They don’t remember the exact words

Not really

But they remember the feeling

The first time they met

Same gym

Same noise

Same energy buzzing through everything

They were just kids

But even then

Something about it felt familiar

A glance that lingered a little too long

A small smile that came too easily

Like they were going to matter to each other later

Even if they didn’t know it yet

⸻

High school comes fast

Everything gets louder

More people

More pressure

More expectations

But somehow

They keep finding each other

Same tournaments

Same sidelines

Same warmups where their eyes always meet without trying

Paige talks a lot

Azzi listens

But when Azzi talks

Paige always listens back

Like it matters more than anything else happening around them

“you’re quiet” Paige says once

Azzi shrugs

“you talk enough for both of us”

Paige laughs

But she’s still looking at her

Like she always is

⸻

Then everything shifts

ACL injury

It happens fast

One second she is playing

The next everything stops

Locker room

Too quiet

Too still

Azzi sits there trying to breathe through it

Trying not to fully accept it

Like if she doesn’t say it out loud

it won’t be real

People move around her

Voices blur together

And then Paige is there

Right in front of her

Not rushing

Not fixing

Just there

Azzi looks up

“…it’s fine” she says quietly

It is not fine

Paige doesn’t argue

She just kneels down in front of her

Close enough to make it feel real

She places her hands gently near Azzi’s leg

Careful

Like she is afraid of hurting her

Then she bows her head

And prays

Right there in the locker room

Soft

Quiet

Just for her

Azzi freezes

Because she did not expect that

Not here

Not like this

When Paige finishes she looks up

“…you are going to be okay”

Azzi swallows

And nods

Slowly

For the first time

she believes it a little

⸻

Recovery is long

Painful

Slow

Frustrating

But Paige never leaves

Calls at night

Texts that do not need replies

Showing up just to sit with her

“you will be back” Paige says

Azzi looks down

“…yeah”

Unsure

Paige bumps her shoulder

“…I mean it”

“…you are not done”

Azzi looks at her

And something in her settles

⸻

College becomes real

Decisions

Pressure

Everything stacking

Paige already knows

University of Connecticut

And she says it casually

“…it would be nice if you came too”

Azzi raises an eyebrow

“nice?”

Paige shrugs

“…for you”

Azzi smiles

Because she understands exactly what that means

⸻

Freshman year at UConn

Everything is faster

Harder

Different

But Paige is still the same

Always checking in

Always nearby

“you good”

Before practice

After games

In quiet moments

Azzi always nods

Even when she is not

Because Paige being there

makes it easier

⸻

Then it flips

Paige gets injured

And suddenly Azzi understands

The waiting

The frustration

The silence

Paige tries to be strong

“…I am fine”

Azzi just looks at her

“…you do not have to do that with me”

Paige exhales

And stops pretending

And Azzi stays

Just like Paige stayed

⸻

Then again

Azzi

ACL again

Meniscus

Too much at once

Too familiar

This time it breaks her a little

Paige sits beside her

Quiet first

Then

“…this sucks”

Azzi lets out a small laugh

“…yeah”

Paige leans back

“…but you are still you”

Azzi frowns

“…what does that mean”

Paige looks at her

“…it means you are still the girl I prayed over in that locker room”

That stops everything

Paige continues softly

“…and you got through it before”

“…you will again”

Azzi leans slightly closer

And that is enough

⸻

Time passes

Slow then fast

And suddenly

Championship

2024 to 2025

Confetti falling everywhere

Noise everywhere

But it feels different

Not heavy

Just earned

They find each other instantly

Like always

Arms around each other

Laughing through exhaustion

“…we did it” Paige says

Azzi shakes her head smiling

“…we really did”

And it feels bigger than basketball

It feels like everything

⸻

Paige’s draft

Azzi in the crowd

Looking up

Watching her

Same soft look

Same pride

Paige finds her

Even in all the noise

Because she always does

⸻

Now it is Azzi

Number one

On the stage

Paige in the crowd

Looking up

Same moment

Just reversed

Still the same

⸻

Later

It is quiet

Finally

Just them

Sitting close

Shoulders touching

Paige leans her head against Azzi

“…kind of crazy”

Azzi hums

“what”

“…everything”

A pause

“…everything we went through”

Azzi nods slowly

Thinking

Feeling all of it

“…yeah”

