Vicky ran down the hallway, her footsteps echoing as she chased after Brian, who had just exited the classroom.
"Wait!" she called, her voice carrying through the corridor.
Brian slowed to a stop, glancing back with a smirk playing at his lips.
"Before, I was the stalker," he teased, "but now you've taken over the title. What do you want?"
Vicky's cheeks flushed. She laughed it off, trying to sound casual.
"I'm not stalking you. I just wanted to talk about the school competition—we're on the same team, remember?"
Brian shrugged, looking mildly interested.
"Yeah, I know. But I've got no time for practice. I'm headed to the court to play basketball."
Vicky's smile faltered. Still, she pushed forward.
"Can I play?"
Brian turned to her, eyes narrowing slightly.
"Are you good at basketball?"
Vicky dropped her gaze, clearly embarrassed.
"I... I don't know."
Brian raised an eyebrow. Vicky quickly added, "You could teach me, right?"
He studied her for a moment before giving her a small, crooked smile.
"Alright. You can join."
They walked toward the outdoor basketball court, where other students were gathered. The air was filled with laughter and the bounce of basketballs. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows on the asphalt.
A whistle blew, signaling the end of the casual scrimmage, and the other students began to disperse.
Vicky looked around, confused.
"Wait... what just happened?"
Brian glanced sideways at her, amused.
"We missed it. Because someone was too busy stalking me."
Vicky rolled her eyes and lightly shoved his arm.
"Seriously? That was my one shot to learn?"
She sighed, shoulders slumping.
"Ugh, bad timing."
Brian smirked.
"Doesn't mean we can't play."
Vicky perked up but raised an eyebrow.
"You sure this won't break any school rules?"
Brian shrugged.
"You got any better plans?"
Her grin returned.
"Nope. Let's do it."
Vicky ran to grab a ball, her ponytail bouncing behind her. Brian watched her with a grin.
Back at the court, Brian began showing her the basics. He guided her hands as she dribbled, demonstrated how to shoot, and moved gracefully around the court.
Vicky tried to follow along, but her coordination was all over the place. Frustration started to build.
"You're cheating!" she suddenly exclaimed, pouting.
Brian blinked.
"How am I cheating?"
"You're good at this, obviously," Vicky said, annoyed. "You've already scored five times, and I haven't even gotten close to the hoop!"
Brian chuckled.
"That's because I'm good, and you're still a beginner."
"That's not the only reason," she muttered, crossing her arms. "You're tall. I'm not. I can't even reach the hoop properly."
Brian burst out laughing, trying to hold it in.
"Yah! Stop laughing!" Vicky scowled.
"Okay, okay. I'm done." He bit back another grin.
"I just want to make one basket today. Just one." Her voice was firm, filled with resolve.
Brian nodded, then without warning, he grabbed her waist and lifted her effortlessly toward the hoop.
Vicky gasped, suspended mid-air. Her heart thumped hard, but it wasn't just from the sudden lift. She looked down at him, their faces suddenly very close.
"What are you doing?" she asked, her voice breathless.
"Throw the ball," he said simply, eyes locked on hers.
She turned her attention to the hoop, aimed, and tossed the ball—only to miss.
Brian laughed again as he gently lowered her back down.
"One more shot?" she asked, undeterred.
He lifted her again. She aimed, but the ball landed far from the hoop.
"Uh," he chuckled.
Vicky frowned. "It's not my fault. Maybe you don't know how to hold me properly."
Brian smirked but then stepped closer—so close their noses nearly touched. Her breath caught in her throat. Is he going to kiss me...? she thought.
But instead, Brian said, "Just admit you missed because of you."
Vicky pulled back quickly, flustered.
"Nothing. I just... thought you were going to kis—ss... me." She clamped her hand over her mouth, realizing what she'd just blurted.
Brian raised his brows. "You thought I was going to kiss you?"
"I don't know! Let's just go," she mumbled, turning and walking away fast, leaving him standing in the middle of the court with a crooked grin.