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ANYA

The energy in the gymnasium is electric. Ten thousand screaming students and parents. I wonder how he manages to stay focused amidst all this chaos. I would be having an anxiety attack if so many people were watching me. But I have finally started to understand the enthusiasm people have for a sport after I started watching his previous matches and learned a bit about basketball. I’m perched on the edge of my seat in the front row. I am halfway up to my seat as Daniel aims for a three-pointer, jumping up when he effortlessly nails it.

I sit back again, restless with excited energy. “For someone who doesn’t like sports—” Siya grins.“---you are enjoying yourself.”

She’s right, but now I have a reason not to dislike it. It means the world to him. This game—it’s a passion that fuels him, shapes him, and defines a big part of who he is. And I have seen how driven he is. He doesn’t just play for the wins; he plays for the love of the game, for the sheer joy it brings him.

And I want to be there for him, supporting him in every way I can. Watching him out there on the court, I feel a surge of pride. This isn’t just a game. It’s his arena, his stage, and I’m so lucky to be a part of it. I love hearing him talk about wanting to go pro, the way his eyes light up with excitement. I want to be there every step of the way, cheering him on through the victories and the setbacks.

“I think I love it now.” I grin widely.

“Oh my God.” Soph groans playfully. “Stop smiling like that. You are so in love,” she whines.

“It’s disgustingly cute,” Siya mutters.

I can’t help but beam at them. “I do love him.” I admit it out loud for the first time.

Columbia University is trailing by ten points with two minutes left on the clock. Daniel signals Ethan to move into position on the offensive play. Louis passes the ball to Ethan, but an opposing player intercepts his movement, forcing him to lose control. The team loses possession. Oh no. That’s not a good sign.

He passes the ball to the captain of the opposing team, but Daniel jumps high and taps the ball. The ball lands with Theo this time, our center. The crowd grows even wilder and I can’t help but grin foolishly. That’s my boyfriend , I want to shout, but I restrain myself.

Theo passes the ball to Louis. He looks for an open man. Daniel runs towards the hoop. The roar of the crowd swells, drowning out everything else as Daniel’s feet leave the ground.

I hold the Ganesha pendant on my necklace.

Please help him.

“He will be fine.” Siya squeezes my hand.

“I know.” I smile reassuringly. I believe in him completely, but sometimes we all need prayers, right?

He slams the ball through the hoop with a force that sends vibrations through the floor. “YES!” I scream, jumping out of my seat, my heart racing. Daniel lands gracefully, his expression a mixture of fierce determination and joy, and I can’t help but cheer his name. Soph leans in, grinning. “Okay, I officially take back everything I said! You’re like a superfan now!”

“I’m just a girlfriend who’s proud of her boyfriend!” I reply, unable to hide my smile. “We won,” I exclaim and exhale deeply, a lump forming in my throat. The joy is overwhelming, and I realize just how much this victory means.

He doesn’t have to leave basketball now. I watch as Daniel joins his teammates, their arms thrown around each other, slapping backs and exchanging high-fives. He breaks the huddle and looks toward the crowd, scanning it.

When his eyes meet mine, I wave at him excitedly. My heart races as he weaves through the throng of people, his focus unwavering. I can’t help but admire the way he moves, so confident and alive. He’s dripping with sweat, hair plastered to his forehead, his chest rising and falling with every breath. He grins widely. My eyes burn with unshed tears.

Without a word, he pulls me into his arms, lifting me off the ground in a tight embrace. I cling to him, feeling the rise and fall of his chest against my own. I bury my face in his neck, breathing him in, feeling his skin slick with sweat. I can hear his pulse racing, his heart beating fast. “You won,” I whisper. My voice wavers. “I am so proud of you.”

He kisses my hair. “Thank you, baby.” He puts me down, his grin disappearing as he looks at me. “Are you crying?” He frowns.

“No.” I laugh. A lone tear escapes my eye. “I am just very happy.” I hug his torso.

“Well.” He kisses my cheek where the tear fell. “Find another fucking way of being happy,” he huffs. “Because this one is hurting me.” He rests his forehead against mine.

I chuckle lightly, but my throat feels thick with so many emotions. “Okay, guys.” Soph pokes me in the ass and I gasp. “People are watching. If you plan on keeping your relationship hidden, you are not doing a good job.” She smiles sheepishly. Has it ever been hidden? I don't think so considering how open he is about it. I smile.

Daniel lowers his head slowly and looks into my eyes before he presses his lips on mine. His tongue parts my lips as he kisses me deeply. “I guess that will be enough of an answer.” He smirks against my lips before pulling away. “Right?” He cocks an eyebrow at Sophia.

“More than enough, I think.” She shakes her head but grins widely.

“I will go get changed,” he says, pecking my lips. I nod. I watch him stride away, but he turns on his heels and jogs back.

“What’s wrong?” I frown.

“I just wanted to remind you that you kept your part of the deal.” He leans down and mutters in my ear, “So, I will keep mine. I am going to make you scream my name.” His words make me shudder. “You look beautiful in my jersey, by the way.” He winks and jogs off again.

I stand there, heart racing, my cheeks flushed. “What just happened?” I whisper to myself, still reeling from his playful confidence.

“Are you okay?” Siya asks, her eyes wide with amusement.

“Your blush makes me curious about what he said.” Soph nudges me. I swat her arm.

“Let’s leave her alone.” Siya chuckles.

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