Silence

Comfortable

Then Azzi speaks

Soft

“You know after everything”

Paige looks at her

“…what”

“…all the pain”

A breath

“…emotionally and physically”

Paige listens closely

“…it was worth it”

Paige pauses

“…why”

Azzi turns fully toward her

“…I have seen you at your lowest”

“…you have seen me at mine”

Paige does not look away

Azzi continues softly

“…and I think in the end”

“…it was worth it”

Closer now

“…if it is with you”

“…it is worth it”

Everything goes still

Paige exhales

Her hand finds Azzi’s

“…yeah”

Soft

Certain

“…it is”

She leans in

Slow

Careful

Their foreheads touch first

A pause

Then a soft kiss

Gentle

Quiet

Like everything finally makes sense

Azzi’s hand rests against her side

Holding on

When they pull back

They stay close

Foreheads still together

Small smiles

No rush to move

Because after everything

They are still here

Still choosing each other

And now

Azzi knows something is wrong the second her phone starts ringing.

It’s nearly midnight.

The hotel room is dark except for the muted glow of the television.

Paige is stretched across the bed beside her, half asleep, one arm draped over Azzi’s waist.

Azzi squints at the screen.

Her mom.

For a second, she almost ignores it.

Then something in her chest tightens.

She answers immediately.

“Mom?”

The silence on the other end lasts only a second.

But it’s enough.

Enough for Azzi to sit up.

Enough for Paige to wake up instantly.

“Azzi?”

Azzi can’t answer.

Her mother’s voice breaks.

And the world tilts.

Her uncle died that evening.

A sudden heart attack.

No warning.

No chance to say goodbye.

Azzi doesn’t remember the rest of the call.

Only that at some point the phone slips from her hand.

Only that she can’t breathe.

Only that Paige is suddenly there.

“Baby.”

Paige’s voice is soft but urgent.

Azzi shakes her head.

“No, no, no…”

And then she breaks.

The sob tears out of her like something physical.

Paige gathers her immediately.

Pulling Azzi into her lap.

Holding her so tightly it feels like the only solid thing left in the room.

“I’ve got you,” Paige whispers.

Over and over.

“I’ve got you.”

Azzi cries until her chest aches.

Until her throat burns.

Until she feels empty.

Paige never lets go.

Not once.

The next morning, Paige is already packed before Azzi even opens her eyes.

“You’re coming with me?”

Azzi’s voice is rough from crying.

Paige looks at her like the question itself is absurd.

“Of course I am.”

Azzi’s eyes fill again.

Paige cups her face gently.

“You are not doing this alone.”

The funeral is two days later.

Those two days pass in a blur.

Paige handles everything she can.

Talks to coaches.

Rebooks flights.

Makes sure Azzi eats something.

Answers texts when Azzi can’t bear to look at her phone.

At Azzi’s family home, Paige stays close but never intrusive.

A steady hand at the small of her back.

Fingers laced through hers.

A glass of water appearing in her hand before she realizes she needs one.

At the visitation, Azzi finally sees the casket.

And all the carefully built walls collapse.

Paige catches her before she can fall apart completely.

Holding her in the quiet corner of the funeral home as she sobs into Paige’s shoulder.

“I can’t do this,” Azzi cries.

Paige wipes her tears with trembling thumbs.

“Yes, you can.”

Azzi shakes her head.

Paige presses their foreheads together.

“And I’m right here.”

The day of the funeral feels unreal.

Azzi moves through it like she’s underwater.

But every time she starts to drift, Paige is there.

Their fingers intertwined.

A kiss to her temple.

A whispered, “Breathe, baby.”

That night, after everyone leaves and the house finally falls silent, Azzi breaks again.

She’s sitting on the edge of the guest bed, still wearing black, staring at nothing.

Paige kneels in front of her.

Hands resting gently on her knees.

“Talk to me.”

Azzi’s lip trembles.

“I don’t know how he’s just… gone.”

Paige’s eyes fill.

She takes Azzi’s hands.

“I know.”

Azzi cries quietly.

“He was supposed to be here.”

Paige pulls her into her arms.

Azzi clings to her.

“I miss him so much.”

Paige presses a kiss to her hair.

“I know, baby.”

They lie down sometime after midnight.

