

-

you all pile into lara’s car, and you’re on the beach within the hour. you haven’t played beach volleyball in a while, but you get the hang readily and when your partner is as good as sophia, there isn’t much of a learning curve. she doesn’t resist, getting into the game quickly and easily as you all enjoy the fall-time breeze and the beautiful golden hues of the setting sun against the ocean.

sophia spikes another ball straight into a gap where megan should have covered. the two girls groan as you’re up by another point against them.

“okay, my game is off. i have sand where sand isn’t supposed to be,” megan whines. 

“meg, you are such a loser, lock in i am begging you,” lara gasps in exasperation. “there’s girls watching.”

sophia peeks over her shoulder and spots a small group of girls, your guys’ age, sitting on their towels admiring you guys as the game goes on. she arches her brows at you, in concern, but you wave her off, knowing it’s all in good fun.

“shirts vs. skins?” you suggest playfully, motioning over to megan and lara. 

“see that, meg? that’s how you pull,” lara nods in approval. “see how she’s setting us up for success?”

megan quickly pulls her shirt up off of her head, and lara follows suit to do the same. the two play in their sports bras. sophia eyes you questioningly, but you reassure her once again with a smile that you know what you’re doing. 

“do you guys want to play?” you offer, motioning to the girls watching from off-sides.

“we’re good watching,” they wave back appreciatively. “none of us are very good, anyways.”

“lara’s a really good teacher,” you encourage them, “and megan’s—”

“i love women,” megan blurts. 

“oh lord…” sophia brings a hand to her face. 

megan blinks a few times before trying again, her big puppy dog eyes wide and round. 

“uh, i mean, i love women’s sports and i love getting people into women’s sports. do you guys like sports? we do, of course we do ‘cause we’re players for the university. not like, players players, as in like we pull a ton, i mean some of us do but some of us don’t, i meant like we play volleyball—”

“it’s painful to watch,” you whisper to sophia. she laughs and nods in agreement. the sound of her laughter makes your entire chest rumble with warmth. 

“i think we should put her out of her misery and go home soon,” she mumbles back to you. 

“at least give lara a chance,” you grin. 

and pull through, lara does! the afternoon ends with the girls joining lara’s team, leaving you all in a 2 v 6, but even with the extra man power, you and sophia are truly no match. granted, none of the strangers play volleyball, and lara is too busy flirting while megan stammers her way through a half response, but sophia, true to herself, doesn’t take the game any less seriously. 

lara drops you guys off one by one near your dorm buildings, and you and sophia realize you’re just a few buildings apart. you wave her off and head in your own direction, but you’re stopped by a movement that nearly shocks you. 

sophia laforteza, ice queen, grabs you by the wrist. 

“thank you,” she tells you softly. “the beach was… it was nice.”

“of course,” you smile back. “i can’t imagine being a whole world away from my family. you must get homesick pretty easily.”

her mouth tightens. “i have a hard time unwinding.” 

“i can tell,” you laugh. “you deserve to smile too.”

“i forget that part, sometimes,” she breathes, offering you a quiet laugh in response. “i had fun watching megan fail at flirting.”

“she’s so, so clueless,” you shake your head. 

sophia pauses for a second, contemplating. you can’t help but admire how deep those gorgeous brown eyes are, how easily you lose yourself in them. 

“sorry if i’ve been short with you,” she finally says after a beat. 

“i’ve been told you’re usually not this grumpy,” you say back simply. 

“i wasn’t always,” she admits. “people used to think i was cheerful, actually. too cheerful.”

“i missed an iconic era, it seems,” you smile, reaching out to give her hand a squeeze. “but i think we met each other exactly when we were supposed to.”

another victory— you make sophia laforteza smile. 

“maybe we did,” she says simply, before letting go of you. “good night, y/n. see you.”

—

your season goes on, and you fall into a comfortable rhythm with the girls. your season hits a few rough patches, but each time you hit the court with those girls, you’re forever more and more grateful to have convinced yourself to try out. your friendships are deeper, your days brighter, and you can’t help but feel like this is what the dream college experience is supposed to be like.

your teammates are admittedly a little more girl-crazy than you’d initially have expected, but you’re too busy trying to keep up to focus on much else. between classes, practice, traveling for games, and just general team shenanigans, you feel more than content enough. not having a love life doesn’t feel like it affects you in the slightest.

(and, should you ever get the itch, it’s always kind of fun to banter with your very hot, very serious team captain.)

you know nothing is going to come of it, and it’s absolutely harmless, but something about the way you and sophia go back and forth sends butterflies through your stomach. you know it’s all in good fun, and it isn’t hurting anyone, so what’s the harm in laying it on a little thick for the girl you know isn’t taking it personally?

plus, sophia’s been warming up to you, much to your surprise. sure, she’s still mostly quiet around you when you join her in the dining hall or sit next to her in class, but at the very least, she’s not glaring at you. she’s not mean, just focused, and the fact that she’s not icing you out is a huge win. you wonder what she used to be like, before she was this serious, and you get small glimpses especially when she’s on the court and playing like she was built for this and this alone. you see her defenses fall whenever that whistle blows, the way her eyes light up as soon as the ball leaves someone’s hand, the way she eagerly watches to see who scores.

and you love, love, love the attention she gives you for being a good fucking volleyball player.

“you’re amazing,” sophia had beamed under her breath at your last game, in awe at your sprinting dive to save what had nearly been a match-point, saved only by your quick feet.

“knock it off with the rizz while i’m playing, you’re distracting me,” you tease her, grinning widely, but you can’t deny the warmth it brings to your cheeks.

she shakes her head, but she’s smiling, watching you in admiration, and if you could feel any more vulnerable, it’d be under the beautiful gaze of a smiling sophia. she’s so radiant like this in front of you, burning almost as bright as the sun. you wonder what possibly could have happened to burn her out like this, to dim her light, and your heart aches at the thought.

your team wins your game, and instead of everyone scattering to try and get some rest, they all seem eager to shower and get dressed up for something. you follow dani’s directions to wait for a ride outside of the student center after you’ve gotten ready, and as much as you’d like to be curled up in bed and massaging your sore muscles, the enthusiasm from the girls is enough to get you going.

“ride with me and lar!” megan pleads, motioning for you to hop in the car as soon as they spot you exiting your dorm. 

“where to?”

“it’s a surprise,” lara grins. you guys chat absentmindedly as she drives you guys up through the city, and before you realize it, you’re parking in front of a giant building plastered in neon signs.

“what’s this?” you ask, spotting other girls from the team arriving at the same time as you all.

“team karaoke,” lara fills you in excitedly. “oh, nobody told you? we do it to celebrate the halfway-point of the season.”

you grin bigger than you thought was possible. god, you love this team.

they lead you to the private karaoke team and introduce you to yoonchae, coach’s daughter who’s about to graduate high school and will be soon joining your team next year. there’s no drinking, mostly due to the underaged attendees, but also considering how insane half of the team is, there’s little more you guys need to get started than someone playing “thinking of you” by katy perry before you’re all screaming along at the top of your lungs.

you almost don’t notice when sophia slips into the private room, her hair softly falling over her shoulders. it’s your first time seeing her outside of her gym or campus clothes, and even though she’s still casual, you can’t help but admire how stunning she looks in the pretty black top and jeans she’s in. plus the silver-framed glasses you never get to see her wear, and you realize you’re going to have a very hard time not staring tonight.

“sing a little ditty for us, leader,” megan begs, hooking an arm around her neck and shoving the microphone in her face. 

“filipino throat chakra!” lara hollers at the top of her lungs.

“so-phi-a,” manon chants. “so-phi-a.”

the girls all join in in the rambunctious cheer, and sophia simply presses a loving kiss to the top of megan’s head and waves them off. she sits down in between daniela and megan, but keeps one hand on the microphone. sophia may be a lot of things, but the one thing you’ll give her is that you can see how clearly she loves every single girl on that team, some ways more warm than others, but love nonetheless.

“queue lala lost you,” lara tells daniela, who’s been helping yoonchae queue up the songs as the girls all take their turns.

“you could hear sophia blasting this shit through the walls of the dorms all summer training camp,” megan laughs, pushing the microphone to her face. “i know you’ve got it in you, leader!”

sophia hasn’t said a single word since she’s walked into the room, but the moment she locks eyes with you, blatantly staring at her, her eyes soften.

“get off of me, meg,” she laughs, shoving the girl away. “i need a little space to hit these runs.”

“that’s our leader!” manon screams, leaping out of her seat to cheer the girl on as the song starts. between all of your cheers, you’re all almost louder than the speakers, but sophia’s voice rings out loud and clear as soon as the music hits. 

she doesn’t hesitate, doesn’t seem nervous, doesn’t even so much as clear her throat before simply starting the song. that’s what you’re realizing is the way sophia operates— confident, certain, straightforward, not one to sugarcoat or do anything extra.

and it doesn’t hurt that her voice is absolutely gorgeous. you find it extremely hard to understand how people don’t just fall in love at the mere sight of her, much less the sound of her angelic siren’s call. she’s so focused, so precise, so impressive in everything she does, so capable. 

(not that you’re in love with her or anything, definitely not the case.)

she’s not smiling until the end of the song, where she takes a small bow after the final note and lets megan scream in her ear about how beautiful the whole experience was.

“encore!” manon goads her on.

“i’m thirsty,” sophia shakes her head, reaching for her water. “it’s dani’s turn.”

“oh say less,” daniela chirps happily, pointing at yoonchae. “yoonchip, queue gasolina by daddy yankee.”

“no twerking on the table, megan,” sophia warns knowingly.

“you are literally no fun,” megan throws her head back.

“you broke their table last time,” sophia reminds her, laughing. “we had to put coach’s credit card down for them to not ban us from ever coming back.”

“that was not my fault,” megan pouts. 

“i’m going to go get some air,” the captain stretches her arms over her head, taking her water with her as she heads towards the door. “yoonchae’s in charge.”

“what the hell?” manon protests. 

“as i should,” yoonchae nods. 

“sweaty, leader?” you joke, realizing the girl had worked up the slightest glint of a shimmer on her skin from the song in this cramped room.

“oh, like a pig,” sophia teases back.

“lechon queen,” manon laughs.

“oh fuck, this is like the perfect opportunity for a—”

“no spit roast jokes,” sophia holds a warning finger up.

