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alwaysobsessed777 · 25 days ago

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so my fav person just wrote the best nika fic...again. Always one upping herself fr

Nika Mühl X Reader

Unstoppable

The Seattle sky was grey, a haze was casted over the city as the Seattle Storm prepared for another intense practice. Nika Mühl had always been a force on the court, her reputation built on her fierce defense, unstoppable energy, and the kind of competitive fire that made even her teammates take a step back sometimes. She loved the game. Basketball was her life, and she played it with everything she had.

But lately, something…no someone had been taking up space in her mind, even during the most demanding practices.

That someone was Y/N, the team’s media photographer. Y/N had been with the team for a little over a season, constantly behind the lens, capturing the highs and lows of every game, every practice and every candid moment in between. Nika noticed her from the beginning…the way she always seemed so calm, so focused even when the gym was loud and chaotic. Y/N’s quiet determination was something Nika admired.

Then there was the way Y/N smiled. It wasn’t the kind of smile that screamed for attention. It was soft, understated, but when Nika caught it, it hit her harder than any victory.

For weeks, Nika had been working up the courage to ask Y/N out, but she didn’t know how to approach. She was confident during games, but when it came to personal stuff especially feelings she was out of her element. But she couldn’t shake the feeling that she had to take her shot with Y/N.

Today was going to be the day. She had decided.

Practice ended, and the team slowly filtered out of the gym. Nika took a deep breath, watching Y/N as she packed up her camera equipment. She was wearing her usual Seattle Storm hoodie, her hair pulled back in a slick back ponytail, focused on the task in front of her.

Nika wiped her hands on her shorts, her heart racing. She’d faced down some of the toughest competitors in college, in the league, but this felt harder.

“Hey, Y/N” Nika called, trying to keep her voice casual.

Y/N looked up, her eyes widening slightly in surprise. “Oh, hey, Nika. What’s up?”

Nika scratched the back of her neck, feeling the sudden, overwhelming urge to just walk away. But, she couldn’t back out now. She had to at least try.

“I was just, uh… wondering if maybe you’d want to grab a coffee sometime? You know, just us?” Nika’s voice was quieter than she intended, offering a smile.

Y/N blinked, clearly caught off guard. She shifted slightly her eyes softening but also taking on an apologetic look.

“Nika, that’s really sweet” Y/N said, her tone kind but hesitant. “But… I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

Nika’s stomach dropped. She hadn’t expected this. Not from Y/N, not after she’d worked up the nerve to ask.

“Oh,” Nika muttered, trying to hide her disappointment. “I um… is there a reason why?”

Y/N sighed, glancing down at her camera before looking back up at Nika. She bit her lip trying to choose her words.

“It’s not that I don’t like you, Nika” Y/N said gently. “But I’ve heard some things. I saw that interview that Paige did where she called you a “menace,” and I’ve seen how intense you can be on the court. It’s kind of… intimidating. I just don’t know if I’m up for that.”

Nika’s heart clenched. A menace? Paige. Of course. Paige always joked about how intense Nika was, but it wasn’t supposed to be serious. It was part of how she played, not who she was as a person.

“I’m not like that off the court, you know…” Nika said, her voice a little firmer than before. “Paige was just messing around. Yeah, I’m intense when I play, but I’m not… I’m not some kind of monster….” Nika said, her voice trailing off.

Y/N gave a small, apologetic smile. “I’m sure you’re not. But I’ve seen how you are during games. You’re… relentless. And I don’t know if I could handle that kind of intensity in a relationship.”

Nika stared at her, disbelief mixed with frustration. She’d never been turned down before, and certainly not for being too “intense.” Basketball was where she was aggressive, off the court she was just Nika. She wasn’t used to people seeing her any other way.

“I get it” Nika said after a moment, trying to hide her hurt. “I just thought… well never mind.”

Y/N’s expression softened, but Nika could tell the decision was final. With a small nod Y/N picked up her equipment and left, leaving Nika standing alone in the now empty gym, a strange unfamiliar ache in her chest.

That night, Nika couldn’t get Y/N’s words out of her head. For the first time in a long time she felt uncertain. She had never thought that her intensity on the court would be looked at as a bad thing off of it. And she sure as hell wasn’t used to rejection…not like this.

But this wasn’t over…Nika wasn’t going to give up that easily. Y/N was different and Nika knew there was more to her than just the rumors, the on court personality or even Paige’s teasing. Nika had been underestimated before and she’d proven people wrong countless times. This was just another one of those times.

So she decided to prove it.

From that day on, Nika made it her mission to show Y/N the side of her that not everyone got to see. The Nika who could be kind, thoughtful, and caring. She wasn’t about to give up after one rejection.

