Chapter 18: Under the Lights
Thursday Evening – After Practice
The gym echoed with the final bounce of a basketball as Aiden wiped sweat from his forehead. His teammates were gone, the echo of sneakers and whistles long faded.
He grabbed his backpack, towel slung around his neck—and froze.
Aria was standing by the exit, her hair tucked behind one ear, holding two paper cups.
"I brought hot chocolate," she said. "And a spare water bottle because you always forget."
He blinked. "You... waited for me?"
She shrugged, stepping forward. "You looked tired this morning. Thought maybe you'd want some company."
He smiled—soft, real. "You were right."
---
Walking Home
The two of them walked side by side through dusky streets, city lights flickering on around them. Aiden sipped from his cup.
"You know," he said after a pause, "when people look at me, they just see... the guy who scores points."
Aria glanced at him.
"No one really cares if I'm having a bad day, as long as I win," he added.
She stopped walking. He did too.
"I care," she said.
He turned toward her.
"I notice when you're quiet," she continued. "When you're overwhelmed. When you carry everything like you have to prove something."
She looked down, voice gentler now.
"But you don't have to prove anything to me."
---
The Moment
They stood beneath a streetlight, the faint orange glow softening the shadows between them.
"I like who you are off the court," she whispered.
"The guy who smiles when his friends make dumb jokes. The one who's always looking out for everyone, even if he pretends not to."
Aiden laughed under his breath. "You make me feel like I can breathe."
He reached up slowly—one hand brushing her cheek, like he was afraid the moment would break.
And then, gently, he kissed her.
Soft. Quiet. No dramatic music. No big declarations.
Just warmth.
And understanding.
---
After
They pulled back slightly, their foreheads still close.
Aria smiled. "Took you long enough."
Aiden chuckled. "I was scared."
"Me too," she admitted.
They didn't need to say more.
They kept walking, pinkies brushing, hearts louder than their footsteps.