“you’re no fun!” dani rolls her eyes.

sophia’s eyes are shining with something that makes you think for as much as she pretends to be annoyed with these girls, they keep her entertained. she reaches for the door and excuses herself. “i’ll be back.”

dani’s halfway through her second song when you realize sophia still hasn’t come back. you slip out the door and seek her out, finding her outside the front door, leaning against the wall, admiring the malibu sunset. you approach her quietly, as to not scare her, and lean on the wall next to her. 

“who hurt you?” you laugh. “that song was haunting.”

sophia simply smiles knowingly.

“how much time do you have?” she says after a second, much to your surprise, even if she is joking.

“all of it, for you,” you tell her instantly, smiling back at her.

“you’re doing too much,” sophia shakes her head.

“i’m gonna be so transparent,” you tell her, raising your hands in the air like you’ve been caught. “i get such a rush when i make you smile. it’s like crack to me.”

“that’s sweet,” sophia laughs, her eyes avoiding yours as she stares down at something invisible on the ground. “i can promise you all that is not worth it.”

“for you?” you question. “no, i think you’re super worth it.”

sophia clicks her tongue, continuing to avoid your gaze. you can hear something soften in her voice— still playful, still firm, but something seeking more. “you don’t even know me.”

“not a ton, sure.” you lean the tiniest bit closer, your shoulders brushing together as you lean into her. “but i like what i know so far.”

“you’re weird,” she pushes you off, but her eyes are warm. she doesn’t entirely hate it as she’s trying to pretend.

“you’re smiling,” you call her out, poking her in the cheek. “i made leader smile!”

“y/n,” sophia says quietly, and you half wonder if she’s going to reprimand you, but then you realize that she’s leaning back against you. the two of you stand, shoulder to shoulder, the gentle warmth of her body sending a wildfire along your skin at the proximity.

“yes, leader?” you tease playfully.

the girl’s eyes finally come up to meet yours, twinkling with something indescribable. 

“you can just call me sophia.”

you nod, caught up in the warmth of her incredible brown eyes, and smile back broadly in response.

“sounds good, sophia.”

—

your team flies out to the next game a week later, and as you board the plane, you notice an empty seat next to sophia. learning your lesson from your first week of school, you approach her carefully, waving a hand in her face as she takes off her headphones and arches a brow up at you.

“hey!” you greet, pointing to the middle seat next to her, where she’s positioned by the window. “can i sit here?”

“no,” she blinks flatly.

“oh,” you feel the back of your neck burn awkwardly.

but then her eyes light up again, meeting yours, and you see it. the stupid sophia laforteza smile that sends a thunderstorm through your chest.

“i’m kidding,” she reassures you, moving her bag off of the seat. “all yours. i was saving it actually.”

“for me?” you ask in disbelief, slipping into the seat.

she tilts her head at you. “for whoever was brave enough to ask.”

you settle into the spot and the two of you coexist in a peaceful silence as the airplane takes off. but you and your stupid mouth can never keep your cool around sophia laforteza, and you find yourself rambling soon enough, disturbing what you can only assume is the peaceful silence she’s seeking.

“megan told me something sweet the other day. after our last game,” you inform her, wondering if the tidbit of information will catch her attention.

and it does. sophia’s brows knit together in curiosity as she turns to face you. “what’s that?”

“she says we make a good team.”

“we do,” sophia nods. “our positions kill when we work well together, and we work well together. i agree with her.”

“i could die happy,” you beam, pretending to fan yourself. “a compliment from the sophia laforteza.”

“hey!” she rolls her eyes. “don’t start. i’ve given you plenty.”

“i’m greedy,” you wrinkle your nose at her playfully. “sorry not sorry, i want more.”

“compliments are overrated,” sophia pushes back.

“oh, for you i bet they are,” you laugh, tossing your head back in disbelief. “what compliments could you possibly need? you’re brilliant, you’re confident, you’re super talented, and you’re insanely pretty. you’re perfect. people literally use ‘sophia laforteza’ as a synonym for perfection.”

“you’re doing too much, again,” sophia shakes her head, her eyes now avoiding yours.

“and you sing like a fucking angel,” you add. “and you smell amazing all the time.”

“not true,” sophia wrinkles her nose. 

you’re about to look over and keep rambling, but in that moment you see it in her eyes. something about the way you’re talking to her makes her uncomfortable. 

“and you’re actually so fucking nice,” you add, your voice softening, curious as to why the compliments are making her recoil like this. “like the nicest ever. just protective of what you care about.”

“that’s sweet,” she mumbles.

“i mean it. all of it, soph,” you press, reaching over to take her hand in yours. it’s a brave, probably stupid move, but as soon as your fingers touch, she looks up at you with those soft beautiful eyes.

“i’m sorry if i was tough on you, when you first joined,” she says quietly, her eyes digging into yours as if to emphasize her regret. “i couldn’t go easy on you. i have a lot riding on this team.”

“i forgive you,” you reassure her, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. “have to keep up the whole tough team captain thing.”

“thanks,” she smiles softly.

“can i tell you something?” you whisper, leaning in as the plane cabin lights turn off, leaving you guys in the quiet glow of the airplane.

she arches her brows, beckoning for you to go on.

you smile. “i like knowing you’re a softie.”

something in her face changes, and you can see it. the warmth.

you rest your head on her shoulder, and she lets you, her gentle breaths keeping you comfortable the rest of the flight.

—

you and sophia become inseparable. 

the next away game, you’re brave enough to invite her to come watch tik toks with you, and she’s bold enough to wriggle her way under the blankets, and before you realize it, the two of you are in your bed, cuddled up, staring at your tiny screen.

you try not to overthink it. your semester is going perfectly, you couldn’t ask for better friends, and the more time you spend with sophia, the more grateful you are to just know the girl. she’s incredible— so smart, so talented, and so, so thoughtful. someone like her shouldn’t exist, shouldn’t be this perfect, shouldn’t be this close to you giggling at something stupid on your phone.

you don’t get more time to overthink. megan is bursting through your hotel room door, barging in as she seeks out a spare set of kneepads considering she left her lucky ones back home.

“it smells like fritos in here,” she says plainly, snatching your extra pair out of your bag. 

“you have to be the weirdest person i know,” sophia groans, throwing her head back against the pillow. 

“my mom says frito smell comes from a yeast overgrowth,” the girl goes on, clearly not realizing she’s intruding. “y’all baking bread?”

“i don’t even think she realizes she’s talking sometimes,” you laugh, nudging sophia in the shoulder. “the noises just come right out of her.” 

she grins back at you and checks the uber eats notification on her phone. “stay there. i’m gonna go pick up our food.”

she slips out of the door and megan simply watches, before looking back over at you.

“you guys look close,” the girl arches her brows knowingly.

“she’s been opening up,” you inform her.

“oh i bet she has,” megan nods, pursing her lips into an ‘o.”

“megan, ew,” you shake your head, throwing a pillow at the girl who has quickly become one of your best friends.

“i dunno dude, you’re mighty comfy. looks sus for two people just to be friends and be that all up on each other.”

“whatever,” you roll your eyes. you watch as the girl lets herself out. 

sophia comes back and lands herself right back in your lap. something about how she fits so comfortably besides you feels too easy. megan’s words ring through your head, and you shake them off.

sophia falls asleep in your bed, and you don’t mind. you don’t mind one bit.

—

the semester goes on, and you and sophia only grow closer. wherever she goes, you’re sure to follow, and people become painfully aware of your newfound friendship.

“y/n,” sophia beams, waving you over as the girls all sit together for breakfast out on the grass of the quad. “come sit.”

you do as you’re told, looking in surprise as the girl hands you a drink. you’re usually one to skip breakfast in favor of getting more sleep, so the fact that sophia, a notorious early riser, already has a drink for you makes your stomach flip.

“i got you a matcha,” she beams proudly, unwrapping the straw for you and placing it in your hand.

“how did you know i liked the sesame one?” you question.

“you ordered it last time we went,” she responds simply.

“the whole team went,” you say in disbelief. “you noticed my order?”

“of course,” she says, too confidently, as if it’s obvious. 

“such a gentlewoman,” you smile, pressing your head into her shoulder appreciatively.

megan, who has been eyeing the both of you since your arrival, simply blinks, before blurting out the only thing on her mind: 

“sophia, you are so down bad.”

“not even,” she shoves megan away, rolling her eyes.

you’re blushing, and you hope sophia doesn’t notice. but what makes this even more difficult is that you realize she probably did notice, because sophia laforteza cares about those little tiny details. 

—-

as it turns out, being this close to sophia laforteza is not only super enjoyable, but super fucking confusing. you promised yourself you’d focus on school and volleyball when you moved to malibu at the beginning of the semester, but whatever you’ve got going on with sophia starts to feel like this weird third thing, past friends but not quite somewhere beyond that. it’s nameless, it’s confusing, but worst of all, you can’t imagine stopping.

she opens up little by little, letting you have tiny pieces of her as if she’s testing how trustworthy you are. she tells you little stories of her island, reminisces about singing with her grandparents, reveals that she plays piano in the common room of her dorm late at night when no-one is around when she’s stressed. her favorite subject is english even though she’s studying public health to run her own pediatric resource clinic for low-income families. she likes disney and she’s afraid of bugs.

and she sings, all the damn time, as if she’ll die if she doesn’t get a tune out. at first it’s quiet, a gentle hum or a whistle, but with the sheer amount of time you two are spending together, the more comfortable she gets with your presence, the more she lets it out. by the time your season is ending, she’s around you and beaming like the clouds came out from in front of the sun, warm, bright, and so melodic. she sings at the top of her lungs whenever you two are alone, studying, watching a stupid movie, at the gym together getting in a stupid extra practice.

you feel kind of pathetic, but you’d do anything to spend more time with her, more time basking in her light, in her beautiful warmth. whether it’s joining on her on her morning runs, or hanging out at your dorm to watch game recaps, she’s reaching out to you, and you’re not about to let her slip through your fingers. each time she invites you to anything you say yes, and any time you think she may even remotely like something, you invite her. your days are starting to revolve around spending time with sophia laforteza, like you can’t get enough of her, but why would anyone want to be apart from her? she’s perfect, and if she’s picked you to be her new best friend, you’ll consider it the biggest win in the world.

the sleepovers didn’t start until your season starts coming to an end. you’re about to enter your first playoff game, and sophia invites herself over as you guys prepare for your flight the next day. you lose track of time packing, chatting mindlessly, sharing stories and making sure you’re both in the right headspace before the game, but quite frankly, any ounce of access to sophia that you get will have you exactly as focused as you need to be.

you’re not sure how you end up there, but you’re admittedly a little too close for comfort, curled up together in your bed. she’s in a cozy hoodie and shorts, those stupid glasses that look way too good on her perched on the tip of her nose as she shows you another stupid brainrot tik tok that made her laugh that day. somehow, you’ve ended up with your head on her shoulder, a common occurrence for the two of you lately, but the way you’re cuddled into her arm, feeling the warmth of her body against yours, close enough to see the shimmer of the lipgloss in the light of the phone screen, is a little too close for you to ignore.

you suck in a deep breath. you figure it’s now or never, and even if you get nothing out of it, you’ll feel better knowing you’ve at least made the effort to get some clarity.

