You hold your breath until Taylor's footsteps fade down the hallway toward the athletic offices. Mason leans in and plants a quick, soft kiss on your cheek before sliding out the back emergency exit, leaving behind only the subtle scent of mahogany and rain.
The next morning, sunlight streams through the tall windows of the Westview locker room. The air is thick with hairspray, tropical perfume, and tension. You pop open your locker, only to find Taylor standing right behind the door, leaning against the metal frames with her arms crossed.
“Good morning, Chloe. Odd thing happened last night. I found this sitting right beside your gym bag near the bleachers.”
Taylor holds up a sweatband. It's maroon and gold—the official colors of the Eastbridge Cougars. Maya, your best friend on the squad, stops wrapping her ankle and gasps.
“Wait... is that a Cougar band? What was Eastbridge trash doing in our house?”
Taylor smirks, her eyes narrowing as she steps closer to you, waiting for you to falter under pressure.
“That's what I'd like to know. Care to explain why our star tumbler is hoarding rival team gear, Chloe?”