Azzi tucked so tightly against Paige it’s hard to tell where one of them ends and the other begins.

Paige strokes her hair until her breathing slows.

And just when Paige thinks she’s asleep, Azzi whispers:

“Thank you for coming.”

Paige kisses her forehead.

“There is nowhere else I’d be.”

Azzi’s fingers tighten in Paige’s shirt.

“I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Paige’s throat tightens.

She tilts Azzi’s chin up until their eyes meet.

“You’ll never have to find out.”

Azzi cries again.

But this time, softer.

The kind of tears that come from being loved through the worst moments.

Paige wipes them away.

Then kisses her.

Slow.

Tender.

Full of everything words can’t hold.

“I love you,” Paige whispers.

Azzi closes her eyes.

“I love you too.”

Paige pulls her closer.

And when sleep finally comes, it finds Azzi in the safest place she knows.

It starts stupid.

It always starts stupid.

A miscommunication.

A bad tone.

A long day.

KK’s pacing.

Kayleigh’s quiet.

Then suddenly—

“I’m not even saying it like that, KK.”

“Yes you ARE.”

“I’m literally explaining—”

“NO YOU’RE NOT.”

Their voices bounce off the walls.

Tension rising fast.

Too fast.

KK runs a hand through her hair.

“You never just—listen—”

“I AM LISTENING.”

“No you’re NOT!”

Silence.

Hard silence.

KK is breathing heavy now.

Kayleigh looks frustrated.

KK snaps—

“YOU ACT LIKE I’M ALWAYS THE PROBLEM—”

And then she stops.

Completely.

Mid-sentence.

Because her voice breaks.

And then she’s crying.

Not loud at first.

Just sudden.

Like it hit her too fast to stop.

Kayleigh freezes immediately.

“…KK.”

KK turns away quickly, wiping her face like she’s angry at herself.

“I didn’t mean— I just—”

Her voice cracks again.

“I’m trying, okay?”

That last part is quiet.

Kayleigh’s expression shifts instantly.

All frustration gone.

Gone.

She steps forward slowly.

“Hey…”

KK shakes her head.

“I’m trying and it’s still not enough and I—”

Kayleigh gently grabs her wrist.

“Stop.”

KK goes still.

Kayleigh’s voice soft.

“Stop.”

KK finally looks at her.

Eyes wet.

Kayleigh exhales.

“…you’re not the problem.”

KK laughs brokenly.

“I literally just yelled at you.”

“Yeah.”

Pause.

“But that doesn’t mean you’re the problem.”

KK’s shoulders drop.

Like she’s been holding something too heavy.

Kayleigh steps closer.

Carefully.

Then wraps her arms around her.

KK hesitates for half a second—

then completely falls into it.

Face in Kayleigh’s shoulder.

Breathing shaky.

“I hate doing this,” KK mumbles.

Kayleigh rubs her back slowly.

“I know.”

A pause.

Then softer:

“You’re okay.”

KK nods slightly.

Still crying.

But calmer now.

Kayleigh tilts her head just enough to press a kiss to her hair.

“I’ve got you.”

KK exhales.

“…don’t leave.”

Kayleigh holds her tighter.

“I’m not going anywhere.”

And KK just stays there.

Letting herself fall apart safely.

Morning feels off

Kayleigh notices it first

Not in a big way

Just small things

Her head feels a little heavier

Her body slower

Everything slightly harder than it should be

She brushes it off

Just tired

That’s all

KK is already moving around the room

Fast

Looking for something

Grabbing her bag

Checking the time

“Have you seen my hoodie?” KK asks

Kayleigh looks up from the bed

“…which one”

“The black one”

Kayleigh nods slightly

“…it’s on the chair”

KK grabs it without really looking at her

“Good looks”

Quick

Rushed

Already moving again

Kayleigh watches her for a second

Waiting

For something

A look

A pause

Anything

But it doesn’t come

KK is focused on leaving

“You ready?” she asks

Kayleigh nods

“…yeah”

But she doesn’t move right away

And KK doesn’t notice

⸻

Practice

Kayleigh is off

Shots slightly short

Steps half a second slower

Nothing dramatic

But enough

KK notices

Just not the right way

“You good?” she asks during a break

Kayleigh nods

“…yeah”

KK studies her for a second

Then shrugs

“Alright”

And that’s it

No follow-up

No staying with it

Kayleigh looks away

Something in her chest tightening

⸻

By the time practice ends

Everything feels worse

Her head hurts now

Her body aches

And emotionally

She’s already there

Already frustrated

Already feeling like something is wrong

KK walks up beside her

Talking about something random from practice

Kayleigh barely hears it

“…you not listening?” KK asks

Kayleigh exhales

“I am”

But it comes out flat

KK frowns slightly

“Then why you acting like that?”