“sophia,” you say gently. 

“hm?” her head tilts in your direction, but she doesn’t look away from the phone screen.

your chest tightens, but it’s too late now. “what are we doing?”

“what do you mean?” her face stays neutral, forever the queen of composure.

“i mean i don’t even know what to call you,” you breathe.

“my name, duh,” she wrinkles her nose at you, and you shove her back gently. of course she’d choose now of all times to be a smart ass.

you let the silence rest for a few moments longer, but the feeling gnaws at you. you have to be honest, with her, but first and foremost, with yourself.

“sometimes it feels like we’re dating,” you finally admit.

you know sophia at this point to see her micro-expressions: the curl of her lip, a small shift, or in this case, the twitch of her brow. she doesn’t look at you— a habit you’ve realized that she takes up when she’s thinking. 

“oh,” is all she says.

“yeah,” you breathe back awkwardly.

“we’re not,” she tells you.

you squint at her. “i know that.”

she pauses again. you wait her out. you’ve gotten good at it— realizing her silence isn’t hostile, it’s just contemplation. sophia, perfect sophia, takes a second to pick the exact words she wants to say in that exact moment. it’s part of what you’ve come to adore so much about her, how purposeful she is, her attention to detail.

“y/n…” she muses quietly, her lips parting to show her teeth as she sucks in a quiet, thinking breath. “i don’t know how to ask this.”

“sophia laforteza, tongue tied? our eloquent leader?” you tease her, poking her in the cheek. maybe it’s a poor time to be messing with her, but this is your bad habit, making jokes at the worst possible times to try and diffuse the tension. “what’s today, the end of the world?”

but she doesn’t laugh. she doesn’t even smile.

she finally turns her head, she finally looks at you. her voice low and serious, as it always is. 

“y/n, i want to kiss you.”

“oh.” you blink. “oh.”

“you can tell me it’s a bad idea,” she tells you slowly, forever the gentlewoman, but the way her eyes flutter down to focus on your lips makes you absolutely dizzy, “or that you don’t want to.”

“i um,” you feel your stomach in knots, jumping at the sight of how she stares you down. “neither of those are true.”

she pauses, her tongue darting out to wet her bottom lip. the movement leaves her lip even shinier, which you didn’t think was even possible, but it is and it makes you absolutely sick at how easily the movement unnerves you. her voice drops, just slightly, but it’s enough for you to notice the rasp in her tone.

“y/n, do you want to kiss me?” 

sophia is so painfully confident, so direct and straightforward, it makes your teeth hurt with how attracted you are to her. 

you nod, dumbstruck and incapable of forming any more words, and her hand drops the phone onto her stomach. she turns to reach for you, her hand cupping you by the cheek. the feeling of her grasp on your face, the closeness of her body, her breath on your nose is nearly too much for you.

“i’m going to kiss you now,” she tells you gently, moving closer and closer with each passing second, her eyes never leaving your lips. “don’t move.”

you do as you’re told, and sophia laforteza is a woman of her word. she’s slow, painfully gentle as she bridges the distance between you both, and you lose yourself in the perfect smell of her hoodie, the softness of her perfect mouth, the perfect sweetness on her tongue as it brushes softly against your bottom lip. the only word you could ever use to describe sophia, the only word that even starts to do her justice— she is absolute perfection.

“you’re not real,” you breathe, staring at her in disbelief. you’re an idiot for breaking the kiss, sure, but if you didn’t pull away to take a breath, you might’ve actually passed out. your head is so, so dizzy— in no reality, when you had first met this girl, did you ever picture she’d let you get to know her, to be this close to her, to kiss you.

“very real,” she pushes back, reaching for you once more. she turns to lean on top of you, resting her elbows on either side of your torso, hovering over you. she reaches up to brush some of your hair out of your face, her fingertips against your skin feeling like electricity. her eyes are so dark, so intense, so focused. “gonna kiss you again. don’t move.”

you wrap your arms around her neck and nod eagerly. she won’t have to tell you twice.

—-

making out with sophia laforteza for 3 hours the week of your first college playoff game is definitely not something you could have predicted on your sophomore year bingo card, but you’re not about to get greedy. 

she falls asleep cuddled up next to you after you guys mutually agree to wait until after playoffs to get distracted by anything else, and you have half a mind to tell her that you’re already extremely distracted when she’s this close to you, but you’re able to keep those thoughts to yourself. 

unfortunately, sophia is a creature of routine no matter how badly you beg her to sleep in and keep cuddling you, and gets out of your bed as gently as she can manage to go on her morning run. you’re not exactly thrilled, but she presses a gentle kiss to your temple as she slips out of your room and promises that you’ll talk more when she gets back. the combination of the two is a true win in your head, so you make your way to breakfast with a few of the girls and hope nobody asks why you can’t stop smiling even at 7 in the morning.

(of course, it would be just your luck that it’s megan who clocks you immediately— somehow clueless to literally everything except for whatever is between you and the team captain.)

“y/n, why do you keep acting like nothing’s going on?” she blurts, eyeing you suspiciously. you’ve looked down at your phone a million times that morning, eager to see if sophia has any thoughts about the development between you two, and of course, your teammate didn’t let it go unnoticed. “you’re clearly into her.”

you take a cue from sophia’s playbook and stay silent, reaching for your breakfast oatmeal in the hopes they’ll drop it. you know yourself, prone to oversharing, and you’re not sure that sophia would want something between the two of you to leave between the two of you. manon and daniela eye each other from across the table, lara giggles to herself, and megan doesn’t let up.

“are you guys dating?” she asks bluntly, narrowing her eyes at you.

“um…” you choke on your oatmeal, but try to play it off. “i don’t know how to answer that.”

“oh holy shit,” manon beams, her eyes lighting up. “it’s not a no! you always deny it!”

“it’s true,” lara grins. “this is your first non-answer.”

you feel your cheeks burn, but before you can hide your face, you can tell dani has already seen you blushing. the three of them burst into coos, clearly thrilled to hear things have moved along.

“dude, it’s so sweet,” dani chirps excitedly.

megan nods, and you can tell she’s about to start rambling, but it’s megan, and she means well, so you let her. 

“no, dude, you have no idea how good this is for us. she’s like, finally smiling again! our sophia! angry, serious sophia. she even laughed at one of my jokes last practice. my joke. do you know how long it’s been since she’s laughed with me, bro? all it took was y/n to warm her back up. it’s like the ice age is melting or something. i haven’t seen her this happy since marquise—”

you see all 3 of the girls seize up at the exact same time at the mention of this name. a name you have never, ever heard before, and yet got each of these girls to freeze with the exact same reaction. your stomach drops.

“megan—“ manon says harshly, a tone she never uses, which only tells you this is extremely not good. whatever megan has just touched on was clearly not for your ears to hear.

“who’s marquise?” you try to ask, but the three ignore you, locked onto each other.

“megan skiendiel,” daniela says it like a punishment, and megan only sinks further into her seat, her eyes wide like a puppy that’s just been scolded for chewing something up that she wasn’t meant to. you guys are the only ones at the dining hall that early in the morning, but even then, you feel like the whole world around you is spinning, in the worst way possible.

“guys. freaking out here,” you remind them, still left in limbo with nothing more than a name and 0 context. “who the hell is marquise?”

then, as if on cue, a voice cuts in from behind you. a familiar, cold, firm voice. too perfect.

your stomach sinks. you can feel it about to crumble around you. 

sophia laforteza, too perfect, too dreamy, too good to be true. 

“marquise is my ex.” her voice is neutral, factual. you can’t bring yourself to look at her, but you can see her figure in the corner of your eye. she’s got her arms crossed over her chest, so composed, so eternally the picture of calm and control. “megan wasn’t supposed to mention that.”

you feel your stomach twist into a knot. “oh.”

“saw you guys through the window,” she explains simply, motioning out to the side of the table. you can see your table directly from the window facing the running trail. “thought i’d join you guys for breakfast.”

the tension is palpable. megan is the first to speak up, but her voice is quavering and weak, like she knows the gravity of what she’s done. “soph, i’m sorry…”

sophia moves into your view and presses her lips into a fine line. “they’re freaking out because we’re on a break. marquise gets back to the US in two months.”

“oh,” you say simply, dropping your gaze to the table. “oh wow.”

“we’re gonna go,” lara says, clearly sensing the danger in lingering much longer. she scoops dani in one arm and grabs megan by the hoodie, yanking her along roughly.

“y/n, i’m really sorry,” the youngest girl tells you, her voice shaky, and a part of you feels the tiniest bit better that her guilt comes not just from spilling sophia’s secret, but from not telling you something sooner. it softens the blow somehow.

“she played libero,” sophia tells you once the girls walk away. she sits down across from you in the booth. you can tell she’s treading carefully, wanting to be close but not wanting to overdo it, and you appreciate that she has the common sense to give you space and follow your cues.  “she’s the one that got injured last year.”

your throat goes dry at the realization. 

“i replaced her,” you finally say out loud. it stings even worse hearing it than it does thinking it.

“i wanted to tell you.” her voice is still even, still composed, but you can hear the quiet rasp of something more, like she’s straining herself. she’s speaking slowly, picking her words carefully as she does. “but i didn’t want to lose you.”

“you knew it was wrong,” you call her out shakily.

“i didn’t want you drawing your own conclusions,” she tells you. “after we kissed, i knew i had to say something. i wanted to. i was going to.”

“i don’t mind being a girl with a one-sided crush. hell, i don’t even mind if we don’t work out on our own.” your voice is shaky as you look down at your hands, trying to even out your breathing to avoid crying, but fuck, this hurts. “but i do mind being a rebound if you’re not over someone.”

