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Of course, they knew all along, and leave it to Adhira to point it out so bluntly.

It’s not like we were particularly good about hiding the sidelong glances and smirks, and frankly, I spent a lot of time on the field staring at his ass. I’d kind of convinced myself they really didn’t realise we’d been together though.

“Yeah, it was honestly becoming painful to have to pretend we didn’t know you guys were fucking each other. I mean, we get why you couldn’t tell us, but it was difficult nonetheless,” Chelsea chimes in, twirling a strand of blue hair around her pointer finger.

“I think we get it,” I say, rolling my eyes at her, sliding into my seat.

Rafael follows beside me, wrapping a thick arm around my waist and tugging me close before pressing a tender kiss to the top of my head.

It feels good to be like this with him, out in the open with our friends.

And even better not to have to lie to the people that matter most to me.

Save for my dad anyway. The reminder that I’m still lying to him leaves my gut twisting.

“If it makes you feel any better, we’re telling Coach soon,” Rafael tells our friends as they all get seated around us, his thoughts mirroring my own.

“And how are you guys feeling about that?” Jelani asks, suddenly a bit more serious than he usually seems. From my limited time spent with him, I’m already gathering that he’s someone who lights up every room, brightens the mood, and would give you the shirt off his back.

And apparently, he’s also able to match vibes and take things seriously when needed. I think I like him.

“Good,” we answer simultaneously.

My cheeks flush with realisation over just how nice it is to hear him agree with that.

“It’ll be a weight off to finally come out and tell him.

I haven’t hidden much of anything from my dad since I was in high school, and it feels strange to do it now with someone so important,” I admit, peering up at Rafael.

His eyes meet mine with an understanding expression that warms me inside out.

“We haven’t told him yet because we didn’t want either team to deal with the repercussions, but now that the Blaze’s season is over, we’re one step closer to telling him.

We could do it now, but we figured waiting till the end of our season would be best,” he says to the group, but his eyes never leave mine.

We break contact when Jelani speaks again. “Excellent, mates.” He raises his glass high, and a wide grin spreads across his deep-mahogany cheeks. “Then let’s celebrate,” he says, tipping his chin and shooting me a wink before taking a big gulp of his ale.

“Thank you!” we shout at Rafael as he waves at us from his window before pulling to the end of the driveway. I know he won’t leave until we’re inside, but he should get going because this may take a while.

Chelsea and Letty take turns jabbing the key at the tiny hole in the door, huffing as they do. Adhira rolls her eyes but makes no effort to help, probably knowing she won’t be able to do it either.

I stumble forward, snatching the cold metal from Letty’s fingers. “O-out of the-e way,” I slur.

I crouch down beneath the handle, bringing myself eye level with the keyhole, and press my fingers over it while using the other to guide it into the hole.

Once it’s in, the four of us burst into cheers, with Chelsea jumping, and then stumbling, into the side of the porch, steadying herself on the railing.

“I’m good!” she shouts, pumping a fist in the air.

The four of us clobber inside, making our way up the stairs and into our rooms. I pop my head out of my door and shout down the hall. “I love you guys!”

Three more heads appear from their respective rooms, one after the other saying the same, with Adhira sounding slightly less enthusiastic. As Letty and Chelsea shut their doors, Adhira fixes me with her warm brown eyes. “Hey,” she whispers. “I’m happy for you.”

You know that feeling when someone just says something that seems so damn ordinary but coming from them, it’s everything ? This is one of those moments.

I know because my heart swells in my chest, heat trickles through my limbs, and hot tears of admiration sting the corners of my eyes. “Thanks,” I whisper, my voice giving me away with a watery sound that’s foreign to my own ears.

She gives me a small smile before heading back into her room and closing it with a quiet snick.

I lie in bed for a while, waiting for the vibration of my phone alerting me to the text from Rafael letting me know he arrived home safely and that he misses me already.

The feeling is mutual 3

Before I can exit out of the messages and go to sleep, a new text comes through.

Papa Chéri

I hope you had an incredible night of celebration, mon petit chou. Let me know when you get home.

Just got in, going to sleep. Love you!

Papa Chéri

I’m proud of you and love you no matter what. Goodnight 3

His words sting, but I brush them away, knowing that very soon, we’ll be able to let him in on our secret.