Chapter 18: Celebration Sparks
The school gym was filled with laughter, music, and the smell of victory. The team had won the tournament, and everyone was celebrating—high fives, cheers, and balloons everywhere.
I watched Aiden from across the room. He was smiling, laughing with his teammates, but every so often his eyes flicked toward me. My chest fluttered.
He made his way over, grinning. "So… reporter Lia, what do you think? Worth writing about?"
I laughed, handing him a small notebook. "Absolutely. But I think the story might be about more than just the game."
He raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what story would that be?"
Before I could answer, Marco appeared, leaning against the snack table with a smug look. "Looks like someone's getting more attention than the MVP," he said, nodding toward us.
Aiden's jaw tightened, but he didn't reply. Instead, he focused on me. "Ignore him," he said softly. "I only care about you right now."
I felt warmth flood my chest. For the first time, the chaos of school, games, and gossip didn't matter. We were in our own world.
Later, outside the gym, the team gathered for group photos. Aiden stood next to me, arm brushing mine. He leaned slightly closer, whispering, "You know… I'm glad you were here. Every step of the way."
I smiled, feeling bold. "I'm glad too. I… like being with you."
He stopped, eyes locking with mine, serious and soft. "I like being with you too, Lia. A lot."
For a moment, it felt like time had stopped. The world around us—the crowd, the noise, even Marco's lingering smirk—faded away.
Then Marco, never one to give up, called out from the sidelines. "Hey Cruz! Don't get too cozy with the reporter!"
Aiden glanced at him, then back at me, a playful grin returning. "Let him talk," he said, tugging my hand slightly as we walked away. "We've got bigger things to worry about… like us."
I laughed, heart racing. High school was messy, full of games, rivalries, and challenges—but for the first time, I felt like I had my own win.
And with Aiden by my side, I knew the best chapters of this story were still ahead.