“i am,” she presses quickly, and it’s the first time you’ve ever heard her rush her words, as if she’s trying to speak over you. it doesn’t irritate you, if anything, you’re grateful to hear that she’s got some humanity left in her, but it doesn’t help soothe you. she tries again, letting out a breath to steady herself. “we haven’t talked literally at all since she left. i’m going to tell her that things are completely over between us. i can promise that i am 100% over her.”

you won’t look up at her, but you can see her hands on the table. she’s picking at her fingernail, and the movement surprises you. sophia never fidgets, never moves nervously, never even cracks a sweat. but here she is, picking at her nail, and it makes your heart ache. you want to comfort her, but you feel sick even thinking about how much you feel for her.

“that’s the problem with being dishonest, sophia. and i know you weren’t even dishonest, you just didn’t tell me the whole truth, but it’s still a problem,” you admit, swallowing down a lump in your throat. “‘cause now, i don’t know if i believe you. i don’t know if i can trust that you’re telling me the truth.”

she says nothing, and that seals your fate. you feel the first few hot tears drop from your eyes as you shield your face and get out of the dining hall as fast as physically possible, rushing to your dorm to try and compose yourself without sobbing in public like a mess.

sophia doesn’t follow after you. you feel stupid for ever thinking she would.

—-

megan comes over a few hours later after you miss practice, too embarrassed to face sophia after everything collapsing around you. 

the younger girl sits on the edge of your bed, staring at one of her textbooks in confusion, but you know she’s only faking studying until you say something. you can tell she wants to apologize, she wants to say something, but if you can appreciate anything, it’s that megan is showing some restraint and stopping herself from crashing out in the middle of your dorm room.

you play mindlessly with your laptop as a specific email catches your attention. you had read it weeks ago, but archived it. the cyclones were your whole life at this point. this team had filled your heart with such a sense of belonging and wholeness, you didn’t even consider the idea that other schools could be eyeing you. you didn’t want any of them, you wanted sophia—

you clamp your eyes shut instantly as you realize your mistake, grimacing. you wanted malibu. you wanted to be a cyclone.

your stomach aches, thinking about the team captain. maybe this mindset of unconditional devotion was the thing truly holding you back.

so you go back to the email, and blurt it out to megan.

“UCLA is interested in me,” you tell her. “after this season.”

she looks up at you instantly, her brows tensing, but you see her instantly try to relax her face and be supportive. “oh whaaaaat? no way. that’s sick.”

you stare at your screen, feeling the ache in your chest and wishing you could just will it away in an instant.

“and since i’m still technically a walk-on, and not scholarshipped yet, i could transfer.”

“you’d leave?” megan asks softly, her eyes falling. “but we just got you, y/n. we’re about to win a championship together. you’d really leave?”

you hear the crack in her voice, but you can’t bear to look up at her. the idea sounds appealing, just a few more months and transfer over to a new school once the semester ends. move, start over, make new friends. you stop yourself from thinking about her again, pushing all thoughts of sunshine and lipgloss and singing out of your mind.

you blink a few times more, trying not to be swayed by just how fucking sad megan’s little sniffles are from her corner of your room.

“what if i don’t have anything keeping me here?” you ask, but you’re not quite sure the question is for megan any more.

—-

megan goes back to her own dorm a little bit later, after the silence gets to be too much, and you spend the rest of the evening staring up at the ceiling. you don’t have practice on sundays, so you’ll finally get a chance to sleep in, and you start to look up the forms you might need for a transfer if you opt to follow through with this. three schools in less than two years might not look great, but if it’s what’s right for you, you’ll figure out a way to explain it on a transcript.

you’re asleep with your laptop on your chest when a quiet knock on your dorm room door wakes you. you check your phone for any messages, and there’s no recent ones as you realize it’s nearly 1 am. you feel your eyelids getting heavy once more, but that knock comes back, gentle, evenly spaced, quick.

a perfect knock on the door, straight out of the movies. your stomach sinks. how fucking annoying to be so perfect, it’s recognizable, even in a knock.

you want to ask her to go away, and considering you just ditched practice for the first time all season just to avoid her, you figured she’d understand. but there’s another knock, more insistent this time, and you suck in a deep breath to try and prepare yourself for what comes next as you get out of bed and finally give in, swinging the door open.

perfect sophia laforteza has messy hair.

it’s not insane, of course even her messiness is so coordinated, but it’s the first time you’ve ever seen her hair not silky smooth falling in waves over her shoulders. it’s a little frizzy, the tiniest bit unruly, thick and admittedly even a little poofy. she has some baby hairs sticking out of her headband, her bangs pulled back. your heart thuds at the sight— sophia, in her hoodie and her shorts, and her super cute, imperfect hair that’s somehow still perfect to you, as much as you wish it wasn’t

“megan called me crying,” she says simply, her eyes dark and seeking as they look up into yours, her hands tucked into her pockets as she stands in front of your door in the middle of the hallway, “saying you wanted to leave.”

you blink at her, and honestly, you’re not quite sure what to say next.

her lips press into a tight line at your lack of response. 

“i’m sorry if that’s because of me,” she breathes, quieter now.

“i’ll text megan in the morning to apologize for stressing her out. i forget how sensitive she is,” you force a smile, your forever bad habit of trying to smooth things over with anyone and everyone. you drop your eyes, unable to keep looking at her any longer without the ache in your chest roaring back to life. “i need to go to bed, good night.”

you move to close the door, but to your surprise, the door doesn’t budge. 

sophia has her foot against the base, her hand around your wrist, anchoring you there. 

it reminds you of that day, on the beach, your first glimpse into something more in sophia besides her cold stares and her unobtainable standards of perfection. the first time she ever reached out to grab you, you saw it— sophia laforteza, as perfect as she is, is also human, just like you.

her voice surprises you. 

“please don’t go.” it’s soft, and she’s avoiding your eyes again, but you hear the rasp, the crack in her voice as she pleads with you. “please hear me out.”

you can feel the burn in your chest at how small she looks, how unfamiliar this version of her is to you. “sophia…”

“i can’t um...” she clamps her eyes shut, and it physically pains you to see just how badly she’s struggling to get the words out. how badly she wants to be vulnerable with you, how hard it is for her. “i just got used to doing it alone. for a really long time. even when my ex was there, i just never could see myself as someone...”

she trails off, and you see it again in her face. that day on the airplane, where you had complimented her, how uncomfortable it seemed to make her to hear so many nice things said about her. you feel your heart shatter for her in that very moment. she doesn’t believe it. 

“and then you came in, and i tried to push you away, but you insisted on being kind to me even when i wasn’t worth being kind to, and now i have feelings for you.” she bites down on her bottom lip, the words spilling out almost rushed, as if she’s trying to get them all out at once. “so here i am, pouring my heart out, hoping you’ll stay.”

you blink back, your heart racing. “you have feelings for me?”

“i don’t need you to say it back,” she shakes her head, her brows furrowing. “i just need you to know how pissed i’ll be if you leave after i started to like you. even if it’s just as friends.”

“i didn’t know you’d care if i was gone,” you laugh, feeling your eyes water. it may be a little later than you would have wanted, but she’s trying, and you can see just how hard it is for her. 

“you’re ridiculous,” she wrinkles her nose, as if it’s obvious. “i get leaving me might be easy—”

you stop her there, feeling yourself get angry at the way she talks about herself. “no. stop that. no way.” 

she presses, insisting. “no, you don’t have to lie. i know how i get. i can be difficult, and a perfectionist—“

“sophia, you’re an incredible captain,” you cut her off, your voice full of conviction. “and a warm, thoughtful friend. people admire you.”

“they’re scared of me, y/n,” she breathes quietly. 

“they respect you,” you insist. “you’re incredible.”

she pauses, looking at you, and you let yourself look back at her. something in her eyes change, softening, warming. like the stormclouds parting to reveal the sun. 

“i didn’t believe any of that, until i met you,” she admits to you, shakily. “it was like you saw me differently. i believed it because you believed it. you treated me like i was worth it.”

“you are,” you press, before you remember something that might help convince her. “soph… the team, we made you a gift.”

she blinks back at you in shock. “what?”

you motion for her to follow you into your room, and reach under your bed to pull out a scrapbook you guys had worked on between all of you, keeping it in your room as you guys all worked on the finishing touches. the idea was to give it to her after playoffs were over, to celebrate her if you guys won and to cheer her up if you guys lost, but you figure the girls will forgive you for giving it to her a little early. 

“when i first heard you were feeling homesick, we started putting it together.” you put the book in her hands and she opens it, immediately seeing all the printed photos of your team together. your days at the beaches, the practices you all bonded over, the photos of you all traveling for games, some of the random shenanigans you’d get into like karaoke. sophia turns the page and realizes that each girl on the team had written her a note about how much they appreciate her as a captain and as a friend, and paired their heartfelt notes with a photo of themselves with her.

(unfortunately, you had waited a little too long to work on your note considering you were working through a massive crush on her, but you hope she won’t mind that you’re the only person on the team who doesn’t have a page in the scrapbook.)

“this is how we see you,” you continue, watching as sophia flips through each page, reading over each and every word with unmatchable focus. “i know you have a skewed vision of yourself. you’re so, so hard on yourself. so we wanted you to have this, so you could see what the world sees. how we see you.”

“this is incredible,” sophia whispers, her eyes welling up with tears. 

you’re incredible, you stop yourself from saying, letting you guys continue in silence as she reads the rest of the pages. 

“megan spelled ‘gratitude’ wrong,” she laughs, wiping a tear from her cheek as she points to the mistake. 

“okay, cut the girl some slack, she could barely stop crying long enough to get the words down. she was so sad thinking about how lonely you’ve been,” you laugh with her, pointing to the dried tear stains on the page. “literally sobbed all over the page and lara had to help her pull it together to finish and sign her stupid name. at this point i’m surprised there’s no snot.”

she smiles and wipes again at her cheek, clearly trying to stop herself from crying in front of you. “i’ve been a little less lonely, ever since you walked on.”

you want to reassure her that you don’t mind the tears, that you don’t mind her being human. that you adore every part of her, exactly how she is, perfect imperfections and all. you try to open your mouth, but the words get caught in your throat. 

she beats you to it. 

“i’m sorry if i confused you,” she sighs. “it was unfair. i’d be pissed if i was you. getting all caught up before someone had their shit together.”

