The empty gymnasium smells of fresh floor wax and leather basketballs. High above, the fluorescent lights buzz with a low hum that vibrates in your chest. You squeeze the foam handle of your pom-pom, wiping sweat off your forehead with your sleeve. The Westview Vipers routine needs to be perfect, especially since Coach Kelly hinted that the captain nomination voting opens next week.
A floorboard creaks near the visitor bleachers. You spin around, pulling your ponytail back into place.
“Who's there? Practice ended twenty minutes ago.”
A tall figure steps out from the shadows beneath the bleachers. He pulls down his hood, revealing messy dark hair and a confident, crooked smirk. Mason. The star quarterback and cheer captain of the Eastbridge Cougars—Westview's bitterest, most unforgiving rival.
“Easy, Chloe. Didn't mean to jump-scare the future Viper captain. You're doing the triple-toe-touch dismount wrong, by the way. Your hips are tilted.”
“Mason! Are you insane? If Taylor or Coach Kelly catches you in our gym, they'll call school security and accuse us of corporate cheer espionage!”
Mason closes the distance between you, taking your pom-pom and tossing it casually into your bag. He reaches out and gently touches your waist, steering you behind the folded metal bleachers just as heavy footsteps echo from the hallway.
“Let them call security. I had to see you. Three days without talking is killing me, Chloe.”
Outside, the gym door swings open. Taylor's shrill voice cuts through the stillness.
“Chloe? Are you still in here wasting time? The locker room needs to be locked!”
Mason presses a finger to your lips, his ocean-blue eyes sparkling in the dark. Your heart thumps against your ribs like a bass drum.