And that

That does it

Kayleigh stops walking

“What do you mean acting like that?”

KK turns to her

“You’ve been off all day”

Kayleigh laughs

Short

Disbelief

“…you’re just noticing that now?”

KK’s expression shifts

“What is that supposed to mean?”

Kayleigh shakes her head

“Nothing”

And tries to walk past her

But KK stops her

“Kayleigh”

Her tone sharper now

“Talk to me”

Kayleigh turns back

Eyes already glossing

“You didn’t even notice this morning”

KK blinks

“What?”

“I was right there,” Kayleigh says

Voice shaking now

“And you didn’t even look at me”

KK’s brows pull together

“I was getting ready—”

“Exactly,” Kayleigh cuts in

“You were too busy for me”

“That’s not fair,” KK says quickly

Kayleigh lets out a frustrated breath

“It is”

“No it’s not”

“Yes it is,” her voice raises

“I needed you and you didn’t even see me”

KK freezes slightly

“I didn’t know you needed me”

Kayleigh laughs again

But it breaks this time

“That’s the point”

Silence hits for a second

Then KK says the wrong thing

“Well how was I supposed to know if you didn’t say anything?”

Kayleigh flinches

Actually flinches

And KK sees it immediately

But it’s too late

“I shouldn’t have to ask for basic attention,” Kayleigh says

Quiet

But it hits harder than yelling

KK softens instantly

“Kayleigh, I—”

“Just forget it”

She grabs her bag

KK reaches for her

“Wait—”

But Kayleigh pulls away

“Don’t”

And walks off

⸻

Later

KK sits there replaying everything

Every word

Every reaction

And something doesn’t sit right

Not just the argument

Kayleigh

The way she looked

The way she moved

Slower

Tired

Off

KK stands up immediately

⸻

Kayleigh’s room

She knocks once

No answer

She opens the door slightly

Kayleigh is curled up on the bed

Still in her clothes

KK steps inside

“…Kayleigh?”

No response

She gets closer

Reaches out

Touches her arm

Kayleigh shifts slightly

“…go away” she mumbles

But her voice is weak

Not angry

KK frowns

“…hey”

She gently turns her slightly

And that’s when she feels it

Her skin is warm

Too warm

KK’s expression drops

“…you’re burning up”

Kayleigh barely reacts

“…I’m fine”

KK shakes her head immediately

“No you’re not”

And suddenly everything clicks

The morning

Practice

Her mood

All of it

KK’s chest tightens

“…I didn’t know,” she says softly

Kayleigh doesn’t answer

Just curls in on herself slightly

KK sits on the edge of the bed

“…I’m sorry”

Still nothing

KK’s hand comes up

Resting gently against her back

Slow

Careful

“I should’ve noticed”

Kayleigh’s eyes finally open slightly

“…you didn’t”

Not mean

Just

hurt

KK swallows

“I’m here now”

A pause

“…can I stay?”

Kayleigh hesitates

Then nods slightly

That’s all KK needs

She shifts onto the bed

Pulling the blanket up around her

Then gently pulling Kayleigh closer

This time

she doesn’t pull away

She melts into her

Weak

Tired

KK holds her carefully

Like she’s scared to do anything wrong again

“I got you,” she murmurs

Kayleigh exhales softly

“…okay”

And this time

It starts small

It always does

A comment that wasn’t meant to hit like that

A tone that comes out sharper than intended

Kayleigh is already tired

Practice ran long

Everything felt off

Nothing was landing the way she wanted

And KK

KK is trying

But it doesn’t feel like it

“Just forget it,” Kayleigh mutters, grabbing her stuff

KK frowns immediately

“What do you mean forget it?”

Kayleigh doesn’t answer

Just keeps moving

And that’s what sets it off

“Kayleigh,” KK says, sharper now

That makes her stop

Turn around

“What?”