“i’m not mad at you any more,” you reassure her, reaching out to gently squeeze her hand. “maybe a little hurt, maybe a lot jealous.”

she lets out another laugh, and the sound warms your bones. the idea of UCLA seems so, so silly now, as you two look at the book together. this is where you belong. playing libero with the most incredible group of girls you’ve ever known. wingmanning for lara, laughing with dani, clowning manon, trying to keep megan from a near-daily crashout. 

basking in the light that beams from sophia laforteza. reminding her every day that she is the sun in human form, twice as bright and just as warm. reminding her especially on the days she has a hard time believing it.

“i understand if you just want to be friends after this,” she tells you quietly, so infuriatingly thoughtful. “i totally get it. i’d love to be your friend.”

you let out a soft breath. 

“i think friends a good place to be.”

sophia smiles, and you smile back. you stop yourself from reaching for her hand. her eyes twinkle as they look back at you. you watch her like she’s the sunset against the beach, and you let it warm you. 

'That’s not character, that’s hypothermia.' Manon added, exhaling into her hands before rubbing them together again.

Yoonchae was practically curled into herself on the floor, sleeves pulled over her hands as she tried to trap any warmth she could. 'I can’t feel my fingers…'

Sophia was near the speaker, hopping lightly from foot to foot. 'We should start moving, that’ll warm us up.'

'No,' Daniela shot back immediately. 'I refuse to dance until I can feel my toes again.'

The door creaked open. All of them turned.

You stepped in like it was any other day. Joggers. Loose top. Bag slung over your shoulder. No hoodie. No jacket. Nothing.

The girls went silent immediately.

'…What?' You asked, pausing just inside the door as all six of them stared at you.

Daniela blinked slowly. 'Why are you dressed like that?'

You glanced down at yourself. '…Like what?'

'Like it’s summer.' Lara said, gesturing toward you with a scarf-wrapped arm.

'It’s freezing.' Yoonchae added, her voice small but very serious.

You frowned slightly, stepping further inside and letting the door shut behind you. 'Is it?'

Six faces stared at you in disbelief.

'Yes.' Manon said flatly.

You shrugged, slipping your bag off your shoulder and dropping it by the wall. 'My apartment was warm.'

'That doesn’t explain anything.' Sophia said, though she was smiling a little.

You didn’t think much of it. Just shrugged absentmindedly and started stretching, like always.

The girls, however, went straight back to trying not to freeze to death.

Daniela resumed pacing. Yoonchae stayed curled up. Lara tightened her hold on the scarf. Sophia kept moving to stay warm. Megan sat curled against the mirror. Manon shook out her hands.

And you— you just stretched. Completely unbothered.

A few minutes passed. The room filled with quiet complaints, soft groans, and the occasional dramatic sigh.

Then there were footsteps. You didn’t look up as someone approached from behind, too focused on loosening your shoulders. A second later, there was a light weight settling against your back.

Lara. You can tell by the scent of her perfume. She didn’t say anything at first. Just leaned into you, her forehead pressing between your shoulder blades as she let out a long breath.

'Warmth…' She mumbled.

You blinked mid-stretch. '…What?'

But she didn’t answer right away. Instead, her arms slowly wrapped around your waist from behind.

'…Wait.'

There was a pause.

'Why are you so warm?'

You let out a small, confused laugh. 'I don’t know? I just am.'

Lara pulled back slightly, hands still gripping your sides as she leaned around to look at you.

'No, like—' she pressed her palm against your arm, eyes widening slightly. 'You’re actually warm.'

That caught attention.

'What?' Daniela turned immediately.

'Don’t lie.' Manon said, though she was already walking over.

Megan lifted her head slightly. 'What’s happening?'

'She’s warm.' Lara said, like she’d just discovered something life-changing.

You snorted. 'Everyone’s warm, Lara.'

Lara leaned back just enough to look at you properly, her eyes narrowed like she was trying to solve something.

Then without warning, she grabbed onto your arm. 'Come here.'

'Lara—'

She pulled. Your balance shifted immediately, your hands catching yourself as she dragged you slightly across the floor with surprising determination.

'Lara—what are you doing—'

'Daniela,' she called, not stopping. 'Feel her.'

Daniela turned mid-complaint. 'Feel wh—'

Lara shoved your arm toward her. Daniela grabbed it automatically and froze.

'…Why are you so hot?' She said.

'I’m... I'm not—'

'You are,' she interrupted, still holding your arm like she didn’t quite believe it. 'Why are you so warm?'

You pulled your arm back slightly. 'I’m normal.'

'No, you’re not.' Lara said immediately, already scooting closer to you again.

From the side, Yoonchae had slowly gotten up, curiosity pulling her closer.

'…Can I check?' She asked quietly.

You looked at her, then at the others. 'Uh… sure?'

She reached out carefully, touching your sleeve. Her eyes widened almost instantly. 'You’re really warm…' She murmured.

Manon stepped closer next, more composed, but clearly curious now. She brushed her hand briefly against your other arm.

A small pause. '…That is not normal.' She said simply.

You let out a small laugh, shaking your head. 'Why is everyone acting like I’m a science experiment?'

'Because you kind of are right now.' Daniela said.

Behind you, Lara had already re-attached herself. This time without hesitation. She leaned fully into your back again, arms wrapping around you tighter than before.

'Don’t move.' She said.

You sighed, but there was a smile in it now. '…You’re really committing to this.'

'I was cold,' she replied simply, voice muffled slightly against your back. 'I’m just nice now.'

That made you laugh properly.

From across the room, Sophia shook her head. 'That’s actually kind of genius.'

Megan finally pushed herself off the wall. Not rushing. Just walking over slowly.

She didn’t say anything at first. Just stopped beside you and watched. Then, quietly she reached out and tapped your arm. Lightly. Testing.

Her brows lifted, just slightly. '…Huh.'

You glanced up at her. 'What?'

She shook her head a little, like she was filing the information away. '…Strange.'

But she didn’t move far after that. Just stayed nearby. Close enough.

Meanwhile, Lara tightened her hold on you again. 'You’re not allowed to leave.' She declared.

'I just got here.' You said.

'Good.'

Daniela crossed her arms, still eyeing you. 'This is actually insane.'

Manon nodded once. 'Useful, though.'

Yoonchae hovered close, not quite leaning this time, but definitely staying within range of your warmth.

You looked around at all of them, still slightly confused—but amused now. '…You guys are weird.'

'Maybe.' Lara said into your back. 'But you’re warm.'

You huffed out a quiet laugh, shaking your head as you tried to lean forward again.

It didn’t really work. Not with Lara attached.

'Can I continue stretching or am I just stuck like this now?' You asked.

'No.' She said immediately.

Daniela snorted. 'You’ve been claimed.'

You twisted slightly to look at her. 'Hey! I’m not an object.'

'Debatable,' she replied. 'Right now you’re a heater.'

From beside you, Megan let out a small breath that almost sounded like a laugh.

You glanced at her. She didn’t say anything—just looked away, like she hadn’t meant to react.

Yoonchae hovered awkwardly near your side. 'Are you… actually not cold at all?'

You shook your head. 'Not really.'

Manon tilted her head slightly, observing you like she was still trying to figure it out. 'That’s impressive.'

Lara squeezed you again. 'Don’t move.' She repeated.

'I have to move,' you laughed. 'We’re literally here to rehearse.'

'Five more minutes.' She bargained.

Before you could argue, the studio door opened again. Everyone froze.

Your choreographer stepped in, already mid-sentence as he glanced down at his phone—then stopped.

His eyes lifted. Took in the scene. You on the floor. Lara attached to your back. Daniela standing there like she’d just witnessed something life-changing. Yoonchae hovering. Manon watching. Sophia halfway across the room. Megan standing close by.

There was a brief pause.

'…I’m not gonna to ask.' He said flatly.

The room went dead silent.

Lara didn’t move. You closed your eyes briefly. '…Yeah that’s probably for the best.'

He nodded once. 'Good. Warm up properly and let’s start from the top.'

'Lara.' You said.

'No.'

'Lara.'

She groaned dramatically but finally let go, her arms sliding off you as she leaned back with a sigh like she’d just lost something important.

'I was comfortable…'

'You’ll survive.' Daniela said, already moving back into position.

You pushed yourself up from the floor, stretching your arms out again properly this time.

'Barely.' Lara muttered, but she stood anyway, tugging her hoodie sleeves down over her hands again.

The group slowly reset.

Sophia moved to her spot, clapping lightly. 'Okay, lets focus.'

Manon rolled her shoulders back, posture straightening. Yoonchae shuffled into place, still glancing at you every now and then. Daniela bounced lightly on her feet, shaking out the cold. Megan stepped into formation too.

Then the music started. And just like that, you were dancing. The cold didn’t matter as much once you started moving. It never really did.

But still, between transitions, between counts, you caught it.

The way Lara drifted closer during breaks. The way Yoonchae stood just slightly within your space. The way Daniela brushed past you like she was 'accidentally' checking again.

Even Megan, quiet and subtle, stayed near. Not touching. Not obvious. Just… there.

By the time the first run-through ended, everyone was breathing heavier, bodies finally warming up from movement.

Lara immediately dropped to the floor again. 'I’m going back.' She declared, already reaching for you.

You laughed, stepping back just in time. 'No—absolutely not.'

'Traitor.'

Daniela pointed at you. 'You can’t just have warmth and not share it.'

'I didn’t realise this was my responsibility.' You shot back.

Manon crossed her arms, a small smirk on her face. 'It is now.'

Yoonchae nodded seriously. 'Yeah.'

You looked around at all of them. At the way they were watching you now. Different.

And you sighed. Smiling anyway. '…I’ve created a problem.'

Megan, standing beside you, glanced over briefly. '…Yeah,' she said quietly, 'you have.'

And somehow, even with the cold still lingering in the studio, it didn’t feel quite as bad anymore.

Because now they knew. And they weren’t letting you forget it.

---

Sophia’s apartment was quieter than the rehearsal studio. Softer, too.

The kind of space that immediately made you relax the second you stepped inside—warm lighting, blankets thrown over the couch, the faint smell of something sweet lingering in the air.

Except, it wasn’t actually warm.

'Okay,' Sophia said, setting down a stack of bowls on the coffee table, 'before anyone complains—my heating is broken.'

A chorus of groans filled the room.

'You’re joking.' Daniela said, already hugging herself.

'I wish,' Sophia replied. 'Maintenance said they’ll fix it tomorrow.'

Lara immediately grabbed one of the blankets off the couch. 'I’m not surviving this.'

Manon shook her head slightly, though she reached for a blanket too. 'It’s not that bad.'