At practice the next day, Nika found herself hyper aware of how she was acting, especially when Y/N was around. Normally she was the loudest on the court, egging her teammates on, challenging everyone to be better. Today though…she toned it down. She still worked hard but she kept the trash talk to a minimum and gave more encouragement than usually does.

“Nice pass, Jewell!” Nika called out instead of her usual sarcastic jabs. “Way to go, Ezi!”

When Y/N walked by her camera slung over her shoulder, Nika shot her a smile one that she hoped was friendly and not as intense as she usually was. Y/N gave a small smile back but didn’t linger.

In the days that followed Nika made little gestures, hoping to slowly change Y/N’s mind.

During one practice, Y/N was sitting on the sidelines reviewing her photos when Nika walked by. She noticed Y/N’s water bottle was almost empty. Without a word Nika jogged to the cooler filled up the bottle and set it back next to Y/N.

Y/N looked up, surprised. “Oh thanks, Nika. You didn’t have to do that.”

“No problem” Nika said, trying to keep her voice casual. “Just figured you could use a refill.”

Y/N smiled again, though this time it reached her eyes. Nika walked away her heart racing a little…feeling like maybe just maybe she was making progress.

A week later, after an exhausting game the team was headed to the locker room but Nika noticed that Y/N was struggling to carry her equipment bags and camera gear. Without hesitating, Nika jogged over.

“Here, let me help you with that darling” Nika offered, grabbing one of the heavier bags.

Y/N blinked in surprise. “Oh it’s okay, I’ve got it… you don’t have to worry about it.”

“No way” Nika said with a grin. “You’re always hauling this stuff around and you do so much for us…It’s the least I can do.”

Y/N chuckled softlyher eyes meeting Nika’s for a brief moment. “Thanks, Niks… I appreciate it.”

As they walked side by side to the locker room Nika felt a small sense of victory. This was the Nika Mühl that Y/N needed to see the one who wasn’t just the fierce competitor on the court, but the one who cared, who noticed the little things. She could tell Y/N was starting to warm up to her…even if just a little.

A few more weeks passed and Nika continued her small plan to win Y/N over. She was patient more patient than she ever thought she could be. She gave Y/N space but made sure to show up in the moments that mattered. Whether it was helping her carry gear, offering her a coffee during long media days or simply making light conversation during breaks. Nika was there.

But it wasn’t just about the gestures either. Nika started opening up more..sharing small pieces of herself with Y/N whenever they talked. She told her stories about growing up in Croatia, about her family and about how basketball had been her escape in Croatia. She let Y/N see the person she was beside just a basketball player.

One afternoon after practice, Nika found herself sitting on the bench next to Y/N as she edited photos from a game. The arena was quiet and the rest of the team long gone, but Nika had stayed behind…hoping for a chance to talk.

“Those are some pretty sick shots, Y/N” Nika said, her head nodding toward the camera.

Y/N smiled turning the camera to show Nika a few more of the photos. “Thanks…the lighting was tough, but I think I got a few good ones.”

Nika leaned in a little closer hyper aware of how close Y/N’s skin was to hers, studying the photos. “You’re really good at what you do, you know that?”

Y/N blushed, her eyes flicking up to meet Nika’s. “Thank you Niks, you know that means a lot. Not everyone takes the time to even notice the “media” people are around.”

Nika hesitated, her heart pounding but then she decided to go for it. “You know… I get why you were hesitant before…about going out with me, I mean. But I just want you to know that I’m not the person those interviews or social media make me out to be. Sure, I’m intense on the court…but that’s just how I play. It doesn’t mean that’s who I am.”

Y/N listened quietly her expression thoughtful, gazing up at Nika.

“I really like you, Y/N” Nika continued, her voice soft. “And I want to get to know you better. I’m not asking for anything big… just maybe give me a chance? We could hang out no pressure, no expectations. Just two people getting to know each other.”

For a moment Y/N didn’t say anything her eyes searching Nika’s face. Then she let out a small breath, her lips forming into a gentle smile.

“You’ve been really sweet these past few weeks” Y/N said her voice quiet but sincere. “I’ve noticed. And… maybe I was wrong to judge you so quickly.”

Nika’s heart skipped a beat. “So… does that mean you’ll give me a chance?”

Y/N smiled, her eyes softening. “Yeah you big goof .. I think I can do that. How about that coffee?”

Nika’s face lit up a genuine grin spreading across her face. “Coffee sounds perfect with you.”

As they stood up and walked out of the arena together, Nika felt lighter than she had in weeks. Maybe it had taken a little longer than she’d expected and maybe she’d had to show a side of herself that she didn’t usually let people see but it had been worth it. Y/N had finally seen her…not the player or what people say, but actually her.

PS: Wrote this in third person and idk how I feel about it.

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