And now it’s there

That edge

KK steps closer

“What’s your problem?”

Kayleigh lets out a short laugh

“My problem?”

“Yeah, you’ve been acting weird all day”

Kayleigh shakes her head

“No, you just don’t listen”

That hits

KK’s expression tightens

“I’m literally talking to you right now”

“No, you’re talking at me,” Kayleigh snaps

Her voice raises

And that’s it

Now it’s not small anymore

KK runs a hand through her hair

“Then tell me what you want me to do”

“I shouldn’t have to tell you everything”

“Well clearly I’m not getting it, so maybe you should”

Kayleigh steps back slightly

Like she can’t believe what she’s hearing

“You’re not even trying”

KK lets out a frustrated laugh

“I’m right here, aren’t I?”

“That’s not the same thing”

“Then what is?”

Kayleigh’s eyes gloss over

But she’s too frustrated to stop now

“I needed you earlier and you just brushed it off like it was nothing”

KK freezes for a second

“That’s not what I did”

“It is,” Kayleigh says, voice breaking slightly

“You didn’t even notice”

KK softens a little

“Kayleigh, I didn’t know—”

“Exactly,” she cuts her off

“You didn’t know”

Silence hits for half a second

Heavy

Then KK’s voice comes out sharper than she means it to

“Well maybe if you actually said something—”

Kayleigh flinches

And that’s when KK knows

She went too far

But it’s already out there

Kayleigh shakes her head

Tears finally slipping

“I’m not doing this”

She grabs her bag

KK reaches for her instinctively

“Kayleigh, wait—”

But she pulls away

“Just stop”

And that

That hurts more than anything

Because she doesn’t yell it

She just sounds done

⸻

The next day

Kayleigh doesn’t sit next to her

Doesn’t look at her

Doesn’t say a word

At first KK thinks

okay, she just needs space

But then it keeps going

Practice

Locker room

Walks back

Nothing

Not even a glance

KK tries

“Kayleigh—”

No response

She tries again later

Softer

“…can we talk?”

Kayleigh doesn’t even slow down

Just keeps walking

Like she didn’t hear her

And that’s worse

Way worse

Because now it feels intentional

⸻

By the third day

KK can’t take it anymore

She catches her after practice

Steps in front of her

Blocking her path

“Are you serious right now?”

Kayleigh stops

But doesn’t look at her

“What”

Flat

No emotion

KK’s chest tightens

“You’re just gonna ignore me?”

Kayleigh shrugs slightly

“You said what you said”

KK exhales sharply

“And you’re not gonna let me fix it?”

Kayleigh finally looks at her

Eyes still tired

Still hurt

“You didn’t even try to understand it before”

That lands

Hard

KK’s voice softens immediately

“I’m trying now”

Kayleigh shakes her head

“It’s too late for that”

KK steps closer

“Kayleigh, no it’s not”

“Yes it is,” she says quietly

And that quietness

That’s what breaks KK

Her voice drops

“…I didn’t know you needed me like that”

Kayleigh’s expression falters

Just slightly

KK keeps going

“I thought you were just… having a bad day, I didn’t realize it was because you needed me”

Kayleigh looks down

Silence stretching

Then

“…I shouldn’t have to beg for your attention”

KK’s chest tightens

“You don’t”

Kayleigh lets out a shaky breath

“But it felt like I did”

That does it

KK closes the distance fully now

Not touching yet

Just there

“I’m sorry,” she says softly

And she means it

Kayleigh looks at her

Really looks this time

Like she’s trying to decide if she believes her

“I wasn’t paying attention,” KK admits

“I should’ve been”

Kayleigh’s eyes fill again

But this time she doesn’t look away

KK’s voice gets even quieter

“I would’ve stayed if I knew”

A pause

“I always stay for you”

That’s what breaks her

Kayleigh exhales

Shoulders dropping

Like she’s been holding everything in

KK reaches out slowly

Giving her time to pull away

But she doesn’t

So KK gently pulls her in

Kayleigh resists for half a second

Then melts

Face pressing into her shoulder

Arms wrapping around her

Tight

KK holds her just as tight

Hand coming up to the back of her head

“Don’t ignore me like that again,” KK murmurs

Kayleigh lets out a weak laugh against her

“Then don’t give me a reason to”

KK smiles a little

“…fair”

They stay like that for a while

Not talking

Just holding onto each other

The music changes again.