Yoonchae was already wrapping herself up like she was preparing for winter. 'It is.'

Megan, standing near the couch, pulled the sleeves of her hoodie over her hands, shoulders hunching slightly.

'…Why is it colder inside than outside?' She muttered.

You, meanwhile, didn’t think much of it.

'Feels fine to me.' You said casually, kicking your shoes off and heading toward the floor.

Six heads turned.

'…Of course you’d say that.' Daniela muttered.

You just laughed lightly, dropping down onto the rug in front of the coffee table, grabbing a slice of pizza without a second thought.

The others settled in behind you. Couch claimed, blankets distributed, bodies instinctively closer together for warmth.

Lara tucked her legs under herself, wrapped tight in her blanket. Yoonchae sat curled beside her. Daniela leaned into the armrest, hoodie sleeves pulled over her hands. Manon sat more composed, but still wrapped up.

Sophia hovered for a moment before settling at the end. Megan dropped down beside Daniela, tucking one leg under herself as she adjusted her hoodie and leaned slightly closer to the others for warmth.

The movie started. You were already focused on it. Sitting cross-legged on the floor, pizza in hand, completely relaxed. Unbothered. The cold didn’t register to you the same way it did to them. It never really did.

Behind you, though, it was a different story.

'Why is it getting colder?' Daniela whispered like the room itself was plotting against her.

'It’s been five minutes.' Sophia whispered back.

Lara leaned closer to Yoonchae. 'I can’t feel my toes again.'

Yoonchae nodded seriously. 'Same.'

Megan tugged her sleeves further over her hands, shoulders curling in slightly. '…My hands are freezing.'

Manon didn’t say anything. But she adjusted her blanket slightly tighter around her shoulders. And then her eyes briefly flicked to you.

Still sitting there. In a t-shirt. Completely fine.

About twenty minutes in, the movie had settled into a quieter scene. The room dim. The only real light coming from the TV.

You were focused, halfway through another slice of pizza, so you didn’t hear it at first. The quiet shift behind you. The soft movement of fabric.

Not until something moved behind you. Close and sudden. And then there were arms. You flinched. A sharp inhale leaving you as your shoulders tensed instinctively.

'Hey—hey, it’s just me.' Manon’s voice came quickly, calm and low.

You turned your head slightly, still a little startled. '…Manon?'

'Yeah.' She said simply.

Before you could question it further, you felt it. The blanket. It draped around you from behind, settling over your shoulders as her arms wrapped loosely around your middle, pulling you back just slightly— not forcefully. Just enough. Tucking you in.

You blinked. 'Oh.'

It clicked. The warmth wasn’t just yours anymore.

You felt her shift behind you, settling properly, her chin resting lightly near your shoulder as she adjusted the blanket to cover both of you.

'Continue watching.' She said quietly.

There was no teasing in her voice. No big explanation. Just… simple.

You hesitated for a second, then relaxed. Your shoulders dropped. The initial surprise fading quickly as you leaned back slightly into her hold without really thinking about it.

It was warm. Not overwhelming. Not tight. Just… steady.

You could feel the contrast more clearly now—your warmth against the cool air, the blanket trapping it in, her arms holding it there.

'…You were cold.' You murmured.

'A little.' She admitted.

That was it. You huffed a small, amused breath, shaking your head lightly. '…You could’ve just asked.'

'I could have.' She said.

Then after a moment of silence. '…This was easier.'

That made you smile.

Behind you, Lara noticed first.

'…Hey,' she whispered, nudging Yoonchae slightly. 'Look.'

Yoonchae peeked over. Her eyes widened a little.

'She stole her.' Daniela whispered dramatically.

Megan leaned forward slightly, peeking past Daniela, her brows lifting. '…Oh, we’re just doing that now?' She murmured, half amused, half impressed.

Sophia glanced over too, trying not to laugh.

Manon didn’t react. Didn’t move. She just stayed there, calm and composed, like this was the most normal thing in the world.

And you? You just… let it happen. Because it was warm.

The movie continued. Soft dialogue filling the room. Occasional quiet reactions from the others.

But now, you were aware of it. The difference. The way the blanket held the warmth in. The way Manon’s arms rested comfortably around you. The way your back leaned lightly against her without resistance.

It wasn’t overwhelming. It wasn’t strange. It just made sense.

After a while, you didn’t even think about it anymore. You just reached for another slice of pizza, still watching the movie, still completely at ease, now just… slightly more shared.

And behind you, Manon stayed exactly where she was. Quiet. Warm. Not saying anything. Just keeping you there. Like it was already understood.

Across the couch, Lara pulled her blanket tighter. '…I want a turn later.' She muttered.

'You’re not scheduling her.' Daniela whispered back.

Yoonchae nodded softly. 'We can take turns.'

Megan leaned back into the couch again, adjusting her hoodie with a small huff. '…I’m adding myself to that list.'

Sophia covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.

You didn’t hear that part. Too focused on the movie. Too comfortable where you were. Too unaware that this was quickly becoming a very real system in the group.

And that you were right at the centre of it.

---

Airports always felt the same. Bright. Busy. A constant hum of movement and voices blending together—rolling suitcases, distant announcements, people rushing past like they were always just about to be late.

The group moved together through it all, a small cluster of familiar energy in the middle of the chaos.

Bags in hand. Passports ready. Half awake.

'Why is it always so cold in here?' Daniela complained, tugging at the sleeves of her hoodie as she walked.

'It’s an airport,' Manon replied simply. 'It’s always like this.'

'That doesn’t mean I have to like it.'

Lara adjusted the strap of her bag on her shoulder, bundled up properly this time. 'At least we dressed for it today.'

'That’s because we learned.' Daniela shot back, glancing briefly at you.

You're walking alongside them in your usual sweats, a loose top and a hoodie that you weren’t even wearing. It was slung over your arm instead.

Sophia noticed immediately. Of course she did. '…You brought a hoodie.' She said, eyeing you.

'Yeah.'

'You’re not wearing it.'

You shrugged. 'I don’t need it.'

She stared at you for a second. Then shook her head with a quiet sigh, like she’d already accepted this about you.

Ahead of you, Yoonchae walked quietly, hands tucked into the sleeves of her own hoodie.

She looked smaller like that. More bundled. But even from a distance, you noticed it.

The slight hunch in her shoulders. The way her hands were pulled in tighter. She was cold.

You didn’t think about it. Didn’t hesitate.

'Yoonchae.'

She turned slightly, blinking up at you. 'Yeah?'

You held your hoodie out toward her. 'Here.'

She paused. '…What?'

'Take it.'

Her eyes flicked between you and the hoodie. 'But—what about you?'

'I’m fine.' You said simply.

She hesitated for maybe half a second, then took it.

'Thank you.' She said quickly, already pulling it over her head.

She didn’t even take her own hoodie off. Just layered yours on top of it without a second thought. It looked ridiculous. Two hoods. Sleeves slightly too long. Fabric bunching.

Daniela stared. '…That’s insane.'

Lara let out a small laugh. 'You look like you’re wearing armour.'

Yoonchae didn’t care. She just pulled the sleeves over her hands again, shoulders relaxing almost instantly.

'…It’s warm.' She said quietly.

You smiled a little. 'Good.'

From behind you, Megan glanced over briefly, taking in the scene before looking forward again, adjusting her own jacket.

Manon shook her head faintly. 'You didn’t even think about that, did you?'

You shrugged. It wasn’t a big deal. To you, it never was.

Sophia, however, had slowed slightly to walk beside you. She looked at you. Then at your now empty arm. Then back at you.

'…Are you cold?' She asked.

You shook your head. 'No.'

She didn’t look convinced.

'C'mere.' She said, reaching out before you could react.

Her hands wrapped around your arm, rubbing up and down briskly like she was trying to warm you up manually.

'Sophia—'

'You gave your hoodie away,' she said. 'At least let me—'

She stopped mid-sentence. Her hands slowed. Then paused completely.

'…You’re already warm.' She said, more to herself than anyone else.

You huffed a small laugh. '... yeah.'

She looked at you for a second and then, without overthinking it, she shifted. Instead of letting go, she looped her arms around yours, pulling it in closer and holding it against her chest.

'Oh,' she said lightly. 'This works.'

You blinked. Then smiled a little. '…You’re using me.'

'Obviously.' She replied without hesitation.

You didn’t argue. Didn’t pull away. You just kept walking like that. Through the noise. Through the crowd.

Sophia attached to your arm, quietly stealing warmth. Yoonchae a few steps ahead, still bundled in two hoodies. Daniela and Lara talking quietly. Manon walking steadily beside them. Megan just ahead, occasionally glancing back to make sure everyone was still together.

It was… normal. Weirdly normal. Then the line for check-in came into view.

'Finally.' Daniela muttered.

You all slowed, merging into the queue with everyone else. Suitcases set down. Passports pulled out again.

Sophia was still holding onto your arm. You didn’t even notice how long it had been. Until— 'Next.'

You stepped forward automatically, grabbing your suitcase handle. And paused.

'…Soph.'

She looked up. 'Hm?'

'I need my arm.'

There was a brief pause then she blinked, like she’d forgotten. 'Oh—right.' She let go immediately, stepping back with a small laugh. 'Sorry.'

You smiled, flexing your fingers slightly as you reached for your bag properly. 'It’s okay.'

Behind you, Daniela snorted quietly. 'She got too comfortable.'

'I did not.' Sophia said, though she was still smiling.

'You absolutely did.' Lara added.

Yoonchae, still wrapped in both hoodies, nodded. 'Same.'

You glanced back at them briefly, shaking your head with a soft laugh before turning back to the counter. It was quick. Routine. Check-in. Bag tagged. Sent off.

But as you stepped aside again, back with the group, Sophia didn’t hesitate. She slipped right back to your side.

Not grabbing your arm this time. Just standing close enough. Like she’d already figured out exactly where the warmth was. And wasn’t planning on losing it again.

---

Snow in Los Angeles didn’t make sense. It just… didn’t. Yet there it was. Heavy and constant. Falling in thick, quiet sheets outside your window, coating the streets, the rooftops, the palm trees that looked deeply unprepared for this kind of weather.

The entire city had slowed down. And more importantly—it was cold.

Not just 'oh, it’s a bit chilly.' No. It was the kind of cold that seeped into everything. Apartments. Hallways. Walls that clearly weren’t built for this. Most people were struggling.

You? You were asleep. Fully knocked out. Not even under your covers. Just… on top of your bed.

Still in your clothes from earlier, sprawled slightly diagonally across the mattress like you’d meant to lie down for a second and never recovered.

Your blanket was half hanging off the side. Your pillow barely under your head. Completely unaware of the freezing weather outside.

Across the building, Megan was very much aware.

'This is getting ridiculous.' She muttered, now pacing her apartment with arms crossed tightly over herself after a failed attempt at sleeping.

Her hoodie wasn’t helping. The blanket she’d tried earlier hadn’t helped. Even the heater, which was technically on, felt like it was doing absolutely nothing.

She grabbed her phone. Dialed. It rang. And rang. And rang.

'…Seriously, Y/N? You're always awake...' She muttered, staring at the screen.

No answer.

She tried again but got the same result.

Megan frowned. 'Did she fall asleep already…?'

Another glance at her apartment. Another shiver. '…Yeah, I’m not doing this.'

A decision was made. A few minutes later, your apartment door unlocked. Megan stepped inside like she’d done it a hundred times before—because she had.

'Hello?' She called quietly, shutting the door behind her.

No response.

The place was still. Lights off. Silent.

She made her way down the short hallway toward your room, already knowing where you’d be.

Your door was slightly open. She pushed it gently. And there you were.

'…Oh my god.'

You were fully passed out. On top of your bed. Not even under the blanket.

Megan stared at you for a second. 'You’re actually unbelievable.'

She stepped closer, arms still folded, shaking her head slightly.

'You’re telling me it’s basically snowing in LA and you’re just—' she gestured vaguely at you, '—like this?'

No response. You didn’t even move.

She sighed, stepping up to the side of your bed. '…You have to be cold.'

Carefully, she reached out and grabbed your arm. Then paused.

'…What.'

Her brows furrowed. She squeezed lightly. Then pressed her palm more fully against your arm.

'…You’re warm.'

Not just warm. Actually warm.

Megan stared at you like you’d personally offended her. 'You’re something else entirely.'

You shifted slightly in your sleep, mumbling something incoherent before going still again.

She exhaled slowly through her nose. '…Unbelievable.'

Another glance at your blanket. Then at you. Still not using it.

'Move.' She muttered, already grabbing the edge of it.

You didn’t. So she did it herself. With a bit more effort than expected, she tugged the blanket up, then awkwardly maneuvered you—just enough—to get you under it properly.

You stirred. '…mmh—'

'Shh.' She said automatically, even though you weren’t really awake.

Once you were at least somewhat covered, she hesitated. Looked at the bed. Then at her own arms. Still cold. '…Yeah, no.'

Decision made. She climbed in. Quickly. Sliding under the blanket beside you and immediately shifting closer, chasing the warmth she’d already felt.

And then you woke up. Violently. Your entire body jolted. '—WHAT—'

Megan flinched. 'Whoa—hey—hey—'

You stared at her, heart racing, eyes wide in the dim light. 'What are you doing—?!'

'I tried calling you!' She said quickly, hands up slightly in defence. 'You didn’t answer!'

You blinked at her. Then at your room. Then back at her. '…You broke into my apartment?'

'We all have keys.' She shot back.

You stared for another second. '…Right.'

Silence. You were still half asleep. Still very confused. Brain clearly not functioning at full capacity.

'…Why are you in my bed?'

'It’s freezing,' she said immediately. 'My apartment is unbearable.'

You processed that. Slowly. '…So you came here.'

'Yes.'

'…To my bed.'

'Yes.'

'…To—what. Sleep?'

She gave you a look. '…and to not freeze.'

Another pause.

Your eyes blinked slower this time. Your body already starting to sink back into the mattress.

'…That’s so gay.' You mumbled.

Megan stared at you. '…But I am gay.'

You didn’t respond. Because you were already settling again. Not moving away. Not arguing. Just… accepting it.

Megan exhaled quietly, shaking her head. '…my god.'

But she didn’t leave. Instead, she shifted slightly closer. Not dramatic. Not clinging. Just enough.

Because the warmth was immediate. Real. And after a few seconds, her shoulders relaxed.

'…Okay, yeah,' she muttered softly. 'Worth it.'

You made a small, sleepy noise in response.

Neither of you said anything else. The room fell quiet again. Snow still falling outside. Soft against the window. Inside, it was warm and still.

And within minutes, both of you were asleep. Like it was the most normal thing in the world.

---

Manon’s apartment always felt… put together. Clean counters. Soft lighting. Everything in its place. Even when it was lived in, it never felt messy—just warm in a quiet, calm way.

The kitchen, however—was currently occupied. Steam curled up from the pot on the stove, the gentle bubbling filling the space with a low, steady sound.

You stood there, focused, sleeves pushed up slightly as you moved with ease around the counter.

'Are you sure you don’t need help?' Manon asked from where she leaned against the kitchen island, arms loosely crossed.

You shook your head. 'I’ve got it.'

She watched you for a second longer, then nodded. 'Alright. I’m not complaining.'

From the living room, voices drifted in.

'I’m telling you, it was her fault.' Sophia said.

'That doesn’t even make sense.' Yoonchae replied, her voice lighter, amused.

Manon glanced over her shoulder. 'What are they arguing about now?'

'No idea,' you said, reaching for a bowl. 'But I’m not getting involved.'

She smiled faintly. 'Smart.'

A few minutes later, you were finishing up. Ramen, carefully assembled. Soft boiled eggs, perfectly cut. Slices of spam tucked neatly between noodles. Steam still rising.

You picked up the bowl carefully, adjusting your grip before turning toward the living room.

'Food’s—'

The front door burst open.

'I’m actually freezing.'

Daniela. Her voice echoed slightly as she stepped inside, immediately hugging her arms around herself.

'This is getting beyond a joke now,' she continued, kicking the door shut behind her. 'Why is it colder inside than outside? That doesn’t even make—'

She stopped. Because she saw you. Standing there. Holding a bowl of ramen. In a t-shirt. Completely fine.

There was a pause. A very brief one.

'…Oh.'

You blinked. 'Hey.'

You didn’t even get another word out. Because suddenly— Daniela moved. Fast.

'Wait—'

She crossed the room in seconds and latched onto you. Full force. Her arms wrapped around your middle as she pressed into your side like she’d made a life decision and wasn’t turning back.

You stumbled slightly, instinctively adjusting your stance to keep the bowl steady.

'Whoa—hey—!'

'Don’t move.' She said immediately, voice muffled slightly against you.

'I’m holding hot food—'

'I don’t care.'

You let out a disbelieving laugh, trying not to spill anything. 'Daniela—'

'You’re warm.' She cut in, tightening her grip like that settled everything.

From the couch, Sophia leaned forward slightly. 'That was quick.'

Yoonchae nodded. 'She didn’t even say hi properly.'

'I said hi.' Daniela muttered.

'You attacked me.' You corrected.

'Same thing.'

Manon stepped into the doorway from the kitchen, taking in the scene with a small, unsurprised exhale.

'…I leave you alone for five seconds.'

'She’s cold.' You said, like that explained it.

'I am cold.' Daniela added, not moving at all.

You shifted slightly, still trying to balance the bowl in your hands. 'Can you at least let me put this down?'

'No.'

'Daniela.'

'…Fine.'

But she still didn’t fully let go. You went to side step her but she moved with you.

That's when you felt it. Something warm brush against your neck. You froze instantly.

'—WHA—?!'

Your whole body jolted, nearly spilling the bowl as you whipped your head slightly.

'Did you just kiss me?!' You shrieked.

'WHAT—NO?!' Daniela yelled back immediately, just as loud.

'You did—you literally—'

'I DIDN’T—YOU MOVED—'

'I DIDN’T MOVE, YOU’RE ATTACHED TO ME—'

'I WAS TRYING TO NOT DROP YOUR FOOD—'

'BY KISSING MY NECK?!'

'I DIDN’T KISS YOU—'

'THEN WHY DID IT FEEL LIKE THAT—'

'I DON’T KNOW—YOU’RE WARM—'

'THAT DOESN’T EXPLAIN ANYTHING—'

'I PANICKED—'

'YOU PANICKED AND KISSED ME?!'

'I DIDN’T—'

Through all of this— she had still not let go. Still fully attached to you. Still holding on like her life depended on it.

On the couch— Sophia had fully lost it. 'Oh my god—' she laughed, covering her face. 'What is happening—'

Yoonchae was doubled over slightly, laughing quietly. 'They’re both screaming—'

Manon just stood there, arms crossed, shaking her head slowly. '…You two are freaks.'

'Don’t do that again!' You said, turning your head slightly to glare at her.

'I didn’t do anything!' Daniela shot back.

'You absolutely did—'

'It was an accident!'

You narrowed your eyes. She narrowed hers right back. A moment of silence passed.

'…You didn’t kiss me?' You asked, more suspicious now than anything.

'No,' she said, equally defensive. 'I would never.'

'Good.'

'Good.'

Another pause.

'…That was weird.' You muttered.

'…Yeah.' She agreed.

And then— like nothing had just happened— she tightened her grip again. Resting back against you. Completely unbothered.

You stared ahead for a second. Then sighed. '…You’re still holding onto me.'

'Obviously.'

'…Unbelievable.'

From the couch, Sophia wiped tears from her eyes. 'Please don’t stop, this is the best thing I’ve seen all day.'

Yoonchae nodded, still smiling. 'That was really loud.'

Manon turned back toward the kitchen. 'I’m pretending none of that just happened.'

You shook your head, but there was a small smile there now. Because somehow, this had just become another completely normal moment.

With a careful breath, you finally managed to steady your hands, nudging Daniela slightly with your shoulder just enough to create space.

You leaned forward—slow, deliberate—and set the bowl down on the coffee table without spilling a single drop.

You let out a quiet laugh, shaking your head as you relaxed slightly into her now tightening hold.

'…You have no shame.'

'None.' She said.

From the couch, Sophia laughed. 'At least she’s honest.'

Yoonchae pulled her legs closer under herself, watching the two of you with a small smile.

'You’re not even wearing a hoodie.' You said, glancing down slightly.

'I didn’t think I’d need one.' Daniela replied.

You raised a brow. 'It’s freezing.'

'Yeah,' she said. 'And now I’ve fixed that.'

You huffed out a soft laugh.

She shifted slightly, adjusting her position so she was more comfortable, her head resting lightly against your shoulder now.

The tension in her posture had already eased. Her shoulders weren’t hunched anymore. Her grip wasn’t as tight. Just… settled.