Slower.

Heavier.

Not in the way the room feels—

but in the way it settles between them.

Like it’s saying something they’re supposed to hear.

But neither of them moves.

Kayleigh’s still right there.

KK’s hands still at her waist.

Not tight.

Just—

there.

Like she hasn’t even considered letting go.

Their foreheads hover close.

Breaths uneven.

Still catching up.

“…hi,” Kayleigh murmurs.

KK exhales softly.

“…hi.”

The noise around them fades into background.

Not gone.

Just—

less important.

The lyrics drift in—

in the quiet night, I hear the whispers of your name…

Kayleigh lets out a quiet breath.

“…this is kinda intense.”

KK huffs softly.

“…yeah.”

But she doesn’t move.

Doesn’t step back.

If anything—

her thumb brushes lightly against Kayleigh’s side.

Grounding.

Like she’s making sure this is real.

The next line follows—

we held on tight, but somehow we lost our ways…

Kayleigh shakes her head slightly.

“…we’re not doing that.”

KK looks at her.

“…what.”

Kayleigh’s voice is softer now.

But steady.

“…that.”

A small pause.

“…we’re not losing this.”

KK’s expression shifts immediately.

Something more certain settling in.

“…nah.”

Quieter—

“…not with you.”

That lands.

Kayleigh exhales slowly.

Leaning in just a little more.

The music carries—

now I’m left here, drowning in memories of yesterday…

KK lets out a quiet breath.

“…I don’t want that.”

Kayleigh looks at her.

“…then don’t let it be that.”

Simple.

But it hits.

KK nods once.

Firm.

“…okay.”

The instrumental hums for a moment.

Letting everything sit.

Letting them sit in it.

Kayleigh’s hand is still at the back of KK’s neck.

Fingers warm.

Resting there like they belong.

“…you’re still looking at me like that,” she says softly.

KK doesn’t even try to deny it.

“…yeah.”

Kayleigh tilts her head slightly.

“…why.”

KK’s answer is quieter now.

But heavier.

“…because I don’t wanna miss this.”

The next verse slips in—

we danced through the fire, with the want on our skins…

Kayleigh lets out a small breath.

“…that sounds about right.”

KK huffs quietly.

“…yeah.”

But her grip doesn’t change.

Still steady.

Still there.

but time has a way of changing where we’ve been…

Kayleigh shakes her head again.

“…not tonight.”

KK’s gaze softens.

“…not tonight.”

Kayleigh leans in closer.

Just enough.

“…or tomorrow.”

KK smiles slightly.

“…or tomorrow.”

The chorus starts to build.

You can feel it again.

That pull.

That drop.

That line.

I’m falling, I’m falling through space…

Kayleigh’s breath catches just a little.

“…you feel that.”

KK nods.

“…yeah.”

Kayleigh’s fingers curl lightly into her shirt again.

Holding.

The music swells—

as I watch you slipping away…

KK’s hand tightens instantly at her waist.

Not rough.

Just—

certain.

Like a reflex.

Like she refuses to let that line be true.

“…you’re not going anywhere,” she says quietly.

Kayleigh looks at her.

Searches her face.

And whatever she sees—

it’s enough.

Because she relaxes into her.

Fully.

“…I’m right here,” she murmurs.

That’s it.

That’s the shift.

The lyrics keep going—

but they don’t match them anymore.

Because no one’s slipping.

No one’s leaving.

They’re standing right here.

Holding onto each other like they mean it.

KK leans in again.

Slow.

Intentional.

Their lips meet for the second time.

Softer now.

Less urgency.

More—

certainty.

Kayleigh’s hand slides slightly against her neck.

KK’s grip steadies at her waist.

Neither of them pulling away.

Not when it feels like this.

When they finally part—

they stay close.

Foreheads resting together again.

Same as before.

Just—

more sure.

“…we’re good,” Kayleigh says quietly.

KK nods.

“…yeah.”

A small pause.

Then softer—

“…we’re not losing this.”

Kayleigh smiles.

“…no.”

And she doesn’t move.

Neither does KK.

Because this—

this isn’t something fading.

It’s something they held onto