Manon walks back into the room holding chopsticks and a few bowls, shaking her head faintly. 'You didn’t even try to resist.'

'Why would I?' Daniela replied. 'This is efficient.'

'That’s one way to put it.' Sophia said.

You glanced around at them, then back down slightly. '…You could’ve just asked.'

Daniela snorted quietly. 'And wait longer? No.'

That made you smile.

A comfortable silence settled for a moment. The kind that came easily.

'…Is that ramen?' Daniela asked, finally lifting her head slightly.

You glanced at the table. '...no its fried chicken. Yes, its ramen! You've been stood with your head hovering over it for the past two minutes.'

'You could’ve just said yes.' She mumbled, still staring down at the bowl like she’d just discovered something life-changing.

'And ruin the moment?' You shot back lightly.

She looked at it. Then back at you.

'…You made food and didn’t tell me first?'

'You literally just got here.'

'Still...'

You laughed, gently nudging her. 'Go eat.'

She hesitated. Then tightened her hold again. '…Bring it here.'

You stared at her. 'No.'

Sophia laughed. 'You’re so lazy.'

'I’m cold.' Daniela defended.

'You’re attached to the solution.' Manon pointed out.

'…Exactly.'

You shook your head, smiling despite yourself. '…Unbelievable.'

But you didn’t move away. Didn’t push her off. Just stood there— letting her cling. Letting her steal warmth without a second thought.

Because at this point, it wasn’t even surprising anymore. It was just… Daniela.

---

The studio had never felt this exhausting before. You were all in for 8 a.m sharp. That’s when it started. Warm-ups. Run-throughs. Corrections. Again. Again. And again.

By the time you’d hit midday, your muscles were already burning. By the time you came back from the short break—barely twenty minutes to breathe, eat something quick, drink water—

it just… kept going. Music looping. Feet hitting the floor in sync. Voices calling counts. Mirrors reflecting every movement back at you.

'Again from the top.'

And you did. You always did. Hours passed like that.

The cold from earlier in the week? Completely gone. Now the studio felt thick. Heavy. Warm in a way that clung to your skin.

And you— you felt it more than usual. Not the cold. Never the cold.

But the heat? That was different. Your shirt stuck slightly to your back. Your breathing heavier than normal. A constant warmth under your skin that didn’t fade, no matter how many times you wiped sweat from your face.

Still, you kept going. Because everyone else was. Because that’s what you did.

Until finally— 'Alright, that’s it for today.'

The music cut. Silence. And your body just gave in. You dropped. Not dramatic. Not graceful. Just collapsed forward onto the floor, arms barely catching you before you ended up face down.

A groan left you, muffled against the ground. '…I’m done.'

Behind you, the others followed soon after.

Daniela flopped onto her back. 'I can’t feel my legs.'

Lara dropped beside her. 'I don’t think I have bones anymore.'

Yoonchae sat down more carefully, though even she looked drained. Sophia lowered herself with a tired exhale. Manon rolled her shoulders, breathing steady but clearly feeling it. Megan leaned back against the mirror, head tipping slightly as she caught her breath.

For a moment, no one moved. Just the sound of breathing.

'…You’re really warm.' Yoonchae’s voice was quiet. You cracked one eye open slightly.

'…I’m always warm.'

'No,' she said, a little closer now. 'Like—really warm.'

She’d shifted, sitting near your head now, her hand hovering slightly before she leaned in just a bit more. 'I can feel it from here.'

Daniela lifted her head slightly from the floor. '…Are you steaming?'

Lara squinted. '…Wait, yeah—'

'You’re lying.' You muttered weakly.

'I’m not,' Daniela said, pushing herself up slightly. 'You actually look like you’re overheating.'

'That’s new.' Manon added, glancing over.

Sophia was already moving. Of course she was. She pushed herself up and came over, crouching beside you as she reached out placing her hand gently against your forehead.

'…Yeah,' she said softly. 'You’re too hot.'

You let out a small groan. 'That’s a first.'

'No kidding.' Daniela muttered.

Sophia didn’t move her hand right away, her touch grounding and steady. Then she shifted slightly.

'Sit up a little.' She said gently.

You didn’t really want to. But you did anyway. Slow. Heavy. The second you moved, the heat seemed to hit you all over again, making you wince slightly.

'Easy.' Sophia murmured.

She started fanning you with her hand instinctively, trying to create some kind of airflow.

It helped. A little.

'Wait—hold on—' Daniela suddenly shuffled closer. You barely had time to react before she grabbed the bottom of your shirt.

'…Daniela—'

And started lifting it up slightly. Then letting it fall. Then lifting it again. Creating the most inconsistent, chaotic airflow possible.

'…What are you doing?' You said, too tired to even argue properly.

'I’m helping.' She said.

'That’s not helping—'

'It is, feel that—'

'It’s uneven—'

'It’s airflow—'

Manon, standing nearby now, let out a quiet laugh. 'I’m surprised you’re not attached to her right now.' She said lightly.

Daniela paused mid-motion. '…What?'

'Like the other day,' Manon continued, grabbing a towel and starting to wave it gently in your direction, much more effectively, 'you wouldn’t even let her put the ramen down.'

There was a beat.

Megan, still leaning against the mirror, blinked. '…You what?'

Daniela immediately pointed at you. 'She started it—'

'I did not—' You mumbled weakly.

'She accused me of kissing her!'

'I didn’t accuse—you literally—'

'You screamed!'

'Because you were on my neck!'

'IT WAS AN ACCIDENT—'

'Why were you that close—'

'Because I was cold—'

Megan stared at the two of you. '…Why do I always miss this type of shit.'

Sophia sighed, still fanning you gently. 'A lot happened, it was hilarious.'

Yoonchae nodded seriously. 'They both screamed... a lot.'

Lara, who had disappeared for a moment, came rushing back in. 'I got water.' She said, slightly out of breath, holding out a bottle.

'Lifesaver.' You muttered.

She crouched beside you, opening it for you before handing it over. You took it, drinking gratefully.

Around you—they all hovered. Sophia fanning you steadily. Manon standing nearby, using the towel properly this time. Daniela still occasionally lifting your shirt like she refused to admit her method wasn’t great.

Yoonchae sitting close, watching carefully. Lara hovering with the water. Megan nearby, arms loosely crossed now, just observing, shaking her head slightly.

'…This is weird.' You mumbled after a moment.

'What is?' Lara asked.

'You guys… taking care of me.'

'You take care of us all the time.' Yoonchae said simply.

Sophia nodded. 'Yeah. Let us have this.'

Manon added, 'It’s only fair.'

Daniela huffed lightly. 'Yeah, don’t make it a thing.'

You let out a quiet laugh. '…Alright.'

You didn’t argue after that. Didn’t brush them off. You just… let yourself sink back slightly. Let the towel waves cool your skin. Let the air from Sophia’s hand ease the heat. Let Lara keep the water coming. Let Daniela continue her questionable method. Let them be there.

Because for once—you needed it. And they were already there to give it.

The studio slowly quieted again. The exhaustion still there. The heat slowly fading. But now, it was softer.

And as you lay there, eyes half closed, breathing finally evening out— you couldn’t help the small smile that settled in. Because maybe being the one who kept everyone warm also meant— you were never going to be left to burn out alone.

---

BONUS:

For a while, you just stayed there. Letting the cool air hit your skin. Letting your breathing settle. Letting the warmth finally ease into something manageable again.

'Alright,' Sophia said softly, placing a hand on your shoulder. 'Up you get.'

You groaned. 'No.'

'Yes.'

You barely had the energy to argue. Still, you let out a weak, 'Give me five minutes.'

'You’ve had ten.' She replied, not unkindly.

'…That’s unfair.'

She smiled slightly, already hooking an arm under yours. 'Come on.'

With her help—and a lot more effort than it should’ve taken—you managed to sit up. Then stand.

Your legs protested immediately.

'…I regret everything.' You muttered.

'Good,' Daniela said from somewhere nearby. 'That means you worked hard.'

You shot her a tired look.

Sophia kept a steady hand on your arm, making sure you didn’t just collapse again.

'You’re not walking home.' She said, glancing over toward Lara.

Lara looked up instantly. 'I’m driving?'

'Yes,' Sophia replied. 'She's not walking in this condition.'

You didn’t even argue. Didn’t have it in you. '…Okay.' You mumbled.

That alone told them how tired you were.

'Wow,' Daniela said. 'No fight?'

'Too tired.' You said simply.

You slowly made your way over to your bag, movements sluggish, still feeling that lingering heaviness in your limbs.

Everyone else started gathering their things too, the usual end-of-day routine falling into place.

You slung your bag over your shoulder— then paused. Your eyes drifted toward Daniela. She was mid-conversation with Yoonchae, completely unaware.

You stared at her for a second. Then, without a word—you walked over. Slow and deliberate.

She turned slightly. '…What?'

You said nothing. Just leaned in like you were about to kiss her.

Her eyes widened. 'WAIT—' She screamed. Full volume. 'NO—NO—NO—'

She shoved you away and bolted across the room like her life depended on it.

You burst out laughing immediately, the sound breaking through your exhaustion.

'I DIDN’T EVEN TOUCH YOU—' You called after her.

'STAY AWAY FROM ME—' She yelled from across the studio, pointing at you like you were a threat.

'You’re scared of the gays.' You shot back, still laughing.

'I’M NOT SCARED—YOU’RE WEIRD—'

'YOU PANICKED—'

'YOU LUNGED AT ME—'

'I LEANED—'

'THAT’S WORSE—'

On the side, Sophia had fully given up, laughing as she covered her face. 'Please,' she said, breathless, 'can we go home now—'

Yoonchae was giggling quietly. Manon shook her head, though there was a small smile there. Megan just exhaled, amused, grabbing her bag.

Lara was already heading toward the door. 'Come on, before they start round two.'

You adjusted your bag again, still smiling as you turned back. '…You started it.' You muttered toward Daniela.

'I DID NOT—'

'RAMEN INCIDENT.'

'IT WAS AN ACCIDENT—'

'KEEP TELLING YOURSELF THAT—'

'GO HOME—'

You laughed again, softer this time, the exhaustion finally catching up properly.

And this time, when Sophia gently nudged you toward the door, you went. No resistance. Just tired. Warm. And surrounded by voices that didn’t quite quiet down, even as you all started to leave.

Because somehow, even at the end of the longest day, there was still energy left for this. For laughter. For chaos. For each other.